Pacifica Synod News & Notes
July 7, 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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Pacifica Synod Boundary Workshop
Wednesday, July 27
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Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop
1801 Park Court Place, Building C
Santa Ana, California 92701
9:30 am – 3:00 PDT
One of the ways that we support one another is to encourage and promote responsible boundaries for ourselves and our colleagues.
Why Should I attend a Boundary Workshop?
Synod policy requires rostered ministers to participate in a Basic Boundary Workshop every three years that emphasizes the church’s expectations for their professional ethics, finances, social media use and prevention of sexual misconduct.
You must be present for the entire boundary workshop
to receive your certificate of completion.
Register Now!
Registration will close on July 22 or when we reach a threshold of 25 participants. The cost for the workshop is $20.00 which includes lunch. If you have questions, including as to when you last participated in a boundary workshop, please contact Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen at terrytuveyallen@pacificasynod.org or Carol Youngman at carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org. As we will be working in small groups, please be aware of caring for your own health if you are in high-risk category and bring a mask.
For public synod events, attendees are required to provide either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their arrival at the event. This policy is subject to updated public health guidance.
We plan to offer our next workshop on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, following Theoasis.
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Now is the Time Study Series
Introductory Session
Wednesday, July 20
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We invite you to be with us online on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. HST to learn more about the upcoming “Now is the Time" Study Series being facilitated by members of the Pacifica Synod Anti-Racism Team beginning in August. This one-hour introductory session is for Pacifica Synod rostered leaders and lay persons interested in promoting racial justice within their communities, congregations and throughout the ELCA.
During our time together on July 20, we’ll share background information about the “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent” which was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Council in 2019. The “Now is the Time Study Series” and guide provide an avenue for the realization, self-examination and accountability required to “apologize to people of African descent for the [church’s] complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally.”
You’ll also have the chance to learn more about the work of the Pacifica Synod’s Anti-Racism Team and share in small group conversation. More details will be shared about the upcoming study series, which will take place over Zoom over 5 consecutive Wednesday evenings between August 17 and September 14.
Pre-registration for the July 20 introductory session is required to be sent the Zoom link to join and may be done below. Please share this invitation with others!
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Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund Grant
Application Period Now Open!
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The application period for the 2022 Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund Grants is now open. The goals of the fund are:
- To assist congregations of the Pacifica Synod in their Global Mission efforts;
- To initiate and/or continue direct support of present and future Companion Synods of the Pacifica Synod;
- To share in ministry with God's people as we strive together for a lasting world peace.
Distribution of funds may be given to increase awareness of global mission work and to fund domestic and/or foreign projects related to Pacifica Companion Synod(s) and Lutheran partners and to provide assistance for travel expenses related to the fund's stated goals.
Requirements of the grant may be found the 2022 GEM Grant Fund application. Download and complete the application and submit it along with a one-page description of the project/program and how the funds will be used. Be specific as to how the project/program meets the goals of this grant and the outcomes anticipated.
The maximum amount that can be requested is $3,000. The application deadline is September 15, 2022. The completed application and description may be returned by mail or email using the instructions provided on the application.
Please note: 2021 GEM Grant Fund recipients MUST have filed the required reporting (as described in the letter sent with your reward) before applying for a 2022 grant.
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People's Anti-Racism Roundtable (Hybrid)
Sunday, July 24
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on anti-racism on Sunday, July 24 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 Sarah Tees at sarahtees@hotmail.com.
Our conversations center on education and current topics and news. All are welcome either in person or online.
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Global Mission Update
Hitoshi & Satoko Adachi
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Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their July 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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If you are already discerning to serve the church in a pastoral or deacon role, great! Let me know how I can assist you in your process. If you are not yet discerning but have the desire, I am here to journey with you. If others tell you that you would make a great pastor or deacon and you’d like to learn more, I am also here to assist you.
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IRS Announces Standard Mileage Rate Increase
Beginning July 1, 2022
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The Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain other purposes.
For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of the year. Read more.
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ELCA World Hunger's
Global Farm Challenge Update
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This summer, youth across the ELCA are participating in ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge, a special fundraising campaign to put an end to hunger by providing farming families around the world with education, seeds, tools, training and more. This is an important part of Christ’s call to our church. I’m writing with an update: Thanks to generous donors, all gifts to this challenge will be matched — dollar for dollar — until we reach $525,000. That means gifts will go twice as far in the work to end hunger!
