2026 Assembly Is Here!
We look forward to welcoming you to the 38th Annual Southwest California Synod Assembly on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.
Our staff, volunteers, and planning teams have worked diligently to create a weekend that is informative, productive, inspiring, and rooted in fellowship. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together in community, and we look forward to witnessing God’s work through and among us. Truly, God is our refuge and strength.
For all Assembly details, please visit our Assembly website page HERE.
The Assembly Bulletin of Reports is now available. Please click HERE to view.
| | As promised, below you will find two sermons from Bishop Bos. The first is based on the reading Matthew 28:16–20. The alternate reading is Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, Luke 1:39–57. | | For access to these sermons on Google Drive, click the buttons below. | | 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.
Job Opening at the Synod office
Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance - Learn more and apply HERE
| | MORE FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE | | |
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
| | |
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.
| | | |
Job Opening - Preschool/Toddler Teacher
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.
| | |
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.
| | | | |
