Pacifica Synod News & Notes
March 15, 2021
|
|
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.
|
|
Current Synod News & Resources |
|
2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly Voting Member
Online Registration Now Open Through April 19
|
Our 2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021. This one-day assembly will be held completely online. We anticipate that the Assembly will begin at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) and end by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Online registration of voting members for the 2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly is now open through April 19. You may access the registration page here.
We encourage voting members to download detailed registration information and a worksheet by clicking here. These instructions have also been mailed to each congregation. This information will guide you through our online voting member registration process. Please use this worksheet to assemble the information you will need BEFORE you go online to register.
Please note: this year there is no GROUP registration. Each voting member from a congregation must be registered individually. This can either be done by the voting members themselves OR a congregational administrator can collect information from all voting members using the enclosed form and register each voting member individually. If you are registering a person other than yourself, please confirm ALL information with them before doing so, even if you think you know it.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO REGISTERING
This will be an online assembly. Each voting member will need to arrange for access to and familiarity with an internet connection and a certain amount of technology.
Voting members will need:
- an email address unique to each voting member. EVERY voting member must have THEIR OWN email address to receive their own voting credentials.
- a quality and stable internet connection.
- a desktop or laptop computer or tablet with a microphone, built-in or external speakers, and camera (optional).
- a separate device (phone or tablet) for each voting member (even if in the same household) to download a voting app to use for all voting that will take place during the assembly.
Assembly Visitors:
Visitors/observers are invited and encouraged to view the assembly via live streaming. Visitors DO NOT need to register. Information on how to view will be provided closer to assembly.
Information about the 2021 Synod Assembly may be found on Pacifica Synod Assembly web page. Information is being added as it becomes available, so if you don't see what you're looking for, please check back often or contact the synod office at 714.692.2791.
If you have questions or need help with the registration process, please contact Terri Robertson at 714.352.8732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
|
|
Installation Service of The Rev. Juli Patten
Sunday, March 21 - 3:00 p.m. (PDT)
|
We invite you to hold the congregation of Christ Lutheran, San Clemente and the Rev. Juli Patten in your prayers as she is installed as their called pastor on Sunday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. (PDT). The service will be streamed live on Pastor Juli's personal Facebook page.
Pastor Juli began her ministry with Christ Lutheran on February 21. The ministry is a second career for Pastor Juli, who had a full and satisfying teaching career in Hawaii before graduating from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley with a Master of Divinity degree and completing a one-year internship at Davis Lutheran in Davis, California.
Pr. Juli and her wife, Michelle, who has her own consulting company and works from the comfort of their home, have relocated to San Clemente from the small town of Waianae on Oahu’s leeward coast. Between them they have five grown children.
Congratulations to Pastor Juli and Christ Lutheran as they begin their ministry together!
|
|
#CaliSTRONG High School Youth Event
Saturday, March 20
|
Since December, high school youth from Pacifica Synod have joined with youth from both Southwest CA and Sierra Pacific Synods for joint online youth events. As connections are made and excitement is building, the youth have decided to meet twice a month. The next gathering will be on Saturday, March 20 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (on Zoom).
#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.
Youth can join these events at ANY time - even if you haven't attended a prior event. Youth who haven't attended previously MUST sign up for this event by March 20 to receive the Zoom link. Please use this link to do so - http://bit.ly/30AM1X7. Please note: Youth who have signed up for previous events do NOT need to sign up again - you will automatically be sent the Zoom link.
SAVE THE DATE! We invite you to save the date of Saturday, April 3 for a #CaliSTRONG youth-led Easter Vigil. More information to come soon!
|
|
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Gathering
Sunday, March 21
|
Pacifica Synod's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup will be hosting another monthly roundtable discussion group, under the leadership of James Tyler. The group will meet next on Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. ALL are invited to join the discussion.
During this time together, Jim Tyler will lead a discussion on the connection between the following topics: voter suppression laws; Harvard's denial of tenure for Cornel West; the fight for $15 minimum wage; and the FBI's war on the Black Freedom Movement.
If you would like to participate in this roundtable discussion, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org to be sent the Zoom link. If you have suggestions for topics you'd like to hear about (or lead discussion on), please share that information with us using this same email.
|
|
Verb of God Bible Study in Spanish live via Zoom to YouTube Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
Verbo de Dios Estudio Bíblico en español por Zoom a YouTube miércoles a la 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
|
“Verb of God” is a Bible Study in Spanish every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. PDT live via Zoom. The most recent episode (March 10) is found on the following platforms listed below.
