CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

October 13, 2026

Whose Image Do You Bear?

When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” He did not invite us to divide life into sacred and secular compartments. The coin bore Caesar’s image but you bear God’s.

In a world of bitter politics, cultural pressure, and competing loyalties, Christians are called neither to withdraw nor to confuse earthly rulers with our Savior. As Lutherans, we recognize God’s work through both Church and civil government. We respect lawful authority, serve our neighbors, vote thoughtfully, pay what we owe, and speak truth with courage. Yet our conscience belongs to God and remains captive to His Word.

We will never fulfill that calling perfectly. Our hope rests not in political victory or moral achievement, but in Christ crucified and risen, who forgives sinners and restores God’s image in us.

So engage the world but do not belong to it. Serve faithfully, love boldly, and give yourself wholly to the One who first gave Himself for you.

Upcoming Events

5th Annual Dinner & Auction "Shower of Blessings"

Celebrate five years of God's faithfulness and service to the unhoused people of the Sacramento area. Mercy Holistic Ministry friends will be recognized as we enjoy food, fellowship and the fun of silent and live auctions. All proceeds support the ministry of providing dignity and hope via showers, haircuts and more, demonstrating the love of Christ to people on the streets.

What: 5th Annual Dinner & Auction "Shower of Blessings"

When: October 17, 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Town & Country Lutheran Church Friendship Center, 4049 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA

Click Here to purchase individual tickets or sponsor a table for your friends and family.

Lutheran Hour Workshop - Spiritual Conversations in Households of Faith

Ever wanted to share your faith with a friend, grandchild, coworker, neighbor, or even a stranger—but weren’t sure what to say? Join Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies for a practical, research-based workshop on The Spiritual Conversation Curve. Discover simple strategies to remove common barriers and build relationships where faith-sharing grows naturally. Walk away with tools that make spiritual conversations relaxed, real, and relational - moving you from reluctant to eager when opportunities arise.

After lunch, Rev. Lakies will share an overview of Households of Faith which builds upon the morning session including three core habits that foster a spiritually vibrant household.

What: Lutheran Hour Workshop: Spiritual Conversations in Households of Faith

Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran, 640 N Minerat Ave., Turlock, CA 95380

When: Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Doors open 9:30 - refreshments and lunch provided)

Cost: Free

More info: lhm.org/turlock

BALYA Goes Mini Golfing

Are you 18 to 40ish years old and would enjoy the company of other area Lutheran (LCMS) young adults? Join Bay Area Lutheran Young Adults (BALYA), which meets regularly for camaraderie in fun, worship, service projects, and study. BALYA is an endeavor of Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA.

What: BALYA Mini Golf

When: Saturday, October 24; Starts at 5pm

Where: 374 S Third St, San Jose, California 95112

Questions: Email co-coordinators Michael McThrow or Nonso Mogor

5th Annual Reformation Day Weekend

Zion Lutheran, San Luis Obispo, CA, invites all to celebrate the Reformation Day with a set of presentations themed "Faith and Culture" by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa.

What: 5th Annual Reformation Day Weekend

When: October 31, 2026, 9:30 a.m.

Where: 1010 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Click here for a PDF with more details.

Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations

Pastors’ Conference - Oct. 11-13, 2026, St. Matthew, Rocklin, CA

2026 Lutheran Educator Conference - Nov. 22-24, 2026, San Diego, CA

Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry - Jan. 18-20, 2027, CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

Featured News

Reformation Offering 2026

This Reformation season, congregations across the CNH District are invited to come together in support of the Reformation Offering 2026. Through our shared generosity, we can proclaim Christ crucified and risen and shine as a beacon of the Gospel throughout our communities.

Visit the CNH District website for bulletin inserts, presentation slides, and additional information to help your congregation participate. Together, let us celebrate the Gospel truth recovered in the Reformation and boldly share the saving grace of Jesus Christ with others.

Peace Lutheran Church of Sacramento Celebrates
District Disability Awareness Sunday

Peace Lutheran Church of Sacramento has celebrated the District Disability Awareness Sunday in different ways. Two years ago, they designed and created a beautiful banner with a cross of handprints and this year they created their own Bingo game – the cross. They had a wonderful time gathering together, with all the funds raised from their spaghetti meal being given to support a local elementary school.

Counseling & Coaching: What You Need to Know

The CNH District Worker Wellness initiative presents a Counseling & Coaching opportunity to meet the ever-changing ministry landscape and needs of our professional church workers. This resource is for Pastors, DCEs, School Administrators, Teachers, and their immediate family members.

Join the more than 30 people who have taken advantage of these resources!

Click here to learn more.

Lutheran Deaf Outreach – 2027 California Visit Announcement

Lutheran Deaf Outreach (LDO) will be visiting California during the Autumn of 2027 to encourage, equip, and strengthen Deaf ministry across the LCMS CNH District.

Two special opportunities will be available during this visit: a Mission Festival and a Jesus Signs Workshop. Both events are designed to support congregations in sharing Jesus’ love clearly and visually with Deaf individuals, families, and communities.

If your congregation would like to host a Mission Festival or Jesus Signs Workshop during Lutheran Deaf Outreaches 2027 California visit, please e-mail Andrew Gomez, Pastor at Memorial Lutheran Chapel for the Deaf, Fremont, California.

Click here to learn more about the Lutheran Deaf Outreach.

Bookkeeper Position Available

The CNH District is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper to join our team at the CNH District Office in Livermore. We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with bookkeeping or accounting experience who can work independently and is supportive of our Christian mission and values.

Please see the attached job description for qualifications, responsibilities, and resume submission information. Feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

Click here to see a list of jobs within the district.

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.

Called to Glory...

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.

For the family of Rev. David Bunting, as he entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The funeral will be held on Friday, October 16, 12pm, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 750 Moss Avenue, Chico, CA, with a reception to follow. Please keep the Bunting family in your prayers.