Bishop Curry Responds to Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
We grieve with heavy hearts following the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego earlier this week. In a place devoted to prayer and community, three lives were taken in an act of violence that authorities are investigating as a hate crime.
We mourn with the families of those who lost their lives, with the Muslim community in San Diego and with all who carry fear and sorrow in the wake of this tragedy. We give thanks for those whose courageous actions helped protect others — bearing witness, even in crisis, to the God-given dignity of every human life.
READ MORE
| | Lutheran Lobby Day 2026 - A Powerful Gathering | | |
On May 20th, nearly 100 Lutherans traveled to Sacramento and held 80 meetings with California senators and assembly members for Lutheran Lobby Day. Seventeen California Lutheran University students and their advisors served as our advocacy briefers and led us in research and planning.
Regina Banks, Director of Lutheran Office of Public Policy, and Laura Muther, our World Hunger fellow, did a remarkable job coordinating all of us and making strategic decisions about which bills we should lift up.
Drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the ELCA social statements, we called for compassionate care for immigrants, environmental concerns and bills supporting hunger initiatives.
John Halbert, Dixie Hanson and Jane Affonso represented Southwest California Synod... can you find us in the group photo?
| | |
A Prayer for those Affected by the Sandy Fire
God of comfort and strength,
We lift before you all those affected by the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley and the communities facing the growing danger of wildfire this season. Bring protection to those who have been forced to evacuate and comfort to those living with fear and uncertainty.
Surround firefighters and first responders with safety and endurance as they work long hours to protect lives and homes. Watch over the land, the wildlife, and all who may be in harm’s way. Grant wisdom to community leaders and strength to neighbors caring for one another in times of crisis.
Even in fearful times, help us hold onto hope, trusting that your presence remains with us through every season.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
| |
Assembly is around the corner and we want to make sure you have ALL the information.
Our first two Pre-Assembly Sessions have been a great success. Thank you to all who have attended and asked such thoughtful questions.
Mark your calendar for one more pre-assembly Zoom session covering the following topic:
Synod Budget - May 27th at 12noon and 6pm
For more details and zoom links for our Pre-Assembly Zoom sessions, please visit our NEW Synod Events page! Link below.
The Assembly Bulletin of Reports is now available. Please click HERE to view.
| | FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE SYNOD | | |
Assembly Information Page
Click HERE for latest information and updates regarding the 2026 Assembly.
New Synod Events Page
Click HERE to see our new Synod Events page. Please be sure to reference this page for all upcoming Synod events and details.
Two Sermons For Sunday After Assembly
Bishop Brenda Bos will be providing two sermons uploaded on YouTube and google drive by May 28. Gospel of John is the lectionary text, gospel of Luke is the alternative lectionary option.
Job Opening at the Synod office
Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance - Learn more and apply HERE
| | MORE FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE | | |
ELCA & COMMUNITY
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
| | |
Supply Collection for Western States Youth Gathering
Help support our youth attending the Western States Youth Gathering by sending in supplies to make care kits for those still recovering after the fires. The youth will learn more about disaster response by using the Lutheran Disaster Response Simulation Kit. They will then put together the kits, which will be distributed by the synod. Please send in donations by June 5th.
| | | |
Click on the event title below to learn more.
| | |
The Office of the Bishop of the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA is located on the traditional territory of the Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh people. The SWCA Synod rests on the traditional territory of over 11 different indigenous people.
Here is a resource you can use to find out more information about the traditional keepers of the land on which you live, work or travel.
| | |
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
-
For Daniel, St. Matthew's Glendale faithful acolyte, as he recovers from femur fracture.
- For the people of Iran and all people in harm's way in the Middle East.
- For our armed service personnel and their families.
- For our elected officials to govern with wisdom and ethical motivations.
- For our ELCA seminaries, dedicated to lifting up our leaders in our churches.
- For pastors, deacons and lay leaders serving faithfully during difficult times.
- For those who live in fear.
- The people of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, and all those touched by war.
- The people affected by hurricanes, floods, fires, and natural disasters.
- Global Refuge and their work with refugees.
Thank you for your prayers.
Your prayer requests are important to us. If you would like to be added to the prayer list or if you have an update, please email communications@socalsynod.org
with the subject line: 'Prayer Request.'
| |  | |
Southwest California Synod Staff
The Rev. Brenda Bos
(she/her/hers)
Bishop
bbos@socalsynod.org
Deacon Dr Cecelia Travick-Jackson
(she/her/hers)
Assistant to the Bishop for Senior Adult Ministries
deacondr@socalsynod.org
The Rev. Tracy Williams
(she/her/hers)
Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Care
pastortracy@socalsynod.org
The Rev. Amy Beveridge
(she/her/hers)
Director for Evangelical Mission
abeveridge@socalsynod.org
Laura Salazar Kreuger
Director for Evangelical Mission
lsalazar@socalsynod.org
Julia Morales
Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Mobility
julia@socalsynod.org
Robin Lujan
Office Administrator for Rostered Ministry and Candidacy Archivist
RLujan@socalsynod.org
Victoria Villa
(she/her/hers)
Disaster Relief Coordinator
Victoria@socalsynod.org
Jaqueline Rosas
Welcoming Congregations Coordinator
Jrosasdeal@gmail.com
June Kline
Bookkeeper
JKline@socalsynod.org
Stacey Beaman
(she/her/hers)
Interim Communications Manager
communications@socalsynod.org
Karen Boon
Office Administrator
admin@socalsynod.org
Lisa Higginbotham
Gift Planner/Advancement Advisor
lisa.higginbotham@elca.org
Bill Nuzzo
(he/him/his)
Properties and Facilities Manager
bnuzzo@socalsynod.org
| | |
Who We Are
The Southwest California Synod is a Reconciling In Christ Synod, making a public commitment to welcome, include and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. For information about becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation or organization, please contact the Region 2 RIC Coordinator or the RIC office.
We are a Lutheran Restoring Creation Synod. Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, cultivating a community of dedicated stewards of earth and neighbor who proclaim God’s promise of hope and healing for all.
We are a Jubilee USA Network Synod. There are over 750 national and local faith groups that work with Jubilee USA to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Congregations and faith communities are a critical moral champions on economic policies that impact our lives. Jubilee faith communities play a pivotal role in winning debt, tax, trade and transparency policies that protect vulnerable people and economies.
| | | | |
