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First Lutheran, Willows (CA) Celebrates 75th Anniversary

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

6 days ago

Thanksgiving: A Time to Come Together

"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

6 days ago

Celebrating the Installation of Rev. Dallas Dubke at Our Redeemer, Honolulu

On a beautiful Sunday in Honolulu, members and friends of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church gathered to celebrate the installation of Rev. Dallas Dubke as their new Transitional Interim Pastor . The service was filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of God’s guiding hand. Pastors from across the Hawai‘i Circuit , including those serving on O‘ahu and the Big Island , joined together to represent the broader fellowship of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and to pray God’s

Nov 14

Addis Kidan (San Francisco, CA) Prepares for the Next Generation of Ministry

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

Nov 5

MAP Training Celebrates 11 Years

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

Nov 3

Silas Perez Installed as Vicar at Good Shepherd, Hayward (CA)

Silas Perez, who serves as the Administrative Assistant for Education, was installed on Sunday as a Vicar at Good Shepherd in Hayward. We pray for Silas and Good Shepherd in their ministry journey.

Nov 2

St. Mark, Santa Rosa starts Pizza with the Pastor

About a year and a half ago, Pizza with the Pastor was launched as a simple, welcoming gathering for connection and community by Pastor Gary Gerloff at St. Mark, Santa Rosa. The group currently meets in a church conference room on the first Friday of each month. The invitation is straightforward: “If you like pizza and want to hang out with the pastor, come to church this Friday at 6 p.m.” Typically, around 20 people attend, sharing pizza, salads, and desserts. Beyond being a

Oct 17

2025 Pastors Conference Recap – “Rooted in the Word”

What a great couple of days together! This year’s Pastors Conference brought ministry leaders from all across the district for a time to reconnect, recharge, and be Rooted in the Word. We laughed, worshiped, learned, and shared stories of God at work in our congregations. Dr. Matthew Borrasso—pastor, professor, and theologian—challenged us with deep insights into God’s grace and the life of the church today. Sarah Salzberg, an energetic Old Testament teacher and speaker, hel

Oct 16