Pacifica Synod News & Notes
June 23, 2020
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We share with you the following news, resources, information and event updates taking place within our synod and throughout the ELCA. If you have items or information to share, please email Terri Robertson at
terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org
. If you know of others who aren't receiving our emails, please share this with them and encourage them to contact us using the above email or sign up
here
.
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New City Parish Vigil for Black Lives Matter
Sunday, June 27
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New City Parish, a non-profit urban coalition of eight Evangelical Lutheran Churches located in Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Compton will be hosting a Vigil for Black Lives Matter, on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. All are invited to join via Zoom. Information to join may be found below. Please bring a flashlight or candle to the vigil.
Meeting ID 764 702 1270
(No Password Required)
Dial In Phone Number: 1-669-900-9128
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Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund Grants
Application Period Ends June 30, 2020
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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 strive together for a lasting world peace.
Distribution of funds may be given to increase awareness of global mission work and to fund domestic and/or foreign projects related to Pacifica Companion Synod(s) and Lutheran partners.
Due to COVID-19, no monies will be given for travel from 2020 grants.
Requirements of the grant may be found the
2020 grant application
. Download and complete the application and submit it along with a one-page description of the project/program and how the money will be spent. Be specific as to how the project/program meets the goals of this grant and the outcomes anticipated.
The maximum amount that can be requested is $1,000.
The application deadline is June 30, 2020.
The completed application and description may be returned by mail or email using the instructions provided on the application.
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Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
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Here to Serve: Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
1
st
Tuesday at 11:00-noon Pacific Time via Zoom
Starting July 7, 2020
The Pacifica Synod invites you to join a new monthly gathering. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team has designed a forum to provide encouragement and support to Synod leaders as we navigate the unknown. Each month, participants will hear a short presentation related to how we currently are called to be Church. Then they will have an opportunity to be in a small group discussion facilitated by an ELCA coach. We are creating a safe space for processing our responses to uncertain times and for discerning steps forward in our unique contexts.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. Coaching provides an opportunity for rostered and lay leaders to experience a partnership focused on the unique objectives they want to achieve. A coach’s role is to support a leader in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them. Pacifica Synod coaches are volunteering their time to create presentations and coaching opportunities that provide a hands-on resource for addressing your challenges.
Our first meeting will be via Zoom on Tuesday, July 7, 11:00-noon Pacific Time.
Together we will watch a presentation based on William Bridges’ groundbreaking work on navigating external changes and the often-unsettling, internal transitions they cause. Following the presentation, we will break into small groups for a coach-led conversation based on how you see this information relating to your unique circumstances. We will conclude with a debriefing to share the small groups’ experiences.
If you are interested in participating in this gathering or would like more information, Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at
mikedeenna@gmail.com
.
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Synod Work Towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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The May 2016 Pacifica Synod Assembly adopted a “Resolution to Confront Racism and White Privilege.” This work was initiated with the formation of the “Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group” to:
- “Identify and share high quality educational tools and events to raise awareness of racism, white privilege, and Christ-centered paths to liberation of oneself, church and society”;
- Guide “the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA to offer support for multicultural and multilingual ministry to engage and integrate congregations and leaders with nearby populations and to commit itself to provide accessible and affordable synod assembly and education events to less affluent leaders and congregations”;
- Support the Pacifica Synod to “bear persistent public witness in solidarity with oppressed people in this and other countries for the transformation of society toward the domination-free reign of God in Christ.”
Since then, we have held workshops at synod assembly and half-day seminars for church leaders to hear first-hand stories of our synod and regions and to grow awareness of racism and white privilege among the unique populations whom we serve. Since the pandemic led to a disruption of in-person events in 2020, we are in the process of developing online resources and rescheduling of the April 2020 in-person anti-racism training, tentatively planned for summer or fall of 2021.
On June 15, Bishop Andy shared a letter with our synod, inviting us to work together for racial justice. If you missed this, you may read the Bishop Andy's
full letter here
.
We also have created a
synod web page
with information and anti-racism resources for individual and congregational use. We will continue to add resources, so check back often. If you have resources to recommend or would like to share stories about how you or your congregation are currently working towards equity, diversity and inclusion, please contact Pastor Lara Martin at
pastorlaramartin@gmail.com
.
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Last Chance to File Your 2019 Congregational Reports!
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The ELCA has notified us that they will be closing their system to process 2019 Congregational (Parochial) Reports, Forms A & C on June 30, 2020.
The 2019 data included in these reports will be used to allocate voting members for the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, so it's important for all congregations to be included.
If your congregation has not yet submitted your reports, we encourage you to do so online by June 30 at
at
www.elca.org/congregationreport
.
If you can't locate your congregational ID number or password to file online, please contact Carol Youngman in the synod office at
carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org
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From the Presiding Bishop
Response to Supreme Court DACA Program Decision
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June 18, 2020
This church urges “flexible and humane ways for undocumented persons who have been in this country for a specified amount of time to be able to adjust their legal status.”
