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On Sunday, we celebrated the life and ministry of Nuestro Redentor Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Livingston, CA, in their final worship. For over 100 years, this congregation fed the people of the central valley in body and spirit with the good news of God’s abundance. We give thanks to God for the freedom, hope, and life that has been known in this place.
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"Let it be acclaimed that Jonas is a called and ordained minister in the Church of Christ." Saturday, October 14, at St Columba, the Episcopal Retreat Chapel in Inverness, CA, Jonas Ellison was ordained and called to serve at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, CA. Surrounded by family, friends, ecumenical and Lutheran colleagues, and members of Christ Aptos, Pastor Jonas was embraced by love, prayers, and the laying on of hands to serve God's people as together we bear God's creative and redeeming Love to all the world.
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A Prayer from Bishop Claire Burkat | |
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A Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land
God of Mercy, we cannot possibly comprehend the massive suffering and slaughter of thousands of people and families experiencing the deaths, disappearances, kidnappings, and brutal executions of loved ones in Israel, Palestine, and Gaza. We plead for your divine intervention to end this massacre and a cessation of lethal attacks upon thousands of communities. Send a mighty message to the leaders capable of de-escalating these attacks in the Holy Land that the spirit of justice, respect for life, and reconciliation has a chance to prevail.
Most Holy One, receive our prayers.
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The following change to the Sierra Pacific Synod Constitution continuing resolution S10.01.B16. was approved by the 2023 Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly on Saturday, September 16, 2023:
S10.01.B16. … A member elected as a representative of a Conference who subsequently moves out may continue to hold office until the end of that term, provided they continue to meet all other qualifications for office. If a member elected or appointed as a representative of a Conference ceases to be a voting member of a congregation in that conference, the office shall at once become vacant. The vacancy shall be filled in accordance with S10.01.03 in conversation with the dean of said conference.
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New Compensation Guidelines for Ministers of Word and Sacrament
The new compensation guidelines for Ministers of Word and Sacrament are now published on our website. You can find the compensation workbook, worksheet, and other useful resources here.
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Upcoming Synod-Wide Events | |
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Save the Date
Rev. Jeff R. Johnson's installation as Bishop will occur on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Ln., Walnut Creek, CA. Invitation to follow.
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Contemplative Action Groups
Beginning October 19th
In a time of great institutional transition and cultural turbulence, Contemplative Action Groups seek to provide a compassionate, creative, and engaging space for church leaders to explore the unique way they are being called to live out the Christian life.
To learn more and to sign up, please click here.
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Embody: Lead Powerfully as A Woman in Ministry
Thursdays at 8 am PST
Annoyed you’re being called “honey” instead of Pastor? Or resentful insurance policies and giving units seem more important than the gospel? Or leaving council meetings on the verge of tears because the mission of the church feels lost?
Join this series to realign your integrity with the realities of church work.
You’ll walk away with powerful concepts, coaching tools you can apply right away, and a path forward to create a life-giving ministry.
Join Dr. Crystal Hall for Embody: Lead Powerfully as A Woman in Ministry, a webinar series on Thursdays at 11 AM EST / 10 AM CST / 9 AM MST / 8 AM PST October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16.
Each week will reflect on a chapter of The Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis’ Embody: Five Keys to Leading with Integrity.
Click here to register now.
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Trunk or Treat & Oktoberfest
October 28th, 4-6 pm
Invite all your favorite guys and ghouls to Saint Matthew Lutheran Church's annual Trunk or Treat and Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 28, from 4-6 pm, at 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, CA. With food, goodies for the grown-ups, and trunk-or-treating and bounce houses for the littles, this event is for everyone! It's free, and all are welcome! For more information, visit their website!
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Mt. Cross Celebrates 75 Years!
October 28th, 1-6 pm
SAVE THE DATE: Mt. Cross Ministries in Ben Lomond, CA is celebrating 75 years of ministry!
All are welcome to celebrate this milestone achievement at Mt. Cross on October 28, 2023, from 1-6 pm.
Please join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun, and consider participating in camp activities for all ages. Dinner will be provided. Prepare to share photos, memories, and stories from the first 75 years of Mt. Cross and learn what's in store for the next 75! 🎉
RSVP here!
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Installation of Pr. Louise Britts
November 4th, 2 pm
You're invited to the Installation of Pastor Louise Britts at American Lutheran Church, Woodland (1114 College St., Woodland, CA) on November 4th at 2:00 pm. The color of the day will be green. Clergy are invited to vest and process. Light snacks and time for fellowship will follow worship.
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Just Action: Lecture and Discussion with Authors
November 8th, 7 pm
On Wednesday, November 9th at 7 pm, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Berkeley will host co-authors, Leah Rothstein and Richard Rothstein to discuss their latest book, Just Action.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
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SPSYC 3rd-8th Grade Retreat
November 10-12
Bring your congregation’s 3rd - 8th graders to this year’s combined Elementary and Middle School Retreat developed and led by the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (SPSYC). The retreat will take place at Mt. Cross November 10-12. The theme is “Stories by the Campfire,” and campers will explore various Bible stories, share some of their own stories, and remind themselves that the Gospel is a story worth sharing! Registration details can be found on the SPSYC website.
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C2 28th Annual Holiday Boutique
November 11, 10 am-1 pm
At Messiah Lutheran Church, Hayward, come check out handmade gifts, donations, and other useful items. Baked goods and snacks too! Door prizes - $1 donation.
Bring a non-perishable food donation for the San Lorenzo Family Help Center and receive 1 free Door Prize ticket!
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Choir for Bishop-elect Jeff’s Installation
Would your choir (or any of your singers) be interested in singing at the installation of our new Bishop? We would love to have singers from all over the Synod join in two anthems and service music for this very special event.
Check the date (Saturday, December 9, 2:00, with a rehearsal that same day) with your musical folk and contact the music coordinator for the installation, Martin Morley, martin@oslc.net, for more 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.
If your congregation has a position posted that has been filled, please be sure to let Mandi know, so we can keep the page updated.
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Updates and Resources from ELCA Churchwide & Beyond | |
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Registration is Now Open for the ELCA Youth Gathering!
Registration is open now for the ELCA Youth Gathering and Young Adult Gathering, taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 16-20, 2024, and for the two pre-events: the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, for youth living with disabilities, both July 13-16, 2024. We’re thrilled to be back in such a vibrant city filled with history, great food, and inspiring music. This cycle, we’re excited to announce that we will waive the pre-event registration fee for the first 1,000 people who register for the MYLE and the first 200 who register for the tAble.
To learn more, visit elca.org/Gathering. If you have any questions, email Lisa Herlocker. We’ll see you in the bayou!
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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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