Day of Theological Reflection

February 4

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER for this year's Day of Theological Reflection! Held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in San Clemente, CA, the theme will be "Embodying a Church of Word, Sacrament, and Service" and will feature a panel discussion of pastors and deacons as they reflect on how our various calls fit together to more fully serve God's church and God's mission. For more information on speakers, schedule, and more--and to register--visit this link.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and ELCA synod bishops from Minnesota share a joint pastoral video message condemning aggressive immigration activity. The bishops acknowledge the uncertainty being experienced by many in Minnesota and in other parts of God’s kingdom, and they remind this church that in our lament we still hold fast to the promises of Christ and the assurance that we are not alone.

Ways to Provide Aid in Minnesota

The response by people of faith to the aggressive immigration actions in Minnesota has been nothing short of overwhelming. Religious leaders of all backgrounds are showing up and putting themselves on the line to protect their neighbors and to seek redemption for all those involved. Many who are watching these events unfold here in California and Hawaii are wondering how they can contribute materially to alleviate the pain and heartache of our Minnesota siblings. Here are three vetted avenues where you can do so, knowing your contributions are going directly to those most affected:

The Minneapolis Area Synod Fund

San Pablo / St. Paul Church

All Nations Church

Pastor Keegan Chin-Cheleden was installed at Christ Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 24. Welcome, Pastor Keegan!

Lutheran Pastors Ruth Peterson, Anke Flohr and JP Sabbithi participated in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Hawaii, hosted by Bishop Larry Silva, Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been observed for more than 100 years working toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." This year's theme is "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling" (Ephesians 4:4). The ecumenical prayer service included uplifting music, meditative chant, and Taizé Prayer around the cross. Of course, in Hawaiian style it ended with sumptuous onolicious food! 

AMMPARO and CLUE:

Continuing to Support Immigrants in 2026

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! In the wake of the violence in Minneapolis, we want to reiterate that our efforts are strictly non-confrontational and grounded in prayer.

What you can do:

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, February 14th, at 10 am. You can join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 870 8107 6920  Passcode: AMMPARO) 

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.

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.

Holy Land Accompaniment Pilgrimage

Postponed to 2027

Due to current geopolitical trends, the Pacifica and Southwest California Synods have, out of an abundance of caution, temporarily postponed the accompaniment pilgrimage to the Holy Land. More information on the new dates will become available soon. Please pray for our siblings in Israel and in Palestine.

Installation of Pastor Anton "Tony" Scheer

Saturday, January 31

Incarnation Lutheran Church, Poway

All are welcome at Incarnation Lutheran at 3pm on Saturday, January 31 to witness The Rev. Anton Scheer (Pastor Tony) being installed as the new senior pastor. Members of the Pacifica Synod and sister churches will join this momentous day! The church will also host a reception following the service.

Resources for Black History Month

As we prepare for Black History Month this February, we would like to offer you a few resources that could help you in your celebrations and acknowledgments. We will be sharing resources throughout the month starting in next week's newsletter, but here's a list of books from SparkHouse that will help you get started. And 28 Days of Black History is a great way to help you seize every day in February. Watch this space throughout the month for more ideas and resources!

Lenten Challenge Coming Soon

Lent will be here before you know it, and this year the Pacifica Synod is teaming up with other Region 2 synods for the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.



The challenge is to participate in some personal and community spiritual practices during Lent which will focus on stretching our learning, care and advocacy muscles on behalf of under-served communities. The six weeks will be divided according to the gospel text, with participants focusing on what we know and think about these siblings in Christ, as well as how we act in support and on behalf of these communities.

More details will be forthcoming, but for now, you can get more information or sign up at LentenChallenge.org.

Lenten Devotionals from ELCA Sumud

This Lent, join ELCA Sumud and six of our ELCA bishops who have just returned from the ELCA Bishops Accompaniment trip to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). This series will include six PDF Devotionals which will be posted by February 1st to the ELCA Sumud webpage. You are invited to read through and reflect upon these devotionals with a small group, bible study group, youth group, or any other setting you see fit. Each devotion will include a bible passage from the 2026 lectionary for this year’s Lenten season, as well as a brief prayer.

