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IMPACT Conference: Something to Experience — and Something to Look Forward To
Next weekend, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hayward will once again become the gathering place for something special: IMPACT Conference 2026.
IMPACT is more than just a weekend event — it’s a growing tradition for youth from across California, across the country, and even from beyond the U.S. From January 16–18, students in 9th grade and up will be gathering for a weekend filled with worship, gospel-centered teaching, shared meals, laughter, and the kind of late-night conversations that only happen when you put a bunch of young people together with space to be real. There's still room at this weekend's event - register now!
What: IMPACT Conference
When: January 16 - 18
Where: Good Shepherd (166 W. Harder Rd., Hayward)
Cost: $175 (includes lodging and meals)
More Info and to register: www.goodshepherdhayward.com/impact
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CNH Pastors' Wives Retreat - Register Now
If your husband is or was in pastoral ministry...the Pastors’ Wives Retreat is for you! Come and join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and rest with other pastors’ and vicars’ wives! Priscilla Newton will join us as our speaker to talk about the what ifs of life and ministry.
What: Pastors' Wives Retreat
Where: San Juan Bautista
When: January 30 - February 1, 2026
Click here for more information and to register.
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CNH District's First Ever School Administrator Conference! | |
As leaders in Lutheran schools, administrators can feel isolated and disconnected from others who may be going through the same challenges and successes as they are. Pastors meet together as circuits, but this is not a common practice for school leaders. Therefore, the CNH District is hosting a School Administrator Conference! Connection and collaboration are key goals of the CNH District, and our hope is that this will become an annual opportunity for mutual support as we grow together and share with one another.
What: CNH Administrators Conference
When: February 3-5, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Cost: $195
Click here to register!
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A Tradition of Connection Among CNH Early Childhood Directors
Early Childhood Directors from across the CNH District have a strong history of gathering for annual retreats centered on faith, leadership, and professional growth. These retreats have featured Bible study and devotions rooted in Scripture, led by local pastors and church workers, alongside high-quality professional learning from experienced presenters. Just as important, these retreats have provided meaningful time for fellowship, shared conversation, and mutual encouragement. Guided by the Early Childhood Advisory Team and gracious host schools, these gatherings have consistently strengthened directors spiritually and professionally while fostering connection across the District.
What: Early Childhood Directors Conference
When: February 5-6, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Click here to register.
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Save the Date: Reimagine Your Future - Bay Area Summit
Join us for a free 6-hour gathering that equips church teams to discover their current reality and thrive for generations to come.
The Summit is designed for you to work with your staff and lay leaders to Reimagine the Future of your congregation, especially in our rapidly changing culture.
When: February 28, 2026, 9am - 3pm
Where: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tracy, CA
Click here to register.
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Save the Date: 4th Annual Lutheran Singles Retreat
Make sure to save the date for the 4th Annual Lutheran Singles Retreat! This event is targeted for Lutheran singles ages 21-41.
When: August 21-23, 2026
Where: Camp Okoboji (Iowa)
Cost: $100 per person (includes two nights and four meals)
Registration will be open soon!
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Lutheran Hour Ministries Celebrates 75 Years of Rose Parade Floats
For 75 years, LHM's Rose Parade floats have manifested Christ's light, echoing Isaiah 60:1: 'Arise, shine, for your light has come.' These floats bring God's glory to worldwide television, drawing nations to the brightness of His presence, rain or shine.
Click here to watch the LHM 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade entry.
Click here for a special PDF tribute to the 75 years of LHM Rose Parade floats.
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LCMS Convention Deadlines to Know
Planning is already underway for the 2026 LCMS Convention, which will be held July 18–23, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. As congregations prepare to participate, several important governance deadlines are coming up, including the submission of overtures by February 28, 2026, and the close of nominations for President, First Vice-President, and regional vice-presidents on February 18, 2026. Since each step includes specific guidelines and timelines, be sure to check out our blog post for full details, helpful links, and everything you need to know to stay on track - Click here.
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Deadline for Vicar Applications or Pastoral Candidate
Requesting a Seminary Candidate
To request a candidate from a seminary, first contact your District President. The District President must approve your congregation’s participation in the seminary candidate interview process before the seminaries can work with you.
Once approval is given, please complete the form at the following link: Click here.
After you submit the form:
• It will automatically be emailed to the seminary you select, or to both seminaries if you choose no preference.
• It will also be emailed to your District President based on the district you select.
• You will receive a copy of the submitted form by email.
After reviewing your materials, your District President will send a letter to you and to the appropriate Director(s) of Placement, officially granting permission to interview seminary candidates.
Vicarage Applications
Please contact the district office (925-245-4000) for information regarding vicarage application. (Ask for Glenna, assistant to President Lange.) Before mailing vicarage paperwork, you are encouraged to send a scanned copy for review to prescnh@cnh-lcms.org.
The seminary candidate and vicarage application paperwork for the Seminaries for Spring 2026 is to be received at the CNH District office by Friday, February 20, 2026. The earlier you send the information, the better. District President advocacy for a placement (seminary candidate or vicar) is essential. (Be aware that your request does not guarantee a seminary placement will be made.)
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Mission Table Podcast (Official Podcast of the CNH District)
Pull up a chair and join the conversation. The Mission Table is the official podcast of the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District of the LCMS, where leaders, pastors, and everyday disciples gather to share stories, explore ministry challenges, and celebrate how God is at work across our communities.
Debuting in April of 2025, the Mission Table Podcast has produced 13 episodes spotlighting workers and ministry throughout the CNH District! Click here to see all the episodes.
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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.
Rev. Thomas Mueller was taken to be in Paradise with his Savior on November 29, 2025. Pastor Mueller served congregations in Minnesota, Iowa, and California (Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atascadero, CA from 2000 – 2006). A funeral service was held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN on January 10, 2026. Please keep the Mueller family in your prayers.
Rev. Dr. John W. Krueger, pastor emeritus, was called to glory on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Pastor Krueger served congregations in the CNH and the PSD, including Faith, Burney, CA (1972 – 1974); associate pastor at St. John’s, Napa, CA (1974 – 1978); Christ, Brea, CA (1979- 1987); Grace, Modesto, CA (1988 – 1997); Gethsemane, Tempe, AZ (1997 – 2008); and Faith, Burney, CA (2009 – 2019). The memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 11am, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
640 N. Minaret Avenue, Turlock, CA. Please keep the Krueger family in your prayers. Click here for his obituary.
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