A new website at lcms.org/lifeconference offers photos, videos and sermon transcripts from the Jan. 25-26 LCMS Life Conference in Arlington, Va.
News

Ethiopian Lutheran leader visits LCMS to ‘strengthen relationship’
The Rev. Berhanu Ofgaa, general secretary of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, talks about his March 27 visit with LCMS leaders in St. Louis.

Nominations announced for LCMS president, VPs
For Synod president, the nominees are the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, the Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller Jr. and the Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier.

Synod employs new system for electing president
This year, the congregations’ voting delegates to their 2012 district conventions will elect the president of the Synod before the convention starts July 20.

‘Reporter,’ ‘Lutheran Witness’ win eight ACP awards
The Synod’s official periodicals, “Reporter” and “The Lutheran Witness,” receive a total of eight “Best of the Christian Press Awards” from the Associated Church Press.

New video spotlights ‘From Horror to Hope’ in Haiti
A new video, “From Horror to Hope: Haiti 2013,” highlights how the Synod’s body-and-soul response to the 2010 earthquake there continues to make a difference to Haitians.

‘Concordia Choice’ provides money for CUS education
Lutheran high school graduates who meet certain criteria now are guaranteed admission to a Concordia University System school — and $1,000 per semester — thanks to “Concordia Choice.”

2013 Youth Gathering app available – a ‘first’
The “Gathering App” — an electronic mobile application for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering — is now available for download.

Heine retiring from LCMS news, info post
James H. Heine, director of News and Information for LCMS Communications since 2010, announces his retirement, effective May 1.

Kollbaum installed as Rural, Small Town Mission director
“You’re here today because our church has said, ‘We’re not giving up on rural America,’ ” says Missouri District President Rev. Ray Mirly at the installation of the Rev. Todd Kollbaum, new director of Rural and Small Town Mission.

Harrison shares Easter message in new video
In an Easter video greeting, Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison shares the message of St. Paul in 1 Cor. 15, “this wonderful chapter on what the Resurrection means for us.”

Lutheran Housing Support breaks ground in St. Louis
Lutheran Housing Support — the Synod’s housing ministry — breaks ground for two model homes in College Hill, a struggling St. Louis neighborhood.

Synod reports $6 million unrestricted-asset increase
LCMS leaders say the national Synod continues to improve its financial position, with recent statements showing a $6 million increase in total unrestricted net assets since 2010.

LCMS joins call for Boy Scouts to reject policy change
Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison expresses concerns about a possible policy change to end the Boy Scouts of America’s ban on openly gay scouts and leaders.