CHRIST - COMMUNITY - CONNECT

October 3, 2024

Transforming lives and making the

Great Commission REAL!

The Weekly Newsletter and the Prayer & Praise are created with information provided by PSD churches and organizations.

Visit the Job Site to view current job openings in congregations and schools.

The PSD has moved to a new job site format. The old Job Site is available to view but will no longer be updated with new jobs. You can use this new space to post your positions and talk with possible candidates or get recommended candidates.

The PSD Office has moved to CUI's Spectrum Campus

Our new address is 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, #300, Irvine, CA 92618. Our phone number remains the same. We look forward to seeing you at our new office.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

for our All Workers Conference 2024!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

for our PSD All Workers Conference 2024!


Click here to register! Registration closes on October 15.


**The registration form includes the ability for an administrator or other individual to register multiple people for the conference. Note that the person registering a group will need to re-enter some information for each registrant - instructions are provided.


When: November 24-26, 2024 

Where: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Phoenix, AZ

Theme: All One – Ephesians 4:1-7


I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 


We are excited to have our own Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President of the Pacific Southwest District, lead our worship on Monday morning. This year’s conference offering is designated to go to a newly created Pacific Southwest District Church Worker Scholarship Fund. 

 

We will start the conference Sunday afternoon with a plenary keynote presentation by Dr. Danny Brassell, America’s Leading Reading Ambassador” and author of 16 books, including his best-selling book, Read, Lead & Succeed. The presentation will be followed by an exciting kickoff event featuring praise and worship, commissioned minister jubilarian recognition and more.


On Monday, we will have a morning keynote presentation by Dr. Vanessa Seifert on adaptive leadership following our main worship with President Gibson, with two sessions of breakout presentations for all church workers in the afternoon.  


This year’s registration cost will be $190 per person. Hotel rooms will be $129 per night. Check out the conference website. Registration is now open - click here to register. Please register by October 15.


BREAKOUT SESSIONS - SNEEK PEEK

CLICK HERE for a sneak peek of the breakout sessions that will be offered at the All Workers Conference! Registration for sessions will be coming soon, so be sure you are registered for the conference by October 15, as session registration will come as a separate email. 


SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS

Be an integral part of this conference as a sponsor and exhibitor, and engage with the wide spectrum of PSD church and school leaders and decision-makers.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Info and Registration Here


Please note: Deacons and PMAs are included in this conference.


Check out the conference website

New This Week

Hurricane Helene Update

We lift our prayers for all affected by the recent hurricane. The following was shared by the Southeastern District Disaster Response Team.


"A lasting response and recovery” are the words being used to describe North Carolina’s Emergency Operations Center regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Southeastern District is just beginning to assess the damage and need to District congregations, schools, ministries, and communities. Already we have learned that most major roads in and out of Western NC are closed: mudslides, downed trees, and washed-out bridges are contributing to this. In many areas, there is no power, no water, and no cell service. Immediate concerns include the need for mass feeding and hygiene kits. However, we have not identified a location to send these kits. More information about this will be published as we have details. Join us in prayer for all who have been impacted by the storm, praying especially that power, water, cell, and phone service are quickly restored.


You can help by sending contributions to:


Southeastern District

2305 N. Parham Road, Suite 200, Henrico, VA 23229

or via the District website.


Florida-Georgia District

5850 T G Lee Blvd., Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32822

or via the District website.


Contributions may also be sent to the Pacific Southwest District and we will forward them. Be sure to mark your contribution Hurricane Helene.

A Night of Vocal Music

A Night of Vocal Music will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Orange, CA.

Breakfast Bible Study

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA is hosting a Breakfast Bible Study on Saturday, October 12 at 9:00 am led by Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher. Breakfast starts at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall followed by the presentation at 9:00 am. RSVP to the Church office at churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net or call 714-846-6330. For those who would like to participate over Zoom, a meeting link is available on our website under Events, Upcoming Events.

Connect With Mental Health and

Anxiety Management Resources

Concordia Health Plan is excited to announce the launch of a new and improved Evernorth Confide Behavioral Health Navigator website and app experience.


