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Grace and peace to you in this year of our Lord 2026. Last week we commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. It was a tender time for me personally and professionally, and I am grateful to have participated in several community events as well as receiving many personal messages of support. Anniversaries of major events pack more emotional and physical impact than we might expect. I encourage you to reach out to anyone in your life who is remembering a tragedy, large-scale like the wildfires or much more individualized, such as a death or other loss. Just remembering this event will matter to your loved ones. This synod’s response to the wildfires and immigration enforcement has been a highlight of our work together in 2025. We have distributed nearly $120,000 in grants to fire survivors and support organizations. Your synod council recently approved a new disaster relief fund, which will respond to future disasters, natural or man-made. Our Disaster Relief Coordinator, Victoria Villa, is also funded by a grant from Lutheran Disaster Response. Your synod council asked for a Strategic Plan for the coming few years, and we are now working to fulfill that plan. The pillars of the plan are 1) Reimagining Ministry for a Changing Church, 2) Congregational Support and Resilience, 3) Financial Transformation for Long-Term Ministry and 4) Strengthening Internal Capacity. We came to these pillars after assessing the strengths and challenges of our congregations, our national church and our communities. We are living through a time of such change and uncertainty, and the church needs to bolster its resources and capacity to face these challenges. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is also prioritizing congregational vitality and outreach, and our Directors for Evangelical Mission and I are bringing these denominational resources to our synod. I like to say we are deepening our faith and ministries, rather than expanding them. This is not navel gazing. Rather, we are making sure we have a clear sense of what our congregational mission is, root ourselves more deeply in our Christian faith, and then prayerfully respond to the needs of our community, based on who Jesus is and how Jesus is calling us to act. Congregational support and resilience also require a re-imagining of ministry, most specifically how congregations are led. The entire denomination, and most mainline denominations are reporting fewer congregations can afford full-time ordained pastors. We are shifting from a pastor-led, congregation supported church to a lay-led, pastor-supported church. We will always need and support rostered leaders. Their commitment and education will always be a gift to our congregations. And we realize we need to educate and support lay leaders in worship leadership, preaching and church administration. We are recruiting and educating Synodically Authorized Ministers to support short-term and longer-term needs in our churches. A Synod Renewal Team has formed to assist congregations in self-assessment and visioning a different, but still faithful future. If you are interested in the work of the renewal team for your congregation, contact Pr. Amy Beveridge in our offices. While most of our congregations are working with fewer resources, generosity remains strong. Our congregations have faithfully donated to their own ministries and continue to give vigorously to the synod and wider church. Once again we are in the 90-95th percentile of our income budget – THANK YOU for this courageous support. The other two pillars in our strategic plan call for Strengthening Internal Capacity and Financial Transformation for Longterm Ministry, both of which are internal synodical process reviews which will impact the synod office’s ability to serve congregations more effectively. We will share our processes in the hope our congregations can also adopt best practices. For example, we will streamline and clarify grant processes, so our congregations and ministry sites have a smoother application and notification process. This granting structure may be helpful in your own congregation as you find faithful ways to allocate your own funds. While financial transformation is a key part of our strategic plan, this does not mean we are lacking in resources and ministries. As DEM Laura Salazar Krueger wrote in a previous newsletter, our strategic ministries and Synodically Authorized Ministries received $444,000 in grants, including $131,000 from our own First Lutheran Los Angeles fund, $207,150 from the Churchwide Organization (ELCA) and $85,000 from the proceeds of building sales in this synod. This movement of funds shows the interconnectedness of our synod, these congregations and the wider church. I end this quarterly report with the same message with which I began. We are church together. Our interconnectedness at the national to the congregational level is our strength, and I am grateful for it. Just as I need community to rebuild from the wildfires, so too we need each other as we continue God’s sacred journey of faithfulness and love. God bless us in 2026.
