2025 Convocation
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-22
An annual gathering for Oregon Synod rostered ministers.

2025 Oregon Synod Assembly
2025-05-30 - 2025-06-01
2025 Oregon Synod Assembly is in Portland May 30-June 1!
Friday, May 30 – livestream link
Saturday, May 31 – livestream link
Sunday, June – livestream link

Assembly Voter Orientation
2025-05-13 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
For 2025 Assembly voters!
Join Bishop Caesar, Deacon Laura Gifford and others to learn about how voting will be conducted electronically at this year’s assembly. This meeting will get you set up for voting success. Topics covered will include:

How you will vote electronically using your personal device (phone, tablet, laptop)
How the bishop’s election will be conducted

This meeting will also cover more general topics like: What IS assembly and why do we have it each year?

May 13, 6:30-7:30 pm
The link to register was emailed to all Assembly voting members.

Quarterly Musicians Meeting
2025-05-13 16:30 - 17:30
Musicians serving Oregon Synod churches are invited to join these quarterly virtual “roundtable” meetings. This is a time to meet other musicians, share what is going on in your church, and discuss ideas for incorporating music into worship services.

Tuesday, May 13
4:30-5:30 pm
Topic: Pentecost, summer season

Contact Ralph Nelson for Zoom link.

2025 Resolutions and Memorials
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:30
Join Synod Vice President Paul Stromberg, Reference and Counsel Chair Rev. Rachel Kramer and the authors of this year’s memorials and resolutions that have been submitted for consideration to get informed and ask questions.

May 6, 6-7:30 pm
Register for the Zoom link here.

Budget Presentation and Q&A
2025-04-29 18:30 - 19:30
Join Synod Treasurer Dickman and Bishop Caesar to learn details about the 2026 budget and how it was crafted to support our mission as we seek to live into the synod horizon and walk with Jesus. This meeting will include both a presentation and Q&A.
April 29, 6:30-7:30 pm
Register for the Zoom link here.

Quarterly Meeting for Synod Treasurers
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:00
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.
Saturday, April 26, 10-11 am. Register here for Zoom link.

Exploring Creative and Meaningful Worship
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:00
Oregon Synod Lay School of Theology Spring 2025 Course
Exploring Creative and Meaningful Worship: Ancient Practices, New Possibilities
Five Thursday evenings, April 24- May 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.
Sunday after Sunday, the Spirit gathers us around the means of grace—Word and sacrament—and then sends us out to share the good news we know in Jesus. In an age when many are choosing to be “spiritual but not religious,” how do we honor our tradition and embody freedom and flexibility to speak in new ways, as those who believe the Word still becomes flesh and dwells among us?
This five-week course will focus on liturgical options, hymns/songs, the sermon (how to listen and how to create) and seasonal planning that includes creative use of space. It’s designed for lay worshipers, worship teams, and SALMS and rostered leaders who want to consider why we worship as we do and who’d like to explore new possibilities. Hosted by Pr. John Reutter-Harrah, presenters will include Bishop’s Associate (and creative liturgical designer) Pr. Melissa Reed and liturgist/theater director Kevin Yell.
As always, this course will provide opportunities for relationship-building, critical thinking and spiritual practice. Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to support the course with a financial donation as they are able. A gracious giving range of $10-$100 is invited; an $50 donation covers presenters and administrative costs. With four or more from the same congregation, we encourage a congregational donation of $150. And any donation is appreciated!
Register here!

2025 Advocacy Day
2025-04-07 09:30 - 17:00
April 7, 9:30 am-5 pm

The Oregon state legislative session is in full swing, and the Sacred Organizing Coalition* invites you, your congregation and neighbors to make your voices of Courageous Love heard!
We are communities echoing from Umatilla to Hillsboro, Madras to Dallas, La Grande to Ashland to Astoria committing to five top legislative priorities that will help all of Oregon–from farm workers to students, from those impacted by climate change and pollution to our unhoused and unstably housed neighbors– experience belonging.
We hope you will join your siblings from across the Synod and state on April 7 for this powerful opportunity to show up in Salem and let our collective voice and power be heard by our elected officials around our legislative platform. This is a chance not only to move closer to the legislative process and actively engage with it, but also to advocate for an Oregon where all can experience belonging.
Join us for Advocacy Day in Salem!
Monday, April 7, 9:30 am-5 pm

Register here!

The more hearts the better! One of the best ways we can show our strength is by showing up in numbers. So, we invite you to share this information with anyone you think might be interested in joining us – your faith community, friends and neighbors. Here are flyers to share in English and Spanish.

