It all started when four mainline pastors in Ramona, California, decided to meet up. Though that sounds like the setup for a classic joke, the results thus far have been anything but a punchline.

Let’s rewind the clock to about two years ago when the pastors of the Ramona-based congregations of Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Ramona United Methodist (RUMC), St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal, and First Congregational Church decided to form a group of mutual care and support. Included among those were Pastor Kristie Grimaud of RUMC and Pastor Larry Hand, then the interim pastor at Spirit of Joy.

“We got together monthly for lunch and formed a good relationship and partnership to care for one another,” said Grimaud, “and that started a conversation about how our four churches could partner in ministry.”

That kicked off the idea of the Ramona Youth Collaborative, where all four churches combined their resources to share youth ministry together. It was a hit.

“When I saw how great that could be,” said Grimaud, “I saw the Spirit’s movement and was inspired to say, ‘There’s a lot of potential here if we continue to form partnerships.’”

A few months later, that spirit of partnership would get much more involved.

Continue reading this incredible story here.

Support Immigrants

Through AMMPARO and CLUE

THANK YOU for your wonderful support of migrants, asylum seekers, and immigrants! We are in this together! We will not turn our backs on those who are suffering and we will continue to prayerfully do what we can!

What you can do:

1. Come to AMMPARO meetings and contact Pastor Karla Halvorson or a planning team member to find out more! You can text Pastor Karla at 858-442-6761. The next meeting is Saturday, November 8, at 10 am, and you can join via Zoom here. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A NEW LINK! (Meeting ID: 870 8107 6920  Passcode: AMMPARO) 

2. Faith leaders in the San Diego area are invited to join the Catholic Diocese of San Diego and Detention Resistance as courthouse escorts. This is someone who meets with asylum seekers and goes into courtrooms with them to support them and help them feel safe. This is especially important in this moment where many of these asylum seekers will be detained and kidnapped by ICE when they exit the courtroom. Having sustained volunteer presence matters even if it's just to witness what is happening and pass that information on to others. To participate or to get more information, text Krystle J of Detention Resistance at 858-382-2109.

3. Faith leaders in Orange County or Los Angeles can consider joining the CLUE Rapid Response network in Orange and Los Angeles County. CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) have long been advocates of immigrant rights and are looking for volunteers to help in many ways, including Courtroom Observation and Accompaniment. Speaking a second language is helpful but not required. Click here to find out more info on providing immigrant support at the courthouses in Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

Advocacy Needed for Evi Sihomping,

Wrongfully Detained by ICE

Evi Sihomping is one of the active members of Getsemani Indonesian Lutheran Ministry in Riverside, CA. She was picked up from her home in Loma Linda by ICE on June 7, 2025 and is currently being held at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center. 

She and her former husband applied for asylum back in 2003 but were denied; her former husband went back to Indonesia, while Evi stayed with her daughter, who was born in the US, in California. When her daughter reached 21 years old, she also petitioned for asylum her mom, a petition which is still in process. Nevertheless, ICE came to pick Evi up. 

Right now, Evi is working with her immigration lawyer to get her out of prison so she can be with her daughter and her husband. In the meantime, Bishop Dave and Evi's pastor Robert Waworuntu invite members of the Pacifica Synod to advocate on her behalf. Here is a PDF with a script you can adapt for a phone call, email, or letter to your elected representative(s) to call for Evi's release. Please take a few moments to lend your voice.

Lutheran Office of Public Policy

Guidance on CA Prop 50

The Lutheran Office of Public Policy for California has made available two separate letters regarding the upcoming public vote on California's Proposition 50. You can read the letters by accessing the links below:

Prop 50 Policy Council Letter

Letter from CA Bishops in Support of LOPP

"Installfest" for Pastor Russell Lackey

Mission Lutheran, Laguna Niguel

October 19, 2025 (3:30pm)

Join Mission Lutheran in Laguna Niguel in celebrating Pastor Russ Lackey's Installation, better known as INSTALLFEST! The service begins at 3:30, followed by an Oktoberfest-style celebration with traditional food and drinks, plus kid-friendly options. This is a family event, open to all, with activities for children and plenty of festive fun. Feel free to wear Oktoberfest attire! View the invitation, with complete information and address, here.

Engaging and Equipping Faith Communities in Gun Violence Prevention (Free Webinar)

October 21, 2025

In response to the resolution on gun violence prevention passed by the 2025 Synod Assembly, this Zoom gathering will offer information, resources, and ideas faith leaders and congregations can use to respond to gun violence and work for gun violence prevention. We will be joined by members of the San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention coalition and hear from leaders in different areas of the synod. This Zoom event is open to all but you must register in advance to participate. 

Middle School Youth Gathering

November 14-16, 2025

Why be normal? It's time to live outside the box! Middle School Youth Gathering is BACK, November 14 through 16, and this year, we’re heading to Knott’s Berry Farm for a weekend of worship, encouragement, games, surprises, and five whole seconds of suspended terror as we wait for the drop on Hang Time.

Registration is now live, so if you have youth in the Pacifica or Southwest California Synods who are entering 6th through 9th grades, sign up now to secure your spots. And, just like last year, high school students (grades 10 through 12) are also welcome to come along for a special leadership track.

