Pacifica Synod News & Notes
October 13, 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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Please note:
The Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, October 18 through Wednesday, October 20 as our staff attends Theoasis in Palm Desert.
In the event of an emergency, you may reach someone on staff by calling 619.333.0828. We will return to the office on Thursday, Oct. 21
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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
Registration for Theoasis is now closed.
Those registered can expect an email with final details about the event to arrive in your email inbox by the end of this week.
Additional information about Theoasis, including program details, free time options, event schedule, and hotel information, may be found on the Theoasis event page.
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Pacifica Synod Boundary Workshop
for Rostered Leaders
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Wednesday, October 20, 2021
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palm Desert
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
Rostered Leader Boundary Workshops have been “on hold” during the past year of healthy distancing and minimal gatherings in the era of COVID-19. We’ve done this to help and support one another during the pandemic. Another way that we support one another is to encourage and promote responsible boundaries.
Why Should I attend a Boundary Workshop?
Synod policy requires rostered ministers to participate in a Basic Boundary Workshop every three years that emphasizes the church’s expectations for their professional ethics, finances, social media use and prevention of sexual misconduct.
Registration for this event has now closed. If you missed the deadline, but still wish to register, please contact Carol Youngman at carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org to check on space availability. As we will be working in small groups, please be aware of caring for your own health if you are in high risk category and bring a mask. We will be observing COVID-19 protocols. We plan to offer our next workshop in February or March of 2022.
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"Undoing Racism" Training Workshop
October 20-22, 2021
Luther Glen Farm Retreat Center
Registration Closes THIS Friday, October 15 @ 5 PM
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Our Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Work Group is pleased to announce that the "Undoing Racism" Training Workshop postponed from April 2020 has been rescheduled to October 20-22, 2021 at Luther Glen Farm Retreat Center. Registration is now open through October 15.
REGISTRATION FEES FOR PACIFICA SYNOD LAY LEADERS ARE JUST $25!
Workshop Description
The fabric of racism is inextricably woven into the structures of every system and institution in our society, including the church. The workshop will focus on understanding what racism is, where it comes from, how it functions, why it persists and how it can be undone through effective anti-racist organizing with, and in accountability to the communities most impacted by racism.
This will be a faith-based anti-racism workshop that will explore how to bring about change within the church and how the church can participate in ending racism in society. By the end of the workshop, participants will be enabled to take further steps in the long-term task of creating an anti-racist church.
This workshop is open to lay and rostered leaders and will fulfill the 2019 Pacifica Synod resolution requirement for rostered leaders to complete an anti-racism/diversity training at least once every three years. Congregations are encouraged to send both a rostered leader and a lay person to this training. The workshop is limited to 32 participants.
Speakers
Barbara Crain Major, B.A., M.S.W.
The Rev. Joseph Barndt
For more information about each of our speakers, please visit the event web page.
Schedule
Participants MUST be present for the ENTIRE event – Wednesday through Friday.
Wednesday, October 20
Check in begins at 4:00 p.m. – Programming begins at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 22
Program ends by 4:00 p.m.
Program Fees
Program fees include a shared room (no single rooms) and 6 meals (Wednesday dinner through Friday lunch).
Rostered Ministers - $250 full fee/$225 early bird fee if registered by October 1, 2021**
Lay Leaders (Pacifica Synod Only) - $25*
Lay Leaders (outside Pacifica Synod) - $250 full fee/$225 early bird fee if registered by October 1, 2021
Full details about the event, including the link to register, may be found on the event web page.
Want to learn more about the content of this training? Below, Pastor Rick Fry of Ascension Lutheran in San Diego, and a member of the Pacifica Synod's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Work Group, shares his personal experience with the training that will be provided at this event.
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Bishop's Conversations with Congregation Presidents
October 26 & 30, 2021
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Bishop Andy Taylor invites Pacifica Synod Congregation Presidents to join him in June for a time of conversation, along with time in small groups for idea and resource sharing.
This time together will focus on Human Resources basics. Bishop Taylor is consulting with HR professionals, and will have examples of best practices for hiring, termination of employment, and putting together a personnel handbook. If your congregation has all of these in order, you could be mentors to those who have work to do. We invite all our presidents to join us.
