Pacifica Synod News & Notes
June 10, 2020
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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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Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
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Here to Serve: Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
1
st
Tuesday at 11:00-noon Pacific Time via Zoom
Starting July 7, 2020
The Pacifica Synod invites you to join a new monthly gathering. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team has designed a forum to provide encouragement and support to Synod leaders as we navigate the unknown. Each month, participants will hear a short presentation related to how we currently are called to be Church. Then they will have an opportunity to be in a small group discussion facilitated by an ELCA coach. We are creating a safe space for processing our responses to uncertain times and for discerning steps forward in our unique contexts.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. Coaching provides an opportunity for rostered and lay leaders to experience a partnership focused on the unique objectives they want to achieve. A coach’s role is to support a leader in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them. Pacifica Synod coaches are volunteering their time to create presentations and coaching opportunities that provide a hands-on resource for addressing your challenges.
Our first meeting will be via Zoom on Tuesday, July 7, 11:00-noon Pacific Time.
Together we will watch a presentation based on William Bridges’ groundbreaking work on navigating external changes and the often-unsettling, internal transitions they cause. Following the presentation, we will break into small groups for a coach-led conversation based on how you see this information relating to your unique circumstances. We will conclude with a debriefing to share the small groups’ experiences.
If you are interested in participating in this gathering or would like more information, Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at
mikedeenna@gmail.com
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Commemoration of the Emanuel 9
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Our relationship to the shooter as well as two of the slain reminds us of both our complicity and our calling. Together we confess that we are in bondage to the sins of racism and white supremacy and, at the same time, we rejoice in the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus who “has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (Ephesians 2:14). May God continue to guide us as we seek repentance and renewal, and racial justice and reconciliation among God’s precious children.
An online ELCA Prayer Service for the Commemoration of the Emanuel 9, with Bishop Eaton and leaders from around the church, is scheduled for 12 Noon EDT on June 17,
the 5th anniversary of their martyrdom. More details will be available on the
ELCA website
soon. Congregations, ministries and leaders are encouraged to include this commemoration in your worship and conversations. A number of resources are available on the
ELCA Website
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ELCA Invitation to Participate
Revision of Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline
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As a member of this church, you are invited to participate in a series of digital town halls to offer feedback that the Committee on Appeals can use in revising Definitions and Guidelines.
Please
click here
and register to attend
. You will be asked to indicate your first and second choices of dates. Registration will be limited to 200 persons per event and will be on a first-come-first-served basis. You will receive an email to confirm registration and to give you instructions for logging in to a session.
- Thursday, June 18: 1:00 p.m. MDT
- Thursday, June 25: 6:00 p.m. MDT
We encourage you also to
participate in a brief survey
that will allow you to give written feedback on Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline. The survey will be available for feedback through June 15. Please note: Survey Monkey will be down for 8 hours on May 23, beginning at 10 a.m. MDT
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From the Presiding Bishop
"This is the Day"
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6/5/2020 11:00:00 AM
"Out of my distress I called on the Lord" (Psalm 118:5)
We are a nation in distress. We are a church in distress. The coronavirus has killed 103,000 of us. The virus of racism has taken hundreds of thousands more throughout our history. Now these two deadly viruses converge. Under this distress the veneer of equality has cracked and we see the pain, anger and frustration of those who have been denied the rights and dignity so many of us expect and often take for granted.
I have heard it said that slavery ended with the Civil War. Why don't people of color "just get over it." Here is the question we need to ask, "How do you get over something that isn't over?" The extrajudicial killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd that we have seen have laid open the wound in our country that has never been fully dealt with and has never healed. The officer's knee suffocating the life out of George Floyd "reminds us that blatant acts of intimidation, hatred, and violence continue" (
Freed in Christ
social statement, page 3).
Continued peaceful protests, vigils and demonstrations are not only legitimate but essential to move this country and this church to honest and deep self-examination. Just as the body of Christ is COVID positive, so is the body of Christ infected with racism and white supremacy. We cannot turn away from this truth. To deny it is dishonest and dangerous.
Let us stand with those peacefully protesting and acting responsibly. Looting and destruction of property does not further the cause of justice. Government has a role to uphold civil order while also a role to respect peaceful protest. There are those in law enforcement who are acting wisely, even while others have acted irresponsibly. I ask you to support the many people, including those in our church, who are working to de-escalate tensions between law enforcement, protesters and the community.
Psalm 118 continues: "I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (21-24). Christ, the cornerstone, has already broken down the wall that divides us. The time is now. This is the day.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Available Positions Around the Synod
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Office Administrator - Faith, Menifee
Faith Lutheran Church in Menifee seeks technology-savvy self-starter for the Part Time position of Office Administrator. To submit resume and/or request job description, email
faithlutheranmenifee@gmail.com
. No phone calls, please. Position open until filled.
Preschool Director - King of Glory, Fountain Valley
King of Glory is searching for the next person who will be responsible for the direct leadership of our year-round, full day preschool. The Preschool Director will be responsible for administration, curriculum, staff development, and age-appropriate Christian education of our infant - preschool age children. This position requires strong leadership skills, good communication skills, a non-anxious presence, confidentiality and strong Christian behavior. The Preschool Director reports to the Pastor.
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position. Compensation commensurate with education and experience. A full job description may be found
here
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Pastoral Intern Seeking Housing in Orange County
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Our Redeemer Lutheran in Garden Grove is seeking housing for their new Pastoral Intern, who will begin her internship with them in August. She is a single woman with no pets, who is looking for a 1-bedroom apartment, duplex or other housing, with parking for a car, while she serves at Our Redeemer.
