CNH District - Jan 15 08

CNH District LCMS Weekly Newsletter - January 15, 2008

Rev. Jason James Bredesen Installed - Trinity, Sacramento, CA, on January 6th.

(Click on image to view enlargement.)

Reverend Jason James Bredeson was born and raised in Enumclaw, WA. He is the son of Sarles and Jane Bredeson of Enumclaw and the brother of Sarah Kvidt of Newnan, GA.

Jason has attended the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Simpson College in Redding, CA. Jason met his wife Miranda while in college and they were married on June 16th, 2001.

Jason began his seminary studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, in June of 2002. His vicarage assignment was to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, VA. After completing his studies Jason accepted the call to serve as Associate Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pensacola, FL.

In May of 2003 Jason was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force Reserve and served at various locations as a chaplain candidate. In February of 2007 Jason was promoted to Captain and will continue his service with the Air Force Reserve.

Jason and Miranda are excited to begin their new life and ministry with the people of Trinity, Sacramento. May our gracious Lord bless and keep them and the congregation in His care as they serve together in His Name.

Pictured are (bottom row): Ryan Barnes - Seminary Student, Rev. Hank Scherer, circuit 4 counselor, Rev. Jason Bredeson, Scott Ryll, Rev. Dr.

David Poganski. Middle row: Rev. Russ Hess, Rev. Alan Sommer, Rev. Bob Fickenscher, Ellis Kringle. Top row: Rev. Dan Buringrud, Rev. Paul Meier, Rev. William Plath, Rev. Dr. Paul Janke, and Rev. George Matranga.

Concordia University Town & Gown presents the 2^nd Annual President's Forum Headline - Feb. 9, Faith - Pleasant Hill, CA

(Click on image above for event "post card")

The forum, Christ and Culture Today, features Rev. Dr. Jack Preus, President, Concordia University. Presenting a clear and persuasive case for the Christian faith in the context of today's culture is perhaps more difficult than it has ever been. This presentation will explore the basic tenets of postmodernism and offer resources for facing its challenges. Also at the forum will be Can I Get a Witness? with Rev. Gregory Seltz, Director of Concordia's Cross Cultural Ministry Center. Seizing opportunities to share the Christian faith with the "I" generation.

When: Saturday, February 9, 2008

Where: Faith Lutheran Church

50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

This event is complimentary, but advanced reservations are required. Click here to register online, or email Grace Salda�a at 949-854-8002 ext. 1808.

You Are Invited to Participate - LAP Course - Concordia University - Portland "Sunday Sermon"

(Click on image above to enroll online)

Your resource for preparing sermons that are

Faithful to the text

Faithful to our Lord's calling to make disciples of all nations

Faithful to the Gospel's message of salvation for all people.

Designed just for Preaching Lay Ministers and Licensed Deacons who have completed LAP/MTC's Basic Preaching/Proclaiming the Faith class, this weekly session will equip you with ideas, insights, preachable outlines, and much more.

Bonus features too! You will stay connected with your former classmates and fellow workers in the Lord's harvest fields. You can find a group of folks who will pray with you about the challenges only people in ministry can really understand. You will find a fun and stimulating forum to keep yourself in the Word and fresh for the people God has given you to serve.

The moderator and instructor for these sessions will be Pastor Phillip Brandt, whom many of you know from Interpretation of Scripture and Church History classes. He has been teaching distance education for over twelve years and with the LAP program since 2002. After fifteen fruitful years in congregational ministry in Utah and Oregon, he is now on the theology faculty of Concordia University, Portland.

Here's what to expect:

1. A two hour online session Tuesday evenings at 6:00 - 8:00 PM PST

2. We will look closely at the text for this Sunday's sermon but also take a glance at the texts which are coming up for the next two weeks.

3. We will prepare together some solid notes and outlines which will be geared toward preaching your sermon this Sunday. The course is designed to be practical, helpful, useful.

Anyone who would like to join in Sunday's Sermons should contact Lenete Schuldheisz at Concordia, Portland. (Click here for an example of a Sunday's Sermon.)

2008 Tri-District DCE Conference - February 25-28 San Diego, CA

(Click on image to reach full conference information & registration form)

The 2008 Tri-District DCE Conference is coming to the Island Palms Hotel & Marina, San Diego, CA - February 25th through 28th. The conference them is "Exceeding Expectations". The keynote presented is Dr. Steve Arnold, Professor of Education and Dean, College of Vocation and Ministry, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Steve is noted as lecturer, speaker, author and "bridge-builder". His work has included a number of cross-cultural and international experiences of bringing Christians together from around the world to learn and grow together.

