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Starting in July, our Synod Vice President, Simon Wong, has been visiting churches within the Synod twice a month to worship with you!
Simon worshiped at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alameda on July 2nd, celebrating the installation of Pr. Crystal Lawson Stewart. Prayer to Pr. Crystal and Immanuel, for their growth and ministry together!
On July 30th, Simon worshiped at Napa Valley Lutheran Church in Napa and shared information about our companion synod. Prayer to all the faithful at Napa Valley Lutheran for their interim period, seeking God's guidance for their ministry!
On August 6th, Simon visited Advent Lutheran Church in Citrus Heights with backpack blessings and enjoyed the time with one another at the ice cream social after church. Prayer to all the faithful at Advent Lutheran to continue their ministry with excellent church leadership!
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Capitol Valley Conference 3 Rostered Ministers monthly gathering took place last week!
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On August 13th, Saint Mark's in San Francisco held a congregational book discussion of "Indian Horse" by Native author Richard Wagamese as they participated in the ELCA 's "Read the Truth in August" sponsored by the Truth and Healing Movement. Discussion groups were in Heritage Hall and on Zoom.
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Send your ministry pictures to mandi@spselca.org be featured in the Synod Newsletter! | |
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Meet Our Newly-Appointed Synod Treasurer, Mr. Scott Taylor, CPA!
Our current treasurer, Pastor Sharon Amundson, will be completing her four-year term at the conclusion of the synod assembly when Mr. Scott Taylor will be installed. We will thank Pastor Sharon for her service at this September's Synod Assembly.
A member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in San Francisco and treasurer of Martin Luther Tower (MLT) & MLT LP (Affordable Housing), Scott has generously served his congregation and community, offering his financial experience and expertise in a variety of nonprofit organizations.
With more than 35 years of public accounting and private industry experience, including 10 years with a Big Four accounting firm (Coopers & Lybrand) and 20 years as a partner at BPM LLP, Scott brings deep expertise in financial stewardship. He has provided both public and private life science, health care, and nonprofit clients with a variety of accounting and tax services, including financial statements, audit reviews, compilations, agreed-upon procedures, and internal control evaluations.
Scott has consulted with management on complex accounting, tax, and SEC reporting matters. He also has served as the Vice President of Internal Audit at World Savings and Loan and Controller of Telecare Corporation. He is currently semi-retired and serves "f council" for BPM LLP.
Professional affiliations include:
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Board of Directors and Treasurer — Martin Luther Tower, Inc. Board Member and 2nd V.P. - Financial Executives International Silicon Valley
- Audit Committee Member – Marin General Hospital
- Member — California Society of CPAs (CalCPA)
- Past Board Member and Audit Committee Chair – San Francisco Girls School
- Past President and Finance Chair — St. Francis (Memorial Hospital) Foundation
- Past Board Member – St. Francis Memorial Hospital
- Past Board Member and Treasurer — Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
- Past Board Member and Vice Chairman — Eldercare Alliance
- Past Board of Directors — Bay Bio Institute
- Past Board Member, Treasurer, and Audit Committee Chair — Friends of Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Pursuant to †S8.41. and †S8.51.c. of the Sierra Pacific Constitution, the treasurer of the synod may be appointed by the Synod Council. At its meeting on Saturday, August 19, the Sierra Pacific Synod Council voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Scott Taylor as our next Synod Treasurer.
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Upcoming Synod-Wide Events | |
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Announcing St. Mark's Endowment Grant Application Period
Closing August 27th!
Do you have an idea for growing a ministry or ministry partnerships? The Endowment Fund of St. Mark's San Francisco is now accepting grant applications for its 2023 grant cycle until August 27. A total of $15,500 is available this year to fund projects: those of St. Mark's ministries that are new initiatives / fall outside of the annual budget; and, those of organizations whose work expands or enhances the ministry of St. Mark's. Please visit the Endowment Fund’s web page at stmarks-sf.org/endowment to find out more about the application process and the Endowment Fund or contact the committee at endowment@stmarks-sf.org for details.
