Synod & Congregational News | |
Save The Date for the 2025 Synod Assembly | |
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Congregational voting members are encouraged to participate in ONE regional gathering and the online business session. Regional gatherings are open to everyone, including non-voting members, providing a chance to connect, learn, and share in our ministry. However, please note that only voting members may attend the online business session.
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod! More information is to come!
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Zoom Conversation on Mission Support | |
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Bishop Jeff Johnson invites rostered leaders, church presidents, and treasurers to a special Zoom conversation to discuss mission support—an essential aspect of sustaining and growing our ministries together. This is an opportunity to gain insights, share perspectives, and strengthen our collective mission.
📅 Date: Thursday, December 5
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
📍 Location: Zoom
Zoom link details will be sent out on December 3 and in next week's newsletter—mark your calendars and plan to join us!
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Sierra Pacific Synod's
2024-2025 Revenue & Budget
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Are you curious about how your ministry support strengthens our shared work? Check out this breakdown and click to download the narrative budget. This budget represents more than numbers; it reflects our shared values, our trust in God’s provision, and our collective hope for the future. Together, we continue to build a synod that is vibrant, sustainable, and faithful to Christ's call. Thank you for your continued partnership! | |
Invite the Synod Staff To Your Church | |
Did you know you can invite synod staff to preach and lead worship at your church? It’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your connection with the Bishop’s team while bringing a fresh and inspiring voice to your congregation. Connect with them HERE. | |
Holiday Party at St. Mark's San Francisco | |
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Celebrate the spirit of unity and joy at St. Mark’s Square’s 3rd Annual Interfaith Holiday Kick-Off on Sunday, December 1st, from 3:30-5:30 pm. This festive afternoon will be filled with holiday cheer, offering something for everyone in the family! Capture cherished moments with Santa, decorate delicious cookies, enjoy tasty food, craft heartfelt holiday cards, and immerse yourself in the magic of live music.
RSVP at: smlc.live/Santa
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People's March & Rally in Sacramento | |
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The People's March & Rally to Stop Mass Deportations and Protect Immigrant Californians, is a critical advocacy event taking place on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Sacramento. This rally, organized by the ICE Out of CA and Dignity Not Detention coalitions, is timed to coincide with Governor Newsom’s special session and the start of the legislature's regular session.
Their goal is to galvanize public and legislative support for administrative action and policies utilizing all the tools available to the Governor and Legislature to uphold California’s commitment to the safety and protection of all California immigrants.
- When: Monday, December 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT
- Where: Area 27, next to the California State Capitol Building (grassy area on N Street between 12th and 13th Street)
- Goal: 300-500 participants coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Central Valley, Bay Area and Northern California
- RSVP at bit.ly/dec2rally
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Documentary Preview & Discussion | |
Join us on Tuesday, December 3, at 5 p.m. (Pacific) via Zoom for a conversation about a powerful new documentary revisiting a congregation’s journey with racial justice in the 1960s. Featuring a discussion with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other special guests, this is a meaningful opportunity to explore the intersections of faith and racial justice. Sign up HERE. | |
Santa Lucia Service at St. John's Sacramento | |
Save the date! The beloved and traditional Santa Lucia Service and Festival will be held on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA. Following a breath-taking service, all are invited to walk to The Gathering Place for the Festival - complete with dancing, Scandinavian cookies, and joy-filled jokes! To learn more visit HERE. | |
African Descent Community Retreat | |
RECLAIM is a carefully curated gathering for the African Descent community of all ages, vocations, and gender identities. Hosted by African Descent Ministries, participants will be immersed in various activities, including workshops, shared meals, praise, and worship. These are all designed to foster community, impart new skills, share resources, and rejuvenate weary souls. To register visit HERE. | |
Evangelism Corner by Rev. Amy Kienzle | |
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How does our faith prepare and equip us for a time of division? How do we stay curious and learn about our neighbors? Learn more by reading Rev. Amy Kienzle's letter HERE.
If your congregation is interested in deepening conversation about evangelism and would like support, please reach out to Rev. Amy at amy@spselca.org. She would love to be with you and encourage you to share the good news among the people of our synod.
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Advent Resources by Global Refuge (Formally Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service)
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This Advent season, as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ child, we are invited to reflect on the sacred call to hospitality. Like Mary and Joseph, many of our new neighbors have left everything behind, seeking safety, peace, and belonging. Global Refuge's Advent calendar offers a daily opportunity to connect with these stories, reflect on your own journey, and discover how you can embody God’s love by welcoming the image of God in all people. Download it HERE. | |
Advent Resources by ELCA Young Adults | |
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Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal.
To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up HERE.
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Youth Ministers Meeting About Mental Health | |
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Join youth ministers, both professional and lay, from across the nation for an important workshop on mental health and response. This event takes place on Tuesday, December 3, at 9 AM PT and will be led by Joy Hensel, Synod Minister for Mental Health and Wellness with the Northeastern Minnesota Synod.
Unable to attend live? No problem! Register to receive a recording of the session.
Don’t miss this opportunity—register HERE today!
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Rostered Leaders' Support Cohort | |
Rostered leaders are invited to join this FREE supportive six-week cohort, meeting once a week under the guidance of a trained ELCA coach. This is a safe, confidential space to share and grow together. The next group begins Thursday, December 5, at 4 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity for connection and encouragement! Sign up HERE. | |
Latine Ministries Competency Workshop | |
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Enhance your skills in cross-cultural ministry and learn how to start or strengthen Latine, bilingual, or multi-ethnic worshipping communities. This virtual workshop, led by Rev. Dr. Ruben Duran and a team of expert leaders, explores strategies, ministry models, and best practices from diverse communities.
When:
• December 12, 2024 (3–6 PM PT)
• December 13, 2024 (3–6 PM PT)
• December 14, 2024 (7–10 AM PT)
Cost: Individual $250 | Congregation $600
Register HERE
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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.
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Pianist or Organist, All Saints Lutheran Church (Novato, CA) Please contact ginaginabobeena@comcast.net
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Pianist/Organist, Faith Lutheran Church (Marysville, CA) Please contact faith100d@gmail.com or (530) 743-1539 office.
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Synod Staff & Conference Deans | |
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*** SPS STAFF ***
Bishop Jeff R. Johnson,
Sierra Pacific Synod
bishopjeff@spselca.org
Debbie Cook,
Finance Assistant Contractor
debbie@spselca.org
Rev. Brandon Peck,
Administrative Director
brandon@spselca.org
Rev. Courtney Geibert, Communications Coordinator
communications@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
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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. John Kuehner,
S.F. Peninsula Conference 5
conference5@spselca.org
Rev. Cristina Beauchemin,
El Camino Real Conference 6
conference6@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. John Valentine,
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. Cindy Beck, Interim Ministry
interims@spselca.org
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