BOD adopts conservative budget for fiscal year 2019

Meeting in St. Louis May 18–19, the LCMS Board of Directors adopted a fiscal year 2019 operations budget of $69.4 million, a figure nearly $8 million lower than that of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Reaching out with the Gospel in Albuquerque: Mission Field: USA church calls first pastor

On April 8, the Rev. Adam DeGroot was installed as the first pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, N.M. St. Andrew is a church plant of the LCMS Rocky Mountain District in partnership with Mission Field: USA.

LCMS Disaster Response partners with Guatemala Lutherans in volcano’s aftermath

Volcàn de Fuego, or “fire volcano,” violently erupted without warning Sunday, June 3, burying whole villages and farms near the Central American city of Antigua, Guatemala.

‘Real. Present. God.’ 2018–19 ‘Chapel Talks’ now available

“Real. Present. God.” is the theme of the 2018–19 edition of “Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools,” an annual worship resource from LCMS School Ministry.

New preaching module focuses on technology

Preach the Word, the Synod’s program for fostering excellence in preaching, has released its fifth module: “The Use of Technology in Preaching.”

Lueck re-elected in North Wisconsin District

The Rev. Dwayne Lueck was elected on the first ballot to his third term as president of the North Wisconsin District at the district’s 52nd convention.

Steinbronn re-elected president of New Jersey District

The Rev. Dr. Anthony J. Steinbronn of Howell, N.J., begins his third three-year term.

Congregation doing ‘best we can’ after pastor dies in car crash

A funeral for the Rev. Timothy Olson, who died May 30, is planned for 11 a.m. June 5 at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, Mich.

U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Christian cake shop owner

In a decision announced Monday, June 4, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Masterpiece Cakeshop owner/artist Jack Phillips. In 2012, Phillips, a Christian, declined to design a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, stating that to do so would violate his religious convictions.

Obituary: Rev. Paul Weber, former Ohio District president

The Rev. Paul A. Weber, who served as president of the LCMS Ohio District from 1982 to 1988, died May 27. His funeral service is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4.

Movie review: ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

The latest entry in the Star Wars universe works best if the audience avoids thinking too much and simply enjoys it for what it is: a straightforward, double-crossing heist film that introduces some beloved characters in a safe and appealing way.

Candidate placement headlines COP meeting

The LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) met April 21–26, traveling from St. Louis to Fort Wayne, Ind., to place pastoral and commissioned candidates, elect new leadership and work through matters of ecclesiastical supervision. 

Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools wraps up work

The LCMS Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools was created by the Synod in convention in 2013 and directed to continue its work in 2016. It will report its findings and recommendations at the 2019 Synod convention in Tampa, Fla.

Register now for prison ministry conference

Registration is open for “Captive Souls … Mercy for All,” a Synodwide prison ministry conference set for Aug. 17–18 at the Hilton St. Louis Airport.

Texas Lutherans provide quick response to shooting

On May 18, a shooter opened fire on students and faculty at Santa Fe High School, ultimately killing 10 people and injuring 10 more.

Fire guts historic Milwaukee church, pastor sees ‘tremendous opportunity’

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee was destroyed by the four-alarm fire on May 15, but there were no injuries.