In this month’s “Pressure Points,” Dr. Bruce Hartung suggests ways to end an addiction to Internet pornography.
Pressure Points (December 2013)
Here’s some advice for pastors who “walk closely” with their congregation members and feel increasingly down and “edgy.”
Great Expectations Newsletter – December 2013
In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, you are provided insight into how society is changing the definition of traditional grandparent-grandchildren relationships. As these changes evolve over time, a few suggestions are listed as to how churches can help its elderly members build and strengthen healthy grandparent and grandchildren Christian relationships.
A Light in the Darkness-Typhoon Haiyan Relief
See the effects of a devastating typhoon in Leyte province, Philippines, and watch how the LCMS responds with witness, mercy and life together.
A meditation for Epiphany
The Rev. Will Weedon, LCMS director of Worship and LCMS International Center chaplain, offers a meditation for Epiphany from Is. 60:1-6, Eph. 2:1-12 and Matt. 2:1-12.
A meditation for Christmas Eve
The Rev. Will Weedon, LCMS director of Worship and LCMS International Center chaplain, offers a meditation for Christmas Eve.
A meditation on John 1:1–14, the Gospel for Christmas Day
The Rev. Will Weedon, LCMS director of Worship and LCMS International Center chaplain, offers a meditation for Christmas Day.
CPH website features Christmas gifts
The Concordia Publishing House website features more than 80 gift items, including jewelry, ornaments, cards, mugs, books, nativity sets, keyrings, picture frames, cookie cutters and craft sets.
Great Expectations Newsletter – November 2013
In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, you are provided insight into how older people, just like all people, struggle with depression and, in turn, cry out to Jesus Christ as they walk through difficult times. Some suggestions are given as to how churches can help its elderly members cope with depression and the blues.
The Kalends for Christmas
The following were anciently read on Christmas Day in the Daily Office, but they may also serve as an introduction to the Divine Service on Christmas Day, read by the pastor from the entrance to the nave and leading directly into “O Come All Ye Faithful” as the processional hymn.
Typhoon Haiyan: A report from the Philippines
The Rev. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, provides a report from the Philippines as the church provides immediate relief and begins planning to assist with the long-term recovery.
Typhoon Haiyan Update: Report from the Field
The Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS Disaster Response, reports from Tacloban City, the Philippines, that conditions remain dire 10 days after one of the strongest storms in recorded history tore through the island nation. Listen to his stark report which Merritt was able to make upon finding a clear cell signal while on his search for fuel for the vehicle carrying the LCMS relief-assessment team.
Midwest Tornadoes: Destruction in Washington, Illinois
The Rev. Tom Heren, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Washington, Ill., describes the effects of the F-4 tornado that tore through his town Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013.
Pastors: Learn to chant the prefaces for Advent and Christmas
Listen as Pastor Sean Daenzer of Trinity Lutheran, Great Bend, N.D., and Peace Lutheran, Barney, N.D., chants the Advent and Christmas prefaces. Listen a few times through and you will have them down in no time!
Keeping Advent
The Rev. Larry Peters of Grace Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Tenn., encourages the Church to avoid being like a theme park and to slow down and keep the focus on Christ this Advent season.
Midwest Tornadoes Photo Gallery
Savage tornadoes tore through the Midwest Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, taking at least five lives and demolishing hundreds of homes, churches and businesses in Peoria, Ill., and other cities in several Midwestern states. LCMS Disaster Response is preparing to assist those affected by the tornadoes.
