At the young age of ten, Natalie Benson knew she wanted to be a pastor. After seminary, she wasn’t so sure anymore. But once she finished her internship at a queer-friendly church in Santa Monica, she knew she had indeed discerned her call at an early age.

“I fell in love with parish ministry again,” Benson said. “It’s a privilege and a joy to be with people through their joys and sorrows and the different parts of life they face.”

To tell the story of Benson’s voyage from sure to unsure to absolutely certain requires a lot of stops along the way. It’s a story of many small nudges of guidance and a healthy amount of youthful bravado.

Continue reading this story at PacificaSynod.org.

Ways to Provide Aid in Minnesota

The response by people of faith to the aggressive immigration actions in Minnesota has been nothing short of overwhelming. Religious leaders of all backgrounds are showing up and putting themselves on the line to protect their neighbors and to seek redemption for all those involved. Many who are watching these events unfold here in California and Hawaii are wondering how they can contribute materially to alleviate the pain and heartache of our Minnesota siblings. Here are three vetted avenues where you can do so, knowing your contributions are going directly to those most affected:

The Minneapolis Area Synod Fund

San Pablo / St. Paul Church

All Nations Church

AMMPARO:

Continuing to Support Immigrants in 2026

Many of you joined AMMPARO for the recent faith walk in Barrio Logan with the San Diego Organizing Project. Through this partnership, we also learn how to accompany immigrants and asylum seekers at court hearings, detention centers, and federal offices. We stand with our immigrant community!

If you’re curious about getting involved, join our monthly meeting on the 2nd Saturday at 10 am on Zoom. Our next meeting will be Saturday, March 14th. Use this link to join the meeting. Current opportunities include court accompaniment, helping families with basic needs, and attending Border Church—a weekly binational worship service at 1:30 pm on Sundays near the border.

Whether you want to donate supplies or show up in person, there’s a place for you. We’ll help you find your voice and live out the call of Jesus: “I was a foreigner and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25)

Resources for Black History Month

This Black History Month, we give thanks for the leadership, theological wisdom, preaching, music, teaching, and community building of Black Lutherans. These gifts have shaped the ELCA and continue strengthening the wider church.

This week we are celebrating Black theological wisdom in the ELCA as a gift of depth, Scripture read with lived experience, faith shaped by community care, and preaching that tells the truth in love. This week we are listening with gratitude and attention.

Read

We invite you to look into the works of Angela T. !Khabeb at Living Lutheran.

Pastors and leaders might want to check out Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color, a resource designed for call committees, councils, and teams who want to strengthen their readiness to call and support leaders well.

And there's also See Me, Believe Me, an updated guide to deepen allyship with congregational leaders of color.

We'll have more resources for you next week!

REGISTER NOW for Your 2026 Regional Gathering

Each Regional Gathering will be held from 10am-2pm and lunch will be provided. Everyone is invited to the Regional Gathering in your area: rostered persons, lay persons, voting members and non-voting members. All are welcome! 

Just as in 2024, this will be an assembly in two parts. Voting members are expected to attend both the Regional Gathering in their area and the all-synod assembly being held over Zoom (aka the "A-Zoom-bly") on June 20, 2026. 

The Regional Gatherings will be an opportunity to worship together, and be in conversation together, as we support one another in mission and ministry in these challenging times.

Registration for the Regional Gatherings is now open. The cost per person will be $25 and each congregation is welcome to bring as many people as they would like, in addition to your assembly voting members. Each person must be registered to attend, in order to plan for meals and seating. The registration deadline will be 2 weeks before each event (see dates below). 

Please note that registration and payment for the Regional Gatherings is separate from your "A-Zoom-bly" voting member registration which will open in mid-March.

