New This Week

From the mission field – First CLETCO graduation

Centre Luthérien d’Études Théologiques—Congo (CLETCO) in Brazzaville, Congoa, provides local pastoral training and medical mercy work.

Campus clips – CUS schools report enrollment growth, COVID adjustments

Seminaries also share recent campus news.

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Dr. Roger Dean Pittelko, former president of the LCMS English District

Pittelko, who served as president of the LCMS English District from 1986 to 1997, died on Nov. 11 at the age of 88.

New module addresses preaching in a post-Christian culture

The module features the Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C., and speaker emeritus of “The Lutheran Hour.”

Resource provides guidance for triennial emphasis

The resource was developed by the LCMS Boards for National and International Mission, who were charged by the 2019 convention with providing a “joint report … offering ideas and guidance for proposing triennial mission and ministry emphases to the national convention.”

November ‘Witness’: Medicine for the soul

The November issue takes up the discussion of the Lord’s Supper, fellowship and closed Communion.

Laborers For Christ to cease operations in June

The decision comes after an extensive, 18-month review of the LFC program that “revealed a number of critical issues impacting LFC operations.”

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel, former president of CTSFW

The Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel, who served as the 15th president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, died on Nov. 3 at the age of 88.

Pandemic communion practice focus of COP meeting

At its September meeting, the group considered the continuing impact of the coronavirus across the church while looking ahead to what will happen when the pandemic subsides and the country fully reopens.

Ferry to retire as CUW president

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. Ferry, who has served as president of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., for 24 years, will step down from the role in June 2021.

BIM focuses on church planting and theological education

At its Sept. 4 meeting, the board also heard about how reductions in budgeted Fiscal Year 2021 expenditures will have a significant impact on LCMS mission and ministry efforts.

Plans underway for 2021 life marches

Some things look different this year, but the commitment to life hasn’t changed.

Photo essay: Responding to Hurricane Laura in Louisiana

St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles sustained significant damage, including to its sanctuary, which had two opposing walls completely blown out, destroying the stained glass and ruining most of the building’s contents.

Meet ‘YouthLead’: Lutheran Youth Fellowship gets new name

The new name was chosen to more accurately reflect the program’s emphasis.

Campus clips – Health at forefront as students return to class

News from LCMS colleges, universities and seminaries.

‘Engage’ goes digital-only this fall

The Fall 2020 issue is now available.