Pacifica Synod
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
November 6, 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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Installation Service of Pastor David Kieffer
Our Savior's Lutheran, Banning
Saturday, November 7
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You are invited to join Pastor David Kieffer and the congregation of Our Savior's in Banning on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. as he is installed as their pastor and they begin ministry together. Bishop Andy Taylor will be preaching during this service.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you are not able to join in-person, but may share in the service online, livestreamed through Our Savior's Facebook page. Cards or notes may be sent to the church office at 1320 W. Williams Street, Banning, CA 92220. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Pastor Dave has been in the Pacifica Synod since 1988. He has served Hope in Palm Desert, Ascension in San Diego and Christ in Mililani, HI. Pastor Dave, Janet and Jonathan are returning to the mainland after living in Hawaii for 17 years. He served a number of Interims in Hawaii, some of those churches belong to our sister denomination the United Church of Christ. The Kieffer family is looking forward to reestablishing relationships here in Southern California and with the Big Bear Conference.
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Free Digital Training for Congregations
November 11 at 6:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. (PST)
This FREE 90-minute Faith Growth Digital Training Session
will include 50 minutes of direct training, plus 30-35 minutes for open Q&A
with Christopher Harris, CEO of Faith Growth
Attendees can expect to leave with knowledge about:
- How to attract new members through your website
- What visitor-friendly church websites look like 'behind the scenes'
- What are the most important webpages you need to engage new visitors (i.e. what we've learned from building 100+ church websites)
- How to set up these important webpages for new members
There is no cost for this training, but you MUST register in advance to receive the Zoom link. Click here to register.
You will have the opportunity to submit questions for the presenters in advance when you register. If you have any questions about registration or the training itself, please contact Terri Robertson at 714.352.8732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org
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Final 2020 Bishop's Gathering - November 14 |
Let’s Do Church Together is the theme for the 2020 Pacifica Bishop’s Gatherings. What better time to collaborate than now, as we are all learning new ways to share the gospel with others in due to the pandemic. We have been meeting online by Zoom to discuss congregational and synod plans for ministry in the year to come. We will unveil Pacifica’s Strategic Plan for the work we can do together, highlighting the Ministry Result Areas and the Goals approved by Synod Council. We will listen to one another to see how we can support each other as Christians, congregations, the Pacifica Synod, and the ELCA. We will celebrate our unity, while giving thanks for our diversity, and ask God to guide us confidently into the future.
We have been gathering by Conferences and have one Gathering remaining in our series. We invite each congregation to attend with their pastors, their deacons, and at least two key lay leaders, but all are welcome! The date and time for this final Gathering is listed below and will last for 75 minutes. Pre-registration is required using the button below to receive the Zoom link in advance of each gathering and to ensure we have enough room on our Zoom feed to accommodate everyone. You may join by video using a computer, tablet or phone or call in from your phone using audio only. If you cannot attend your own Conference meeting or missed it, we invite you to Zoom in with another Conference. We hope you can join us!
Below is the date and time of our final Gathering:
Saturday, November 14
Hukilau Conference
9:00 a.m. (HT) / 11:00 a.m. (PT)
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Growing Young Intro Presentations
November 16 and 19
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Monday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m.
OR
Thursday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m.
All churches are growing old.
Strategic churches are growing young.
Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Based on research with over 250 of the nation's leading congregations, Growing Young provides a plan that any church can use to involve and retain young people. Packed with ideas, Growing Young shows ministry leaders how to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the WHOLE church and deepen the faith of your young people as well as their connection and sense of belonging in your congregation.
Growing Young isn't about changing youth ministry,
it's about changing church culture.
Join us a for a free 90-minute online presentation for both rostered and lay leaders to join in conversation about Growing Young. We will share information and stories, as well as next steps in the Pacifica Synod's commitment to walk with congregations in Growing Young. These presentations will be offered twice in November online via Zoom.
