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CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

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September 15, 2026

 

Life Isn’t Fair—and That’s Good News


We’ve all had moments when something didn’t seem fair. Someone else got the promotion. A coworker did less but received the same recognition. A neighbor seemed to catch every break while we kept struggling. Our instinct is to compare.


Jesus tells a story in Matthew 20:1-16 that challenges that way of thinking. Workers who labored all day received the same wage as those hired at the very end. It doesn’t seem fair—and that’s exactly the point.


God’s kingdom doesn’t operate on the principle of earning. It runs on grace. None of us deserves His forgiveness or eternal life. Yet through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, He freely gives what we could never earn.


That’s wonderfully freeing. We no longer have to compare ourselves to others or wonder if we’ve done enough. In Christ, we have everything we need. His grace is never measured out by hours worked but by the immeasurable love of the Savior who gives generously to all who trust in Him.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

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

Counseling and Coaching Resources


Do you ever give so much of yourself that there's nothing left for your family, friends, or you? The weight of ministry can follow you home. The conversations. The expectations. The quiet pressure to hold it all together. But you don't have to carry it alone.


The CNH Counseling and Coaching Program connects you with trusted counselors and coaches who understand what you carry. 


This isn't weakness, it's wisdom. You spend your life caring for others. It's time someone cared for you. Explore the CNH Counseling and Coaching program today.


Click here to learn more.

CNH Men's Retreat - Register Today


Calling all men for the CNH District Men’s Retreat! Reconnect with old friends, build new friendships, and enjoy a weekend filled with praise, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship in the beautiful Santa Cruz hills. If you are interested in attending and haven't signed up yet, shared rustic cabins are available. Email Steve Carpenter at CarpentersX4@gmail.com for more details!


What: CNH Men's Retreat

When: September 18-20, 2026

Where: Redwood Christian Park, 15000 Two Bar Rd, Boulder Creek, CA 95006 


Click here to register.

This Month - BALYA - Game Night


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. 


What: BALYA Game Night

When: Saturday, September 19; Starts at 5 p.m.

Where: 5825 Bollinger Road, Cupertino, California 95014


Questions: Email BALYA co-coordinators

Michael McThrow or Nonso Mogor


BALYA is an endeavor of Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA

Joint Meeting of School Leadership: Register Today


The 2026 Joint Meeting of School Leadership 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. 


Join us for an insightful discussion that will help us live out who we are as Lutheran schools and why our witness matters!


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 Now!

CNH District Disability Awareness Sunday


The CNH District Disability Ministry Committee is encouraging pastors and congregational leaders to explore ways they can celebrate and enrich their ministry with people in their congregation and community who have disabilities and with their families. Highlighting disability ministry on this special Sunday, or at another select time, provides another opportunity to share the gospel and enrich the fellowship of each congregation.


How will you celebrate this day? A special message? Prayers? Bring a friend with special needs to church with you? Be creative! Be inclusive! Be welcoming! 


See examples of past ways churches have celebrated disability ministry!


St. John's, Napa

Faith, Fair Oaks

Peace, Sacramento

2026 Pastors' Conference: Updates


Late Registration Begins TOMORROW Wednesday, September 16

Late registration for the Pastors Conference begins Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a rate of $214.


Hotel Deadline — This Friday, September 18

If you still need hotel accommodations for the conference, be sure to reserve your room soon. 
The
hotel registration deadline is Friday, September 18, 2026.


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!

Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations

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

LWML CNH September Newsletter Now Available


The LWML CNH newsletter, The Joyful Servant, 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, we celebrate all the ways LWML women are joyfully serving the Lord. Stay connected, be inspired, and join us as we continue our mission together! 
Click here

Call for Nominations - CNH District Disaster Relief Committee - Deadline This Week


At the 2025 District Convention, delegates joyfully approved the formation of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Disaster Relief Committee. This committee will serve as a vital arm of mercy ministry, coordinating preparedness, response, and assisting in recovery efforts in times of disaster. Committee members will work closely with the District Disaster Response Coordinator, LCMS Disaster Response, and local congregations to ensure that, in times of need, the love of Christ is shown through tangible acts of care and compassion.


We are now seeking nominations for individuals to serve on this important committee. Ideal candidates will be:

•    A faithful member of a congregation within the CNH District

•    Passionate about mercy work and disaster response

•    Gifted in organization, communication, and collaboration

•    Willing to serve in both planning and active response capacities


Nomination Deadline: September 18, 2026 (end of day)

Click here to submit nominations. (Self-nominations are welcome)


Questions: Email Rev. Brian Cummins, Disaster Relief Committee Chairman

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 - September

Job Opportunities

Set Apart to Serve Report

CNH Blog Posts

Donations

 
 
 

Contact Us:

info@cnh-lcms.org

OR cnhintouch@gmail.com

 
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