Pacifica Synod News & Notes
December 31, 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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Current Synod News & Resources |
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Christmas and New Year's Greetings from the
Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop
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From the staff of the Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop, we wish you and your family a blessed and safe Christmas season and a Happy New Year. We are grateful for our partnership in ministry together, especially during this challenging year.
Please note that the Pacifica Synod office will be closed Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021. The office will resume regular hours on Monday, January 4. In the event of an emergency, please call 619.333.0828 and you will be connected with a staff member.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Gratitude and Awareness in the New Year
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
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What if you discovered that living with awareness and intention and focusing on what makes you feel grateful allows you to live longer, inspire others, experience joy, hold pain and grief with compassion, and deepen love, generosity, and respect for all life? Grateful living is way of life that does all of the above and, in so doing, contributes to a peaceful, thriving, and sustainable world – held as sacred by all.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can require effort and commitment to truly notice and stay awake to the people, events, and moments in our lives. With numerous demands on our attention, we can overlook the wisdom of our hearts and bodies, the richness of leaning into what’s here now, and the opportunities and unexpected gifts that can exist within challenging situations.
Join us for two video meditations that take us on a journey into the mystery, science and “flavors” of gratitude in our daily lives and invite us to “Look Around You. Look Inside Yourself.” After the videos, we will gather in small groups to consider how gratitude and awareness can shape our experiences in the new year.
Our next meeting will be via Zoom on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00-noon PST. Pre-registration is required to receive the link and may be done so here.
The January 5 session is the seventh in the monthly series Coaching for All Seasons that began in July 2020. Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page and access the resources from previous presentations. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team designed this 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.
If you would like information on having a coach, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at mikedeenna@gmail.com.
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Save the Dates
Pacifica Synod "Growing Young" Monthly Conversations
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At our Growing Young Intro Presentations in November, we shared that in 2021 we would be hosting monthly, online Zoom events from January to June 2021, each focusing on one of the six Growing Young Core Commitments. Each one-hour session will be offered once during the day and once during the evening.
Watch for a dedicated Growing Young web page to be added to the Pacifica Synod website next week where you'll be able to find more information and register to attend. In the meantime, below are dates and times of each of the sessions so that you can add them to your calendar now and share them with others in your congregation.
Session One - Unlock Keychain Leadership
Tuesday, January 12 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, January 14 - 6:30 PM
Session Two - Empathize with Today's Young People
Thursday, February 4 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, February 9 - 11:00 AM
Session Three - Take Jesus' Message Seriously
Tuesday, March 9 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, March 11 - 6:30 PM
Session Four - Fuel Warm Relationships
Tuesday, April 13 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, April 15 - 6:30 PM
Session Five - Prioritize Young People/Families Everywhere
Tuesday, May 11 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, May 13 - 6:30 PM
Session Six - Be the Best Neighbors
Tuesday, June 8 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, June 10 - 6:30 PM
We're excited to share Growing Young with congregations in our synod and walking with you in this work together. If you have any questions, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Gathering
Reconstruction: Yesterday and Today!
Sunday, January 17
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Pacifica Synod's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup will be hosting another monthly roundtable discussion group, under the leadership of James Tyler. The group will meet next on Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. NO in-person gathering will take place this month.
During this time together, several members of the group will present on a variety of topics, including "Reconstruction: Yesterday and Today! (PBS), the book "Ghettoside" by Jill Leovy, and other topics.
If you would like to participate in this roundtable event, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org to be sent the Zoom link. If you have suggestions for topics you'd like to hear about (or lead discussion on), please share that information with us using this same email.
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An Invitation From the Bishop
A Conversation with Congregational Presidents
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Dear Congregation Presidents,
Thank you for saying “yes” when asked to serve as a Congregation President. I believe that Congregation Presidents are the unsung heroes of the church. You serve as the key lay leader, working with the pastors and deacons to set Council and Congregation meeting agendas, ensuring that the fiduciary responsibilities of the Council are met, while seeking to follow Jesus as Christ leads your congregation to serve your neighbors.
I would like to invite you to a Zoom meeting for Congregation Presidents in January. You may attend a meeting on either of the following days and times:
Thursday, January 28 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. PST
Saturday, January 30 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. PST
I would like to hear from you the particular strengths and needs of your congregation. You will have an opportunity to learn from other congregation presidents. And there will be some training for the work in the months ahead. Your feedback about strengths and needs will help the Synod as we seek to do what our mission statement calls us to do: equip, accompany and serve boldly, so all may experience God’s boundless grace.
