Pacifica Synod News & Notes
April 8, 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 Important Information
Our 2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021. This one-day assembly will be held completely online. 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.
Remember, voting members must register online!

What's Different This Year?
  • Only voting members will register. Unlike years past, visitors, institutions, and agencies will not register. Non-voting visitors to the assembly will be able to view the livestream of the assembly for free this year.
  • The April 19 deadline to register is a FIRM, FINAL DEADLINE. In order to get the necessary voting information set up and out to voting members prior to May 1, we won't be able to accommodate new registrants or changes to existing registrations after April 19.

In addition to detailed information about Assembly voting members and registrations instructions and a worksheet, our 2021 Synod Assembly web page includes important information about the following items:

  • Information needed PRIOR to registering voting members
  • Additional Youth/Young Adult Voting Members
  • Assembly Schedule
  • "Test Your Tech" Practice Session on April 30
  • Online Assembly Resolutions Hearing on April 22
  • Online Budget Hearing on April 29
  • ELCA Churchwide Representative - Deacon Sue Rothmeyer

Information is being added to the web page 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.
Pacifica Synod Technology Development
Matching Funds Grants
Greetings Ministries in the Pacifica Synod!

I am pleased to announce that the Pacifica Synod is offering a Technology Development Matching Funds Grant for ministries to consider applying for. Technology is defined as A/V for application purposes. As ministries prepare to return to in-person worship, the reality of the past 12 months is that virtual worship has become more mainstream and its need is likely to continue. This grant provides an opportunity to increase the quality of production of your current A/V equipment in general and particularly online.

This is a matching grant. This means we will match dollar for dollar what ministries raise. The limit is $5,000. If you don’t need $5,000 (which becomes $10,000 when matched), apply for what you need. This grant is capped at $150,000 in disbursements, so grant applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Money will be released once you have raised the matching piece of the funds and send in documentation supporting receipt of raised funds. Particulars are included on the fillable application, which may be downloaded below. Here is a listing of key dates, etc.:

  • Applications will be received starting on March 25, 2021. If they are received before this date, we will return the application to you.
  • Applications are to be received by May 31, 2021. Funds are to be spent by August 31, 2021. Report back to synod by December 31, 2021.
  • Applications will be considered as they are received, until the cap of funds is reached.
  • Applications will be reviewed by 2 or 3 Mission Fund Committee members.
  • Grant is matching up to $5,000.
  • Grant fund is capped at $150,000.

Please direct your questions about the grant to Pastor Tom Goellrich (DEM) either by email at tomgoellrich@pacificasynod.org or call my mobile 714-478-2753.

Please submit grant applications and narratives to Terri Robertson by mail to the synod office (address below) or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org. 

Thank you for your attention to this. We pray this is a helpful contribution to your enhance your ministry needs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Tom Goellrich
Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop
Pacifica Synod, ELCA
Growing Young Monthly Conversations
Continue April 13 & 15
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

For more information about Growing Young or if you'd like to serve on this team, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
Upcoming Regional & Synod Worship Services
for Congregational Use
Region 2 Worship Service for the Second Sunday of Easter

A recorded worship service for the Second Sunday of Easter - Sunday, April 11 - has been prepared by the five synods of Region 2 for use in your congregation. It is offered in recognition of and thanks for the faithful and tireless efforts of the pastors, deacons, musicians, worship leaders and all who have been providing worship through the season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter Sunday. We hope this will provide a much needed respite for these leaders.

This is a complete Service of the Word, including greetings from each of the bishops in the five synods along with participation by rostered ministers and lay people from these synods. The Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is the preacher for this service. This service was sent by email on April 5 to all rostered ministers, lay leaders and church office staff who have signed up for our synod e-mails.


Pacifica Synod Worship Service for Sunday, May 2

In addition to the April 11 service, the Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop staff will be providing a complete, recorded Service of the Word for the Sunday following our Synod Assembly - Sunday, May 2. This service will be available to download in various formats by Monday, April 26 and will be sent out by email to all rostered ministers, lay leaders and church office staff who have signed up for our synod e-mails.


Please note: These services will NOT be posted publicly on our website or YouTube channel in advance. Please be sure to watch your email inbox on the dates above to find the links to download them.
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Network Updates
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. Items from their March meeting are listed below:


Their next meeting is Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to attend using the info below:
 
Upcoming Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Online Events

Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Zoom Meeting
Saturday, April 24, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Meeting ID: 815 7711 0996
Password: AMMPARO
 
For more information about Pacifica's AMMPARO Network or ways you can get involved, you are encourage to visit their webpage found here. You can also send an email ammparonetworkinpacificasynod@gmail.com.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable
Sunday, April 18, 2021
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, April 18, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. ALL are invited to join the discussion.

