South Bay Conference Fall Assembly

Thursday, October 27

7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom

Join Lutherans from all around the South Bay as we speak with Bishop Brenda Bos and other synod leaders about the future and hope of our congregations, conference, synod and denomination. This helpful time will be an opportunity to be together and share our concerns, joys and hopes as a conference.

'Are You Ready?' As Southern Californians we've been trained to be ready for earthquakes and wildfires. We try to save money and have "back up plans." This fall's conference assemblies will feature a lively conversation about being ready for the next big transition in your church. Do you have a succession plan for your council? For your pastor? Is it time to rethink that industrial kitchen or that cry room? Does your council structure still make sense? Many of our congregations in transition tell us they wished they had been preparing for this day years ago. Join us for a thought-provoking and encouraging conversation about the future and how to prepare for it, with God’s help, and some good sense.

Use the Zoom Link Button Below to access the meeting.

Dear people of the Southwest California Synod,

Many of us have been hurt and saddened, but perhaps not surprised, by the stories which are emerging about the prejudiced and cruel words spoken by former Los Angeles City Council president Nury Martinez and council members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León during a conversation where they were plotting to redistrict to preserve personal power. This has struck me deeply, as I continue to consider my own complicity and responsibilities as a leader in Southern California. I grieve the conflicts which occur in our region between Black people and Latiné people. I grieve the conflicts between immigrants and people who have lived here for a longer amount of time. I grieve the conflicts between Asian Americans and others who distrust them. 

Please join me in praying for Los Angeles, the largest city in our synod, as well as all of our communities. The world needs God’s love. May we be conduits of that love. 

Defender of Justice, we offer prayers for the city of Los Angeles, and the wounds which have been once again opened this week. We pray for those in leadership, that they will no longer approach their work with hatred and prejudice. Reveal to us our own prejudices, and heal us. 

We pray for those who were specifically harmed by these words and actions. We pray for Black people in Los Angeles, who are injured daily by racism, colorism and hate. Reveal to us our own prejudices, and heal us. 

Our Hope and Our Salvation, we pray for all of us, who swim in the waters of a racist society, which has pitted humans against each other for centuries. Heal us, O God, from our fear and distrust of each other. Guide us toward Your Kin-dom, where all are loved and respected. Tear down our walls. And most Precious Healer, forgive us. Forgive us for our prejudices and our unwillingness to face them. Forgive us for blaming others for accusing our neighbor of behaving badly without looking deeply at ourselves. Empower your church, us, your servants, to lead the way in healing and compassion. 

Give us the courage to disrupt racist comments and conversations. Give us the insight to understand our own fears and hate so we may be liberated from them. Give us your Power to speak up, march, protest, donate funds to BIPOC communities and learn how to change our ways in order to become more just. In your holy name we pray, Amen