We will also have time for breakout conversations on what is happening in your congregations. Presidents who have attended the last two meetings have stated that this is the most meaningful part of our time together.
The conversations will take place over Zoom and both current and incoming Congregation Presidents are invited. There will be two sessions offered so you can choose the one that works best for you. The dates and times are as follows:
Tuesday, October 26 - 7:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. HST
Saturday, October 30 - 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST
You may register for the session of your choice by using the registration button below. You will receive a confirmation email after registering which will include the Zoom link to join the conversation. This link will also be sent to you the morning of your session.
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We are excited to share the news of two upcoming installations during the month of October. We ask for your prayers for these pastors and their congregations. Details about each of the services are listed below. |
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The Rev. Karla Halvorson - October 24, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. PDT |
You are invited to the Installation of Pastor Karla Halvorson as pastor of St Mark's Lutheran Church, Chula Vista on Sunday, October 24th at 3:30 p.m. St. Mark's is located at 580 Hilltop Drive, Chula Vista. Bishop Andy Taylor will be preaching, translated by Erick Posada. The service will be available that evening on St Mark's Lutheran YouTube channel or on their website at www.stmarkschulavista.org.
This installation marks Pastor Karla's one-year anniversary at St. Marks. This bi-lingual (English Spanish) service was delayed due to COVID-19 and her unrelenting desire to celebrate with a reception which includes cake. Clergy are invited to vest, with the color of the day being green.
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The Rev. Christina De La Cruz - October 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PDT |
The Rev. Christina De La Cruz will be installed as Pastor at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Escondido on Saturday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. PDT. Bishop Andy Taylor will be the preacher for the service.
Watch for further information to come on ways to share in this celebration.
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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Conversaiton
Sunday, October 24
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on Sunday, October 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. We will meet in-person once again at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 W. Las Palmas Drive, Fullerton. COVID safety protocols will be adhered to. We will also have the opportunity for you to join via Zoom.
From our group facilitator, Jim Tyler:
Exciting news! Our guest speaker for our October 24 meeting at St. Paul’s will be Ms. Gwen Alexis! You will want to tell your friends. Better, bring them to our meeting! We are honored to have Gwen come talk with us. Here is a brief introduction:
Gwen Alexis began her teaching career as dance and drama teacher for the children at St. Rita’s School in East New York, Brooklyn in 1995. She earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY- Empire State College with a Bachelor of Science, in Performing Arts. She earned her Master of Arts, in History with a specialization in United States history from CUNY- City College. She now teaches online for John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the History Department. She is extremely honored to teach for 8 years in the African American Studies Department at California, State Fullerton. Teaching at California, State Fullerton and John Jay College of Criminal Justice is truly a dream come true for Prof. Alexis.
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Matthew 25 Fund Grant
Application Period Closes October 15
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The application period for the Pacifica Synod Matthew 25 Fund Grant is now open through October 15. The purpose of this grant fund is to honor Christ as he shared in Matthew 25:35-40. Jerry and Lynda Engelhardt established this fund through a strong desire to help people as in the verse.
The primary criteria for making awards shall be Matthew 25:35-40. A secondary criterion shall be to evaluate if the proposed project will help establish or maintain congregational outreach and unity as in the spirit of the verse.
Preference will be given to congregations in the Pacifica Synod of ELCA. Consideration may be given to other Christian organizations with proven responsible management.
NEW FOR 2021 – Applicants may request an additional amount (up to $500) in matching funds to supplement funds raised and spent for this request’s purpose by the congregation/ministry. Please include information in your description detailing the source(s) and expenditures of these funds for this purpose.
Grant applications maybe downloaded here or obtained by contacting Terri Robertson in the Synod office at 714.352.8732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org. Be sure to click "enable editing" to complete the fillable form.
The deadline for applications is October 15, 2021.
Grants awards will be distributed by December 31, 2021.
Please keep in mind that if you have received a previous Matthew 25 Grant Award, you MUST have submitted a written report on the use and outcome of the previous award by October 15, 2021 in order to be considered for a future award. The link to the reporting form may be found on our Matthew 25 web page here.
