Northwest District LCMS

"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
2025-11-13 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-12-11 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 launches this summer and 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.

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.

Lay Deacon and Supervisor Meeting with DP
2025-12-06 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-16 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event
Lay Deacons and Supervising Pastors are invited to join President Von Behren for a meeting regarding new Northwest District Deacon Guidelines. These new guidelines are intended to support in serving well on behalf of our Lord Jesus and in togetherness with the full Synod with whom we walk as we follow and serve our Savior.
Meetings will be held:
Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, December 16 at 3 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
Monday, January 5 at 7 p.m.
If you are unable to attend, a recording will be posted on the website sometime after the final scheduled meeting.
If you would like to join and need the Zoom link, please email Laura in the President’s Office.

NOW District Christmas Open House
2025-12-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Knott House Northwest District LCMS, 1700 NE Knott St, Portland, Oregon, 97212, United States
Local rostered workers (active and emeritus) are invited to our NOW District Christmas Open House! RSVP info is included in your emailed invitation. This will be an informal gathering to share joy and celebrate the season together. Light refreshments will be provided.
Note: We are unable to assist with travel reimbursement expenses for this event. Thank you for understanding.
When:
Wednesday, Dec. 17
1-3 p.m.
Where:
NOW District Office
1700 NE Knott Street
Portland, OR 97212

Northwest District Board Meeting
2026-01-09 | Online Event
The Northwest District is led by the District President and his staff. The Northwest District Board of Directors works in partnership with the District President in setting the vision and evaluating how the ministry is proceeding. The Board of Directors consists of the District Secretary, the six District Vice-Presidents, a commissioned minister, and eight lay representatives.

BPTIM: Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry
2026-01-19 12:00 - 2026-01-21 12:00 | CNH District Office, 2772 Constitution Dr Ste A, Livermore, CA, 94551, United States
Be part of BPTIM: Best Practices in Transitional Interim Ministry! It will be held Jan. 19-21 at the CNH District Center in Livermore, California.
This annual retreat, originally for trained interim pastors, is now open for all interested pastors because more congregations now have transition issues. Why attend? To sharpen skillsets within this specialized discipline and also make great connections. It’s a “resource-rich” gathering! Get more info and register here.
Questions? Email David Reinke or call 206-850-1540.

Lutherhaven Building Youth Groups - Winter Retreat for Junior High and High School
2026-01-23 18:00 - 2026-01-25 11:30 | Camp Lutherhaven, 3258 West Lutherhaven Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83814, United States
BYG Youth Winter Weekends is a fun-filled weekend designed to help your youth group grow together in community and faith. It doesn’t matter what size your youth group is, BYG (Building Youth Groups) is just right for building faith that sticks with your crew. This weekend is designed especially for middle school and high school youth groups (6th-12th grade) to talk, learn, dig into the Word, grow, reflect, and have fun together! Get more info here.
NEW! Dive deep into the Word with breakout groups tailored to high school and junior high, allowing for age-appropriate discussions and connections. Engage in meaningful conversations with your youth group and adult leaders, exploring faith and life’s journey together.
Woven throughout the weekend’s spiritual growth, there will be plenty of fun and fellowship as we come together as a large group! Enjoy a weekend of inspiration, reflection, and community-building. Questions? Contact Meggie Cross.

2026 Center for Prayer & Renewal Retreat
2026-01-26 - 2026-01-28 | Cannon Beach Conference Center, 289 N Spruce St,, Cannon Beach, Oregon, 97110
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! Deadline is Jan. 21.
The 2026 Center for Prayer & Renewal Retreat is scheduled for Jan. 26-28 at Cannon Beach Conference Center: 289 N Spruce St., Cannon Beach, OR 97110. Download the flyer here.
You will experience spiritual development through prayer, study, prayer-centered worship, fellowship… and time to enjoy the beach! The retreat is divided into two groups: Phase One for first-timers (aka Emmaus) and Phase Two for those returning (aka Koinonia). Accommodations include a private room and bath, and four meals. Click here for a printable insert for your bulletin.
Questions? Email cpr@nowlcms.org.

MAP Web Lunch
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Event
Save the Date for the MAP Web Lunch!
All Map-West Coast participants and mentors are invited to a special online meeting at 12 p.m. (PST) on Monday, Feb. 2.
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. Contact Elena if you have questions or need assistance.

2026 NOW District Pastors' Wives Retreat
2026-02-06 16:00 - 2026-02-08 12:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square – Tigard, 9000 SW Washington Square Rd, Tigard, Oregon, 97223
Get ready for the 2026 Pastors’ Wives Retreat on Feb. 6-8!
Join other NOW District women to refresh, connect, and be encouraged. This year’s speaker will be Deaconess Noemí Guerra, who works for Lutheran Hour Ministries as a Program Developer for the Hispanic Ministry, and for the Texas District of the LCMS.
Enjoy great accommodations, an inspiring speaker, and plenty of time for rest, renewal, and fellowship with others who understand your journey. Don’t miss this special weekend!
Watch for more info soon. Questions? Contact Michele Sprengle or email the planning committee.