You may register for the meeting of your choice here. I hope to meet with all of our presidents in January. You and your congregations are in my prayers. God bless you in the work you do.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Andy Taylor / he, him, his
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2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly Information |
Dear People of the Pacifica Synod,
On June 17, 2020, the Office of the Bishop announced that Synod Council voted to postpone the 2020 Pacifica Synod Assembly and designated Saturday, May 1, 2021 as the date for our next synod assembly. This one-day assembly will be held completely online and planning for our time together has already begun.
Please begin to consider who your voting members will be, keeping in mind the following:
- Voting members will need to be familiar with computers or tablets (such as iPads) and able to learn an additional voting program/app.
- As this will be a one-day assembly on a Saturday, consider electing people whose schedules have prohibited them from attending past assemblies during weekdays.
- Each voting member will need to have their own device. Even if voting members live together, they cannot share one device. Each person needs their own device to vote.
For more information about congregational fees, registration, and current updates, go to the 2021 Synod Assembly page on our synod website.
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Nomination Period for Pacifica Synod Council,
Discipline Committee and Churchwide Assembly
Voting Members Now Open
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Are You Feeling Called to be a Leader in the Pacifica Synod?
- Do you feel called to do more in Pacifica?
- Do you want to do something new in Pacifica?
- Do you think you could be a leader for change in Pacifica?
- Perhaps you are being called to be a leader in the Pacifica Synod.
The Nominating Committee of the Pacifica Synod invites members of Pacifica Synod congregations to prayerfully consider if God is calling them to serve on Synod Council, the Discipline Committee, or as a Voting Member at the next Churchwide Assembly. Elections to fill these positions will take place at the 2021 Synod Assembly on May 1, 2021.
A complete list of the open positions and descriptions of the duties of
each position may be found here.
Any congregational member in good standing may self-nominate or be nominated to open positions by completing the online nomination form.
Nomination forms for all positions must be received no later than Friday, February 19, 2021. Those who wish to be considered for open positions who have not submitted their form by that date will need to be nominated from the Synod Assembly floor per S9.03.02 and must be accompanied by a written nomination containing the signatures of no less than 10 persons entitled to vote at the assembly for the nominee.
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Assembly Resolutions and Memorials Process |
THE DEADLINE FOR PRESENTING A RESOLUTION OR MEMORIAL TO THE 2021 SYNOD ASSEMBLY IS FEBRUARY 1, 2021
The resolutions process enables individuals or recognized groups within the synod to bring a request for action or a request for a statement to be made by the Synod Assembly. Since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets in 2022, this Synod Assembly will consider both resolutions and memorials. For information and resources about the differences between a “resolution” and a “memorial,” please visit the ELCA Office of the Secretary webpage found here.
Resolutions and memorials may be submitted by a congregation of the Synod, a Ministry Team, an ELCA institution or agency, a conference, or the Synod Council and must be signed by the appropriate leadership (i.e., president, chair, dean, etc.). Individuals may submit a resolution/memorial with the signatures of 10 other members of the Synod. The maker(s) of the resolution/memorial must be identified separately from the required signers.
Resolutions/memorials are to be submitted in writing 90 days in advance of the Synod Assembly (by February 1, 2021) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the pre-assembly materials. They may be mailed or emailed to the synod office at rachelline@pacificasynod.org, to the attention of the Resolutions Committee.
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Warner Trust Fund Grant Application Period
Now Open Until January 15, 2021
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Applications are now being received for the Charles and Mable Warner Trust fund proceeds being administered by the Pacifica Synod. The application deadline is January 15, 2021.
Charles and Mable Warner were members of First Lutheran Church, Los Angeles. They had no children and loved their church as evidenced by the following quote from their will:
“…The entire remainder of the trust estate shall go and be distributed to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Southwest, Los Angeles, California, with the request that such estate be used in the construction of Sunday School facilities and to further youth Christian education.”
For more information about the grant, including criteria for use, requirements to apply and a downloadable application, please visit our Warner Trust Grant webpage.
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2021 Synod Clergy Compensation Guidelines
Now Available
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In October 2020, the Synod Council approved recommendation of a 2% increase in the Baseline Salary for Ministers of Word and Sacrament of the Pacifica Synod for the year 2021. This action brings the 2021 baseline salary (including salary and housing allowance) to $68,246 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament.
The updated 2021 Synod Clergy Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers and documents are now available on our Pacifica Synod website, found here.
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Remote/Electronic Meetings for Congregations |
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, many congregation leaders are asking how they can use technology to hold necessary meetings and conduct the business of the congregation.
You should first consult your congregation's constitution. If your constitution does not do not explicitly forbid a remote meeting, California law allows for remote voting for non-profit corporations.
