At its April 26–28 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a new report that focuses on the spiritual benefits of individual confession and absolution for both laity and pastors.
National News
Hawaii volcano continues to erupt and disrupt lives
Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo, Hawaii, has been working to help those affected by the eruption of the Kilauea volcano.
LWML sets Sept. 30 deadline for mission-grant requests
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is accepting requests through Sept. 30 for mission grants to be voted on at the 2019 LWML convention.
Traveling abroad: Serving God’s people while staying safe
The situation in Haiti highlights for Christians how important it is not only to show mercy to the suffering, but also to be guided by wisdom while doing so.
Movie review: ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” delivers audiences an eye-popping film experience while affirming marriage and family without resorting to clichés.
Central Illinois re-elects Miller
The Rev. Mark Miller of Springfield, Ill., was elected on the first ballot to his third term as president of the LCMS Central Illinois District at the district’s 59th convention.
Saunders re-elected in Iowa East
The Rev. Brian S. Saunders of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was re-elected by affirmation to his fourth term as president of the LCMS Iowa District East.
Northwest District re-elects Linnemann as president
The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Linnemann of Portland, Ore., was elected to his fourth three-year term as president of the LCMS Northwest District at the district’s 65th convention.
Paavola re-elected in Mid-South
The Rev. Dr. Roger C. Paavola of Bartlett, Tenn., was elected to his third three-year term as president of the LCMS Mid-South District at the district’s 20th regular convention.
Gibson elected to first term in Pacific Southwest
The Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson of Huntington Beach, Calif., was elected to his first term as president of the LCMS Pacific Southwest District at the district’s 45th convention.
Ohio District elects Wilson to first term
The Rev. Dr. Kevin A. Wilson of Marysville, Ohio, was elected to his first three-year term as president of the LCMS Ohio District at the district’s 22nd convention.
Florida-Georgia District re-elects Walton
The Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton of Orlando, Fla., was elected to his fourth term as president of the LCMS Florida-Georgia District at the district’s 33rd convention.
Upbring: Caring for children — on the border and worldwide
For more than a decade, Upbring — a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod — has been working with the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide emergency shelter to undocumented children on the southern border of the United States.
Boards and Business – International, National Mission hold regular meetings
The LCMS Board for International Mission met May 30–31, and the LCMS Board for National Mission met June 14–15 in St. Louis.
Freedom to be faithful prevails at Supreme Court
The Supreme Court’s NIFLA decision undergirds free speech protections for pregnancy counselors and others.
Movie review: ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’
The new Jurassic film is a Grade-A summer blockbuster with its special effects, but its shallow storyline makes it a B-movie “creature feature.”
