Pacifica Synod News & Notes
July 28, 2021
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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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Registration Now Open for Theoasis 2021
October 18 to 20, 2021
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
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A joint church leaders’ event (a theological oasis):
Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders…
ALL are welcome!
"Fling Wide the Door: Re-opening Our Preaching & Ourselves"
Costs (Program and two meals, excluding hotel):
$235 (rostered leader, lay staff, ministry partner)
$165 (retired rostered, interns, candidates & non-rostered spouses)
$75 Optional Golf Tournament (Palm Desert Country Club)
Online registration is NOW open and will close October 4.
Theoasis begins on Monday, October 18.
Registration will open at 12:00 p.m. The program will begin with Session 1 at 2:00 p.m. The event ends on Wednesday, October 20 by Noon, following closing worship.
Additional information about Theoasis, including the hotel reservation link, scholarship information and event details, may be found on the Theoasis event page. Information will continue to be added as it becomes available.
Please check back often!
Pacifica Synod Professional Boundaries Workshop for Rostered Ministers:
Pacifica Synod will be offering a Professional Boundaries Workshop in Palm Desert following the close of Theoasis in the afternoon on Wednesday, October 20. Watch for more details and registration information to come soon.
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Summer Dates for #CaliSTRONG |
#CaliSTRONG is a space created for high school youth to engage each other in conversation around social justice issues and hot topics they are passionate about. This space will be peer led with adult supervision and a pastoral care presence. Youth will learn leadership skills to engage in dialogues around race, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion through a biblical lens.
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Coaching for All Seasons
Thriving Beyond COVID
Tuesday, August 3
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We invite you to join us via Zoom for our next session
on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at
11:00-noon (Pacific) and 8:00-9:00 a.m. (HI)
Thriving Beyond COVID
With Pastor Jeff Linman
Pre-registration is required to receive the link and may be done HERE.
Beyond COVID – what do congregations do next? One pivotal question is how leaders can help their congregations look forward to what can be rather than clinging to how things used to be. Another is where to turn for guidance. Retired Pastor Jeff Linman has developed a free, downloadable resource for congregations: Thriving Beyond COVID.
If you choose only one resource, consider this one. Thriving Beyond COVID is a Scripture-based group study. As of July 21, 2021, this resource has been downloaded by 450 leaders from 41 states, the District of Columbia, four countries, five expressions of Lutheranism in North America, and six ecumenical partners.
Who is Pastor Jeff Linman? After serving congregations in northern Illinois, Pastor Jeff founded Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Orlando, Florida, which grew from worshiping in a tent in 1996 to a 34,000 square-foot building today. Recently retired from active parish ministry, Pastor Jeff remains committed to developing programs and resources to renew and reinvigorate ELCA congregations.
Get the inside scoop. Pastor Jeff will be discussing Thriving Beyond COVID during Coaching for All Seasons on Zoom at 11:00 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. You’ll find the registration link here.
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Brought to you by –
Your Pacifica Synod Coaching Team to support Synod leaders during challenging times. Each monthly offering brings a presentation on a current topic and an opportunity to discuss it in a small group facilitated by an ELCA coach.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. A coach’s role is to support leaders in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them.
For more information –
Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page for resources as well as previous presentations.
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Tell Us About Your Summer! |
We'd love to learn more about and see your photos of VBS, day camps and other summer activities in your congregation (virtual or in-person) and share them in an upcoming issue of our Pacifica Synod News & Notes!
Please email any photos and descriptions to Terri Robertson in the Office of the Bishop at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org no later than August 23. Please note that any photos shared must have the permission of those in the photo (parental permission needed for minors) before we can use them in our publications. (Photo shown is from Hope, Temecula's Day Camp in Summer 2019).
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Save the Dates for the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
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Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022
May 19-21, 2022
Irvine Marriott
2022 is a Bishop Election year, so please plan to attend!
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Global Mission Update - Pastor Hitoshi & Satoko Adachi |
Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelicial Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their July 2021 newsletter.
The brochure attached here details the Adachi's ministry in Japan and how to best support them. You can give through the synod office or mail your check to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. Make checks payable to “ELCA Missionaries” with “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051” in the memo line.
