Pacifica Synod News & Notes
January 8, 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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Warner Trust Fund Grant Application Period
Now Open Until January 15, 2021
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Applications are now being received for the Charles and Mable Warner Trust fund proceeds being administered by the Pacifica Synod. The application deadline is January 15, 2021.
Charles and Mable Warner were members of First Lutheran Church, Los Angeles. They had no children and loved their church as evidenced by the following quote from their will:
“…The entire remainder of the trust estate shall go and be distributed to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Southwest, Los Angeles, California, with the request that such estate be used in the construction of Sunday School facilities and to further youth Christian education.”
For more information about the grant, including criteria for use, requirements to apply and a downloadable application, please visit our Warner Trust Grant webpage.
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#CaliSTRONG High School Youth Event
January 9, 2021
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High school youth from Pacifica Synod are once again invited to join with youth from both Southwest CA and Sierra Pacific Synod for a SECOND joint youth event on Saturday, January 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (on Zoom). Youth leaders and pastors are welcome to attend if they choose, but youth may also attend on their own.
#CaliSTRONG is a space created for high school youth to engage each other in conversation around social justice issues and hot topics they are passionate about. This space will be peer led with adult supervision and a pastoral care presence. Youth will learn leadership skills to engage in dialogues around race, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion through a biblical lens.
Youth (and adults) MUST register for this event to receive the Zoom link. Please click the button below to do so (NOTE: THIS IS A NEW LINK/REGISTRATION FORM. Please register again, even if you joined us in December.)
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You're Invited
Growing Young Monthly Conversations
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Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Based on research with over 250 of the nation’s leading congregations, Growing Young provides a plan that any church can use to involve and retain young people. Packed with ideas, Growing Young shows ministry leaders how to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the WHOLE church and deepen the faith of your young people as well as their connection and sense of belonging in your congregation.
Growing Young isn’t about changing youth ministry,
it’s about changing church culture.
In November 2020, we 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.
Beginning in January 2021, we will be hosting monthly, online Zoom conversations until June, each focusing on one of the six Growing Young Core Commitments. Each of these free, one-hour sessions will be offered once during the day and once during the evening.
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 sessions. Pre-registration for each session is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Please click here to register. We encourage you to share these dates and link with others in your congregation.
Session One - Unlock Keychain Leadership (Chapters 1 & 2)
Tuesday, January 12 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, January 14 - 6:30 PM
Session Two - Empathize with Today's Young People (Chapter 3)
Thursday, February 4 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, February 9 - 11:00 AM
Session Three - Take Jesus' Message Seriously (Chapter 4)
Tuesday, March 9 - 11:00 AM
Thursday, March 11 - 6:30 PM
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
We're excited to share Growing Young with congregations in our synod and walking with you in this work together. Pastor Tom Goellrich, Deacon Mindy Bugaj and Terri Robertson are currently serving on the team developing and leading this ministry, but we invite others to join us. For more information about Growing Young or if you'd like to serve on this team, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable Gathering
Reconstruction: Yesterday and Today!
Sunday, January 17
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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, January 17, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. NO in-person gathering will take place this month.
During this time together, several members of the group will present on a variety of topics, including the book "Ghettoside" by Jill Leovy along with a discussion of an interview with author Ijeoma Oluo on the Dangers of White Male Mediocrity (to view the interview in advance, please click here).
If you would like to participate in this roundtable event, 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.
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Synod AMMPARO Network Meeting
Saturday, January 23, 2021
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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, January 23. All are invited to attend! For more information about their work or ways you can get involved, you are encourage to visit their webpage found here email ammparonetworkinpacificasynod@gmail.com.
Upcoming Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Online Events
Pacifica Synod AMMPARO Zoom Meeting
Saturday, January 23, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Meeting ID: 815 7711 0996
Password: AMMPARO
If you would like more information, please contact Pastor Karla Halvorson or Deacon Roberta Wall at roberta_k_2000@yahoo.com.
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Pacifica Women of the ELCA Zoom Event
Saturday, January 23
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Our Zoom Event on November 7th went really well, so we are having another Zoom Event Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm. Zoom will open at 12:30 and give you a chance to chat with others who are joining before Pastor Gloria Espeseth begins her presentation “Bible and Women: The Gospel along with Stumbling Blocks and Hidden Treasures”. She is a gifted Bible study leader and you will be blessed!
Again, this will be an event without a cost/fee. We are requesting that you register ahead of time to make it easier to break into smaller discussion groups. If you search Facebook for Eunice Hanson and then click on more and events, you can find this event to which you may respond. Or email eunicehanson@cox.net or text to 760-717-2646 with your name and church home. The Zoom link is below:
Eunice Hanson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: PACIFICA WOMEN OF THE ELCA ZOOM EVENT
Time: Jan 23, 2021 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 881 1916 0483
Passcode: 928583
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Dial by your location
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 881 1916 0483
Passcode: 928583
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2021 Pacifica Synod Assembly Information |
Dear People of the Pacifica Synod,
On June 17, 2020, the Office of the Bishop announced that Synod Council voted to postpone the 2020 Pacifica Synod Assembly and designated Saturday, May 1, 2021 as the date for our next synod assembly. This one-day assembly will be held completely online and planning for our time together has already begun.
