Higher Things Retreat: Baptism
2025-05-17 09:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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, 2025-07-10 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-14 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-11 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-10-09 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-11-13 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.

2025 LCMS Youth Gathering
2025-07-19 - 2025-07-23 | Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., New Orleans, LA, 70112, United States
Mark your calendars for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering July 19-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana! The theme is “ENDURE” and is centered around Hebrews 12:1–3.
Registration is closed for the special NOW District event on Monday, July 21, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the local aquarium. Participants will enjoy dinner, a scavenger hunt, and time to explore the aquarium. We look forward to seeing everyone in New Orleans!
Because you asked! There have been some who have asked if it would be possible to purchase a NOW District youth gathering shirt only. You can! The registration form will be open until July 11 at 4 p.m. (PDT), and the price per shirt will be $12. Amy Schweim will bring your shirts to NOLA, and they will be available for pick up at the convention center in the West-Southwest zone. If you have questions regarding the shirts or pick up, please contact Amy. Please direct any questions regarding the website to Kelsie at the NOW District Office.
About the Gathering: Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith, and their Lutheran identity. During the five days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service, and fellowship with others from across the synod. This event is organized by LCMS Youth Ministry in St. Louis.
Amy Schweim is the NOW District’s Coordinator for the Gathering. She will assist congregations with questions or who need help preparing for this big event. She can be reached at alschweim@comcast.net.

Household and Heritage Conference
2025-08-09 09:30 - 18:30 | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, ID, 83858, United States
What: Household and Heritage Conference
When: Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum, Idaho
Join Christians of all ages and stages of life as we foster godly Lutheran households and a viable Lutheran heritage through worship, informative talks, and time together. The Word of God in our hearts, on our lips, and in our homes from one generation to the next!
The event is FREE, but please register here.
Lunch and dinner are provided. Raffle giveaways throughout the day. Optional childcare is available for those interested

2025 Circuit Visitor Annual Retreat
2025-08-26 13:00 - 2025-08-27 15:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport, 7900 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, 97220, United States
Annual gathering by the District President of the Northwest District Circuit Visitors to collaborate and train.

Ems & Emmies Annual Summer Picnic
2025-09-08 12:00 - 14:00 | St. Paul Lutheran Church – Sherwood, Oregon, 17500 SW Cedarview Way, Sherwood, Oregon, 97140
It’s time for the Ems & Emmies Annual Summer Picnic!
When: Monday, Sept. 8, from 12 – 2 p.m.
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Picnic Grove (17500 SW Cedarview Way, Sherwood, OR 97140-8698)
This event will include food, fellowship, song, and time to share and socialize with each other. Keep watching for menu information and more details.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The primary purpose of Ems & Emmies group is to provide support for retired professional church workers (PCWs) in the Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington region. Join the Emeriti email list to receive regular updates.

Fall Alaska Pastors' Conference
2025-09-16 11:00 - 2025-09-18 12:00 | Best Western Inn Wasilla, Alaska, 1300 W Lake Lucille Dr, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
The Fall Alaska Pastors’ Conference will be held Sept. 16-18 at the Best Western Inn in Wasilla, Alaska (1300 W Lake Lucille Dr., Wasilla, Alaska 99654).
Questions? Contact Erik Christensen.

Lutheran Women's Missionary League Oregon District - Fall Retreat
2025-09-19 16:00 - 2025-09-22 12:00 | Aldersgate Camps and Retreats, 7790 Marion Rd SE, Turner, Oregon, 97392
Seasoned with Salt
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:5-6).
Save the Date
LWMLOregon District Retreat
at Aldersgate Retreat Center
7790 Marion RD SE Turner, OR
September 19-21,2025
Registration will be out in July.
Come enjoy a weekend of Bible Study, Friends, Good Food and Fun
Download the Flyer PDF
Seasoned with Salt retreat 2025

Fall Oregon Pastors Conference
2025-09-23 - 2025-09-25 | Cannon Beach Conference Center, 289 N Spruce St,, Cannon Beach, Oregon, 97110
What: Fall Oregon Pastors Conference
Where: Cannon Beach Conference Center (289 N Spruce St., Cannon Beach, OR 97110)
When: Sept. 23-25
Details and registration info will be emailed by the end of August.
If you did not receive emails for the last conference, please contact Joe Hughes to make sure you’re on the list.

