Theoasis Registration Closes in One Week!

Register by October 3rd!

Registration for Theoasis is about to close! This joint church leaders’ event is a theological oasis for rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders, and anyone else doing ministry. All are welcome! 

Theoasis will be held at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta, CA, from Tuesday, October 14 to Thursday, October 16, focusing on the theme “Blessed are the Poor—In Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Registration is now open and will close on October 3, so the sooner you get in, the better.

For more information about this impactful event, including speakers, schedule, and crucial hotel information, go here.

To read how Theoasis has impacted others, check out this story.

Bea Chambers took a long road toward ordination, but now that she's here, she's ready for whatever comes next.

“I get bored way too easily.”

Though it may sound flippant, there’s a kernel of truth to the way Bea Chambers describes how she entered the ministry. Growing up a military brat in the San Diego area, Chambers felt an early call to ministry and dove in headfirst.

“When I was 7 or 8 years old, my best friend lived nearby, and she was Catholic,” Chambers said. “Her oldest sister was getting ready to become a novice at the convent, and she told me about becoming the bride of Christ and how she was going to be working for Jesus.”

In awe at the concept, the young Chambers was smitten. “I went home and announced to my mother about how I was going to be a nun when I grew up! But since we were hardcore Lutheran, that was off the table.”

Instead, Chambers funneled her inherent kineticism into her Lutheran community.

[The story continues at pacificasynod.org]

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. Please respond by October 9th.

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, October 11, 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.

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

Lutherans for Love Honored at

San Diego Pride Parade Awards

Lutherans for Love, a year-round ministry of LGBTQIA+ people and allies from Lutheran congregations in the San Diego region, was honored with 2nd Place for Best Faith-Based Contingent at the 2025 San Diego Pride Parade Awards, held on September 4 at the Grand Hyatt San Diego. The group was recognized for its vibrant and joyful contingent in the July Pride Parade.

Lutherans for Love is a ministry of Lutheran churches in the San Diego region that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our mission is to publicly demonstrate God’s radical love by celebrating and supporting the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in our churches, our communities, and beyond. While the Pride Parade is their most visible moment, their ministry is active throughout the year—advocating for full inclusion, supporting LGBTQIA+ church members, and helping congregations live out their welcome in concrete ways.

“This award is for every person who helped carry a sign, drive a shuttle, build a float, or simply show up and be counted. We do this because we believe God’s love is for everyone—and we want the world to know it.”  — Gina Seashore, Lutherans for Love Coordinator

Installation of Pastor Russell Lackey

Mission Lutheran, Laguna Niguel

October 19, 2025

Pr. Russell Lackey will be installed on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025 at Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel. There will be a meal at 4:00pm followed by the installation service at 5:00pm, with a dessert reception following. 

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 for next year's in-person regional gatherings and our all-synod assembly being held over Zoom. Complete location information will be forthcominghe dates are:

• April 25, 2026 – Hawaii Regional Gathering (at LC of Honolulu)
• May 2, 2026 – Location TBD
• May 9, 2026 – Location TBD
• May 16, 2026 – Location TBD

And the A-Zoom-bly:

• June 20, 2026

Watch this space for more details as they become available!

National Day of Remembrance

for Indian Boarding Schools

September 30, 2025

This summer the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a memorial to address the legacies of our church’s role in Indian Boarding Schools. For 150 years, over 500 Indian boarding schools operated in the United States, where Native children were forcibly taken from their families and communities, prohibited all expression of Native language and culture, and required to perform manual labor, with a goal to “Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” Religious organizations collaborated with the federal government in operating more than half of these federally-funded schools, including predecessor denominations to the ELCA.

The first action step in the ELCA’s memorial is to raise awareness about Indian Boarding Schools and Christian and Lutheran roles in perpetuating this policy against our Native siblings.  Join this effort by wearing orange on September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, marking this day in worship, and learning more about the ELCA’s Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools.

You can read more about the ELCA's efforts on this front and learn other ways to take action by visiting ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools.

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.

ELCA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling That Allows Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement

CHICAGO (Sept. 11, 2025) — I am deeply troubled by incidents of racial profiling* that are happening across this country in the name of law enforcement and national security. Such inhumane treatment is being employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in wanton immigration stops, targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, language, occupation or location. In particular, I and many in this church lament the Supreme Court action of Sept. 8 in which the court granted a stay of a lower court’s restraining order that had limited such enforcement practices in Los Angeles while judicial action is pending.

My concern is grounded in Scripture, ELCA social teaching and care for our neighbors. Scripture is clear: every human being is created in the image of God. Racial profiling denies that image and violates the dignity it confers. It is not only unjust — it is inhumane. This church’s teaching is also clear, having expressed grave objections to patterns of racial, ethnic and religious profiling because it “stigmatizes those who are innocent of any offense” (ELCA social statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, p. 40). Every neighbor, regardless of immigration status, deserves safety, dignity and equal protection under the law. Racial profiling, a legacy of white supremacy, is rooted in the sin of racism (ELCA social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, p. 5).

