2025 St. John's Scholarship Recipients

June 2, 2025

Every year, St. John's recognizes outstanding graduating high school seniors who all have one thing in common - exemplary commitment to the St. John's mission of living God's love in the world.

The St. John’s Scholarship program exists to assist qualified students, who are members of St. John’s, based on academic performance, church life, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Every year, graduating high school seniors are invited to apply for the scholarship. The William and Donna Morgan Award honors long-time St. John’s members, who dedicated years to education in Sacramento and served as long time supporters of the Scholarship fund. This award is presented to St. John’s graduating high school seniors, based on community service and the individual’s commitment to living God’s love in the world. Graduating high school seniors are nominated by members of the St. John’s community. And finally, the Lawson Scholarship exists for students pursuing a career in education, through an application process.

Piper Brostrom is a graduate of St. Francis High School in Sacramento, Calif. and will be attending La Salle University this fall, pursuing a degree in Special Education. Piper grew up in the pews of St. John’s; she brought coloring books to the upper transept during worship services, attended and later volunteered as a leader at Holy Week Day Camp, and most recently, served as the only youth member of the 2025 Call Committee. Living God’s Love in the World is an integral part of who Piper is, and has remained her mantra through much of her adolescent years. Piper maintained a rigorous academic course load at St. Francis throughout her four years of high school while competing on the Swim Team, leading as Captain of the Water Polo Team, serving as a Retreat Team leader at school, being President of the “A Touch of Kindness Club” at St. Francis, and working part-time as a nanny - all while navigating the grief and loss of losing her beloved father. Piper’s rock-steady presence at St. John’s, her selfless nature, and vibrant loving spirit make her a recipient of the St. John’s Scholarship and the Lawson Scholarship.

Maggie Oehmke is a graduate of West Campus High School in Sacramento, Calif. and will be attending University of Redlands to pursue a degree in Education, with an emphasis in History. Maggie’s faith journey has led her to embrace both the light and the dark moments of life, while ensuring she centers love and welcome in all that she does. After losing her beloved step-mother, Maggie embraced the challenge that this grief brought by diving deeper into community-centered leadership opportunities, both in her church life and social life. Maggie served as both the Vice President and President of the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (SPSYC), served as an Assisting Minister at St. John’s for nearly two years, was named Santa Lucia in 2023, swam competitively for over 14 years, and served as President of her school’s Mock Trial Club and Vice President of the Drama Club. This past summer, Maggie worked as a Camp Counselor at Mt. Cross Ministries, stretching her leadership skills and growing her passion for teaching. Maggie’s lifetime presence at St. John’s and steady leadership will be missed as she ventures to Southern California this coming fall! We are thrilled to announce her as a recipient of the St. John’s Scholarship and the Lawson Scholarship.

Caroline Montiel is a graduate of McClatchy High School in Sacramento, Calif. and will be attending the University of California, Davis this fall, pursuing a degree in Sustainable Environmental Design on a pre-architecture track. Caroline too grew up in the St. John’s community, attending family camping trips, braiding ribbon bookmarks of the hymnals, and attending the ELCA Youth Gathering. As she said best, “Living God’s Love in the World means loving the change St. John’s has provided me from kindergarten to adulthood.” From a quiet and shy elementary-aged student in the children’s choir, to a blossoming, authentic, well-spoken Assisting Minister, Caroline has truly stepped into her own before our eyes here at St. John’s. The values the St. John’s community instilled in Caroline from a young age have propelled her to be a part of McClatchy’s Visual and Performing Arts Program, paint a mural on the Sacramento State University campus, advocate for public art funding, be commissioned for wedding paintings here in Sacramento, and ultimately serve her community in all that she does. Caroline’s mature and thoughtful presence, and unwavering commitment to embodying the mission of St. John’s, make her an ideal recipient of an additional St. John’s Scholarship.

Cora Lee is a graduate of Franklin High School in Elk Grove, Calif. and will be attending the University of California, San Diego this dall, pursuing a degree in Bioengineering. Throughout her four years of high school, Cora has embraced her creative, analytical, and athletic talents in a multitude of ways. As a four year Cross Country athlete, pianist and percussionist for 10+ years, and consistent 4.0+ GPA student, Cora has developed strong collaborative and leadership skills, and a humble hard-working spirit. Cora walks through life with a deep sense of compassion, shaped mainly through her decade of service with the unhoused here at St. John’s. This service led Cora to enroll into Marshall College at U.C. San Diego, whose philosophy is to develop students into great scholars and citizens. As Cora pursues the medical field, she hopes to bridge the gap between medical needs and public health with underserved groups. We’re humbled to support Cora in this next chapter of her life as she receives an additional St. John’s Scholarship.

