We are grateful for all who participated in this year’s Synod Assembly Business Meeting. Your presence and engagement are a testament to the vitality and faithfulness of our synod.
Resolutions Passed
Resolution 2025-01 — Regarding Sierra Pacific Synod Compensation Guidelines: Motion Carries
Resolution 2025-02 — Regarding Indian Boarding Schools: Motion Carries
Resolution 2025-03 — Regarding ELCA Participation in National Legal Actions: Motion Carries
Elections
Synod Secretary: Jeffrey Pennington
Synod Council At-Large Member, Person of Color: Teresa A. Larson
Synod Council At-Large Member: The Rev. Daniel Buringrud
Synod Council, Primary Language Other Than English: To be appointed by Synod Council
Synod Council Youth Member: Eliana Basil
Additional Actions
The Assembly upheld the Synod Council’s decision regarding the Preservation Appeal.
We were blessed to be greeted by Kristen Opalinski, our churchwide representative and ELCA Manager for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, who reminded us of the strength we have as church together.
We heard updates from the Synod Giving Team and learned how to become a Mustard Seed Giver through monthly generosity. We celebrated lay summer course opportunities, lifted up ways to support Candidacy, and honored congregational anniversaries.
We gave thanks for our deans and Synod Council members completing their terms, received news of a successful synod audit, and concluded with a moment of remembrance for Rostered Leaders in Memoriam.
Thank you again for being part of this meaningful, full gathering. It is clear: the Sierra Pacific Synod is active, faithful, and alive with the Spirit.
This year our assembly will happen in three parts. We are excited to try gathering this way as we explore new ways of being together. Our goals are to strengthen our relationships through the on-site gatherings for part 1, and provide a more economical experience by meeting on-line for parts 2 & 3.
Registration & Payment is Closed.
Cost:
Visitor (Regional gathering only)- $25
Voting Member (Regional and online gatherings)-$60
*If you plan to attend multiple gatherings, please register for each one separately. This helps us ensure we have enough food for everyone.
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Part 1: Regional On-site Gatherings-May
Voting members AND visitors are invited to join us at these regional gatherings. You may choose which gathering you would like to attend. These gatherings will be about learning and growing together. We will spend time in worship and conversation, enjoy a lunch together, and connect with one another as we journey together in faith.
May 10: CHICO, Faith Lutheran Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
May 17: WALNUT CREEK, St Matthews Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
May 31: FRESNO, Hope Lutheran Church, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
As part of the Assembly in-person gatherings, you’ll have the opportunity to choose two workshops to attend. Options include: a deeper dive with our keynote speaker, a conversation with Conference Deans about finding hope in challenging times, an introduction to Fresh Expressions and reimagining church today, or an engaging Bible study hosted by the Bishop’s Team.
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Part 2: Online Business Gathering-June 14, 9:00 am -Noon
Voting members will gather online to do the business of the church. We will hear reports for the various ministries of our Synod and the ELCA. We will consider resolutions and hold elections.
Step 1: Register
All voting members must register beforehand for the meeting to receive a link to join the Zoom meeting. This serves as the check-in desk. Please register before June 11!
Voting members recieved an email with registration information.
Step 2: Nominate A Member For Synod Council and/or Synod Secretary
Floor nominations are due by Monday, June 9 at 5 pm.
For more information regarding nominations from the floor for this online assembly, please read this letter from the nominating committee HERE!
Nominate Someone for Synod Council/Secretary
Step 3: Read Resolutions
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.
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Part 3: Online Budget Gathering-November 1, 9:00 am-Noon
Voting members will gather one more time to consider, discuss, and vote on the budget.
If you have registration questions, please email communications@spselca.org!
Inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, this year’s logo reflects the winding journey of faith, endurance, and renewal. The bold and fluid lettering represents both strength and struggle, reminding us that though life’s path may be uncertain, God’s work within us is constant. Even when we feel worn down, we are being made new, shaped by grace, and sustained by hope.