A Prayer from Bishop Brenda Bos, January 8, 2026: Dear Christian family, There is too much violence in the world. We cry out in agony over shootings, bombings, military actions, dictators, drugs, greed, natural disasters, poverty, racism, anti-LGBTQ hate, and disagreements among ourselves about what to do, what to say and what to think. There are no easy answers. My prayer for us in this time is that we stay committed to being church together – not speaking with a united voice, not all agreeing on politics or even how things should be done. But let us continue to see the face of Jesus in everyone, even those who perpetrate violence. I am not asking us to forgive our enemies; no, justice must be served and we cannot rush to reconciliation. We cannot ask the vulnerable to remain in dangerous situations. But we must seek places of humanity and courage, even the courage to remain in relationship with each other through painful difference. This can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for this: Mighty Spirit of God, surround your people, all people, with security and wholeness. Bind the forces of evil in the world, bring peace, and give us the courage to trust you, and follow your will with compassion and wisdom. We pray for our leaders, at the local and national level, as they navigate too many difficult challenges. May we always consider the good of all, rather than selfish interests, and may truly see the suffering around us and work to help. Comfort the victims of violence, natural disaster and human cruelty. Strengthen your church to bring healing and change violent systems. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Dear siblings in Christ, There is concern across this church about the Jan. 3, 2026, U.S. military action in Venezuela and what has or will follow. I believe that this Sunday’s celebration of Jesus’ baptism, and our own, can provide understanding, guide our prayers and promote faithful action at this time. The baptism of our Lord reminds us that Jesus is God’s own beloved child, who has come to fulfill an age-old promise to bring justice and peace to the nations (Isaiah 42:1). As God’s beloved, Christians share in Jesus’ ministry and compassion for the vulnerable. Our prayers remain with the people of Venezuela. We pray for their safety and well-being, for their livelihoods, and for reliable access to food, health care and clean water. Our church walks in solidarity with them through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Venezuela — their people, pastors, deacons and ministries. Support is also expressed in the broader Christian community, both in Venezuela and among the Venezuelan diaspora, who have long called for and worked toward peace, democracy and human rights. As baptized children of God, Lutherans are set free to seek the well-being of our neighbors. Over 600,000 Venezuelans in the United States face uncertainty without renewal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and deportations of Venezuelan migrants continue despite these anxious times in their homeland. As Venezuela navigates a tenuous situation, our nation has a responsibility for a mindful humanitarian response. We continue our call for humanitarian support for migrant-serving organizations in neighboring countries and pathways to asylum in the United States for Venezuelans and all with credible fears of persecution. As followers of Jesus, we seek justice for the nations. As a church in this country, we call for what transpires next to center the Venezuelan people and their right to self-determination. We, as a country, must resist any temptation to use this occasion to foster special or corporate economic interests. As Venezuela faces continued instability, more people are likely to face displacement. Let us avoid further polarization as we respond to what is unfolding. Lutheran theology affirms that two things at once can be true. The removal of Nicolás Maduro, a corrupt authoritarian, and the end of his brutal repression are causes for celebration for many. At the same time, U.S. action in Venezuela without the constitutionally mandated authorization of the U.S. Congress violated international law and created a dangerous precedent that weakens global peace and security. Our social teaching tells us that any conflict must meet strict moral criteria rooted in the principles of “right intention, justifiable cause, legitimate authority …” (For Peace in God’s World, page 11). In this highly complex and dangerous moment, Christians remember that Jesus is God's beloved child. Through our baptisms, this identity and mission forms us and calls us to civic action. We are called to speak the truth in love but with clarity about accountability for any abuse of power. In this time, we can advocate boldly for a peaceful way forward and urge the U.S. Congress to exert its authority over war powers and ensure due process is followed. This action is especially critical when risking U.S. troops’ lives and the lives of civilians around the world. As we remember the meaning of baptism for action in the world, let us be fervent in prayer for our siblings in Christ in Venezuela. Let us also support and accompany Venezuelans and their families worldwide. Born in Venezuela, Bishop Pedro Suárez of the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod wrote the following prayer: By your Holy Spirit, kindle hope that does not disappoint and peace that surpasses all understanding. We entrust Venezuela, its people and your church into your loving hands, trusting not in our own strength but in your steadfast love made known in Jesus Christ, who is our peace. Amen. In Christ, A signature of a person AI-generated content may be incorrect. The Rev. Yehiel Curry Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishop Curry Issues Statement on Venezuela --- About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.7 million members in more than 8,400 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
Dear siblings in Christ, Yesterday, June 7, 2025, exactly five months after wildfires raged through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, the President of the United States deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles. These troops were not requested by our governor. There is no natural disaster here. These troops were sent to quell "widespread violent protests" against ICE raids in our city. It is not clear whether there were any violent protests against ICE, which means even if there was violence, it was not "widespread." Los Angeles saw widespread violence in the 1993 riots - this is NOT that. There were peaceful protests, and the Los Angeles police report all is under control. But the president chose this moment to assert his power in our streets and intimidate our state and local leaders. What is the church to do? First, we call for peace. Peaceful protest is part of our American democracy. It is also part of the non-violent movement, built by Jesus, Gandhi, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and so many others. Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth, flavoring, savoring, keeping society fresh and vital. We are to call out injustice and demand rights for the marginalized. Second, we are to name a thing what it is. Intimidation by any force, positive or negative, good or evil, is wrong. In my mind, the answer is not to raise up against national guard, the answer is to encourage all parties to de-escalate, rather than escalate, the situation. The church can be a voice of solidarity, calm and spiritual strength. This does not mean we are weak: it means we bring the Holy Spirit into all scenarios. Third, we check in on those affected by this police action. We know people who will be in hiding. We know pastors who are caring for frightened church members. We know organizations (or we should learn about them!) who provide emergency legal aid and support to families affected by violence and arrest. We can stand in support with them. Fourth, we contact our elected officials. Let them know we care about justice for migrants and due process. Tell them peace for all people is our priority. No matter where you stand on immigration issues, as Christians, we are called to love, care, pray, offer a cup of cold water in Jesus' name. Preachers: preach about love and justice and freedom found only in Christ. Parishioners, pray mightily and see what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do. We cannot remain silent. God most holy, God most merciful, protect your people from harm. Remove hate from our hearts, remove fear from our bellies. Keep Los Angeles and the surrounding areas free from violence. Bring peace to our land, and change the hearts of those who wish us ill. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen. With the love of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit, +Bishop Brenda Bos
Beloved in Christ, Southern California has always been the home of people from all over the world. Migrants strengthen our communities and our churches. As the Trump administration begins to endanger the livelihoods and families of so many migrants, I pledge my support for all of God's children. Our churches are places of worship, faithfulness and community, and we are glad you are here. We understand our churches can offer spiritual care and support your efforts for employment, legal status and safety for your families. We stand with you.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) Most beloved in Christ, Grace and peace to you in this time of great loss and strength. God is with us, in each of our situations, from those who are safe and unaffected to the homeless and grieving. My prayer is we lean into God’s grace and wonder in these times and that all of us may be made whole in Jesus’ name. The wildfires which devastated multiple communities in Southern California have impacted thousands of us. We know God calls us to care for each other, even people we do not know, in times of need. The Southwest California Synod is being called to care for victims of the wildfire in intentional, thoughtful ways. In response to the wildfires, our synod is working closely with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. We are also creating our own synod disaster response team and hiring a disaster response coordinator. This person will match needs with ways to assist, be that with designated funds, volunteers or resources. I, myself, am taking a leave of absence for at least a month to grieve, heal and deal with the myriad new questions and needs in my life. I will be well in God’s care, and also in the confidence that we have so many talented and committed people, on our staff, in our synod council, in our congregations and within our partner organizations. I will pray for you while I am away from my office, and I ask for your prayers as well. People will require care for many years to come. We are not daunted by this task, as we cling to God’s promises to strengthen and inspire us. Indeed, people of faith can bring a unique compassion and understanding to the needs of our communities.