Best Practices in Ministry 2026
2026-02-12 - 2026-02-14 | Christ Church-Lutheran – Phoenix, 3901 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix,, AZ, 85018, United States
BPM, which stands for Best Practices in Ministry, is a conference hosted by Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona.
For more than 10 years, they have offered this FREE conference to remind professional and lay church workers that you are loved, you are not alone, and you matter. And when they say free, they truly mean that: free meals, free shuttling, free speakers, free snacks, free activities, free registration.
Get more info!

Puget Sound Youth Gathering
2026-03-06 - 2026-03-08 | Camp Arnold – Eatonville, WA, 33412 Webster Rd E, Eatonville, Washington, 98328
Join us for our second annual middle and high school Puget Sound Youth Gathering at Camp Arnold! The theme this year is “Footsteps,” based on 1 John 1:6-7. The main speaker is DCE Amy Hubach, who formerly served at Grace Lutheran in Caldwell, Idaho, and now serves at Concordia, Nebraska, as the Associate Director and Site Coordinator of the DCE program. Click here for a poster with more info!
This two-night event is full of fun, fellowship, worship, service, and growing in faith and community with youth and adults from all over the Puget Sound region and beyond! Come connect with other youth and adult leaders from your area and be encouraged in your faith to walk faithfully in the light of Christ with one another.
Registration opens Dec. 15. Watch for a link coming soon!
Who: 6-12th graders and adult (21+) leaders
Where: Camp Arnold, Eatonville, Washington
When: March 6-8
What: two nights with four meals and snacks, t-shirt, totally awesome weekend of worship, learning, and fun!
Price: (church will receive invoice/price based on the received date of registration; payment collected at check-in at the event)
Early: Dec. 15 – Jan. 18 – $155/participant (committed numbers or church registration)
Regular: Jan. 19 – Feb 1 – $200/participant (last guaranteed date for t-shirt)
Late: Feb. 2 -20 -$250/participant
**any registrations received after Feb. 20 will be placed on a waitlist and added at planner’s discretion**
If you have any questions, please contact Registrar DCE Alanna Davis for more information!
Thank you for the support of the NOW District and sponsorship of LCEF and Thrivent Action Grants for making this event possible!

Northwest District Board Meeting
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-11, 2026-11-13 - 2026-11-14 | WA
The Northwest District is led by the District President and his staff. The Northwest District Board of Directors works in partnership with the District President in setting the vision and evaluating how the ministry is proceeding. The Board of Directors consists of the District Secretary, the six District Vice-Presidents, a commissioned minister, and eight lay representatives.
In Portland, Oregon.

2026 YFM Conference
2026-04-27 - 2026-04-30 | Camp Lutherhaven, 3258 West Lutherhaven Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83814, United States
The 2026 Youth and Family Ministry Conference
Sponsored by the NOW District
April 27-30, 2026
Camp Lutherhaven | Coeur d’Alene, ID
Mark your calendars today!
More information on this year’s conference will be available in October 2025.
The YFM Conference provides relevant leadership training, renewal in a retreat environment, and opportunities to strengthen old and create new friendships. The conference brings together both commissioned and non-commissioned ministers in youth and family ministry in order to share best practices and strengthen the network between leaders across the NOW District and the entire West Coast.

Spring Oregon Pastors Conference
2026-05-20 - 2026-05-22 | WA
What: Spring Oregon Pastors Conference
Where: Location TBD
When: May 20-22
Details and registration info will be emailed by the end of April.
If you did not receive emails for the last conference, please contact Joe Hughes to make sure you’re on the list.

35th Biennial Convention Oregon District Lutheran Women's Missionary League
2026-06-26 08:30 - 2026-06-28 20:00 | St. Paul Lutheran Church and School – Roseburg, OR, 750 W Keady Ct., Roseburg, Oregon, 97471
The 35th Biennial Convention of the Oregon District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League will be held June 26-28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon.
Theme: Ignite
Convention Verse: 2 Timothy 1:6-7
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Convention Goal: As God’s baptized children, we will fan the flame of the gift of God.
Convention Objectives:

Recognize the Spirit of power and love and self-control given us in the Holy Spirit.
To speak without shame the truth and hope of our risen Savior, available to all humankind.
To work by God’s calling, not by our own efforts, but by His power through the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2026 LCMS National Convention
2026-07-18 - 2026-07-23 | Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is being held July 18–23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

The convention theme will be “Christ Is Risen Indeed,” based on 1 Corinthians 15:20–22: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

The convention will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.

Convention-related dates to make note of are:
•Floor committee weekend: May 29–June 1, St. Louis.
•Pre-convention floor committee meetings: July 17, afternoon.
•Floor committee open hearings: July 18, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
•Delegate orientation: July 18, 1:30 p.m.
•Opening worship: July 18, 7 p.m.
•Convention proceedings: July 19–23.
•Convention close: July 23, 12 p.m.
•Installation of new officers: Sept. 18, St. Louis.

More information about the 2026 convention will be shared here as it becomes available.

2026 Circuit Visitor Retreat
2026-08-25 13:00 - 2026-08-26 15:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport, 7900 NE 82nd Ave., Portland, 97220, United States
The Circuit Visitor retreat is an annual gathering hosted by the NOW District President. The purpose is to learn, collaborate, and train. Watch for an invitation and more information in your email.
