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!

Church Administrator and Secretary Gathering
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.

"Hear and Share the Next Yes!" -- YLI Monthly 2nd Thursday All-District Check-In
2026-03-12 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-09 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-14 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.

Northwest District Board Meeting
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-11 | Oregon
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!

South Idaho Pastors Conference
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-14 | Oregon
What: South Idaho Pastors Conference
Where: Location TBD
When: May 12-14
Stay tuned for more info!

Centennial Worship and Festival
2026-05-17 09:30 - 15:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church and School – Bend, Oregon, 2550 NE Butler Market Rd., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
On May 17, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, Oregon, will celebrate its centennial year!
The Sunday celebration will be filled with worship, praise, fellowship, and song. It will begin with a worship service at 9:30 a.m., brunch and fellowship at 11 a.m., and a festival program at 1 p.m. Trinity will welcome their former vicar, Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibbs, as guest preacher, and we look forward to the premiere of a commissioned choral piece written by Trinity alumnus Spencer McCray. The afternoon festival will also include the dedication of the new high school building and worship and performing arts space.
You are invited to join the celebration of the steadfast love and mercy of God in the life of Trinity!

Oregon Pastors Conference
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-21 | St. Paul Lutheran Church and School – Roseburg, OR, 750 W Keady Ct., Roseburg, Oregon, 97471
What: Oregon Pastors Conference
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Roseburg, Oregon
When: May 19-21
The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Phil Brandt on Acts.
Registration details will come in March. For questions or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Joe Hughes.

Alaska Pastors Conference
2026-05-26 - 2026-05-28 | Oregon
What: Alaska Pastors Conference
Where: Location TBD
When: May 26-28
Stay tuned for more info!

Fisher Comfort Dog Commissioning at Christ the King
2026-05-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Christ the King Lutheran Church – Coeur d’Alene, 1700 E Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID, United States
You are invited! Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, will commission their new comfort dog on Sunday, May 31. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) will release the name of the dog on May 28.
The team commissioning weekend is combined with LCC’s West Coast Regional Gathering, which will include Comfort Dog teams from Idaho, Washington, Nevada, and California. Many teams and dogs will be present at this event (including our own Isaac from Spokane and Sharon from Federal Way!).
Get more info here.

Emmaus Summer Conference: Sons, Not Slaves
2026-06-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Emmaus Lutheran Church, 2175 SW Salmon Avenue, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
Emmaus Lutheran Church is hosting its second Summer Conference on Saturday, June 13. Pastor Stephen Preus will be speaking to us about the fear of God, a topic that comes up repeatedly in the Scriptures. Lutheran theology traditionally distinguishes between the fear of God in His sons and heirs, and the fear of God inspired by the Law of God in those who remain God’s enemies. Learn what the Psalmist means when he writes: “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.” (Psalm 19:9) Click here for complete details and a schedule.
You are also invited to gather on Friday to hike the trails at Smith Rock north of Redmond and enjoy a barbecue at the church in the evening afterward.
Space is limited, so please RSVP by emailing Pastor Karl Hess or by calling the Emmaus Church office and leaving a message at 541-508-1927. Please RSVP by June 7.

Vocatio: High School 2026
2026-06-20 - 2026-06-26 | Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105
Youth are invited to Vocatio: High School 2026 at Concordia Seminary June 20-26. REGISTER HERE.
Explore God’s calling and direction for your life! This annual visitation event gives participants valuable information about formation for pastoral and diaconal ministry. During this week-long event, you will experience the Seminary through worship, thoughtful conversations, recreational activities, and sessions with professors. You’ll learn about St. Louis, participate in a servant event, and attend a Concordia University System college fair.
There is a $300 registration fee that includes housing and meals.
Registration closes on May 15.
Vocatio: High School is one of two visitation events for prospective students held throughout the year that provide a preview of the Seminary’s ministerial formation experience. Individual visits can also be scheduled and are encouraged for those considering attending the Seminary. For more information, contact Enrollment at 800-822-9545 or admit@csl.edu, or visit csl.edu/admissions.

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.

Young Adult Singles Gathering
2026-06-27 10:00 - 19:00 | Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 5825 Bollinger Rd, Cupertino, CA, United States
Looking to connect with other young adult Lutherans? Join the Young Adult Singles Gathering at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Cupertino, California, for fellowship, faith, and meaningful connection. This event is hosted by the Bay Area Lutheran Young Adults. It is for LCMS singles ages 18-40, from anywhere in the country.
Being a young adult Lutheran can sometimes feel isolating. This gathering is an opportunity to build friendships with others who share your faith, grow together in community, and — who knows — maybe even meet your future spouse. It will be a day of worship, icebreakers, team activities, board games, and a featured presentation. A full schedule will be released soon. Some host family housing is available for those who wish to stay overnight.
Please click here for more information and registration.
You may also read this LCMS Reporter article about other Lutheran singles gatherings and meetups.

Synod Convention Delegate Zoom Meeting
2026-07-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Event
President Von Behren has scheduled online orientation meetings for all Synod Convention delegates in the District. Watch for a Zoom invite sent to your email; please contact Laura Baker if you need the link again.
The purpose of these meetings is to prepare you for your time in Phoenix. You will get an idea of what to expect, what your responsibilities are, and the issues that will be addressed. The Zooms will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. You only need to attend one.

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 is “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.
Online orientation meetings for NOW District delegates are scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Click here for more info!

Resources and Info:

LCMS Presidential Candidate Q&A available: The five candidates for president were asked to respond to six questions developed by LCMS Communications. Read their answers here.
Travel Expense Voucher
Please book your flight and submit your itinerary to Laura Baker no later than June 18.

Important Convention-related dates:

Floor committee weekend: May 29–June 1, St. Louis
Presidential voting: The LCMS Presidential election, conducted by Yes Elections (formerly Election America), will take place by electronic ballot between June 6–9, with run-off elections June 13-30 if needed. Congregations have until May 29 to make any necessary changes to their existing voter registration. About one week prior to the election, Yes Elections will send (via U.S. mail) information to all voters regarding the voting process, the candidates, and the code numbers needed to participate.
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.

Lutheran Household & Heritage Conference
2026-08-07 - 2026-08-08 | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church — Rathdrum, Idaho, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, ID, 83858, United States
The Lutheran Household & Heritage Conference is coming to Idaho on Aug 7-8. Join fellow Lutherans from the region to foster godly Lutheran households and a viable Lutheran heritage through informative talks, worship, and time together. This year’s topic will be on marriage. More details to come.
Friday evening, August 7: Fellowship and dry camping at Blessed Sacrament LCMS in Hayden, Idaho.
Saturday, August 8: Conference at Shepherd of the Hills LCMS in Rathdrum, Idaho.
Presenters:
Rev. Marcus Williams, Blessed Sacrament, Hayden, ID
Rev. Benjamin Ulledalen, Shepherd of the Hills, Rathdrum, ID
Preachers:
Rev. Kyle Winter, The Church at Creston, Creston, MT
Rev. Jonathon Krenz, Augustana, Moscow, ID
For questions or to join the email list for updates, please click here to contact the organizers.