To donate by credit or debit card, go to https://community.elca.org/Japan or call 800-638-3522 and specify “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051”. To set up an automatic monthly bank withdrawal or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication, and support, please contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or globalchurch@elca.org.
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ELCA Advocacy Network's
Advocacy Summer School - August & September 2021
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Wondering about how advocacy fits into our Christian and Lutheran presence in policy discussions? Session 1 of ELCA Advocacy Summer School will paint a picture of what advocacy is and how advocacy is shaped with a faith foundation, especially as members and affiliates of the ELCA. With discussions, examples, and ways to connect!
The 30-minute virtual session begins on Wed. Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. EDT – and you’re invited to be part of the question & answer session for 15 minutes following the presentation. For more information and to register for each session, click here.
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ELCA 2022 Youth Gathering News! |
Financial Assistance Application Period Now Open
Kickoff Celebration - Now Available to View
The Kickoff Celebration for Youth Gathering 2022 will went live on Sunday, July 25 via Gathering social media. Join Gathering hosts Matthew and Claire and hear from our host city and our partners from across the country, dive into our theme, learn what's new for the 2022 Gathering, and more. The video is now available for congregational groups to view as they start their Gathering planning. Get your congregational group together to view this 30-minute video at your convenience. https://elca.org/YouthGathering/About/Kickoff-Celebration.
Registration Webinar - August 19
A brand-new online registration system will be utilized for the 2022 Gathering. Gone are the days of mailing in your payments and rooming lists! Find out more during the Registration Webinar to be held on Thursday, August 19 at 5 p.m. PDT/3 p.m. HST. The 30-minute webinar will be hosted by Gathering leadership and be split up in a presentation and a Q&A session. Click here to register to receive the link to view the webinar, along with info on future webinars and recordings of prior ones.
To find out more about the 2022 Youth Gatheing, check out the Gathering website www.elca.org/gathering or contact Molly Farrin, Pacifica's Gathering Synod Coordinator. Molly's role is to answer your questions and help your journey to the Gathering be as smooth as possible.
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ELCA Youth Ministry Network's
Extravaganza 2022
Registration Now Live!
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Main Event: February 11-14
One live experience, two options:
Onsite in Minneapolis AND online
The Extravaganza is the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s annual ministry conference for adults who work with children, youth and family ministry! Join us in Minneapolis or online to be renewed and equipped for ministry as you network and learn from leaders across the ELCA. There is something for everyone - whether you are a volunteer or professional, new to ministry or have years of experience.
For more Extravaganza details, visit: ext22.org
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ELCA Coaching
"Courageous Leadership" Webinar Series
Continues August 4
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You are invited to join ELCA Coaching at 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST on the 3rd Wednesday of July and the First and Third Wednesday of August to learn some possibly surprising, and some definitely humorous, things about COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.
We have a special guest confirmed for two of these dates, and we are inviting you to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community, and the world. There will also be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.
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Learn More About the
PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
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The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS is excited to announce two new ways to engage with and support their ministry and mission in the world. The first is a continuing education opportunity that is available to both rostered ministers as well as lay persons. The second is a way for congregations and individuals to support the important work of the center.
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Circle of Partner Congregations and Synods: These partners will support the center with prayer and financial support, receive regular updates and invitations from the Center, and be involved with it to the extent determined by the congregation. Please click here for more information.
Below are two resources that explain and detail the work of the center:
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Lutheran World Relief COVID-19 Response |
Lutheran World Relief invites congregations to be part of the largest global health effort in history and end COVID for everyone, everywhere. As we continue to turn a corner in our fight against COVID-19 in the United States, our neighbors around the world are suffering. Access to the COVID-19 vaccine is rapidly changing our lives, and now the kindness of your congregation can deliver this same hope to our neighbors.
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign
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What is the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign?
The H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign is LRCC's recovery plan. H.E.L.P. is an acronym:
Help kids get to camp
Encourage young adults to be counselors
Lean into your camp's financial recovery
Pray for God’s blessing
Thank you to the congregations of the Pacifica Synod for supporting Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences' H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign Resolution at their Synod Assembly. The same resolution was also approved by the Southwest California Synod in early June.
