Pacifica Synod News & Notes
August 10, 2021
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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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Registration Now Open for Theoasis 2021
October 18 to 20, 2021
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
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A joint church leaders’ event (a theological oasis):
Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders…
ALL are welcome!
"Fling Wide the Door: Re-opening Our Preaching & Ourselves"
Speaker - The Rev. Wilbert "Wilk" Miller
To view his bio, click here
Costs (Program and two meals, excluding hotel):
$235 (rostered leader, lay staff, ministry partner)
$165 (retired rostered, interns, candidates & non-rostered spouses)
$75 Optional Golf Tournament (Palm Desert Country Club)
Online registration is NOW open and will close October 4.
Theoasis begins on Monday, October 18.
Registration will open at 12:00 p.m. The program will begin with Session 1 at 2:00 p.m. The event ends on Wednesday, October 20 by Noon, following closing worship.
Additional information about Theoasis, including the hotel reservation link, scholarship information and event details, may be found on the Theoasis event page. Information will continue to be added as it becomes available.
Please check back often!
Pacifica Synod Professional Boundaries Workshop for Rostered Ministers:
Pacifica Synod will be offering a Professional Boundaries Workshop in Palm Desert following the close of Theoasis in the afternoon on Wednesday, October 20. Watch for more details and registration information to come soon.
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Tell Us About Your Summer! |
We'd love to learn more about and see your photos of VBS, day camps and other summer activities in your congregation (virtual or in-person) and share them in an upcoming issue of our Pacifica Synod News & Notes!
Please email any photos and descriptions to Terri Robertson in the Office of the Bishop at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org no later than August 23. Please note that any photos shared must have the permission of those in the photo (parental permission needed for minors) before we can use them in our publications. (Photo shown is from Hope, Temecula's Day Camp in Summer 2019).
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Save the Dates for the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
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Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022
May 19-21, 2022
Irvine Marriott
2022 is a Bishop Election year, so please plan to attend!
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High School Youth are Invited to
Join Us on August 21 for #CaliSTRONG
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#CaliSTRONG is a space created for high school youth to engage each other in conversation around social justice issues and hot topics they are passionate about. This space will be peer led with adult supervision and a pastoral care presence. Youth will learn leadership skills to engage in dialogues around race, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion through a biblical lens.
Our next gathering on Zoom will be Saturday, August 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. For more info or to be added to the email list, go to wearecalistrong@gmail.com.
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Invites You to
"Gods work. Our hands." Sunday
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On Sunday, September 12, congregations will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. This annual day of service is an opportunity for us to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor.
We encourage you to plan your day of service in compliance with local health guidelines. Consider offering options that are outdoors, drive-through or virtual.
To help you plan for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, we invite you to visit ELCA.org/DayofService for resources including videos, planning toolkit, worship resources, and promotional items.
Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is Aug. 19.
Don’t forget to share your participation with the synod and ELCA. Send your stories and photos to terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org and LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you. Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.
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ELCA Advocacy Network's
Advocacy Summer School Begins August 11
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Wondering about how advocacy fits into our Christian and Lutheran presence in policy discussions? Session 1 of ELCA Advocacy Summer School will paint a picture of what advocacy is and how advocacy is shaped with a faith foundation, especially as members and affiliates of the ELCA. With discussions, examples, and ways to connect!
The 30-minute virtual session begins on Wed. Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. EDT – and you’re invited to be part of the question & answer session for 15 minutes following the presentation. For more information and to register for each session, click here.
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Presiding Bishop Eaton
Issues Response to DACA Ruling
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July 30, 2021
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
Dear church,
Jesus taught us that when we welcome the stranger as a person made in God’s image, we also welcome God. Our lives, ministries and congregations have been blessed by many immigrants and refugees over the years — from many of our ancestors to those we welcome among us today. Our faithful witness as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is enriched by people who are recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Earlier this month, a U.S. district judge ruled to end the DACA program on July 19. Finding it unlawful, the judge’s order suspends the acceptance of any new applications while keeping intact the protections for current DACA recipients. The long-awaited decision strikes a blow against the 2012 program, which has provided relief from deportation and the opportunity to pursue an education and start careers for thousands of young people whose remarkable contributions benefit our children, our families, our communities and our church. While these important protections may continue for current recipients, this is little solace to those who may not be able to receive DACA status in the future. We lament the anxiety and turmoil this ruling is causing in our communities. We pray for all who may suffer due to the end of this program. We grieve this potential loss to our church and to the communities in which we serve.
As a church we will continue to welcome all people, regardless of their documented status, seeking to ensure hospitality and safety for all. Bishops and synods are encouraged to find ways to support congregations working with newcomers and existing vulnerable individuals and communities. We also continue our advocacy through the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) and by urging our elected officials to enact legislation such as H.R. 6: the American Dream and Promise Act (or “Dream Act”), which provides a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants with deep ties to this country. We will also pray for the wisdom and courage to welcome the stranger, and in so doing to receive our Lord.
