Barbara A. Below began work March 1 as LCMS World Relief and Human Care’s (WR/HC) director of social ministry organizations (SMOs).  That position has been vacant since Rev. Carl Toelke retired from it in October 2002. A licensed clinical social…

Wheat Ridge Ministries of Itasca, Ill., is calling for nominations of high-school-age youth who are members of Synod congregations for its youth Health and Hope Award. Adult leaders (pastors, youth counselors and others) may nominate teenagers “who are living a lifestyle…

Pastors are being asked to share with Lutheran Services in America (LSA) their experiences with problems they have had over the last year getting information that allows them to visit members and others in hospitals or nursing homes.  Lisa Schiller…

Rev. Thomas K. (Tom) Ries of Burnsville, Minn., has accepted the presidency of the LCMS Foundation, with plans to join the staff at the Synod’s International Center in St. Louis on Apri1 1. Ries, 49, has been vice president for…

Registration begins in mid-March for the 87th annual International Lutheran Laymen’s League convention, July 22-25 in Rapid City, S.D.  Theme of the gathering is “Seek His Face,” based on Psalm 105:4. Designed for Christian families of all ages, this year’s…

By Paula Schlueter Ross About five minutes after an American walks into a home in Pakistan, his Muslim host likely will be pulling out the Quran, eager to explain its teachings. “Witnessing is a priority for them,” said Rev. Steve Hughey, director…

“Light for the Darkness,” a new worship service designed to help congregations celebrate Ablaze!, is now available free on the LCMS World Mission Web site at www.lcmsworldmission.org/ablaze. Ablaze! is LCMS World Mission’s initiative that seeks to reach 100 million people…

By Joe Isenhower Jr. SAN ANTONIO — “Multiplying the critical event” is the key to increasing the number of adult confirmations, Synod President Gerald Kieschnick told those at a “One Mission Ablaze: Igniting Congregations” event Feb. 13-14. Pastors and lay…

More on sem wives I simply could not believe my eyes when I read the comments in the February “Letters” from two individuals who were protesting the Council of Presidents’ policy  that the wives of seminarians be LCMS members.  What…

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 Choral music for small congregational choir with…

Dr. August Bernthal, a former district president, Synod vice president and pioneer in refugee resettlement, died Jan. 27 at his home in Winter Haven, Fla., of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. The funeral service was Feb. 2 at Grace Lutheran Church,…

Dr. John H. Tietjen, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, through the early 1970s and prominent in the Synod’s doctrinal controversy at that time, died Feb. 15 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas, of complications from cancer. Tietjen, 75,…

The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) is recommending that this summer’s Synod convention declare the Synod to be in altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya. The resolution of support for fellowship with the…

The Center for U.S. Missions in Irvine, Calif., sponsored its first workshop on “behavioral interviewing” in January.  The event was so successful the center is considering offering it again, if enough people are interested. The three-day seminar was led by Dr.…