A Pastoral Letter on Violence in the Holy Land

The leadership of St. John’s is pleased to announce that Katherine Thorp has accepted the position of Director of Administration, effective Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Thorp brings over ten years of professional experience in leadership and accounting, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration. Most recently, she served in a healthcare administration capacity, and we are confident her expertise will contribute greatly to the St. John’s community.  “I am really happy that Katherine is coming to St. John's as our new Director of Administration. Not only does Katherine have all the background experience we could have hoped for to run the small business enterprise that is "St. John's," she also is a delightful person, with strong communication and people skills. I have every confidence that Katherine will continue the excellent administration and financial reporting that keeps St. John's strong, trustworthy and vibrant,” writes Frank Espegren, Senior Pastor. In her role as Director of Administration, Thorp will be responsible for overseeing all Financial and Administrative aspects of the organization, including, but not limited to: Manage purchase orders, invoices, payroll, staff benefits, and monthly financial reports alongside the Remote Bookkeeper, Church Treasurer, and Finance Committee Assist the Senior Pastor and Church Treasurer in the drafting and preparation of annual budget Provide congregation member financial support Manage Property Staff & collaborate closely with the Property Committee, overseeing the upkeep, maintenance, and external usage of the property Support internal operations through calendar management and document and meeting organization Complete purchasing, manage contracts and relationships with vendors and service providers to address the administrative and property needs of the church Maintain, file, and manage access to church-wide policies, procedures, and documents “My goal [in this new role] is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone, while applying my existing expertise and developing new skills along the way. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in welcoming me to this role. I am truly excited to be here and look forward to getting to know each and every one of you!” writes Thorp. Outside of work, Thorp finds joy in spending quality time with her son, singing, writing, meditating, and staying active. She has a passion for creative pursuits, such as painting and experimenting with the guitar, but is still honing her skills. Thorp joins the St. John’s staff as a full-time Director and will predominantly work in the St. John’s office weekdays from 9:00am-5:00pm. Please join the leadership of St. John’s in welcoming Katherine Thorp to the St. John’s community!

Dear St. John’s Community, Over the past few months, you heard Pastor Frank announce his intent to retire in September of 2025. Soon after that announcement, you were updated on planned changes to the administrative staff at St. John’s, sharing that our Bookkeeper, Kat LaTurneau, left at the beginning of October, and that I would be leaving no later than January of 2025. These announcements have left some of you wondering about what this means for St. John’s - and for me. I want you to know that during the last several months I have been in deep conversation with Pastor Frank and Council President Andrew Ford about all of this. These changes have not been without some difficulty and sadness, for sure. And still, I am confident that St. John’s will continue to be strong and thrive in the coming year and decades, just as it always has. It is my hope and prayer that you, brothers and sisters in Christ, will walk in faith going forward, even when it is awkward or challenging, and continue to support one another along the way. I have decided that my last day as the Executive Director of Administration and Resources will now be December 31. This is a personal decision, one made with deep thought and prayer, and one that will allow me a “re-set” time before moving in a new direction. Please know that I am leaving with peace received through the Spirit’s transforming work in my life. Although I will leave the full-time position that I currently hold, I am committed to maintaining the bookkeeping functions through January or until a new Director of Administration is fully trained. The new Director of Administration will have different responsibilities than I had, and I hope for your understanding and patience with them once they begin. I am looking forward to being in worship with you, not wondering what I should be taking care of, but rather to being present in hearing the Word, and present with you, our people. And I am very much looking forward to what God has in store for my “next” in life, and at the same time, thankful for my time serving you. Know that I am more than ok - I am moving forward with grace and peace. Linda Baldwin

Chloe Pop is a senior at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, CA and an avid swimmer, reader, musician, Girl Scout, and volunteer. At Pondersona, Chloe is involved in the swim team, waterpolo team, and the Future Farmers of America, and has received the Golden Star Student Award for the past three years. With a deep desire to attend a University of California school to study biochemistry, Chloe intends to have a future in the medical field pursuing a career as a surgeon or scientific researcher. As a lifetime member of St. John’s, Chloe particularly enjoys the Santa Lucia service. “I think one of the most beautiful aspects of this celebration is the unity of our church. Santa Lucia is a beautiful time of celebration; light floods our church from every corner, filling the sanctuary with a special kind of peace and resilience only found when love is present,” writes Pop. Chloe is thrilled “to embody this expression of light and love in the church” and looks forward to sharing her light with all who attend this year’s festivities. The annual Santa Lucia Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at St. John’s Lutheran Church, followed by a Festival at 5:00 p.m. in The Gathering Place.

