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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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Introducing the 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 name it "The BAT Blog" (BAT=Bishop Andy Taylor). #BATBlog
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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. Specific locations and times are still being confirmed, but please mark your calendar now for the date that works best for your attendance.*
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 - South/Coastal Orange County - TBD
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 will be shared once it is available.
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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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Save the Date - Upcoming Synod Events!
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Theoasis Leader's Event
October 23 - 26, 2017
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
Watch for more information and registration to open on August 15, 2017.
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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"Loosening Lutheran Lips" - Sharing Our Stories
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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.
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!
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ELCA Human Rights Social Message
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The ELCA has shared a draft of its Human Rights Social message for reading and response. A social message is an official ELCA document that speaks to a specific ethical issue, grounded in Scripture, Lutheran theology, and already existing ELCA social teaching. Before it is presented to the ELCA Church Council for adoption, we would like to hear your input.
Click
here to go the webpage to read the draft, and then follow the link to a questionnaire to share your thoughts. You may also send comments via email to
[email protected]. Both will be shared with Theological Discernment staff and the consulting group preparing the message.
The public comment period will close on August 31st, after which the draft will be finalized and submitted to Church Council. You are encouraged to take part in this process.
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Stewardship Grants Available
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The Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) seeks to promote stewardship education in the ELCA, especially with seminarians and rostered leaders. Thus, SOLI Is accepting grant proposals from ELCA seminaries, synods, congregations, and other ministries for projects, workshops, or events that encourage stewardship education.
Grants will normally be a one-time award. Funding may be extended for an ongoing project, but applicants must submit a new application after the first year's award. Reports are expected upon completion of all projects, and must be received before funding is extended.
Grants will be awarded twice each year. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15. Notification of grant awards will be made by May 15 and November 15. Grants will normally range from $1,000 to $8,000; in exceptional cases, a grant of more than $8,000 may be granted, up to a maximum of $12,000. Grant proposals must include the application and a detailed budget. If you have any questions, please contact SOLI's executive director, the Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens,
[email protected]. More information may be found online at
http://www.stewardshipoflife.org/grants/.
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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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| ELCA Youth Gathering Financial Assistance |
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Each cycle, the Gathering offers financial assistance to youth participants based on the financial needs of an individual and their family. Please read the following carefully to become familiar with the process for 2018:
- The application opens July 15th, 2017.
- Youth participants may receive up to $300. The assistance amount will be applied as a credit on the congregational account of the youth participant.
- An individual congregation may receive assistance for up to 10 youth participants. The Gathering is not able to offer assistance for adult leaders.
- Financial assistance is not available for MYLE or the tAble. The registration fees for MYLE and the tAble are highly subsidized. MYLE and the tAble participants are welcome to apply for financial assistance to cover Gathering registration fees.
- Assistance will be offered to applicants on a rolling basis, meaning the process ends when all funds have been disbursed. Financial assistance requests always exceed available funds. Adult leaders are strongly encouraged to apply early.
- Adult leaders should complete the application on behalf of any young person applying from their congregation. Download the financial assistance worksheet from our resources page to help collect the necessary information required to complete the application.
Adult leaders will begin receiving email notifications of financial assistance offers on August 15th, after which notifications will be sent within 10 business days.
Adult leaders must register their congregation within 30 days of receiving notification of financial assistance or the assistance may be returned the fund to be re-disbursed. Congregations who receive notice before registration opens on 9/15/2017 will have until 10/15/2017 to complete registration.
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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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Greetings from Our Companion Synod
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In February, 5 members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, in Park Ridge, IL, which resides within the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, were privileged to arrange a 2-1/2 week trip to East Malaysia and Singapore. They established connections with Bishop James Wong of the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM), Pacifica's Companion Synod, which is headquartered in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia.
Sue Weber, one of the members of St. Luke's, shared the following, "We were treated with amazing hospitality by Bishop Wong and his wife, Connie for the 7 days we visited. In addition to learning the history of the BCCM and visiting each of the church buildings in the synod, we visited educational facilities, including a small school focused on providing education for children of undocumented immigrants, met with church members, learned about the challenges of maintaining their religious believes as a minority religion, and enjoyed some eco-tourism, as well.
We extended greetings to Bishop Wong from your Synod upon our visit. I enclose a few photographs of our group with the Bishop and his wife."
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Centering Prayer Workshop - San Marcos - August 12
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Lutheran Night - Dodgers vs. Padres - August 12
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Join family and friends for a fundraising event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 12 for a 6:10 p.m. game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres to benefit Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Southern California! A donation to LSS is included in the price of each ticket.
Our seats for Lutheran Night are in the Preferred Reserve section at $28.00 per ticket and in the Infield Reserve section at $32.00 per ticket (both on the third base line).
Organize a group from your congregation or conference! When you order 20 or more tickets at the same time, you will receive a significant discount in fees.**
Groups of 20 or more also enjoy additional special benefits, including a welcome greeting on the message board and preferred seating options. Purchases of 40, 60 or 80 tickets receive additional incentives that may include a free bus parking pass or free tickets. To purchase group tickets, please contact Britni Howze at (323) 224-1304 or
[email protected].
The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Great Dodger Moments Coin #6 - Sandy Koufax Perfect Game.
** Individual tickets for Lutheran Night can be purchased at www.dodgers.com/lutheran. Fees for tickets purchased on the website are $6.50 per ticket plus $5.10 per transaction. Purchase 20 or more tickets from the group sales office (Britni Howze at (323) 224-1304), and there is NO fee per ticket, and the total fee for the transaction is $10.00.
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior, San Bernardino - Military Dinner
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Join Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences next Wednesday September 20th at Petco Park as the San Diego Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. This evening is a fundraiser to support Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Southern California. $5.00 of your ticket goes to support LRCC.
All are welcome to sit with the LRCC staff, learn about upcoming LRCC events, and enjoy a great game!
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Password- slrcc17
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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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Executive Skills for Pastors 2018 - California Lutheran University
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California Lutheran University offers a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management. In the complex environment of congregational management, we all can use new tools for ministry. This continuing education event for pastors will explore how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life. Each day, we will explore a different theme.
This event is hosted in two different locations at two different times of the year.
1. July 16-20, 2018 in Southern California at Cal Lutheran.
2. January 8-12, 2018 at Spirit of the Desert, Carefree, Arizona.
Level 1 and Level 2 run at the same time. This is due to our desire to create synergies between the participants as they join together in housing, meals and breaks while participating in different classes. Level 1 is a prerequisite to Level 2.
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