Pacifica Synod News & Notes
April 22, 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 Closes May 2! |
We are less than one month away from our 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly that will take place in-person at the Irvine Marriott May 19-21, 2022.
Online registration of voting members and visitors to the Assembly will close on Monday, May 2. Please be sure your voting members and visitors are registered.
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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Our Assembly webpage is the place to go for ALL available information about the Assembly, including the following:
Hotel Reservation Link (Discount Rate Ends April 27)
Pre-Assembly Reports Notebook for Download
May 7 Online Resolutions & Budget Hearing Info
Assembly Schedule (subject to change)
How to Volunteer
Bishop Election Updates
Please check back often, as new information is added
as it becomes available.
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What is AB 506 and How Does it Affect Ministries?
Online Zoom Gathering - Thursday, April 28
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The State of California passed new legislation, AB 506, effective January 1, 2022 related to screening and training volunteers and employees who interact with children, as a result of multiple large sexual abuse claims. Nancy Bond, the Synod's Insurance provider, has shared the following information about AB 506:
"It’s pretty simple and nothing new, except that now it’s mandatory to follow the best practices we have known and trained about for YEARS."
AB 506 requires all organizations that serve children (including churches, schools, day cares, nonprofits and others) to perform a background check (including fingerprinting and running those prints against California's criminal database) on their volunteers and employees. This type of criminal history check is commonly known in California as a Live Scan. Additionally, these employees and volunteers must be provided training that meets the State's standards related to the requirements of a mandated reporter.
Nancy Bond will be joining our Synod Youth Ministry Leaders online THIS Thursday, April 28 from noon to 1:00 p.m. (PDT) /9 to 10 a.m. (HST) to provide information on AB 506 and offer suggestions and solutions for compliance. All Rostered Ministers and lay leaders are invited to join us. If you are interested, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org to be sent the Zoom link.
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Congregational Financial Review Workshop
Resources Now Available
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In March, Pacifica Synod’s Executive Assistant for Accounting, Terri Robertson, hosted two online workshops to assist congregations in understanding the steps to conduct an annual Financial Review of their financial records and processes. This annual review assists the congregational council in fulfilling its general oversight of the congregation’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control systems.
The recordings of and resources from these two workshops may be found on the synod website HERE.
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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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Books & Breakfast at Danish Lutheran Church
Saturday, April 30
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On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, author, folklorist and Orthodox Christian, Nic Hartmann from Iowa will visit the Danish Lutheran Church and speak about his book: " Northern Light of Christ. Lessons on faith from above the Birch Line."
The church is located at 16881 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda. The event cost is $20 and includes breakfast. You may reserve your spot and purchase tickets via their website at www.danishchurchsocal.com (click the "Shop & Reservations tab at the top of the page) or by email at info@danishchurchsocal.com. Walk-ins are also welcome to attend and pay at the door.
Masks will be required when not seated and eating. For a downloadable flyer to share, click here.
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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 |
Spring and Care for Creation
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares some examples of how Lutherans are caring for creation and addressing climate justice. God call us to be stewards of the earth, and to fully integrate creation care into our love of God, neighbor and everything in our environment. Resources and more information can be found here.
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As we return to a post-pandemic world, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that we will need the “word of the Lord—the Word that calls us back to our center, which is the steadfast love of God, law and gospel, judgment and promise.”
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ELCA Church Council Considers Debt, Discipline
and a Declaration to the Muslim Community
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The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met March 31–April 2. The council, which serves as the ELCA’s board of directors, took action on a variety of matters before this church. Among them were preparations for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, to be held Aug. 8-12 in Columbus, Ohio. To read about all of the key actions by the Church Council, click here.
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ELCA 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants
Application Period 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.
Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrantsto 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. An earlier webinar was recorded and is 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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Arab American Heritage Month Celebration
Thursday, April 28
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April is Arab American Heritage Month! The Association of Lutheran of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH) is hosting an online celebration on Thursday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. (PDT)/1:00 p.m. (HST).
The event will feature speakers Samer Khalaf, national president of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and Jonathan Kuttab, executive director of Friends of Sabeel North America. Join us to discuss of Arab American heritage in the United States, advocacy, justice, combating discrimination and more.
When you register, you will receive an email confirmation with details about how to access the meeting.
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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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Lutheran Office of Public Policy
Virtual Lutheran Lobby Day - May 18
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We will gather virtually again this year to support bills for social, racial, and environmental justice in California. There will be opportunities to learn together in workshops and Advocacy 101, and you'll be scheduled to meet in a group with two legislators during the day. Come whether you've lobbied your legislators dozens of times or if this is your first time! All are welcome.
Please share with your communities through church or youth group newsletters, etc. We are living out a Lutheran theology in our advocacy, and we welcome anyone who is working for justice and peace to join in for Lobby Day.
