Pandemic

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.

Photo essay: A photographer’s look back at 2021

LCMS Managing Photojournalist Erik M. Lunsford shares some of 2021’s definitive moments.

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.

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.

Technology grants build capacity ‘to proclaim the Gospel’

The Esther 4:14 National Grant Program will assist some 225 congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to extend their reach with the purchase of new technology, software or training.

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.

‘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.  

Pandemics don’t stop disasters — or the church’s response

Natural disasters continued to strike even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And LCMS Disaster Response continued to respond with mercy, aid and the message of hope found in Christ.

Synod provides facts and counsel on COVID-19 vaccines

On Jan. 21, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison sent an email to all workers on the Synod roster addressing questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines.

COP navigates ongoing impact of COVID-19

The LCMS Council of Presidents conducted its fourth meeting of 2020 (its third via Zoom video conference) on Nov. 16–18, with discussion of the pandemic’s impact on the church dominating the meeting.

BOD covers much ground in wide-ranging meeting

The Synod’s Board of Directors met via Zoom on Nov. 19.