Pacifica Synod News & Notes
March 10, 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 [email protected]. 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 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 - 10:00 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 Ordinations
in the Pacifica Synod
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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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Ash Wednesday "Ashes to Go" at SDSU |
On Ash Wednesday, Bishop Susan Brown Snook of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego joined Pastor Darin Johnson (and Torrey the Greyhound) of Agape San Diego for Ashes to Go with students, faculty, and staff of San Diego State. Along with student leaders, two teams imposed ashes and prayed with those between class, making a connection at the transit center, and even a few Lyft drivers. This combined ministry of dedication, commitment, and ministry of presence spans decades and can looks to a future with a multistory intentional community with affordable housing adjacent to campus.
Greg Tuttle
(Photo Credit: Chris Tumilty)
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Pacifica Women of the ELCA Spring Gathering
Saturday, March 26, 2022
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People's Roundtable on Anti-Racism
Sunday, March 27
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We invite you to be with us for our next roundtable conversation on anti-racism on Sunday, March 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 [email protected].
Our conversations center on education and current topics and news. All are welcome either in person or online.
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2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly News |
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Online Assembly Registration is Now Open Through May 2 |
Online registration of voting members and visitors to the Assembly is now open!
Click the button below to go to the registration page. Both group and individual registration options are available. All attendees must register online.
Online registration will close on May 2.
In order to prepare for registration so that you have the necessary information on hand when you are ready to do so, we have prepared registration instructions and a worksheet for your use. You may download these forms HERE.
These forms have also been mailed to all congregations. Remember, prepayment of your congregational assembly registration fee invoice did NOT register your voting members!
ALL Assembly attendees must follow the COVID-19 protocols set forth by Synod Council. To view these protocols, please visit our Assembly webpage.
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Assembly Hotel Reservations - Irvine Marriott |
The 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place at the Irvine Marriott, located at 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612. A discounted rate of $149 per night for those attending the Assembly is available through April 27, 2022 or until the room block is depleted, whichever comes first. You are encouraged to reserve your rooms as soon as you are able.
Use this link to reserve your room online. This rate is available for the nights of May 18 to 22 only. You may also make your reservations by calling Marriott Reservations directly at (800) 228-9290. Be sure to let the know you are with the Pacifica Synod 2022 Assembly and reference Group Code PACPACA.
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All other assembly information, including COVID-19 protocols, bishop election updates, resolutions and memorials, and Synod Council elections, may be found on our Assembly webpage. Please check back often, as new information is added as it becomes available.
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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. The workshops are free but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link to join. Click the button below to register today!
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In February, Bishop Andy visited Pacifica Synod congregations in Hawaii and celebrated four services of installation and one ordination. Several of these were very delayed due to the pandemic.
Our congratulations and prayers for blessing on your ministry together for the following:
(Upper left photo) The installation of Pastor J.P. Paxton as Pastor of Lihue Lutheran on the island of Kauai on February 19.
(Upper right photo) The installation and ordination of Pastor Brianna Lloyd as Associate Pastor of Lutheran Church of Honolulu on February 20.
(Lower left photo) The installation of Pastor Gloria Imamura as Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran in Honolulu on February 22.
(Lower right photo) The installation of Pastor Moses Barrios as Pastor of Calvary by the Sea Lutheran in Honolulu on February 26.
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Global Mission Update
Pastor Hitoshi and Satoko Adachi
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Pastor Hitoshi Adachi and his wife, Satoko, are currently serving as missionaries with the Japan Evangelicial Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. To learn more about what is taking place in their ministry, please click here for their March 2022 newsletter.
The brochure attached here details the Adachi's ministry in Japan and how to best support them. You can give through the synod office or mail your check to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. Make checks payable to “ELCA Missionaries” with “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051” in the memo line.
To donate by credit or debit card, go to https://community.elca.org/Japan or call 800-638-3522 and specify “(Hitoshi and Satoko) Adachi GCS2051”. To set up an automatic monthly bank withdrawal or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication, and support, please contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or [email protected].