We've created a suite of tools and resources for your youth group or congregation:
We’re counting on your support, courage and creativity to engage your congregation in the work of ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge and to meet our goal. With your dedication, ELCA World Hunger can continue accompanying people who experience hunger and poverty during this time of great need. If our team can support you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hunger@elca.org.
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Embody the Word Bible Study Sessions
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Pre-Events
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In preparation for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in a series of online Bible studies that will explore the assembly theme, “Embody the Word,” from Luke 24. The assembly, the highest legislative body of the ELCA, will meet in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8-12.
The Bible study series will comprise four online sessions to be held Sundays in July from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Central time. Each session will focus on the meaning of “embodiment,” open with a video presentation and continue with a moderated discussion.
Members are encouraged to consider the double meaning of the assembly theme, “Embody the Word”: “embody” can mean both the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the life of the church emerging from a pandemic, whereas “word” can mean both Jesus Christ and Scripture.
The Bible study schedule is:
- July 10 – Rev. Jay Alanís, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in San Juan, Texas.
- July 17 – Sally Azar, currently studying in Germany with plans to serve the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) as its first female pastor.
- July 24 – Man-Hei Yip, assistant professor of systematic theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
- July 31 – Denise Rector, doctoral student in womanist theology and race and history at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
The series will culminate at the assembly on Aug. 10 with a theological presentation hosted by the Rev. Anthony Bateza, associate professor of religion at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
Register for the live Bible study series. Find out more about the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, including livestream information. The sessions will also be available on demand from the ELCA YouTube Channel.
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ELCA Youth Ministry Network
Extravaganza 2023 (in Anaheim & Online)
Registration Now Open
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We are excited for the 2023 EXTRAVAGANZA!
Sign-up today and invite your friends!
One event, two expressions.
Extravaganza 2023 is one live experience, with two options:
onsite in Anaheim or online from your computer.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
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Choose Onsite Registration to attend the Extravaganza in person at the Hyatt Regency Orange County.
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Choose Online Registration to attend the Extravaganza via your computer from your community.
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Network Membership IS REQUIRED to access these great rates! Click here to join the Network! Individual, multi-year and congregation team membership are available.
- Spouse/Partner rates are available! To receive this special rate, these special guests must register at the same time. Network membership is required for each person to access these discounted rates. Unique email addresses are needed for each registrant.
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A limited number of scholarships are available.
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We have updated our cancellation policies due to the low rates and online nature of the event. Please read through these before registering.
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Exhibitors and Partners: Please visit the Exhibitor Information page to register.
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ELCA Young Adult Ministries News |
Now Is the Time: Young Adult Small Group Study |
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What: Now is the Time small group study - each week, you will go through the study and reflect on videos created by young adults of African descent.
Who: This study is primarily for young adults of European descent.
When: 5 weeks, July 11 - August 15, sign up for the time that works best for you.
Where: Virtual small groups on Zoom
Throughout this study, we will reflect on the different sections of the study guide and reflect on videos created by young adult BIPOC leaders in our church. The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available here.
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Young Adult Coaching Cohorts |
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Tithe.ly All Access for ELCA |
Is your congregation growing?
Are you connecting with members and visitors?
Do you have a strategy for generosity?
Whether you answered yes or no, Tithe.ly wants to make it easier than ever to grow the church.
- Receiving gifts online.
- Building a custom church app and website.
- Planning events.
- Emailing and texting church members and first-time visitors.
- Generating custom reports on growth and generosity.
- And more.
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New Resources for God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday |
On Sunday, September 11, congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service.
As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, ELCA.org/DayofService has everything you need to plan and promote your day:
Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is August 19.
Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with the ELCA! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.
Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.
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Ukraine & Eastern Europe Crisis Response |
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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
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. You can give online at www.lwr.org/match or by mailing to LWR, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write “Ukraine" in the memo line.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
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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Lay Preaching
With Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan
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REVITALIZE YOUR CONGREGATION’S PREACHING MINISTRY...
by making the practice of preaching more collaborative and participatory.
Led by Rev. Dr. Shaunna Hannan, Professor of Homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (of California Lutheran University).
Seeking congregations interested in revitalizing their congregation’s preaching ministry!
What you need: 4-5 lay people from a congregation along with their Rostered Leader to form a small group to journey through this program together.
Six sessions with your congregation team joining several other congregations teams including some individual time with Shauna Hannan, Professor of Homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (of California Lutheran University).
