Synod & Congregational News | | 2 Weeks Left To Register for Synod Assembly | | |
This year our assembly will happen in three parts. We are excited to try gathering this way as we explore new ways of being together. Our goals are to strengthen our relationships through the on-site gatherings for part 1, and provide a more economical experience by meeting on-line for parts 2 & 3.
Registration & Payment are due by April 26!
Part 1: Regional On-site Gatherings-May
Voting members AND visitors are invited to join us at these regional gatherings. You may choose which gathering you would like to attend. These gatherings will be about learning and growing together. We will spend time in worship and conversation, enjoy a lunch together, and connect with one another as we journey together in faith.
May 10: CHICO, Faith Lutheran Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
May 17: WALNUT CREEK, St Matthews Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
May 31: FRESNO, Hope Lutheran Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Part 2: Online Business Gathering - June 14, 9:00 am -Noon
Voting members will gather online to do the business of the church. We will hear reports for the various ministries of our Synod and the ELCA. We will consider resolutions and hold elections.
Part 3: Online Budget Gathering - November 1 9:00 am-Noon
Voting members will gather one more time to consider, discuss, and vote on the budget.
Cost:
Visitor (Regional gathering only)-$25
Voting Member (Regional and online gatherings)-$60
*If you plan to attend multiple gatherings, please register for each one separately. This helps us ensure we have enough food for everyone.
How Can I Make A Resolution or A Memorial?
How Many Voting Members Can My Congregation Send?
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Bishop Jeff Visited
Trinity Lutheran Fort Bragg, CA
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Recently, Bishop Jeff Johnson had the joy of visiting Pr. Randy Knutson and the wonderful people of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Bragg!
With a history spanning over 130 years, Trinity is not only a vibrant faith community but also a California Point of Historical Interest—a true landmark of faith and resilience! It was a day filled with warm fellowship, rich history, and the Holy Spirit at work. Thank you to Pr. Randy and the Trinity family for the gracious welcome—what a blessing to celebrate together!
| | Bridge Conference Pastors Gathering | | The Bridges Conference pastors came together for a delightful lunch at Beso Bistro, the cozy and welcoming restaurant owned by Pastor Daniel Christian’s wife in Novato, CA. They shared delicious food, great laughter, and even better conversation! | | Elizabeth Hood's Ordination on April 26 | | Join us on Saturday, April 26 at 2 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, Alameda, CA (1700 Santa Clara Ave. Alameda, CA) for Elizabeth Hood’s Ordination into the Ministry of Word & Service. All rostered ministers are invited to vest & process. The Color of the Day is RED! | | Host A Watch Party for SF Night Ministry's Discussion with Author Kevin F. Adler | | Host a watch party for Kevin F. Adler's book discussion with San Francisco Night Ministry on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 pm! The discussion will reflect on homelessness, grief, connection, and how to stop walking by. The YouTube Link is HERE and you can utilize the watch party toolbox HERE. | | |
Preaching Retreat for Lay Preachers
& Rostered Preachers
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This retreat is for all who proclaim the Good News—whether from the pulpit or through other forms of public ministry. Open to both lay and ordained leaders, it will explore how to listen deeply to oneself, the community, and God, ensuring proclamation is authentic, contextual, and community-centered.
Topics include:
• Dependable Strengths & Saboteurs
• Community Organizing & Building
• Healthy Boundaries in Ministry
• Prophetic Proclamation
📍 Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights
📅 June 20 (evening) – June 22 (morning)
💲 $50 (With Scholarships Available)
| | Comentario del San Lucas 22:14—23:56 | | El Rev. Nelson Rabell escribió un comentario en español para Working Preacher sobre el Domingo de la Pasión. Véalo aquí | | Schedule A Meeting With Portico Benefits | | |
Are you a rostered or church leader looking to review your Portico benefits? Schedule a one-on-one with Andrea L. Arey,(AArey@porticobenefits.org) our dedicated Portico representative,
for personalized support!
| | Crisis Communication Webinar - May 1 | | |
In today’s world, churches face daily challenges and crises, making a strong Crisis Communications Strategy essential. Join the Thriving Leadership Formation webinar on Thursday, May 1 at 1 PM, where faith leaders will learn to develop a strategy tailored to their ministry context.
Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF
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Warner Trust Grant - Apply Now!
Updated Due Date!
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Is your congregation dreaming of new ways to inspire and engage youth and families? The Warner Trust Grant is here to help bring those ideas to life! With up to $3,000 in seed funding, this grant supports innovative projects in youth ministry, Christian education, schools, and preschools—whether it’s new curriculum, technology, or creative programming that nurtures faith.
This is your chance to take a bold step forward in ministry, investing in the next generation and making a lasting impact. Don’t miss out! The application deadline is May 31. Start dreaming, start planning, and apply today!
Download the application HERE!
For more details, contact warnertrust@spselca.org.
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Are you looking for something new? We have amazing congregations looking for someone like you! Check out our job posting page for open positions throughout our Synod.
If your congregation has a position posted that has been filled, please be sure to let our Synod Communications Coordinator know so we can keep the page updated.
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Now Hiring: Rector for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary—Apply by April 24
California Lutheran University is now accepting applications for the position of Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, California. This vital leadership role serves as the spiritual and administrative head of the seminary community and is open to ELCA rostered ministers with significant experience and a passion for theological education and innovation.
Applications are due by April 24, 2025, and the anticipated start date is June 1, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/12409
As an ELCA seminary and a graduate school of California Lutheran University, PLTS is a key voice in preparing leaders for the church and world. The next Rector will embody that mission while fostering a collaborative culture among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners across the church. This includes fundraising, public engagement, theological reflection, and administrative oversight in partnership with the Dean of the Seminary and Cal Lutheran’s leadership.
The role requires:
• ELCA ordination by time of appointment
• A master’s degree in divinity, theology, or religious studies (Ph.D. preferred)
• At least 7 years of leadership experience within the ELCA
• Strong pastoral presence, vision for theological formation, and commitment to equity and justice
The hiring range is $165,000–$185,000, and the seminary’s inclusive and interfaith setting in the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) creates a dynamic environment for innovation in Lutheran education.
📅 Deadline to apply: April 24, 2025
🌐 Full posting and application: https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/12409
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Pianist/Organist, Faith Lutheran Church (Marysville, CA) Please contact faith100d@gmail.com or (530) 743-1539 office.
| | Synod Staff & Conference Deans | | |
*** SPS STAFF ***
Bishop Jeff R. Johnson,
Sierra Pacific Synod
bishopjeff@spselca.org
Rev. Brandon Peck,
Administrative Director
brandon@spselca.org
Megan Macpherson, M. Div., Assistant to the Bishop
megan@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. Charlane Lines,
Assistant to the Bishop
charlane@spselca.org
Rev. Amy Kienzle, Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM)
amy@spselca.org
Debbie Cook,
Finance Assistant Contractor
debbie@spselca.org
Logan Rimel,
Finance Assistant
logan@spselca.org
Rev. Courtney Geibert, Communications Coordinator
communications@spselca.org
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*** CONFERENCE DEANS ***
Rev. Dr. Janet Blair, Redwood Mountain Conference 1
conference1@spselca.org
Rev. Jill Ross,
Bridges Conference 2
conference2@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder,
Capitol Valley Conference 3
conference3@spselca.org
Rev. Christian Schweter, Sierra Nevada Foothills Conference 4
conference4@spselca.org
Rev. John Kuehner,
S.F. Peninsula Conference 5
conference5@spselca.org
Rev. Cristina Beauchemin,
El Camino Real Conference 6
conference6@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. John Valentine,
Mt. Diablo Conference 7
conference7@spselca.org
Rev. Karen Johnson,
Sierra Central Valley Conference 8
conference8@spselca.org
Rev. Jodi Golden-Lund,
Central San Joaquin Conference 9
conference9@spselca.org
Rev. Cindy Beck, Interim Ministry
interims@spselca.org
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