Northwest District LCMS

2025 Center for Prayer & Renewal Retreat -- Special Topic: Spiritual Warfare
2025-01-20 - 2025-01-22 | Cannon Beach Conference Center, 289 N Spruce St,, Cannon Beach, Oregon, 97110
Click here to register for the 2025 Center for Prayer & Renewal (CP&R) Retreat! This event will take place Jan. 20-22 at Cannon Beach Conference Center: 289 N Spruce St., Cannon Beach, OR 97110. You will experience spiritual development through prayer, study, prayer-centered worship, fellowship… and time to enjoy the beach! This event is sponsored in part by LCEF.
Speaker: Dr. Robert Bennett, author
Topic: The demonic world and what our defenses and resources are
Schedule: Because of this special topic, the Emmaus and Koinonia groups will be combined for the 2025 retreat
NOTE: Not mandatory, but it is recommended that participants read Dr. Bennett’s book “Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare in America.”
This retreat is divided into two groups: Phase One for first-timers (aka Emmaus) and Phase Two for those returning (aka Koinonia). The two groups will be combined this year.
Accommodations include a private room and bath, and four meals.
Register here! Limited spots available. Questions? Email cpr@nowlcms.org.
About Dr. Bennett: The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Bennett grew up in Michigan where he served as Pastor to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Benzonia and Trinity Lutheran Church and School of Reese, Michigan. Dr. Bennett holds the degrees of B.A. from Concordia University, Ann Arbor (Human Resource Management), M.Div. (Exegetical Studies), S.T.M (Exegetical Studies) and PhD (Missiology) from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. His PhD research focused on the growth of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar (F.L.M.). Dr. Bennett’s research led to the publishing of his first book on titled, “I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare” and his later book, “Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare in America.” Dr. Bennett is the Executive Director of Luther Academy and also serves Concordia Theological Seminary as an International Missions Specialist and visiting professor of missiology.

MAP Web Lunch
2025-01-21 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online Event
Save the Date for the MAP Web Lunch!
All Map-West Coast participants and mentors are invited to a special online meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from noon to 1:15 p.m. (PST).
This MAP Web Lunch will offer the chance to connect about ministry applied practice, ask questions, and encourage one another as leaders in West Coast congregations. District Presidents Mike Lange, Mike Gibson, Mike Von Behren, and your West Coast District executives will be the hosts. Join us!
Look for a Zoom link in your email prior to the meeting. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Elena if you have questions or need assistance.

Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
2025-01-27 - 2025-01-29 | St. Anthony Retreat Center, 43816 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA, 93271, United States
“Preaching Through Ministry Transitions”
All parish pastors are invited to attend a 3-day retreat in California from Jan. 27-29 (previously provided only for transitional interim pastors), which is now known as Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry. It is held at a Catholic retreat center cradled in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The theme this year is “Preaching Through Ministry Transitions.” Pastoral transitions are always challenging, and this training will help both pastors and their congregations make healthy and informed decisions. This training will help prepare pastors with the facts about Transitional Interim Ministry. Besides, who wouldn’t like to escape in January to a warm California retreat center?
More information about pricing and courses will be available soon.
If you have questions, please contact David Reinke, NOW District Transitional Interim Ministry Coordinator at 206-850-1540.

NOW Pastors' Wives Retreat
2025-02-07 16:00 - 2025-02-09 12:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square – Tigard, 9000 SW Washington Square Rd, Tigard, Oregon, 97223
The 4th Annual NOW LCMS Pastors’ Wives Retreat is coming! Note: Registration is closed. Please contact Michele to be in the loop for the 2026 retreat.
All wives (active or retired) are invited to a weekend together on Friday, Feb. 7 through Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. We will once again have our weekend at the Embassy Suites Washington Square in Tigard. Our purpose is to offer a time of refreshment, renewal, and connection with the Word and one another.
We are pleased to host highly sought-after speaker and author Donna Snow as our keynote speaker. Attached are some details about Donna and the topic for the weekend. You can also get to know more about Donna on her website: https://www.artesianministries.org/
Click to Download the PDF
Chosen-Study-Details
Donna-Snow-Bio

Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest's Annual Gathering
2025-02-23 13:30 - 17:00 | Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church – Seatac WA, 16919 33rd Ave S, Seatac, WA, 98118
Join Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest for their annual gathering on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker is NOW District President Rev. Mike Von Behren: “Sharing The Gospel Through Grassroots Ministry Partnerships.”
The presentation begins at 1:30, followed by the meeting and refreshments at 3 p.m. All are welcome!
Click for more info.
When: Sunday, Feb. 23
Location: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in SeaTac, Washington
Contact: Don Sundene, LMSN Executive Director

Concordia Plans Pre-Retirement Workshop
2025-02-24 16:00 - 18:00 | OR
Workers enrolled in the Concordia Retirement Plan pension, especially those age 50 or older who are thinking about retirement, are invited to attend this virtual workshop to learn more about retirement planning. We will cover topics including the social/emotional aspect of retirement, sources of retirement income, health care in retirement, and how to initiate your CRP pension benefit.
Join us for this valuable opportunity to learn more about retirement!
To register, click here.

Kindergarten Round-Up
2025-02-27 17:00 - 18:15 | Trinity Lutheran Christian School – Portland, 5520 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland, Oregon, 97218
Join the staff at Trinity Lutheran School in Portland, Oregon for a kindergarten round-up! Meet the teacher, register for kindergarten, and see what Trinity is all about.

2025 Puget Sound Youth Gathering
2025-03-07 20:00 - 2025-03-09 11:00 | Camp Arnold – Eatonville, WA, 33412 Webster Rd E, Eatonville, Washington, 98328
Registration is now OPEN for the 2025 Puget Sound Youth Gathering! This event is for current middle and high school youth with the theme ENDURE based on Hebrews 12:1-3.
The gathering opens on Friday, March 7, at 8 p.m. (registration/check-in opens at 7 p.m.) with games, fellowship, and worship (dinner on your own) before lights out. The fun continues all day Saturday with three meals, speaker sessions led by Nathan Schmidt, break-out sessions, games, fellowship, crafts, and worship. Things wrap up Sunday morning with breakfast and a last group worship session led by a local pastor before saying “See you soon!”
Many thanks to LCEF and LCEF NOW District Vice President Mike Madison for sponsoring this year’s t-shirts for all participants! Check out lcef.org for more information about their faith-driven financial solution services for all LCMS members, churches, schools and organizations.
Please visit the registration site (ilcpuyallup.org/puget-sound-youth-board) to download the participant registration form (youth and all adults) for distribution to your group and to fill out the church registration form once you have gathered your participant information.
Early Bird Registration = $130 (youth and adult) by Monday, Feb. 3. Regular Registration = $150 (youth and adult) by Tuesday, Feb. 18. (Prices based on date church registration is inputted on the website.)
After Feb. 18, please email Registrar DCE Alanna Davis to discuss availability. All churches will receive confirmation and invoices by Friday, Feb. 21.
Payment will be made by 1 check made out to “Puget Sound Pastor’s Conference” with the memo “PSYB” that will be brought to the Gathering on March 7.
If you have any questions, please contact Registrar DCE Alanna Davis.

Check out these stories:
Learning to ‘Sow, Grow, Go’ at the 2024 Puget Sound Middle School Gathering
Puget Sound Youth Gathering Brings Middle Schoolers Together

"Way to the Cross" Organ Concert
2025-04-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Peace Lutheran Church – Salem, OR, 1525 Glen Creek Road NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304
Everyone is welcome to attend a Palm Sunday organ concert at Peace Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon. “Way to the Cross” will feature meditative and thought-provoking music leading to Holy Week.

Free Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Preschool, 18865 SW Johnson St., Aloha, OR, 97003, United States
Enjoy a free Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Preschool. Fun for the whole family!
When: Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: All ages welcome!
Where: Behind the preschool (18865 SW Johnson St., Aloha, OR 97003)
Questions? Email office@blcfamily.org

Free Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Ascension Lutheran Church – Portland, Oregon, 1440 SE 182nd Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97233
Ascension Lutheran Church is hosting a FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Vance Park — adjacent to the church on the north side. Parking will be available in the Ascension parking lot.
When: Saturday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Who: Children under 5 only from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Children 5 to 10 may join in at 10:45 a.m.
Children over 10 may join in at 11 a.m.
Where: Vance Park next to Ascension Lutheran Church: 1440 SE 182nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233 (between Stark and Division streets)

