New Teacher Orientation September 22-23, 2023 Drury Plaza East – Columbia, MO   New educators in the District– join us!  Building off of the theme, "People of HOPE" and Isaiah 52:7, this orientation will equip, encourage, and support new educators to the Missouri District with practical tools to effectively impact...

New Church Worker Orientation August 24–25 First-time called church workers, seminary vicars, and church work interns are invited to join us for a bus tour of creative ministries around the St. Louis area on August 24, departing from the Missouri District office.  First-time called church workers are then invited to...

Hannah and Samuel And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life...” 1 Samuel...

Gene W. Ladendorf July 16, 1944–February 7, 2023 Gene William Ladendorf, of St. Charles, Missouri passed away February 7, 2023, at the age of 78.  Loving husband of the late Janice F. Ladendorf; beloved son of the late William G. and Helen W. Ladendorf; devoted father of Jana (David) Leppien and Mark...

Janice F. Ladendorf December 17, 1944–January 29, 2023 Janice Fay Ladendorf (nee Friedrich), of St. Charles, Missouri passed away January 29, 2023 at the age of 78.  Loving wife of Gene Ladendorf; beloved daughter of the late Carl and Emma Friedrich; devoted mother of Jana (David) Leppien and Mark (Christine Mrakotsky) Ladendorf; cherished...

Jami M. Murray October 17, 1977 – December 4, 2022 Jami Murray, 45, passed away from metastatic breast cancer on December 4, 2022. Jami was born on October 17, 1977 and raised in Alpena, Michigan. Jami enjoyed school attending St. Anne’s Catholic Grade School and Alpena High School, graduating in...

Wilbert H. Rusch, Jr. February 19, 1940 – July 29, 2023 Wilbert H. Rusch Jr., peacefully passed away on July 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of faith and compassion.    Wilbert was born on February 19, 1940, into a family deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs. His parents, Professor...

Moses and Joshua And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.  Deuteronomy 34:9 The devotions for August will be focused on examples of raising up future servants...

Early on Sunday morning, July 30, there was a fire at Mount Olive Lutheran Church off of Shaw Boulevard in St. Louis. Fire crews were called to the scene in the 4 a.m. hour.  Significant damage was done in the education building.  While the main sanctuary doesn’t appear to have...

The Blessing of Work The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.   Genesis 2:15 Work may be a four-letter word, but that does not mean that it is bad.  In Genesis chapter 2, God’s creation of man and...