Estudio bíblico para el cuarto domingo de la cuaresma, 14 de marzo de 2021
Gracias Pastor@s: María Rojas-Banda, Nathan Allen, Wesley Menke
Números 21: 4-9 el proceso de “discutir” como pueblo de Dios
Salmo 107:1-3, 17-22 una meditación de la bondad de Dios
Efesios 2:1-10 Estamos salvados por la gracia de Dios
Juan 3:14-21 el fuego del Espíritu de Dios alumbra la oscuridad de nuestras almas
|
|
Coaching for All Seasons:
Storytellers: Welcoming Asylum Seekers in
"The House that Love Built”
Monthly Online Gathering for Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 - 11 a.m. (Pacific)/8 a.m. (Hawaii)
|
A monthly presentation –
Casa de Paz began in 2012 with Sarah Jackson’s vision of a place to host families whose loved ones are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and individuals who have been recently released. Since then, Casa has hosted more than 3,000 guests from more than 75 countries at its Denver home. Volunteers at Casa provide visits, shelter, meals, transportation, and emotional support – all free of charge. Casa is the only organization in Colorado offering shelter to released immigrants and their families. Come and hear Sarah tell her inspiring story about “The House that Love Built!”
If Denver sounds far away, remember that San Diego County also has an ICE detention center. The stories Sarah hears in Denver are the same stories being lived in Southern California; only the details differ.
We invite you to join us via Zoom on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:00-noon (Pacific) and 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Hawaii). Pre-registration is required to receive the link and may be done so here.
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.
|
|
Growing Young Monthly Conversations
Continue April 13 & 11
|
Growing Young isn’t about changing youth ministry,
it’s about changing church culture.
In January 2021, we began hosting monthly, online Zoom conversations, each focusing on one of the six Growing Young Core Commitments. Each of these free sessions will be offered once during the day and once during the evening through the month of June.
While reading the book Growing Young is not a prerequisite of participating in the conversations, reading the chapter that will be discussed is encouraged. The book may be purchased through Fuller Youth Institute, Amazon or your favorite bookseller. For those who use a Kindle, we have FREE download codes for those who would use them. Please contact Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org to have a code sent to you by email.
Below are dates and times of each of the remaining sessions. Pre-registration for each session is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Please click here to register. Resources from past sessions may be found on our Growing Young webpage here.
Session Four - Fuel Warm Relationships (Chapter 5)
Tuesday, April 13 - 11:00 AM / Thursday, April 15 - 6:30 PM
Session Five - Prioritize Young People/Families Everywhere (Chapter 6)
Tuesday, May 11 - 11:00 AM / Thursday, May 13 - 6:30 PM
Session Six - Be the Best Neighbors (Chapter 7)
Tuesday, June 8 - 11:00 AM / Thursday, June 10 - 6:30 PM
|
|
Global Mission Update - Hitoshi & Satoko Adachi |
Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelicial Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their March 2021 newsletter.
The brochure attached here details the Adachi's ministry in Japan and how to best support them. You can give through the synod office or mail your check to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. Make checks payable to “ELCA Missionaries” with “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051” in the memo line. To donate by credit or debit card, go to https://community.elca.org/Japan or call 800-638-3522 and specify “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051”. To set up an automatic monthly bank withdrawal or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication, and support, please contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or globalchurch@elca.org.
|
|
Introducing the Rev. Laurie Line Memorial Scholarship |
The Rev. Laurie Line was ordained in 2001 and spent her entire ordained ministry in the Pacifica Synod. She served several congregations as an interim and others as settled pastor. Pastor Laurie retired in 2016. She died in 2020 from complications of a rare form of dementia.
This new scholarship, created by a generous donation in Pastor Laurie's name, is intended for women seeking ordination as a Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament. Pastor Laurie knew firsthand of the struggles that women encounter in leadership and was always very encouraging and proud of women who went through seminary. She always cried tears of joy when she saw Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton because she was so proud to have a woman serving as the national leader of the ELCA.
Donations to the Rev. Laurie Line Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made by making checks payable to Pacifica Synod with “Laurie Line Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. You may also donate by going online to PacificaSynod.org and clicking “Donate Online” and selecting the “Rev. Laurie Line Mem Scholarship” from the list.
