Pacifica Synod News & Notes
December 10, 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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Upcoming Ordinations & Installations in Pacifica Synod
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Installation of Pastor Carole Parmeter Dyer - December 11
On Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Carole Parmeter Dyer will be installed as pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Cypress. All are invited to participate in prayer, as well as in-person or online (over Zoom).
Those planning to attend in-person are asked to wear a mask even if they are vaccinated. Mt. Calvary is located at 5895 Ball Road, Cypress. For those who wish to join via Zoom, please email the church office at mtcalcypress@sbcglobal.net to have the Zoom link sent to you.
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Ordination of Jennifer Garcia - December 18
Installation of Pastor Jennifer Garcia - December 19
The ordination of Jennifer Garcia will be celebrated on Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran in Fullerton. St. Paul is located at 111 W. Las Palmas Drive. Those attending in-person are asked to wear a mask. There will be a reception following the service and those planning to attend are asked to RSVP in advance to pastorjennifergarcia@gmail.com. Those who would like to view the live-stream of the service may do so on St. Paul's Facebook page.
The following day, Sunday, December 19 at 9:00 a.m., Pastor Jennifer will be installed as Associate Pastor at First Lutheran in Fullerton, 215 N. Lemon Street. Those attending in-person are asked to wear a mask. Light refreshments will be served after the service. For those wishing to view the service online, it will be live-streamed on First Lutheran's YouTube channel.
Jennifer Garcia grew up attending St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton. After graduating from Westmont College, she worked in nonprofit administration for six years before discerning her call to ordained ministry. She attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and served her internship at Our Redeemer Church in Garden Grove. She married Eric Garcia in 2019, and they live in La Mirada. Jennifer was called as Associate Pastor to First Lutheran Church in Fullerton and began her ministry there in October 2021. She is overjoyed to serve her hometown.
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Region 2 of the ELCA
Serving Together in Christ
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This past Tuesday, the bishops, staff and vice presidents of the 5 synods that comprise Region 2 of the ELCA (Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain Synods) gathered over Zoom for the first day of the Region 2 Consultation to share in conversation, visioning and prayer. We are grateful for our partnership as we serve as church together in our Region. |
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Retirement of Pastor Brian Taylor
Our Redeemer Lutheran, Garden Grove
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Later this month, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove will celebrate with their pastor, Pastor Brian Taylor, as he retires. They have asked us to share the following information about Pastor Brian and this important milestone. We will be holding Pastor Brian, his wife Wendy and the entire congregation in our prayers.
Pastor Brian Taylor is retiring. He and his wife, Wendy, have served Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove for more than 14 years. We will miss him greatly. He has seen the congregation through difficult struggles and joyful celebrations. When asked what sustained him through the ups and downs in his ministry here, Pastor Brian said: “I wasn’t looking for a call when I was asked to interview at Our Redeemer. Financially, it didn’t make any sense to start over with a new mortgage in Garden Grove when our house in Pomona would have been paid off before I retired. But I just knew God was calling me to Our Redeemer. . . . [T]hrough it all, God has sustained us and allowed us to continue a vibrant ministry here.”
Pastor Brian will preach his final sermon at Our Redeemer on December 26th. He and Wendy have co-purchased a home in Washington, DC with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. The congregation is having a Retirement Luncheon on January 15, 2022, at Mile Square Golf Club in Fountain Valley and will send Pastor Brian and Wendy off with heartfelt thanks, good wishes, and prayers for this new season of their life.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod
Rostered & Lay Leaders
Thursday, January 6, 2022
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11:00 a.m. to noon (PST) / 9:00 a.m. (HST)
Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Click HERE to register.
Beginning in 2022 – Pacifica Coaching will host Coaching for all Seasons on the FIRST THURSDAY of the month at 11 a.m. PST/9 a.m. HST.
Join us in January as we explore author Adam Grant’s Ted Talk:
"How to Stop Languishing and Start Finding Flow.
