|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
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.
|
|
Save the Date
Workshop for Congregational Treasurers & Administrators
|
Mark your calendars now for our next Workshop for Congregational Treasurers & Administrators to be held on Saturday, September 30 at the Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning in Santa Ana. Our time together will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. Watch for more information to come!
|
|
Region 2 Deacon Epiphany Gathering
|
|
Save the date for the Region 2 Deacon Epiphany Gathering
January 9 - 11, 2018
Download an event flyer
here.
For more information, please contact your synod representative
|
|
"Loosening Lutheran Lips" - Sharing Our Stories
|
During Bishop Taylor's Synod Assembly report, he shared about a project led by Ellen Ray, a member of Spirit of Joy Lutheran in Ramona, who will be compiling tithing stories from those within our synod. Please see below for more information about how you can share your story.
Do you have stories about God's work in your life, specifically related to tithing and finances? Would you be willing to participate in a synod-wide project of sharing tithing testimonies?
The goal is to create a collection of stories of people's positive experiences of tithing and publish them as a devotional/inspirational book. A story of inspiration from you may encourage others to seek God's principles with their finances and resources, too.
An example: You tithe regularly, as part of your response to God's love in your life and your commitment to Him. You're out of work and out of disposable cash. A major appliance breaks down and you don't know how you're going to deal with it. Two days later, you receive the money in some unexpected form that enables you to replace/repair the appliance. God is good!
If you have a story you'd be willing to share, please let us know. Contact Ellen Ray (Spirit of Joy, Ramona) at 858.525.2334 or by email (
[email protected]). Thank you!
|
 |
|
|
Last Chance to File Your 2016 Parochial/Congregation Reports
|
If congregations want to be included in the summary of the 2016 data, they must file by June 15. The ELCA's online system will be shutting down on that day for approximately two months while our ELCA Churchwide Offices prepare the data. If you have any paper reports that you haven't submitted, please send them to [email protected] prior to this date.
To file your reports online,
click here. You will need your congregation ID number and the password sent to you last December. If you can't find this information, please contact the synod office at 714.692.2791.
|
|
ELCA and Episcopal Church Issue Call for Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy
|
|
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, have issued a joint statement calling for prayer, fasting and advocacy addressing cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people who are living in poverty.
The statement "
For Such a Time As This" calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018, at which time the 115th Congress will conclude. The 21st of each month is targeted because by that day about 90 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Benefits Program (SNAP) benefits have been used.
Read the joint statement.
Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Eaton.
Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Curry.
ELCA Advocacy updates are available on
Twitter and
Facebook.
|
|
ELCA Youth Gathering Volunteers Needed
|
 Would you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment. Every volunteer must agree to follow the terms of a volunteer code of conduct and submit to a background check by the ELCA.
There are four volunteer categories: Local Volunteers, Community Life, Gathering Volunteer Corps, and Servant Companions. The responsibilities vary, and all volunteers (except Local Volunteers) must commit to being in Houston for one week. Volunteers arrive on Monday, June 25, and depart Sunday, July 1, 2018.
For more information and an online application,
click here.
|
This link directs you to several Faith Practices resources that might be useful for your ministry setting as you strive to create followers of Christ who are committed to growing in faith, love and obedience to God's will. The "Five Gifts of Discipleship" resources highlight the current Faith Practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and offer not only bible studies related to these faith practices, but also group activities corresponding to the various liturgical seasons. The resource, "Story Matters" is also posted and this resource provides ministry settings the opportunity to combine the Book of Faith Initiative, Discipleship Small Groups, and Mission Strategic Planning as they seek ways to create passion for bible study, discipleship and mission planning. For more information contact Rev. Brenda K. Smith at [email protected].
A bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings.
Seeds Monthly - For leaders of ELCA congregations and synods. -
May Issue
|
|
|
|
Celebrating Ministry Together!
|
|
You're Invited as We Celebrate Together!
|
|
We are pleased to share the following invitations to share with our synod congregations and rostered ministers as they celebrate
in the weeks ahead.
