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First things first

First things first

Deuteronomy 8:3 — “…that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission – December 2014 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.

5 Ways to Thank Volunteers

5 Ways to Thank Volunteers

5 ways to say THANK YOU this Thanksgiving. LCMS Youth Ministry is thankful for all those who volunteer to serve youth. #LCMSgivesthanks

Sheep do sheep works

Sheep do sheep works

Matthew 25:44 — “Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ ”

God’s Mercy at Work in Madagascar

God’s Mercy at Work in Madagascar

Sharon Thomas is a Registered Nurse who has served as a team leader on many LCMS Mercy Medical Teams. Recently, wrote a devotion about one of her experiences, and I would…

Partners with God

Partners with God

Philippians 1:5 — “I always thank God … because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.”

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – November 2014 newsletter

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

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

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."

Imitating God’s Generosity

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.

An Advent Midweek Lectionary and Hymn Guide

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 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.