2025 Administrators Conference
2025-04-30 - 2025-05-02 | Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver, 315 Southeast Olympia Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98684
Online registration is now open for the Administrators Conference!
The NOW Administrators Conference is for School Administrators, Assistant/Vice Principals, and INVEST Participants. Conference presentations are designed to assist those involved in professional leadership of K-12 educational ministries, as well as those training through the INVEST Leadership Development program.
Programming for this year’s conference will include presentations by Joshua Adams, Julian Petzold, Jim Scriven, Dr. Leslie Smith, Josh Swartz, and Joel Wahlers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees must register as a ‘guest’, even if you receive the message “We know you! Sign into Realm to access your saved information.” Instead, you must click ‘Continue as Guest’ below the ‘Sign in’ button to register.
Register Online Here

Click the links below to download conference materials:
Administrators Flyer
Administrators Schedule
Administrators Presenters Info
Administrators Mileage Form

2025 Early Childhood Directors Conference
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-03 | Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver, 315 Southeast Olympia Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98684
Online registration is now open for the Early Childhood Directors Conference!
The NOW Early Childhood Directors Conference is for Early Childhood Directors, Assistant Directors, and INVEST Participants. Conference presentations are designed to assist those involved in professional leadership of Early Childhood educational ministries, as well as those training through the INVEST Leadership Development program.
Programming for this year’s conference will include presentations by Julian Petzold, Josh Swartz, and Joel Wahlers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees must register as a ‘guest’, even if you receive the message “We know you! Sign into Realm to access your saved information.” Instead, you must click ‘Continue as Guest’ below the ‘Sign in’ button to register.
Register Online Here

Click the links below to download conference materials:
EC Directors Flyer
EC Directors Schedule
EC Directors Presenters Info
EC Directors Mileage Form

Zion Lutheran Church Open House and Organ Concert
2025-05-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Zion Lutheran Church – Portland, Oregon, 1015 S.W. 18th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Zion Lutheran Church, designed by Oregon’s most famous architect and the first modern sacred space in Portland, will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its building on Saturday, May 3, with an organ recital and open house. The free event, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., will also have presentations on the building’s timeless architecture by Pietro Belluschi.
Original blueprints of Zion Lutheran Church and other memorabilia will be on display during the May 3 open house. Also speaking are Pastor Jim Pressnell and Brian Fleener, an architect congregant, about the congregation’s appreciation for the building. Click here for more info.
Guests are also invited to attend the Sunday Celebration Service at 11 am. on Sunday, May 4. President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann will be the guest preacher.
Read more about the history of Zion’s building here.

Covered By Grace - A Night of Worship and Praise
2025-05-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church – Hillsboro, Oregon, 2194 SE Minter Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123
All are welcome to “Covered By Grace – A Night of Worship and Praise.” It will be filled with music and testimony. Don’t miss it!
When: Saturday, May 3, from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church (2194 SE Minter Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123)
Questions? Contact DCE Braedon Thompson.

Boeing Employee Concert -- To Benefit LMSN
2025-05-04 16:00 - 17:30 | Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 740 S 128th St., Burien, WA, 98168, United States
Come listen to the sounds of the world-class Boeing Employee Choir on Sunday, May 4. The concert starts at 4 p.m.; doors open at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. A freewill offering will be taken to support Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest.
Location:
Lutheran Church of the Atonement
740 S 128th St.
Burien, WA 98168
Hosted by The Lutheran Church of the Atonement
Sponsored by Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest

2025 YFM Conference
2025-05-05 14:00 - 2025-05-08 12:00 | Tierra Retreat Center, 12000 Sunitsch Canyon Rd, Leavenworth, WA, 98826, United States
Registration is now open for the 2025 Youth and Family Ministry Conference, sponsored by the NOW District!
Each year our district hosts a conference for Youth & Family Ministers to offer encouragement and connection and to equip leaders to do our best work together. If you are the person on point for youth and family ministry in your congregation – whether commissioned, full or part time staff, or volunteer – we encourage you to attend!
There are several new and different things about this year’s conference (though it will still be the same event we’ve come to know and love) – please review the following information before clicking to the online registration portal at the bottom of this page.
Registration Notes:
EVERYONE should register as a guest, even if prompted that “they’re recognized” and given the option to “log in”.
We are not able to accept in-person payments at the conference. If you prefer to pay by check rather than online, please select “Pay In-Person” on the final page of the registration portal and mail your payment, with “2025 YFM Conference” in the memo, to:
NOW District
1700 NE Knott Street
Portland, OR 97212
Click Here to Register for the 2025 YFM Conference

