Pacifica Synod News & Notes
February 19, 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 Updates |
Our 2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021. This one-day assembly will be held completely online and planning for our time together is currently underway.
As you decide on who your voting members will be, keeping in mind the following:
- Voting members will need to be familiar with computers or tablets (such as iPads), Zoom and able to learn an additional voting program/app.
- Voting members will also need to have access to a smartphone or tablet for voting during the assembly.
- As this will be a one-day assembly on a Saturday, consider electing people whose schedules have prohibited them from attending past assemblies during weekdays.
- Each voting member will need to have their own device. Even if voting members live together, they cannot share one device. Each person needs their own device to vote.
For more information about congregational fees, registration, and current updates, go to the 2021 Synod Assembly page on our synod website. Assembly invoices and voting member allocations have been mailed to each congregation, to the attention of the congregation treasurer. The early registration fee rate of $295 for congregations ends February 28, 2021.
Online registration of ALL voting members will open in early March 2021. Visitors to the Assembly will be able to view a livestream of the event and will not need to register for this online event.
|
|
Are You Feeling Called to be a Leader in the Pacifica Synod?
Nomination Period Closes TODAY!
- Do you feel called to do more in Pacifica?
- Do you want to do something new in Pacifica?
- Do you think you could be a leader for change in Pacifica?
- Perhaps you are being called to be a leader in the Pacifica Synod.
The Nominating Committee of the Pacifica Synod invites members of Pacifica Synod congregations to prayerfully consider if God is calling them to serve on Synod Council, the Discipline Committee, or as a Voting Member at the next Churchwide Assembly. Elections to fill these positions will take place at the 2021 Synod Assembly on May 1, 2021.
A complete list of the open positions and descriptions of the duties of
each position may be found here.
Any congregational member in good standing may self-nominate or be nominated to open positions by completing the online nomination form.
Nomination forms for all positions must be received no later than Friday, February 19, 2021. Due to the online nature of the assembly this year, we are unable to accept nominations from the floor. The assembly rules will reflect this change.
|
|
A Time of Theological Reflection for Rostered Ministers
Post Pandemic Church:
Where is God Leading and How Can We Thrive?
March 11, 2021
|
Pastors and Deacons of the Pacifica Synod are invited to be with us (via Zoom) on Thursday, March 11, from 10:30 – 12:00 noon PST, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. HST, for a Time of Theological Reflection.
The theme for the day will be “Post-Pandemic Church: Where is God Leading and How Can We Thrive?”
We will share with you articles and podcasts you can listen to or read prior to the gathering. We will gather for presentations on the readings and podcasts, small and large group discussions on what we have learned about church during the pandemic, what learnings will carry us into the future, and how we can deal with the stress of yet another change in the way we worship, study, and serve.
Rostered ministers, please plan now to join us. Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link and may be done so using the button below. Resources for our time together will be available soon and sent to the email you used at registration.
|
|
#CaliSTRONG High School Youth Event
Saturday, February 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, February 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 MUST sign up for this event by February 20 to receive the Zoom link. Please use this link to do so - https://bit.ly/3iKQcrK
(NOTE: THIS IS A NEW LINK. Please sign up again, even if you joined us for an earlier event.)
|
|
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Gathering
Sunday, February 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, February 21, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. ALL are invited to join the discussion.
During this time together, members of the group will present on two topics - Racism in our Educational Systems and Injustice Under the Color of Law.
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.
|
|
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Network Meeting
Saturday, February 27
|
The ELCA AMMPARO network stands for Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. Information may be found on their webpage at elca.org/ammparo.
Pacifica Synod has an active AMMPARO Network that meets monthly over Zoom. Their next meeting is Saturday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. There will be some informative guest speakers who will discuss immigration policy changes, including Giovana Oaxaca, Director of Migration Policy at ELCA. All are invited to attend using the info below:
Upcoming Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Online Events
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Zoom Meeting
Saturday, February 27, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Meeting ID: 815 7711 0996
Password: AMMPARO
|
|
Coaching for All Seasons:
Storytellers: Ministering to Divided Congregations
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 11 a.m. to noon PST
|
A monthly presentation –
Rev. Bridget Jones is currently the pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin where she has served for the past two years. After attending and serving congregations in suburban, rural, and urban contexts in the South, Northeast, and Midwest, Rev. Jones draws on her experiences serving in varied places with a variety of people.
Rev. Jones has a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. While she was called to ministry right after graduation, she uses what she has learned about managing and mitigating risk to guide her preaching and pastoral care in divided congregations throughout a divided country. She received her Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2018 after being drawn to the Public Church curriculum. There she learned how to take the church out into the world to work for justice and peace.
We are delight to have Rev. Jones with us this month!