Scholarship applicants must be a member of a congregation in the Pacifica Synod and attending an ELCA seminary. Again, this scholarship is only for those who identify as women. Full guidelines, along with the application, can be found here. The deadline for applications is June 15 of each year.
|
|
From the ELCA & Other Partners |
|
Worship Resources for Day of Lament
Against anti-Asian Racism - March 21, 2021
|
The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCA recently issued a statement, affirmed by the ELCA Conference of Bishops, calling on the church to declare a day of lament during Lent to express solidarity with, help in healing and support Asian American victims of violence. Sunday, March 21, has been named as the common date, though worshiping communities may choose a different date as appropriate for their context.
Worship resources are available below:
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program Loans Now Available
Through the ELCA Federal Credit Union
|
Don’t miss the opportunity for financial relief. Apply by March 22.
Another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans is now available for small businesses and organizations, including congregations, to help protect staff members’ pay and other operating expenses during the pandemic. Even if your congregation already received a loan, it may be eligible for a second draw if it can demonstrate a 25% reduction in recurring revenue during any quarter of 2020. Borrowers will be able to apply for loan forgiveness following the term of the loan.
The Mission Investment Fund is cooperating with our financial partner, the ELCA Federal Credit Union (FCU), to offer these loans to eligible congregations and ministries. The FCU can help your congregation navigate its first or second draw, even if you received your first PPP loan through a different lender. As a ministry of the ELCA, we know our congregations best. And we are prepared to help you every step of the way. Nearly 300 congregations have already received a PPP loan with the help of the FCU.
The deadline for the second round of PPP loans is quickly approaching. Applications submitted by March 22 will be processed in time to meet the federal deadline on March 31. Learn more and apply now.
For more information about the ELCA Federal Credit Union and eligibility for a PPP loan, please visit our website. Thank you for your continued leadership during this time of great need. Do not hesitate to reach out and see how the Mission Investment Fund and the ELCA Federal Credit Union can be of service. We’re here to help.
|
|
From the Presiding Bishop
"God Will Transform This Church"
|
In her March column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the meaning behind “evangelical” in our name and the future of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “I believe God will transform this church.”
|
|
U.S. Severe Storms Disaster Relief |
Beginning Feb. 14, a polar vortex descended over the United States. Subfreezing temperatures and heavy snow swept across the country, impacting millions of people. The harsh conditions severely impacted Southern states, such as Texas, which lack the infrastructure to handle the freezing temperatures and record-setting snow and ice. This has led to power, food and water shortages throughout the region. At its peak, 4.5 million homes and businesses in Texas were without power. With bursting pipes and broken water systems, around 10 million Texans are facing water disruptions. As temperatures rise, melting ice and snow is expected to cause more water damage.
Give through Lutheran Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, the Southwestern Texas Synod, the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response. Congregations are already conducting relief efforts such as supplying water, food and generators to those in need and opening their doors to serve as shelters. Long-term recovery may include repairing water-damaged homes, disaster case management and supporting vulnerable populations.
Click here to donate. Your gifts ensure that our church will be able to provide help and hope for those whose lives have been devastated by the severe storms in Texas. Gifts designated for “U.S. Severe Storms” will be used entirely (100%) for direct response.
Give through Affected Synods
You may also give directly to affected synods to repair lives, homes, and houses of worship. Below please find links to connect you directly to synod disaster appeals:
|
|
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering COVID-19 Updates |
Gathering leadership continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and how it may impact the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble. Many of those impacts remain unknown this far in advance of the event dates. We plan to provide an update on the Gathering’s viability later this summer (before registration opens) and again in late November or early December. We will continue sharing updates through Gathering communication as we learn more about the projected state of the virus in July 2022. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these details with an ever-changing virus.
Click here for ELCA Youth Gathering COVID FAQ's.
|
|
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences News! |
SUMMER CAMP 2021 IS BACK!
We are thrilled to be able to open up camp safely this summer for campers and families. We want to see you at camp this summer so you can DISCOVER and experience the joy of camp again! our theme is 'Discover,' an exploration into the abundant love of God through Christ, both seen and unseen! Our theme verse is Jeremiah 33:3 , "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
With COVID-19 protocols, space will be LIMITED. Please make sure to sign up early to reserve your spot!
|
|
SUPPORT CAMP BY PURCHASING A SWEATSHIRT!
|
Through March 20, LRCC is holding a special fundraiser for El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm. Purchase a sweatshirt for yourself, a friend or even your pastor! All funds raised will go directly to Lutheran Retreats Camps & Conferences.
