Those ministry teams and affiliated organizations wishing to submit a Pre-Assembly Report to be included to the Assembly notebook provided to all voting members may do so by emailing the report to TaSh Elzie, Synod Communications Director at communications@pacificasynod.org. We are only able to accept reports in electronic format (Word or PDF attachment) and ask that you limit your report to a single page, if possible. The deadline for submitting a report is March 31.
The Synod Assembly notebook will be available for download in April from the Pacifica Synod website.
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In Celebration of Women's History Month |
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In this message to congregations, current International Women Leaders (IWL) scholarship recipients share what their scholarships mean to them and their communities. International Women’s Day is March 8. The ELCA celebrates this day by uplifting the IWL program, which provides scholarships for emerging women leaders from our companion churches around the world to study at ELCA colleges and universities, ELCA seminaries and other institutions. |
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Happy Lutheran Schools Week 2023!
Here you will find worship elements, posters, activities and more that can be added to weekend worship or the week's celebration. This is available for all, whether or not you have a school/center as a part of your ministry.
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MOVIE SCREENING AND Q&A “PASSAGE TO SWEDEN.” Screening and Q&A with Director Suzannah Warlick. The movie tells the unfamiliar story of heroic events that occurred in Scandinavia during WWII. It captures the courage, compassion, and protection that Scandinavian countries (especially Denmark) and their citizens offered refugees facing persecution. A powerful movie about compassion, solidarity and fundamental human rights.
Saturday March 25 at 4 pm. Tickets: $ 15
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Taking Care of Mental Health |
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Develop an ‘I can do this’ mindset: Deep breaths, time with loved ones, a good night’s sleep … what are your best practices for keeping yourself centered and healthy? If you’re looking to expand your toolbox, and you have ELCA-Primary health benefits, check out Learn to Live’s new course focusing on building resilience. Take the initial assessment and then enroll in the self-guided program at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
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Explore the economic, cultural, political, and ecological contours of the systemic crisis we face, and grow in the knowledge, skills, spiritual strength, and community that are so vital to forging the paths toward climate justice.
Friday - Sunday, March 10 - 12, 2023
Does your heart ache at the thought of climate change and what it means for your children, grandchildren, loved ones? Do you yearn for hope as you face the realities of climate change? Are you longing to help build a world in which God’s good garden Earth and all people may flourish? Join us for a dynamic weekend of growth in knowledge, skills, spiritual strength, community ~ all vital to forging paths toward climate justice. We will share stories of meaning and purpose, learn to employ five key strategies, worship, laugh together, honor grief, delight in joy, and relish the desert as space for contemplation of beauty and calling.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Participants will leave better motivated and equipped to actively work toward climate justice sustained by faith and community.
Retreat includes:
- Stories and storytelling, one-to-ones, no blame or shame
- Practical examples and work, including change on all three levels ~ structural, individual behavior, and consciousness/worldview
- Multi-sensory engagement
- Exposure to the global climate justice movement and resources
- Spiritual nature of engagement and paradox in structural change
- Building a community of support and having fun
Click here for schedule of events, suggested readings, cost and other details.
Retreat facilitator is Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Moe-Lobeda is founding director of the PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith.
Resource people participating virtually include Dr. Lisa Dahill, a professor of Christian spirituality and creation-centered faith who serves as Miriam Therese Winter Chair for Transformative Leadership and Spirituality at Hartford International University; rev. abby mohaupt, Director of Education and Training for GreenFaith who is a founder of the “green seminary” movement. Also participating is Ruth Ivory-Moore, policy and advocacy manager at the Global CCS Institute.
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Bishop's Colloquy
These two days will feature multiple workshops on worship arts. Bishop Dave Nagler will be holding a workshop along with Bishop Brenda Bos.
Sandra Dager is our keynote speaker and will teach us about embodied worship leadership. Our time together will have opportunities to explore banner making, multicultural worship, welcome and inclusion, and working with volunteers amongst other things.
The cost for the event is $100 for both days (Tuesday only- $50, Wednesday only- $60).
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Thrivent Members - Don't Forget Your Choice Dollar Allocation and Community Action Funds! Deadline - March 31
Thrivent Choice charitable grant program engages Thrivent members and Thrivent Member Networks in providing grants that support charitable activities. The Thrivent Choice program encourages Thrivent benefit members to recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes an amount of its charitable grand funds. Members make this recommendation by directing Choice Dollars to enrolled nonprofit organizations, including churches and their programs.
Eligible Thrivent Members can direct between from $25 to $5000 Choice Dollars each year to enrolled nonprofit organizations, including churches. You have until March 31, 2023 to direct your 2022 Choice Dollars.
How do Thrivent action teams work? Simply gather a team of neighbors or friends for a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Your team provides the passion that brings your project to life, and Thrivent will help with resources including up to $250 in seed money! Each Thrivent member can apply to help out a each year for two $250.00 cards. That’s $500.00 per member per year!
Contact your Thrivent Agent or go to My Thrivent Login for more information, to direct Choice Dollars, or to start an Action Team!
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