The real impact of the Covid-19 pandemic closures of our local Lutheran Bible camps has resulted in over $1,000,000 dollars in lost revenue. Thankfully our donors responded generously, but we still have a long way to go.
To learn more about the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign, click here.
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Care Connections Network
Aging. Better.
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Care Connections Network is changing the face of aging in Orange County. We are dedicated to helping older adults, 50 and over, age in their own homes and communities. We connect our members to the community programming and expertise they need to continue living lives of purpose and promise. We strive to empower older adults by offering educational opportunities to help them age with confidence, social and cultural events to keep them connected with the community, referrals to vetted service providers and a volunteer program providing additional support and assistance.
To find out more about upcoming events and other services, click here for the Care Connections Network July newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - July 2021
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Development Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego is seeking a full-time Development Manager.
The general purpose of the position is: Responsible for the development and execution of SURVIVORS’ fundraising program including annual fundraising event, special community events and individual donor cultivation with an emphasis on generating five-year pledges in the range of $1,000-$25,000 per year.
To download a complete position description, please click here.
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Director of PLTS Admission
Berkeley, California
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California Lutheran University is seeking a Director of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Admission. This full-time, exempt position is located in Berkeley, California.
Basic functions of the position include: Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and indirectly reporting to the Rector, the Director of Graduate Admission for the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, CA plans, develops, organizes, coordinates, implements, administers, directs and evaluates the programs, operations, activities and staff of the PLTS Admission office to ensure effective recruitment, admission and enrollment of students. The Director represents the seminary in identifying prospective students from across the country, assisting them with their vocational discernment, choice of seminary, and program of study. The Director oversees recruitment and the process by which prospective students apply and are admitted to the seminary.
For more information about the position, please click here. Close date is August 8.
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Finance Minister (Part-Time)
Hope Lutheran, Temecula
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Hope Lutheran Church, Temecula, CA is in search of a Finance Minister ASAP! This is a part-time position. $25 per hour approximately 25 hours per week.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining accounts payable
- Payroll for church and Hope Children's Center
- Preparation of monthly reconciliation of accounts
- Annual Budgets
- Annual ELCA Reports
- City and other local tax reports
If interested. please contact Hope Church Council President, Dave Bradley at 951-302-9755 or daveb819@aol.com to schedule an interview.
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Naturalist & Outdoor School Instructor
Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences (LRCC)
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences is seeking a community-oriented individual who is passionate about the environment to join our team as a Naturalist and Outdoor School Instructor. Stationed at camp El Camino Pines, located in the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California, the Naturalist/Instructor will lead weeklong Environmental Education programs with other members of the year-round team. This is an onsite position with room and board included. In addition to teaching, the job includes retreat hosting, dishwashing, light maintenance, winter retreat programming and other camp responsibilities. El Camino Pines is one of two sites under the umbrella of Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences. In addition to a year-round Outdoor School, we host retreats groups most weekends and run a summer camp program June-August.
Training is provided. Flexibility is a must. Fun is a given.
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to the care and appreciation of God’s creation and communicate and practice that with students and staff.
- A desire to teach students of all ages uses the outdoor education curriculum.
- At least one year of post-high school experience - college or work. Undergraduate degree, camp experience and leadership experience are preferred.
- Must be flexible and willing to help in all areas of camp life.
- Must be able to communicate with and work with others.
- Must have interest in living in a Christian community and a willingness to live in community with others.
- Understanding of the philosophy and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the programs and sites of LRCC.
For more information and to apply contact:
Meredith Smith
Camp Director, El Camino Pines
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
661-245-3519
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Youth Ministry Intern (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Hello! My name is Josiah Canto and I am Director Of Youth and Family Ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. This year we are looking to bring in a paid intern that would serve alongside myself and our youth and family team this upcoming year! This is a position for a college age person that wants to discover what working in youth ministry is like! We are located in South Orange County, 20 minutes from the beach and tucked up next to the mountains. We even have an In and Out within walking distance! If you're interested, we would love to meet you!
