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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.

Leapfrogging Our Judea

Researchers have declared that our nation is now the third largest mission field in the world. Yet, we continue to think of mission work as something to do "over there."

Faith leads to action

Matthew 25:4 — “….but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.”

Imitating God’s Generosity

Each month Stewardship Ministry produces a newsletter article suitable for congregational use. Here is an excerpt from this month's article on imitating the generosity of our Heavenly Father.

Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker and the Tension of ‘Youth’ Ministry

A review of Dr. Root's book on Bonhoeffer's ministry and the tension of focusing on YOUTH ministry in the congregational life of the church.

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.

‘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.

Reaping what you sow

Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Planting a Reformation

"Revitalization of the Synod shall come from neither missions nor more synodical power: The Word is the only remedy," said Friedrich Pfotenhauer. When we plant churches, we plant the Word, and with it we bring reformation to the church at large.

That’s Epic

Tonight in our small burg just like many other places around our great nation, there will be a football game. But here, it won’t be any ordinary game, it’s the first round of district play so all eyes are on the big prize. No doubt, it’s going to be Epic!

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.

Witnessing through social media: The good, the bad and the ugly

Nuggets for witnessing through social media based on a KFUO interview with Rev. Mark Wood.

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.