Ephesians 4:1-6
Thank you to ALL who were with us for our 2022 Assembly—voting members, visitors, special guests, volunteers, and ministry partners—and for those who shared in the Assembly over livestream. Your hard work, prayers, and dedication to the ministry we share in together is greatly appreciated. You may download a recap publication to share in your congregation HERE.
For those who weren’t able to be with us in person (or would like to relive it!), you may watch the livestream of the business sessions and worship services through our Synod YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2XIq7-ZeQWn4lJzgc4ZaFw.
Bishop Election Results
(as of 4:17 p.m. Friday, May 20)
Fifth Ballot – Friday, May 20
Congratulations to Rev. David Nagler who was elected fourth Bishop of the Pacifica Synod on the fifth ballot! The results of the fifth ballot are listed below.
The Rev. David Nagler – 163 votes
The Rev. Robert Mooney – 103 votes
We give thanks to all the nominees for the role of bishop!
Fourth Ballot – Friday, May 20
The results of the fourth ballot for Bishop of the Pacifica Synod are listed below. A nominee needed 163 (60%) of the legal votes cast (271) to be elected on this ballot. There was no election on the fourth ballot.
The Rev. David Nagler – 124 votes
The Rev. Robert Mooney – 98 votes
The Rev. Maria Santa Cruz – 49 votes
The 2 nominees with the highest number of votes will address the assembly for 5 minutes each at 3:45 p.m.. The fifth ballot vote will be taken at approximately 4:00 p.m. and the nominee with the majority of the votes will be elected bishop.
Third Ballot – Friday, May 20
The results of the third ballot for Bishop of the Pacifica Synod are listed below. A nominee needed 176 (two-thirds) of the legal votes cast (263) to be elected on this ballot. There was no election on the third ballot.
The Rev. David Nagler – 103 votes
The Rev. Robert Mooney – 43 votes
The Rev. Maria Santa Cruz – 30 votes
The Rev. Thomas Goellrich – 28 votes
The Rev. Derek Fossey – 26 votes
The Rev. Darryl Kozak – 20 votes
The Rev. Cynthia (Cyndi) Jones – 13 votes
The 3 nominees with the highest votes will move on to the fourth ballot. These 3 nominees will give 5-minute presentations at 1:15 this afternoon. The fourth ballot for bishop will voted on at 1:38 this afternoon. We give thanks for all of our nominees willing to serve.
Second Ballot – Thursday, May 19
The results of the second ballot for Bishop of the Pacifica Synod are listed below. A nominee needed 188 (75%) of the legal votes cast (250) to be elected on this ballot. There was no election on the second ballot.
The Rev. David Nagler – 79 votes
The Rev. Robert Mooney – 58 votes
The Rev. Thomas Goellrich – 36 votes
The Rev. Maria Santa Cruz – 32 votes
The Rev. Cynthia Jones – 25 votes
The Rev. Darryl Kozak – 11 votes
The Rev. Derek Fossey – 6 votes
The Rev. Jennifer Zahnow – 2 votes
The Rev. Carl Witt – 1 vote
The third ballot will contain the names of the 7 persons that received the most legal votes cast on the second ballot. These 7 nominees will participate in a question and answer session at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Voting on the third ballot will take place at 9:40 a.m. tomorrow.
First Ballot -Thursday, May 19
The results of the first (Ecclesiastical) Ballot for Bishop of the Pacifica Synod are listed below. A nominee needed 191 (75%) of the legal votes cast (261) to be elected on this ballot. There was no election on the first ballot.
The Rev. David Nagler – 83 votes
The Rev. Robert Mooney – 49 votes
The Rev. Thomas Goellrich – 45 votes
The Rev. Cynthia Jones – 34 votes
The Rev. Darryl Kozak – 14 votes
The Rev. Jennifer Zahnow – 13 votes
The Rev. Maria Santa Cruz – 9 votes
The Rev. Derek Fossey – 4 votes
The Rev. Laura Ziehl – 4 votes
The Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen – 2 votes
The Rev. Karin Boye – 1 vote
The Rev. Kathryn Grindberg – 1 vote
The Rev. Carl Witt – 1 vote
The Rev. Ramon Zarate – 1 vote
Persons nominated may withdraw before the second ballot at 7:10 Thursday evening. Please hold all discerning this call in your prayers.
2022 Pre-Assembly Reports
The 2022 Pacifica Synod Pre-Assembly reports (also known as the “Assembly Notebook”) are ready for download! Below are the links to download either the complete Assembly Notebook or each section individually. Be patient if you are downloading the complete notebook as the file is very large. Be sure to check your print settings to ensure they are set to print duplex (two-sided) and in color (if desired). In order to save paper, you are encouraged to download the notebook file to your tablet, laptop or other device to view during the assembly. For those who ordered and paid for a notebook, yours will be mailed to you by May 1.
