Pacifica Synod News & Notes
October 13, 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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Current Synod News & Resources |
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Let’s Do Church Together is the theme for the 2020 Pacifica Bishop’s Gatherings. What better time to collaborate than now, as we are all learning new ways to share the gospel with others in due to the pandemic. We are meeting online by Zoom to discuss congregational and synod plans for ministry in the year to come. We will unveil Pacifica’s Strategic Plan for the work we can do together, highlighting the Ministry Result Areas and the Goals approved by Synod Council. We will listen to one another to see how we can support each other as Christians, congregations, the Pacifica Synod, and the ELCA. We will celebrate our unity, while giving thanks for our diversity, and ask God to guide us confidently into the future.
We are gathering by Conferences, and invite each congregation to attend with their pastors, their deacons, and at least two key lay leaders, but all are welcome! The dates and times for each Conference are listed below and will last for 75 minutes. Pre-registration is required using the button below to receive the Zoom link in advance of each gathering and to ensure we have enough room on our Zoom feed to accommodate everyone. You may join by video using a computer, tablet or phone or call in from your phone using audio only. If you cannot attend your own Conference meeting or missed it, we invite you to Zoom in with another Conference. We hope you can join us!
Below is the date and time of our final Gathering:
Saturday, November 14
Hukilau Conference
9:00 a.m. (HT) / 11:00 a.m. (PT)
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Coaching for All Seasons:
An Hour for Prayer and Reflection in a Turbulent Time
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m.
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On Tuesday, November 3, voters will make a decision that will have reverberations for weeks or months or possibly even longer. To address the disquiet many of us will be feeling, Coaching for All Seasons will offer an hour of sanctuary grounded in prayer and reflection. Instead of our customary presentation, we will open with meditative prayer led by Pr. Darryl Kozak. Following this period of prayer, we will gather in breakout sessions to reflect on what is on our minds and hearts in a space that is without judgment. If your day promises to be distracting, give yourself the gift of this hour of solace among trustworthy companions.
Coaching for All Seasons will return to its usual format on Tuesday, December 1 with a presentation by Pr. Manuel Retamoza.
To register for the November 3 gathering and receive the link to join by Zoom, click here.
The November 3 forum will be the fifth in the monthly series Coaching for All Seasons that began in July 2020. Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page and access the resources from previous presentations. Our Pacifica Synod Coaching Team designed this 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.
If you would like information on having a coach, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at mikedeenna@gmail.com.
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COVID Pandemic Creates Collaborative Grief Ministry |
PRESS RELEASE - Grand Canyon Synod and Pacifica Synod – ELCA
Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Carlton Hills Lutheran Church, in Santee, California announce the formation of a collaborative Zoom ministry for those surviving the death of a loved one. Beginning Tuesday, September 29, and continuing through December 22, 2020, these two ELCA congregations are co-hosting a Zoom cycle of the 13-week faith-based ministry, “GriefShare.” The sessions will be held on-line (ZOOM) from 6:30-8:15 PM Pacific Time.
GriefShare is a Christian support group and seminar program produced by Church Initiative. Used by 15,000 congregations globally, it leads those grieving through weekly sessions that provide comfort, answers to their questions, and hope on their grief recovery journey. The weekly seminar topics include:
Is This Normal?
Challenges of Grief
The Journey of Grief – Part One
The Journey of Grief – Part Two
Grief and Your Relationships
Why?
Guilt and Anger
Complicating Factors
Stuck
Lessons of Grief – Part One
Lessons of Grief – Part Two
Heaven
What Do I Live for Now?
Those interested in registering for this new GriefShare group should visit: www.griefshare.org. Click on the “find a group” button and enter the location of “Las Vegas, Nevada” or zip code “89104.” It is listed under “Reformation Lutheran Church” in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cost is $15 to register and includes a Participant Book. For more information, contact: Pastor Marta Poling Schmitt at: prmartaschmitt@gmail.com.
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Matthew 25 Grant Application Period Closes
October 15
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The purpose of The Matthew 25 Fund is to honor Christ as he spoke in Matthew 25:35-40. Jerry and Lynda Engelhardt established this fund through a strong desire to help people as in the verse.
The primary criteria for making awards shall be Matthew 25:35-40. A secondary criterion shall be to evaluate if the proposed project will help establish or maintain congregational outreach and unity as in the spirit of the verse.
The fund is intended for Pacifica Synod congregations. However, awards may be given to other well-managed organizations not in the Pacifica Synod that meet the spirit of the text.
