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CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

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September 22, 2026

 

More Than Good Intentions


We’ve all said it: “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” Sometimes we follow through. Other times, our good intentions never become action. It’s a reminder that what we say and what we do don’t always match.


In Matthew 21:23-32, Jesus tells a parable about two sons. One refused his father’s request but later changed his mind and went to work. The other eagerly said, “I will,” but never went. The point wasn’t about being reliable employees. It was about repentance.


Jesus isn’t looking for polished words or impressive promises. He desires hearts that are turned toward Him. Repentance is more than feeling guilty; it is the Spirit leading us to turn from ourselves and trust in Christ.


The good news is that Jesus has done what we never could. Where our obedience falls short, His was perfect. Through His death and resurrection, He welcomes sinners who repent, forgives them completely, and sends them back into the world to bear the fruit of faith in their daily vocations.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

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

 

Mengs Atsheba installed as EIIT Vicar


Mengs Atsheba was recently installed as an EIIT vicar at St. Paul's Tracy. The Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) offers a specialized program of preparation for men who want to serve as pastors and women who want to serve as deaconesses in immigrant and ethnic minority communities in North America.


Continue to lift up Mengs and St. Paul's, Tracy in prayer as he advances through his program!

The 2026 Joint Meeting of School Leadership is happening this Friday!


We will explore what Lutheran identity looks like in the day-to-day life of our schools and centers with a presentation from Rev. Jonathan Priest!


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


Register Today!

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.

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!

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

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

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!


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

Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations

Joint Meeting of School Leadership - September 25, 2026 CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA


Pastors’ Conference - October 11-13, 2026, St. Matthew, Rocklin, CA

Featured News

New Leadership at Redeemer, Redwood City, CA


Redeemer Lutheran School in Redwood City welcomes two new leaders to their school ministry. Kevin Bradshaw is the new Head of School. Kevin has served in many educational capacities, among them high school and professional coach, and high school dean of students and principal. Betty Ann Haganaeu is the new Executive Director. Betty Ann was the founder and executive director of Freedom Insight, founded and led the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and more. Both of these individuals bring unique backgrounds and skills to leadership at Redeemer!


Click here for a blog with more details.

Life-Changing Experience at Bethany, Vacaville


Paula Rush arrived at Bethany Lutheran Church & School in 2009 expecting a job. What she found was a faith journey that would transform her family for generations. After losing her father and then facing her mother's cancer diagnosis, Paula was grieving without a personal relationship with God. Through the community at Bethany, she witnessed faith lived out daily and it changed everything. When her mother passed just months later, she wasn't alone. Today, three generations of Paula's family are connected to Bethany. 


Click here to read the full story.

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.


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.

Resources

 

Board Minutes

Mission Partners

Calls, Vacancies, and Roster Updates

Prayer Requests

Ordination Anniversaries - September

Job Opportunities

Set Apart to Serve Report

CNH Blog Posts

Donations

 
 
 

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