Pacifica Synod News & Notes
October 24, 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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Region 2 Prayer Services
November 1 and 5
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Together we proclaim and embody God’s unconditional love
for the sake of the world
In November, the people of the United States will elect a president and others to public office. This election occurs at a time of change in our national and church life, a time when the Holy Spirit is at work in mysterious ways, and a time when many of our relationships are being changed and challenged. This election occurs in a time of global pandemic, racial injustice, economic hardship, sickness, suffering, loss and death. For many, this election also occurs in a time of great divisions between family, friends and neighbors. These divisions can seem deep, wide and potentially injurious to our democracy and our sense of community.
As people of faith, claimed by Jesus, we believe that the role of the church is to support and pray for the wellbeing of the world, for wise leaders to be raised up, and no matter what the outcome that we will be given the gift of “peace that passes all understanding that guards our hearts and minds through Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Region 2 bishops and leaders – the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California, Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon Synods of the ELCA – invite all who wish to gather for a time of prayer and reflection to join us as we pray for our nation, for those seeking office, for God’s beloved community, and for our rostered ministers as they seek to lead in their specific contexts during these conflicted times.
These livestream gatherings may be viewed on the
Sunday, November 1 - 6:00 pm PST
Thursday, November 5 - 6:00 pm PST
Note: Pastors and deacons are invited to open conversation via ZOOM immediately following the Thursday prayer service. You may register HERE.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
An Hour for Prayer and Reflection in a Turbulent Time
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m.
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On Tuesday, November 3, voters will make a decision that will have reverberations for weeks or months or possibly even longer. To address the disquiet many of us will be feeling, Coaching for All Seasons will offer an hour of sanctuary grounded in prayer and reflection. Instead of our customary presentation, we will open with meditative prayer led by Pr. Darryl Kozak. Following this period of prayer, we will gather in breakout sessions to reflect on what is on our minds and hearts in a space that is without judgment. If your day promises to be distracting, give yourself the gift of this hour of solace among trustworthy companions.
Coaching for All Seasons will return to its usual format on Tuesday, December 1 with a presentation by Pr. Manuel Retamoza.
To register for the November 3 gathering and receive the link to join by Zoom, click here.
The November 3 forum will be the fifth in the monthly series Coaching for All Seasons that began in July 2020. Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page and access the resources from previous presentations. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team designed this forum to provide encouragement and support to Synod leaders as we navigate the unknown. Each month, participants will hear a short presentation related to how we currently are called to be Church. Then they will have an opportunity to be in a small group discussion facilitated by an ELCA coach. We are creating a safe space for processing our responses to uncertain times and for discerning steps forward in our unique contexts.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. Coaching provides an opportunity for rostered and lay leaders to experience a partnership focused on the unique objectives they want to achieve. A coach’s role is to support a leader in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them. Pacifica Synod coaches are volunteering their time to create presentations and coaching opportunities that provide a hands-on resource for addressing your challenges.
If you would like information on having a coach, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at mikedeenna@gmail.com.
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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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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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The Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy & Congregations |
As you may be aware, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, primarily due to the flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. There are many questions about what this may mean for congregations that are (or were) chartering organizations for Boy Scout troops. It would also pertain to congregations that allowed Boy Scouts, chartered by other organizations, to meet in their facilities. In particular, congregations that chartered or allowed Boy Scout troops to meet on their property should consider whether to file a proof of claim by November 16, 2020, in the bankruptcy to protect their interests.
The ELCA has prepared a resource on the BSA Bankruptcy which is now available on its resource page under the sexual misconduct tab found here. The direct link to the three-page informational document is found here.
Time is limited. If your congregation chartered or provided facilities for a BSA troop, the deadline to file a proof of claim is November 16, 2020. Claims will not be accepted after that date. Please read the resource document carefully to decide if you need to file a proof of claim.
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From the ELCA & Other Partners |
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From the Presiding Bishop - Set Free
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In her October column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the liberation we receive in Christ through faith. She remind us that Martin Luther, in The Freedom of a Christian, made the case that liberation in Christ is both freedom from and a freedom for.
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It is both privilege and responsibility for Lutherans in the United States to approach Election 2020 as faith-informed voters. Aware of needs and priorities in our own lives and connected with our neighbors who are equally beloved children of God, “Lutherans care about government because it is a gift from God intended for the safety and flourishing of human life." We are civically engaged, mindful that “too often and in too many ways, this gift has been abused.”