Please begin to consider who your voting members will be, keeping in mind the following:
- Voting members will need to be familiar with computers or tablets (such as iPads) and able to learn an additional voting program/app.
- As this will be a one-day assembly on a Saturday, consider electing people whose schedules have prohibited them from attending past assemblies during weekdays.
- Each voting member will need to have their own device. Even if voting members live together, they cannot share one device. Each person needs their own device to vote.
For more information about congregational fees, registration, and current updates, go to the 2021 Synod Assembly page on our synod website.
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Nomination Period for Pacifica Synod Council,
Discipline Committee and Churchwide Assembly
Voting Members Now Open
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Are You Feeling Called to be a Leader in the Pacifica Synod?
- Do you feel called to do more in Pacifica?
- Do you want to do something new in Pacifica?
- Do you think you could be a leader for change in Pacifica?
- Perhaps you are being called to be a leader in the Pacifica Synod.
The Nominating Committee of the Pacifica Synod invites members of Pacifica Synod congregations to prayerfully consider if God is calling them to serve on Synod Council, the Discipline Committee, or as a Voting Member at the next Churchwide Assembly. Elections to fill these positions will take place at the 2021 Synod Assembly on May 1, 2021.
A complete list of the open positions and descriptions of the duties of
each position may be found here.
Any congregational member in good standing may self-nominate or be nominated to open positions by completing the online nomination form.
Nomination forms for all positions must be received no later than Friday, February 19, 2021. Those who wish to be considered for open positions who have not submitted their form by that date will need to be nominated from the Synod Assembly floor per S9.03.02 and must be accompanied by a written nomination containing the signatures of no less than 10 persons entitled to vote at the assembly for the nominee.
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Assembly Resolutions and Memorials Process |
THE DEADLINE FOR PRESENTING A RESOLUTION OR MEMORIAL TO THE 2021 SYNOD ASSEMBLY IS FEBRUARY 1, 2021
The resolutions process enables individuals or recognized groups within the synod to bring a request for action or a request for a statement to be made by the Synod Assembly. Since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets in 2022, this Synod Assembly will consider both resolutions and memorials. For information and resources about the differences between a “resolution” and a “memorial,” please visit the ELCA Office of the Secretary webpage found here.
Resolutions and memorials may be submitted by a congregation of the Synod, a Ministry Team, an ELCA institution or agency, a conference, or the Synod Council and must be signed by the appropriate leadership (i.e., president, chair, dean, etc.). Individuals may submit a resolution/memorial with the signatures of 10 other members of the Synod. The maker(s) of the resolution/memorial must be identified separately from the required signers.
Resolutions/memorials are to be submitted in writing 90 days in advance of the Synod Assembly (by February 1, 2021) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the pre-assembly materials. They may be mailed or emailed to the synod office at rachelline@pacificasynod.org, to the attention of the Resolutions Committee.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Monthly Online Gathering for
Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
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Our next gathering will be via Zoom on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 11:00-noon PST. Watch for more information to come.
The January 5 session was the seventh 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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2021 Synod Clergy Compensation Guidelines
Now Available
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In October 2020, the Synod Council approved recommendation of a 2% increase in the Baseline Salary for Ministers of Word and Sacrament of the Pacifica Synod for the year 2021. This action brings the 2021 baseline salary (including salary and housing allowance) to $68,246 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament.
The updated 2021 Synod Clergy Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers and documents are now available on our Pacifica Synod website, found here.
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Remote/Electronic Meetings for Congregations |
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, many congregation leaders are asking how they can use technology to hold necessary meetings and conduct the business of the congregation.
You should first consult your congregation's constitution. If your constitution does not do not explicitly forbid a remote meeting, California law allows for remote voting for non-profit corporations.
Below are two documents that may be helpful as you navigate this topic. The first is a RECENTLY UPDATED FAQ resource provided by the ELCA. The second, is more specific to California and has been provided by the Pacifica Synod's attorney.
Further questions may be directed to the synod office.
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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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From the ELCA & Other Partners |
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences
Virtual Winter Retreat
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Join the LRCC crew for a Virtual Winter Retreat!
While it is still unsafe for us to gather at El Camino Pines & Luther Glen Farm, we are bringing camp to you! Broken up into weekly episodes for you to enjoy with your family or youth group, three video workshops will explore the different aspects of our theme verse Romans 12:12.
-Joyful in Hope
-Patient in Affliction
-Faithful in Prayer
Each video workshop will be led by a different LRCC staff member and released here and on Facebook.
Workshops will be released on three consecutive Fridays starting with February 5th.
Each video is catered to children and adults of all ages. Experience them with your church or family. You can download each workshop here and use them for your virtual Sunday School or youth group.
Join us for a live Zoom Celebration on February 27th at 3 pm.
