On January 13, 2005 the “Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality” released its report and recommendations concerning the matter of “blessing same-sex couples who have entered into long-term monogamous covenants of love and care” and the question of “the…

Teach stewardship The Synod’s excellent definition of Christian stewardship is: “The free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes.”  However, periodic reports of difficult…

New from Concordia Publishing House is Selected Sermons of Norman Nagel: From Valparaiso to St. Louis, a collection of 50 years of sermons by Lutheran educator Dr. Norman Nagel. Nagel teaches graduate systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  He received…

“Safari Adventure: Discover Jesus the King,” a new vacation Bible school program for 2005, is available now from Concordia Publishing House. In the new program, students go on a “safari” and make discoveries about Jesus the King.  Along the way, they…

The Bible readings on Sunday, Feb. 27, focus on how Jesus, in the first century, met the needs of blind people.  A recent mailing of resources from Lutheran Blind Mission focuses on how Jesus — in the 21st century —…

David Kuerschner of St. Charles, Mo., has been named to lead Capital Funding Services (CFS), a Synod fund-raising organization that is part of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).   He succeeds Rev. David P. Schmidt, who retired Jan. 3. Kuerschner, who…

The Lilly Endowment Inc. once again is offering awards to congregations of up to $45,000 each to allow pastors to take a sabbatical — to go on what the organization calls “journeys of renewal and refreshment for creative ministry.” More than…

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, is offering continuing-education courses in 16 cities between late May and early August. The two- to five-day courses are open to professional church workers, laypeople, and students.  Most are taught by professors from Concordia Theological Seminary;…

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Jan. 24 renewed for full seven-year terms the broadcast licenses of Synod-owned radio stations KFUO-AM and KFUO-FM. Dennis Stortz, director of broadcast operations at KFUO, said that this is especially good news for those who remember…

Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., is now offering a master of arts degree in international studies, in cooperation with China’s Shenzhen Education Bureau. Approved by Concordia’s board of regents in December, the new graduate program provides opportunities for Americans to experience…

Next month, LCMS theology professors will meet in Dallas to discuss the theme “Talking about Sin and the Wrath of God.” The convocation continues what was begun at the first convocation in 2003 when the professors focused on the first article…

By Joe Isenhower Jr. A new cadre of synodical “reconcilers” is being trained this year in six-day class sessions at the Synod’s International Center in St. Louis. Four reconcilers from each of the 35 LCMS districts — nominated by circuit counselors and…

In a brief item headlined “Rating Tsunami Relief,” the Jan. 17 issue of Newsweek magazine lauds Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for its A+ grade as a charity. The magazine lists several U.S.-based relief agencies that have received grades, from A+…

More than 50 LCMS leaders, including 10 parish pastors and five school principals, met in St. Louis Jan. 20-22 to explore ways to advance the vision for the Synod summarized in the words “One Mission, One Message, One People.” Synod President…

Response to the South Asia tsunami disaster and a new system for receiving gifts on the Synod’s Web site have led to a dramatic increase in online giving to LCMS ministries, says the manager of online giving for the LCMS…