Registration is open for the 2018 LCMS National Disaster Response Conference, set for Oct. 16–18 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
National News
Lecakes re-elected president of Atlantic District
The Rev. Derek Lecakes of Bayside, N.Y., was elected to his second term as president of the LCMS Atlantic District at the district’s 60th convention, held June 8–9 in Bronxville, N.Y.
‘Christ’s Church is not a building’: Immanuel, St. Charles, looks ahead after ceiling collapse
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 29, Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Mo., experienced a devastating collapse of the entire baptismal side of its interior sanctuary ceiling facade. The building was empty at the time, and no one was hurt.
Lange re-elected president of Kansas District
The Rev. Peter K. Lange of Topeka, Kan., was elected to his second term as president of the LCMS Kansas District at the district’s 73rd convention, held June 7–9 in Topeka.
Rutt named Concordia Seminary provost
The Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt has accepted a call from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to serve as its new provost and professor of practical theology beginning July 1.
BOD adopts conservative budget for fiscal year 2019
Meeting in St. Louis May 18–19, the LCMS Board of Directors adopted a fiscal year 2019 operations budget of $69.4 million, a figure nearly $8 million lower than that of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Reaching out with the Gospel in Albuquerque: Mission Field: USA church calls first pastor
On April 8, the Rev. Adam DeGroot was installed as the first pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, N.M. St. Andrew is a church plant of the LCMS Rocky Mountain District in partnership with Mission Field: USA.
‘Real. Present. God.’ 2018–19 ‘Chapel Talks’ now available
“Real. Present. God.” is the theme of the 2018–19 edition of “Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools,” an annual worship resource from LCMS School Ministry.
New preaching module focuses on technology
Preach the Word, the Synod’s program for fostering excellence in preaching, has released its fifth module: “The Use of Technology in Preaching.”
Lueck re-elected in North Wisconsin District
The Rev. Dwayne Lueck was elected on the first ballot to his third term as president of the North Wisconsin District at the district’s 52nd convention.
Steinbronn re-elected president of New Jersey District
The Rev. Dr. Anthony J. Steinbronn of Howell, N.J., begins his third three-year term.
Congregation doing ‘best we can’ after pastor dies in car crash
A funeral for the Rev. Timothy Olson, who died May 30, is planned for 11 a.m. June 5 at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, Mich.
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Christian cake shop owner
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.
Obituary: Rev. Paul Weber, former Ohio District president
The Rev. Paul A. Weber, who served as president of the LCMS Ohio District from 1982 to 1988, died May 27. His funeral service is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4.
Movie review: ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’
The latest entry in the Star Wars universe works best if the audience avoids thinking too much and simply enjoys it for what it is: a straightforward, double-crossing heist film that introduces some beloved characters in a safe and appealing way.
Candidate placement headlines COP meeting
The LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) met April 21–26, traveling from St. Louis to Fort Wayne, Ind., to place pastoral and commissioned candidates, elect new leadership and work through matters of ecclesiastical supervision.
