PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Region 2Brian FlatgardOctober 20, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment

Pathways Toward a Moral Economy: New Book Series Inspires Action

Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and others invite readers into a vision of an ecological, equitable, and democratic economy. The Building a Moral Economy series offers tools and inspiration for those seeking to live faithfully in ways that resist exploitative systems and embrace justice, joy, and life-giving relationships. Explore the series and resources here.

Region 2Brian FlatgardOctober 3, 2025Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Climate Change, Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 19, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment

Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, a featured guest at our 2024 Synod Assembly, has been named Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. A respected leader in Lutheran higher education and longtime faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dr. Windham-Hughes brings deep theological insight and visionary leadership to this new role. Join us in celebrating and supporting her as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in the ELCA.

California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Childcare Offered at Synod Assembly, Thanks to PLTS and CLU

Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Now Hiring: ELCA Rostered Leader Called to Serve as Rector of PLTS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Help WantedComment

“Teaching Certainty”: Dr. Marcela K. Perett Offers Fresh Insight on Luther’s Catechesis

Join PLTS on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM (Pacific) for the 2025 Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Marcela K. Perett. Her lecture, “Teaching Certainty,” offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther’s early catechisms and how they helped believers move from despair to confidence in God’s forgiveness. Available via Zoom or in person. Register here.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Is Seminary Your Calling? Explore Signs Along the Way at PLTS

Wondering if seminary is the right next step for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invites you to Signs Along the Way, a Visit and Discernment Weekend on April 4–6, 2025, in Berkeley, CA. With PLTS moving to fully online programs, this event provides a unique opportunity to connect with faculty, explore theological education, and experience online learning. Lodging and meals are provided, and travel assistance is available. Learn more at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Faith, Ethics, and Dying Well: Join the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture

How do we provide faithful and ethical care for those at life’s end? The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)invites you to the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture: “Ethics and Spiritual Care at the End of Life” on Thursday, March 20, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Join experts in chaplaincy, medicine, and interfaith ministry as they explore how faith leaders and caregivers accompany the dying with dignity and grace. Attend in person in Berkeley, CA, or via Zoom. Register here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Signs Along the Way: Discern Your Call to Ministry at PLTS

Wondering About Seminary? Attend the PLTS Discernment Retreat! Join Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA, from November 8-10, 2024, for Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend designed to help you reflect on your call. Engage with seminarians, faculty, and staff, explore degree options, and discern your future. Lodging and most meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Visit plts.edu/signs for more information.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 4, 2024Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, CandidacyComment

Region 2 Spotlight: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), located in Berkeley, California, is the only Lutheran seminary in the western United States. As a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union and a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) institution, PLTS prepares leaders for a diverse and changing world through various degree and certificate programs. Learn more about how PLTS can equip you to transform communities and lead with faith at PLTS’s website.

Founders’ Day Lecture: “Listening in the Darkness” with Mark Yaconelli

Join 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.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 23, 2024Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, California Lutheran UniversityComment

Register Today for the Enneagram Essentials Workshop—Empower Your Leadership and Spiritual Journey

Join 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.

Childcare at Synod Assembly Sponsored by PLTS and CLU

Many 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.

Explore PLTS during Signs Along the Way discernment weekend

Have you ever considered seminary? Have you ever felt like God might be calling you into ministry, but you’re not sure how or where to start? Join others in discernment at Signs Along the Way, a visit weekend at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, April 5th-7th, 2024. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardMarch 18, 2024Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, CandidacyComment

When Ethics Kills: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Story of Us

Join a profound exploration online and at Pacific Lutheran Theological University on March 20, 2024, with Dr. Reggie Williams presenting "When Ethics Kills: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Story of Us." Delve into the complexities of ethical presumptions in society, examining Bonhoeffer's resistance during Germany's crisis and his engagement with the Black Radical Tradition. Discover insights into how ideals and challenges shape our pursuit of the good in community and human flourishing.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 11, 2024Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Mohrenweiser Lecture 2024: Planning for Life’s Unpredictable Turns

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to the insightful 2024 Mohrenweiser Lecture, exploring the intersection of health crises and ethical decision-making. Join online as renowned speakers Rev. Herbert Anderson, Ph.D., and Margaret McLean, Ph.D., delve into these timely topics on February 7th.

To attend in-person, please register at this link. To attend on Zoom, please register at this link.

Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders program launches

Centuries after colonial models of education were first forced on Indigenous people in North America, their effects are still keenly felt. Western theological education has remained the default methodology within the church, including the ELCA. This fall, Native leaders from across the ELCA, in partnership with leaders from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University in Berkeley, are seeking to change that with the launch of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program. Read more at Living Lutheran.

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