As people in Japan adjust to “a new reality” after the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami there, what they need most is prayers from others. Dr. Jonathan Blanke, an LCMS career missionary in Tokyo, told listeners of KFUO Radio’s…
Materials available for 'Concordia Sunday'
Free materials are available from the Concordia University System (CUS) to celebrate “Concordia Sunday,” a recognition of the 147-year history of the Synod’s 10 universities and colleges. The date of May 15 is suggested, but congregations may select any Sunday…
Japan disaster FAQs provide answers
A PDF of “frequently asked questions” — and answers — related to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan is now available from LCMS Communications. “FAQ: Japan Disaster” explains the Synod’s presence and activities in Japan prior to the…
Japanese pastor provides March 15 update
In an e-mail to the LCMS, Rev. Manabu Wakabayashi, a pastor of the Japan Lutheran Church (JLC), an LCMS partner church, said many people are still searching for loved ones and living without basic necessities in the wake of the…
At a glance: Lutherans in Japan
By James Heine Japan is a nation of some 126.5 million people. It is one of the leading democracies in the Pacific Rim and a major world economic power. While it is well-prepared for natural disasters (perhaps better prepared than…
Japan 'help page' offers news, resources
The Japan Earthquake Relief “help page” — located online at www.lcms.org/help — offers a variety of information and resources. Visitors to the site will find: news stories produced by staff from LCMS Communications, LCMS World Mission, and LCMS World Relief…
Gifts for Japan relief approach $100,000
As of March 15, monetary gifts approaching $100,000 have been given for the Synod’s response to help those affected by the Japan earthquake and tsunami, according to Hans Springer, associate executive director for fund development with LCMS World Relief and…
Synod commits $200,000 for two Japan churches
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is making available an initial $200,000 to two Lutheran church bodies in Japan, to be used as they decide for disaster relief after the historic March 11 magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami that is resulting in rising death tolls…
Japan missionary's update expresses 'reason to hope'
“God gives us reason to hope and hold on to His promises, in spite of [it] all.” That’s what Dr. Jonathan Blanke, an LCMS career missionary in Japan, writes at the end of his family’s March 13 update on the…
'Continue to pray,' says JLC president
In a March 12 e-mail sent to LCMS leaders, Rev. Yutaka Kumei, president of the Japan Lutheran Church (JLC), thanked the Synod for its “many messages of concern and support. We feel very comforted knowing that there are so many…
LCMS missionaries share earthquake experiences
Two LCMS missionaries serving in Japan were in Tokyo when the March 11 earthquake devastated the country’s east coast some 200 miles away. Career missionary Dr. Jonathan Blanke was working at his home on the campus of Japan Lutheran College…
LCMS missionaries, partner church staff OK after Japan quake
Initial contact with LCMS missionaries and partner church staff in Japan indicates that they are safe after the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the east coast of the island nation March 11. Also, no major property losses among Lutherans have yet…
Caucus discusses future of LCMS black ministry
With the elimination of the Synod’s Board for Black Ministry Services — a result of restructuring resolutions adopted at the 2010 LCMS convention — the LCMS Black Clergy Caucus is looking at ways to support black ministry in the years…
Leaders stress partnerships for rural, small-town ministry
By Roland Lovstad Craig Pankow refuses to accept the notion that his small-town congregation in North Dakota will close for lack of members. In fact, he wants to encourage other rural and small-town churches to visualize outreach as a viable…
COP meets with LCC counterparts; approves five regions
By James Heine For the first time in nearly a decade, the LCMS Council of Presidents met with its Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) counterpart. The meeting took place Feb. 21-24 in St. Louis. While the two groups shared reports and conversations,…
LCEF announces art, architecture award
Applications are being accepted for entry in the 2011 Fifth Triennial Art and Architecture Award program sponsored by the Architectural Advisory Committee of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). The award program recognizes exceptional religious art and architectural achievement in the…