We are having some great conversations! We would like you to join us. We are discussing current events and crises. Areas of discussion - the economy, homelessness, joblessness, voter suppression, healthcare and the lack there-of and the pandemic. Maybe not all at once. We would like you to add your voice with questions and answers.

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 24) is found on the following platforms listed below.
Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for Rostered & Lay Leaders
Because presenter Sarah Jackson is unavailable and April 6 is the Tuesday after Easter, we are cancelling our April session and will reschedule Sarah’s presentation at a future date.

We invite you to join us via Zoom for our next session on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 11:00-noon (Pacific) and 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Hawaii). Pre-registration is required to receive the link and will be open in April. Watch for details 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 pacificacoachinggroup@gmail.com.

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. 
From the ELCA & Other Partners

ELCA Ecumenical Advocacy Days
April 18-21, 2021
Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD), happening April 18-21, is especially accessible (and affordable!) in 2021 because the National Gathering and Lobby Day is virtual. EAD has been meaningful for many Lutherans who take the advocacy opportunity and bring back the skills to multiple contexts.

#EAD2021, with the theme: “God’s Earth and People Restored,” is a time of process and issue learning, worship, as well as Capitol Hill virtual visits with policymakers on climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequities. In addition to being a sponsor, leaders from ELCA advocacy staff will present workshops at this event.

  • Register and find additional info at advocacydays.org.
  • Scholarships for young adults (age 18-35) affiliated with ELCA congregations and ministries are available! Contact karen.krueger@elca.org for promo code.
  • Early-bird rate available until April 8 (extended).
  • Networking opportunity for Lutheran participants planned.

And consider sharing the opportunity with your congregation and networks.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church is scheduled to preach at the opening worship service, launching those new and experienced in advocacy toward centered, invigorating EAD offerings and experiences.

Consider taking part in Ecumenical Advocacy Days as we live into our baptismal covenant to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration for 2022 ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants is NOW OPEN. Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants to learn more about the grants and how to apply.

Organizations applying for an ELCA grant for the first time must register by setting up an account in ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the Domestic Hunger Grant application once it opens on April 19, 2021. Has your organization already registered in ELCA GrantMaker? Now is a great time to log back in and confirm that the contact information in your account is up to date. ELCA World Hunger hosted a webinar via Zoom on March 24 to review granting priorities and cover the basics of applying. The webinar was recorded and is accessible via the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page.

Application Timeline
  • Registration open: March 17–May 5, 2021
  • NOTE: Applicants must be registered in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application. Allow up to two weeks for registration approval. If you have not registered by May 5, you will not be able to start a new application. If you have already registered in ELCA GrantMaker, you do not need to register again.
  • Application open: April 19–May 21, 2021
  • Application review: June 2021–October 2021
  • Awards recommendations shared with applicants and synods: November 2021
  • Final awards approved and announced: February 2022
 
Thank you for all you do to work creatively and courageously toward a just world where all are fed — neighbor to neighbor, community to community. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us at Hunger@ELCA.org. With gratitude for the ministry and mission we share,

The ELCA World Hunger Team

P.S. Congregations with feeding ministries should stay tuned for the next round of Daily Bread Matching Grants in the coming months as well. Visit elca.org/dailybread to learn more.
Developing a Foundation for Planned Gifts Webinar
Thursday, April 15
Developing a Foundation for Planned Gifts
Presented by the ELCA Foundation

Thursday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST
Where: Zoom webinar

We cordially invite you, as a leader in your congregation, your synod or an ELCA-related ministry, to learn more about setting the cornerstone for your planned giving program through the real-life experiences of congregations and synods working with the ELCA Foundation. This free event on April 15 will be a virtual event on Zoom. You must register by April 15 using the registration link below.


The ELCA Foundation offers expertise and guidance for congregations and donors as they explore their options for endowment investing and planning. Those plans, often called planned giving or estate planning, are created by your congregational members — your donors — to benefit the future ministry of your organization and other charities.

There are things you can do to create a plan that promotes this giving within your organization. Having policies in place for accepting gifts, honoring the life of the individual, and supporting the goals and ideals of the congregation or ministry are important elements of inspiring donor confidence and generosity. Your regional gift planner can help you create endowment bylaws and gift acceptance policies designed specifically for your ministry. The ELCA Foundation provides this service to all ELCA congregations and related ministries at no charge.

