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…

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…

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…

Despite a weekend storm that dumped up to two feet of snow over much of the East Coast and Midwest, an estimated 100,000 people — including a delegation from Lutherans For Life (LFL) — took part in this year’s “March…

“God has exceeded our small expectations,” says LCMS missionary Sue Pfeil in Kyrgyzstan, who reports that more than 650 men, women, and children were involved in Lutheran worship services, Sunday schools, Bible studies, confirmation classes, and cell groups by the…

In a December mailing to LCMS congregations, the Synod’s Board of Directors said that now “is probably not the time for congregations of the Synod to affirm a change to the Constitution of the Synod.” The mailing spoke to “Constitutional Amendment…

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…

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…

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+…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 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…

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…