NLSA honoree Baerwolf a ‘super’ shepherd to his church and school flock

The Rev. Phillip Baerwolf, associate pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee, Ill., has been named the recipient of the 2018 National Lutheran School Accreditation School Shepherd Award.

‘Good spirit,’ ‘real savings’ highlight BOD meeting

The LCMS Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting in St. Louis Aug. 24–25.

Photo essay: ‘Future and Hope’ at the 2018 Corpus Christi conference

The 2018 Corpus Christi youth conference was held July 23–27 in Prague, Czech Republic, under the theme “Future and Hope.”

Upbring: Caring for children — on the border and worldwide

For more than a decade, Upbring — a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod — has been working with the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide emergency shelter to undocumented children on the southern border of the United States.

Freedom to be faithful prevails at Supreme Court

The Supreme Court’s NIFLA decision undergirds free speech protections for pregnancy counselors and others.

Share It! – Showing appreciation for workers

Here’s how readers answered last month’s question, “Pastors, teachers and other church workers: In what ways has your congregation or school shown their appreciation for you?”

New preaching module focuses on technology

Preach the Word, the Synod’s program for fostering excellence in preaching, has released its fifth module: “The Use of Technology in Preaching.”

Obituary: Rev. Paul Weber, former Ohio District president

The Rev. Paul A. Weber, who served as president of the LCMS Ohio District from 1982 to 1988, died May 27. His funeral service is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4.

Candidate placement headlines COP meeting

The LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) met April 21–26, traveling from St. Louis to Fort Wayne, Ind., to place pastoral and commissioned candidates, elect new leadership and work through matters of ecclesiastical supervision. 

Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools wraps up work

The LCMS Blue Ribbon Committee on Lutheran Schools was created by the Synod in convention in 2013 and directed to continue its work in 2016. It will report its findings and recommendations at the 2019 Synod convention in Tampa, Fla.

LCMS members play key role in passing Iowa fetal heartbeat bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill — which prohibits most abortions once a heartbeat is detectable by ultrasound — on May 4. Previously in Iowa, most abortions were permitted up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Movie review: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, “Avengers: Infinity War” is a gift to MARVEL fans, honoring previous films in the franchise while bringing its own contributions to the saga.

Concordia–Texas grads overcome trials

Both Caitlin Copeland and Caitlyn Covington graduated April 28 from Concordia University Texas after overcoming unusual circumstances.

Share It! — Welcoming visitors

Congregation and school leaders share how they make new parishioners and students feel welcome.

Movie review: ‘Paul, Apostle of Christ’

Reviewer Ted Giese calls it “a remarkable film” with “a strong presentation of forgiveness, grace and mercy.”

‘Preach the Word’ Module 4 now available for free download

Preach the Word is the Synod’s ongoing program for fostering excellence in preaching.