Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Presiding Bishop Curry's Easter Video | | |
We are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope and to proclaim joy.
- The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
Read the message: English | Spanish
| | Synod Offices Closed April 3-6, 2026 | | The Synod Office will be closed April 3–6 in observance of the Triduum. As we enter these holy days, we pray you experience a meaningful and blessed Holy Week. | |
Update on Federal Court Order
Regarding Places of Worship
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On February 13, 2026, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—from conducting immigration enforcement actions in certain places of worship. This order applies within our synod.
In partnership with the Bishop’s team, your conference deans have already submitted the addresses and descriptions of all our congregations to the court. No further action is required on your part.
Congregations may choose to post signage indicating that their building is protected under this court order; however, this is entirely optional. Posting signage is not necessary in order to be covered by the order. A sample sign is included below. If you are concerned that posting signage could draw unwanted attention, please know there is no obligation to do so.
If any incident occurs at your congregation that appears to violate this order, please notify Bishop Jeff immediately so that it can be reported to our legal team.
| Register for Synod Assembly by April 26! | |
It is time to register for the 2026 Synod Assembly!
All registered voting members must have their own email address!
Find out details regarding dates, elections, and more on our website.
If you have registration questions, please email communications@spselca.org!
| | Upcoming ELCA/Synod Events | | SPS Hunger Network Meeting with Global Refuge - April 16 | | Join the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network for a Hunger Education Hour on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Hear from Rev. Dan Beirne, Director for Mobilization and Faith Relations at Global Refuge, as he shares how this ministry is making a difference for immigrants and refugees—and how you can be part of the work. To register, email Edie at thelotts@gmail.com. | | Lay Leaders and Synodically Authorized Ministers Introduction - April 23 | | |
Lay Leaders and SAMs are invited to a Community of Practice with Megan Macpherson and Pastor Amy Kienzle on April 23 from 12–1 pm on Zoom. We’ll introduce the Synod Authorized Ministry program and explore new frames for church growth. Register HERE!
Would you like more information about the SAM program,
but can’t make the event? Sign up HERE!
| | Annual Conferences 3 & 5 Gatherings April 25! | | |
Conference 3, Capitol Valley, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25, 9 am - 1 pm at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis. Their featured in-person speaker will be Rev. Tim Brown, ELCA Director of Congregational Stewardship. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity.
Question? Contact Rev. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder, Dean at Conference3@spselca.org
Conference 5, San Francisco Peninsula, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25, 11 am at Messiah Lutheran Church, Redwood City. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Courtney Geibert, Dean at Conference5@spselca.org
All other conferences have already held their annual meeting. Have questions? Please contact your corresponding dean at the end of this email.
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Rostered Leaders Intro to Synodically Authorized Ministers - April 30 | |
Rostered leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson, Bishop Jeff Johnson, and a panel of pastors on April 30 from 12–1 pm on Zoom for an introduction to the Synod Authorized Ministry Program in Sierra Pacific Synod.
Join the Zoom HERE!
Would you like more information about the SAM program,
but can’t make the event? Sign up HERE!
| Rethinking Stewardship for Rostered Leader & Lay Leaders - May 5 | |
The Synod's Generosity Team invites you to a series of quarterly webinars hosted by The Rev. Tim Brown and the ELCA Stewardship Team.
The first webinar on Tuesday, May 5th at 6 pm will address the topic: Rethinking Stewardship for Rostered Leaders and Lay Leaders.
What is stewardship, really? And how might we talk about it in ways that move beyond the familiar language of “obligation” or “time, talent, and treasure”?
The Zoom link is HERE!
| Lutheran Lobby Day in Sacramento - May 20 | | Join Lutherans on Wednesday, May 20th, to meet with your state legislative offices. Register HERE! | | Upcoming Congregational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
- Community Activisim at Prince of Peace Saratoga - April 22
- Mark Yaconelli Workshop At Holy Trinity San Carlos - May 9
- SPS Women of the ELCA Retreat - September 11-13
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | |
Member of A Rural Congregation?
Please Fill Out This Survey!
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The Synod has received a $10,000 grant from the The CaSTLE Project to support the formation of Synod Authorized Ministers in small-town and rural communities. This grant will fund a listening process, curriculum design, and retreats for lay leaders in 2026-2027 and beyond.
Is your rural congregation (in a town of 10,000 or less)
interested in participating in a listening session? Sign up here!
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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.
| | 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. Courtney Geibert,
S.F. Peninsula Conference 5
conference5@spselca.org
Rev. Cristina Beauchemin,
El Camino Real Conference 6
conference6@spselca.org
Rev. Jeremy Serrano,
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
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