Bishop Candea

scandea@css-elca.org

Below is the message I sent to our rostered ministers and Synod Authorized Ministers last week. I thought it was important to share it with the whole synod.

I believe and trust in science. Data and research have shown that the vaccines for Covid 19 are safe, highly effective and that if enough people get vaccinated, we can end this pandemic. That is why I got fully vaccinated as soon as I was able. Not only to protect my own health but to participate in bringing an end to the suffering this pandemic has caused. Now with the highly transmissible Delta variant being so widespread, I will follow the guidelines of the CDC and resume wearing a mask in all public settings.  

I also believe and trust in the way of Jesus, calling me to live in community with others and to obey the commandment to love my neighbor, rather than insisting that I have the right and freedom to do whatever I choose without regard for my neighbor. I am fully vaccinated and will resume wearing a mask because this is a public health crisis. My neighbors, fellow children of God, are suffering and dying throughout the world. For me, this choice is a decision grounded in faith. 

This is not a debate about who has the right to make requirements or mandates regarding one’s personal health. This is not about blaming or shaming individuals who have different views and opinions. This is about doing what is right and what is necessary to end this pandemic and save lives.  

I went on to challenge our leaders to be examples of caring for one another and following the way of Jesus by encouraging people to get vaccinated and wearing masks in all public settings, which includes worship services. I did not recommend that we once again suspend in-person gatherings. 

I felt compelled to speak up for two primary reasons. One of them is personal. My father, who is 90 years old and had been living in his own home by himself, was recently moved to a rehab facility because of failing health. It has been extremely difficult and quite frankly depressing for him.  While I call him every day, my sister has been able to go over and see him UNTIL the facility went on lock down again because of the rising number of Covid cases in the area. My father and my sister are fully vaccinated and yet my sister was denied the ability to see my father. To be honest, that made me angry. The decisions of others to not get vaccinated (whatever their reasoning) was deeply affecting my aging father in a time when he needed the support of his family. (Fortunately, the facility reversed the decision and I should be able to see him when I visit in late August.) 

That brings me to the second reason for speaking up – there is so much anger in our communities these days, so much blaming and even vilifying, so much frustration as the debates and lawsuits continue divide us. At a time when we need to come together to end this pandemic, we continue to tear people apart because we are tired of the misconceptions and downright lies, the differing attitudes and excuses. We are tired of this pandemic and need to acknowledge that beneath the anger and frustration, there is a tremendous amount of grief and anxiety. How are we as people of faith to respond? We take our anger, our fear, our frustration, our anxiety, our grief to God and pray the words of Psalm 13:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? 

How long will you hide your face from me? 

How long much must I bear pain in my soul

and have sorrow in my heart all day long? 

How long shall my enemy (this pandemic) be exalted over me?

If we truly learned to lament to God, as many of the psalms invite us to, then I believe instead of being angry all the time, we could be more understanding and compassionate, not shaming or blaming people but listening to their fears and inviting them into a something stronger – love of God and love of neighbor.  Then we could voice our faith:

But I trusted in your steadfast love;

My heart rejoiced in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord who has dealt bountifully with me. 

May we stop the shouting and debating, the blaming and the excuses and sing to the Lord who has indeed dealt bountifully with us.

Rev. Susan Candea

Bishop

Visit: www.css-elca.org/theological-conference

for complete information

Covid protocols: Attendees are asked to wear masks while gathered indoors. Additionally, all participants are asked o be fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid test a few days prior to the conference.

Fall Theological Conference

October 12-14, 2021

Lodge of the Four Seasons

Deadline October 1, 2021

Book by September 11, 2021 to ensure the conference rate

Continuing education grants are also available through the Mission Endowment Fund .

August Devotion 1 - United with Christ in Baptism

Bishop Candea has prepared a series of devotions and invites the congregations and ministry settings in the synod each month to use the material for their council, board, committee, and other meetings as together we explore this mission statement and listen to how the Spirit is calling each of us to live it out. 

Each devotion includes a time of centering, Scripture reading, a reflection, discussion questions and closing prayer.

The next round of Mission Endowment grant applications are due August 31, 2021 . The Mission Endowment committee will then meet September 9 to award the following. . . 

1. Seminary Debt Retirement for First Call
2. Continuing Education for Rostered Positions
3. Continuing Education for Lay Member of the Synod
4. Other Grants Request

Outreach/Technology Matching Grant Opportunity -

In addition, because of the generous support given by congregations and individuals, the Central States Synod has funds to assist congregations in their efforts to utilize technology to reach out into the community. We are offering matching grants to congregations/ministries to upgrade or enhance their outreach and technology efforts.

- Download the application form

Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bel-Nor used funds awarded by the Mission Endowment Committee of the Central States Synod to purchase a second PTZ (point-tilt-zoom) high definition camera for the nave. PTZ cameras are now mounted on both the east and west sides of the worship space at Unity. Having two cameras, each with multiple presets, allows for variation in camera angles and helps to create a more dynamic streamed service.

Flexibility was a keynote when the worship space at Unity was redesigned after a fire destroyed the sanctuary in 1992. The furniture and platforms may be reconfigured with the varying seasons of the church year. Unity’s dynamic worship space was another reason that two wall-mounted cameras were needed.

Our journey through the pandemic has led to greater outreach at Unity. The streamed service allows visitors to take a peek at what happens inside our church building without ever having to cross its threshold.  Support and connection with the homebound have also been strengthened through the broadcast of the Sunday service.  In addition, to our delight and surprise, streaming the service also enabled connection with the extended family and friends of Unity from coast-to-coast!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Thank you to the 27 congregations that submitted their responses to our questionnaire about ministries to alleviate and address root causes of hunger!

We heard from congregations all across our synod territory. 

The 33rd annual convention of the Women of the ELCA will be held virtually September 10 and 11, 2021, via ZOOM.

The theme has been continued from the postponed 2020 convention:

“ My Story Your Story Our Story ”,

based on Psalm 51:15:

“ Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise ”.

There are no fees to attend the convention this year, instead the board encourages you to consider donating the costs you would have incurred to our various offering opportunities. Registration and more information is available at www.css-elca.org/welca-convention .