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Synod Assembly Actions

The 2026 Southwest California Synod met at the Pasadena Hilton May 29th and 30th. Resolutions were passed regarding support for Fe Y Esperanza, with clarification on their history and the synod’s involvement in that ministry, support for the World Council of Churches call for participation in a decade of Climate Justice, and bearing witness to the pain of students and faculty at California Lutheran University after the recent termination of staff. The language for these resolutions may be found HERE.

Our 2027-2028 budget was passed, and the following people were elected:

Lisa Curtis: Vice President (2nd term)

Viv Vega and Robert Siemer: Synod Council lay at-large members (2nd term)

Pastor Misael Fajardo-Perez: Synod Council clergy at-large member (2nd term)

Pastors Diana Edis and Kenneth Davis: Synod Council clergy at-large member (1st term)

Karen Tomlinson: Synod Council Twin Valleys Conference Representative (2nd term)

Julie Castongia: Synod Council South Bay Conference Representative (1st term)

Pastor Sharon Richter: Synod Council Foothills Conference Representative (1st term)

Judith Tutt-Starr, Ronald Keith Wortham, Rev. Glen Egertson, Kimberley Crosby: Endowment Committee

Enid McGraw, Martha Abelina Avila, Ruth Ause: Consultation Committee

Last week we thanked several leaders of the synod assembly planning team. This week we wish to lift up some of those who did the operational tasks of the assembly: Robin Lujan and Karen Boon (administrative support), Deanna Zercher (event planner), Stacey Beaman (communications), Bill Nuzzo and Juan Mansilla (property), Julia Morales (translation coordinator) and June Kline (bookkeeper) from synod staff, our ASL and Spanish translators, Eric Berg (slides/media), Pastor Nikki Fielder (stage manager), Pastor Libby Denton (rundown and script support), Pastor Amy Beveridge (video compilation) and Kristal Shipp (registrar). Your synod assembly experience was much better because of these folks! 

Get More Involved

One question that arose during Assembly was, "How can I get more involved?"

We'd love to continue the conversation. If you are interested in learning more about or becoming involved in any of our Synod ministries, please let us know using the form below. A member of our staff will be happy to connect with you and help you find opportunities to engage.

Feedback Survey

As we reflect on the 2026 Synod Assembly, we invite you to complete our Assembly feedback survey. Your feedback, observations, and experiences help us better understand what worked well, where we can improve, and how we can continue creating meaningful Assembly experiences for our congregations and leaders.



The survey will remain open through June 15. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Hotel Reimbursements

Please note - we will be accepting submissions for hotel reimbursement through June 15. We are offering $100/person for one night. Steps to take:

1. Please submit your hotel folio (the receipt you received at the conclusion of your stay) to assembly@socalsynod.org. When submitting your reimbursement request, include the following information in addition to your receipt: Church name and Church address
2. All reimbursement checks will be mailed to the church and distributed to individuals by the church.

Get to Know Your Synod Staff

Have you ever wondered who to contact when your congregation needs support, where your Synod communications come from, or who helps steward ministry and mission across our region? Over the next three newsletters, we'll be introducing members of the Southwest California Synod staff through a series of short videos.

This week, we're featuring Pastor Tracy Williams, Lisa Higginbotham, Stacey Beaman, and Laura Salazar Krueger. We hope these brief introductions help you put faces to names and learn a little more about the dedicated people who serve alongside you in ministry throughout the Southwest California Synod.

FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE SYNOD

MORE FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE

MEALS, HOPE, and RECOVERY IN ALTADENA

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, recovery continues through partnerships that nourish both body and spirit. Altadena Meals on Wheels recently highlighted the vital role Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church has played in helping the organization continue serving homebound older adults and neighbors with disabilities. Thanks to the support of Christ the Shepherd, Lutheran Disaster Response, and the Southwest California Synod, dozens of vulnerable community members continue to receive meals, connection, and care during a time of ongoing recovery. Read more about this inspiring partnership and its impact on the Altadena community on our blog.

READ THE BLOG

SAVE THE DATE



The first in our Aging with Grace faith-based webinar series for Seniors, Families & Caregivers will take place on Monday, June 29th. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about helping older adults navigate aging with confidence, explore supportive options and remain connected to faith, community and purpose. Please share with your congregations.

ELCA & COMMUNITY

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ecumenical Taizé Prayer, Camarillo, CA

Are you looking for some quiet time with God in these hectic times? All are welcome for Taizé-style prayer—a contemplative, meditative form of worship—held on the 2^nd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Three congregations (Camarillo United Methodist, Mount Cross Lutheran, and St. Columba’s Episcopal Churches) are offering this in-person service, held in the intimate setting of the Mount Cross sanctuary (102 Camino Esplendido, Camarillo, 93010). This month: June 12, 7:00 p.m.

Job Opening - Preschool/Toddler Teacher, West Covina, CA



Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool in West Covina, California is seeking a passionate and energetic Preschool/Toddler Teacher to inspire young minds and foster a nurturing learning environment. In this role, you will be responsible for creating engaging lesson plans, implementing age-appropriate activities, and supporting the developmental needs of children in early childhood education settings. Your enthusiasm and dedication will help cultivate a positive classroom atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

This paid position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's growth while developing your skills in early childhood development and classroom management. Please see the job overview for more details, and contact Michelle at psdirector@clswc.org for more information or to apply. Thank you!



Click on the event title below to learn more.



• July 6th -9th, 2026 - ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering
• Sunday, June 7th - Solheim Annual Meeting of the Corporation



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.

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.