CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

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September 02, 2025


“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27


In Luke 14:25–35, Jesus speaks plainly: following Him isn’t a half-hearted commitment. It’s a call to count the cost, carry the cross, and surrender everything. These words are challenging—but they’re also freeing. True discipleship is not about perfection, but about devotion. Jesus wants all of us, not just the parts we’re willing to give.


This week began with Labor Day (September 1), a national holiday honoring the work we do. As we rested from our labor, it’s a good moment to reflect: Am I working for things that last? Am I following Christ with my whole heart?


Discipleship is costly—but the reward is eternal. As we step into this new season, may we follow Jesus fully, trusting that His path—though narrow—is full of purpose, peace, and grace.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

Do you have a story to tell about kingdom impact or an upcoming event beneficial to the CNH District?

The 4th annual Pastors Party hosted by Matt & Sherrah Behrens in San Lorenzo was a huge win for fellowship and encouragement as area pastors and their families gathered together on August 30.


Click here for highlights.

Pastor Conference Early Registration Fee Extended


Good news! The Embassy Suites hotel for our pastors’ conference (October 12 - 14) has allowed us to extend our early registration fee ($229.00) through September 15, 2025! Therefore, pastors who register from now through September 15 will pay the early fee of $229.00, while emeritus pastors will be able to receive their registration as a free gift from the conference (you will need to use the code to get the free registration.)


After September 15, the registration fee will be $279.00 for all pastors (including the emeritus pastors). We are grateful to the hotel to allow us this flexibility. By the way, if you registered within the last few days and paid $279.00, you will receive a refund for the difference. Just a reminder, you are personally responsible to reserve and pay for the hotel room.


What: Pastors Conference 2025 - Rooted in the Word, Radiating His Character

When: October 12 - 14

Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton, San Rafael, CA

Pricing: $229 - General Admission; $99 - Spouse and Guest (Early Registration Extended through 09/15)

Register Today - Joint Leadership Meeting & Workshop

At the CNH District Joint Meeting and Workshop for School Administrators, Directors, Pastors with schools, and DCEs on September 26, Brian Underwood will be sharing information from the book, Trust, by Henry Cloud. This interesting book may be one you want to add to your reading list: Trust is the foundation of human life and relationships, yet trust is fragile—while it seems straightforward, misplaced trust often blindsides us. Even when warning signs are absent or subtle, we sometimes discover too late that appearances concealed betrayal. 


What: CNH District Joint Meeting and Workshop

When: Friday, September 26, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: CNH District Office, Livermore

Cost: $25 per person (includes lunch & speaker)


Click here for more information and to register.

Lutheran Bible Translators Announces Back to the Bible Summit

This month, Lutheran Bible Translators will host the Back to the Bible Summit: Empowering Your Church Through Scripture. This free virtual event will gather pastors, ministry leaders, educators, and lay leaders to confront the growing challenges of biblical illiteracy and inspire renewed engagement with God’s Word.


What: Back to the Bible Summit: Empowering Your Church Through Scripture

When: September 9 (Tuesday), 10 a.m. PST (12 p.m. CST)

Where: Virtual Meeting


Click here for more information and to register.

Featured News

CNH District Student Loan Forgiveness Program



The CNH Loan Forgiveness Program is available to new pastors and commissioned workers in the CNH District. This program is designed to assist newly graduated LCMS Seminary or Concordia University students, who are placed in the CNH District for their first call, to pay down their student loans. Here are the terms for eligibility:


- The CNH District is their first and current Call

- Approved applicants can receive up to three grants in the first five years

- The grant is 1-5% of their loan balance, depending on the number of applicants.

- Must submit an application annually, between Sept 1 - Oct 15, to the CNH District office within the first five years.


Click here for the Grant Application.

Kingdom Wins: St. John's, Bakersfield, Presents Bibles to Children's Center Families



On two Sundays in July, the courtyard at St. John’s in Bakersfield was filled with church members buying children’s Bibles for preschool and kindergarten students at the church’s school and Children’s Center. Each person added a sticker with their name, a prayer, or a favorite Bible verse for the child receiving the Bible. This idea came from the recent accreditation process completed by both St. John’s Lutheran School and the Children’s Center.


On Thursday, August 27, every preschool student received their Bible at the end of chapel, and with it the reminder that the church community is praying for them and supporting them. This is the first year in doing this but will almost certainly become an ongoing tradition!

School Spotlight: St. Peter's, Lodi, New Principal's Unexpected Journey Into Church Work



Brenda Plath is the new principal at St. Peter Lutheran School in Lodi, California. Click here for the powerful story of her journey into ministry in her own words.

St. John's Lutheran Church Bakersfield LERT Provides Needed Support for Park Fire Survivors


The St. John’s Lutheran Church Bakersfield LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) traveled to Cohasset, California, where the Park Fire left many with their lives in ashes. One family was living on their property in a camper, so the purpose of the trip was to build a more permanent dwelling space for them. On the way, the team also picked up a donated travel trailer and generator and delivered it to a woman who had been burned out twice and gone through a domestic violence incident. 


Click here for more details.

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.


Click here for Episode 10 (Mercy Holistic Ministry) - In this episode, Paul welcomes Rev. Berhanu Didanu and Marion Smith from Mercy Holistic Ministry in Sacramento. Discover how mobile showers, haircuts, bikes, meals, and prayer are restoring dignity and transforming lives - one neighbor at a time.

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.


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