California Fire Relief
The rampant fires in California have been extinguished. Thousands of people have been displaced, homes damaged or destroyed, vehicles incinerated, and family heirlooms lost forever. The damage is enormous, and the response needs to be huge as well. After emergency relief, the process of long-term recovery begins. Lutheran Social Services
Continue readingDear Church: A Message from the Tijuana Refugee Camps – Rev. Alexia Salvatierra
Dear Church is a semi-regular blog featuring pastors and other church leaders. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA. Part of this entry was written by Pastor Alexia Salvatierra for the School of
Continue readingBishop Guy Erwin’s Statement on the Thousand Oaks Shooting
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that God is very close to those who grieve, and brings them solace. Late last night, an assailant opened fire in a popular bar in Thousand Oaks, California, and killed 12
Continue readingFrom Bishop Guy Erwin – November Election, 2018
To the people, pastors, and deacons of the Southwest California Synod, ELCA, and to all who read this letter: Grace and peace to you in Christ! Jesus’ great commandment both calls us to the love of God and links that love inseparably to the love of neighbor. These twin instructions
Continue readingTrinity, Long Beach: Sharing Love with a Community Meal
Rev. Scott Fritz, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Beach Let us go now to the banquet, to the feast of the universe. The table’s set and a place is waiting; come, everyone, with your gifts to share. ELW 523 – “Let Us Go Now to the Banquet/Vamos Todos al Banquete” This song
Continue readingBishop Guy Erwin’s Homily for Reformation Sunday, 2018
Homily for Reformation Sunday Vespers October 28, 2018, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New York City The Rev. R. Guy Erwin, Ph.D Text: Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains
Continue readingYOU ARE A VITAL CONGREGATION OF OUR SYNOD! (Part 3 – Love Your Neighbor)
by Rev. Marj Funk-Pihl, Director for Evangelical Mission, SWCA Synod Love is best when its mutual. Right? During our June synod assembly, I asked everyone to describe how your congregation loved and served its neighbors. 72 of those present wrote about a congregationally supported feeding program. Great!! Today I want
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