Chili With the Bishop

Chili!  Not just any chili — my mom’s chili!  It’s a recipe that’s been handed down to me from her mother.  OK, full disclosure; this is not my LatinX grandmother; this comes from my mom’s mom, who was from Nebraska (southern Nebraska) — but it’s still chili. It’s not real spicy, so if you like something a little hotter, there’ll be some Siracha Sauce handy at the end of the serving table. In fact, bring your favorite chili topping (grated cheese, onions, sour cream, soda crackers, etc.) or some corn bread or other bread to go along with the chili.

It was a chili that graced the tables of family gatherings, church pot lucks, and Solana Beach Women’s Civic Club Luncheons. It was also a favorite of Ray Wersching and Louie Kelcher, two San Diego Chargers players who were family friends back in the 70’s.  What else do you need to know? What other credentials does this chili need to get you to say “YES!” to coming to one of our “Chili with the Bishop” gatherings? You’ll also have the chance to meet with people from other congregations over a meal – a great way to connect.

Throughout the Fall, I will be visiting the Conferences of our Synod’s mission field to hear from you what God is up to in and through your congregations and ministries. If you have a question about the ministry of our synod or our ELCA, please use the registration form to submit it. Think about making time to be at your conference’s Chili with the Bishop gathering – the dates, times and places for the gatherings is below. If you’re not able to attend the gathering for your conference, feel free to choose another one nearby that works for you. All we ask you to do is register (the link is below)  to let us know how many people will be on hand, and how much chili I’ll need to cook!  I look forward to our time to be “church together.”

Peace,
Bp. Mark

Chili with the bishop registration

Chili with the Bishop Gathering dates:

Capitol Valley Conference – Saturday, October 6^th — 4-7 pm
Lutheran Church of the Master, 1900 Potrero Way, Sacramento

Bridges Conference — Sunday, October 7^th — 3-7 pm (with choir concert)
Napa Valley Lutheran Church, 1796 Elm Street, Napa

Redwood Mountain Conference (North Sacramento Valley) –
Saturday, Oct. 13^th — 4-7 pm First Lutheran Church, 19 Colusa Street, Orland

Sierra Nevada Foothill Conference – Sunday, October 14^th — 4-7 pm
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4895 S. McCarren, Reno

Central San Joaquin Valley Conference – Saturday, October 20^th — 4-7 pm
Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W. Tulare St., Visalia

Sierra Central Valley Conference – Sunday, October 21^st — 4-7 pm
Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., Modesto

San Francisco Peninsula Conference – Sunday, November 4^th — 3-6 pm
Unity Lutheran Church, 609 Southwood Dr., South San Francisco

El Camino Real Conference – Saturday, November 17^th – 12 noon-3 pm
Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill

Mt. Diablo Conference — Sunday, November 18^th – 3-6 pm
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek

Redwood Mountain Conference (North Coast) – Saturday, December 1^st — 3-6 pm
Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, 1225 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa