Pacifica Synod News & Notes
April 1, 2022
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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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2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly News |
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Online Assembly Registration is Now Open Through May 2 |
Online registration of voting members and visitors to the Assembly is now open!
Click the button below to go to the registration page. Both group and individual registration options are available. All attendees must register online.
Online registration will close on May 2.
In order to prepare for registration so that you have the necessary information on hand when you are ready to do so, we have prepared registration instructions and a worksheet for your use. You may download these forms HERE.
These forms have also been mailed to all congregations. Remember, prepayment of your congregational assembly registration fee invoice did NOT register your voting members!
ALL Assembly attendees must follow the COVID-19 protocols set forth by Synod Council. To view these protocols, please visit our Assembly webpage.
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Assembly Hotel Reservations - Irvine Marriott |
The 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place at the Irvine Marriott, located at 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612. A discounted rate of $149 per night for those attending the Assembly is available through April 27, 2022 or until the room block is depleted, whichever comes first. You are encouraged to reserve your rooms as soon as you are able.
Use this link to reserve your room online. This rate is available for the nights of May 18 to 22 only. You may also make your reservations by calling Marriott Reservations directly at (800) 228-9290. Be sure to let the know you are with the Pacifica Synod 2022 Assembly and reference Group Code PACPACA.
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All other assembly information, including COVID-19 protocols, bishop election updates, resolutions and memorials, and Synod Council elections, may be found on our Assembly webpage. Please check back often, as new information is added as it becomes available.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod
Rostered & Lay Leaders
Thursday, April 7, 2022
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11:00 a.m. to noon (PDT) / 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (HST)
In April, Coaching for All Seasons welcomes
Author Beth Slevcove
on the topic of "Self-compassion in a Traumatized Time"
“Self-care is never a selfish act. It is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.”
Parker Palmer
At our next Coaching for All Seasons session, author Beth Slevcove discusses the importance of self-compassion as an act of receiving God’s compassion in and through ourselves. Without this intentional practice of receptivity, and the self-care that stems from it, we will not be able to heal or hold the space for others to heal from the incredible amount of trauma, loss, and grief the world has experienced during this pandemic.
Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join
Beth Slevcove is a hospice chaplain, spiritual director, writer, mother, spouse and surfer who loves good books, good waves, camping in her VW Westfalia, and much more silence than her life allows. She holds advanced degrees in theology and education. Her book Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life was released through InterVarsity Press. Beth is deeply rooted in her urban, Lutheran congregation and is an oblate at a Benedictine monastery. She lives with her husband, two kids and dozens of Tijuana Surf Monkeys from a surf company she runs. She can be reached at BethSlevSD@gmail.com.
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. If you would like more information about coaching, please contact Deenna Eley, Pacifica Synod Coaching Coordinator at pacificacoachinggroup@gmail.com
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Ordinations & Installations |
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Installation of Pastor Steve Anderson
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. HST
All are invited to participate in prayer or in-person.
All clergy are invited to vest, and the color of the day is white. Masks are optional for those attending in person.
All are invited to stay for a meal following the service, featuring "Anderson Family Recipes". RSVP's are requested and may be done to 909.882.5013 or by email to office@lcosavior.org
The service will be offered via Zoom using the following:
Zoom Meeting ID: 885 8680 5597 | Passcode: 920991
Stephen R. Anderson was born and raised in the Inland Empire region of southern California, and has resided there throughout his lifetime. A longtime member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Rialto, Steve’s call to serve in the ministry came at age 7 when the Holy Spirit spoke through his pastor, Roshandeen J. Ramnarine.
In 2001 the Holy Spirit led Steve, his wife Arlea, and their two sons, Zack and Josh to relocate to Riverside, and to join Eden Lutheran Church. There, the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen his sense of call through pastors Ray Wade and Linda Brown, plus many others.
In 2013 the Holy Spirit led Steve to formally begin the journey of accepting God’s call, with a return to school to earn an undergraduate degree in Communication. Steve’s education continued with acceptance to United Lutheran Seminary in 2017, where Steve earned a Master of Divinity degree in 2021. In January, 2022 Steve was called as the pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Savior - Spirit of Hope in San Bernardino. Steve was ordained on March 12, 2022 at Eden Lutheran Church in Riverside (see below).
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Sharing Our Faith Stories
Evangelism Curriculum Resources
Now Available for Congregation Use
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Evangelism doesn't have to mean handing out pamphlets or cornering strangers at the mall.
Pastor Jennifer Garcia, Associate Pastor of First Lutheran in Fullerton and a member of the Pacifica Synod Evangelism Team, is offering a Bible study curriculum for Pacifica Synod congregations to use during the Easter season about sharing our faith stories in a relational way.
Printed copies have been mailed to congregations and you are encouraged to use the resource during the six weeks of the Easter season (though you are, of course, welcome to use it whenever).
You may also download the curriculum from the Sharing Our Faith Stories webpage on our synod website. There you will also find the links to the recordings of the six sessions of online training for use of the resources that Pastor Jennifer led in January and February 2022.
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Upcoming Office of the Bishop Staff Sermons |
To assist Rostered Ministers and congregational leaders in your worship planning and in gratitude for all they do, the Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop staff will be providing recorded sermons for the following two Sundays in April and May:
The Sunday after Easter, April 24
The Sunday following Synod Assembly, May 22
As has been done in the past, we will provide a link to access the MP4 files that can be downloaded and drop in to your video/stream without much editing. We will also provide the link to these sermons on our Synod YouTube channel. They will not be public on YouTube until those Sundays. In addition, we will also provide transcripts of each sermon to use for translation where needed.
More information, including the release dates of these sermons will be shared with our Rostered Ministers and congregation leaders when it becomes available.
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Service of Holy Closure
Hope Lutheran Church, Riverside
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After serving the community faithfully for 65 years, Hope Lutheran Church in Riverside held their final service, a Service of Holy Closure, on Sunday, March 27. Both Pacifica Synod Bishop Andy Taylor and Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Tom Goellrich, were able to join with congregation members and friends on Sunday. We give thanks for the ministry that has taken place in, with and through this congregation and pray that the peace of God's presence be with all. |
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Pacifica Synod Dean's Retreat |
The Pacifica Synod Deans met with Bishop Andy and Pastor Terry at Luther Glen Farm March 14-15 for Bible study, fellowship, reflection on our shared work, and to pray for our congregations. It was good to finally be able to meet in person after months of Zoom conversations. We are grateful for the faithful service of our Synod Deans. |
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Global Mission Update
Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko Adachi
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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 March 2022 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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10th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival
Thursday, May 12
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The 10th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival will take place on Thursday, May 12 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Claremont from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. PST. This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP to attend, please email Pastor Thom Johnson at TJohnson@cst.edu or contact by phone at 909.802.9549.
The event will also be offered online via Zoom. For those who wish to participate in this manner, please indicate so when you RSVP and you will be sent the link and password.
For a downloadable PDF flyer to share, click here.
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From the Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton |
March 24, 2022
For those of you who are wondering about the particulars of the process to address the issues that arose in the Sierra Pacific Synod, I want to give you an update on the ways in which we are moving forward.
I have selected members of a Listening Team who have begun their work and will soon travel to the territory of the synod to conduct a series of interviews.
These interviews will be times of holy listening to people who have been affected in various ways by the situation. I have chosen members of the Listening Team to represent the diversity of the church and to reflect the communities most directly involved. They will conclude their work after Easter and will provide a report to me that will serve as an advisory document for my prayerful discernment and decision-making.
Please understand that I am seeking to balance the need to move quickly with the need to move thoughtfully and thoroughly. Certainly, the work of the Listening Team is just one part of the lengthy and deep work that we must do in the ELCA to continue to be transformed by the gospel for the work of justice and peace.
Please join me in holding in prayer the church and all those affected by these events.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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ELCA 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration Now Open!
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Registration for ELCA World Hunger’s 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants is now open through May 6! ELCA World Hunger congratulates those partners in ministry awarded a 2022 Domestic Hunger Grant and all those continuing grants with us this year.
We would also like to recognize all 12 of our 2022 Big Dream partners in ministry. Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants to view the complete list of ministries working creatively and courageously in their communities. On the website you can also learn about the 2023 grant opportunities and how to apply. Congregations with feeding ministries should also watch for the next round of Daily Bread Matching Grants in the coming months! Visit ELCA.org/dailybread to learn more.
