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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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"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.*
Saturday, September 23 - North/Inland Orange County
Sunday, September 24 - South/Coastal Orange County
Saturday, October 7 - Lutheran Church of Our Savior, San Bernardino
Sunday, October 8 - Bethany Lutheran, Norco
Saturday, October 21 - Northern San Diego
Sunday, October 22 - East/West San Diego
*A date for Hawaii's Gathering will be shared once it is available.
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In Memoriam - Pastor Sharon Gunderson
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 A memorial service celebrating the life of Pastor Sharon Gunderson will be held on Saturday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Norco. Pastor Sharon entered life eternal on July 9 following a long, brave battle with cancer and other health issues.
Notes of condolence may be sent to her family in care of the church at:
1609 Hamner Avenue
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Save the Date - Upcoming Synod Events!
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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 information about topics covered and the link to register by the end of July.
Theoasis Leader's Event 
October 23 - 26, 2017
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
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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Lutheran Church of Our Savior, San Bernardino - Military Dinner
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Remembering the Past-Anticipating the Future-
Reforming the Present
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Central City Lutheran Mission (CCLM) is a unique faith-based program located in San Bernardino, dedicated to serving people living in poverty. CCLM was established as a grass roots ministry in 1994 by five local Lutheran churches, and it continues to be supported by those original congregations, as well as many more parishes throughout the SO CA Synod. In July 2015, Central City Lutheran Mission and Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSS) merged to increase the Lutheran footprint of compassion in that city.
San Bernardino is the poorest city in California, and provides shelter, food and clothing for those in greatest need. Every night 70 homeless men are given a place to sleep where they are safe.
CCLM has been an oasis of grace for over 20 years, but the mission itself has an immediate need. The building does not meet the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and it must be brought up to code in order to serve all in the homeless community.
LSS plans to construct a brand-new shelter on the open lot next to the mission. There will still be 70 beds, along with new shower and bathroom facilities. This is the first phase of a long-range plan to provide supportive housing for many more individuals and families.
We will continue to provide community services like the tutorial classes we offer, our thrift store, and our after-school homework assistance program for children, in support of the worshiping community.
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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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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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Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network
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LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2017 to the end of July 2018, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health insurance, transportation, spiritual direction, and a $400/month food stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.
The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, the Sierra Pacific Synod office, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. These placements address issues of homelessness, unemployment, children and youth ministries, computer literacy, and other important social justice issues facing our communities.
We gather each week for worship, dinner, and formation. The corps members live in intentional community in a 4-bedroom apartment in Davis, CA. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corps network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply-interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation.
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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.
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500th Anniversary of the Reformation
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Please plan to join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on Tuesday, October 31, as she co-hosts a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
The event, which will include speakers and a service, will be at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Bishop Eaton will be joined by co-hosts Indiana-Kentucky Synod Bishop Bill Gafkjen, ELCA Vice President Bill Horne and Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod Bishop Dick Graham.
The event is open to the public and will be available online via livestream. All are invited to participate and honor the Reformation anniversary as we bear public witness to Christ, who frees us to love and serve our neighbor, and as we look to the future to which God is calling us.
Please note this date on your calendar. More details will be available in the near future. Follow
this link to stay up to date on event changes at the event calendar posts.
For other 500th anniversary events,
click here
. For all resources, go to https://www.elca500.org/.
Blessings to you as we commemorate this historic occasion in our church.
Augsburg Fortress is sponsoring a unique opportunity. Get 20 free books on the Reformation for your church! Host a Reformation 500 Bookstore at your church this fall and introduce your congregation to engaging and affordable resources on the Reformation while growing your church library! Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Sign up here by August 15!
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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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You're Invited as We Celebrate Together!
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We are pleased to share the following invitation to be with one of our synod congregations and their rostered minister as they celebrate
in the weeks ahead.
Dianne Finnecy will be ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament on Friday, July 28 at 4:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran in Solana Beach. Clergy are invited to vest. All are invited to wear red. Calvary is located at 424 Via de La Valle, Solana Beach.
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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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Congratulations, Deacon Mindy!
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On Sunday, July 9, we celebrated with Mindy Bugaj and the congregation of Incarnation Lutheran Church in Poway, as she was consecrated as a Minister of Word and Service and installed as a Deacon. Congratulations!
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The attached waiver is required for each participant. Please download, complete and bring with you. Don't forget to RSVP in advance!
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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.
If you are interested in ordering a special t-shirt for this event,
click here.
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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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"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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