98 missionaries begin new terms

By Paula Schlueter Ross Just like a year ago, this fall’s group of LCMS career and long-term missionaries beginning work in more than two dozen countries includes 30 who are extending, or continuing, their service. And, just like a year…

Thrivent-Habitat partnership completes 500th home

An alliance between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International, called “Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity,” last month celebrated the completion of 500 homes for low-income families. The homes were built in 45 states over the past…

New Advent devotions include set for 'unchurched'

A number of new Advent devotions and resources are available from Lutheran entities this year.  Among them are: Revolutionary Christmas, a 32-day set of devotions written for those who are “unchurched” or nonbelievers.  Developed as an outreach tool by the…

Is missionary service safe?

In a word, “yes,” says Travis Torblaa, personnel care manager with LCMS World Mission. “We monitor everything and make sure the places we send people are safe,” Torblaa told Reporter.  “We have parameters in place to monitor the security situations…

LCMS World Relief gives $50,000 for fire response

At this writing, the fires were still raging in southern California, but already LCMS World Relief and Human Care had sent $50,000 to the Synod’s Pacific Southwest District to help those who have been evacuated from — or lost —…

Tetzloff remembered for compassionate heart

Rev. Richard “Dick” Tetzloff, former director of Specialized Pastoral Care and Clinical Education with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and former executive director of Lutheran Ministries Association in St. Louis, died Oct. 20 at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud,…

LFL offers 2008 Life Sunday materials

New bulletin inserts, a Bible study, sermons, devotions and a children’s message are available from Lutherans For Life (LFL) to help congregations observe “Life Sunday” — set for Jan. 20, 2008 — although the material is suitable for use at any time…

LFL invites others to join 'March for Life'

The Northern Virginia chapter of Lutherans For Life (LFL) invites pro-life advocates to join its members in the Jan. 22 “March for Life” and related activities, and is offering to help individuals and groups arrange for complementary housing through host…

Tornado-damaged Greensburg, Kan., gets new Lutheran church

By Paula Schlueter Ross GREENSBURG, Kan. — Residents here still have not recovered from the widespread damage caused by a powerful 1.7-mile-wide tornado that thundered down Main Street last May 4, killing 10 people and destroying all 37 businesses and…

Likens offers dramatization of centurion

Rev. James Likens, an LCMS actor, musician, and owner of JDL Video Productions in St. Louis, buys a lot of nails these days.  But he’s not in the construction business — the 6-inch nails are object lessons that he uses…

Youth Ministry offers ’08 ‘NATIONAL’

LCMS Youth Ministry’s third National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference — set for July 10-13 at the Westin Hotel In Indianapolis — will offer 20 workshops, first-time in-depth “intensives,” and an optional “boot camp” to enhance team building.           Registration is now open for…

CPH offers resources for Reformation, Halloween

Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, offers a variety of resources that are designed to help congregations learn more about the Reformation or celebrate the special observance on Oct. 31. Among Reformation resources are: books, including What Luther Says ($39.99, item no.…

Servant Events add new components

Beginning in November, the 2008 round of LCMS Servant Events for youth and adult leaders features construction, human care, outreach, and environmental projects at Lutheran camps, churches, schools, and social service organizations in the United States and Mexico. LCMS District and…

ILC accepts four new member churches

ACCRA, Ghana — The International Lutheran Council (ILC) accepted four new member church bodies — the most at any one time — during its 22nd international conference here Sept. 24-30. The ILC is an association of 34 confessional Lutheran church bodies from six continents…

LWR announces travel scholarships, tours

Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, is offering three Marian Stegemoeller Memorial Scholarships for seminary students interested in taking part in an LWR study tour in 2008. Each scholarship covers the cost of one full study tour, including round-trip airfare, meals,…

LFL offers ‘life’ speakers

Lutherans For Life (LFL) maintains a “speakers bureau” that can provide experienced pro-life speakers for rallies, conventions, Bible studies, workshops, schools, or worship services. Available speakers, including LFL Executive Director Dr. James I. Lamb, can address any number of life…