After extending the fall 2006 special introductory prices for Lutheran Service Book and its companion editions through spring 2008, Concordia Publishing House will increase the price of the pew edition of the new hymnal from $18.50 to $23 (plus shipping),…

“Open and collaborative discussions” between staff of LCMS World Mission and their counterparts in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have dispelled myths and opened the door to mutual understanding and a realization that the two organizations can work together for…

By Joe Isenhower Jr.  Judging from comments and the level of enthusiasm of Lutherans who joined tens of thousands at this year’s “March for Life” Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C., their resolve to end abortion may be buoyed by reports of…

By Paula Schlueter Ross Rev. Jacob Harris has just one explanation for why he wasn’t killed during the civil war in his native Liberia, West Africa: “It was God’s grace.” Three times he came close to death when rebels pointed…

Most students in the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) program have families to support, so they work full time while they are studying and serving their congregations. Rev. Larry Wong, a 2008 EIIT graduate who serves Family of Faith…

Dr. Henry E. Simon, who served as president of the Synod’s North Wisconsin District from 1974 to 1985, died of Parkinson’s disease Jan. 25 in Appleton, Wis.  He was 88.  A funeral service was held Jan. 30 at Faith Lutheran…

The Board of Directors of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., has selected Mark A. Heckler, 52, of Littleton, Colo., as the independent Lutheran university’s next president, succeeding Dr. Alan F. Harre, who is set to retire June 30. Heckler, 52, is provost…

The Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) Chorus, under the direction of Rev. Henry V. Gerike, has released a new CD titled “Safe in God’s Faithfulness.” Recorded in the seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, the CD is the 10th…

A theological convocation set for Aug. 18-20 in St. Louis will deal with principles that undergird the formation and structure of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. “Congregation — Synod — Church” will be the general theme for the convocation, sponsored by…

Short-term volunteer teams of eight to 12 members each are being sought by LCMS World Mission and LCMS World Relief and Human Care to serve a week in Lucumo, Peru, in May and June. Teams would help rebuild the community’s…

By Paula Schlueter Ross Before a devastating earthquake hit Peru on Aug. 15, 2007, staff of LCMS World Mission had considered the South American country as a likely spot for new mission work, perhaps within the next couple of years.…

Can you imagine what an encounter between Jesus and a Muslim person would be like today?  Do you think Jesus would unleash a barrage of condemnation?  Or do you think He’d ask for an invitation to dine in a Muslim’s…

Lutheran congregations, schools, colleges, and universities for the first time are being invited to join in Lutheran Services in America’s (LSA) eBay “Trading Graces” auction to raise funds for their ministries. LSA is not only expanding its Feb. 5-12 national…

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced in December that it is increasing by $20 million its commitment to “Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity” — the national affordable-housing effort it shares with Habitat for Humanity International, and the largest four-year commitment…

By Joe Isenhower Jr. In the tally of the Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) Youth Poll conducted at last year’s National LCMS Gathering in Orlando, young people saw “my own faith” as their number-one concern. Of the 2,152 participants who took…

Two Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod missionary couples stationed outside of Nairobi, Kenya, are safe and do not appear to be in harm’s way despite five days of post-election rioting in the city that has led to more than 300 deaths, widespread…