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Oasis Gathering: Christian Retreat Today - Thursday
Join us for worship, relaxation and connection. Come empty and leave full. Come weak and leave strong. Come unsure and leave in confidence. Refresh, renew, rejuvenate at BLC's first Oasis Gathering Retreat.
What: Oasis Gathering: Christian Retreat
When: July 7-9, 2026 (Flexible attendance is welcome. Come for a few hours or attend all 3 days.)
July 7, 1 - 5 p.m.
July 8 - 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
July 9 - 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 800 Cass St. Monterey, CA
Click here to register.
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Thinking About Transitional Ministry - Attend a Discernment Event
Enroll in one of two opportunities to learn the difference between “interim” ministry and “regular” ministry and to discern your gifts for intentional interim ministry! The workshop is designed for pastors and judicatory leaders who are discerning a call to intentional interim ministry. Each workshop is a two-hour online learning event.
What: Discernment Events - Transitional Ministry
When: Pick from Two Events - August or September
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PST
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PST
Where: Zoom
Cost: $25 - due during registration process - pay via credit card through PayPal (no mail in payments)
Click here to register.
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Save the Date: CNH Men's Retreat
Calling all men for the CNH District Men’s Retreat! Reconnect with old friends, build new friendships, and enjoy a weekend filled with praise, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship in the beautiful Santa Cruz hills.
Registration opens soon, so mark your calendar and check back here for more information on how to register. Bring a friend, brother, son, or neighbor and be part of this encouraging time together.
What: CNH Men's Retreat
When: September 18, 2026
Where: Redwood Christian Park, 15000 Two Bar Rd, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Questions: Rod Thompson – 209-914-5702 | rodthompson1225@gmail.com or
Steve Carpenter – 209-602-5707 | CarpentersX4@gmail.com
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Save the Date: 2026 Pastors' Conference
Join us for a weekend of fellowship, worship, and the Word, beginning with a fellowship event on Sunday and wrapping up with a BBQ dinner on Tuesday! Throughout the conference, there will be breakout sessions for all attendees, including a dedicated session for wives.
What: 2026 Pastors' Conference
When: October 11–13, 2026
Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA
Contacts: Ron Youngdale or Josh Schmidt
For more information, click here.
| | Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations | | |
Celebrating 75 Years at Faith, Pleasant Hill (CA)
Faith Lutheran Church, together with their pastor, David Floyd, celebrated 75 years in ministry! Thanking God for their presence in the Pleasant Hill community, the church celebrated with a luncheon, carnival, and worship service on Saturday and Sunday, June 28th and 29th. President Michael Lange gave the anniversary homily.
Click here for more photos.
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Mission Training Center - Fall Courses Starting This August
Mission Training Center has been teaching church lay leaders for more than 15 years. They partner with LCMS districts across the country and receive support from the Pacific Southwest, Northwest and California-Nevada-Hawaii districts to keep course costs affordable.
What makes MTC different?
MTC offers the flexibility of online learning without sacrificing the benefits of real-time instruction. Their live instructor-led classes provide an engaging and interactive learning environment where you can:
- Learn from expert instructors who guide you through each lesson in real time. All instructors are vetted through their partnership with Concordia University, Irvine.
- Ask questions instantly and receive immediate feedback and clarification.
- Participate in live discussions that enhance understanding and encourage collaboration.
- Stay motivated and accountable with scheduled classes and instructor support.
- Learn from anywhere with an internet connection, saving time and travel costs.
- Interact with classmates through group activities and discussions, creating a supportive learning community.
- Access high-quality instruction from the comfort of your home or office.
MTC Fall courses start in August 2026! Sign up now before they fill up!
Please check out their website to meet the instructors, preview the courses and get answers to your questions. Visit missiontrainingcenter.org or email missiontrainingcenter@gmail.com.
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Mission Table Podcast - The 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. From church planting to leadership development, outreach to innovation, each episode is a fresh invitation to be part of Christ’s mission—right where you are.
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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.
Mrs. Sonya Abbott, wife of Rev. Bill Abbott, pastor emeritus, entered into eternal rest on Sunday,
July 5. Arrangements are pending. Please keep the Abbott family in your prayers.
Rev. Ethan Gebauer, pastor emeritus, was called to glory on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. He served various congregations in the Pacific Southwest District, as well as congregations in the CNH (First, Porterville, CA, 1989 - 1995; Our Savior’s, Pacifica, CA, 1995 - 1999; and St. Paul, Susanville, CA, 1999 - 2001.) A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, noon, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 105 Ash Street, Susanville, CA. Please keep the Gebauer family in your prayers.
Mrs. Laurie Hertzberg was called into her Savior’s arms, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Laurie was a member of the CNH District’s Board of Directors from 2016 – 2022. She also served as a District reconciler. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 11am, at First Lutheran Church, 1200 Pinecrest Court, Placerville, CA. Please keep the Hertzberg family in your prayers.
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