Have you found yourself staying up late, joylessly bingeing TV shows and doom scrolling through the news, or simply navigating your day uninspired and aimless? Chances are you're languishing, says organizational psychologist Adam Grant -- a psychic malaise that has become all too common after many months of the pandemic. He breaks down the key indicators of languishing and presents three ways to escape that "meh" feeling and start finding your flow.
Brought to you by your Pacifica Synod Coaching Team to support Synod leaders during challenging times. Each monthly offering brings a presentation on a current topic and an opportunity to discuss it in a small group facilitated by an ELCA coach.
Pacifica Synod has invested in training coaches to work with rostered and lay leaders one-on-one or in groups. A coach's role is to support leaders in naming challenging issues and identifying constructive responses to them.
For more information:
Click here to view our Synod Coaching web page for resources as well as previous presentations.
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Reflections on Practical Ecumenism
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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San Diego LARC (Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic) is holding, hosted by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, La Mesa on January 19th, 2022. This will be an in-person event, also available for online streaming.
Download a PDF flyer to share HERE.
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2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly News! |
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The Deadline for Presenting a Resolution or Memorial to the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly is February 19, 2022
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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 the summer of 2022, this Synod Assembly will consider both resolutions and memorials. For information 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 19, 2022) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the preassembly materials. They may be mailed or emailed to the synod office at rachelline@pacificasynod.org to the attention of the Resolutions Committee.
For more information about resolutions and memorials, click here.
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Nomination Period for Pacifica Synod
Council & Mission Funds Committee 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
· Mission Funds Committee
Elections to fill these positions will take place during the 2022 Synod Assembly from May 19-21, 2022. Descriptions of the duties of each open position can be found using the links below.
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 Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Biographical forms must be received no later than Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Those who wish to be considered for open positions who have not submitted their form by March 1 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.
For a complete listing of open positions and position descriptions, click here.
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Warner Trust Fund Grant
Application Period Now Open through January 15
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The application period for the 2022 Pacifica Synod Warner Trust Fund Grants is now open until January 15, 2022.
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."
As legal successors to the Southwest Synod, the principal was divided among the five ELCA synods in Region 2. The principal from the fund has been placed in the ELCA Mission Investment Fund and the interest is made available annually in March, as grants. Depending on interest rates we anticipate receiving about $20,000 on our investment this year that will then be distributed as grants.
More information about these grants and the application may be found here.
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Living the Resurrection
Upcoming Zoom Conversations & Exploration Workshops
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Living the Resurrection is a vitality initiative to help congregations thrive through processes, workshops, keynotes, consultations, and coaching developed by the Rev. Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl while she served the Southwest California Synod as director for Evangelical Mission. Although she had led medium-sized congregations for more than 20 years, she was challenged by how to help smaller monocultural congregations located in large multicultural neighborhoods. She created Living the Resurrection to help these congregations.
Now California Lutheran Homes and Community Services (CLH), an independent not-for-profit social ministry organization that provides assistance for those in need of housing and human services through partnerships with church congregations, community-based organizations, and local agencies, will collaborate with Living the Resurrection to make the 18-month Living the Resurrection program more accessible to small-to-medium-sized congregations in Southern California.
Is it Time to start Living the Resurrection?
Exploration Workshops
In-Person January 8, 2022 in Santa Ana, RSVP by January 4
In-Person January 15, 2022 in Glendale, RSVP by January 11
Want to experience what it’s like to be part of a Living the Resurrection Learning Community? Sign up and attend this workshop. You’ll get an overview of the whole process as well as a chance to practice using a couple of the skills! Go to www.livingtheresurrection.com scroll down to the “upcoming events” and click on “Exploration Workshop” and RSVP. If it will help your discernment, invite Pastor Marj to a zoom meeting with your council! marj@livingtheresurrection.com
Questions about Living the Resurrection?
