Greetings!  

The ELCA Companion Synod Program cele- brates the global body of Christ. Sixty-five ELCA synods (and five Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada synods) participate in over 120 international companionships. These extend the bilateral relation- ships between our churches and Lutheran church bodies in other countries, called companions.  The Companion Synod Program is a concrete expression of the communion fellowship among the 140 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation and an exciting way that ELCA members can engage in global mission!

The Sierra Pacific Synod has three Companion Synod relationships - the Lutheran Church of Rwanda, the Lutheran Church of El Salvador and the Taiwan Lutheran Church.  For more information about these companion churches please click on their name.  Our prayers and our gifts provide much-needed support for these partners in ministry!  Second Mile Giving in January is divided equally among our three sister synods.  In addition, visits from the United States, and return visits from our partners - such as the El Salvadoran delegation's visit to last year's Synod Assembly - are tangible expressions of the giftedness of these relationships.

Companion churches living under political oppression or danger request not only your prayers but also your public voice on their behalf to the larger church, governments and international agencies of the world. Click here to learn how some ELCA members have received the training and motivation to do so.

Thank you for all of the ways in which you support and encourage our sisters and brothers in Christ around the world!

We remember in prayer:   

Pastor Cindy Carroll (St. John, Sacramento), who fell and broke her arm while running last Sunday

Pastor Paul Brenner (Interim Associate Pastor, St. Mark's, San Francisco), in the hospital

Pastor Doug Merritt (Faith, Murphys), family and friends, following the death of his father, Lester, last Friday; Lester Merritt was a long-time member of Holy Trinity, San Carlos

Pastor Brian Claasen (Bethlehem, Santa Rosa), family and friends, whose father the Rev. Donald Claasen (retired, Lutheran Church of Arcata) died recently

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.

Senior Fest in SoCal

Gathering Lutheran adults for learning, devotions, and fellowship with the intent to enhance their physical, spiritual, social and intellectual lives - Tues., Feb. 28 at California Lutheran University and Wed., Feb. 29 at Concordia University, Irvine. Keynote speaker is Marva Dawn; for more information, please click here.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson to Speak at California Lutheran University

Bishop Hanson will be addressing the topic of Vocation and Reflection; this event is free and open to the public. Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Samuelson Chapel; for more information contact the Church Relations Office at 805-493-3936 or email Linda LeBlanc.

Midwest Music Groups

Coming Here on Tour

St. Olaf Band - Northfield, Minnesota

Click here for tickets

Fresno Area * Mon., Jan. 30 * 7:00 p.m.

Salinas * Wed., Feb. 1 * 7:00 p.m.

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.

Spanish Language and

Hispanic Ministry Intensive

This highly recommended continuing education opportunity runs from Sunday evening, May 27, until Friday noon, June 1, at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, Austin, Texas.  Attendees will be immersed in the language, including conversational Spanish and practicing the liturgy, and join lectures on Latino cultural events, indigenous spirituality, theology and practical ministry.  Free time will provide a chance to explore historic Austin.  Discounted fees available before Feb. 28; click here for more information.

Multi-Ethnic Worship Conference

January 20-21, 2012

St. Matthew, Walnut Creek 

 For more information or to register please click here

Rostered Leaders and

Spouses/Partners Retreat

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

 Call Todd Bertani at 707-688-6411

Reminder:  The IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2012 is 55.5 cents per mile

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Nominated for an Election at the 2012 Synod Assembly?

Nomination forms are due at the Office of the Bishop in Sacra- mento by Feb. 1!  Click to download a form for Synod Council Member or for Churchwide Assembly Voting Member; have it signed by your Conference Dean before submission.

2012 Annual Report Covers

-- Are available online

-- $5.50 per pack of 50 copies

-- Order by phone at 800-638-3522

Contact Information