Synod & Congregational News | |
Free Election Season Toolkit & Zoom Webinar Hosted By Bishop Jeff Johnson | |
|
As we lead up to the election next month, the Bishop's team is encouraging rostered leaders to sign-up for the 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead. This free resource is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season. When you sign up, you will receive three emails focusing on how to talk and preach about the election, as well as living out justice and faith.
The Bishop's team will host a Zoom gathering for interested rostered leaders on Tuesday, 29 October at 10:00am to discuss the toolkit and reflect on the practical implications of teaching, preaching, and leading in the election season. The Zoom link for Rostered Leaders is HERE.
Click HERE to sign up for the Toolkit!
| |
Ballot Measure Voter Guide
| |
|
Confused about the California Ballot Measures? The Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California has compiled a handy voter guide! These recommendations by the Policy Council of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California are made within the framework of the principles, values, and commitments of ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages.
View the voter guide HERE!
| |
Zion Lutheran Celebrated At Stockton Pride | |
Celebrating love and unity at Stockton Pride! Zion Lutheran Church is proud to stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, sharing God’s inclusive love for all. | |
InGathering Lutheran World Relief Quilts/Kits Collection Was A Success! | |
|
The InGathering for Lutheran World Relief Quilts and Kits was a huge success! Thanks to the generosity and hard work of our synod's congregations and community, Bethel Lutheran (Cupertino) and St. James (Redding) collected a remarkable number of quilts, school kits, and hygiene supplies to send to those in need worldwide. Each item will be a tangible reminder of God’s love and care, bringing comfort and hope to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this mission possible!
Photo of Joann Weberg from Bethel Lutheran and Amy Vu from Lutheran World Relief Standing By Hundreds of Quilts, School Kits, and Hygiene Kits!
| |
Hope Lutheran Church, Fresno Hosted A Women's Retreat | |
The Women of Hope Lutheran Church, Fresno, held their fall retreat at The Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) from 10/4 to 10/6. Hope member Professor Dr. Sara Terian was the retreat speaker. The women enjoyed a special time deepening their faith, sharing sisterhood in Christ, laughing and playing, worshiping, and enjoying God's creation. | |
Fundraiser for Pr. John Rutsindintwarane's Rwandan Community Organizing | |
Asian or Pacific Islander Zoom Listening Session | |
|
If you are Asian or Pacific Islander and part of a non-Asian community, you are warmly invited to join the ELCA Asian and Pacific Ministries Listening Session on Zoom, happening on October 30th at 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to connect and share your experiences.
Please register Here.
| |
Considering Seminary?
Visit PLTS For A Weekend!
| |
Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Berkeley, CA) for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! Friday evening to Sunday afternoon November 8th-10th you will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs or contact admissions@plts.edu to see if this might be the right next step for you. | |
Elementary/Middle School Retreat At Mt. Cross | |
|
Caring adults and faith communities, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to send your 3rd-8th graders to the SPSYC Mt. Cross Retreat! It’s a weekend filled with fun, faith, and friendships, where students will experience the beauty of God’s creation, grow in their faith, and bond with others through games, activities, and worship.
When: November 8-10, 2024
Where: Mt. Cross Ministries, Ben Lomond, CA
Your kids will come back energized, spiritually enriched,
and with memories that last a lifetime.
Register now to secure their spot,
and give them a weekend they won’t forget!
| |
Accompaniment Trip To Texas/New Mexico | |
|
Are you seeking an opportunity to participate in an immersion experience on the US/Mexico border while learning about immigration justice? Accompany us to Las Cruces New Mexico and El Paso Texas, June 1-7, 2025 on an immersion trip to meet people on the US border whose lives are affected daily by immigration.
