This October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.
Read MoreThis week, our Synod Spotlight highlights California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran). Cal Lutheran, a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, fosters personal and academic growth for students from around the world, with six schools and colleges dedicated to transformative education.
Read MoreThe Southwest California Synod, led by Bishop Brenda Bos, is a thriving community of over 100 congregations across nine conferences. As a Reconciling In Christ Synod, they champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion, environmental stewardship through Lutherans Restoring Creation, and economic justice as part of the Jubilee USA Network.
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 MoreThe Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, encompassing nearly 180 congregations across Northern California and Northern Nevada, is a dynamic community dedicated to faith, service, and justice under the leadership of Bishop Jeff R. Johnson. The synod focuses on fostering connections, addressing social issues, and empowering congregations to make a difference in their communities.
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 MoreThis week’s Synod Spotlight highlights the Rocky Mountain Synod, covering five states and encompassing 153 congregations and multiple ministries. Led by Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, the RMS is a vital partner within Region 2, collaborating with the Grand Canyon Synod in a variety of ways. We celebrate this partnership and the shared mission of serving our communities through faith, justice, and vibrant ministry.
Read MoreJoin us on September 10 for a special regional conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on “God’s Love Made Real.” This live Zoom event, hosted by Bishop Brenda Bos, will explore how we can embody God’s grace and love in our communities. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Read MoreJoin us on September 18th at 10 AM for the Founders’ Day Lecture, “Listening in the Darkness,” with Mark Yaconelli, a respected writer and spiritual director. Discover how faith can guide us through uncertainty and failing systems. This event is sponsored by California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Register now to attend in person in Berkeley or virtually via Zoom.
Read MorePacifica 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 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.
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