Pacifica Synod News & Notes
June 28, 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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Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop Staffing Update
Welcome Pastor JP Sabbithi!
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Beginning July 1, 2021, Pastor JP Sabbithi will be joining the staff of the Office of the Bishop on a quarter-time basis, serving as Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Development. Pastor Sabbithi will oversee Candidacy, First Call Theological Education, and Worship Planning for Synod Assembly and Theoasis. He will also serve as a representative of the Office of the Bishop in Hawai’i, giving the islands their own staff member.
Pastor Terry Tuvey Allen’s job title will change to Assistant to the Bishop for Mobility and Congregational Transition and she will continue to work with Rostered Ministers and Congregations in the Call Process. She will also expand her work with congregations that, due to changing circumstances, need help in re-envisioning their gifts and call.
Pastor JP originally hails from India. He is married to Lissy and they have two adult children. He served as a Chaplain and Coordinator of CPE programs at the Christian Medical College, Vellore for 15 years. He moved to Hawaii from India with his family in 2002, where he was the founding chaplain at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital, for the Pacific Health Ministry, Honolulu. In 2013, he became the Director of Counseling Services at Hospice Hawaii. In 2019 he accepted the call to be a parish pastor at Joy of Christ Lutheran Church in Honolulu, where he continues to serve.
We welcome Pastor JP to the Office of the Bishop staff and look forward to the many ways he will share his gifts throughout the Pacifica Synod.
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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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Celebrating a Year of Coaching for All Seasons
Tuesday, July 6
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We invite you to join us via Zoom for our next session on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at
11:00-noon (Pacific) and 8:00-9:00 a.m. (HI)
Celebrating a Year of Coaching for All Seasons
With Jill Beverlin,
ELCA National Coaching Coordinator
Pre-registration is required to receive the link and may be done HERE.
How can coaching bring vitality and energy into your leadership and ministry? What new and creative ways can coaching engage your congregations to explore possibilities and opportunities? Find out how coaching can lead your congregation into a new normal.
Jill has been a church professional for 27 years and has served at every expression of the church. Coaching has been a true lifeline for Jill and became an invaluable tool for moving forward following the death of her youngest son in 2013. She views coaching as a gift that offers a safe space for individuals to live into their identity as beloved of God, gifted by God and invited by God into God's work of loving and healing the world. Jill joins us in celebration of our one-year anniversary of Coaching for All Seasons!
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
"Healing Religious Harms" - July 10
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July 10th Zoom – “Healing Religions Harms”
Pastor Stephanie Lape will be our presenter. She currently serves at Cross and Crown Lutheran in Rancho Cucamonga. Three of our current and past board members have recommended her plus she sought us out and Bishop Taylor steered her to me as well. You may have read articles written by her in “Living Lutheran” and she has written a book called “Beckoned”.
As Pacifica Women of the ELCA, we have been celebrating and highlighting the ordination of women and their journeys to that calling. Here is another chance to hear and understand another story.
YOU ARE INVITED: PACIFICA W-ELCA ZOOM EVENT
Topic: HEALING RELIGIONS HARMS
Time: Jul 10, 2021 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 879 7096 3288
Passcode: 976954
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 879 7096 3288
Passcode: 976954
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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. Their next meeting is Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to attend using the info below:
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Zoom Meeting
Saturday, July 10, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Meeting ID: 815 7711 0996
Password: AMMPARO
For more information about Pacifica's AMMPARO Network, prior meeting recordings or minutes or ways you can get involved, you are encourage to visit their webpage found here. You can also send an email ammparonetworkinpacificasynod@gmail.com.
Summer Camperships for Immigrant Campers
through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is accepting applications for campers registering to attend camp this summer at a Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) camp. To qualify for the campership, applicants must be attending an LOM summer camp for the first time. The parents of the camper, or the camper themselves, must be an immigrant to the United States.
This campership opportunity is made possible through the 2019 LOM annual fundraising auction, the tithe of which was designated for LIRS. This tithe was enhanced through a generous match by LOM supporters who value the experience a week at camp provides. LIRS is using this gift to establish a campership for immigrant children.
Camperships will be awarded on a first come basis, in an amount not to exceed $400/camper. Applications are available for download through LIRS at the button below, or from the camp office. For more information, contact Kristin Witte, Director of Outreach (KWitte@lirs.org) or go to https://www.lirs.org/summer-camperships.
