Blessings to you as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord!

I have to admit - I am very glad the 2010 Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly is now behind us.  The hours of work with the staff and the planning team and local arrangements people make for some long days, and so, now that we are on the other side of the Assembly, I can say it was well worth the efforts of those who worked so hard to help make our gathering as successful as it was. 

But I'm also glad as I give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit that was much in evidence as we gathered in Reno.  I truly enjoyed being with those who were gathered, even while leading the business sessions, and at other times when I had "just a moment" to greet someone in the display area or to be in worship with you or to enjoy the gift of celebrating the many ministries and called leaders of our synod during the Assembly Banquet.  And I saw much of this happening around the hotel and convention center - it was good to see people meeting for the first time or renewing acquaintances during our time together.  The spirit of those who

gathered -- your grace and good will and prayers -- were very much a part of what contributed to the "success" of our Assembly.  Thank you!

The online evaluation of the 2010 Assembly will soon be available on the home page of our website - look for the section that is headlined "2010 Synod Assembly Information."  There you will soon find links to a document called "Highlights of the 2010 Assembly" from Synod Secretary Pat Cash and a summary of the Resolutions considered at the Assembly.  Finally, there is a copy of the 2010 Bishop's Report, which includes a letter that was presented to the members and pastor of University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley removing a prior letter of censure that was placed on their ministry in April of 2000.

I encourage those of you who attended the Assembly to please fill out the evaluation, as this information will be used by the planning committee in planning our next Assembly (only 366 days away!).   I encourage all of us to download the documents listed above, to help tell the story of our Assembly in your congregation or ministry.  And I encourage all of us to prayerfully reflect on the work we were able to do together.  Even though there were no unanimous votes while we gathered, I trust our ability to work, walk, pray and serve together will have been strengthened by our time in Reno, and that we will continue to honor all voices that bless and enrich our synod's ministry.

God's Peace,

Bp. Mark