Pacifica Synod News & Notes
February 18, 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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Day of Theological Reflection 2022
"The Gift and Challenge of Digital Ministry"
Thursday, March 17, 2022
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Rostered ministers and lay leaders of the Pacifica Synod are invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, March 17, from 10:00 – 12:00 noon PDT/7:00 - 9:00 a.m. HST, for our 2022 Day of Theological Reflection. The theme for the day will be “The Gift and Challenge of Digital Ministry'.
For most of us, March of 2020 was when we began taking digital ministry seriously. Our congregations could no longer meet in person. We were challenged to discover how we could serve our communities and be the church together online. We have been learning, experimenting, finding some success, and making new connections ever since.
This online conversation will be based on what we have learned in our own context. It is not a “brag session” and there will be no experts. Instead, we will talk about worship, education, meetings, and evangelism from our lived experience. The majority of our time will be spend in small group discussion. By doing this, we hope to support each other and glean some tips to employ in our parishes.
There is no cost for this event but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Please note that registration will close one hour prior to the start of the event.
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Upcoming Installations & Ordinations
in the Pacifica Synod
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Installation of Pastor Gloria Imamura
Prince of Peace Lutheran, Honolulu
Tuesday, February 22 - 11:00 a.m. HST/1:00 p.m. PST
All are invited to participate in prayer and those who plan to attend in person are required to wear a mask. The service will be livestreamed on the congregation's Facebook page and may be accessed at https://www.princeofpeacewaikiki.com/.
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Installation of Pastor J.P. Paxton
Lihue Lutheran Church, Lihue, Kauai
Saturday, February 19 - 3:00 p.m. HST/5:00 p.m. PST
All are invited to participate in prayer.
Ordination & Installation of Pastor Brianna Lloyd
Lutheran Church of Honolulu
Sunday, February 20 - 5:00 p.m. HST/7:00 p.m. PST
All are invited to participate in prayer.
Installation of Pastor Moses Barrios
Calvary by the Sea, Honolulu
Saturday, February 26 - 5:00 p.m. HST/7:00 p.m. PST
All are invited to participate in prayer.
Those attending in person are asked to follow COVID protocols (wear facial coverings, remain social distanced, stay home if you are feeling sick, whether vaccinated or not) and to register to attend HERE. An outdoor reception will follow the service.
Ordination of Pastor Steve Anderson
Called to Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope, San Bernardino
Service will be held at Eden Lutheran, Riverside
Saturday, March 12 - 3:00 p.m. PST/1:00 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 red. Masks will be required indoors (subject to change). There will be a reception afterwards, and all are welcome. The service will be offered via Zoom as well at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89555894001.
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Unconscious Bias Training
February 27, 2022
1:30 - 4:00 PM PST
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Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, La Mesa's Social Justice Committee invites all to attend online (over Zoom) Unconscious Bias Training on Sunday, February 27 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. PST. The training is offered for free and pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Click below to register.
The facilitator of this training is Lauren Martin. Lauren is a transformational leader who is passionate about empowering, inspiring and developing others while advocating for equitable, inclusive spaces. With a background in neuroscience, education, and leadership development, she has worked as a master facilitator, coach, and consultant in different industries and multiple countries both in the private, public, and non-profit sectors over the last 30 years. She is proud to be the first Manager, Diversity & Inclusion for Lowe’s Canada.
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Coaching for All Seasons:
Monthly Online Gathering for Pacifica Synod
Rostered & Lay Leaders
Thursday, March 3, 2022
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In March, Coaching for All Seasons welcomes
Coach and Deacon Tammy Devine
Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Certified End of Life Coach
ELCA National Coaching Team
11:00 a.m. to noon (PST) / 9:00 a.m. (HST)
Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join and may be done here.
“Passionate about health, healing, and wholeness, I seek to accompany others on their journey to living and leading well. Coaching and retreat facilitation allow me to walk with God’s people as we seek to live as whole and holy people. Together, we can grow as healthier leaders and healthier communities.” – Tammy Devine
Join us as we explore coaching specialty: Discipleship with Tammy. She will give us overview and insight into what a discipleship coach can do for you and your ministry.
