Many Cultures: One Community
2025-10-04 12:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
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 | 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.

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.

Spiritual Conversations Workshop
2026-01-31 09:00 - 14:30 | Redeemer Lutheran Church – Salem, 4663 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR, 97305, United States
Click here to register for the FREE Spiritual Conversations Workshop on Jan. 31 — presented by Lutheran Hour Ministries and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon.
Dispel the myths that keep us from sharing the most valuable piece of information we have! Do our churches just want new members, or do we want new Christians coming to our churches? We know our neighbors less today than at any other point in our history. We live in a culture where everyone goes inside, shuts their doors, and keeps to themselves, which makes it really awkward to engage with your neighbors past a wave and a smile.
At this Spiritual Conversations Workshop, you can learn practical tools for building trust so you can approach conversations wisely. Rather than worrying about saying “the right thing,” learn how timing, posture, and especially listening matter more.
Jenifer Prophete, director of “The Hopeful Neighborhood Project” from Lutheran Hour Ministries, will also introduce you to the Spiritual Conversation Curve, a research-based means to help you recognize when a conversation is welcome and when it is not. You will learn how to respond thoughtfully, without pressure or forcing moments that aren’t ready.
Meeting the people who live closest to you doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
Please register for this No Cost to You Workshop at www.LHM.org/SALEM
Schedule:
9:00-9:25 a.m. – Arrival; coffee, tea, and conversation; find a seat
9:30 a.m. – Start of Spiritual Conversations Workshop
9:30-11:30 a.m. – Workshop 1, “The Eager Conversationalist”
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Free catered lunch
12:30 – 2:25 p.m. – Workshop 2, “The Spiritual Conversation Curve”
2:30 p.m. – Close with prayer
3:15 p.m. – optional opportunity to meet with Jennifer Prophete to learn more about “The Hopeful Neighborhood Project” and how it might be beneficial for your church.

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
REGISTER HERE for the 2026 Pastors’ Wives Retreat on Feb. 6-8! Hurry — only 30 spots are available.
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! Click here for a flyer with more details.
Questions? Contact Michele Sprengle or email the planning committee.

Church Administrator and Secretary Gathering
2026-02-09 08:30 - 09:30 | Online Event
You’re invited to the next Zoom gathering for church administrators and secretaries on Monday, February 9, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (PST). Please take a moment to register here.
It will be a time of connection, encouragement, and practical learning with others who serve in similar roles. This month’s focus is the church administrator’s role in early conflict resolution. Guest speaker Laurin Vance, Executive Director of the Church Wellness Network, will share insights on:

Basics of conflict resolution
How admins often notice early signs of brewing conflict
Strategies for responding in ways that fit your position
An exercise on how perceptions shape the narratives people carry
Practical mediation methods for everyday ministry life

The session is hosted by Marjaana Kuivalainen, Office Administrator at All Saints Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington.

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!