Registration must be postmarked by Friday, February 1st. Click on the above image to download a pdf of both the full conference brochure and registration form.

(Note Colors = New Information, or Event Happening This Week)

Outreach Workshop - Zion, North Highlands, CA - February 1: Learn and practice a non-threatening way to discover and address the needs of the neighborhood outside your church door in a one day. When: Friday, February 1, 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, 2008. Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 3644 Bolivar Ave., North Highlands, CA. Workshop Leader: Rev. Carlos Hernandez, STM, Director, Districts and Congregations, LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Carlos will preach at Zion, Sunday, February 3 at the 8:00am and 10:45am services. Between service he will lead a Bible study on Christian mercy. For more information, download flyer, or phone the church at: 916-332-4001.

Smart Discipline for Parents Seminar - St. Andrew, Stockton, CA - February 2

The nationally acclaimed Smart Discipline for Parents Seminar will be presented on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 10 to 12 noon at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in the sanctuary. This fun-filled, information-packed two-hour seminar is based on the best-selling book, Smart Discipline (HarperCollins, 2002) and will be presented by the author, Dr. Larry Koenig. The program has been featured on PBS, NPR in Parents Magazine, and People Magazine. Smart Discipline has been presented to hundreds of thousands of parents, grandparents and other child caregivers throughout the United States. It is the most well attended parenting seminar in the nation. Please call 209-957-8750 to reserve your seat for this empowering morning of laughter and learning. Registration tickets are $15/person or $25/couple. Childcare will be provided with preregistration as space is limited. For more information, visit their website, or phone 800-208-0807.

What A Day, What A Day! Preschool Children and their Parents Are Invited To A Pre-K Play Day! Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. Zion Lutheran School, 5201 Park Boulevard, Piedmont, CA 94611, invites interested parents and children to join teacher, Mrs. Dal Ferro in welcoming her four and five-year-old friends. Refreshments, festivites, and fun for everyone. Parents are invited to meet Zion's School Principal, P.E. Teacher, Extended-Care Director, and Admissions Counselor. The devoted staff at Zion look forward to sharing more about the personal care, positive reinforcement, accelerated academics, and Christian values that make Zion Lutheran School a special place for learning. Please

R.S.V.P. to the school by phoning: 510-530-7909.

2008 Tri-District DCE Conference - February 25-28 San Diego, CA -
The 2008 Tri-District DCE Conference is coming to the Island Palms Hotel & Marina, San Diego, CA - February 25th through 28th. The conference them is "Exceeding Expectations". The keynote presented is Dr. Steve Arnold, Professor of Education and Dean, College of Vocation and Ministry, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Steve is noted as lecturer, speaker, author and "bridge-builder". His work has included a number of cross-cultural and international experiences of bringing Christians together from around the world to learn and grow together. Registration must be postmarked by Friday, February 1st. Click here to download a pdf of both the full conference brochure and registration form.

A Circuit Convocation is coming to your area soon. Please mark your calendars! The theme for these preconvention convcations will be "Priests for the Nations". The chart below will be updated as specific location and times are given to the district by our Circuit Counselors:

DATE CIRCUIT # LOCATION TIME

Feb. 9	1	Grace, San Francisco	TBA
Jan. 26	2	Prince of Peace, Fremont, CA	9:00 AM
Mar. 1	3	Location to be Announced	TBA
Jan. 5	4 & 19	Cordova, Rancho Cordova, CA	Held
Oct. 21	5	Church of Prayer, Bakersfield, CA	Held
Mar. 9	6	St. John, Napa, CA	2:00 PM
Jan. 20	7	First, Concord, CA	3:00 PM
Feb.10	8 & 18	St. Mark, Sunnyvale, CA	1:00 PM
Jan. 19	9	Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA	9:00 AM
Sept. 29	10	Trinity, Gardnerville, NV	Held
Oct. 10	12	Trinity, Redding, CA	Held
Feb. 23	13	Lutheran Church of Arcata, CA	9:30 AM
Feb. 24	14	St. Mark, Santa Rosa, CA	3:00 PM
Jan. 13	15	Grace, Visalia, CA	Held
Dec. 1	16	Messiah, Santa Cruz, CA	Held
Feb. 2	17	Grace, El Cerrito, CA	9 or 9:30 AM
Feb.10	18 & 8	St. Mark, Sunnyvale, CA	1:00 PM
Jan. 5	19 & 4	Cordova, Rancho Cordova, CA	Held

CLA Conference - January 26. - Good Shepherd - Honolulu, HI - All Hawaii churches are invited to attend the January 26th CLA Conference at Good Shepherd - Honolulu, HI. The conference will begin at 8:30 A.M. Please RSVP to Brian Hyde at the District office by January 18th. To register, click on the following link: Honolulu.