- Do you have your plan in place for voting?
- Can you encourage and inform others through your congregation and/or personal circles?
- Have you reflected on election challenges – for vote casting and after Election Day – in our unique 2020 context?
With mere days remaining in advance of Election Day 2020, here is a review of material associated with the ELCAvotes initiative. Visit ELCA Advocacy's blog for voting basics, social media, worship, Bible study and prayer resources.
Additionally, The Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California has prepared a Voter Guide as suggestions for considering how to respond to the many statewide propositions that will be on the ballot. These recommendations by the Policy Council of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California are made within the framework of the principals, values, and commitments of ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages. You can download this voter ballot guide here: LOPP-CA 2020 Voter Guide.
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Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Pastors' Assistance Fund
Ministering to the Ministers of the Gospel
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Lutheran Social Services of Southern California understands there can be times in life that hit us hard financially and unexpectedly. A serious health or family issue, a costly repair or emergency situation can add financial strain to our situation. If you are a Lutheran Pastor (active or retired) or surviving spouse of a Lutheran Pastor who served in Southern California and who meets the criteria below, then we may be able to grant you a gift of funds provided by generous supporters of this ministry. We know this can be a sensitive matter, so your request will be kept in strictest confidence. Depending on the specific need and availability of funds, this gift usually ranges from $500 to over $1,000. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California administers this private fund for a Lutheran couple who have a heart for the work of our parish ministers.
For eligibility requirements and to download the application, click here.
If you qualify, please fill out the application and submit it to the attention of the LSS-SC Foundation by emailing Ellen Waild, Executive Vice President, at ewaild@lsssc.org. You can also mail the completed form to Eileen's attention at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California Lutheran Pastors Assistance Fund, 247 E. Amerige Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
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Women Pastors - Your Stories Are Requested |
In 2020, the ELCA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S. Lutheran churches' decision to ordain women, and continuing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of the first women of color and the 10th anniversary of the ELCA's decision to officially ordain people in same-gender committed relationships.
As part of this celebration, we are collecting stories from pastors who are women from across the church. We want to hear from you whether you've been in ministry for decades or for days.
Please respond to one of these prompts:
- What is a story from your ministry that you’d like to share?
- When you think about your formation as a pastor, what is one experience that comes to mind? This could be from before ordination or many years into professional ministry.
- What words of wisdom would you share with a woman or girl who is considering becoming a pastor?
- What was considered "normal" at the beginning of your ministry that might surprise people today?
After your story, please write a short prayer or benediction for the reader. Also include a one-sentence biography that includes the year of your ordination.
Your ministry is valuable. We hope this project will be a way to share women's wisdom, witness and experiences with the church today and the church of the future.
God's peace,
Women's Ordination Anniversary Committee
Jessica Crist, Chair
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Examining Whiteness in the ELCA |
5 Thursdays in October, 9:30-11 am PST
(Attend one or all five)
Links to the five Facebook events:
This is a brave space to uncover our whiteness and process racism in ourselves. We will do the personal work, in community, necessary to show up as more effective co-conspirators and change agents for racial justice in our church. Share a flyer here.
Anti-Racist work for:
- ELCA Regions 1 & 2
- White people
- Those who benefit from White privilege
- Those who want to explore whiteness with others
Questions? Contact Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations, California Lutheran University, Desta@CalLutheran.edu.
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Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts |
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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ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Matching Grants
Application Period Closing Soon!
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Daily Bread Matching Grants supporting congregations with feeding ministries are back by popular demand as part of the ELCA's continued response to supporting neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This fall more than 300 grants are available to eligible ministries. The application period will close soon, so apply now. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to invite your congregation, networks and friends to donate. To kickstart your campaign, the funds you raise will be matched by ELCA World Hunger with a grant of $500.
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2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge |
In an increasing polarized world, biblical citations do not always serve their primary intent of reflecting God’s love. Under the theme “The Bible – Word, Not Weapon,” the 2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will address how Bible verses taken out of context can become weapons that discredit others or justify cruel treatment of those portrayed as different.
Presented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the annual Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge seeks to enliven the biblical engagement of the whole church by encouraging the development of faithful, innovative and effective ways to teach and learn Scripture. The event is sponsored by the seven ELCA seminaries, the Hein-Fry planning team and the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative.
