Sierra Pacific Synod

claimed...gathered...sent

Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA November 19, 2009

"49 Million Hungry" - that was the "above the fold" headline in the Stockton Record the other day. There are now, in this country, 49 million people who are dealing with food security issues. More than one in seven American households -- 15% -- struggled to put enough food on the table in 2008. What the papers can't yet report is what I suspect we will find out after the end of 2009 -- that this number will have increased during the past year due to the number of people who are out of work. I am told that in some parts of our synod, especially in the lower San Joaquin Valley, the unemployment rate is nearly 20%.

I know it's almost Thanksgiving, and this is a time of year when many people in our communities "rise to the occasion" and donate thousands of pounds of food to local food banks. Perhaps your church operates a food pantry or a turkey give-away, or collaborates with other churches and social service agencies to make a difference in the lives of people who need assistance. It's a fine witness to offer, but often short lived. It may be resurrected again a few weeks later as people again feel the tug on their hearts at Christmas, but that community largess also seems to fade rather quickly.

I'd like to suggest that our role as followers of Jesus calls for a much more consistent presence with those who hunger. We have opportunities to give through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, The ELCA Good Gifts Catalog, Lutheran Social Services and other means such as The Heifer Project, Bread for the World (headed by an ELCA Pastor), and local food pantries who tirelessly meet the needs of millions all year long. Thank you for the faithful witness you are offering by supporting these and other efforts to feed people who may be our neighbors, our children's classmates, the person next to us in the pew, or that person with the sign pleading for money whom we drive by every day. Let our witness, let the witness of our congregations and agencies be that we are not and will not be silent in the face of this great and evident need. Let our witness be that we are aware of the needs of many not only for a short time during the holidays, but throughout the year. Let our witness be a strong, consistent and compelling voice throughout the year calling for an end to hunger in our nation and our world.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

God's Peace,
Bp. Mark

ELCA World Hunger Appeal

ELCA Good Gifts Catalog

Lutheran Social Services

The Heifer Project

Bread for the World

We remember in prayer . . .

The family and friends of Pastor T. Scott Minke, grieving his death. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 20, 2:00 pm, at Lutheran Community Church, Watsonville.

Joan Grochau, wife of retired Pastor Robert Grochau, continuing treatment for cancer

Bishop's Associate Nancy Feniuk Nelson, as she spends time in continuing education and rest

WORLD AIDS DAY ECUMENICAL SERVICE

Tues. December 1 at 6:00 pm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
1111 O'Farrell St.

San Francisco, CA 94109

As we enter the Advent season of waiting and hope, you are invited to join thousands of organizations and individuals in recognizing the 20th World AIDS Day. Worldwide, the estimated number of people living with HIV is over 33 million. An estimated one million Americans are living with HIV. Part of the offering taken will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (www.sfaf.org).

Join with the following leaders and clergy:

The Rev. Lyle Beckman, San Francisco Night Ministry, Presiding

The Rev. Bea Morris, United Church of Christ-Oakland, Healthcare professional for people with HIV/AIDS, Preaching

Dr. Timothy Zerlang, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco, Director of Music

AIDS Quilt provided by The Rev. Maggi Henderson, Old First Presbyterian Church, San Francisco

Leaders from various community organizations and churches.

ATTENTION SENIORS (over 55)!

Save the date for "SENIOR FEST" at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, on Thursday, January 14, 2010 and Concordia University, Irvine, on Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Keynote speaker:
Roland Martinson