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Joyce Brown (wife of Pr Wendell Brown, ret.)
The family and friends of Mary Lou Olson (widow of Bp. Emeritus Stan Olson of the Pacific Southwest Synod) who died on October 22.
Pr. Bill Strehlow (retired) for recent hospitalizations.
Barbara Schaefer (wife of Pr. Marty Schaefer, ret.), recovering from breast cancer surgery. Pr. Rebecca Swee (Good Shepherd, Burlingame) who will be undergoing a procedure this week to treat cancer of the kidney.
Continued comfort and healing for Prs. Scott, Dunbar, Theiss and Fey.
For those affected by fire and flooding. We especially remember firefighters, rescue workers, and those providing care and services.
We pray for those who have lost their homes and those who are providing rescue and relief.
Places and people living in areas of violence and uncertainty, both locally and globally.
Those around the world who are fleeing terror and violence; that they find compassion and welcome as they seek refuge.
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Congregations in Transition
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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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November 10, 2016
Intentional Interim Synod-Wide Event
Trinity Lutheran Church, Pleasanton
November 11 - 13, 2016
SPSYC Middle School Retreat
Mt. Cross
November 24, 2016 Thanksgiving
December 10, 2016
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
December 26, 2016 Synod Offices Closed
January 2, 2017
Synod Offices Closed
January 20 - 21, 2017
Candidacy Committee
PLTS
January 27 - 28, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
January 31 - February 1, 2017
Dean's Retreat
Christ the King Center, Citrus Heights
February 24 - 26, 2107
SPSYC High School Retreat
Mt. Cross
February 27-28, 2017
Annual Retired Pastors Retreat
San Damiano, CA
March 11, 2017 Rwanda Connections Meeting Lutheran Church of the Master, Sacramento
March 17 - 18, 2017
Candidacy Meeting
Hope, El Sobrante
May 3, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Fresno
May 4 - 6, 2017
Synod Assembly
Thursday - Saturday
Fresno
June 23 - 24, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
June 28 - July 2, 2017
Western States Youth Gathering
California Lutheran University
August 25 - 26, 2017
Candidacy Committee
TBD
October 16-17, 2017
Deans & Women's Retreat
Monterey
October 18-20, 2017
Professional Leaders Conference
Monterey
November 3-4, 2017
Candidacy Committee
TBD
CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
PLTS
January 20-21, 2017
Hope Lutheran Church, El Sobrante
March 17-18, 2017
Location TBD
August 25-26, 2017
Location TBD
November 3-4, 2017
Please take note of our office schedule:
All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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Our PO Box is no longer active.
Please send all correspondence to the Sacramento Office of the Bishop at:
Sierra Pacific Synod
9985 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95827
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November 4 - 5, 2016
Good Shepherd, Salinas
November 10, 2016 Christ Lutheran, Long Beach
December 5-7, 2016
March 13-15, 2017
May 22-24, 2017
Hope United Methodist Church
San Diego, CA
January 4 - March 15, 2017
March 15 - May 31, 2017
May 28 - June 2, 2017 Seminary of the Southwest, Austin
June 11 - 16, 2017
Seminary of the Southwest, Austin
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These are not official Synod events, we hope you'll find this information useful as you plan for the 500th anniversary.
Student Multimedia Contest: Reconciliation: "The Love of Christ Compels Us"
The North State Ecumenical Conference is sponsoring an ecumenical multimedia contest for 9th - 12th grade students. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, written essay, visual art form, digital or video production. First prize is $250.
The theme "Reconciliation: The Love of Christ Compels Us" (2 Corinthians 5:14-20) supports world-wide week of prayer for christian unity, January 18 - 25, 2017 - part of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
The deadline is December 31, 2016. Finalists will be honored at an ecumenical dinner on January 18, 2017.
Mail submissions to: John Berger, Secretary, North State Ecumenical Conference, 3736 Laguna Way, Sacramento, CA 95864-2923
For more information please call 916-482-6976.
