Pacifica Synod News & Notes
June 16, 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 Office of the Bishop Closure
June 20 to 24, 2022
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During the week of June 20, the Pacifica Synod Office of the Bishop will be closed. On Monday, June 20, we will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
From Tuesday, June 21 through Friday, June 24, we will be closed to allow time for the synod staff to clean and organize in preparation for the beginning of Bishop-elect Dave Nagler's term on August 1. You are welcome to email individual staff members as needed, but please expect a delay in response time.
If an emergency arises and you need to contact a synod staff member immediately, you may use the emergency line of 619-333-0828.
We will resume regular business hours and staffing on Monday, June 27.
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Don't Forget to Register for
Bishop's Conversations with Congregation Presidents
on June 23 or 25
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We invite Congregation Presidents to join us for the next Congregation President's meeting with Bishop Andy on either June 23 or 25. The theme of the meeting will be Neighborhood Outreach. Maryann Carlson and Pastor Sandy Bentz from Emanuel Lutheran in La Habra will share, via video, an outreach Easter Event that attracted about 170 people, of which only 25-30 were from the congregation and 140-145 were from the neighborhood. Mary Ann will be with us live to answer any questions you may have. Emanuel is following up with other events, and they'll share what their people are doing in the hopes that it might spur your imagination for how your congregation might reach out to your surrounding community. You'll also have a chance to meet in breakout groups with other Congregation Presidents. This will be Bishop Andy's final meeting with Congregation Presidents. Please join us.
The conversations will take place over Zoom and both current and incoming Congregation Presidents are invited. There will be two sessions offered so you can choose the one that works best for you. The dates and times are as follows:
Thursday, June 23 - 7:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. HST
Saturday, June 25 - 11:00 a.m. PDT/8:00 a.m. HST
You may register for the session of your choice by using the registration button below. Each session will last about 90 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email after registering which will include the Zoom link to join the conversation. This link will also be sent to you the morning of your session.
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People's Roundtable on Anti-Racism
Sunday, June 26
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on anti-racism on Sunday, June 26 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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Coaching for All Seasons
Monthly Gathering for Rostered & Lay Leaders
Thursday, July 7
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“They Do Not Teach This at Seminary!”
with Pastor Jeremiah Smith
Thursday, July 7
11:00 a.m. to noon PDT/8:00 to 9:00 a.m. HST
Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to attend. Click HERE to register now!
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.
There is nothing like a first call to learn that seminary education leaves a thing or two about parish ministry out of the curriculum. In these sort-of-post-Pandemic days, leading a church resembles a first call experience. Who better to talk about lessons learned than someone who is living it?
Pastor Jeremiah Smith is a first call pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY. Curious and willing to experiment, Pastor Jeremiah will share lessons learned with Pacifica Synod’s Coaching For All Seasons. He served his internship at St. Paul, Fullerton, before accepting his first call in 2017 to Parkside, an urban church looking for revitalization. His first five years of parish ministry have taught Pastor Jeremiah several valuable lessons.
Join Coaching For All Seasons on Thursday, July 7, at 11:00 AM for what promises to be a fresh perspective on first call parish ministry – its opportunities and challenges.
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:
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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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"Reflections on Practical Ecumenism" Event
Welcomes Three Bishops
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On June 8, the Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic (LARC) Committee event, “Reflections on Practical Ecumenism: Stories of Spiritual Care from the San Diego Convention Center's Teen Migrant Shelter,” was held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in La Mesa. Pastor Marcus Lohrmann served as the host and moderator of the panel, which included Pastors Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun and Bill Radatz. Bishop Andy gave the homily at the prayer service.
The event welcomed three local bishops, pictured to the left. From left to right they are: Bishop Andy Taylor (Pacifica Synod of the ELCA), Bishop Ramón Bejarano (Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego), and Bishop Susan Brown Snook (Episcopal Diocese of San Diego).
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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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Global Mission Update
Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko Adachi
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Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their May 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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Bishop Eaton to Participate in
Emanuel Nine Commemorative Bible Study Event
June 17, 2022
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The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join faith and government leaders on June 17 to mark the seventh anniversary of the racially motivated shootings at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. The leaders will participate in a commemorative Bible study event that will kick off a yearlong Bible study across the country.
The theme for the livestream event, “What Kind of Soil Are We?,” is taken from Mark 4:1-20, the Bible passage the Emanuel Nine were studying on the night they were murdered by Dylann Roof (who was raised in an ELCA congregation). The text is commonly known as the parable of the sower, and alternatively as the parable of the soils. Christian leaders across the nation will use the commemorative event to study the parable and lead discussions critical to this time as race, history and politics intersect.