Chloe Pop is a graduate of Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, Calif. and will be attending Folsom Lake College this fall to transfer to University of California, Santa Barbara next year to pursue either a degree in Biology or Pre-Med, looking to become a Conservationist or Endocrinologist. Similarly, Chloe is a lifelong member at St. John’s and has been graced by the leadership opportunities, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to serve that have contributed to her spiritual growth. Chloe served on the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (SPSYC) all four years of high school, served as an acolyte for 6+ years, and stepped into various leadership roles here at St. John’s - most recently, as one of the Santa Lucias this past year. As Chloe wrote, “As I have gotten older, church became something that was mandatory to something that I look forward to.” As an outdoorsy woman, Chloe has spent most of her youth swimming, backpacking, and hiking - strengthening her desire to be connected to and faithful steward of this planet. Additionally, this past summer Chloe volunteered at the Mather Veteran Affairs Hospital, further learning the intricacies of the medical field as she discerns her future career. Chloe’s deeply spiritual maturity, ability to connect whole-heartedly with loved ones, and joyful presence will be missed here at St. John’s, and we are thrilled to support her in her next endeavor as the recipient of an additional St. John’s Scholarship.

This group of young women are exceptional, and what a gift it is to honor each of them through these scholarships. A special thank you to this year’s scholarship recipients and to the committee members who faithfully discerned this year’s award recipients. May we all be inspired by these young adults who courageously live God’s love in this world!

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May Congregation Matters Meeting Recap

By Catherine Slabaugh • May 6, 2025

This past Sunday, May 4, the Church Council and Call Committee gathered the St. John's congregation for a Congregation Matters Meeting. This meeting was divided into two parts - an update from the Church Council and an update from the Call Committee. Here are the key takeaways from the Church Council update: The new Director of Administration, Kat Thorp, has hit the ground running and is working closely alongside new Treasurer, John Bailey. The Church Council recently approved the installation of new HVAC units in the Gathering Place and 3rd floor music room - all of which were in critical condition. The Property Committee is spearheading this project, taking into consideration energy efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and longevity. These needed repairs are possible thanks to a generous bequest to St. John's! The Church Council and Property Committee are in conversation around ongoing maintenance needs for the countless stained glass windows onsite. Following multiple lease violations, St. John's has terminated our lease with Sal's Kabobs & Gyros at the 1725 L Street property. The Church Council is in the process of preparing the space for a new tenant, and exploring shifting property management responsibilities away from current St. John's staff. In preparation for Pastor Frank's retirement, the Church Council is in conversation with the Sierra Pacific Synod office around an Interim Pastor - more information to come this summer! Here are the key takeaways from the Call Committee update: Following a couple months of listening sessions and interviews, the Call Committee is currently developing St. John's Ministry Site Profile (MSP) - a Senior Pastor job description and overview of St. John's. The MSP must be approved by the Church Council, likely to happen in May or June, and then will be made "live" by the Sierra Pacific Synod Office to share with potential pastoral candidates nationwide. The Call Committee is expecting to begin interviewing potential Senior Pastor candidates beginning this summer. Interviews are confidential! Please do not ask a member of the Call Committee to disclose information about the interviews - they won't! As always, both the Church Council and Call Committee have an open ear to hearing your joys, worries, questions, or insights about the mission and ministry of St. John's. If you would like to connect with the Church Council, you can email Andrew Ford, Council President, at thecouncil@stjohnslc.org . If you would like to connect with the Call Committee, you can email them at callcommittee@stjohnslc.org .