Opportunity to Travel to Germany to Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
August 30-September 6, 2017
Join Pastor Dan Smith and members and friends of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis, California, for an important celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. We will visit sites associated with the life, times and events of Martin Luther to explore the visionary call for reform he made in the 16th century. We will be joining people from around the world marking this important event. Our program is being offered as a land-only program (you will make your own flight arrangements to and from Germany) which allows you to go early, stay longer, and shop for special airfares. We have created a program that includes several nights in the beautiful medieval town of Erfurt and several in Wittenberg - Luther's town. We conclude our visit with an overnight in the exciting cosmopolitan city of Berlin. Join us to learn more about this visionary man and explore the people, places, and events of the 16th century. Space is limited and registrations are being accepted this summer. For program information and registration visit: www.travelillume.com/trc/vks or call: 800-368-6757 ex 128 at the Illume organization in Boston.
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Newsletter Submissions
Please submit any newsletter requests to
by Thursday at 5:00 pm
Thank you!
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A message from Lutheran Social Services
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LSS provides stability and honors the dignity of those we serve by providing supportive housing services that lead to self-sufficiency. By providing support services and compassionate guidance, we help individuals and families to stabilize their lives and become self-sufficient. LSS envisions that our communities have hope, stability, and a path to self-sufficiency.
Stable housing is our blueprint for success. LSS' supportive housing programs provide the tools necessary to construct a a solid foundation in peoples lives. LSS believes that when housing needs are met, all members of our community can become engaged, contributing members of society. LSS currently serves nearly 3000 clients in Sacramento, San Francisco, Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties. Our programs include money management services, case management in transitional and permanent supportive housing sites, case management and housing services for emancipated former foster care youth, disaster preparedness training, and long-term disaster response services in the event of a local disaster.
You may donate this month through Second Mile Giving with confidence, knowing that your generosity will be used with compassion and efficiency to affirm the inherent worth of all people and lessen human suffering. The faithful service of LSS to people in need creates dignity and compassion as individuals, youth and families strengthen their lives.
What Your Gift Buys: a gift of $10 assists in covering laundry costs
a gift of $20 will purchase cleaning supplies for an apartment
a gift of $50 assists in paying for a doctor's visit
a gift of $80 provides a bus pass for a youth seeking employment
a gift of $100 allows an unemployed person to purchase interview clothes
a gift of $150 assists in purchasing food for a previously homeless youth
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"With New Voices - the Small Catechism in the 21st Century"
WHAT?
"With New Voices - the Small Catechism in the 21st Century" is an invitation to all members of all ages to hear the catechism from new voices - voices that perhaps we did not hear in our earlier faith experiences and to be renewed in our own voices as witnesses of Jesus Christ. WHEN?Now through October 31, 2017
HOW?
In a way that is most promising for your community of faith and most fitting for the relationships in your community. In particular, we encourage a congregation-wide engagement with the Small Catechism during the season of Lent in 2017. WHERE?
ELCA500.org. We update the site regularly, so check back often. WHY?
The Small Catechism is a treasure too good for just early adolescence. "With New Voices" invites you into a fresh engagement with the Small Catechism as a way of turning to this world with renewed passion for proclaiming and embodying this promised hope from God.
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Leadership Program for Musicians Offers Online Courses
 The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a cooperative program between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church, is a teaching ministry that gives church musicians an increased awareness, along with the tools and resources to enable congregations to sing well and participate actively in worship.
LPM is now offering some of their courses online so students can participate from wherever they live with a more flexible schedule. These courses are perfect for musicians of all levels who are new to a liturgical church or simply want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their role as a leader of song in the church.
The upcoming courses include: - Hymnody of the Christian Church, winter 2017; Julie Grindle, instructor
- Developing a Philosophy of Church Music, spring 2017; Jennifer Baker-Trinity, instructor
- Liturgy and Music for Lutherans, spring 2017; Scott Weidler, instructor
To read more about these courses and for registration information, visit lpm-online.org.
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Help Spread the Word! ELCA Colleges and Universities
ELCA colleges and universities have a helpful website  - whygolutheran.org - for students and parents as they embark on the college search process. On the site families can: Help spread the word by downloading posters and bulletin inserts to incorporate in your congregational communications!