To honor this day, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a resolution to establish June 17 as the “Emanuel 9 Commemoration and Day of Repentance,” honoring the martyrdom of Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel L. Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton and Myra Thompson. Pinckney and Simmons were graduates of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C., one of the ELCA’s seven seminaries.
Click here for a link to the June 17 Bible study and other 2022 Emanuel Nine Commemoration events taking place between June 15 and 24, 2022.
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ELCA Young Adult Ministry
Calling for Small Group Leaders!
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This summer, join ELCA Young Adult Ministries in the new small group study, Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent |
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Part of the agreement to lead a small group through the ELCA Now is the Time: A Study for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent is committing to some pre-reading work and two 1.5 hour trainings together with the other leaders. We will share communal knowledge of how to create brave spaces online, navigating whiteness (ours and others) and racism through this study with some pro tips on leading the study series. These trainings will be led by Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at California Lutheran University and a member of the EDLARJ Board who led this study online with 50 participants. She will share her experience around creating brave space online with white people to do the important work of uncovering anti-blackness in our church and ourselves.
Pre-reading: Now is the Time Study Leader Guide Introduction, Safe and Brave Spaces, Audience, Preparation (pages 1 – 6).
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ELCA Coaching's Courageous Leadership Presents
On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith,
& the Gifts of Neurodiversity
Wednesday, June 22
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On Wednesday, June 22 at 1:00 p.m. Central, we welcome author and poet Daniel Bowman, Jr., (MFA, Seattle Pacific University) who is associate professor of English at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he codirects the Making Literature Conference. He writes and speaks regularly on neurodiversity, including for the SBC's Facts & Trends website, The Mighty, Ruminate magazine, and at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). Bowman is editor in chief of Relief: A Journal of Art & Faith, engages in several in-person and online communities addressing neurodiversity and mental health, and mentors young people on the spectrum.
Daniel will be sharing with us key points from his memoir, On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, & the Gifts of Neurodiversity, which won the 2022 Book of the Year Award, Academy of Parish Clergy. “Nearly everyone knows someone on the autism spectrum…. One in 54 children has autism, according to the CDC, and autism is reported across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Yet most of what people think they know about autism is wrong. On the Spectrum debunks myths with a realistic yet hope-filled deep dive into the heart, mind, and life of a Christian. Daniel Bowman, a novelist, poet, and professor, received an autism diagnosis at age thirty-five after experiencing crises in his personal and professional life. The diagnosis shed light on his experience in a new, life-giving way. In this captivating book, Bowman reveals new insights into autism, relationships, faith, and the gift of neurodiversity. Rather than viewing autism as a deficiency, Bowman teaches readers--through stories of his heartbreaks and triumphs--authentic ways to love their neighbors as themselves, including their autistic neighbors who are fearfully and wonderfully, if differently, made.”
BONUS FOR TWO "LIVE" ATTENDEES: We will be giving away two copies of Daniel's book to two random participants!
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Lutheran Disaster Response
Western Region News
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The devastating drought and intensifying wildfires affecting southern California – and all of the Western United States – are now a part of the regular new cycle. Lutheran Disaster Response is looking to partner with Pacifica Synod, and the 11 synods of ELCA Regions 1 & 2, to support your efforts in building Community Resilience in preparation for the growing needs of disaster response.
Please join us in the following:
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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
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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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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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 "Seeds Monthly" Newsletter - May 2022
ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram - Spring 2022
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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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Office Manager (Part-Time)
King of Kings, Oceanside
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The King of Kings Lutheran Church Office Manager is responsible for the day to day operation of the church office including reception, bookkeeping and clerical duties. The Office Manager supports the congregation’s ministry. They coordinate and organize office activities, bookkeeping and payroll using QuickBooks, greet and assist visitors at the office, generate weekly service bulletin and monthly newsletter, calendar maintenance and coordination.
Qualifications for the position include experience with administrative and clerical work, proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and QuickBooks, excellent communication skills, friendly and professional demeanor.
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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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Engaging Older Adults in Ministry
June 23
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ALOA hosts monthly webinars offering a presentation on a single topic by an expert in older adult ministry. They're free and usually about one hour.
Engaging Older Adults in Ministry
June 23, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. PDT/6:00 a.m. HST
A panel of ministry leaders share their experiences and explore the potential that older adults bring to the congregation as life long learners. Sue Lennartson, Director of Adult Ministry at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN will be joined by Pastor Roland Martinson, author of Elder Rising, Pastor Chris Olson Binga of First Lutheran Church in urban St Paul MN and Pastor Kelly Chatman, a national teacher for the church in multicultural leadership, community engagement and congregational revitalization.
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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 family and friends of Lavona Moore, wife of retired pastor Gilbert Moore, who passed away on March 15, 2022.
- 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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