Global Refuge & Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network Mobalization Meeting
Join the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network for a Hunger Education Hour on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Hear from Rev. Dan Beirne, Director for Mobilization and Faith Relations at Global Refuge, as he shares how this ministry is making a difference for immigrants and refugees—and how you can be part of the work.
To register, email Edie at thelotts@gmail.com. A Zoom link will be sent the week before the event.
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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.
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 Three
Join us for our third regional gathering at Christ The Good Shepherd- San Jose (1550 Meridian Ave. San Jose, CA 951250 on May 30, 2026 from 9 am - 3 pm.
Synod Assembly Business Meeting
All voting members are invited to join us via Zoom for our annual synod business meeting.
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 us for a meaningful weekend of community, reflection, and renewal.
Stay tuned for more details about guest speakers, workshops, and possible discounts!
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.
Chrism Mass with The Episcopalians
Rostered Leaders are warmly invited by the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin to attend the Holy Week Chrism Mass on March 31 at 11:00 am at St. James Cathedral in Fresno. Bishop Jeff will be leading the service at St. James if you are in the Fresno area during Holy Week.
Chrism Mass
Bishop Jeff invites rostered leaders and candidates for ordained ministry to come renew their baptismal covenant. Oils will be blessed for use in anointing catechumens and in healing. The Bishop will anoint members of the assembly as a sign of the renewal of their vocation.
A time of fellowship around lunch will follow the worship.
Thursday, March 26th, 11 am, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 1701 Russell Blvd. Davis, CA
Conference 6 El Camino Real Annual Meeting
Conference 6, “El Camino Real,” will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 15, from 3-6 pm at Mt. Cross Ministries (7795 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005). This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Cristina Beauchamin, Dean at Conference6@spselca.org
Conference 8, Sierra Central Valley Annual Meeting
Conference 8, Sierra Central Valley, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 14 from 10 am - 1 pm at at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Modesto. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Rev. Karen Johnson, Dean at Conference8@spselca.org
Conference 7 Mt. Diablo Annual Meeting
Conference 7, “Mt. Diablo,” will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 14th, 10 am - 12 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, Danville. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Jeremy Serrano at Conference7@spselca.org
Conference 1 Redwood Mountain Annual Meeting
Conference 1, Redwood Mountain, will hold its Annual Meeting on Friday, March 13th, at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Please email Rev. Dr. Janet for the Zoom link. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity.
Question? Contact Rev. Dr. Janet Blair, Dean at Conference1@spselca.org
Conference 2 Bridges Annual Meeting
Conference 2, “Bridges,” will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 8th, 2:30 pm at All Saints Novato. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Jill Ross, Dean at Conference2@spselca.org
Conference 4 Sierra Nevada Foothills Annual Meeting
Conference 4, Sierra Nevada Foothills, will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 7th, at 10 am on Zoom. Please email Conference Dean, Pastor Christian Schweter for the link. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Christian Schweter, Dean at Conference4@spselca.org
SPSYC High School Retreat
All high schoolers are invited to join the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee Retreat on March 6–8 at Mt. Cross Ministries in Santa Cruz!
Registration is $225 before midnight on February 13 and $275 through midnight on February 27, when registration closes. Youth will also have the opportunity to run for leadership positions on the Youth Committee. Scholarships are available.
Register at https://www.spselca.org/high-school-retreat
Conference 9 Central San Joaquin Annual Meeting
Conference 9, Central San Joaquin, will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 1st, at 3 pm on Zoom. The link is HERE. This meeting is for both rostered leaders and laity. Question? Contact Pastor Jodi Golden-Lund, Dean at Conference9@spselca.org
The Rev. Dr. Gabi Schroeder's Installation
The people of Faith Lutheran Church in Meadow Vista warmly invite you to celebrate the installation of their new pastor, The Rev. Dr. Gabriele (“Gabi”) Schroeder. A reception will follow the worship service.
Join in this joyful occasion on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church 1116 Combie Road, Meadow Vista, CA.
Rostered Leaders are invited to vest in their favorite color.
Fresh Expressions Cohort
Fresh Expressions Learning Cohorts will begin on February 15 at 2 pm. Come learn and practice building gospel-centered community in the world. This monthly gathering will support and inspire participants to try new things and explore a loving-first model of church that sends us out to be guests wherever God’s people are.