2025 WALi Summit
2025-09-30 - 2025-10-02 | Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
The Worship Arts Leader initiative (WALi) is a community-building initiative of Concordia University Irvine’s Center for Worship Leadership (CWL) which, rooted in the Lutheran Confessions, harmonizes leaders across various contexts (whether it be traditional, contemporary, multi-ethnic, etc). WALi envisions a supportive and encouraging community of theologically faithful leaders engaged in contextual artistry throughout the LCMS.
The 2025 WALi Summit is a gathering place created to promote connectivity with one another for shared learning, common support, and professional inspiration. It is intentionally designed to address the needs of worship arts ministry staff, volunteer leaders, team members, pastors, and students preparing for church worker vocations. AND – it brings together church leaders regardless of genre (contemporary & traditional).
When: September 30 – October 2
Where: Woodbury Lutheran Church
7380 Afton Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125
Register here!
Go here for more info.
WALi Is For Everyone – whether church musician, worship leader, pastor, tech director, traditional or contemporary – let’s come together to receive the gifts of God and give thanks!

Many Cultures: One Community
2025-10-04 12:30 - 15:00 | Warner Pacific University, 12 SE 68th Ave., Portland, 97215, United States
Lutheran Community Services Northwest will host their fall luncheon (“Many Cultures, One Community”) on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon. This special event is free to attend, with an opportunity to make a gift.
RSVP by Sept. 24 by clicking here. Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot early.
For questions or more information, email Courtney Rushing or call 503-731-9596

Vocatio: Retreat
2025-10-05 - 2025-10-07 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
Vocatio: Retreat is a three-day retreat held in the spring and fall for college students and second-career men and women that offers an opportunity to rest in God’s Word and learn more about the path to full-time service as a pastor, deaconess, missionary, or chaplain. Click here to register.
During Vocatio: Retreat, you will devote time to prayer and the study of God’s Word, and engage in sessions that focus on the spiritual and personal aspects of the decision-making process of becoming a seminarian, as well as learn about academic courses, field education, vicarages/deaconess internships, financial aid, housing and the enrollment process.
Open to college students and second-career men and women. The event is free. Registration deadline: Sept. 15.

Fall Puget Sound Pastors' Conference
2025-10-07 13:00 - 2025-10-09 11:30 | Calvary Lutheran Church, 2515 Sumner Ave., Aberdeen, WA, 98520, United States
The Fall Puget Sound Pastors’ Conference will take place Oct. 7-9 in Aberdeen, Washington. Click here for complete details — including important registration info.
Topic: Lutheran Ministry to Youth and Young in the 21st Century
Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission & Theology for Higher Things.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha have real trends that need to be addressed, but the gift of our Lutheran faith is that it’s already set up to meet their needs and their fears with truth and hope. We’ll dive into who Gen Z and Gen Alpha are, but also who we are as the church, talk about how our teaching can be impactful, and do a case study on teaching to youth and young adults that resonates today.
Questions?
Registration or payment issues: Email Registrar Roger Stites or call 360-775-6778.
Schedule or logistic issues, or if you desire time to make a brief presentation during the conference: Email President Jeffrey Ries or call 253-229-1753.

2025 Educators Conference
2025-10-15 - 2025-10-17 | Seaside Civic and Convention Center, 415 First Avenue, Seaside, Oregon, 97138
The 2025 Educators Conference will take place Oct. 15-17 at Seaside Civic & Convention Center (415 1st Ave, Seaside, Oregon).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
READ THIS! Important registration info: When registering, the message “We know you! Sign into Realm to access your saved information” may pop up on the screen. DO NOT click ‘Sign In’. Instead, you MUST click ‘Continue as Guest’ just below the ‘Sign In’ button. Continue to complete registration by entering the registrant’s name as they would like it on their nametag and click ‘Next’. If you are registering more than one individual, click ‘Add another registrant’ below the name box. This will allow you to register multiple registrants at the same time. Please complete all required fields (indicated by a small red asterisk) and any additional questions to the best of your ability. The system will not allow you to submit your registration if required fields are not completed. Once you complete the registration process, you should receive a confirmation email.
— Regular Registration: $175. The last day for regular registration is Friday, Sept. 19, at 9 p.m.
— Late Registration: Additional $50 charge applies to ALL late registrations (paid/postmarked after Sept. 19).
— Emeritus Registration: $85 — for retired commissioned educators (paid/postmarked by Friday, Sept. 26, at 9 p.m.)
ALL registrations must be received by Friday, Sept. 26, at 9 p.m. There will be no refunds after this date.
NOTE: Hotel rates and group codes will be available soon. Please stay tuned!
REGISTRATION and INFO:

2025 Educators Conference Registration Instructions
2025 Educators Conference Registration Planning Worksheet
2025 Educators Conference Schedule
2025 Educators Conference Presenters Information
2025 Educators Conference Workshop Descriptions
2025 Leadership Seminar Schedule
2025 Leadership Seminar Presenters Information
2025 Educators Conference Mileage Equalization Form
2025 Educators Conference Hotel Rates

Questions? Contact Kelsie Wiley.