The Rev. Timothy Eichler will be installed as pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Oceanside on Sunday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. Rostered clergy and laity are invited to vest in green for the service. King of Kings is located at 2993 MacDonald Street, Oceanside.
Mindy Bugaj will be consecrated as Deacon at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Poway on Sunday, July 9 at 2:30 p.m. A light reception will follow. Incarnation is located at 16889 Espola Road, Poway.
Congratulations to both of you!
|
|
The Pacifica Tree in Wittenberg
|
|
In early May, Bishop Emeritus Murray Finck and his wife Rhoda spent some time in Germany. While in Wittenberg, they visited Pacifica's tree that was planted in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. With the cool spring days, the tree was still waiting to burst forth with leaves.
|
|
The Closet on 54th in San Diego
|
About the Closet
The Closet on 54th is a clothing ministry that provides up to ten items of clothing and two accessories per month free to the community in need. Originally founded as God's Closet in April 2015 at College Lutheran Church, we relocated in August 2016 to Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church on 54th Street to partner with The Cupboard, a food ministry already in operation at Calvary three times a week. The Closet is open 11am-2pm three times a month and is run by volunteers from Shepherd of the Valley, St. Mark's, and members of the community. Originally serving 15-20 people a month at College, we have grown since relocating, and we have just celebrated April as our busiest month ever, giving away 892 items to 102 people!
We are always looking for donations of gently-used clean clothing and accessories (shoes, belts, purses, hats, etc.) and more people interested in volunteering to help. We take men's, women's and children's clothing, but we especially need men's clothing and shoes. Donations can be dropped off during The Closet's or Cupboard's operating hours or when the Calvary church office is open 8am-noon every day. There is also a collection box in the narthex at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
Ways You Can Help
1. Cleaning out your closet? Consider bringing your donations to The Closet on 54th.
2. Garage sale over? Consider bringing your leftover clothing to The Closet on 54th.
3. Church Rummage sale over? Consider allowing The Closet on 54th to share the leftover bounty with your other designated charities.
4. Consider setting up a collection point at your church.
5. Volunteer to help run The Closet when we are open or when donations need to be sorted. We need 3-4 people to help on open days.
|
|
This summer from July 10-13, Lutheran church musicians and pastors from around the United States and Canada (and a few from Europe and New Zealand) will meet in Minneapolis to examine and re-imagine the role of the cantor, the leader of the church's song. These four days will be full: with plenaries led by Mary Louise Bringle, Chad Fothergill, and Dan Schwandt; with workshops that both hone our existing skills and invite us to take up new ones; with "road trips" to St. Olaf College and St. John's Abbey; and with worship that both nourishes our spirits and gives voice to our faith. You do not need to be a member of ALCM to attend. Join us!
|
Martin Luther Movie Event
Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World
Tuesday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m. AND
Thursday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Edwards Brea Stadium East 12
(Reclining Seats)
155 West Birch Street, Brea
IMPORTANT: All tickets ($12) must be purchased in advance.
Tickets can be purchased at a special website set up for the screening:
If you would rather not purchase tickets online, you can purchase tickets by contacting: Pr. Ashley Nicolls, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Whittier at
|
|
Lutheran Night - Dodgers vs. Padres - August 12
|
Join family & friends for a fundraising event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 12 for a 6:10 p.m. game to benefit Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Southern California! A donation to LSS is included in the price of each ticket.
The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Great Dodger Moments Coin #6 Sandy Koufax Perfect Game presented by 76. To order tickets online,
click here.
Groups of 20 or more enjoy special benefits including a welcome greeting on the message board and preferred seating options. To purchase group tickets, please contact Britni Howze at 323.224.1304 or
[email protected]
.
|
|
Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Prayer Service Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
|
|
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.
|
|
"Catechism Revisited: Reformation"
Rejoice Conference Day of Theological Education
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