Lord Jesus, as you were taken as a child to Egypt by your parents seeking refuge, you know what it means to be the stranger. By your love, you draw people to yourself and welcome them into the household of faith. May we show your joy by welcoming the stranger as we bear your creative and redeeming love to all the world. Amen.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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An Invitation From the ELCA Treasurer
To Subscribe to the Administration Matters Newsletter
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Greetings,
Thank you for the good work you do as congregation and synod leaders. You bring a wealth of knowledge, vision and experience to the great work of this church.
We would like to introduce you to Administration Matters, a bimonthly electronic newsletter for ELCA church leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, and tax and legal concerns, as well as other topics of interest about day-to-day operations and management in church settings.
If you wish to subscribe to the Administration Matters e-newsletter, you can do so by logging in to https://blogs.elca.org/adminmatters/ (see left side of page). Subscription is free, your name won’t be added to any other mailing lists and you may unsubscribe at any time if you decide to opt out.
We anticipate that you will find Administration Matters to be a useful tool in managing the work you do for our church.
Blessings,
Lori Fedyk
Treasurer, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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ELCA 2022 Youth Gathering News! |
Financial Assistance Application Period Now Open
Kickoff Celebration - Now Available to View
The Kickoff Celebration for Youth Gathering 2022 will went live on Sunday, July 25 via Gathering social media. Join Gathering hosts Matthew and Claire and hear from our host city and our partners from across the country, dive into our theme, learn what's new for the 2022 Gathering, and more. The video is now available for congregational groups to view as they start their Gathering planning. Get your congregational group together to view this 30-minute video at your convenience. https://elca.org/YouthGathering/About/Kickoff-Celebration.
Registration Webinar - August 19
A brand-new online registration system will be utilized for the 2022 Gathering. Gone are the days of mailing in your payments and rooming lists! Find out more during the Registration Webinar to be held on Thursday, August 19 at 5 p.m. PDT/3 p.m. HST. The 30-minute webinar will be hosted by Gathering leadership and be split up in a presentation and a Q&A session. Click here to register to receive the link to view the webinar, along with info on future webinars and recordings of prior ones.
To find out more about the 2022 Youth Gatheing, check out the Gathering website www.elca.org/gathering or contact Molly Farrin, Pacifica's Gathering Synod Coordinator. Molly's role is to answer your questions and help your journey to the Gathering be as smooth as possible.
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
Christian Camp Classic Golf Tournament
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Calling all Golfers! The Christian Camp Classic is back and moving to Thursday. The date is September 30, 2021 at Sterling Hills Golf Course in Camarillo, CA.
The CHALLENGE: First, we need you to register early so we are assured the minimum number of golfers. Second, if there was ever a year that we need you, it is this year. Please golf yourself and invite new golfers to join the fun.
The CAUSE: The Christian Camp Classic supports our two Lutheran Bible Camps, El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm. COVID-19 caused a 16 month shutdown at each camp… and over $1.1 million dollars in lost income from cancelled retreats and rental groups. The pandemic is finally ebbing, but the financial struggles are ongoing… even now. Today, the best thing you can do to help our camps is to call your golfing buddies and invite them to play in the 30 th Christian Camp Classic this September.
Lauri Egertson, Executive Director
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences (LRCC)
For a PDF flyer to share with others, click here.
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Addiction & Faith Conference
October 7-9, 2021
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The Center of Addiction & Faith will hold its third Addiction & Faith Conference October 7-9, 2021 in Bloomington, Minn., to give faith communities tools for responding to the addiction crisis.
The Center grew out of the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy. Founder Ed Treat was an active Lutheran pastor in 2018 when he held the first Addiction & Faith Conference. The success encouraged him to leave parish ministry after 25 years and dedicate himself full-time to the Center of Addiction & Faith, which became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2020.
CAF Director of Communications & Advocacy Stephanie Werner at stephwerner@hotmail.com, (804) 986-2953, @virtualdeacon
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Care Connections Network
Aging. Better.
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Care Connections Network is changing the face of aging in Orange County. We are dedicated to helping older adults, 50 and over, age in their own homes and communities. We connect our members to the community programming and expertise they need to continue living lives of purpose and promise. We strive to empower older adults by offering educational opportunities to help them age with confidence, social and cultural events to keep them connected with the community, referrals to vetted service providers and a volunteer program providing additional support and assistance.
To find out more about upcoming events and other services, click here for the Care Connections Network August newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - July 2021
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Music Minister (Part-Time)
St. Peter's by the Sea, San Diego
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St. Peter’s by The Sea Lutheran Church, San Diego is seeking a passionate, versatile, and faithful individual to serve as our music minister. We currently worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 and have services mid-week during Lent and Advent. Music is one of the central ways that we express our faith as a community in worship.
We are seeking someone who can honor our liturgical heritage as well as diversify our repertoire to include a variety of musical styles (spirituals, contemporary, hymns, chants, etc.) We will work with our new music minister to invigorate our communal life of faith through music; whether that be through congregational singing, choir, music with kids or special music
For a complete job description and information on how to apply, click here.
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Development Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego is seeking a full-time Development Manager.
