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The
Sierra Pacific Synod
Weekly
E-Newsletter
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Sierra Pacific Synod,
ELCA
Jan.
13, 2011
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This week, I have aspecific
"writing assignment" for this "Lead Article" for our
synod's e-newsletter. It is to be an announcement of a year-long
challenge we who populate the synod offices have decided to live
into. It is related to our health and, hopefully, the health of our
whole synod. But I find I cannot offer that story until I reflect on
another story ... one that I believe relates to the health of our nation.
Last night on my way home from
the office, I found that NPR was broadcasting parts of the memorial
service held in Tucson for the victims of the shooting that occurred
there this past weekend. As I listened to the service ... to the
music, to the Scripture readings, to the portions of President Obama's
address that made it through the editors' various filters, I found that I
was crying (not the best way to drive Route 92, I know ...). I was
surprised by the depth of my response. I didn't think I was that
involved. While I had been following the progress of Congresswoman
Giffords, I somehow managed to miss (thankfully) what was apparently
quite the heated debate/discussion regarding various theories for what
might have provoked such violence. I guess that meant that as I
listened, I wasn't annoyed by the responses of others, I was simply sad -
for the victims and their families; for the shooter and his family; for
the witnesses of the event and even for those heroes ... the woman who
grabbed the ammo out of the shooter's hand; the men who restrained him;
the intern who applied pressure to the Congresswoman's head wound and
probably saved her life. How sad to be in a situation that began with
the hope for community-building and ended with an urgent need for
heroism.
What does it mean to be
healthy? Seriously. This isn't a rhetorical question.
What does it mean to be healthy? As an individual ... as a nation
... as a church? Not in that obsessive way that counts pounds lost,
or dollars earned or members joining, but in that "shalom"
sense of health that requires us to think of the WHOLE person, or nation,
or church. I attended a retreat this past weekend that offered much
of what I already knew (most of us do) but had somehow lost in the midst
of being busy. One of the reminders had to do with the power of
little things ... little changes, and the enormous results that can and
do follow. Which brings me to my assign-ment for today, which is to
tell you that as a staff, we have committed ourselves to focus on
health/wholeness as we move into this new year. That will begin
with participating in the health assessment we want every
pastor/spouse/staff person covered by Board of Pensions to take (we're
aiming for 100% participation!). And because we know how important
accountability is, we're going to report our progress to you on a monthly
basis. It will certainly include telling you about how much weight
we've lost or minutes we've exercised or times we've spent in silence or
spiritual direction. Hopefully, we will be able to live into,
convey and encourage something deeper as well. Perhaps in the
process, all of us will begin, by way of small changes, to move toward
the wholeness God intended for us - as individuals, as a nation, as a
church. Maybe you'll end up with some stories, too. Send them
to us and we'll be sure they get told.
In the meanwhile, as we bask in
Epiphany light, I wish you Shalom.
Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Bishop's Associate
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We remember
in prayer...
Pastor Jim Patterson (Retired) recovering from heart
surgery
Pastor Jose Luis La Torre's (St. John's,
Sacramento) mother, Josefina, recovering from surgery
All of the people affected by last weekend's violence
in Tucson, AZ, and the victims of violence everywhere
The people of Haiti as they continue to struggle to
recover from last January's devastating earthquake
We invite you to lift up these ministry partners in
prayer:
Napa Valley Lutheran Church,
Napa; Faith Lutheran Church, Meadow Vista; Miracles of Faith
Community Church, Oakland; First Lutheran Church, Palo
Alto; Trinity Lutheran Church, Madera
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Bishop
Emeritus Paul W. Egertson
A memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Paul W.
Egertson, Bishop Emeritus of the Southwest California Synod, will be
held Sat., Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Samuelson Chapel at California
Lutheran University. More information about Bishop Egertson's life
and ministry can be found here or here. We
apologize for the misspelling of Bishop Egertson's name in last week's
newsletter.
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The
Re-Emerging Multicultural Church
A Conference on Building Multicultural Ministry
Friday,
April 1, 2011, 6 p.m. to Saturday, April 2, 4 p.m.
St. Matthew Lutheran Church,
Presenters: Rev. Dr. Mark DeYmaz, founding
pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, and Rev. Dr. Steed Davidson,
Assistant Professor of Old Testament, PLTS
A
Conference presented by the Multicultual Ministries Team of the Sierra
Pacific Synod
Who is this conference for? Everyone:
pastors, lay leaders, staff, worship leaders, anyone interested in
building an effective multicultural church. We strongly recommend
that congregations send a team of people who will learn and process
together, then bring the vision back to their congregations and lead
together. If you are in the Sierra Pacific Synod and long for a
more inclusive ministry, mark your calendar, and start making plans to
send a delegation to this conference. To print a conference
brochure, click here; to register
online go to saintmatthew.org/conference.