Join the Zoom link HERE!
Virgil Miller's Ordination
Join Christ Lutheran Church Elca, Reedley, CA on Saturday, February 14 at 2 pm for the ordination of their pastor, Virgil Miller! Rostered leaders are invited to vest and the color of the day is red! A reception will follow the service.
Andrew Koa Stephens' Ordination
Join us as we celebrate the ordination of Andrew Koa Stephens on Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 am at Resurrection Lutheran Church Dublin, CA (7557 Amador Valley Blvd.). The color of the day is red!
Koa has been called to serve at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aitkin, Minnesota. Come give thanks and pray God’s blessing on this new ministry!
The Rev. Ray Waespi’s Installation
Please join Christ the King Lutheran Church in Fremont as they celebrate the Installation of the Rev. Ray Waespi on Sunday, January 25 at 1:30 p.m. All are warmly invited to share in this joyful service of worship and thanksgiving.
The color of the day is Green and there will be a reception after the service.
Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop
Join lay leaders, rostered ministers, and everyone in between for the ELCA Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at PLTS: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA!
Grow your skills, deepen your ministry toolbox, and equip yourself to ignite Christ’s light in others.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/evangelismvitalityworkshop
For more information, email Anna-Kari.Johnson@elca.org.
2026 National Day of Racial Healing
The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) with a free evening program on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4-6 p.m. PT
“Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA”
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4-6 p.m. PT ONLINE
The event is HERE!
A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices
As a sacred practice, story sharing highlights history, preserves language, engages culture, offers wisdom, sustains survival and teaches lessons that foster connection. Join us for a night of intentional storytelling, deep listening and reflection, featuring diverse voices that will draw us closer together.
About the National Day of Racial Healing
The NDORH follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day and is hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of its Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and encourage actions that build a more just and inclusive church and society.
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.
The Rev. Ariel Mink's Installation
Join the community of All Saints Lutheran Church in celebrating the installation of The Rev. Ariel Mink on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
Gather with us at 2 San Marin Drive, Novato for worship, joy, and blessing as Pr. Ariel begins this new call. Light refreshments will follow.
Rostered leaders are invited to robe; the color of the day is red.
All are welcome!
Fresh Expressions Online Webinar
Curious about new ways of being church?
If you missed our October Fresh Expressions training—or want to keep exploring—join us for a two-part webinar serieshosted by Heather Jallad of Fresh Expressions U.S. on Sundays, January 4 and 11, from 3:00–5:00 pm on Zoom. Please bring a friend and enjoy an engaging, interactive learning experience as we explore how to share the good news in a changing world. Participants will also be invited to continue learning in Fresh Expressions cohorts beginning in February.
Register HERE!
Sam R. La Due's Ordination
📅 Save the Date!
Join us for the Ordination of Sam R. LaDue to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She has accepted a call from University Lutheran Church in Palo Alto!
🕑 Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 pm
📍 All Saints Episcopal Church, Palo Alto
Presiding: Bishop Brenda Bos & Bishop Jeff Johnson
✨ Festive fiery finery encouraged | Light reception to follow
Please RSVP so we can make sure there's enough food and drink for all!
The Rev. Kwame Pitts' Installation
University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley invites you to the Installation of their new Pastor, The Rev. Kwame Pitts, on Sunday, November 23rd at 2:00 pm. The Rev. Jill Ross will preside, and The Rev. Angie Shannon will preach. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. The service will be in-person and online. Please find the information to join online below. An in-person reception will follow the service.
Any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Catherine at administrator@ulcberkeley.org. Please come and celebrate!
The Installation of Pastor Kwame Pitts
Sunday, November 23rd
2:00 pm PST / 4:00 pm CT / 5:00 pm EST
Click Here to Join Pastor Kwame's Installation Online
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81924185799?pwd=b7JqjoG3xN9Y9lg9IfGFRz4cFUdMrG.1
Meeting ID: 819 2418 5799
Passcode: 570794
Synod Hunger Network Meeting
Join the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network on Wednesday, November 19, at 7 pm on Zoom as we explore how to address the hunger crisis. To register, email Edie Lott at thelots@gmail.com.