You are invited. . .Life Journey Prayer Retreat "Windows of the Cross" - January 25-27 at the Evangelical Center, Milwaukie, OR. Cost: $115.00 per person (includes meals and lodging). Enroll online. Also, there will be new Life Journey sessions starting the third week in January, 2008. Register on the LAP website. Click here for a bulletin insert regarding the prayer retreat. For more information, email Donna Meyers.

Paperwork deadline for vicarage & candidate placement from the Seminaries for 2008-2009 deadline - March 1, 2008 (to be received at the Ministry Center in Livermore.) Minimum salary: $1,400 per month, Health insurance: $6,000 per year. Vicarage fee: $579.00

Register now for first-ever 'Jesus and Muslims' conference, April 3 - 6, Detroit, MI: The conference is designed to "raise the level of conversation, direction, motivation, and preparation for sharing the love of Jesus for Muslim friends and neighbors," according to an informational brochure. It will include plenary sessions and workshops on a variety of topics related to Muslims led by missionaries and others experienced in relationship building ministries with Muslims. Registration, which includes all meals, is $150 before Jan. 15 or $175 before Feb. 15. Students may register for $100 before Jan. 15 or $125 before Feb. 15. Online registration is available at. For more information, email LCMS World Mission, or phone 800-433-3954.

Mark Your Calendars! 2008 National LCMS Children's Ministry Conference, "Christ+Children+Community", is designed to provide learning opportunities, but more importantly to immerse participants in Scripture-based experiences focused on mission and ministry with children. When: July 11-13, 2008, Where: Chicago, IL. (Click here for registration and more detailed information.)

Gift Planning Gems by: Brian Hyde

Are you concerned about the financial health of your church? Do your ministry needs exceed your income each month? Do you believe that God has provided all that is needed to do His will in your congregation? If you answered YES to all of these questions, then Praise God!!!

To address the questions above, I hope that all of you would agree that we were sent here by the Father to build up spirituality, not better givers. This is such a simple fact, but we struggle with it and put human roadblocks in our ways which keep us from our ultimate goals. Churches with spiritually connected members are outward reaching in their communities. They are motivated, joyful stewards of the gifts that they have received as children in God's forever family actively participating in district, congregational and community activities that bring glory to God.

We have a tremendous opportunity to be leaders and really grab hold of the resolution from the Synodical Convention for stewardship renewal. We need to wipe away the old mindset about stewardship and replace it with the joy that God has given us through His gifts of love. The devil attacks us at our weakest point, money, time and the feeling that what is ours is ours. God HAS provided ALL the resources that we need to grow our faith and find the lost.

I have always heard that God wants our hearts, not our money. But isn't it true that if God had our hearts fully and without reservation, that we would freely give of all that we have and all that we are to please Him.

If you are interested in some ideas to get your congregation up and growing, give me a call and let's see what we can do.

For more information, contact Brian by email, or phone: 209-613-2125.

CEF Fundamentals

Construction Moves Ahead in Roseville, CA

by: Rebekah Milz

St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Roseville, CA, is continuing to move steadily forward with construction of their new building. The foundation has been laid and the framing is nearly complete. Completion of construction is estimated for February 2008. The nearly 11,000 square foot building will include a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, office space, and classrooms.

This project is being financed through a loan with CEF, in addition to the original loan to purchase the land. We pray that God will continue to bless this construction project and keep everyone safe, especially as we enter into the rainy season.

By investing with the CNH District Church Extension Fund, your investment is working throughout our District to provide loans to ministries like St. Matthew, while it is still earning interest for you. To find out more about the CEF ministry, phone us toll-free at (866) 452-6739 or send us an email.

CLICK HERE FOR FEBRUARY RATE CARD . . .

This N That - Noteworthy News Items

2008 CNH District Mileage Reimbursement Vouchers are now available on the CNH District Website. IRS standard mileage rates - effective 1/1/2008:
Medical and moving expenses: 19 cents (1 cent decrease from 2007)
Charitable: 14 cents (no change)
Standard Business: 50.5 cents (2 cent increase from 2007)

To make a donation to "California Fire Relief 2007,"

write checks payable to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO, 63166-9810. Designate "California Fire Relief 2007" in the memo line. Or, call the toll-free gift line at (888) 930-4438. Gifts also may be donated securely online. Updates relative to the southern California fires can be found on the LCMS World Relief and Human Care has on their website.

