In a decision announced Monday, June 4, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Masterpiece Cakeshop owner/artist Jack Phillips. In 2012, Phillips, a Christian, declined to design a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, stating that to do so would violate his religious convictions.
Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools wraps up work
The LCMS Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools was created by the Synod in convention in 2013 and directed to continue its work in 2016. It will report its findings and recommendations at the 2019 Synod convention in Tampa, Fla.
Register now for prison ministry conference
Registration is open for “Captive Souls … Mercy for All,” a Synodwide prison ministry conference set for Aug. 17–18 at the Hilton St. Louis Airport.
Seminaries offer summer learning opportunities
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. are offering a series of summer workshops — open to pastors, church workers and laypeople — in various locations across the country.
Lange elected to first term as California-Nevada-Hawaii president
The Rev. Michael R. Lange of Brentwood, Calif., was elected on the third ballot to his first term as president of the LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District during the district’s 71st convention, May 11–12 in Sacramento, Calif.
Specialized Pastoral Ministry announces new Henry F. Wind award
The award will recognize outstanding leadership in SPM in the areas of advocating and promoting chaplaincy, pastoral counseling and/or clinical pastoral education.
Hill re-elected president of Wyoming District
The Rev. John E. Hill was elected to his second term as president of the LCMS Wyoming District at the district’s 19th convention, held May 3-5.
Zagore to head up National Mission
The Rev. Robert Zagore will begin serving as executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission in mid-May.
‘Equipped to Serve’: Concordia Theological Seminary winds up spring fundraiser
The fundraiser, which runs through May 7, aims to assist new graduates in purchasing supplies for their ministry.
From the Mission Field – April 2018
Updates about LCMS mission work around the world.
Grants up to $250,000 now available through LCEF’s Kaleidoscope Fund
The deadline for submitting a grant proposal is June 15.
Wanted: Nominations for convention
The Oct. 20 deadline may seem a long way off, but the time is now to submit nominations for the 74 officer, board and commission positions to be elected at the next LCMS Convention, July 20–25, 2019, in Tampa, Fla.
New international missionaries blessed for service
The missionaries will serve in the Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, the Czech Republic and Russia.
CTCR releases report on women and the military
The report is available for free download from the CTCR website.
Scharr elected to third full term in Southern Illinois
Others elected to leadership positions include the Rev. Mark Nebel of Red Bud, Ill., as first vice-president; the Rev. Benjamin Ball of Hamel, Ill., second vice-president; the Rev. Peter Ill of Millstadt, Ill., secretary; and Julie Johnson of Hamel, treasurer.