New this year – 4 Day/3 Night event in Leavenworth, WA!
We have expanded our conference schedule this year so that participants will travel to the event on Monday, May 5, with programming beginning that evening. This will allow for full days of conference activities on Tuesday and Wednesday (as well as a half day of programming on Thursday). The Youth & Family Ministry Conference seeks to provide relevant leadership training, renewal in a retreat environment, and opportunities to strengthen old and create new friendships, and we hope this extra day will allow us to better balance those opportunities.
Click here to download a sample event schedule
We are also excited to be returning to Leavenworth, this time to the Tierra Retreat Center. Located five miles outside the city of Leavenworth, the TRC is approximately 2.5 hours from the SeaTac International Airport.
Tierra Retreat Center
2000 Sunitsch Canyon Rd
Leavenworth, WA 98826
Pricing:
The regular registration rate for our 4 day/3 night event is $350. A $25 Early Bird discount will be applied to registrations completed before February 28, 2025. There is also a $25 discount available for additional workers from the same congregation/ministry and spouses. If your ministry is able to pay the full registration price for each of your attendees, though, we invite you to consider foregoing this discount by selecting the regular registration option for each attendee to help us make this event affordable for everyone. (We currently don’t have a way to opt out of the early bird discount as well, but if your ministry so desires, those could be donated back via the donation portal on the NOW District website, indicating “2025 YFM conference” in the memo field). Thank you for considering this way to support our brothers and sisters in ministry, but please complete your registration at whichever available rate is best for your ministry!
Housing:
Housing includes a room in one of the shared Tierra Retreat Center suites. These suites are set up like a hotel with soap, shampoo and linens provided. They all have a private bedroom with queen-sized bed, a sitting room with a queen-sized hide-a-bed, private bathrooms, and a small kitchenette (French press included).
We will do our best to provide each attendee with a private sleeping space in a shared suite, but final housing arrangements will depend on our overall attendance numbers. In addition to the suites, tent camping and bunkhouse beds (one for men and one for women) are also available. These are offered with a $25.00 savings on your registration fee. To help with our arrangements, if you would prefer to bring your own tent or sleep in a shared bunkhouse (bring your own bedding, with access to main lodge bathrooms/showers) please use the code TENT25 or BUNK25 to indicate your housing preference and receive your discount during registration.
Transportation:
The Tierra Retreat Center is located five miles outside the city of Leavenworth, approximately a 2.5 hour drive from SeaTac International Airport. We cannot guarantee district-coordinated shuttle service to/from the airport, but will do our best to put attendees who plan to fly, in touch with one another and coordinate one shuttle option to/from the Tierra Retreat Center. If you would like to participate in this group transportation option, please coordinate your flights to arrive at SeaTac BEFORE 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, and to depart AFTER 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8.

