Among actions at its Feb. 14 meeting, the LCMS Board of Directors approves the five regions into which LCMS districts are grouped.
News

Congregations ratify ‘circuit visitor’ convention action
By a vote of 1,496 to 517, LCMS congregations ratify the 2013 LCMS convention’s approval to amend Article XII of the Synod Constitution.

Harrison shares Lenten message
In a new video, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison recalls the words of Martin Luther — “We are beggars, this is true” — and their relevance to salvation.

Housing Support awarded $150,000 grant
The grant will be used to purchase nine properties in College Hill, four miles north of downtown St. Louis, and perform demolition and site restoration.

Short-term missionaries needed to teach English
The Synod is seeking to place 20 short-term missionaries who can teach English as a foreign language at schools and churches overseas.

Theme for 2016 Youth Gathering: ‘In Christ Alone’
Participants will meet under that theme when they converge on New Orleans in July 2016 for the next LCMS National Youth Gathering.

LCMS chaplain awarded Purple Heart
Captain Michael Frese receives on Feb. 22 one of the nation’s highest honors — the Purple Heart — for his service in Afghanistan.

Wenthe named president of Concordia University System
The Rev. Dr. Dean O. Wenthe accepts a call to serve as president of the Concordia University System.

Pressure Points (March 2014)
Should Lutheran congregations consider private confession and absolution?

Black Clergy Caucus sets goals, elects officers
One goal is to be more intentional about reaching out to African immigrants. The group also elected a new president: the Rev. Byron R. Williams Sr. of Dallas.

Arabic catechism aids sharing Gospel with Arab Americans
The resource can help congregations overcome culture and language barriers in their communities.

Sem’s EIIT offers free lecture on Islam
The lecture, “Responding to Islam,” on March 27 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will be given by the Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou.

LSA conference to focus on needs, gifts of disabled
The April 27-29 “One God One Call” conference is sponsored by the Disability Network of Lutheran Services in America.

Former LCMS Board member Edwin Trapp Jr. dies
Trapp — a leader at the Synod, district and local levels — dies. Feb. 12 at age 82. The memorial service was Feb. 18.