The Rev. Michelle Magee's Installation at Holy Cross Livermore
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
Fresh Expressions Retreat
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 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. Whether you’re a pastor or lay leader, if you’re ready to try something new, this retreat will equip and inspire you to take the next step.
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
Meals are included in the cost of registration. For those traveling from a distance, here are some recommended accommodations:
Walkable option: Inn Off Capitol Park
Driveable: Fairfield Inn Sacramento Cal Expo
There are limited scholarship funds available for hotel stays--please indicate interest on your registration form.
Get inspired here: https://freshexpressions.com/tag/stories
Register here: https://onrealm.org/spselca/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NmY4MjkxOGUtODE2NS00ZWVmLTg1MzQtYjMzODAxNjg4MDg5
The Rev. Nelson Rabell’s Celebration at Saron Lutheran Church
Join Saron Lutheran Church on October 25 at 11 am as they celebrate their partnership with The Rev. Nelson Rabell. The Rev. Idalia Negron, 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!
2025 Budget Hearing Meeting Option 1
📅 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.
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.
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.
2025 Budget Hearing Meeting Option 2
📅 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.
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.
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.
2025 Synod Assembly BUDGET Business Meeting
After all the regional gatherings are completed, and the online business meeting, voting members are invited to attend the online BUDGE business meeting from their home or congregation on Saturday, November 1 from 9 am - 11 am.
For voting members only:
Saturday, November 1 - BUDGET Business Meeting On Zoom
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod!
More information is to come!
Bishop's Convocation Fall 2025
All rostered leaders are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team for a retreat. Our time together will culminate in a Chrism Mass, where we will renew our baptismal and ordination vows.
The event includes housing, a meal on Monday, three meals on Tuesday, and one meal on Wednesday.
Monday, November 3 at 4 pm - Wednesday, November 5 at 12 pm
Christ The King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
More information regarding registration will come shortly!
SPSYC Elementary/Middle School Retreat
Youth in 3rd-8th grades and their adult leaders are invited to join the members of the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (SPSYC) for a weekend of faith-filled fellowship, learning, and worship, November 14-16. We will meet at Mt. Cross Ministries (7795 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005).
Early-bird registration through October 24th is $225
Full registration October 25 — November 7 is $275
Registration closes 11:59 pm on November 7
Scholarships for up to 50% of registration costs are available.
More information on the website https://www.spselca.org/elementarymiddle-school-retreat
Additional questions, contact Lisa Herlocker, Adult Chair SPSYC at lherlocker@me.com
Holy Land Trip
You are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson and The Rev. Amy Kienzle for an 11-day delegation tour of the Holy Land, January 19-29, 2026.
This is more than a tour—it’s a journey of faith, justice, connection and learning. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, reading the bible where the stories took place, we will connect our faith to the present 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, and the Sea of Galilee
Conversations with peacebuilders and local Palestinian Lutheran leaders
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 19–29, 2026
🔗 Click here to learn more and register
Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to be part of this transformative experience.
Portico Zoom Meeting For Congregations
All ELCA-Primary Health Plan options will change in 2026. Before Annual Enrollment begins, it’s important to understand how the new plans will work, what factors to consider when choosing a plan, and how to use the new tools designed to support your decision-making process.
For Congregational Leaders
Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM PT
📍 Registration required. Please note: This session will not be recorded.
👉 Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6mmq2pl7RquqPANPsBKMUQ
Portico Zoom Meeting for Rostered Leaders
All ELCA-Primary Health Plan options will change in 2026. Before Annual Enrollment begins, it’s important to understand how the new plans will work, what factors to consider when choosing a plan, and how to use the new tools designed to support your decision-making process.
For Rostered Ministers & Lay Staff on the ELCA-Primary Health Plan
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM PT
📍 Registration required. Please note: This session will not be recorded.
👉 Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Gb20tEIOT-qqgMb6GdSn_Q
Sarah Jessop Street’s Ordination & Installation
We're delighted to announce that Sarah Jessop Street has received a call from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. She will be ordained and installed as the pastor at Our Savior's on August 23rd and welcomes all who would like to attend (livestream will be available as well for those who cannot attend in person, but would still like to join the festivities).