You may think this is a silly question. Isn’t God the same to a Southern California Lutheran as God is to a Tibetan monk as God is to a Gazan refugee? In some ways, yes, of course. God is constant and dependable. But in other ways, God is dynamic, always moving, just like God was at the beginning of the world – hovering over the formless void, willing a universe (or many universes) into being. And God has been revealed to Christians through Jesus Christ, to Jewish nation through Torah, to Muslims through Mohammed… there are myriad ways God has revealed Godself. This makes God unknowable, which is a confounding and fascinating truth of God. I think about my marriage and my family. I will be learning about who my wife is, who my child is, who my granddaughter is, forever. I will also be learning about myself forever. Wouldn’t the same be true about God and God’s revelations to us? Systematic theologians are people who realize our entire worldview is shaped “systematically” by who we understand God to be. Is God the loving, powerful creator of us all? Or is God like a watchmaker who set the cosmos in motion and walked away? Is God a trickster? A punisher? A redeemer? We know people feel all kinds of ways about God, including ignoring, not believing in or hating God. Whether or not they choose to acknowledge it, taking any of these stances about God shapes how they feel about nature, or people, or justice or health. I do not mean to say an atheist does not care about nature, the opposite is frequently true. What I mean is how people will approach life and life’s challenges differently based on how they think God is engaging life and life’s challenges. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has come into the news in the past few weeks because the presumptive Democratic nominee for vice president, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, is an ELCA Lutheran. Some people are asking “What’s a Lutheran?” Others are wondering about Governor Walz’ military service, school record, and decisions as a governor based on their perception of what a Lutheran Christian is. Some believe his service reflects his devotion to God in a Lutheran flavor, others are mocking his faith in a liberal denomination. I do not write to talk about Governor Walz. Let the two presidential candidates and their running mates run their own campaign and answer for their actions and proposed policies. I write to talk about God, and how we perceive God as ELCA Lutherans in Southern California. Lutherans believe God is the Source of Life, the creator of the universe. We believe the Bible’s teachings, although we do not expound a literal interpretation of scripture. This does not mean we throw out scriptures, it means we read them critically, with reason and intelligence, and wonder what God’s revelation is for us in this time and place. We believe the Word of God is relevant today, instructing us on who God is, and how we are to act. We profess in the words of the Apostle’s Creed that God is almighty, and deeply engaged, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, in human activity and the church. Jesus “will come to judge the living and the dead,” so we do not believe God just set us in motion and said, “Good luck with that!” We are held to a standard of love and forgiveness and service. But we do not do these things to impress God and stay in God’s grace. God is the one who has brought us eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, not us or our actions. As Gerhard Forde said, (paraphrased) “What will you do with your life once you realize you do not have to spend any time working on your salvation?” The answer, in my mind, is we can now spend our time loving God’s people and God’s planet. As the nation careens toward a presidential election in just under two months, I have been praying a lot about how a person of faith should live in these times. Our national laws prohibit preachers from endorsing candidates from the pulpit, so what can Christians do, if we aren’t telling people who to vote for and why? (That’s meant as something of a joke, but seriously, what are we to do?) As Lutherans, we take our dual citizenship in the kingdom of God and the kingdom of earth seriously. We know we belong to God our Creator, and answer to His authority. But our founder, Martin Luther, and our Savior, Jesus before him, were clear that we “give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,” which I interpret to mean we must live in the world, and its trappings, while also answering to our call as God’s people. One of the most confounding things, in my mind, is the various ways Christians express their faith. Some Christians are judgmental, demanding and rigid. Others are free-flowing and permissive. I realize one of the key things we must determine, as people who follow Jesus, is what do we mean when we say we are Christian? Who is Jesus to us? Who is God? What is the church? Sure, these are lofty questions, but I think in these difficult times, when each of us must determine what we believe and where we stand on issues, we need to do something of a systematic theology “check-in”. What is systematic theology? It’s a way of understanding how you view the world, how you act, what you think of yourself and others, and the cosmos, is based on what you think of God. If you believe God is judgmental and angry, you likely live in fear or retaliation or judgment. If you believe God is loving and reconciling, you likely live seeking healthy relationship. And how you think about God shapes how you think about Jesus and the Holy Spirit and sin and the church and the world. It’s not quite that obvious, but who we think God is determines just about everything about the way we act. I do not mean to say you must believe in God to be deeply ethical and loving: many atheists are selfless and kind. What I mean is how people will approach life and life’s challenges differently based on how they think God is engaging life and life’s challenges.
