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Merry Christmas from CNH Staff
Merry Christmas! As we rejoice that Jesus, true God and true man, was born for us to forgive our sins and give us new life, we also look ahead to the new year trusting that He will continue to be with us, guiding and keeping us in His grace.
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CNH Administrators Conference - Last Chance to Reserve Your Hotel Room
Please plan to join us at the CNH Administrators Conference and hear from a great trio of speakers:
Dr. Tara Rolle, the Executive Director of the California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO), Dr. Eugene Kim, an AI thought leader and Professor and Chair of Leadership and Organizational Change at Concordia University Irvine, and Dr. Drew Gerdes, Assistant Professor of Education and Director of the Undergraduate Early Childhood Program at Concordia University, Nebraska.
Make sure to reserve your hotel room by January 2!
Click here to take advantage of the special room rate.
What: CNH Administrators Conference
When: February 3-5, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Cost: $195
To Register: Click here for more details and to register.
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Dr. Drew Gerdes To Present at the Early Childhood Directors Conference
The Early Childhood Directors Conference is set for February 5-6 at the CNH Ministry Center!
We are excited to have Dr. Drew Gerdes, from Concordia University Nebraska, as our main presenter. We will also have plenty of opportunities to share and discuss topics that are important to you as preschool leaders. Our conference is also looking to visit one of our local Lutheran Preschools. Register today and make sure to book your hotel room by January 2!
What: Early Childhood Directors Conference
When: February 5-6, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
To Register: Click here
| | Walk for Life West Coast Pre-Walk Gathering | | |
Participants are welcome to meet at West Portal Lutheran Church before the event, to enjoy some good fellowship & refreshments, then travel to the march together on the SF MUNI light rail train.
What: Walk for Life West Coast Pre-Walk Gathering
When: January 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Where: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA
To Register: Click here
Click here for a flyer with details.
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2025 Advent Devotions from CNH Staff
Each Wednesday during Advent, a short devotion will be posted, written by one of the CNH District staff. We pray that these reflections help you prepare for the coming of our newborn King! An additional Advent resource titled, "Advent Reflections: Rest, Peace, Love, Joy and Hope" (from Jennifer Ferguson) is also available! To view all of the devotions, click here.
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2025 Year in Review: Installations
Installations of new pastors are a time of great hope for congregations as they begin a new chapter of ministry. We thank God for all of the pastors who have accepted calls in the CNH District.
Here is a snapshot of some of the installations in 2025 - click here.
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CNH Administrator of the Year - Alex Poole
In her three years as principal at Bethany Lutheran School in Vacaville, California, Alex Poole has made an incredible impact on the entire school community – students, families, and staff alike. Under her leadership, the curriculum has been strengthened and made more rigorous, inspiring a renewed excitement for learning in the students. Whether she is helping in the classroom, greeting families, or celebrating student success, her servant leadership shines through. Alex Poole embodies what it means to be a Christ-centered, dedicated, and compassionate leader.
Click here for a blog highlighting all the 2025 CNH District Educators of the Year.
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The Time to Prepare is Now
We in California and Reno are in the midst of what the meteorologists call an atmospheric river. Between now (12/23/25) and Friday, the "Pacific Hose" is trained on much of the CNH District. Between now and when the major part of the storm series hits between Wednesday afternoon and mid-day on Christmas Day, here are some things you might do in case you might lose electrical power or need to evacuate. Click here.
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Family Discipleship Facilitator Training & Support
Concordia Center for the Family, a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS, is uniting homes and congregations in making lifelong disciples of Jesus. Through foundational training events, Family Discipleship Facilitators are being equipped and inspired to strengthen the marriages and families served by our LCMS congregations and schools. Called and commissioned leaders of LCMS congregations and schools, along with lay family ministry leaders have an opportunity to become facilitators through CCF!
Click here for training events.
Click here for more resources and a survey tool to assess how well you're serving families.
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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.
In Episode 13 of the Mission Table Podcast, Pastor Uma’s journey continues. In this second chapter of his story, we follow the remarkable path from the island of Sri Lanka to the island of O‘ahu — and into God’s unfolding call. Click here to listen to this audio only episode.
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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. David Chan, pastor emeritus, was called to glory on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Pastor Chan served at the following CNH District ministries: Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San Francisco, CA; Bethany, Menlo Park, CA; Bethel Grace, San Francisco, CA; and Faith, South San Francisco, CA. A memorial service celebrating Rev. Chan’s life and witness will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 1000 El Camino Real, Colma, CA.
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