Becoming the ELCA Church of tomorrow...today
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ANNUAL
REPORT COVERS
The ELCA is printing and
distributing its own 2010 Annual Report Covers and not going through
Augsburg Fortress as in the past. To order, please call
1-800-638-3522 ext. 2580, or online go to elca.org/resources. A user account is necessary to review and/or
order all of the resources available. 2010 Covers are $5.40 for
each packet of 50.
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2011
STATEMENT OF INTENT RESPONSES
A friendly reminder: Please
make sure that your congregation submits its 2011 Statement of Intent
form as soon as possible! 1) click here for a .pdf
version which can be printed, or here for a
"fillable" version; 2) email Cindi Eckert and she will mail one
to you; or 3) call Cindi at 559-345-2725 x120 and she will mail one to
you.
If you have already submitted
your 2011 estimate of giving, THANK YOU!
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LivingLutheran.com
A
Place to be Lutheran Online!
The
new LivingLutheran.com is live!
This is your place for fresh, daily content and conversation on
what it means to "live Lutheran." "LivingLutheran.com is us. It's the face of the
ELCA."
Read
exclusive blog entries by
ELCA Lutherans with a wide variety of viewpoints and opinions. From
the "traditional-orthodox camp" of South Dakota to the streets
of San Francisco, our exclusive ELCA bloggers share their experiences,
ideas and faith stories. "There is a lot of
diversity of opinion. Something for everyone. A way to feel
connected and encouraged but also challenged - which is rare."
Find
articles and resources from Seeds for the Parish that help
you grow your ELCA congregation's ministry. Watch short videos
that feature your Lutheran neighbors - whether they're next door or on
the other side of the world.
Read
about incredible ELCA ministries in the U.S. and around the world. Get to know other ELCA Lutherans. "LivingLutheran.com
gives a chance for many to express their voice."
There's
something different on LivingLutheran.com each day. Don't miss out. Check back
daily for new stories of inspiration, videos and more.
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JOURNEY
WITH CHRIST:
LIVING
OUR MISSION
In February the Word and
Sacrament Discipling Team will co-sponsor a life-giving and enlightening
retreat-training event at San Damiano Retreat Center in
Danville. Learn and grow together by participating in the
"Journey with Christ" faith-development process, including
plenary sessions with both overview and reflection; small-group faith
sharing and questions; and inspiring and intimate worship experiences.
This conference is designed for those who encounter
and work with adult faith formation in congregational settings -
especially those who are seeking God or who are new to the Christian life
and faith. It is FREE (registration, room and
board) to the first 25 Sierra Pacific Synod
registrants; why not give it a try? A brochure and registration
form are available here, or contact
Clark Brown for more information and registration materials at
831-375-2042 or by email.
When: February 11-13, 2011
Where: San Damiano Retreat Ctr., 710 Highland Dr., Danville -
925-837-9141
Cost: Free
to first 25 Sierra Pacific Synod Registrants. Single occupancy $218; double occupancy $188,
per person; for 2 nights, 6 meals
Sponsored
by Word and Sacrament Discipling Team of the Sierra Pacific Synod; the
North American Association for the Catechumenate; and the Episcopal
Diocese of Northern California
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RECONCILING
IN CHRIST / WELCOMING SUNDAY
Lutherans Concerned/North America
has designated Jan. 30, 2011 as Reconciling in Christ/Welcoming
Sunday. How can your congregation be more welcoming? Go here for
information and resources.
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2011
Retired Clergy/AiMs/Spouses/Widows and Widowers Retreat
This
year's Retreat will be held at the San
Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, Mon., Feb. 28 and Tues., March
1. Dr. Terence Frethiem, the Lovell Professor of Old Testament at
Luther Seminary, will present "A Relationship to Die For: What does it mean for God to enter into a relationship that is
'real'?" Click here for more
information and a registration form, or contact Mike and Linda Rogers at 559-435-7739, or by email.
