We praise God for the 18,000 youth, leaders, and volunteers attending the LCMS National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX! The theme of the Gathering is "In All Things" based on Colossians 1:15-20:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Connections will be taking a break next week during the Administrators Leadership Conference. It will resume on Wednesday, July 27.

It is with much joy that we share that a check for $35,300.66 was sent on behalf of the children and families in our PSD Lutheran schools and early childhood centers to assist in the mission and ministry of World Mission! We are grateful to our schools who participated in sending 706 Treasures to the unreached people groups around the world sharing the love of Jesus, so that more come to know Him as their Savior and come to faith in the One True God. Please note that any funds received now will go to our 2022-23 school year project, Hope and Care Outreach. More information on that project will be shared next month. To God be the Glory!

Don't miss out on the PSD Administrators Leadership Conference - July 20-22, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, CA! Click here for all the registration details, including the schedule! The guaranteed room rate has expired, but there are still discounted rooms available. If the cost of a hotel room is a concern, please contact [email protected] right away.

Save the date for the first PSD School Counselor Network meeting for the 2022-23 school year! Our first meeting will be a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 7, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Rachel Klitzing has invited an excellent presenter for this meeting, so please make sure you put this on your calendar! More details will be sent out as the date approaches. To ensure you are on the PSD School Counselor Network distribution list or to add a new member to the list, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your important ministry!

Click here to read the June 2022 issue of CAPE (Council for American Private Education) Outlook.

Are you reading any great books on leadership, education, innovation, or a great devotional book this summer? If so, please submit your book title(s) and a two-three sentence synopsis of the book to enter into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Each book review is an entry. Email [email protected] to enter. The deadline for entry is August 5. Thank you to those who have submitted already!

Health care in today’s world continues to change and it is hard to keep up on the complexities of all the health care options. If you’re interested in learning more about all the Concordia Health Plan (CHP) options, special coverages, rates, and what is new for 2023, you’re encouraged to attend an upcoming workshop. In partnership with the PSD, Concordia Plans is offering the following Zoom meeting that will focus on the CHP.

Tuesday, July 19^th at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)

Zoom Link: https://concordiaplans.zoom.us/j/82110608693?pwd=MGNISDVpd21Ed0ErYTB1YjV6VWJiUT09

This meeting is intended for Business Managers, Treasurers, and those in leadership at ministries who are in charge of making decisions about employees' health care offerings.

Come and join Petal Pushers® in decorating 2023 Tournament of Rose Parade Floats. The Rose Parade theme for 2023 is: TURNING THE CORNER and the Lutheran Hour Ministries float entry is: A NEW DAY WITH JESUS. 

Petal Pushers® is a group of over 5,000 volunteers that have been decorating for over 30+ years to help bring life to the floats you see every New Year’s Day. The Lutheran Hour Ministries Float has been a continuous participant and this year marks our 72nd!  

Volunteers of all skill levels and ages are needed. If it is your very first time joining us, or a seasoned veteran, there are dozens of jobs to do!  You might cut flower petals, glue on dried materials of all shapes and sizes, or add the fresh flowers.  

Mark your calendar to decorate and register when sign ups become available!  Click here for more information!

Each year, we wish to honor exemplary educators in the Pacific Southwest District who exhibit exceptional leadership, teaching skills, and total commitment to Christ and the ministry of our Lutheran schools. We are asking for your help in identifying those who represent this spirit of dedication, commitment, and excellence. The 2022 Educators of the Year will be recognized at the Lutheran Educators Conference (LEC) in San Diego, CA, in November.

Below are the links to the nomination forms for the 2022 PSD Educators of the Year. This is an open nomination system. You may nominate in any or all of these four categories. The deadline for submitting nominations is August 31, 2022. 

Process:

May- August 31: Nomination period

September: Educator of the Year committees meet to determine finalists in each of the four categories

September/October: Evaluations/interviews completed regarding the finalists

Late October/Early November: Committees select winners

Monday, November 21: Honorees are recognized at LEC

Nomination Forms:

Administrator

ECE Educator/Director

Elementary (K-8) Educator

Jr/Sr High School Educator      

Thank you for your participation in honoring our outstanding educators in the PSD!

• We thank God for the LCMS National Youth Gathering finishing up today in Houston, TX. We pray that the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of many youth through this event.
• We pray for Chris Wend, husband of Valorie Wend, principal at Loving Savior, Chino Hills, CA. Chris will be having surgery on July 19 to have his colon reattached. This is one of the two surgeries that he needs after a car accident. It is higher risk because of all of his adhesions in his abdomen area due to the seatbelt from the car accident.  
• We pray for students to enroll at LuTEC (Lutheran Technology, Education and Career High Schools) a cutting edge, technology-based, Lutheran high school network, providing an individualized and flexible education to all learners, focusing on relevant knowledge and skills for work or advanced studies in preparation for a career and life in service to their communities.

Each week, prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for teachers, administrators, support staff, pastors, students, and families of the Lutheran schools, early childhood centers, and churches of the Pacific Southwest District are listed. To include names on the list, please send information to [email protected] by noon on Tuesdays.