Robertson accepts LCEF presidency

After a national search, Richard C. Robertson of Peachtree City, Ga., has accepted the offer to be president of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), starting Jan. 14, the day of his installation at the Synod’s International Center. Robertson, 54, succeeds…

Dr. Herb Brokering, well-known author, poet, dies

Dr. Herbert F. (Herb) Brokering — a Lutheran pastor and well-known author, poet, playwright, hymn writer, and popular speaker — died from congestive heart failure Nov. 7 at his home in Bloomington, Minn. Dr. Brokering, 83, spoke by phone with…

CPH receives 'Missouri Quality Award'

Concordia Publishing House, the Synod’s St. Louis-based publisher, has received the 2009 “Missouri Quality Award” from the Excellence in Missouri Foundation, which works to promote quality principles in business, education, government, and health care. The award recognizes excellence in areas…

Worship conference planners seek 'collegial' input

Organizers of the Synod’s Model Theological Conference on Worship, set for Jan. 11-13 in St. Louis, are taking deliberate steps to include pastors, musicians, and laity who represent a range of worship styles from “traditional/liturgical” to “contemporary/contextual.” In guidelines for…

LWML offers Christmas cards

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League is offering a new Christmas card for 2009. Designed by St. Louis artist Judy Newell, the four-color card features the word “Savior,” with Baby Jesus nestled in the capital “S.”  In the lower right of…

Kieschnick issues statement after shootings

Synod President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick issued a statement of comfort and hope to the families and friends of the 14 people killed and the 47 wounded during last week’s shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, and a construction-engineering firm in…

Congregations report more 'specialized ministries'

The increase in the number of “specialized ministries” reported by congregations was one positive note in the Missouri Synod’s 2008 statistical report, as 4,236 congregations (up 579 from 2007) responded to a “specialized ministries” questionnaire.  Tallies indicate that they conducted…

Bus ride, lodging offered to life marchers

To encourage more Lutheran participation in the Jan. 22 “March for Life” in Washington, D.C., a group bus ride is being offered by LCMS Life Ministries, a program area of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), and the Lutherans…

New record: CUS enrollment climbs to 25,516

By Paula Schlueter Ross For the eighth consecutive year, total enrollment at the Synod’s 10 Concordia University System schools has hit a record high.  This fall, a total of 25,516 graduate and undergraduate students — an increase of 2,198 students,…

LCEF launches stewardship curriculum for children

“Educators and parents looking for an effective way to instill in children a commitment to manage God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure” may want to learn about a new stewardship curriculum produced by Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), according…

Kieschnick addresses new 'hate crimes' law

U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law Oct. 28 a new “hate crimes bill” that extends federal prosecution to include crimes motivated by a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Some church leaders have expressed concerns about the…

Life Ministries, LFL offer 'Life Sunday' materials

LCMS Life Ministries and Lutherans For Life both are offering resources designed to help congregations observe “Life Sunday” on Jan. 17 or an alternate date. Life Ministries, a program area of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), is providing…

Krone takes helm of Lutheran Special Education

James R. Krone of Livonia, Mich., began serving Oct. 1 as president and chief executive officer of Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM), an LCMS Recognized Service Organization based in Detroit. In that position, he succeeds Dr. Roger DeMeyere, who will retire…

Thanksgiving bulletins available from CPH

New Thanksgiving-themed bulletins, 100 per pack, are available from Concordia Publishing House:  Premium “Giving Thanks” bulletins ($6.93, item no. U1679LWEB). Standard “Giving Thanks” ($6.18, item no. U1679WEB). Premium “A Blessed Thanksgiving” ($6.93, item no. U1664LWEB). Standard “A Blessed Thanksgiving” ($6.18,…

Dr. Paul Manz, well-known musician, dies

Dr. Paul Otto Manz, a well-known Lutheran organist, composer, church musician, and teacher, died Oct. 28 in St. Paul, Minn., after several weeks of hospice care.  Dr. Manz, 90, reportedly died surrounded by family members, as they sang “E’en So,…

Items wanted, available (Nov. 2009)

Note:  Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase.  Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Wanted Vogel’s Cross Reference and Index to the…