Church Administrator and Secretary Gathering
2026-01-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-03-09 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 | OR
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!

"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
2026-02-12 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-03-12 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-09 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.

Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest Annual Gathering
2026-02-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Messiah Lutheran Church, 7050 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98115, United States
Everyone is invited to The Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest Annual Gathering on Sunday, Feb. 15, starting at 1 p.m.
There will be a catered luncheon, a presentation by NOW District President Mike Von Behren, the annual LMSN meeting, and a health & info fair. Presentations include: Alzheimer’s Association, funeral planning, long-term care planning, LCEF Trusts & Living Wills, and Medicare. Click here to download a poster with more details.
Location:
Messiah Lutheran Church
7050 35th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98115
Questions? Contact Don Sundene.

Senior High SnowFest Winter Retreat
2026-02-27 - 2026-03-01 | Camp Perkins – Stanley, Idaho, Alturas Creek Rd, Stanley, Idaho, 83278
Youth grades 9-12 are invited to this Winter Retreat at Camp Perkins Feb. 27 – March 1. Limited to 45 people. Senior high youth may register individually or 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.

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. REGISTER HERE!
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. Click here for a poster with more info.
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, a 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 | OR
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.

Spiritual Conversations Workshop - Refresher
2026-04-18 12:45 - 15:30 | Redeemer Lutheran Church – Salem, 4663 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR, 97305, United States
Did you miss the Spiritual Conversations workshop in January at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon?
Members from local LCMS congregations gathered to hear Jennifer Prophete, Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, present valuable insights and direction on how to go from “reluctant” to “confident” to “eager” for spiritual conversations. Read the story here.
A follow-up workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at 12:45-3:30 p.m. No cost. It is especially for those who missed the first one or would like a “refresher” – but anyone who wishes to come is welcome, even if they did not attend the first. Just let the organizers know you’re coming by texting 503-586-3405 or emailing Merryann Randall.

2026 Administrators Conference
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-24 | Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver, 315 Southeast Olympia Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98684
Registration is now open for the 2026 Administrators Conference on April 22-24 at the Hampton Inn & Suites – Portland/Vancouver. REGISTER HERE! *Be sure to register as a guest as noted in the instructions!*
Conference Flyer
Conference Schedule
About the Presenters
Hospitality – Scriven Residence Directions & Map
Mileage Equalization Form
Speakers:
Matthew Baxter, PhD. – Anchored Excellence: Doing School Differently Through Inquiry, Deep Learning, and Timeless Skills
Travis Grulke – The Call & 1000 Tiny Gestures
Dr. Ben Stellwagen (1) Mind and Spirit: Crisis and Care; (2) Churchworkers: Shortage, Wellness, Winsome Witness
Mary Schuldheisz – Knowing When to Leave
Jim Scriven – (1) Distributed Leadership – Real Examples of How to Stretch a Leader’s Influence Farther; (2) Crafting Plans, Procedures, and Policy for AI Implementation in Our Schools

2026 Early Childhood Directors Conference
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-25 | Hampton Inn & Suites Portland/Vancouver, 315 Southeast Olympia Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98684
Registration is now open for the 2026 Early Childhood Directors Conference April 24-25 at the Hampton Inn & Suites – Portland/Vancouver. REGISTER HERE! *Be sure to register as a guest as noted in the instructions!*
Conference Flyer
Conference Schedule
About the Presenters
Hospitality – Scriven Residence Directions & Map
Mileage Equalization Form
Speakers:
Travis Grulke – Life of Harmony & 1000 Tiny Gestures
Mary Schuldheisz – Knowing When to Leave
Jim Scriven – What We Charge vs. What We Pay – Make These Play Nice!

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, 2026Camp Lutherhaven | Coeur d’Alene, ID

Click Here to Register for the 2026 YFM Conference!

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.
Conference Information
Back this year – a 4 Day/3 night event!
We are keeping our expanded conference schedule so that participants will travel to the event on Monday, April 27, with programming beginning that evening. This will allow for full days of conference activities on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with a half-day of programming on Thursday.
Click here to download a draft schedule for this year’s conference.
Online Registration Notes:
EVERYONE should register as a guest, even if prompted that “they’re recognized” and given the option to “log-in”.
We are not able to accept in-person payments at the conference. If you prefer to pay by check rather than online, please select “Pay In-Person” on the final page of the registration portal and mail your payment.
Event Pricing
Registration Fee Covers: Housing in a shared room, meals (breakfast Tuesday through breakfast Thursday), and program materials.
Regular Registration Rate: $350Early Bird Discount Available through January 31: $25Cost for Additional Workers from Same Ministry/Students/Spouses: $325Additional cost for single room request: $125*
*As our conference grows, our venue is less able to guarantee single-room occupancy possibilities for all who request them. The additional fee this year covers the additional $50/night cost of additional rooms at camp to accommodate those requests, with a $25 discount already applied.
Explore the “Formed” Theme

