“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you,” (John 14:16-17, ESV). John’s Gospel includes the extended...

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...

“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...

“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 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 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...

“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...

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 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...

“Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’ (John 20:26, ESV).” Jesus’ appearances to the disciples are completely contrary to how we would respond. There is no anger...