Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Congratulations To The Rev. Alan Gaston Jr. On His Ordination! | | |
Congratulations To The Rev. Alan Gaston Jr. On His Ordination!
May God bless his ministry!
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Blessings To Holy Redeemer San Jose
As They Conclude Their Ministry
| | May the love, faith, and fellowship shared at Holy Redeemer San Jose continue to bless us. As they end their time as a congregation, we give thanks for their 81 years of faithful ministry. | | Lay Preaching Workshop With Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis - November 12 in Berkeley | | |
Are you a lay preacher who wants to become more confident in the pulpit? Join Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis for a preaching workshop at the Synod Office in Berkeley on November 12 from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM!
Register HERE!
| | Last call to register for the Sierra Pacific Synod’s Holy Land pilgrimage, January 12–22! Join us for a meaningful journey to explore, reflect, and grow in faith together. Click HERE to register! | | Upcoming ELCA/Synod Events | | Rural Ministry Online Community Starts November 8 | Rural Renewal: Fresh Expressions Experiments in Connection and Community is a three-week online learning experience for rural ELCA congregation leaders, meeting Sundays, November 8, 15, and 22, 2026, from 3–4:30 p.m.Through teaching, conversation, and practical activities, participants will develop a small, meaningful ministry experiment that builds connection and belonging in their community. Register HERE! | | API Family Camp at Mt. Cross - Nov 20-22 | | |
Join Mt. Cross on November 20–22 for a FREE, intergenerational family retreat for Pan-Asian families across the Sierra Pacific Synod! This weekend is an opportunity to gather, build community, deepen our faith, and enjoy time together in the redwoods. Their featured speaker will be Rev. Teresita “Tita” Valeriano, ELCA Program Director for Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries.
The event will include speaker sessions, rock climbing, taiji, yoga, dumpling making, and plenty of time for fellowship and fun. All ages and generations are welcome!
Register HERE!
| Young Adult Retreat at Mt. Cross - December 19 | |
All 18- 35-year-olds are invited to join Mt. Cross Ministries on December 19 from 2-5 pm for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and adventure! You'll share a potluck lunch, play Dungeons & Dragons, decorate Christmas cookies, enjoy outdoor activities, and make connections with old and new friends. Come hungry, bring a dish to share if you can, and invite a friend!
RSVP HERE
| | Upcoming Congregational Events | | See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE | | Resources In & Outside The Synod | | Update from Disaster Preparedness Community Organizers Robert and Jamie | | |
Immigrant advocacy groups have documented increased ICE arrests across California, particularly Southern California and the Central Valley, as part of a pre-election surge dubbed "Operation Safe California." We affirm the God-given dignity of every neighbor and our shared belief that America is beautiful because we are an immigrant nation.
A reminder for our congregations: A February 13, 2026, preliminary injunction restricts DHS immigration enforcement—including ICE and CBP—at covered places of worship within our Synod. Congregational addresses have already been submitted; no further action is needed. Our Synod churches have this increased restriction, to help our churches be sanctuary. Please report any suspected violation to Synod staff immediately.
Read the Injunction Fact Sheets and scroll to find printable posters for your church: English | Español.
Please share these resources as well:
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Know-Your-Rights Red Cards: Many of you already place the useful, bilingual Red Cards in your church. These wallet-sized cards help congregants and neighbors know what to say if approached by ICE, and spread awareness that all of us have constitutional protections regardless of immigration status. Click here to order cards for your church.
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Local training and support: Explore California Immigrant Policy Center's list of local advocacy groups to find help in your neighborhood.
Want help connecting with immigrant advocacy groups near your church? Or do members of your church community need small grant support for immigration legal expenses? Please contact Robert and Jamie. We would welcome the opportunity to help your congregation find local partners and practical ways to stand with our neighbors in Christ.
| | LEAN 2026 Ballot Proposition Recommendations | |
LEAN has provided 2026 November Ballot recommendations for Nevada. We encourage you to prayerfully consider the issues and make your voice heard.
View their recommendations HERE!
| LOPP-CA’s 2026 Ballot Proposition Recommendations | |
As you prepare to vote, review LOPP-CA’s recommendations for the November 2026 California statewide ballot propositions. We encourage you to prayerfully consider the issues and make your voice heard.
View their recommendations HERE!
| | Church Budget Coaching For Women in Ministry - November 3-5 | |
All female rostered leaders are invited to join Braving Budget Season, a free, three-day workshop series from November 3-5 9-10 AM PST. Sessions will be recorded and available to registrants.
Click here to register now.
| This year, The Nourishing Vocation Project offers Preparing the Way: A Herstory of Hope, a comprehensive Advent resource focusing on the five women in Jesus’ family tree mentioned in Matthew 1. Learn more HERE! | Register For Executive Skills For Church Leaders January 2027 | |
Join Thriving Leadership Formation, January 4 to 8, 2027, in Carefree, Arizona, for a transformative, week-long continuing education event designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders.
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.
| | Synod Staff & Conference Deans | | |
*** SPS STAFF ***
Bishop Jeff R. Johnson,
Sierra Pacific Synod
bishopjeff@spselca.org
Rev. Dr. Brandon Westengard
Assistant To The Bishop
For 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. Janet Katari, Assistant To The Bishop for Evangelical Mission (DEM)
janet@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 Preparedness & Response Community Organizer
robert@spselca.org
Jamie Stark,
Disaster Preparedness & 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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