Pacifica Synod News & Notes
July 12, 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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2021 Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Grant Fund
Application Period Now Open Through July 15
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The 2021 Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund Grant application period is now open. The goals of the fund are:
- To assist congregations of the Pacifica Synod in their Global Mission efforts;
- To initiate and/or continue direct support of present and future Companion Synods of the Pacifica Synod;
- To share in ministry with God's people as we strive together for a lasting world peace.
Distribution of funds may be given to increase awareness of global mission work and to fund domestic and/or foreign projects related to Pacifica Companion Synod(s) and Lutheran partners. Due to COVID-19, no monies will be given for travel from 2021 grants.
Requirements of the grant may be found the 2021 GEM Grant Fund application. Download and complete the application and submit it along with a one-page description of the project/program and how the funds will be used. Be specific as to how the project/program meets the goals of this grant and the outcomes anticipated.
The maximum amount that can be requested is $1,000. The application deadline is July 15, 2021. The completed application and description may be returned by mail or email using the instructions provided on the application.
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Coaching for All Seasons
Thriving Beyond COVID
Tuesday, August 3
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We invite you to join us via Zoom for our next session on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at
11:00-noon (Pacific) and 8:00-9:00 a.m. (HI)
Thriving Beyond COVID
With Pastor Jeff Linman
Pre-registration is required to receive the link and may be done HERE.
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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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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable
Sunday, July 25
St. Paul, Fullerton & Online
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on Sunday, July 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. We will meet in-person once again at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 W. Las Palmas Drive, Fullerton. Safety protocols will be adhered to. We will also have the opportunity for you to join via Zoom.
From Jim Tyler, Roundtable Facilitator:
Our ROUNDTABLE for the month of June got everyone engaged! We would love to have you bring your comments and questions for our further discussion on July 25 at St. Paul’s. This month we brought some clarity to the idea that if you work on anti-racism, our goal is to dismantle white supremacy. It was a joy to welcome Pearl from the League of Women Voters. We thank Margaret Glauch for relating her experiences in teaching in Florida. Her presentation was an example of how the institution of Education is used in perpetuating the practice of white supremacy. In July, we will explore the confusion around Critical Race Theory. When the truth and facts are presented, is it any longer a theory? Come! Bring your thoughts and questions to our next meeting July 25.
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Save the Dates - October 18 to 20, 2021
for Theoasis 2021 in La Quinta
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A joint church leaders’ event (a theological oasis):
Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders…
ALL are welcome!
Please save the dates of Monday, October 18 to Wednesday, October 20, 2021 to be with us for Theoasis at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta! Please note: this is one day shorter than in the past. The 2021 theme will revolve around preaching. More details about the event, along with registration information, to be available soon.
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Save the Dates for the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
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Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022
May 19-21, 2022
Irvine Marriott
2022 is a Bishop Election year, so please plan to attend!
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Global Mission Update - Pastor Hitoshi & Satoko Adachi |
Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelicial Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their July 2021 newsletter.
The brochure attached here details the Adachi's ministry in Japan and how to best support them. You can give through the synod office or mail your check to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. Make checks payable to “ELCA Missionaries” with “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051” in the memo line.
To donate by credit or debit card, go to https://community.elca.org/Japan or call 800-638-3522 and specify “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051”. To set up an automatic monthly bank withdrawal or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication, and support, please contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or globalchurch@elca.org.
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ELCA's Congregations Lead Initiative
Application Period Now Open
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The world continues to change and grow more complex. What does this mean for ministry, today and into the future?
The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Beginning on July 8, your congregation is invited to apply to join the Congregations Lead Initiative.
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ELCA Coaching
"Courageous Leadership" Webinar Series
Begins July 21
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You are invited to join ELCA Coaching at 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST on the 3rd Wednesday of July and the First and Third Wednesday of August to learn some possibly surprising, and some definitely humorous, things about COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.
We have a special guest confirmed for two of these dates, and we are inviting you to bring a spirit of curiosity and childlike play to discerning how and where Spirit might be calling you forward as a leader in your life, work, ministry, community, and the world. There will also be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.
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Hybrid Church Webinar Series
Beginning July 26
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Forced to scramble to go online in just a few weeks during the COVID pandemic, the church has discovered the online world is far more than a replacement for the yellow pages. It is a place where genuine community and real ministry happens.
Southwestern Texas Synod invites congregations (Rostered and Lay Leaders) to this 5-week FREE series on Monday evenings beginning July 26th at 7 p.m. Central (5 p.m. PDT/2 p.m. HST). You will hear from Dave Daubert, Deacon Kenny Champagne, and John Roberto. These sessions will be an overview of several areas of congregational ministry and reflect on how to begin to move every aspect of church life to a dual platform – on-the-ground and online. This “hybrid” kind of ministry will be the new norm for the next season in most congregations' work. You will begin to reframe your thinking on a particular aspect of congregational ministry. Becoming a hybrid church is one path forward to both strengthen the church and reach new people with the gospel in bold, creative new ways. More info about the sessions may be found here.