Theme & Keynote Speaker:
Engage, Ephesians 4:1-6
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies
Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran Hour Ministries and provides leadership and operational management for the North America region. His primary area of scholarship is the intersection of church and culture in the North Atlantic world. He regularly speaks at national and international conferences for pastors, church professionals, and scholars and has published in several journals on the topic of faith and culture. Lakies most recently served as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Religion at Concordia University, Portland. He and his wife Bethany live with their two daughters in St. Peters, MO.
This year’s sessions with Dr. Lakies:
Engage Culture
How to reach out in a Secular Age
We live in a secular age. The culture is hostile. We weren’t trained for this and we feel unprepared. We’re frustrated and exhausted in trying to figure out how to offer a winsome and effective witness. What if there’s a better way? What if we can understand the culture better? What if there are helpful strategies for better sharing our faith? This presentation will help you better tap into the openness to the Gospel that’s all around us and teach you an effective strategy for outreach.
Engage Differences
How NOT to Let Issues Prevent Relationships
Race, Sex, Guns, Climate, Politics, Gender, Religion, Ethnicity, Vaccines, Poverty, and more. Are we letting issues prevent relationships? Data shows marriages are breaking because of disagreements. Family members are disowning their own kin for similar reasons. Why do we feel as if we MUST disassociate from people with whom we disagree? How can we model and foster relating to others in our fractured, pluralistic culture that bridges relationships, even if we can’t bridge ideologies?
Engage Identity
How to “Find Yourself” in a Secular Age
Every person tells a story to themselves about themselves—THIS is who I am. We’re encouraged to live authentically, to find ourselves, to become who we are, and to stand out. We’ve been told (and often tell others) that you can be whatever you want to be if you desire it strongly enough.
What if this path is a false form of freedom? What if becoming who we are is rooted in the gifts given by our creator? What if seeking to distinguish ourselves from others in our own authentic uniqueness actually means relying on others, recognizing our inter-dependence? What if identity is not a journey of becoming who we are but a movement of recognition and realization that our callings and relationships always already establish who we are? This presentation will offer an alternative vision for understanding authenticity and identity in our secular age.
Engage the Uncomfortable
Hospitality Beyond Boundaries
Outsiders are often perceived as a threat because of their differences. Sometimes we even think avoiding them altogether is best, because we’re fear they might “infect” us or lead us away from Christian faithfulness. Related to this, our churches often fear welcoming new families or members who might not be like us (immigrants, speakers of other languages, different color skin, politics, sexual orientation, etc. – all people for whom Christ died). Our reactions to this perceived threat damage our witness and generate distrust in outsiders.
In this talk I’ll press into the challenge of engagement with anyone we might consider an “other” in the sense that they’re not “like us” in ways we often expect. We’ll seek to see our current context as one full of opportunities to give witness to the hope that we have. We’ll reflect on the formative experience of worship as God’s chosen place for us to experience divine hospitality and simultaneously be shaped to give hospitality as a gift to others, especially those outside the kingdom.

Click Here to Register for the 2025 YFM Conference

South Idaho Pastors Conference - Spring 2025
2025-05-06 12:00 - 2025-05-08 12:00 | OR
Bi-annual conference for the South Idaho Pastors Conference.
Spring 2025 – Hosted by the Treasure Valley Circuit.

Puget Sound Pastors Conference – Spring 2025
2025-05-06 13:00 - 2025-05-08 11:00 | TBD
The Spring Puget Sound Pastors Conference will take place May 6-8, 2025. It is tentatively scheduled to be held in Sequim, Washington. Registration materials will be uploaded before the end of February. Contact Rev. Jeffrey Ries for questions.
Conference Title: ‘The Atheist Who Became a Bishop’ – Bo Giertz Is a Unique, Broad, and Deep Voice that North Americans Need to Hear”
Conference Speaker: Rev. Eric Andræ – Campus Pastor and Outreach Minister at First Trinity Lutheran Church and Luther House student center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Conference Subject: Bo Giertz (1905-1998) served as a rural parish pastor, occasional preacher to the royal court, bishop of the Gothenburg diocese in the Church of Sweden, Vice President of the Lutheran World Federation, and prolific author on every subject imaginable. Speaker Rev. Eric R. Andræ will sketch the man and pastor, while focusing and merging his views on ecclesiology, pietism, Law and Gospel, the office of the ministry, preaching, Seelsorge/pastoral care, the atonement, and more, while engaging significant primary source material as yet unavailable in English. Andræ has been the campus pastor and outreach minister at First Trinity Lutheran Church and Luther House Student Center in Pittsburgh since February 2001. He is the president of the International Giertz Society and has been published in numerous journals and books in North America and Europe on a variety of topics.

2025 Northwest District GeoBee
2025-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Zion Lutheran School in Lake Stevens, Washington is excited to invite your school to participate in this year’s Northwest GeoBee! The GeoBee is a fun and engaging event that provides students with the opportunity to test their geography knowledge while connecting with peers across our district! Originally, they had set a tentative date of March 7, but are pleased to announce that the event will now be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 11 a.m. (PST). Please feel free to pass this invitation along to your teachers and staff.
The GeoBee is open to all LCMS Northwest District schools and is free to participate in! Each school may select one student to compete via Zoom. While the competition is intended for middle school students, schools have the discretion to select any student to participate, regardless of grade level. All students will compete under the same rules, as there is no separate competition based on grade level.
Click here for more details about the event and information regarding study categories, competition format, and rules.
Please feel free to reach out to Peter Martin if you have any questions.

