Sierra Pacific Synod Resource Center


 
March 16, 2016

A Prayer of Confession
from "The Awkward Season: Prayers for Lent," by Pamela Hawkins

God of this day, forgive my pretense:
that I know, when I do not;
that I care, when I am callous;
that I see, when far too often,
I cover my eyes, turn my head, walk away.
God of this moment, transform my shortcomings:
that I can be trusted, when I sometimes betray;
that I can believe, when I often deny;
that I can hope, when deep within,
I bargain with hopelessness.
Renew me, O God, by your far-reaching grace.
Restore me, O God, to your life-giving truth
that the kingdom, power, and glory are yours
at this moment, on this day, for all time.
Amen.
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What is new and thought provoking at the Resource Center??

"When Lightning Struck! The Story of Martin Luther," by Danika Cooley 
is now available for you to read from your Resource Center.

This historical novel on Martin Luther will immerse the reader in the dust and grit of sixteenth-century Germany. You will not only feel that Luther's struggles are your own struggles, you will enter the gates of paradise with Luther into the freedom of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Danika Cooley is both an engaging writer and a careful and winsome theologian. As all good novels do, the reader will be drawn into the story from beginning to end. While this is not the in-depth study you will find in our Martin Luther in 3 Volumes series, it is a great read and comes highly recommended!


Also of interest:

Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota has developed an amazing study called 
"My Neighbor is Muslim: Exploring the Muslim Faith."

AND

"Honoring our Neighbor's Faith: A Lutheran Perspective on Faith Traditions in America,"
compiled by Augsburg Fortress.

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Need some ideas for your VBS this summer?

VBS resources are 'out there' and in here, at your Resource Center!
It IS time to begin considering and planning for his summer's VBS!

The Resource Center can help you in many ways.
We carry lots and lots of old VBS kits for your use, including a few great ones from Group:
"Weird Animals" and "Everest!" AND MORE! We can loan you one of these kits for a few months! 

If you are looking for something brand new this year, please send me an email, 
I would love to help you decide what VBS is best for you. 2016 has no shortage of VBS programs!!!!
We do have the 2016 Group Cave Quest at the Resource Center for hands on viewing
Email me if and when you will be in Fresno! 
There are also some excellent interactive websites where you can get a good picture of what is new and exciting! I do my best to stay up-to-date on all current VBS programs and am willing to share with you, 

  

REMINDER:
Your Synod Resource Center now has a masterful three-volume biography on Martin Luther.   

These books are returning with great accolades! If you are interested in learning more about the life and development of Martin Luther, you will LOVE this series!
Click here to Email Janet your request. Get your name on our waiting list. Reading this series is a great way to get excited about Reformation 500!!!! It's coming, ready or not! Here's your chance to really dig in to Luther's theology and the time in history that he lived.
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****And, here's a link for another very exciting resource related to Reformation 500!!!!****
Do you sense change in our world? Let's all pray for that!

Here is a downloadable guide to "Common Prayer: From conflict to communion" encouraging Lutherans and Catholics to join hearts and voices in intercession.  Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration
  

Luther's Small Catechism pamphlets are still available for you.
 
 
  
We purchase these for you and your congregations. 
With Reformation 500 approaching, this is a great time to have a class on Luther's Small Catechism. 
We'll supply you with Luther's words! Just ask, via email at rspsecla@pacbell.net
  
To date we have sent out over 1,400 Small Catechism pamphlets. 
Join the excitement, as our Presiding, Elizabeth Eaton, suggested by 
"dusting off the catechism and taking another look at the basics of our faith. 

Some more Martin Luther quotes to ponder:
 
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."

"Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by things we do not see."

"If you young fellows were wise, the devil couldn't do anything to you, 
but since you aren't wise, you need us who are old."


 
 
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 when you recommend the specific resources you are looking for.
 Please, keep telling us what you want, at rspselca@pacbell.net    
This is how we know what to purchase.

  
Please note that the Synod Resource Center of the Sierra Pacific Synod is eligible to receive your Choice Dollars from Thrivent Financial. 
We are sincerely grateful to Thrivent Financial and those individuals who designate their Choice Dollars to us for the support of the Synod Resource Center.
THANK YOU Thrivent for this wonderful opportunity! 
For more information email Janet or contact your Thrivent Representative.
  
Resource Center office hours for March and April: 

Mondays - 3pm-5pm
Tuesdays - 8:30am-11:30am
Thursdays - Hours and dates vary, please email me in advance if you plan to come in on a Thursday.
Fridays - 8:30am-11:00am
 
Other hours are available by appointment, please contact me. You can reach me by email: rspselca@pacbell.net

To order materials through our website, please visit us at:  www.resourcecenterspselca.org
Click "Resources" and then click "Request Manager for the SPS Resource Center." You will then be on our online catalog page! Let me know if you have any questions or problems. Blessings! 
 
  
Janet Lane, Synod Resource Center Director
           Call 559-345-2725, (please leave a message)
           or send an Email rspselca@pacbell.net
 
           This is your Synod Resource Center; 
               I am happy to serve you.