There are two styles to choose from pictured below. Click here to purchase yours!
|
|
Save the Date!
Easter Vigil Service from PLTS!
|
PLTS will be recording an Easter Vigil Service of the Word that will be available by March 31 for your use. And they will host a watch party on April 3 at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time. More information coming soon!
|
|
Cal Lutheran's Fifty and Better March Lectures
and Spring Session
|
|
Next up for Cal Lutheran's Fifty and Better courses, lectures: FAB’s six-week Spring Session begins April 5, and registration opens March 2. Online offerings include Art of the Belle Époque, The Beach Boys in the Studio, The American Civil War: History and Meaning, and more. Individuals 50+ are welcome; please share with friends and family.
FAB also will host several lectures in March. Daniel Newman-Lessler will survey Jewish (Mostly) Sacred Music, Christine Maasdam will uncover Hidden Messages in the Sistine Chapel, Cary Ginell will discuss Politics on Broadway, Wesley Tierney will introduce us to the World of Neuroscience, and Herb Gooch will unpack California Politics. Lectures are open to all.
For more information, visit the Fifty and Better website.
|
|
Being Church
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m. PDT
|
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
Our March 17 presentation will be on Growing Young: Jesus' Message
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/.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
|
|
ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
|
|
ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - Mar 2021
|
|
Community Relations Coordinator
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
|
Survivors of Torture, International is seeking a Community Relations Coordinator. This full-time position is based out of San Diego. The general purpose of the job is to provide project, office, and administrative coordination for SURVIVORS in relation to all aspects of community relations, communications, development, and public affairs.
Click here for a full job posting which includes essential duties and responsibilities, qualifications needed, and application procedures.
|
|
Youth and Family Coordinator
St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton
|
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.
|
|
Webinars and Other Events |
|
LSS Southern California Estate Planning Series
Continues April 14, 2021
|
LSS is offering a no-cost comprehensive Estate Planning seminar to our network of donors and partners. This five-session series begins December 16, 2020 and will continue once monthly through April 2021.
This is an opportunity for you to take a serious look at your financial portfolio, preparing for unexpected costly situations ahead, providing for your loved ones who will survive you, and making certain your legacy of giving is honored through gifts to the charities you have supported across the years.
Joshua Anderson, an Estate Planning Attorney and Partner with McIntire Anderson, and Lisa Higginbotham, our local ELCA Regional Gift Planner will lead each of these sessions.
The dates of each session are below. Each gathering is from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PST.
April 14th - You're Set...What's Next?
For a downloadable PDF flyer to share with others, click here.
|
|
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Mediation Skills Refresher Course
|
For those who have already taken our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI), we are pleased to offer a new one-day event: the MSTI Refresher Course! Sessions are available on Tuesday, May 11 and Saturday, June 12. The fee is $99, and the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The full five-day version of MSTI is also available on May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 11-15, and November 15-19, 2021. The session in August will include the option for in-person attendance in the Chicago area.
|
|
Lutheran Men in Mission Upcoming Events |
Lutheran Men in Mission have two initiatives that you may want to put on your calendars. The next virtual Bold Gathering will be April 17. More info and registration may be found at boldgathering.com.
And, in recognition of Father's Day, Fathering in 15 is beginning at your convenience. For a PDF version of the information below, click here.
|
|
Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood
Living Life Fully Series Part 2: Planning for Anything
Thursday, March 25
|
ALOA's monthly webinars offer a presentation on a single topic by an expert in older adult ministry. They're free and last about an hour. The next webinar, entitled "Living Life Fully Series Part 2" will be held Thursday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.
The second in a series on Living Life Fully, this webinar will focus on the nuts and bolts of having your financial and personal affairs in order. Deaconess and RN Penny Cedel will be joined by Financial Planner Micheal Guthrie to outline basic documents you need to have in place to provide a smooth transition for your spouse or your children if you are no longer able to manage your own affairs. This includes everything from legal documents to where you do your banking and how to access your passwords. There will be resources shared and time for questions.
|
|
We Remember in Our Prayers |
|
We ask that you hold the following people in your thoughts and prayers:
- Jeannette Schneider, wife of Pastor Michael Schneider
- Pastor Linda Salmonson-Olson and her husband, Sheldon
- Those affected by severe weather and 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, 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.
-
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:
|
|
Pacifica Synod - ELCA
Lutheran Center for Mission & Learning
1801 Park Court Place, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.692.2791
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
