Coronavirus News

COP navigates ongoing impact of COVID-19

The LCMS Council of Presidents conducted its fourth meeting of 2020 (its third via Zoom video conference) on Nov. 16–18, with discussion of the pandemic’s impact on the church dominating the meeting.

BOD covers much ground in wide-ranging meeting

The Synod’s Board of Directors met via Zoom on Nov. 19.

State of the Synod goes online in 2020

The State of the Synod content has taken on a new delivery form this year, available to a wider online audience at the LCMS website.

Photo essay: A photographer’s look back at 2020

LCMS Managing Photojournalist Erik M. Lunsford shares some of 2020’s definitive moments.

‘Take Heart’ retreats uplift, refresh pastors during COVID-19

The LCMS Office of National Mission is partnering with DOXOLOGY on a series of retreats to help pastors and the souls in their care rest in the Gospel.

Council of Presidents encourages Harrison to invite congregational vote on convention delay

Due to ongoing effects of the pandemic, the LCMS Council of Presidents voted unanimously to encourage LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison to put before congregations a proposal to delay the 2022 Synod convention.

BNM business includes church worker recruitment, COVID-19, race

On Oct. 15, the LCMS Board for National Mission met for a full-day meeting via Zoom.  

Pandemic communion practice focus of COP meeting

At its September meeting, the group considered the continuing impact of the coronavirus across the church while looking ahead to what will happen when the pandemic subsides and the country fully reopens.

COVID-19: Resources from DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, offers resources for pastors and congregations. Their goal is to support faithful pastors in their vital service to the dear souls committed to their care.

BOD adopts $59.6M budget for FY21

A cautious approach to expenditures in FY21 reflects major economic uncertainties in the current forecasting environment, not the least of which has been the impact of COVID-19.

COVID-19 impacts international mission field

Mission field updates from Cambodia and Kenya.

Fleming installed as DOXOLOGY partners with Synod for COVID aftercare

A series of “Take Heart” retreats will focus on offering respite and resources for pastors who have struggled with the changes and stresses of the past year.

Synod grant assists Panama COVID-19 relief

The funds are helping care for church workers and supplying much-needed bags of food for congregation members and their surrounding communities.

Concordia, Texas, offers new online health degrees

The Master of Public Health is a competency-based graduate program, and the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care is a degree advancement program for registered respiratory therapists.  

Upcoming retreats offer pastors respite from pandemic

The LCMS Office of National Mission has partnered with DOXOLOGY on the retreats, which are planned for Sept. 28–30 in Bel Aire, Kan., and Oct. 5–7 in Donaldson, Ind.