Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Wear Orange on September 30 in Honor of Indigenous Children Sent To Boarding Schools | | |
This summer the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a memorial addressing the legacy of our church’s role in Indian Boarding Schools. For over 150 years, these schools separated Native children from their families, suppressed their culture and language, and inflicted lasting harm. Many were operated by religious organizations, including ELCA predecessor denominations.
The ELCA’s first step is to raise awareness. Join this effort on September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, by wearing orange, marking the day in worship, and learning more through the ELCA’s Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative.
Learn more: elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools
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LOPP-CA Letter on Prop 50
and a Letter from our CA Bishops
| | As the election season begins, the Lutheran Office of Public Policy–California has shared its discernment on CA Proposition 50, temporarily replacing congressional district maps, accompanied by a letter of support from the Bishops of the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, and Southwest California Synods of the ELCA. In this season, we hold one another in prayer, asking for God’s wisdom and guidance in the days ahead. | | |
To learn more, you’re invited to a Lunch & Learn with Regina Q. Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy–California, on Tuesday, October 14 at noon via Zoom. Regina will share more about LOPP-CA’s discernment on Proposition 50 and answer questions.
Join us at the Zoom link HERE.
| | Congregational Giving Statement Via Realm | | Congregational giving statements have been sent out. Thank you for your generous support of our shared ministry! Please note that the statements come directly from Realm, not from the Sierra Pacific Synod. If you have any questions, please contact Logan Rimel at logan@spselca.org. | | Celebrate The Rev. Michelle Magee's Installation at Holy Cross Livermore - September 28 | | |
The Rev. Michelle Magee has been called to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livermore, CA! You are invited to help celebrate this new partnership in ministry on September 28 at 3 pm, with light reception to follow. Rostered Leaders are invited to vest. Retired United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño will preach.
RSVPs requested to info@holycrosslivermore.org or 925-447-8840
| | The Rev. Dianne Wendt's Installation - October 11 | | |
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church invites you to celebrate the Installation of Rev. Dianne Wendt as their new Pastor.
Date: October 11, 2025, 1:30 pm
Location: 1001 Olson Ln., El Dorado Hills, CA
Clergy invited to vest in Green or Rainbow colors! A light lunch is provided for clergy and out-of-town guests at noon. Please contact Dianne at Dswendt@aol.com about lunch.
Dessert reception to follow the service.
| | Fresh Expressions Retreat - October 17-18 | | |
Are you passionate about reimagining church and discovering new ways to connect with your community? Are you curious about how your church can engage your neighbors more deeply? This two-day retreat is designed for innovators, dreamers, and doers who sense God’s spirit stirring something fresh in their midst. Together, we’ll explore how everyday passions—like cooking, fitness, caring for animals, or serving neighbors—can become the seeds of new Christian community.
This gathering designed for both lay leaders and rostered leaders, isn’t about adding more programs, but about unleashing creativity, experimenting with new forms of church, and walking alongside others who want to see lives and neighborhoods transformed.
Join us as we learn, imagine, and set out on a new trail together.
Date: Friday, October 17 at 5:30 PM – Saturday, October 18, mid-afternoon
Location: St. John’s, Sacramento (with recommended accommodations nearby)
Cost: $50 with scholarships available
Learn more and register HERE
| | SPS WELCA Biennial Convention October 17-19 | | |
Join SPS WELCA for their Biennial Convention on October 17-19, 2025. The weekend will include worship, community, and inspiration — featuring guest speakers from El Salvador, a Taizé service, updates from WELCA, and more!
🎟️ $225 includes lodging, meals & program. Day-only options available.
Register by scanning the QR code above, go to the website, or download the PDF HERE!
| Lutherans in El Salvador - October 20 | Learn what it means to be Lutheran in El Salvador! Join Bishop Guadalupe Cortez as we hear about the ministry of our companion synod, the El Salvador Lutheran Synod. The event will take place at St. Matthew’s, Walnut Creek, on Monday, October 20, from 6–8 PM, with a light meal provided. Register HERE! | |
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!
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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
| | Upcoming Congegational Events | | |
See What Our Congregations Are Doing HERE
This week’s highlights include:
- The Rev. Michelle Magree's Installation - September 28
- InGathering Lutheran World Relief Quilt/Kit Collection - October 9-11
- The Rev. Rev. Dianne Wendt's Installation - October 11
- Jazz at Bethlehem Oakland - October 18
- Lutheran in El Salvador - October 20
- The Unaccompanied Project: Powerful Stories of Immigration & American Identity - October 25
- Celebration at Saron Lutheran with The Rev. Nelson Rabell - October 25
- Interfaith Court Vigils
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | |
White Lutherans for Racial Justice:
The 5 C's of Whiteness Starts October 1
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Curious what it means to be white in the church? Join White Lutherans for Racial Justice for a five-week interactive Zoom series unpacking the “5 C’s of Whiteness.” This is a brave and sacred space to reflect, learn, and begin dismantling racism in ourselves and our communities. Participants will meet on Wednesdays in October at 10 AM PT. Registration is $50 for members and $75 for non-members, with proceeds supporting the ongoing mission of White Lutherans for Racial Justice.
Register HERE.
| | Bay Area Workshop on Building Affordable Housing on Church Campuses October 8 | | |
Are you in the Bay Area and wondering how your faith community can partner with your city so everyone has a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home? Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn from communities already doing this work—and leave with practical tools you can use right away.
Whether you’re just getting started or already deeply engaged, your presence matters.
South Bay Session
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
728 W Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
East Bay and North Bay workshops are coming later in October.
Questions? Contact Rev. Penny Nixon at revgpn@gmail.com.
| | Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend Oct 31-Nov 2 | | |
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way October 31-November 2 at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it.
Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
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Female Rostered Leaders Online Group
Starts November
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Starting in November, clergywomen are invited to join a FREE Zoom community that offers tools for ministry, encouragement, and collegial support. Rooted in Benedictine wisdom, participants will explore a simple Rule of Life to sustain their callings. Twelve 2-hour sessions will be held weekly in the late afternoon, concluding with a retreat.
Contact Pastor Julie Webb for details: prjuliewebb@gmail.com
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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. 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
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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. 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
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