Disaster Relief
The EF3 tornado that hit the St. Louis metro area on May 16 has certainly made an impact that will be felt for years to come. It is estimated that more than $1 billion worth of property damage has occurred. The Missouri District can now confirm that seven LCMS congregations...
The Movement of the Church
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” (Acts 1:8, ESV). The celebration of Easter begins with movement. At the Easter Vigil, the saints gather outside the sanctuary as a...
Have You Ever Felt Like You Needed a Hiding Place?
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance,” (Ps. 32:7, ESV). There are times when we as Christians, caught in the midst of trouble, on account of the fallen world or our own making, long for a place of refuge, a fortress...
Rev. Rodger Venzke obituary
Rev. Rodger Venzke Feb. 24, 1937 – April 25, 2025 Rev. Rodger Raland Venzke, 88, was called to glory on April 25, 2025, just weeks after relocating from St. Louis, Mo., to Phoenix, Ariz. He had been living with Parkinson’s Disease for several years. Born Feb. 24, 1937, on...
Rev. Barton C. Gray obituary
Rev. Barton C. Gray Nov. 19, 1941 – May 3, 2025 Rev. Barton Carlton Gray, 83, passed away peacefully in the Lord on May 3, 2025. Born Nov. 19, 1941, in Battle Creek, Mich., Rev. Barton Carlton Gray was the son of Richard and Gertrude Gray. A lifelong servant...
Déjà vu All Over Again
“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way,” (John 21:1, ESV). St. Louis’ unofficial poet laureate, Yogi Berra, is reported to have once said, “It’s like Déjà vu all over again.” Jesus’ appearance to the disciples at...
Now Accepting Nominations: Director of Mission Services
The Missouri District is beginning the search process for a Director of Mission Services. This role provides strategic leadership and support for mission initiatives across the state of Missouri, including:Church plantingRural/small-town ministryUrban ministryEthnic ministryCampus ministryThe Director will oversee the District’s mission grant process and collaborate with congregational leaders to strengthen...
Rev. Dennis Garrels obituary
Rev. Dennis Garrels Aug. 27, 1942 – March 23, 2025 Rev. Dennis “Denny” Earl Garrels, 82, of St. Louis, Mo., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after living with Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. Garrels was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Detroit, Mich., to Earl and Milda...