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – COMPLETE
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Cover
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 1 – Introduction
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 2 – Agenda & Rules
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Section 3 – Financial
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 4 – Nominations
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 5 – Reports
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 6 – Resolutions*
*Page 6-6 Resolution 22-02 – Updated 05.06.22
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 7 – Conferences & Workshops
Pacifica Synod Assembly 2022 Notebook – Section 8 – Bishop Election
If you have any questions about downloading these reports, please contact Terri Robertson at 714.692.2791, Ext. 732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
Assembly Schedule
*Subject to Change
Thursday, May 19
10:00am Registration opens
1:00pm Business session (includes first ballot for bishop)
2:50pm: Business session (including resolutions)
4:30pm: Break for dinner on your own
7:00pm: Business session (includes second ballot for bishop)
8:00pm: Worship
Friday, May 20
8:30am: Business session (includes Q&A with bishop candidates and third ballot)
10:10am Business session (includes Synod Council/Mission Fund Committee elections)
12:00pm: Conference Breakouts and Lunch
1:10pm: Business session (includes speeches by bishop candidates and fourth ballot)
2:00pm: Workshops
3:15pm: Business session (includes additional speeches by bishop candidates and fifth ballot)
5:45pm: Reception
6:30pm: Banquet dinner, including farewell program for Bishop Andy Taylor
Saturday, May 21
8:30am: Business session (includes reports and resolutions if necessary)
10:00am: Worship with Holy Communion
2022 Synod Assembly Hotel Information
Irvine Marriott
The 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly will take place at the Irvine Marriott, located at 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612. The deadline for the discounted rate of $149 per night for those attending the Assembly has now passed and the room block is full.
You may still make your reservations at their usual rate by calling Marriott Reservations directly at (800) 228-9290.
COVID-19 Protocols for ALL Attendees of the 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
Jesus commanded his followers to love one another. One of the ways we love one another is by keeping each other safe from COVID-19. We seek in our assembly to ensure that all are safe, and that there will be no transmission of the virus to any of our voting members or other attendees. For this reason, we issue the following rules, based on Orange County health guidance.
We are committed to an event that works to keep participants as safe and healthy as possible. While we can’t eliminate the risk of COVID-19, we will do our best to reduce and manage risk. As we have previously shared, ALL 2022 Synod Assembly attendees and participants must provide proof of full COVID vaccination or negative test (within 72 hours of the start of the Assembly on Thursday, May 19), as per Synod Council decision.
Full vaccination for this event is defined as both shots of Moderna/Pfizer vaccine or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson, as well as at least ONE booster, if eligible.
Persons 12 years and older are considered up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have completed a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine and have either received a booster shot or are not yet recommended to receive a booster dose according to current CDC guidance. Those less than 12 years of age are considered up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations if they have completed their primary series according to CDC guidance. (From County of Orange Health Officer’s Orders and Strong Recommendations – January 14, 2022 – Section E2.)
Synod Assembly attendees were asked to do one of the following when they registered online for the assembly:
- Upload proof of vaccination (photo of vaccination card or digital COVID-19 vaccine record)
- Acknowledge they will show proof of vaccination/one booster upon arrival at the Synod Assembly.
- Acknowledge they will show proof of negative test upon arrival at the Synod Assembly. Test result may be from either PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the start of the assembly, but self/home tests will NOT be accepted.
Following Orange County, CA Public Health Guidelines, face masks at the event are not required, but are strongly encouraged for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. (Subject to change as local guidance is updated.)
Attendees are asked to not enter any assembly spaces if they are feeling unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms. If a person tests positive for COVID before or during the event, or if they begin to exhibit COVID symptoms, even if vaccinated, we ask that the individual isolate in their hotel room until they depart, or until they receive a negative COVID test.
Serve as a Volunteer at the 2022 Synod Assembly!
A Synod Assembly is not possible without the work of dedicated and faithful volunteers. These volunteers assist Assembly attendees and staff in a wide variety of areas and help make the Assembly experience a positive one.
Volunteers are needed in following areas during our 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly:
(Please note: It is not recommended that Assembly Voting Members serve as volunteers due to their responsibilities during the Assembly.)
- Registration/Check-In Teams
- Hospitality Team (General Info, Greeters, Door Check, Guides)
- Worship Team (Thursday evening/Saturday morning)
- Communications Team (Photography/Recaps)
- And More!
If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s Pacifica Synod Assembly, please contact Terri Robertson at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org or 714-692-2791, ext. 732.
ELCA Churchwide Representative – Victoria Flood
Victoria Flood serves as Senior Director for Mission Support in the churchwide expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learning more about the ministries of our church through visits (mostly digital, these days!) in synods and with congregations is one of Victoria’s greatest joys in this position. She is often heard saying, “Mission Support is rooted in our faith and our relationships. It is one of the most tangible ways that all of us in the ELCA demonstrate we are church together for the sake of the world.”
Victoria began serving in this position in March 2016. Prior to that, Victoria served 15 years in the churchwide expression as part of the team in Research and Evaluation. Prior to serving in the ELCA, Victoria worked nearly seven years in Wisconsin state government.
Victoria earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Political Science from Valparaiso University.
She and her husband, Rod Boriack, live in Des Plaines, IL. They are proud parents and grandparents to 2 children – Katy (Christian); Jon (Brooke); and 2 grandchildren – Ayden (17) and Zoe (4). Victoria and Rod are members at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, IL.
