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As
I write this week's e-note, my thoughts are with our
congregations and our country as we determine how best to
respond to the new flu virus that has emerged. I'm sure you've
heard what I've heard: it is a time to be careful, but not a
time to panic. But then one has to ask what that looks like
... careful but not panicked. And especially for us as we live
in and gather together with our Christian family, what is
responsible behavior?
That
question has been addressed by one of our very bright and
dedicated members of the Synod, Dr. Margaret McLean, a
scientist, theologian, ethicist and Lutheran. Margaret
has done extensive work with the Santa Clara County Public
Health Department on Pandemic preparedness. Her words of
wisdom follow. I hope they are helpful.
Bishop's
Associate
Based
on our obligation to avoid preventable harm to ourselves and
others, it is prudent and necessary to consider the
following:
1.
Avoiding the use of the common cup until this public health
emergency is over. (It would be best from a public health
standpoint to avoid intinction as well. It may be prudent to
suggest "bread only" for the time being.)
2.
To the greatest extent possible, eliminating hand shaking
during the passing of the peace and as congregants leave
worship.
3.
Encouraging people--including pastors, lay staff, and
volunteers--to stay home if they are ill.
We
have an obligation to protect ourselves and others and these
measures can effectively limit viral transmission and
illness.
If
this swine flu outbreak rises to the level of a "pandemic,"
which would not be surprising given the current circumstances,
then congregations may want to consider the duty to help by
providing spiritual support to victims,families, and health
care workers (in a safe manner) and/or, if school closures
become wide-spread, providing child care so that parents can
get to work. There are no doubt other ways of providing
support within the community.
Just
suggestions for your consideration--
Margaret R.
McLean, Ph.D.
Director, Bioethics & Associate Director,
Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Sr. Lecturer, Religious
Studies | Santa Clara University mmclean@scu.edu
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We
remember in prayer . . .
The
following synods as they meet in Assembly this
week:
The
Rocky Mountain Synod
The
Eastern Washington-Idaho
Synod
The
Southeastern Minnesota Synod
The
Western Iowa Synod
The
Southeast Michigan Synod
The
Eastern North Dakota Synod
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TRANSITION
TEAM REQUEST
As
you've read in recent newsletters, the Synod is in a period of
transition. The Sierra Pacific Synod Transition Team has
been formed and grouped into three functional
groups--ministry, facilities and technology, and
implementation.
The
Facilities, Location and Communications/Technology group is
actively working on finding a facility and location for the
Sierra Pacific Synod office, currently headquartered in
Oakland, and need your help.
Current
plans are to expand from 1 to 3-4 offices. The
preference is to open 3 offices at once, but a 2nd option
is to open a Bay Area and Sacramento Area Office first and
then add a Fresno area office and potentially a 4th
location.
Each
location needs to have a Lutheran presence and plans are to
locate in a Lutheran Church or Agency with available
space. Overall focus is on a welcoming, hospitality
driven environment with room for conferences and
meetings.
If
your church/agency might have space available, we would love
to hear from you. Please email team member Art Fabsits:
fabsits@surewest.net for details regarding
the specific needs of each site.
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A
TRAINING WORKSHOP ON
"JOURNEY WITH
CHRIST"
DATES:
July 12-12, 2009
WHERE: San
Damiano Retreat Center
"Journey
with Christ" is based on the ancient Christian faith-forming
process called the catechumenate, adapted for the 21st
century. In this process, people new to the church are
paired with faithful members. Through small-group
discussion and life-transforming worship, all involved grow in
spiritual maturity and love of God.
For
two nights, all meals and program:
Scholarships
are available. For questions and information, contact
Pastor Scott Guemmer at Pr.
Guemmer.
Link |
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SPIRITUAL
CARE BASICS:
CARING
FOR THE WHOLE PERSON AND ENGAGING THE SPIRITUAL
JOURNEY
On
May 7, 2009, Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church,
Marina, CA, will hold the first in a series of seminars
previously offered in Southern California for caregivers,
clergy and healthcare providers through the Center for
Spirituality and Aging of Lutheran Homes of Southern
California.
May's
seminar, "Spiritual Care Basics," will explore the principles
behind spiritual care giving and its effect on providing
quality care with older adults. The seminar's presenter
will be Donald Koepke, ELCA pastor and Director Emeritus of
California Lutheran Homes' Center for Spirituality and
Aging.
For
registration or further information, contact: The Rev.
Joan Anderson, Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church,
831-384-6323 or by e-mail at epiphanydeacon@sbcglobal.net.
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NURSING
HOME CHAPLAINCY POSITION AVAILABLE
The
East Bay Lutheran Parish, composed of several Lutheran
congregations in Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda, CA is seeking
a 3/4-to full-time chaplain for its Lutheran Ministry to
Nursing Homes (LMNH), effective immediately.
For
job description, required qualifications and compensation,
contact Nancy Hughes at nanhug@earthlink.net
All
interested persons need to submit a cover letter and resume by
Monday, May 18, at 5:00 pm.
Link | |
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Upcoming
Events |
June
1 Synod Office
Closed
July
22 - 26 ELCA National
August
17 - 23 Churchwide
Assembly,
Minneapolis, MN
September
22 LSS Garrison
Keillor - Live in Concert
Deans - Asilomar
October 20-22
Professional
Leaders
Conference,
Asilomar Conference
November
1 Joint Lutheran /
Roman Catholic Service in
November
13-15 Spouses of
Ministers Retreat - Eagles
2010
Deans Retreat - Christ the
2011
March
3-8 Conference of
Bishops
August
14-20 Churchwide
Assembly - Orlando, FL
September
29 - October 4
Conference of Bishops
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SYNOD
RESOURCE CENTER NEWSLETTER
Our
Synod Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter.
The latest edition can be found at Resource Newsletter.
Check
it out for information on some book sales at the
Assembly.
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CONGREGATIONAL
PLANNING FOR FLU EPIDEMIC
The
ELCA website has some information for congregations to help
plan for a possible flu epidemic. The information can be
accessed at ELCA.
Thanks
to Pastor Gabriele Schroeder for alerting us to this
resource.
Link
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INFORMATION
ABOUT THE UPCOMING SIERRA PACIFIC SYNOD
ASSEMBLY
The
Bulletin of Reports and Agenda for the Synod Assembly will be
available to download from the Synod website on Wednesday, May
6th.
Individual
banquet tickets will NOT be available for sale at the Assembly
-- only those who have registered as voting members or
visitors will be able to attend the meal events.
Link
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MT.
CROSS DAY CAMP PROGRAM
Mt.
Cross has a couple of slots left in their Day Camp
program. This program can bring a camp experience
right to your congregation.
The
program is designed for children who have completed
kindergarten through 6th grade.
For
more information, go to the Mt. Cross website at Mt. Cross or contact the Director of
Day Camp Ministries, Mariel Spengler, at Day
Camp.
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