Prayer Highlights

The CNH District office staff has a practice of remembering in prayer the congregations and ministries of our district during devotions on Tuesdays. This week the staff is praying over these churches, and we invite you to remember them in prayer also:

St. John, Petaluma, CA; Word of Grace, Rohnert Park, CA; St. Luke, Santa Rosa, CA; St. Mark, Santa Rosa, CA.

Calls:

Rev. Matthew Thompson, candidate, has declined a call by St. John, Willits, CA, as pastor.

Rev. Thomas Windsor, senior pastor, Trinity, Gardnerville ,NV, has accepted a call by Faith, Sonoma, CA, as pastor.

Rev. Phillip Beyer, Mt. Hope, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, has been extended a call by Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atascadero, CA, as pastor.

People Concerns:

Rev. Frank Jacobsen (pastor emeritus) and family, on the homegoing of his wife, Fran.

Gary Behrens (principal emeritus, Redeemer, Redwood City, CA) and family, on the homegoing of his mother, Elma Spinella.

Installations:

Rev. Michael Franckowiak, First, Yuba City CA, installation, January 27, 2008

Rev. Thomas Windsor, Faith, Sonoma CA, installation, January 27, 2008, 3:00 P.M.

Click here for ongoing Prayer List . . .

District Calendar - Upcoming Events:

JANUARY 2008

Fan Into Flame Task Force, January 17, 9:30 AM to 1:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Administrators & Resource Teacher Meeting, January 18, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Circuit 9 Convocation, January 19, 9:00 A.M., Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA
Circuit 7 Convocation, January 20, 3:00 P.M., First, Concord, CA
Christian Life Ambassador Conference, January 26, 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., Good Shepherd, HI
Pre-Retirement Seminar for Church Workers, January 26, Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Circuit 2 Convocation, January 26, 9:00 A.M., Prince of Peace, Fremont, CA
Installation of Rev. Michael Franckowiak, January 27, First, Yuba City, CA
Early Childhood Directors Meeting, January 29, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

FEBRUARY 2008

Pastors' Wives' Retreat, February 1 - 3, 2008
Pacific Mission Action Council - February 1, 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Circuit 17 Convocation, February 2, Grace, El Cerrito, CA, 9:00 or 9:30 A.M.
Human Care Committee, February 7, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Circuit 1 Convocation, February 9, Grace, San Francisco, CA, time to be announced
Circuits 8 & 18 Convocation, February 10, 1:00 P.M., St. Mark, Sunnyvale, CA, (exact time to be announced.)
Interim Ministry Workshop, February 12, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
DCE/Youth Leader Meeting, February 12, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Mt. Olive, Milpitas, CA
Admissions Counselors, February 14, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Administrators & Resource Teachers Meeting, February 15, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Circuit 13 Convocation, February 23, 9:30 A.M., Lutheran Church of Arcata, Arcata, CA
Circuit 14 Convocation, February 24, 3:00 P.M., St. Mark, Santa Rosa, CA

MARCH 2008

Circuit 3 Convocation, March 1, time & location to be announced
Lutheran Schools Week, March 2-7
CEF Loan & Finance Committees, March 7, 1:00 P.M., Hilton, Sacramento, CA
CEF Board of Directors Meeting, March 7, 3:00 P.M., Hilton, Sacramento, CA
CEF Reps Conference, March 7-9, Sacramento Hill, Sacramento, CA
MAC Conference/CLA Conference, March 8, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Town & Country, Sacramento, CA
Circuit 6 Convocation, March 9, St. John, Napa, CA, time to be announced
DCE/Youth Leader Meeting, March 11, 10:00
Admissions Counselors, March 13, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Board of Directors Meeting, March 15, Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Administrators & Resource Teacher Meeting, March 21, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Early Childhood Directors Meeting, March 25, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

APRIL 2008

In-Service Training, April 7, Our Savior, Livermore (A. Anzalone - Brain Development)
DCE/Youth Leader Meeting, April 8, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Good Shepherd, Healdsburg, CA
Admissions Counselors, April 10, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Administrators & Resource Teacher Meeting, April 18, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

MAY 2008

Interim Ministry Workshop, May 6, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
Admissions Counselors, May 8, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA
DCE/Youth Leader Meeting, May 13, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., St. Luke, Reno, NV
Administrators & Resource Teacher Meeting, May 16, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Ministry Center, Livermore, CA

JUNE 2008