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The family and friends of the victims, the injured and the perpetrator of the shootings at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.
Pr. Sylvia Mueller on the death of her father Pr. Russ Mueller (retired). More information on his services will be coming soon.
Pr. Ruth Lesher on the death of her father Pr. Lesher (retired).
The family and friends of Pr. Lynn Freele (retired, served at Galilee, Kelseyville) on her death January 4. More information on her services will be coming soon.
The family and friends of Pr. Don Gilbertson (retired) who died last week. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 13th at 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 6365 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay, CA.
The friends and family of Pr. William R. Strehlow, (retired) as they attend his memorial service on Sunday, January 15, 2017, 2:00 pm, University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley.
The family and friends of Pr. Jack Kahle (retired, served most of his ministry in Iowa.) on his death. A Memorial Service for Pr. Kahle will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. at American Lutheran Church, 1114 College St., Woodland, CA. Pr. Wendell Brown (retired, former pastor of Good Shepherd, Salinas) and family on the death of his wife, Joyce, on December 24th. A Memorial Service for Joyce Brown will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 580 Larkin St., Salinas, CA. The family and friends of Jane Okubo (former Synod Council Member), who died on December 24th in Alaska, where she had been living with her daughter. Continued comfort and healing for Barbara Schaefer, Dennis Jones and Prs. Lubkeman, Ajer, Swee, Scott, Dunbar and Fey.
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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January 16, 2017
Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr Day
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:
January 20-21, 2017
PLTS
March 17-18, 2017
Hope Lutheran Church, El Sobrante
August 25-26, 2017
Location TBD
November 3-4, 2017
Location TBD
Please take note of our office schedule:
All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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DON'T FORGET: Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday is January 29th, 2017
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March 15 - May 31, 2017
May 8 - 12, 2017
Memorial Presbyterian Church, Phoenix
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.
LAST CALL!!!
We have 7 rooms remaining for singles, doubles, families, shared or private. We will be giving up remaining rooms and finalizing our group by the end of January. Don't miss this great chance with a great group to observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation where it happened! Go to
Opportunity to Travel to Germany to Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation August 30-September 6, 2017
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The Resource Center Website is currently under construction. Please call them at 559-345-2725 x120.
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Newsletter Submissions
Please submit any newsletter requests to
by Thursday at 5:00 pm
Thank you!
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Was this newsletter forwarded to you?
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A message from Katy Grindberg, Assistant to the Bishop
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Epiphany was last week. Many years it drifts by me, but this year, I sat with the Epiphany texts at a board retreat that I was attending. The facilitator asked us to reflect on the text (Matthew 2:1-12) and how it was speaking to us, in our work as a board. Two items from our conversation stood out to me.
The first was the repetition of the words "where" and "worship". At times, it can be difficult to see how and where God is active, in Christ, in the world. I certainly have been in spiritual droughts where I haven't been sure God is even active or present in my own life. In these moments, the certainty of finding God, in Christ, in worship is a centering act for me. The world's problems don't disappear, nor do my own, but when I worship in a community - centered on Christ, and the sacraments of baptism and communion, I know that God meets me there - because God has promised to do that.
The second thing that struck me from the text was the willingness the magi had to go a different way. When it became clear that the way they had intended to go was not the correct one, they made the decision to go by another road. I imagine that I am not alone in my not infrequent belief that I'm on the right path because it is the one I started on. God calls us into action, and then sometimes that call changes - because the world changes, or we change, or because it is time to try something new. If you're anything like me, the problem can be recognizing that it is time to make a change. I often am so focused on the task at hand, or the original goal, or just living life and getting work done, that I don't make space to listen for God's new direction.
And that's where worship comes back again. Being in a space for worship, to listen, to pray, to sing, to proclaim can be a space where God can direct us to new ways of being in the world - and it can be a space where God calls to keep on keeping on the way we are. In community we can hear from others and learn from their stories and share our own. The world is a busy, noisy place - we will only be better for it to take the time to slow down, be in community and truly listen to God.
The Rev. Katy Grindberg
Assistant to the Bishop
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ELCA Mobility System and Candidacy Portal Closure
We have been informed that the ELCA will be shutting down the Mobility System and the Candidacy Portal on the ELCA website from December 15, 2016 through January 17, 2017 to implement updates related to the new Word and Service roster.
