Northwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

06/15/2026

Don't forget to vote! ✅ The second round of elections for LCMS President will close tomorrow, June 16. All those eligible are encouraged to participate. Registered voters will use the same credentials they used in the first round, which were provided by email. With just over 85% voting in the first round, that means approximately 800 of those registered didn't cast a ballot. Please encourage your congregation's pastoral and lay voters to participate in this second round. 🙌

The initial round of voting in the election for president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was not conclusive, and a runoff will be required.

Read the full story: https://thelc.ms/49NWfaS

06/13/2026

After losing his wife Carol in 2024, Rev. Herb Hoefer did something remarkable — he wrote it all down. His journal of the first year as a widower is raw, honest, and full of the kind of insight that only comes from walking through something yourself. As he said: "It is a new world, full of surprises and new realities to deal with on the run. You have no idea, nor do I."

Read his story at the link in the first comment. 👇️

06/12/2026

Lord, there is so much to pray for. May I go through this day with my thoughts caught up in prayer and praise. May I be alert and not be detoured by my surroundings and the events of the day. Remove confusion from my path. Lead me with clarity, patience, and a calm spirit. There are still services and summer events to plan. May I not get in a rut of this is the way we have done it, but perhaps a new “spark” that still tells the story of You and Your love.

The entire prayer is linked in the comments.

06/11/2026

" I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." - Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

06/10/2026

What can a 120-year-old sequoia teach us about ministry? More than you'd think. 🌲 In this month's Six Mission Minutes, President Von Behren reminds us that God is still planting sprigs and growing something new. Watch and be encouraged! 🙌

06/09/2026

Rebecca Braaten, a graduate of Concordia University Portland, is retiring at the end of the current school year, having just completed her 44th year of Lutheran School teaching ministry. 🤩 Becky served her first 37 years at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Kalispell, Montana, then returned to the Northwest for seven years at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School in Wenatchee, Washington. She is pictured here at her retirement celebration event, receiving a token of recognition and appreciation from Northwest District Education Executive Jim Scriven. We give thanks for workers like Becky, whom God calls into professional church work, extending and impacting the spread of the Gospel to children and their families.

06/09/2026

During this year's Commencement at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), Rev. Ernie Lassman (Class of 1978 -- and our own emeritus pastor in Washington), received the 2026 Alumnus of the Year Award. Established by the CTSFW Board of Regents, the award honors an alumnus who has distinguished himself by faithfully shepherding the people of God with excellence in preaching and teaching the faithful, reaching the lost, and caring for all while strengthening the Seminary by supporting its mission. Pastor Lassman served congregations in British Columbia and Seattle during his more than 38 years of parish ministry; he also supervised nine vicars, eight of whom were CTSFW students. Well done! 👏

Pictured left to right: Lassman and his wife, Kathy, with CTSFW President Dr. Jon S. Bruss.

06/06/2026

Let's celebrate together! 🥳 Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, Oregon, held its confirmation service on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. These seven amazing young people declared their faith in front of family and friends. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11

06/05/2026

Lord, thank You for bringing us into June. Cover each day of this month with Your mercy. Help us understand this season with wisdom and faith. Show us where we need to grow, what we need to release, and where we need to trust You more. Fill this month with your presence in all we do.

The entire prayer is linked in the comments.

06/03/2026

Becky Oswald knows grief from the inside. After losing her husband, she found herself living in a culture that didn't know how to talk about it — and she made it her mission to change that. Today, she walks alongside grieving individuals and equips congregations to care well for those experiencing loss (including when she recently assisted two NOW congregations as they supported their workers). Learn more about her work and her heart, and ways she may be a resource in your ministry, in the comments. 👇️