Toward Improved Compensation Guidelines: A Listening Post for Executive Committees
Join the Sierra Pacific Synod on November 17 at 7 PM on Zoom for Toward Improved Compensation Guidelines: A Listening Post for Executive Committees. This gathering invites congregational executive committee members to explore best practices for fair and sustainable clergy compensation across our synod.
The Zoom link is HERE.
If you have any questions please contact Pr. Jeremy Serrano at rev@gsconcord.com.
Deacon Katie Laurence's Installation
Join us in celebrating the installation of Deacon Katie Laurence as Open Cathedral’s Minister!
📍 UN Plaza, San Francisco | 🗓️ Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 | ⏰ 2 p.m.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest in green. 💚
The Rev. Lauren E. Chambers' Installation
All are warmly invited to celebrate the installation of The Rev. Lauren E. Chambers as Pastor of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Mateo. Clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is green.
📍 600 42nd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402
📅 Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 PM
Join us for this joyful worship service as we gather in prayer, song, and thanksgiving to welcome Pastor Lauren into her new call. Reception to follow.
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
The Rev. Beate Chun's Installation
You are warmly invited to attend the Service of Installation for The Rev. Beate Chun as Pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th Street, San Francisco, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The service will be presided over by The Rev. Courtney Geibert, Dean, with Michael Pappas, M.Div., preaching.
A reception will follow the service.
Clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is green.
Please note that on-site parking is limited. Public transit is encouraged—St. Matthew’s is just three blocks from the 16th St./Mission BART Station and the Hoff Street Parking Garage.
For more information, contact office@stmatthews-sf.org or call 415-863-6371.
Lauren E. Chambers' Ordination
Join us in celebrating the Ordination of Lauren E. Chambers into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament! She has been called to Hope Lutheran San Mateo!
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Christ Lutheran Church, Visalia
💻 Watch Online: Available via YouTube livestream
🎨 Color of the Day: Red
🥗 Reception to Follow
Come share in this joyful moment of worship, blessing, and celebration as we welcome Lauren into ordained ministry. All are invited—your presence and prayers are a gift to this special day!
Bishop's Convocation Fall 2025
All rostered leaders are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team for a retreat. We’re excited to welcome our speakers Desta Goehner and Antoine R Cummins!
Desta Goehner (she/her) is a spiritual director, accredited Enneagram professional, and consultant in leadership formation rooted in spiritual depth, trauma awareness, and inclusive practice. She has served as a lay leader in the ELCA in youth ministry, outdoor ministry, synod staff, a Lutheran university, and an ELCA seminary. Her work focuses on spiritual and leadership formation, supporting pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with courage and clarity. Desta centers belonging, collective healing, and sustainable transformation across faith communities and leadership spaces.
Antoine R. Cummins (he/him) was born on the Island of Barbados, raised in Brooklyn, NY, and currently serves as Program Director for Civil Rights Policy with the ELCA Federal Advocacy Office based in Washington DC.
Antoine has spent 15 years serving the ELCA in various capacities including Pacifica Synod as Assistant to the Bishop, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Advisory Board, ELCA Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church and Waldorf University Director of Campus Ministry. Prior to this, Antoine has spent time in Higher Education, Adjunct Math Professor, Licensed Tax Professional, High School Math Teacher and Football Coach.
His journey has been uncharted and filled with many life-giving opportunities. One thing that keeps him inspired, is how much healing can be found in community; when we approach each other with a posture of humility and walk away from our interactions with a sense of awe and wonder!
The Theme Is - Living Sacraments: Embodied Faith On The Way Of Jesus
Romans 12 calls us to present our whole selves as living sacraments, an embodied and courageous faith that heals division and sustains justice. We invite you to reconnect, rest, and rediscover practices that nurture resilient public witness and communal belonging.
The event includes housing, two meals on Monday, three meals on Tuesday, and one meal on Wednesday.
Monday, November 3 at Noon - Wednesday, November 5 at 11 AM
Location:
Christ The King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 https://christthekingretreatcenter.org
Cost:
$380 for single room, includes 6 meals
$330 for double room, includes 6 meals
$210 Commuter rate, no room, includes 6 meals
Registration Closes on October 18!