You may need to enter your employer ID to register:    

  • Concordia Health Plan and household members: CONCORDIA
  • Pastors and household members: PASTOR 

We look forward to providing you with an enhanced online experience to fit your personal wellness journey.


For questions or help with registration, please call Evernorth Confide at 866-726-5267, or try the Registration guide.

Pipe Organ Benefit Concert

You are invited to a Pipe Organ Benefit Concert on Saturday, November 2, 4:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, Banning, CA. Recitalist Bob Scholz from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Lake Arrowhead, CA will play on 900 pipes in 16 ranks to benefit Mama's House, a safe home for women facing unplanned pregnancies, with children and/or victims or abuse. Advance tickets are $15.00, at the door tickets are $20.00. Visit glcbanning.org for more information.

NIV Study Bibles Needed

World Lutheran Deaf Outreach is in need of NIV Study Bibles. They use them for training deaf leaders. If you or your congregation has some they would be willing to donate, please contact Rev. Dr. John Reinke at Rev.Reinke@gmail.com.

Upcoming October Events

One Day Women's Retreat

Jesus Joy Journey

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Diamond Bar, CA is pleased to invite you to Jesus Joy Journey being held on Saturday, October 5. This women’s retreat, led by Patra Mueller, will encourage, equip, and empower women so that God’s kingdom is expanded. Patra loves sharing God’s Word with others. We know that you will be enriched by God’s Word in attending this seminar. The cost is $10 for early bird registration and $15 if you show up at the door. Continental breakfast and lunch included. To register, please RSVP by September 30 at outreach@mcldb.org or 909-720-5078.

Pastor Day at Concordia University

Pastor Day, being held Friday, October 18, is a chance for the University to thank those who serve as pastor to our students - or any church worker for that matter. In addition to celebrating you in our chapel service that day, we will also make sure that you eat well and get a Pastor Day memento to take home. In the spirit of servant leadership, we will also offer the pastors in attendance an opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and staff of Concordia.


To register, email Elisabeth Michael at elisabeth.michael@cui.edu.

SoCal Connect 2024

SoCal Connects 2024 is ready to get you energized, encouraged, and CONNECTED to be more intentional about the mission to which Jesus has called us. This isn’t your grandpa’s LLL District Convention…it’s your kid’s! 

 

Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange, CA 

When: Saturday, October 26 , 9:00 am - 2:00 pm 

What: Praise & Meditation; Community Building; Keynote by Rev. Dr. Michael Ziegler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour; Mini Sessions (Blitz Breakouts!); Poster Sessions (Mission Speed Dating!); Service Project; FREE Lunch/Breakfast/Breaks; drawings & prizes to spur you on to fruitful ministry! 

Who: Everyone about age 12 and up who can hang out with adults for the morning and then roll over to the service event! 

Why: Lutheran Laymen’s League, SoCal District, Annual Meeting…this year’s business will take 7 minutes, rest of the day is dedicated to CONNECTING!


Service Project: Hygiene Kits for Orphan Grain Train. Please bring any of the following to help, instead of paying a registration fee: 1 bath towel; 1 washcloth; 1 bath-sized bar of soap; 1 sturdy comb; 6 bandages (½” or ¾”); 1 “purse pack” of facial tissues; 1 nail clippers. LLL SoCal and Thrivent provide the rest!


Info? Please CONNECT with Krista Nagy by email: LLLSoCal3@gmail.com or by phone at 260.797.8065. Registration deadline is October.


Register Here

Conference Flyer

Previously Posted

God at Work in the PSD

Creation School's Journey

Nestled against the beautiful Rincon Mountains, in a cozy nook of the Sonoran Desert in Vail AZ, shines the aptly named Creation School, a ministry of Christ Lutheran Vail Church - where the thrill of learning meets the wonder of God’s creation and the joy of Jesus’ love.

