Bishop’s Report to the Synod Council

December 9, 2021

The following is a summary of the activities of the Bishop and Synod Staff since September 10th. This report uses the list of responsibilities outlined in the Synod’s Constitution to organize the many tasks of the Synod. While the Bishop has oversight over these tasks, the work detailed below is only possible because of the faithful work of the Synod staff, council members, committee members and volunteers. We are grateful for the mission support of congregations throughout the Synod and churchwide. This work would not be possible without their generosity.

Serve as the Synod’s Pastor

Preach, Teach and Administer the Sacraments

· I have visited 67 congregations and mission partners, driving over 10,000 miles since my election.

· I led classes at first call theological education on trauma care and creative ways to fundraise in a congregation.

· Since our last meeting, I have hosted the following livestream conversations:

o Lutheran Social Services of Northern California

o Bishop’s Book Club: If God Still Breathes, Why Can’t I: Black Lives Matter and Biblical Authority

o Sister Synod Conversation with the SD Synod

o Conver