(RNS) — A new six-part PBS series explores how deeply religion has influenced and informed American public life — from Catholic missionaries’ first encounter with Native Americans to the political marriage between the GOP and religious conservatives. “God in America,”…
Flooding hits Norfolk church for third time
As the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole passed along the Eastern Seaboard in early October, heavy amounts of rainfall caused flooding throughout the states served by the Synod’s Southeastern District. For the third time in less than a year, Crossway…
ALPB gauging interest in anniversary medals
The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau (ALPB) would like to hear from those interested in buying a series of nine commemorative medallions it plans to offer “to begin a countdown of the years to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in…
Record number take LYF's 'Youth Poll'
By Linda C. Hoops About 80 percent of the youth who took part in the Lutheran Youth Fellowship Youth Poll at this summer’s National LCMS Youth Gathering have either an “excellent or good relationship with their parents,” according to the…
Saxon Memorial festival set for Oct. 9
The 30th Annual Fall Festival at the historic Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Mo., is set for Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Frohna is located in Perry County, Mo., a little more than an hour’s drive south…
Hispanic ministries offer intensive Spanish classes
Two LCMS-related Hispanic ministries — Lutheran Hispanic Missionary Institute and Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care, both of El Paso, Texas — are sponsoring weeklong, intensive Spanish-language training courses in 2011. “Conversations in Spanish” will be held Jan. 16-22 and Aug.…
October focuses on 'Clergy Appreciation'
In a September mailing from LCMS Ministerial Growth and Support, Synod congregations received a poster and a suggested bulletin insert to help them observe “Clergy Appreciation Month” and “Clergy Appreciation Sunday” in October. Clergy appreciation observances have gained momentum throughout…
Poll: Unbelievers know most about religion
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Who can best answer questions about religion in America? Based on a new survey released Sept. 28 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, it’s your atheist or agnostic neighbor, followed by the Jew or…
10 minutes with … Marilyn Mellowes
(RNS) – PBS’ “American Experience” and “Frontline” explore the role of religion in American life across more than 400 years in the six-hour series “God in America,” which will air over three consecutive nights starting Oct. 11. The journey interweaves…
Small following keeps shape-note singing alive
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — The archaic sounds that fill the historic former church sanctuary echo, hauntingly, like a whispering ghost from the past. Inside the 1902 building that once housed the Second Presbyterian Church, the elaborate archways bounce back the…
Pressure Points (October 2010)
With Dr. Bruce Hartung Last month’s column addressing a reader’s question about what the Synod is “doing to help teachers who have dedicated many years to Lutheran education and now find themselves unemployed” has opened something of a floodgate of…
Requests for Reinstatement (October 2010)
LAURIE B. ERIKSEN, Delray Beach, Fla.; REBECCA RUTH HILLMAN, Cheney, Kan.; NADINE L. HOGER, Matteson, Ill.; MICHELLE URBAN, Columbia City, Ind.; and CAREN MEYER VOGT, Hamburg, N.J., have applied for reinstatement to the Ministers of Religion-Commissioned roster of The Lutheran…
Positions (October 2010)
The Religious Life and Church Relations Department of Bethesda Lutheran Communities has a full-time position available for a ministry consultant in the Pacific Northwest Region, based in Portland, Ore. Empowered by the love of Christ, a ministry consultant advocates for and…
Items wanted, available (October 2010)
Note: Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase. Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Wanted Pastor’s Companion Agenda, the style used in the…
Shootings at Ohio, Texas churches stir concerns
(RNS) — Three outbursts of violence in or near churches, including one during worship services, are raising safety concerns for church leaders. Eddie Contreras, youth pastor at Walnut Park Casa De Mi Gloria Church in Garland, Texas, was speaking to…
Young Christians seek intentional community among poor
GRESHAM, Ore. (RNS) — In the two years since David Knepprath and Josh Guisinger moved into the rough-and-tumble Barberry Village complex, roughly a dozen young Christian men and women have made Barberry Village their home. Their goal: Create a sense…