Every year, one student from each seminary is invited to develop and present a class or series for people both familiar and unfamiliar with biblical texts. In follow-up, the students are invited to report their findings.
This year the challenge will comprise four online events:
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Jennifer Garcia from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., will present “Sharing Our Faith in a Time of Social Distancing” on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. Pacific time. (Jennifer is a candidate for ordained ministry from the Pacifica Synod awaiting first call.)
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Taylor Berdahl from United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa., will present “Biblical Responses to COVID-19: Lament, Bodies, Breath” on Monday, Oct. 26, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
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Karl Anliker from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will present “Look for the Women: A Virtual Bible Study in Search of Hope” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2:30 p.m. Central time.
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Christopher Shealy from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Columbia, S.C., will present “How Scripture Is Weaponized, and What We Can Do About It” on Friday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Eastern time.
The Rev. Susan R. Briehl will serve as online host.
The public is invited to attend these free online events, but registration is required for each of them. Registration information is available here.
The Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge is an endowed theological lecture series established after the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) merged into the ELCA in 1988. The series combines the ALC’s Dr. Carl Christian Hein Memorial Seminary Lectures and the LCA’s Franklin Clark Fry Theological Lectures.
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Supporting the Work of Lutheran Disaster Response |
Lutheran Disaster Response brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. In addition to their work around the world, LDR is currently assisting with two recent disasters response efforts.
California Wildfires
Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, devastating wildfires are raging across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states. At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with at least three Lutheran social services agencies and five synods to assess the situation and determine the best ways to respond. We expect immediate needs may include food and other necessities, as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who have been traumatized.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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Youth and Family Coordinator
St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton
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St Paul Lutheran Church (SPLC) in Fullerton is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and energetic individual for a position leading our Youth and Family Ministries. The Youth and Family Coordinator (YFC) will be responsible for designing programs that engage, guide and mobilize the gifts of others to develop multi-faceted programming that includes spiritual formation, education, mission, service, fun and outreach. This position will require flexible hours including Sunday morning worship, weeknights, weekends, and potentially full weeks for retreat/mission trips.
Candidates will have a heart for youth, a passion for Christ, a faith perspective in agreement with the teachings of the ELCA Lutheran Church that includes both a personal and social understanding of faith, an awareness of the struggles and faith questions of modern youth and young adults, and create a safe space of inclusion and diversity.
A complete position description may be found here. In addition, those interested are asked to complete and submit this application.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Virtual Interfaith Gathering for Peace
Sunday, October 25
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Here to Serve: Being Church in the Times of Crisis
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. PDT
Risky Business: Preaching in a Polarized Space
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Preaching is a risky business, and now more than ever. How do you preach the Word of God that you have been called to without worrying that the goodwill of your congregation, and perhaps even your job, could be at stake? How do you announce God’s Kingdom in ways that people can hear without watering it down to nothing? How do you proclaim both Law and Gospel so that the Church can be transformed? Rev. Bridget Jones cannot promise that she will answer all of these questions, and she will definitely try! As a former actuary turned preacher, she will help us navigate how to accurately assess some of the risks of preaching along with strategies to manage and mitigate them so that we can live out our calling in authentic, transformative ways.
Rev. Bridget Jones is currently the pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin, where she has served for the past two years. After attending and serving congregations in suburban, rural, and urban contexts in the South, Northwest, and Midwest, Rev. Jones draws on her experiences serving in varied places with a variety of people.
Rev. Jones has a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. While she was called to ministry right after graduation, she uses what she has learned about managing and mitigating risk to guide her preaching and pastoral care in divided congregations throughout a divided country. She received her Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2018 after being drawn to the Public Church curriculum. There she learned how to take the church out into the world to work for justice and peace. Two of her favorite things are preaching and talking to other people, so she is absolutely delighted to be with ELCA Coaching next week!
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: October 28, 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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Silent Saturday - November 21 |
For a downloadable PDF flyer and the link to register, click here.
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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 the Rev. George Johnson
- The family and friends of the Rev. H.G. "Skip" McComas
- The family and friends of the Rev. Carlton Monroe
- The Rev. Lee Rozen
- All affected by the wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington and other western states, as well as those fighting the fires.
- Those affected with the COVID-19 virus and those who have lost loved ones
- Our healthcare providers, first responders, essential workers and all who continue to serve so that others can remain safely at home
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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