Fall Lutheran World Relief Ingathering
2025-10-24 08:00 - 2025-10-25 12:00 | St. Andrew Lutheran Church 12405 SW Butner Road Beaverton, OR 97005, 12405 SW Butner Road, Beaverton, OR, 97005, United States
The Fall Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will be held Friday, Oct. 24 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.), and Saturday, Oct. 25 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.), at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton. Click here for general information.
Please have all boxes delivered by noon on Saturday — once the container is sealed, it cannot be reopened. Pack boxes with like items, clearly label contents and church information, and use sturdy small/medium boxes for kits and large boxes for quilts. Note that LWR no longer accepts bulk soap or fleece blankets. Please include a tally sheet with your shipment (do not use barcodes at this time).
Early deliveries may be brought to St. Andrew on Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Questions? Email Rochelle McIntire or call 503-804-1701.
Important downloads:

Tally sheet
Kit and quilt guidelines

Something Better Seminar
2025-10-24 12:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
Something Better Seminar — Advent/Christmas study from Concordia St. Paul
Presented by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing
Date: Oct. 24, 12-3 p.m. (2-5 p.m. Central)
Location: On campus at Concordia St. Paul or online via Zoom
The book of Hebrews addresses Christians in Rome undergoing persecution sometime close to 64 AD when Christians began dying for their faith under Nero. The book is a clarion call to not return to Judaism, which was a legal religion while Christianity had become an illegal religion. Thus, the author reminds people that in Christ, they have something better. Something Better. That’s the name of this Advent/Christmas series that walks through Hebrews 1:1–14 that extols the greatness of Christ our Lord. REGISTER HERE.
Your $25 registration fee includes:
• Four sermons and adult Bible classes, along with accompanying orders of worship
• PowerPoint slides;
• An additional seven-part Epiphany series on Daniel is included for free
Note: This seminar will be recorded, and a link to the recording will be sent to everyone who registers.
Questions? Contact Kristi Bauer.

Hymn Festival: 'We Believe... Therefore, We Sing!'
2025-10-26 15:30 - 17:30 | Memorial Lutheran Church – Vancouver WA, 2700 E. 28th St., Vancouver, WA, 98661
Everyone is invited to attend “We Believe… Therefore, We Sing! A Hymn Festival to Celebrate 1700 Years of the Nicene Creed” at Memorial Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Washington. Click here for a flyer.
This event will begin at 3:30 pm. on Sunday, Oct. 26, and will feature music from the organ, brass, flute, handbells, and a mass choir. The congregation will join in singing many hymns.

In His Image Conference - DOXOLOGY
2025-11-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2505 W 27th Ave, Kennewick, WA, 99337, United States
With all the changes around marriage, gender, and sexuality, people are looking for clear, compassionate guidance. This In His Image Conference is designed to equip us all with practical tools. REGISTER and GET MORE INFO. Registration is required.
The one-day event is designed to equip participants to stand firmly on the truth of God’s good designs for humanity while demonstrating love and compassion in a rapidly evolving, post-Christian culture. We will discuss how to navigate challenging conversations on topics such as homosexuality, transgenderism, and other gender issues with both conviction and grace. Don’t miss this timely discussion hosted by DOXOLOGY, a Registered Service Organization of the LCMS. Rev. David Fleming and Dr. Beverly Yahnke from DOXOLOGY will lead this retreat. They bring an invaluable mix of deep theological wisdom and practical psychological insight to these vital discussions.
For pastors ONLY: A special, dedicated session just for pastors will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon. This will be an excellent chance to dive deeper into these topics together, pastor-to-pastor. REGISTER HERE.
A free lunch is provided to those who register by the deadline.

Concordia University Studia Vitae Info Session
2025-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Online Event
Are you looking to gain practical insights and spiritual encouragement in a format that fits your life? Join Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull for a brief information session to learn more about the new Studia Vitae continuing education program. Join the session online by emailing info@cune.edu.
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 @ 4 p.m. (PST)
Where: Online — email the address above to be added to the event invitation
During this session, you’ll:

Explore initial and future course offerings
Learn about preferred partner rates and tuition options
Understand the registration and participation process
Have the opportunity to ask questions

Click here to learn more.