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Latino Ministry Partnership Support Grant
Application Period Now Open through November 1
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The application period for the 2022 Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Endowment Fund Partnership Support Grants is now open until November 1, 2021.
The Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Endowment Fund, formed from a
merger of the St. Mary's and Santa Ana Accounts by action of the Synod Council on March 12, 2005, provides assistance and support to congregations with existing Latino ministries and/or congregations intending to develop new Latino ministries.
Starting in 2019, we encouraged individual grants for Latino members of the Pacifica Synod using the funds for seminary and the TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) program.
Congregations grants must have a defined plan for an outreach, worship or other specific ministry. These funds are not intended to cover staff positions. Our committee views these grants as a partnership with financial support from the Pacifica Synod, Latino Ministry Endowment Fund and additional resources of the Latino Area Ministry Committee as appropriate for both congregations and individuals.
More information on the grant requirements and process, may be found on the grant web page. An application may be downloaded here. The completed grant application must be returned to the Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Team Chairperson, the Rev. Maria Santa Cruz at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4011 Ohio Street, San Diego, CA 92104 or by email to prmaria@sbcglobal.net by November 1, 2021.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod
Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT) / 8:00 a.m. (HST)
"Designing Hybrid Faith Formation
for the Post-Pandemic World"
With John Roberto
Lifelong Faith Associates
Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Click HERE to register.
For decades the church and faith formation have relied on in-person, fixed-time gatherings, events and programming offered in physical spaces. The Pandemic disrupted this “default” model, and pushed us to experiment with new models.
Hybrid models expand faith formation opportunities for everyone, allowing leaders to become much more strategic about when, where, how and for what we gather people because we can now integrate online with in-person faith forming.
This webinar series presents a variety of models for developing a hybrid future for lifelong faith formation in 2021 and beyond.
Brought to you by your Pacifica Synod Coaching Team to support Synod leaders during challenging times. Each monthly offering brings a presentation on a current topic and an opportunity to discuss it in a small group facilitated by an ELCA coach.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. A coach's role is to support leaders in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them.
For more information:
Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page for resources as well as previous presentations.
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Synod Directory Update Now Available! |
An updated Synod Directory of Congregations and Rostered Ministers is now available. Please click the button below to access a PDF list of Pacifica Synod congregations and ministers, listed by Conference, then alphabetically by congregation name.
If you are unsure of the Conference a congregation is in, please click here to access that list.
Please send updates and/or corrections by email to Carol Youngman by email to carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org or contact her at the synod office at 714.352.8731.
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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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A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed
An Online Benefit for ELCA World Hunger
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When: Thursday, October 14, 5:30 p.m. PDT/2:30 p.m. HST
Where: Zoom webinar
You’re invited to join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves in celebrating World Food Day!
“A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed,” an online benefit for ELCA World Hunger, will feature Steves interviewing people on the ground who do the dynamic work of fighting hunger around the world. Special guests include the Rev. David Beckmann, who is being honored for his lifelong service to end hunger; the Rev. Rebel Hurd; missionaries Willie and Anne Langdji; and the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla. There will also be special performances by Rachel Kurtz, Peter Mayer and the St. Olaf Choir. Join us as we hear compelling stories, listen to wonderful music and gather together in fellowship to invest in this life-giving work.
As a church, we remain focused on supporting our neighbors near and far as the pandemic continues disrupting and impacting lives. At this event, you will learn about the ways ELCA World Hunger is responding. No one is better positioned or more experienced than the church in addressing hunger, from meeting immediate needs to finding long-term solutions. We are ready, able, effective and efficient. We hope you'll join us!
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ELCA issues Declaration to American Indian
and Alaska Native People
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In the declaration, the ELCA acknowledges the theological and Christian foundation of the Doctrine of Discovery, which has codified colonialism and religious intolerance as societal norms for more than 500 years.
“The Doctrine of Discovery created a theological framework that supported racism, colonialism, and the annihilation of Indigenous people,” the declaration states. “Today it continues to support these evils and injustices found in our church, U.S. law, and legal interpretation. The Doctrine of Discovery has been pervasive throughout the world and has benefited the Church and ELCA Lutherans in every way.”
