We are pleased to share with you the following news, information and ministry opportunities taking place within our synod. If you have items to share about the ministries happening through your congregation, please email Terri Robertson at  [email protected]. If you know of others who aren't receiving our emails, please share this with them and encourage them to sign up here.

The 2018 Pacifica Synod Assembly will meet at Hope Lutheran in Palm Desert for a two-day assembly on May 18 and 19, 2018. The theme for this year's Assembly is "Go and Tell: Giving Voice to Faith, Justice and Blessing".

The assembly will begin on Friday, May 18 with registration opening at 7 a.m. and the opening session at 9 a.m. The assembly will end on Saturday, May 19 at noon. 

The 2018 Synod Assembly web page has been updated with details about the assembly including registration, hotel info, nominations, schedule, special guests and more. Please note that the deadline to make a nomination for election at the 2018 Assembly is March 10, 2018.
 

Your congregation's early bird registration invoice was mailed to the attention of your Congregation Treasurer in January. The deadline to receive the early bird rate has passed. The invoice contained the number of voting members assigned to your congregation. Please keep in mind that payment of this invoice did not register individuals from your congregation.

Online registration for voting members and guests is now open. Registration instructions to guide you through the process may be found here. Please use the worksheet to assemble the information you will need BEFORE you go online to register. Once you have your information compiled, follow this registration link to begin the registration process.

If you have questions about your Synod Assembly invoice or registration for the assembly, please contact Terri Robertson at [email protected].

Tuesday, March 27

11:00 a.m.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4011 Ohio St, San Diego

Map

The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will preach. Please wear purple stoles in the pews; no need for albs. Lunch to follow the service.

Please note the new location for our service. Please park on the street, not in the church and preschool lot.

Please email Keren Mondaca to RSVP.

As we enter the final year of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, we're looking to the future of this church by highlighting the campaign's Leadership priority, including the ELCA Fund for Leaders and Youth and Young Adults. We'd like you to join us!

In January, your congregation received a kickoff packet, including a bulletin insert and poster, you may use to start sharing the work of the campaign and these programs. A new video, linked below, is another way to show your congregation the impact of Leadership ministries, specifically ELCA Fund for Leaders.

The season of Lent is an excellent time to clearly state how important leadership is in our congregations. In addition, in the spring, you will receive information on a new initiative, launching in September, to help us celebrate the leaders in our congregations while supporting the next generation of leaders through the ELCA Fund for Leaders and Youth and Young Adults ministry.

We look forward to partnering with you for The Campaign for the ELCA's Leadership annual theme year! If you'd like additional information or have questions, please visit the campaign annual themes page, call 800-638-3522, ext. 2612, or email us at [email protected].

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join ecumenical and inter-religious partners for Act Now: Unite to End Racism April 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The focus of the three-day event will be a rally April 4 on the National Mall.

The event, organized by the National Council of Churches in Christ in the USA, will bring together many ELCA members from across the country. The ELCA is a founding member of the council.

The rally's call to action emphasizes three key points: awaken to the truth that racism is evil and hurts us all; confront racism through truth-telling and action to right the wrong; and transform the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and institutions.

Events begin April 3 with an ecumenical worship service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and will be capped off by a lobby day on Capitol Hill April 5.

All are invited to join Bishop Eaton at the event. Learn more here.

Please save the date Sunday, Sept. 9, for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday.

As members of the ELCA, we believe we are called, gathered and sent into the world to embody the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection - called into relationship with God, gathered together as a community of believers and sent into the world to love and serve our neighbors.

On "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, we join together to use our various gifts in service to our communities - this is work you do every day, sharing the love of Christ with all of God's people.

Watch the video below to see how our congregations have put their faith in action since 2013 for this dedicated day of service.

If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 9, please consider another time.

Save the date and visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for updates to our resources.

A Group of Lutheran clergy in our Synod will be gathering on Monday, April 9 at Regents Point Continuing Care Center in Irvine to discuss the theme of the February issue of Sojourners:  "Is This a Bonhoeffer Moment?"

Anyone is welcome to come. Discussion will begin at 10 a.m. If you desire a copy of the key article on this topic, contact Pastor George Johnson at 949.280.0044. A Lutheran professor who has taught a class on Bonhoeffer has been invited to participate at this gathering. Response pending. Those who wish may stay for lunch.

This concern is a timely topic for those wanting to act and preach responsibly with integrity in this kairos moment in our history that has some similarities to the rise of the Third Reich in Europe. Let me know of your interest.

Pastor George S. Johnson

Irvine, CA

Saturday, April 21

9:00 am - noon (lunch included)

Southwest California Synod Lutheran Center

1300 E. Colorado Street, Glendale

Speaker: Rev. Lynn Enloe, MA, MB

Sponsored by the SWCA Synod Recovery and Spirituality Task Force

This event will focus on Breaking the Silence. We will examine the stigmas and fallacies that surround the issue of addiction, then explore ways to find release and renewal that leads to a better way of living, in a safe and caring environment. We'll participate in a large group presentation, interact in small group, and worship together. A light lunch is included.

Our goal is to provide comfort and support through education and conversation. The body of Christ should be a place where we ought to bring our burdens, and this is a real and present burden for the body. If there is something of a confidential nature that you want to discuss, we do have trained counselors on our task force that will be present throughout the morning/afternoon who would be happy to speak with you privately.

ALL are welcome: Whether you feel this issue relates to you directly or is an area that you wish to learn more about, please join us. As already mentioned, we believe this problem is pervasive and touches all walks of life. Your presence and voice is welcomed and valued.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Pastor Dan Gibson at [email protected] . Full event info may be found here.

Barn Raising Fundraiser

Saturday, June 9

3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

3-5:00      Activities/Silent Auction

5-5:30      Presentation/Blessing

5:30-6:30 Meal

6:30          Live Auction

Please RSVP to [email protected].  If you have any questions, please email Lauri Egertson at  [email protected].