God’s grace and peace to you all, I have been named to the ELCA Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Task Force. This task force was mandated by the 2022 Churchwide assembly, with a call to reconsider our 2009 Social Statement on Human Sexuality. That statement redefined the ELCA’s understanding of human sexuality, including allowing for the ordination of LGBTQ persons. In 2009, a key piece of our statement was to hold four different ideas of “bound conscience,” that is, the way a congregation understands Biblical teaching on homosexuality, and how the congregation lives out that understanding. These stances range from full acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ persons to condemnation of any sexual acts outside of heterosexual marriage. Any of the four stances are acceptable in an ELCA congregation. This task force has two separate tasks. In the first task, we are to make editorial changes to the 2009 statement, to bring its language up to date with legal language about marriage found in our federal government laws. These editorial changes will come to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly for approval. The second point of business is to reconsider the social statement in its entirety for the 2028 Churchwide Assembly. This reconsideration may or may not alter the ELCA’s understanding of human sexuality. Social statements are created after extensive study and inquiry with various groups of people throughout the denomination. The task force does not make these statements from their own wisdom, but rather from the wisdom of people in the pews and pulpits. Any reconsideration would come before the 2028 Churchwide Assembly and must pass by a 2/3 vote. It is important for everyone to understand: this denomination is not going to insist on rostered leaders or congregations performing same-gender marriages in the coming months or even years. I know there is a rumor that the ELCA is just about to make this change. That is simply not the case. There will be no policy changes for at least four years, and even then, we do not know where the Spirit will lead us, as a task force, or as a denomination. The most painful part of this work is knowing in 2009, with the welcome of LGBTQ, many people felt this church was no longer for them. Other people, LGBTQ folks and their allies, celebrated that this church had finally made a place for them. Obviously, the 2009 decision made it possible for me to be ordained and to become bishop. I have very strong and happy feelings about this decision, but I know it came with a lot of struggle and many relationships were broken by this process. No matter what, I ask for this church to stand against hate of any kind. The world is suffering from so much discord and violence. I believe the church has a unique and critical role in speaking for love and justice in this time. I will work for a loving process on this task force. There are a lot of questions about what this task force is called to do. Many of your questions may be answered here. Please pray for the work of the church, on this task force and so many others who are trying to create the church of the future. Bishop Brenda Bos
Dear ones, I am writing in response to our nation’s elections more than two weeks after the votes were cast. I am confused, exhausted, unsure how to lead. And then it occurred to me: this “not knowing” is exactly the place God invites us to. II Corinthians 9 tells us God promised, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness” and later Paul admits, “When I am weak, then I am strong,” (II Corinthians 9). It seems to me the problem in American politics is we can never talk about weakness, except when mocking opponents. The world is filled with terrible strife and need, and each candidate must promise to have the answers in order to get elected. Of course people vote for that promise, in whatever package it is presented. What the 2024 election clarified for me is we simply cannot convince each other about anything. People on “the other side” think I’m crazy and dangerous, and the truth is, I often feel the same about people who vote for a different party than I do. I also think we struggle, as individuals and as the church, to know what are place in society is. Can one pastoral letter change Congress’ vote? No. Can I fret enough to sway an election? Clearly not. This does not mean I can advocate from being a religious leader; but it helps to know what my “lane” is. Bishop Dave Nagler of the Pacifica Synod says the nation is in spiritual crisis. I agree. We are not calling for the United States to become a Christian nation – I believe that is part of the problem – believing one religion has all the answers. But the soul of our country, our compassion, our generosity, our hope, hang in the balance. How shall we respond? Jesus drew us a picture of what the kin-dom of heaven looks like, filled with reversals of fortune and surprise endings and power being used in confounding ways. Why do we expect things to make sense when Jesus promised they wouldn’t? What is the church’s role today? The same it always was: care for the widow and orphan, feed the hungry, heal the sick. Visit those in prison, welcome the stranger. I’m not being political, I’m quoting scripture. The Bible never said, “Secure your borders, increase productivity and make sure you hoard wealth.” And look, I’m writing to the liberals as well as the conservatives here: we all hoard wealth, we all struggle with scarcity models, we are all afraid to lose too much. We all want power, and the church should be engaged in critiquing power and its use. Intolerance, both on the left and on the right, is the devil’s work. As soon as we decide our enemies are not really human, are sub-standard and impossible, we have lost any ability to move forward together. Putting up walls against enemies is the easy answer. The most vulnerable do need protection. I am not asking them to enter into the fray. But those of us with privilege and safety must engage deeper conversations to make life possible for those who do not have those rights. This is nuanced, complicated work. Jesus knew something about that, and I believe the Holy Spirit is poised to inspire us. Cruelty is unacceptable, in every situation. If President-elect Trump’s agenda moves forward, we will personally know people who are deported, or lose their marriage rights, or lose reproductive options. Our public lands will lose federal protections, our borders will be managed differently, international war and peace will shift. We need to be ready to respond, and most importantly, we need to be ready to care for those whose lives will be damaged or destroyed. We need to listen deeply to people who say they are suffering, even if we do not see it ourselves. Let’s listen when people complain about high prices and lost wages. Let’s listen when people worry about losing their marriage rights and risk deportation. Imagine that, listening and caring for all people, rather than just the ones we like. This is what it is to follow Jesus’ commandments. And here’s the really bold idea: let’s pray for our enemies. This is not weak – this is invoking the Holy Spirit to help us navigate our way forward. I know churches who prayed weekly for the president, until Kennedy was elected, or Nixon, or Clinton, or Trump. We seem to have missed the point: we are to pray for leaders, even if, maybe especially when, we consider them an enemy. We need divine help to heal our differences and stop hate. I’m not abdicating my responsibility to bring about change; I’m admitting we are going to need a spiritual revolution to get this done, and I for one have no idea how to do that, without spending enormous amounts of time in prayer and conversation. We need to stand in the midst of the chaos and understand it better. We also need to call out evil when we see it. But we must be willing to see evil in ourselves, beg God’s forgiveness, and be healed. I believe God will give us answers, if we ask the harder questions. Let’s not rush to feel better. Let’s sit in this difficult place of unrest and confusion, realize the Kin-dom of heaven is being birthed, and acknowledge this is exactly the place where God abides. Jesus told his disciples he was sending them out among wolves and commanded us to be crafty as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16) I think it’s time to take this commandment, along with love our neighbors as ourselves, very, very seriously. I will, and I ask God to help me.