For a full job description and application, click here.
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Choir Director (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Position Details
Reports to: Pastor – Status: Part-time – Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience – non-exempt
Job Summary
Serve as Chancel Choir Director for Sunday worship services, as well as for seasonal worship services. Lead Thursday evening rehearsal and coordinate recruitment and scheduling of vocal or instrumental soloists. Will coordinate scheduling with the Directors of other music groups within the congregation (e.g Bell Choir, Children's Choir), as well as our cantors.
Interested parties can email a letter of interest along with a resume to clcrsm@gmail.com. Please contact the church office at clcrsm@gmail.com for more information.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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"Enfleshing Witness"
Virtual Theological Conference - August 26
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Church Anew –– a ministry of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, MN –– is hosting a virtual theological conference on August 26th. This event is called Enfleshing Witness and may be of particular interest for those ministering to diverse communities. Enfleshing Witness has been designed to provide Christian leaders of color space to imagine the future of the Church.
We invite preachers, storytellers, activists, and community leaders of color to perhaps hear some of your own stories in the pieces shared. White leaders are welcome but expected to participate with a posture of overhearing the witness rather than expecting it is for you.
The event is free to attend virtually and we invite support from congregations and institutions to form in-person viewing gatherings for conversation and creative response. Institutional supporters will receive bonus material and a discussion guide for facilitating conversation following the gathering. Mutuality groups for people of color interested in connecting and continuing the conversation will be provided immediately following the event for those who wish to participate.
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ALOA's Monthly Webinar
"Fall Prevention - What's New?" - August 19
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ALOA's monthly webinars offer a presentation on a single topic by an expert in older adult ministry. The next webinar, entitled "Fall Prevention - What's New?" will be held Thursday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.
Gerontologist Dr. Lydia Manning shares the latest advances in fall prevention technology. She’ll also demonstrate how simple changes in our lifestyle and the addition of technology can help protect us from one of the fastest rising factors for risk of serious injury or death in the United States.
Find out more and check out our previous webinars & resources at aloaserves.org.
ALOA's webinars are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you can't be available for the live webinar, sign up anyway and we'll email you a link to the recording and associated resources.
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Upcoming Events
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Registration is now open for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, to be held on October 11-15 and November 15-19, 2021.
The two identical sessions will be held remotely via Zoom. This workshop is designed to help church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
For details consult this MSTI Brochure. For a complete list of training events being offered by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center — including our one-day Conflict Transformation Skills and Healthy Congregations — please consult this LMPC 2021 Program Calendar.
For online registration go to our website at www.lmpeacecenter.org/all-events. Plan now to take advantage of these outstanding opportunities for spiritual and professional growth!
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Spirituality & Aging Certificate Program
Southern California Coalition on Spirituality & Aging
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Aging is one of the last endeavors, common to all people, that has yet to be understood. Our time is full of anti-aging messages befitting of a culture that has long minimized the contribution of a group who seem to have moved beyond the ability to produce, so important in a capitalistic society. What is the real purpose of aging? We, the Southern California Coalition on Spirituality and Aging believe that the key to approach aging creatively and effectively is through Spirituality.
As an affiliate of the New Theological Seminary of the West, we have developed on online, master’s level, inter-religious course on the interplay between a person’s spirituality and their experience of aging. Our mission is to engage community organizations as well as faith communities in creating vibrant services and ministries that support and celebrate older adults by empowering leaders with current knowledge about aging in the context of spirituality.
The 2021 sequence of classes begins Saturday, September 18. 2021. The class size is limited to 15 persons from across the country. If you have any interest at all, go to the link below and secure more information.
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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:
- The family and friends of PLTS professor, Dr. Carol Jacobson, upon her death.
- For those in countries facing political and civil unrest - Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar, Afghanistan and others.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- Those affected by wildfires, monsoons and floods, as well as the emergency personnel responding to the situations.
- Our nation and its leaders.
- Those affected with the COVID-19 virus and those who have lost loved ones.
- Our healthcare providers, first responders and all who continue to care for those battling COVID-19.
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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