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Upcoming Installation
Rev. Taylor Hagbo will be installed as pastor at The Lutheran Church of Arcata on August 31st at 6pm. Clergy are welcome to vest, and the color of the day will be GREEN. Charcuterie and refreshments to follow.
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Already Enough: Unlocking Your Power as a Woman in Ministry
Feel like you've got way too much going on, but you're not doing enough?
Tired of having your authority questioned in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways at church?
Join this series to rest in the assurance that you are already enough.
You'll walk away with biblical insights and practical coaching tools to unlock your power as a woman in ministry.
Join Dr. Crystal Hall in partnership with the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop Quality of Call Initiative for a Zoom webinar series on Tuesdays in September (Sept 5, 12, 19, 26) at 11 AM EST / 10 AM CST / 9 AM MST / 8 AM PST. Click here to register!
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You Are Invited...
Excellence in Leadership (EiL) is a ministry born out of the need for courageous and resilient people (lay and rostered) in the church, in organizations, and in the world. We are currently living in a time that asks specifically for leaders who have the capacity to think about the future in new ways and we believe that effective leadership begins with the individual and is honed in community. This ministry helps each person learn how to appreciate who they are, how they are embodied, and manage the way they personally respond to challenges and conflict. Through doing this work, they are then able to show up more effectively in places of anxiety, conflict, and frustration. When leaders show up in healthy ways, they are better equipped to help the people and systems they work with to also respond in healthier ways.
The coursework for EiL provides tools and exercises to help both lay and rostered leaders work through challenges. But perhaps more than that, it provides opportunities for deep self-discovery and enrichment. The work done in the sessions invites each person to become more courageous, resilient, and faithful as an individual and as a leader for the sake of the self, the community, and the world.
Over the past five years EiL has designed a strong leadership development ministry that incorporates smart business theories with long-held Christian spiritual practices. So far, more than 200 participants have joined from 13 different ELCA and Episcopal judicatories. A recent survey shows participants are experiencing increased self-awareness and positive changes in their personal and congregational lives because of EiL.
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“My participation in EiL has enriched my personal life.” 90% strongly agreed or agreed
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“My engagement in EiL had a positive impact on my congregational life.” 83% strongly agreed or agreed
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“I would recommend EiL to a friend.” 90% strongly agreed or agreed
SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER NOW!
Choose the cohort that fits your location, and your schedule: https://www.rmselca.org/excellence-leadership-registration-2024-25
Promotional Video: https://vimeo.com/792409558/3c77c380c0?share=copy
For more information contact us at: EiL@rmselca.org
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LWR Northern California Ingathering
Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino will host the gathering on October 12-14 from 10 am until 2 pm, and St. James Lutheran in Redding will also host their gathering on October 14 from 11 am until 4 pm, to receive all the boxes of Quilts and Kits assembled by Quilting groups. Last year there were about 500 boxes of items donated by 28 local churches! To learn more about Lutheran World Relief, click here, and to get involved with the Northern California Ingathering, contact Joann Weberg.
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THEOASIS - Theological Oasis for Church Professional Leaders
October 17-19
"Bound by Grace, Bound by Race: What Does This Mean?"
A joint church leaders' event for rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, and worship leaders... ALL are welcome!
Online registration is NOW open and will close October 6.
CLICK HERE to register online.
Attendees are responsible for booking their hotel reservations at the Embassy Suites, La Quinta directly. The discounted rate is only available through September 15 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first!
Please visit the Theoasis event page for the link to reserve your hotel room, event costs and scholarships, and program information.
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New Opportunities Available!
Are you looking for something new? We have amazing congregations looking for someone like you! Check out our job posting page for open positions throughout our Synod.
