`Newsweek` lauds LWR for relief efforts

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+…

165 `reconcilers` receive training

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…

Theology profs to discuss `Sin and Wrath of God`

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…

New graduate program offers study in China

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…

FCC renews KFUO licenses

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…

Fort Wayne sem offers summer courses in 16 cities

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;…

Lilly Endowment again offers pastor sabbatical grants

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…

LCEF names new CFS head

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…

Resources link Feb. 27 readings to Lutheran Blind Mission

The Bible readings on Sunday, Feb. 27, focus on how Jesus, in the first century, met the needs of blind people.  A recent mailing of resources from Lutheran Blind Mission focuses on how Jesus — in the 21st century —…

2005 VBS program features 'Safari Adventure'

“Safari Adventure: Discover Jesus the King,” a new vacation Bible school program for 2005, is available now from Concordia Publishing House. In the new program, students go on a “safari” and make discoveries about Jesus the King.  Along the way, they…

Pressure Points with Dr. Bruce Hartung

Q:  I have received a call.  The church that is calling me wants me to come for a visit.  The visit includes bringing my family — wife and children.  They say that while they have called me already, they want…

LWR urges Lutherans to voice support on tsunami issues

Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, is urging Lutherans nationwide to contact their senators and President Bush to voice their support of two tsunami-related issues: Extending the charitable-deductions deadline for 2004 — The tsunamis struck on Dec. 26, giving donors just…

Kieschnick asks for donations, prayers for tsunami victims

LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick is urging Missouri Synod Lutherans to consider opportunities for donating toward disaster relief in the wake of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami in South Asia, and to pray for “those so deeply devastated by this…