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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.
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Synod Office Staffing - August 21 to 23, 2017
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On Monday, August 21 through Wednesday, August 23, the Pacfica Synod's three administrative staff members (Rachel Line, Carol Youngman and Terri Robertson) will be out of the office attending the ELCA's 2017 Gathering of Administrative Staff in Chicago.
While they are gone, if you need to get in touch with any of the pastoral staff members of the synod, we recommend you contact them using their cell phones or their direct office phone number, rather than the general office phone number of 714.692.2791. If you reach their voice mail recording, please leave a message and they will return your phone call at their earliest convenience.
The direct phone numbers for the synod staff are as follows:
- Bishop Andy Taylor - 714.352.8736
- Pastor Hitoshi Adachi - 714.352.8734
- Pastor Tom Goelrich - 714.352.8735
- Pastor Dennis Laherty - 714.352.8745
- Pastor Terry Tuvey Allen - 714.352.8739
- Rachel Line - 714.352.8733
- Terri Robertson - 714.352.8732
- Carol Youngman - 714. 352.8731
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TheOasis Registration & Safe Boundaries Workshop Registration Now Open
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Following Christ into the Future:
The Lutheran Movement as Discipleship
October 23-26, 2017
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
A joint church leaders' event (a theological oasis): Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders... all are welcome!
Online registration is NOW open. Receive a $25 discount when you register by September 20. Follow this link to register online.
Visit the TheOasis webpage for more information about the event including speakers, costs, hotel info, schedule, recreation opportunities and more.
Safe Boundaries Workshop
At the 2017 Pacifica Synod Assembly, a resolution was passed strongly encouraging every rostered minister of this synod to have completed a Professional Ethics and Boundaries training sometime between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. This resolution also asked each rostered minister to renew this training every three years.
On Monday, October 23, a Safe Boundaries Workshop, led by Ms. Barbara Keller from the ELCA Churchwide Offices in Chicago, will be held from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Palm Desert (42695 Washington Street). The cost is $25 and includes lunch. To attend this workshop, please register in advance by selecting the Safe Boundaries option found on the TheOasis registration page. If you are NOT planning on attending TheOasis, but would like to attend the Safe Boundaries Workshop, please contact Terri Robertson at 714.692.2791, ext. 732 or by email at [email protected] to register for the workshop alone.
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"Congregational Leadership in Changing Times"
Bishop's Gatherings 2017
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Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9b)
Plans are being made for this fall's 2017 Bishop's Gatherings. All mainland locations and times now have been confirmed. You are welcome to attend the gathering on the date that works best for your schedule and location.*
To assist our host congregations in planning, beginning August 25, we will have a link available for congregations or individuals to RSVP for the gathering they plan to attend. Congregations are encouraged to collect names from their members and register the entire group at one time.
All gatherings will begin with the first 45 minutes for Rostered Ministers, followed by a 15 minute break. Lay leaders will then join the group at the second time listed.
Saturday, September 23 - 9:30 Rostered/10:30 Lay Leaders - until noon
St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton
Sunday, September 24 - 1:30 Rostered/2:30 Lay Leaders - until 4:00 p.m.
Gloria Dei Lutheran, Dana Point
Saturday, October 7 - 10:00 Rostered/11:00 Lay Leaders - until 12:30 p.m.
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, San Bernardino
Sunday, October 8 - 2:00 Rostered/3:00 Lay Leaders - until 4:30 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran, Norco
Saturday, October 21 - 9:30 Rostered/10:30 Lay Leaders - until noon
San Marcos LC, San Marcos
Sunday, October 22 - 2:00 Rostered/3:00 Lay Leaders - until 4:30 p.m.
Clairemont Lutheran, San Diego
*A date for Hawaii's Gathering in January 2018 will be shared once it is available.
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Apply Now for Stephen Ministry Training Scholarships!
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Pacifica Synod is pleased to announce available scholarships for the Stephen Ministry Leader's Training Course to be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, February 4-10, 2018.
This scholarship is made possible by the Cathryn W. Wright Bequest specifically designated for Stephen Ministry lay leaders.
It is expected that congregations send a pastor and two to four lay leaders for the training.
For more information about Stephen Ministries, please go to their website at www.stephenministries.org. For training course information and to receive a registration packet, call Stephen Ministries at 314.428.2600.
The synod scholarship program will provide the following:
1. $800 scholarship per lay leader, available for up to two lay leaders per congregation. Additional $285 scholarship per lay leader for non-commuters will be added.
2. $1,000 per congregation toward your congregation's enrollment in the Stephen Series, if not currently enrolled. The Leader's Training Course is designed for congregations enrolled in the Stephen Series.
3. $400 travel assistance per lay person for up to two people for Hawaii congregations.
To apply for this synod scholarship, please use the attached application form. All applications must be received by close of business on December 15, 2017. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted.
