It is important to send updated statistical information to Synod’s Rosters & Statistics Department.

As of May 2, 2024, only 36% of CNH District congregations have reported their 2023 statistics. Up-to-date statistics are essential for the Synod as it plans current and future ministry efforts. Such information is also critical for determining proper voting representation at conventions.

In addition, as you file your annual statistical reports, also send updates on contact information for your current lay leaders (name and email addresses). These will be important for congregations in receiving timely reminders to participate in Synod governance through the convention cycle.

For congregations who have not yet submitted their 2023 congregation statistics, the deadline has been extended to Friday, May 31, 2024. Member congregations having trouble logging in to https://lc.lcms.org or that need other assistance can use the on-screen help or email Rosters at Rosters.Stats@lcms.org or call 314-996-1366 and staff will assist you.

Held every three years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. The next NYG will be held on July 19 – 23, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. For more information connect with your DCE and Youth Leaders or contact the CNH District Office.

More information will be coming soon.

Join us for an exciting Middle School District Youth Gathering on July 10th at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Rocklin, CA! From 10:30 AM to 1 PM, middle schoolers from across the district will come together for a day packed with fun activities and opportunities to make new friends. This event is specially designed for those who aren't yet old enough for next year's National Youth Gathering, ensuring everyone gets a chance to experience the joy and community of our youth gatherings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for them to connect, grow, and have a blast with peers from all over the district. Click here for more information.

LWML CNH recently concluded their uplifting biannual convention~ “Gifted to Serve by God’s Grace” in Redding. Everyone attending had a delightful time experiencing wonderful music, mission speakers, worship service, fellowship, in-gatherings service projects and interactive Bible studies. New officers were elected and 18 new grants were voted on. Ten of the grants are for mission projects in CNH relating to youth programs, special ministries and church schools. Your mites are investing in CNH with some unique, special mission projects. 

Click here for the latest Joyful Servant newsletter with reports on the convention, messages from LWML members, and information from the various zones.

Click here to learn more about the approved grants.

On Tuesday, May 14, Messiah Lutheran in Ewa Beach on Oahu welcomed Circuit 11. Nine pastors and one DCE and her 3-month-old son were present, and Pastor Brad Zerkel led worship as we gathered. Eight of the ten congregations were represented, and prayers were lifted for Emmanuel Maui as they await the response to the call they have extended.

In addition to the ten official congregations, under the umbrella of Good Shepherd in Honolulu, a ministry to the Palauan community is also served by SMP Uchel Naito. The Gospel is being proclaimed and the sacraments faithfully administered with joy in Hawaii!

Dr. Jonathan Laabs, the Executive Director of LEA ( Lutheran Education Association) was on Maui this past Sunday, May 19, to present the Esther Award to Mr. Joshua Rempfer. This award is presented for exemplary and dedicated leadership and perseverance on behalf of Lutheran education in times of trial or tragedy. 

Mr. Rempfer thanked Dr. Laabs as well as all the volunteers at Emmanuel who have helped the survivors in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023. Inscribed on the award is the following inscription..."And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14.

Jennifer Karaca was at Emmanuel Lutheran on Maui this past Sunday, May 19. Jennifer is the executive director of the Maui nonprofit Common Ground Collective and has been honored with the Hawai’i Lions Humanitarian of the Year Award for her community work in the wake of the Maui wildfires. 

Since the Maui wildfires on August 8, Common Ground Collective helped provide 230,000 meals and 15,000 produce boxes to those affected by the Maui Wildfires. The president of Emmanuel Lutheran, Leif Sjostrand, presented her with a $50,000 check to help support their work.  Emmanuel is dedicated to being a good steward of the many donations they have received to help Maui Wildfire survivors.

Since 2012, St. John’s Lutheran School in Napa, California has been holding a Middle School Triathlon (grades 6-8). Students swim 300 yards at a local pool, then ride 5 miles through the neighborhood adjacent to the school, and then finish with a 2-mile run on the school track. A huge number of parent and community volunteers help make this event possible. The goal of the triathlon is to promote fitness and provide a challenging activity where students can find success. Although they do recognize the top male and female finishers, St. John’s emphasizes the main purpose is for students to just finish and do the best they can.

On May 15, staff, students, Board members, and other supporters of Sierra Lutheran High School in Carson City, Nevada were on hand for the ground breaking on a new addition to their campus. This new addition will include a 14,000 square foot, two-story building with seven classrooms and a 6000 square foot multi-purpose room for school productions, large gatherings, and a place for students to meet and eat lunch. Sierra Lutheran High School is the only high school in the CNH District and has a staff of 22 serving a current enrollment of 152 students.

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.

Workshop:

• Each workshop is a two-hour online learning event.

Dates and Registration: (select one)

• Monday, June 10, 2024, 10 am PT (12:00 pm CT)
• Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024, 10 am PT (12:00 pm CT)

Fee:

• $25.00 – due at registration (no mail in payments).
• Pay via credit card through PayPal at the end of the registration process.
• The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event

Click here to register.

A minimum of 5 registrants is required to offer each event.

A Continuing Education Opportunity is available for pastors. Dr. David Schmitt of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will be leading six sessions with the theme of Exploring the Value of the Art for Preaching.

What: Craft of Preaching Workshop - Exploring the Value of the Art for Preaching

Where: 3505 S. Town Center Dr., Las Vegas, NV

When: July 11-13

For Details and To Register: Click here

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. We will still continue to send a Flash for pastors and called workers as well.

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Click here for our 2020-2022 Sermon Series

Click here for the Monthly Set Apart to Serve (SAS) Report (April/May 2024)