Synod & Congregational Highlights | | |
Queer Faith Festival
at Our Savior's Lutheran Lafayette
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The Queer Faith Festival at Our Savior's Lutheran Lafayette on Sunday, June 14th, was a celebration of identity, community, and the sacred. With over a hundred visitors and participants filling the space, the afternoon was defined by a profound truth that echoed through every portion of the event: we are not alone. The sheer volume of participating organizations lent a tangible weight to this message, weaving a powerful network of solidarity and reminding everyone present that we are part of a massive, loving ecosystem of support. This beautiful day wouldn't have been possible without planning partners, St. Anselm's, Lafayette Christian Church, Temple Isaiah, and PFLAG Lafayette, whose dedicated collaboration brought this vision to life.
The festival kicked off with a delightful and heartwarming drag story time hosted by Mx. Kiki, setting a joyful, inclusive tone for the afternoon. This was followed by a brilliant and impactful panel discussion featuring Sarah Vickers-Webb, Rabbi Jill Perlman, Bishop Jeff Johnson, Michael G. Pappas, and Rev. Canon Mary Carter Greene. The panelists generously shared their personal stories, laying bare their unique challenges while ultimately pointing the audience toward an enduring sense of hope and joy. Their vulnerability proved that faith and queer identity do not just coexist, but beautifully enrich one another.
The spirit of celebration culminated in an unforgettable drag performance featuring Kiki, Nutasha, and Ehra. In Spirit-filled transition, the exuberance of their performance dissolved into a final blessing. This closing moment encapsulated the spirit of the entire festival—blending art, celebration, and deep reverence into a powerful, lasting reminder that we are never alone.
| Thank You To Outgoing Synod VP Simon Wong | | |
We give thanks for Simon Wong and his faithful service as Synod Vice President as he concludes his time in synod leadership and begins the next chapter of his journey toward becoming a rostered leader.
Throughout his tenure, Simon inspired us with his deep appreciation for the diversity of our synod, his willingness to travel countless miles to visit congregations across every corner of the Sierra Pacific Synod, and his unwavering commitment to Jesus’ radical welcome for all people. He has led with humility, wisdom, and a genuine love for the church.
We will miss his creative use of props, his sense of humor, and his kindness. More than anything, we are grateful for the ways he has helped us walk the way of Jesus together. As Simon begins his studies at PLTS, we pray God’s blessings upon him and look forward to the ways he will continue to serve Christ and the church in the years ahead.
| | 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 | | Freedom of a Christian/Dismantling White Supremacy Webinar - July 14 at 5 pm | | |
ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invites you to "Freedom of a Christian: Reclaiming the Gospel for Justice" on Tuesday, July 14, at 5 pm PT. This session focuses on the Freedom of a Christian study guide.
Spanish interpretation will be provided for all webinars. Para apuntarse en español a los seminarios web que le interesen, haga clic aquí: bit.ly/capacitandoseminarios.
Regsister HERE
| | Monthly Practice for SAMs and Lay Leaders - July 14 at 7 pm | | Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson on July 14 from 7-8 pm on Zoom. Register HERE! | | Info Session About Palestine 2027 Solidarity Trip - August 3 at 7 pm on Zoom | | |
Was your interest piqued when you heard about the Synod’s Holy Land Solidarity Trip January 2027? Does the trip sound meaningful, but you’re wondering about safety? Have you always wanted to travel to the Holy Land, but worry about investing in a trip that might be canceled?
Join us for a conversation with Tony Abuaita, owner of Good Shepherd Travel, on Monday, August 3, at 7 pm, as he addresses these concerns and answers your questions as you consider signing up to join this tour.
| | 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 | | Webinar Series for Seniors, Families & Caregivers on June 29 at 4 pm | | |
The Southwest California Synod is offering a three-part Aging with Grace faith-based webinar series for Seniors, Families & Caregivers. The first webinar in the series will take place on Monday, June 29th at 4pm PT on Zoom. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about helping older adults navigate aging with confidence, explore supportive options, and remain connected to faith, community and purpose. This webinar is ideal for Seniors, Families and Caregivers.
REGISTER HERE
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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
Director of 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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