SYNOD NEWS & NOTES
April 19, 2018
Pacifica Synod e-News
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.
Pacifica Synod News & Resources
31st Annual Pacifica Synod Assembly - May 18 to 19, 2018
The 2018 Pacifica Synod Assembly will meet at Hope Lutheran in Palm Desert for a two-day assembly 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 is open through May 1. 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.

If you have questions about your Synod Assembly invoice or registration for the assembly, please contact Terri Robertson at [email protected].
Hawaiian Island Flooding
April 17, 2018 - An update from our sister Hawaii congregations on Kauai and Oahu on the recent flooding...

From Pastor Cindy Arndt, Lihue Lutheran Church, Lihue, Kauai - "Aloha! Yes we are high and dry. The church is partnering up with the American Red Cross Kauai. The outpouring of assistance has been 'wonderfully overwhelming' and they are now asking for monetary donations.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please call the church office at 808-245-2145 for more information and or if you would like to make a monetary donation, it can be mailed to Lihue Lutheran Church at 4602 Ho'omana Road, Lihue, HI 96766."

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 and to find a temporary location for the preschool. 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 these congregations and all affected by this flooding.



Rostered Ministers Annual Reporting
All rostered ministers in the ELCA are required to complete an annual report to the bishop. These reports allow you to confirm or update contact and personal information, but most importantly, share with Bishop Andy significant developments, events or accomplishments in your life and ministry.

We give thanks to all who have submitted their 2017 report. As of April 10, 21% of our non-retired rostered ministers and 8% of our retired rostered ministers had done so. If you haven't had the chance to complete yours, it's not too late.

Follow  this link to select the applicable report. This report is a fillable PDF. To ensure that your report is saved properly before sending or printing it, please follow the instructions below. Once completed, please return this form to the synod office by email (see below),  fax (714.692.9317), or by mail to the Pacifica Synod office at 1801C Parkcourt Place, Santa Ana, CA, 92701.
ELCA News & Resources
Presiding Bishop's Statements

During the month of April , Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released several statements on important issues. You may access them by following the links below:


April 16, 2018 - Earth Day Statement
Youth Gathering News!


Rotation Schedule
The Gathering schedule operates on a rotation. All groups will rotate through our three program days: Interactive Learning, Service Learning and Synod Day. To see your rotation, check your Gathering account or our resources. Once you know your rotation, refer to our Gathering schedule to better plan your time at the Gathering!

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 10-24 we're focusing on our sub theme based on Acts 8:26-40, Phillip and the Eunuch - God's grace changes everything: "In our surrender,   grace changes everything."  Share with us a time when you have felt grace. #ELCAYG2018 #GraceChangesEverything.

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 [email protected].

Lutheran World Relief Kits of Care
Looking for a service project to incorporate into this summer's Vacation Bible School? Assemble  Kits of Care for Lutheran World Relief! There are many types of Kits to bring youth together in service to our neighbors in need:

  • School Kits: Simple school supplies, like notebooks, pencils and scissors, make a world of difference for families that struggle to afford their children's education
  • Personal Care Kits: Basic hygiene items - soap, nail clippers, a towel - are crucial to keeping families healthy, especially after leaving their homes because of war or natural disasters
  • Fleece Tie Blankets: In a hospital room or on the hard ground, these handmade blankets provide protection and a sense of comfort
LWR has a number of resources available to help VBS leaders collect items, assemble kits and track them as they travel around the world. Visit
lwr.org/kits to get started!



Save the Date - Sept 9  for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday
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.

Save the date and visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for updates to our resources.


ELCA Publications 


 


ELCA Advocacy Update - April 2018

Celebrating Ministry Together!
You're Invited - The Installation of The Rev. James Pike
All are invited to celebrate with the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Huntington Beach and the Rev. James Pike, as he is installed as Pastor on Sunday April 22, at 2:00 p.m. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process. The color of the day will be white. 

Following the installation, there will be a reception with appetizers and desserts in Bercaw Hall. All are welcome! Congratulations, Pastor James!


LRCC Take A Hike 2018 

Events & Opportunities
La Harptette - Good Shepherd, Claremont - April 21

Community Clergy Training Program - April 25


Care Connections Network - Orange County
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
To view a copy of our April newsletter, click here . Contact us at 714/962-9346 or visit our website at   www.CareConnectionsNetwork.org
Breaking the Silence - April 21

Saturday, April 21
9:00 am - noon (lunch included)

Southwest California Synod Lutheran Center
1300 E. Colorado Street, Glendale
Speaker: Rev. Lynn Enloe, MA, MB
Sponsored by the SWCA Synod Recovery and Spirituality Task Force
 
This event will focus on Breaking the Silence. We will examine the stigmas and fallacies that surround the issue of addiction, then explore ways to find release and renewal that leads to a better way of living, in a safe and caring environment. We'll participate in a large group presentation, interact in small group, and worship together. A light lunch is included.

ALL are welcome: Whether you feel this issue relates to you directly or is an area that you wish to learn more about, please join us. As already mentioned, we believe this problem is pervasive and touches all walks of life. Your presence and voice is welcomed and valued.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Pastor Dan Gibson at [email protected]. Full event info may be found here.

Congregational administrators and rostered ministers, click here for a bulletin insert that we ask be shared in your congregation to promote this event.

Agape House Chili Cook-off - April 29
Luther Glen Barnraising - 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

Please RSVP to [email protected]If you have any questions, please email Lauri Egertson at  [email protected].

Faith Lutheran, Menifee Garden Tea Party - June 23
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)  

Essential Skills for Youth Workers- August 2 to 4, 2018


For a PDF flyer for this event, click here.
For more info or to register, go to www.callutheran.edu/ymte

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