Intentional family ministry can 'transform' congregations

By Linda C. Hoops Family ministry leaders in the Synod are convinced that intentional family ministry is not another “congregational program” that serves a specific age group. Rather, it is an all-encompassing viewpoint that provides for and encourages the shaping…

2010 Youth Gathering registration opens Sept. 14

In mid-August, Synod congregations will receive by mail registration material for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, including step-by-step directions for the online-only registration process that starts Sept. 14, along with other Gathering-related information. The mailing includes a pre-Gathering DVD.…

Positions/Call for Nominations (August)

The LCMS Board for Communication Services (BCS), St. Louis, seeks nominations and applications for director of News and Information Services.  This position reports to the executive director of Communications and is responsible for: serving as executive editor of the Synod’s…

Pressure Points (June)

With Dr. Bruce Hartung Q: What were you doing in Cleveland, Ohio, May 19? A:  I confess that I made up this question, so that I may address in this column what I was doing in Cleveland that day.  Because…

Pressure Points (July)

With Dr. Bruce Hartung Q: Over the years of teaching [for several decades at the elementary level in the LCMS system], I have noticed that my own faith life is not what it was at one time. When I first…

Pressure Points (August)

With Dr. Bruce Hartung Q: Over the years of teaching [for several decades at the elementary level in the LCMS system], I have noticed that my own faith life is not what it was at one time. … I just…

Web site shows LCMS missionary profiles, learnings

A new Web site launched by the Lutheran Society for Missiology could be dubbed “everything you always wanted to know about LCMS missionaries — and more!” The Web site, which has been “live” for about two months, profiles 54 veteran…

Kuchta: Increase unrestricted revenue, or ministries suffer

In a March 19 memo to the LCMS Board of Directors, Synod Vice President-Finance/Treasurer Tom Kuchta noted that the national Synod’s “unrestricted revenues have decreased every year after June 30, 2001” — the end of the fiscal year when unrestricted revenues…

Terri Schiavo's death not peaceful, says brother

By Paula Schlueter Ross In his keynote to the 26th National Conference of Lutherans For Life (LFL), July 24-25 in St. Louis, Bobby Schindler said his sister, Terri Schindler Schiavo, did not die a peaceful death, as her husband has…

LWML adopts record mission goal of $1.825 million

PORTLAND, Ore. — Delegates to the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, held here June 25-28, adopted a new mission goal of $1.825 million for the 2009-11 biennium.  It is the largest in the organization’s 67-year history…

Students NAIL down summer job, ministry opportunities

By Kim Plummer Krull Jose Zarate decided to devote his summer break to working on a construction project for an LCMS congregation after an inspiring chapel presentation at Concordia University Chicago. “The message was about how we should make our…

Relationships form at first Latin America deaconess gathering

By Sarah Schafer and James Neuendorf For most of their lives, Gladys Hamann of Paraguay and other Lutheran women throughout Latin America and the Caribbean have cared for the needy in the name of Christ. But for the first time,…

Sieveking re-elected to fourth term in Iowa West

Iowa WestJune 21-24 Milford, Iowa Elected: Rev. Paul Sieveking, Fort Dodge, Iowa, president, fourth term, first ballot. Rev. Steven Turner, Algona, Iowa, first vice president. Rev. Steven Schulz, Storm Lake, Iowa, second vice president. Under the theme “Joy in Serving,”…

New England elects Keurulainen to fifth term

New EnglandJune 4-6Springfield, Mass. Elected: Rev. James E. Keurulainen, Dedham, Mass., fifth term, by acclamation. Rev. Timothy Yeadon, New Hartford, Conn., first vice president. Rev. Larry Nichols, Smithfield, R.I., second vice president. Rev. Scott Schuett, Lebanon, Conn., third vice president.…

Missouri returns Mirly to top post

MissouriJune 14-16Columbia, Mo. Elected: Dr. Ray Mirly, St. Louis, second term, first ballot. Rev. Alan Wollenburg, Sikeston, Mo., first vice president. Dr. Ken Schurb, Moberly, Mo., second vice president. Dr. Ronald Rall, St. Louis, third vice president. Rev. William Marler,…

Indiana re-elects May

IndianaJune 25-26Fort Wayne, Ind. Elected: Dr. Daniel P. May, Fort Wayne, Ind., president, third term, first ballot. Rev. Roger Rohde, Bremen, Ind., first vice president (Northwest Region). Dr. John Fiene, Zionsville, Ind., second vice president (Central Region). Rev. David Mommens,…