It is an honor as the keynote speaker for the 2026 NOW District YFM Conference to provide an overview of the conference, which will explore the challenges of faith formation in our cultural context. The opening keynote address, “Cultivating a Winsome Witness to the World,” will lay out the changing religious demographics in the United States and ways in which the Good News of Jesus can address the maladies of our age. During the conference we’ll also engage in some interactive Scripture study methods with a twofold purpose: to strengthen participants’ identity as those called by God to serve Christ and the people of God in a particular place and time; and to provide resources that can be adapted for a variety of settings involving youth, children, and families. A second keynote address, “How Ritual Forms Communities and Individuals,” will unpack the power of ritual to shape our desires and habits in conformity with Christ.
Deaconess Rhoda Schuler, ThD
Professor Emerita, Concordia University, St. Paul
Co-author, Journey to Jesus: Faith Formation into Christ and Community

For more information on Dr. Schuler and Dr. Burreson’s work, please visit forminglutherans.org.
Their book, Journey to Jesus, is also now available for purchase.

Call Day (Fort Wayne)
2026-04-28 - 2026-04-29 | Concordia Seminary – Fort Wayne, 6600 N Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN, 46825, United States
Call Day at Concordia, Fort Wayne: April 28 and 29
Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service — Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. (ET)
Candidate Call Service — Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. (ET) (Preacher: Rev. Eric T. Lange, First Vice-President of the Northwest District)
Call Day is when we celebrate the placement of our students into their respective fields of service. On Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m. (ET), second-year students will receive their vicarage and deaconess internship assignments, marking an important step in their formation for ministry. On Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. (ET), graduating pastoral ministry students will learn where they have been called to serve as pastors.
Both services will be available via livestream from Kramer Chapel. Click here for livestream access, placement lists, and photos as they become available.

Call Day (St. Louis)
2026-04-28 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
Call Day at Concordia, St. Louis: Tuesday, April 28
Assignment of Vicarages and Deaconess Internships – 3 p.m. (CDT)
Assignment of Calls – 7 p.m. (CDT)
Call Day, an annual event, is when concluding students receive their first pastoral or diaconal ministry placements, and second-year students receive their vicarage or deaconess internship assignments. All calls and assignments for service are to churches or ministries within The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Both services will be available via livestream from Chapel of St. Timothy & St. Titus. Click here to visit the CSL Call Day 2026 event page for livestream access and more details.

Boeing Employees Choir Concert hosted by LMSN
2026-05-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Joy Lutheran Church, 10420 SE 11th St., Bellevue, WA, 98004, United States
What: Boeing Employees Choir Concert
When: Sunday, May 3, at 4 p.m.
Where: Joy Lutheran Church (10420 SE 11th St., Bellevue, WA 98004)
Everyone is invited to hear the sounds of the Boeing Employees Choir during this free event, hosted by Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest. Click here for more info from LMSN, including a video of their recent gathering featuring District President Von Behren.

Puget Sound Pastors Conference
2026-05-05 - 2026-05-07 | Concordia Lutheran Church – Oak Harbor, WA, 590 N Oak Harbor St, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, United States
The 2026 Puget Sound Pastors Conference will take place May 5-7 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, Washington.
This year’s conference will be led by Dr. Adam S. Francisco on the theme, “Islam: Challenges and Opportunities.” These lectures will cover the history and theology of Islam. Special attention will be given to the challenges it poses to the gospel and Western culture, as well as the practical issues and evangelical opportunities for Christian witness to Muslim populations it presents.
Click here for a flyer with more info and registration instructions.
Questions?
Registration or Payment issues: Contact Conference Registrar, Roger Stites, at revstites@hotmail.com or 360-775-6778.
Schedule or Logistics Issues: Contact Conference President, Jeffrey Ries, at lcmspastor896@gmail.com or 253-229-1753.

Multiethnic Symposium
2026-05-05 - 2026-05-06 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
In the context of a multiethnic church, praise becomes a powerful witness to the rich tapestry of peoples who together glorify Him. Through expressions of praise in music, dance, and art, the 2026 Multiethnic Symposium on May 5-6 at Concordia Seminary will explore how the church is equipped to bear witness to God’s love and faithfulness across all nations. “Praise the Lord, all nations!” (Ps. 117:1 ESV). Registration deadline is April 20. Complete details are available here.
Registration fee: $90 per person. Free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty.
Multi Asian Gathering fee: $25 per person (click here for more info).

Multi Asian Gathering
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-07 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
The Multi Asian Inter-ethnic Network is a mission movement of Asian leaders (clergy and laity) to celebrate our unity and uniqueness in mission and ministry in the LCMS.
The purpose of the Multi Asian Gathering is to bring together Asian leaders from diverse Asian backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures in order to address common mission and ministry topics we face such as next-generation ministry, leadership development, theological education, church planting, discipleship, colloquy programs and cross-cultural missions. We desire to network and form meaningful relationships with all cultures and expand our interaction with LCMS leaders and entities. Note: Those interested in participating in the Multi Asian Gathering must register for the Multiethnic Symposium.
Click here for more info.

Inland Empire Pastors Conference
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-12 | Faith Lutheran Church – East Wenatchee, Washington, 171 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee, Washington, 98802
What: Inland Empire Pastors Conference
Where: Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, Washington
When: May 11-12
Stay tuned for more info!
