SYNOD NEWS & NOTES
MINISTRY EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
August 2, 2019
We are pleased to share with you the following news, information and ministry opportunities taking place within our synod and throughout the ELCA. Our e-newsletter is distributed semi-monthly in two separate issues. One issue includes Pacifica Synod and ELCA news items, along with prayer requests. The second issue contains ministry celebrations, events and opportunities, and positions within our synod and beyond.

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.
Celebrating Ministry Together!
You're Invited - Installation Services Across Our Synod
Installation Service - The Rev. Marcus Lohrmann - Saturday, August 17
The congregation of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in La Mesa cordially invites you to join them to celebrater the installation of their new pastor, the Rev. Marcus Lohrmann on Saturday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. Shepherd of the Valley is located at 10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa. Clergy are invited to vest and process, with the color of the day as green.

A reception and dinner will follow the service. Please RSVP to the church by calling 619.670.7656 or by email to [email protected].

We welcome Pastor Marcus and his family to Pacifica Synod and are pleased to share the following information about him:

Rev. Marcus Lohrmann grew up in Walla Walla, WA. He attended Valparaiso University is where he met his wife, Rev. Rebekkah (Bekki) Lohrmann, who grew up in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. After graduating, Bekki worked at the Ohio State University Lutheran Campus Ministry (Jacob's Porch) while Marcus moved to Chicago to pursue his interests as a performing musician. He spent the evenings performing in bars, clubs, and venues, and worked as a wine salesman by day. They were married in 2010, when Bekki began seminary at LSTC. Upon their return from her internship year in Chelan, WA, Marcus began an MDiv at the University of Chicago Divinity School and LSTC. Bekki was called to be Pastor to Faith Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL in 2014. In 2015 Marcus received an international ministry grant through the Divinity School, under which he traveled to Cuba for research that summer.

In 2017 the two were called as term-call Co-Pastors to Fullness of God Lutheran Church at Holden Village. They transitioned out of that position after a year and moved to Manson, WA, where their first child, Elijah, was born. Of Marcus' three siblings two are also ordained clergy. His sister, Anne Van Kley, serves as Associate Pastor at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, and his brother Martin teaches Lutheran History and Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Bekki's mother, Aileen Robbins, is Senior Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Greece, NY. In their spare time Marcus and Bekki enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, traveling, and drinking wine (except Elijah). Marcus enjoys fly fishing, playing his guitar, and cooking, and continues to write songs in his free time. Bekki loves swimming, crafting, writing, and is a gifted preacher. In 2019 she was invited to be the closing worship preacher at the Institute of Liturgical Studies at VU, where the couple also led workshops on the adult catechumenate. As they settle into the San Diego area Bekki will be home with Elijah until a call arises.



Installation Service - The Rev. Jeffrey Nelson - Sunday, August 18
You are invited to join St. Andrew in Whittier for the installation of their new pastor, the Rev. Jeffrey Nelson on Sunday, August 18 at 2:00 p.m. St. Andrew is located at 11345 Miller Road, Whittier. Clergy are invited to vest and process, with the color of the day as green. 

A light reception will follow the service. If you will be attending the reception, please RSVP to [email protected].

We welcome Pastor Jeffrey and his family to Pacifica Synod and are pleased to share the following information about him:

Pastor Jeffrey Nelson grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. He graduated from California State University, Fresno with a bachelor's degree in business administration. In 1984 he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. While in seminary, Pastor Jeffrey studied urban ministry at Wartburg's "House of Urban Studies" in Denver, CO. After graduation, he served as a chaplain at Bethesda Hospital and Psychiatric Center in Denver, working with mentally ill teenagers. Pastor Nelson was ordained in 1985 and has served congregations in Wisconsin and southern California. He is the author of "Through the New Testament," a Bible study program that leads individuals, groups, or congregations through the entire New Testament in one year.

Pastor Jeffrey previously served as chair of the Transformational Ministry Team of the Southwest California Synod, which worked to help congregations become healthier. He has been a member of the Southwest California Synod Council, the Tri-Synod Board for Lutheran Campus Ministry, and the board for Lutheran Maritime Ministry in the harbor of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Pastor Jeffrey also served as the Spiritual Director for the Secretariats of Lutheran Cursillo of Southern California and Via de Cristo. He and his wife, Sandy were married in 2018. He enjoys woodworking, music (singing and trombone), gardening, baseball, movies, cross-stitch, and reading.
Congratulations, Pastor Cyndi!
On July 27, we celebrated together the ordination of Cyndi Jones into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Clairemont Lutheran Church. Congratulations, Pastor Cyndi!