Hawaii Area:

April 25 - Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Register by April 11)

Inland/Desert Area:

May 2 – Trinity, Riverside (Register by April 18)

Orange County Area:

May 9 – Bethlehem, Los Alamitos (Register by April 25)

San Diego Area:

May 16 – Clairemont Lutheran, Clairemont (Register by May 2)

For more information about the Regional Gatherings--as well as our online Synod Assembly ("A-Zoom-bly") on June 20, 2026--visit the Pacifica Synod website. The A-Zoom-bly is to be attended by voting members ONLY, while Regional Gatherings are open for ALL to attend.

As has been done in the past, congregations will be sent their Assembly invoice by mail by February 15 to prepay their congregation registration fee to receive a $50 discount. The fee must be paid by March 15 to receive a discount. The registration fees for the Assembly and Regional Gatherings will be as follows:

• Congregation registration (all congregations) - Early fee - $200 (paid by March 15)
• Congregation registration (all congregations) - Full fee - $250 (paid after March 15)
• Specialized Ministry Rostered Leaders/Retired Voting Members - $50
• Additional Youth/Young Adult VM (1 per congregation) - $0
• Regional Gathering Registration - $25 per attendee

Other Important dates to note are listed below.

• Early Assembly Payment Invoices (Congregations) - Mailed by February 15
• Due date for early payment - March 15
• Regional Gathering Registration is now open
• Online A-Zoom-bly Registration opens by mid-March
• Deadline to Register A-Zoom-bly Voting Members - June 10

If you have any questions about fee payment or registration, please contact Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.

Take the ELCA World Hunger Lenten Challenge

This Lent, Pacifica Synod is teaming up with other Region 2 synods for the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.



The challenge is to participate in some personal and community spiritual practices during Lent which will focus on stretching our learning, care and advocacy muscles on behalf of under-served communities. The six weeks will be divided according to the gospel text, with participants focusing on what we know and think about these siblings in Christ, as well as how we act in support and on behalf of these communities.

You can still participate! Get more information or sign up at LentenChallenge.org.

Lenten Devotionals from ELCA Sumud

This Lent, join ELCA Sumud and six of our ELCA bishops who have just returned from the ELCA Bishops Accompaniment trip to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). This series will include six PDF Devotionals which will be posted by February 1st to the ELCA Sumud webpage. You are invited to read through and reflect upon these devotionals with a small group, bible study group, youth group, or any other setting you see fit. Each devotion will include a bible passage from the 2026 lectionary for this year’s Lenten season, as well as a brief prayer.

In this ELCA Sumud 2026 Lenten series, “Body of Christ", we are invited to reflect on Paul’s proclamation that “we who are many are one body in Christ” (1 Corinthians 12). In the body of Christ, no member can be dismissed or deemed expendable. This series lifts up especially Palestinian Christians as an inseparable and equal part of the Body of Christ, whose witness and oppression demand our attention and solidarity. Through prayer, scripture, and devotionals, we will explore how each member of Christ’s body has distinct gifts and responsibilities, yet is bound together in mutual care, accountability, and love. ELCA Sumud was honored to accompany the 2026 Bishops Solidarity delegation, and throughout this series you will hear reflections from ELCA Bishops on their experience in accompaniment, conversation, and relationship with our partners and siblings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. In a time of profound injustice and violence in Palestine, this series calls the church to repentance from indifference, to listening across borders, and to faithful action, trusting that when one part of the body suffers, all suffer together. God calls upon the whole body of Christ to work together for justice, dignity, and peace. 

Synod Youth Leadership Forum

with Bishop Yehiel Curry and Secretary CeCee Mills

March 12

Youth leaders--and everyone else--are invited to a conversation with Bishop Curry and Secretary Mills about youth ministry and the church. This event is happening on Thursday, March 12 at 11am Central Time. Please register for the conversation in advance, and if you have a question you'd like to submit, you can do so with this link.

Lutheran Lobby Day

May 20

Advocates: come one, come all! We have a date for Lobby Day! We are gathering Lutherans and all people of faith in California on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 to meet with California state legislative offices. Stay tuned for much more information in the coming weeks.

Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence

February 25

In a digital age that is always reforming, artificial intelligence (AI) has become part and parcel of living in modernity. Given its impact, as well as overwhelming enthusiasm for and protest against, it becomes necessary to ask: how do we best live in the world with the reality of AI? How do we respond to it faithfully and theologically? How do we equip leaders to accompany people in the decisions they will face? To explore this, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence following the medieval questio model in collaboration with powerful voices in medicine, ecology, and higher education. The events of the day include the main disputatio, worship, lunch, and a variety of themed generative conversations hosted by theology and AI experts. Join us online or in Berkeley on Wednesday, February 25 from 8:30am - 3pm for a dynamic day of inquiry! Get more information or register here.

Webinar: Walking Alongside Latino Communities--Faith, Stress, and Behavioral Health in a Time of Change

February 25

Led by Ana L. Chavez-Mancillas (DSW, MSW) Senior Director for the National Latino Behavioral Association, this webinar will help equip faith leaders to recognize the unique health challenges facing Latino communities today, including the effects of immigration policies, discrimination, and economic strain on individuals and families. Participants will explore how these stressors intersect with substance use and other mental health concerns and will gain practical tools to help support Latino Congregants. More information and registration is available at this link.

LFCNA Online Workshop:

Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain

February 26

This interactive presentation will help participants gain an understanding and appreciation for persons living with a neurodivergent brain due to conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Using an unfolding, real-life case study based on the presenter's personal experience with a neurodivergent child, the audience will learn strategies to address common challenging behaviors, social difficulties, and communication issues. Practical ways to show God's love to persons and families struggling with the complexities of neurological differences will be discussed. For more information or to register, visit this link.

Up Close and Classical Sonata Series

Danish Lutheran (Yorba Linda)

March 1

The Danish Lutheran Church and "Up Close and Classical" are collaborating on a series of free concerts in 2026, the first of which will be a Sonata Series featuring Rong-Huey Liu on oboe and Vivian Liu on piano, playing works by Schumann, Harty, Schreck, and del Aguila. Additional concerts will be held on Friday, April 3rd and Sunday, May 31st. For more information on this upcoming program, check out this flier.

Centering Prayer Workshop

Trinity Lutheran (Victorville)

March 7

Join us for a time of stillness, reflection, and deepening in the practice of Centering Prayer. Whether you’re new to contemplative prayer or seeking to refresh your prayer life, this workshop will offer guidance, practice, and fellowship. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Darryl W. Kozak, Regional Assistant to the Bishop for the Inland Region, and a Commissioned Presenter of Centering Prayer for Contemplative Outreach. Space is limited to 25 participants and you need to register by March 4. To register, contact Darryl Kozak directly by text at 951-387-8220 or via email at DarrylKozak@pacificasynod.org. For complete information, check out this flier.

Japan Festival

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Huntington Beach)

March 8

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection welcomes you to Huntington Beach on Sunday, March 8, from noon to 5pm for a Japan Festival. Experience many different facets of Japanese culture including Japanese dance, a tea ceremony, Japanese street food, and more. And it's all to raise money for the Hiroshima-based Akune Mission, a joint American/Japanese partnership of Christians and Buddhists committed to community renewal through culture, education, and service. Reserve your spot here.

PLTS Discernment Weekend (Berkeley, CA)

March 13-15

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS's visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13th through 15th in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Workshop: Introduction to Centering Prayer

St. Mark's Lutheran (Chula Vista)

March 21

St. Mark's Lutheran in Chula Vista will be hosting an Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 am- 2 pm. This event will be bilingual in English and Spanish with the opportunity for more languages as needed. There is no cost but registration is required. You can register via email at consdinfo@gmail.com, or call Pastor Karla Halvorson with questions at 858-442-6761

Retirement Celebration for Karin Boye

Calvary Lutheran (Solana Beach)

March 22

Karin Boye is retiring after 40 years of ordained ministry, and Calvary Lutheran in Solana Beach is celebrating on Sunday afternoon, March 22, with cake, coffee, finger foods, and lots of memories. Please RSVP by Sunday, March 15 via text message to 815-355-3796 (Sandy Bentz) or 619-913-5067 (Gloria Espeseth).

Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy

Free, Live-Taught Webinars

March 24-April 28 (Every Tuesday)

Lutheran Disaster Response and several ecumenical partners are collaborating to offer the 2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy, a series of six free online, live-taught webinars that will offer pragmatic and informative sessions to help faith and community leaders address emerging needs from disasters and other crises. Webinars are scheduled for Tuesdays, March 24 through April 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 AM Central time and are appropriate for all levels of experience and expertise.

Schedule at a glance, 10 AM - 11:30 AM Central (US and Canada).

1. March 25, 2026 - "Calm in Crisis"
2. March 31, 2026 - "Talk Saves Lives" (suicide prevention)
3. April 7, 2026 - "Responding with Care: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Disaster Response for Diverse Communities"
4. April 14, 2026 - "Risk and Protective Factors"
5. April 21, 2026 - "Tools for Building Resilience"
6. April 28, 2026 - "Emotional and Spiritual Care in Human-Caused Disasters"

One registration gets you access to all sessions and you can register using this link.

15th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival

w/ Keynote Speaker Rick Steves

Good Shepherd Lutheran (Claremont, CA)

April 16

The Pacifica Synod, Southwest California Synod, and Good Shepherd Lutheran (1700 N Towne Ave, Claremont) are excited to welcome Rick Steves for the 15th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival on April 16th. The theme for the daylong event is "The Reality of Fascism for Bonhoeffer and for Us Today." The program begins at 12:30 with a commemorative lunch before the keynote presentation, a panel discussion, and a Q&A session with a panel of respondents that will include Bishop Dave Nagler. Admission is free and open to the public, though donations are welcome. More information is available on this flier. Please RSVP by contacting Thom Johnson by email at tjohnson@cst.edu or by phone at 909-802-9549.

Western States Youth Gathering

June 28-July 1

Summer will be here before we know it, and registration just opened for this summer's Western States Youth Gathering, which will be held on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. This gathering, being held a year before 2027's ELCA Youth Gathering, provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare your young people for the overall Gathering experience, becoming one step on the movement of their faith formation. Registration is now open, and you can get more info or register at westernstatesyg.org.

Hand Bells for Sale

Trinity Lutheran, Hemet

Trinity Lutheran in Hemet has officially closed and only has a four-octave set of hand bells available. The set includes 49 brass hand bells, tablecloths, pads, gloves, music stands and four file drawers of hand bell music. If interested, email trinityhemet@verizon.net or call either the office at 951-658-5013 or Mary Rust at 909-519-0420.

Free Choir Robes

St. Peter's By the Sea has found an additional stash of choir robes so they now have 24 robes that need a new home--so they're giving them away! The robes are in good condition and they are willing to ship them wherever they might need to go, so if you could put these robes to good use or you'd just like to know more about them or see photos of the complete set, please contact Betty Wells at bettysheawells@gmail.com or by phone at 619-347-1148.

Executive Director

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center, located in the scenic Sonoran

Desert at Carefree, Arizona, is a Lutheran-rooted ministry welcoming people

of all backgrounds to a place of peace, renewal, healing, and spiritual growth. The Center is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its mission, staff,

operations, financial health, donor relations, and community partnerships

into a new era of expanded ministry. For complete position information and application instructions, view this PDF.

Worship Leader, Contemporary Service (Part-Time)

Our Redeemer Lutheran, Garden Grove

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is a vibrant, welcoming ELCA congregation committed to sharing God’s grace through worship, service, and community. Our worship currently follows a blended format, combining the beauty of Lutheran liturgy with the energy of contemporary music. We are seeking a skilled and passionate Worship Leader to lead our Praise Band and guide the congregation in contemporary worship. This is a gig position, paid $350 per Sunday, factoring

approximately 10 hours per week for planning, rehearsal, and leading worship. For more details or for application information, go here.