Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Your Mission Support at Work! | | |
Ever wonder where Sierra Pacific Synod’s mission support goes? Last year alone, $532,138 was shared with ELCA Churchwide Ministries. Discover how your gifts help people experience the way of Jesus, strengthen communities grounded in justice and love, and extend God’s grace in Christ to all people and creation.
Read the full report HERE!
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Celebrate The Rev. Ariel Mink's Installation - January 18
| Join the community of All Saints Lutheran Church in celebrating the installation of The Rev. Ariel Mink on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Gather with them at 2 San Marin Drive, Novato for worship, joy, and blessing as Pr. Ariel begins this new call. Light refreshments will follow. Rostered leaders are invited to robe; the color of the day is red. All are welcome! | | Register for Fresh Expressions Webinar - January 4 & 11 | |
Curious about new ways of being church? If you missed our October Fresh Expressions training—or want to keep exploring—join us for a two-part webinar serieshosted by Heather Jallad of Fresh Expressions U.S. on Sundays, January 4 and 11, from 3:00–5:00 pm on Zoom. Please bring a friend and enjoy an engaging, interactive learning experience as we explore how to share the good news in a changing world. Participants will also be invited to continue learning in Fresh Expressions cohorts beginning in February.
Register HERE!
| | Register For Congregational Vitality Workshop - January 22-24, 2026 | | |
Join lay leaders, rostered ministers, and everyone in between for the ELCA Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA!
Grow your skills, deepen your ministry toolbox, and equip yourself to ignite Christ’s light in others.
Register HERE!
For more information, email Anna-Kari.Johnson@elca.org.
| Online Assembly: ELCA White Lutherans for Racial Justice January 23-24, 2026 | |
You’re invited to join the ELCA Association of White Lutherans for a thoughtful and faithful online gathering January 23-24, 2026 centered on learning, reflection, and conversation. This event creates space for white Lutherans committed to accountability, to naming and dismantling racism within themselves and systems, and to choosing repair, justice, and deeper community together.
Register HERE!
Check Out The Facebook Event HERE.
| | Upcoming Congregational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
This week’s highlights include:
- The Rev. Ariel Mink's Installation - January 18
- Prayer for Christian Unity Event in Sacramento - January 20
- Gather Sacramento Enneagram Retreat - January 31
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | White Anti-Racist Practice Group | | Are you looking for a meaningful way to deepen your antiracist commitment in community? Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center is offering a White Antiracist Practice Group Series 11: Somatic Antifascist Edition with facilitator Nicole Bauman beginning Wednesday, January 14, through February 18, 2026, 9 am - 10:30 AM PT on Zoom. Payment is by donation, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Register 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. This weekend is a great opportunity to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
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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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