If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Hitoshi Adachi at 714.352.8734 or by email at [email protected].
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Murray and Rhoda Finck
Global Engagement Mission Fund
Applications Now Being Accepted!
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 In 2016, "The Murray and Rhoda Finck Global Engagement Mission Fund" (GEM Fund) was established. It is named in honor of Bishop Emeritus Murray Finck and his wife Rhoda, in recognition and appreciation of their service and accomplishments during the 18 years that Bishop Murray served as Bishop of the Pacifica Synod from 1998 through 2016.
The goals of the fund are:
- To assist congregations of the Pacifica Synod in their Global Mission efforts.
- To initiate and/or continue direct support of present and future Companion Synods of the Pacifica Synod.
- To share in ministry with God's people as we together strive for a lasting world peace.
Distribution of funds may be given to increase awareness of global mission work, to fund domestic and/or foreign projects related to Pacifica Companion Synods and Lutheran partners and provide assistance in travel expenses related to the fund's stated goals.
Attached please find the grant application, which must be completed and submitted along with a one-page description of the project/program and how the money will be spent. The maximum amount that can be requested is $3,000. The application deadline is October 15, 2017.
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Workshop for Congregational Treasurers & Administrators
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Saturday, September 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning
1801-C Parkcourt Place, Santa Ana
$10 per person, includes lunch
PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE BY SEPTEMBER 25
Topics will include:
Financial Oversight & Internal Controls
Accounting Policies & Procedures
Insurance for Congregations
Records Retention
Federal & State Reporting Requirements
Salary & Benefits for Church Leaders
Portico Benefits Services Updates
Budgets, Financial Statements & Audits
Synod & ELCA Mission Support
Designated Gifts
ELCA Online Resources
Social Media Guidelines
*We are working to live-stream and/or record this event.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Hitoshi Adachi (714.692.2791) or Terri Robertson ([email protected])
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Pacifca Synod Women of the ELCA Convention
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"LOVE FULLY - LIVE FULLY"
30th Annual Pacifica Synod Women of the ELCA Convention
November 3 - 4, 2017
Calvary Lutheran Church
Solana Beach
 Check the WELCA website for more details at
www.pacificawomen.org. (
Click on News and Events; Pacifica Partners)
Artists - Crafters - Small Business Retailers... Looking for a place to market your creations and products? Why not consider being a VENDOR at the Pacifica Women of the ELCA Convention, November 3-4, 2017, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Solana Beach.
To qualify for a space you must be a member of an ELCA congregation. There is no fee for use of the space; however a donation will be much appreciated. Contact Jackie Severa at [email protected] or 760.464.2309 for an application form. (Space is limited.)
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Save the Dates - Synod Assembly 2018!
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2018 Synod Assembly 
May 18-19, 2018
The 2018 Pacifica Synod Assembly will meet at Hope Lutheran in Palm Desert for a two-day assembly in an effort to make the assembly more affordable and more efficient. Look for more details of agenda and speakers as we get closer.
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Bishop Andy Taylor's BAT Blog
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Bishop Andy has started a blog to share his thoughts and ideas with members of the Pacifica Synod. We invite you to read it and share your comments. You can find it at:
bishopandytaylor.blogspot.com. Check out this week's new post!
We have affectionately titled it "The BAT Blog" (BAT=Bishop Andy Taylor). #BATBlog
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From Our Presiding Bishop
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Not fair!
In her August column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
 reflects on Jesus' parable about the laborers in the vineyard. While the story raises questions of fairness, she reminds us that "grace is not something we deserve or earn or can work for."
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Mission Investment Fund Update
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Is your congregation considering a building project? Consider working with the Mission Investment Fund (MIF), the ELCA's lending ministry.
MIF loans finance a variety of capital projects-from new construction to additions and renovations, as well as land and building purchases and refinancing existing debt. And the Mission Investment Fund offers expertise in church building and capital campaign consulting.
For information on MIF ministry loans and investment opportunities:
Contact Joel Wudel, your MIF Regional Manager, at 773.682.1765 or email him at
[email protected]
.
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"God's work. Our hands." Sunday 2017
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On Sunday, September 10, congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will again join together for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. As we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we are reminded of the gospel's promise that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors.
Once you begin making plans for the day of service, we ask that you register your congregation so we can share and tell stories about the good work that we do together.
Please visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for helpful resources for your planning.
Old Lutheran will once again have T-shirts available for purchase. The bright-yellow shirts provide a wonderful visual impact across the ELCA. The deadline for ordering your congregation's personalized T-shirts with Old Lutheran is August. 15.
Watch how some members shared God's love with their neighbors during the 2016 day of service.
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday celebrates who we are as the ELCA - one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor. This is work you do in your communities every day, and we look forward to doing this work together again this year.
Looking for a way to serve?
In honor of the 500th Reformation of Lutheranism,  Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences will be planting five-hundred trees, plants and much more between Luther Glen and El Camino Pines. To do that, they need your help!
