Sierra Pacific Synod Resource Center


December 2014
 
  
  
Here we are, in the midst of Advent, 
the path that leads us to Christmas. 
It's a season of waiting, watching, and wondering.

Advent does not call us to idle waiting, watching and wondering.  No, Advent is a time for active preparation.  We take efforts to realign ourselves with God so we focus more intently on prayer, devotion, service.  We are called into action, living out our baptismal promises to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world.  Here are two questions as you prepare in this season of Advent:

First, how are you righting your relationship with God? 

And, how are you living out your baptismal promises in serving others and striving for justice and peace? 

(The above words come from Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA)



 
DO YOU NEED SOME ADVENT/CHRISTMAS VIDEOS TO FILL IN WITH CHILDREN? We have many Veggie Tales and other seasonal children's DVDs. 

 

WE ALSO HAVE A DELIGHTFUL FLOOR PUZZLE WHICH HELPS TEACH
PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN THE CHRISTMAS STORY.



"CHURCH  VOLUNTEER DAILY
 is a down-loaded publication which we receive regularly at the Resource Center. 
It has great ideas for your interactions with volunteers.  Some chapters: 
"Avoid  Bag, Snag and Drag Volunteer Recruiting" 
"4 Myths of Equipping Ministry" 
"3 things Volunteers Never Want to Hear You Say"
"4 Ways to Make Passion their Reason for Serving"



Connecting with the greater church 
Here are some suggestions for telling the stories of ministries we share:
  • Go to www.elca.org download and copy "Prayer Ventures" each month for insertion in your newsletter or bulletin, or post the prayers on your social media.
  • Share an article from The Lutheran in a once-a-month temple talk or adult forum.  Introduce your congregation to the articles by Presiding Bishop Eaton.
  • Share stories from the ELCA Global Links Newsletter available as a pdf at www.elca.org or use our Synod's Mission Interpreter Suzanne O'Dea's newsletter for local stories.  Allow Suzanne to share your stories with others - write [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO LUTHER'S 500th

 

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his "95 Theses" on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg. His challenge to the church sparked the Reformation, changing the course of history and charting a path for the Lutheran Church and the ELCA today.

  2017 will mark the 500thanniversary of this momentous event. Reconnect with the roots of our church. Revitalize your faith with these resources.
 

"Lutherans in America," a new book by Mark Granquist, will be released Jan. 1, 2015.  In this lively and engaging new history, Granquist brings to light not only the varied and fascinating institutions that Lutherans founded and sustained but the people that lived within them.  The result is a generous, human history that tells a complete story --  not only about politics and policies but also the piety and the practical experiences of the Lutheran men and women who lived and worked in the American context. 

 

The Lutheran Reformation 500th anniversary site on www.augsburgfortress.org.   Here you will find a listing of all 118 current items which Augsburg has available regarding Martin Luther, the catechisms, and related items. 

 

 

Two new or revised biographies of Luther:  

Hans Wiersma is doing a update and revision of James Kittleson's popular "Luther the Reformer: the Story of the Man and His Career."   Publishing late in 2025.

  

Derek R. Nelson is finishing the Luther biography begun by Timothy Lull prior to his untimely death tentatively called "Luther: Resilience and Reform."  Scheduled for release summer or fall 2015. 

 

The first two volumes of a new Annotated Luther series will release in July 2015:  "Roots of Reform" edited by Timothy Wengert, and "Word and Faith" edited by Kirsi Stjerna.   Four additional books in this series will be released in 2016 and 2017.  

 

 

 

 

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

can be a very difficult time for all involved.  The Resource Center has a book called "Family History" written by Jan Lewis and Judi Magarian-Gold which suggests family members and caregivers ask questions while visiting a person with dementia, then writing down these comments in a "family history."  The questions in the book are designed to unlock stories of the past.  These stories will facilitate conversation and provide wonderful memories to be shared.

 

 

 




 



We appreciate your calls and e-mails about resources!

  The Resource Center is YOUR lending library!  You are helping us to do a better job in providing the specific resources you and others are looking for.
 Keep telling us what you want, at [email protected]    

Our January office hours are uncertain at this time.  Look at our online catalog
for dates and times:   www.resourcecenterspselca.org 
   
   

A note from Margie Back, Interim Director of the Resource Center:

Thanks for the great experience I have had these past fourteen months!  This has been a truly enjoyable time as I have interacted with so many of you in searching out ministry resources.  By January 1st I hope we will have a new Director here at the Center, ready to work with you on resource needs.  God's blessings to all. 



Luther's Small Catechism - pocket size
Our offer still stands!

We are pleased to support Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton's
call to "dust off our Small Catechisms and take another look at the basics of our faith." 
We have sent out nearly 1,100 copies of the Small Catechism over the past few months, and are happy to keep sending them, either to individuals or to groups in your congregation.
No cost to you.

Just send us an email:  [email protected] 




Margie Back, Interim Director

559 345-2725 
If you reach the synod office, ext. 120

This is YOUR Resource Center;
YOUR lending library!   
Never used the Resource Center? 
You are missing out!

Call us or email us today!
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