Pacifica Synod News & Notes
October 29, 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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Thank You, Angela Jackson!
Welcome, Kathy Hartl!
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Angela Jackson, who has served as Synod Secretary since May 2016, has resigned her position to move to Texas to be closer to her husband’s parents. Angela has served with distinction, and during the pandemic has been particularly helpful in managing the many documents necessary to conduct the business of the Synod. She is a member of Clairemont Lutheran Church in San Diego, where she served as Office Administrator, and we join them in sorrow at her leaving. We are grateful for her faithful service, and pray God’s blessings on her and her family as she and her husband relocate to their new home. |
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The Executive Committee has appointed Kathy Hartl, a member and past president of Christ Lutheran, San Clemente, to serve as Secretary until the next Synod Assembly, May 19-21, 2022. We are grateful to Kathy for saying “yes” to serving in this way, and for already starting, with the Executive Committee meeting that appointed her, to take up this work. Please keep Kathy and the entire Council in prayer as Together in Christ, we equip, accompany and serve boldly, so all may experience God’s boundless grace.
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Bishop's Conversation with Congregation Presidents
October 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.
There is one more conversation remaining that will take place over Zoom and both current and incoming Congregation Presidents are invited. The date and time of this final conversation is as follows:
Saturday, October 30 - 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST
You may register for this session by using the registration button below. You will receive a confirmation email after registering which will include the Zoom link to join the conversation.
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Upcoming Installation
The Rev. Christina De La Cruz
October 30, 2021
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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.
We ask that you hold Pastor Christina and the congregation of House of Prayer in your prayers as they begin their ministry together. For those who wish to view the service online, it may be found posted on the church's YouTube channel.
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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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Pacifica Women of the ELCA
Upcoming Events
November 5 & 6, 2021
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Business Meeting & Elections
Friday, November 5 at 6:30 pm PDT/3:30 p.m. HST
We will convene via Zoom for our business meeting to elect our entire board. Every congregation is allowed one voting member. Please fill out the registration form found here to receive the link to attend and information on nominees for secretary, treasurer, and board members. The president and vice president will be elected by nomination ballot.
2021 Zooming with Our Sisters in Christ
Saturday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. PDT/10:00 a.m. HST
See below for more details. The Zoom link to join is:
Meeting ID: 836 3421 7328
Passcode: 713252
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Sidewalk Ministry at Agape San Diego - SDSU |
Continuing their dynamic response to the needs of students during COVID-19 Agape San Diego, The Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry on the campus of San Diego State University, hosts a Welcome Center for students to “Rest here” between classes. Pop-up tents shade guests while resting on bean bag chairs atop turf rugs. Students nap, catch up on classwork, and share space as they continue to discern their place in the world. This pop-up ministry in the parking lot of Agape House, the decades-old home of the ministry, offers a welcoming “Hello” from students and members of the Agape staff as the construction process unfolds for the future of the ministry.
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Celebrating the Installation of Pastor Karla Halvorson |
Congratulations to Pastor Karla Halvorson and the congregation of St Mark's Lutheran Church, Chula Vista where she was installed on Sunday, October 24. St Mark’s is the Pacifica Synod’s closest congregation to the Mexican border, and is one congregation, two languages, with the Spanish speaking congregation led by TEEM candidate Alicia Saenz.
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.
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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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Living the Resurrection
Sign Up for a Zoom Conversation to Learn More
November 4, 9 or 18
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Living the Resurrection is a vitality initiative to help congregations thrive through processes, workshops, keynotes, consultations, and coaching developed by the Rev. Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl while she served the Southwest California Synod as director for Evangelical Mission. Although she had led medium-sized congregations for more than 20 years, she was challenged by how to help smaller monocultural congregations located in large multicultural neighborhoods. She created Living the Resurrection to help these congregations.
Now California Lutheran Homes and Community Services (CLH), an independent not-for-profit social ministry organization that provides assistance for those in need of housing and human services through partnerships with church congregations, community-based organizations, and local agencies, will collaborate with Living the Resurrection to make the 18-month Living the Resurrection program more accessible to small-to-medium-sized congregations in Southern California.
The 18-month Living the Resurrection program provides eight workshops over 18 months to help congregations discern where God is building connections, along with developing momentum for change. To find out more about the process, please visit https://www.livingtheresurrection.com/18-months.
If you are curious about the Living the Resurrection process and want to learn more, you can find information about the opportunities available listed on the website.
You can sign up for a one-hour Zoom conversation called “Is it Time?” There are 3 more upcoming dates to choose from - November 4, November 9 and November 18.
Three exploration workshops (two in-person and one online) will be offered in November, December and January to allow participants to discover the outline of the Living the Resurrection process and practice a couple of its foundational skills. You will go home knowing enough to decide if NOW is the time for your congregation to begin Living the Resurrection. For the dates and locations, look under “Upcoming Events” on the home page and select the one you are interested in attending.
Questions about Living the Resurrection?
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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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From the ELCA Presiding Bishop
Elizabeth Eaton
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Silence
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that spending time in silence is a spiritual discipline, a way of being in God’s presence. Read her October column for Living Lutheran in English at https://bit.ly/3jfr8dL and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3n5x8ab.
