CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

April 14, 2026

The days following Easter can feel a little quieter, but they are anything but empty. This is a great time to reflect on what it actually means that Christ is risen and what that reality does in our lives right now. The resurrection is not just something we celebrated; it is something we now live in.

That’s where the words of Jesus in John 20:21 speak clearly: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The risen Christ doesn’t just comfort His disciples, He sends them. The same is true for us. Forgiven, restored, and grounded in His grace, we are sent into our everyday callings with purpose.

Your vocation matters. The places God has put you, home, church, community, are not accidental. They are where resurrection hope shows up through you. Christ is risen! Now, He sends you.

Upcoming Events

2026 Missions Conference: Register Today!

There’s a quiet lie that small church leaders hear all the time: you’re doing less, reaching less, making less impact. It’s not true. Small churches and big churches aren’t different in mission - but they are different in how they’re led. And when you understand those differences, everything changes.

At the 2026 CNH Missions Conference, we’re creating space for leaders like you -pastors, planters, and ministry teams - who are done settling and ready to lead with conviction.

Click here for a video as CNH Missions Executive Paul Ferguson shares the vision for the conference.

When: May 16, 2026, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Our Savior Lutheran Ministries - Livermore, CA

Cost: $25 includes snacks and lunch

Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026

More Details and to Register: Click Here

Conference Schedule: Click Here

Questions: Contact Renee Lawrence - renee@cnh-lcms.org or 925-245-4015

Date Set: CNH District 2026 Men's Retreat

All men are invited to attend the CNH District 2026 Men’s Retreat. Set in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains, this is a great opportunity to bond, worship, pray, study, and encourage one another as God’s men in Christ. While registration is not yet open, this is a good time to add the retreat to your calendar.

What: CNH District 2026 Men's Retreat

When: September 18-20

Where: Redwood Christian Park, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Questions: Rod Thompson – 209-914-5702 | rodthompson1225@gmail.com or

Steve – 209-602-5707 | CarpentersX4@gmail.com

Important Deadlines for CNH Congregations

CNH Missions Conference - May 16

LCMS Convention - July 18-23 (Phoenix, AZ)

Featured News

Wine and the Word: St. John's Napa Celebrates Its Inaugural Annual Event

This spring, St. John's, Napa finally uncorked a vision that had been waiting patiently for its moment. The inaugural "Wine and the Word" event brought together church members and guests for a time of spiritual reflection, community building, and pure fun. For a congregation rooted in the heart of wine country, the gathering felt long overdue.

Vineyards and wine appear throughout Scripture as images of discipleship, abundance, and warnings of judgment, and the hope was that engaging those themes in the surrounding landscape would deepen participants' faith. Church leaders also envision the event growing into an outreach opportunity; the kind of evening that's easy to invite a friend or neighbor in the wine community to attend!

Click here for more details!

Caring for Those Who Serve: Worker Wellness in the CNH District

Worker Wellness is vital for our church workers with the ever-changing landscape of ministry work. It is a priority of the CNH District to walk alongside you in the journey to become healthier physically and emotionally so you can best serve your community. No matter where you are in the process, we have resources available to help you heal and grow. Click here to learn more.

School Spotlight: Zion Lutheran Preschool & Academy (Winnemucca, NV)

Zion Lutheran Preschool is a ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, which has been a part of the Winnemucca community since 1957. The preschool has served the families and children of Winnemucca since 1973, with Zion Lutheran Academy starting in 2024. Today, the preschool has 61 children (3-5 years old), and the academy has 13 students (K-1), with plans to add a second grade in the next school year. Kathy Hageman has taught at Zion since 1996, becoming preschool director in 2025, Lauren Iwen has been the academy's lead teacher since inception, and Zion’s pastor, Jason Iwen, has been a huge supporter since his arrival in 2023. Click here for more pictures and information.

CNH LWML April Newsletter Now Available

The new Joyful Servant 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, it celebrates all the ways LWML women are joyfully serving the Lord.

Click here for the newsletter.

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.