We invite you to join us via Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 11:00-noon PST. 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.
If you would like more information about coaching, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at mikedeenna@gmail.com.
|
|
Growing Young Monthly Conversations
Continue March 9 & 11
|
Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Based on research with over 250 of the nation’s leading congregations, Growing Young provides a plan that any church can use to involve and retain young people. Packed with ideas, Growing Young shows ministry leaders how to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the WHOLE church and deepen the faith of your young people as well as their connection and sense of belonging in your congregation.
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 Three - Take Jesus' Message Seriously (Chapter 4)
Tuesday, March 9 - 11:00 AM / Thursday, March 11 - 6:30 PM
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
|
|
Stephen Ministry Interactive Online
Bridge Leader's Training Course
Synod Lay Leader Scholarships Available!
|
Are you looking to begin Stephen Ministry or to train additional Stephen Leaders for your Stephen Ministry? The Stephen Ministries organization is offering a new way to equip Stephen Ministry leaders during this time, when it isn’t possible to attend an in-person Leader’s Training Course.
The Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC) is an interactive online training experience to equip laypeople, pastors, and other church staff as “Stephen Leaders,” the ones who lead Stephen Ministry in your congregation. Participants meet over Zoom in cohorts of 20 people with two experienced trainers from Stephen Ministries for highly personalized training. During ten 2½-hour sessions over the course of five or ten weeks, trainees learn through presentations, discussions, videos, breakout activities, Q&A times, and more, gaining the knowledge and tools they need to lead Stephen Ministry in their church.
Pacifica Synod congregations - the Synod offers training scholarships for congregational lay leaders attending these courses. Click here to download an application to learn more.
|
|
Annual Reporting Reminders
for Congregations & Rostered Ministers
|
Congregational (Parochial) Reports
In December, the ELCA mailed the 2020 Congregational Report forms to all congregations. The mailing included Form A, Form C, the instructions, and the financial worksheet. In addition, the Congregational ID number and password for online reporting were included in the mailing. You will need these items to log in and file your report online. To do so, follow this link.
Since then, the ELCA has received some questions and feedback relating to the 2020 report and has shared the following recommendations as congregations complete Form A of their reports.
From the Office of the Secretary - Worship Attendance Calculation
We have discovered an error in the formula proposed in 7.c. for calculating average attendance. It does not accurately render an average for those congregations that had Sundays with “hybrid” (on-site + online) worship. Congregations should calculate the averages for on-site and online separately in 7.a. and 7.b. The combined average will be ignored this year, and will not appear on the congregation’s trend report.
Congregations filing their report online will see a message reflecting this information. However, for those congregations that submit paper/printed reports, please use the instructions above when completing your report.
From the Office of the Treasurer - Reporting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has NOT yet been forgiven
- Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt
- Record the loan as debt on Line 19
For congregations that received a PPP Loan that HAS been forgiven
- Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt
The due date for these forms is February 15, 2021. If you can't locate your login information, please contact Carol Youngman at carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org.
2021 Statement of Intent for Mission Support
Congregations are asked to submit their 2021 Statement of Intent as soon as your 2020 budget is approved. You may find a copy of the fillable 2021 Statement of Intent here for you to complete and return to the Pacifica Synod office as soon as you are able, if you haven't done so already. You can mail them to the synod office or email them to Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
We are excited to introduce one more resource provided by the ELCA for your use in your congregation - “Mission Support: A Deep Dive.” This flyer helps members better understand how the churchwide organization uses Mission Support, including the types of ministry that Mission Support makes possible. Click here to download your copy today!
Annual Reporting for Rostered Ministers
All rostered ministers in the ELCA are required to complete an annual report to the bishop. Follow this link to select the applicable report from the ELCA website page. This report is a fillable PDF. To ensure that your report is saved properly before sending or printing it, please follow the instructions below.
- Right-click or control-click (on a Mac) on the file you want to use and select "save file" so it gets saved on your computer in a place you can find.
- Close the webpage! Don't type your answers in the webpage version!
- Find the file on your computer, and open it in Acrobat or Preview or another .pdf reader.
- Fill out a couple lines of the form. Save it. Close the file. Reopen it to see that the data is being saved correctly.
- Finish completing the file and save it.
-
Find the file on your computer and attach it to an email sent to Bishop Taylor at andytaylor@pacificasynod.org.
Once completed, please return this form to the synod office by email (see above) or by mail to the Pacifica Synod office at 1801 Park Court Place, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA, 92701.
|
|
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 |
|
ELCA World Hunger's "40 Days of Giving" Has Begun
|
As we enter the season of Lent, we want to invite you to join ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving.
As the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed together for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more ... and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17).