If you can help, please contact Pastor Brian Taylor or Rebecca G. Terrones in the church office at 714-539-9541 or by email at
office@orcgg.org
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Bibles and Bible Study Resources
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St. Peter's by the Sea in San Diego has extra copies of some Bible study books and Bibles. The following resources are free to those who may want them.
Good News Bible – 14 copies
Good News for Modern Man – 4 copies
The Adventure Bible – 7 copies
Good News by a Man Named Matthew – 10 copies
If you are interested in any of these resources, please contact the church by June 30 via email at
office@stpetersbythesea.org.
They are willing to hold them for you until it is safe to share them.
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Webinars and Other Events
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Here to Serve: Being Church in the Times of Crisis
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. PDT
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This weekly gathering has been called Being Church in the Time of COVID-19. Going forward, we will expand this to Being Church in Times of Crisis.
The pandemic is not the only topic we will bring to our discussions.
You are invited to join this weekly gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church and throughout society. 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.
This week, we hope you will join us for our gathering as we connect the theme of wellness (from our June 3 gathering) to our nation and communities.
In particular, we will begin to discuss the systemic racism in our country (and church) that has broken open in a way that it never has before. We will hold space to listen to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), explore our own reactions to these atrocities, discuss how this has collided with the threat of COVID-19, and wrestle with the faithful steps God is asking us to take.
Our guest speaker on June 10 will be Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells, the Program Director for Campus Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (LuMin).
LuMin is a network of inclusive faith-based and service communities on and near campuses at over 240 colleges and universities across the country.
He is also the current National President of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ELCA).
In his career, Rev. Wells has led programs and communities of multiple denominations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, including having served as the Lutheran Campus Pastor for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
We are also honored to have Michael P. Russell joining us to offer our time of centering, as well as the welcome for our presenter.
Michael has been involved with transforming communities and the lives of its residents for most of his life. Currently the pastor of a church in Country Club Hills, IL, he spent many years doing community organizing with Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc as a Neighborhood Director in Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood.
Michael is president of SOUL, a grassroots coalition of organizations focused on economic justice, leadership training and political responsibility in Chicago’s Southland.
Michael has a B.A. in Communication/Philosophy from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, a Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and has completed post graduate studies at the Keller Graduate School of Business Management in Chicago IL.
Michael has been active with
Crossroads AntiRacism Organizing and Training
for more than 15 years.
He is partner of Debra, father of three adult children and “Big Papa” to his grandson. They are inspiration for his anti-racism work.
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in Times of Crisis - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: June 10, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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ELCA Webinar on Cultivating Generous Congregations
Thursday, June 11 at 1 PM PDT
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Is your congregation struggling financially? Compared to a year ago, many ELCA congregations have seen a decline in total revenue. While the pandemic does not stop ministry outside the walls of our congregations, it is having an impact on financial contributions. This means both regular giving and fundraising efforts. And yet, there are congregations that have maintained or increased their giving. How do these congregations continue to be generous?
For more than a year, the ELCA has been focusing on cultivating generous congregations. Rev. Larry Strenge and his Lake Institute trained team have worked with more than a hundred ELCA congregations. This has led to three strategies – recognizing the impact of negative influences (i.e., the pandemic, scarcity thinking), cultivating generosity leaders and developing a culture of generosity in your congregation and households.
Join Rev. Larry Strenge for a webinar to talk about these three strategies and how congregations can be proactive in nurturing generosity.
This Zoom meeting will be on Thursday, June 11, at 1PM PDT
Meeting ID: 319 941 5281
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All Roster Leaders and lay leaders are invited. This session will be recorded and made available. If you are unable to attend on June 11, simply notify
Neil.Bullock@elca.org
and a link will be provided.
We look forward to you joining us for this conversation. Please bring your questions.
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Please join us for this week's Advocacy in Quarantine call TODAY at noon.
Join us for a 30-minute briefing on COVID-19 related legislation. During the 30-minute call, we will discuss current state and federal priorities around COVID-19. We'll then ask you to make a phone call or two to policymakers to advocate with us.See Zoom links below to participate or join
here
.
Thank you for your continued engagement. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday!
PAX,
Regina Q. Banks
Director
Topic: Advocacy in Quarantine
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 389 725 625
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Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 389 725 625
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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:
- Family and friends of Rev. Jack Lindquist
- Rev. Laura Ziehl and family at the death of her father
- Reverend Robert Freistedt
- Family and friends of Rev. Duane Berg
- Family and friends of Rev. Lowell Larson
- Reverend Ron and Paula Rennegarbe
- 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:
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2020 Joint Synod Assembly
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On March 18, 2020 - Bishops Andy Taylor and R. Guy Erwin issued the following statement regarding the 2020 Joint Synod Assembly scheduled for May 28-30 at California Lutheran University:
As we live into a new "abnormal" with COVID-19, social distancing, and cancelling of most events in our lives, we wish to inform you that the joint Pacifica and Southwest California Synod Assembly scheduled for the end of May has been postponed.
While there will be questions on the postponement, we ask for your patience and prayers as the staffs and planning teams work out the details.
It seems everything is changing by the hour. But in the midst of this uncertainty, we hold on to the never changing love of God and the promise that we do not walk this untrodden path alone.
We will keep you informed as more details become available.
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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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