Greetings!  

Freed in Christ to Serve - in the midst  of persistent poverty, the effects of economic recession, overheated partisanship, and political gridlock

The primary election is over (many new legislators will be headed to Sacramento in December), last week was the deadline for legislation to pass out of its house of origin, and California's continuing budget woes - a deficit that has ballooned to over $15 billion - come into sharper focus with a June 15 deadline for legislative action. There have been and will be real consequences for those who struggle to meet basic needs or depend on a public safety net because of unemployment, under-education, health crisis, addiction, domestic violence, age, disability, or other factors.  The November "direct democracy" ballot is shaping up to be long, confusing, and divisive.  The Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California (LOPP) bears witness to suffering; encourages policy solutions that minimize harm and promote well-being; practices hospitality, accompaniment, and solidarity with those who are hurting; and supports congre-gations and members in their own witness.

Participation in three synod assemblies in the last few weeks has reminded me of the rich and varied gifts of caring, compassion, and prophetic witness of our congre-gations, pastors and other rostered leaders, and lay members and friends. Initial response to the LOPP Asset Inventory has been good, and if you have not completed the survey, please take it so that a more complete picture of our collective mission is available not only to LOPP, but to the Sierra Pacific Synod and its Justice, Advocacy and Mercy Discipling Team.

General priorities for 2012, guided by the LOPP Policy Council within the framework of ELCA Social Statements and ELCA World Hunger guidelines, include the state health and human services budget and replacement of the death penalty (November ballot measures), as well as other legislation related to poverty and care for creation, and cooperative work with the ELCA Washington DC Office on matters such as the Farm Bill and immigration.  Churchwide support for LOPP staff comes from ELCA World Hunger, and operating expenses are funded by synods in California and congregational and individual contributions.  Second Mile gifts in the Sierra Pacific Synod enable LOPP to gain greater visibility in the Capitol, through sponsorship and participation in nonpartisan events, travel support for Lutherans who bring their experience and expertise to Sacramento, and hospitality at St. John's Lutheran Church for groups with shared purposes.  LOPP was the site host for ENACT Nutrition and Physical Activity Lobby Day recently.  I was blessed to be a team leader for Immigrant Day in May, as immigrants shared their stories and concern with legislators and staff.  As this synod newsletter is sent out, I will be concluding Early Learning Advocacy Day - and giving thanks for the conversations I had with Lutheran early childhood educators who not only helped prep me, but help prepare the future of church and society every day.  A child poverty rate in California of about 25% cries out for our attention.  With public subsidies (threatened with cuts), some congre-gational child care centers are able to help low-income families keep "children learning" and "parents earning."  Next week, another effort to shape a healthy, equitable future occurs as LOPP hosts California Interfaith Power & Light Lobby Day, bringing voices of faith leaders to discussions of climate change and energy policy.

Thank you for your witness to God's love for all that God has created, and for your prayers and expressions of support.  Your voice and your gifts make a difference!

God's peace and grace,

Mark Carlson, Director

For information regarding use of Pastor Trudy Franzen's "Quadratos Tree" mosaic in publications, please email her.  The mosaic was featured as the backdrop for our recent Synod Assembly at the McEnery Convention Center in San José.

We remember in prayer:     

Pastor Carl Hoppman (St. Luke, Sacramento), family and friends, grieving the death of his father

Pastor Bob Hutson (Synod Assembly Parliamentarian from Carefree, AZ) and his wife, Nancy, mourning the death of Nancy's mother

These synods and bishops as they gather in Assembly this weekend:

The Allegheny Synod

and Bishop Gregory Pile

The Indiana-Kentucky Synod

and Bishop William Gafkjen

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod

and Bishop Ralph Jones

The Central States Synod

and Bishop Gerald Mansholt

The Central/Southern Illinois Synod

and Bishop S. John Roth

The Upstate New York Synod

and Bishop Marie Jerge

The South Dakota Synod

and Bishop David Zellmer

The Northeastern Iowa Synod

and Bishop Steve Ullestad

The Virginia Synod and

Bishop James Mauney

The Southwestern Minnesota Synod

and Bishop Jon Anderson

The La Crosse Area Synod

and Bishop James Arends

The Southern Ohio Synod and

Bishop Callon Holloway, Jr.

This synod and bishop as they gather in Assembly and elect a bishop this weekend:

The New England Synod

and Bishop Margaret Payne

Backpack Drive for Homeless Students

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California has announced the appointment of Carol Roberts as its new CEO.  Carol brings with her a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and extensive experience in management of programs serving the disenfranchised and under-served. She has led other nonprofits with multi-million dollar budgets.  She has extensive experience in fundraising and she is very comfortable working in the faith community.  To read the entire article, please click here.

Synod Hunger Network Workshop

Saturday, Oct. 27

Staff Formation Event -- Nov. 12-15

Head of Staff Event -- Nov. 15-18

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

Luther Academy of the Rockies is Wartburg Sem- inary's premier LifeLong Learning educational pro- gram for rostered leaders and their families.  Meeker Park Lodge in Colorado is an old time, rustic mountain lodge surrounded by housekeeping cabins.  The daily rhythm of worship, mornings filled with scholarly lectures and forums, afternoon free time to explore the scenery, and evening fellowship opportunities structures the time together.  This year's speakers are Drs. Paul Scott Wilson, Stanley N. Olson, and Ann Fritschel; they will address the theme "Reading, Teaching, and Preaching the Biblical Message in the 21st Century."  You may contact the seminary for more  information by clicking here.

Contact Information