Southwest California Synod ELCA

Southwest California Synod ELCA The Official page of the Southwest California Synod, ELCA.

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Yesterday some of the Synod staff had the pleasure of attending a Rejoicing Spirits service at Trinity Lutheran Church i...
09/04/2026

Yesterday some of the Synod staff had the pleasure of attending a Rejoicing Spirits service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pasadena.

Rejoicing Spirits was founded on the belief that all people should have the opportunity to explore faith and spirituality.

Unfortunately people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often overlooked when it comes to inclusion and leadership in our faith communities.

This innovative ministry works with congregations to provide a meaningful, inclusive worship service in a loving and supportive community for people with intellectual disabilities and the people who love and support them. People are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members in an inclusive faith community.

We had so much fun singing, playing instruments, ringing the bell, passing the prayer pillow, taking communion and worshiping with our beautiful new friends. Thank you for having us Pastor Sharon and Father Dylan!

Fall Learning Opportunities from the Association of White Lutherans for Racial JusticeThe Association of White Lutherans...
09/03/2026

Fall Learning Opportunities from the Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice

The Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice (AWL4RJ) is offering several opportunities this fall to deepen our understanding of racial justice, courageous conversation and authentic relationship in our congregations and communities.

Sept. 14 & 21 | Interrupting Harmful Patterns
Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy leads a two-part series exploring white supremacy culture and how we can stay present, navigate difficult conversations with humility, and build healthier relationships in predominantly White congregational spaces. $40 per session.

Sept. 15 | Making It Plain: A Conversation with Author Ronald Bonner
In partnership with ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, join author Ronald Bonner for a conversation about his book Making It Plain: Deconstructing a Fictitious and Vicious Story About Racism. Free; donations welcome.

All events are offered online. Learn more and register for one or more of these upcoming opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 14
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SEPTEMBER 15
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SEPTEMBER 21
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Calling all SWCA Clergy!Your self care matters. Your time to unplug matters. Please join us for our one day Clergy Retre...
08/31/2026

Calling all SWCA Clergy!

Your self care matters. Your time to unplug matters. Please join us for our one day Clergy Retreat on Thursday, October 1st.

Choose from a variety of self-care experiences, including:

- journaling and art- based activities
- sound bowl meditation
- self-guided walk through Mater Dolorosa’s gardens and Stations of the Cross

Enjoy good food, fellowship, reflection, and opportunities to connect throughout the day- all centered on caring for yourself in the moment while also offering practical tools and resources you can take home and carry into your everyday life.

Register Here ---> https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=1vNkyTYKk0Ga3ak4HUp6ABAug8kY2rVDol7jpW4oLatUQkcyUkJFN1kzVDZDVVBNVzk4S1ZUVFFXUC4u&route=shorturl

This day of care is being offered through the SWCA Disaster Response Ministry, with special grant funding dedicated to supporting the mental and spiritual well-being of our faith leaders. Questions? Contact Victoria Villa at [email protected].

Be Ready, Be Safe: Disaster Preparedness SeminarBeing prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Join H...
08/28/2026

Be Ready, Be Safe: Disaster Preparedness Seminar

Being prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Join Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church for a practical Disaster Preparedness Seminar led by Victoria Villa, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Southwest California Synod, on Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Learn simple steps you can take to prepare your household, stay informed, strengthen community connections, and find trusted resources before an emergency happens. Everyone is welcome!

ZOOM IS BETTER TOGETHER: A SIMPLE IDEA FOR CONGREGATIONSThe Synod offers many opportunities throughout the year to learn...
08/28/2026

ZOOM IS BETTER TOGETHER: A SIMPLE IDEA FOR CONGREGATIONS

The Synod offers many opportunities throughout the year to learn and connect through Zoom. From Bible studies and workshops to trainings and special conversations. But for some people, navigating Zoom and technology can be a barrier to participating.

That's why we loved seeing this group from Trinity Lutheran Church in Ventura gathered together at church for a recent Synod Zoom! Instead of everyone logging in separately, members joined together in one room, allowing someone comfortable with Zoom to handle the technology while everyone else could simply participate and enjoy the conversation (including one particularly adorable four-legged attendee!).

Consider doing the same at your congregation! The next time a Synod Zoom opportunity comes along, invite members to gather at church and participate together. It's a simple way to make Synod programs more accessible, while creating another opportunity for fellowship and connection.

INTRODUCING JERMAINE BANKS!The Southwest California Synod warmly welcomes Jermaine Banks as Assistant to the Bishop for ...
08/28/2026

INTRODUCING JERMAINE BANKS!

The Southwest California Synod warmly welcomes Jermaine Banks as Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance. He previously served as Associate Operations Director at the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), the LA Philharmonic's multi-site music education program, where he managed budgeting, staffing, payroll, labor compliance, vendor relationships, and executive-level reporting across multiple locations.

His background also includes finance and audit experience at MGM Resorts and hospitality management, along with over 10 years of work and volunteer experience with World Impact Youth Ministries.
Jermaine enjoys bowling, cooking, and spending as much time with family as possible.

Jermaine will be working to streamline synod processes and operations and can serve as a resource for congregational budgeting and financial concerns. His email is [email protected].

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF MINISTRY IN OXNARD!Join Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for a special 65th Anniversary Celebration...
08/27/2026

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF MINISTRY IN OXNARD!

Join Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for a special 65th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 30 at 10:30 a.m. This joyful day will celebrate 65 years of ministry in Oxnard as well as the merging of Our Saviour’s and Redimidos to become Living Grace ~ Gracia Viva. A reception will follow the worship service. Come give thanks for the ministry that has been, and celebrate the new chapter ahead!

¡Celebre 65 años de ministerio en Oxnard!
Acompáñenos en Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church para una celebración especial de su 65.º aniversario el domingo 30 de agosto a las 10:30 a. m. Este día lleno de alegría celebrará 65 años de ministerio en Oxnard, así como la unión de Our Saviour’s y Redimidos para convertirse en Living Grace ~ Gracia Viva. Después del servicio de adoración habrá una recepción. ¡Venga a dar gracias por el ministerio que nos ha traído hasta aquí y a celebrar juntos este nuevo capítulo!

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.

The LSM 2026 season may be over, but the inspiring music continues online.Watch more than 40 concerts, worship services,...
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]

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1300 E Colorado Street
Glendale, CA
91205

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Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

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