The ELCA Foundation is here to help you create your legacy and ensure the continuation of God’s work in the world — for years and years to come. We can partner with you, your congregation, your synod or another ELCA-related organization as you explore the variety of possibilities for giving with generosity and planning. We provide expertise — as well as resources, financial education and investment and endowment management services — to help you joyfully answer the call to love and serve our neighbor.
Portico Benefit Services
2021 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Opportunity
Portico is adopting provisions in recent COVID-relief legislation (American Rescue Plan Act) that allow members to reconsider their 2021 FSA elections and adjust, as appropriate, during this one-time opportunity. Sponsored members can elect to change or begin pretax contributions to an FSA – without experiencing a qualifying life event – during a special enrollment window between April 12 – April 23. 
 
Example scenarios where this opportunity could provide added value:
  • Members expecting higher medical expenses in 2021 than previously estimated can now consider contributing more to a health FSA, or starting a new health FSA for expenses incurred on or after May 1.
  • Members who pay for daycare can take advantage of the increased dependent care FSA limit of $10,500, versus the previous $5,000.
  • Members worried about contributing too much can consider reducing their future contributions, to avoid forfeiture of any 2021 FSA balance remaining at year-end. (Note: Members cannot reduce their FSA election below the amount they’ve already contributed or claimed, whichever is greater.)
 
Interested members must contact the Portico Customer Care Center prior to the 5 p.m. (Central) deadline on Friday, April 23. The toll-free number is 800.352.2876. These elections will take effect May 1. Affected employers will be contacted by Portico via email, beginning April 26, regarding new payroll withholding details for members who made changes to (or added) an FSA.
ELCA Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine Presents:
"Let Us be a Sign to You"
April 22, 2021
As part of the National Arab American Heritage Month, you are invited to an educational zoom presentation on Thursday April 22, 2021, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PDT.

"Let Us be a Sign to You"
The Contributions of Lutheran Members of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH in Arabic means Sign) to the ELCA.

Register in advance for this meeting: 
  
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

 Agenda: 
  • Introduction 
  • Devotion based on Ezekiel 24:27 “You shall speak and no longer be silent. / In this way you shall be a sign to them; / and they shall know that I am the Lord.” 
  • Identity as a Christian in Arab/Middle East Communities 
  • Presentation on Hospitality, Welcome and Support of Arab & Middle Eastern Members 
  • On-the-ground working relationships with Muslim and Jewish communities 
  • Q&A 
  • Closing Reflection & Prayer 
Being Church
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, April 14 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 April 14 Presentation
The Rev. Dana Peterson, DEM for the Rocky Mountain Synod

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.
 
You can also find a list of upcoming topics and presenters on the home page of our website: https://www.elcacoaching.org/.


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
California Lutheran University
Thriving Leadership Formation Events
Co-Creating the Post-COVID World
2 separate conversations with the same content. You only need to attend one.

Tuesday, April 27, 10 – 11:30 am, PDT

Wednesday, April 28, 6:30 – 9 pm, PDT
(Spanish Interpretation available/ Interpretación al español disponible)
 
Webinars will be not recorded. English and Spanish fliers available.
 
  • The world is different
  • Leaders and congregations need to adapt and discern what the Spirit is doing
  • Collaboration is crucial
  • Developing life-giving patterns of ministry and ways of engaging our communities
 
Join a conversation about the role of the church in the transformation of our communities. One of the goal of the Thriving Leadership Formation program is to equip church leaders to creatively respond to the needs of their communities by connecting more deeply with their ministry context.

Conversation facilitated by Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at Cal Lutheran.
 
Questions? Desta@CalLutheran.edu

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Embrace Your Neighbor Through Language Access:
Build Bridges for A Diverse Church
 
An excellent ‘why’, ‘how to’ and best practices conversation on language access and Interpretation for your online event.
 
This event has already happened and we think it was excellent and worth sharing for others to watch and share: http://bit.ly/EmbraceLanguage.
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!

For dates, registration, and information regarding Summer Camp 2021 please visit www.lrcchome.com/summer-camp-2021.
Pacific Lutheran University's
15th Annual David and Marilyn Knutson Lecture
Tuesday, April 20
The faculty of the Pacific Lutheran University Religion Department invite you to register and attend the 15th Annual David and Marilyn Knutson Lecture.
 
World Balance vs. Personal Salvation:
An American Postcolonial Perspective
with Rev. Dr. George "Tink" Tinker
Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 pm Pacific via Webinar
 
 
Rev. Dr. George “Tink” Tinker (wazhazhe, Osage Nation) is Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Tinker will address the differences between the genuine equality of American Indian peoples and the hierarchical worldview of the eurochristian West. Given the eco-devastation threatening life today, and the historical trauma experienced by American Indian nations, the survival of American Indian cultures and values may make the difference for the survival of the Earth.
 
