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2026 Pastors' Conference: What You Need to Know
The Pastors' Conference will get started with a Meet & Greet on Sunday, October 11 and opening worship on October 12.
Tour de Moksa Mellow Bike Ride
Cruise the bike trails of west Roseville before the pastors conference happy hour kicks off. Start and finish at Moksa Brewing (location of conference meet & greet event). Loaner bikes available.
RSVP to Matt Behrens.
Pastors’ Wives Breakout Session
On Monday, October 12, from 3:45–4:45 PM, pastors’ wives are invited to gather during the breakout session for a time of fellowship, devotion, and connection with one another. LCEF will also host a succulent arrangement activity, giving everyone a chance to create something of their own while enjoying the time together.
What: 2026 Pastors' Conference
When: October 11–13, 2026
Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA, Housing available at nearby hotels
Registration Fee: $214
Register Now!
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Lutheran Educator Conference!
We are excited to have Ted Neitzke join us as our Keynote Speaker for LEC! Take a few minutes to watch and enjoy this video (https://vidmails.com/v/8Wuyk18gXH) to hear what he will be sharing in November!
What: Lutheran Educator Conference
When: November 22-24, 2026
Where: San Diego, CA
Cost: The registration cost is $195 and hotel cost is $142 per night per room.
Register Here: https://www.psd-schools.org/lec2026
Click here for more details.
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Save the Date: Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
Traditional TIM models are being challenged and this year's Best Practices will tackle what's next. Practitioners pioneering New Ministry Models will present live, then hand sessions to table groups for collaborative strategy-building. It's a working group, not a lecture series. The TIM Toolbox will also add two AI sessions - setup and time-saving tasks - demystifying a tool many already use. Many of your favorite sessions will also be returning! Place this event on your calendar!
What: Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
When: January 18-20, 2027
Where: CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Click here for more details.
| | Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations | | |
Pastors’ Conference - October 11-13, 2026, St. Matthew, Rocklin, CA
2026 Lutheran Educator Conference - November 22-24, 2026, San Diego, CA
Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry - January 18-20, CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
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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.
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St. John's Napa School Bible Presentations
A tradition at St. John's in Napa, California is to present Bibles to second graders and preschool students at the start of each school year. Bibles are purchased and signed by church and school leaders and then given to each of the students . The intent is that the students will then use the Bible in class for this year and future grade levels.
Click here for a blog with details.
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CNH School Leaders Meet for Workshop on Lutheran Culture
On September 25, CNH principals, ECE directors, and school pastors gathered at the CNH District Ministry Center for the annual Joint Meeting of School Leaders. This year’s workshop, “Lutheran Identity in the Relationships of School Life,” was led by Rev. Jonathan Priest, director of the Mission Training Center.
Click here for a blog with more details.
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Visit the Disability Ministry Table at the Pastors Conference
Disability Awareness Sunday was observed on September 27. Special Needs Buddy Bags will be available at the Disability Ministry table at the Pastors Conference. They contain headphones, communication card, and sensory tools. These help children with autism and ADHD feel more comfortable and be more attentive in classroom settings and worship service.
| | 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.
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LDA Expands Opportunities for Lutherans Called to Christian Service
Valparaiso, Ind. — The Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA), which prepares Lutherans for a lifelong calling to Christian service as deaconesses and deacons, is expanding opportunities for people to pursue that calling. The organization has introduced a new program pathway for people with previous education and ministry preparation and received recognition allowing the LDA to endorse its deaconesses and deacons interested in pursuing board certification as professional chaplains.
Click here to learn more.
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Apply for CNH Loan Forgiveness by October 15!
The CNH District Loan Forgiveness Program helps 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.
WHO QUALIFIES?
- A new graduate of an LCMS Seminary or Concordia University
- Called workers (pastors and commissioned ministers) to a congregation within the CNH District
Submit an application annually by October 15, to the CNH District office within the first five years. Approved applicants can receive up to three grants within the first five years. The fund does not apply
to vicars nor does it apply to those whose first call was in another District.
Click here for information and the application.
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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.
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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.
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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. Norm Milz, pastor emeritus, was called to glory on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Rev. Milz served in various roles in different locations throughout the district. A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. The complete obituary is available here. Please keep the Milz famly in your prayers.
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