The issue also features a conversation with LCMS Black Ministry Director Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray.
National News
LCMS joins others in affirming ‘God-given sexual identity’
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and the Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, are two of the signers of “Created Male and Female: An Open Letter from Religious Leaders.”
LCMS Black Ministry: A look backward and forward
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been involved in black ministry for over 140 years.
PALS program supports new pastors, wives
The program (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support) was begun in 1998 and operates in 31 of the Synod’s 35 districts.
Hans Springer retires after 40-plus years of service
The “treasured and consistent servant-leader” most recently served as associate executive director of LCMS Mission Advancement.
Bertsch elected to first full term in North Dakota
Also elected were the Rev. Kirk Peters of Hazen, N.D., as first vice-president, and the Rev. Steve Schulz of Fargo, N.D., as second vice-president.
Synod joins court brief to protect pregnancy centers from mandated abortion advertising
The Synod is among 22 states, 144 members of Congress and numerous other organizations filing amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could block California’s mandate for abortion advertisements in pro-life pregnancy centers.
Commentary: ‘Life and breath and everything’
The Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, reflects on the significance of the annual March for Life.
Concordia Historical Institute recognizes excellence in Lutheran history publications
Thirteen awards in six categories were presented at the awards banquet in November.
LCMS pastor’s wife wins $2,000 on ‘Jeopardy!’
Amanda Barlau, an avid fan of the program, is also a church musician and teacher.
COP tackles business, gears up for district conventions
The Nov. 20-23 meeting, held in New Orleans, was the council’s final of 2017.
LCEF recognizes those who ‘love boldly’
The LCEF Fall Leadership Conference was held Nov. 17-19 in New Orleans.
Nominations begin under 2016 bylaw changes
Convention delegates in 2016 adopted resolutions regarding district convention attendance and geographical region requirements for board members.
LWML gives $100,000 to missionaries
The grant will provide $10,000 each to assist nine missionaries/missionary families serving in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Peru and Russia, and another missionary who has been called to Thailand.
BOD weighs monetary, membership challenges
At its Nov. 16–17 meeting, the Synod’s Board of Directors fixed its gaze on “facing the realities” of the Synod’s finances and membership demographics.
Synod, partners continue to offer helping hand in wake of five disasters
Lutherans are bringing help to the hurting — both physical and spiritual — in the wake of three devastating hurricanes, a major earthquake and menacing wildfires.