Grace and peace to you! We worship a generous God, One who knows our every need and is constantly drawing us to new ministry and relationships. The Southwest California Synod is blessed to hold a lot of financial assets and has the opportunity to share those assets through a variety of grants. We are opening… Read More »Bishop’s Message for Opening of Grant Cycle
Posts in Mandarin:
亲爱的主内家人： 在美国，我们每年十一月都会庆祝感恩节。虽然许多移民邻舍在他们的家乡并没有这样的节日，但当他们融入美国社会时，也常会一起参与这个全国性的节日。感恩节起初带有宗教意义，但如今早已成为人们与亲友团聚、丰盛宴席的时刻，即便是那些没有信仰传统的人，也会一同欢庆。 换句话说，这一天几乎变成了围绕食物的日子，人们甚至称它为“火鸡日”。我一直对于这种对餐点的过度关注感到有些不安，但我也理解，人们用这样的方式来表达团聚的喜乐。 作为基督徒，我们赞美那位赐恩典的上帝，祂关心我们的基本需要。耶稣教导我们祈求“日用的饮食”；祂也教导说，连麻雀都不为食物忧虑，因为上帝必供应。然而，我们也知道，在这个国家里，有许多人在今年的感恩节，甚至整个冬季，都无法获得足够的食物。面对这样的现实，信仰群体可以做什么呢？ 正如教宗方济各所教导的：“我们为饥饿的人祈祷，然后我们喂养他们。这就是祷告的运作方式。” 上周，我与 Victoria Villa 和 Jim Mericle 牧师一起探访了 Altadena Meals on Wheels，一同庆祝他们从路德会灾难救援（Lutheran Disaster Response）所获得的 5 万美元捐助。他们分享，这笔金额几乎能够支应他们接下来两年的食物成本。我也在上周制作了一段视频，讲述我亲眼目睹 Altadena 地区一次大规模食物分发的经历。周末，我又在一家超市外遇到一位带着两个年幼孩子的父亲，最小的孩子因饥饿而哭泣。他坦言：“我们很挣扎。” 饥饿的人无处不在，可能就在我们的会众里，肯定在孩子们的学校和我们的社区里。 请记住，我们所敬拜的，是一位丰盛的上帝。虽然我们的教会无法解决整个国家的饥饿问题，但我们可以采取有意图、有影响力的行动，确保人们能有食物。今年，让我们的感恩也包括奉献、参与志愿服务，或是询问那些从事食物事工的人们他们需要什么。即使你无法捐赠食物或金钱，你仍然可以成为解决方案的一部分：为有需要的人祷告，并留心看看你能在哪些方面提供协助。 如果你是处在需要中的人，请询问你的牧者有哪些可以获得资源的途径。饥饿并不是羞耻；真正的悲剧是在困境中独自承受。我们必须一起努力，照顾好基督的身体。 请记得这句教导：“我们为饥饿的人祈祷，然后我们喂养他们。这就是祷告的方式。”愿我们在这个节期中有热切的祷告。
“门徒忘记带饼，除了船上有一块饼，他们什么都没有……耶稣知道了，就对他们说，‘你们为什么谈论没有饼呢？你们还不明白吗？你们的心还是刚硬的吗？…你们不记得吗？我曾为五千人掰开五饼，你们收了多少篮子的零碎？’他们说，‘十二筐。’他又问，‘那为四千人掰开的七饼，你们收了多少篮子的零碎？’他们说，‘七筐。’然后他对他们说，‘你们还不明白吗？’ 马可福音 8:14-21 选段。 当我向你们致以复活节的问候时，你们可能会对这段经文感到困惑。通常情况下，主教的问候会庆祝空坟墓，宣扬复活的应许。而我现在却和饥肠辘辘的门徒困在船上，这又是怎么回事呢？ 今年当我思考复活节对我来说意味着什么时，这段经文就浮现在脑海里。我能理解门徒们的情况，他们虽然多次目睹耶稣行的神迹，却仍然怀疑他能否满足他们的需要。当然，门徒们后来成为了我们教会的支柱。正是他们的见证开启了基督教教会的时代。然而，在他们故事的这一刻，他们仍然是困惑的耶稣跟随者。尽管他们参与了五饼二鱼和七饼四鱼的神迹，他们仍然不信任耶稣能养活他们。 我写给你们当中的一些教会领袖。人们聆听你们传讲福音的见证。我们当中有些人正处于故事中困惑跟随耶稣的部分。我们已经在生活中见证过奇迹，但仍然怀疑耶稣。坦白地说，我也见过奇迹，但我仍然怀疑耶稣将来是否会帮助我，尽管他过去无数次帮助了我。所以，当我发现自己和这些门徒坐在同一条船上时，我关注的是他们的饥饿和怀疑，而不是他们将来会成为重要的教会领袖。今天他们饥肠辘辘，无法想象耶稣会帮助他们。 也许教会也处在同样的境地。 有许多理由感到恐惧。世界上的暴力令人震惊。战争仍在继续，恐怖分子袭击，枪支失控，电视上充斥着谩骂和嘲讽。教会衰落，我们的学校面临困境，我们的家庭难以维持完整。我们倾向于认为我们目前的处境是前所未有的糟糕。我们常常认为他今天就会停止关心我们，但我们用一生去见证上帝仍然是信实的。 随着我们进入复活节，我鼓励你们带着所有的疑虑来到耶稣面前。门徒们这样做了，耶稣仍然耐心相待。后来，耶稣派遣了圣灵，这显然是那些门徒完全信靠耶稣的唯一途径。只有在五旬节和圣灵降临之后，门徒们才能大胆地宣扬耶稣的救赎之道。 因此，教会现在处于故事的这一刻：钉十字架刚刚发生。复活已经发生，但没有人理解耶稣的能力。圣灵还没有降临，使其更加清晰。你在故事中找到自己了吗？充满希望，却又害怕？绝望，无法想象更美好的未来？饥肠辘辘，怀疑耶稣知道吗？ 我的朋友们，我也是如此。然后我回想耶稣在我生命中所做的一切。我拥抱圣灵，它在我生命中显然是活着的。同样的耶稣也在你的生命中，圣灵能够重新点燃你的信心和希望。 毫无疑问，这是艰难的时刻。但我们有耶稣与我们同在，他活着，充满力量，治愈，供养，爱护，关心。 要信靠这位耶稣，他多次与你同在，将来也会与你同在。耶稣还活着并渴望将你带到一个充满活力、充满信仰的生活中。哈利路亚！ 复活节祝福， 布伦达∙博斯主教 2024 年复活节
Posts in Spanish:
Gracia y paz sean con ustedes en este año de nuestro Señor 2026. La semana pasada conmemoramos el primer aniversario de los incendios de Eaton y Palisades. Fue un tiempo delicado para mí tanto en lo personal como en lo profesional, y agradezco haber participado en varios eventos comunitarios, así como haber recibido muchos mensajes personales de apoyo. Los aniversarios de acontecimientos importantes tienen un impacto emocional y físico mayor de lo que a veces esperamos. Les animo a que se acerquen a cualquier persona en su vida que esté recordando una tragedia, ya sea a gran escala como los incendios forestales, o algo mucho más personal, como una muerte u otra pérdida. El simple hecho de recordar este acontecimiento significará mucho para sus seres queridos. La respuesta de este sínodo a los incendios forestales y a la aplicación de las leyes migratorias ha sido uno de los aspectos más destacados de nuestro trabajo conjunto en 2025. Hemos distribuido casi 120,000 dólares en subvenciones para personas sobrevivientes de los incendios y organizaciones de apoyo. Recientemente, el consejo del sínodo aprobó un nuevo fondo de ayuda en casos de desastre, el cual responderá a futuras emergencias, ya sean naturales o provocadas por el ser humano. Nuestra Coordinadora de Ayuda en Casos de Desastre, Victoria Villa, también cuenta con financiamiento gracias a una subvención de Lutheran Disaster Response. El consejo del sínodo solicitó un Plan Estratégico para los próximos años, y ahora estamos trabajando para cumplirlo. Los pilares de