By James H. Heine ST. LOUIS — During its Feb. 16-19 meeting here, the LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) adopted “an open letter of comfort” addressing the recent controversy surrounding the participation of a Synod pastor in a community prayer…
National mission board, staff focus on revitalization
By Joe Isenhower Jr. ST. LOUIS — As the LCMS Board for National Mission (BNM) neared completing drafts of initial policies at its Feb. 11-12 meeting here, it heard reminders that the Office of National Mission (ONM) applies those policies…
New Missouri Synod report offers ‘framework’ for addressing immigration
ST. LOUIS, February 25, 2013—Raise the subject of immigration and be prepared for a spirited debate. Christians who hold to the Scriptures can have varying personal and political views about the best ways to compassionately care for and serve those who come to live in the United States from other countries. A new report, “Immigrants Among Us,” by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) offers theological guidance from a Lutheran perspective for thinking through immigration issues and some practical guidance for ministering to immigrants.
Exhibitor applications available for Missouri Synod triennial convention
ST. LOUIS, February 22, 2013—This summer’s Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) 65th Regular Convention offers an exciting opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their programs, products and services to approximately 3,500 attendees representing the 2.3 million members of the Synod who are expected to attend. The convention will be held July 20-25 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis.
‘Baptized for This Moment’ convention-themed Bible study available
ST. LOUIS, February 22, 2013—In preparation for this summer’s 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), a special Bible study that relates to the convention theme, “Baptized for This Moment,” is now available.
NLSA names nine 'exemplary schools' for 2013-14
The National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) commission recently selected nine Lutheran schools in the United States for special recognition as “exemplary accredited schools.” All nine schools are operated by LCMS congregations or associations of LCMS congregations. They received NLSA accreditation…
Six LCMS-related ministries to receive Wheat Ridge grants
Wheat Ridge Ministries of Itasca, Ill., announced that it approved 12 of its “GrantsPlus” grants totaling $423,000 — to “assist inspired leaders who are serving others and sharing health and hope around the world,” according to a Feb. 7 news…
Obama nominates Gard for Navy Reserve's highest rank
President Barack Obama has nominated the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard, an LCMS chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve and professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to serve as a rear admiral (lower half) in…
Two alleged Dorner victims graduated from Concordia, Irvine
Concordia University in Irvine, Calif. — one of the 10 Concordia University System schools operated by the LCMS nationwide — will be the site of a memorial service for two graduates who were killed by suspect Christopher Dorner. The bodies…
Missionary's photo album shows typical week
Children excited about their first day of school; spying a monkey in a tree; eating fresh mangoes; making amaquinas — deep-fried donuts — at a local “tuck shop,” or grocery; distributing school uniforms and shoes to students; painting a home;…
Needed: 'Full-court press' on missionary recruitment
By Laura J. Seaman ST. LOUIS — The LCMS continues to face a dire need to recruit church workers, including missionaries — a topic of concern addressed by the Board for International Mission (BIM) at its meeting here Feb. 8-9.…
LCMS awards grant for Hattiesburg cleanup; volunteers needed
By Sarah Schafer The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod approved a $7,000 grant Feb. 15 to aid volunteers removing trees from houses and property and to provide tarps for damaged roofs in Hattiesburg, Miss., following a tornado that struck the city Feb.…
Harrison shares Lenten message in new video
In a new video available online for viewing and sharing, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison offers a blessing and encourages the church to pray the Litany during this Lenten season. “Prayer is a great blessing,” Harrison says in…
Ethiopian Lutheran church breaks fellowship with ELCA
By Adriane Dorr One of the largest Lutheran church bodies in the world, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), announced Feb. 5 that it had broken fellowship with “those churches who have openly accepted same-sex marriage,” namely, the Evangelical Lutheran…
CPH, LHM offer resources for Lent
Concordia Publishing House and Lutheran Hour Ministries are offering new Lenten resources for 2013. “Restore the Roar!,” by the Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing, is described by CPH as a “complete resource for Lent and Easter preaching and worship that…
March 12 is order deadline for ‘Armed Forces Sunday’
LCMS congregations with email addresses should have received an email in late January from the Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces regarding “Armed Forces Sunday” on May 19. The email is intended to let congregations know that if they want…
