Each year, we recognize Educators of the Year in three categories - Administrator of the Year, Elementary/H.S. Educator of the Year, and Early Childhood Educator of the Year. These individuals are recognized and announced to the entire District and presented their awards at the Lutheran Educator Conference in San Diego (November 19-21). Please help us by nominating anyone from your school you feel is deserving of this honor, and forward these links to your teachers as well.

Below are links to the Nomination Forms for these categories. Please submit nominations by September 15, 2023.

Administrator of the Year

Elementary/H.S. Educator of the Year

Early Childhood Educator of the Year

During the first Reformation, Martin Luther delighted to see how the ordinary layperson was set free to share the truth of God’s Word. That’s the reforming, transforming power of grace; it equips and compels us to pass on the kindness that we have received to the next generation. And as we continue in the Spirit and joy of this Reformation, it is our privilege to do the same. That’s why we are thrilled to once again gather a special Reformation Offering that “fills in the gaps” as we pass the faith and hope to a new generation.

Here’s how your Reformation Offering gifts were used previously in our CNH District: 

· 25% supported hands-on care projects, outreach mini-grants, and short-term

mission trip scholarships.

· 30% helped to encourage our newest church workers with debt relief assistance.

· 45% provided additional training and education for current district members and new multi-

ethnic leaders. 

Click here for the Reformation Infosheet.

We thank you for your faithfulness and prayerfully invite your participation again this year!

1. As in previous years, the offering envelopes and flyers are available through our District Office.

Pre-order them to pick up at the Fall Pastors’ Conference or to receive by mail by contacting

Renee Lawrence, renee@cnh-lcms.org, by Friday, September 29. The bulletin blurbs and

additional flyers will soon be available for download through the District website.

2. Hold a special offering at your church. Our work is “always about JESUS!”

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new resource for your ministry needs. The Off-Ramp to Sabbatical Toolkit brings together research, real case studies, policy examples, reading and podcast suggestions, and more -- all centered around this important topic.

This toolkit was developed and curated by the staff of all three of our West Coast districts: NOW, CNH, and PSD. It is geared toward full-time,

12-month-employed ministers (ordained and commissioned) and our lay leaders who will support the planning and provision of sabbaticals. Ministry has become more and more demanding as the pressure of service in a challenging cultural environment continues to grow, and it’s crucial to meet these demands with fresh resources. This is one reason why a sabbatical is a key wellness option for our ministries to consider. Get started here.

The 2023 Pastors’ Conference is fast approaching. To avoid paying a late fee, please register by Friday, September 15.

What: CNH District Pastors’ Conference: “What to do with D.E.I.?”

When: Monday, October 9 (registration opens 11 a.m.) to Tuesday, October 10 (ends 8:30pm)

Where: Embassy Suites, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA

Click here to get more information and to register.

Registration Fee: $199 (after September 15, a late fee of $50 will be added)

Although the stories of heartbreak from Maui are distressing, the ways in which the people of God have been helping are inspiring. Josh Rempfer, principal of Emmanuel, Maui, shared with Joel Wahlers, CNH District’s Education Executive, some incredible stories of families taking in other families who have lost everything. 

In some cases, school families have allowed multiple families to live with them, feeding them, and supporting them in many ways. You can't get any more real and personal in supporting people than that! This is why some of the support Emmanuel has received has been given to these host families in the form of gift cards to purchase food and other supplies to help them continue this hospitality.

Jesus says in Matthew 25:34-36, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’"

Click here for an overview of the relief efforts through the CNH District.

Join Heffernan Insurance Brokers for an insightful webinar tailored for educational institutions and religious organizations as they delve into the multifaceted impacts of the regulatory change which increased the minimum salary.

By attending this webinar, you will equip yourself with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate this transformative period effectively. Register now to secure your spot and ensure a seamless transition into this new era of workforce dynamics.

What: Heffernan Webinar

When: October 11, 11 a.m. - noon (PDT)

Where: Click here to register

Learn to actively and confidently participate in God’s mission of reaching the lost with the Good News of salvation through Jesus. Take one or more classes to help you orient each of your vocations to that goal. Or, if you are seeking certification within your district or RSO as a Lay Deacon or other ministry position that uses MTC classes to complete its program requirements, visit our Tracks & Resources page or your organization for more information.

Click here for a schedule of classes.

For more information contact them at mtc@missiontrainingcenter.com.

As pillars of the faith get called back to their heavenly home, we want to honor and acknowledge the legacy they leave behind and the impact they had within our congregations. If you would like to include any upcoming memorials, please click here to send the name, date of death, and date of service so that we may include them in an upcoming issue of the InTouch. We will still continue to send a Flash for pastors and called workers as well.

Rev. Lu Werth, pastor emeritus, Newark, CA, entered glory on Wednesday, September 6. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 2pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA.

Pastor Philip Ilten, pastor emeritus, Arroyo Grande, CA, was called to the arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The memorial service for Rev. Ilten will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 244 Oak Park Blvd., Arroyo Grande, CA.

Click here for our International Mission Partners

Click here for the Board of Directors Minutes (Current through June 2023)

Click here for Calls, Vacancies, and Roster Updates 

Click here for prayer requests

Click here for the latest Job Opportunities



Click here for our 2020-2022 Sermon Series

Click here for the Monthly Set Apart to Serve (SAS) Report (August 2023)