Pastoral Education – June 2014

This issue of Pastoral Education highlights newly instituted changes in the Doctor of Ministry programs at both Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) seminaries. This a wonderful time for parish pastors to investigate the possibility of pursuing a D.Min. degree.

LCMS reaches out after ‘devastating’ tornadoes

The week of June 16 is devastating for two LCMS churches and more than two dozen LCMS members in Nebraska and South Dakota after deadly tornadoes tear through their communities and lives.

Rev. Dr. Eugene Linse, former social ministry exec, dies

A funeral service for Linse, 91, is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, in Modena, Wis.

Former LWML President Alberta Barnes dies

The funeral service for Barnes — who served as president from 1983 to 1987 — is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, in South Euclid, Ohio.

Movie review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’

Building on the original film’s story of complementary parts making a whole, and how a change of perspective can help, the sequel again focuses on themes of friendship, loyalty and acceptance.

Concordia University System names Philp as director

The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Philp is installed June 18 as the CUS director of Institutional Research and Integrity.

LCMS member wins best-actress Tony

Jessie Mueller — a “daughter” of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Skokie, Ill. — credits God after winning her first Tony Award.

Photos, video, audio describe Nebraska tornado aftermath

Dual tornadoes pummeled Pilger, Neb., on June 16, 2014, killing one person there, injuring more than two dozen, destroying 40-50 homes, and crushing St. John Lutheran Church and its parsonage. Several LCMS members lost their homes in the storm. The LCMS made an initial $100,000 available to the LCMS Nebraska District to help in the aftermath of the storm.

New missionaries gather for orientation

The 31 new missionaries will serve in 15 countries, including four where the Synod does not currently have a presence.

Fort Wayne sem offers apologetics course

Dr. Adam S. Francisco will lead “Apologetics for the 21st Century” July 9-11 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Parish nursing conference held in Wisconsin

The 22nd Annual Concordia Conference for Parish Nurse and Congregational Health Ministries was held May 28-29, 2014, at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis. Clergy, parish nurses and others interested in congregational health attended the conference with the theme “Reflecting God’s Love,” based on Eph. 5:1-2.

LCMS Foundation names Clasquin as VP

ST. LOUIS, June 9, 2014— Tina Clasquin has been promoted to vice-president of trust administration and customer support with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation effective June 16.

Missouri Synod Lutherans commit $100K to Nebraska tornado relief

ST. LOUIS, June 17, 2014—Following dual tornadoes that pummeled a small town in Nebraska on June 16, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has committed an initial $100,000 to the disaster relief and response effort.

Nebraska church ‘gone’ after dual tornadoes

The June 16 tornadoes pummel Pilger, Neb., killing one person there, injuring more than two dozen, destroying 40-50 homes and crushing St. John Lutheran Church.

Canadian Lutherans re-elect Bugbee

Delegates also adopted resolutions on the diaconate and heard from guests including LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.

Urban & Inner-City Mission launches new website

The website features what’s happening in LCMS urban mission and a new Facebook page offers updates and a way for followers to connect.