Higher Things sets Jan. 2 ‘UnConference’

The theme of the event at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Ill., is “We Confess.”

In November’s ‘Lutheran Witness’

In the special “State of the Synod” issue, readers get an in-depth look at the LCMS ministries, resources and people ready to serve them.

Official Notice: updates from LCMS districts (November 2015)

Updates on church workers, congregations and schools from LCMS district presidents.

Official Notice: colloquies (November 2015)

A listing of those who have completed teacher and pastor colloquies in the Synod.

Items wanted, available (November 2015)

“Available” items include an Advent wreath, with stand.

Official Notice: requests for reinstatement (November 2015)

Several people apply for reinstatement to the Minister of Religion—Commissioned roster of the LCMS.

LCMS congregations report statistics for 2014

With the highest percentage of congregations reporting in at least 15 years, their membership statistics are especially helpful for determining delegate representation at next year’s Synod convention.

BIM calls missionaries, connects with international schools

The LCMS Board for International Mission continues its work of calling missionaries and monitoring that they are well cared for during their service.

A Midweek Advent Service

For pastors looking for propers for midweek Advent services, LCMS Worship suggests the following. It is an Advent series drawn from the table on Page 159 of The Lutheran Hymnal.

KFUO Audio: Interview with Stephanie Neugebauer, director, LCMS Life and Health Ministries

World Lutheran News Digest host Kip Allen talked with Stephanie Neugebauer, the new director of LCMS Life and Health Ministries, on Oct. 17 on Worldwide KFUO Radio.

Youth Ministry launches crowdfunding project to feed 500,000

Starting Nov. 3, donors may give to the effort through Wheat Ridge Ministry’s “We Raise” crowdfunding website.

Movie review: ‘Bridge of Spies’

A solid piece of true-storytelling, the film is a measured look at the more mundane side of international espionage.

Disaster-response conference offers how-to info, advice

This year’s conference, Oct. 6-9 in St. Louis, brought together some 100 district disaster-response coordinators, pastors and laypeople involved in disaster work.

Most child molesters ‘religious,’ often target church members

The Synod’s first Workshop on Domestic Violence and Child Abuse aims to help church workers “identify, understand and intervene” on behalf of victims.

‘Stand Firm’ conference urges moving into city ‘mission field’

Those at the Oct. 12-14 conference hear that becoming an urban missionary can be as simple as relocating to a city and being involved neighbors who have connections to a local church.

VPs visit districts to encourage, strengthen others in the Gospel

Throughout the past year, the six LCMS vice-presidents have assisted Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison in visiting 30 of the 35 LCMS districts.