Greetings! 

Did you know that Lutheran Social Services of Northern California's (LSS) earliest roots in began with congregations coming together in 1883 to care for widows and orphans in the community?  This care for vulnerable people expanded in later years to include homes for the aging and infirm.  Today LSS is part of Lutheran Services in America, a network of nearly 300 Lutheran social ministry organizations in the United States constituting one of the nation's largest non-profit care systems.  In Northern California we serve more than 4,000 people every day.

At LSS we work with people who have spent their whole life in chaos.  From childhood homes filled with poverty and abuse to adult lifestyles that continue the patterns of chaos to the next generation, many of our clients struggle just to find a safe space to begin to share their stories - to lay down their burdens.  The people we serve include families with young children, young people - teenagers - who have been homeless, adults with mental and physical disabilities and seniors who have been homeless and coping with a myriad of health problems complicated by the increasing frailty of the aging process.                

We rejoice when we are able to see changes in individuals and families that will stop the generational impact of abuse and poverty.  This month we celebrate Gloria.  She had been in an abusive relationship for many, many years before coming to LSS.  When she finally was able to escape she found safety and security for herself and her 4 children through LSS's transitional housing program for 2 years.  During that time she was able to get into a job training program and to receive therapy to begin to heal and grow after years of domestic violence.  She took parenting classes and classes for self improvement.  She was finally able to secure an entry level job for the first time in her life.

After two years in transitional housing she was able to move to Saybrook, an LSS permanent supportive housing program for families.  She has continued to work and improve her job skills while caring for her children.  Her oldest son has learned from this new model of family life and is now enrolled in college and working 2 jobs to support himself.  He is determined to provide a different kind of life for his children in the future.

The work of LSS is often daunting but it is just as often filled with moments of grace and joy.  At LSS we are your hands and hearts in these moments of ministry to and with vulnerable people.  Your support makes these programs and services possible.

Thank you!

Sue Laliberte & Nancy Nielsen

Co-Executive Directors

 A Message from

Bishop Mark Holmerud

Dear Friends in Christ,

One week from today, I will be having a long-awaited surgery for prostate cancer, and beginning six weeks of medical leave to recover and recuperate, as well as to learn from my doctors if any follow up treatments for cancer will be needed following surgery.  My family will be with me throughout this journey, and we are thankful for the prayers, letters, cards and support you have been offering since I shared my diagnosis with you in October.

During my absence, Bishop's Associate Nancy Feniuk Nelson will be serving as Acting Bishop.  Please remember Pr. Feniuk Nelson in your prayers, along with the rest of the synod staff and our synod's ministry.  

During my convalescence, all e-mails sent to my synod email address (bpmark@ spselca.org) will be forwarded to Pr. Feniuk Nelson.  If you have any needs for assistance from the Office of the Bishop, you should contact her or Karen Idler, Associate in Ministry, directly.

A "CaringBridge" website has been set up to keep you posted about my surgery/ recovery.  It can be accessed by clicking  here.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and support - it is very helpful, and a good reminder of how God walks with us in and through times of blessings and challenges.  I hope to be back in the office on March 22nd.  My prayers will be with you until and beyond then. 

God's Peace,

Bp. Mark

We remember in prayer:    

Bishop Mark and his family as he prepares for surgery next Thursday, and Bishop's Associate Nancy Feniuk Nelson and synod staff as they continue the synod's mission work during his recuperation

Pr. David Peters (retired), continuing to recover from knee replacement surgery

Pr. Mike Murphy (Ascension, Citrus Heights), facing surgery on February 8 

Remember the Hungry this Lent

Dr. Mark Jacobson, ELCA missionary, reports on the graduation of the first class of Assistant Medical Officers from the Arusha Medical Center in Tanzania and the difference they make in providing health care across the country.  Read the entire story by clicking here.

Eva Guldanová remembers standing on the uneven cobblestones of the Bratislava old town square on a cold night in November 1989, her ears filled with the jubilant rattle of thousands of keys.  The people of the country then known as Czechoslovakia were ringing in their freedom from communist rule.  Read more here.

Midwest Music Groups Here on Tour

St. Olaf Band - Northfield, Minnesota

Click here for tickets

Saratoga * Thu., Feb. 2 * 7:30 p.m.

Palo Alto * Fri., Feb. 3 * 7:30 p.m.

Augustana Symphonic Band -

Rock Island, Illinois

For more information, please click here.

Palo Alto * Sun., Feb. 19 * 4:00 p.m.

Redding * Mon., Feb. 20 * 7:00 p.m.

Concordia Choir - Moorhead, Minnesota

Click for tickets: Fresno, San Francisco 

Fresno Area * Thu., March 8 * 8:00 p.m.

San Francisco * Fri., March 9 * 8:00 p.m.

Rostered Leaders and Spouses/ Partners Retreat

Santa Cruz Mtns. -- February 19-21, 2012 

 Call Todd Bertani at 707-688-6411

Bring your 3-6 graders and join us for another great Elementary Retreat at Mt. Cross!  Click here to see the promotional video and for registration information.

TAKE THE HEALTH ASSESSMENT!!! 

Nomination Forms

Nomination forms are now overdue!  If you have been nominated for an election at this year's Synod Assembly, please send it NOW to the Office of the Bishop in Sacra-mento.  Click to download a form for Synod Council Member or for Churchwide Assembly Voting Member; have it signed by your Conference Dean before submission.

Contact Information