Here are some helpful links for those new to Bethlehem
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Bethlehem is a member of the ELCA. With more
than 10,000 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 4.2 million members—we
welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with
action.
The Pacifica Synod. Bethlehem is a member of the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA. The ELCA is organized into 65 synods (64 geographical and one non-geographical) located in nine regions.
Each synod (a Greek word meaning "a way together") is led by a bishop. The geographic area of
the Pacifica Synod includes the state of Hawaii and portions of Southern California, including the counties
of Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and part of Los Angeles County. The number of ELCA
congregations in the Pacifica Synod is currently 125, comprised of approximately 54,000 baptized members.
These congregations are organized into ten conferences of about a dozen churches. Each conference is led by a dean.