Thank You From Our Companion Synod 
From Pastor Kent Tuohino (Trinity Lutheran, Riverside):
Dear Pacifica Synod colleagues in ministry,

Thank you to everyone who donated old copies of Sundays and Seasons worship planning books and CD-ROMs to send to our companion synod in Malaysia! Rev. Dr. Eric Trozzo and Rev. Wendolyn Trozzo are ELCA missionaries serving at the Sabah Theological Seminary in Kota Kinabalu. Eric is the Director of the Lutheran Study Centre at the seminary, and is pictured here with Rev. Ngui Au Sze (pronounced un-gooey owd-zuh), who is the Dean of Students. Eric's mother flew to Malaysia this week for a visit and brought with her the donated materials. 

Wendolyn sent this message:
They are having a meeting with all the pastors next week, so they can distribute them then, plus they kept one full set for both the seminary library and one for the Lutheran study centre library. Thank you so very, very much!


Global Mission Update - Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko Adachi
Pa stor Hitoshi Adachi (former Assistant to the Bishop in the Pacifica Synod) 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 2019 newsletter.



For more information and to learn how to help support their ministries in Japan, click here .

Free to a Good Home
LBW (Green) Hymnals & Luther's Works  Set
  Faith Lutheran in Yucaipa has approximately 180 copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship (Green) Hymnal. They also have a set of Luther's Works (54 volumes). This  collection contains Luther's exposition and commentary on Scripture as well as his sermons, theological writings, and other materials. 

If interested, please contact Corrine at 909.790.1816.

High-Speed Copier
Need a high-speed copier? Trinity Lutheran in Victorville has a unit in good working condition that is currently going unused due to the presence of a newer full-service machine that is nearly just as fast. The model is RISO EZ-590U. Free to any ministry that might be able to use it, though you'll have to transport it yourself. 

Contact Pastor Matt Anderson at the church: 760.245.3225 or by email at [email protected]. 

Events & Opportunities
Rachel Kurtz in Concert - August 19
"PLAN-IT" Workshop for Faith Formation Leaders - August 24
Pacifica Synod, in partnership with Peer Ministry Leadership (www.peerministry.org), will facilitate a "PLAN-IT" workshop on Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We are grateful that Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel will be our hosts for the day.

FOR:
Everyone responsible for faith formation program planning, including pastors, Christian educators, youth ministers and volunteers. Come by yourself, bring a partner, or bring a small team!

OVERVIEW:
This is a guided planning and sharing experience for those responsible for ministry. Review essential ministry lenses, planning tools, and usable templates. Participants design a well-balanced, one year framework, with an emphasis on self-care and building a leadership producing culture.

OUTCOMES:
  • Work smarter and faster, knowing why you do what you do.
  • Leave with a framework for next year's ministry.
  • Structure a relational team to lead your programs.
  • Borrow, exchange, even steal! - ideas from other participants.
  • Personalize self-care keep-you-in-ministry goals.
  • Learn some tools you will teach over and over to your leaders.

Registration is just $43 for you plus one other person from your church or group. Additional participants from your church are just $15 each. For more information, go to the PLAN-IT website. To download a printable copy of a workshop flyer to share with others, click here.

Space is limited. Follow this link to register online. Questions? Please contact Terri Robertson at 714.352.8732 or [email protected]

"Silence is NOT the Answer" Book Tour - George S. Johnson

Click here for a PDF version of this flyer to share with others!
EncourAGING & Equipping Congregations for Older Adult Ministry
ALOA has much to offer Lutheran congregations in the area of Older Adult Ministry. In addition to the resources on our website, ALOA offers regular Webinars on key topics for Older Adult Ministry that are practical and free of charge. Find complete information and register at aloaserves.org/events/webinars/ 

August Webinar #1
ALOA 101 - An Introduction to ALOA Resources
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Noon Eastern Time

ALOA Executive Director Mark Schoepp will introduce participants to ALOA’s mission and strategy as well as walk through the "Blueprint for Ministry”. He will also review resources available to the local congregation through ALOA for strengthening ministry with and for older adults - both in the congregation and in the local community. 

August Webinar #2
ALOA - Seniors in Transition
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Noon Eastern Time

An interview with Chrislyn Carson about "Seniors in Transition" - a resource to help older adults make pro-active decisions about one of the hardest decisions older adults face: where they will live in the later years of life. The discussion will go over a template to help congregations develop an interactive, eight week class for older adults from the church and community. The series of classes will explore options for staying at home and options for moving to a care facility of some kind. 

Both webinars are free of charge, 60 minutes max. Register in advance at aloaserves.org/events/webinars/ Once you register, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to access the webinar.

While you are on ALOA's website, sign up for ALOA email to take advantage of a free congregational consultation on Older Adult Ministry. One name per month will be selected to receive an on-site, full day consultation with an evening outreach event, all free of charge. Sign up at aloaserves.org

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
Southwest California Synod Office, Glendale - August 26 to 30
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is pleased to announce that they have recently scheduled another session of our Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI), to be hosted by the Southwest California Synod, ELCA on August 26-30, 2019 in Glendale. This practical interdenominational workshop equips pastors and other church leaders with skills to help them deal with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. 

