With Barbara A. Below This month’s Reporter includes an official notice listing the floor committee members for this year’s 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Much work has taken place to review and identify convention floor committee…
Good timing evident at Board's Feb. 21-22 meeting
By Joe Isenhower Jr. ST. LOUIS — Perhaps it was good timing that the Synod Board of Directors’ (BOD) Feb. 21-22 meeting had just gotten under way at a hotel near the airport here when the harshest winter storm to-date…
CPS announces future changes to retirement benefits
On Feb. 26, Concordia Plan Services (CPS) announced several modifications to its Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP), effective July 1, 2014. The Synod Board of Directors approved the changes Feb. 21. The changes were announced in letters sent to active…
Concordia, Selma, receiving $5 million gift
According to Concordia College Alabama in Selma, Ala., the Rev. Mark and Kathy Helge have committed $5 million for new academic programs, scholarships, capital projects and other strategic priorities outlined in the college’s “A Time to Build” campaign initiative. It…
Past LWML President Helen Gienapp dies
Helen Gienapp, ninth president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, died Feb. 28 in Berkley, Mich., at the age of 91. She served as LWML president from 1979 to 1983. A funeral service was held March 4 at Ascension of Christ Lutheran…
Pressure Points (March 2013)
With Dr. Bruce Hartung This month’s “Pressure Points” continues the discussion in the January column about bullying and the church. There have been numerous reader responses on that topic — often painful, but always thoughtful. Following are two examples (in…
Official Notice: Convention delegate names and addresses
Lists of names and addresses of all voting delegates to the 2013 convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod are available March 1 in printed or electronic form. Send requests to the Secretary’s Office. Include a check for $250 to cover…
Missouri Synod’s School Ministry director wins Lutheran education top honor
ST. LOUIS, February 28, 2013—William “Bill” Cochran, director of School Ministry for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), will receive the Christus Magister Award, the Lutheran Education Association’s (LEA) top honor. Since 1965, the Christus Magister Award has been presented to Lutheran educators who have made significant contributions to Lutheran education.
LCMS Communications department realigns
Realigned on Feb. 1 with the goal of being both more strategic and efficient, the LCMS Communications department now operates in two separate but cooperating spheres: Strategic Communications and Communication Services. Under the leadership of Executive Director David Strand,…
Council of Presidents releases 'letter of comfort'
By James H. Heine ST. LOUIS — At its regular meeting Feb. 16-19, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Council of Presidents (COP) adopted unanimously “an open letter of comfort” that addresses the recent controversy surrounding the participation of a Synod pastor…
In Newtown letter, COP pledges to study how to respond to crises
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…
