Synod Budget Hearing #2
Join the synod on Zoom for one of the upcoming budget hearings.
Wednesday, September 16 at 2 pm OR
Thursday, September 17 at 7 pm
These hearings are open to all. You do not need to register for them. You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the Synod Treasurer, ask questions, and engage in conversation about the proposed 2027–28 budget.
View the Proposed 2027-2028 Budget HERE!
Synod Assembly Online Budget Meeting
Voting members will gather one more time on Zoom to consider, discuss, and vote on the budget. Voting members will recieve the Zoom link via email.
Holy Land Solidarity Trip Info Session
Join Dr. Rev. Charlane Lines and Good Shepherd Travel's Tony Abuaita on September 21 at 7 pm on Zoom for an informational session about the Synod's Holy Land Pilgrimage. Ask questions and learn more about this solidarity trip!
Join the Zoom link HERE!
Ordination & Installation of Anthony Suárez-Abraham
With praise and thanksgiving to God, the people of the Sierra Pacific Synod are invited to the ordination of Anthony Suárez-Abraham to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and his installation as Associate Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church.
The service will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2 pm, at Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Avenue, Morgan Hill. A musical prelude will begin at 1:30 p.m. The celebration coincides with the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi's Transitus.
Rostered ministers and ecumenical clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. A reception will follow the service. Kindly RSVP HERE by August 31.
October SAMS/Lay Leaders Community of Practice Meeting
All SAMs/Lay leaders are invited to join the synod on October 29 from 7-8:30 pm for a conversation about ecumenical partnerships. Pastor Janet Blair will share the experience of her congregation, United by Grace Community Church in Santa Rosa. Register HERE!
Bishop’s Convocation 2026
All rostered leaders, candidates for ministry, interns, and retired rostered leaders, are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team for a retreat. We’re excited to welcome our speaker The Rev. Dr Karoline M. Lewis as we focus on Hebrews 10:23-25.
The Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis (she/her) is a theologian, speaker, teacher, author, and preacher. As Professor of Biblical Preaching and The Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., Karoline believes that those who will stand in the pulpits of the future church need to renew their trust in the Bible.
The Theme Is - Encouraging One Another: Homiletical How-Tos When Every Sermon is Out to Get You
Preaching has always been challenging, mostly because of Jesus. But in these times, proclaiming the good news is cause for weariness and seems to result in only resistance and rejection. Our time together will underscore the fundamentals of faithful proclamation and engage strategies for preaching biblically and truthfully as public witnesses of God’s love for the world.
The event includes housing, two meals on Monday, three meals on Tuesday, and one meal on Wednesday.
Monday, November 9 at Noon - Wednesday, November 11 at Noon
Registration Closes October 9.
Register HERE!
If you have any event questions, please contact communications@spselca.org
Lay Preaching Workshop With Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
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!
Learn the fundamentals of faithful preaching through hands-on exercises that will help you prepare meaningful sermons and proclaim God’s Word with greater confidence.
Register HERE!
Holy Land Solidarity Trip
You are invited to join The Rev. Charlane Lines for a solidarity trip to the Holy Land, January 12-22, 2027.
This is more than a tour—it’s a journey of faith, justice, connection and learning. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus and reading the Bible where the stories took place, we will connect our faith to the present-day justice issues on the ground. We will meet with our local partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, who, through their churches, schools, hospitals, and advocacy efforts, work to bring lasting peace with justice for those living under occupation. We are taking this trip because they have asked us to come and see, come and hear, come and be transformed by their witness.
🌍 Trip Highlights Include:
Visits to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Mount of Olives, and the Sea of Galilee
Conversations with peacebuilders and local Palestinian Lutheran leaders at The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Schools, the Tent of Nations, & The Bethlehem Refugee Camp
Worship and reflection in sacred sites
Times for reflection and learning with others from our synod
Our tour group Good Shepherd Travel is a Palestinian-owned company that supports Palestinian Christians living in the land of Jesus through employment as drivers and guides. Their mission is to bring pilgrims from all Christian backgrounds to hear the stories of the “living stones” – the people who call the Holy Land their home today.
📍 Departure from San Francisco (SFO)
📅 January 12-22, 2027
🔗 Click here to learn more and register
Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to be part of this transformative experience.
Synod Budget Hearing #1
Join the synod on Zoom for one of the upcoming budget hearings.
Wednesday, September 16 at 2 pm OR
Thursday, September 17 at 7 pm
These hearings are open to all. You do not need to register for them. You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the Synod Treasurer, ask questions, and engage in conversation about the proposed 2027–28 budget.
View the Proposed 2027-2028 Budget HERE!
SPS Women of the ELCA Retreat
SPS Women of the ELCA Retreat will be held September 11–13, 2026 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.