este plan son 1) Reimaginar el ministerio para una iglesia en transformación, 2) Apoyo y resiliencia congregacional, 3) Transformación financiera para un ministerio a largo plazo y 4) Fortalecimiento de la capacidad interna. Llegamos a estos pilares después de evaluar las fortalezas y los desafíos de nuestras congregaciones, de nuestra iglesia nacional y de nuestras comunidades. Vivimos en un tiempo de grandes cambios e incertidumbre, y la iglesia necesita fortalecer sus recursos y su capacidad para afrontar estos desafíos. La Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América también está dando prioridad a la vitalidad congregacional y al alcance comunitario, y nuestras Directoras para la Misión Evangélica y yo estamos acercando estos recursos denominacionales a nuestro sínodo. Me gusta decir que estamos profundizando nuestra fe y nuestros ministerios, en lugar de expandirlos. Esto no es un ejercicio de introspección innecesaria. Más bien, nos aseguramos de tener una comprensión clara de la misión congregacional, de arraigarnos más profundamente en nuestra fe cristiana y luego responder en oración a las necesidades de nuestra comunidad, basándonos en quién es Jesús y en cómo Jesús nos llama a actuar. El apoyo y la resiliencia congregacional también requieren una reimaginación del ministerio, especialmente en la manera en que se lideran las congregaciones. En toda la denominación, y en la mayoría de las denominaciones históricas, se informa que cada vez menos congregaciones pueden costear pastores ordenados a tiempo completo. Estamos pasando de una iglesia dirigida por pastores y sostenida por la congregación, a una iglesia dirigida por líderes laicos y acompañada por pastores. Siempre necesitaremos y apoyaremos a las personas líderes en el ministerio ordenado. Su compromiso y formación siempre serán un regalo para nuestras congregaciones. Al mismo tiempo, reconocemos la necesidad de formar y apoyar a líderes laicos en la conducción del culto, la predicación y la administración de la iglesia. Estamos reclutando y capacitando a Ministras y Ministros Autorizados por el Sínodo para apoyar las necesidades a corto y largo plazo en nuestras iglesias. Se ha formado un Equipo de Renovación del Sínodo para acompañar a las congregaciones en procesos de autoevaluación y en la construcción de una visión hacia un futuro diferente, pero igualmente fiel. Si su congregación está interesada en el trabajo de este equipo de renovación, puede comunicarse con la pastora Amy Beveridge en nuestras oficinas. Aunque la mayoría de nuestras congregaciones están trabajando con menos recursos, la generosidad sigue siendo fuerte. Nuestras congregaciones han contribuido fielmente a sus propios ministerios y continúan dando generosamente al sínodo y a la iglesia en general. Una vez más, nos encontramos en el percentil 90 a 95 de nuestro presupuesto de ingresos. GRACIAS por este apoyo valiente. Los otros dos pilares de nuestro plan estratégico se enfocan en el Fortalecimiento de la Capacidad Interna y la Transformación Financiera para un Ministerio a Largo Plazo, ambos relacionados con la revisión de procesos internos del sínodo que impactarán la capacidad de la oficina sinodal para servir de manera más eficaz a las congregaciones. Compartiremos nuestros procesos con la esperanza de que nuestras congregaciones también puedan adoptar buenas prácticas. Por ejemplo, simplificaremos y clarificaremos los procesos de subvenciones para que las congregaciones y los ministerios tengan una experiencia de solicitud y notificación más ágil. Esta estructura de otorgamiento de fondos puede ser útil también en sus propias congregaciones, al buscar maneras fieles de asignar sus recursos. Si bien la transformación financiera es una parte clave de nuestro plan estratégico, esto no significa que carezcamos de recursos o ministerios. Como escribió la Directora para la Misión Evangélica, Laura Salazar Krueger, en un boletín anterior, nuestros ministerios estratégicos y los Ministerios Autorizados por el Sínodo recibieron 444,000 dólares en subvenciones, incluidos 131,000 dólares de nuestro propio fondo de First Lutheran Los