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From Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton |
The Cross is the True Gift of Christmas
I remember this jarring image: It was the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my home congregation. A banner depicting Mary and Jesus in the manger had been hung from the ceiling at the front of the nave completely obscuring the large suspended cross. I had seen that banner on Sunday mornings, but on this Christmas Eve in the semidarkness something else appeared. A spotlight that illumined the cross now shown on the banner with the effect of making the outline of the cross appear as the background of the Christmas scene.
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Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
This is our second pandemic Christmas. We thought this would be over so long ago. And still, we wear masks; we're physically distant; we can't be with friends and family as we used to do. And also, there's so much that's broken in this world, so much that tells us, “Why have hope? Just give up.”
But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child; nevertheless, who grew to a man and in his fragile strength was willing to die on the cross and was raised again.
I don't know what next Christmas will bring. I don't know what New Year's will bring. But I do know we have hope.
St. Paul put it this way:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Merry Christmas, dear church.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
For downloadable PDF versions of this message in both English and Spanish, click here.
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From ELCA General Counsel
Re: Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Plan
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From the General Counsel of the ELCA:
Your congregation may have received information from the Boy Scouts of America (the “BSA”) including a “Plan Solicitation” package concerning voting on its proposed chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) and/or whether your congregation wishes to opt out of the treatment provided in the Plan for “Chartered Organizations.” We have prepared the information below to help member congregations. It is not legal advice and should not be considered as such. Please retain and consult with an attorney if your congregation needs or wants legal advice concerning the BSA and its Plan.
Update from ELCA General Counsel on December 10, 2021:
The voting deadline for the Boy Scout bankruptcy plan has been extended until December 28.
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ELCA Courageous Leadership Series
Wednesday, December 15
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You are invited to join ELCA Coaching at 11:00 a.m. PST/9:00 a.m. HST on Wednesday, December 15, as they host faith leaders (both rostered and lay) across the nation for a unique experience exploring Courageous Leadership with two faith leaders with over 60 years between them! They both serve as ELCA Coaches as well.
Rev. Arne Jessen is a retired ELCA pastor, a retired Navy Chaplain, and a member of the inactive retired reserve corps. Since his retirement, he has served as Interim Pastor for twelve congregations, as a clergy coach, and as pulpit supply. Arne was raised on a Nebraska cattle feeding farm with eleven siblings where they all spoke Danish at home. He married the love of his life in 1956 and was ordained in 1959. Arne earned both his MDiv and MTh in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Luther Seminary, then he earned his PhD in Religious Education from NYU, followed by post-graduate studies in Leadership and Change. Arne and Meryl have four children, eleven grandchildren, and are expecting their first great grandchild.
Baird Linke is a second-year candidate for Word and Sacrament ministry through the Montana Synod and studying at Wartburg Theological Seminary. His ministry work has taken him from the mountains of northwest Montana to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to South Minneapolis, and home again to Helena, MT where he works for Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and ELCA Coaching’s Congregations Lead Initiative. Baird is passionate about environmental and economic justice and pastoral care. He is an outdoor nut and when he isn’t doing homework he is outside running, mountain biking, rock climbing, and backpacking with his dog Kintla. Both Baird and Kintla welcome your prayers as they prepare to receive their internship assignment this spring
You are invited to bring an open heart and a spirit of curiosity as we listen to these two speakers at the beginning of our time together. Following their sharing, we will break into small groups to continue learning from each other and to discern how and where Spirit might be calling us forward as leaders.
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Portico Benefit Services Updates |
Being Here Podcast – New Episodes
Being Here, a podcast that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community, has added three new episodes. Join host the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, as she welcomes three new guests to share their experiences and points of view on navigating retirement; Christian conversations about racial justice; and creative approaches to innovative ministry. Being Here invites us to learn together, listen to each other, grow together, and move forward together — stronger, more resilient as a unique community. https://portico.thebigknow.com/home/audio-series/portico-being-here/overview
ELCA Medicare-Primary Transition to Humana Prescription Drug Program
Steps members should take now:
- Refill current prescriptions
- Watch the mail for a new Humana ID card
- Look up medication with Humana
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Set up Humana Pharmacy mail-delivery account by calling 1-800-379-0092
- Ensure local pharmacy is in network
Virtual Workshop Series on Retirement Readiness
Look for more information about 4 new webinars coming in January!
