Each of the congregations of the CNH District (a multi-congregation parish being considered as a congregational unit) shall be represented by one (1) pastor and one (1) lay delegate at the 73rd CNH District Convention, duly elected by the congregation. Plan for a delegate election and return the delegate reporting form to the District Office no later than Friday, February 14, 2025. This form should be printed out, signed by the congregational representatives, and mailed or emailed to the District Office (per Synod Bylaws 4.2.2[a]). Forms can be found at the CNH District website.

The Convention will be held May 15 -17, 2025, at Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA. The event will begin with dinner and opening worship at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 3785 Placer Corporate Drive, Rocklin, CA, on Thursday evening, May 15. Watch for registration details soon.

The theme for the Convention is “Fruitful Branches” (Pruned for Growth), based on

John 15:1-3.

Just a quick reminder that the paperwork deadline for candidate and vicarage placement from the Seminaries for Spring 2025 to be received at the CNH District office is Friday, February 28, 2025 . Please contact the district office (925-245-4000) for call document information for candidates from the seminary and/or information regarding vicarage application and minimum salary. (Ask for Glenna, assistant to President Lange.) Before mailing your final call document or vicarage paperwork,you may send a scanned copy to prescnh@cnh-lcms.org.

Ordination & Installation at Faith Lutheran - Yerington, Nevada

Steve Tomac was ordained and installed as Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Yerington, Nevada on Saturday, January 18th. Pastor Steve is enrolled in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program and recently met requirements for ordination and installation at FLC. Pastor John Scheuermann, Steve's mentor, served as the liturgist for the celebration. CNH President, Rev. Michael Lange gave the homily and presided at the ordination and installation. The event was well-attended with a luncheon served beforehand. To God be the Glory!

Photo identification: L-R: Rev. Jedidiah Maschke, Bethlehem-Carson City; Rev. Jason Iwen, Zion-Winnemucca; Rev. Bill Abbott, Circuit 10 Visitor; Rev. Steve Tomac, Faith-Yerington; Rev. John Scheuermann, Ebenezer Lutheran-Greensboro, NC, and CNH District President, Rev. Mike Lange.

School Spotlight - Ruth Sebastian, Principal, St. Paul Lutheran, Merced

When Ruth Sebastian graduated from Concordia University Irvine with a degree in business, she never thought that she would end up as a principal at a Lutheran school. Ruth was born and raised in Minnesota, but the opportunity to play college basketball brought her to Southern California and Concordia University Irvine. She met her husband at Concordia, and after graduation they moved to Merced, California and started attending St. Paul Lutheran Church. Although she had a degree in business, she felt the calling to be a teacher.

Click here to learn more about Ruth's journey to becoming the principal of St. Paul Lutheran in Merced, CA.

CUI Choir Performing at Bay Area Congregations

The Concordia Choir is the flagship choral ensemble at Concordia University Irvine. The talented ensemble of over fifty voices is known for its expressive singing and innovative programming. They will be performing in concert at Our Savior Lutheran Ministries in Livermore on Saturday, February 22 and during services at Prince of Peace in Fremont on Sunday. Everyone is welcome!

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Busch, this outstanding choir will present a unique blend of music inspired by classical traditions and contemporary works. Much of their concert features compelling music composed within the last five years. Featured composers for their 2025 program include Bach, Beethoven, and Byrd, with Daugirdas, Hazzards, Kirchner, Forrest, and Bob Dylan.

Trauma can profoundly impact how people engage with the world, often in hidden ways. In this insightful session, Kate Hutchinson, M.S., will help you understand trauma’s effects on both those you help and yourself. Explore how life-changing events like disasters or abuse shape individuals’ behaviors and responses. Learn to recognize these impacts and respond with empathy, fostering stronger, more supportive relationships. 

What: Understanding Trauma

When: Saturday, February 22, 10-Noon (PST)

Where: Zoom (link will be provided to registrants)

Cost: $20

For questions, email or call Silas Perez, silas@cnh-lcms.org; 925-245-4000.

For more information on Kate Hutchinson, M.S. and to register, click here.

We look forward to seeing you in Monterey, California, for the Concordia St. Louis Summer Conference, as we learn from author and speaker, Chad Lakies, MDiv, PhD, about "Shining Bright in a Secular Age." Scholarships are available and meals will be provided during the conference. Overnight accommodations can be arranged with local host families through BLC. Earn CEUs, enjoy camaraderie, and celebrate Bethlehem Lutheran Church's centennial year!

What: CSL Summer Conference

When: July 10-12, 2025

Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 800 Cass Street, Monterey, CA

Cost: $150 (scholarships are available)

Click here for the pre-registration link with details.