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Orientation equips six new missionary families for international service

A new group of missionaries were sent out with a plea for God’s blessing during a “Service of Sending” on Aug. 3 at the LCMS International Center chapel in St. Louis.

Ries to retire from Concordia, St. Paul, in 2019

The Rev. Dr. Tom Ries, president of Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn., has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2018–19 academic year.

LCMS Chaplain Gregory Todd promoted to rear admiral in Washington, D.C.

After a rigorous review and selection process, LCMS Chaplain Gregory Todd has been promoted to the rank of rear admiral (lower half) and will now serve as deputy chief of Navy chaplains and chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Traveling abroad: Serving God’s people while staying safe

The situation in Haiti highlights for Christians how important it is not only to show mercy to the suffering, but also to be guided by wisdom while doing so.

Upbring: Caring for children — on the border and worldwide

For more than a decade, Upbring — a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod — has been working with the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide emergency shelter to undocumented children on the southern border of the United States.

Freedom to be faithful prevails at Supreme Court

The Supreme Court’s NIFLA decision undergirds free speech protections for pregnancy counselors and others.

McMiller to follow Fale as head of OIM

With the unanimous concurrence of the Board for International Mission, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has named the Rev. Daniel F. McMiller as the new executive director of the Office of International Mission.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

LCMS members play key role in passing Iowa fetal heartbeat bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill — which prohibits most abortions once a heartbeat is detectable by ultrasound — on May 4. Previously in Iowa, most abortions were permitted up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Concordia College Alabama closes: ‘Nevertheless,’ Dr. Rosa J. Young’s legacy continues

Students, families, faculty and regents gathered on the campus of Concordia College Alabama on April 28 for the school’s 92nd and final commencement. Founded in 1922, the historically black Lutheran college closed its doors for good following the ceremony after a multi-year effort to stay open.

LCMS national missionary Rebecca Wagner talks with Juncheng, a Chinese student studying philosophy, on Feb. 21, 2018, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Wagner serves alongside the Rev. David Kind at University Lutheran Chapel and focuses on outreach to international students. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)
Photo essay: Introducing international students to Christ

Luther House is home to University Lutheran Chapel, a congregation with a campus ministry led by the Rev. David Kind and Rebecca Wagner, an LCMS national missionary through the Synod’s “Mission Field: USA” initiative.

Hill re-elected president of Wyoming District

The Rev. John E. Hill was elected to his second term as president of the LCMS Wyoming District at the district’s 19th convention, held May 3-5.

Zagore to head up National Mission

The Rev. Robert Zagore will begin serving as executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission in mid-May.