The 2026 Missions Conference is happening on May 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Ministries in Livermore, CA. If you haven’t registered yet (deadline is May 1), here are 10 reasons to join us! 10. It's been years and the conference is back.  After several years away, the CNH Missions Conference is returning, making this a significant gathering for the district. 9. It's affordable and all-inclusive.  At just $25 — covering snacks and lunch — it's an exceptional value for a full day

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Missions Conference for a day of renewal, connection, and vision. After several years away, the CNH Missions Conference is back, and registration is now open! 10 Reasons to Attend the Missions Conference Date:  May 16, 2026  Time:  9:00 am – 3:00 pm  Location:  Our Savior Lutheran Ministries - Livermore, CA ( MAP )  Cost:  $25 includes snacks and lunch  Schedule: Click Here Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026 Questions: Contact Renee

It was years in the making though delayed by a pandemic and postponed by the busy rhythms of congregational life, but this spring, St. John's, Napa finally uncorked a vision that had been waiting patiently for its moment. The inaugural "Wine and the Word" event brought together church members and guests for a time of spiritual reflection, community building, and pure fun. For a congregation rooted in the heart of wine country, the gathering felt long overdue.  "We just felt t

What does an Elko City police officer and a Lutheran pastor have in common? In the case of Jake Eisinger, they are one and the same person. Jake Eisinger has served as a police officer for the City of Elko (Nevada) for the past 16 years. He also is now the pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Elko, Nevada. Jake grew up in Elko as a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. His father, Alan Eisinger, was pastor at St. Mark from 1994-2003. He left Elko in 2003 after joining th

We witnessed the baptism of Randa—a woman currently battling a serious illness. Over the past few weeks, Pastor Muluneh Taye had the privilege of walking with her through conversations and basic teaching about the faith. At one point, she asked me a question I won’t forget: “Is there anything that would prevent me from being baptized?” And the answer was clear—nothing. What made this even more beautiful was how it came together. As an Ethiopian pastor serving in an Anglo cong

Messiah, Ewa Beach is growing under Pastor Uma with the recent addition of new members, baptisms, adult bible studies and children's (keike) messages. We thank God for the continued work at Messiah!

The Bay Area CNH FiveTwo Summit was a reminder of why collaborative leadership matters. Over 20 congregations and 115 leaders gathered in one room on Saturday with a shared purpose: to think boldly about the future of ministry and to discern how each congregation can faithfully proclaim the Gospel in its own corner of the world.  The conversations were honest. The ideas were creative. The prayers were sincere.  Pastors, lay leaders, and ministry teams were not just asking, "H

Originally from Chicago, Cassie Rivkin has spent the past two decades serving alongside her husband Rev. Dr. Dominic Rivkin in a wide range of ministry contexts—from church planting in Southern California to leadership development across the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS. Her experience in building teams, supporting leaders, and nurturing mission-focused communities brings both depth and energy to this role.   A lifelong member of the LCMS, her understanding of missi

SAVE THE DATE Reimagine Your Future Summit Led by Bill Woolsey from FiveTwo Network February 28, 2026, 9am - 3pm St. Paul's Lutheran Church 1635 Chester Dr. Tracy, CA 95376 Join us for a free 6-hour gathering that equips church teams to discover their current reality and thrive for generations to come. The Registration Deadline is February 23 . The Summit is designed for you to work with your staff  and lay leaders  to Reimagine the Future of your congregation, especially in

Get to Know Your Community with the Mission Insite Demographics Tools The more we understand those who live in our neighborhoods and communities, the more we increase our likelihood of succeeding with our invitation both personally and collectively as a congregation or school. As we understand who we are serving, we can tailor a ministry plan around their needs. The truth of God’s word and the Gospel message never change, however our packaging or style or approach to sharing

Imagine turning the key to your very first home—and finding it empty. No bed to sink into after a long day. No towel after a shower. No dishes to cook a first meal. For many people moving out of chronic homelessness, this is what a “fresh start” can look like without the support of a caring community. Over the next few months, Lutheran Social Services of Northern California (LSS)  will welcome more than 220 of our Sacramento-area neighbors into brand-new, permanent homes—noth

In this episode of the Mission Table Podcast we join Pastor Nathan Linehan onsite at First Lutheran Church, Yuba City, CA to experience first hand their Friday morning food giveaway. Food for the Soul Friday has served thousands over the years through a simple partnership with their local food bank and a church who desires to feed people both physically and spiritually. First Lutheran Church - Yuba City, CA - https://flcyc.org/

Advent greetings from the CNH District staff! Each Wednesday during Advent, we will post a short devotion to you, written by one of our staff members. We pray that these reflections help you prepare for the coming of our newborn King! For additional Advent resources, please read Advent Reflections: Rest, Peace, Love, Joy and Hope from Jennifer Ferguson. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  For BEHOLD , darkness shall cover the

The mission of the Church continues to unfold across the globe, carried forward by faithful workers who bring the Gospel to people in every corner of God’s creation. The CNH District is blessed to be connected with several LCMS missionaries serving in a variety of contexts worldwide. Alongside these long-term workers, new opportunities continue to open for both laypeople and pastors interested in serving—whether for a few weeks or for many years. Below is an overview of some

Across the CNH District, the year was shaped by a shared theme of connection—between congregations, schools, leaders, and communities—as God’s people gathered, were sent, and served together. Mission was lived out through presence, compassion, and creativity, as ministries sought to meet real needs, build trust, and form authentic relationships that reflect Christ’s love across cultures and generations. Leadership and calling were central throughout the year. Ordinations, ins

Bay Area Lutheran Young Adults, known as BALYA, began several years ago with a simple but meaningful vision: to help young adult Lutherans in the Bay Area find one another and grow together in faith and community. What started as a joint effort between First Immanuel Lutheran Church in San Jose and Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Cupertino was shaped by the leadership and collaboration of Pastor John Bestul, Pastor Isaac Schuller ( now a pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Bren

Pastor Uma’s journey continues. In this second chapter of his story, we follow the remarkable path from the island of Sri Lanka to the island of O‘ahu — and into God’s unfolding call. Pastor Uma shares how faith, perseverance, and the global Church shaped his journey, and how God called him to serve as pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach. It’s a powerful story of migration, mission, and what it looks like when the Gospel takes root across cultures, oceans, and comm

2025 marked our 73rd District Convention, held this year in Sacramento.  The Convention included the re-elections of District President Michael Lange and Rev. Mitchell Gowen (Our Savior, Aiea, HI) as First Vice President, along with the rest of the board and resolutions. Cindy Steinbeck also shared thoughtful video reflections, offering encouragement and insight into our collective journey of faith and service. Prior to the Convention, a welcome dinner and worship service was

"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

The Mission Table , where we pull up a chair with everyday leaders doing extraordinary things for the sake of the Gospel. Today’s story is one that spans continents, cultures, and the unmistakable fingerprints of God’s grace. We’re joined by Pastor Uma, the newly installed pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i. His journey is nothing short of remarkable—born and raised in Sri Lanka in a Hindu family, shaped by years spent as a refugee in Liberia, and ultimat