Included in the statement is a confession to American Indian and Alaskan Native communities in the ELCA and in the United States. To those in the ELCA, the church declares, “We have devalued Indigenous religions and lifeways and have not challenged the invisibility of Indigenous people in American society.” Among other things, it confesses to treating these communities as a minority group rather than as sovereign nations and failing to do more to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery after the formal repudiation was passed in 2016.
To American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the church and in the United States, the church confesses its role in diminishing the importance of the land and acknowledges the complicity of the ELCA and its predecessors in accepting the benefits of the land stolen through numerous colonial measures and broken treaties. It further confesses to its failures in combating white supremacy and in treating Native peoples as equals, listing the many ways in which the church needs to learn more about its harmful roles.
To the non-Indigenous communities of the ELCA, the church confesses that it has benefited from, and not acted against, the Doctrine of Discovery and has failed to proactively support the church’s American Indian and Alaska Native Lutheran Association.
The declaration concludes with a pledge to all three groups — Indigenous ELCA communities, Indigenous communities in the U.S., and non-Indigenous ELCA communities. Each pledge focuses on doing more to understand the doctrine, the church’s role in perpetuating it and how to partner with Native organizations to end the harmful effects of the doctrine and become stronger advocates for Indigenous communities throughout the U.S. The declaration ends with an understanding that accomplishing its goal to actively and fully repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery will take more than words; it will take tangible action to undo the damage created since the late-15th century.
To read the full text of “A Declaration of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to American Indian and Alaska Native People,” click here.
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ELCA Coaching - Courageous Leadership Series
October 20
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ELCA leaders are invited to join ELCA Coaching on Wednesday, October 20 at 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST, to hear some practiced examples of COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP from The Rev. Erik Gronberg, PhD (Bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod) and their spouse, The Rev. Kendra Mohn, PhD (Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Worth, TX), both of whom are also ELCA Coaches.
We are inviting you to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, family, work, ministry, community, and the world. There will also be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.
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ELCA Resources for Congregations |
Stories of Faith in Action 2021
The new issue of “Stories of Faith in Action” is available now! “Stories of Faith in Action” (affectionately called “SOFIA”) is the ELCA's annual publication that tells the stories of the impact your Mission Support dollars make on the ministry we do together.
This year’s issue features stories of nine ministries across the country and around the world that were made possible through Mission Support. We are excited that this year’s issue will once again feature a devotional you can use to connect these stories to Scripture and to our call to serve our neighbor. Along with the digital version of SOFIA, you can also flip through the publication right on your computer or phone screen with this digital flipbook.
We hope you will share these stories with others so they too can know the impact they have made through Mission Support!
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2021 Annual Report Covers
Two versions of 2021 Annual Report Covers are available for download. They include an opening litany, hymn, and a message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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2021 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge Announced |
Some people may hope for a return to normal after the world-changing events of the last 18 months, but sociologists tell us our future will revolve around living into a “new normal.” Presented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the 2021 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will probe this new normal. Under the theme “Imagining Scriptural Encounters in the New Normal,” four online presentations by ELCA seminary students will help participants deepen their encounters with Scripture and strengthen their relationships with God in a time of extreme and continuous change. These online events take place October 20, 22, 28, and 29.
The annual Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge is an endowed theological lecture series that 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. The students are then invited to report their findings.
The public is invited to attend these free online events, but registration is required for each of them. Registration and other information is available here.
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Together We Welcome:
A National Gathering to Strengthen Support for
Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants
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The Together We Welcome: A National Faith Gathering to Strengthen Support for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants will take place on Sunday, November 7 - Thursday, November 11 from 6 - 9 PM EST. The Together We Welcome conference is outlined by four key tracks and will include eight sessions per track with mainstage speakers, networking opportunities and interactive sessions for participants. The goal is to energize and mobilize attendees to take action and equip them with the skills and knowledge to welcome. Through this conference we aim to have congregations engaged in co-sponsorship and individuals commit to action steps!
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Advent Resources for Congregations |
Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief has created FREE, easy-to-use resources based on the RCL Advent texts from the Gospel of Luke, all available at lwr.org/advent:
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4 weeks of new sermon illustrations (complete with photos and video)
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4 powerful videos to highlight your congregation’s love in action around the world
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4-week small group Bible study guide
- Candle lighting litany
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ELCA World Hunger
New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation this Advent season. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to worship online and in person and continue to support the work of important ministries, including ELCA World Hunger, we are eager to equip leaders with useful resources this season.
