By Paula Schlueter Ross One hurricane is bad enough, but several in a row have created widespread devastation in Florida that is “just absolutely mind-boggling,” according to Lutheran Services Florida spokesman Zack Koczanski. “This is a very, very large crisis here,” Koczanski said. …

The online version of the Christian Cyclopedia, a one-volume compendium of historical and theological data that has been available since 2002, recently was modified to improve its usability. The updated Cyclopedia at www.lcms.org/cyclopedia will decrease download times for the 26 files…

By Kim Plummer Krull  Three years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, needs continue to surface in New York City, including the needs of children who live under the constant threat of another assault. Little ones are the…

“Luther,” the motion picture about the life and times of Martin Luther that premiered in theaters last fall, will be available for purchase Nov. 30 in DVD and VHS formats. The film is being released by Metro Goldwyn Mayer on the…

The President’s visit I was surprised by the negative tone of the letter in the August Reporter regarding the visit of President Bush to Concordia University Wisconsin’s commencement.  As one who was there (and very proud of my alma mater for…

Students at the Synod’s two seminaries will benefit from a new endowment fund established by the late Ella Pelz of Wilmette, Ill., who was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Evanston, Ill. Paul Geidel of the LCMS Foundation, which is…

By Kim Plummer Krull Pvt. Michelle Witmer died in Iraq, but her love for children continues to live through a matching gift to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. “Michelle had a special place in her heart for the disabled orphans in…

Young people from congregations with groups at this year’s LCMS youth gathering elected a new five-member executive board for Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF), the Synod’s youth organization, when they met as the LYF delegate assembly July 24 at the Rosen…

By David L. Mahsman Rev. Daniel Preus says that he believes some resolutions adopted by this year’s Synod convention “represent a serious change from our historic LCMS polity, others a disenfranchising of God’s people in the matter of their right to…

Wheat Ridge Ministries is rolling out nine seal designs from the past for its 2004 Christmas seals. Getting set to mark its 100th anniversay next year, Wheat Ridge has offered seals and received donations from those using them since 1911.…

“Lectionary at Lunch,” a Web resource from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, that provides audio files to help pastors prepare sermons, offers a new discussion-group feature.  At www.csl.edu/lection.htm, pastors can hear seminary faculty members translating the Old Testament and Gospel lessons…

Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, seeks a full-time editor of music/worship materials.  The editor will cooperatively edit, develop and market essential products including attendant music products, Lutheran Service Book, companion editions, and Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish. Duties include…

KRISTEN M. DAMROW, Neosho, Wis.; CAROLYN R. GAST, Shelby Township, Mich.; MARY HEINE, Ft. Morgan, Colo.; JENNIFER M. KAYSER, Mount Clemens, Mich.; ALAN C. KLAAS, Maywood, Ill.; JOAN E. LUKER, Houston, Texas; CONNIE D. MEYER, Seward, Neb.; VICKI J. NOVOTNY,…

Note: Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase. Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Wanted What an Altar Guild Should Know by…

My First Catechism, an illustrated version of Luther’s Small Catechism for children, is now available from Concordia Publishing House. The 128-page hardcover book addresses the Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, confession, books of the Bible, the church…

After getting what he calls “a fair amount of inquiry,” Rev. Larry Reinhardt developed and has now posted on the Web a set of guidelines for congregational fund-raising activities. Reinhardt is director of outreach and stewardship ministry with LCMS District and…