Why we need New, Young, Diverse People
On October 15, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shared a video talking through the ELCA's new goal of reaching and engaging a million new, young and diverse people by the end of this decade. Listen to Bishop Eaton share more about the WHY behind this new goal. Watch the video here.
What is the Lutheran Message? Reformation Day 2021
The Lutheran movement has a distinctive voice. The world has been saved and redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and it’s not our effort but God’s. And it’s a gift! Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton encourages us to revisit the small catechism this #ReformationDay and recall the #Lutheran exposition of the gospel.
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Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine |
During the Advent season we often talk a lot about the Holy Land of the past without talking much about the Holy Land of the present. What is going on in Bethlehem today?
Join ELCA Young Adults and ELCA Peace Not Walls this Advent Season on the WAY to Bethlehem: Prepare, Journey, Arrive, Witness
Over the course of the 4 weeks of Advent, young adults from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land will lead us on this pilgrimage through story, education, and theological reflection.
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Leader Webinar on Nov 1 at 8pm ET: Interested in leading a group through this resource? Get tips and tricks and a sneak peek at the resource.
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Opening Webinar on Nov 22 at 8pm ET: Join us as we kick-off the series.
Please share these resources and use the #AdventinPalestine tag on social media.
We are so excited to journey through this Advent season together. If you have any questions please direct message us at any of the social media links below or email peacenotwalls@elca.org.
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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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ELCA Good Gifts
See What's New This Season!
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New gifts added!
Even in a year when the needs can seem overwhelming, ELCA Good Gifts provide an easy way to make a real impact. Your gifts share the love of Christ one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. We’re introducing several new gifts this year, including:
- $105 Environmentally friendly cookstove
- $100 One month of internet connectivity
Online tools for congregational fundraising
If you’re planning a congregation-wide fundraiser for ELCA Good Gifts and would like to track your group giving, be sure to take advantage of our online tools — like “wish lists” and “group gifts” — to make collective giving a breeze. Learn more with our new how-to guide for online fundraisers.
Order popular resources for families and groups
If you normally keep catalogs and resources in your narthex, consider ordering congregational resources now and distributing them when they arrive. All resources (even stickers, coin banks and coloring books) are FREE, with free shipping, while supplies last!
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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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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service's
Hope for the Holidays Program
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Here at LIRS, we are overjoyed to announce the launch of the 7th annual Hope for the Holidays™ program! Hope for the Holidays™ is our flagship program including:
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Writing, decorating, and sending cards of warmth to our immigrant neighbors and friends effected by the immigration detention system
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Donating towards the purchasing of gifts for kiddos who otherwise might have had to go without
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and so much more detailed in the 2021 Hope for the Holidays™ toolkit!
We welcome and invite you all to join us and share with your communities! A flyer to be printed, posted, or shared can be found attached to this email. This flyer, along with further information to share with your groups can be found at lirs.org/Hope.
If you would like additional materials, to include this in your newsletter or bulletin, or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kendra Hernandez at khernandez@lirs.org.
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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
Top Ten Things to Know as You Start to Prepare
Many congregations are just now getting ready to attend the 2022 Gathering, so if you haven’t started, you aren’t behind! The Gathering team has put together a list of 10 things you should know as you prepare to get your group together for next summer. There are resources, ideas and pro-tips galore! Download the list here.
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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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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Cal Lutheran's
Fifty and Better (FAB) Fall Lecture Series
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Registration is now open for Fifty and Better’s FABulous Fall Lecture Series, running November 2-December 14. Visit our website (www.callutheran.edu/fab) for lecture and registration details, including FREE virtual tours of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory!
All are welcome to attend, please share with your friends and family! Lectures are $10 each or bundle all for $60. Download a flyer with more info here.
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"On Our Way to Truth and Healing"
2021 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium
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During the all-virtual 2021 Vine Deloria Jr Theological Symposium at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), presenters will talk about the intersection of Indian boarding schools and theological/Christian education as well as the work being done across the United States to bring truth and healing. Other+Wise is a co-sponsor of the symposium.
Register here for the online symposium on Nov. 16 and 17. Events will also be livestreamed on LSTC’s Facebook page.
The first night of the symposium features a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin (Osage), president of United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. The lecture takes place live Nov. 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Central time on Zoom.
In this lecture, Erwin will take a closer look at the intersection of Indian boarding schools and theological/Christian education.
New to this year’s symposium are Learning Lunches. At noon Nov. 16, Christine Diindiisi McCleave (Anishinaabe), CEO, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, leads ‘An Introduction to Indian Boarding Schools in the United States.’
On Nov. 17, the Learning Lunch with Kim Smith (Dine), Nia Ke Baa' and Indigenous Goddess Gang, is a discussion on ‘Creation and Climate Justice.’ The Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium is adding a climate justice session each year.
Rev. Manuel Retamoza (Cherokee), pastor of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, San Diego, Calif., will be the guest preacher for worship Nov. 17 at 11:15 a.m. Central Time.
The 2021 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium concludes Nov. 17 with a 7 p.m. Central Time panel presentation with Patsy Whitefoot (Yakama), elder, educator and consultant, and boarding school survivor; and Deborah Parker (Tulalip Tribes), director of policy and advocacy, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
Read the full presenter biographies here.
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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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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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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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ELCA "Seeds Monthly" Newsletter - Oct 2021
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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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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 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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