Congregations will be sent a sample pack of these resources in the mail very soon and will be able to order or download free versions at ELCA.org/hungeradvent.
New! The ELCA Good Gifts catalog and resources will inspire unique seasonal-giving ideas that help fight hunger and poverty around the world. You can find more ELCA Good Gifts resources and make donations at ELCA.org/GoodGifts.
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Disaster & Humanitarian Response Around the World |
Hurricane Ida
Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social service organizations to coordinate a response to Hurricane Ida. Donations may be made to support LDR's work here.
Wildfires
Haiti Earthquake & Tropical Storm
Donations may be made to support the work of Lutheran Disaster Response or Lutheran World Relief in response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14, Tropical Storm Grace on August 16 and the continuing political crisis.
Afghanistan
Your gifts to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service's Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies Fund will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our Afghan friends as they await the official services available to them.
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ELCA 2022 Youth Gathering News! |
Registration is OPEN!
Early-bird registration is now open for the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble! Congregations that register during Early-bird will be entered to win a variety of prizes (such as their choice of seating at Mass Gathering). Early-bird registration closes on November 21; during regular registration, prices go up $40 per participant.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Nov. 22, 2021 - Regular Registration begins
- Nov. 22, 2021 - Servant Companion application opens
Getting Ready Materials
Getting Ready Materials (all free to download) are now available here!
Gathering Webinars
The Gathering webinars provide lots of valuable information. If you missed any of them, they are still available to be viewed using the link below. You can also register for upcoming webinars.: https://www.elca.org/YouthGathering/About/Webinars. The next webinar on Safety and Security will be held on Thursday, October 7.
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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Interfaith Walk for Peace
Sunday, October 17
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To download a flyer to share, click here.
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PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
Community Organizing for Climate Justice Training
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Thanks to the prayers, generosity, and dedication of so many in the PLTS community, the PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith is thriving and bearing rich fruit.
One of these fruits is the launching of a new Community Organizing for Climate Justice training program. This 15-week course equips leaders with faith-based community organizing tools to develop projects that address root causes of systemic climate injustice.
The first cohort for this training will launch in February 2021 with a three-day in-person training in Berkeley, CA. This is followed by 12 weeks of practice guided by a mentor and your cohort companions, and then a final two-and-a-half-day online session together as an entire class. Applications are accepted through October 31st. Click here to sign-up to receive the application!
If you want to gain the skills, knowledge, spiritual grounding, and community of support to address the climate crisis in ways that build racial and economic equity, I hope you will consider applying to be part of this inaugural training, sending this announcement to someone who might be interested, or assembling a small team from your congregation to participate together.
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LRCC In-Person Winter Retreats are Back in 2022!
High School, Middle School & Elementary!
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For more information or to register your group, click HERE!
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Cal Lutheran's Thriving Leadership Formation
Equipping ELCA Leaders for a Changing World
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The Thriving Leadership Formation program from Cal Lutheran offers free and meaningful opportunities for ELCA rostered and lay leaders in your synod. TLF brings ELCA pastors, deacons and lay leaders together online to cultivate skills and networks of trust, support, spiritual practice and accountability. This is the second round of our cohort groups. Cohort groups meet on zoom 12 times. These groups are a show up as you are, be present and build community. These groups are for people who are longing for meaningful relationships, community, encouragement, and accountability in spiritual practice.
At Large Cohorts : There is an offering of eleven different At Large Cohort Groups. Check out the different groups, fill out the interest form and wait to hear from us. Groups are currently forming and hoping to be filled and begin meeting by the end of October.
