Synod & Congregational News | |
Give A Gift To Sierra Pacific Synod
& It Will Be Matched!
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The Synod is working diligently to be faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to us. We’re making significant progress—reducing our deficit, drawing sustainably from endowed investments, and strengthening ministries across the synod, including funding emerging missions. While congregations generously support this vital work through mission support, we’re now inviting individuals to join this vision as well.
And there’s no better time to give! Thanks to a very generous donor, every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 until the end of the year.
Your gift, no matter the size, will double in impact, helping us continue on this sturdier path and build a sustainable future—together on the way.
Please give today by clicking HERE. or mailing a check to Sierra Pacific Synod, PO Box 119, Berkeley, CA 94701. Let’s make a difference, together!
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Pastors, Sign Up For SPS's Pulpit Supply List | |
Are you a retired pastor, on leave from call, or a part-time pastor interested in offering your services to lead worship for other congregations? Sign up for Sierra Pacific Synod’s pulpit supply list HERE. | |
Presiding Bishop Eaton's Christmas Video | |
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released her annual video for Advent and Christmas. Bishop Eaton calls our attention to the word “joy” in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11).
She reminds us that the message of Christmas is joy, not happiness. Happiness is transient and humanmade. But joy given by God is deep and strong and unshakable. “Joy is a sign of the reign of God … Perhaps that is why in the middle of the night, to terrified shepherds, outside of a small town, God chose to send the angels to announce the birth of Jesus. No distraction. No interference. Just the simple, deep, profound gift of true and lasting joy.”
To read her letter, please click HERE.
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Quarterly 3 Giving Statements | |
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Looking for your Quarterly 3 giving statements? They are now sent via email! Keep an eye out for an email from notifications@onrealmmail.org. It will look similar to the example below. If you don’t receive a statement, please check your spam/junk folder and contact Debbie Cook, our Finance Assistant, at debbie@spselca.org.
If you received a paper statement by mail, we’d love to have your email address so we can send it to you electronically in the future.
Thank you for your stewardship and commitment to being the church together!
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Trinity Oakland's Benefit Concert
for Alameda County Food Bank
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Join Trinity Lutheran Oakland for “We Are Oakland: A Holiday Benefit Concert”—a night of music, joy, and community!
📅 When: Friday, December 13, 2024
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM PST
📍 Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 650 Alma Ave., Oakland, CA
🎟️ Free Entry!
This one-night-only event brings together the heart of Oakland for an unforgettable evening. All funds raised will support the Alameda County Community Food Bank, helping those in need this holiday season. For more info, visit WeAreOaklandConcert.com.
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Christmas Choir Concert & Sing-Along at Messiah, Redwood City | |
Join Messiah Lutheran Church in Redwood City, CA on Saturday, December 14 at 3 pm for a choir concert and carol sing-along hosted by the local Metho-Presby-Lutheran choir! A cookie reception will follow the concert. | |
Santa Lucia Service at St. John's Sacramento | |
Save the date! The beloved and traditional Santa Lucia Service and Festival will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA. Following a breath-taking service, all are invited to walk to The Gathering Place for the Festival - complete with dancing, Scandinavian cookies, and joy-filled jokes! To learn more visit HERE. | |
Blue Christmas Service in El Sobrante, CA | |
Are you missing loved ones or experiencing grief during this season? Join Hope Lutheran Church in El Sobrante, CA for a unique service on Wednesday, December 18th at 7:30 pm in person and streaming online at facebook.com/HopeLutheranElSobrante. | |
Blue Christmas Service Online | |
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The Center of Addiction & Faith invites you to a Blue Christmas Service, held online on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM PT. This virtual candlelight service is a sacred space for those who may find the holiday season difficult. Together, we will acknowledge the pain you may be carrying and seek comfort, hope, and light in the midst of darkness.
Please register HERE.
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Bible Retreat at Faith Lutheran Reno, NV | |
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How do we use the Bible to see, examine, revise, and exchange the stories we tell about ourselves and others? Join us as we explore these thought-provoking questions with Dr. Fred Niedner, Senior Research Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University. The suggested cost is $25 (lunch included). Preview the entire session overviews.
Please register HERE.
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Leadership Cohort with Rocky Mountain Synod | |
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Do you feel called to grow as a courageous,
resilient, and faithful leader?
Sign up for the Excellence in Leadership program, a 13-month journey designed to equip you with tools, relationships, and insights to lead with grace and hope in any situation. The next cohort begins January 13, 2025 and meets every other Monday at 5 pm —don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself and your community! Learn more and register here:
https://www.rmselca.org/excellence-in-leadership.
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Bishop's Convocation and Chrism Mass | |
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Rostered Leaders are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson for the Bishop's Convocation and Chrism Mass on February 25-27, 2025.
More information will follow.
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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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Pianist or Organist, All Saints Lutheran Church (Novato, CA) Please contact ginaginabobeena@comcast.net
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Pianist/Organist, Faith Lutheran Church (Marysville, CA) Please contact faith100d@gmail.com or (530) 743-1539 office.
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Synod Staff & Conference Deans | |
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*** SPS STAFF ***
Bishop Jeff R. Johnson,
Sierra Pacific Synod
bishopjeff@spselca.org
Debbie Cook,
Finance Assistant Contractor
debbie@spselca.org
Rev. Brandon Peck,
Administrative Director
brandon@spselca.org
Rev. Courtney Geibert, Communications Coordinator
communications@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
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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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