Links to Our Many Friends
Lutheran Resources:
Homepage for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- A great link to all things Lutheran and most things religious. It's a great site. Want to see what difference it makes to belong to a church? Go straight to "Our Faith in Action" and prepare to read some amazing stories!
Southwest California Synod of the ELCA -- Links to events and resources in Southern California.
Open Scripture! The Book of Faith Initiative invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture. Join the conversation!
Women of the ELCA -- The women's organization of the ELCA exists to mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Café is an award-winning online magazine from Women of the ELCA that features timely articles about faith and life, Scripture reflections, and an opportunity for sharing your thoughts with others. The e-zine is addressed primarily to women ages 18 to 35, but its articles will inform and inspire women of all ages.
Augsburg Fortress is the publishing house of the ELCA, providing products and services that communicate the Gospel, enhance faith, and enrich the life of the Church.
Recreational Resources:
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau -- If you are looking for a good time, Oxnard is the place! Cruise this site to find out what, when, and where.
Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences -- Links to Southern California centers for all generations who want to find spiritually-oriented recreational opportunities.
Holden Village is a Lutheran retreat center nestled in a remote part of Washington State's Cascade Mountains. To get far away from the rat race and really get in touch with your faith, make your vacation plans with these folks.
Study Resources:
The CyberHymnal can help you find the lyrics, history, and score of that hymn or gospel song that's been playing in your memory. Turn up your speakers!
The Oremus Bible Browser -- This handy site is great for finding Bible passages online.
Portals of Prayer is a great way to start your day with faith-filled daily devotions. Each reading offers you Scripture, prayer, and a life-applicable message.
Serving the Needy:
Lutheran World Relief -- An international effort with partners in 50 nations to help people grow food, improve health, strengthen communities, end conflict, buld livelihoods, and recover from disasters.
The Rescue Mission Alliance -- This Ventura County-based Christian ministry provides essential services to the homeless, supports a rehab program, and provides opportunities for people to get involved in "changing lives for good."
FOOD Share, Inc. -- Ventura County's most effective food bank, FOOD Share serves 34,000 people each month through a network of 230 local agencies, and is dedicated to ending hunger in Ventura County.
Caregivers -- This Ventura County-based program provides frail, homebound elders with trusted volunteers who offer a few hours each week of one-on-one personal help and friendship, often for many years. This offers great opportunities for young adults to express themselves in meaningful community service!
Educational Resources:
The Channel Islands PC Users' Group -- They call themselves "the friendliest computer users' group in Ventura County" and it's no lie. These folks are great. Check them out!
California Lutheran University -- Located in Thousand Oaks, this is one of the best-rated private schools of its kind in the nation. Visit them sometime.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary -- Located in Berkeley, this school is the only ELCA seminary west of the Rockies.