Synod & Congregational Highlights | | Synod Budget Hearings October 29/30 and Budget Busines Session November 1 | | |
Thanks to faithful stewardship and disciplined spending, we are preparing to present a balanced budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year—the first time in 15 years that this has been possible. We give thanks for the many hands and hearts that have contributed to this milestone.
We invite you to read a letter from Bishop Jeff Johnson, Treasurer Scott Taylor, and Vice President Simon Wong, reflecting on this important step forward. READ LETTER HERE.
📅 Budget Hearings
Mark your calendar and join us on Zoom for one of the upcoming budget hearings. The zoom link will be sent out in October.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 Noon OR
- Thursday, October 30 at 6:00 PM
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.
| | Celebrate The Rev. Michelle Magee's Installation at Holy Cross Livermore - Sept 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 Carcanio will preach. | |
Invite Mt. Cross Ministries
To Visit Your Congregation!
| | 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!
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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:
- Protect Oak Flat with Faith In Action East Bay - September 7
- Young Adult Bowling with Gather – September 14
- 60 Years of Ministry at St. Paul's, Reno - September 14
- The Rev. Michelle Magree's Installation - September 28
- The Unaccompanied Project: Powerful Stories of Immigration & American Identity
- Celebration at Saron Lutheran with The Rev. Nelson Rabell - October 25
- Interfaith Court Vigils
| | Resources In & Outside The Synod | |
Support Immigrant Neighbors Through
The Emergency Response Fund
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The Sierra Pacific Synod’s Emergency Response Fund was created to offer direct financial support to those impacted by government enforcement actions targeting marginalized and immigrant communities.
Right now, your gift will go even further:
All donations received by September 15 will be matched 2:1, up to $25,000.
Funds will be distributed through congregations working directly in impacted areas. You can make a gift HERE.
| | Spiritual Practices Sessions Starting Sept 15 | | |
Seeking Spiritual Connection in Community? Join Thriving Leadership Formation for one session or all—no preparation required! These gatherings will be held on September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15 from 6–7:30 PM (PST).
Register once to receive the Zoom link for all sessions: bit.ly/TLFSpiritualPractices
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White Lutherans for Racial Justice:
The 5 C's of Whiteness - Starting 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.
| | ELCA Queer Confirmation Registration Open | | |
Looking for an online Confirmation program that is welcoming and celebrating of LGBTQIA+ youth? Queer Confirmation and ELCA Youth Ministry are hosting an online cohort that will meet for 24 sessions on Sunday afternoons starting October 5, 2025. This is intended for middle school and high school students (alongside their trusted adult mentors) who are looking for a safe space to explore faith.
ELCA Youth Ministry is hosting a one-hour informational session on Sunday, September 21, at 1 PM PT if you would like to learn more.
Sign up here to receive the Zoom invite for that session.
Already know enough about Queer Confirmation and ready to register your youth for the cohort? You can find the registration links here: https://queerconfirmation.org/registration/
| | ELCA’s Model Constitution for Congregations 2025-2026 Available | | |
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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