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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People's Roundtable on Anti-Racism
Sunday, February 27
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on anti-racism on Sunday, February 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. We will meet in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 W. Las Palmas Drive, Fullerton. We will also have the opportunity for you to join via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please email Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
Our conversations center on education and current topics and news. We'll also continue our discussion surrounding the book "The Reckoning". All are welcome either in person or online.
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2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
and Bishop's Election News!
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Important Synod Assembly Registration Information |
In January, all congregations will be sent information about congregational voting member registration. This will include the number of voting members assigned to your congregation, as well as an invoice to take advantage of the early congregational registration fee of $525 (for up to 3 voting members). To take advantage of this discount, the invoice must be paid by February 28. Beginning March 1, the congregational fee will increase to $550. Online registration of voting members and visitors to the Assembly will open the week of March 1. Registration information and instructions will be emailed and mailed to all congregations.
**Please note - ALL 2022 Synod Assembly attendees must provide proof of full COVID vaccination or negative test, as per Synod Council vote.
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The Deadline for Presenting a Resolution or Memorial to the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly is February 19, 2022
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The resolutions process enables individuals or recognized groups within the synod to bring a request for action or a request for a statement to be made by the Synod Assembly. Since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets in the summer of 2022, this Synod Assembly will consider both resolutions and memorials. For information about the differences between a “resolution” and a “memorial,” please visit the ELCA Office of the Secretary webpage found here.
Resolutions and memorials may be submitted by a congregation of the Synod, a Ministry Team, an ELCA institution or agency, a conference, or the Synod Council and must be signed by the appropriate leadership (i.e., president, chair, dean, etc.). Individuals may submit a resolution/memorial with the signatures of 10 other members of the Synod. The maker(s) of the resolution/memorial must be identified separately from the required signers.
Resolutions/memorials are to be submitted in writing 90 days in advance of the Synod Assembly (by February 19, 2022) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the preassembly materials. They may be mailed or emailed to the synod office at rachelline@pacificasynod.org to the attention of the Resolutions Committee.
For more information about resolutions and memorials, click here.
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2022 Bishop Election Update |
Greetings on behalf of the Bishop Election Committee,
This is a very exciting time to be the church! Voting members of our next Assembly, to be held May 19-21, 2022, will be electing Pacifica’s next bishop.
Since the inception of the ELCA, elections for the presiding bishop and synod bishops have been conducted using an ecclesiastical ballot in which, on the first ballot, the name of any ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament may be submitted for nomination by a voting member of the assembly. The Pacifica Synod uses a modified ecclesiastical ballot for electing a bishop, and is guided by the Pacifica Synod Constitution, S9.04.01 through S9.04.04.
Who will be on the first modified ecclesiastical ballot?
The first ballot will contain up to 12 names of ELCA Ministers of Word and Sacrament who have been lifted up by the conferences of Pacifica and submitted to the Bishop Nominating Task Force. The first ballot will also contain a space to write in the name of any ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament. Voting members can vote for one of the names on the ballot OR write-in the name of an ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament who they feel is called to the office of bishop.
Where will the names on the first ballot come from?
Last August, the Synod Council appointed the members of the Bishop Nominating Task Force, which included a representative from each of the conferences in the Pacifica Synod. The Task Force consisted of both lay and rostered leaders. The Task Force was charged with asking the conferences to lift up names of ELCA Ministers of Word and Sacrament for the office of bishop. Their process resulted in a large, diverse list of pastors within the ELCA. Every person lifted up in this process was contacted and asked to discern if this was their call. The names that will be on the first ballot will be all of those who said yes to this discernment and are allowing their names to go forward in the nomination process. They have completed a bio and consented to a background check.
When will these names be available?
Under advisement of the Secretary of the ELCA and out of respect for all the congregations and pastors involved, these names, along with biographical information, will first be available in the Assembly Notebook, which is scheduled to be released one month before the Assembly. It is out of the same respect that the names of those who have discerned this is not their call at this time will not be released.