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VOLUNTEER
NEEDED FOR RWANDA CONNECTIONS
A detail-oriented person can make
a big contribution to building relationships between the Sierra Pacific
Synod and one of its Companion Synods, the Lutheran Church of
Rwanda. This volunteer would seek out, pull together and
maintain a current list of persons from our
synod visiting Rwanda, and their travel dates, and of members
of the Lutheran Church of Rwanda visiting in our synod. An annual
year-end report tallying trip dates and travelers' contact information
would need to be prepared. The volun-teer can also be a good point
of contact for current information to those consi-dering travel
between the two churches. Interested persons should contact Diane
Lowe by email or
at 916-391-2230.
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Sierra
Pacific Synod Youth Committee Elementary Retreat
Bring your 3rd-6th graders and
join us for a great retreat at one of two locations. This weekend
will be filled with lots of activities and an amazing speaker - Aaron
Tidwell! For more information, costs and registration
information visit our website.
Weekend #1 -
Feb. 25-27 at Mt. Cross, near Santa Cruz
Weekend
#2 - March 11-13 at Sly Park, east
of Sacramento
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Shane
Claiborne, Christian Activist, to Speak in Sacramento and Davis
Join Christian activist, Shane Claiborne, in Sacramento or Davis as
he speaks candidly on issues of faith, social
justice, peacemaking and Jesus - inviting the community to engage in passionate acts of
discipleship.
Shane's ministry experience
includes working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, serving a megachurch
near Chicago, visiting Baghdad as part of a peace mission, and
co-founding The Simple Way, a faith community in inner-city
Philadelphia. Shane's website describes his work and philosophy.
Shane will be at the Faith Community Rally at the State Capital on
Tues., Feb. 1 at 12 noon. That evening he will speak at St. John's,
Sacramento, at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.
On Wed., Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.,
Shane will present the 2011 St. Augustine Lecture for The Belfry, the Lutheran
Episcopal Campus Ministry at Davis. Details about this appearance
can be found here.
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UPDATE - BELLS OF WITTENBERG
Back in October we published an article about the
efforts at St. James Lutheran Church, Redding, to obtain and deliver a
set of handbells next summer to Witten-berg, Germany. The bells and
some initial training are a gift for the Castle Church in Wittenberg.
Well, Paradise Lutheran Church, Paradise, saw the
notice in the newsletter, the gates of Paradise were opened, and the good
folks in Redding are pre-paring to ship two octaves of bells with bell
tables, pads, table covers - the works! Sweet tones will resound in
the Castle Church thanks to generous hearts in the Sierra Pacific
Synod... Well done!
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SYNOD CALENDAR
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January
14-15 Candidacy Committee
January
19-20 Council of Deans
Retreat, Christ
the King Retreat
Center, Citrus
Heights
January
21-23 JAM Confirmation
January
28-29 Synod Council
February
11-13 "Journey with
Christ" Catechumenate Workshop,
February
15 Assembly Planning
Committee, Hyatt, Burlingame
February
20-22 Rostered Leaders,
February
25-27 Elementary
Retreat #1, Mt. Cross
February
28 - March 1
Retired Clergy/Spouse/Lay
Rostered//Widows/Widowers
Retreat,
San Damiano, Danville
March
3-8 Conference of Bishops
March
11-13 Elementary
Retreat #2, Sly Park
March
12 Rwanda Connections
Committee Annual Mtg., 1-4 p.m.,
708 Lake Front Dr., Sacramento
March
17 Assembly Planning
Committee, Office of the Bishop,
April
1-2 Multicultural Ministry
April
8-9 Candidacy Committee
April
12 Assembly Planning
Committee, Office of the Bishop,
May
12 Synod Council, Hyatt
Regency, Burlingame
May
12 Assembly Planning
Committee, Hyatt Regency,
May
13-15 Synod Assembly,
Hyatt Regency, Burlingame
June
24-25 Synod Council
August
14-20 Churchwide
Assembly, Orlando, FL
August
26-27 Candidacy Committee
September
23-24 Synod Council
September
29 - October 4
Conference of Bishops,
Lutheran Center, Chicago
October
11-13 Professional
Leaders' Conference, Asilomar
October
21-22 Candidacy Committee
November
4-6 Hunger Education
2012
January
5-9 Bishops'
Academy
January
18-19 Council of Deans
Retreat, Christ
the King Retreat
Center, Citrus
Heights
March 1-6
Conference of Bishops
July
18-22 ELCA Youth Gathering,
New Orleans, LA
October 4-9
Conference of Bishops,
Lutheran Center, Chicago
2013
February
28 - March 5 Conference
of Bishops
October
3-8 Conference of Bishops,
Lutheran Center, Chicago
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TAKE THE 2011 HEALTH ASSESSMENT!
