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CNH DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

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September 8, 2026

 

Keeping Score


Most of us keep score, even if we’d never admit it. When someone hurts us, it’s easy to build a mental list of reasons not to forgive.


Peter wanted to know where the line was. “Lord, how many times shall I forgive?” Surely seven times would be generous enough. But Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times,” and told the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).


Jesus isn’t asking us to count higher. He’s inviting us to stop counting altogether. Why? Because that’s exactly how He has loved us. At the cross, Christ canceled a debt we could never repay. He doesn’t forgive us reluctantly or sparingly. He forgives completely.


When that grace takes hold of our hearts, it begins to change how we see others. Forgiveness is no longer keeping score - it’s passing on the mercy we ourselves have received from Jesus.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

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

Dustin Madden fills need at 
St. Paul, Susanville


Dustin Madden, who began attending St. Paul's Lutheran in Susanville a decade ago with his wife Nicole, is now pursuing pastoral ministry through the SMP program. It has been an answer to prayer for this long-vacant congregation.


Click here to learn more about the story.

Discernment Event Next Tuesday for Transitional Ministry


Enroll in this opportunity 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 Event - Transitional Ministry

When: 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.)

CNH Men's Retreat - In 10 Days


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.

Bring a friend, brother, son, or neighbor and be part of this encouraging time together.


What: CNH Men's Retreat

When: September 18-20, 2026

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


Register today!

Click here for a brochure.

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

This Month - Annual Joint Meeting of School Leadership


School administrators, directors, and pastors serving our Lutheran schools are invited to join us for the annual Joint Meeting of School Leadership.


This yearly gathering brings together key leaders from Lutheran schools and early childhood centers throughout the CNH District for learning, conversation, and connection. Rev. Jonathan Priest, Director of the Mission Training Center will present and lead a discussion on Lutheran Identity in the Relationships of School Life.


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


More Information and to register: Click Here

2026 Pastors' Conference: Register Now


The 2026 CNH District Pastors Conference is a chance to step out of the usual rhythm and spend time with others who understand the calling. It brings pastors together for worship, theological reflection, practical conversation, fellowship, and some much-needed time away from the weekly routine. 


With keynote sessions from Rev. Dr. Leo Sánchez, breakout sessions, district business, and plenty of time to connect, this conference is an opportunity to be strengthened alongside brothers who share the same calling.


What: 2026 Pastors' Conference

When: October 11–13, 2026

Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA, Housing available at nearby hotels

Registration Fee: $189


Click here to learn more and to register.

Important Dates & Deadlines for CNH Congregations

TIM Discernment Event - September 15, 2026 (Zoom)


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

Our Savior Lutheran School Students Among Top 300 Junior Innovators


Congratulations to James and Reilly, recent graduates of Our Savior Lutheran School in Aiea, HI, who were announced to be in the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). Both students attended Our Savior from preschool through 8th grade! James was also recently confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church. They now will be trying to earn a place among the top 30 finalists who compete for over $100,000 in awards.


Click here for more information.

Call for Nominations - CNH District Disaster Relief Committee - Deadline in 10 Days


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

 
 
 

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info@cnh-lcms.org

OR cnhintouch@gmail.com

 
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