The open space on the first ballot
All voting members will also have an opportunity to include the name of any person on the ELCA Roster of Ministers of Word and Sacrament on the first ballot. These persons will need to consent to allow their name to go forward on the second ballot, and will need to provide a bio at the assembly and consent for background check. Keeping this in mind, it’s required that contact information be provided to affirm their participation on subsequent ballots. Please speak with the individual in advance to verify that they are willing to stand for election to the office of bishop.
Please pray for those involved in this process and those discerning a call to serve this synod in the office of bishop. We are thankful for the service of the Bishop Nominating Task Force, who has spent several months and hundreds of hours reaching out to those who will appear on the first ballot, along with the names brought forward by the voting members.
If you have any questions, please be in touch with one of the
Bishop Election Committee Co-Chairs:
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Congregational Financial Review Online Workshops
March 26 & 29, 2022
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In March, Pacifica Synod's Executive Assistant for Accounting, Terri Robertson, will host 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.
This workshop, held over Zoom, will be offered twice so that participants may choose the time that works best for them. The dates and times will be:
Saturday, March 26
11:00 to 12:30 PDT/8:00-9:30 HST
Tuesday, March 29
6:30 to 8:00 pm PDT/3:30 to 5:00 pm HST
Each workshop will last 90 minutes and will include a presentation, resources, and time for questions. Pre-registration for the workshops will be required. The link to register will be made available by the end of February, so watch synod e-newsletters and our website for more information.
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On January 23, Pastor Cole McGlynn was installed as pastor of
Our Savior's Lutheran in San Clemente.
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On January 29, Pastor Amanda McGlynn was installed as pastor of
King of Kings Lutheran in Oceanside.
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On February 5, Deacon Margy Schmitt Ajer was installed as Deacon for Faith Formation and Congregational Outreach of
San Marcos Lutheran Church.
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Annual Reporting Reminders
for Congregations & Rostered Ministers
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Annual Reporting for Rostered Ministers
All rostered ministers in the ELCA are required to complete an annual report to the bishop. Follow this link to select the applicable report from the ELCA website page. This report is a fillable PDF.
Once completed, please return this form to the synod office by email to Bishop Andy at andytaylor@pacificasynod.org or by mail to the Pacifica Synod office at 1801 Park Court Place, Bldg. C, Santa Ana, CA, 92701.
Congregational (Parochial) Reports
In December, the ELCA mailed the 2021 Congregational Report forms to all congregations. The mailing included Form A, Form C, the instructions, and the financial worksheet. In addition, the Congregational ID number and password for online reporting (printed on Form A) were included in the mailing. You will need these items to log in and file your report online. To do so, follow this link.
The due date for these forms is March 1, 2022. If you can't locate your login information, please contact Carol Youngman at carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org.
2022 Statement of Intent
Congregations are asked to submit their 2022 Statement of Intent as soon as your 2022 budget is approved. You may find a copy of the fillable 2022 Statement of Intent here for you to complete and return to the Pacifica Synod office as soon as you are able, if you haven't done so already. You can mail it to the synod office or email a scanned copy to Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
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Books & Breakfast at Danish Lutheran Church
NEW DATE - 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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Cancelation of 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering
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On Tuesday, February 1, the ELCA Youth Gathering leadership released the following statement about the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering to be held in Minneapolis:
After much prayer, conversation and tears, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble due to the ongoing pandemic, the recent COVID-19 surge and public health considerations.
We know there are thousands of young people who will not get to experience the Gathering, and our hearts break for them. This was not an easy decision, and we ask for your prayers and your grace. We understand the impact this decision will have on our youth, volunteers and planning teams, and we hope to return to Minneapolis for a future Gathering.
Registered congregations can visit their registration accounts starting Monday, February 7, to select their desired refund option. For more information and FAQs, please visit elca.org/Gathering.
With God’s power at work in and through us, we can do far more than we dare ask or imagine! The ELCA is fully committed to supporting the young people of our church and to seeing that the ministry of the Gathering, MYLE and the tAble continue for years to come. With that assurance, we are turning our attention toward 2024 for the next Gathering. Stay tuned to Gathering communications for a location announcement this summer.
