“God has exceeded our small expectations,” says LCMS missionary Sue Pfeil in Kyrgyzstan, who reports that more than 650 men, women, and children were involved in Lutheran worship services, Sunday schools, Bible studies, confirmation classes, and cell groups by the…
Board sends mailing on Amendment A
In a December mailing to LCMS congregations, the Synod’s Board of Directors said that now “is probably not the time for congregations of the Synod to affirm a change to the Constitution of the Synod.” The mailing spoke to “Constitutional Amendment…
Online giving sees `dramatic` increase
Response to the South Asia tsunami disaster and a new system for receiving gifts on the Synod’s Web site have led to a dramatic increase in online giving to LCMS ministries, says the manager of online giving for the LCMS…
LCMS leaders seek ways to advance vision
More than 50 LCMS leaders, including 10 parish pastors and five school principals, met in St. Louis Jan. 20-22 to explore ways to advance the vision for the Synod summarized in the words “One Mission, One Message, One People.” Synod President…
`Newsweek` lauds LWR for relief efforts
In a brief item headlined “Rating Tsunami Relief,” the Jan. 17 issue of Newsweek magazine lauds Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for its A+ grade as a charity. The magazine lists several U.S.-based relief agencies that have received grades, from A+…
165 `reconcilers` receive training
By Joe Isenhower Jr. A new cadre of synodical “reconcilers” is being trained this year in six-day class sessions at the Synod’s International Center in St. Louis. Four reconcilers from each of the 35 LCMS districts — nominated by circuit counselors and…
Theology profs to discuss `Sin and Wrath of God`
Next month, LCMS theology professors will meet in Dallas to discuss the theme “Talking about Sin and the Wrath of God.” The convocation continues what was begun at the first convocation in 2003 when the professors focused on the first article…
New graduate program offers study in China
Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., is now offering a master of arts degree in international studies, in cooperation with China’s Shenzhen Education Bureau. Approved by Concordia’s board of regents in December, the new graduate program provides opportunities for Americans to experience…
FCC renews KFUO licenses
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Jan. 24 renewed for full seven-year terms the broadcast licenses of Synod-owned radio stations KFUO-AM and KFUO-FM. Dennis Stortz, director of broadcast operations at KFUO, said that this is especially good news for those who remember…
Fort Wayne sem offers summer courses in 16 cities
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, is offering continuing-education courses in 16 cities between late May and early August. The two- to five-day courses are open to professional church workers, laypeople, and students. Most are taught by professors from Concordia Theological Seminary;…
Lilly Endowment again offers pastor sabbatical grants
The Lilly Endowment Inc. once again is offering awards to congregations of up to $45,000 each to allow pastors to take a sabbatical — to go on what the organization calls “journeys of renewal and refreshment for creative ministry.” More than…
LCEF names new CFS head
David Kuerschner of St. Charles, Mo., has been named to lead Capital Funding Services (CFS), a Synod fund-raising organization that is part of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). He succeeds Rev. David P. Schmidt, who retired Jan. 3. Kuerschner, who…
Resources link Feb. 27 readings to Lutheran Blind Mission
The Bible readings on Sunday, Feb. 27, focus on how Jesus, in the first century, met the needs of blind people. A recent mailing of resources from Lutheran Blind Mission focuses on how Jesus — in the 21st century —…
2005 VBS program features 'Safari Adventure'
“Safari Adventure: Discover Jesus the King,” a new vacation Bible school program for 2005, is available now from Concordia Publishing House. In the new program, students go on a “safari” and make discoveries about Jesus the King. Along the way, they…
Pressure Points with Dr. Bruce Hartung
Q: I have received a call. The church that is calling me wants me to come for a visit. The visit includes bringing my family — wife and children. They say that while they have called me already, they want…
LWR urges Lutherans to voice support on tsunami issues
Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, is urging Lutherans nationwide to contact their senators and President Bush to voice their support of two tsunami-related issues: Extending the charitable-deductions deadline for 2004 — The tsunamis struck on Dec. 26, giving donors just…
