National News

Back to News

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.

Campus clips – CUS schools report enrollment growth, COVID adjustments

Seminaries also share recent campus news.

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Dr. Roger Dean Pittelko, former president of the LCMS English District

Pittelko, who served as president of the LCMS English District from 1986 to 1997, died on Nov. 11 at the age of 88.

New module addresses preaching in a post-Christian culture

The module features the Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C., and speaker emeritus of “The Lutheran Hour.”

November ‘Witness’: Medicine for the soul

The November issue takes up the discussion of the Lord’s Supper, fellowship and closed Communion.

Laborers For Christ to cease operations in June

The decision comes after an extensive, 18-month review of the LFC program that “revealed a number of critical issues impacting LFC operations.”

Obituaries
Obituary: Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel, former president of CTSFW

The Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel, who served as the 15th president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, died on Nov. 3 at the age of 88.

Pandemic communion practice focus of COP meeting

At its September meeting, the group considered the continuing impact of the coronavirus across the church while looking ahead to what will happen when the pandemic subsides and the country fully reopens.

Ferry to retire as CUW president

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. Ferry, who has served as president of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., for 24 years, will step down from the role in June 2021.

Plans underway for 2021 life marches

Some things look different this year, but the commitment to life hasn’t changed.

Photo essay: Responding to Hurricane Laura in Louisiana

St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles sustained significant damage, including to its sanctuary, which had two opposing walls completely blown out, destroying the stained glass and ruining most of the building’s contents.

Meet ‘YouthLead’: Lutheran Youth Fellowship gets new name

The new name was chosen to more accurately reflect the program’s emphasis.

Campus clips – Health at forefront as students return to class

News from LCMS colleges, universities and seminaries.