Important Self-Care after the Holidays
After the holidays when you have time to catch your breath also provides an opportunity for you to focus on your own self-care. Now is the time to block out some time on your calendar in January to schedule your wellness exam, review your retirement account, schedule an appointment with a Portico financial planner, and refamiliarize yourself with all that your benefits plan has available to you to help you be well in order that you can serve others. https://myportico.porticobenefits.org/retirement-center/financial-planning
Andrea Arey, Regional Representative, Regions 1 and 2
Portico Benefit Services / A Ministry of the ELCA
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ELCA Faith, Sexism & Justice Study Guide Now Available |
The ELCA churchwide organization is releasing the study guide for this church’s newest social statement, Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The new study guide features six flexible sessions that can be customized for in-person gatherings, virtual discussions or interactive virtual meetings. Each session incorporates prayers, videos, engaging activities, Scripture study and invitations to live out the social statement’s call to gender justice in the world.
The study guide supports individuals, congregations, students, organizations and faith leaders as they explore gender justice to pursue equity for women and girls.
As Lutherans, we are called to serve the neighbor and affirm the diversity of God’s creation. Grounded in faith and love, we work for a gender justice that flows from the heart of Lutheran theology and cultivates abundant life for all people.
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"Called to Lead"
A Galactic-themed Journey of Discovery
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For young people who love science fiction and pop culture but struggle to talk about God and the Bible, the new, interactive “Called to Lead” guide offers young people a starting place for discussion of their inner selves, their vocation and their call to lead.
The “Called to Lead” spiritual gifts interactive activity was first offered at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. Participants traveled to a distant galaxy where they identified their specific leadership gifts and abilities. Then they were sent to planets that offered them specialized training — so they could become the best protectors of the universe they could be!
“Called to Lead” has been adapted into a set of downloadable resources that can be used in person or online. The materials include a five-part Bible study guide as well as instructions and supplies for leading the spiritual gifts interactive activity in a variety of contexts. These resources were designed for middle school and high school youth, but they can be adapted for use with young adults.
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Young Adults in Global Mission
Application Deadline February 1, 2022
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After a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is preparing to send volunteers out into the world again! Applications are now open, and you can invite young adults on this journey abroad for the 2022-2023 program year.
If you know young adults aged 21 to 29, this is the time to reach out. Encourage them to apply for YAGM by the deadline of Feb.1, 2022. (Priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2022.) Talk to them personally about what this opportunity will mean for their faith, identity, career and understanding of God’s work in the world. You can share these videos about the YAGM experience.
YAGM volunteers will begin in August 2022 and will be placed in one of nine country programs.
Through YAGM, young adults will learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They’ll become immersed in a new community and form deep relationships. And they’ll confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Download a poster to share in your congregation HERE.
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ELCA 2022 Youth Gathering News! |
Important Registration Update
The Gathering leadership has decided to change the end of regular registration to Jan. 21, 2022. Originally, our regular registration deadline was Feb. 21. This change allows our planning teams more time to plan for you and your congregation next summer. Regular registration is $390 per person. For more information on registration, please visit the Gathering’s website.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Jan. 21, 2022 - Regular Registration ends (NOTE THE EARLIER DATE!)
- Jan. 22, 2022 - Servant Companion applications close
- Jan. 22, 2022 - Housing Assignments released (for Early Bird registrants)
Top Ten Things to Know as You Start to Prepare
Many congregations are just now getting ready to attend the 2022 Gathering, so if you haven’t started, you aren’t behind! The Gathering team has put together a list of 10 things you should know as you prepare to get your group together for next summer. There are resources, ideas and pro-tips galore! Download the list here.
Getting Ready Materials
Getting Ready Materials (all free to download) are now available here!
