CTCR adopts three new documents

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopts reports on Communion statements and women’s service in the church, and a Bible study on persecution.

New ‘Journal’ discusses Christ’s mercy in disasters

The February edition of the “Journal of Lutheran Mission” includes papers presented at the LCMS International Disaster Conference last September.

Concordia, Selma, to host third Civil Rights Symposium

The symposium, March 1-8, will include presentations, discussions, a film, a “mock trial” and worship to commemorate the Civil Rights Movement and 1965 marches.

Otis Woodard, advocate for St. Louis poor, dies

A public memorial service is still being planned for Woodard (center, in photo), who died Feb. 13 after weeks of declining health.

Commentary: ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has many seeing 50 shades of red

A “Reporter” commentary on the controversial books and film contrasts their messages with God’s design for intimate relationships.

Sem’s Kantorei announces Easter prayer tour

The choir of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., announces five services in Indiana and Ohio in April.

Update from the President: Internal borrowing down to zero; number of missionaries almost doubled since 2013

The LCMS reduced internal borrowing of restricted funds to cash flow operations from some $16 million four years ago to zero, and we are close to doubling the number of career missionaries internationally, a goal set by the Synod in convention in 2013.

Campaign raises $42 million for Concordia, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska exceeds its goal of $38 million for capital projects, operations and endowment during its “Blessed to be a Blessing” campaign.

Rural-church leaders invited to ‘Engaging Your Community’

The outreach event sponsored by LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission and the Synod’s Kansas District is planned for March 21 in Nortonville, Kan.

Domestic-violence task force announces training sessions

“We all know someone who is either currently being abused by someone else or who in the past has been abused pretty seriously,” says one task force member.

Seminary offers online resources to support ‘future servants’

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., launches a website of resources to shed light on the economic challenges facing today’s seminary students.

Sem’s ‘Reformation500’ to feature noted author

The Rev. Tullian Tchividjian — grandson of Billy Graham — will speak at the March 19 event at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Photo gallery: Bearing Mercy in the Baltics

See how LCMS church partners, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania, are bearing mercy and service through Diaconia work in the Baltics.

LWML convention registration opens

The 36th Biennial Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Convention will be held June 25-28 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Arson suspected at Lutheran church in England

St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Sunderland, England, is badly damaged in a Jan. 17 fire.

WELSTech Conference set for July

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is hosting a conference July 9-11 in Waukesha, Wis., for anyone interested in learning how technology can aid ministry.