Register by Tuesday, May 10, 2022. For FAQs and more information, click here.
Advocacy in Quarantine - Join LOPP every Wednesday at noon on Zoom. Come during your lunch hour to stay informed about California politics and take a quick, concrete action. Click here for more information and the Zoom link to join.
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Building Your Anti-Racism Team: Next Faithful Steps
Webinar Series
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This is a follow up series to the ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ) webinar around How to Build a Congregation, Synod and/or Campus Anti-Racism team. As with any team, having shared goals is really important for doing effective work. The team should decide what their function will be by identifying their goals. Each racial justice team is unique to a specific congregation and community context. The goals of the team should be defined keeping that in mind. The main areas that a team focuses on falls into three areas: internal team goals, congregational goals, and community goals.
Hosted by: The ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ)
Audience/For whom: Anybody in the ELCA, specifically interested in connecting with other folks building or working at a synod, campus or congregational anti-racist team.
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Portico Benefits Services Updates |
News headlines have been particularly dire this spring, and the investment markets have responded with nerve-rattling volatility. A newly-updated page on myPortico will give you context for the short- and long-term effects of market leaps and plunges. And a new blog post by Portico Chief Investment Officer David Quello address how Portico is responding to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Spring allergies? Worn out by Lent? Remember: Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have 24/7 access to text-based primary care from board certified physicians through the 98point6 app – at no out-of-pocket cost, thanks to recent action by Congress. You read that right: $0 copay for all ELCA-Primary members, Apr. 1-Dec. 31, 2022. Find out more on myPortico (and take care of yourself!)
Andrea Arey, Regional Representative, Regions 1 and 2
Portico Benefit Services / A Ministry of the ELCA
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ELCA World Hunger's
Global Farm Challenge
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The 2022 Youth Gathering may be canceled, but the work of the church is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic and violent conflict around the world, especially in Ukraine, have led to a rise in hunger unlike any we have seen in recent history.
As you plan for new activities and events this summer for youth, we invite you to join us in ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge, a youth-focused, whole-church campaign to accompany our neighbors who are facing threats of hunger and poverty around the world.
Bring ELCA World Hunger into the life of your youth group and congregation with resources to use at church, on the road to your next service-learning trip, at camp or at any of your summer gatherings. Global Farm Challenge resources will be mailed to your congregation and available to order or download in mid-May.
Visit ELCA.org/globalfarmchallenge for more information, to order resources when they become available, and to begin planning your youth group’s participation and fundraising.
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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.
“Health"
Wednesday, May 17, 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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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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Habitat for Humanity's Build for Unity Build Day
Saturday, April 30
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You are invited to be a part of Habitat for Humanity Orange County's Build for Unity coalition build day on Saturday, April 30th from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the city of Stanton. Come out and build – no experience necessary!
The build-site is located on the corner of Beach Blvd and Cerritos. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. No walk-ons permitted.
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Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences
Summer Camp Counselors Needed!
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Share the joy of camp and teach God’s love this summer!
You are BUILT FOR THIS!!
Are you, or do you know, a young adult looking for a summer job?
LRCC is looking for camp counselors for Summer 2022! Counselors are the face of LRCC’s summer program. They spend each week directly interacting with campers, whether it be at El Camino Pines, Luther Glen Farm, or at a Day Camp. The summer date commitment is June 7th to August 6th, 2022.
If you love working with kids and enjoy the outdoors, being a counselor could be the perfect summer job! Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applications can be found here!
Learn more about Summer Camp 2022 here!
Questions?
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Center of Addiction & Faith
Webinar - April 28
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The Center of Addiction & Faith is presenting a one-hour free webinar on April 28, 2022, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. PDT with a follow-up 30-minute Zoom discussion.
Title of Webinar: Addiction & Relapse: A New Paradigm for Recovery
Description: With fentanyl showing up in every kind of street drug, relapse following treatment is becoming increasingly dangerous. Relapse is widely accepted as the norm following treatment, but does it need to be? There are evidence-based practices that work very well to prevent relapse, but those practices are not regularly applied in the field.
Bill Messinger, retired attorney and recovery coach, will help us understand the state of current relapse prevention practices and what we can do to improve outcomes. He will help us understand how faith communities could play an important supportive role helping people on their journey back to wholeness. Join us for this free webinar and discussion on this life and death issue.
Register here:
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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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Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)
Hope Lutheran Church, Temecula
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Part-time Administrative Assistant needed to support staff and congregation at Hope Lutheran Church in Temecula. The position is 25 hours per week at $20 per hour.
Primary duties are to facilitate clerical operations and administrative support. Must be able to work independently and multi-task effectively. Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong computer competency and problem-solving abilities are needed.
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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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