In this ELCA Sumud 2026 Lenten series, “Body of Christ", we are invited to reflect on Paul’s proclamation that “we who are many are one body in Christ” (1 Corinthians 12). In the body of Christ, no member can be dismissed or deemed expendable. This series lifts up especially Palestinian Christians as an inseparable and equal part of the Body of Christ, whose witness and oppression demand our attention and solidarity. Through prayer, scripture, and devotionals, we will explore how each member of Christ’s body has distinct gifts and responsibilities, yet is bound together in mutual care, accountability, and love. ELCA Sumud was honored to accompany the 2026 Bishops Solidarity delegation, and throughout this series you will hear reflections from ELCA Bishops on their experience in accompaniment, conversation, and relationship with our partners and siblings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. In a time of profound injustice and violence in Palestine, this series calls the church to repentance from indifference, to listening across borders, and to faithful action, trusting that when one part of the body suffers, all suffer together. God calls upon the whole body of Christ to work together for justice, dignity, and peace. 

UPDATED INFORMATION for

2026 Regional Gatherings & "A-Zoom-bly"

We are pleased to announce the dates and locations for 2026's in-person regional gatherings and our all-synod assembly being held over Zoom. Save the date(s)!

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 12pm PDT):

• June 20, 2026

The A-Zoom-bly is to be attended by voting members ONLY, while Regional Gatherings are open for ALL to attend.

As has been done in the past, congregations will be sent their Assembly invoice by mail by February 15 to prepay their congregation registration fee to receive a $50 discount. The fee must be paid by March 15 to receive a discount. The registration fees for the Assembly and Regional Gatherings will be as follows:

• Congregation registration (all congregations) - Early fee - $200 (paid by March 15)
• Congregation registration (all congregations) - Full fee - $250 (paid after March 15)
• Specialized Ministry Rostered Leaders/Retired Voting Members - $50
• Additional Youth/Young Adult VM (1 per congregation) - $0
• Regional Gathering Registration - $25 per attendee

Registration for the Regional Gatherings will be SEPARATE from the registration for the A-Zoom-bly. Registration links to each will be shared in our synod newsletter and on our website when available. Congregations will also receive registration information by mail. Important dates to note are listed below.

• Early Assembly Payment Invoices (Congregations) - Mailed by February 15
• Due date for early payment - March 15
• Regional Gathering Registration opens – by February 15
• Online Azoombly Registration opens - by March 20
• Deadline to Register Azoombly Voting Members - June 10

If you have any questions about fee payment or registration, please contact Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.

Important Portico Updates for 2026

New 2026 Portico Health ID Card

If you’ve got ELCA-Primary Health benefits, you should have received a new health ID card. This year’s card now includes a Group ID number for easier reference. Note: if you received two sets of cards in the mail, be sure to use the second set and destroy the first. Not sure which is which? Double check that the coverage level and deductible amounts match what you have elected. Questions? Quantum Health Care Coordinators are here to help: 877.851.5656, 7:30am-9pm (Central) Monday-Friday. You can also download the Quantum Health mobile app to access and use your card digitally.

EAP Update for ELCA-Primary Members

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Spring Health, a partner of 98point6 by Transcarent, will provide mental health support and other Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. Therapy is available for members and dependents age 6+, and coaching is available for those 13+. The clinical network includes thousands of licensed providers with option to connect in-person, by phone, vireo, or text. Connect via your 98point6 app or learn more on myPortico.

January is Financial Wellness Month

Check out Fidelity’s tips for setting smart, achievable financial resolutions to feel more confident about your financial life. Better yet, check in with a credentialed Portico Financial Planner at no out-of-pocket cost to you … they understand the unique attributes of church benefit plans and have detailed knowledge of ELCA benefits. Book an appointment online or call 800.922.4896.

Lutheran Lobby Day

May 20

Advocates: come one, come all! We have a date for Lobby Day! We are gathering Lutherans and all people of faith in California on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 to meet with California state legislative offices. Stay tuned for much more information in the coming weeks.

Pacifica Partners

Latest Newsletter Now Available

The latest issue of the Pacifica Partners newsletter from the WELCA is now available, with important information about their upcoming Spring Gathering. You can read it by clicking here.

LFCNA Online Workshop:

Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain

February 26

This interactive presentation will help participants gain an understanding and appreciation for persons living with a neurodivergent brain due to conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Using an unfolding, real-life case study based on the presenter's personal experience with a neurodivergent child, the audience will learn strategies to address common challenging behaviors, social difficulties, and communication issues. Practical ways to show God's love to persons and families struggling with the complexities of neurological differences will be discussed. For more information or to register, visit this link.

