Reminder that General Registration for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering is open until February 15, after that, the price increases to late registration, which will close on April 15.  Additionally,  there is a webinar next week on December 5^th at 5 pm PST/3 pm HST with information from the director; this is specifically geared towards churches who have not registered yet and want more information- you can sign up for the webinar on Facebook. If any of you are unable to attend (I realize it's the middle of the afternoon in Hawaii) but would like the information, let me know, and I can set up a time to talk with you afterward. 

Youth Gathering Webinar- Dec. 5

Lastly, the best place to get information on the Gathering is the main website. There you can sign up for gLearn, which is a series of online courses to help register, plan, and fundraise.

https://www.elca.church/gathering

Once I get an updated list of who is registered from our Synod, I will be reaching out to churches individually.  Hope that is helpful

-Pr. Cate Luehr

Pacifica Synod Gathering Synod Champion

Opportunity Palestine is anxiously watching with you the violence and bloodshed unfolding in Gaza, and praying both for a just and peaceful resolution to the war between Israel and Hamas and for an end to the occupation of all of Palestine. We ask your assistance in publicizing and promoting within the Pacifica Synod our Standing in Hope campaign, to support the educational ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) during the current crisis. Opportunity Palestine is a US based non-profit 501.c.3 organization established in 2015 to support the ELCJHL schools. The educational core values of the schools are:

   Peace, Faith, Love, Constructive Dialogue, Teamwork and Belonging

Unfortunately, the reality in the West Bank, where the ELCJHL schools are located, has also been disrupted by the war. Ms. Eva Azar, the Administrative Assistant to the ELCJHL schools, reports that the schools were closed relatively quickly when the conflict began on October 7, and continue to be on lockdown throughout the West Bank. "The schools went to online learning, and the Ministry of Education is deciding day-to-day if there will be in-person learning. The school on the Mount of Olives has been closed until further notice," Ms. Azar said. Despite the uncertainty and the emotional toll that compounds life under The Occupation, Ms. Azar expresses her appreciation for Opportunity Palestine's donors' prayers and continued support. "I want to convey my appreciation for your kind words and prayers. It's important to underscore the gravity of the current situation. We find ourselves in a deeply saddening and intense period, marked by significant difficulties and hardships." She continues, "Your generosity and support serve as beacons of hope in these dark moments."  After accompanying the schools through the height of the COVID pandemic, Opportunity Palestine unrstands that lockdowns lead to more economic hardship for parents already earning menial salaries. These disruption in employment make it difficult to pay school tuition.

In response, Opportunity Palestine has established the Standing in Hope campaign with an emergency fund goal of $40,000 this Advent Season. All funds will support the schools through scholarship assistance to sustain them through the current crisis. We ask for your help. Your prayers and generous contributions are needed now more than ever. To donate online, please follow the link to the Opportunity Palestine website: https://www.opportunitypalestine.org. There you will find graphics that can help organize an Advent campaign in support of the schools within the congregations and ministries of your synod. If donors prefer to write a check, they can send it to: Opportunity Palestine, 8115 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214-3970.

On behalf of the students, teachers and administration of the ELCJHL schools, I thank you for whatever help you can provide. May God bless you during this Advent Season. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me by this e-mail. 

Sincerely,

Bishop Emeritus Dean Nelson, Opportunity Palestine Board Member

The Nominating Committee of the Pacifica Synod invites members of Pacifica Synod congregations to prayerfully consider if God is calling them to serve on 

• Synod Council
• Consultation Committee
• Discipline Committee
• Mission Funds Committee
• 2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Member

Elections to fill these positions will take place during the 2024 Synod Assembly on June 15, 2024, via Zoom. Descriptions of the duties of each open position can be found in the link below. 

Any congregational member in good standing may self-nominate or be nominated to open positions by completing the online nomination form. 

Nominations and biographical forms must be received no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.  Due to the online nature of this online assembly, floor nominations will not be accepted. 

Come All Ye Faithful: Giving God's Love to the World

Experience scripture, silence and spirit.

 Coaching for All Seasons

Monthly Online Gathering for

Pacifica Synod Rostered & Lay Leaders

 Thursday, December 7, 2023

at 11 am to noon (PDT)/9-10 am (HST)

Join us for our monthly Zoom AMMPARO network meeting on December 9th at 10 am to find out what's happening with immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees and what we can do to help. We are open to your ideas. “¡Hablamos Español!