You are also invited to join PLU Chapel on Wednesday, April 21st at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom to hear Dr. Tinker deliver the message. For more information and to register for either opportunity, please visit plu.edu/religion/2021-knutson-lecture.

For additional PLU lectures, presentations and workshops, visit their Lifelong Learning web page at https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/lectures/.
Care Connections Network
Aging. Better.
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 April newsletter.
ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links

ELCA Advocacy Connections - March 2021

ELCA Worship News - March 2021

ELCA Administration Matters - March 2021

ELCA Disability Ministries - Winter 2020

ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - Mar 2021

ELCA Global Links - April 2021

ELCA StewardNet - Fall 2020

ELCA "Seeds Monthly" Newsletter - March 2021

ELCA Foundation "Insights" - March 2021

ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - January 2021

LSS of Southern California - 2020 Newsletter


Job Postings

Director of Development - Seminary Relations
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invite applications for the position of Director of Development – Seminary Relations. Reporting to the Vice President of Mission and Identity, the Director is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of congregational and donor relationships for the development of the seminary and university. The Director advances the university’s mission by building relationships and effectively communicating its mission to donors and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods and congregations of the western United States. This position is headquartered on the Thousand Oaks campus of California Lutheran University.

Additional information about California Lutheran University may be found at: www.callutheran.edu, and additional information about Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary may be found at www.plts.edu. Information about California Lutheran University, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and the desired attributes for the Director of Development - Seminary Relations can be viewed at https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/6865

As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success is working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

The first review date for applications is scheduled for May 7, 2021. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received by May 14, 2021 will be assured of full consideration.
Leader for Youth and Family Ministry
Augustana Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon
Make an impact in a multicultural, multinational, and multigenerational sanctuary congregation of justice-seekers and peacemakers who welcome and affirm every person. If you are an experienced Youth and Family Ministry leader looking for an unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and empower people of all ages to embrace a mission of walking with the most vulnerable, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and caring for the sick and imprisoned, the refugee, the immigrant, the child, and the elder, we invite you to consider the role of Leader for Youth and Family Ministry at Augustana Lutheran Church. 

Please submit a resume and cover letter that describes what is the appeal of this position, and, based on what you know about the role, how your background has prepared you to be successful in it to our Selection Committee at: selectioncommittee@augustana.org.

To learn more about Augustana and to read the full position description, please click here or email selectioncommittee@augustana.org with your request.
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. 
Medical Case Manager
Survivors of Torture, International
Survivors of Torture, International is seeking a Medical Case Manager. This full-time position is based out of San Diego. The general purpose of the job is that with the clinical team, to provide assistance to individuals and families in need of health-related services through a holistic, strengths-based, recovery-oriented service program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The examples of functions are not necessarily exhaustive. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position. This position will require remote work, in-office work, in-the-field work, or a combination thereof.

Click here for a full job posting which includes essential duties and responsibilities, qualifications needed, and application procedures.
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 seminar details and registration, please visit lsssc.org/estate-planning.
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 9:00am to 4:00pm 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. Registration for all events being offered by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is open now at www.LMPeaceCenter.org/ticketspice/. 

Questions? Please consult the attached MSTI Brochure, call 630-627-0507, or send an email to Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org.
ALOA Monthly Webinar
"Joyfully Aging is NOT an Oxymoron!"
Thursday, April 22
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 "Joyfully Aging is NOT an Oxymoron!" will be held Thursday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

Dr. Rich Bimler shares his positive outlook for the second half of life. In a culture that sees aging as a disease, Joyfully Aging means changing the way we perceive older people, ourselves and others. Let’s discuss how we can joyfully age together.
We Remember in Our Prayers
We ask that you hold the following people in your thoughts and prayers:

  • The family and friends of Margaret Volkmann, wife of Pastor Jack Volkmann, upon her death
  • 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:

E. San Diego Conference - The Rev. Richard Vevia - revvev@cox.net
W. San Diego Conf - The Rev. David Nagler - pastordave@christpb.org
Harvest Conference - The Rev. David Jorstad - pastorjorstadsmlc@yahoo.com
Raincross Conference - The Rev. Linda Brown - pastor@edenlutheran.net
Big Bear Conference - The Rev. Matt Anderson - pastormatt@trinityvictorville.org
Saddleback Conference - The Rev. Marty Jacobson - pastormartyclcrsm@gmail.com
Son & Surf Conf - The Rev. Jennifer Schultz - prjenniferblclosalamitos@gmail.com
Rejoice Conference - The Rev. Cate Luehr - pastorcate@elclh.org
Hukilau Conference - The Rev. Kathryn Zurcher - kzurcher002@luthersem.edu
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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