In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the relationship between sound biblical stewardship and fundraising is discussed. The reality is that the overuse of and reliance upon fundraisers can damage corporate and individual stewardship. Resolving this issue requires an answer to the following question: Why is fundraising done and who are we doing it for?
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), suggestions for how smaller congregations can have vibrant choral ministries are provided. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and monthly free webinars is communicated.
In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the concept of faithful stewardship is discussed in regards to individuals making New Year’s resolutions. If these resolutions start with the Lord, as they should, then the people making them will surely be led to results that are pleasing to God.
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.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), the Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), shares an encouraging message for the Synod’s small congregations. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and monthly free webinars is communicated.
In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, stewardship is viewed through the periscope of the Christmas season and how God’s greatest Gift to His people that first Christmas is the prime example for how we are to maintain and use the good gifts He continues to give us. Knowing that God’s gift of His son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, is for all generations, our faithful response to this gift through our individual and congregational stewardship allows for the sharing of this great Gift for all generations.
In this issue from LCMS’ Life Ministry, insight into end-of-life decisions and the faith issues that surround them is provided. In addition, information about disabilities resources from the LCMS Disability Task Force is given. Lastly, readers are provided updates and overviews of various conferences, activities and resources related to all sanctity of life issues.
In this issue from LCMS’ Specialized Pastoral Ministry (SPM), encouraging words from the SPM interim director are shared, along with information on the 2014 SPM Educational event Oct. 28-30. In addition, the dates of other upcoming SPM events and general information about this ministry are provided in the pages of this newsletter.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), you are provided highlights from the 2014 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference held Nov. 6-8 at the Airport Marriott just outside of Platte City, Mo. Several pictures from the conference are included to help share the events of it. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events is communicated.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this issue from LCMS’ Stewardship Ministry, the need for stewardship transformation in congregations and in individuals is discussed. The modern version of stewardship is broken and needs to be transformed – and only the Lord can fix it. This need for transformation is compared to the transformation of Zacchaeus as told in Luke 19.