We will be hosted by Border Servant Corps based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and El Pasto, Texas. Please watch the short video and remember that any person is a student! Contact Pastor Jill Ross at 360-270-0295 or at revjilliross@gmail.com for more information. This trip is for individuals/small groups from congregations and is sure to fill quickly!
| |
Evangelism Corner With The Rev. Amy Kienzle | |
Have you ever thought about how welcoming your church really is to newcomers? It’s not just about friendly faces—it’s about making sure your space is open and inviting. Curious to know how small barriers might be turning people away without you even realizing it? Read The Rev. Amy Kienzle's reflection on what it means to truly make your congregation accessible to all! 🌟 Read HERE! | |
Prince of Peace Mission Endowment Fund | |
|
Application is Open through October 31 for the Prince of Peace Saratoga Mission Endowment Fund!
The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund provides financial awards to individuals and organizations that have an emphasis on extending the life and mission of the church, which would include but not be limited to:
- Mission outreach - local/nation/international faith-based organizations that are meeting basic human needs,
- Innovative new programs or ministries,
- Financial assistance for post-secondary education.
More information and application link can be found Here!
| |
Authentic Diversity Grants | |
 | |
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is pleased to announce the Strategy Towards Authentic Diversity Mini-Grants. $33,000 has been allocated to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the ELCA. Faithfulness to the Biblical mandate to proclaim the Gospel requires fostering actions that promote equity, fairness, and justice across all three expressions of the ELCA and society.
Grant-funded projects, activities, programs, events, and plans must relate to an area of focus named in the STAD: Theological Education, Leadership Development, Partnerships with Ecumenical and interreligious partners, Healing Actions from racism and other forms of oppression, Antiracism education, and Structural Accountability through policy and programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Individuals, associations, congregations, synods, and organizations affiliated with the ELCA are eligible to apply. Mini-grants of $500- $2000 will be given.
Please apply before November 1st. Funding decisions will be made through the STAD Advisory Committee. Funding will be announced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the National Day of Racial Healing.
To apply and learn more, please visit Here.
| |
Stewardship & Generosity Cohort | |
|
In partnership with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the ELCA is offering congregations the opportunity to reexamine their stewardship thinking and imagine ways to act on their findings in their communities. The 4 sessions - 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19—are presented to the cohort live via Zoom (3-4:30 pm PT). Congregational leaders will discuss, dissect, and collaborate with others on how generosity might work more effectively in their contexts. The cohort costs $350/congregation.
Please register here!
| |
Neighbors Together:
Building Relationships Workshop
| |
|
Do you know the folks who live and work near your church? If not, this online workshop will help!
In this two-part workshop you’ll learn four evangelism tools that do NOT involve
· knocking on doors,
· talking to strangers or
· holding up “John 3:16” signs.
Instead, you will
· learn what your neighborscare about
· begin to see possibilities for partnerships.
Part 1 is offered on October 22, Part 2 will be October 29. Choose between early or later in the day sessions for each part. Thanks to California Lutheran Homes and Community Services, this workshop is FREE!
Register Here!
| |
|
This leadership workshop series will help you deepen self-awareness by understanding how your personality influences your leadership style. You’ll learn practical strategies for resolving conflicts, managing stress, and handling disagreements confidently and gracefully. Whether navigating leadership challenges or seeking personal growth, this series will provide valuable insights and skills to help you thrive.
Register Here!
| Women In Ministry & Money Webinar | |
|
Calling all rostered and lay church professionals who self-identify as women! During stewardship season, it’s easy to feel like money is a necessary evil or beyond your control, especially with the church budget and personal finances. But you can build confidence with money.
This series will transform how you approach money as a woman in ministry. You’ll learn to:
• Lead from abundance, not scarcity.
• Feel competent with church finances
• Manage your personal or family's money confidently
• Negotiate your salary and benefits with power
This webinar is November 4-8 from 9 am-10 am. Register 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.
| |
|
-
Pianist/Organist, Faith Lutheran Church (Marysville, CA) Please contact faith100d@gmail.com or (530) 743-1539 office
| |
Synod Staff & Conference Deans | |
|
*** 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 Keinzle, Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM)
amy@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. 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
| | | | |