When: Saturday, August 23rd at 2 pm
Where: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lafayette (1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA)
What: Service of Ordination and Installation (lite reception to follow)
Holy Land Trip Q&A
Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at 6 PM (PT) on Zoom for an info session with Tony Abuaita from Good Shepherd Travel. He’ll answer your questions and share details about the upcoming trip with Bishop Jeff and Pastor Amy — happening January 19–29, 2026. There’s still time to sign up!
The Zoom Link is HERE with the passcode 307918!
Katie Laurence's Ordination
With joy and gratitude to God, we invite you to attend the ordination of Katie Laurence to the Ministry of Word and Service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America! Katie will be ordained as a Deacon on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (1111 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco).
Rostered leaders are invited to vest. The color of the day is red. A reception will follow the service. Your prayers and presence are warmly requested as we celebrate this sacred milestone in Katie’s call to serve.
Homegrown Lay Leadership Series – Summer 2025
🌱 Homegrown Lay Leadership Series – Summer 2025 🌱
Are you a lay leader looking to grow in your ministry? Join us for the Homegrown Lay Leadership Series, a four-part summer workshop designed to equip and empower lay leaders in congregational life and mission.
📅 Schedule of Sessions (All from 7:00–8:30 PM):
June 25: Best Practices for Church Councils
July 10: Pastoral Care as Lay Ministry
July 24: Lay Preaching and Proclamation
August 14: Shaping New Communities as Lay Leaders
📍 Hosted online in partnership with the Sierra Pacific Synod and Galilee Lutheran Church, Kelseyville.
💡 Funded by a grant from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco.
📧 For more information contact Megan@spselca.org
Preaching Retreat for Lay Preachers & Rostered Preachers
This retreat is for all who proclaim the Good News—whether from the pulpit or through other forms of public ministry. Open to both lay and ordained leaders, it will explore how to listen deeply to oneself, the community, and God, ensuring proclamation is authentic, contextual, and community-centered.
Topics include:
• Dependable Strengths & Saboteurs
• Community Organizing & Building
• Healthy Boundaries in Ministry
• Prophetic Proclamation
📍 Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights
📅 June 20 (evening) – June 22 (morning)
💲 $50 (With Scholarships Available)
2025 Synod Assembly Business Meeting
After all the regional gatherings are completed, voting members are invited to attend the online business meeting from their home or congregation on Saturday, June 14.
For voting members only:
Saturday, June 14 - Business Meeting On Zoom
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod!
More information is to come!
2025 Synod Assembly Resolutions Hearing
Resolution #2 - Indian Boarding School
Resolution #3 - Authorization of ELCA Participation in National Legal Actions
Join us for the resolutions hearing on Thursday, June 12 from 6 - 7:30 PM. We will take time to discuss the three resolutions that will come before the Synod Assembly. This is your opportunity to review, reflect, and ask questions ahead of the vote.The Zoom link was emailed to voting members.
2025 Synod Assembly Fresno Gathering
Congregational voting members are encouraged to participate in ONE regional gathering and the online business sessions. Regional gatherings are open to everyone, including non-voting members, providing a chance to connect, learn, and share in our ministry.
Regional Gathering for everyone:
Saturday May 31 - Hope Lutheran Church, Fresno
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod! More information is to come!
2025 Synod Assembly Walnut Creek Gathering
Congregational voting members are encouraged to participate in ONE regional gathering and the online business sessions. Regional gatherings are open to everyone, including non-voting members, providing a chance to connect, learn, and share in our ministry.
Regional Gathering for everyone:
Saturday May 17 - St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod! More information is to come!
Rostered Leaders' Brown Bag Lunch
The Sierra Pacific Synod is hosting a virtual brown bag lunch on Monday, May 13, focused on the “State of the Synod.”All rostered leaders are warmly invited to join Bishop Jeff for conversation, updates, and connection.
Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific
Zoom Link: Click here to join
2025 Synod Assembly Chico Gathering
Congregational voting members are encouraged to participate in ONE regional gathering and the online business sessions. Regional gatherings are open to everyone, including non-voting members, providing a chance to connect, learn, and share in our ministry.
Regional Gathering for everyone:
Saturday May 10 - Faith Lutheran Church, Chico
Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to discern and celebrate the mission of our Synod! More information is to come!
Elizabeth Hood's Ordination
Join us on Saturday, April 26 at 2 pm at Christ Episcopal Church (1700 Santa Clara Ave. Alameda, CA) for Elizabeth Hood’s Ordination into the Ministry of Word & Service.
All rostered ministers are invited to vest & process. The Color of the Day is RED!
Chrism Mass
All Rostered Leaders are invited to Join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team for Chrism Mass on March 4 at 10:30 am at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center (Citrus, CA) where we will renew our baptismal and ordination vows.
This Worship Service is free and open to all rostered leaders.
Location:
Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center
6520 Van Maren Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Bishop's Convocation & Chrism Mass
Update: Due to scheduling, the Bishop's Convocation and Chrism Mass has new dates! For those who have already registered, please check your email. We sincerely apologize for the need to shift and any inconvenience this might cause.
As the world fractures under the weight of injustice, division, and uncertainty, the call for bold, faithful leadership has never been more urgent. Now is the time for faith leaders to come together—to organize, to engage in deep conversation, to lift our voices in prayer, and to seek strength in worship. We cannot lead alone.
Join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team as we confront the profound challenges of leading in this moment, hold fast to the hope that sustains us, and wrestle with the exhilarating yet daunting future of the church. Our time together will culminate in a Chrism Mass, where we will renew our baptismal and ordination vows. Sign up for the retreat today!
The event includes housing, a meal on Sunday, three meals on Monday, and one meal on Tuesday.
Dates:
March 2 at 4 pm - March 4 at Noon
Location:
Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center
6520 Van Maren Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
https://christthekingretreatcenter.org
Cost:
Rostered Leader - single room, includes 5 meals: $380.00
Rostered Leader - double room, includes 5 meals: $330.00
Rostered Leader - Commuter No Room, includes 5 meals: $210.00
Registration is Closed as we are Full!
However, everyone is welcome to attend the Chrism Mass on Tuesday morning for free!
Meeting The Moment
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, February 25th from 6-7:30 pm for "Meeting the Moment," where community organizers will share ways to engage faithfully in response to policies impacting our neighbors. We'll have time for conversation in regional groups to learn from organizers working in communities across the synod. All are welcome, especially lay people!
Join HERE!
Rev. Stephanie Johnson's Installation
Napa Valley Lutheran Church warmly invites you to attend The Reverend Stephanie Johnson’s Installation.
Date: February 15, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 1796 Elm St, Napa, CA 94559
Rostered leaders are invited to vest, with green as the color of the day. A dinner reception will follow the service.
For planning purposes, RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
Contact:
Phone: (707) 226-8166
Email: NVLC@sbcglobal.net
Lutheran Lobby Day in Nevada on February 10
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada invites you to participate in Lutheran Lobby Day on February 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The day will begin with a worship service at St. Paul’s (1201 N. Saliman Road, Carson City, NV 89701) before heading to the Nevada State Capitol to advocate for Lutherans across Nevada. Come and make your voice heard! Let’s advocate for justice, compassion, and the values we hold dear as Lutherans.
Register HERE!
The Rev. Robert Williamson's Installation
St. Luke's Sacramento invites you to The Rev. Robert Williamson's Installation on Sunday, February 2nd at 4:00pm.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest, with red as the color of the day. A dinner reception will follow the service.
Please RSVP at office@slelca.org or 916-421-5039 by January 30th.
Sacramento Day of Christian Unity
Join us for an enriching day of fellowship, learning, and worship on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the historic St. Francis of Assisi Church (1114 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816). Bishop Jeff Johnson will speak on the panel!