The deadline to receive $200 off the regular tuition rate is July 26, 2019. As the time is short, we ask that you share this information as soon as is convenient with colleagues who you believe might benefit from this training. For details or to register, please consult this brochure or go to https://lmpeacecenter.org/events-page/msti/.

Habitat for Humanity - Build for Unity Celebration - September 8
Tickets are only $25, and all donations will directly support the building of 12 affordable homes in Fullerton.
 

Lutheran Night at Angel Stadium - September 14

To order tickets*, go to www.angels.com/lutheran
*Tickets must be purchased by August 14 to ensure discounted pricing in the Lower View MVP section.

LRCC's Christian Camp Classic - September 20
Event Details

Friday, September 20
at Sterling Hills Golf Course in Camarillo

Four person best-ball scramble
10:30 AM Check-In
12:00 PM Shotgun Start
5:00 PM Dinner Banquet

Registration Information

Early Bird Golfer (before Sept. 1) $145 
Individual Golfer (after Sept. 1) $165 
BBQ Dinner only $29 

Watch for online registration to open soon at lrcchome.com!

Sterling Hills Golf Course
901 Sterling Hills Drive
Camarillo CA 93010
Interfaith Walk and Rally for Peace - October 20


Click here for a PDF version of this flyer to download and share!

Save the Dates - Western States Youth Gathering 2020
& Western States Multicultural Youth Event 2020


For more information about these events, go to http://www.wsyg.com/
Positions Within Our Synod and Beyond
Children & Family Ministry Director (Part-Time) 
Calvary, Solana Beach
The Children & Family Ministry Director, with Calvary ministry teams and volunteers will develop and coordinate children (3 years old through 6th grade) and family ministries that reflect the mission of Calvary Lutheran Church, Gathered by God, Inspired by Love, Empowered to Serve.

Essential Job Functions:
  • In partnership with the Children and Family Ministry Team, create a strategic plan including objectives, budget, calendar and marketing as it relates to ongoing faith development, events and resources.
  • Direct children's Sunday morning experience and the Milestone Ministry program. 
  • Ensure a safe environment for children, youth, and family for all activities at Calvary as part of the Protection of Minors Committee and enforcing the POM policy. 
  • Collaborate with ministry teams providing family life resources as needed. 
  • Work with youth and family leader to provide support for fundraisers, youth trips and retreats. 
  • Meet with Church Council as needed, attend staff and leadership meetings. 
For position requirements and contact information, click here.
Office Administrator (Two Part-Time Positions)
Shepherd of the Valley, La Mesa
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in La Mesa (San Diego area) has job openings for TWO part-time administrators to manage contributions, communications, publications, payroll, and accounting for the church and ABC Barn Daycare Center. Minimum qualifications include: church administrative and digital publishing experience, knowledge of church organizational systems and business communications, excellent organizational, verbal and written skills, and proficiency in current technologies and software. Wage will be commensurate with experience and skills.

Contact Jennifer Fenner ([email protected] or 619.670.7656) for more information or to apply with resume and references.
Campus Ministry Administrator - Agape House, SDSU
Agape House at San Diego State University seeks a 3/4-time Administrator to lead visitor reception, manage office and facility, design and publish communications, and maintain records and bookkeeping. Minimum qualifications include: three or more years administrative experience with reception, Quickbooks and written bookkeeping (including accounts receivable and accounts payable), database, and digital publishing; a heart for radically inclusive faith community with young adults; excellent organizational and verbal and written skills for public communication and technology; and preferred competency with multicultural and inter-religious community. Wage and benefits negotiable commensurate with experience and skills.

Contact Pastor Darin Johnson at [email protected] for more information or to apply with resume and references.
Executive Director - Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Arizona
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona is inviting applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director.

In 1993, the retreat center was donated to the Grand Canyon Synod, who developed the retreat center. The Executive Director will magnify the mission of Spirit in the Desert to be a holy place where people experience hospitality and renew their callings in the world.

A complete search profile with information about Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center and the desired attributes for the Executive Director is available at  https://spiritinthedesert.org/position-of-executive-director/

If you would like to nominate a candidate for consideration, please contact Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at [email protected] or by phone at 805-493-3330 with the candidate's name and contact information.
Director of Youth & Family Ministry - Christ, Long Beach
Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach is looking for a Director of Youth and Family Ministry.  This 30 hour per week (+ benefits) position will include working with our Preschool and their families, all elementary, middle school and high school youth and their families, as well as the young adults and their specific ministry needs.  Salary will commensurate with experience.  

Download the complete job description here.
Pacifica Synod - ELCA
Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning
1801C Parkcourt Place, Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.692.2791