Grant applications maybe downloaded here or obtained by contacting Terri Robertson in the Synod office at 714.352.8732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org. Be sure to click "enable editing" to complete the fillable form.
The deadline for applications is October 15, 2020 and grants will be awarded by January 15, 2021.
Please keep in mind that if you have received a previous Matthew 25 Grant Award, you MUST have submitted a written report on the use and outcome of the previous award in order to be considered for a future award.
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Online Memorial Service for Pastor Jack Lindquist
Sunday, November 1 - 4:00 p.m.
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Reverend Jack Lindquist, 86 years, died on May 20th, 2020, in his Assisted Living Home in Banker’s Hill. He was known fondly as 'Pastor Jack' to hundreds of parishioners and students of religion.
He was the founding pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church (University City), senior pastor at First Lutheran Church (Downtown) and Incarnation Lutheran Church (Poway). He was adjunct professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego for 40 years. He was USD’s first non-Roman Catholic Christian professor, asked to teach a wide range of Biblical, ecumenical and apologetics courses. A very popular (even beloved) teacher, he created courses focused on the historical, cultural, and political contexts of the Scriptures and of later theological development. He created a course, “The Holocaust and the Churches” which was taught at USD for 10 semesters, and presented also as OSHER lectures at the Jewish Community Center.
Upon retirement from parish ministry, he became Canon for Biblical Studies at St Pauls’ Episcopal Cathedral. Pastor Jack was deeply committed to ecumenical relationships among San Diego area churches. He was eagerly sought to teach the foundations of Christian doctrine, ministry, community, and worship. His outstanding skill with the Christian “Call to Common Mission” made him well known in the San Diego religious community from 1963 to 2020. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lindquist.
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Synod Work Towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion |
On June 15, Bishop Andy shared a letter with our synod, inviting us to work together for racial justice. If you missed this, you may read the Bishop Andy's full letter here. The Pacifica Synod Council has released a Racial Justice Statement and encourages congregations and individuals to join them in taking the ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge.
We also have created a synod web page with information and anti-racism resources for individual and congregational use. We will continue to add resources, so check back often. If you have resources to recommend or would like to share stories about how you or your congregation are currently working towards equity, diversity and inclusion, please contact Pastor Lara Martin at pastorlaramartin@gmail.com.
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Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Network News |
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The ELCA AMMPARO network stands for Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. elca.org/ammparo
The Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Network meets monthly and invites you to attend their upcoming online Zoom meeting on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Zoom Meeting
Saturday, October 24, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Meeting ID: 815 7711 0996
Password: AMMPARO
More information may be found on the AMMPARO page on our synod website. If you would like the additional resources provided from our last meeting, please contact Deacon Roberta Wall at roberta_k_2000@yahoo.com.
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From the ELCA & Other Partners |
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Guidance for Churches Regarding Upcoming Elections
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As we get closer to Election Day on November 3, your congregation/ministry may receive questions about permitted political activity for churches. For our ELCA, the primary resource on this question can be found here: Being a Public Church.
Additionally, The Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California has prepared a Voter Guide as suggestions for considering how to respond to the many statewide propositions that will be on the ballot. These recommendations by the Policy Council of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California are made within the framework of the principals, values, and commitments of ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages. You can download this voter ballot guide here: LOPP-CA 2020 Voter Guide.
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Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Pastors' Assistance Fund
Ministering to the Ministers of the Gospel
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Lutheran Social Services of Southern California understands there can be times in life that hit us hard financially and unexpectedly. A serious health or family issue, a costly repair or emergency situation can add financial strain to our situation. If you are a Lutheran Pastor (active or retired) or surviving spouse of a Lutheran Pastor who served in Southern California and who meets the criteria below, then we may be able to grant you a gift of funds provided by generous supporters of this ministry. We know this can be a sensitive matter, so your request will be kept in strictest confidence. Depending on the specific need and availability of funds, this gift usually ranges from $500 to over $1,000. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California administers this private fund for a Lutheran couple who have a heart for the work of our parish ministers.
For eligibility requirements and to download the application, click here.
If you qualify, please fill out the application and submit it to the attention of the LSS-SC Foundation by emailing Ellen Waild, Executive Vice President, at ewaild@lsssc.org. You can also mail the completed form to Eileen's attention at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California Lutheran Pastors Assistance Fund, 247 E. Amerige Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
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LSS Riverside Virtual Walk to Fight Poverty
October 17 & 18
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This year our Walk to Fight Poverty goes virtual! Participants are invited to “choose their own walk”, whether socially distanced with friends or around the block with family. No matter your route, each step you take offers the invaluable gift of Peace to a family or individual in need. Won’t you join us? Start your page or support an existing team member today!
