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2026 Pastors' Conference: Register Today
The 2026 CNH District Pastors Conference is a chance to step out of the usual rhythm and spend time with others who understand the calling. It brings pastors together for worship, theological reflection, practical conversation, fellowship, and some much-needed time away from the weekly routine.
With keynote sessions from Rev. Dr. Leo Sánchez, breakout sessions, district business, and plenty of time to connect, this conference is an opportunity to be strengthened alongside brothers who share the same calling.
What: 2026 Pastors' Conference
When: October 11–13, 2026
Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA, Housing available at nearby hotels
Registration Fee: $189
Click here to learn more and to register.
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Sign Up Today for the 2026 Joint Meeting of School Leadership
School administrators, directors, and pastors serving our Lutheran schools are invited to join us for the annual Joint Meeting of School Leadership.
This yearly gathering brings together key leaders from Lutheran schools and early childhood centers throughout the CNH District for learning, conversation, and connection. Rev. Jonathan Priest, Director of the Mission Training Center will present and lead a discussion on Lutheran Identity in the Relationships of School Life.
What: Annual Joint Meeting of School Leadership
When: Friday, September 25, 2026, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: CNH District Ministry Center (Livermore, CA)
Lunch will be provided for $15
More Information and to register: Click Here
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BALYA - Santa Cruz Boardwalk Event
Are you 18 to 40ish years old and would enjoy the company of other area Lutheran (LCMS) young adults? Join Bay Area Lutheran Young Adults (BALYA), which meets regularly for camaraderie in fun, worship, service projects, and study. BALYA is an endeavor of Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA.
What: BALYA Santa Cruz Boardwalk Event
When: Saturday, August 22; Starts 10 a.m.
Where: 5825 Bollinger Road, Cupertino, California 95014
Information: Email BALYA co-coordinators Michael McThrow or Nonso Mogor
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Coming Soon: CNH District Disability Ministry Sunday
The CNH District Disability Ministry Committee is encouraging pastors and congregational leaders to explore ways they can celebrate and enrich their ministry with the families of and the people in their congregation and community who have disabilities. Highlighting disability ministry on this special Sunday, or at another select time, provides a unique opportunity to share the gospel and enrich the fellowship of each congregation!
What: CNH District Disability Ministry Sunday
When: September 27, 2026
Where: Local Congregations
Click here for an example.
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CNH Men's Retreat - Register Today
Calling all men for the CNH District Men’s Retreat! Reconnect with old friends, build new friendships, and enjoy a weekend filled with praise, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship in the beautiful Santa Cruz hills.
Bring a friend, brother, son, or neighbor and be part of this encouraging time together.
What: CNH Men's Retreat
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: Redwood Christian Park, 15000 Two Bar Rd, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Register today!
Click here for a brochure.
| | Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations | | |
TIM Discernment Event - September 15, 2026 (Zoom)
CNH Men’s Retreat - September 18-20, 2026, Boulder Creek, CA
Joint Meeting of School Leadership - September 25, 2026 CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Pastors’ Conference - October 11-13, 2026, Rocklin, CA
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Two Congregations, One Vision: Partnering for the Sake of the Gospel
Two San Jose, CA, congregations, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, pastored by Rob Weller, and First Immanuel Lutheran Church, entered a partnership in 2023 to apply for a vicar who would serve at both congregations. First Immanuel is vacant and the vision for the partnership was to be able to provide First Immanuel with consistent pastoral care.
Click here to read more about how these two congregations have come together over the years and helped raise up new workers.
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Ordination and Installation: Song Pan at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San Francisco
Reverend Song Pan was ordained and installed as the Mandarin-speaking pastor at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit (LCHS) in San Francisco, CA on August 9. President Mike Lange conducted the ordination for Pan who entered the LCMS by pastoral colloquy. Shiu Ming Lau proclaimed the word and installed Pan who has served the fledgling Mandarin group for more than 2 years. Circuit 1 pastors and LINC Bay Area representatives joined to celebrate. All 3 language groups of LCHS (Cantonese, English and Mandarin) celebrated this new season.
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Ordination and Installation: Ellery Steffenson at St. John's, Petaluma
Ellery Steffenson was installed as pastor at St. John’s Petaluma, CA on August 8. Pastor Stuart Sultze, who filled much of the vacancy pulpit supply, preached for the service and Circuit Visitor Jim Beyer conducted the liturgy. President Lange conducted the rite of installation. Circuit 14 pastors were well represented for the installation.
Ellery and his wife Megan have four young children.
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CNH District DCEs Gather in Tracy
On August 11, DCEs and youth leaders from the CNH District met virtually and in person for the first scheduled DCE & Youth Leader Gathering of the year at St. Paul in Tracy, CA. The group connected in Bible study and through a great discussion on "Communicating with Parents and Families" led by Jen de la Motte (DCE at Good Shepherd, Turlock, CA). These gatherings are a great way for our DCEs and youth leaders to come together to support and share with each other. Being a youth leader can be a lonely job, which makes gatherings like this beneficial and much appreciated.
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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.
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