PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MoreRev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.
Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.
Read MoreRev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.
Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.
Read MoreExecutive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.
Read MoreMore than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.
Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.
Read MoreThis Lent, individuals and congregations across ELCA Region 2, including the Grand Canyon Synod, are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a set of simple daily practices rooted in Matthew 25. The toolkit offers intergenerational activities that connect prayer, worship, advocacy, and daily acts of compassion.
Participants are also encouraged to support ELCA World Hunger using Appeal Code R2LENT2026, or donate to ELCA World Hunger here. Explore the toolkit and join the challenge: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is inviting the wider church to a “State of the Seminary: Faithful, Hopeful, Justice-Seeking” online event on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Pacific. Participants will hear about new partnerships, innovative programming, and the future of theological education. A recording will be sent to all who register.
The March PLTS newsletter also highlights reflections on artificial intelligence and faith, a global climate justice project led by a PLTS certificate student in Nigeria, a strong admissions cycle, and upcoming events—including the Student Colloquium on Climate Justice and Faith on April 29. Read the newsletter for the full story and event details.
Read MoreThriving Leadership Formation (ELCA Region 2) invites synod leaders to join a weekly online Lectio Divina practice every Tuesday from 9–10 am Pacific / 10–11 am Arizona MST. Participants reflect on the upcoming Sunday lectionary text in a simple, spacious community setting. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
This hour can nurture your personal faith and support sermon preparation. Come as you are and join as your schedule allows.
Read MoreA federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting enforcement actions at or around houses of worship for five ELCA synods and their ecumenical partners. Region 2 synods — Sierra Pacific and Southwest California — were among the plaintiffs. The ruling restores long-standing protections for sensitive locations and affirms religious freedom under the Constitution. Read more about this significant step forward for sacred spaces and immigrant communities.
Read MoreBeginning Ash Wednesday 2026, Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to receive a daily Matthew 25 devotion by email throughout Lent and Holy Week as part of the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participants commit to three of four practices — Devotion, Learning, Action, and Donation — with a regional goal of raising $100,000 and engaging at least 50 congregations per synod. Sign up now and center your Lenten journey on Christ in “the least of these.”
Read MoreArtificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.
The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.
Read MoreAre you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.
Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.
Read MoreLent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary enters Spring 2026 grounded in faith, justice, and shared discipleship. From a February Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence to climate justice certificates, discernment opportunities, and May commencement, PLTS continues forming leaders for a complex world—inviting the wider church to walk the Way together and keep our hands on the plow.
Read MoreArtificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.
The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.
Read MoreLent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.
Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.
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