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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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Christmas Blessings & Joy from the Pacifica Synod Staff!
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We are grateful for your partnership in ministry and hold you in our prayers during the Christmas season and in the New Year.
The Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning (synod office) will be closed Saturday, December 23, 2017, through Monday, January 1, 2018. The office will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 2. In the event of an emergency, please call 619.333.0828 and you will be connected with a staff member. Please note: there will be no midweek worship on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.
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Bishop Andy's Advent Reflection
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Earlier this week, Pacifica Synod Bishop Andy Taylor shared his Advent reflection. To read this reflection,
click here
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Day of Theological Reflection - February 1, 2018
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Our 2018 Day of Theological Reflection to be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hemet (191 Columbia Street). Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m., with programming beginning at 9
:30 a.m. and continuing until 2:30 p.m. The cost will be $40 per person and will include lunch.
 The theme for this year is "Can I Talk About Money? - Preaching & S
peaking about Stewardship" and will be led by Shauna Hannan, Ph.D., Associate Professor
of Homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Online registration is open now and can be accessed by following this link. More information about the event has been posted on our synod website here.
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31st Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly - May 18 to 19, 2018
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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 efficient and less costly. Our Assembly Planning Team has been meeting and has chosen the theme for the Assembly - "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., Hearings at 8 a.m. and the opening business session at 9 a.m. The assembly will end on Saturday, May 19 at noon.
The 2018 Synod Assembly webpage has been updated with information about nominations, memorials and resolutions. Please note that the deadline to present resolutions and memorials or to make a nomination for the 2018 Assembly is February 15, 2018.
The registration fees for this assembly will remain the same as they were this year. Each congregation will be sent an invoice in early January 2018, detailing voting member assignments for your congregation and allowing congregations to take advantage of an Early Bird Discounted Congregational Registration Fee ($545 for 3 voting members) if paid by February 28, 2018. After that date, this fee increases to $600. Additional voting members are $125 and visitors are $75. Online registration for voting members and visitors will open on March 1, 2018.
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Murray & Rhoda Finck Global Engagement Fund Donations
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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 of the ELCA (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.
Now with the Holidays rapidly approaching we are offering you another option to contribute to the GEM Fund and honor your loved ones. With a gift to the GEM Fund in their name, you will be recognizing them as contributors to increasing awareness of Global Mission work.
Please send your contribution to Pacifica Synod of the ELCA, 1801 Park Court Place, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA 92701-5010. Attn: GEM Fund.
Please contact LeRoy Loseke, 310.487.7322, with any questions.
Happy Holidays,
LeRoy Loseke
Murray and Rhoda Finck Global Engagement Mission Fund Committee Chair
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Latino Ministry Endowment Fund Partnership Support Grants
Application Deadline - December 31, 2017
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The application period for the Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Endowment Fund Partnership Support Grants is now open until December 31, 2017.
The Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Endowment Fund, formed from a merger of the St. Mary's and Santa Ana Accounts by action of the Synod Council on March 12, 2005, provides assistance and support to congregations with existing Latino ministries and/or congregations intending to develop new Latino ministries. Congregations that can demonstrate financial need and have a defined plan for outreach may apply for a partnership support grant from the Pacifica Synod, Latino Ministry Endowment Fund (PS-LMEF).
More information about the grant and application information may be found here.
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Charles and Mable Warner Trust Fund Grants
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Applications are now being received for the Charles and Mable Warner Trust Fund proceeds being administered by the Pacifica Synod.
The application deadline is January 15, 2018.
Charles and Mable Warner were members of First Lutheran Church, Los Angeles. They had no children and loved their church as evidenced by the following quote from their will:
"...The entire remainder of the trust estate shall go and be distributed to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Southwest, Los Angeles, California, with the request that such estate be used in the construction of Sunday School facilities and to further youth Christian education."
Please follow
this link to download a fillable application and return it to the Pacifica Synod office no later than January 15, 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact Hitoshi Adachi at [email protected] or Terri Robertson at [email protected] or by phone at 714.692.2791.
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Did you know you can support Pacifica Synod ministries when you shop? By shopping through AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Pacifica Synod whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Follow
this link to start shopping!
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Bishop Eaton's Christmas Message
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Disengage the autopilot.
In secular culture, it's easy to "barrel through to Christmas." In her December column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that Advent is a season that bids us to be present, to be still. She suggests we reflect on four words: "Just this. Just now."
For a video version of Bishop Eaton's message, see below:
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ELCA Annual Report Covers
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The ELCA has provided
this PDF version of the 2017 Annual Report Cover for
 those who prefer to use this format and download your own copies. Please note the reference to Strategic Directions 2025 on the back cover.
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ELCA Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice
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In 2009, the Churchwide Assembly authorized the development of a social
 statement on women and justice. The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ has been at work since 2012 and brought their work to a crucial stage. On November 15, 2017 it released the Draft of a Social Statement on Women and Justice. The comment period on the Draft is open until September 30, 2018.
Information about the Draft, along with an FAQ, overview, brochure, information about the task force, timeline and information about how to participate in the comment period may be found
here.
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ELCA World Hunger - Good Gifts
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Surprise friends and loved ones with Christmas gifts that grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives. Personalized free cards with each purchase.