You must register HERE in advance to receive the Zoom link.
All who register and attend will be sent a free copy of the book Growing Young
following the presentation.
Presented by Pacifica Synod's Growing Young Team - Pastor Tom Goellrich, Deacon Mindy Bugaj and Terri Robertson. If you have questions about Growing Young or registering for this event, please email terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
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Pacifica Women of the ELCA
"Celebrating Women" Zoom Event - November 7
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Since this November's annual Pacifica Women of the ELCA Convention and Gathering has been cancelled due to COVID-19, we are holding a Zoom event called "Celebrating Women" on Saturday, November 7. Our speaker will be Pastor Jean Bozeman. Click here for her bio. We are not requiring registration or fees – it is a free event open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Here is the link to join by computer, tablet or phone:
Topic: Pacifica Women of the ELCA
Time: Nov 7, 2020 12:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 507 820 0457
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,5078200457# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 507 820 0457
Here is what you can expect to enjoy during our time together!
12:30-1:00 pm - Come join us on Zoom! We will open early as it takes time for all to get online. Join us for song and videos!
1:00-1:15 pm - Welcome, Wisdom, Prayer
1:15-1:40 pm - Pastor Jean Bozeman
1:40-2:10 pm - Panel Discussion with Pastor Patrice Nordstrand, Pastor Gloria Espeseth, Pastor Karla Seyb-Stockton, Pastor Maria Santa Cruz
2:10- 2:25 pm - Stretch and Sing
2:25-2:35 pm - Video from 2019 Churchwide Assembly, Bishop April Larson
2:35-2:55 pm - Closing Worship: Blessing, Prayer, Praise, Liturgical Dance
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CLU School of Management
Entrepreneur Speaker Series
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How Discomfort Drives You Forward:
Solving Pain Points & Finding Resiliency in Entrepreneurship
Wednesday, November 11, 4:00-5:00 p.m. (PST) on Zoom
We are excited to invite the founder of Pashion Footwear, Haley Pavone, who created the world’s first fully convertible high heels and an accompanying brand that strives to empower women, one step at a time.
In this event, Haley will share how she turned a personal pain point into a successful product and business while being a full-time college student. Pashion Footwear’s patented convertible heel technology allows for quick and easy transformation from a comfortable and stylish high heel to a flexible and practical flat. Haley will share how she created this “impossible” product and the corresponding supply chain and disrupted a highly competitive, male-dominated space with very little disruption historically. Finally, Haley will discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, smashing the “highlight reel” mentality with a dose of realness and resilience.
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Here to Serve: Being Church in the Times of Crisis
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. PST
Applying Improv Techniques to Lead
with Confidence, Courage, and Connection
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Without question, 2020 has been a challenging year. As we move into 2021, the challenges remain. How do we lead in the midst of the uncertainties all around us?
In a very real sense, we have all been made improvisers, thrust on the “stage” of leadership, expected to lead with no training, no “script” per se that tells us what to say and what to do, and no training in improv theater. For many of us, this reality has left us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, uncertain, and frustrated.
However, we can lead with confidence and courage, as well as strengthen connections with others, as we move forward the emerging narrative of the congregations and communities we serve.
Applied improvisation will help.
We will examine the methods and mindsets trained improvisers learn and hone as their craft, in order to create compelling stories in the midst of uncertainty. Improvisers work together to create a story based on a suggestion from the audience. As stewards of, and leaders within, the narratives of the communities we serve, we basically do the same thing. We work together with others in this uncertain time to move the emerging story forward into the future.
