Sierra Pacific Synod Resource Center


 
July 8, 2016

I am a bit speechless, as I just experienced the live Service of Prayer and Lament at the churchwide office of the ELCA, via the ELCA website. Here is a link for you to experience the service yourself: 

I strongly encourage you to take the time (about an hour) to pray together with others.
Either way, I share with you this blessing from the end of the service:

    May God give you grace never to sell yourself short, grace to risk something big for something good, and grace to remember that the world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love. In the name of the Father, and +the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Violence is a cycle and we are each responsible to stop it, every time we have the opportunity. How?
Be a voice for those rendered voiceless.
There are too many without a voice in our communities, in our world today.
Take the time to listen to what your brothers and sisters say. Too often no one is listening anymore.
Be one who is different: 
speak less, listen more,
be the humble presence of the One who created each of us,
make eye contact, share a smile,
walk away from gossip or any talk that does not lift others up.
Do something to make our world a better place.
Do something to promote peace.
After all, we ARE free in Christ and commissioned to share the Good news!


A few resources we have available at the Resource Center to help you better understand racism:

"No Hate Allowed: A Resource for Congregations for Action Against Racial Hate Crimes." Edited by the Reverend Fred Rajan, 
While published in 1993 the stories shared in this resource are relevant today and deeply personal. This resource offers theological reflections, a litany and Bible study, stories about how people are affected by racial violence; an action section and a resource listing.

"Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America." by Joseph Barndt. 
This book focuses on the task of dismantling racism, how we can work to bring it to an end and build a racially just, multicultural society. The result this text seeks is freedom for all races, all people.

"And don't call me a racist!" A treasury of quotes on the past, present, and future of the color line in America.
Selected and arranged by Ella Mazel.
In this treasury of over 1,000 quotes, you will find so much! You will laugh, cry, be convicted and be reminded of God's love for all that He has and continues to create, saying repeatedly, "It is good."
  
Luther's Small Catechism pamphlets are still available for you.
  
We purchase these for you and your congregations. 
As Lutherans, it is aways 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 [email protected]
  
To date we have passed out over 1,500 Small Catechism pamphlets. 
Join the excitement, as our Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton suggested by 
"dusting off the catechism and taking another look at the basics of our faith."

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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 and Local Chapter Funds to support the Synod Resource Center.
THANK YOU Thrivent for this wonderful opportunity! 
For more information email Janet or contact your Thrivent Representative.
 
We appreciate your calls and e-mails about resources!
The Resource Center is your lending library!  
You are helping us do a better job when you recommend the specific resources you are looking for.
 Please, keep telling us what you want, at [email protected]    
This is how we know what to purchase.

Resource Center office hours for July and August: 

Mondays - 3pm-5pm
Tuesdays - 8:30am-10:30 (by appointment only July 26)
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, you can reach me by email: [email protected]

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 [email protected]
 
           This is your Synod Resource Center; 
               I am happy to serve you. 

  
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