CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

October 20, 2026

In John 8:31–36, Jesus declares, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” On Reformation Sunday, October 25, we rejoice that this truth is not a vague idea, but the clear proclamation of the Gospel: we are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, for the sake of Christ alone.

This freedom is not for ourselves alone.

Revelation 14 proclaims an eternal Gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people. That same mission belongs to the Church today. As Luther reminded us, the Word of God does the work—setting captives free, bringing hope to the weary, and pointing hearts to Christ crucified and risen.

As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, let us recommit to being a people centered in the Word and sent into the world with the Good News.

Upcoming Events

5th Annual Reformation Day Weekend

Zion Lutheran, San Luis Obispo, CA, invites all to celebrate the Reformation Day with a set of presentations themed "Faith and Culture" by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa.

What: 5th Annual Reformation Day Weekend

When: October 31, 2026; 9:30 a.m.

Where: 1010 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Click here for a PDF with more details.

BALYA Goes Mini Golfing

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 Mini Golf

When: Saturday, October 24; Starts at 5pm

Where: 374 S Third St, San Jose, California 95112

Questions: Email co-coordinators Michael McThrow or Nonso Mogor

Ministering More Effectively To The Hearing Impaired

Join a one-hour Zoom as Rev. Dr. John Reinke, a veteran LCMS Deaf Ministry leader, will discuss technology that helps congregations and individuals hear better. The session will be recorded and power point slides will be provided after the event.

This event is sponsored by the Disability Ministry Committee.

What: Ministering More Effectively to the Hearing Impaired Virtual Meeting

When: Sunday, November 1; 4:00 p.m. or Thursday, November 12; 1 p.m.

Where: Click here for the zoom link

More Info: Contact Phil Kohlmeyer at 925-586-2575 or phillip333@gmail.com

Lutheran Conference on Scripture & the Confessions

Join Lutheran Church of Our Savior for a wonderful conference spanning the time from Pentecost through the Reformation. Featuring Rev. Dr. Carl L. Beckwith, this presentation will discuss what theological movements and controversies shaped and challenged the Christian confession of the faith and how the Church bears witness to the truth. Registration is now open.

What: From Pentecost to the Reformation: The Unbroken Historical Chain!

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Carl L. Beckwith (Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN)

Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, California 95014

When: November 14; 8:30 AM

Cost: Free

More info/To Register: http://www.lcos.org

Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations

2026 Lutheran Educator Conference - Nov. 22-24, 2026, San Diego, CA

Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry - Jan. 18-20, 2027, CNH Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

Featured News

Reformation Offering 2026

This Reformation season, congregations across the CNH District are invited to come together in support of the Reformation Offering 2026. Through our shared generosity, we can proclaim Christ crucified and risen and shine as a beacon of the Gospel throughout our communities.

Visit the CNH District website for bulletin inserts, presentation slides, and additional information to help your congregation participate. Together, let us celebrate the Gospel truth recovered in the Reformation and boldly share the saving grace of Jesus Christ with others.

Sierra Lutheran Wins Nevada Girls Golf State Title

The Sierra Lutheran Lady Falcons girls golf team brought home the 2026–27 NIAA Class 2A Girls Golf State Championship! The Lady Falcons won the two day event on October 13–14 in Jackpot, Nevada.

Click here to see more pictures.

Counseling & Coaching: What You Need to Know

The CNH District Worker Wellness initiative presents a Counseling & Coaching opportunity to meet the ever-changing ministry landscape and needs of our professional church workers. This resource is for Pastors, DCEs, School Administrators, Teachers, and their immediate family members.

Join the more than 30 people who have taken advantage of these resources!

Click here to learn more.

Lutheran Deaf Outreach – 2027 California Visit Announcement

Lutheran Deaf Outreach (LDO) will be visiting California during the Spring (March/April) of 2027 to encourage, equip, and strengthen Deaf ministry across the LCMS CNH District.

Two special opportunities will be available during this visit: a Mission Festival and a Jesus Signs Workshop. Both events are designed to support congregations in sharing Jesus’ love clearly and visually with Deaf individuals, families, and communities.

If your congregation would like to host a Mission Festival or Jesus Signs Workshop during Lutheran Deaf Outreaches 2027 California visit, please e-mail Andrew Gomez, Pastor at Memorial Lutheran Chapel for the Deaf, Fremont, California.

Click here to learn more about the Lutheran Deaf Outreach.

New Joyful Servant Newsletter Now Available

The LWML CNH newsletter is filled with inspiring messages, updates on recent Zone activities, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss. From mission projects and service opportunities to fellowship gatherings and faith-filled reflections, come celebrate all the ways LWML women are joyfully serving the Lord. Stay connected, be inspired, and join them as they continue this mission together!

Click here for the newsletter.

Bookkeeper Position Available

The CNH District is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper to join our team at the CNH District Office in Livermore. We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with bookkeeping or accounting experience who can work independently and is supportive of our Christian mission and values.

Please see the attached job description for qualifications, responsibilities, and resume submission information. Feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

Click here to see a list of jobs within the district.

New Donation Available

The purpose of the donation page is to offer information regarding free items within CNH District congregations and by other organizations, which may be of interest to our congregations. Questions should be directed to info@cnh-lcms.org. All ads are manually reviewed and posted by the admin.

Click here to see a list of donations.

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.