Gathering Webinars
The Gathering webinars provide lots of valuable information. If you missed any of them, they are still available to be viewed using the link below. You can also register for upcoming webinars.: https://www.elca.org/YouthGathering/About/Webinars. The next webinar on Mass Gathering will be held on Thursday, February 17.
To find out more about the 2022 Youth Gatheing, check out the Gathering website www.elca.org/gathering or contact Molly Farrin, Pacifica's Gathering Synod Coordinator. Molly's role is to answer your questions and help your journey to the Gathering be as smooth as possible.
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"Designing Faith Formation for the Future"
ELCA Christian Education Network Webinars
January 13 and March 10
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The Christian Education Network of the ELCA is sponsoring two "Designing Faith Formation for the Future" webinars in partnership with Lifelong Faith Associates.
The first will be on Thursday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. HST.
"Building Community and Relationships" with Jane Angha
The second will be on Thursday, March 10 from 5:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. HST
"Formation for Christian Living" with John Roberto
Each webinar is $12 ($10 for CENetwork members).
A downloadable version of the flyer below may be found here.
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Coaches and Spiritual Directors Needed for
CLU's Thriving Leadership Formation Program
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Thriving Leadership Formation seeks Coaches and Spiritual Directors to provide coaching and spiritual direction to church leaders. California Lutheran University received a $1 million, five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to create the program in partnership with its own Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the 11 ELCA synods of Regions 1 and 2. Cohorts of church leaders began meeting in 2020 to provide support, connection, and engage in spiritual practices.
This coming year, Cohort Leaders and participants will be eligible for coaching and spiritual direction sessions as part of the grant. We are seeking a pool of coaches and spiritual directors for that purpose. Interested applicants should complete this online application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Thank you for your interest! Please contact thriving@callutheran.edu with questions.
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LRCC In-Person Winter Events are Back in 2022! |
Family Winterfest 2022
Get away for the weekend with a family trip to El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm for Family Winterfest 2022!
Come with your whole family, or come alone and meet some new friends! Children will have their own activities led by the LRCC staff. Adults meet separately with a keynote speaker. Enjoy a weekend of family, fun and fellowship!
El Camino Pines Family Winterfest begins Saturday, January 15 and ends on Monday, January 17, after worship and an early lunch.
Luther Glen Farm Family Winterfest begins Saturday, February 19 and ends on Monday, February 21, after worship and an early lunch.
El Camino Pines & Luther Glen Farm Cabin Price: $160 per adult
Luther Glen Farm Retreat Center Price: $210 per adult
High School, Middle School & Elementary School Winter Retreats
Various dates at both El Camino Pines and Luther Glen Farm
Price: $160 per youth
$125 per adult chaperone
For more information or to register your group, click HERE!
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ReconcilingWorks 2022 Sunday Worship Resources |
"ReconcilingWorks wants to celebrate with your faith community and is excited to offer these resources. Many RIC communities celebrate RIC Sunday on the last Sunday in January. This year, that lands on January 30, 2022. ReconcilingWorks encourages you to celebrate on a date that is meaningful for your community. Be sure to use this day as a time to recommit to your partnership as a RIC faith community, discern ways to live into your RIC partner commitments, and set new milestones for the year to come." Learn more here.
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Director of Music Ministries (Part-Time)
Good Shepherd Lutheran, Claremont
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont is seeking a Director of Music Ministries.
This position’s primary responsibilities will be to coordinate with the Pastor in providing leadership to all music ministries at Good Shepherd. The preferred applicant has proficiency in piano or organ, experience leading choirs/praise bands, broad knowledge of church music styles (classical, contemporary, folk and gospel) and the role of music in Lutheran worship, matching music with the themes of the church year.
Resumé, cover letter and references should be submitted to Good Shepherd via mail to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1700 N. Towne Ave. Claremont, CA 91768, or email pastorlaramartin@gmail.com.
This is a part-time position (20 hours/week) – payment is competitive based on experience and ability.