Below are two documents that may be helpful as you navigate this topic. The first is a RECENTLY UPDATED FAQ resource provided by the ELCA. The second, is more specific to California and has been provided by the Pacifica Synod's attorney.
Further questions may be directed to the synod office.
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From the ELCA & Other Partners |
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Double Your Impact to End Hunger Today!
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A young mother is laid off from her job in the restaurant industry as the pandemic hits, and the wages and tips she relies on to feed her children have vanished.
A farming family reels from the loss of a father to COVID-19. His labor provided for them, and now they’re grieving and not sure how they’ll make ends meet.
A young man who had moved far from home to find work in a factory had his employer abruptly shut its doors. With transportation shut down, he begins a long walk home without food or water.
These are just a few of the millions of hardships that people around the world have faced this year. Estimates tell us that nearly half of Americans have lost their jobs or are economically insecure, and that global hunger and poverty will increase at least 12% by the end of the year.
But you can make a difference. And right now, your gifts can go twice as far.
Between now and Dec. 31, every gift made to ELCA World Hunger will be matched, dollar for dollar, until we reach $100,000! Will you give today?
The ministry of ELCA World Hunger was ready to meet the year’s challenges, participating creatively and courageously in the renewing work God is doing, even in the most difficult times. In more than 60 countries including the United States, ELCA World Hunger is working to end hunger and poverty. From food pantries to water wells, health care to advocacy, gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work.
This is part of Jesus Christ’s call on our church. But to answer, we need you.
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ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2021
Early Bird Pricing Ends January 1, 2021
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The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's 2021 Extravaganza is going to be an all-online experience taking place February 4-6, 2021. While this may be different than the usual in-person event, this also provides the opportunity for many to attend without the cost or time commitment of travel to a destination. And we are still going to experience spiritual renewal, continuing education and networking and connection. Extravaganza 2021 is for ALL leaders in a congregation and will help you get through the next year, and beyond.
The goal for Extravaganza 2021 is to answer 5 questions together:
- How do we help our people navigate the grief of losing "normal?" How do we navigate that same grief ourselves?
- How do we care for ourselves in the midst of accompanying others in their pain?
- How do we navigate change?
- What should we do next?
- How do we find hope in the midst of chaos?
- We know that right now, ministry is hard and that we all wrestle with these questions. Together, with the help of our speakers and workshop leaders, we are going to try to figure out a road map.
The best part is that this event is affordable! Through January 1, 2021, the costs are $25 for individuals OR $60 to register as many people from your congregation as you want. No limit! From January 2 to February 1, the costs will increase to $50 for individuals and $120 for groups.
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LSS Southern California Estate Planning Series
Continues January 13, 2021
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LSS is offering a no-cost comprehensive Estate Planning seminar to our network of donors and partners. This five-session series begins December 16, 2020 and will continue once monthly through April 2021.
This is an opportunity for you to take a serious look at your financial portfolio, preparing for unexpected costly situations ahead, providing for your loved ones who will survive you, and making certain your legacy of giving is honored through gifts to the charities you have supported across the years.
Joshua Anderson, an Estate Planning Attorney and Partner with McIntire Anderson, and Lisa Higginbotham, our local ELCA Regional Gift Planner will lead each of these sessions.
The dates of each session are below. Each gathering is from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PST.
January 13 - I've Got the Power!
February 10 - Wills, Trusts & Probate...Oh My!
March 17 - Love is Eternal...Community Property Isn't
April 14th - You're Set...What's Next?
For a downloadable PDF flyer to share with others, click here.
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PLTS Virtual Community Organizing Training
January 19 to 23, 2021
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You are invited to attend a virtual Training Course in Community Organizing for Transformational Ministry offered by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminar January 19-23, 2021.
The Community Organizing for Transformational Ministry is co-led by a team of four including Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Dr. Ray Pickett, Deacon Kelly Marciales, Director of the ELCA Organizing for Mission Network, and Mary Lim-Lampe, Director of Genesis, a community organizing affiliate in Oakland. It is an innovative model that incorporates theological and biblical reflection, and attention to beauty and art as well as training in more traditional arts of community organizing (power analysis, organizing cycle, self-interest, and of course more).
The course/training is for graduate students as well as practitioners of community organizing and leaders of faith communities. Click here for a flyer which includes a registration link.
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California Lutheran University
Fifty and Better (FAB) Winter Session & January Lectures
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FAB’s 6-week Winter Session begins on January 19 and registration is now open!