Organizations applying for an ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant for the first time must register by creating an account in ELCA GrantMaker to access the application once the window opens on April 18, 2022. If your organization has already registered in ELCA GrantMaker, now would be a great time to log back in and confirm that your contact information is current.
ELCA World Hunger will host a Zoom webinar April 6 at 12 p.m. Central time to review granting priorities and cover the basics of applying. To join us for this virtual event, please register here for a Zoom link.
The webinar will be recorded and accessible via the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page.
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Ukraine & Eastern Europe Crisis Response |
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, millions of people have fled the country and are seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. There are major humanitarian concerns for both internally displaced people and refugees. Many of these Ukrainians fleeing their homes need shelter and such basic necessities as food, water and toiletries. Care for people also includes pastoral and psychological support to address the trauma they’ve endured.
There are a number of ways that you can support relief efforts through your financial gifts. Below are some of the Lutheran organizations involved in these efforts.
Lutheran Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. Click here to learn more.
You are invited to watch this video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton about the situation in Eastern Europe and the ELCA’s response. To share this information with your congregations, download this bulletin insert.
Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief received tremendous news: Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin will double all gifts from congregations – up to $258,000 – for our neighbors suffering in the Ukraine crisis. Right now, Lutheran World Relief teams are working with partners in and around Ukraine. Your congregation’s gift will deliver urgent support and care, like: food, shelter and other critically needed items; Mission Quilts and Kits for families who fled their homes; and medicine and supplies for clinics.
Gifts will be matched through April 25. You can give online at www.lwr.org/match or by mailing to LWR, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write “Ukraine Match” in the memo line.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Already more than 2 million refugees have escaped to neighboring countries—half of whom are children. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is closely monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors. We are dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and immigrants however possible, in keeping with our long history of supporting refugees from Eastern Europe and around the world.
LIRS stands committed to providing the absolute best care to refugees and immigrants who arrive in the United States, and we are working hard to bolster the refugee resettlement program to welcome more new Americans. To make a gift that will impact the lives of those we are serving domestically, visit lirs.org/give.
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Reparatory Justice Series
Third Wednesday of Each Month
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This webinar series provides education about the national and global reparatory justice movement in order to take faithful action to “repair the breach” as commanded in Isaiah 58:12.
Live webinar on the third Wednesday of each month
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PDT on Zoom.
Re-broadcast @ 4:00 p.m. PDT on NCC’s YouTube and Facebook.
“Housing, Land, and Debt"
Wednesday, April 19, 2022
Come learn the difference between, equality, equity, and reparatory justice while also receiving an overview of the faith community’s US and global engagement in the reparatory justice movement. For more information and recordings of the prior webinars, visit https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/reparatory-justice-series/
Produced by the Reparatory Justice Table:
This series is produced in coalition with the Center for Reparatory Justice, Transformation, and Remediation at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference; Church World Service; The Episcopal Church; the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Religious Action Center for Jewish Reform; Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; National Council of Churches; the Presbyterian Church (USA); Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.; and the United Church of Christ.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days
April 25-27, 2022
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) is an annual gathering of Christian advocates and activists. People attending EAD worship, review advocacy best practices, dive deeper into issues of their selection around the central theme, take Lobby Day action, and network with people of faith passionate about the difference policy can make in peoples’ lives. Lutherans in attendance have denomination-specific opportunities to get to know one another and vision what we can do together!
#EAD2022 is a virtual gathering, held Wednesday through Friday, April 25-27, 2022. The schedule is posted to advocacydays.org.
This year’s theme, “Fierce Urgency: Advancing Civil & Human Rights,” calls us into solidarity to restore, protect and expand voting rights in the United States and to realize human rights around the world.
Several Lutheran leaders will present workshops, and participants will have opportunities to meet ELCA advocacy colleagues and network with other Lutherans during denominational time. Those who attend will also be equipped and receive support to work on voting rights and civic engagement through ELCAvotes.
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2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Location Announced! |
We’re jazzed to announce that we’re heading to New Orleans for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble! The Big Easy is filled with rich history, friendly locals, amazing food and great music, and we just can’t wait to go back. Mark your calendars for July 16-20, 2024, to join us for this transformational faith formation event. MYLE and the tAble will take place immediately before on July 13-16.