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2021 Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Grant Fund
Application Period Now Open Through July 15
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The 2021 Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund Grant application period is now open. The goals of the fund are:
- To assist congregations of the Pacifica Synod in their Global Mission efforts;
- To initiate and/or continue direct support of present and future Companion Synods of the Pacifica Synod;
- To share in ministry with God's people as we strive together for a lasting world peace.
Distribution of funds may be given to increase awareness of global mission work and to fund domestic and/or foreign projects related to Pacifica Companion Synod(s) and Lutheran partners. Due to COVID-19, no monies will be given for travel from 2021 grants.
Requirements of the grant may be found the 2021 GEM Grant Fund application. Download and complete the application and submit it along with a one-page description of the project/program and how the funds will be used. Be specific as to how the project/program meets the goals of this grant and the outcomes anticipated.
The maximum amount that can be requested is $1,000. The application deadline is July 15, 2021. The completed application and description may be returned by mail or email using the instructions provided on the application.
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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)
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Verbo de Dios is a Spanish language Bible study sponsored by the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It’s purpose is threefold:
- Preaching preparation
- Evangelize using technology
- Raise the visibility of multicultural ministry
Verbo de Dios es un estudio bíblico proporcionado por el sínodo Pacífica de la Iglesia Evangélic Luterana en América. Los propósitos:
- Prepararnos predicar
- Evangelizar utilizando tecnología
- Levantar la visibilidad de ministerio multicultural
You may find the YouTube playlist of previous studies below:
Verbo de Dios 2 de junio de 2021
Segundo domingo después de pentecostés
Leccionario 10
Pastores Nathan y Wesley
Genesis 3:8-15
Salmo 130
2 Corintios 4:13 - 5:1
Marcos 3:20-35
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Growing Young Resources for Congregations |
Growing Young isn’t about changing youth ministry,
it’s about changing church culture.
In November 2020, our synod held online presentations about the book Growing Young. We shared information and stories, as well as next steps in the Pacifica Synod’s commitment to walk with congregations in Growing Young. If you missed either of the presentations, you may find them on our Synod YouTube channel found here.
From January to June 2021, our Growing Young Team hosted monthly, online Zoom conversations, each focusing on one of the six Growing Young Core Commitments. Each of these free, one-hour sessions was offered twice and included a presentation, small group conversations, and ideas for action. Recordings of each of these sessions, along with presentation slides and other resources shared during the time together, may be found on our Growing Young web page.
In September 2021, we will gather again with those who participated in these monthly conversations to check in with one another and share ideas about how they are using the tools from Growing Young in their context. Our team is available to answer questions, engage in conversation or meet with your congregation leaders about Growing Young in YOUR congregation.
The book Growing Young 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. If your congregation would like more information about Growing Young or a code to download the Kindle version of the book, please contact Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
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Save the Dates - October 18 to 20, 2021
for Theoasis 2021 in La Quinta
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A joint church leaders’ event (a theological oasis):
Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders…
ALL are welcome!
Please save the dates of Monday, October 18 to Wednesday, October 20, 2021 to be with us for Theoasis at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta! Please note: this is one day shorter than in the past. The 2021 theme will revolve around preaching. More details about the event, along with registration information, to be available soon.
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From the Presiding Bishop
A Pastoral Message on Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia
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June 18, 2021
As children of God, we give thanks for all of the LGBTQIA+ people who experience God’s calling to the holy work of parenting. In particular response to the June 17 Supreme Court ruling on Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, the ELCA stands with our LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ and reaffirms our commitment to equal protection, opportunities and responsibilities under the law (Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, p. 33).
Children and youth in the child welfare system are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and a disproportionate number of young people in the child welfare system are LGBTQIA+ and in need of compassionate and supportive homes. Our concern as disciples of Christ is for their best interests. This includes recognizing and affirming the vocation of LGBTQIA+ people as parents and foster parents.
Each of us can respond through ongoing education and action in support of LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are called to provide loving care for children, and through compassionate care for our most vulnerable children and youth.
Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Comprehensive Update to Ecumenical
Pandemic Worship Guidance
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Since the early days of the pandemic, the ELCA has been a partner in the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments, publishing general and seasonal guidance for safe worship practices.
Over the past two months, the consultation met once again to approve a comprehensive update to the guidance originally published in the summer of 2020, incorporating the latest CDC guidance and other interim guidance previously issued by the consultation.
The consultation included an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners from at least seven church bodies.
Below is a link to Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic:
A link to this resource has been added to ELCA.org/publichealth. Additional resources can be found on the ecumenical consultation website or Facebook page.