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to youth and their leaders about the cancellation of the 2022 Youth Gathering. As we grieve this disappointment, we cling to the assurance of a God who gives us more than we can ever ask or imagine through the boundless grace of Christ.
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ELCA's "Talks at the Desk" Series
Wednesdays in February
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Tune in each Wednesday in February at 5:30 p.m. (PST) to the ELCA Facebook or YouTube pages, or download them from ELCA.org to hear our youth, young adults, rostered leaders, elders and friends of our communities share their own sacred stories.
If you missed any of the previous episodes, you may view them here. A discussion guide to help individuals and congregations engage with these conversations is available at ELCA.org/ADM.
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"Now is the Time" Study Guide |
The ELCA introduces "Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent" to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation.
"Now Is the Time" stresses realism, self-examination and accountability as the church acknowledges and apologizes for the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism. The study guide focuses on deepening our understanding of this history as participants engage in often-difficult conversation and reflection to move the church toward racial healing and justice.
The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available here.
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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.
“Reparatory Justice 101” (continued)
Wednesday, March 16, 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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Portico Benefit Services Updates |
COVID-19 At-Home Tests coverage:
Tax Guides: Download and Share Hammar Tax Guides
Retirement Readiness Series: On-Demand
Retirement may feel like (or even be) a long way off. Having a plan for retirement can increase confidence and peace of mind about the future. For those that missed the live Retirement Readiness Series workshops hosted by Fidelity, access to condensed video presentations is available here on myPortico.
Fitness Challenge with Burnalong
ELCA-Primary health benefit members, join the Burnalong Refill Your Cup challenge to reinvigorate your body with online health and fitness classes. Set a goal to complete 100 minutes of classes during the month of February (that’s 25 minutes a week!) to complete the challenge and contribute toward the ELCA community goal of 5,000 minutes.
Portico Questions?
Reach out to the Customer Care Center at 800-352-2876 or your Portico Regional Representative, Andrea Arey, at aarey@porticobenefit.org or 949-338-9573.
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ELCA World Hunger 40 Days of Giving |
For nearly two years, as the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more … and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16).
Thank you for all you are doing in your congregation and community to continue God’s work and to share the grace and love of Christ. You are invited to continue your work by connecting your congregation to the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
To prepare, visit ELCA.org/40Days and download or order free resources today.
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Lutheran Schools Week
March 6-12, 2022
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The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) encourages congregations to share, support, advocate and/or participate in Lutheran Schools Week, March 6-12. As the message in their 2021-22 ELCA Schools and Learning Centers Devotion Guide states: "As ELEA and as a ministry of the ELCA we are “rooted together in Christ” and we will continue to persevere in our roles and responsibilities, to be a shining and inspiring example of faith-filled leadership and Lutheran education amidst ever-changing environments."
The materials for the Lutheran Schools Week provide connections to be made with your children, families, staff, and congregation. The information provided is the product of collaborative and creative partnerships through members of the ELEA Board. This year’s theme — “Persevere: Rooted Together in Christ,” considers the time, space, and people needed to incorporate Lutheran Schools Week into all our partner organizations. This is designed to be a resource for you and your staff, as you celebrate the joy of Lutheran Schools with your colleagues around the country. The support of this vital ministry will only help strengthen relationships and engage the diverse families and children of our ELCA Schools and Learning Centers into our Congregations; living into Church and School Together!
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Deciding Whether Seminary Education is Right for You?
Signs Along the Way
In-Person Discernment Retreat at PLTS
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What: Signs Along the Way, an in-person discernment retreat with opportunities for participants to:
- Explore their call to ministry
- Experience the Bay Area and what it’s like to live and study at PLTS
- Attend a PLTS class and connect with current students, faculty, & staff
When: Saturday, March 12th at 1:00 pm - Monday, March 14th at 12:30 pm
Where: PLTS Campus in Berkeley, CA
Who: Folks at any stage in their discernment
How: Lodging and most meals provided; travel scholarships of up to $200 available
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She+ Coaching
A Lenten Webinar Series
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Looking for a Lenten practice tailored to women in ministry?
