DATE UPDATED: 7/21/2026
 

Congregations:

 

Circuit 5
Bethany, Bakersfield, CA
Grace, Bakersfield, CA
Lutheran Church of Prayer, Bakersfield, CA
St. John, Bakersfield, CA
Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Delano, CA
Shepherd of the Hills, Lake Isabella, CA
Peace, Taft, CA
Zion, Terra Bella, CA

People:

• For all attending the LCMS Convention in Phoenix, AZ, July 18 – 23, 2026. Pray for delegates, advisors, officers, volunteers, and guests, that all would remain firmly fixed on the risen Christ.

• For the family of Ann Koberg, who was called to glory on Friday, June 19, 2026. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Sergei Koberg, who was the pastor at St. Philip, Dublin, CA, from 1963 – 2008. Ann’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11am, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 8850 Davona Drive, Dublin, CA. Please keep the Koberg family in your prayers.

• For Rev. Bill Abbott, pastor emeritus, as he grieves the passing of his wife, Sonya, on Sunday, July 5. The memorial service was held on Saturday, July 18, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carson City, NV. Please keep the Abbott family in your prayers.

• For a speedy recovery for Rev. Shiu Ming Lau, Holy Spirit, San Francisco, CA, dealing with a foot infection.

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. Lenny Szeto, Zion, San Francisco

• Rev. Michael Hagebusch, pastor emeritus

• Vicki Benke, wife of Rev. Mike Benke, pastor emeritus

• 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

• 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)

Active-Duty Military Chaplains Stationed in the CNH District​

• Rev. Jason Sluder (Navy) – Southeastern District

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)