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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/nursing-videos-RPT.jpg)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mch-lenten-video-RPT.jpg)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Abuse-of-Discretion.png)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/pressure-RPT.jpg)
Pressure Points (March 2014)
Should Lutheran congregations consider private confession and absolution?
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Unwrapping-Gifts-Thumbnail-640x450.png)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Lifetogether-Post-Thumbnail.png)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/missionary-video-275x200.jpg)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/armed-forces-sun-RPT.jpg)
March 1 is order deadline for ‘Armed Forces Sunday’
Resources are available to help congregations celebrate the special Sunday on May 18.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lent-RPT.jpg)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/commentary-RPT.jpg)
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.
![](https://reporter.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Antsirabe-feature-album.jpg)
Feeding the hungry at Antsirabe blind school
See photographs from the Antsirabe blind school on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Madagascar. LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison visited the school, which was the recipient of an LCMS emergency grant after the Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS Director of Church Relations, learned that the children were malnourished due to budget cuts from European partners when he toured the school last October.