Pressure Points (April 2014)

The Rev. Dr. Bruce Hartung discusses the use of Internet pornography by church workers and pastors who spend many hours on their computers.

Great Expectations Newsletter – March 2014

In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, how Americans view death, dying and other end-of-life issues is discussed. Some ways a congregation can help the seniors it serves address and be fully served by these end-of-life views they adopt for themselves are outlined and explained.

New curriculum, videos on parish nursing available

The resources from LCMS Health Ministry are provided to help congregations that want to begin a parish-nurse ministry.

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.

Worldwide KFUO ‘Book Talk’ interviews author of Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v Wade

Clarke D. Forsythe, author of Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v Wade, provides a revealing analysis of the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand. The program originally aired Feb. 14, 2014, on Worldwide KFUO’s Cross Edges ‘Book Talk’ feature.

Great Expectations Newsletter – February 2014

In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, the need to care for those members of a congregation who are caregivers for older adults in the parish is discussed. Some of the ways a congregation can encourage these caregivers are then outlined and explained.

Pressure Points (March 2014)

Should Lutheran congregations consider private confession and absolution?

Resource and Ideas for Renewing the Lutheran Catechumenate

This is a document published by the former Commission on Worship which explores the Lutheran version of the catechumenate. Several churches that have catechumenal ministry for adults (as well as youth) are interviewed.

Audio: The Dark Side of Emerging Adulthood

LCMS Young Adult Ministry interviews “Lost in Transition: The Dark Side of Emerging Adulthood” authors, Dr. Patricia Herzog and Hilary Davidson. They share their findings from the National Study of Youth and Religion.

Video: Missionary Service of Sending – 2014

The February 2014 new missionary orientation culminated in a special Service of Sending Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center in St. Louis. During the service, the new missionaries received certificates of completion for LCMS Missionary Orientation, and they, their spouses and families were prayed for.

Great Expectations Newsletter – January 2014

In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, insight is provided into the growing perception of society that allowing older people to age in their homes makes sense. Some of the ways this trend impacts a congregation’s ministry to its elderly members are then outlined, along with possible questions a congregation can think about when addressing this issue.

Concordia University System Chronicle – February 2014

In this issue, information about Concordia Sunday, April 27, is shared. In addition, a brief summary of the new book Concordia on the Move, written by The Rev. Dr. David Zersen, is provided. These articles are just some of the great information contained in this February issue.

March 1 is order deadline for ‘Armed Forces Sunday’

Resources are available to help congregations celebrate the special Sunday on May 18.

New resources available for Lent

Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League are offering new Lenten resources for 2014.

Commentary: Black History Month — a look back, forward

How did the LCMS begin its black ministry, and what lies ahead? The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray Jr. shares his insights.

Pressure Points (February 2014)

Pastors with “compassion fatigue” — here’s help.