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.

Registration opens for Rural, Small Town Conference

Congregational leaders from rural and small-town settings are encouraged to attend the Nov. 6-8 conference in Kansas City, Mo.

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.

Sem to live-stream ‘Responding to Islam’ lecture

Presenting the lecture is the Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou, an LCMS clergyman in Texas who was raised Syrian Orthodox.

Harrison talks Hobby Lobby, health care in ‘op-ed’

Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison gives reasons why Americans need to discuss issues in the U.S. Supreme Court case against the Affordable Care Act.

Tired of Hobby Lobby?

You’re tired of hearing about Hobby Lobby and the Supreme Court. But even though you are tired, even though you’ve grown weary of having the same discussions about the same points, Hobby Lobby and fines and health-care plans still matter. They matter because your country – the United States of America – was founded on the principle that you were born with certain rights: the rights to seek and follow truth, to live according to your beliefs, to worship freely.

Higher Things adds fourth summer conference

With registration filled for the conference at Mequon, Wis., a fourth one is planned for July 15-18 at Camp LiWiSoMo in northern Wisconsin.

Parish-nurse conference set for May

“Reflecting God’s Love” is the theme of the 22nd Annual Concordia Conference for Parish Nurse and Congregational Health Ministries, May 28-29 at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon.

Brian Brown calls on youth to be ‘heroes’

In a March 13 “Free to Be Faithful” webinar, the president of the National Organization for Marriage emphasizes the importance of defending marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

New missionary-recruitment team begins work

The team opens new office space for their work of recruiting and placing more LCMS missionaries.

LIRS conference promotes ‘collaborative action’

Representatives from 38 organizations that work with immigrants and refugees gather in Baltimore for the Feb. 24-26 conference.

Registration now open for 2014 worship institute

The July 28-31 conference at Concordia University, Nebraska is designed for pastors, musicians and laity who are passionate about music.

LMI begins work in sixth African country, more starts planned

Although it’s winding down its fundraising campaign this spring, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative is far from over.

‘The 72’ seeks retirees for nationwide outreach ministry

The ministry is seeking about 20 volunteers to attend its next training event, set for Sept. 8-12 in Belleville, Ill.

Judy Kuhn, wife of LCMS VP, dies

Memorial services are planned for March 13 in Oviedo, Fla., and March 17 in Bath, Ill.

Eight schools gain NLSA ‘exemplary’ status

Leaders of the eight schools will intentionally share their best practices with other Lutheran schools via webinars and print articles.