Join Sierra Pacific Women of the ELCA for a special Taizé service and inspiring leadership from Rev. Sara Wilson, Rev. Sarah Street, Regina Banks, JD, and Rev. Katy Grindberg, Sunday worship presider.
The retreat is $185 and includes lodging (double occupancy), six meals, and all program events. Day-only registration options are also available.
Register HERE!
Registration closes August 31, 2026.
Online Lay Preaching Course
Are you interested in preaching or want to grow more confident sharing the gospel? Join Pastor Ben Colahan and a cohort of lay preachers for an online course exploring what makes Lutheran preaching distinctly Lutheran.
Together, participants will explore Law and Gospel, grace, theology of the cross, connecting Scripture to context, sermon structure, and preaching for the ear—all while developing a sermon on Matthew 22:15–22 with support and feedback from facilitators and peers.
The group will meet on Wednesdays starting on September 9 from 7-8 pm on Zoom. Register HERE!
AI & Pastoral Leadership Brown Bag Lunch
Rostered Leaders and Candidates for Ministry are invited to join Rev. Ricky Manalo, CSP, Ph.D., and the Sierra Pacific Synod staff for a conversation on AI & Pastoral Leadership in light of Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence on August 27, from 12-1:30 pm on Zoom. The link is HERE.
Protect Voting Rights Zoom
Join the Synod Hunger Network to learn how to protect voting rights on August 26 at 7 pm on Zoom. Email Edit Lott at thelotts@gmail.com to register.
August SAM/Lay Leader Community of Practice
Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson to discuss lay-led worship services on August 26 from 7-8 pm on Zoom. Register HERE!
Youth Ministry Leaders Huddle
Attention Youth Ministry Leaders!
Join fellow Sierra Pacific Synod youth ministry leaders on Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom for a time of support, resource sharing, and spiritual renewal. Connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and be encouraged in your ministry.
The Zoom link is HERE!
Retired Rostered Leaders Social
All retired rostered leaders are invited to join Bishop Jeff for a gathering on Wednesday, August 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (1025 The Dalles Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94087).
Please RSVP to Rev. Anne Carlson at pastor-anne@comcast.net if you plan to attend, and include any dietary accommodations you may need.
If you’re unable to attend but would be interested in gathering with retired colleagues closer to home, consider hosting a local gathering. Contact Pr. Anne for more information.
Also, be sure to save the date for the Bishop’s Convocation, November 9–11 at Bishop’s Ranch, where there will be a special gathering for retired rostered leaders.
Stewarding Our Space Webinar
Stewarding Our Space 101
How can we best steward the space that we are given, especially when we're wondering if God is calling us to do something more, or even something different, with the property we have? In this workshop we'll look at the ins and outs of sharing, renting out, developing, and even potentially moving on from the space that God has given us, all through the lens of our mission. We'll also give a glimpse of the Church Property Resource Hub and the free resources available for churches to utilize in this work. There will be time for questions, some dreaming together, and exploring the nuts and bolts of the joys, and headaches, of our church spaces.
This webinar will be hosted by Rev. Timothy J. Brown, Director of Congregational Stewardship of the ELCA
Join the webinar HERE!
Re-Volv Solar Session
Are you interested in bringing solar power to your church? What if you could install solar panels for less than the cost of your current electricity bill?
Join RE-volv and our Synod Disaster Preparedness Community Organizers for a free informational Zoom session to learn how churches can save money and be better environmental stewards by leasing solar panels from nonprofit RE-volv, with no money down, and no ongoing maintenance obligations.
Sign up HERE to join the Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 2 pm. If you can't attend at that time, please still sign up so we know to email you the recording.
Questions? Email Jamie at jamie@spselca.org.
Info Session Holy Land Solidarity Trip with Pr. Charlane Lines January 2027
Was your interest piqued when you heard about the Synod’s Holy Land Solidarity Trip this January? Does the trip sound meaningful, but you’re wondering about safety? Have you always wanted to travel to the Holy Land, but worry about investing in a trip that might be canceled?
Join us for a conversation with Tony Abuaita, owner of Good Shepherd Travel, on Monday, August 3, at 7 pm, as he addresses these concerns and answers your questions as you consider signing up to join this tour. The Zoom link is HERE!
July Lay Leaders & SAMS Online Gathering
Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson on July 14 from 7-8 pm on Zoom. Register HERE!
Community of Practice for Lay Leaders & SAMS
Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson on June 17 from Noon to 1 pm on Zoom.
Register HERE!
Synod Assembly Business Meeting
All voting members are invited to join us via Zoom for our annual synod business meeting.
Resolutions Hearing
Join Pr. John Valentine to learn more about the resolutions and memorials that will be voted on during synod assembly. The Zoom link is HERE!