April Update from the Call Committee

By Catherine Slabaugh • April 7, 2025

As a key part of our discernment process, the Call Committee has been engaging in a series of Listening Sessions with committees, worship groups, members of the staff, and the congregation at large. At each of these sessions, our prompt has been simple: “Please tell us what you think we ought to know about who our next Senior Pastor should be.” We’ve done our best to reach all the members of St. John’s, but if we’ve missed you, please reach out to us at callcommittee@stjohnslc.org . We would be happy to meet you in person, by phone or Zoom, or to receive your input by email. We’ll also have one last congregation-wide Listening Session later this spring. What we’ve heard during these Listening Sessions has told us volumes about the deep love that our members have for our congregation, our community, and our current pastoral leadership. While recognizing the challenges that are part of this transition, we’ve heard your expressions of faith, hope, and optimism that the next chapter for St. John’s will be bright. The task we turn to now is completing the Ministry Site Profile (MSP), a key document in the process of calling a new pastor, which describes the congregation to interested candidates: Who we are, including demographic data and trends of the congregation and of our surrounding community. Our vision for mission within the community and in the Church–our purpose, our values, and our gifts. What we are looking for in the person who will be our next Senior Pastor. As the Call Committee discerns and concentrates its work on the MSP, we will continue to update the Congregation on our progress and next steps. As always, you are welcome to reach out to the Call Committee at any point in the Call Process at callcommittee@stjohnslc.org.

An Update from the Call Committee

By Catherine Slabaugh • March 3, 2025

Throughout the Call Process, the Call Committee is committed to transparency and sharing information with the St. John's community. As the Call Process is a deliberative process of discernment, each step is completed in the time it takes, and so it is not subject to a hard timeline. We will be giving updates on its progress through various church communications platforms and during Congregation Matters Meetings throughout the Call Process. Here is a recap and update on the work that the Call Committee has done so far. October/November 2024 Following Pastor Frank Espegren’s announcement that he will retire in September of 2025, the Congregation Council formed a Call Committee of the following members, which will be responsible for finding our next Senior Pastor: Piper Brostrom Chris Dawson Gary Ely-Grisham Lynne Gilbertson Kim Hendricks Joel Kimmelshue Bridget Malme Pam Roberts Karen Ross Pr. Susan Scott (Chaplain) December 2024 The Call Committee met for briefings with the Congregation Council and members of the Transition Committee; envisioned its schedule and elected Chris Dawson as Chair. January 2025 The Call Committee met with the Rev. Dr. Charlane Lines, Assistant to the Bishop, to gain an understanding of the role of the Synod in supporting the Call Process. Ongoing Work & What’s on the Horizon The Call Committee has been meeting regularly to engage its process of study and discernment, as it prepares the Ministry Site Profile for St. John’s, a key document in the calling of a new pastor. The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is a document that describes the congregation to interested candidates. The MSP describes who we are, including demographic data and trends of the congregation and of our surrounding community. The MSP describes our vision for mission within the community and in the Church–our purpose, our values, and our gifts. The MSP describes what we are looking for in the person who will be our next Senior Pastor. In order to ensure that we accurately prepare the MSP and to ensure that it has heard from the Members of St. John’s on what is important to us, the Call Committee is engaging in an on-going series of Listening Sessions. In each Listening Session, our prompt is wide open: “Please tell us what you think we ought to know as we call our next Senior Pastor.” We have held two congregation-wide Listening Sessions before and between services on Sunday February 9 and 23, with attendance both in-person and via Zoom. We plan to have a third congregation-wide Listening Session on April 27. Please join us then, especially if you have not been able to join our previous Listening Sessions. We are also engaging in Listening Sessions with many of the committees and ministry groups that engage in “God’s Work – Our Hands” in our church and our community, including: Luminaria, Justice Making, Direct Services to the Unhoused, Worship Leaders, and Music. The Call Committee is interviewing key members of the Staff of St. John’s to gain their valuable insight. If you belong to a SJLC-affiliated group, and the Call Committee has not yet reached out to you, and you would like to schedule a Listening Session with us at your next meeting, please contact any of our members or send an email to callcommittee@stjohnslc.org. You are welcome to reach out to the Call Committee at any point in the Call Process at callcommittee@stjohnslc.org .

Welcoming the New Director of Administration: Katherine Thorp

By Catherine Slabaugh • January 7, 2025

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!

A Letter from Linda Baldwin, Andrew Ford, and Pastor Frank Espegren

By Catherine Slabaugh • December 17, 2024

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

The 2024 Santa Lucia

By Catherine Slabaugh • December 3, 2024

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.

Job Posting: Director of Administration

By Catherine Slabaugh • November 18, 2024

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

Administrative Changes at St. John's

By Catherine Slabaugh • November 5, 2024

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

St. John's Catherine Slabaugh Volunteers with the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Communications Team

By Catherine Slabaugh • October 28, 2024

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.

Call Committee Appointment Announcement

By Catherine Slabaugh • October 22, 2024

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