Fall Lutheran World Relief Ingathering
2025-10-24 08:00 - 2025-10-25 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

2025 MAP-West Coast Orientation
2025-10-27 13:00 - 2025-10-29 13:00 | CNH District Office, 2772 Constitution Dr Ste A, Livermore, CA, 94551, United States
The 2025 MAP-West Coast orientation will be held Oct. 27-29 at the CNH District Office in Livermore, California.
MAP-West Coast is an invitation-only opportunity for new pastors and others on the pastoral ministry journey. It is a training process provided in partnership with three districts: California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH), Pacific Southwest (PSD), and the Northwest District (NOW).
MAP provides mentoring, discussion of best practices, coaching, and key learning on missional ministry in the congregation and community. The annual orientation is an opportunity for all participants to meet face-to-face with the West Coast district presidents. Info is sent from the President’s Office to the pastors who have been invited. More info can be found here.

"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 | 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.

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!

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 | Washington
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.
