Synod & Congregational Highlights | |
Statement Upon the News of Federal Agents
in the Bay Area
| |
“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18)
Siblings in Christ,
News of federal immigration actions in the Bay Area stirs anxiety in our communities and uncertainty in our hearts. Yet as fear sweeps down upon us, love wells up within us. And love—God’s love made flesh among us—is stronger than fear, stronger than violence, stronger than intimidation, stronger than death.
When fear and violence are on the move, the Church must move with love. We stand together with the targeted and the vulnerable. We bear witness to our solidarity on the Way of Jesus—not because it is easy or popular, but because it is faithful.
“Stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and in no way intimidated by your opponents.” (Philippians 1:27–28)
In this moment we are called to stand up and to stand together—to stand for love and to bear witness to the crucified and risen Christ among us.
If you encounter officers of the government who stir fear or disrupt the peace of our neighborhoods, root yourselves not in faith and in prayer. Let your footing be courage and compassion. Stay centered and wise. Do not amplify anxiety, but share trustworthy information. Keep watch over one another. Reach out to your neighbors.
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another; be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:9–12)
Hold fast to what is good, my friends. Love is stronger than evil. This is our confession. This is our hope. And this is our witness.
Confident that God’s grace is sufficient,
+Jeff
Sierra Pacific Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Download the Letter HERE
| Synod Assembly Budget Hearing - October 29 Business Meeting for Voting Members - Nov 1 | |
Please read this new letter from Bishop Jeff Johnson, Treasurer Scott Taylor, and Vice President Simon Wong, with a summary of the proposed Synod Budget for 2026, and our missional call to walk on the way to Jesus - together.
Please read the letter here.
📅 Budget Hearings
Join us on Zoom for one of the upcoming budget hearings.
-
Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 Noon OR
-
Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 PM *notice new date
These hearings are open to all. You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the Synod Treasurer, Synod Council, and Finance Committee, ask questions, and engage in conversation about the proposed 2026–27 budget.
| |
📅 Budget Business Session
On Saturday, November 1 from 9 AM - 11 AM, Synod Assembly voting members will gather for the business session on Zoom and vote on the proposed budget. The link was sent to voting members on October 22.
| Lauren E. Chambers Ordination - November 8 | Join us in celebrating the Ordination of Lauren E. Chambers into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Lauren has been called to serve as Pastor at Hope Lutheran San Mateo. The service will take place on Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 PM at Christ Lutheran Church in Visalia, with a reception to follow. The color of the day is red, and the service will also be available to watch via YouTube livestream. | | |
Join Saron Lutheran Church on October 25 at 11 am as they celebrate their partnership with The Rev. Nelson Rabell. The Rev. Idalia Negrón- Caamaño,
former Bishop of the Caribbean Synod, will be the guest preacher. Rostered leaders are invited to vest with the color of the day being red. Come celebrate what God is doing among us!
|
The Rev. Bea Chun's Installation
at St. Matthew's San Francisco - November 8
| You are warmly invited to attend the Service of Installation for The Rev. Beate Chun as Pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th Street, San Francisco, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.Rostered leaders are invited to vest with the color of the day being green. | |
The only thing our retreat is missing is YOU!
Youth in 3rd–8th grade and their adult leaders are invited to join the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (SPSYC) for a weekend of faith-filled fellowship, learning, and worship at Mt. Cross Ministries (7795 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005).
📅 Retreat Dates:November 14-16
💲 Early-bird registration: $225 (through October 24)
💲 Regular registration: $275 (October 25 – November 7)
🕛 Registration closes November 7 at 11:59 PM
✨ Scholarships covering up to 50% of the cost are available.
For details and registration, visit: www.spselca.org/elementarymiddle-school-retreat
Questions? Contact Lisa Herlocker, Adult Chair SPSYC at lherlocker@me.com
| | Compensation Guidlines Listening Post - November 17 | | |
Join the Sierra Pacific Synod on November 17 at 7 PM on Zoom for Toward Improved Compensation Guidelines: A Listening Post for Executive Committees. This gathering invites congregational executive committee members to explore best practices for fair and sustainable clergy compensation across our synod.
The Zoom link is HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Pr. Jeremy Serrano at rev@gsconcord.com.
| | Upcoming Congegational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
This week’s highlights include:
- The Unaccompanied Project: Powerful Stories of Immigration & American Identity - October 25
- Oktoberfest at St. John's Sacramento - October 25
- Celebration at Saron Lutheran with The Rev. Nelson Rabell - October 25
- Interfaith Prayer Vigil in Stockton - October 28
- Community Fair at Bethlehem Oakland - November 1
- A Conversation with Author Dominique Gilliard - November 2
- Council of Nicaea Conversation - November 6
- Lauren E. Chambers' Ordination - November 8
- The Rev. Bea Chun's Installation - November 8
- Holiday Craft Fair in Alameda - November 15
- Sam R. LaDue's Ordination - December 13
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | |
Calling All Nevadan Lutherans -
Be A LEAN Congregational Liaison
| |
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is inviting Nevada Lutherans to live out their faith in public life! LEAN Congregational Liaisons share updates, invite members to take action, and connect their congregation with advocacy opportunities across Nevada. The role takes just 1–2 hours a month, and training and support are provided.
Interested? Contact LEAN Nevada at paullarson@leanforjustice.org.
| | Register / Regístrese: Certificación en Justicia Climática y Fe — Climate Justice and Faith Certification | |
Este currículo de certificación en línea y transcontinental, basado en el trabajo en grupos, capacita a las y los participantes para cultivar el poder moral, espiritual y práctico para el liderazgo en el trabajo de la justicia climática, tanto en comunidades de fe como en colaboración con otros.
Solicite aquí antes del 28 de noviembre de 2025.
This online, transcontinental certification program—grounded in collaborative group learning—equips participants to cultivate the moral, spiritual, and practical power for leadership in the work of climate justice, within faith communities and in partnership with others.
Apply by November 28, 2025 HERE.
| Advent Communications Bundle by VERO | | |
This advent season, Vero Communications is here to help elevate your advent invitations - you share a few pieces of information and they'll develop the creative materials! They'll take your already-developed Advent theme and build-out marketing materials that elevate your message.
With a guaranteed 2-week turnaround time, this Advent Bundle is uniquely catered to your ministry and can be in your hands ASAP. Learn more about this special offering Bundle 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. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder,
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
| | | | |
