Pacifica Synod, led by Bishop David Nagler, is a vibrant Lutheran community encompassing Hawaii and Southern California. With 110 congregations and nearly 25,139 baptized members, this synod is committed to faith, service, and social justice.
Read MoreRegion 2 of the ELCA connects five synods—Grand Canyon, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, and Rocky Mountain—across a vast and diverse territory. As one of the nine ELCA regions, it plays a crucial role in uniting the work of over 600 congregations, offering support and resources that strengthen the mission of the church in varied cultural and environmental contexts. This Synod Spotlight highlights the vital connections and collaborative efforts that define Region 2’s role in our shared life in the ELCA.
Read MoreInterest forms are now available for the 2024-25 Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Groups at California Lutheran University. These groups, meeting over Zoom 9-12 times, offer a unique space for spiritual practice and deeper connections. There is no cost, just a commitment to participate. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact TLF Cohort Coordinator, Nicolette Rohr, at nrohr@callutheran.edu.
Read MoreJoin California Lutheran University’s Thriving Leadership Formation team, January 6-10, 2025, for the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. This transformative event, designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders, offers expert-led sessions on Conflict Management, Human Resources, Contemporary Leadership, and Congregations in the Digital Age. Register now to enhance your ministry leadership skills and connect with fellow church leaders in a serene Arizona desert setting. Learn more and sign up at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website or call 480-488-5218. View PDF poster here.
Read MoreWe give thanks for the leadership and companionship of Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod. We share his parting letter in this post.
Read MoreJoin a free Enneagram Workshop Series every Thursday in June, led by Desta Goehner. Enhance your personal and spiritual growth through sessions on Enneagram history, instincts, centers of intelligence, and types. Register once and attend any session from 1 – 2 pm MST/PDT. This series, provided by the Thriving Leadership Formation and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, is an invaluable tool for leadership development and personal discovery. Register here.
Read MoreMany thanks to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University for sponsoring childcare at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. This support allows parents to fully engage in the assembly while providing a safe and engaging environment for children.
Read MoreThe California Lutheran University Board of Regents announced that President Lori Varlotta will step down from her role effective May 31, 2024. Dr. John Nunes, most recently pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, Ca., and former president of Concordia College New York, will serve as interim president for a two-year term beginning on June 1, 2024.
Read MoreThe Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, Jerusalem, was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and as theologian in residence with the ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk since 2021.
Read MoreWe pray for the Rocky Mountain Synod and the Alaska Synod of the ELCA, as they meet in assembly and elect their new bishops. We give thanks for the good and faithful work of Bishop Jim Gonia and Bishop Shelley Wickstrom.
Read MoreDr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Associate Vice President for Mission and Identity at California Lutheran University, joins the 2024 Synod Assembly as a special guest and Bible study leader, bringing her extensive experience in Lutheran higher education and commitment to fostering faith communities.
Read MoreAddress loneliness within your community and faith at the 'Loneliness and Christianity' seminar on April 13, 2024, 1-4 pm, at Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ. Explore Christian responses to loneliness with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes. Register by April 5 for an afternoon of learning and connection, with both in-person and virtual options available. View and share this PDF for more info.
Read MoreThank you to everyone participating in the 2024 Lenten Challenge! Your commitment enriches our community and supports ELCA World Hunger. Remember, it's never too late to join or donate. Let's continue making a difference together during this Lenten season.
Read MoreHave you ever considered seminary? Have you ever felt like God might be calling you into ministry, but you’re not sure how or where to start? Join others in discernment at Signs Along the Way, a visit weekend at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, April 5th-7th, 2024. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.
Read MoreAs the Lenten season progresses, we remind you that it's never too late to join the 2024 Lenten Challenge. With a focus on prayer, kindness, scripture, and support for ELCA World Hunger, participants can deepen their faith journey and make a meaningful impact.
Read MoreJoin a profound exploration online and at Pacific Lutheran Theological University on March 20, 2024, with Dr. Reggie Williams presenting "When Ethics Kills: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Story of Us." Delve into the complexities of ethical presumptions in society, examining Bonhoeffer's resistance during Germany's crisis and his engagement with the Black Radical Tradition. Discover insights into how ideals and challenges shape our pursuit of the good in community and human flourishing.
Read MoreJoin Urban Servant Corps in Denver for a life-enriching year of service, community, and spiritual growth, designed for young adults committed to making a difference and seeking purpose. View this PDF for more info. Apply by March 1, 2024.
Read MoreLooking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.
Read MoreJoin the Lenten Challenge and strengthen your faith while supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participate in three meaningful practices, including daily devotions, to reflect, give back, and potentially lead our synod to a friendly victory in support of a noble cause.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to the insightful 2024 Mohrenweiser Lecture, exploring the intersection of health crises and ethical decision-making. Join online as renowned speakers Rev. Herbert Anderson, Ph.D., and Margaret McLean, Ph.D., delve into these timely topics on February 7th.
To attend in-person, please register at this link. To attend on Zoom, please register at this link.
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