Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA

09/07/2026

Gracious God,

On this Labor Day, we give you thanks for the gift of work and for all whose labor serves our communities and contributes to the well-being of our neighbors.

We pray for those who work with their hands, those who teach and care for others, those who serve in offices and fields, hospitals and schools, farms and construction sites, congregations and communities. Bless all whose work is seen and celebrated, and especially those whose labor too often goes unnoticed.

We remember those who are searching for work, those who are underpaid or overworked, those who labor in unsafe or unjust conditions, and those who struggle to make ends meet. Give us courage to work for a world where every person is treated with dignity, where workers are valued, and where all have enough.

We pray for those who cannot rest today. Grant them strength, safety, and moments of renewal.

May our labor, our rest, and our lives bear witness to your love for all creation.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who calls us into lives of love and service, we pray.
Amen.

09/06/2026

All rostered leaders, candidates for ministry, interns, and retired rostered leaders, are invited to join Bishop Jeff Johnson and the Bishop’s Team for Bishop's Convocation on November 9-11 at Bishop's Ranch in Healdsburg, CA. We’re excited to welcome our speaker, The Rev. Dr Karoline M. Lewis, as we focus on Hebrews 10:23-25.

Registration closes October 9.

Register at https://www.spselca.org/events

09/05/2026

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.

The Zoom links are at https://www.spselca.org/synod-assembly-2026

09/04/2026

Bishop Jeff worshipped with Saron Lutheran Church a few weeks ago as they celebrated Mary, the Mother of Jesus! What a joyful congregation!

09/03/2026

Download Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold, is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.

Preview and download for free at https://www.lsmacademy.org/lsmpress

09/02/2026

On Saturday, October 10, LGBTQ+ advocate and author Kathy Baldock will lead a day of learning and discussion about how the term "homosexuality" was incorrectly included in a Bible translation, and how that single decision reshaped church teaching, family relationships and countless communities across multiple generations.

St. John's Lutheran Church Sacramento, Carmichael Presbyterian, and the Sacramento Area Rainbow Faith Alliance will co-host this day at Carmichael Presbyterian.

There is a $10 registration fee that will include a continental breakfast and boxed lunch for attendees. We encourage attendees to stay for the screening of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, but if you've already seen the film, you are welcome to depart early.

Purchase your tickets here:

How the term "homosexuality" was incorrectly included in a Bible translation and how that single decision reshaped our culture.

09/01/2026

ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invites you to "Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life" on September 8 at 5 pm PT. This series gives us the opportunity to explore existing resources for dismantling white supremacy and speak with community leaders who have used them!

Register today for this FREE web series at https://bit.ly/equipwebinars

08/31/2026

Recently 5 youth and three adults from Advent Lutheran Church, Morgan Hill, CA spent 10 days on a Ghana pilgrimage. They spent most of the time connecting with students and leadership at Awaso Academy International (AAI) in Awaso, sharing leadership in Bible studies each morning and joining local activities in the afternoons: visiting the health clinic, local market, tribal elders and Queen Mother, dancers and drummers, and making fufu. Advent has had a 16-year-relationship with AAI, so it was joyful to be in-person together!

After leaving Awaso, they went to Kakum National Park, the Cape Coast and Elmina slave castles, and, in Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah Presidential Library, Independence Square, and the National Museum. They are grateful to God, their hosts and partners, and the generosity of their congregation.

Watch their reflection on their youtube!

08/30/2026

Viva Maria! Recently Bishop celebrated Mary, the Mother of Jesus with Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina in Stockton. In addition to spending time with Pastor Nelson Rabell and Synod Council member Sandra Vargas, the congregation had Traditional aztec dancers and Green Pozole after liturgy!

Blessings to St. Mark's United Methodist Churchfor hosting this beautiful community, ILSMP!

08/29/2026

How is God calling your congregation to connect more deeply with your neighbors? LEAD’s Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort equips congregational teams to practice holy listening, build meaningful neighborhood partnerships, and discover where the Holy Spirit may be leading next. The 4-week cohort begins September 21.

Learn more at LEAD Ministry!