Event Highlights:
Complimentary lunch and special presentation in Brunsman Hall
Engaging panel discussion featuring diverse Christian perspectives
Meaningful worship service bringing our community together
Public Registration HERE
Rostered Leaders Registration HERE
Questions? Contact Deacon Paul Friedrich: deaconpaul@olaparish.net
National Day of Racial Healing
The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will join the movement of racial healing for our church and the nation. On January 21, 2025, from 8 AM - 12 PM PT, join a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members, the church’s affiliate organizations, and ecumenical and interreligious partners. Learn more, browse speaker bios and register today at ELCA.org/ndorh.
The Next Faithful Step Zoom Course
Join Us for a “The Next Faithful Step” Zoom Course!
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm)
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm)
Tuesday Feb 4, 2025 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm)
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025 (6:00 pm - 7:15 pm)
What is our faithful response to the rise of Christian Nationalism, authoritarian politics, and anti-immigrant rhetoric?
Join us on Zoom to:
CULTIVATE COURAGE: Respond to attacks on the marginalized and harm to creation.
LEARN FROM TRADITION: Find hope in scripture, Lutheran history, and movements for justice.
TAKE ACTION: Discern bold steps your congregation can take in solidarity with those on the margins.
You can register as an individual for $25 or as a congregation for $100.
Scholarships are available - please contact megan@spselca.org if interested.
Course leaders:
Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, PLTS
Dr. Adam Braun, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Theology, PLTS
Together, we’ll build a faithful response to the pressing needs of our time. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and commitment to justice!
Register HERE
Bible Retreat at Faith Lutheran Reno, NV
How do we use the Bible to see, examine, revise, and exchange the stories we tell about ourselves and others? Join us as we explore these thought-provoking questions with Dr. Fred Niedner, Senior Research Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University. The suggested cost is $25 (lunch included). Preview the entire session overviews.
Please register HERE.
Oakland Holiday Benefit Concert @ Trinity Lutheran
Join Trinity Lutheran Oakland for “We Are Oakland: A Holiday Benefit Concert”—a night of music, joy, and community!
📅 When: Friday, December 13, 2024
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM PST
📍 Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 650 Alma Ave., Oakland, CA
🎟️ Free Entry!
This one-night-only event brings together the heart of Oakland for an unforgettable evening. All funds raised will support the Alameda County Community Food Bank, helping those in need this holiday season. For more info, visit WeAreOaklandConcert.com.
Robert A. Williamson's Ordination
Join us as we celebrate Robert A. Williamson's ordination at St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Preschool at 1 pm on Saturday, November 23th! Clergy are invited to robe and the color of the day is Red. There will be a light reception to follow. We praise God for Rob's call to ministry and for his future partnership with St. Luke's Lutheran Church!
The Rev. Clark Brown's Installation at Hope Lutheran, Fresno
Join us as we celebrate the installation of The Rev. Clark Brown as pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Fresno at 5 pm on Sunday, November 17th. Clergy are invited to robe, as the color of the day is green. Folks can join in person or online for the celebration. There will be a light reception to follow. https://www.hopelutheranfresno.org
The Rev. Paul Larson's Installation at St Paul's Lutheran Family, Carson City, NV
Join us as we celebrate the installation of the Rev. Paul M. Larson, as pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Family at 2pm on Saturday, November 16th. Clergy are invited to robe, as the color of the day is Green, and guests are asked to RSVP to stpaulcarson@gmail.com. There will be a light reception to follow.
The Rev. Jil Disbro's Installation at Hope Lutheran Church, El Sobrante, CA
You are invited to join Pr. Jill Disbro’s installation service on Saturday, November 16th at 2pm. She will be installed to her shared time ministry call as Director of Admission at PLTS and Assistant Pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in El Sobrante, CA. The service will be held in person at Hope with light refreshments to follow and will also be on Zoom (Password 2830).
ELCA Good Gifts Presentation
Can't decide what to get your friends and family for Christmas? Consider something from the ELCA Good Gifts catalog! Join the SPS Hunger Network to hear more on Tuesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. To register, please email HERE.