Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Press Release

Press Release – Rite of Reception Service for Seven Extraordinary Lutheran Ministry Pastors

The Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

(ELCA) is celebrating a “Rite of Reception Service” for seven pastors on July 25, 2010 at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco.

“The service is being offered in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for the future of this church,” said the Rev. Mark W. Homerud, Bishop of the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod, serving Northern CA/Northern Nevada.

"These seven pastors (and one other pastor who will be brought onto the roster at a later date) have been offering exemplary ministry in congregations, nursing homes, to the people of the streets, and to youth in the East Bay, in spite of being barred from serving as rostered leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by policies and standards which existed from 1988 until earlier this year," said Holmerud. "Their reception onto the roster of this church is a way of acknowledging and celebrating the significance of their lives and ministries, and we pray, will be a sign of Christ’s blessings and presence through the ministry of the Sierra Pacific Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as we serve together in the future."

Those to be received at the Rite of Reception are:

The Rev. Paul Richard Brenner

The Rev. Jeff Robert Johnson

The Rev. Craig Michael Minich

The Rev. Dawn Marie Roginski

The Rev. Megan Marie Rohrer

The Rev. Sharon Sue Stalkfleet

In addition, The Rev. Ross Donald Merkel’s restoration to the roster will be celebrated during this worship service. The Rev. Steven P. Sabin, also restored to the roster, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ordination in late August with his congregation.

For more information, please contact Bp. Mark Holmerud or Pastor Nancy Feniuk Nelson at 510-430-0500.

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