Southwest California Synod ELCA

08/20/2026

Last week we held session #1 of our 4-part Conversation with Bishop Bos in which we are exploring the ELCA's ongoing work to revise its 2009 Social Statement on Human Sexuality.

IF YOU MISSED SESSION ONE, you are still welcome to join us for the next sessions!

Each week offers the same session twice, once on Thursday morning and once on Thursday evening, making it easy to participate in the time that works best for you.

DATES

Session #2 - Thursday, August 27, 11am or 7pm
Session #3 - Thursday, September 10, 11am or 7pm
Session #4 - Thursday, September 17, at 11am or 7pm

Register Here---> https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/pC9L2pdLXZ

BACKGROUND: In 2022, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized a process to revisit the social statement, reflecting on what the church has learned over the past 15 years and considering how the concept of bound conscience continues to shape our life together. As a member of the task force guiding this work, Bishop Bos will lead participants through thoughtful conversation about the proposed revisions, what they mean for the church, and how we can continue to practice faithful disagreement while remaining rooted in Christ.

Whether you're deeply familiar with the 2009 statement or are engaging these topics for the first time, you are warmly invited to join this opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

08/13/2026

The LSM 2026 season may be over, but the inspiring music continues online.

Watch more than 40 concerts, worship services, recitals, and special events from this summer whenever it’s convenient for you. Catch up on the performances you missed or experience your favorite moments again with LSM On Demand.

Enjoy the Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, plus performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, and many more joyful moments from this summer's season.

Visit LSMacademy.org/on-demand to browse the replays and start watching today!

08/10/2026

Disasters Don't Wait—Preparedness Matters

While recent fires remain fresh in our minds, disasters take many forms throughout Southern California. Wildfires, earthquakes, and extreme heat events continue to pose risks to our congregations and communities. The good news is that preparedness makes a difference.

Disaster Relief Coordinator Victoria Villa is available to provide resources and guidance to help individuals, congregations, and communities become better prepared before disaster strikes. Together, we can build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. [email protected]

08/07/2026

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Members Attend "Vigil for Our Neighbors"

Pastor Emily, Janet Nokleby, Mike Sadowski, Miriam Nakayama and other members of Holy Trinity joined approximately 60 community members at the Vigil for Our Neighbors on August 4 at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura.

The public vigil honored the lives of immigrants who have died in connection with immigration enforcement and called attention to the human impact of current immigration policies. Participants gathered in prayer and remembrance as the names of those who had died were read aloud and echoed by those in attendance. Pastor Emily also joined the Singing Resistance group in leading two songs during the vigil.

As Lutherans, we are called to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, and advocate for the dignity and worth of every person. Thank you to those from our Holy Trinity community who participated in this evening of remembrance and prayer.

08/07/2026

Last chance to sign up for our Planning for Tomorrow online workshop! The Southwest California Synod is offering a free opportunity to learn more about estate planning from a trusted source. So many have no idea where to start!

In this two part workshop, you'll learn about wills, trusts, probate, charitable giving, and other tools that can help you care for your loved ones and leave a meaningful legacy. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating one you've had for years, this workshop will equip you with knowledge, resources, and the opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming environment.

Workshops take place August 12th and August 19th at 2pm PDT on Zoom.

Learn more and register: https://socalsynod.org/synodevents/estateplanning

https://youtu.be/uKs6Gm_PMDM?si=ApJSTTp3oQaV_9dQ

You are invited to join us for "Planning for Tomorrow: A Practical ...

08/06/2026

🌞 Extreme heat is affecting many communities across California. Please take a few moments to protect yourself and those around you. Stay hydrated, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and check in on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

For more tips and resources to help you stay safe during extreme heat, visit Heat Ready California ---> https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OHE/Pages/Climate-Health-Equity/Extreme-Heat/HeatReadyCA.aspx

08/05/2026

JOIN BISHOP BOS FOR A FOUR-WEEK CONVERSATION ON HUMAN SEXUALITY AND BOUND CONSCIENCE

Please share with your congregations!