Position Title: Director of Administration Reports to: Senior Pastor Hours: Full-time, weekends as needed Salary: $64,000 annually Benefits: Health, vision, dental insurance, 401K retirement plan with employer match Position Summary: The Director of Administration is responsible for the financial and administrative areas of St. John’s Lutheran Church, including supervising property staff and front desk volunteers, collaborating closely with the staff, Property Committee, Finance Committee, Treasurer, and Council. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Financial Record all weekly offerings to designated funds as well as other income including commercial property payments into membership database. Electronically scan and enter all payments into bank remote system. Weekly preparation and submission to remote bookkeeper of all invoices, manual check requests, Manage staff benefit programs including Pastor’s unique payroll and benefits. Review and submit biweekly payroll to remote payroll processor; submit all payroll changes electronically. Provide reporting and information in support of Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, Treasurer and Church Council Provide all relevant administrative functions for Pledge and Capital Campaigns, updating leadership frequently. Assist the Senior Pastor and Treasurer in preparing monthly financial reports, drafting annual budget for Finance Committee and Council review, and supporting the work related to the Annual Congregational Report and subsequent meeting. Provide financial and administrative support to all units. Review, approve and process all purchasing requests within budgeted framework. Provide congregation member financial support as needed. Administrative Manage the Property staff and work closely with the Property Committee to support the activities and events at the church, address immediate maintenance needs, helping to define strategic long- term plans for the maintenance and management of all property, buildings, and physical assets. Manage front desk volunteers, ensuring consistent training to ensure a welcoming presence to all, in support of our Mission, Vision and Values Compliance adherence to all applicable laws for employees and volunteers. Provide both external and internal users of all facilities with the relevant agreement forms including any applicable fees and requirements. Maintain St. John’s Master Calendar for internal operations and programs. Organize meetings, documents, and all other requirements for planning and executing initiatives. Complete purchasing, manage contracts and relationships with vendors, service providers, and the City of Sacramento to address the administrative and property needs of the church. Maintain, file, and manage access to church-wide policies, procedures, and documents. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Proven experience with cash-based accounting, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, annual budgeting processes, record keeping, and payroll processing. Proficient in analyzing financial data. Experience in process management methodologies. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and three to five years of related experience. Commitment to good interpersonal relationships, teamwork and support of St. John’s internal ministries and community outreach. Commitment to confidentiality regarding all account records of the church, staff, and members. A vibrant Christian faith with 1) an appreciative understanding of the theological doctrines and commitments of the ELCA and 2) a commitment to diversity as a gift from God Provide a sense of hospitality and accessibility. Requirements: Completion of mandatory background screening and applicable online training(s) Able to work long hours at a computer. Valid CA driver’s license Please apply on INDEED or send cover letter and resume to Pastor Frank Espegren - frank.espegren@stjohnslc.org no later than November 30, 2024. For more information about St. John’s, please visit our website at www.stjohnslc.org

As I contemplate my retirement as Senior Pastor of St. John’s, it has become clear that our community is already in a season of transition. Change is upon us, dear friends, as we navigate the evolving landscape of Christianity both here in America and within our beloved St. John’s community. In line with our commitment to foster a more volunteer-led organization with a streamlined professional staff, we have recognized the need to adjust our administrative structure. As part of this transition, we will be changing the Executive Director of Administration role. The responsibilities of Chief of Staff will now fall under the new Senior Pastor, while a new Director of Administration will oversee financial, property, and office management. As such, I have important news to share: Linda Baldwin, our exceptional Executive Director of Administration and Resources, will be leaving the staff of St. John’s no later than January 31, 2025. Linda and I have formed a wonderful partnership here—she has empowered me to focus on pastoral duties, and I have had complete confidence in her management of St. John’s operations. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside Linda in this capacity. Additionally, in line with our new structure, the role of Bookkeeper will now transition to an independent service, supported by the new Director of Administration. Our valued Bookkeeper for the past eight years, Katherine “Kat” LaTurneau, has left her position at St. John’s and we extend our heartfelt thanks to her for her dedicated service. During these next few months, Linda will work directly with our remote bookkeeper, ensuring that there is no disruption in our stewardship of your generous gifts. While these changes may present challenges in the coming months, I am confident that the leadership of St. John’s is ready to meet them. Words cannot fully express my profound gratitude for all that Linda has contributed to St. John’s. She will be deeply missed by all of us, and I will feel her absence most acutely as she has been the perfect complement to my leadership in our previous staff structure. Yet, a new day is upon us, and I firmly believe that God is orchestrating something remarkable at St. John’s. The good news is that Linda will remain an active member of our community, sitting with you in the pews on Sunday mornings and as the spirit moves her to be part of the life of St. John’s. I encourage you to express your gratitude to Linda in the days ahead for all that she has done and continues to do for St. John’s. Sincerely, and with a grateful heart, Pastor Frank Espegren