The general purpose of the position is: Responsible for the development and execution of SURVIVORS’ fundraising program including annual fundraising event, special community events and individual donor cultivation with an emphasis on generating five-year pledges in the range of $1,000-$25,000 per year.
To download a complete position description, please click here.
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Naturalist & Outdoor School Instructor
Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences (LRCC)
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences is seeking a community-oriented individual who is passionate about the environment to join our team as a Naturalist and Outdoor School Instructor. Stationed at camp El Camino Pines, located in the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California, the Naturalist/Instructor will lead weeklong Environmental Education programs with other members of the year-round team. This is an onsite position with room and board included. In addition to teaching, the job includes retreat hosting, dishwashing, light maintenance, winter retreat programming and other camp responsibilities. El Camino Pines is one of two sites under the umbrella of Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences. In addition to a year-round Outdoor School, we host retreats groups most weekends and run a summer camp program June-August.
Training is provided. Flexibility is a must. Fun is a given.
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to the care and appreciation of God’s creation and communicate and practice that with students and staff.
- A desire to teach students of all ages uses the outdoor education curriculum.
- At least one year of post-high school experience - college or work. Undergraduate degree, camp experience and leadership experience are preferred.
- Must be flexible and willing to help in all areas of camp life.
- Must be able to communicate with and work with others.
- Must have interest in living in a Christian community and a willingness to live in community with others.
- Understanding of the philosophy and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the programs and sites of LRCC.
For more information and to apply contact:
Meredith Smith
Camp Director, El Camino Pines
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
661-245-3519
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Finance Minister (Part-Time)
Hope Lutheran, Temecula
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Hope Lutheran Church, Temecula, CA is in search of a Finance Minister ASAP! This is a part-time position. $25 per hour approximately 25 hours per week.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining accounts payable
- Payroll for church and Hope Children's Center
- Preparation of monthly reconciliation of accounts
- Annual Budgets
- Annual ELCA Reports
- City and other local tax reports
If interested. please contact Hope Church Council President, Dave Bradley at 951-302-9755 or daveb819@aol.com to schedule an interview.
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Choir Director (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Position Details
Reports to: Pastor – Status: Part-time – Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience – non-exempt
Job Summary
Serve as Chancel Choir Director for Sunday worship services, as well as for seasonal worship services. Lead Thursday evening rehearsal and coordinate recruitment and scheduling of vocal or instrumental soloists. Will coordinate scheduling with the Directors of other music groups within the congregation (e.g Bell Choir, Children's Choir), as well as our cantors.
Interested parties can email a letter of interest along with a resume to clcrsm@gmail.com. Please contact the church office at clcrsm@gmail.com for more information.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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ALOA's Monthly Webinar
"Fall Prevention - What's New?" - August 19
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ALOA's monthly webinars offer a presentation on a single topic by an expert in older adult ministry. The next webinar, entitled "Fall Prevention - What's New?" will be held Thursday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.
Gerontologist Dr. Lydia Manning shares the latest advances in fall prevention technology. She’ll also demonstrate how simple changes in our lifestyle and the addition of technology can help protect us from one of the fastest rising factors for risk of serious injury or death in the United States.
Find out more and check out our previous webinars & resources at aloaserves.org.
ALOA's webinars are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you can't be available for the live webinar, sign up anyway and we'll email you a link to the recording and associated resources.
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Upcoming Events
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Registration is now open for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, to be held on October 11-15 and November 15-19, 2021.
The two identical sessions will be held remotely via Zoom. This workshop is designed to help church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
For details consult this MSTI Brochure. For a complete list of training events being offered by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center — including our one-day Conflict Transformation Skills and Healthy Congregations — please consult this LMPC 2021 Program Calendar.
For online registration go to our website at www.lmpeacecenter.org/all-events. Plan now to take advantage of these outstanding opportunities for spiritual and professional growth!
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Spirituality & Aging Certificate Program
Southern California Coalition on Spirituality & Aging
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Aging is one of the last endeavors, common to all people, that has yet to be understood. Our time is full of anti-aging messages befitting of a culture that has long minimized the contribution of a group who seem to have moved beyond the ability to produce, so important in a capitalistic society. What is the real purpose of aging? We, the Southern California Coalition on Spirituality and Aging believe that the key to approach aging creatively and effectively is through Spirituality.
As an affiliate of the New Theological Seminary of the West, we have developed on online, master’s level, inter-religious course on the interplay between a person’s spirituality and their experience of aging. Our mission is to engage community organizations as well as faith communities in creating vibrant services and ministries that support and celebrate older adults by empowering leaders with current knowledge about aging in the context of spirituality.
The 2021 sequence of classes begins Saturday, September 18. 2021. The class size is limited to 15 persons from across the country. If you have any interest at all, go to the link below and secure more information.
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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 PLTS professor, Dr. Carol Jacobson, upon her death.
- For those in countries facing political and civil unrest - Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar, Afghanistan and others.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- Those affected by wildfires, monsoons and floods, as well as the emergency personnel responding to the situations.
- Our nation and its leaders.
- Those affected with the COVID-19 virus and those who have lost loved ones.
- Our healthcare providers, first responders and all who continue to care for those battling COVID-19.
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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