The CNH Servus Christi Award is given each year to at least one deserving candidate who is affirmed by his peers and the president of the CNH District as an exemplary model of servant leadership.

Qualifications

The candidate is an emeritus pastor who exemplifies Christian servanthood in four areas:

• Faithful and sacrificial service as a pastoral leader and shepherd in his congregation(s).
• Exemplifies a heart to lead others to follow Christ in his mission.
• Steadfast and loving attention to his family and, by extension, to his community in which he resides (has resided).
• Intentional and sacrificial service to the greater LCMS and/or Christian church-at-large.

Two recipients were announced at the All-Workers Conference in Monterey on November 25, 2024: Rev. Robert Fickenscher and Rev. Theodore Iverson. We thank God for the gifts and talents these two men shared with the CNH District.

Special awards were presented to individuals as a part of the 2024 CNH District All Workers Conference. The following Commissioned Ministers received these annual awards:

• Educator of the Year – Corey Baden, Zion San Francisco
• Early Childhood Educator of the Year – Cynthia Huang, Hope Daly City
• Administrator of the Year – Julie Knight, Our Savior Livermore
• DCE Service Award – Jennifer de la Motte, Good Shepherd Turlock

Read their bio information below.

The 2024 Educator of the Year is Dr. Corey Baden. Corey has been a role model and spiritual mentor to his school’s students and teachers. Corey blesses Zion Lutheran School in San Francisco with his wisdom, knowledge, and years of experience. He is a master teacher in every regard. He is intelligent, creative, talented, and hard working. His eighth-grade students are always well-prepared for the challenges of high school, thanks to Corey’s engaging lessons, rigorous teaching, and dedication to high academic standards.

In spite of Corey’s impressive achievements, he is one of the humblest people you will ever meet. There is no task too small or thankless for Corey to willingly and joyfully undertake. He is deeply passionate about his faith, becoming a spiritual leader to the faculty. He regularly leads morning devotions and prayers and provides his fellow teachers with encouragement and emotional support.

The 2024 Early Childhood Educator of the Year is Mrs. Cynthia Huang. Cynthia is a servant-leader who loves the Lord, enjoys her job, and connects well with students and parents. She has adopted the mission of Hope Lutheran Church, Daly City, as her own. She communicates that mission in her teaching and leading and also in her contacts with the lost.

Cynthia has a passion for the gospel, pointing others to the Lord Jesus. She is a team player who knows her calling, who builds relationships, and who seizes every opportunity to witness her faith in Christ. Cynthia Huang has served as the Preschool Director at Hope since 2001 after starting out as a second-grade teacher in the elementary school. She has also served the CNH District as a member of the Early Childhood Advisory Team. We thank God for this servant of Christ!

The 2024 Administrator of the Year is Mrs. Julie Knight. Julie is in her seventh year as an administrator at Our Savior Lutheran School. Prior to becoming principal, she was a teacher on staff and truly dedicated to her craft. Julie is loved by all staff and parents because of her genuine support, encouragement, and care. She always has the best interests of the students in mind and will do anything to see their faith and education blossom.

Julie is a gifted administrator, whole-heartedly committed to her staff, the school community, and spreading the Gospel. She is a wonderful example of faith and understanding. Beyond her service to Our Savior Lutheran School, Julie has been a vital part of the School Ministry Team, a group that helps organize and run workshops, in-services, and other activities for the schools of the CNH District. We thank God for the blessing she is to so many of us!

This DCE Service Award is presented to Mrs. Jennifer de la Motte. Jennifer has served at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Turlock, CA since 2001 as the Director of Youth Ministries. Her faith in Jesus has been prominently displayed in her personal and professional life. A desire to help people has motivated her actions and her ministry. The annual VBS ministry has had a huge impact in Turlock. Her love for high school youth has left many lasting impressions and endeared her to our youth.

Jen also has been very active in the CNH District’s youth events and the LCMS youth gatherings. Many other DCEs and congregations have benefited from her leadership and friendship. It is good to honor her with the DCE Service Award.

Enjoy music from the Our Savior Choir, Our Savior Ringers, Women's Ensemble, Our Savior Brass, and Instrumentalists at the annual OSLM Christmas Concert. This special event takes place on Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM, in the Sanctuary at Our Savior Lutheran Ministries. Everyone is invited!

What: OSLM Christmas Concert

When: Sunday, December 08, 3 p.m.

Where: Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, 1385 South Livermore Ave. Livermore, CA

St. Matthew Lutheran Church will offer a special Christmas worship experience on Wednesday, December 11 at 4pm for those who are finding Christmas to be a struggle rather than the joyous, celebratory time that is often portrayed. This worship experience will be quiet and contemplative and will be different than traditional gatherings. Stephens Ministers, a trained emotional support group at the church, will be on hand after the service.

What: Special "Blue Christmas" Worship Service for those struggling emotionally

When: December 11, 4 p.m.

Where: St. Matthew Lutheran, 13880 Joshua Way, Sonora, CA 95370

Click here for a press release with more information.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Concord will be hosting a Musical Advent Program. A variety of vocal and instrumental performances for the Advent Season will be played, followed by refreshments. All are invited.

What: Musical Advent Program

When: December 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord, CA

On November 17, 2024, LWML Love in Action came together in joy at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San Francisco. Over a delightful luncheon, we united to celebrate God’s abundant blessings over the theme "Give Thanks Forever".

Over 70 Attendees gathered to sing and enjoy each other's company. Several sisters gave powerful testimonies, recounting the miracles they have witnessed through the years and reflecting on the importance of living a life that continually gives thanks to God.

May your Christmas season be richly blessed with joy and peace that empowers us to "Serve the Lord with Gladness!"

“The Lord Speaks” is a set of worship resources centered on Luke 1-2 which you can use this Advent. Content developed by peers in the CNH District; it includes sermon starters, graphics, a Scripture reading plan, and liturgy suggestions.

Go to www.SparkHelpsChurches.com to check it out.

As you put up your stockings and decorate your tree, remember to make time for Jesus during the holidays.

To print Advent Devotions from LHM, go to https://www.lhm.org/advent/.

To receive Advent Devotions from LHM via email, go to https://www.lhm.org/subscribe/.

LHM Advent Devotions are designed to help strengthen and encourage your faith throughout the Christmas season.