How do we faithfully engage important questions when we don't all arrive at the same conclusions?

Beginning this August, Bishop Brenda Bos invites members of the Southwest California Synod to participate in a four-week Zoom study exploring the ELCA's ongoing work to revise its 2009 Social Statement on Human Sexuality.

In 2022, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized a process to revisit the social statement, reflecting on what the church has learned over the past 15 years and considering how the concept of bound conscience continues to shape our life together. As a member of the task force guiding this work, Bishop Bos will lead participants through thoughtful conversation about the proposed revisions, what they mean for the church, and how we can continue to practice faithful disagreement while remaining rooted in Christ.

Each week offers the same session twice, once on Thursday morning and once on Thursday evening, making it easy to participate in the time that works best for you.

DATES
Session #1 - Thursday, August 13, 11am or 7pm
Session #2 - Thursday, August 27, 11am or 7pm
Session #3 - Thursday, September 10, 11am or 7pm
Session #4 - Thursday, September 17, at 11am or 7pm

Whether you're deeply familiar with the 2009 statement or are engaging these topics for the first time, you are warmly invited to join this opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

Watch Bishop Bos's invitation below, then explore the study materials and register for a session using the links that follow.

REGISTER HERE ----> https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=1vNkyTYKk0Ga3ak4HUp6AKNDOeGmBVRGt6Zi7zY_MjhURDdaQlBSVFpYQjNWMVVFUVZBWEUxUjhVSy4u&route=shorturl

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY HERE --->https://cdn.elca.org/cdn/wp-content/uploads/Conscience_and_Conversation_Study.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2AOL2NSOHU

How do we faithfully engage important questions when we don't all a...

08/01/2026

Beyond Sunday: A New Way of being Church for a New People

Some people will never walk through our church doors. So we're learning to walk through theirs.

Church is changing, and so are the ways we share God's love with our communities. Hear Lutheran leaders explore creative, faithful approaches to ministry that meet people where they are and imagine new possibilities for the future of the church.

If you're wondering what ministry could look like beyond Sunday morning, this conversation is for you. Inspired to explore these ideas in your own congregation? We'd love to start that conversation. Reach out to Pastor Amy Beveridge - [email protected].

Brought to you by Region 2 Directors for Evangelical Mission and grant from the ELCA's God's
Live Made Real initiative.

Some people will never walk through our church doors. So we're lear...

07/31/2026

Learn About the New Immigration Legal Fee Grant

The Southwest California Synod is offering a new Immigration Legal Fee Grant to help cover up to $500 in immigration legal service fees for church and community members.

Pastors and church council members may submit up to four applications per congregation during the first round of funding, while funds are available.

Join us for a Zoom Information Session on Tuesday, August 25, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. to learn who is eligible, what expenses the grant can cover, how to complete the application, important deadlines, and more. There will also be time for questions and answers.

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/W9EacszQQAmacrQRk0FNYg #/registration

07/30/2026

Planning for Tomorrow - A Practical Estate Planning Workshop
August 12th and August 19th, 2pm - 4pm PDT

You are invited to join us for "Planning for Tomorrow: A Practical Estate Planning Workshop," a free online series designed to help you plan for the future with confidence and peace of mind.

Many of us know we should have an estate plan, but aren't sure where to begin. Through practical teaching and thoughtful conversation, you'll learn about wills, trusts, probate, charitable giving, and other tools that can help you care for your loved ones and leave a meaningful legacy. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating one you've had for years, this workshop will equip you with knowledge, resources, and the opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming environment.

Learn more and register: https://socalsynod.org/synodevents/estateplanning

Please watch this brief video from Lisa Higginbotham, our Gift Planner/Advancement Advisor.

https://youtu.be/uKs6Gm_PMDM?si=ApJSTTp3oQaV_9dQ

You are invited to join us for "Planning for Tomorrow: A Practical ...