God spoke these words through Isaiah for generations not yet born, primarily for those of Judah who would be sent into “Exile” in Babylon about 150 years later. These are words of comfort and hope for those who feel far from home, isolated, abandoned, alone, powerless, hemmed in, threatened, perhaps near death and “exiled.”
COP adopts statement on ecclesiastical supervision
In the statement, LCMS district presidents pledge their commitment “to the authority of the inspired, inerrant Scriptures as the only source and norm for our doctrine and practice.”
Giving and living mercy
We continue to connect The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s programs of mercy with our local congregations, our missionaries and our partner churches around the world.
National mission board issues second call, finalizes policy manual
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Board for National Mission examines its role as a policy-making board in light of ministry reports.
BIM: More than halfway to doubling missionaries amid mission ‘renaissance’
The Board for International Mission examines successes and challenges as the number of career missionaries grows.
Movie review: ‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’
This year’s “Best Picture” Oscar winner is well-made, but that doesn’t excuse its glamorization of psychotic depression, says reviewer Rev. Ted Giese.
‘Concordia Promise’ offers low-cost courses, possible free tuition
High-schoolers who take the program’s dual-credit courses — $50 per credit hour — are reimbursed in full if they enroll at Concordia University after graduation.
CUS presidents embrace identity statement
The statement includes 10 “Lutheran identity standards” for all Concordia University System schools.
LCMS embraces partnerships in Christ
One of the distinct joys we share as the body of Christ is our ability to work together. We don’t go off on our own. We don’t operate apart from those with whom we confess the faith.
Southern Illinois District re-elects Scharr
The Rev. Timothy Scharr is re-elected as the district’s president during its Feb. 12-14 convention in O’Fallon, Ill.
CTCR adopts three new documents
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopts reports on Communion statements and women’s service in the church, and a Bible study on persecution.
New ‘Journal’ discusses Christ’s mercy in disasters
The February edition of the “Journal of Lutheran Mission” includes papers presented at the LCMS International Disaster Conference last September.
Concordia, Selma, to host third Civil Rights Symposium
The symposium, March 1-8, will include presentations, discussions, a film, a “mock trial” and worship to commemorate the Civil Rights Movement and 1965 marches.
Otis Woodard, advocate for St. Louis poor, dies
A public memorial service is still being planned for Woodard (center, in photo), who died Feb. 13 after weeks of declining health.
Commentary: ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has many seeing 50 shades of red
A “Reporter” commentary on the controversial books and film contrasts their messages with God’s design for intimate relationships.
Sem’s Kantorei announces Easter prayer tour
The choir of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., announces five services in Indiana and Ohio in April.