Join Dr. Crystal Hall (United Lutheran Seminary) in reading She: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry. She’ll offer actionable tools you can apply in your ministry working with difficult people, setting boundaries and addressing sexism.
Open to seminarians, clergy, staff and volunteers. On Thursdays at 4 PM Pacific in Lent, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
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"Designing Faith Formation for the Future"
ELCA Christian Education Network Webinar
March 10
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The Christian Education Network of the ELCA is sponsoring a "Designing Faith Formation for the Future" webinar in partnership with Lifelong Faith Associates.
This webinar will be on Thursday, March 10 from 5:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. HST
"Formation for Christian Living" with John Roberto
The webinar is $12 ($10 for CENetwork members).
A downloadable version of the flyer below may be found here.
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Cal Lutheran's Thriving Leadership Formation's
Contemplative Action Community
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All are welcome to join Thriving Leadership Formation staff, church leaders, and lay people for a time of spiritual renewal and contemplative practice via Zoom. Come gather for 1, 2, or all 3 virtual sessions to find community and restoration in the New Year. There are different days/times for different schedules and time zones.
We have two more sessions coming up in February and March. We are excited to offer Spanish interpretation during the March 27, 4:00-5:30 p.m. PST session. These sessions are free and open to everyone - church leaders, lay people, and those who are seeking contemplative community.
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Are you ready for REBOUND?
What is REBOUND?
Rebound is for high school youth and is intended as a National Youth Gathering alternative happening July 24-29. The program features all-group gatherings, guest speakers, service with local organizations, food trucks, camp-style fun, nightlife, workshops, excursions, and Disneyland! We are partnering with our friends from California Lutheran University & Lutheran Social Services to help bring you this "gathering-like" event.
A full breakdown of program details and costs can be found here.
Questions?
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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 February newsletter.
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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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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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California Lutheran University
University Pastor
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California Lutheran University invites applications and nominations for the position of University Pastor. Cal Lutheran is a forward-facing, private liberal arts and sciences, faith-based institution in the mid-21st century. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we are searching for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to and success working in diverse multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial communities.
The University Pastor will provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care for the whole of the University, develop faith formation programs for students, participate in interfaith engagement, promote spiritual wellness and faithful worship of God among a diverse and changing student body, assess the spiritual needs of the university and formulate directions for the future, assist the University in identifying student needs, especially in underrepresented students, and in bringing the resources of the institution to address those needs. Rooted in a Lutheran understanding of word and sacrament, the University Pastor will be expected to communicate Cal Lutheran’s mission, identity, and values while graciously reaching across multiple faith communities. A short profile of the position may be found here.
Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately, and nominations and expressions of interest will be welcomed until the position is closed. The appointee is expected to take office in the summer of 2022, no later than July 1. Applications received by March 15, 2022, will be assured of full consideration.
To learn more about the search or to nominate a candidate for consideration, please contact Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at revmmmd@callutheran.edu or by phone at 805-493-3330 with the candidate’s name and contact information.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Build for Unity Build - February 23
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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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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
2022 Events Update
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The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is pleased to announce that we will conduct three sessions of our Mediation Skills Training Institute in person in 2022!
Registration is open for all five sessions scheduled for next year: March 14-18 (online), May 9-13 (online), June 13-17 (in person in Fort Mill, SC), August 1-5 (in person in the Chicago area), and November 14-18 (in person, see below for location).
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will be conducting the November session of our Mediation Skills Training Institute in person at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ.
The dates for this session are November 14-18, 2022. The all-inclusive fee (five days of training, hard copy of the MSTI manual, meals, snacks, and single-occupancy lodging) is $1500.
For a peek at this lovely facility, please visit https://www.thecasa.org/. Until then, please encourage your friends and colleagues to pack their golf clubs and swimsuit and join us for MSTI this fall!
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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:
- The family and friends of Pastor John Spann
- The family and friends of Pastor Yutaka Kishino
- Pastor David Jorstad
- Pastor Joel Martyn
- 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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