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2026 Pastors' Conference: Updates
Late Registration
Late registration for the Pastors Conference began Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a rate of $214.
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 be hosting 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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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.
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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
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Lutheran Educator Conference!
This year we are going back to the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA!
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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CNH Mercy in Action
On Sunday, September 20, Pastor Joe Robb blessed the 120 quilts and 200 care kits to be sent to Lutheran World Relief, put together by the Caring Covers Quilters of Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, Livermore, CA. This was the culmination of a year’s long work by the group to provide a sign of God’s love to people around the world.
In addition to the 120 quilts and 200 care kits to LWR, 80 quilts will be donated to various community groups this year. All this is possible with the support of members of OSLM. To God be the Glory!
Click here for more details.
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Bay Area Pastors and Families Gather for Fellowship
The end of summer gathering of Bay Area pastors and their families has grown from less than 30 people attending to more than 60 at this 5th iteration! Hosted by Matt & Sherrah Behrens in San Lorenzo, the time together is built around connecting with one another as neighbors and friends, with no other agenda, task list, or schedule to follow.
These social spaces are also an important touchpoint for wives who do not have as many opportunities to connect (as compared to their husbands). Those who have spent time in the district have been intentional about connecting with new wives and exchanging contact info, encouraging other connections, and generally establishing friendships.
Click here to see more pictures from the event.
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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: Teacher at Lutheran School Association, Decatur, IL (1975 - 1985); School Principal and Teacher at Bethel, Morton, IL (1985 - 1996); School Principal at Prince of Peace, Fremont, CA (1996 - 1999); Director of Music, Worship, and Family at St. Peter's, Lodi, CA (1999 - 2004); and Pastor at Shepherd of the Sierra, Carson, City, NV (2007 - 2022). Service arrangements are pending. Please keep the Milz famly in your prayers.
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