 

In the Fall of 2012, Administrative director Jennifer Hook envisioned a Christian early childhood center and by 2013 Creation Preschool and Parent’s Day Out was created! Starting with 5 students and a part-time teacher in a modular classroom, ten years later there are now 100 students from Early Learners (2 years old) through 6th grade occupying 4 buildings and 8 classrooms. Truly God @ Work! Expansion plans include the addition of four more modular buildings to serve 7th and 8th grade students next year.


Read Full Article

Free to a Good Home: Disaster Response Trailer

15’ Disaster Relief Trailer equipped with chainsaws, shovels, rakes, a generator, and other equipment needed for response. All equipment is in great shape. Delivery not available - must pick up.



If interested contact:

Pastor Travis Ferguson tferguson@christlamesa.org or Pastor Rick Stark at pastorrick@tlcsd.org.

Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry

Annual Toy and Shoe Box Drive

Now through January 6, 2025, Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry is conducting their annual Toy & Shoe Box Drive, collecting wrapped or unwrapped gifts for children ages newborn-18 years. Drop off is located at the LBCM's office located at 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. For drop off times and further information call 619-286-2445 or email lbcmsd@gmail.com. If you would like them to do the shopping for you, you can make a donation by check or use PayPal or Venmo.

Mission Training Center

Have you ever been asked to lead a Bible study or speak to a group on a faith topic and felt inadequate or unprepared? If yes, this course is for you! Pastor Bo Baumeister is both a gifted preacher and a gifted teacher. He will help you learn the basics skills for proclaiming your faith in a public setting.

 

MTC 008 Proclaiming the Faith

October 17 - December 19, Thursdays 6-8 pm (Pacific)


Learn More/Register

Gathering Updates & Resources

Registration

Here you will find registration materials to register your group for the Gathering. Primary Adult Leaders are encouraged to read through the provided materials thoroughly before beginning the registration process. Groups can begin online data entry in October 2024 (Date TBA). Beginning November 1, groups can begin mailing their registration to the Gathering Office (LCMS Youth Ministry - 1333 South Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122).


Pre-Gathering Bible Studies Now Available

Each study dives into the Old Testament, offering insights that connect directly with this Gathering’s theme, ENDURE. 


YAV Application Open Until Dec 31

Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) are adults ages 19–25 who serve as role models and servant leaders throughout all corners of the Gathering. The YAV application is open until December 31, 2024. 


YAV Captain Application Open Until Oct 15

YAV Captains have the responsibility and privilege to care for a team of YAVS, communicate with the YAV Planning team, Squad Leaders, and Gathering Planners of their area(s) of service. Applicants can select to be consider for serving as a Captain through October 15, 2024.  


Gathering Questions?

Check out lcmsgathering.com or email the PSD District Coordinators at lcmsgathering@psd-lcms.org.

A Concordia Christmas

Celebrate the Christmas season with the voices and instruments of Concordia University Irvine. Concordia's annual Christmas concert tradition returns to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Sunday, December 15 with a 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm performances.


Concordia’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, and orchestra share a sojourn to the birth of the world’s long-awaited Savior! This year showcases more than 200 performers from eight vocal and instrumental performing ensembles under the masterful direction of Dr. Michael Busch, Dr. Jeff Held, Dr. Clarissa Shan, and Alex Guebert. Enjoy festive carols and Christmas favorites, old and new.

Concordia's Christmas concerts are a highlight of the holiday season, so get your tickets today! Tickets start at $22.60. Purchase Tickets Here

Decorate Rose Parade Floats

Sign Up Today!

Family Discipleship Facilitator Training

Building on our Lutheran heritage, Concordia Center for the Family (CCF) is training pastors, other church workers, and qualified lay leaders to help us ignite new zeal for Family Discipleship in our LCMS. As home and congregations work together to disciple the next generations, our LCMS and Christ's Kingdom will flourish!


Would you like more training and resources to support this vision? CCF would love to have you join us! Our next training events are scheduled for April 22-26, 2025 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and May 12-16, 2025 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.


For more information visit concordiafamily.org.

Pacific Southwest District
949-854-3232
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