Angeles, 207,150 dólares de la organización nacional de la ELCA y 85,000 dólares provenientes de la venta de propiedades en este sínodo. Este movimiento de fondos demuestra la interconexión entre nuestro sínodo, estas congregaciones y la iglesia en su conjunto. Concluyo este informe trimestral con el mismo mensaje con el que lo inicié. Somos iglesia juntos. Nuestra interconexión, desde el nivel nacional hasta el congregacional, es nuestra fortaleza, y estoy profundamente agradecida por ella. Así como yo necesito de la comunidad para reconstruirme después de los incendios forestales, también necesitamos unos de otros mientras continuamos el sagrado camino de fidelidad y amor al que Dios nos llama. Que Dios nos bendiga en 2026.
7 de enero de 2026 Estimados hermanos en Cristo: En toda esta iglesia existe una preocupación debido a la acción militar de EE. UU. en Venezuela el 3 de enero de 2026 y lo que ha sucedido o vaya a suceder después. Creo que la celebración de este domingo del bautismo de Jesús —y el nuestro— nos puede ayudar a comprender, guiar nuestras oraciones y fomentar una acción fiel en este momento. El bautismo de nuestro Señor nos recuerda que Jesús es el hijo amado de Dios, que ha venido a cumplir una promesa antigua de traer justicia y paz a las naciones (Isaías 42:1). Como amados de Dios, los cristianos comparten el ministerio y la compasión de Jesús por la gente vulnerable. Nuestras oraciones están con el pueblo de Venezuela. Oramos por su seguridad y bienestar, por sus medios de subsistencia, y por el acceso confiable a alimentos, atención médica y agua potable. Nuestra iglesia camina en solidaridad con ellos por medio de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en Venezuela: su gente, pastores, diáconos y ministerios. El apoyo también se expresa en la comunidad cristiana en general, tanto en Venezuela como entre la diáspora venezolana, quienes desde hace tiempo han luchado y trabajado por la paz, la democracia y los derechos humanos. Como hijos bautizados de Dios, los luteranos somos liberados para procurar el bienestar de nuestro prójimo. Más de 600,000 venezolanos en Estados Unidos enfrentan incertidumbre sin la renovación del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS), y las deportaciones de migrantes venezolanos continúan a pesar de estos tiempos de ansiedad en su país de origen. Puesto que Venezuela atraviesa una situación delicada, nuestra nación tiene la responsabilidad de ofrecer una respuesta humanitaria consciente. Continuamos haciendo un llamado a brindar apoyo humanitario a las organizaciones que atienden a migrantes en los países vecinos y a facilitar vías de asilo en Estados Unidos para los venezolanos y todas las personas que tengan temores plausibles de persecución. Como seguidores de Jesús procuramos justicia para las naciones. Como iglesia en este país, pedimos que lo que ocurra a continuación ponga en el centro al pueblo venezolano y su derecho a la autodeterminación. Nosotros, como país, debemos resistir cualquier tentación de usar esta ocasión para fomentar intereses económicos especiales o corporativos. En vista de que Venezuela enfrenta una continua inestabilidad, es probable que más personas sean desplazadas. Evitemos una mayor polarización mientras respondemos a lo que está ocurriendo. La teología luterana afirma que dos cosas pueden ser verdaderas al mismo tiempo. La destitución de Nicolás Maduro, un autoritario corrupto, y el fin de su brutal represión son motivos de celebración para muchos. Al mismo tiempo, la acción de Estados Unidos en Venezuela, sin la autorización del Congreso de Estados Unidos exigida por la constitución, violó el derecho internacional y creó un precedente peligroso que debilita la paz y la seguridad mundial. Nuestra enseñanza social nos dice que cualquier conflicto debe cumplir estrictos criterios morales basados en los principios de “buena intención, causa justificable, autoridad legítima…” (Por la paz en el mundo de Dios, página 12). En este momento tan complejo y peligroso, los cristianos recuerdan que Jesús es el hijo amado de Dios. A través de nuestros bautismos, esta identidad y misión