Resolution 1: Compensation Guidelines
Resolution 1: Compensation Guidelines (Español)
Resolutions 2: Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action
Resolutions 2: Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (Español)
The Rev. Rebecca Edwards' Rite of Invitation to Extended Service
Join us for the Rite of Invitation to Extended Service for the Rev. Rebecca Edwards on Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Paulus Lutheran Church in San Francisco.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest; the color of the day is green.
Lay Preaching Course with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
Are you a layperson called to preach and serve your congregation? Join this 8-week summer cohort with Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, to grow your preaching skills in a supportive community of lay preachers through weekly readings, discussion, and practice.
The class begins on June 4 and meets on Zoom on Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 pm. The cost is $90, and scholarships are available. Please contact Megan Macpherson at megan@spselca.org for scholarship information.
Register HERE!
Synod Assembly Regional Gathering Three
Join us for our third regional gathering at St. Luke’s Sunnyvale (1025 The Dalles Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94087) on May 30, 2026 from 9 am - 3 pm. *NOTICE LOCATION CHANGE
Register and find out more information at https://www.spselca.org/synod-assembly-2026
Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders Zoom Gathering
Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson on May 21 from 7-8:15 pm on Zoom. Register HERE!
Lutheran Lobby Day 2026
Advocates, come one, come all! We have a date for Lobby Day with Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California! Mark your calendar to join LOPP in Sacramento on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026. Meet with your state legislative offices and connect with others in our state! Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks.
Synod Assembly Regional Gathering Two
Join us for our second regional gathering at Holy Cross Reno (4895 S McCarran Blvd. Reno, NV 89502) on May 16, 2026 from 9 am - 3 pm.
Register and find out more information at https://www.spselca.org/synod-assembly-2026
Synod Assembly Regional Gathering 1
Join us for our first regional gathering at St. James Redding (2500 Shasta View Dr. Redding, CA 96002) on May 9, 2026 from 9 am - 3 pm!
Register and find out more information at https://www.spselca.org/synod-assembly-2026
Rethinking Stewardship for Rostered Leaders and Lay Leaders
The Generosity Team of the Sierra Pacific Synod invites you to a series of quarterly webinars hosted by The Rev. Tim Brown and the ELCA Stewardship Team.
The first webinar on Tuesday, May 5th at 6 pm will address the topic: Rethinking Stewardship for Rostered Leaders and Lay Leaders.
What is stewardship, really? And how might we talk about it in ways that move beyond the familiar language of “obligation” or “time, talent, and treasure”? Together, we’ll explore fresh approaches that invite deeper connection, purpose, and joy in our shared ministry.
Rostered and lay leaders are encouraged to attend—and to invite others from their congregation to join in this important conversation.
The Zoom link is HERE!
Brown Bag Lunch for Rostered Leaders: Introduction to the Synod Authorized Ministry Program
Rostered leaders are invited to join Megan Macpherson, Bishop Jeff Johnson, and a panel of pastors on April 30 from 12–1 pm on Zoom for an introduction to the Synod Authorized Ministry Program in Sierra Pacific Synod.
Join the Zoom HERE!
Info Session Holy Land Solidarity Trip with Pr. Charlane Lines January 2027
Was your interest piqued when you heard about the Synod’s Holy Land Solidarity Trip this January? Does the trip sound meaningful, but you’re wondering about safety? Have you always wanted to travel to the Holy Land, but worry about investing in a trip that might be canceled?
Join us for a conversation with Tony Abuaita, owner of Good Shepherd Travel, on Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 pm, as he addresses these concerns and answers your questions as you consider signing up to join this tour. Join the Info Session HERE!
Mountain Lutheran Groveland Holy Closure
Join Mountain Lutheran Church in Groveland, CA for a Holy Closure & Grand Finale Worship Service on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
All are welcome to gather in celebration, gratitude, and hope. Bishop Jeff Johnson will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest in white and process. A reception will follow worship.
During this special service, the congregation will dedicate their Living Legacy to Mt. Cross Outdoor Ministries and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Mi-Wuk Village, with the hope of a future Adult Retreat Center at Mt. Calvary.
Conference 5 San Francisco Peninsula Annual Meeting
Conference 5, San Francisco Peninsula, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25, 11 am at Messiah Lutheran Church, Redwood City. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Courtney Geibert, Dean at Conference5@spselca.org
Conference 3, Capitol Valley Conference Annual Meeting
Conference 3, Capitol Valley Conference, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25, 9 am - 1 pm at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis. Their featured in-person speaker will be Rev. Tim Brown, ELCA Director of Congregational Stewardship. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity.
Question? Contact Rev. Dr. Gabriele Schroeder, Dean at Conference3@spselca.org
Community of Practice: Lay Leaders & SAMs
Lay Leaders and SAMs are invited to a Community of Practice with Megan Macpherson and Pastor Amy Kienzle on April 23 from 12–1 pm on Zoom. We’ll introduce the Synod Authorized Ministry program and explore new frames for church growth. Register HERE!