LCMS Stewardship Ministry – June 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Stewardship Ministry, the “why” and “how” of an LCMS congregation’s support of its district and of Synod are discussed. The decision of the amount of a congregation’s Mission Partnership Gift to District is something that every congregation faces in their annual budget process. Prayer and open communication are encouraged by all those involved. What better way can there be to teach members about prayerful individual stewardship than to model it at the congregational level?

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission — June 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), ways for congregations to make their church buildings and the surrounding property welcoming to everyone are provided and discussed. Information on the upcoming National RSTM Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 5-7, 2015, is also shared.

LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces – Third Quarter 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, the ongoing need for married couples to discuss with each other where they are emotionally is discussed. An article suggesting to married couples what they can do to avoid destroying their marriage is also provided. In addition, a devotional thought to encourage readers in their faith is shared.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – May 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Stewardship Ministry, the questions of to WHOM the steward should give and WHERE should a steward’s gift be given are addressed. When affirming one’s desire to become a member of a congregation, a person promises to support that congregation with his/her prayers and the gifts God has given to him/her. These promises need to be considered when answering these two questions.

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – May 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), ways to help congregations use their publications (printed and online) to engage individuals who may not be “in the know” are provided and discussed. The whole purpose of tweaking what is being used or creating new methods is to make people feel welcomed and included in congregations.

‘Free to be Faithful’ – Spring 2015 newsletter

This month, the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on same-sex marriage as it pertains to states’ rights. Learn how we as Lutherans unpack the issue in the spring 2015 issue of the Free to be Faithful newsletter.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – April 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the importance of seeing stewardship within congregations as not only a financial matter, but also as pastoral care for the souls of members is discussed. When stewardship is viewed in this holistic manner, great things can happen with the Church.

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – April 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), ways that congregations can properly welcome their new pastor and his family are discussed and provided. Being patient, offering forgiveness and being there for them are just some of the steps church members can take to help make their transition less difficult.

LCMS Life Ministry — Spring 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Life Ministry, highlights from this past January’s Life Conference in Washington, D.C., is shared. In addition, information about an upcoming ultrasound video project and news from Y4Life (Lutherans for Life) is provided. Lastly, readers are provided updates and overviews of various conferences, activities and resources related to all sanctity of life issues.

LCMS Parish Nursing – Spring 2015 newsletter

In this issue, you will find articles written by parish nurses and others that share ideas and resources for promoting health of body and soul in congregations and communities, both here in the United States and throughout the world.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – March 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the role of storytelling in the area of stewardship is discussed. Using this very powerful communication tool must be done with caution because the story itself can be idolized. This does not mean, however, that story should be avoided. It can actually be a rich blessing in a congregation’s stewardship life. To achieve this, the pastor must seek out and strategically use stories of faithful stewardship to help alter the congregation’s stewardship culture.

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – March 2015 newsletter

In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), the ministry partnership (“joining”) created between Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Creston, Iowa, and First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr, Iowa, is highlighted. This combined congregation (under the name of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church) is a great example of the possibilities for ministry partnerships that exist for all congregations, especially those in rural and small towns.