"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
2025-09-11 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-10-09 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-11-13 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-12-11 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-01-08 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 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.

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.

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
2026-01-10 | 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.

Church Administrator and Secretary Gathering
2026-01-12 08:30 - 09:30 | Online Event
All church admins and secretaries are invited to a monthly Zoom gathering at 8:30 a.m. (PDT). This event is hosted by Marjaana Kuivalainen, Office Administrator at All Saints Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington. You’ll meet online for a relaxed time of connection, encouragement, and idea‑sharing between other church admins and secretaries. Please take a moment to register.
Think of it as a refreshing pause in the week — a chance to breathe, swap stories, and pick up something practical for our daily work. Bring your questions, joys, and challenges, and be part of lifting one another up in the ministry of administration and hospitality.
To get the conversation rolling, you’ll reflect on a simple theme question: What’s one thing you appreciate about working with church staff or volunteers?
Feel free to invite others in similar roles — the more voices, the richer the conversation.

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord: Job
2026-01-19 07:00 - 12:00 | Oregon
We all suffer — personally and privately. We also suffer in more public ways. A husband loses a job. A child gets divorced. A parent dies. And now, thanks to the media, we are able to see and experience more and more of the world’s catastrophes and suffering. We need the book of Job, now, more than ever. This Lent, explore this magnificent composition that is numbered among some of the greatest literature of all time. Presented by Concordia University, St. Paul’s Center for Biblical Studies, led by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing. Nine sermons will help you dig deeply into Job’s central message and supporting truths, while six Sunday Morning Adult Bible Classes will further address the book’s major topics and themes. Register here.
Your $25 registration fee includes:
Nine sermons and six Adult Bible classes, along with accompanying orders of worship
A hymn that matches the series
PowerPoint slides
An additional seven-part Easter series on 1 Peter (included for free)
Note: This seminar will be recorded and a link to the recording will be sent to everyone who registers.

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.

Junior High SnowJam Winter Retreat
2026-01-23 - 2026-01-25 | Camp Perkins – Stanley, Idaho, Alturas Creek Rd, Stanley, Idaho, 83278
Youth grades 6-9 are invited to this Winter Retreat at Camp Perkins Jan. 23-25. Limited to 45 people. ​Junior high students must register with a youth group. REGISTER HERE.
Tubing, broom ball on the frozen lake, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, bonding with friends, and an amazing time with Jesus – that’s what to expect at this winter experience!
You’ll be shuttled over the snow two miles into camp in a van equipped with tracks and skis. Enjoy time with friends worshipping, studying God’s Word, sitting by a warm fire, and playing in the snow in an incredible and secluded winter wonderland. ​What to bring: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toiletries, Bible, water bottle, snow pants, and outdoor winter clothes.

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.