Pricing, dates, times, room information, and more details are available at the registration page, so head over there and get your group signed up ASAP.

Installation of Rev. Jennifer Zahnow

Good Shepherd Lutheran, Buena Park

November 22, 2025 (1:00pm)

All are invited to the Installation of Rev. Jennifer Zahnow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Buena Park at 1:00pm on November 22, 2025. Clergy please vest in green. A reception will follow the service.

Dates for 2026 Regional Gatherings, "A-Zoom-bly"

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

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

Watch this space for more details as they become available!

Webinar: Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget

November 17, 2025

Every church should be a place where everyone feels welcome and included — regardless of ability. But making your facilities more accessible doesn't have to break the bank.

Join the ELCA Disability Ministry on Monday, November 17 at 7pm central time for this practical and inspiring webinar designed specifically for churches seeking to improve accessibility with limited resources. We'll explore affordable strategies to enhance physical, sensory and digital accessibility in your church buildings and programs. From simple upgrades to creative adaptations, you'll gain tools and ideas that can be implemented right away — no large renovation budget required.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

• Low-cost improvements that make a big impact.

• How to prioritize accessibility changes.

• Ways to engage your congregation in accessibility efforts.

Show Solidarity with Palestinian Christians

with the Holy Land Accompaniment Pilgrimage

March 9-19, 2026

The ELCJHL (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land) is inviting the Pacifica and Southwest California Synods to the Holy Land early next year for an accompaniment pilgrimage. Come be with Palestinian Christians and experience the challenges they encounter just trying to live out their faith in the face of enormous structural obstacles. Yes, you'll see the historic foundations of the early Church--Capernaum, the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, and others--but more importantly, you'll form relationships with those who are building on those very foundations today. Have your faith inspired and your hope challenged.

New Pacifica Partners

Attention: women of the Pacifica Synod! The October 2025 issue of Pacifica Partners is now available. It contains information about registration regarding the upcoming convention and gathering in November, along with scholarship forms for convention and the Triennial Gathering information, and Love Gifts for the community in San Diego. You can view or download it here.

Open Mosque Day

October 19, 2025

This Sunday, October 19th, from 2-5 pm, join other members of the Pacifica Synod for Open Mosque Day, presented by the Islamic Center of San Diego at 7050 Eckstrom Ave in San Diego. This is a meaningful way to find common ground with and show love for our Muslim neighbors. We'll see you on Sunday!

Addiction & Faith Virtual Conference

October 23, 2025

Addiction is everywhere, and yet many churches feel unprepared to face it. This virtual conference will give you the insight and tools to change that. Learn how your faith community can start addressing the addiction crisis in a meaningful way. By the end of the day you will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and concrete steps to make your congregation a safe, welcoming, and recovery-friendly community.

PLTS Discernment Weekend

October 31 - November 2, 2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California 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. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it.

Natural Sciences Retreat (Carefree, AZ)

January 16-19, 2026

Are you curious about the natural sciences' connection with Christian theology? If so, Living Into a New Story: A Spirited Assessment of the Christian Story in the Light of Earth-based Wisdom and Today’s Sciences Retreat is for you!

The retreat goals are to:

• Provide meaningful experiences together that will affirm our being cheered on by the whole Universe and by God
• Discover new realizations that our modest lives are part of a much larger story
• Inspire continued deep questioning and learning
• Stimulate a renewed sense of vocation

Highlights and takeaways include a booklet of current and rewritten hymns/songs grounded in ecology-theology themes; a worship/preaching/teaching resource for the Season of Lent; quotes, poems and journaling starts; book lists for further reading; time for journaling, worship, prayer, music, experiences; good food, serene surroundings, stimulating discussions, healing relaxation; time outdoors on the land, including an optional hike; wisdom for sustainable living and effective advocacy.

Music Items for Sale (Updated on 10-07)

Trinity Lutheran, Hemet

Trinity Lutheran in Hemet is still downsizing and wishes to sell some of their musical instruments, sheet music, and miscellaneous materials that go with them. This list was updated September 28, 2025, with many new items added and others removed that have already gone to other Lutheran churches in the Pacifica Synod. Download an updated flier with links to all the available items by clicking here or contact the church at trinityhemet@verizon.net

Hand Bell Director (Part-Time)

Clairemont Lutheran/Iglesia Luterana, San Diego

Clairemont Lutheran/Iglesia Luterana in San Diego is seeking a part-time Hand Bell Director to provide leadership for the CLC Hand Bell Choir regarding weekly rehearsals and scheduled performances. For a complete job description and application information, go here.

Organist

Incarnation Lutheran, Poway

Incarnation Lutheran Church (ILC) in Poway is seeking an organist to help us experience and celebrate God’s gifts of grace in worship at our traditional Sunday worship service at 11am. ILC has a long history of excellent music expressed through our musicians, vocal and bell choirs, congregational singing, instrumental ensembles, and soloists. If interested and qualified, candidate could apply to be considered at a later date as Director of Music and/or vocal and bell Choir Director. 

A full job description can be found at this link. Those interested are asked to contact the church office at Servants@GodAmong.us with questions or to send letters of interest/resumes.