If someone wanted to plant a new church, it makes a certain sense to call a person from Bethlehem.

Yes, the actual Bethlehem.

Adham Alaraj has been called by the ELCA to launch an Arabic-language congregation in El Cajon (in the San Diego area), the first in California and only the second Arabic-language Lutheran congregation in the United States after Salam Arabic Lutheran in Brooklyn, New York. Bethlehem Arabic Lutheran Church will be hosted by St. John’s Lutheran, where Alaraj is also a pastor.

“There are lot of people in this area who’ve come here from Arabic-speaking places and they want to come to an Arabic church,” Alaraj said. “So we’re just now building the communication, building the pastoral care, building the church, and doing justice and mercy about how we can care for the people, the immigrants, the refugees.”

Alaraj’s journey from his native Bethlehem to this newly-established one took him all over the world.

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, February 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)

Pacifica Synod was well-represented this past weekend at the ELCA Extravaganza in St. Louis! This four-day event is for congregational leaders in children's, youth, young adult, and outdoor ministry, and we had plenty of folks getting renewed, educated, and connected in their calling to reach the next generation. Thanks to everyone who participated!

The Rev. Anton Scheer (aka Pastor Tony) was installed on Saturday, January 31 as the new senior pastor of Incarnation Lutheran in Poway.

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 invite you to gather some friends or your small group and watch the 40-minute documentary Unsung: The Untold Story of Black Lutherans in America.

And diversify your social feeds by following the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) on Facebook.

We'll have more resources for you next week!

Lenten Challenge Coming Soon

Lent will be here before you know it, and this year the 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.

More details will be forthcoming, but for now, you can 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. 

UPDATED INFORMATION for

2026 Regional Gatherings & "A-Zoom-bly"

We are pleased to announce the dates and locations for 2026's in-person regional gatherings and our all-synod assembly being held over Zoom. Save the date(s)!

Regional Gatherings (from 10am to 2pm)

• April 25, 2026 – Hawaii (at LC of Honolulu)
• May 2, 2026 – Inland Empire (Trinity, Riverside)
• May 9, 2026 – Orange County (Bethlehem, Los Alamitos)
• May 16, 2026 – San Diego (Clairemont, San Diego)

And the A-Zoom-bly (starting at 12pm PDT):

• June 20, 2026

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

Registration for the Regional Gatherings will be SEPARATE from the registration for the A-Zoom-bly. Registration links to each will be shared in our synod newsletter and on our website when available. Congregations will also receive registration information by mail. 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 opens – by February 15
• Online Azoombly Registration opens - by March 20
• Deadline to Register Azoombly Voting Members - June 10

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

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.

Pacifica Partners

Latest Newsletter Now Available

The latest issue of the Pacifica Partners newsletter from the WELCA is now available, with important information about their upcoming Spring Gathering. You can read it by clicking here.

Jazz Mass

St. Peter's by the Sea (San Diego)

February 15

St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church in Ocean Beach, San Diego, invites you to join us as we celebrate our fourth annual Jazz Mass on Sunday, February 15th at 9:30 am. 

Traditionally, the season before Lent is known as Carnival, which generally goes from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday. It is known for being a time of indulgence (eating, drinking, partying) before the fasting and sacrifice of Lent. Here in the United States, the Carnival is best observed in New Orleans and is traditionally celebrated with jazz music. Mardi Gras has become its own culture in New Orleans! 

This Jazz Mass was composed in 1978 by Ed Christianson of Fargo, ND. To the best of our knowledge, it has only been performed outside of Fargo here at St. Peter’s, and only these four times since the 1980s. Ed Christianson was the brother-in-law of our Music Minister, Joe DeMers, husband of his sister, Mary Jo. Ed was a phenomenal musician and amazing music teacher. 

February 15th is the last Sunday before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday; thus, it is only fitting that we have the Jazz Mass on this particular Sunday. 

In addition to the choir – and the congregation – it includes a jazz band consisting of trumpet, trombone, tenor sax and rhythm section (piano, bass and drums). So, get your hands out, and begin practicing snapping your fingers on 2 & 4. This means to accent the 2nd and 4th beats of the measure, which is a definite challenge for Lutherans, but a hallmark of jazz music! Carnival is also marked by the wearing of bright colors, hats, masks, and – of course – Mardi Gras beads. So, feel free to wear them all as you join us on February 15th!

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.

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.

Spring Training Retreat (Carefree, AZ)

March 10-13

Join us for an inspiring Spring Training experience in Arizona, where baseball enthusiasts and faith-driven individuals unite to explore the connection between sport and spirituality. This unique retreat, led by Pastor Dave Ellingson, combines fellowship, worship, and the excitement of baseball with opportunities to attend MLB Cactus League games in the vibrant Arizona desert. For more information or to register, visit this link.

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

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.

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.

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, music, table, pads, gloves, and more. If interested, email trinityhemet@verizon.net