No Mobility forms (RLPs, MSPs, references, etc.) can be completed, submitted, or edited during this time.
No Candidacy forms (applications, decisions forms) can be completed or submitted during this time.
If you are working on a document, PLEASE make sure that you have saved a copy to your computer.
Contact Pr. Katy Grindberg in the Sacramento Office of the Bishop if you have questions about mobility forms during this time; and Laurie Gaumer in the Bay Area Office of the Bishop if you have questions related to candidacy.
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In her January column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that the "gift of grace, especially as it comes to us in baptism," helps us "make sense of our lives and resolves the stress" of making resolutions. Read her column at http://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/01/happy-new-year-2/
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Transforming White Privilege: A 21st Century Leadership Capacity
Dear Friends in Christ,
The 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted CA16.05.22 Resolution on Racial Justice:
WHEREAS, systemic and institutionalized racism is an acute illness infecting North American culture; and WHEREAS, the church is the body of Christ, and when one member of the body hurts, we all hurt; and WHEREAS, currently rostered leaders are strongly encouraged to receive appropriate training including boundaries training; therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the ELCA in assembly strongly encourage all rostered leaders to receive anti-racism training; and be it further RESOLVED, that the ELCA in assembly strongly encourage every synod to develop or maintain resources for anti-racism training for rostered leaders and congregations at least every two years.
In response to this resolution and the growing need for anti-racism and racial justice training, I'd like to share an accessible and affordable resource that may be of interest to our synod leaders. Please join me for a 90-minute, interactive, online webinar on either Jan. 18 or 19 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. EST to learn more.
"Transforming White Privilege: A 21st Century Leadership Capacity" is an online training curriculum available through the Racial Equity Tools website. The curriculum was created to help formal and informal leaders of all kinds identify, talk productively about and intervene to address white privilege and its consequences in all spheres of influence. It was designed as a resource that organizations, denominations and others could use to enrich and deepen the work that they are already doing around equity and justice.
Major curriculum topics introduced include:
- Understanding how white privilege operates and is maintained within a system of inequity
- How "whiteness" itself was created
- Ways in which specific history, culture, laws and policies, economics and power helped create and maintain a set of accumulated advantages for groups labeled "white" and a set of accumulating disadvantages for groups not considered "white" at various points in U.S. history
- Tools for change, including: strategic questioning, entry points, mental checklists and framing
- Processes for going within and for reaching across the group to build confidence and tap into the group's individual and collective strengths and their willingness to act for racial justice
I have invited the developers of the resource (The Center for Assessment and Policy Development, MP Associates and World Trust Educational Services) to offer an introductory webinar for the ELCA.
The 90-minute interactive online webinars will be on Jan. 18 and 19 from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. PST. We will offer the same webinar each day via Skype for Business. Audio and screen-sharing for this webinar will take place through your browser. About 10 minutes prior to the start of the event, click to join the online webinar. You may be prompted to install a small extension for your browser. Turn up your computer speakers for the audio. For best results use a headset and a microphone. You'll also be able to enter questions in a chat box.
Participants will experience parts of the curriculum, learn more about why and how the content was created and get a close look at the topics, resources and supports that are part of the packet. Presenters will discuss findings from pilot sites, as well as offer some guidance on facilitating the modules.
Blessings,
Judith Roberts
Program Director for Racial Justice
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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ELCA Regional Gift Planner
The ELCA seeks a Regional Gift Planner that will support the Sierra Pacific Synod. This individual is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and securing new and ongoing gifts from individuals in support of churchwide ministries, congregations, synods and related ELCA ministries. Each Gift Planner lives and works within their assigned territory (home office). The posting closing date is February 28, 2017.
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DUE FEBRUARY 27thPlease thoughtfully consider the material you would like to present during the 2017 Synod Assembly (Thursday, May 4 - Saturday, May 6). Workshops will be held Friday, May 5th in the late afternoon (subject to change). Presenters will be notified if the workshop has been chosen by April 7th.
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News from around the Synod and Beyond
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Installations:
Pr. Casey Kloehn to serve at The Belfry at UC Davis - January 18th, 7:00 pm at Davis Lutheran Church, 317 E 8th St, Davis 95616.