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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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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Eastern Europe Crisis Response
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On Feb. 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, launching land, sea and air attacks. Russia has launched air strikes across the country, including on the capital of Kyiv and other major cities. Airports are now shut, and few railway lines are operational. Millions of civilians fleeing the violence are heading toward Ukraine’s western districts and such neighboring countries as Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary. Over 300 civilians have been killed in the conflict so far, and damage to civilian infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands of people without water or electricity. Ukrainian men of military age (18-60) are forbidden to leave the country, so most of those fleeing the violence are women and children. According to one report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 1 million people are seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Moldova. 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 and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. Click here to learn more.
You are invited to watch this video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton about the situation in Eastern Europe and the ELCA’s response. To share this information with your congregations, download this bulletin insert.
Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief received tremendous news: Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin will double all gifts from congregations – up to $258,000 – for our neighbors suffering in the Ukraine crisis. Right now, Lutheran World Relief teams are working with partners in and around Ukraine. Your congregation’s gift will deliver urgent support and care, like: food, shelter and other critically needed items; Mission Quilts and Kits for families who fled their homes; and medicine and supplies for clinics.
Gifts will be matched through April 25. You can give online at www.lwr.org/match or by mailing to LWR, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write “Ukraine Match” in the memo line.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Already more than 2 million refugees have escaped to neighboring countries—half of whom are children. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is closely monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors. We are dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and immigrants however possible, in keeping with our long history of supporting refugees from Eastern Europe and around the world.
LIRS stands committed to providing the absolute best care to refugees and immigrants who arrive in the United States, and we are working hard to bolster the refugee resettlement program to welcome more new Americans. To make a gift that will impact the lives of those we are serving domestically, visit lirs.org/give.
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An Interfaith Call to Peace for Ukraine |
February 24, 2022
Though we have been anxious about the recent growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and between Russia and the NATO countries in recent weeks, we remain deeply concerned, as we have been since 2014, for the impact of this ongoing conflict on innocent civilians throughout Ukraine. All parties to the conflict must take every measure possible to protect civilians. All parties and the international community must renew efforts to de-escalate this threat to international peace and security.
All our religious traditions call us to pray and work for peace. We join our voices and hands together. We must open our eyes to those who are suffering, and we cannot remain indifferent to the injustice this conflict has brought on the people of Ukraine and may bring on people of neighboring countries.
We call on all those involved—whether governments, movements or individuals—to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our congregations and communities to pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail in Ukraine.
Join us as we pray:
Oh Divine, most mighty, most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. Oh Divine, most majestic, most motherly, grant us your life. Amen.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Eddy Alemán
General Secretary, Reformed Church in America
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer
General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, National Ministries
Bishop Sally Dyck
Ecumenical Officer, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton
Fifth Episcopal District, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller
President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Northern Province
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Mr. Basharat Saleem
Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia
Executive Director, Religions for Peace USA
Rev. Chris Thore
President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Southern Province
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Ukrainian Conflict
Update from Budapest
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Revs. Rachel Eskesen & Zach Coulter share a brief update on the refugee situation in Hungary and Central Europe - and how the ELCA and Lutheran Church partners in Europe are responding to the situation.
March 8, 2022
Greetings Friends and Supporters,
The Rev. Rachel Eskesen (Director, ELCA Europe Desk) and I wanted to reach out to you to share a brief update on the situation in Central and Eastern Europe. We've put together a 2-minute video that you can watch here. Please feel free to share this on your social media feeds and/or with your congregation.
Please continue to pray for our partner churches in the region—and the incredible work that they are doing to show God’s love and mercy to people in a great hour of need. Pray for all those in Central and Eastern Europe who are affected by this situation, and most of all, pray for a swift and merciful end to the violence.
For those of you wishing to financially support our partner churches who are doing the work on the ground to respond to the needs of refugees, you can donate here.
Finally, we’ve attached a bulletin insert created by ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response that might be a helpful resource for you. There are many strong relationships between the ELCA and Lutheran companions in the region who are acutely impacted by this conflict, we’re also attaching a document that summarizes some of the current responses of our partners and ELCA support.
In Christ,
Pastor Zach
Zachary Courter
he / him / his
ELCA Missionary
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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 [email protected] 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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Save the Date
God's work. Our hands. Sunday 2022
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Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 11, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service.
Over the past two years, we have been inspired by the ways congregations continued their participation in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday with physically distanced, at-home and outdoor service projects. We have witnessed the outpouring of love and concern that God’s people show for one another by maintaining feeding ministries, serving communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infection, and assisting people who are financially burdened by the economic downturn. Thank you for supporting your communities!