You will walk away with:
- The mindset and method of improvisers
- Awareness of which relationships to strengthen and why
- Steps to create synergy in key relationships
For Rev. Mike Weaver, coaching is a calling to develop leaders into highly influential people who make the world a better and brighter place. Mike is the first and only certified Keller Influence Professional in Columbus, Ohio, and the only pastor in the United States with this Certification. He is also a certified Erickson Solutions Focused Coach, director of Nine Seventeen Coaching, the Coaching Coordinator for the Southern Ohio Synod in the ELCA, and a pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Columbus. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Miami University and Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary. He is the author of Your Life Improvised: 7 improv secrets to help you be happy, live freely, and connect with God and others naturally, Simple Prayer: Daily Prayer One Sentence at a Time, and has been published in The Lutheran and The Little Lutheran magazines. Mike is an accomplished improv performer and teacher. He received training from Cinublue Productions in Columbus, Ohio, the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City, the Bay Area Theater Sports in San Francisco, and Keith Johnstone. He has performed with the Black Box Improv Theater in Dayton, Ohio, and for nearly two decades with his friend, Kristen, as Easily Amused Improv. He has taught the principles of applied improv to corporations and non-profits in Europe, India, and the United States. Mike is a contributing member to the board of the Applied Improvisation Network.
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 in Times of Crisis - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: November 11, 2020 11:00 a.m. PDT
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,180439412#,,1#,648160# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts |
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ELCA ROSTERED LEADER MOM LOOKING FOR SUPPORT? |
The demands of full-time ministry and caring for children can be overwhelming and isolating in any time and is especially true during this time of pandemic. Balancing ministry and parenting often means that self-care and personal spiritual nourishment gets put on the back burner.
This Thriving Leadership Cohort is an opportunity for you to intentionally set aside time with other ministry leaders who are also parents for a time of shared reflection, prayer and renewal.
WHO? Rostered leader moms in a full-time ministry settings in Regions 1 and 2 of the ELCA (Alaska, Northwest Washington, Southwestern Washington, Northwest Intermountain, Oregon, Montana, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain synods) who also have elementary school or younger age children at home; led by Pastor Lara Martin, Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont, CA, wife to Pastor Rene Martin and mom to Dietrich (4) and Desmond (2).
WHAT? A small group brave space for other people who trying balance full time ministry with parenting young children. Our time together will include an opening ritual, spiritual practice, reflection, commitment to action, and an opportunity to build community.
WHEN? We will gather for 12 sessions, to be scheduled, beginning Advent (December) 2020 and carrying into 2021.
WHERE? We will meet virtually via Zoom.
WHY? We will come together with the intent of creating nurturing, empowering times, spaces, and relationships to support one another in mission, share spiritual practices, and help the church and our families thrive. If you are interested in being part of this cohort, please fill out this form. Application deadline will be November 10, 2020. You can also contact Pastor Lara Martin with questions. If you know someone who might be interested in joining the pastor mom cohort, please share this call with them!
This cohort is part of the Thriving Leadership Formation Program. California Lutheran University received a five-year grant to create TLF. Working in partnership with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and 11 synods of the ELCA, the TLF program emphasizes collaborative learning in cohorts that cultivate mutual support, spiritual practices, and accountability. You can learn more about the program here: https://www.thrivingleadershipformation.org. #CLUconnect
Interest form here:
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WOMEN IN MINISTRY OR SEMINARY PROCESS COHORT
Attn: ELCA Women in Ministry or engaged with the ELCA Seminary process. You can participate in a small group cohort for extending community, establishing an additional spiritual support network, and creating an extended community for networking and mutual accountability. This program is funded by a grant received by CLU and PLTS: Thriving Leadership Formation. I am leading a cohort that is for women in ministry or the Seminary process.
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Monthly Book Study - "The Color of Law"
Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm
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Beginning in November, Pacifica Synod's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Work Group will be hosting a monthly discussion group , led by James Tyler, using the book "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein. The group will meet on the third Sunday of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 W. Las Palmas Dr., Fullerton. All are welcome and no RSVP is necessary.
Our first meeting will be on Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. and will focus on Chapter 2, "Public Housing, Black Ghettos". Please note that masks will be required and social distancing observed. Current county public health guidelines will be adhered to, which may mean meeting outdoors.
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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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