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Pastor Wendell Brown to Receive Award
Since 1991, the Faithfulness in Ministry Cross awards
have acknowledged and celebrated the commitment of individuals to keep
ministry alive. The Luther Seminary Alumni/ae Council awards three
Faith-fulness in Ministry crosses each year to individuals who graduated
within 10 years, within the past 25 years and more than 25 years ago.
The Rev. Wendell Brown, a 1966 Luther graduate and
pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Salinas, will be
honored with the Faithfulness in Ministry cross for his ministry of more
than 25 years at Luther's Mid-Winter Convocation, Feb. 2-4.
When Brown accepted the call to Lutheran Church of the
Good Shepherd in Salinas, Calif., in 1973, worship attendance was
declining and the community around the church was experiencing troubled
times. Despite the obsta-cle in front of him, Brown looked to the
future of the church and its surroundings, which he felt included
ministry to a growing Hispanic population in the Salinas area.
Read more about Pr. Brown's ministry and award here.
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FREE LENTEN SERIES MATERIALS ON WORLD HUNGER
A free 2011 World Hunger Lenten Series, "Give Us
This Day Our Daily Bread," is now available online! Created by
mem-bers of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, the compre-hensive materials
include: Bible studies, worship services, drama/ dialogue sermons,
children's sermons, meal ideas, table prayers, take-home family
devotions, and fundraising ideas. Click here to download items as Word or .pdf files. The
versatile collection may be used for mid-week Lenten programs, Sundays in
Lent, or at any time of the year for a congre-gational focus on God's
call to feed the hungry. Con-gregations may also wish to order free resources from ELCA World Hun-ger to complement
their Lenten emphasis. Coin bank boxes for adults and children,
color brochures, calendars, and other materials are available at no
charge through the ELCA Resource Catalog. "Give us this day
our daily bread; may all the world be clothed and fed."
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2011 TAX CHANGES AFFECT CHURCH WORKERS, TOO
On Dec. 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law H.R.
4853, the Tax Relief Unemploy-ment Insurance Reauthorization and Job
Creation Act of 2010, which affects every U.S. employer and several areas
of payroll, tax and benefits administration.
Clergy are self-employed for social security and will
pay less self-employment tax this coming year. The Social Security
portion of self-employment taxes has been reduced for 2011, from 12.4
percent to 10.4 percent. For those who pay estimated taxes, this
may reduce their 2011 tax liability.
An article that provides more information can be found
here. To fully understand how this change may affect
an individual, they should contact their tax advisor.
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BOARD OF PENSIONS CHANGES FOR 2011
The ELCA Survivor benefits contri-bution is being
reinstated at 1% after a 10-year suspension. Contri-butions are
again needed to cover expected claims and expenses.
Over-the-counter drugs purchased without a doctor's
prescription are
no longer eligible for reimbursement from personal wellness accounts and
health care FSAs. This change is mandated by federal law.
The health plan's lifetime maximum benefit has been
eliminated.
Coverage has been expanded to adult children up to age 26 not eligible for group health coverage
through their employer.
Visit the Board of Pensions website to see what's new for 2011 benefits and learn
about the integration of the hospital and medical and mental health and
substance abuse benefits into a single benefit administered by Blue Cross
and Blue Shield for ELCA-primary benefits.
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MISSIONARY FAMILY UPDATE
A new letter from Pastor Arden and Susan Strasser's
ministry is available for you to read here.
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10th
Anniversary of Called to Common Mission
Ten years ago this week, the ELCA
and The Episcopal Church launched a relationship of shared mission and
ministry in a worship service and ceremony at the National Cathedral in
Washington, D.C. This relationship, known as full communion, is
described in Called to Common Mission: A Lutheran Propo-sal for a
Revision of the Concordat of Agreement adopted by both
churches. The document states: "We do not know to what
new, recovered, or continuing tasks of mission this Concordat will lead
our churches, but we give thanks to God for leading us to this point.
We entrust ourselves to that leading in the future, confident that
our full communion will be a witness to the gift and goal already present
in Christ, 'so that God may be all in all' (I Corinthians 15:28)."
The ELCA news release and more
information can be found here. Congregations and members of both churches are
encouraged to remember the first 10 years of the full-communion agreement
in their prayers during the month of January. Click here for suggestions for prayers for worship.
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claimed . . . gathered . . . sent
The Sierra Pacific Synod
PO Box 276648, Sacramento, CA 95827-6648
916-756-1665 · 800-275-3522
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