Missouri Synod’s School Ministry director wins Lutheran education top honor

ST. LOUIS, February 28, 2013—William “Bill” Cochran, director of School Ministry for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), will receive the Christus Magister Award, the Lutheran Education Association’s (LEA) top honor. Since 1965, the Christus Magister Award has been presented to Lutheran educators who have made significant contributions to Lutheran education.

Council of Presidents releases 'letter of comfort'

By James H. Heine ST. LOUIS — At its regular meeting Feb. 16-19, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Council of Presidents (COP) adopted unanimously “an open letter of comfort” that addresses the recent controversy surrounding the participation of a Synod pastor…

Filling staff post is priority for Black Clergy Caucus

By Paula Schlueter Ross SELMA, Ala. — Placing a full-time director of black ministry at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis — who can speak on behalf of those serving in black ministries and “sit at the table” with representatives…

National mission board, staff focus on revitalization

By Joe Isenhower Jr. ST. LOUIS — As the LCMS Board for National Mission (BNM) neared completing drafts of initial policies at its Feb. 11-12 meeting here, it heard reminders that the Office of National Mission (ONM) applies those policies…

LCMS Communications department realigns

Realigned on Feb. 1 with the goal of being both more strategic and efficient, the LCMS Communications department now operates in two separate but cooperating spheres: Strategic Communications and Communication Services.   Under the leadership of Executive Director David Strand,…

In Newtown letter, COP pledges to study how to respond to crises

By James H. Heine ST. LOUIS — During its Feb. 16-19 meeting here, the LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) adopted “an open letter of comfort” addressing the recent controversy surrounding the participation of a Synod pastor in a community prayer…

New Missouri Synod report offers ‘framework’ for addressing immigration

ST. LOUIS, February 25, 2013—Raise the subject of immigration and be prepared for a spirited debate. Christians who hold to the Scriptures can have varying personal and political views about the best ways to compassionately care for and serve those who come to live in the United States from other countries. A new report, “Immigrants Among Us,” by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) offers theological guidance from a Lutheran perspective for thinking through immigration issues and some practical guidance for ministering to immigrants.

Exhibitor applications available for Missouri Synod triennial convention

ST. LOUIS, February 22, 2013—This summer’s Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) 65th Regular Convention offers an exciting opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their programs, products and services to approximately 3,500 attendees representing the 2.3 million members of the Synod who are expected to attend. The convention will be held July 20-25 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis.

‘Baptized for This Moment’ convention-themed Bible study available

ST. LOUIS, February 22, 2013—In preparation for this summer’s 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), a special Bible study that relates to the convention theme, “Baptized for This Moment,” is now available.

Obama nominates Gard for Navy Reserve's highest rank

President Barack Obama has nominated the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard, an LCMS chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve and professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to serve as a rear admiral (lower half) in…

Six LCMS-related ministries to receive Wheat Ridge grants

Wheat Ridge Ministries of Itasca, Ill., announced that it approved 12 of its “GrantsPlus” grants totaling $423,000 — to “assist inspired leaders who are serving others and sharing health and hope around the world,” according to a Feb. 7 news…

NLSA names nine 'exemplary schools' for 2013-14

The National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) commission recently selected nine Lutheran schools in the United States for special recognition as “exemplary accredited schools.” All nine schools are operated by LCMS congregations or associations of LCMS congregations. They received NLSA accreditation…

Two alleged Dorner victims graduated from Concordia, Irvine

Concordia University in Irvine, Calif. — one of the 10 Concordia University System schools operated by the LCMS nationwide — will be the site of a memorial service for two graduates who were killed by suspect Christopher Dorner. The bodies…

Missionary's photo album shows typical week

Children excited about their first day of school; spying a monkey in a tree; eating fresh mangoes; making amaquinas — deep-fried donuts — at a local “tuck shop,” or grocery; distributing school uniforms and shoes to students; painting a home;…

Needed: 'Full-court press' on missionary recruitment

By Laura J. Seaman ST. LOUIS — The LCMS continues to face a dire need to recruit church workers, including missionaries — a topic of concern addressed by the Board for International Mission (BIM) at its meeting here Feb. 8-9.…

LCMS awards grant for Hattiesburg cleanup; volunteers needed

By Sarah Schafer The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod approved a $7,000 grant Feb. 15 to aid volunteers removing trees from houses and property and to provide tarps for damaged roofs in Hattiesburg, Miss., following a tornado that struck the city Feb.…