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.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – February 2015 newsletter

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?

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – February 2015 newsletter

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.

StewardCAST Newsletter – January 2015

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.

LCMS Parish Nursing – Winter 2014-2015 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 Rural & Small Town Mission – January 2015 newsletter

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.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – December 2014 newsletter

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.

LCMS Life Ministry — Winter 2014 newsletter

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.

LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry – December 2014 newsletter

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.

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – December 2014 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.

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.

‘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.

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.