Come to the Legislative Campaign Action Briefings!
These twice monthly zoom calls are an opportunity to coordinate, update, and take action together in real time. Monday evenings: April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2, and June 16, from 5-6 pm. Register here to receive the zoom link (which is the same for every briefing).

See you on the road toward a horizon of belonging in Oregon!

* The Sacred Organizing Coalition is a growing movement of hundreds of community-based teams and faith communities acting together toward a horizon where all Oregonians belong. We include multiple bases, including Youth Solidarity Movement, Leaven Community Land & Housing Coalition, Liberadora, Disaster & Climate Resilience initiative, Sacred Leadership Initiative, and Reckoning with Racism.

Quarterly Admins Meeting
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:00
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.
Thursday, March 13 at 11 am
Register here for Zoom link

Quarterly Musicians Meeting
2025-02-11 16:30 - 17:30
Musicians serving Oregon Synod churches are invited to join these quarterly virtual “roundtable” meetings. This is a time to meet other musicians, share what is going on in your church, and discuss ideas for incorporating music into worship services.

Tuesday, February 11
4:30-5:30 pm
Topic: Lent/Easter

Contact Ralph Nelson for Zoom link.

Quarterly Meeting for Synod Treasurers
2025-01-25 10:00 - 11:00
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.
January 25 at 10 am on Zoom.

Quarterly Presidents Meeting
2025-01-25 09:30 - 10:30
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.

January 25 at 9:30 am
Register for Zoom link

Quarterly Admins Meeting
2025-01-23 11:00 - 12:00
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.
Thursday, January 23 at 11 am
Register here for Zoom link

Climate Resilience Gathering
2025-01-13 18:00 - 19:30
Join our 2024-25 Sacred Organizing Coalition Climate Resilience Room’s Winter Gathering to:

Take impactful action for climate justice in real-time
Learn from on-the-ground organizing stories statewide
Get practical tools & resources for your local resilience efforts
Re-connect with Earth’s sacred seasonal rhythms
Join a powerful & growing community of spiritually-grounded
leaders and teams

At the Cross with Jesus: What Does it Mean?
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:00
Winter Lay School of Theology Course. “At the Cross with Jesus: What Does it Mean?” At the heart of the Christian faith is the crucified and risen Christ. But what did/does the cross mean?

Did God need an innocent blood sacrifice in order to pay the penalty for humanity’s sins?
Was Jesus in some sense a ransom payment?
Is Jesus’ sacrifice a model to follow?

Join this class to look at some of the classic theories of why Jesus died on a cross, some more recent interpretations, and critiques of those theories, including from Feminist and Womanist perspectives. Scheduled presenters include Pr. Erika Spaet, Prof. Rob Kugler, Pr. Tyler Beane Kelly, and Dr. Angela Parker.
Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to support the course with a financial donation as they are able. A gracious giving range of $20-$160 is invited; an $80 donation covers presenters and administrative costs. With four or more from the same congregation, we encourage a congregational donation of $250. And any donation is appreciated!
Eight Thursday evenings on Zoom | January 9-February 27, 2025 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Register here

Quarterly Synod Musicians Meeting
2024-11-12 16:30 - 17:30
Musicians serving Oregon Synod churches are invited to join these quarterly virtual “roundtable” meetings. This is a time to meet other musicians, share what is going on in your church, and discuss ideas for incorporating music into worship services.

Tuesday, November 12
4:30-5:30 pm
Topic: Advent/Christmas/Epiphany

Contact Ralph Nelson for Zoom link.

Quarterly Meeting for Synod Treasurers
2024-10-26 10:00 - 17:00
These quarterly meetings are a time to gather with others in similar church roles within the synod to share information on timely topics, build relationships, explore questions, and share collective wisdom.
Saturday, October 26, 10 am

Bishop's Convocation
2024-10-21 - 2024-10-23
2024 Bishop’s Convocation registration is closed. You must be registered to attend the event and/or participate; there is no late registration

“At the Table with Jesus: Preparing for the Year of Luke”
2024-09-26 18:30 - 20:00
Oregon Synod Lay School of Theology fall 2024 course:
“At the Table with Jesus: Preparing for the Year of Luke”
Eight Thursday evenings, September 26th-November 21st (excluding Oct. 31st)
6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.
In the gospel readings, 2024-25 is the Year of St. Luke! Join us as we follow Jesus through the vivid storytelling of the author of the third gospel. We’ll explore Lukan emphases: the prominence of women, prayer and worship, Jesus reaching out to excluded ones, riches and poverty, what happens around meals, and Luke’s perspective on salvation. And each week we ask the question: What does this mean for us as we seek to love God and our neighbor?
Presenters include Intern Dez Valdez, Pr. Miranda Bermes, retired Prof. Mark Allan Powell, Pr. Erika Spaet, PLTS NT Prof. Adam Braun, Pr. Matta Ghaly, and Pr. John Reutter-Harrah.
As always, this course will provide opportunities for relationship-building, critical thinking and spiritual practice.
Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to support the course with a financial donation as they are able. A gracious giving range of $20-$160 is invited; an $80 donation covers presenters and administrative costs. With four or more from the same congregation, we encourage a congregational donation of $250. And any donation is appreciated.