- July 26: Introducing the Hybrid Church
- August 2: Designing Hybrid Faith Formation for the Post-Pandemic World
- August 9: Hybrid Worship - how on-the-ground and online worship connect
- August 16: Engaging People Online - it takes more than being there
- August 23: Technology Options for the Hybrid Church
To download a printable flyer with more information, click here. Pre-registration is required and may be done below.
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Learn More About the
PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
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The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS is excited to announce two new ways to engage with and support their ministry and mission in the world. The first is a continuing education opportunity that is available to both rostered ministers as well as lay persons. The second is a way for congregations and individuals to support the important work of the center.
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Circle of Partner Congregations and Synods: These partners will support the center with prayer and financial support, receive regular updates and invitations from the Center, and be involved with it to the extent determined by the congregation. Please click here for more information.
Below are two resources that explain and detail the work of the center:
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CLU's Fifty and Better (FAB)
Mid-Summer Lectures & Summer II Session
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FAB is hosting a virtual Mid-Summer lecture series between sessions (late June-July)! Join us for lectures on the history of Wilshire Boulevard, The Big Lebowski and the legacy of the 1960s, an update on the Mars Rover mission, and more! Most lectures are $8 each, but a couple are free! These are open to all ages – we hope you will join us! Registration is now open.
FAB’s 4-week Summer II Session begins on July 26th, and registration is now open! Courses will explore subjects such as the stories of those who “named names” during the infamous Hollywood Blacklist period, exhibitions that made art history, the great orchestral and choral conductors of the past and present from around the world, and more! Join us on Zoom for these stimulating courses. Individuals 50+ are welcome, please share with your friends and family! Courses are $25 each or bundle all 6 for $100.
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Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Build for Unity Team Build Day - July 16
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As we venture slowly out of the pandemic, we’re feeling the pinch with low number of Volunteers at our build site, whether it’s our corporate partners, individuals or our faith partners.
We now have (6) new homes needing to be built in Stanton, and families to bring home to them. Our Build for Unity coalition has strongly supported and contributed to the wellbeing of families in our community by building dreams with us - one home at a time. On behalf of Habitat for Humanity OC and our Habitat families – Thank You!
Our Build for Unity Team Build day resumes on Friday, July 16th. These once a month build days on Fridays are reserved exclusively for the Build for Unity coalition. This flyer is to make it easy to share this information with your congregation.
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences News! |
SUMMER CAMP 2021 IS BACK!
We are thrilled to be able to open up camp safely this summer for campers and families. We want to see you at camp this summer so you can DISCOVER and experience the joy of camp again! our theme is 'Discover,' an exploration into the abundant love of God through Christ, both seen and unseen! Our theme verse is Jeremiah 33:3 , "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
With COVID-19 protocols, space will be LIMITED. Please make sure to sign up early to reserve your spot!
What is the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign?
The H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign is our recovery plan. H.E.L.P. is an acronym:
Help kids get to camp
Encourage young adults to be counselors
Lean into your camp's financial recovery
Pray for God’s blessing
Thank you to the congregations of the Pacifica Synod for supporting Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences' H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign Resolution at their Synod Assembly. The same resolution was also approved by the Southwest California Synod in early June.
The real impact of the Covid-19 pandemic closures of our local Lutheran Bible camps has resulted in over $1,000,000 dollars in lost revenue. Thankfully our donors responded generously, but we still have a long way to go.
To learn more about the H.E.L.P. CAMP-aign, click here.
It's time to fill our Bible camps this summer with campers. Our summer staff is excited and ready to go!
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Care Connections Network
Aging. Better.
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Care Connections Network is changing the face of aging in Orange County. We are dedicated to helping older adults, 50 and over, age in their own homes and communities. We connect our members to the community programming and expertise they need to continue living lives of purpose and promise. We strive to empower older adults by offering educational opportunities to help them age with confidence, social and cultural events to keep them connected with the community, referrals to vetted service providers and a volunteer program providing additional support and assistance.
To find out more about upcoming events and other services, click here for the Care Connections Network July newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - April 2021
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Finance Minister (Part-Time)
Hope Lutheran, Temecula
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Hope Lutheran Church, Temecula, CA is in search of a Finance Minister ASAP! This is a part-time position. $25 per hour approximately 25 hours per week.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining accounts payable
- Payroll for church and Hope Children's Center
- Preparation of monthly reconciliation of accounts
- Annual Budgets
- Annual ELCA Reports
- City and other local tax reports
If interested. please contact Hope Church Council President, Dave Bradley at 951-302-9755 or daveb819@aol.com to schedule an interview.
