With Dr. Bruce Hartung In recent columns, I asked readers to share ways that congregations and schools have been responding to the economic recession, with special emphasis on staffing and compensation. I also responded to a concern that was raised…
Items wanted, available (May)
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 Young churches in Ghana, West Africa, need stoles,…
Positions (May)
The following institutions of the Concordia University System (CUS) are seeking candidates for positions described below: Concordia University, Irvine, Calif., seeks to fill faculty positions for a campus pastor and in exercise and sport science. Concordia University, Portland, Ore., seeks…
Requests for Reinstatement (May)
DANIEL JURKOVIC, Toronto, Ontario, and CHARLES MCCLEAN, Alexandria, Va., have applied for reinstatement to the Ministers of Religion-Ordained roster of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. CAROLYN RUSNAK, St. Louis, Mo., has applied for reinstatement to the Ministers of Religion-Commissioned roster of…
What's in the May 'Lutheran Witness'?
The May issue of The Lutheran Witness offers a special focus on pastoral formation and education, including stories about the Specific Ministry Pastor program, the role of technology in seminary education, and first-person stories by two seminarians. Also in the…
Synod president comments on flu outbreak
LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick has issued a statement in response to the recent swine flu outbreak, offering words of pastoral encouragement and pointing to LCMS resources aimed at helping churches navigate the crisis and keep members healthy. Kieschnick’s entire…
Pastor: Faith, fellow believers support family after slayings
By Joe Isenhower Jr. The senior pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Schaumburg, Ill., says that strong faith and fellow members are providing hope and support for the Engelhardt family of nearby Hoffman Estates after three of that family’s members…
Flood-weary Lutherans receive grants
By Sarah Schafer North Dakota and Minnesota residents are no strangers to spring flooding, but record-high waters this year due to snow melt and rainfall are beginning to wear on LCMS pastors and members — particularly in small towns and rural…
Students build 'box city' to open eyes about homelessness
To raise awareness about homelessness in the United States, some 50 Concordia University Chicago students built “homes” out of cardboard boxes and spent the night inside them on the school’s campus in River Forest, Ill. The March 20-21 event was…
Oklahoma District elects new president
Rev. Barrie Henke of Edmond, Okla., and Rev. Myles Schultz, Okmulgee, Okla., were elected president and first vice president of the Oklahoma District during its April 24-25 convention in Norman. Henke succeeds Rev. Paul Hartman of Oklahoma City, who retired…
Former Northwest District President Dr. Emil Jaech dies
Dr. Emil G. Jaech, who served as president of the Synod’s Northwest District from 1970 until his retirement in 1982, died April 25 at his home in Dallas, Ore. He was 95. A memorial service was held May 2 at Peace Lutheran…
Grace Place strives 'to preserve every shepherd'
Ten years ago, helping pastors, teachers, and their spouses learn biblically based strategies to cope with ministry challenges and strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual health was the focus of Grace Place Lutheran Retreats. Today, the LCMS Recognized Service Organization continues…
Two churches burn, one classified as arson
No one was injured, but two LCMS churches suffered major fire damages in the weeks before Easter. Investigators say the early-morning fire April 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton, S.D., was set deliberately, but church officials have no…
Mission board makes Zehnder post permanent
Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder, who has been serving as interim executive director of the Synod’s Board for Mission Services since November, has accepted a call from the board to continue his service as executive director. The action of the board,…
LIRS president announces resignation
Ralston H. Deffenbaugh Jr., president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) since 1991, will resign from his post Sept. 1. According to an LIRS news release, Deffenbaugh, 57, said the “organization needs new gifts of leadership.” “As LIRS president…
Sem offers online course catalog
The 2009 Summer Catalog of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is available on the seminary’s Web site and may be downloaded for viewing and printing in PDF format. The 19-page catalog contains descriptions of all courses being offered on the campus…
