By Fred Hammer, Area Director Joni and Friends Central California According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80 million people worldwide need a wheelchair. However, only 5-35% have access to one. Through the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World Program, we are changing that reality—one chair, one life, and one soul at a time. Here in Central California, our office is honored to sponsor and support partners in the Middle East and Mozambique, Africa, while o

Directors of Christian Education and youth leaders met for their annual retreat in South Lake Tahoe November 6-8. This retreat is an opportunity for youth leaders in the CNH District to come together for fellowship, rest, and a time of spiritual and professional growth. The schedule allowed time to meet in discussion sessions on a variety of current and relevant topics. Youth leaders could learn and share new ideas with one another in a relaxed and safe environment. There

Pictured (from left to right): Mitch Gowen, Lisa Mancini, Marsha Egbert, Bill Swift, Dan Truesdell, Don Busse, Deanna Sako, Bill Abbott, Mike Lange, Rob Weller, Eric Van Scharrel, Christy Wood, Jared Eggebraaten. Not pictured: Gabriel Molina, John Standley Pastor Mitch Gowen serves as pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea, Hawaii, and as the First Vice-President of the District. Now in his second term, he brings steady leadership and a heart for ministry across the

Trinity Lutheran School in Paso Robles, California recently held a week-long readathon fundraiser called “Bounce into Books”. Each day, the school hosted activities that encouraged and celebrated children reading books. One of the activities was called The Book Bistro. Classes would take turns coming to a book “tasting” activity. Students sat around a table, were provided with some snacks, and would then have the opportunity to quickly “taste” a variety of books. Each “c

President Mike Lange recently visited Addis Kidan Lutheran Church in San Francisco and preached during worship. His visit was followed by a rich and encouraging time of conversation with congregational leaders, focusing on the training and development of new pastoral leaders. One of the highlights of the visit was meeting Ms. Bazawit “Bezzy” Muluneh , the congregation’s 27-year-old children’s and youth minister. Bezzy brings exceptional organizational skills and a remarkable

MAP Training – Mission Applied Practice celebrated its 11th year as a cooperative project of the West Coast Districts to educate and orient our newest pastors to both the ministry and the unique missionary context of our three Districts. This training is designed to closely connect our pastors with all three West Coast staffs and to provide them with a stronger support network. MAP is an intentional extension of the LCMS PALS program (Post-Seminary Applied Learning). Over th