— ELCA social message, “Immigration” (1998)
Today I rejoice in the renewal of dreams and the transformation of heartbreak into hope that today’s Supreme Court decision brings to our nation’s more than 700,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, their families and their communities. Today’s decision recognizes the American identity of these young adults and values the long and deep contributions that these DACA recipients are making and will make to our nation.
Since 2012, DACA has provided protection from deportation to young people who have grown up as members of our churches and as neighbors enriching our common life. It has allowed them to remain in the only home they have ever known, pursue their educations, and work to strengthen our communities. For these reasons the ELCA has been on record in support of such a program since 2011 (CA11.04.26;
https://www.elca.org/Resources/Faith-and-Society#Socialresolutions
).
These protections can now continue, easing individual anxiety for the future and ensuring that families can stay together.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that our health and future cannot be separated from the well-being of our neighbor. Even as we celebrate, there is more to do to provide
permanent protection for DACA recipients. Today’s important decision must be reinforced by legislation that ensures our immigrant neighbors can continue to pursue educations, develop careers, raise families and worship alongside us without constant threats of deportation.
We look ahead and urge passage of H.R.6, the American Dream and Promise Act, which passed the House of Representatives in June 2019. It would provide legal status and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients while promoting just treatment for other undocumented communities.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Available Positions Around the Synod
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Digital Ministry Coordinator/
Congregational Ministries Liaison
Christ Lutheran, San Diego
Christ Lutheran in San Diego is seeking a part-time (15-20 hours per week) Digital Ministry Coordinator/Congregational Ministries Liaison. A complete job description may be
found here
.
Preschool Director
King of Glory, Fountain Valley
King of Glory is searching for the next person who will be responsible for the direct leadership of our year-round, full day preschool. The Preschool Director will be responsible for administration, curriculum, staff development, and age-appropriate Christian education of our infant - preschool age children. This position requires strong leadership skills, good communication skills, a non-anxious presence, confidentiality and strong Christian behavior. The Preschool Director reports to the Pastor.
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position. Compensation commensurate with education and experience. A full job description may be found
here
.
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Pastoral Intern Seeking Housing in Orange County
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Our Redeemer Lutheran in Garden Grove is seeking housing for their new Pastoral Intern, who will begin her internship with them in August. She is a single woman with no pets, who is looking for a 1-bedroom apartment, duplex or other housing, with parking for a car, while she serves at Our Redeemer.
If you can help, please contact Pastor Brian Taylor or Rebecca G. Terrones in the church office at 714-539-9541 or by email at
office@orcgg.org
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Fight Isolation Among People With Disabilities
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The Governor’s California Volunteers office,
CaliforniansForAll.ca.gov
, working with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), on June 12th launched the “Fight Isolation Among People with Disabilities” campaign. It’s part of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign that initially focused on older adults and how we can all safely help our communities in response to COVID-19.
Below is a poster to share on your congregation's social media pages and website. To download the poster, use this link -
bit.ly/californians4all.
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ELCA Youth Gathering
Update Regarding Upcoming Key Dates
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June 15, 2020
ELCA Youth Gathering leadership continues to work through a variety of scenarios of what this ministry may look like in the time of COVID-19. We have decided to pause our upcoming webinars, the release of the Getting Ready Materials and the start of financial assistance, so that all may be adjusted accordingly for any possible changes.
We also hope this pause allows congregational leaders to continue focusing on serving their young people during these unusual times, without needing to devote special attention to Gathering readiness. The Gathering timeline will be adjusted accordingly as updates are announced, so that adult leaders have the necessary time to prepare. All updates will be shared on our social media as well as on our website.
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Webinars and Other Events
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Here to Serve: Being Church in the Times of Crisis
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. PDT
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You are invited to join this weekly gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church. Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church in times of crisis, as well as an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. All of this is designed to help us process our feelings in this strange and fearful time and to create a space where we can each name our next most faithful step forward in our unique context. You are welcome to share this invitation with any other ELCA leader, rostered or lay. #ELCAChurchTogether
We welcome back Dr. Martin Lohrmann on June 24.
He is the
Associate Professor of Lutheran Confessions and Heritage at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Among other works, he is the author of
Book of Harmony: Spirit and Service in the Lutheran Confessions
(Fortress, 2016) and the forthcoming
Stories from Global Lutheranism: A Historical Introduction
(Fortress, expected summer 2020).
Using the 1966 documentary
A Time for Burning
as a starting point, participants will learn about and discuss the ways that racism has impacted the witness and ministry of white Lutheran congregations in the United States.
The session will also discuss antiracist values and strategies that people can use in daily life.
