DATE UPDATED: 3/18/2026
 

Congregations:

 

Circuit 4
Messiah, Citrus Heights, CA
Light of the Valley, Elk Grove, CA
Faith, Fair Oaks, CA
Shepherd of the Valley, Galt, CA
Zion, North Highlands, CA
Greenhaven, Sacramento, CA
Peace, Sacramento, CA
Town & Country, Sacramento, CA
Trinity, Sacramento, CA
Bethany, Vacaville, CA
St. Paul, Woodland, CA
First, Yuba City, CA

People:

• For Caleb and Isis Iwen, son and daughter-in-law of Rev. Jason and Lauren Iwen, Zion, Winnemucca, NV/Christ, Battle Mountain, NV. Caleb and Isis’ baby daughter, Mavis Serenity, was born at only 21 weeks. We praise God that she was baptized before she passed away. Please keep the Iwen family in your prayers.

• For the family of Rev. Bruce Matzke, pastor emeritus. He joined the Church Triumphant on Saturday, March 14, 2026. A private family service will be held in the Matzke home. Please keep the Matzke family in your prayers.

• Terry Madden, mother to Vicar Dustin Madden, St. Paul’s, Susanville, CA. Terry was recently diagnosed with cancer. She also fell and broke a bone.

• Melissa Davis, teacher at Redeemer Lutheran School, Redwood City, CA, undergoing cancer treatment.

• For the family of Rev. Robert Hullinger, who passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. He served at First/Grace, Auburn, CA/Orangevale, CA, 1958 – 1963; Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA, 1963–1966; and Grand Lake, Oakland, CA (part-time associate), 1967 – 1969. He moved to the Ohio District in 1969, serving congregations there until his retirement in 1998. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Please keep the Hullinger family in your prayers. His obituary is available here: https://www.cincinnati.com/obituaries/pwoo1427997.

• Michael Tuft, son of Rev. Jeff Tuft, Calvary, Oroville, CA / Grace, Gridley, CA. Michael has been diagnosed with leukemia.

• For the family of Gary Pippitt, who was a licensed lay deacon at Grace, Gridley, CA for many years. A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Please keep the Pippitt family in your prayers. His obituary is here: Gary Richard Pippitt Obituary | Ramsey Funeral Home | 1942 - 2026

• Vicki Benke, wife of pastor emeritus Mike Benke, as she is receiving chemotherapy treatments.

• Rev. Michael Hagebusch, pastor emeritus, in a memory care facility in Reno.

• Rev. Ethan Gebauer, pastor emeritus, recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Ongoing prayers / various health needs:

• For peace around the world and wisdom for the world’s leaders.

• For encouragement for all at our District schools: principals, teachers, students, and parents.

• Beth Sommer, wife of Rev. Alan Sommer, Light of the Hills, Cameron Park, CA

• Rev. David Floyd, Faith, Pleasant Hill, CA

• Rev. Dr. Walter Tietjen, pastor emeritus and CNH District President emeritus

• Rev. John Huss, Peace, Arroyo Grande

• Rev. Jeff Morey, Trinity, Stockton, CA

• Rev. Robert (Bob) Rowland, pastor emeritus

• Rev. Mark Wikstrom, pastor emeritus

• Rev. David Moore, pastor emeritus

• Mrs. Christine Chan, wife of Rev. Terry Chan, Christ for All Nations, San Francisco

• Rev. Phil Scharnitzke, Phoenix, AZ

• Rev. Karl Bliese, pastor emeritus, and his wife, Nancy

• For Rev. Freeman Li, Santa Cruz, CA

• Rev. Chris DelCol, pastor emeritus

• Cheryl, wife of Rev. Hank Scherer, pastor emeritus​

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Active-Duty Military Chaplains in the CNH District

• Rev. Erik Neider (Navy)

• Rev. Benjamin Riley (Air Force)

• Rev. Joshua Schneider (Army)

• Rev. Vincent Shaw (Air Force)​

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Active-Duty Military Chaplains Stationed in the CNH District:

• Rev. Paul Sauer (Army) – Atlantic District

• Rev. Jason Sluder (Navy) – Southeastern District​

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CNH Members that are Reserve/Guard/VA/Auxiliary Chaplains:

• Rev. Mitchell Gowen (Civil Air Patrol)

• Rev. Darren Harbaugh (Air Force Reserve)​

• Rev. Daniel Vang (Air Force Reserve)