Synod & Congregational Highlights | | |
Thank you to everyone who attended the regional gathering at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Reno!
Pr. Khader Khalilia, a Palestinian Christian and ELCA pastor, served as the keynote speaker. He was joined by members of the Synod’s Sumud Team, Tyler Biscocho, Rev. Bob Swartz, and Rev. Amy Kienzle, who shared reflections from the recent Holy Land Solidarity Trip.
Participants also joined in worship, heard updates from Bishop Jeff Johnson and Vice President Simon Wong, and attended a variety of workshops throughout the day. Workshop topics included stories from our companion synods, prayer and art as spiritual practices, and democracy as discipleship. Finally, the group installed the new dean of Conference 2, The Rev. Christian Holleck!
Thank you, Holy Cross, Reno, for your warm hospitality!
| Welcome To Our New Deans! | |
Congratulations to our new deans! Rostered leaders, connect with your dean for support, mentorship, and collaboration.
Find their contact information HERE!
| Synod Member Gail Kiyomura Reflects on Japanese American Incarceration During WWII | | A recent article from Living Lutheran highlights the story of Sierra Pacific Synod member Gail Kiyomura as she reflects on her family’s experience of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and the importance of remembering this history today. Through her story, Gail invites the church into deeper conversations about justice, memory, belonging, and faithful witness. Thank you, Gail, for your vulnerability. | |
Join St. Paulus to Welcome
The Rev. Rebecca Edwards On June 7
| |
Join us for the Rite of Invitation to Extended Service for the Rev. Rebecca Edwards on Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Paulus Lutheran Church in San Francisco.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest; the color of the day is green.
| Celebrating Quilting Ministry In Our Synod | Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis' Thursday Morning Group continues to share warmth, care, and love through their quilt-making ministry. Last year, the group donated 191 quilts and 19 afghans. Most were given to organizations, including Yolo Crisis Nursery and Project Linus, with 30 quilts mailed to Lutheran World Relief. The group also auctioned quilts to benefit students from developing countries, Yolo Crisis Nursery, Village Feast, and Sutter Health. In addition, quilts were presented to an LCI graduate and a longtime member moving out of the area. Thank you, LCI, for your ministry! | Help Us Plant Trees On A Lutheran Farm In Palestine | | |
In January 2026, members of the Synod visited The Tent of Nations, a 100-acre Palestinian Lutheran family farm near Bethlehem owned by the Nassar family for more than 100 years. Although the family holds historic deed documents, the land was declared “state land” by Israeli authorities in 1991, leading to decades of legal battles to protect their farm.
Surrounded by Israeli settlements and facing ongoing threats to their land and orchards, the family remains committed to nonviolent resistance, environmental stewardship, and education.
We were deeply moved by their story of steadfastness (sumud) amid daily challenges under occupation. As a sign of solidarity, we planted 10 olive trees ($500) and now hope to help Daoud Nassar and his family plant 200 more trees ($50/tree). Your gift of any amount helps us reach our $10,000 goal.
Donate HERE!
| | Upcoming ELCA/Synod Events | | |
Are you a layperson called to preach and serve your congregation? Join this 8-week summer cohort with Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, to grow your preaching skills in a supportive community of lay preachers through weekly readings, discussion, and practice.
The class begins on June 4 and meets on Zoom on Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 pm. The cost is $90, and scholarships are available. Please contact Megan Macpherson at megan@spselca.org for scholarship information.
Register HERE!
| Queer Faith Festival in Lafayette, CA - June 14 | |
Join Bishop Jeff Johnson at the 2026 Queer Faith Festival on June 14 from 2–5 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lafayette, CA! Bishop Jeff will serve on a panel for this interfaith LGBTQIA+ celebration.
The afternoon will also feature an Interfaith Blessing Ceremony, collaborative art projects, live performances, and a vibrant children’s area. There are also opportunities to table, volunteer, or financially support the event.
Learn more here, visit queerfaithfestival.org, or contact Pastor Sarah Street at pastorsarah@oslc.net.
| Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support (MESS) Training - July 15-17 in Dublin, CA | |
Equip yourself to care for others in times of crisis through Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support (MESS) Training, July 15–17 in Dublin, CA. This hands-on, skills-based course empowers rostered leaders, lay leaders, and community members to respond with compassion, confidence, and practical tools. Scholarships are available!
Learn more Information HERE and register HERE!
| | Upcoming Congregational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
- Rev. Rebecca Edwards' Invitation to Extended Service - June 7
-
Queer Faith Festival at Our Savior's Lafayette, CA - June 14
- The Rev. Dr. Chuck Witschorik's Installation - August 15
- SPS Women of the ELCA Retreat - September 11-13
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | Rethinking Stewardship Webinar Recap | | |
Recently, 27 people from 14 congregations joined The Rev. Tim Brown and the ELCA Stewardship Team for a conversation on rethinking stewardship. Together, participants explored faithful, practical, and creative ways congregations can approach generosity, mission, and financial sustainability in today’s changing church landscape.
If you missed it, not to worry! You can view the slideshow here and watch the presentation here.
| | Loving Someone in Recovery Webinar - May 27 | Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, learn how to practically love someone in or seeking addiction recovery? The 1-hour webinar is on May 27 at 10 am PT. Register HERE! | |
Reconciling in Christ Congregations -
Give Your Input!
| |
Are you a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation? Then we invite you to join ReconcilingWorks in sharing how they can best support your ministry and community.
There are two ways to share your thoughts, hopes, and feedback:
Online Survey
Zoom Listening Session – Region 2
Friday, May 29 at 8:00 am PST
Register HERE
| Apprenticeship Program for Youth/Young Adults | Young adults ages 16–20 are invited to apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship Program, a paid, year-round leadership opportunity focused on ministry, mentorship, and community engagement for emerging leaders from diverse communities. Congregations, camps, and affiliated organizations are encouraged to nominate young leaders to participate in this faith-rooted program centered on leadership, belonging, and justice; applications are due by May 31. Learn more HERE and apply HERE! | | Applications Open for Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS | |
The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is accepting applications to their Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith program.
This two-semester program will begin September 2026 and end May 2027. A 100% online curriculum allows students from around the world to build relationships through bi-monthly small group meetings on Zoom. Since launching in 2021, students from 29 countries and five continents have participated. The full cost of the program is $600. Scholarships of up to $550 are available if needed, please do not let finances prevent you from applying. Current students are saying,
Applications are due June 10, 2026 and can be found HERE!
| 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!
| | Join The Luke 10 Congregations Cohort As You Deepen Your Commitment to Racial Justice | |
Churches are invited to join a powerful 9-month training program co-led by the Kairos Center and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). This cohort equips congregations to deepen their understanding of Christian Nationalism, poverty, and racism—and to take meaningful action for justice in their communities.
The next cohort begins in September 2026 with applications due June 1, 2026.
Apply 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. 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
| | |
*** 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
| | | | |