Come up to either site on September 9th & 10th and make a permanent mark on your favorite Lutheran Bible Camp. For more information, contact Glen Egertson at [email protected].
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Celebrating Ministry Together!
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Share Your VBS Experience!
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 Throughout the summer, many congregations host Vacation Bible School for the children in their community. We would love to share your congregation's VBS experience with others so that we can all see God at work in your midst.
If you would like to participate, please send 4-6 photos by August 31, to Terri Robertson at [email protected]. Please include your congregation name, city and the theme of your VBS ministry.
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Mission Work at Incarnation Lutheran, Poway
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The following was from Erin Ethington, Parish Administrator with Incarnation, Poway:
"Below you will find links to our active Misson blogs in India and Africa. Please read them and share them in your news blast and social media. Our youth and congregation are doing great things, learning each day to walk by Faith with God!"
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Worship Arts Festival - Good Shepherd, Claremont
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont invites all to a Worship Arts Retreat on Saturday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come and witness the knowledge of four disciples of the worship Arts:
- Dr. Dave Dorman, Azusa Pacific Universty
- Stephen Martin, M.M.
- Dr. Candace Bogan, Redlands Opera
- The Rev. Jim Ellson, Independent Artist
Good Shepherd is located at 1700 N. Towne Avenue, Claremont. For more information, please contact Adan Fernandez at
[email protected],
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior, San Bernardino - Military Dinner
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Centering Prayer Workshop - La Mesa
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DO YOU HUNGER FOR A DEEPER PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
CENTERING PRAYER may be for you. Centering Prayer is a renewal of the rich tradition of contemplative prayer in the Christian Church. It is designed to reduce the obstacles to an intimate personal relationship with God, and to provide personal healing and transformation in your life. Our Centering Prayer Program, which includes a four-hour introductory workshop along with six one-hour-and-a-half continuing sessions, is an excellent way to enhance your spiritual growth.
* WHO: Presented by CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH OF SAN DIEGO
* WHAT: An Introductory Program on Centering Prayer
* WHERE: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church,
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa
* WHEN: October 14, 2017, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
* REGISTRATION: 8:30 am -
Six Continuing Sessions day and time TBD
* INFORMATION & PRE-REGISTRATION - Karen Downs (858) 922-9103 OR
Jennifer Fenner (619) 670-7656 / [email protected]
This is a free program, but pre-registration is requested and appreciated.
Please come join us!
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King's Concert Series, Oceanside
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King of Kings Lutheran in Oceanside presents their 2017-2018 King's Concert Series.
The King's Concert Series will continue throughout the year providing opportunities for the community to gather with us and support artists from far and near.
Concerts Currently Scheduled include:
November 12, 2017 - Emily Holzer Organ Concert
December 10, 2017 - Advent choral exchange
All concerts are free to attend. A free-will offering will be taken. Please
click here
to download a flyer to share with your congregation and friends.
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"Catechism Revisited: Reformation"
Rejoice Conference Day of Theological Education
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Saturday, October 14
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Danish Lutheran Church,
16881 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
The Rejoice Conference of the Pacifica Synod invites you to attend our 4th
 "Catechism Revisited" and in the year of Reformation 500 we will be focusing on important aspects of The Reformation in historical, present and musical perspectives. Rev. Jarmo Tarkki and Singer/Conductor James Koenig will be our speakers with a chance for questions and discussion after each speaker.
Cost $15 - Includes coffee and pastry in the morning and lunch at 12:00.
SCHEDULE:
9:00 am Check in, coffee and Danish pastry, Invocation and Opening Remarks
9:30 am Rev. Jarmo Tarkki - "Ecclesia Semper Reformanda Est?"
What did it mean in the 16th century and what does it mean for us today? How far can we "reform" the church before it becomes unrecognizable?
10:45 am James Koenig, conductor/singer - "Chorale-ing the Reformation:
Catechism in the Key of C." Much of the theology, heart, and soul of the Reformation made its way to Scandinavia on wings of song. We shall explore "sound" theology and the spirit of Luther's lyric influence via music from or inspired by the Reformation.
12:00 pm Lunch provided by Danish Lutheran Church (included in cost)
12:30 pm Short Closing Worship
Please RSVP by October 4, 2017 to Pastor Anne-Grethe Nielsen
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Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Prayer Service Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
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You are invited to a joint-sponsored Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Service of Common Prayer on Sunday, October 29, 2017, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It will take place in the beautiful church of The Immaculata on the campus of the University of San Diego at 3:00 p.m. There is designated parking and a light reception will follow.
The event is sponsored by the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Bishops from all three traditions will be participating. The service both commemorates an historic movement as well as celebrates the gift of strong ecumenical relationships that shape Christianity today, and in particular, the San Diego area. People from all denominations and faiths are welcome.
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