The LCMS, Author at LCMS Resources

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – November 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the concern that stewardship and the words associated with it have been weighed down and hindered over the years due to fundraising gimmicks is discussed. Because of the confusion that has and continues to encircle this Biblical concept, the teaching of it has become less than precise. Making sure this concept is used under its proper context will ensure that it does not become functionally meaningless in congregations.

Suggestions for Advent

The season of anticipation is almost upon us! How will your congregation mark it? Here are some suggestions toward a fuller celebration this Advent in your congregation.

An Advent Midweek Lectionary and Hymn Guide

Despite the well-established custom of midweek Advent services in our parishes, our worship book does not provide lectionary readings or suggestions for midweek. This allows for seasonal themes to be developed, but sometimes pastors look for some concrete guidance in this area. The following suggestions are offered for consideration in meeting this need. This guide provides a psalm and Old Testament reading for each day, plus a narrative portion of Luke 1 to introduce the story of our Lord’s Advent in the flesh.

Thanksgiving Hymn Guide

Thanksgiving is, strictly speaking, a feast of the First Article. And so we confess that it is our solemn duty to “thank and praise” our kind and heavenly Father. And yet it is also a gift of the Second Article, since for the Christian, all thanks is offered in and through Christ. Finally, it is also a gift of the Third Article, for such thanksgiving is finally possible only for the one who has been brought to faith in Christ, and such faith is invariably the work of the Holy Spirit Who leads us to receive all things with thanks and praise.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – December 2014 bulletin blurbs and newsletter article

Each month, LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry creates bulletin sentences and newsletter articles that can be included in congregational church bulletins and monthly newsletters, respectively.

‘Free to be Faithful’ – Winter 2014 newsletter

Religious liberty and conscience, so long considered foundational in the United States of America, has been challenged in no less than three major Supreme Court cases in the last five years, with plenty more on the way.

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – November 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), congregational members are encouraged to extend a hand in genuine friendship and engage with those members who attend their church infrequently. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and free monthly webinars is communicated.

Audio: KFUO Interview with Rev. Carlos Hernandez on Veterans/Soldiers of the Cross and Gospel Seeds

Rev. Dr. Carlos Hernandez, director, Church and Community Engagement for the LCMS Office of National Mission, talked on Oct. 22, 2014, on KFUO Radio about the Veterans of the Cross ministry, the Soldiers of the Cross ministry and the Gospel Seeds ministry.

Audio: KFUO World Lutheran News interview – Castillo Fuerte in Lima, Peru

Daniel Fickenscher, a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod missionary in Latin America, was interviewed on Oct. 18, 2014, by KFUO Radio about Castillo Fuerte (Mercy House) in Lima, Peru. Castillo Fuerte provides a safe place for slum children in Lima to play, study and learn about the Gospel.

Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Hymn Suggestions — Historic Series

Download Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Hymn Suggestions — Historic Series, compiled by Rev. William Weedon.

Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Hymn Suggestions — Three Year Series

Download Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Hymn Suggestions — Three Year Series, compiled by Henry Gerike.

Audio: Death with Dignity – Faith’n’Family host Andy Bates interviews Maggie Karner

Maggie Karner, director of LCMS Life and Health Ministries, discusses physician-assisted death and the viral story of Brittany Maynard. Like Brittany, Maggie has been diagnosed with stage-four glioblastoma brain cancer. Listen to her perspective on life, control and death with dignity.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – October 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the need to revamp how congregations and pastors view stewardship is discussed. Unfortunately, over the years, stewardship has been perceived as an intensely personal matter and, thus, has become a taboo topic to talk about. However, in order for stewardship renewal to take place, this current majority perception needs to be changed, and this change can only be done through individual repentance by the congregation member and the pastor.

Journal of Lutheran Mission – September 2014

The second issue of the journal features papers from confessional Lutheran church leaders who presented at the International Lutheran Council's fifth world seminary conference. Both the conference and this issue of the journal focus on the theme "Suffering, Persecution and Martyrdom as a Mark of the Church."

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – October 2014 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), insight into the benefit churches can realize by working together and forming partnerships in ministry with other churches is provided. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and free monthly webinars is communicated.