This very yearning is at the heart of who we are as church together. Yet our longing has never led to inertia or despair, despite the discouraging forecasts. We are an Easter people, ever journeying toward the cross but trusting in faith that God’s story does not end on that hill.
At ELCA.org/40Days, you’ll find these downloadable resources to enrich the life of your congregation and family this season:
Whether your congregation is meeting virtually or in person, we hope these resources enrich your Lenten season and inspire giving to the critical ministry of ELCA World Hunger, an important part of Christ’s call on our church. Thank you.
|
|
Cal Lutheran's Fifty and Better March Lectures
and Spring Session
|
Fifty and Better March Lectures
Join FAB for several stimulating 2-hour lectures in March!
Registration opens February 22nd at 9am (PST)
- Jewish (Mostly) Sacred Music Survey with Daniel Newman-Lessler on Saturday, March 6th at 10am (PST)
- Mysteries of the Sistine Chapel - The Hidden Messages of Michelangelo with Christine Maasdam on Thursday, March 11th at 10am (PST)
- Politics on Broadway with Cary Ginell on Wednesday, March 17th at 10am (PST)
- The World of Neuroscience: From Single Neurons to Human Behaviors with Wesley Tierney on Tuesday, March 23 at 10am (PST)
- Can the Golden State Be Made to Shine Again? with Herb Gooch on Monday, March 29 at 10am (PST)
The lectures are $8 each and are open to everyone. Share with your family and friends!
Click here to view lecture descriptions and lecturer biographies.
|
|
Fifty and Better Spring Session
We are excited to announce the courses for our Spring 2021 Session!
Spring Session is April 5-May 20
Registration will open on March 2nd at 9am (PST)
- Art of the Belle Époque with Katherine Zoraster, Mondays 10am-12pm (PST)
- Architecture and Design in the Reign of the 16th-19th Century European Rulers with Eleanor Schrader, Tuesdays 10am-12pm (PST)
- The Beach Boys in the Studio, 1962-72 with Cary Ginell, Wednesdays 10am-12pm (PST)
- Accompanying Seminar, Thursdays 1-2pm (PST)
- The World of Jewish Art and Artists with Christine Maasdam, Thursdays 10am-12pm (PST)
- Authorship and Cinema: Four Directors with David Parsons, Fridays 10am-12pm (PST)
- Something's Fishy: An Introduction to the Study of Fishes with Steve Norris, Fridays 1pm-3pm (PST)
- The American Civil War: History and Meaning with Cliff Wilcox, Saturdays 10am-12pm (PST)
Click here to view course descriptions and faculty biographies.
|
|
Being Church
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. PST
|
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 February 24 presentation will be on
The Untold Story: Black Lutheran History, Part 2
with Dr. Larry Clark and Dr. Richard Stewart
(To view Part 1 of this conversation, click here.)
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
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program Loans Now Available
Through the ELCA Federal Credit Union
|
With partnership and support from the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, the ELCA Federal Credit Union (FCU) is now offering the second round of Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans to congregations and ministries.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, these PPP loans offer much-needed relief by covering a congregation or ministry’s payroll and operating expenses. Congregations and ministries can apply for a first-time PPP loan, and some may be eligible for a second loan. The FCU can assist any eligible ELCA congregation or ministry, even if it received its first PPP loan though a different lender. Borrowers will be able to apply for loan forgiveness following the terms of the loan.
To review eligibility requirements and apply for a PPP loan, please visit the ELCA FCU’s website, www.elcafcu.org/PPP. The ELCA FCU will be accepting loan applications through March 31, 2021, or until funding is exhausted.
|
|
Portico Benefit Services - 2021 Updates |
Benefits Calculators
Looking for the calculators to estimate the cost of benefits? You can now find them by signing in to the newly redesigned EmployerLink website, or on myPortico. They’ve been moved behind sign-in as part of our efforts to make our sites more secure. If you need assistance accessing them, or don’t have myPortico or EmployerLink access, contact the Customer Care Center at 800.352.2876 or your Portico Regional Representative, Andrea Arey at aarey@PorticoBenefits.org.
Health is on the way.
If the holidays or the pandemic have you tipping the scales a little more these days, ELCA-Primary health plan members can utilize Omada, a free innovative digital program designed to help create modest changes that promote weight loss and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Omada’s specialized care programs offer eligible members individualized support to stay on track and maintain healthy habits. Learn more about Omada on myPortico.
Getting started on your taxes early?
The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.
Live Well, one small step at a time.
