CHRIST - COMMUNITY - CONNECT
December 16, 2021
Transforming lives and making the
Great Commission REAL!
The Weekly Newsletter and the Prayer & Praise are created with postings submitted by congregations. Please share with us so we can share with the entire Pacific Southwest District.

The Weekly Newsletter and Praise & Praise will not be published
Thursday, December 30.

Visit the Job Site to view current job openings in congregations and schools of the Pacific Southwest District.
New This Week
God at Work Around the PSD
Limitless - Lutheran Educators Conference
A look at the amazing work God is doing through churches, schools and other ministries in our District.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

This beautiful Scripture from Ephesians 3 inspired the theme of the PSD and CNH district’s Lutheran Educators Conference (LEC) Nov. 21-23, held in Palm Desert, CA - "Limitless”. Our God is LIMITLESS, and the limitless love and power of God was evident in all aspects of LEC!

God’s limitless grace was made manifest in the safe travel of almost one thousand participants from Lutheran schools in Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and California. God’s limitless love was evident in the fellowship of over 1000 attendees enjoying, learning, growing, and networking with each other.

Tornado Disaster Relief
As you know, devastating tornadoes struck numerous communities across Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois in the evening and early morning hours of December 10 and 11. The death toll is staggering and continues to rise, while the devastation to property along the 250-mile storm path is unimaginable.
 
In the wake of such destruction, the need for aid is great. Already, countless calls asking "How can we help?" have flowed into the Mid-South District office. As the bleak aftermath of this disaster unfolds, our first and most significant response is with prayer. We pray for those who are still missing, those who are part of the difficult search effort, and those who are mourning victims of these devastating storms. To assist the thousands of individuals impacted by this terrible tragedy, both LCMS Disaster Response and Lutheran Church Charities are currently mobilizing critical resources.

HOW CAN YOU AND YOUR CONGREGATION HELP?
To assist with the relief effort, the Mid-South District has established a Disaster Relief Fund. Donations directed to this fund will be used for relief efforts in the tornado-ravaged communities. If you or any member of your congregation would like to contribute to this fund, you may make a gift online or by check payable to the Mid-South District Office, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016. Please note "Disaster Relief Fund" on any gifts sent by check. When donating online, please designate your gift as "restricted" for the Disaster Relief Fund.

District Convention News
Abundantly More: 46th Regular District Convention
The 46th Regular District Convention is scheduled for June 22-24, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, NV. Our District Convention theme is Abundantly More based on Ephesians 3:21.

Nominations Are Now Open!
While the Convention may seem like a long way off, it is time to begin the Nomination and Overture process. All information and forms relating to the Nomination process will be found on the PSD website.

Watch for more Convention information coming soon!
Previously Posted
Ensure you file your state's required
Annual Report or Statement of Information
Arizona, California and Nevada each require corporate entities (including nonprofits) to file an annual report (AZ, NV) or Statement of Information (CA) periodically. The Annual Report for Arizona and Nevada is filed each year, while the Statement of Information for California is filed biannually. The timeframe your filing is due is usually based on when the entity was formed or registered.

California and Nevada send courtesy reminders to file. Arizona allows you to sign up to receive reminders. However, it is your responsibility to complete these filings on-time. Don’t ignore reminders you receive, and make sure you have planned for completing these filings. Failure to file can result in penalties and suspension of your corporate entity.
 
Learn more at the following links:
Latest Treasurer's Manual Available
The 2021 Congregational Treasurer’s Manual, the latest version published, is available for access and download here through the LCMS website.
We have procured a limited number of print versions as well. Cost is $20 each. Contact our office if you are interested in purchasing.
Christmas At The Lighthouse
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Los Angeles invites you to come out and experience the joy of the Christmas season on Wednesday, December 22 at 6:30 pm through music featuring the St. Paul Praise Team, Robert Turner & Friends, Michael Norfleet and more! Please bring an unwrapped toy. Your offering will benefit the Homeless in Los Angeles County.
Mission Training Center
Change? What has changed? In this crazy COVID world, it seems like everything has changed—even our churches. We are sad and frustrated, but what can we do? Dr. Diane Zemke, PhD Leadership Studies, will help you recognize the change in your congregation and give you tools for learning how to not just manage it but grow through it. The class starts Monday, January 3.
Click here to find out more about each of our courses and/or register .
Pacific Southwest District
949-854-3232