FAIRHOPE, Ala. (RNS) — For the Rev. Jerry Henry, pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairhope, being Southern Baptist is a defining aspect of life. He embraces the denomination’s conservative social values, extols its evangelism — “We reach out to people…
Sparks fly as House GOP blasts contraception mandate
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Exhibit A in the fight over President Obama’s mandate for religious institutions to provide insurance coverage for contraception: a ham sandwich. At a hearing Feb. 16 convened by House Republicans to cast opposition to the mandate as a…
Events aim to engage rural congregations
By Roland Lovstad The Rev. Mark Nebel recalls that when he began serving his first call at a small congregation in Southern Illinois, there were no children in the worship services. “The mentality was ‘We’re too old, we’re too small,…
'Amazing Desert Journey' is CPH's 2012 VBS
Concordia Publishing House is offering an all-inclusive Starter Kit for its 2012 vacation Bible school (VBS) program titled “Amazing Desert Journey.” With the theme “Where Jesus Leads Us Home,” the new VBS materials provide a backdrop for a clear presentation of…
LCMS, Canadian Lutherans work together for Haiti
By Kim Plummer Krull Leaders of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and the LCMS call their first joint visit to Haiti a promising first step in bringing together Haitian Lutherans to strengthen theological education in a country with a severe pastor shortage. “Since the…
Southern Illinois District elects Scharr
The Rev. Timothy J. Scharr of Aviston, Ill., was elected on the first ballot to his first full three-year term as president of the LCMS Southern Illinois District during the district’s Feb. 16-18 convention in O’Fallon, Ill. Scharr, 54, had filled…
LCMS reaches out after Madagascar cyclone
LCMS ministry leaders have assured Lutheran leaders in Madagascar of disaster response assistance if such help is needed after Cyclone Giovanna pounded the African island nation Feb. 14. As damage assessments continue, at least 16 people are reported killed and more…
LCMS, ELCA reps discuss cooperation
CHICAGO — Leaders of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met here Feb. 8 as the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation (CLC) to discuss church-to-church cooperation and to share denominational updates. The LCMS, with about 2.3…
LEA announces 2012 awards
Lutheran Education Association (LEA) has announced the eight recipients of its 2012 educator awards, including Dr. Jeffrey Burkart of St. Paul, Minn., for the top Christus Magister (Teacher of Christ) Award. In addition, the LCMS Recognized Service Organization has named…
Harrison testifies as House leaders spar over HHS ruling
By Joel Gehrke WASHINGTON — LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison joined representatives of the Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian, and Jewish traditions in Washington, D.C., Feb.16 to testify before Congress on the threat to religious liberty posed by the contraception…
Harrison defends freedoms before House committee
By Adriane Dorr LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison spoke in defense of religion and conscience before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a Capitol Hill hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 16. Expressing concern over…
Concordia, Bronxville, president to step down in 2013
Dr. Viji D. George, president of Concordia College, Bronxville, N.Y., since 1999, says he plans to step down from the position June 30, 2013. “Periodic changes in leadership breathe new vision and direction into the life of an institution,” George…
Harrison to speak before House committee
By Adriane Dorr LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison will take part in a Capitol Hill hearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Washington, D. C., on Thursday, Feb. 16. The hearing will focus on the…
LCMS, ELS, WELS presidents offer papers at Emmaus Conference
The presidents of three American Lutheran synods offered papers at the Fifth Annual Emmaus Conference Feb. 9-10 at Parkland Lutheran Church and School in Tacoma, Wash. Parkland Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. LCMS President Rev. Dr.…
U.S. tourists to Israel advised to dress modestly
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The U.S. State Department is advising visitors to Jerusalem to dress modestly when visiting certain neighborhoods, or to avoid the areas entirely, in hopes of not provoking local sensitivities. The State Department guidance did not specify which neighborhoods…
Materials available for 'Concordia Sunday'
Free materials are available from the Concordia University System (CUS) to celebrate “Concordia Sunday,” a recognition of the 148-year history of the Synod’s 10 universities and colleges. The date of April 29 is suggested, but congregations may select any Sunday for…