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Worship Leader (Part-Time)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope, San Bernardino is seeking a part-time Worship Leader. The primary responsibilities of the part-time worship leader will be to lead the contemporary, prayer and praise worship services, and grow the music ministry at Lutheran Church of Our Savior – Spirit of Hope. The Leader needs to work closely in communication with the church secretary and is responsible to the Pastor and Church Council. The Worship and Music Committee is involved in helping to plan our worship ministry. Proactive communication and planning are essential.
For a position description, click here.
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Choir Director (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Position Details
Reports to: Pastor – Status: Part-time – Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience – non-exempt
Job Summary
Serve as Chancel Choir Director for Sunday worship services, as well as for seasonal worship services. Lead Thursday evening rehearsal and coordinate recruitment and scheduling of vocal or instrumental soloists. Will coordinate scheduling with the Directors of other music groups within the congregation (e.g Bell Choir, Children's Choir), as well as our cantors.
Interested parties can email a letter of interest along with a resume to clcrsm@gmail.com. Please contact the church office at clcrsm@gmail.com for more information.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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2022 Ignite the Church Conference
February 8-10, 2022
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ANNOUNCING the 2022 IGNITE THE CHURCH CONFERENCE
SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where do we go from here?
Since February 2020, the Church has been enduring unprecedented seismic shifts. In response, a new Hybrid version of the grassroots Ignite the Church Conference will gather next February…In-Person in sunny Orlando AND Online…to reflect on the theme: SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where Do We Go From Here? The theme is grounded in the witness of Psalm 46: 1-2 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains shake." Four large group sessions will focus on the following shifts: Public Church (Robin Steinke and Winston Persaud), Hybrid Church (Joe and Jess Liles), Adaptive Church (Tod Bolsinger), Thriving Church (Stephanie Spellers). Ten 90-minute workshops will dig deeper into these shifts to offer encouragement, inspiration, and challenge for church leaders.
To register and learn more about the presenters, workshop options, and other details go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net. Register by November 30 to access the lowest $99 In-Person rate. The Online option will provide live and recorded access to each large group session and the post-conference Resource Page. The Online option is FREE…with a suggested donation $30 to the ELCA Fund for Leaders invited. All proceeds continue to benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders which has received $13,000 from the Conference in just the past two years.
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Stephen Ministry Bridge Leader's Training Course
Synod Scholarships Available
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Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.
Established in 1975, Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations of all types, sizes, and settings—across the US, Canada, and 30 other countries. Stephen Leaders in these congregations have equipped more than 600,000 people as Stephen Ministers, who in turn have cared for millions of people in need. The new training and resources carry this ministry into the future, preparing congregations to meet the ministry challenges of an ever-changing world.
Did you know that the Pacifica Synod offers scholarships for lay persons attending Stephen Ministries training? These are available through the Cathryn Wright Fund. More information about the scholarship and the application to apply may be found on our synod website here.
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
2022 Events Update
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The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is pleased to announce that we will conduct three sessions of our Mediation Skills Training Institute in person in 2022!
Registration is open for all five sessions scheduled for next year: March 14-18 (online), May 9-13 (online), June 13-17 (in person in Fort Mill, SC), August 1-5 (in person in the Chicago area), and November 14-18 (in person, location TBD).
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We Remember in Our Prayers |
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We ask that you hold the following people and situations in your thoughts and prayers:
- For Pastor Joel Martyn.
- For Pastor Lee Rozen.
- For Pastor Woody Hall.
- For the Afghan people, our allies, and vulnerable populations in the midst of this humanitarian disaster.
- For the people of Haiti in the face of earthquakes, tropical storms and political unrest.
- Those affected by wildfires, floods, tropical storms and other natural disasters, as well as emergency personnel responding to these situations.
- For those in countries facing political and civil unrest - Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar and others.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- Our nation and its leaders.
- Those affected with the COVID-19 virus and those who have lost loved ones.
- Our healthcare providers, first responders and all who continue to care for those battling COVID-19.
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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