Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Thank You For Joining Us at The Synod Assembly Business Meeting | |
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly Business Meeting. Your engagement, thoughtful discernment, and commitment to our shared ministry strengthen our life together as the body of Christ.
During the meeting, we elected a new Synod Vice President, Sal Espino (Resurrection Lutheran, Granite Bay), and gave thanks for the faithful leadership of outgoing Vice President Simon Wong (Hope Lutheran, El Sobrante). We also elected Beth Williamson (Davis Lutheran) and The Rev. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder (Faith Lutheran, Meadow Vista) to serve on the Synod Council.
Assembly participants approved resolutions on compensation for rostered leaders and organizing for climate action. We heard a compelling call from Pastor Daniel Solberg (St. Paulus Lutheran, San Francisco) to faithfully resist tyranny and authoritarianism. Treasurer Scott Taylor (St. Mark’s Lutheran, San Francisco) shared news of a clean audit and preparations for the September budget assembly, while Jim Kowalski (St. Francis Lutheran, San Francisco) highlighted the transformational impact of the Synod’s Generosity Team.
As we conclude this year’s assembly, we give thanks for all who served, led, and participated. May God continue to guide the Sierra Pacific Synod as we walk the way of Jesus together!
| Congratulations To Hope Lutheran El Sobrante & Grace Lao | | Hope Lutheran Church in El Sobrante and Grace Lao Lutheran Church are beginning a mission partnership in which the two congregations will share space and explore opportunities for collaborative ministry. The congregations marked the beginning of their partnership with a joint Pentecost worship service and the commissioning of Elder Vanphone Anlavan as a Synodically Authorized Minister. | | Support A New Arab Middle Eastern Ministry With A Car | | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burlingame is excited to welcome a new Arab Middle Eastern ministry led by Joseph Zaarour. As Joseph prepares to come to the United States and begin this new chapter of ministry, we are looking for a reliable vehicle. If you have a car you would be willing to donate, or know of someone who might be able to help, please contact Pastor Amy Kienzle at amy@spselca.org. | | Upcoming ELCA/Synod Events | | Faithful Reponse To For-Profit Immigration Detention- June 24 at 10 AM PT | | For-profit immigration detention is rapidly expanding across the U.S. On June 24 at 10-10:30 AM PT, hear from ELCA Advocacy, Theological Discernment, and Witness in Society staff about the history of immigration detention and the theology and biblical witness that can inform churches’ response, as well as ways to engage. Register HERE! | | Upcoming Congregational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
- The Rev. Dr. Chuck Witschorik's Installation - August 15
- SPS Women of the ELCA Retreat - September 11-13
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | |
Survey For Small Churches
About Youth Ministry
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Smaller church leaders—we want to hear from you. What support do you actually need in youth ministry right now? What challenges are you facing? What resources would make the biggest difference?
Take 5 minutes to help shape future training and support for smaller churches through this listening project with Youth Ministry Consultants by taking the survey HERE! In doing so, you have the opportunity to win a gift card!
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Conscience & Conversation:
Human Sexuality Gift & Trust Study
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Looking for a meaningful Bible study for your congregation? Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust invites participants to explore how we navigate agreement and disagreement as a church seeking to pursue justice, peace, and “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3).
Designed for congregational use, each session includes prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, and discussion questions. Participants are also invited to share their reflections directly with the task force through an included survey, helping shape the ongoing conversation across the ELCA. Learn more HERE!
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Apply For An ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant! | |
Is your ministry addressing hunger, poverty, or the root causes behind them?
Now is the time to apply for an ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant. With funding available for up to three years, this is an opportunity to grow your impact, strengthen your community partnerships, and be part of God’s work toward a just world where all are fed.
Applications are due July 1, 2026. Learn more HERE!
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Faith-Rooted Organizing Training -
August 27-29 in Tacoma, WA
| | Join Organizing for Mission Network and regional partners for a chance to sharpen skills in faith-rooted organizing August 27-29 in Tacoma, Washington. Learn more here! | | |
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. Dr. Brandon Westengard
Assistant to the Bishop for Administration
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
Dr. Robert Pitts,
Disaster Response Community Organizer
robert@spselca.org
Jamie Stark,
Disaster Response Community Organizer
jamie@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. Christian Holleck
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
Rev. Anne Carlson
Retired Rostered Leaders
retired@spselca.org
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