This is a gift to you from California Lutheran University Congregational Relations. We hope to lighten the load of Rostered Leaders, increase the capacity of lay leaders and come alongside congregations to strengthen your preaching capacity.
Questions?
Director of Congregational Relations, Cal Lutheran
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Building an Anti-Racism Team Webinar Series |
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.
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.
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Register Now for
LRCC Summer Camps!
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Care Connections Network - Aging. Better. |
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 June newsletter.
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ELCA & Other Partners
News & Ministry Links
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ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - Spring 2022
ELEA - ELCA Schools Scoops - July 1
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Organist/Pianist (Part-Time)
Our Saviour's, Orange
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Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Orange would like to fill the position of a part time Organist/Pianist. The salary is $14K per year and has a very minimal time requirement (Sundays/Wednesdays). Applicants must be adept at the piano and organ, a proficient sight reader, capable of improvisation, and skilled at accompanying. Proficiency in performing of a wide range of music including classical, gospel, contemporary styles, and secular music is necessary. An extensive knowledge of organ and piano repertoire is required. A working knowledge of Lutheran liturgy and worship and a theological understanding of church music is strongly recommended. The ability to communicate well and in a friendly manner with fellow staff members and the congregation is a must.
Please send resumes to the Director of Music and Pastor or you may contact us for more information regarding the position.
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Church Administrator (Part-Time)
First Lutheran, San Diego
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First Lutheran Church in downtown San Diego is looking for a part-time Church Administrator. The Church Administrator position includes both office administration and ministry coordination tasks. The position will be responsible for supporting the Pastor and volunteers in their ministry work as well as a myriad of administrative, financial, communication, and facility related duties. The position requires a proactive individual who can plan, prioritize, manage activities and make decisions with minimal supervision. An outgoing and welcoming personality is necessary in order to support the work of the Church and to coordinate with Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) that is co-located on the site. Additionally, the individual must have knowledge and appreciation of the Christian faith and the workings of a congregation. The ability to handle sensitive issues and confidential information is essential.
The position is for a 30-hour work week in the office with flexibility for evening meetings as needed and approved. The position is as a non-exempt employee. Contact administrator@firstlutheransd.org or leave message at 619-234-6149, Ext. 1 for more information.
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Organist, Accompanist, and Pianist/Keyboardist
Our Redeemer, Garden Grove
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Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove is looking for an organist, accompanist, and pianist/keyboardist for contemporary worship. One or more persons could do one or all phases of the job. Compensation to be determined. Organist will play for traditional liturgical worship services. Accompanist will play piano for choirs, ensembles and soloists. Contemporary service pianist/keyboardist will play with praise band – being able to lead from piano/keys is a plus.
Please contact the church office at 714-539-9541. Applications are being accepted until July 15, 2022.
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Director of Children's Ministry (Part-Time)
Our Savior's, San Clemente
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Our Savior's Lutheran Church in San Clemente is looking to hire a part time Director of Children’s Ministry to oversee programs for children ages birth to 3rd grade. Major responsibilities would be during Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Pay would be $25,000 per year.
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Church School Principal/Chief Administrator
Christ Lutheran, West Covina
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Christ Lutheran in West Covina is seeking a Church School Principal/Chief Administrator to oversee their church school, Pre-school to 8th grade. This is a full-time position with benefits. Experienced principal preferred. Open immediately and interviewing now.
Contact Shirley Jett at 951.205.8223 for more information and details about salary.
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Webinars and Other Events |
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Fall Events
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The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) will hold two events in person this fall in Arizona.
Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches will be hosted by Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, September 24 from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The fee is $99 for individuals, or $84 apiece for groups of four or more. Click here for more info.
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders will be held at the lovely Franciscan Renewal Center on November 14-18, 2022. The fee is $1500 for tuition, materials, lodging (single occupancy), and all meals. Click here for more info.
Both workshops are grounded in Scripture and rooted in Bowen family systems theory. Participants acquire skills that will help them deal more effectively with various forms of group conflict.
Those who would be unable to attend MSTI without financial assistance are encouraged to fill out and submit this scholarship form to LMPC. More information about Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) may be found at https://lmpeacecenter.org/
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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 Larry Dodson (Pacifica Synod Council member).
- For the Sierra Pacific Synod, this church and all who are experiencing pain and have been hurt due to recent events.
- For Matt Deming, son of Deacon Phil Deming.
- 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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