You can decide exactly when your walk will take place, but we encourage you to walk on either Saturday or Sunday, October 17 or 18, 2020. You can get active however you want – go for a walk, run, cycle, or play! Do you have a favorite walking trail or would you like to get active with your family taking part? This is a great opportunity to explore your neighborhood with your family and pets!
Click here to learn more and to register for the virtual walk. Download a PDF flyer to share with others here.
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Examining Whiteness in the ELCA |
5 Thursdays in October, 9:30-11 am PST
(Attend one or all five)
Links to the five Facebook events:
This is a brave space to uncover our whiteness and process racism in ourselves. We will do the personal work, in community, necessary to show up as more effective co-conspirators and change agents for racial justice in our church. Share a flyer here.
Anti-Racist work for:
- ELCA Regions 1 & 2
- White people
- Those who benefit from White privilege
- Those who want to explore whiteness with others
Questions? Contact Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations, California Lutheran University, Desta@CalLutheran.edu.
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Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts |
LAY LEADER COHORT
WHO? Lay/non-rostered people in Regions 1 and 2 of the ELCA (Alaska, Northwest Washington, Southwestern Washington, Northwest Intermountain, Oregon, Montana, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain synods); led by Nicolette Rohr, a lay person in the Pacifica Synod.
WHAT? A small group brave space for lay/non-rostered people. Our time together will include an opening ritual, spiritual practice, reflection, commitment to action, and an opportunity to build community.
WHEN? We will gather for 12 sessions, to be scheduled, beginning in 2020 and carrying into 2021.
WHERE? We will meet virtually via Zoom.
WHY? We will come together with the intent of creating nurturing, empowering times, spaces, and relationships to support one another in mission, share spiritual practices, and help the church thrive.
If you know someone who might be interested in joining the lay cohort, please share this call with them!
This cohort is part of the Thriving Leadership Formation Program. California Lutheran University received a five-year grant to create TLF. Working in partnership with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and 11 synods of the ELCA, the TLF program emphasizes collaborative learning in cohorts that cultivate mutual support, spiritual practices, and accountability.
WOMEN IN MINISTRY OR SEMINARY PROCESS COHORT
Attn: ELCA Women in Ministry or engaged with the ELCA Seminary process. You can participate in a small group cohort for extending community, establishing an additional spiritual support network, and creating an extended community for networking and mutual accountability. This program is funded by a grant received by CLU and PLTS: Thriving Leadership Formation. I am leading a cohort that is for women in ministry or the Seminary process.
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ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Matching Grants
Application Period October 1 to 18
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Daily Bread Matching Grants supporting congregations with feeding ministries are back by popular demand as part of the ELCA's continued response to supporting neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This fall more than 300 grants are available to eligible ministries. Applications are being accepted between October 1 - 18. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to invite your congregation, networks and friends to donate. To kickstart your campaign, the funds you raise will be matched by ELCA World Hunger with a grant of $500.
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2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge |
In an increasing polarized world, biblical citations do not always serve their primary intent of reflecting God’s love. Under the theme “The Bible – Word, Not Weapon,” the 2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will address how Bible verses taken out of context can become weapons that discredit others or justify cruel treatment of those portrayed as different.
Presented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the annual Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge seeks to enliven the biblical engagement of the whole church by encouraging the development of faithful, innovative and effective ways to teach and learn Scripture. The event is sponsored by the seven ELCA seminaries, the Hein-Fry planning team and the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative.
Every year, one student from each seminary is invited to develop and present a class or series for people both familiar and unfamiliar with biblical texts. In follow-up, the students are invited to report their findings.
This year the challenge will comprise four online events:
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Jennifer Garcia from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., will present “Sharing Our Faith in a Time of Social Distancing” on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. Pacific time. (Jennifer is a candidate for ordained ministry from the Pacifica Synod awaiting first call.)
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Taylor Berdahl from United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa., will present “Biblical Responses to COVID-19: Lament, Bodies, Breath” on Monday, Oct. 26, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
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Karl Anliker from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will present “Look for the Women: A Virtual Bible Study in Search of Hope” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2:30 p.m. Central time.
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Christopher Shealy from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Columbia, S.C., will present “How Scripture Is Weaponized, and What We Can Do About It” on Friday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Eastern time.
