On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the ELCA installed its new Presiding Bishop, Yehiel Curry, and Bishop Dave was there. We asked him for some reflections and this is what he said.

Obviously, the most prominent thing was the historic nature of this installation: this is the first time our denomination has installed an African-American man as our bishop. And it was humbling to see how diverse the community was that gathered. There were buses of people from his old synod in Chicago as well as many people from all over who’d been hoping their whole lives for something like this. There was a lot of emotion, a sense that felt like, “We can really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit!” To be in the room with that was very powerful. 

The liturgy had a part at the beginning where the current Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, invited the assembly to go meet our new Presiding Bishop, Yehiel Curry. We went toward the baptismal font for a welcome, and at that moment, he seemed to have this deep, emotional experience, where he couldn’t speak for several minutes. But in that silence, it was so wonderful to hear so many people, especially his hometown folks from Chicago, calling out and encouraging him. It took the moment from a pomp and circumstance, highly liturgical thing to something extraordinarily human. This is a person who was feeling the weight of God’s call, the power of the moment, the personal and historic nature of this, and we all got to be connected to it. 

Speaking of that connection, when he gathered later with us as the bishops, he talked about his theme being connectedness. Let’s be connected. Our strength moving forward is going to be to the degree we can connect with one another. He wants to see more collaboration and connection within all the facets of the church. It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s a worthy one. 

He also spoke to the ELCA’s desire to be anti-racist, and the phrase he used is that he wants people to be called in, not called out. We’re all going to make mistakes in this work and do it wrong from time to time, but rather than calling people out, we’re going to keep calling people back in. Which is exactly the right tone. 

The entire time there was a holy, hopeful moment. I came away with a resurgence of hope for the ELCA. We are in a great, pivotal moment for our church, and we are continuing with the right people to lead us in this time!

The deadlines for this year's Matthew 25 Fund and Global Engagement Mission (GEM) Fund grants are rapidly approaching! You have just under one week to turn in your applications for these grants before the October 15th deadline. Visit the links above or click on the buttons below for specifics on applying!

The Pacifica Synod has committed itself to becoming an anti-racist Church, grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our baptismal call “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” Rooted in the ELCA’s social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, we understand racism as sin and seek to dismantle its power in our congregations, institutions, and wider community.

To support this commitment, the Synod seeks a half-time Assistant to the Bishop for Anti-Racism Coordination (20 hrs/week) who will shepherd this work with faith, accountability, and hope. Is that you? Or do you know someone who might be a good fit? Find the complete job description and application details here. Applications must be submitted by October 14, 2025.

Bishop Dave wants to hear what you think. As we reach the midpoint of his term, what is the synod doing that is helpful for you? What are we missing? How can he better serve your ministry as your bishop? Below is a link to a survey that will allow you to provide some helpful feedback. Please take 5-10 minutes and let us know how we are doing and how we can serve you more effectively.

You can take the survey here. Your responses are automatically anonymous unless you supply us with your name and email address. Today, October 9th, is your last day to respond.

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!

Pastor Karla will be leading Border Church on Sunday, October 5 at the Whiskey 8 border wall location. Interested attendees may meet at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 12:15 pm and carpool or caravan to the 1:00 pm service. AMMPARO is asking for donations of first aid/medical supplies and electrolyte packets, which may be brought to the border on Sunday, or delivered to St. Mark's between now and Sunday. After Sunday, please contact Anne Voth for donation pick up and distribution information either by phone at 858-395-9051 or by email at annevoth236@gmail.com.

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, October 11, at 10 am, with keynote speaker Pr. Manuel Retamoza of Border Church, 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.

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

We're pleased to announce that Deacon John Baynton was ordained into the ministry of Word and Service on August 16, 2025 at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Deacon John serves at Hope Palm Desert. Welcome, Deacon John!

"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.

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 9am):

• 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.

Prayer Vigil for Evi Sihomping

Detained by ICE

October 11, 2025 (10:00am)

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. Therefore, in connection with the API Leaders Migration Justice Training, held at Getsemani Indonesian/ Eden Lutheran Church in Riverside, there will be a prayer vigil led by Bishop Dave at 10:00am on October 11, 2025, outside the Adelanto ICE Detention Center. All are welcome to attend.

American Musical Theatre Workshop:

"Broadway's Grandest"

October 11, 2025 (3:00pm)

Come hear about the most expensive Broadway theatre productions, the biggest casts, the most complex dance numbers, the most expensive costumes, and which productions were performed on roller skates…AND WHY! We will be discussing the productions such as Beetlejuice, which utilizes four "houses" that change throughout the show..and rotates completely back to front; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which flies a car into the audience; the Mary Poppins tour that flies Mary from the mezzanine to the stage and, at end of show, back up to the mezzanine from stage; and the new 60-cast-member production of Vampires coming over from Germany this Fall. 

The workshop will be taught by Jason Chase, Director Of Music at St. Mark’s, Chula Vista. Invite your friends and family, children are welcome! Free and open to the public. Donations welcome.

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.

Remembering Rev. Ken Dale

(March 3, 1926 - September 9, 2025)

Longterm missionary Ken Dale of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont entered into his eternal rest on September 9, 2025. For more than 35 years, Ken taught pastoral care and counseling at Lutheran College and Seminary in Tokyo, where generations of students learned not only from his scholarship but from his deep kindness. Ken also founded and directed a pastoral counseling center in Tokyo, leading it for 14 years and offering community-based therapy, education, and research to the benefit of thousands of individuals and families.

Memorial information has been updated. A memorial will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the city of Claremont on Friday, October 10, at 2:30 pm with a light reception to follow. There will also be a memorial service on Saturday, October 11, at 3:00 pm in Decker Hall at Pilgrim Place. Ken's family will be present at both services.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in memory of Ken Dale in two ways that he indicated:

1. Please send a check to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1700 North Towne Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711) with “Ken Dale Memorial Fund” in the memo line of the check. Payments may also be made online at the Good Shepherd website. Once on the ‘Donate to GSLC’ page, click on “Give,” and add a note that this is ‘for the Ken Dale memorial fund.' The funds received will then be sent to the Japan Lutheran Theological College in Tokyo, where Rev. Dale spent most of his career.

2. Go to pilgrimplace.org and under the banner "Giving" click on "Ways to Give" to find how to give by check or online.

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.