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I Was a Stranger
In her November column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that migration has been part of the story of God's people from the beginning. She urges us to "welcome the stranger, seeing him or her as a fellow traveler, a companion on the way." Read her column at livinglutheran.org/2016/10/i-was-a-stranger/
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News from around the Synod and Beyond
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Celebrations
Ordination:
Ryan Eikenbary - December 3, 2016, 2:00 pm at St John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento
******************************************* Do you have other Celebrations (installations, ordinations, book publishings, etc.) that you'd like listed in this column? Feel free to submit them to our enewsletter editor, Kathye Hamm.
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 November Ballot Proposition Recommendations from LOPP
More information, such as Support and Opposition lists and Advocacy Sunday resources, will be available later at www.loppca.org.
Congregations, pastors, and members are encouraged to schedule an Advocacy Sunday prior to the election and are encouraged to utilize the ELCAvotes! resources found here, as the countdown to Election Day continues.
Is your congregation celebrating the Feast of St. Francis and blessing of the animals? Consider lifting up a blessing for our wildlife neighbors who are harmed by plastic bags, and the opportunity to do better by supporting Prop.67.
Questions or concerns: Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California, 916-447-6666, director@loppca.org.
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Intentional Interim Synod-Wide Event
Thursday November 10, 2016 at Trinity, Pleasanton, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. Led by the Interim Steering Committee. Guest speaker, Bp. Mark W. Holmerud. Lunch provided. Cash donations welcome. All pastors serving as interims (or hoping to!) are expected. Contact person: Pr. Lori Eickmann
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God's Work, Our Hands Day Contest Voting is Open!
There are two categories: narrative and video. The winning entry in each category will have the honor of having a $100.00 gift made to ELCA Good Gifts in their name.
Everyone, including your children, your extended family members, school teachers, your grumpy neighbor, everyone, is invited to vote in this contest. Voting will be open until December 15, 2016. You may vote in each category and you may vote more than once.
We will tally and announce the winning congregations in early 2017.
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Warner Trust Now Online
Information about the Warner Trust and the Grant Application are now available on the synod website. The deadline for applications is December 15.
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California Lutheran Executive Skills Workshop for Clergy/Church Workers
Jan. 9-13, 2017
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
Gain valuable and needed skills for pastors, leaders, administrators in congregational settings. Led by California Lutheran School of Management Faculty For the 3rd year, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center & California Lutheran University are teaming up for what has become a very powerful and popular workshop - a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management.
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Attention Church Treasurers  There are new filing deadlines for W-2's, W-3's and 1099's!
Please do your research ad make sure that you are complying with the new law.
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Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations
An email was sent Tuesday, October 11 from Synod Secretary, Jeff Pennington, about changes to the congregational constitutions following the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. If you did not receive the email you may find his letter here.
You can find the amendments and the new model constitution on the Resources page of the synod website under " For Congregations." |
Register for the SPSYC Retreats
The Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee is excited to invite your youth to the upcoming High School Retreat at Mt. Cross on February 24 - 26, 2017
Scholarships are also available. All registration and payment can be done online as a group or as an individual, or can be done by mail.
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Western States Youth Gathering
June 28 - July 2, 2017
California Lutheran University is again hosting the Western States Youth Gathering.
Information about the event itself can be found at: www.WSYG.com and you can follow and add to our hashtag: #wsyg17.
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Over 600 adults who work with children, youth and families (CYF) in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will gather at The Galt House Hotel and Conference Center in Louisville, Kentucky for Extravaganza 2017. The "E" is the premier training event for adults who work in faith formation.
Held January 20-24, the Extravaganza will focus on the theme "500," with an emphasis on the ongoing re-forming work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the world and the church. Dynamic spiritual renewal, transformational continuing education and supportive networking are critical elements of Extravaganza. For more information on the Extravaganza, and to register, please visit www.ext17.org. Our local contact for information about the Extravaganza or the Youth Ministry Network is Lisa Herlocker.
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