The Rev. Susan R. Briehl will serve as online host.
The public is invited to attend these free online events, but registration is required for each of them. Registration information is available here.
The Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge is an endowed theological lecture series established after the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) merged into the ELCA in 1988. The series combines the ALC’s Dr. Carl Christian Hein Memorial Seminary Lectures and the LCA’s Franklin Clark Fry Theological Lectures.
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Portico 2021 Benefit Information Now Available |
Portico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2021, featuring the continuing expansion of personalized and online programs for ELCA-Primary members, and a new hearing benefit for members with ELCA Medicare-Primary health benefits. You can read more here.
This month, Portico is inviting sponsoring organizations to visit the 2021 Enrollment Center on EmployerLink, where a Decision Guide and the Custom Comparison Report and Spreadsheet is available to registered users. Please download these resources and share them with decision-makers in your organization. The Decision Guide was specifically created as a visual overview of the two ELCA-recommended options. These documents have been formatted to be easily shared during any online meetings as your organization reviews your options. (Plan members will complete their individual Annual Enrollment after their sponsoring organizations have completed their selection process.)
For 2021, the Pacifica Synod Council is recommending two health benefit options — Gold+ or Silver+ paired with a Level A health savings account (HSA) employer contribution.
Between October 12 and October 30, your organization will need to make your 2021 health benefit selection and enter it on EmployerLink. Your sponsored members will make their benefit selections in November. If you have questions, Portico's Customer Care Center is ready to assist, at 800.352.2876 or mail@PorticoBenefits.org.
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NEW TECHNOLOGY TOOLS FOR CONGREGATIONS
On Thursday, October 22 at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Tithe.ly will hold an exclusive webinar for ELCA congregations to learn about exciting innovations in church technology.
Tithe.ly is an ELCA preferred vendor offering a family of online tools to help increase giving, manage congregational membership data and engage members throughout the week. Featuring online, mobile and text giving options, Tithe.ly has expanded its product line to offer websites, church management software and apps to ELCA congregations at a low cost. Register here to save your spot and receive the webinar link.
Topics include:
- How to use messaging to boost member engagement.
- Website enhancements to give your congregation a bigger impact online.
- A simple tool to help members stay connected to your congregation and to introduce more people to your sermons.
HOW TO GROW YEAR-END GIVING
Have your congregations begun planning for year-end giving? Many congregations receive over 40% of their giving in the last three months of the calendar year. Many households also make their designated or special gifts in the last week of the year. Now is the time to start planning!
On October 7, Tithe.ly hosted a special webinar for their ELCA clients on this subject. This included some interesting facts about giving patterns that Tithe.ly has discovered over the last three years:
- 72% of electronic giving is done via a mobile app
- 20% of electronic giving is done online and 7% via text
- 72% of contributions are made on days other than Sunday
- 50% of dollars contributed are by recurring gifts from 15% of households
- 85% higher giving is received by congregations that use the Tithe.ly subscription package.
This information highlights both opportunities and challenges for congregation.
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Supporting the Work of Lutheran Disaster Response |
Lutheran Disaster Response brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. In addition to their work around the world, LDR is currently assisting with two recent disasters response efforts.
California Wildfires
Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, devastating wildfires are raging across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states. At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with at least three Lutheran social services agencies and five synods to assess the situation and determine the best ways to respond. We expect immediate needs may include food and other necessities, as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who have been traumatized.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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Youth and Family Coordinator
St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton
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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.
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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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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
The next gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. PDT. The topic will be "Leaning In: Subversion and Proximity"
with Shane Claiborne (Red Letter Christians)
We understand a number of folks are unable to make this day and time each week. We record the main session and debrief time and share each recording with supporting documents here, typically by the following week: https://www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media.
Below is the link for each Wednesday's Zoom meeting. For a list of upcoming topics and recordings of prior meetings, go to https://www.elcacoaching.org/.
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in Times of Crisis - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: October 14, 2020 11:00 a.m. PDT
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,180439412#,,1#,648160# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: 648160
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Basic Training in Transitions
Education in the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry
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So. California Training / Fall 2020 (live, online)
May 10-14 (in-person, on-site)
LuTMA (formerly NALIP)
Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association
- Do you desire to become a more effective transitional leader and agent of the Gospel? Are you considering intentional interim ministry as a possibility for your future?
- As the world continues to change, we confront both profound grief and tantalizing possibilities. How can we better equip ourselves to guide congregations through difficult transitions and into new life?
- Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA, formerly NALIP) touches this reality, encouraging curiosity and professional growth. Since 1997, we have worked with thousands of pastors and multiple partners nationwide. Our name change reflects our own ongoing process of transformation.
- Taking this six-month course in “Basic Training in Transitions” will help you navigate congregational dynamics and aid you in being a transitional leader. Because all ministry is essentially transitional, this course is appropriate for both settled and interim pastors.
Offering a total of more than 60 contact hours of continuing education equivalency plus field practice, this course consists of three, interrelated components:
- Congregational Dynamics and Transitions (live, online)
- Field Practice in Transitional Leadership (independent study and online cohort meetings)
- The Transitional Leader (face-to-face, residential week)
During the COVID-19 crisis, the first two components (CDT and FPTL) will be offered in continuity, online, between October 2020 and May 2021. The live, online sessions for “Congregational Dynamics and Transitions” will be twelve 90-minute sessions on the following Tuesdays at noon: October 13, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17; December 1; January 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9 (12 sessions)
Anticipating face-to-face possibilities in the Spring 2021, the third component (TTL) will be held at the Pacific Southwest District Offices in Irvine, California, and will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, May 10, and conclude at noon on Friday, May 14.
For detailed information about the training, the tuition, and what to expect may be found here. Enrollment in this training is limited and will not be offered again for another year for any location.
Other training sites across the nation and detailed course descriptions are also listed on LuTMA.org. The training provides for and will also benefit deacons, deaconesses and lay ministry leaders who are working in the field of transitional ministry.
For more information contact:
Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen
Assistant to the Bishop, Pacifica Synod
Rev. Peter Alexander
LuTMA Dean of Faculty
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Workshops |
Multiple sessions of the following workshops will be available online from now through the end of the year. For a complete list of learning opportunities, including 90-minute webinars and multi-day seminars, please visit our website at https://lmpeacecenter.org/brochures/. Registration forms can be found on the brochures; otherwise, you can register online at BrownPaperTickets.
Conflict Transformation Skills: Although a normal part of life, conflict is usually seen as something negative. Acquire the knowledge and skills to transform conflict into a force for positive change and spiritual growth. Attend this 7.5-hour event online via Zoom on Oct. 23, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Dec. 5, 2020. Register as a group, using this CTS Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
The last session of Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders for this year will be November 16-20, 2020. This outstanding 5-day event helps participants deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. The tentative dates for next year are March 1-5, May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 4-8, and November 15-19, 2021. No decision has yet been made with regard to returning to an in-person format, so attendees will need access to a device with both a camera and a microphone. Questions? Contact the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org or 630-627-0507. To receive a $200 tuition discount for the November 2020 session, register no later than October 16.
Healthy Congregations: Could your congregation use a wellness check? Attend this 8-hour workshop and learn ways to minimize or prevent destructive conflict, manage negative reactivity, and help your church stay focused on its true mission and purpose. Attend this 8-hour event online via Zoom on Oct. 30, Nov. 13, or Dec. 8, 2020. Register as a group, using this HC Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
Leadership and Anxiety in the Church: Participants will look at the challenges presented by the rising levels of anxiety experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership plays in calming such anxiety. Works of fine art are integrated at various points to facilitate theological reflection. Attend this 7-hour event online via Zoom on Dec. 3, 2020. Register as a group, using this LAC Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
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ALOA Monthly Webinar
Thursday, October 15
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ALOA (Adult Lutherans Organized for Action) offers monthly one-hour webinars on specific topics meaningful to older adult ministry leaders in congregations, as well as interested individuals. Each will include an interview with a thought leader working with older adults, and will be archived for future viewing. Webinars are offered free of charge. Information about their next webinar is listed below. You can also find the archive of previous webinars here.
Strengthen Relationships by Staying Connected
Thursday, October 15, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. PDT
During the pandemic, limited face-to-face visits and not being together to recognize life's milestones has taken its toll. Debbie Streicher of Milestones Ministry will address ways we can be creative during these times and reach out to one another to reinforce existing relationships and build new ones through faith-related connections.
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Silent Saturday - November 21 |
For a downloadable PDF flyer and the link to register, click here.
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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 the Rev. George Johnson
- The family and friends of the Rev. H.G. "Skip" McComas
- The family and friends of the Rev. Carlton Monroe
- The Rev. Lee Rozen
- All affected by the wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington and other western states, as well as those fighting the fires.
- 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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