California Lutheran University welcomes the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop emerita of the ELCA, for two public events on Thursday, October 15, 2026: Founders Day Convocation at 11:15 a.m. and the academic lecture “The Once and Future Church” at 5:30 p.m.

Both events take place in Samuelson Chapel, 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, and are accessible through Cal Lutheran’s livestream. Times are Pacific Daylight Time—the same as most of Arizona; viewers in the Navajo Nation and Utah should add one hour.

Founders Day Convocation, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., honors the Lutheran dreamers who founded Cal Lutheran and renews the university’s commitment to its mission. An academic procession, Eaton’s address, and a shared affirmation of that mission will mark the occasion.

Clergy are invited to join the procession in white and gold vestments. Please gather at the Enormous Luther statue at 10:45 a.m.

At 5:30 p.m., Eaton will offer the Founders Day Academic Lecture, “The Once and Future Church.” A reception will follow in Samuelson Chapel. Register for the lecture.

For Grand Canyon Synod congregations, these gatherings offer an opportunity to strengthen our connection with Lutheran higher education and reflect on our shared calling to proclaim Christ and serve our neighbors. Join in person or online, and share the invitation with others in your congregation.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Campus Ministry at campusministry@callutheran.edu.

Remember Cal Lutheran in worship October 18

Congregations are also invited to use this prayer during worship on Sunday, October 18, during Cal Lutheran’s Homecoming weekend:

Gracious God, thank you for the faithful dreams that brought California Lutheran University into being and for all who continue to receive and steward that dream—students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and congregations. On this Founders Day and Homecoming weekend, bless and strengthen the bonds between Cal Lutheran and the congregations and ministry sites of your church, that together we may share the good news of Jesus Christ, serve our neighbors, and join in your work of love and renewal in the world. God of grace, receive our prayer.