Author Archives: hoperiversideoffice

We have received word of the death ofThe Rev.H.G. (Skip) McComason September 30, 2020Please keep his wife Elena; sons Scott, Tony, and Ryan; along with the entire family in your prayers. The Rev. H.G. “Skip” McComas was born on October 22, 1947. He was ordained on February 21, 1999 and began his first call at thatContinue reading “In Memoriam: The Rev. H.G. (Skip) McComas”

September 24, 2020​For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. ― Ephesians 2:14In response to the grand jury decision in Louisville, Ky., we offer a word of prayer and healing following the decision not toContinue reading “From the Presiding Bishop: A Pastoral Word on the Grand Jury Decision in Louisville”

From the Pacifica SynodSeptember 7, 2020 Dear members and friends of the Pacifica Synod,It appears that once again, there are emails being sent from a person representing themselves as Bishop Andy. Religious organizations have become easy targets for these types of scams, which take advantage of people’s generosity.  Just a reminder, no one on the synod staff willContinue reading “Scam ALERT!”

September 1, 2020 Dear Rostered Ministers and Lay Leaders of the Pacifica Synod,New guidelines regarding the re-opening of businesses, including places of worship, have been distributed by the governors of both Hawai’i and California in the past couple of weeks. These guidelines have been developed in cooperation with public health officials, and are intended notContinue reading “From the Bishop: Updated Worship Guidelines for California and Hawai’i”

Lutheran World Relief recently learned that three 40-foot shipping containers filled with thousands of handmade mission quilts and school, personal and baby care kits were destroyed in the devastating August 4 explosions at the port of Beirut, Lebanon.The shipment was destined for refugees living in Lebanon, principally from Syria and the Palestinian territories. The containersContinue reading “Lutheran World Relief Responds to Beirut Explosions”

We have received word of the death ofThe Rev.Laura (Laurie) A. Lineon July 31, 2020Please keep her children Rachel and Brandon and the entire family in your prayers.Cards or notes of condolences may be sent to:Rachel Line and Brandon Line750 Murray DriveEl Cajon, CA 92020The Rev. Laura Line was born on November 5, 1956. She was ordainedContinue reading “In Memoriam of The Reverend Laura (Laurie) A. Lineon”

We have received word of the death ofThe Rev. Dr. Albert W. Stotton July 22, 2020Please keep his family in your prayers.Cards or notes of condolences may be sent to:The Family of the Rev. Dr. Albert Stott1321 East J StreetChula Vista, CA 91910The Rev. Dr. Albert Stott was born on January 3, 1939 and ordained on MayContinue reading “In Memoriam of The Rev. Dr. Albert W Stotton”

The following announcement was shared with our synod on June 17. For a printable version of this letter, along with Frequently Asked Questions about this postponement,please click here. We will be publishing a compilation of some of the usual Synod Assembly reports, financial and statistical information in early August. They will be sent out by emailContinue reading “2020 Pacifica Synod Assembly Postponed to 2021”

July 2, 2020Dear Pastors, Deacons, and Congregation Presidents of the Pacifica Synod,Your Synod Council members have signed the ELCA’s Anti-Racism Pledge, and the Council has written a statement expressing support for the work of racial justice, with a commitment to engage in the “difficult and necessary work of repentance and change.” You will find thisContinue reading “Racial Justice Statement of the Pacifica Synod”

“The Church of Christ in every age, beset by change but Spirit-led, must claim and test its heritage, and keep on rising from the dead”(Fred Pratt Green, 1969). Dear church, Words matter. Words matter in our Scripture, in our hymns, in our governing documents, and beyond. Fifty years ago, on June 29, 1970, the LutheranContinue reading “E.L.C.A. Celebrates 50 Years of Ordained Women”