Synod Cohorts: Synods in ELCA Regions 1 and 2 have their own Synod Cohort, these are different than the At Large Cohorts. Follow the link to see who the TLF Cohort Leader is for your synod.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos rolling out soon
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Video describing TLF Cohort Groups: https://youtu.be/L8xpcFq0K_A
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Website: ThrivingLeadershipFormation.org
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thrivingleadershipformation
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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 October newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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Music Coordinator
Christ Lutheran, Pacific Beach
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Christ Lutheran, Pacific Beach is seeking a Music Coordinator. This position’s primary role is to work with the Pastor, congregation, and church staff to coordinate the musical needs of the church ranging from music performed before, during, and after the services, music performed for online services, and providing opportunities for musical engagement outside of services. The musical needs of the church will include various musical styles including contemporary, traditional, a capella, instrumental obbligatos, or other variations.
Submit via mail or email a cover letter, three reference, and resume including education and experiences to:
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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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Worship Leader (Part-Time)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope, San Bernardino is seeking a part-time Worship Leader. The primary responsibilities of the part-time worship leader will be to lead the contemporary, prayer and praise worship services, and grow the music ministry at Lutheran Church of Our Savior – Spirit of Hope. The Leader needs to work closely in communication with the church secretary and is responsible to the Pastor and Church Council. The Worship and Music Committee is involved in helping to plan our worship ministry. Proactive communication and planning are essential.
For a position description, click here.
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Senior Development Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego is seeking a full-time Senior Development Manager.
The Senior Development Manager is responsible for the management and execution of SURVIVORS’ fundraising to develop a stable financial base for the organization. Activities in this department seek a broad and balanced blend of sustainable funding sources (individual donors, governmental and foundation grants, faith-based support, and planned giving efforts). Fund development activity includes year-round tours and preparations leading up to the annual fundraising event, special community events, guiding committee work and individual donor cultivation and cultivation events. Emphasis is on generating five-year pledges in the range of $1,000-$25,000 per year, annual leadership gifts and management of grant acquisition and evaluation. This position supervises three direct reports (Community Engagement Coordinator, Grants Manager, and Data Quality and Evaluations Manager) and interns and volunteers as needed.
To download a complete position description, please click here.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Adult Lutherans Organized for Action
"The Gift of Grandparenting" Webinar
October 28, 2021 - 9:00 a.m. PDT
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Are those “Grand Days” here for you? What a gift from God to be a Grandparent (and for many, a Great Grandparent)! Join Sue Lennartson, Director of Adult Ministry at St. Andrew’s Lutheran in Mahtomedi, MN, on an adventure of exploring Grandparenting as it reflects elements of a blessing – a few ideas, lots of encouragement, some resources and igniting! Grandparents mentor, model, send a message, and minister to their Grandchildren at every age and stage. Jesus loves us all – here’s to the journey! We all need encouragement – let’s bring it – our kids are thirsty for the Living Water!
You’ll find resources for many aspects of ministry to those in the second half of life in the resource section of ALOA’s website. Find more resources
Adult Lutherans Organized for Action is a nationwide resource to the church that strengthens ministry by and for adults in the second half of life. ALOA offers events for individuals and provides resources to encourage adult ministry in Lutheran congregations. To find out more, visit our website.
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Stephen Ministry Bridge Leader's Training Course
Synod Scholarships Available
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Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.
Established in 1975, Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations of all types, sizes, and settings—across the US, Canada, and 30 other countries. Stephen Leaders in these congregations have equipped more than 600,000 people as Stephen Ministers, who in turn have cared for millions of people in need. The new training and resources carry this ministry into the future, preparing congregations to meet the ministry challenges of an ever-changing world.
Did you know that the Pacifica Synod offers scholarships for lay persons attending Stephen Ministries training? These are available through the Cathryn Wright Fund. More information about the scholarship and the application to apply may be found on our synod website here.
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Spirituality & Aging Certificate Program
Southern California Coalition on Spirituality & Aging
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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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We Remember in Our Prayers |
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We ask that you hold the following people and situations in your thoughts and prayers:
- For the family and friends of the Rev. Ted Johns.
- For the Afghan people, our allies, and vulnerable populations in the midst of this humanitarian disaster.
- For the communities impacted by Hurricane Ida and those who have lost loved ones, housing and are without necessities.
- For the people of Haiti in the face of earthquakes, tropical storms and political unrest.
- Those affected by wildfires, floods, tropical storms and other natural disasters, as well as emergency personnel responding to these situations.
- For those in countries facing political and civil unrest - Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar and others.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- 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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