Pr. Rebekah Davis - February 19, 2017 at St Marks Lutheran Church, 3051 Putnam Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.
12:00 Potluck, 1:30 Installation service.
Clergy please vest - color of the day is green.
Pr. Chad Adamik - February 26, 2017, 3:00 pm at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 1201 N Saliman Rd, Carson City, NV 89701.
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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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Now is the Time to Prepare
During this time of very heavy rain and snowfall in our synod's territory, we offer the following information from our Tri-Lert (Lutheran Social Services; The California-Nevada-Hawaii District of the LCMS and our Sierra Pacific Synod) Disaster Preparedness Team:
If you have flood prone regions in your area, we have reports they are already being flooded.If you have had significant rains over the past couple of weeks, it is quite possible some trees will get uprooted or drought stressed trees will lose branches. If you live in hilly or mountainous areas it is reasonable to expect road closures due to landslides. Please seek out immediate assistance from local public works agencies or PG&E if you become of concerns in your neighborhood.
The following preparations are suggested:
- Pray that the God of Creation will bless you with wisdom for dealing with these storms in the best ways possible and, if need be, how to be a minister of God's mercy for those who have suffered losses.
- Have an adequate supply of water and food, enough to carry you through at least 3 days.
- Make sure your flashlights are working and get batteries if needed.
- Make sure your battery operated radio is functioning so you can stay up to date on what is happening in your area.
- If you have shut-ins or disabled members or friends, think about ways you will be able to be of help to them. Give them a call now to work out ways you will connect during/after the storms.
- Make sure your cell phone batteries are charged, but don't be surprised if cell service becomes unavailable. Texting capabilities may continue even if voice calls are not possible.
- Put your mask on first (airline talk), that is, keep yourself and your family safe and then head out as needed to be of help to others.
If your congregation/church property is experiencing any difficulty due to storm related damage, please contact the synod office.
Stay safe, keep your prayers going and share God's love for all who are in need!
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Administrative Assistant
CLU is seeking an Administrative Assistant for the Offices of Contextual Education and Student Formation. More information about the job can be found here.
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New W-2 & 1099 Filing Requirements
 The IRS has moved up the deadline to file 2016 W-2 and 1099 forms to January 31, 2017. In past years, the deadline to file W-2 and 1099 forms electronically was March 31.
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2017 Mileage Rates
The IRS has released the 2017 mileage rates. Business and ministry rates have lowered to 53.5 cents / mile. To see the entire list go here:
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Letter from Synod Secretary Regarding Bylaws
An email was sent Tuesday, November 15 from Synod Secretary, Jeff Pennington, about changes to the synod bylaws. If you did not receive the email you may find his letter here.
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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." |
Extravaganza 2017, the premier training event for adults who work with children, youth and families in congregations of the ELCA, will be held from January 20-24, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gathering around the theme "500," volunteers and professionals will experience spiritual renewal, continuing education and networking and connections.
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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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.
WYLE: One Day Pre-Event Multicultural Youth Leadership Event
June 27 - 28, 2017
The theme for the Western State Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (WYLE) is also "Dream Big!"
Cost: $100 Speakers: Rev. Yeheil Curry, Rev. Leila Ortiz Workshops: Social Justice Issues (Police Brutality, Dream Act, Lack of Resources), Racism, Breaking out of your Box, The Gospel According to Hip Hop Register at WSYG site and click the WYLE as an Add-on!
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St John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento is looking for a full time youth coordinator. This position directs and leads children and youth programming and faith development for Preschool through middle school/high school age youth. This person shall seek to foster Christian community through building relationships with young people and their families that strengthen their commitment to the church and their growth in faith in Jesus Christ.
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Director of Teen Ministries
We are seeking YOU: a dynamic, fun-loving, team player passionate about teens and leading teen ministry who also wants to bring your other gifts and talents to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, located in Granite Bay, CA.
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Messiah Lutheran Church provides a ten to twelve-week immersion experience designed for current full-time college students. The experience will provide the opportunity to deliberately and intentionally engage in one's own discernment process with respect to vocational call and more!
All application materials and reference letters must be returned by January 15, 2017.
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