New This Week

Photo essay: A photographer’s look back at 2020

LCMS Managing Photojournalist Erik M. Lunsford shares some of 2020’s definitive moments.

NLSA selects Dinger for School Shepherd Award

The Rev. Jonathan Dinger, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Pocatello, Idaho, was selected by National Lutheran School Accreditation to receive the 2020 NLSA School Shepherd Award.

From the mission field – Dominican Republic, Latvia

Updates about LCMS mission work around the world.

Photo essay: Campus ministry: Gospel light in a dark world

The Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of University Lutheran, is at work amid ever-changing circumstances on this campus, serving students, faculty, staff and members of the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

‘Take Heart’ retreats uplift, refresh pastors during COVID-19

The LCMS Office of National Mission is partnering with DOXOLOGY on a series of retreats to help pastors and the souls in their care rest in the Gospel.

Council of Presidents encourages Harrison to invite congregational vote on convention delay

Due to ongoing effects of the pandemic, the LCMS Council of Presidents voted unanimously to encourage LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison to put before congregations a proposal to delay the 2022 Synod convention.

Serina accepts call to CTCR

The Rev. Dr. Richard J. Serina Jr., who will serve as associate executive director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, replaces the Rev. Dr. Larry Vogel, who retired earlier this year.

December ‘Witness’: The gift that gives eternal life

The December issue of ‘The Lutheran Witness’ explores how the Old Testament portrays and points to the Second Person of the Trinity, the eternally begotten Son of God.

Campus clips – Seminaries and colleges report on enrollment, events, service

News from LCMS colleges, universities and seminaries.

BNM business includes church worker recruitment, COVID-19, race

On Oct. 15, the LCMS Board for National Mission met for a full-day meeting via Zoom.  

Browning recognized as 2020 National Distinguished Principal

Scott D. Browning, principal of St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Worth, Texas, was selected by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

‘Together as Synod’ gift an opportunity to serve ‘big picture’ mission

As 2020 comes to an end, supporters of the LCMS who are prayerfully considering making a year-end gift are encouraged to give a “Together as Synod” gift.

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Paul Timothy McCain, publisher and executive editor, Concordia Publishing House

The Rev. Paul Timothy McCain, publisher and executive editor at Concordia Publishing House, died on Nov. 25 at the age of 58.

Photo essay: Hurricane Sally: A sprint becomes a marathon

The initial assessment of Hurricane Sally’s damage revealed that 19 congregations in Alabama and Florida were affected. The storm impacted the entire community, including schools, the district camp and members’ homes.

Hybrid MDFL conference builds on past and moves forward

A ‘Making Disciples for Life’ conference was held in conjunction with an LCMS Minnesota South District pastors conference in October.

CUW offers new church ministries degree program

The director of church ministries (DCM) position was added to the LCMS Minister of Religion—Commissioned roster by the 2019 Synod convention.