St. Matthew Lutheran Church will offer a special Christmas worship experience on Wednesday, December 11 at 4pm for those who are finding Christmas to be a struggle rather than the joyous, celebratory time that is often portrayed. This worship experience will be quiet and contemplative and will be different than traditional gatherings. Stephens Ministers, a trained emotional support group at the church, will be on hand after the service.

What: Special "Blue Christmas" Worship Service for those struggling emotionally

When: December 11, 4 p.m.

Where: St. Matthew Lutheran, 13880 Joshua Way, Sonora, CA 95370

Click here for a press release with more information.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Concord will be hosting a Musical Advent Program. A variety of vocal and instrumental performances for the Advent Season will be played, followed by refreshments. All are invited.

What: Musical Advent Program

When: December 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord, CA

For 27 years, Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry (TIM) has hosted powerful, ministry focused conferences at the beautiful St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers, California. Although hosted by the Transitional Interim Ministries of the PSD, CNH, and NOW Districts, we also welcome all Pastors because our topics focus on current and relevant ministry challenges and how to successfully navigate them without losing your mind. 2025’s emphasis is on Preaching through Ministry Transitions.

Early bird registration is still available (before 12/13), so register now for this one-of-a-kind conference.

What: Best Practices Transitional Interim Ministry 2025 Conference

When: January 27-29, 2025

Where: St. Anthony's Retreat Center, 43816 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers, CA

Registration: Click here

Click here for a PDF with details, including links to the schedule, speaker bios, and more.

The new year seems a long way away but with all the celebrations and family time coming up, it will be here before we know it. Take a few minutes to register now for one or more courses with MTC. They have a great slate scheduled that will support your faith and enhance your ability to actively and confidently participate in God’s mission. 

Find out more and/or register to visit: Scheduled MTC Courses. 

Visit www.missiontrainingcenter.com for even more information.

How do issues of cybersecurity affect churches? What can they do to keep their data safe? Churches need to know how to protect their congregation's data. Rev. Bill Johnson lays out dangers and how to mitigate them in this timely blog that outlines two common cyber attack vectors: social engineering and phishing.

Click here for the blog.