Online registration opens Nov. 1 at www.fromabove2013.org for three 2013 Higher Things conferences for Lutheran youth that will offer nearly identical programs in different locations and over separate dates. They are set for June 25-28 at the University of Scranton in…
'LWML Sunday' may be celebrated anytime
Although the first Sunday in October — Oct. 7 this year — is the traditional day to celebrate “Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Sunday,” congregations may mark the special observance on any Sunday. “LWML Sunday” sample packets were mailed to all LCMS…
Poll: Most Americans don't think Scientology is a religion
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Most Americans do not believe Scientology is a real religion, according to a recent poll by “60 Minutes” and Vanity Fair. The survey, conducted by CBS News, found that 70 percent of Americans say that Scientology is not…
ENInews suspends service, seeks further funding
(RNS/ENInews) — Ecumenical News International (ENI) announced Oct. 1 that its ENInews service is suspending operations, effective immediately, as it seeks emergency funding in order to operate for the remainder of 2012. “We regret taking this step, but despite a…
More missionaries needed worldwide this year
By Joe Isenhower Jr. and Paula Schlueter Ross Of the 165 positions and requests for LCMS missionaries available worldwide this year, only about half have been filled, according to the Rev. Dr. David Birner, interim executive director of the Synod’s Office…
Golter accepts call to direct International Mission office
The Rev. Randall L. Golter of Highlands Ranch, Colo., has accepted a call to serve as the first executive director of the LCMS Office of International Mission. He plans to begin work in the post Oct. 25, when he will…
New LHM documentary debuts Sept. 30
“The Intersection of Church & State,” an hourlong documentary produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), will debut Sunday, Sept. 30, on the Fox Business Network as paid programming at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. (Check listings for local times.) The program, which…
Survey: Syrian rebels seek Islamic democracy
(RNS) — Members of the Syrian opposition generally want a democratic government that protects the rights of minorities, though many also want a constitution based on Islam, according to a recent survey. Their aspirations are important because the Obama administration has…
Anniversary
Concordia College Alabama in Selma, Ala., will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a special 11 a.m. worship service followed by a luncheon, campus tours, reception with the president, and alumni ball on Nov. 2; homecoming parade, presidential luncheon for donors,…
Youth Gathering registration 'priority window' opens Oct. 16
The registration process for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering moves into full swing as its registration “priority window” is open Oct. 16-30. The Gathering is July 1-5 in San Antonio. Mailing the necessary forms and deposit during the Oct. 16-30…
Poll: White working-class voters still looking for a candidate
(RNS) — The white working class, a potentially rich bloc of voters for Republicans or Democrats, hasn’t settled on Mitt Romney or President Barack Obama, a new study from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) shows. “These white working-class voters are…
Convention mailing includes information for election of president
LCMS congregations are advised to quickly pass along to their 2012 district convention delegates information in a postcard that is being mailed to congregations Sept. 28. The postcard announces an Oct. 15 test for those who will participate in the…
LCMS launches ‘Free to Be Faithful’ awareness campaign
By Vicki J. Biggs In response to increasing intrusions by government into the realm of the church, the LCMS is launching “Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful,” an education and awareness campaign aimed at inspiring LCMS rostered members and laity to…
Convention Corner (October 2012)
With Barbara A. Below As staff at the International Center sort through the logistical side of the 2013 Synod convention — with matters such as voting ballots and seating; bylaws; and nametags — the Rev. Timothy Pauls is hard at…
Amish petition for bail after beard-cutting hate crimes verdict
CLEVELAND (RNS) — A federal judge has given defense attorneys until Sept. 27 to convince him that nine Amish defendants convicted of hate crimes should not be imprisoned until their sentencing Jan. 24. In a motion filed Sept. 21, Assistant U.S.…
Judge blocks law that prevents preaching in French Quarter
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a city law that was recently used to arrest Christian evangelists who were preaching on Bourbon Street during Southern Decadence, the annual celebration of gay culture in the…
