Also in its regular meeting, the Board considered ways to increase effectiveness, received reports and took routine actions.
National News
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Stewardship-Basics-Post-1024x684-1-640x450.jpg)
LCMS Stewardship releases free Bible study
The eight-session study focuses on both financial and other kinds of stewardship.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/viral-photo-RPT-1-640x450.jpg)
‘Viral’ photo has Synod connection
The photo of the African-American deputy carrying two white children across floodwaters has been shared widely as a symbol of racial harmony.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Schools-of-Distinction-PHOTO-C-1-640x450.jpg)
NLSA accredits 102 schools, recognizes five as ‘Schools of Distinction’
The accreditation process requires lengthy evaluation and self-study.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Photo-B-Seminary-Visits-1-640x450.jpg)
Seminaries sponsor campus visit days
The visits offer a look at seminary life in St. Louis and Fort Wayne, Ind.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/090417-eml-hurricane-harvey-001-1-640x450.jpg)
Disaster: what to know before you give or go
It is important to make sure we help, not hinder, the relief effort.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/harvey-collaboration-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
Texas disaster relief involves teamwork, partnerships, kindness
Disaster-response planning continues among LCMS Disaster Response, LCMS Texas District responders and partner organizations as Hurricane Harvey relief operations switch gears toward long-term recovery.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/klein-a-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
‘Texas Strong’: Service to neighbor
Amid loss and devastation, the people of Texas serve each other as LCMS congregations like Trinity Klein lead the way.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cph-fun-a-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
Backpack giveaway highlights CPH community event
Concordia Publishing House’s annual “Operation F.U.N.” also provides school supplies, books and a picnic lunch.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lcef-thrivent-a-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
LCEF, Thrivent announce funds for Harvey relief
Lutheran Church Extension Fund is providing $350,000, and Thrivent Financial will match donations up to a total of $3 million.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/rockport-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
As residents return home, pastors provide care in Harvey’s wake
Residents in hard-hit areas need basic supplies like food and water and help with cleanup, “but most of all, they need to hear that God is with them.”
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/katy-b-RPT-IN-1-640x450.jpg)
Lutherans helping neighbors in Katy, Texas
Members of Memorial Lutheran Church go door to door, reaching out “to help anyone who has needs.”
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/LCMS-Disaster-Response-Team-8-30-2017-1-640x450.jpg)
LCMS Disaster Response assessment team heads to Texas
Their goal is to share the Gospel while helping in whatever way possible.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Lutheran-Foundation-of-St-Louis-Hurricane-Harvey-Matching-Funds-1024x684-1-640x450.jpg)
Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis offers matching funds for Harvey relief
Lutheran congregations in the St. Louis area now have the opportunity to double their donations for Hurricane Harvey relief, thanks to a matching fund from the Foundation.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/8-29-2017-Hurricane-Harvey-Houston-Flooding-1024x684-1-640x450.jpg)
Houston-area LCMS churches, pastors, members report flood damages
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is working alongside the Texas District to provide physical and spiritual care and comfort to all victims.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Concordia-Seminary-Eclipse-Bible-Study-1024x684-640x450.jpg)
Concordia Seminary offers free Bible study tied to solar eclipse
“The Great American Eclipse and Our Creaturely Sense of Wonder” was written by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, professor Rev. Dr. Charles P. Arand.