Through the week of the Synod’s national convention, congregations and their members contributed $614,000 to the 2010 National Offering in support of LCMS ministries. In an oversized postcard to be mailed to donors and congregations Aug. 15, Synod President Dr.…
2010 Gathering: 'One big Servant Event' to New Orleans
By Joe Isenhower Jr. NEW ORLEANS — The 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering (NYG) here July 17-21 no doubt left countless impressions on its 24,000 participants. A number of those youth and adults shared with Reporter what it meant to…
Venzke receives St. Martin of Tours award
Chaplain Rodger R. Venzke, U.S. Army (Ret.), received the silver St. Martin of Tours medal July 14 in Houston. The award, presented by LCMS World Mission’s Ministry to the Armed Forces, is given to military personnel for exceptionally meritorious service.…
Harrison: LCMS will continue to share mercy
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod will continue to reach out with mercy even in the wake of the church body’s restructuring, said LCMS President-elect Rev. Matthew C. Harrison at a July 21 meeting with LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC)…
Dr. Erwin J. Kolb dies; former evangelism exec
Dr. Erwin J. Kolb, executive director of the Synod’s Board for Evangelism Services from 1972 until his retirement in 1989, died July 26 in Milwaukee after several years of declining health. A memorial service took place July 30 at Luther Manor retirement…
Polls find shifts on gay marriage ban
WASHINGTON (RNS) — New polls in California indicate public opinion on same-sex marriage may be changing toward acceptance, and religion continues to play a large role in the change. A poll released July 21 by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)…
ELCA's Hanson pleads for unity
STUTTGART, Germany (RNS/ENInews) — A U.S. Lutheran bishop on July 21 appealed to members of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to hold together and avoid splits in the face of differences over issues of sexuality. “It is not the time…
10 minutes with … Matthew Harrison
(RNS) — Rev. Matthew Harrison defeated a three-term incumbent to become president of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) on July 13, fueled by the support of his denomination’s more conservative wing. Harrison, 48, will lead a 2.4-million member denomination with…
Youth Gathering generates $42 million in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS–“We Believe,” the 11th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering, will contribute some $42 million to local revenues here, according to figures released by the city’s convention and visitors bureau. The Gathering, which is the Synod’s single largest event, brings…
Harrison names top assistants
Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president-elect of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), has named the following to new positions, effective Sept. 1: Rev. Jon D. Vieker, senior assistant to the president. Vieker currently serves as assistant director of the LCMS Commission on Worship.…
LCMS delegates adopt worship, reformation study and compensation resolutions
HOUSTON—Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) adopted resolutions regarding a document on worship for Synod congregations, study of the Lutheran Confessions for Reformation observances and compensation for professional church workers. The LCMS convention is…
Delegates vote to appoint Hispanic ministry strategist
HOUSTON–Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod here July 17 adopted Resolution 1-11, affirming the need “for faithful and effective outreach to Hispanic people [and] for an individual for strategic development of Hispanic ministries to guide…
Kieschnick closes convention
HOUSTON–In his final comments to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick related a story told to him by a leader in the Gutnius Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea, who described how his…
Delegates adopt six resolutions on theology and church relations
HOUSTON–On July 17, the last day of business, delegates adopted Resolution 3-04 from the Floor Committee on Theology and Church Relations (Committee 3) to amend the Synod’s bylaws regarding recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with “small, formative or emerging…
Delegates authorize audits of outgoing boards
HOUSTON–Delegates to the national convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod called for a final financial audit of all outgoing boards and administration, a result of structure and governance changes adopted this week, and they expressed appreciation to those who worked…
Convention supports 'pastoral formation'
HOUSTON–Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod here July 17 adopted Resolution 5-05A, introduced by the Floor Committee on Seminary and University Education (Committee 5), “to support pastoral formation.” In adopting the resolution, the convention affirmed…