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Updates and Resources from ELCA Churchwide & Beyond | |
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Maui Wildfire Relief
Multiple wildfires have broken out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, wildfires on Maui have claimed dozens of lives and have destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. Thousands of people are under evacuation orders, some moving to other Hawaiian islands. Wildfires have also affected the Big Island of Hawaii, and the islands remain vulnerable to more fires this season.
Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction. Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to accompanying recovering communities in the years ahead.
Gifts given to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to this, and other disasters, whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts given specifically to "U.S. Wildfires" will be restricted to, and used in full (100%) for those affected by wildfires.
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God’s Work, Our Hands: with Lutheran Social Services (LSS)
Lutheran Social Services invites you to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with any of the following activities on God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday (or thereabouts):
- New Underwear Drive (for adults, no socks) for foster youth and homeless youth (ages 16-24). Collect items and we’ll pick them up!
- Bagged Lunches – Gather and put together bagged lunches for recently housed, formerly homeless youth and adults in your community. The people in LSS programs experience severe food insecurity and a nice packed lunch is always welcome. Suggested items: Sandwich, granola bar, bottle of water or juice box, orange/apple, cookie and napkin.
- Bagged continental breakfasts – Similar to the lunches, but suggested items are bagel, jelly and peanut butter packs, water/juice box, orange/apple, granola bar, muffin and/or scone, napkin, plastic knife.
- Welcome Baskets – Collect items to help newly housed seniors and families feel at home. Items include: Door mats, candles, dish towels, bagged candy, mug with tea/coffee/hot cocoa.
- Make at your parish and deliver and serve a hot lunch to one of our supportive housing residences during the week (not a September 10 activity).
You can use a Thrivent Action Grant to support any of these projects.
Please contact us at volunteers@lssnorcal.org to discuss your project or for more information!
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FAITHS Community Partners Grant
The faith community has historically been at the forefront of advocating for racial and economic equity, and it remains a crucial voice today. In 1993, The San Francisco Foundation created FAITHS (Foundation Alliance with Interfaith to Heal Society) — now a nationally recognized program — to enhance the work of faith-based organizations and congregations to organize and advocate for equitable policies and improve services and outcomes in their neighborhoods and the region. For more information, click here!
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So... Now What? Young Adult Transitions Retreat
November 16-18
"So...Now What?" is a three-day retreat designed for young adults who are experiencing a moment of transition and are seeking time, space, support, and community to help discover what their most faithful next step is in their journey. Learn more here!
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Volunteer Applications Now Open for ELCA Youth Gathering!
Would you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment.
There are five volunteer categories: the Gathering Volunteer Corps (GVC), servant companions, local volunteers, MYLE and the tAble volunteers, and Young Adult Gathering volunteers. Responsibilities and commitments vary by category, but every volunteer must agree to a volunteer code of conduct and submit to a background check run by the ELCA.
Volunteer responsibilities and application dates vary by category. Find out more here!
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Connect with Synod Staff & Your Conference Dean | |
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Rev. Ben Colahan
Dean, Redwood Mountain Conference 1
conference1@spselca.org
Rev. Dave Miller
Dean, Bridges Conference 2
conference2@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder
Dean, Capitol Valley Conference 3
conference3@spselca.org
Rev. Charlane Lines
Dean, Sierra Nevada Foothills
Conference 4
conference4@spselca.org
Rev. John Kuehner
Dean, San Francisco Peninsula Conference 5
conference5@spselca.org
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Rev. Cristina Beauchemin
Dean, El Camino Real Conference 6
conference6@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. John Valentine
Dean, Mt. Diablo Conference 7
conference7@spselca.org
Rev. Mark Price
Dean, Sierra Central Valley Conference 8
conference8@spselca.org
Rev. Jodi Golden-Lund
Dean, Central San Joaquin Conference 9
conference9@spselca.org
Rev. Cindy Beck
Dean, Interim Ministry
interims@spselca.org
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The Sierra Pacific Synod Office resides on the unceded land of the Ramaytush Ohlone People.
To learn more about their tribal history, we encourage you to click here.
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