The 2024 Gathering is just two years away, so download the Gathering media pack to share with your congregation as you get people excited to attend! Also, be on the lookout for two resources about things to do in New Orleans and the ELCA's rich history with New Orleans, coming to the Gathering website soon.
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As language continues to evolve around the way we identify ourselves and others, so has the ELCA’s style guide. The most recent shift involves use of gendered language regarding our siblings in Christ, with a focus on ways to ensure that we represent everyone in the church, emphasizing gender-inclusive terminology and using titles and pronouns to reflect and honor nonbinary identities. These changes may seem small, but they are significant steps toward ensuring that we are all seen and loved as children of God throughout the church.
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Now is the Time Study
Thursdays, April 28 - June 2
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What: ELCA Now is the Time study (5-part series): A Study for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent
Who: For those who want to journey through this study together in community
Why: Now is the time...for white members of the ELCA to face our own resistance and fear ...to name uncomfortable truths ...to let go of guilt and embrace responsibility ...to uncover silence and complicity ...to acknowledge the depths of systemic racism and white supremacist culture and thinking ...for repentance, and the time to trust God’s liberating grace, which gives us courage to face an uncomfortable past and walk boldly into a new future of racial justice and reconciliation, and of structural change.
Join us to do this work together.
When: 5 Thursdays from April 28 – June 2, 9 – 11 am PDT (not meeting on May 19)
Format: Zoom webinar (everyone on camera, everyone sharing in small groups with large group time as well)
Facilitated by:
Pastor Kacey Hahn
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Renton, WA
Desta Goehner, Spiritual Director
Director of Congregational Relations at California Lutheran University
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Community Lutheran Church, Rancho Santa Margarita
Spring Boutique - Open Air Market
April 2
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Lutheran Men in Mission
Virtual Gathering - April 2
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Worship and Learning Opportunities
at the Institute of Liturgical Studies
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Registration is still open through April 20 for the 2022 Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University.
Gathered around the theme “Kyrie and Gloria in Liturgy and Life,” the 2022 Institute features plenaries, seminars, workshops, and liturgies that explore such topics as: liturgy, music, and preaching in the midst of traumas, tensions, and trials; the nature and meaning of assembly; and creative opportunities that emerge during crisis and uncertainty.
This year’s plenary speakers include Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner (Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago), Rev. Canon Hugh R. Page, Jr. (University of Notre Dame), and Dr. Teresa Berger (Yale Divinity School), and the Elm Ensemble will offer a festival of psalms as part of the Institute’s annual David G. Truemper Memorial Concert. More information about the schedule and registration options can be found at the Institute’s website.
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Fast with a Muslim Interfaith Ramadan Event
Sunday, April 24
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The Month of Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and a month in which Muslims globally fast (no food or drink including water) from Dawn till Sunset.
This event is catered to guests of other Faiths in hopes of bridging the ever-widening gaps in our society. The event will include a great opportunity to meet others, observe our sunset prayer, a Ramadan 101 presentation, interesting ice-breaking activities, and more all over a delicious dinner! We also encourage you to fast this day with us if you are able to. If you are not able to fast, no worries at all. Simply join us.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA World Hunger "Go & Do News" - Feb 2022
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Organist/Pianist (Part-Time)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior – Spirit of Hope in San Bernardino, seeks an Organist/Pianist to join our ministry worship team. Key job requirements / experience include familiarity and comfort with both traditional Lutheran liturgical worship, and praise / contemporary worship; Flexibility, and an interest in growth as our congregation continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
For more information, or a job description, please contact pastor Steve Anderson by email: PastorSteve@lcosavior.org, or by phone: 909.882.5013.
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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.
Please send resumes to office@lcosavior.org. If you have any questions regarding the position, please call 909-882-5013.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA)
Basic Training in Transitions for
Intentional Interim Ministry
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Are you considering serving as an Intentional Interim Pastor? Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (formerly NALIP) is offering a special Spring training class. This is nearly full, but you can still enter training now.
Phase 1 is virtual and online for 12 weeks beginning April 21. Phase 2 is residential in St. Louis next September 26-30.
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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.
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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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 the family and friends of Nan Renad (the sister of Pastor Richard Vevia)
- Owen Frantz and his parents Becca Ajer Frantz and Andrew Frantz.
- For the people of Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries affected by this violent conflict.
- 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 - Ukraine, 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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