Courses include: History of Women Artists, America and the Cold War, American Life Through Broadway Musicals, Pioneer Women of the Movies, and more! We hope you will join us for these captivating courses. Individuals 50+ are welcome, please share with your friends and family! FAB will also be hosting lectures in early January. Join us as JPL’s Luis Velasco talks about the Perseverance Rover and the challenges leading up to the February landing, and Eleanor Schrader takes us on a journey out West through Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. Lectures are open to all.
For more information visit:
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2020 ELCA Annual Report Covers Now Available |
The new 2020 annual report covers are now available.
Both can be found in the Stewardship resources here:
Direct links are here:
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - Nov 2020
ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission "Foundations" Newsletter - Winter 2020
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Clinical Case Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture International of San Diego has a full-time position opening for a Clinical Case Manager.
General Purpose of the Job: With the clinical team, provide holistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, integrated mental health and social services to individuals and families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (The examples of functions are not necessarily exhaustive. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position.) This position will require remote work, in-office work, in-the-field work, or a combination thereof.
For a complete job description and application procedures, click here.
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Youth and Family Coordinator
St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton
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St Paul Lutheran Church (SPLC) in Fullerton is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and energetic individual for a position leading our Youth and Family Ministries. The Youth and Family Coordinator (YFC) will be responsible for designing programs that engage, guide and mobilize the gifts of others to develop multi-faceted programming that includes spiritual formation, education, mission, service, fun and outreach. This position will require flexible hours including Sunday morning worship, weeknights, weekends, and potentially full weeks for retreat/mission trips.
Candidates will have a heart for youth, a passion for Christ, a faith perspective in agreement with the teachings of the ELCA Lutheran Church that includes both a personal and social understanding of faith, an awareness of the struggles and faith questions of modern youth and young adults, and create a safe space of inclusion and diversity.
A complete position description may be found here. In addition, those interested are asked to complete and submit this application.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Being Church
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m. PST
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January 6 Presentation
The Sacred Work of Grief, Part 5: What We Expected and Did Not Receive - Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin
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 understand a number of folks are unable to make this day and time each week. We record the main session and debrief time and share each recording with supporting documents here, typically by the following week: https://www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media.
Below is the link for each Wednesday's Zoom meeting. For a list of upcoming topics and recordings of prior meetings, go to https://www.elcacoaching.org/.
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: January 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. PST
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,180439412#,,1#,648160# US (San Jose)
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+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Stephen Ministry Interactive Online
Bridge Leader's Training Course
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Are you looking to begin Stephen Ministry or to train additional Stephen Leaders for your Stephen Ministry? The Stephen Ministries organization is offering a new way to equip Stephen Ministry leaders during this time, when it isn’t possible to attend an in-person Leader’s Training Course.
The Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC) is an interactive online training experience to equip laypeople, pastors, and other church staff as “Stephen Leaders,” the ones who lead Stephen Ministry in your congregation. Participants meet over Zoom in cohorts of 20 people with two experienced trainers from Stephen Ministries for highly personalized training. During ten 2½-hour sessions over the course of five or ten weeks, trainees learn through presentations, discussions, videos, breakout activities, Q&A times, and more, gaining the knowledge and tools they need to lead Stephen Ministry in their church.
Pacifica Synod congregations - watch for information in early January about the synod's Stephen Ministry training grant program for lay ministry leaders.
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Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood |
ALOA's monthly webinars offer a presentation on a single topic by an expert in older adult ministry. They're free and last about an hour. On January 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. PST, the topic will be "Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood.
Roland Martinson, Emeritus Professor of Luther Seminary and author of Elder's Rising: The Promise & Peril of Aging, will share multiple aspects of spirituality as it relates to older adults. Spirituality is one section of the Toolkit for Older Adult Ministry that ALOA is in the process of developing. The Toolkit is the initial component in ALOA's Congregational Centers for Resilience and Aging project. There will also be resources shared and time for questions.
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Ignite the Church Conference 2021 |
Adapting to a New Reality: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church
We Have Gone Online! Join us in 2021 for Adapting to a New Reality: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church. Monthly webinars focus on key areas:
- January – Encouragement Beyond Fatigue
- February – Justice and the Common Good
- March – Hybrid Community: Virtual & In-Person
- April – Creative Expressions of Church
The Ignite the Church Conference movement continues to grow as leaders are encouraged and ministry is transformed!
Please go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net to see the outstanding line up of speakers and panel leaders and to get more information on how you can join the movement.
All conference proceeds are donated to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Last year's gift to future leaders totaled $6,000. We hope to see you virtually! #ignitethechurch
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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:
- Eric Sweetman, spouse of the Rev. Sherry Sweetman
- The Rev. Ken Severa
- All affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, as well as those providing relief efforts
- 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.
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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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