The tiniest things can combine to make a significant difference. This year, Portico invites you to check out 2021 Live Well. We’ll guide you through activities that might seem simple, but can get you on the path to feeling stronger, balanced, and more resilient. Featured this month: 3 ingredients for a healthy breakfast, tracking how much you spend on food, and how to savor your meals mindfully.
|
|
ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
|
|
ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - Jan 2021
|
|
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 |
|
Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences
Virtual Winter Retreat & Live Zoom Celebration
|
Join the LRCC crew for a Virtual Winter Retreat!
While it is still unsafe for us to gather at El Camino Pines & Luther Glen Farm, we are bringing camp to you! Broken up into weekly episodes for you to enjoy with your family or youth group, three video workshops will explore the different aspects of our theme verse Romans 12:12.
-Joyful in Hope
-Patient in Affliction
-Faithful in Prayer
Each video workshop will be led by a different LRCC staff member and released here and on Facebook.
Workshops will be released on three consecutive Fridays starting with February 5th.
Each video is catered to children and adults of all ages. Experience them with your church or family. You can download each workshop here and use them for your virtual Sunday School or youth group.
Join the LRCC staff and the greater camp community on
Saturday February 27th at 3pm for a Live Zoom Celebration!
We will gather to sing your favorite camp songs, share the message of our virtual winter retreat theme, STILL STANDING, and have the opportunity to reconnect!
Click below to sign up to join the fun!
|
|
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Presents
"Complicated Joy: A Conversation on Black Joy
in the Movement for Black Lives"
February 23, 2021
|
Complicated Joy: A Conversation on Black Joy in the Movement for Black Lives
Tuesday, February 23 - 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. PST
Event details
“There are those who believe Black people possess the secret of joy and that it is this that will sustain them through any spiritual or moral or physical devastation.” – Alice Walker, Possessing the Secret of Joy.
Join us for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Executive Director of Community Renewal Society to talk about the nuances of Black Joy and how it shows up in community.
Who should attend? This event is open to all
Event cost: Free
Location: Zoom link emailed the day of the event
About Waltrina N. Middleton
Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton, executive director, Community Renewal Society, is a passionate preacher and speaker who has shared a vision and message of faith, love and justice in diverse settings nationally and internationally. Middleton established Walk on Water Global Ministries, Diaspora Dialogues, and Cleveland Action in response to systemic needs in their community and society at-large. They hold an MDiv from Chicago Theological Seminary and a DMin from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, NY. Middleton is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. Learn more.
Sponsors: Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC); Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA; Chicago Chapter of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA)
|
|
LSS Southern California Estate Planning Series
Continues March 17, 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.
March 17 - Love is Eternal...Community Property Isn't
April 14th - You're Set...What's Next?
For a downloadable PDF flyer to share with others, click here.
|
|
National Lutheran Choir Winter Virtual Program
Sunday, March 14
|
Hope Lives! As we approach the one-year anniversary of the world shutting down due to the pandemic, we are slowly finding glimmers of hope: hope that vaccines will allow us to come back into the daylight of life and interactions with others!
People of faith are among those who long to fully come together. They have missed gathering weekly for services, and they deeply miss singing hymns together.
Join the National Lutheran Choir and guest artists, the Keith Hampton Singers & Friends, in singing well-known hymns that highlight the joy of an ever-growing hope, and new hymns that speak to our time, from the ELCA's new hymnal supplement All Creation Sings. All are welcome and invited to sing with joy together “…as all the world in wonder echoes shalom”.
Sunday, March 14 @ 2 PM (PDT) @ NLCA.com
This online presentation is FREE for all
For a Virtual Subscription to exclusive content ($10/month), visit NLCA.com
|
|
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Mediation Skills Training Events
|
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will offer in-person attendance in the Chicago area for its Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI) on August 2-6, 2021. If in the interests of safety they must revert to an online format, LMPC will offer registrants a refund or full credit towards another session of MSTI. Openings still remain for the sessions of MSTI in March, May, and June, all of which will be conducted online via Zoom. For more information please consult this detailed MSTI Brochure.
|
|
Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood
"Living Life Fully"
NEW DATE - Thursday, February 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" which was originally scheduled for February 18, has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m. PST.
As you enter or are already into retirement, how do you serve.....yourself? Your family? Your church? Your community?
In the first in a series of presentations, Deaconess and RN Penny Cedel will share information geared to help you understand your gifts & talents and how they can be utilized best, plan for the complicated or emotionally heavy decisions you need to make as a gift to your family and be sure your wishes are carried out. The key is to plan and express your wishes now while you are healthy, rather than have determinations made by someone who might not have your roadmap.
There is homework, so be ready to do some thinking, planning and organizing.
|
|
We Remember in Our Prayers |
|
We ask that you hold the following people in your thoughts and prayers:
- Those affected by severe weather and emergency personnel responding to the situations.
- The family and friends of Pastor Lawrence Roller.
- 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
