COVID-19

Convention affirms in-person Communion

Delegates to 2023 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) passed Resolution 5-08A, “To Affirm In-Person Communion,” by a vote of 842 to 140 (or 85.74%).

Retreats offer rest for commissioned workers

The retreats, titled “Take Heart! Renewed to Be a Blessing,” are funded by the LCMS Office of National Mission.

MDFL conference points to solid rock of Jesus

The conference, titled “The Rock in Shifting Sands,” was held Jan. 10–12 at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis.

Ministerial Care Coalition holds annual meeting

The coalition — a collection of representatives from around the Synod — supports and fosters conversations about church worker wellness.

LCMS Council of Presidents addresses online communion

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Council of Presidents met Sept. 7–11 in St. Louis.

‘Church in a messy world’: BOD looks back on pandemic year

The LCMS Board of Directors met Aug. 26 in St. Louis.

Harrison letter offers counsel and resources on COVID-19 vaccine

The letter was sent to the rostered workers, congregations and Recognized Service Organizations of the Synod.

Personal remarks from President Harrison about COVID and vaccines

“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). I aim to resist this increasing encroachment wherever and whenever I can.

Update from LCMS President Harrison about vaccine mandate

Please study this collection of resources, which provides a summary of what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines, their relation to the issue of abortion, and what we can (and cannot) say about these matters from the Synod’s perspective.

After a pandemic year, CUS heads back to school

After a year of cancellations, postponements and multiple adjustments in classroom and campus life, CUS students are anticipating a more typical academic year.

First respite retreat held for commissioned ministers

The retreat consisted of three days of worship, learning and fellowship offered at no cost to participants.

LCMS mission boards hold first in-person meetings in more than a year

The Board for International Mission met May 27–28, and the Board for National Mission met June 10–11. 

From the mission field: Project 24 finds blessing during pandemic

Project 24, which provides boarding for Kenyan children while they attend school, had to close its sites and send the children home in 2020 due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 and the church: One year later

Over the last year, LCMS Research Services has carried out a series of surveys to study how the Synod’s churches, schools and workers are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bethesda focuses on unmet needs during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the challenges of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and highlighted the ongoing need to address those challenges.

‘Coast to Coast’: Virtual concert unites Lutherans in song

In March, more than 3,000 people from across the United States joined together for a virtual concert event that featured the music ensembles of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., and Sheboygan Lutheran High School in Sheboygan, Wis.