Each year on Spirit Day, millions go purple to support LGBTQ youth. Click here to add your name to take the pledge against bullying! LGBTQ youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities - Spirit Day is about speaking out against bullying and standing with them. Taking the pledge is a way for everyone — global and local brands and companies, world leaders, celebrities, neighbors, parents, classmates, and friends — to how solidarity with youth and to take part in the largest, most visible LGBTQ anti-bullying campaign in the world. #SpiritDay

Annual Report Cover Available

The 2021 ELCA Annual Report cover  is now available as a download for your congregational reports. It includes an inspiring message from Bishop Eaton, a beautiful litany to use at an annual meeting as well as highlights of several of the SOFIA stories! You can use the back page to tell your congregation's stories as church together in a time of change.

Let Lutheran World Relief help you this Advent

Lutheran World Relief has created FREE, easy-to-use resources based on the RCL Advent texts from the Gospel of Luke, all available at lwr.org/advent:   4 weeks of new sermon illustrations (photos and video)   4 powerful videos to highlight your congregation’s love in action around the world   4-week small group Bible study guide   Candle lighting litany

Invite your congregation to experience A Season of Hope this Advent!

Youth Ministries

#CaliSTRONG information here

Boundless Youth Gathering information here

This web-based three-part training in the arts of faith-rooted community organizing for climate justice will equip participants with skills, knowledge, spiritual grounding, and a community of support for organizing to address the climate crisis in ways that build racial and economic equity. A 3-day training session is followed by a mentored 12–week practice phase and a second training session of 2 days. The mentored section includes regular (weekly or bi-weekly cohort gatherings for support and building a network of on-going support). Contact Kelly Marciales for application and questions: kmarciales@plts.edu DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 31

Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine is a four-week virtual pilgrimage from the ELCA’s Peace Not Walls and Young Adult Ministry teams featuring young adult voices from the ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.    Join us this Advent Season on the WAY to Bethlehem: Prepare, Journey, Arrive, Witness.   What is “the way to Bethlehem,” as Advent practice, and as Christian engagement in Palestine? What does it mean for us as Christians, and for the church, to be called to resist the injustice of “the way things are” in favor of following the disruptive and transformative way of the Lord? What does it mean for us to be “on the way”?   This resource is available to everyone, regardless of age. You can use this resource as an individual or as a leader for a group gathering during Advent. November 1 Webinar Interested in leading a group through this resource? Get tips and tricks and a sneak peek at the resource.  November 22 Webinar Join us as we kick-off the series! Register here to receive the resources and sign up for the webinars

Upcoming One-Day Workshops this November from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center

The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is a nationally recognized ministry for training church leaders. Their workshops are designed to help both clergy and lay leaders function in a more differentiated manner in the midst of congregational anxieties.

Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches | November 3, 2021 Conflict is a normal part of life; unfortunately, the church is not exempt.  This workshop will give participants the knowledge of the skills necessary to manage conflicts within their congregations in a healthier manner. Join us and learn to regard conflict not as a negative force, but as a positive opportunity for reconciliation, spiritual growth, and a renewed awareness of God’s will for your church. Learn more here. Leadership and Anxiety in the Church | November 4, 2021 Rooted in Scripture and grounded in Bowen family systems theory, this workshop identifies differentiation of self and anxiety as two key variables impacting human functioning. Leadership and Anxiety looks at the challenges presented by the rising levels of anxiety being experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can play in calming such anxiety. Works of fine art illustrating Biblical themes help facilitate theological reflection on the themes being presented. Learn more here.

From Bishop Brenda: "I want to invite you to ask yourself, as a pastor or parishioner, what do we think is happening during Holy Communion and Baptism? In fact, I’m inviting you toThe Haven on November 4 as we talk about what happens during Holy Communion. I expect the conversation to be very exciting and very comforting, as we talk about the Lutheran understanding of the sacraments. What is God doing when God embodies, when God comes into us through water, and wine and bread. You do not need to be an expert! You just need to be someone who is curious, who knows God is present, and wants to talk about it together."

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 896 446 7618 Passcode: 090434 Dial-in: 1 408 638 0968

RSVP Here

LRCC information and registration here

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Southwest California Synod of the ELCA | (818) 507-9591 | news@socalsynod.org | www.socalsynod.org