Recipient of a 2017 SWC Synod Mission and Ministry Grant, the Hill Avenue Grace, Pasadena Food Shelf ministry is open every Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30, rain or shine. It services 50 to 70 homeless and underprivileged individuals and families every week for most of the year, also providing
Continue readingTwice a year the Region 2 Synods of the ELCA, which include Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, Sierra Pacifica, and Rocky Mountain, collaborate in providing a high-quality First Call Theological Education program for the region’s first call deacons and pastors. Twice a year for this three-day, two-night event is held
Continue readingSince the Middle Ages Christian communities have adopted the labyrinth as a symbol – perhaps the most famous is that at Chartres Cathedral in France, installed in 1201 and providing a model for churches of many denominations. Walking the circular path of the labyrinth is a spiritual and democratic tool
Continue readingHow can you and your congregations help? Lutheran Social Services of Southern California is providing food, shelter, water and more to those impacted by this disaster – you can donate at their linked Facebook page. Donate to Lutheran Disaster Response, which addresses disasters from immediate relief through long-term recovery. United Way of Ventura County
Continue readingAt last spring’s Synod Assembly, Bishop Patricia Lull challenged our congregations to share something they were going to do to reach out to the community. Pastor Steve Beckham from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Long Beach shared his idea of a Prayer Wall, essentially a very large chalk board with
Continue readingThe Southwest CA Synodical Women of the ELCA Organization met at California Lutheran University from October 20 to 22, 2017 for the 11th Annual Autumn Renewal. This year’s theme was “Dream Anew,” based on Ephesians 3:20, combining the themes of the “Dream Big” 2017 Youth Gathering and the “All Anew” 2017
Continue readingThe Rev. Dr Mitri Raheb, Pastor Emeritus at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Director of the Dar al-Kalima College of Culture and the Arts in Bethlehem, and founder of Bright Stars in Bethlehem, a non-profit organization providing funding and support to the initiatives of the Diyar Consortium (a Lutheran-based, ecumenically-oriented organization serving the whole
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