By Paula Schlueter Ross In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, something unexpected happened at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando, Fla.  As its small Lutheran Women’s Missionary League group rallied to assemble LWML “survivor kits” for evacuees arriving in Orlando, dozens…

Teens who are abused will be the focus of “YM2006: A Youth Ministry Symposium” set for Jan. 13-15 at the JW Marriott hotel in Houston. LCMS District and Congregational Services — Youth Ministry will host the conference planned for professional and…

Although the winds and waves of Hurricane Katrina closed 12 schools operated by Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregations along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastline, at least two were back in operation at Reporter’s press time, with seven others expected to reopen…

BERLIN — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium was accepted as the newest member of the International Lutheran Council during its 21st conference here Aug. 27-Sept. 7. The ILC is an association of 30 confessional Lutheran churches from all over the…

By Joe Isenhower Jr. Rev. Philip Wottrich, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, La., says three other pastors on a relief team sent by the Synod’s Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) and LCMS World Relief/Human Care after Hurricane…

“All that has transpired will change the face of the Southern District,” President Kurtis Schultz told the Council of Presidents (COP) meeting.  “Many have lost all things except the mercy and grace of God.  And that’s all we need.” While Schultz…

Care and supervision of church workers — including hurricane relief, lay worker training, new worker placements, and military reserve chaplains — occupied major segments of the Sept. 17-21 Council of Presidents (COP) meeting in St. Louis.  The COP includes presidents…

The three Missouri Synod members of the United States Congress thanked Synod members for their response to Hurricane Katrina in a Sept. 14 letter. They are Senator Conrad Burns of Montana; Congressman David Reichert, Washington; and Congressman John Shimkus, Illinois.  Their…

By Joe Isenhower Jr. “The unprecedented outpouring of Christian love and generosity of our people is phenomenal,” said Rev. Matthew Harrison, executive director of LCMS World Relief/ Human Care, as he summed up the Synod’s response to Hurricane Katrina. “Congregations…

Even though many LCMS congregations were expected to observe “Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Sunday” on Oct. 2, the suggested date, it’s not too late for those who haven’t yet planned such an observance. Congregations may celebrate “LWML Sunday” any time,…

By Paula Schlueter Ross Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregations now sponsor 31 Outreach Centers for the Blind, and 10 more centers are poised to open later this year, according to Rev. Dave Andrus, executive director of Lutheran Blind Mission, an LCMS mission…

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is beginning its 14th season of “Bach at the Sem” concerts featuring presentations of J.S. Bach’s music by The American Kantorei under the direction of Robert Bergt. The concerts are free and open to the public,…

In his 1996 autobiography, What More Is There to Say but Amen, Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann shared his thoughts about fame — and faith.  Here’s an excerpt: “I never tried to play the hero in positions I held or in any…

Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann, religious broadcasting pioneer and honorary speaker of radio’s “The Lutheran Hour,” who died Sept. 8 (2005) in St. Louis after a brief illness, likely would have appreciated the words of LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick at…

LCMS Youth Ministry will announce no earlier than Oct. 7 if New Orleans is still the site for the 2007 LCMS National Youth Gathering, says Rev. Terry Dittmer. Dittmer is director of LCMS District and Congregational Services (DCS) — Youth Ministry,…

Rev. Greg Fairow of Iowa City, Iowa, and Rev. Scott A. Snow of Rockford, Ill., have joined the staff of LCMS World Mission. Fairow, 46, began serving Aug. 29 as deployed “campus mission catalyst.”  His responsibilities include working with the Lutheran…