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Bay Area Lutheran Young Adults Go Bowling
Are you 18 to 40'ish 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.
What: Bowling with BALYA
When: December 6
Where: Cupertino, CA
Info: Contact BALYA co-coordinators Michael McThrow or Nonso Mogor
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Free Christmas Concert - All Are Welcome
All are welcome to join Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, Livermore, for a free Christmas concert, with music from the Our Savior Choir, Our Savior Ringers, Women's Ensemble, Our Savior Brass, and Instrumentalists.
What: Free Christmas Concert
When: December 07, 3 p.m.
Where: OSLM, 1385 S. Livermore, Ave. Livermore, CA 94550
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Blue Christmas Service
St. Matthew Lutheran Church will offer a special Christmas worship experience. All are invited to this community event that spreads the Word of Christ to people who might be struggling with grief, loss, or sadness at this holiday season.
What: Special "Blue Christmas" Worship Service for those struggling emotionally
When: December 10, 4 p.m.
Where: St. Matthew Lutheran, 13880 Joshua Way, Sonora, CA 95370
More Info: Call 209-532-4639 or visit stmatthewchurchsonora.org
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Registration is Open for the Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
Join us for a weekend designed to encourage, equip, and energize leaders navigating ministry in times of change. The Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry gathering offers practical tools, honest conversations, and shared wisdom to help you see new possibilities where challenges feel overwhelming. Come ready to learn, connect, and return home with renewed hope for the work God is doing in your church and community.
What: Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
When: January 19-21, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Click here for a blog with more details.
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Save the Date: CNH District's Pastors' Wives Retreat
More than ever, we are aware of the blessings of having a pastor who is active, healthy, and available in our congregations. Encourage your pastor’s wife to attend this year’s CNH District's Pastors' Wives Retreat - this retreat is a chance for her to join with other ministry wives at this annual retreat which provides rest, community, friendship, and important connections with other wives.
What: CNH District's Pastors' Wives Retreat
When: January 30 - February 1, 2026
Where: San Juan Bautista, CA
Cost: $350
Questions: Email the retreat planning team at CNHpastorswives@gmail.com.
We don’t want anyone to be left out because of finances. Should your congregation be experiencing limitations that hamper this, please contact our office.
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2026 CNH Administrators Conference
We are excited to have some special guests and presenters join us: Dr. Tara Rolle from CAPSO, Dr. Eugene Kim from Concordia University Irvine, and Dr. Drew Gerdes from Concordia University Nebraska!
Date: February 3-5, 2026
Location: CNH Ministry Center
Cost: $195
What: CNH Administrators Conference
When: February 3-5, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Cost: $195
Click here for more details and to register.
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2026 Early Child Directors Conference: Gather & Grow
If you are a preschool director in the CNH District, you are invited to participate in our annual Early Childhood Directors Conference.
We are excited to have Dr. Drew Gerdes, from Concordia University Nebraska, as our main presenter. We will also have plenty of opportunity to share and discuss topics that are important to preschool leaders.
What: Early Child Directors Conference: Gather & Grow
When: February 5-6, 2026
Where: CNH Ministry Center
Cost: $175 (includes two meals, materials and program)
Click here for more details and to register.
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School Spotlight: Year In Review
From creative classroom celebrations to bold campus expansions, these stories offer an inspiring look back on a year in ministry across our Lutheran schools. Principals are motivating students with Disney-themed recognition programs, schools are igniting a passion for reading through interactive readathons, and young leaders are stepping forward to lead worship with confidence and joy. Congregations are strengthening faith foundations by gifting personalized Bibles to children, while campuses are growing with new buildings and expanded child care programs. And in a powerful full-circle moment, alumni are returning to serve the next generation. Discover how Lutheran education is changing lives every day.
Click here.
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First Lutheran Church, Willows, CA, Celebrates 75th Anniversary
First Lutheran Church in Willows, CA celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 16 with a special afternoon Celebration Service, followed by a dinner reception prepared by the “chefs of First Lutheran.” Rev. Sylvan Finger presided and delivered the homily. Greetings were shared by President Michael Lange and Rev. Brandon Merrick on behalf of the CNH District and Circuit 12. Several pastors from the circuit attended with their wives, offering support and fellowship on this milestone occasion. Special thanks go to Amy Beth Finger for her exceptional work in organizing the event and coordinating the invitations. It was a memorable day of gratitude, reflection, and celebration of God’s faithfulness over 75 years.
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Kingdom Wins: Trinity Lutheran Church and School Celebrates Confirmation Sunday
Trinity Lutheran Church and School of Wahiawa, Hawaii celebrated a joyous November Confirmation Sunday. On November 23, a beautiful Hawaiian morning, Pastor Stephen Becker confirmed the baptisms of Claire, Brandon, and James through the Rite of Confirmation on Christ the King Sunday.
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Thanksgiving Celebrations
Around the CNH district, some congregations hosted a Thanksgiving service, providing an opportunity for fellowship and to connect with their communities on a different level. Here are some photos of these wonderful events. And if you had a Thanksgiving service as well, send us your photos - we'd be thankful for them! Click here.
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New Podcast Just Dropped - Mission Table Podcast (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.
In Episode 12 of the Mission Table Podcast, we were joined by Pastor Uma, the newly installed pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i. His journey is nothing short of remarkable - born and raised in Sri Lanka in a Hindu family, shaped by years spent as a refugee in Liberia, and ultimately led by the Holy Spirit to faith in Jesus Christ and a call into pastoral ministry here in the United States.
Click here to listen to this audio only episode that tells the story of courage, resilience and how God brings people from the ends of the earth to exactly where they’re needed for such a time as this!
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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.
For the family of Janice Barnhart, as she gained her greatest triumph – heaven – on Saturday, November 15. She was the wife of Rev. Jerry Barnhart, who passed away in October 2023.
For the Bernita Brewer family, as she was called to glory in August 2025. She was the wife of Rev. Richard Brewer, who passed away in July 2021. Bernita’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2pm, at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA.
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