We are a church energized by lively engagement in faith and life. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name.
Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to resources. You work every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.
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World Water Day
Tuesday, March 22
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Cal Lutheran's Fifty and Better (FAB)
Upcoming Lectures and Spring Session
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Join Cal Lutheran's Fifty and Better between their Winter and Spring Sessions for their Fabulous Lecture Series in March! Lecture topics include Van Gogh revisited, stories of early women pioneers, real world applications of artificial intelligence, and more! Registration is ongoing, so you still have time to sign up. FAB’s 6-week Spring Session begins on April 4thand will include courses on the music and career of Stephen Sondheim, an exploration of women sculptors, the controversies over the teaching of American history , and more!
Registration is open until April 1st. To register and view details, visit their website at www.callutheran.edu/fab.
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Lutheran Social Services News
Community Wellness Campus in San Bernardino
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Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith is the President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. She is the first African American to hold that position in the organization’s 76 year history.
On February 28, she appeared on "Good Day LA" to share about the important work of LSSSC and to announce their Community Wellness Campus In San Bernardino. You can view the interview and announcement 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 one more session coming up in 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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Public Service Loan Forgiveness |
Stephanie Shields, with Thrivent/Shields Cattau Financial Group, has shared the information below for any Rostered Ministers who have outstanding student loans.
Full-time Employment
For PSLF, you’re generally considered to work full-time if you meet your employer’s definition of full-time or work at least 30 hours per week, whichever is greater.
If you are employed in more than one qualifying part-time job at the same time, you will be considered full-time if you work a combined average of at least 30 hours per week with your employers.
If you are employed by a not-for-profit organization, time spent on religious instruction, worship services, or any form of proselytizing as a part of your job responsibilities may be counted toward meeting the full-time employment requirement.
Eligible Loans
Any loan received under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program qualifies for PSLF.
Loans from these federal student loan programs don't qualify for PSLF: the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program. However, they may become eligible if you consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan.
Student loans from private lenders do not qualify for PSLF.
Under normal PSLF Program rules, if you consolidate your loans, only qualifying payments that you make on the new Direct Consolidation Loan can be counted toward the 120 payments required for PSLF. Any payments you made on the loans before you consolidated them don’t count. However, if you consolidate these loans into a Direct Loan before October 31, 2022, you may be able to receive qualifying credit for payments made on those loans through the limited PSLF waiver. Learn more.
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Organist/Pianist (Part-Time)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior – Spirit of Hope in San Bernardino, seeks an Organist/Pianist to join our ministry worship team. Key job requirements / experience include familiarity and comfort with both traditional Lutheran liturgical worship, and praise / contemporary worship; Flexibility, and an interest in growth as our congregation continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
For more information, or a job description, please contact pastor Steve Anderson by email: [email protected], or by phone: 909.882.5013.
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Worship Leader (Part-Time)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope,
San Bernardino
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Lutheran Church of Our Savior-Spirit of Hope, San Bernardino is seeking a part-time Worship Leader. The primary responsibilities of the part-time worship leader will be to lead the contemporary, prayer and praise worship services, and grow the music ministry at Lutheran Church of Our Savior – Spirit of Hope. The Leader needs to work closely in communication with the church secretary and is responsible to the Pastor and Church Council. The Worship and Music Committee is involved in helping to plan our worship ministry. Proactive communication and planning are essential.
For a position description, click here.
Please send resumes to [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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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Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA)
Basic Training in Transitions for
Intentional Interim Ministry
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Are you considering serving as an Intentional Interim Pastor? Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (formerly NALIP) is offering a special Spring training class. This is nearly full, but you can still enter training now.
Phase 1 is virtual and online for 12 weeks beginning April 21. Phase 2 is residential in St. Louis next September 26-30.
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Stephen Ministry Bridge Leader's Training Course
Synod Scholarships Available
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Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.
Did you know that the Pacifica Synod offers scholarships for lay persons attending Stephen Ministries training? These are available through the Cathryn Wright Fund. More information about the scholarship and the application to apply may be found on our synod website here.
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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:
- Nan Renad (the sister of Pastor Richard Vevia)
- Owen Frantz and his parents Becca Ajer Frantz and Andrew Frantz.
- For the people of Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries affected by this violent conflict.
- 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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