Inland Empire Pastors' Conference
2025-05-12 - 2025-05-14 | Mark Adams, 801 Luther Ln., Prosser, WA, United States
The Inland Empire Pastors’ Conference will take place May 12-14, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Prosser, Washington. The topic is: “The Church and AI,” and it will be presented by Rev. Bill Johnson – Chief Information Officer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
Questions? Contact Rev. Mark Adams.

Unshakable - Christian Women’s Retreat
2025-05-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Living Savior Lutheran Church – Tualatin, 8740 SW Sagert St, Tualatin, Oregon, 97062
All women are invited to a retreat on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Living Savior Lutheran Church: 8740 SW Sagert St., Tualatin, OR 97062
Registration is $40 and includes a catered box lunch. You can prepay or in-person at the event. Please pre-register either way. REGISTER HERE.
The special guest speaker is Donna Snow, author of “Unshakable.” Donna has three abiding passions: encouraging dear sisters in Christ, exploring the treasures in Scripture, and traveling the world. This retreat is sponsored by Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sherwood, Oregon.
Payment can be made online here or in person (day of).

Higher Things Retreat: Baptism
2025-05-17 09:30 - 18:00 | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, ID, 83858, United States
Join us for an all-day retreat for youth in 5th grade and up on the topic of Baptism!
This event will be held May 17 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, ID 83858). Participants will spend the day with worship, Bible study, meals, and fun together. Lunch, dinner, a light breakfast, and giveaways will be included. Cost: $25.
Click here to register!
Questions? Contact Kyra: sothsecretary@outlook.com or 208-687-1809.

Oregon Pastors Conference - Spring 2025
2025-05-20 - 2025-05-22 | Living Savior Lutheran Church – Tualatin, 8740 SW Sagert St, Tualatin, Oregon, 97062
The Spring Oregon Pastors Conference will take place May 20-22 at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin. Please mark your calendars! Further details will come in March.

Alaska All Workers Spring Conference
2025-05-27 09:00 - 2025-05-29 12:00 | Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N Street, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
All Church workers — including teachers, DCEs, office administrators, lay deacons, pastors (current and retired), and many more — are invited to attend this year’s Alaska All Workers Spring Conference.
The conference will begin on the morning of May 27 at 9 a.m. and conclude shortly before noon on May 29. It will focus on the theme of Worker Wellness. Presenters will be Kevin Bueltmann and his wife, Tawn from Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat in Arizona.
The conference will be held at Anchorage Lutheran Church, but time for adventure and fun has been included in the schedule for the afternoon of May 28. People are encouraged to gather in a group and do something fun like an escape room, hiking trip, or something else. If you are traveling a long distance for this conference and need help securing lodging, please contact Pastor Erik Christensen. He will be excited to aid in lodging or any other questions that you may have.
We hope to see you all in for an awesome time of growth and fellowship. May God richly bless you as you continue the work, He is leading you in for His kingdom.

Faith Partners' Lunch
2025-06-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Multnomah Campus of Jessup University, 8435 NE Glisan St., Portland, 97220, United States
Come to the Faith Partners’ Lunch to learn what’s new at Lutheran Community Services Northwest and engage with other partners helping our community find health, justice, and hope. It will take place on June 11 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. REGISTER HERE.
Format: CEO David Duea will be the headline speaker, with updates from Peter Vogelaar, MCS Senior District Director, and Assefash Melles, Associate District Director. Each table will be hosted by an LCSNW staff member who works in the field for one of the programs.
This event is free to attend; please register ahead. Questions? Contact Becky Sprecher.

"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
2025-06-12 16:30 - 17:30 | Online Event
“Hear and Share the Next Yes!” (YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In)
The “Hear and Share the Next Yes!” online check-in will take place on the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific). Join the Zoom meeting at this link!
Ever need a little encouragement? Want to hear cool stories from leaders “on the ground” across the NOW District about how we’re raising up the next generation of servant-leaders? Bring a glass and beverage to this meeting to toast the stories shared and encourage our goal to equip Every Youth in Every Ministry with Gospel Responsibility!
Questions? Contact Dust Kunkel.

