New video shows disaster work in Philippines

A new video from the LCMS Office of International Mission (to watch, click here) shows how a $25,000 emergency grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care is being used to help survivors of severe flooding on the Philippine island…

Historical Institute gives awards for 2010

Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) presented “Awards of Commendation” to 16 historians Dec. 1 for exemplary accomplishment in the field of American Lutheran history during 2010. The awards were in the categories of “Journal Articles,” “Major Publications,” “Organizational Histories,” “Congregational Histories”…

'The 72' evangelism-training ministry expands to 17 districts

By Paula Schlueter Ross The United States is the third-largest “mission field” in the world, right behind China and India, as far as countries with the largest percentages of “unchurched” populations, says the Rev. Al Tormoehlen, director of “The 72 —…

Planners unveil Youth Gathering logo, call for volunteers

Planners for the 12th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering in 2013 have unveiled the Gathering logo (which they also refer to as an “identity mark”) and announced that online application is open for key Gathering volunteer positions. The Gathering logo…

Jan. 2 Rose Parade features Lutheran Hour float

The Rev. Greg Seltz, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour,” joined members of several LCMS congregations in southern California aboard the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) float in the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, in Pasadena, Calif. The…

Lutherans in Sudan adopt name change, elect bishop

Lutherans in Sudan, East Africa, voted to change the name of their church body — from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan/South Sudan (ELCS/SS) — and elected a new leader: the Rev. Wilson…

LCEF conference targets 'making a REAL difference'

By Joe Isenhower Jr. RALEIGH, N.C. — “It’s about keeping it real.” That statement often heard in these uncertain times could sum up — in a positive sense — what the 2011 Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) Fall Leadership Conference here Nov.…

Board encourages Ann Arbor, Mequon, merger discussions

By Joe Isenhower Jr. RALEIGH, N.C. — The Synod’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution at its Nov. 17-18 meeting here stating that it “intends to encourage, support and facilitate continued discussions between” Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Concordia University…

How much 'Tebowing' is too much?

(RNS) — Along with politics, it is one of two things we don’t talk about at parties: sports and religion. Football has always been a religion to some. But now, thanks to Denver quarterback Tim Tebow, sports and religion have become…

Parents, pastors wrestle with place of Santa

(RNS) — When the Rev. John McCausland crafted his Christmas Eve sermon at his Episcopal church in Weare, N.H., he always followed a basic formula.  There had to be a brother and a sister in the story. Jesus and the…

Companies pull ads from Muslim TV show

(RNS) — Lowe’s, the national hardware chain, has pulled commercials from future episodes of “All-American Muslim,” a TLC reality-TV show, after protests by Christian groups. The Florida Family Association (FFA), a Tampa Bay group, has led a campaign urging companies to…

Joint BOD, COP session addresses four topics

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Nov. 17, the LCMS Board of Directors (BOD) and Council of Presidents (COP) met together for two hours, apart from their separate meetings here. Synod leaders focused on four topics in that session — Concordia University, Ann…

Concordia Plan Services receives awards

For the third consecutive year, Concordia Plan Services (CPS) publications have been honored by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (MarCom). The MarCom Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding achievements by marketing and communications professionals. This year there…

Official Notice: Call for Nominations — CUS president

The Concordia University System (CUS) Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the position of president, Concordia University System. The president is accountable to the CUS Board of Directors and presents a formal annual report to the Audit Committee of…

Pressure Points (January 2012)

With Dr. Bruce Hartung Several readers responded to last month’s “Pressure Points,” which is online at http:reporter.lcms.org/?19421.  The first response below is from the anonymous writer who asked the question that began the discussion in the December column. R: I…

Items wanted, available (January 2012)

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. Notices may be sent to Karen Higgins at…