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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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Pacifica Synod News & Resources
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31st Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly - May 18 to 19, 2018
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It's almost time for our 2018 Pacifica Synod Assembly that will take place at Hope Lutheran in Palm Desert
on May 18 and 19, 2018. The theme for this year's Assembly is "Go and Tell: Giving Voice to Faith, Justice and Blessing".
The 2018 Synod Assembly web page has been updated with details about the assembly including registration, hotel info, nominations, schedule, special guests and more.
Online registration for voting members and guests has been extended to Friday, May 4. Registration instructions to guide you through the process may be found
here. Please use the worksheet to assemble the information you will need BEFORE you go online to register. Once you have your information compiled, follow this
registration link to begin the registration process.
Please keep in mind that payment of the early bird registration invoice did not register individuals from your congregation.
The pre-assembly reports (a.k.a. the Assembly notebook) are now available for you to download and/or print. They are posted on the
Synod Assembly web page. Please note that there have been several minor updates to a few reports (noted on the page.)
If you have questions about your Synod Assembly invoice or registration for the assembly, please contact Terri Robertson at [email protected].
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Sunday, June 10
2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Pacifica Synod, ELCA
1801Parkcourt Place, Bldg. C
Santa Ana
 God calls all of us to live a life of discipleship and service. God calls some as rostered ministers to serve and equip others within the church to reach the world. So, what has the Holy Spirit been bugging you about lately? Perhaps she is using a still, small voice inviting you to consider ministry in your future or shouting rather loudly that God has an idea for you? In 1 Samuel 3, we learn that the first thing we should do when God calls is to listen. Then we should follow up with prayer, conversation, and contacting the synod office to begin the journey to serve.
If God's tickling your spirit with the possibility of serving through a Word & Sacrament (Pastor) or Word & Service (Deacon) ministry in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), join us at the Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning (Pacifica Synod Office) on Sunday, June 10 for hors d'oeuvres, conversation, and information. We will talk about the candidacy process and seminary. In addition, Andrea Arey (from Portico) will be with us to teach us more about "the wholeness wheel."
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration to reserve your spot is required. Please follow this link to register. Don't wait, space is limited and the deadline to register is June 4.
You are invited to bring a friend, your pastor, or a family member or spouse to join you. There are times when Pastors, Deacons, and congregation members know a friend or congregant within their midst in whom they see the possibility that God is calling them into rostered ministry. Reserve space to come and explore the possibilities with them.
If God is calling, "listen." I'm proof that God is tenacious and doesn't give up. If you have any questions, please contact the synod office at 714.692.2791 or me by email at
[email protected]
. - Pastor Terry Tuvey Allen
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Ministry Update - Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko Adachi
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Dear Beloved Friends in Pacifica Synod,
First of all, from the bottom of our heart, Satoko and I would like to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and initial gracious support responding to the Bishop's announcement of my new call right after the Christmas. As mentioned, we transitioned from our roles at the Pacifica Synod and the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Huntington Beach to begin serving as missionaries in Japan with the ELCA Global Mission Unit on February 1, 2018.
The deployment process to Japan, starting with orientation in early February followed by the many pieces of documentation needed for the visa application process, took a little bit longer than I was anticipating. However, this has finally ended and we have now departed from Los Angeles to Kumamoto, Japan.
We have been feeling much excitement in going back to our native country, but at the same time we are anticipating many challenges since people in Kumamoto experienced a tremendous earthquake two years ago and the Christian presence in Japan is less than one percent of the population.
We have been connecting electronically with other ELCA Missionary Teachers for Lutheran schools in Kumamoto and also, with the neighboring congregation pastors to prepare plans for serving the communities there. Our missionary profile is
attached here and explains a glimpse of our ministry. Again, thank you for your continuous thoughts, prayers, and support.
Peace in this Easter Season,
Pastor Hitoshi Adachi
From the synod office, some additional information.
The ELCA is sending a little over 200 missionaries to over 40 countries to serve as pastors, teachers, advisers and doctors. It costs an average of $80,000 annually to support an ELCA missionary household. Each missionary is expected to raise $20,000 per year towards these costs. We encourage you to consider becoming a longer-term sponsoring congregation/individual to support Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko in their ministries, which will continue for the next four to eight years. As it is written in
attached profile
, if you wish to support the Adachi's with an automatic monthly bank withdrawal or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication and support, please contact 800.638.3522, ext. 2657, or at
[email protected]
.
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Calvary by the Sea, Honolulu Flooding Update
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Calvary by the Sea, Honolulu
is continuing its flood recovery with the help of church members, community volunteers and professionals. They are working hard to clean up the Angel Network Charities food bank. The preschool has found a temporary location at Holy Nativity Church. For current information on the status of their recovery and for ways you can contribute monetary donations, please
click here
.
We are grateful for and ask for your continued prayers for all affected by this flooding.
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Presiding Bishop Eaton - "God Loves"
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In her May column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: "Jesus loves his own and loves us to the end." And, she notes, Jesus makes it possible for us to do the same.
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Final Payments Due May 15
Please remember, final payments for the Gathering are due May 15. Please download the payment letter in your account and send one final check to the address indicated. If you have questions or concerns about your final payment, please email
.
Service Learning & Transportation Webinars
Did you miss our service learning webinar? On April 12, we were joined by the Service Learning Team leader, Jessica Noonan, as we hosted our webinar focused on all the work her team is planning for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering.
Watch it to learn more about how to prepare, what to expect, what to bring, what to wear and so much more! If you still have questions or concerns, please email us at
[email protected]. Our next webinar is our transportation webinar on May 10 at 7 p.m. Central.
