ZZ-Press Release

Statements & Letters
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.

Statements & Letters
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.

Statements & Letters
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.

Statements & Letters
‘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.

Statements & Letters
Fiedler named new president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation

ST. LOUIS, February 11, 2013—The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation has named David Fiedler its new president effective Feb. 12.

Statements & Letters
Kollbaum named Missouri Synod’s ‘Rural and Small Town Mission’ director

The Rev. Todd E. Kollbaum has accepted the call to serve as director of Rural and Small Town Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). He will begin serving in this role April 1.

Statements & Letters
Vacation Bible school program to benefit Missouri Synod disaster response

ST. LOUIS, January 23, 2013—Mission offerings collected through the new Concordia Publishing House (CPH) vacation Bible school (VBS) program for 2013, “Tell It on the Mountain – Where Jesus Christ is Lord,” will benefit a special fund of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) that aims to help those suffering from a disaster.

Statements & Letters
Lutherans mark 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

ST. LOUIS—January 22, 2013—Lutherans are marking the milestone 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion by participating in the national “March for Life” and attending the first-ever Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Life Conference Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 26, respectively, in Washington, D.C.

Statements & Letters
LCMS President sends Epiphany blessings Video message released

ST. LOUIS, January 16, 2012—The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison sends Epiphany blessings to the church in a video message.

Statements & Letters
LCMS Illinois district presidents sign letter supporting traditional definition of marriage, religious freedom

ST. LOUIS—January 4, 2013—In advance of an anticipated vote in the Illinois Senate on a same-sex “marriage” law, the three Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Illinois district presidents joined Roman Catholic, Muslim and Mormon church leaders in signing an open letter to Illinois lawmakers in support of the traditional definition of marriage and religious freedom.

Statements & Letters
LCMS provides $551,500 in grants for Sandy relief

ST. LOUIS, December 21, 2012—The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has released $551,500 in grants to help in the Superstorm Sandy relief effort, including $200,000 that is being used for a special Christmas initiative.

Statements & Letters
LCMS President offers new translation of Martin Luther’s book on praying

ST. LOUIS, December 19, 2012—The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), has authored a new translation of Martin Luther’s brief essay on prayer, called A Simple Way to Pray.

Statements & Letters
STL neighborhood boosted by grant dollars, plans for new housing

ST. LOUIS, December 11, 2012 – The historic College Hill neighborhood on St. Louis’ north side is getting a $50,000 boost through a Wells Fargo grant program designed to help stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods hard-hit by the economy.

Statements & Letters
National Lutheran Schools Week resources available

ST. LOUIS, December 6, 2012—Resource materials designed to help The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) schools celebrate “National Lutheran Schools Week” Jan. 27-Feb. 2 are now available free online.

Statements & Letters
LCMS university system records record growth for 20th consecutive year

This fall’s total CUS enrollment in both graduate and undergraduate programs increased 4.1 percent – from 28,421 in fall 2011 to 29,597 this year, an increase of 1,176 students.

Statements & Letters
LCMS President sends Advent blessings

Video message released in preparation for Christmas