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Naturalist & Outdoor School Instructor
Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences (LRCC)
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences is seeking a community-oriented individual who is passionate about the environment to join our team as a Naturalist and Outdoor School Instructor. Stationed at camp El Camino Pines, located in the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California, the Naturalist/Instructor will lead weeklong Environmental Education programs with other members of the year-round team. This is an onsite position with room and board included. In addition to teaching, the job includes retreat hosting, dishwashing, light maintenance, winter retreat programming and other camp responsibilities. El Camino Pines is one of two sites under the umbrella of Lutheran Retreats, Camps & Conferences. In addition to a year-round Outdoor School, we host retreats groups most weekends and run a summer camp program June-August.
Training is provided. Flexibility is a must. Fun is a given.
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to the care and appreciation of God’s creation and communicate and practice that with students and staff.
- A desire to teach students of all ages uses the outdoor education curriculum.
- At least one year of post-high school experience - college or work. Undergraduate degree, camp experience and leadership experience are preferred.
- Must be flexible and willing to help in all areas of camp life.
- Must be able to communicate with and work with others.
- Must have interest in living in a Christian community and a willingness to live in community with others.
- Understanding of the philosophy and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the programs and sites of LRCC.
For more information and to apply contact:
Meredith Smith
Camp Director, El Camino Pines
Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
661-245-3519
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Youth Ministry Intern (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Hello! My name is Josiah Canto and I am Director Of Youth and Family Ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. This year we are looking to bring in a paid intern that would serve alongside myself and our youth and family team this upcoming year! This is a position for a college age person that wants to discover what working in youth ministry is like! We are located in South Orange County, 20 minutes from the beach and tucked up next to the mountains. We even have an In and Out within walking distance! If you're interested, we would love to meet you!
For a full job description and application, click here.
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Organist/Accompanist (Part-Time)
Choir Director (Part-Time)
Community Lutheran, Rancho Santa Margarita
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Organist/Accompanist
Position Details
Reports to: Pastor – Status: Part-time – Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience. Paid vacation and sick time. – non-exempt
Job Summary
Serve as organist and piano accompanist for two worship services each Sunday, as well as for seasonal worship services. In addition, will rehearse with the chancel choir on Thursday evenings and rehearse the psalm with cantors.
Choir Director
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.
For either position, 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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Data Quality and Evaluation Manager
Survivors of Torture, International - San Diego
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Survivors of Torture, International is seeking a Data Quality and Evaluation Manager. This position is located in San Diego and is full-time, exempt and effective in June 2021.
General Purpose of the Job: Creates and manages data reports, ensures data quality, as well as analyzes data based on outcomes using Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) Touchpoints database.
For a full job description and application procedures, click here.
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Holden Village - Chelan, WA
Volunteer & Staff Positions
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Holden Village, a Lutheran Retreat Center in the center of the North Cascade Mountains in Washington State, is currently recruiting for seasonal volunteers, long-term volunteers (1 year), and employees in preparation for their summer season. Some positions they'd especially like to highlight include the Accountant Lead position, the Utilities Lead, Mechanic Lead, Business Manager, Staffing Coordinator, and several Youth Program seasonal leadership roles.
You may learn more about current staffing needs here. To learn about what it is to live and work at Holden Village, click here.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Upcoming Events
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We are so excited to be returning to an in-person format for our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI) on August 2-6, 2021 here in the western suburbs of Chicago! This will be a hybrid event, so for those who prefer not to travel, we will also continue to offer remote attendance via Zoom.
The Mediation Skills Training Institute is designed for clergy and other church leaders who want to learn how to deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, or other forms of group conflict. For more information about this 5-day event, our new 90-minute webinar series (entitled SHALOM), our mediation services, and more, please call 630-627-0507 or visit www.LMPeaceCenter.org. Online registration is available now via TicketSpice at www.LMPeaceCenter.org/all-events/. You may also wish to consult and distribute the following documents:
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Spirituality & Aging Certificate Program
Southern California Coalition on Spirituality & Aging
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Aging is one of the last endeavors, common to all people, that has yet to be understood. Our time is full of anti-aging messages befitting of a culture that has long minimized the contribution of a group who seem to have moved beyond the ability to produce, so important in a capitalistic society. What is the real purpose of aging? We, the Southern California Coalition on Spirituality and Aging believe that the key to approach aging creatively and effectively is through Spirituality.
As an affiliate of the New Theological Seminary of the West, we have developed on online, master’s level, inter-religious course on the interplay between a person’s spirituality and their experience of aging. Our mission is to engage community organizations as well as faith communities in creating vibrant services and ministries that support and celebrate older adults by empowering leaders with current knowledge about aging in the context of spirituality.
The 2021 sequence of classes begins Saturday, September 18. 2021. The class size is limited to 15 persons from across the country. If you have any interest at all, go to the link below and secure more information.
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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 those who have lost their lives, those still missing and their families, and the rescue workers searching for survivors in the collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Florida.
- For peace in Palestine and Israel and for those who have lost loved ones and their homes due to violence and unrest.
- Those affected by severe weather and emergency personnel responding to the situations.
- 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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