CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

August 25, 2026

When God’s Way Doesn’t Make Sense

Have you ever looked at a situation and thought, There has to be an easier way? We naturally look for the path with the fewest obstacles. We avoid discomfort, sidestep sacrifice, and hope for quick solutions.

Peter wasn’t any different. When Jesus spoke about His coming suffering and death, Peter couldn’t imagine that God’s plan could possibly include a cross. But Jesus knew there was no other way. The cross wasn’t a tragic detour—it was the very path to our salvation.

That truth still reshapes our lives today. Following Jesus doesn’t mean every road will be easy. There will be days when faith calls us to forgive, to serve, to sacrifice, or to trust when we can’t see the outcome. Yet we never walk those roads alone. The Savior who carried His cross for us now walks beside us, reminding us that because He gave His life and took it up again, we have a hope that no hardship can ever take away.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

Do you have a story to tell about kingdom impact or an upcoming event for our district?

Click Here To Submit Content

Kingdom Wins: Bethany Lutheran

Sunday, August 17, Bethany held a special Baptismal Worship Service with a fellowship meal afterwards. Jason Pitcavage contacted Bethany in June saying he wanted to be a Lutheran. Obviously Jason's coming to this point in his life was the work of the Holy Spirit, but Pastor Philliip Kohlmeyer thinks the prayers of the faithful Christians at Bethany may have had something to do with it as well.

Click here for a blog and pics of the event.

Upcoming Events

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

Save the Date: 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

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.

Back to the Bible Summit: Empowering Your Church Through Scripture

Join Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) for a free virtual event designed to equip and encourage church leaders through meaningful conversations, trusted voices, and practical ideas around Scripture engagement and discipleship.

What: LBT Back to the Bible Summit

When: September 30, 2026, 8:00-11:00 AM PST (10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CST)

Where: Virtual Event

Click here to learn more about this event and to register.

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

Featured News

"Cars and Coffee" Hosted at Grace, Gridley Brings Together Community

Grace Lutheran in Gridley, California is hosting “Cars & Coffee” with monthly gatherings on the third Saturday. The outreach, which has been going on for the past six months, has provided Grace the platform to invite their community onto the campus and build relationships that can lead to deeper conversations.

Click here to see more pictures.

Zion, San Francisco Hosts 10th Annual EdgeCamp

EdgeCamp (Zion, San Francisco) is a six-week, summer program serving children entering Kindergarten through 8th grade, from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday. What began as a vision 10 years ago to provide a Christ-centered summer experience for children has become a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. More than 100 campers attended this year!

Click here to learn more about the event and see more pictures.

Celebrating EIIT Students in St. Louis

We celebrate with EIIT students from the CNH District as they start their year at Concordia, St. Louis. Pictured above are Tegbaru Mitiku and Pastor Tesfai Tesema (Addis Kidan) in the first and second row middle respectively. Mengs Atsheba and Joel Rockemann (St. Paul's, Tracy) are second from the right next to them.

Campus Ministry Back to School

Colleges across the country have already begun a new school year or will begin in the coming weeks. College also remains a place where young people walk away from the faith, with estimates of up to 70% of students falling away. What can we do about that sobering reality? Make sure that the college student in your life gets connected with a church home and pastor for their vulnerable college years, especially if they are leaving home.

Click here to find a church for your college student.

Click here for LCMS dedicated campus ministries for colleges all over the country.

Still need help finding a church for your college student? Contact Pastor Brennan DeForest (Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chico, CA) @ 801-910-6937 or email him. Pastor Brennan DeForest is also the campus ministry pastor for both Chico State University and Butte College.

August Joyful Servant Newsletter Now Available

The Joyful Servant newsletter is filled with inspiring messages, updates on recent Zone activities, and upcoming events. Celebrate all the ways LWML women are joyfully serving the Lord - from mission projects and service opportunities to fellowship gatherings and faith-filled reflections.

Click here to stay connected and be inspired!

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.

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.

Resources

Board Minutes

Mission Partners

Calls, Vacancies, and Roster Updates

Prayer Requests

Ordination Anniversaries - August

Job Opportunities

Set Apart to Serve Report

OR cnhintouch@gmail.com