As your presiding bishop, I want to speak directly to the Latiné community. I want you to know that I and other leaders of this church see what is happening and join you in calling out this injustice. In particular, the Supreme Court’s reversal of the stay is a dangerous shift, exposing the Latiné community and other vulnerable communities to discriminatory treatment that threatens civil liberties and undermines constitutional protections. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her response to the ruling, sounded this urgent alarm: “We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.”

I want to be clear that, though this ruling effectively singles out the Latiné community, it also sets a precedent that will erode constitutional safeguards for all of us. I am reminded of the poem “First They Came,” derived from a speech by German Pastor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.” This famous quotation illustrates how the systematic targeting of marginalized groups can escalate when people fail to defend others’ rights, as happened when most people remained silent during the rise of Nazi persecution in Germany. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of quietism and inaction in the face of injustice.

To meet this moment, God calls us to advocacy. Guided by God’s law in the Scriptures, which demand justice and seek the well-being of all, the ELCA calls upon policymakers and community leaders to:

• Honor or restore constitutional safeguards against racial and ethnic profiling.
• Reverse policies and practices that normalize discrimination or exclusion.
• Reaffirm a shared commitment to justice that upholds the worth of every neighbor.
• Work for an immigration system that protects the dignity of all.

In accompaniment and solidarity with our neighbors, use these AMMPARO resources to inform your ministry and protect the safety of our Latiné community:

• AMMPARRO “Know Your Rights Information”
•  “What Can Congregations Do to Prepare for Immigration Raids?”
•  “Know Your Rights: If ICE Stops You in Public”
•  “Know Your Rights: If ICE Visits Your Home”
•  Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
•  The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries

* Racial profiling: “The use, typically by law enforcement, of a person’s racial or ethnic characteristics in the decision to detain or question the person about potential criminal activity” (ELCA social statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, p. 51).

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton

Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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.

Latine Ministry Competency Workshop:

Resisting, Restoring, Renewing

October 2-4, 2025

The Latine community is moving forward with deep faith and courageous spirit, despite the negative narrative, divisive rhetoric, and a culture of fear at work in the public arena. You are invited to be in dialogue with a group of learners and practitioners seeking to share insights and strategies to start or enhance ministry among the diverse Latine community in your context. Learn ways to become an ally and accompany your Latine neighbors at this crucial time. Open your church to be renewed by the faith and witness of the Latine community.

A flyer with speaker and schedule information is available here. Contact Pra. Maria Santa Cruz via email for registration information.

LFCNA Educational Event:

Hope in Practice: Applying Solution-Focused Communication 

Techniques in Response to Crisis

October 7, 2025

As a faith community nurse, or other professional in ministry, you are on the front lines of mental health and substance use care. It is possible that you engage with people and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. This interactive session introduces attendees to the Solution Focused model, an evidence-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes hope, possibility, and patient resources over pathology, diagnosis and problems.

Rather than focusing on what's wrong, this model guides faith community professionals in helping people move toward hope, and what is possible. Participants will learn and practice strategies such as the miracle question, scaling techniques, and exception finding, all tailored for use in time-limited, high-stress community environments.

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.

Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music

June 21-July 19, 2026

Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.

Priority enrollment deadline: December 1

Standard enrollment deadline: March 1

Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program 

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.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 3pm in Decker Hall at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, CA.

Music Items for Sale (Updated)

Trinity Lutheran, Hemet

Trinity Lutheran in Hemet is downsizing and wishes to sell some of their musical instruments, sheet music, and miscellaneous materials that go with them. Items include hand chimes, tambourines, drums, robes, lesson kits, books, chairs, and more. 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.

Director of Faith Formation

Calvary Lutheran, Solana Beach

Calvary Lutheran in Solana Beach is seeking a Director of Faith Formation. The DFF works in cooperation with the pastor and ministry teams to envision, coordinate and implement ministry and relationships with children, youth, families, adults and volunteers. They will lead the Children & Family and Youth Ministry Teams and volunteers that assist these ministries, fostering a dynamic community that provides sound Biblical teaching and spiritual care. The long-term vision includes helping facilitate Calvary Small Groups and Adult Faith Formation, establishing and leading Calvary Young Adults programming, supporting creation and maintenance of the congregation’s website and social media platforms (in coordination with Calvary's Communication Team), and/or other duties (including those that utilize the Director’s unique gifts).

A full job description can be found at this link. Those interested are asked to email a resume and cover letter to Pastor Mark Donald at calvarylutheranjobs@gmail.com.

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.