Dear ,  

 I hope you have the opportunity to read the November issue of The Lutheran. Look especially at the article entitled "Getting Creative." It begins on page 22. In a nutshell, the author outlines the creative ways congregations are addressing the financial challenges they face. From cutting budgets and the pastor's time, to selling buildings or cupcakes, our Lutheran churches around the country are doing what it takes to remain open.

That caught my attention because over the last eighteen months or so, I have attended meetings in a couple of synods, at the churchwide offices, and with at least one of our national ethnic strategy teams, where the issue of bi-vocational ministry was discussed. Bi-vocational ministry assumes that the pastor serves a congregation on a part time basis, supplementing her or his income with work in the community. It is not a new concept. Clergy have been doing this for years and even St. Paul had another profession on the side.

However, this is what I don't hear (and this may get me in trouble). I don't hear conversations either from congregational leaders or from clergy about this: If pastoral service in a congregation is one-half time, the pastor would be expected to lead worship no more than two times a month.

Our "default" mode is to assume that part-time for a pastor means that the pastor will lead worship every Sunday and the part-time will be made up during the week with weekdays off. That, I believe avoids the issues of expectations and vision and health.

There are at least three benefits of a half-time pastor leading worship no more than twice a month.

First, congregation members would have the opportunity to fairly and accurately discern their vision and mission. Difficult choices would be made, but that would allow the congregation to focus on what is important and be led by what God is calling the congregation to be and do.

Second, our lay people have wonderful gifts to share. I know many who have the gift of proclamation. They may not have four years of theological education, but they are well read, and faithful, and spiritual. Discipleship is a never ending process and many members would continue to grow in their faith journey by leading worship and preaching.

Third, a half-time pastor would get to know the community and the community the pastor. S/he may learn some things that would be impossible to know while serving a congregation every Sunday. One of the laments I had when serving a congregation was that I was never able, except on vacation, to know what went on in the community at 11:00am on Sunday. Think what could be gained by a pastor knowing more about the lives of those not attending church. That knowledge would be two way. The pastor would not only learn things in the community that would enhance the well-being of the congregation, the community too would gain as the pastor became known as a religious leader by those with whom they worked.

The Lutheran article prompted me to think again as to how clergy and congregations can work together in the face of declining membership and dwindling budgets. I am convinced that all is not lost. Our future includes the opportunity and the need to remain open to the possibilities for congregations and clergy alike to risk in the promises God has in store for them.

God's Peace,

Rev. Harvey Blomberg, Director for Evangelical Mission  

We remember in prayer:  

Pastor Alvin R. Zeilinger (retired), family and friends as they mourn the death of his spouse, Marjorie    

An Update on Bishop Mark:  

Dear Friends in Christ,    

 After consulting with a number of doctors and specialists, the decision has been made to wait until early in 2012 for my surgery for prostate cancer.  I have been strongly encouraged to have the procedure done robotically, but since there are a limited number of robotic "DaVinci" devices available in northern California and because there are a number of others in line ahead of me, there will be a delay in my having the surgery from the time I originally hoped it might happen.  It looks as if the earliest my surgery will be performed will be in late January or February.  I have been assured that this represents no danger, since this is a very slow growing cancer.  Your continuing prayers will be appreciated while a suitable time is found to have the surgery and to allow time for me to recover.  We will share more information as it becomes available.

Blessings to all in this season of giving thanks, as we see through the eyes and heart of Christ all for which we can be truly thankful.

God's Peace,

Attend the [Energy] Oscars!!!

The 5th Annual "Energy Oscar Awards," presented by California Interfaith Power & Light, recognize congregations with exemplary leadership in several categories including adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, environmental education, and public policy advocacy.  The ceremony will take place at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, on Tuesday evening, November 15.  Learn about best practices and start warming up for next May's Synod Assembly theme "For the Love of God: Caring for Creation," hear the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and cheer for the second ELCA nominee in "Oscar" history:  First Lutheran Church, San Diego.

The Anti-Racism Workshop is at 

St. Matthew, Walnut Creek November 17-19

Registration has been extended to November 15th! 

Register now; click here for more info or to register.

2012 Clergy/AIMs/Diaconal Ministers and Spouses/Partners Retreat

Redwood Glen, Santa Cruz Mountains

February 19-21, 2012 

The cost of the retreat is $500 and covers room and board; $250 is needed by November 30th to reserve your spot.  Space is limited to the first 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.

Cultural Competency Workshop - November 12

If you have not registered, please do so now; for child care and/or translation, contact the Registrar, Linda Vogelgesang, immediately! 

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to Pamela Winston Bertani, spouse of Pr. Todd Bertani (St. Mark's, Fairfield) for being elected to the City Council in Fairfield, CA in Tuesday's election.  Pam received more votes than any of the other candidates on the ballot!  Blessings as she assumes this new leadership role in the community!

Contact Information

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