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ELCA's Congregations Lead Initiative
Application Period Opens July 8
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The world continues to change and grow more complex. What does this mean for ministry, today and into the future?
The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Beginning on July 8, your congregation is invited to apply to join the Congregations Lead Initiative.
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ELCA Coaching
"Courageous Leadership" Webinar Series
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You are invited to join ELCA Coaching at 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST on the 3rd Wednesday of July and the First and Third Wednesday of August to learn some possibly surprising, and some definitely humorous, things about COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.
We have a special guest confirmed for two of these dates, and we are inviting you to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community, and the world. There will also be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.
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Hybrid Church Webinar Series
Southwestern Texas Synod
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Forced to scramble to go online in just a few weeks during the COVID pandemic, the church has discovered the online world is far more than a replacement for the yellow pages. It is a place where genuine community and real ministry happens.
Southwestern Texas Synod invites congregations (Rostered and Lay Leaders) to this 5-week FREE series on Monday evenings beginning July 26th at 7 p.m. Central (5 p.m. PDT/2 p.m. HST). You will hear from Dave Daubert, Deacon Kenny Champagne, and John Roberto. These sessions will be an overview of several areas of congregational ministry and reflect on how to begin to move every aspect of church life to a dual platform – on-the-ground and online. This “hybrid” kind of ministry will be the new norm for the next season in most congregations' work. You will begin to reframe your thinking on a particular aspect of congregational ministry. Becoming a hybrid church is one path forward to both strengthen the church and reach new people with the gospel in bold, creative new ways.
To download a printable flyer with more information, click here. Pre-registration is required and may be done below.
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Portico Benefits Service Updates |
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Portico’s New Podcast - Being Here
Being Here is a podcast that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community. Hosted by the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, Being Here invites us to learn together, listen to each other, grow together, and move forward together — stronger, more resilient as a unique community. Check out the three new episodes here.
Lead Well Employer Webinars
Our Learn to Live mental health benefit partner has created these quick half-hour sessions for employers. Learn to recognize the signs of mental distress in others, and how to talk about mental health, create a culture of well-being, and lift the stigma about mental health in the workplace.
Register and attend together as a leadership group
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Supporting Your Team’s Behavioral Health webinar: 6/14 and 6/23
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Recognizing Potential Behavioral Health Challenges on our Teams webinar: 6/16 and 6/24
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Access code: PORTICO
NEW Retirement Readiness Series debuts June 21
Fidelity has partnered with Portico to offer a virtual webinar series – exclusively for ELCA Retirement Plan members – that addresses the question “What does it take to be retirement ready?”. These workshops, hosted by a Fidelity Virtual Education Consultant, will be attended by a Portico Financial Planner who can answer member questions related to clergy housing allowance exclusion, the ELCA Participating Annuity, and other ELCA Retirement Plan benefit-specific topics. Based on member feedback, these workshops are kept to an hour long and will be available for viewing (or re-viewing) on myPortico following each live virtual event.
For information on topics and links to register for each webinar, click here. You will be directed to sign into your MyPortico account before being sent to the page.
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Learn More About the
PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
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The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS is excited to announce two new ways to engage with and support their ministry and mission in the world. The first is a continuing education opportunity that is available to both rostered ministers as well as lay persons. The second is a way for congregations and individuals to support the important work of the center.
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Circle of Partner Congregations and Synods: These partners will support the center with prayer and financial support, receive regular updates and invitations from the Center, and be involved with it to the extent determined by the congregation. Please click here for more information.
Below are two resources that explain and detail the work of the center:
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CLU's Fifty and Better (FAB)
Mid-Summer Lectures & Summer II Session
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FAB is hosting a virtual Mid-Summer lecture series between sessions (late June-July)! Join us for lectures on the history of Wilshire Boulevard, The Big Lebowski and the legacy of the 1960s, an update on the Mars Rover mission, and more! Most lectures are $8 each, but a couple are free! These are open to all ages – we hope you will join us! Registration is now open.
FAB’s 4-week Summer II Session begins on July 26th, and registration is now open! Courses will explore subjects such as the stories of those who “named names” during the infamous Hollywood Blacklist period, exhibitions that made art history, the great orchestral and choral conductors of the past and present from around the world, and more! Join us on Zoom for these stimulating courses. Individuals 50+ are welcome, please share with your friends and family! Courses are $25 each or bundle all 6 for $100.