67th Convention of the Northwest District LCMS
2025-06-19 - 2025-06-21 | Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, Washington, 99201
https://nowlcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-4_welcome_video_-_convention_delegates-720p.mp4

Read the Recap from Day 1

Complete Election Results
Resolutions Grid
Elections Grid

Read the Recap from Day 2
Read the Recap from Day 3
Travel Expense Form — MUST be postmarked by Aug. 21
Additional Resources from Keynote Speaker Jeff Cloeter
DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE WORKBOOK HERE
Or click the links below to download each section:

SECTION 1 — Schedule, convention ground rules & parliamentary procedures
SECTION 2 — People – Official Acts, congregations, rostered workers, delegates (updated 6/11/25)
SECTION 3 — President’s Report, includes district executive reports
SECTION 4 — Reports – highlights active ministries in the District
SECTION 5 — Election Information – slates and biographies
SECTION 6 — Overtures – Floor Committees
SECTION 7 — Bylaws, ends statements, and governance policies
SECTION 8 — Resolutions
SECTION 9 — Financial Audit
SECTION 10 — Proceedings

SPECIAL TRAVEL OFFER: Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer NOW-LCMS 2025 District Convention attendees discounted fares. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using this link. Discount valid for travel 6/15/2025 to 6/23/2025.
The 2025 NOW District Convention will take place June 19-21 in Spokane, Washington. We gather in convention for the purpose of worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, communication of vital information, and to make decisions regarding the shape and focus of our mutual ministry.
In a world filled with competing interests, intentions, and internal motivators which keep people moving in one direction or another – and so often farther apart – what is our direction as faithful followers of Jesus Christ? What is our aim? Praise God, he does not leave us to wonder about that. His word tells us clearly. That word of God is our convention theme: The Aim of Our Charge is Love. In 1 Timothy 1:5, God’s Word not only gives us that loving aim, but even tells us from where it comes: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
We will be joined by keynote speaker Rev. Jeff Cloeter. Jeff is the Senior Pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and has worked in youth ministry, church planting, and senior leadership in his congregation. He has served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, and the founding board of Momentum Academy, a charter school movement in the City of St. Louis. He founded and serves as director of The Harbor Leadership Collective, raising up young Christian leaders through a regional internship model. He currently serves on an ecumenical council called Oikos, with the Archbishop of St. Louis and eight other pastors from the region. Jeff is the author of “Loved & Sent,” and blogs at sixthgen.com.

Vocatio: High School
2025-06-21 - 2025-06-27 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
High school students interested in attending Concordia Seminary, St. Louis or who are considering vocational ministry are invited to Vocatio: High School June 21-27 on campus. This weeklong retreat provides prospective students the opportunity to explore God’s calling and direction as they experience life as a seminarian. Get more info and register here. The registration fee is $200, which includes lodging and meals. The deadline to register is May 31.
During this retreat, participants will engage in theological conversation, hear from Seminary professors, and attend a Concordia University System college fair. Group sessions will focus on thoughtful conversation about the Lutheran faith, aspects of vocation, and the call to pastoral or diaconal ministry. Participants will also walk through the admissions process, learn about the St. Louis area, and engage in some fun and recreation.
Vocatio: High School is one of two visitation events for prospective students held throughout the year that provide a preview of the Seminary’s ministerial formation experience. Individual visits also can be scheduled and are encouraged for those considering attending the Seminary.
For more information, contact Enrollment at 800-822-9545 or admit@csl.edu, or visit csl.edu/admissions.

Emmaus Conference: The Greatness of Difficulty
2025-06-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Emmaus Lutheran Church, 2175 SW Salmon Avenue, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Emmaus Lutheran Church in Redmond, Oregon will hold a summer conference on Saturday, June 28.
Rev. Jason Braaten’s presentation is called “The Greatness of Difficulty” and will focus on how to view and respond to challenges in the Christian life. He will tackle questions such as “Why don’t I do what I want to do?”, “Why is it still so difficult?”, and “What do I do about it?” Rev. Braaten is the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola, Illinois, and the host of the popular Gottesdienst Crowd podcast. Please click here to RSVP.
The conference costs are covered by Emmaus Lutheran Church, and there will be a freewill offering.
Get more info here.
