By Joe Isenhower Jr. Stepped-up outreach efforts, new hymnals, and task forces on funding -– programs and priorities of the two largest U.S. Lutheran church bodies -– were similar topics that leaders of those churches discussed when they met Oct. 3…

International Lutheran Single Adults (ILSA) will hold its 20th anniversary annual conference July 5-8 at the Radisson Inn in Branson, Mo.  The conference, with the theme of “Rejoice and Sing,” is open to any single adult or to anyone who…

As next year marks 30 years of planning for Synod-sponsored National Youth Gatherings, planners are announcing details about the first-ever LCMS Adult Gathering. The 2007 Adult Gathering, open to LCMS members who are at least 25 years old, will be…

Principals of two LCMS elementary schools received this year’s Rosa J. Young Leadership Award for “outstanding service in Black ministry.” The award is given annually by the Synod’s Board for Black Ministry Services to “individuals who, in spite of challenging…

The Kantorei of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, has released its sixth CD, “Infant Holy: Christmas with the Seminary Kantorei.” The selections chosen for the choir’s latest recording are sung by Kantorei members over a period of eight school years. …

For a limited time, Concordia Publishing House is offering a free Bible study about embryonic stem cell research and why it is incompatible with the Bible and the Christian faith. “Changing Currents: Embryonic Stem Cell Research” was written by Robert…

The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is experiencing an unprecedented increase in building loan requests and, in order to meet those requests, is now offering a nine-month, fixed-rate term note at 6.136 percent APY (6 percent base rate).  APY is…

Each year, Austin, Texas-based Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS) sponsors a Christmas-card design contest among the children it serves. This year’s winning card, designed by a resident at an LSSS children’s residential treatment center, features a colorful Christmas…

The international mission organization Lutherans in Medical Missions (LIMM) this fall is funding two projects that rely on short-term volunteers: A LIMM grant of $10,000 will be used by Extra Mile Ministries to fund a new ministry to victims of…

Television stations coast to coast will air animated holiday specials from Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) between Nov. 23 and Dec. 25. “Little Shepherd” and “Red Boots for Christmas” will air on stations with a potential of reaching more than 55…

Lutherans in Medical Missions (LIMM) will host its Third Annual Needs and Resources Forum March 30-31 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Louis. Theme of the forum will be “Medical Missions: Acts of Mercy and Healing — Gifts in…

Two faculty members at Concordia University, Irvine, Calif., have been appointed to oversee the school’s academic programs. Dr. Mary Scott of Irvine is new provost and executive vice president, and Dr. Peter Senkbeil of Orange, Calif., is associate provost. “After…

When Concordia Publishing House hosted a party Sept. 30 for its south St. Louis neighborhood, 297 children and 158 adults showed up for the free food, games, entertainment, and craft activities. This year marked CPH’s 11th annual neighborhood party, dubbed “Operation…

Lutheran chaplains, pastoral counselors, and others who work in specialized ministry settings will continue a 40-year tradition when they gather Feb. 8-11, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas. Zion XIII, the 13th triennial conference hosted by the Inter-Lutheran Coordinating Committee (ILCC)…