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ReconcilingWorks 2021 Virtual Pride |
You are invited to ReconcilingWorks’ 2021 Virtual PRIDE! Between now and the end of June there will be fun virtual events and opportunities posted each week including raffle drawings, Reconciling in Christ video stories, special social media events, and more!
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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!
What is the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign?
The H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign is our recovery plan. H.E.L.P. is an acronym:
Help kids get to camp
Encourage young adults to be counselors
Lean into your camp's financial recovery
Pray for God’s blessing
Thank you to the congregations of the Pacifica Synod for supporting Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences' H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign Resolution at their Synod Assembly. The same resolution will go before the Southwest California Synod in early June.
The real impact of the Covid-19 pandemic closures of our local Lutheran Bible camps has resulted in over $1,000,000 dollars in lost revenue. Thankfully our donors responded generously, but we still have a long way to go.
You will hear more about the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign in the next few months. How can you help today? H: Help kids get to camp!
It's time to fill our Bible camps this summer with campers. Our summer staff is excited and ready to go!
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Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Build for Unity Team Build Day - July 16
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As we venture slowly out of the pandemic, we’re feeling the pinch with low number of Volunteers at our build site, whether it’s our corporate partners, individuals or our faith partners.
We now have (6) new homes needing to be built in Stanton, and families to bring home to them. Our Build for Unity coalition has strongly supported and contributed to the wellbeing of families in our community by building dreams with us - one home at a time. On behalf of Habitat for Humanity OC and our Habitat families – Thank You!
Our Build for Unity Team Build day resumes on Friday, July 16th. These once a month build days on Fridays are reserved exclusively for the Build for Unity coalition. This flyer is to make it easy to share this information with your congregation.
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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 June newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - May 2021
ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - April 2021
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Youth Ministry Intern (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Hello! My name is Josiah Canto and I am Director Of Youth and Family Ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. This year we are looking to bring in a paid intern that would serve alongside myself and our youth and family team this upcoming year! This is a position for a college age person that wants to discover what working in youth ministry is like! We are located in South Orange County, 20 minutes from the beach and tucked up next to the mountains. We even have an In and Out within walking distance! If you're interested, we would love to meet you!
For a full job description and application, click here.
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Organist/Accompanist (Part-Time)
Choir Director (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Organist/Accompanist
Position Details
Reports to: Pastor – Status: Part-time – Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience. Paid vacation and sick time. – non-exempt
Job Summary
Serve as organist and piano accompanist for two worship services each Sunday, as well as for seasonal worship services. In addition, will rehearse with the chancel choir on Thursday evenings and rehearse the psalm with cantors.
Choir Director
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.
For either position, 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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Data Quality and Evaluation Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture, International is seeking a Data Quality and Evaluation Manager. This position is located in San Diego and is full-time, exempt and effective in June 2021.
General Purpose of the Job: Creates and manages data reports, ensures data quality, as well as analyzes data based on outcomes using Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) Touchpoints database.
For a full job description and application procedures, click here.
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Holden Village - Chelan, WA
Volunteer & Staff Positions
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Holden Village, a Lutheran Retreat Center in the center of the North Cascade Mountains in Washington State, is currently recruiting for seasonal volunteers, long-term volunteers (1 year), and employees in preparation for their summer season. Some positions they'd especially like to highlight include the Accountant Lead position, the Utilities Lead, Mechanic Lead, Business Manager, Staffing Coordinator, and several Youth Program seasonal leadership roles.
You may learn more about current staffing needs here. To learn about what it is to live and work at Holden Village, click here.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Upcoming Events
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We are so excited to be returning to an in-person format for our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI) on August 2-6, 2021 here in the western suburbs of Chicago! This will be a hybrid event, so for those who prefer not to travel, we will also continue to offer remote attendance via Zoom.
The Mediation Skills Training Institute is designed for clergy and other church leaders who want to learn how to deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, or other forms of group conflict. For more information about this 5-day event, our new 90-minute webinar series (entitled SHALOM), our mediation services, and more, please call 630-627-0507 or visit www.LMPeaceCenter.org. Online registration is available now via TicketSpice at www.LMPeaceCenter.org/all-events/. You may also wish to consult and distribute the following documents:
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We Remember in Our Prayers |
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We ask that you hold the following people in your thoughts and prayers:
- The family and friends of those who have lost their lives, those still missing and their families, and the rescue workers searching for survivors in the collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Florida.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- 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.
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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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