ELCA.org/GoodGifts
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Celebrating Ministry Together!
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Ordination of Spencer Steele - January 14
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We are pleased to announce that Spencer Steele, an approved candidate, has accepted his first call to The Church of the Holy Spirit in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
You're invited to celebrate with Spencer as he is ordained on Sunday, January 14 at 5:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point. Clergy are invited to vest and the color will be red. A reception will be held following the service. Congratulations, Spencer!
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Bishop Emeritus Murray and Rhoda Finck thank the many people of Pacifica who  sent cards, email messages, and other expressions of care at the time of Murray's mother's death. Our hearts were comforted by your care and condolences.
Thank you and may the Light of Advent shine upon you all.
-Murray & Rhoda Finck
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Searching for a Gently-Used Sound Board
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Lord of Life in Moreno Valley is in need of a sound board. Ours has failed and can no longer service the hearing assist devices or wireless microphones for the many elderly in our congregation. We are praying for a sound board you may have upgraded and no longer have need of the your old one. Our old one has 16 inputs and 6 outputs. We would use them all (when it worked). Hand me downs are a part of our heritage and our people would be grateful. If you can help, or for more information, please contact Becci at 951.924.4887. Thank you.
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What Lutherans Need to Know About Immigration - January 27
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Saturday January 27, 4-6:30 pm
San Marcos Lutheran Church
3419 Grand Ave. San Marcos 92078
RSVP by 01/20/2018 and questions to Pastor Karla Halvorson
Everything in English and Spanish.
Immigration basics taught by Lutheran experts (in English) and Know Your Rights taught by The North County Immigration Task Force in Spanish.
Come learn what you need to know, meet your Lutheran brothers and sisters, and share a wonderful homemade Mexican meal together.
The event is free (including the meal), but a free will offering will be taken in support of the North County Immigration Task Force.
Lo que los luteranos necesitan saber sobre la inmigración Conoce tus derechos
Sábado 27 de enero, 4-630 p.m.
Iglesia Luterana de San Marcos
3419 Grand Ave. San Marcos 92078
Para mas información y reservación póngase en contacto con el pastor Karla Halvorson [email protected] 760-727-1509.
Reservacion debe ser hecha para 01/20/2018
Conceptos básicos de Biblia e Inmigración impartidos por expertos luteranos y Conozca sus derechos impartidos por The North County Immigration Task Force en español
parar Ud. su familia y su bario
Venga a aprender lo que necesita saber, conozca a sus hermanos y hermanas luteranos, y comparta una maravillosa comida mexicana casera gratis.
Se realizará un donación voluntaria en apoyo del NCITF
Tendremos cuidado de niños
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Alternate Ways to Think About God - January 2018
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A monthly discussion group exploring alternate beliefs about God and the Bible is being organized by Pastor George Johnson at Regents Point (19191 Harvard Avenue) in Irvine.
"A growing number of people have found that ideas and beliefs we have been taught do not square with science or current experiences..." Pastor George said. "Some traditional liturgies and dogmas that once gave us comfort and security no longer seem to satisfy." Many religious leaders are reluctant to explore new ideas.
Change is seldom easy. Where is there a place to go to discuss alternative beliefs? This is the question that motivates this gathering. Differing views are welcome.
The book,
The Great Spiritual Migration
by Brian McLaren (2016) will be one resource along with a variety of articles such as those found in the book, Courage To Think Differently. There are free copies. McLaren's book is available in audible format.
The first monthly meeting will be in January 2018. A room has been reserved. People who wish to learn more may contact Pastor George at 949.380.0044 or by email at [email protected] or stop by the Johnson villa (19191 Harvard Avenue #116E) for a visit.
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LRCC Family Winterfest - January 2018
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El Camino Pines
January 13th-15th (Saturday to Monday), 2018
Luther Glen
January 19th-21st (Friday to Sunday), 2018
Get away for the weekend with a family trip to El Camino Pines Family Winterfest or Luther Glen Family Winterfest!
Come with your whole family, or come alone and meet some new friends! Children will have their own activities led by the LRCC staff. Enjoy a weekend of family, fun and fellowship! Adults meet separately with a keynote speaker.
El Camino Pines Family Winterfest begins Saturday January 13, 2018 with registration at 2 pm. The retreat ends on Monday, January 15, after worship and an early lunch.
Luther Glen Family Winterfest begins Friday January 19, 2018 with registration at 5 pm. The retreat ends on Sunday, January 21, after worship and an early lunch.
Adults (12 and up): $105.00
Youth (4 -11): $95.00
Children under 3: Free
Family Max: $350.00
Registration is done online and is now open.
Please visit LRCChome.com/winterfest for more information and registration options.
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LRCC 2018 Winter Retreats - January to March 2018
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Come to Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences Winter Retreats, where we will be given a deeper understanding of the God that has already named and claimed each one of us, with a love too abundant to comprehend.
Our Winter Retreats at both sites feature special programming designed by our year-round staff.
Friday - Sunday retreats run from 7 pm on Friday evening through lunch on Sunday. Saturday - Monday retreats run from 4 pm on Saturday through brunch on Monday.
Come with your youth group, come by yourself or invite a friend and be ready for a weekend you won't forget. Click here for more info, pricing and a registration link.
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