Centering Prayer Workshop

Trinity Lutheran (Victorville)

March 7

Join us for a time of stillness, reflection, and deepening in the practice of Centering Prayer. Whether you’re new to contemplative prayer or seeking to refresh your prayer life, this workshop will offer guidance, practice, and fellowship. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Darryl W. Kozak, Regional Assistant to the Bishop for the Inland Region, and a Commissioned Presenter of Centering Prayer for Contemplative Outreach. Space is limited to 25 participants and you need to register by March 4. To register, contact Darryl Kozak directly by text at 951-387-8220 or via email at DarrylKozak@pacificasynod.org. For complete information, check out this flier.

Japan Festival

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Huntington Beach)

March 8

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection welcomes you to Huntington Beach on Sunday, March 8, from noon to 5pm for a Japan Festival. Experience many different facets of Japanese culture including Japanese dance, a tea ceremony, Japanese street food, and more. And it's all to raise money for the Hiroshima-based Akune Mission, a joint American/Japanese partnership of Christians and Buddhists committed to community renewal through culture, education, and service. Reserve your spot here.

Spring Training Retreat (Carefree, AZ)

March 10-13

Join us for an inspiring Spring Training experience in Arizona, where baseball enthusiasts and faith-driven individuals unite to explore the connection between sport and spirituality. This unique retreat, led by Pastor Dave Ellingson, combines fellowship, worship, and the excitement of baseball with opportunities to attend MLB Cactus League games in the vibrant Arizona desert. For more information or to register, visit this link.

PLTS Discernment Weekend (Berkeley, CA)

March 13-15

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS's visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13th through 15th in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity 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. As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Workshop: Introduction to Centering Prayer

St. Mark's Lutheran (Chula Vista)

March 21

St. Mark's Lutheran in Chula Vista will be hosting an Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 am- 2 pm. This event will be bilingual in English and Spanish with the opportunity for more languages as needed. There is no cost but registration is required. You can register via email at consdinfo@gmail.com, or call Pastor Karla Halvorson with questions at 858-442-6761

15th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival

w/ Keynote Speaker Rick Steves

Good Shepherd Lutheran (Claremont, CA)

April 16

The Pacifica Synod, Southwest California Synod, and Good Shepherd Lutheran (1700 N Towne Ave, Claremont) are excited to welcome Rick Steves for the 15th Annual Bonhoeffer Festival on April 16th. The theme for the daylong event is "The Reality of Fascism for Bonhoeffer and for Us Today." The program begins at 12:30 with a commemorative lunch before the keynote presentation, a panel discussion, and a Q&A session with a panel of respondents that will include Bishop Dave Nagler. Admission is free and open to the public, though donations are welcome. More information is available on this flier. Please RSVP by contacting Thom Johnson by email at tjohnson@cst.edu or by phone at 909-802-9549.

Western States Youth Gathering

June 28-July 1

Summer will be here before we know it, and registration just opened for this summer's Western States Youth Gathering, which will be held on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. This gathering, being held a year before 2027's ELCA Youth Gathering, provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare your young people for the overall Gathering experience, becoming one step on the movement of their faith formation. Registration is now open, and you can get more info or register at westernstatesyg.org.

Free Choir Robes

St. Peter's By the Sea has found an additional stash of choir robes so they now have 24 robes that need a new home--so they're giving them away! The robes are in good condition and they are willing to ship them wherever they might need to go, so if you could put these robes to good use or you'd just like to know more about them or see photos of the complete set, please contact Betty Wells at bettysheawells@gmail.com or by phone at 619-347-1148.

Executive Director

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center, located in the scenic Sonoran

Desert at Carefree, Arizona, is a Lutheran-rooted ministry welcoming people

of all backgrounds to a place of peace, renewal, healing, and spiritual growth. The Center is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its mission, staff,

operations, financial health, donor relations, and community partnerships

into a new era of expanded ministry. For complete position information and application instructions, view this PDF.

Worship Leader, Contemporary Service (Part-Time)

Our Redeemer Lutheran, Garden Grove

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is a vibrant, welcoming ELCA congregation committed to sharing God’s grace through worship, service, and community. Our worship currently follows a blended format, combining the beauty of Lutheran liturgy with the energy of contemporary music. We are seeking a skilled and passionate Worship Leader to lead our Praise Band and guide the congregation in contemporary worship. This is a gig position, paid $350 per Sunday, factoring

approximately 10 hours per week for planning, rehearsal, and leading worship. For more details or for application information, go here.

Hand Bells for Sale

Trinity Lutheran, Hemet

Trinity Lutheran in Hemet has officially closed and only has a four-octave set of hand bells available. The set includes 49 brass hand bells, music, table, pads, gloves, and more. If interested, email trinityhemet@verizon.net