The first award was given posthumously to Witt’s family in 2016, and this year’s award was presented to Major (Ret.) Frank Tucker.
News

Christmas is in the air… and in The Lutheran Witness!
The December issue features articles on candlelight services, Advent activities and Christmas programs, as well as a holiday gift guide for Lutherans.

Two Lutheran-school teachers win teaching-excellence award
Receiving the “Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award” Nov. 12 in St. Louis were fourth-grade teacher Brenda Doering and high school chemistry teacher Rich Langefeld.

Supreme Court hears case of Colorado baker under fire for marriage view
Upon hearing oral arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Dec. 5, the U.S. Supreme Court now must decide, in effect, whether Christians have the same liberty as others to live consistently according to their religious beliefs.

LCEF awards grants to 11 Synod ministries
Among the gift recipients are five congregations, four districts, one school and the LCMS Office of National Mission.

Pastoral Formation and Care catalog offers opportunities to support pastoral ministry
A variety of giving options are available.

Movie Review: ‘Wonder’
“Wonder” presents a positive portrayal of a traditional, intact nuclear family struggling with one of the children’s social and health-related challenges.

Reformation Relevance: Preaching on the preaching of John the Baptizer
This is the final entry in the 2017 “Reformation Relevance” series.

FAQs address bylaw changes on ecclesiastical supervision
The changes were mandated by Resolution 12–14, adopted by the 2016 LCMS convention and endorsed in May by the Synod’s Board of Directors.

Boards and Business: National, International Mission
Both the National and International Mission boards met in St. Louis in October.

‘Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey’: new book on the Christian life from CPH
Author Rev. William Weedon is LCMS director of worship and International Center chaplain.

Rural and Small Town Mission conference ‘all about Jesus’
The conference was held Nov. 9–11 in Kansas City, Mo.

Seminaries plan preaching workshops, lecture and music events
The preaching workshops will focus on helping pastors plan and prepare for Lent.

Movie review: ‘The Star’
Here’s a clean family film that doesn’t disrespect Christianity and provides a positive movie-going experience for young children.

Warehouse fire destroys 1.5 million copies of GOOD NEWS magazine
The magazine is published in 20 languages through the Concordia Mission Society and read in over 100 countries.

LCMS, LCC, NALC release three-year Bible reading guide
The guide is the third joint effort of the three church bodies.