Thousands of young people gathered in New Orleans to accept the challenge to be brave, free, authentic, disruptive and, ultimately, disciples of God. The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, “Created To Be,” drew to Smoothie King Center nearly 16,000 attendees during its July 13-16 run, including a group from St. John’s Lutheran Church. There to help ensure that the work and worship done was amplified and shared was one of the leaders of St. John’s, drawing on her own faith, expertise and significant support from the church. It was a story that needed to be shared on many platforms for a national audience, and St. John’s communication director Catherine Slabaugh played a leading role in capturing and illustrating the young people’s four-day journey of discovery, community and faith. Slabaugh, who became St. John’s communications director in May 2023 and in August 2024 was named director of Communications and Community Engagement, spent two years volunteering as the event’s social media coordinator and team leader. That time was granted to her by St. John’s in furtherance of its broader ministry and support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Dear St. John’s community, The Church Council of St. John’s Lutheran Church is delighted to announce the appointment of the following individuals to the Call Committee, which will be responsible for finding our next Senior Pastor: Bridget Malme, Chris Dawson, Joel Kimmelshue, Gary Ely-Grisham, Pam Roberts, Karen Ross, Lynne Gilbertson, Piper Brostrom, and Kim Hendricks. In accordance with the St. John’s constitution, the Church Council was tasked with selecting seven to nine members, including two from the Council itself. The Executive Committee was truly inspired by the overwhelming response, receiving over 25 applications! The depth of thoughtfulness and the diverse array of spiritual gifts displayed in these applications made the selection process both rewarding and challenging. We sincerely appreciate the patience of both the applicants and the congregation during our deliberations. The nine individuals selected for the Call Committee embody a rich tapestry of diversity in age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and spiritual background, all while representing a wide range of experiences within the St. John’s community. Spanning ages 18 to 80+, this Committee includes lifelong Lutherans as well as newer members, creating an inclusive environment for those who have raised families at St. John’s or consider this community their family. Their unique personal strengths contribute to a well-rounded and effective team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who expressed their interest in serving on the Call Committee; your dedication and commitment to St. John’s are deeply valued. Thank you! Regards, Church Council

The second Sunday of the St. John's Stewardship season centered around reinvesting in Outreach . As a faith community deeply committed to "Living God's Love in the World", serving, accompanying, and boldly living out our faith in the world is integral to our spiritual journey. Hundreds of congregants at St. John's build relationships and serve meals with vulnerable guests, explore questions of gender and faith with people who may have been hurt by a church community, and advocate and lobby for those whose voices are often silenced. In worship yesterday, the congregation heard from one of these voices, Steve Ruder, who leads the Pilgrimage Meal ministry. Pilgrimage is a hot meal and respite space provided on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Monday of each month for community members in need. A dedicated team of around 15 volunteers help cook, serve, and greet guests.

Yesterday officially welcomed the first Sunday of the stewardship season! For the 2025 stewardship season, St. John’s leadership is calling on our people to wonder how you might reinvest in the St. John’s community. We’re centering our reinvestment around four focus areas: reinvesting in outreach, our finances, building and furthering connections with each other, and engaging with and deepening our call to discipleship. In worship yesterday, Kurt Galvez shared the First Glance message where he discussed how each of us can reinvest and deepen our call to discipleship . As a Luminaria leader and current Council Treasurer, Kurt is deeply committed to discipleship and invites each of you to wonder what God-given gift you might be able to share with the world.