Reaching students can take many different forms and include partnership with the church, positive reinforcement and making learning fun. Lisa Jackson, principal of Bella Vista Academy, launched a Disney-themed Positive Office Referral Program where students earn “tickets to Disneyland” for positive behavior and personal goal-setting. When nominated, students are celebrated in front of their peers and taken to her “Disneyland” office for a special recognition experience that b

CNH District Educator of the Year – Bethany Bogle The 2025 Educator of the Year for the CNH District is Mrs. Bethany Bogle. Bethany is the only Called teacher on her faculty, and she carries the sacred responsibility of ensuring the youngest students build a strong faith foundation rooted in the truth that we are saved by grace through Jesus Christ. In her 11 years at St. Paul Lutheran School in Merced, California teaching kindergarten, she has combined academic excellence wi

Mike Newton, 5th grade teacher at St. John's in Napa, is celebrating his 50th year of teaching at St. John's Lutheran School. He was recognized at the CNH and PSD Lutheran Elementary Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on November 23. There were seven current Lutheran teachers in the CNH District who were students in his 5th grade class. Mike, who also attended St. John's Lutheran School as a student, will retire at the end of this current school year.

Each year, our CNH District teachers are invited to join educators from the Pacific Southwest District for a Lutheran Educator Conference (LEC). This year's conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona and included over 700 educators. Teachers and administrators had the opportunity to spend time in spiritual growth, professional learning, and the valuable opportunity for fellowship with other Lutheran educators. This year's conference theme was "Lift High the Cross" based on Roman

First Lutheran Church in Willows, CA celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 16 with a special afternoon Celebration Service, followed by a dinner reception prepared by the “chefs of First Lutheran.” Rev. Sylvan Finger presided and delivered the homily. Greetings were shared by President Michael Lange and Rev. Brandon Merrick on behalf of the CNH District and Circuit 12. Several pastors from the circuit attended with their wives, offering support and fellowship on this mi

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever!" Our Savior Lutheran Ministries, Livermore, CA , held Thanksgiving Eve worship on Wednesday evening, November 26. After worship, a pie social was held, which was a great time for fellowship and eating some yummy pies! Thank You, God, for all our blessings! Zion, Oakland/Piedmont , has gathered food for years and partners with City Team Oakland for many projects with them as well as other organiz