If you missed Dr. Lohrmann's April 15 presentation "Hope and Lutheran History," you can watch that recording and find supporting documents here:
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in Times of Crisis - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: June 24, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Navigating Paycheck Protection Program
Loan Forgiveness Webinar
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Lutheran Services in America has organized a webinar on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness and is inviting all Synods, Congregations and ELCA organizations:
Wednesday, July 1
st
– 10:00 a.m. PDT
Title: Navigating PPP Loan Forgiveness - What you need to know
Description Jack Rybicki, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Managing Principal of Industry and lead of CLA’s COVID-19 Response Team, will lead a timely webinar on how to navigate the loan forgiveness provisions of the Paycheck Protection Program. This insightful webinar will be interactive and respond to your questions about the PPP and how to make informed decisions to maximize loan forgiveness. Mark your calendar for 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, July 1. This session is designed for CEOs, CFOs and others responsible for PPP program in your organization.
Registration Link:
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Racial Equity Bills You Can Support Right Now
- ACA 5 (Weber) Opportunity for All: repeals the ban on affirmative action in higher education, employment and contracting
- ACA 6 (McCarty) Free the Vote: restores voting rights for people on parole
- AB 901 (Gipson) Juveniles: ends the practice of putting youth on probation when they have not committed a crime (yes, that’s a thing we do)
- AB 1950 (Kamlager) Probation Reform: limits probation terms
- AB 2054 (Kamlager) CRISES Act: creates an alternative emergency response to the police
- AB 2147 (Reyes) Conservation Camps – Expungement: creates a process for people who served as firefighters while in prison to expunge their convictions and obtain jobs
- AB 2342 (McCarty) Parole Reform: limits terms paroles
- AB 3070 (Weber) Anti-Discrimination in Jury Selection: addresses racial discrimination in jury selection
- AB 3121 (Weber) Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans: creates a task force to study awarding reparations
- SB 144 (Mitchell) Debt Free Justice: eliminates the most burdensome fees in the criminal justice system
- SB 555 (Mitchell) Phone Justice: limits the cost of phone calls and commissary in jail
Thank you for your advocacy and faithfulness.
Please join us for this week's Advocacy in Quarantine call Wednesday at noon.
Join us for a 30-minute briefing on COVID-19 related legislation. During the 30-minute call, we will discuss current state and federal priorities around COVID-19. We'll then ask you to make a phone call or two to policymakers to advocate with us. See Zoom links below to participate or join
here
.
Thank you for your continued engagement. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday!
PAX,
Regina Q. Banks
Director
Topic: Advocacy in Quarantine
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 389 725 625
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,389725625# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,389725625# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 389 725 625
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Events
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Please join us for one of the many events that we have planned from July through December of this year, including traditional events that we haven't presented for a while, as well as brand new webinars on timely topics. A sampling of a few imminent events is listed below (some events will be repeated in future months):
Meditation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
(August 3-7, 2020):
This intensive 5-day event helps clergy and other church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches
(July 18):
Sessions include "Finding Renewal in Conflict" and "How to be Effective when People are Angry," among others. Groups are especially encouraged to register for this event!
Healthy Congregations (July 21)
:
Participants will learn how to keep anxiety within their congregations from becoming infectious, put limits on invasive behavior, manage reactivity, focus on strengths, and more! This workshop is also especially well suited for groups who are members of the same congregation.
Breaking Free: Finding Resilience in an Era of Collective Trauma
(July 16 & July 30)
Grounded in Family Systems Theory, and offered in the context of COVID-19 and the aftermath of George Floyd's tragic death,
Breaking Free
will help participants identify the impact of trauma on themselves and others, discuss strategies to break free from trauma, and find resilience.
We are pleased to announce the return of one of our more popular seminars:
Leadership and Anxiety in the Church (LAC)
on August 19, 2020 via Zoom video conferencing. This webinar is comprised of a series of PowerPoint presentations that look at the challenges posed by rising levels of anxiety in churches and in society as a whole. Works of art from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern eras are integrated to help facilitate theological reflections on the themes being presented. Like the two workshops listed below,
LAC
is particularly effective when members of the same church attend as a group. We encourage church leaders to organize a group and register for one (or more) of these outstanding seminars today!
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We Remember in Our Prayers
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We ask that you hold the following people in your thoughts and prayers:
- Past and current members and friends of Atonement Lutheran Church in San Diego as they hold their final service, a Service of Holy Closure, this Sunday, June 28.
- Reverend Robert Freistedt
- Reverend Ron and Paula Rennegarbe
- Those affected with the COVID-19 virus and those who have lost loved ones
- Our healthcare providers, first responders, essential workers and all who continue to serve so that others can remain safely at home
In our synod e-newsletter, prayer requests may be shared for our synod's rostered ministers, spouses, key lay leaders and congregations.
Prayer requests included are subject to the following guidelines:
- Only the names of those to be prayed for will be included in our communications. Additional information (with permission) may be shared with the bishop or synod staff, but will not be publicized.
- Those being prayed for must have provided the requester with explicit permission for their names to be shared with the synod.
- Names will remain in the synod communications for one month, unless we are notified by the Conference Prayer Coordinator to extend the request.
- Prayers MUST be added through your Conference Prayer Coordinator, who will submit the prayers to the synod office for distribution.
The following people are serving as your Conference Prayer Coordinators:
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Pacifica Synod - ELCA
Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning
1801 Park Court Place, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.692.2791
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