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This Saturday - Beach Hangout at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Don't miss out on an unforgettable evening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
This free event is open to youth groups in the CNH District! Come spend the day enjoying the Boardwalk, then meet us on the beach at 5:00 p.m. for BBQ, games, and worship.
What: Beach Hangout
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free — registration is required to reserve your spot
Click here for more details!
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Free Legal Update Webinar - This August
California laws and employment regulations continue to change, creating new challenges and responsibilities for churches and schools. To help Lutheran leaders stay informed, the CNH District is hosting a free Legal Update Webinar featuring Adam Treiger of True Course Law. There is no cost to attend. Please fill out the registration form if you plan to attend so that we can know who is joining us and what questions you might have for Adam.
What: Legal Update Webinar
When: Friday, August 7, 2026, 1 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Click here to register.
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Discernment Events for Transitional Ministry
Enroll in one of two opportunities to learn the difference between “interim” ministry and “regular” ministry and to discern your gifts for intentional interim ministry! The workshop is designed for pastors and judicatory leaders who are discerning a call to intentional interim ministry. Each workshop is a two-hour online learning event.
What: Discernment Events - Transitional Ministry
When: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PST / Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PST
Where: Zoom
Cost: $25 - due during registration process - pay via credit card through PayPal (no mail in payments)
Click here to register. (The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event.)
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Share Your VBS Story
God is on the move this summer — and we want to hear about it.
Vacation Bible School is one of the best weeks of the year. Kids are making friends, families are getting connected, and somewhere in the middle of all the snacks and silly songs, something real happens.
If your church is hosting a VBS this year, we'd love to hear your story. Big moments, small moments, funny moments — all of it counts.
How is God showing up at your VBS? Tell us about it (email to doug@cnh-lcms.org)
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Synodical President Election – Third Ballot
The election results of the second ballot for the Synodical President election were reported by Secretary John Sias. They are as follows:
- Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, 2,243 votes (46.3%);
- Rev. Dr. Joel D. Biermann, 2,229 votes (46.0%);
- Rev. Benjamin T. Ball, 212 votes (4.4%); and
- Rev. Brady L. Finnern, 158 votes (3.3%).
A candidate must obtain 50% to be elected. Rev. Brady Finnern is now removed from the ballot due to receiving the fewest votes. For more details, click here. The third round of voting for LCMS president is taking place now, through today, June 23. The voting will conclude at 11:59pm Central Time. All registered voters are encouraged to vote. Please make sure that the voters in your congregation are aware of this time frame. If voters have lost their credentials or have other issues, they should contact lcmspresidentvote@lcms.org for assistance.
If it is not conclusive, a final round of voting will take place June 27–30.
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LCMS Convention Information: 2026-2029 National Offering
The theme for 2026–2029 National Offering reflects the church’s call to share the message of Christ’s resurrection far and wide, across space and time: “Christ Is Risen! Tell the Next Generation.” Gifts to the 2026–2029 National Offering will directly benefit ongoing domestic work carried out at the local level by LCMS congregations, districts and others, and supported by LCMS Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry and School Ministry.
Click here for more information.
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Campus Ministry at U of WA
Do you know a student heading to campus this fall? Whether they are starting their first year or returning for another term, help connect them to the campus ministry at the University of Washington.
If you know a UW or Seattle-area college student, contact Pastor Dillon Weber (email or 206-852-4944) to help get students connected and help them stay rooted in Christ during their college years.
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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.
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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.
Mrs. Laurie Hertzberg was called into her Savior’s arms, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Laurie was a member of the CNH District’s Board of Directors from 2016 – 2022. She also served as a District reconciler. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 11am, at First Lutheran Church, 1200 Pinecrest Court, Placerville, CA. Please keep the Hertzberg family in your prayers.
Rev. Ethan Gebauer, pastor emeritus, was called to glory on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. He served various congregations in the Pacific Southwest District, as well as congregations in the CNH (First, Porterville, CA, 1989 - 1995; Our Savior’s, Pacifica, CA, 1995 - 1999; and St. Paul, Susanville, CA, 1999 - 2001.) A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, noon, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 105 Ash Street, Susanville, CA. Please keep the Gebauer family in your prayers.
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