News & Updates
February 7, 2023
October 17th-19th
ELCA Youth Ministry Network Hosts Youth Ministry “Extravaganza” in Anaheim
The Extravaganza, an annual gathering of children, youth and family ministry leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, took place Feb. 3-6 in Anaheim, Calif. The event was hosted by the ELCA’s Youth Ministry Network.
 
On Friday evening, Bishop Dave and Pastor Jennifer Schultz welcomed over 550 onsite participants and guests during the opening session. Bishop Dave also shared in a blessing of those serving in their first year of youth and family ministry.

This year’s Extravaganza also included a major announcement regarding the ELCA Youth Gathering, to be held July 16-20, 2024, in New Orleans under the theme “Created to Be.” 
Registration for the Gathering opens Sept. 15, 2023. 
Right now, your congregations can rush aid to our neighbors devastated by the earthquake in Turkey. 

Lutheran World Relief teams are already coordinating a response, and it is your congregations' compassion and generosity that will rush emergency care. Gifts to LWR's emergency response fund will deliver critically needed care for families like water, medical care, shelter and essential supplies. Congregations and their members can give online at lwr.org/quake or mail a check to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write QUAKE in the memo.

Retired Pastors and Deacons of the Pacifica Synod
Retired Pastors and Deacons are cordially invited to gather for worship at the Pacifica Synod Office on Tuesday February 21th from 11:30am-2pm. Bishop Dave will preach and preside. Lunch will follow.

Thank you to all who attended our Lunch and Learn series. Our time spent together was productive and rewarding. The series concluded on February 6th. All resources can be found here. Feel free to share and keep the conversation going.

Rev. Matthew Anderson Installed at Community, RSM
Rev. Matthew A. Anderson was installed as pastor at Community Lutheran Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, on February 4th. Bishop Dave Nagler preached, and beautiful music contributed to a joyous celebration.
Installation of
Rev. Stephanie Lape
Rev. Stephanie Lape is being installed at Eden Lutheran Church in Riverside on Saturday March 25th at 2pm.
Clergy are asked to vest in Red.
Reception to follow.

4725 Brockton Ave,
Riverside, CA 92506
More Opportunities
Engaging and Equipping Faith Communities in Gun Violence Prevention

February 16- 7pm PST

Engaging and Equipping Faith Communities in Gun Violence Prevention The Gun Violence Task Force of the Southwest California Synod is honored to present a zoom meeting with two professional presenters on the topic of Gun Violence prevention.

This presentation will focus on gun violence as a public health epidemic, and will provide suggestions and resources for beginning or expanding the work of gun violence prevention in congregations.

Loren Lieb is a retired epidemiologist. She is President of the Board of Wo/Men Against Gun Violence. Virginia Classick is a retired social worker. She has served as Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force at All Saints, Pasadena. Loren and Virginia Co-chair the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Brady United.
Charitable Giving Tip
Galatians 6, 6-10 NSRV

What is Planned Giving?

Also known as Legacy Planning, Estate Planning, and Gift Planning, Planned Giving is a proactive action of love and consideration to include our beloved charities and congregations in our end-of-life plans. In this planning, you consider how your remaining assets could benefit your loved ones and your charities after you pass. Gift planning empowers you to make decisions that could have a larger impact than ever imagined possible. Your plans and charitable heart are unique to you and deserve personal consideration. Whether you have much to give or a small amount to share, your beloved organizations can benefit from a gift plan. We recognize these topics can be “scary” or “complicated”! All gifts are appreciated, no matter their amount, to our congregations, Synod, and the ministries we serve. 

We have resources for your navigation of these strategies through our Regional Gift Planner, Lisa Higginbotham, of ELCA Foundation. You are welcome to call or email her anytime with questions regarding your gift planning. 
805-910-5048.
There are opportunities to preach and preside. We traditionally use the text for the Sunday following our Tuesday worship, however you may choose a text.
Pacifica Synod - ELCA | https://www.pacificasynod.org