De-escalation Training 101
2024-09-04 18:30 - 20:00
Is your congregation facing questions about safety concerns? Have you experienced difficult interactions with people (invited or uninvited) on church property? Are your front office person and your ushers prepared to handle a threatening situation? If you said yes to any of these, this event is for you (and members of your congregation and staff). The Bishop’s Office has created this training in response to stories, sharing, and concern from almost a dozen congregations. Whether you are just starting think about security for your church or already have a plan in place, this session is an opportunity to build your de-escalation skills with a faithful spirit. It will cover the basics and provide a brief overview of how we communicate to de-escalate, and how to identify and respond to varying levels of escalated behavior with an emphasis on safety and compassion. Presented by Mikaila Maher, LCSW, who is currently supervisor of the BOB Peer and Outreach Team at Providence. She has worked in social services serving unhoused neighbors since 2012, and has been providing de-escalation trainings since 2014.

Congregational Treasurers Quarterly Meeting
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:00
Saturday, July 27, at 10 am on Zoom

2024 Assembly
2024-06-01
June 1, 2024
Online

2024 and 2025 Budget Review
2024-05-29 19:00 - 20:00
It’s been an interesting year for the Oregon Synod finances! Changes, gifts, and learning new things have all affected the current operating budget for 2024 and the planned budget for 2025. We invite anyone who is interested in how the budget is being adapted and created to support mission, operations, to address coming challenges and gifts, and to live into the synod horizon as we walk with Jesus to join Synod Treasurer Mark Dickman and Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar for this presentation and Q&A.
May 29 at 7 pm

2024 Assembly Resolutions and Memorials Review
2024-05-22 19:00 - 20:00
All are welcome to come learn about the resolutions and memorials that have been submitted for the consideration of the Synod Assembly this year. Please join synod Vice President Paul Stromberg and the authors of the resolutions and memorials for this time to get informed, dive in, and ask questions to prepare for voting on them at the assembly.

May 22 at 7 pm

2024 Assembly Voter Orientation
2024-05-15 19:00 - 20:00
Is this your first online assembly?
Need a refresher on how we conduct business online?
What IS assembly and why do we have it each year?

Join Bishop Caesar and Sister Jensen Kerr to learn about these topics, ask your questions, and get set up for success for your presence and participation in this year’s assembly.

May 15 at 7 pm on Zoom. The link to register will be emailed to Assembly voters in May.

Synod Musicians Quarterly Meeting
2024-05-14 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-02-06 17:00 - 18:00
Musicians serving Oregon Synod churches are invited to join these quarterly virtual “roundtable” meetings. This is a time to meet other musicians, share what is going on in your church, and discuss ideas for incorporating music into worship services.
Contact Ralph Nelson for Zoom link.

Dreams and Visions: Accompanying Teens in Our Congregations and Communities
2024-04-04 18:30 - 20:00
Dreams and Visions: Accompanying Teens in Our Congregations and Communities
Four Thursday evenings on Zoom
April 4, 11, 18, & 25
6:30-8:00 pm
Join us for four weeks on three big questions teens are asking: Who am I? Where do I fit? What difference can I make?
Together, we’ll jump into the latest research about young people, share practices and postures to help bridge across generations, and explore ways to support teens, parents, and caregivers amidst a national mental health crisis. Led by Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Ron Werner, Jr and the team at Together Lab, who recently launched the statewide Caregiving Toward a Horizon of Wholeness Initiative alongside five ecumenical partners, Trauma-Informed Oregon, and the Lilly Endowment to support teens and caregivers in our congregations and communities on this side of the pandemic. This course will provide opportunities for relationship-building, critical thinking and spiritual practice.
Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to support the course with a financial donation as they are able. A gracious giving range of $10-$80 is invited; a $40 donation covers presenters and administrative costs. With four or more from the same congregation, we encourage a congregational donation of $125. Any donation is appreciated!
Register here

Synod Council Meeting
2024-03-16 09:00 - 12:00
