Movie review: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

Spiritually speaking, the film is more clever, efficient style than enduring, deep substance, according to reviewer Rev. Ted Giese.

Seminaries announce off-campus courses

Here’s a listing of off-campus, continuing-education opportunities offered by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.

So Help Me God Newsletter: July-September 2015

In this issue from LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, the ongoing need for married couples to discuss with each other where they are emotionally is discussed. An article suggesting to married couples what they can do to avoid destroying their marriage is also provided. In addition, a devotional thought to encourage readers in their faith is shared.

Marriage at the High Court (post 1)

Thus, God’s left-hand kingdom—whether in ancient Greece and Rome, in Great Britain before our Revolutionary War, where our country traces its legal heritage and in this nation until very recently—has agreed with God’s right-hand kingdom concerning the conjugal view of marriage. It is this harmony between the left-hand kingdom’s view of marriage and the right-hand kingdom’s view that is hanging in the balance in the cases now pending before the Supreme Court.

In Baltimore: ‘sharing Gospel in middle of pain’

Seven LCMS pastors join fellow members of the Synod’s Southeastern District — and some 5,000 Baltimore residents and others — at a rally and march for peace in that city May 2.

LCMS Communications, periodicals win awards

LCMS Communications and its periodicals receive 13 awards from the Associated Church Press and two from the Evangelical Press Association — for work published in 2014.

Prayers for Rogate Sunday

For those churches who use the historic series, and particularly churches in rural areas, this download will be a blessing for Rogate Sunday on May 10, 2015. It is an order for seeking God’s blessing on the fields from which our food comes.

LCMS president reprises Luther during Wittenberg dedication

Nearly 450 people from around the world take part in the May 3 dedication of the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin school.

View video, photos of dedication in Wittenberg

The International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany, is dedicated on Sunday, May 3, and a video and photos of the historic event are available.

Bulletin insert: Nepal earthquake relief

Download a bulletin insert that offers ways LCMS members and congregations may support the earthquake relief work in Nepal.

Fondow re-elected to fifth term in Minnesota North

The LCMS Minnesota North District convention, meeting April 13-15 in Brainerd, Minn., emphasizes missions.

‘Old School’ brings ‘Lutheran Bluegrass’ music to Wittenberg

The LCMS band “Old School” performs Bluegrass favorites — with a Lutheran flair — May 2 as part of the International Lutheran Center dedication celebration.

Synod responds with grants for Nepal quake relief

LCMS Disaster Response grants fund immediate provisions such as food, personal-care kits and water-filtration units for many affected.

Supreme Court Set to Rule on Marriage

What’s coming next: This week, the Supreme Court began hearing oral argument on same-sex marriage as it pertains to states’ rights. The court is set to announce its decision in June.   What the ruling could mean for you: The Court…

Pastoral Education – May 2015

The essentials of pastoral formation remain the same throughout the ages: Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio (prayer, meditation, spiritual affliction and trial).

Synod planning response to Baltimore violence

Local pastors, the LCMS Southeastern District and the Synod’s Office of National Mission are working to prevent further rioting.