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LSS Southern California Estate Planning Series
Continues January 13, 2021
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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.
January 13 - I've Got the Power!
February 10 - Wills, Trusts & Probate...Oh My!
March 17 - Love is Eternal...Community Property Isn't
April 14th - You're Set...What's Next?
For a downloadable PDF flyer to share with others, click here.
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ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2021
February 4-6, 2021
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The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's 2021 Extravaganza is going to be an all-online experience taking place February 4-6, 2021. While this may be different than the usual in-person event, this also provides the opportunity for many to attend without the cost or time commitment of travel to a destination. And we are still going to experience spiritual renewal, continuing education and networking and connection. Extravaganza 2021 is for ALL leaders in a congregation and will help you get through the next year, and beyond.
The goal for Extravaganza 2021 is to answer 5 questions together:
- How do we help our people navigate the grief of losing "normal?" How do we navigate that same grief ourselves?
- How do we care for ourselves in the midst of accompanying others in their pain?
- How do we navigate change?
- What should we do next?
- How do we find hope in the midst of chaos?
- We know that right now, ministry is hard and that we all wrestle with these questions. Together, with the help of our speakers and workshop leaders, we are going to try to figure out a road map.
The best part is that this event is affordable! Through February1, 2021, the costs are $50 for individuals OR $120 to register as many people from your congregation as you want. No limit!
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Thriving Leadership Formation Group for Deacons
Now Forming
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Deacons in ELCA Regions 1 & 2 are invited to participate in a Cohort group that is intended to help leaders thrive in ministry. The focus of the group is on spiritual practices, community, accountability, and creating brave spaces. This Cohort group is funded by a grant received by CLU and PLTS: Thriving Leadership Formation. For more information, visit www.thrivingleadershipformation.org.
This is the second of this kind…the first group in the fall was excellent. If you are seeking others with a shared understanding of your role as a Deacon, are possibly feeling isolated, burnt out and/or needing connection to meaningful community, this may be for you.
If you are interested in learning more, please fill out this form:
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PLTS Virtual Community Organizing Training
January 19 to 23, 2021
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You are invited to attend a virtual Training Course in Community Organizing for Transformational Ministry offered by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminar January 19-23, 2021.
The Community Organizing for Transformational Ministry is co-led by a team of four including Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Dr. Ray Pickett, Deacon Kelly Marciales, Director of the ELCA Organizing for Mission Network, and Mary Lim-Lampe, Director of Genesis, a community organizing affiliate in Oakland. It is an innovative model that incorporates theological and biblical reflection, and attention to beauty and art as well as training in more traditional arts of community organizing (power analysis, organizing cycle, self-interest, and of course more).
The course/training is for graduate students as well as practitioners of community organizing and leaders of faith communities. Click here for a flyer which includes a registration link.
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2020 ELCA Congregation Reports |
The ELCA 2020 Congregation Reports have been mailed to each congregation. Included in the mailing, you will find a blank Form A, blank Form C, instructions, and financial worksheet (available as PDF and fillable Excel file). In the mailing, you will also receive you congregational password for submitting these forms online.
The ELCA is expecting the online system to open during the second week of January. We will share that information and the link when it is made available. Reports are due by February 15, 2021.
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Clinical Case Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture International of San Diego has a full-time position opening for a Clinical Case Manager.
General Purpose of the Job: With the clinical team, provide holistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, integrated mental health and social services to individuals and families.
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.
For a complete job description and application procedures, click here.
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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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Being Church
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. PST
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January 13 Presentation
Discipleship and Civic Engagement
Amy Reumann, ELCA National Advocacy
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
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 - Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: January 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. PST
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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Stephen Ministry Interactive Online
Bridge Leader's Training Course
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Are you looking to begin Stephen Ministry or to train additional Stephen Leaders for your Stephen Ministry? The Stephen Ministries organization is offering a new way to equip Stephen Ministry leaders during this time, when it isn’t possible to attend an in-person Leader’s Training Course.
The Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC) is an interactive online training experience to equip laypeople, pastors, and other church staff as “Stephen Leaders,” the ones who lead Stephen Ministry in your congregation. Participants meet over Zoom in cohorts of 20 people with two experienced trainers from Stephen Ministries for highly personalized training. During ten 2½-hour sessions over the course of five or ten weeks, trainees learn through presentations, discussions, videos, breakout activities, Q&A times, and more, gaining the knowledge and tools they need to lead Stephen Ministry in their church.
Pacifica Synod congregations - watch for information in early January about the synod's Stephen Ministry training grant program for lay ministry leaders.
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Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood |
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. On January 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. PST, the topic will be "Enriching Spirituality in Older Adulthood.
Roland Martinson, Emeritus Professor of Luther Seminary and author of Elder's Rising: The Promise & Peril of Aging, will share multiple aspects of spirituality as it relates to older adults. Spirituality is one section of the Toolkit for Older Adult Ministry that ALOA is in the process of developing. The Toolkit is the initial component in ALOA's Congregational Centers for Resilience and Aging project. There will also be resources shared and time for questions.
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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:
- 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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