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Council of Presidents encourages Harrison to invite congregational vote on convention delay

Due to ongoing effects of the pandemic, the LCMS Council of Presidents voted unanimously to encourage LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison to put before congregations a proposal to delay the 2022 Synod convention.

Campus clips – Seminaries and colleges report on enrollment, events, service

News from LCMS colleges, universities and seminaries.

BNM business includes church worker recruitment, COVID-19, race

On Oct. 15, the LCMS Board for National Mission met for a full-day meeting via Zoom.  

Browning recognized as 2020 National Distinguished Principal

Scott D. Browning, principal of St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Worth, Texas, was selected by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

‘Together as Synod’ gift an opportunity to serve ‘big picture’ mission

As 2020 comes to an end, supporters of the LCMS who are prayerfully considering making a year-end gift are encouraged to give a “Together as Synod” gift.

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Paul Timothy McCain, publisher and executive editor, Concordia Publishing House

The Rev. Paul Timothy McCain, publisher and executive editor at Concordia Publishing House, died on Nov. 25 at the age of 58.

Photo essay: Hurricane Sally: A sprint becomes a marathon

The initial assessment of Hurricane Sally’s damage revealed that 19 congregations in Alabama and Florida were affected. The storm impacted the entire community, including schools, the district camp and members’ homes.

Hybrid MDFL conference builds on past and moves forward

A ‘Making Disciples for Life’ conference was held in conjunction with an LCMS Minnesota South District pastors conference in October.

CUW offers new church ministries degree program

The director of church ministries (DCM) position was added to the LCMS Minister of Religion—Commissioned roster by the 2019 Synod convention.

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.”

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.