Great Expectations Newsletter – November 2013

In this issue from LCMS’ Office of National Mission, you are provided insight into how older people, just like all people, struggle with depression and, in turn, cry out to Jesus Christ as they walk through difficult times. Some suggestions are given as to how churches can help its elderly members cope with depression and the blues.

Disaster team surveys typhoon damage, brings aid

Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) pastor says the LCP is grateful for “the help, leadership and support of the LCMS.”

Rev. Angel Perez, leader in Hispanic ministry, dies

A memorial service for Perez was held Dec. 2 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Casselberry, Fla.

Response to Court Opinion on Clergy Housing Allowance

On November 22, 2013, a Federal District Court in Wisconsin held that the clergy housing allowance is unconstitutional. Specifically, the judge entered an Order and Opinion declaring 26 U.S.C. Section 107(2) unenforceable because it violates the First and Fifth Amendments…

LCMS relief effort media links

Collected here are links to news coverage of the LCMS response to Typhoon Haiyan.

Synod joins partner’s mercy response to typhoon

The Rev. Ross Johnson, co-director of LCMS Disaster Response, gives an update from the Philippines on the Synod’s response to Typhoon Haiyan.

3,100 educators meet for LEA’s 2013 convocation

The educators — from 36 states and nine countries — came together in Milwaukee for Lutheran Education Association’s 11th convocation.

LFL conference: Speak out, share God’s love on life issues

Some 300 people hear about life concerns at the Lutherans For Life national conference, Nov. 8-9 in Urbandale, Iowa.

Mission agencies to meet in January

The 2014 national conference of the Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies, or ALMA, is planned for Jan. 30-31 in St. Louis.

The Kalends for Christmas

The following were anciently read on Christmas Day in the Daily Office, but they may also serve as an introduction to the Divine Service on Christmas Day, read by the pastor from the entrance to the nave and leading directly into “O Come All Ye Faithful” as the processional hymn.

Typhoon Haiyan: A report from the Philippines

The Rev. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, provides a report from the Philippines as the church provides immediate relief and begins planning to assist with the long-term recovery.

Missouri Synod grants $10K to Illinois congregation for tornado relief

ST. LOUIS, November 20, 2013—The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has granted $10,000 for immediate tornado relief to St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden, Ill. The check will be presented tonight to the congregation at a communitywide prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton, Ill.

LCMS team reaches typhoon-ravaged area

The Rev. Glen Merritt and other LCMS Disaster Response staff visit “a totally devastated area” on the southern end of Leyte, the Philippines.

Grant to help Illinois congregation reach out after tornado

The $10,000 grant from LCMS Disaster Response to St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Minden, Ill., will be used to help survivors get back on their feet after deadly storms rip through five states.

Typhoon Haiyan Update: Report from the Field

The Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS Disaster Response, reports from Tacloban City, the Philippines, that conditions remain dire 10 days after one of the strongest storms in recorded history tore through the island nation. Listen to his stark report which Merritt was able to make upon finding a clear cell signal while on his search for fuel for the vehicle carrying the LCMS relief-assessment team.

Midwest Tornadoes: Destruction in Washington, Illinois

The Rev. Tom Heren, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Washington, Ill., describes the effects of the F-4 tornado that tore through his town Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013.