RSVP here!
Stories to Share
We're continuing to ask for your youth's reflections and stories to share on the  big screen at the Gathering. Every two weeks we'll have a new prompt to reflect on. Submit your videos on Instagram by using the assigned # or DMing the Gathering (
@ELCAGathering
). Please save the videos! If yours is chosen, we will DM you with instructions on how and where to send your video.
Guidelines:
- Youth featured must be in 8th-12th grade.
- Videos should be 3-10 seconds long.
- Post in the identified timeline
- Use listed #s.
April 25-May 9 we're focusing on our sub-theme based on "The road to Emmaus - God's hope changes everything: Hope changes everything." Share with us where hope is needed. #ELCAYG2018 #HopeChangesEverything.
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Save the Date - Sept 9
for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday
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Please save the date Sunday, Sept. 9, for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday.
As members of the ELCA, we believe we are called, gathered and sent into the world to embody the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection - called into relationship with God, gathered together as a community of believers and sent into the world to love and serve our neighbors.
On "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, we join together to use our various gifts in service to our communities - this is work you do every day, sharing the love of Christ with all of God's people.
Watch the video below to see how our congregations have put their faith in action since 2013 for this dedicated day of service.
If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 9, please consider another time.
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Celebrating Ministry Together!
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The Rev. Sam Nelson was installed as Associate Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Encinitas on Sunday, April 8. We've asked him to share a bit about himself here.
My name is Sam Nelson, and I have been called to be the associate pastor at
 Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Encinitas, CA. I grew up in a Half Moon Bay, a small town in Northern California just south of San Francisco. I attended California Lutheran University where I majored in psychology and minored in religion. Upon graduating in 2011, I decided to continue to pursue psychology and enrolled in a masters program in Washington D.C. It was there that I experienced my call to ministry, and after I had finished the program I enrolled in seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. During seminary I did CPE at UCSF Medical Center, served in a parish in the far south side community of Hegewisch, and did internship in Muscatine, IA.
I am really excited to be back on the west coast. I love the ocean and enjoy body surfing and boogie boarding. In my free time I like swimming, Zumba, softball, listening to my favorite podcasts like Welcome to Night Vale, and trying new beers with friends. I am looking forward to doing ministry in the Pacifica Synod and getting to know my fellow rostered leaders better.
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Installation of The Rev. James Pike
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On Sunday, April 22, we celebrated with the congregation of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Huntington Beach and the Rev. James Pike, as he was installed as Pastor.
Following the service, the congregation held a wonderful reception in his honor. Congratulations, Pastor James!
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Our Saviors, San Diego - May 5
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Care Connections Network - Orange County
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Care Connections Network is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to empowering older adults and changing how we all think about aging. We work
 with existing community organizations and vetted service providers to connect our members to services that are designed to assist older adults with staying active and remaining in their own homes. We are part of the Village to Village Network, a nation-wide group of community-based organizations dedicated to changing how people age in America and are one of the few faith-based villages. We are a social ministry of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and have received support and encouragement from the ELCA. Our educational and social programs are open to everyone in the community.
We offer:
- Lifelong learning and educational opportunities to help you age with confidence
- Social and cultural events to help you stay connected with the community
- Referrals to vetted and trusted service providers
- A volunteer program to help you with other needs
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Luther Glen Barnraising - June 9 - First, Redlands Challenge!
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A Challenge!
First Lutheran in Redlands just donated $1,000 to the Luther Glen BarnRaising Fundraiser. And so we are throwing down this challenge to the congregations of the Pacifica Synod: Match us or best us with a donation to the Barn. Do it on your own or join with another congregation. Don't leave First Lutheran standing out in the field (literally) alone! And plan on attending the Barn Raising Fundraiser on June 9 from 3:00 to 8:00. Fun, food, silent and noisy auction, fun, games for all ages, line dancing and did we mention - FUN! Rise to the challenge and join us on June 9.
Barn Raising Fundraiser
Saturday, June 9
3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Barn Raising Fundraiser is your opportunity to see Luther Glen, enjoy fellowship with our community and help raise enough money to begin building the Luther Glen Barn!
3:00-5:00 Activities/Silent Auction
5:00-5:30 Presentation/Blessing
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Live Auction
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Faith Lutheran, Menifee Garden Tea Party - June 23
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You are invited!
Faith Lutheran Church - Menifee
Women of the ELCA (W-ELCA)
Annual Fundraiser
Garden Tea Party
Saturday, June 23, 2018
10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
28200 Portsmouth Drive, Menifee, CA 92586
Funds raised will go to
Central City Lutheran Mission and
the Women's Domestic Abuse Shelter
Your $15 donation includes:
Program * Lunch * Gift Basket Drawing
To reserve your entry ticket:
Call Dee Seel (951-672-0969)
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Essential Skills for Youth Workers- August 2 to 4, 2018
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For a PDF flyer for this event, click here.
The aim of this event is to:
* Connect more deeply to your own context or ministry setting
* Go home with resources and plans
* Find space for renewal and rest
* Build relationships and a network
* The format of the event will include three rounds of:
* Three TED-style talks on various aspects of work with children, youth and families
* Round table discussions with the speakers
* Small groups of participants to "translate" content from speakers to your context
* Workshop time/space to draft and/or collect resources to use back your context
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Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium - August 25
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Beginning this month, we will be including prayer requests for our synod's rostered ministers, spouses, key lay leaders and congregations here in our synod e-newsletter. 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:
************************************************************************************
We ask that you hold the following people and congregations in prayer:
Calvary by the Sea Lutheran, Honolulu
Grace Holtz
Pastor George and Vivian Johnson
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