Synod & Congregational Highlights | | |
Join us for Virgil Miller's Ordination
on February 14!
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Join Christ Lutheran Church, Reedley, CA, on Saturday, February 14, at 2 pm for the ordination of their pastor, Virgil Miller! Rostered leaders are invited to vest and the color of the day is red!
A reception will follow the service.
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Congratulations to
The Rev. Andrew Koa Stephens!
| | Synod Assembly 2026 Information! | | |
Mark your calendar for the Sierra Pacific Synod 2026 Assembly! Like in 2025, we will gather for three regional assemblies open to all, along with one online business meeting for voting members. The cost will be $25 for visitors and $65 for voting members. We look forward to gathering with you across the synod!
Registration will open mid-march!
| | Upcoming ELCA/Synod Events | | Fresh Expressions Cohort - Feb 15 at 2 pm | | Fresh Expressions Learning Cohorts will begin on February 15 at 2 pm. This monthly gathering will help participants try new things and explore a loving-first model of church that sends us out as guests wherever God’s people are. Join the Zoom link HERE! | | 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge | Join the 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge with the theme “Lord, When Did We See You?” based on Matthew 25:37–40. This six-week Lenten journey invites participants to grow in learning, care, and advocacy for underserved communities through meaningful spiritual practices. Learn more and sign up at lentenchallenge.org. | Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence at PLTS/ONLINE - February 25 | |
In a constantly evolving digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has become part and parcel of modern life. Given its impact, as well as the overwhelming enthusiasm for and protest against it, how do we best live in the world with the reality of AI? How do we respond to it faithfully and theologically?
Join us online or in Berkeley on Wednesday, February 25 from 8:30 am - 3 pm for a dynamic day of inquiry! Learn more & register HERE!
| SPSYC High School Retreat March 6-8 | |
All high schoolers are invited to join the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee Retreat on March 6–8 at Mt. Cross Ministries in Santa Cruz!
Registration is $225 before midnight on February 13 and $275 through midnight on February 27, when registration closes. Youth will also have the opportunity to run for leadership positions on the Youth Committee. Scholarships are available. The speaker is Ross Murray. Ross is an ordained Deacon in the ELCA, with a specific calling to advocate for LGBTQ people and to bridge the LGBTQ and faith communities. Register HERE!
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Annual Conference Gatherings Happening
March Through April!
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Conference 2, Bridges, will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 8th, 2:30 pm at All Saints Novato. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Jill Ross, Dean at Conference2@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
Conference 9, Central San Joaquin, will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 1st, at 3 pm on Zoom. The link is HERE. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Jodi Golden-Lund, Dean at Conference9@spselca.org
| | Women's Retreat At Mt. Cross - March 13-15 | | All women are invited to a Spring Retreat at Mt. Cross! Step away from the rush of everyday life and enjoy a weekend of rest, reflection, and renewal beneath the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. From March 13–15, participants will explore the theme, “God’s Image,” and reflect on the beautiful ways each person reflects God’s love, grace, and creativity in the world. Register HERE! | Lutheran Lobby Day in Sacramento - May 20 | Advocates, come one, come all! We have a date for Lobby Day! We are gathering the Lutherans and people of faith in California on Wednesday, May 20th, to meet with their state legislative offices. Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks! | | Upcoming Congregational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
This week’s highlights include:
- Johnathan Rundman Concert at Grace Palo Alto - February 20
- The Rev. Dr. Mitri Reheb Event at Peace Saratoga - February 20
- Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence at PLTS/ONLINE - February 25
- Mark Yaconelli Workshop At Holy Trinity San Carlos - May 16
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | As we honor Black History Month this February, we would like to offer you a few resources to support your celebrations and acknowledgments. Please check out our blog with resources, prayers, and more! |
Lenten Resource from Sumud
(For Justice in Palestine & Israel)
| Are you looking for a Lenten resource? Check out the ELCA Sumud’s 2026 Lenten series, “Body of Christ"! This series lifts up Palestinian Christians as an inseparable and equal part of the Body of Christ, whose witness and oppression demand our attention and solidarity. View the resource HERE! | | Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain Workshop February 26 at 4 pm | | Hosted by The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association, this interactive workshop explores autism, ADHD, and OCD and offers practical strategies and faith-based approaches to support individuals and families navigating neurodivergence. Register and learn more HERE! | | PLTS Discernment Weekend - March 13-15 | |
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you?
Consider joining Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13th - 15th in Berkeley, California. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
| Register for Summer Camp at Mt. Cross Ministries | Registration for Mt. Cross Summer Camp 2026 is officially open! This summer’s theme, Wear Love, is rooted in Colossians 3:12 and invites campers to live out love in their everyday lives. Through worship, games, small groups, and shared camp life, campers will explore what it means to truly “wear love” in tangible and life-giving ways. Learn more and register HERE! | Mt. Cross Is Hiring Summer Staff! | |
Are you a young adult looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer? Join the Mt. Cross Ministries team! Staff training begins in late May, with camps running through July. Pay starts at $370/week plus room and board.
Live on-site among the redwoods near the coast, build lasting friendships, guide campers in their faith, and grow as a leader through fun and meaningful experiences.
Dates: May 31–July 31, 2026
Training: May 27–29 (leadership), May 31–June 9
Compensation: $370/week + food & housing
Ready to serve and adventure? Contact sam@mtcross.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.
| | 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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