nos forman y nos llaman a la acción cívica. Estamos llamados a hablar la verdad con amor, pero con claridad sobre la rendición de cuentas por cualquier abuso de poder. En este tiempo podemos abogar firmemente por un camino pacífico y exhortar al Congreso de los EE. UU. a ejercer su autoridad sobre los poderes de guerra y garantizar que se siga el debido proceso. Esta acción es especialmente crucial cuando están en riesgo las vidas de los soldados estadounidenses y de los civiles en todo el mundo. Al recordar el significado del bautismo para la acción en el mundo, oremos fervientemente por nuestros hermanos en Cristo en Venezuela. También apoyemos y acompañemos a los venezolanos y sus familias en todo el mundo. Nacido en Venezuela, el obispo Pedro Suárez, del Sínodo de Florida-Bahamas de la ELCA, escribió la siguiente oración: Por tu Espíritu Santo, enciende una esperanza que no defraude y una paz que sobrepase todo entendimiento. Encomendamos a Venezuela, su pueblo y tu iglesia a tus manos amorosas, no poniendo la confianza en nuestra propia fuerza, sino confiando en tu amor inquebrantable que fue dado a conocer en Jesucristo, quien es nuestra paz. Amén. En Cristo, El Rvdo. Yehiel Curry Obispo Presidente Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América
Querida Familia de Dios: En los Estados Unidos, celebramos el Dia de Acción de Gracias cada noviembre. La mayoría de nuestros vecinos inmigrantes no lo celebran en sus países de origen, a menudo se unen a nuestra festividad nacional, al integrarse a la sociedad estadounidense. Éste día comenzó como un espiecie de celebración religiosa, pero se ha transformado fácilmente en un momento para festejar con los seres queridos, incluso para quienes no tienen tradiciónes religiosas. En otras palabras, el dia se ha convertido en un día de celebrar la comida , a menudo, llamado “ Día del Pavo ”. Siempre me ha incomodado que se centren en la comida, pero entiendo que es una forma alegre de referirse a un momento para estar juntos. Como cristianos alabamos a a Dios misericordioso que se preocupa por nuestras necesidades básicas. Jesus nos enseñó a orar por nuestro pan de cada día. Enseñó que ni siquiera los gorriones se preocupan por su comida, saben que Dios prooverá. Y, sin embargo que muchas personas en nuestro país no tendrán suficiente comida este Día de Acción de Gracias ni durante los meses de invierno. ¿Qué hacen las personas de fé? Como nos enseñó el Papa Francisco: “Oramos por los hambrientos. Y luego los alimentamos. Así es como funciona la oración”. Victoria Villa , El pasror Jim, Mericle y yo estuvimos con Altamed Meals in Wheels la semana pasada, celebrando la subvención de $50,000 que recibierón de Lutheran Disaster Response. Dijieron que esa cantidad cubriría sus gasros de alimentación durante casi dos años. La semana pasada produce un video que relata mi experiencia como testigo de una distribución masiva de alimentos en Altadena. Durante el fin de semana conocí a un hombre con dos niños muy pequeños afuera de un supermercado; El más pequeño lloraba de hambre.” Estamos pasando apuros” , admitió. Hay hambre en todos partes, problablemente en nuestras congregaciones, sin duda en las escuelas de nuestros hijos y en nuestros vecindarios. Recuerden, servimos a un Dios de abundancia. Si bien nuestras congregaciones no pueden resolver el hambre en nuestra nación, podemos tomar medidas intencionales e impactantes para asegurar que la gente tenga alimentos. Nuestra gratitud este año puede incluir donaciones, voluntaridad, y preguntar a quienes trabajan en los ministerios de alimentación que es lo que necesitan. Si no pueden donar comida o dinero, aún pueden ser parte de la solución: oren por los necesitados y vean cómo pueden ayudar. Si tienes hambre, pregunten a su pastor dónde pueden conseguir recursos. No hay vergüenza en pasar hambre. La tragedia está en sufrir en Soledad. Debemos trabajar juntos para cuidar del cuerpo de Cristo. Recuerden la enseñanza: “ Oramos por los hambrientos. Y luego los alimentamos. Asi es como funciona la oración”. Aww Que nuestras oraciones sean fervientes en esta temporada de celebraciones.