Topic: Pacifica Synod AMMPARO

Time: Dec 9, 10 am

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81481322946?pwd=WHZZL01jOUZtd2o1UUpnR2pXODVCQT09

Meeting ID: 814 8132 2946

Passcode: AMMPARO

Join Lutheran Summer Music, December 3-24, for our third-annual Musical Advent Calendar–a daily moment of music and reflection on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages as well as archived on our website: LSMacademy.org/acal

Give Yourself the Gift of Resources



Amidst the joy and celebration – and, yes, stress – of this season, your body can use all the help it can get. Whether it’s treatment for a pesky cough, a listening ear to help process impostor syndrome or budget worries, or ideas for a new healthy holiday tradition, check out Portico’s curated list of resources to support you and your family this season (and Advent blessings to you!) 

Seeking a space for centering and grounding in your faith at the beginning of Advent?

Join pastors, deacons, coaches, spiritual directors, church & synod staff and lay leaders to share sacred space online with spiritual practices, as you lead through the often busy and hectic season of Advent. Give yourself a gift to help carry you through Advent & Christmas.

Registration is NOW OPEN: Journeying Together -- Spiritual Practices in Community. When: December 7, 2023 9am-Noon PST

What: A FREE EVENT for lay and rostered leaders. As you head into the busy holiday and advent season, this will be a time to gather to rejuvenate and rest in a variety of grounding practices to connect with God and each other. This event will be led by Spiritual Director, Ravi Verma.

Where: This is a virtual event, held on Zoom. Once you register, the Zoom link will be sent your way closer to the event.

More Details: As faith and spiritual leaders, you know first-hand the joys and challenges of ministering in our rapidly changing, troubled and beautiful world. You are invited to rest in a variety of grounding, experiential practices to connect to God and to each other.

This virtual event is intended for those in ministry—pastors, deacons and lay leaders who want to explore, together, in a brave space. So come ready to experience different spiritual practices in community. Come, with open hearts as we start journeying together.

Questions? Email: thriving@callutheran.edu

It was in the newsletter and the bulletin and announced in worship, but somehow people still say…

Zoom into this two-part workshop and learn what to do about this problem,

Part 1 January 11 (choose between 10 am or 7 pm)

Part 2 January 18 (choose between 10 am or 7pm)



Brought to you at no cost through a partnership between California Lutheran Homes and Living the Resurrection.

Mission Hills United Methodist Church, 4044 Lark St, San Diego, CA 92103

A new Excellence in Leadership cohort is beginning in January!

On January 5, 2024 we will be launching a 13-month cohort which will meet from 9:00am-12:00pm (Mountain time) on Friday mornings twice per month. You will have the opportunity to grow together with leaders from around the United States in resiliency, courage, and faithfulness. You will be equipped to face challenges and manage conflict. You will learn leadership practices and deepen spiritual practices. Excellence in Leadership has been changing culture in congregations and building up healthy leaders for over four years. The tools learned, practices developed, and relationships built actually make a difference.

Register now!

Note: Lay people in Pacifica Synod may be eligible for funding through the Wright Fund.

Sign up for a 3-week online course and discussion on AI and Faith’s Mighty Networks platform. The live sessions will be held 11:30am EST / 8:30am PST on Friday, January 5, 12, and 19.

Registration and additional information on the course is available on the course registration page.

The dates for the regional gatherings are:

May 4 - San Diego Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Encinitas

May 11 - Inland Empire First Lutheran Church, Redlands

May 18 - Orange County Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Dana Point

June 1 - Hawai'i Lutheran Church of Honolulu

All times will be 10am to 2pm with lunch.

Online Synod Assembly:

June 15 12pm-3pm PST/ 9am-12pm HST

• The Warner Trust Grant Fund deadline is January 15, 2024
• Apply for the Robert L. Miller Scholarship Grant
• Latino Ministry Endowment Fund Partnership Support Grant Deadline is January 15, 2024
• Consider the Wright Fund for lay training

The Pacifica Synod of the ELCA affirms that nothing can separate you from God’s abounding love. You were created in the image of God. We proclaim ourselves to be an open and affirming Synod to all of God's creation. All are worthy and welcome including people of every gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnicity, neurodivergence, age, disability, ability, and immigration status. We commit ourselves to doing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental restoration. All are embraced and loved here. We invite you to join us, as disciples of Christ, as we joyfully love and serve our communities.