2022 Bishop Election Update – March 8, 2022
Greetings to All,
As we enter this important time prior to the synod assembly, we give thanks for those who will be attending the assembly as voting members. These voting members will be present as the Holy Spirit moves through the assembly and guides their hearts and minds to elect and call the next bishop of Pacifica.
Because the election of a bishop is both an election and a call process, it is important to reflect on the office of the bishop and the responsibilities of that office. Our churchwide representative, Victoria Flood, will speak on the role and responsibilities of the synod bishop and the importance of the election process at the assembly. We offer in this communication the portions of the Constitution that describe the responsibilities of the office of the bishop, which are found here.
Following the synod constitution, any minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) who is on the roster of the ELCA can be elected bishop. The voting members of the assembly will listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the process and we trust God will guide them to select the right person. The process for nominating and electing the next bishop, including an explanation of the modified ecclesiastical ballot used in Pacifica, was previously described and can be found in Synod communications from February 17.
We ask for all congregations in Pacifica to please pray. Pray for the voting members who are called to this time and for their discernment as they vote. Pray for all the ministers of Word and Sacrament whose names will appear on the ballot for bishop – those who have already discerned this call, and those for whom the Holy Spirit is a still small voice. And pray for all those involved in this process, as together in Christ, we elect and call the next bishop to Pacifica.
Becky Draper and Lori Herman
Bishop Election Committee Co-Chairs
Resolutions and Memorials Process for the
2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly
THE DEADLINE FOR PRESENTING A RESOLUTION OR MEMORIAL
TO THE 2022 SYNOD ASSEMBLY WAS FEBRUARY 19, 2022
The resolutions process enables individuals or recognized groups within the synod to bring a request for action or a request for a statement to be made by the Synod Assembly. Since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets in the summer of 2022, this Synod Assembly will consider both resolutions and memorials. For information about the differences between a “resolution” and a “memorial,” please visit the ELCA Office of the Secretary webpage found here.
Resolutions and memorials may be submitted by a congregation of the Synod, a Ministry Team, an ELCA institution or agency, a conference, or the Synod Council and must be signed by the appropriate leadership (i.e., president, chair, dean, etc.). Individuals may submit a resolution/memorial with the signatures of 10 other members of the Synod. The maker(s) of the resolution/memorial must be identified separately from the required signers.
Resolutions/memorials are to be submitted in writing 90 days in advance of the Synod Assembly (by February 19, 2022) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the preassembly materials. The time period for submitting resolutions/memorials is now closed.
Any resolutions received after the 90-day deadline are to be submitted to the Synod Secretary (via the synod office) who will immediately refer them to the Resolutions Committee. These resolutions can be introduced at the Assembly if permitted by a two-thirds vote of the members.
All resolutions not voted on at the Assembly will be placed on the next Synod Council meeting agenda for action.
Pacifica Synod Council and Mission Funds Committee Nomination Update
March 7, 2022
The Nominating Committee gives thanks to all who have discerned the invitation to be nominated to serve on Synod Council and/or the Mission Funds Committee. Of the many names lifted up, those who felt called to this service in this time will appear in the Assembly Notebook and on the ballot for election.
The deadline to submit information for the Assembly Notebook officially closed on February 15, but there is still an opportunity to nominate a person for any open Synod Council and/or Mission Funds Committee position from the floor of the Assembly. Floor nominations must be made at the assembly, with at least 10 signatures from persons entitled to vote at the assembly for the nominee. For example, 10 or more signatures from assembly voting members in the Hawai’i Area would be need needed to add a person to an open Hawai’i Area position. To recap, you’ll need:
- Permission – any person nominated from the floor of the assembly must indicate they are willing to serve if elected. They do not need to be present at the assembly.
- Signatures – signature from at least 10 persons eligible to vote at the assembly for the nominee are needed as well.
With gratitude,
The 2022 Pacifica Nominating Committee – The Rev. Nate Allen, the Rev. Tom Goellrich, Lori Herman, the Rev. Darryl Kozak, Daneen Pysz, Nicolette Rohr, the Rev. JP Sabbithi, and the Rev. Maria Santa Cruz
From the Pacifica Constitution
- Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which nominations are made by the Nominating Committee, provided that the nominees meet the inclusivity qualifications, if any, established by the Synod Council. (S9.03.)
- Nominations for all positions, including the bishop, whether offered by the Nominating Committee, or from the floor, shall be valid only if prior to the nominations being closed, the nominee has, either directly or indirectly, indicated her/his willingness to serve if elected. (S9.03.01)
- Except for nominations for the position of bishop, all nominations from the floor must be accompanied by a written nomination containing the signatures of no less than 10 persons entitled to vote at the assembly for the nominee. (S9.03.02)
Synod Assembly Resources
Hawaii Voting Member Equalization Form
Hawaii Voting Members may request reimbursement of up to $450 of their travel costs (airfare & ground transportation) using this form. Click the link above to download the form. Receipts must be provided with the submission of the form.
Please note: If reimbursement is made PRIOR to the Assembly and a voting member does NOT attend, the funds reimbursed MUST be returned to the synod.
