O, come, let us adore Him!

The Staff of

the Sierra Pacific Synod

The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop

The Rev. Nancy Feniuk Nelson,

Bishop's Associate

The Rev. Jose Luis La Torre-Cuadros,

Assistant to the Bishop

The Rev. Katy Grindberg,

Assistant to the Bishop

The Rev. James L. Goldsmith, Assistant to

the Bishop and Dir. of Finance and Admin.

The Rev. Harvey E. Blomberg,

Director for Evangelical Mission

Karen Idler, Associate in Ministry

Cindi Eckert, Administrative Assistant and Resource Center Director

Laurie Gaumer, Administrative Assistant

Debbie Cook, Finance Assistant

The Office of the Bishop, all locations,

Christmas Greeting from ELCA

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson

We are pleased to share with you Bishop Mark Hanson's 2011 Christmas Message, in a  video format or a lovely printed version!        

We remember in prayer: 

Margy Schmitt Ajer, Region 2 Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, recovering from a broken shoulder suffered in a fall 

The family and friends of the Rev. Thomas Dudley, who passed away in hospice care; he had been serving in a specialized call in the ELCA's Region Two as an Associate Vice President for the ELCA Mission Investment Fund 

National Advocacy Priorities Survey

Your opinion matters!  Advocacy is a faith act you share with Moses, Esther, the Prophets, Luther and many Christians around the world.  Advocacy is living our Lutheran belief that good government is a gift.  Advocacy is pushing aside toxic poli- tics to make space for others unheard.  Advocacy is talking about your volun-teering, projects and ministries to your public officials.  Advocacy is your voice.  Jesus calls the Holy Spirit "Advocate."

I know, I know.  You and I are Americans living in a country that seems to have forgotten how to make meaningful decisions.  Tired of politics-as-is in both major parties?  We hear you!  Want to share what is important to you as a person of faith for 2012?  We hear you!

Take ten minutes and tell us about advocacy priorities...  Click here to take the 2012 National Advocacy Priorities Survey.  Let's stand together with hope and purpose next year.

Drew Genszler

ELCA Director of Advocacy

A Note from Bishop Mark 

Thank you for the many assurances of prayer you have offered on my behalf following my diagnosis of prostate cancer.  I am feeling well, and my surgery, which I was originally told would be in mid-November, has now been scheduled for February 9th.  My doctor tells me to expect a recuperation of 6 weeks before I should return to work full-time; which means I will return to service in the latter part of March.  Pr. Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate, will serve during that time as Acting Bishop.  Please note: during the six weeks I am recuperating, all e-mails addressed to me will be forwarded to Pr. Feniuk Nelson.  

Your continuing prayers for me and for my family, as well as for the synod staff and Pr. Feniuk Nelson, are much appreciated.  At some point closer to the time of the surgery, a website address will be published where updates on my condition will be shared.  God's richest blessings to you for Advent and Christmas, and as we enter into the new year.

Peace,

Bp. Mark

Multi-Ethnic Worship Conference

January 20-21, 2012

St. Matthew, Walnut Creek 

This conference has three elements that will encourage and enable you to more effectively address issues of multi-ethnic worship in your congregation.  Speakers and musicians will include Dr. Clayton J. Schmit, Nikki Lerner and Josh Davis.  There will be a nominal fee to cover the cost of meals, speaker, and materials.  For more information or to register please click here.

Rostered Leaders and Spouses/Partners Retreat Registration Deadline Extended

Redwood Glen, Santa Cruz Mountains

February 19-21, 2012 

Registration is extended to Jan. 6, 2012.  Cost is $500 (room and board); after 1/6/12 the cost will be $525 (subject to space availability; limited to 21 couples). 

Please make your check payable to Santa Clara Valley Lutheran Parish and mail to: 

ELCA Rostered Leaders & Partners

c/o Jim & Peggy White,

3744 Cadwallader Ave., San Jose 95121

??? - call Todd Bertani at 707-688-6411.

Stories of Faith in Action

Stories of Faith in Action is a free resource full of dynamic stories of how God is changing lives around the world through the mission and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  You'll also find information on Mission Support (the financial contributions given by synods and congregations to fund churchwide ministries), including budget numbers, and more.  This is a very useful resource for the Epiphany season and for congregational meetings.  To order your free copy of Stories of Faith in Action, call 800-638-3522 or order online; ask for ELCAMA1008.  The resource is free; you only pay for shipping.

Lutheran College Fair

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 - 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church

1600 Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA

More information: please click here.

2012 IRS MILEAGE RATE

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the 2012 optional standard mileage rate for using an automobile for ministry purposes will remain at 55.5 cents per mile.  For the complete announcement, please click here.

2012 Global Mission Map Brochure

It is filled with a panorama of photos and stories from across the globe, an overview of mission rooted in relationship (see a sample).  Learn how your gifts and offerings are turned into effective ministry around the world.  Perfect for Epiphany, for annual meetings, and more.

To order 10 or fewer copies, call 800/638-3522 or send an email. To order more than 10, please click here.

Contact Information 

Cindi Eckert, Newsletter Administrator                            Pr. Jim Goldsmith, Synod Communicator