James C. Johnson September 2, 1945 – May 18, 2023 James Carlton “Jim” Johnston, of Rolla, Missouri passed away on May 18, 2023 at the age of 77. Jim was born on September 2, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Paul Johnston and Ruth (Papke) Johnston.  On June 15,...

St. Lucia: A Sicilian Saint Celebrated in Scandinavia Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 There is a group of Norwegian students who study at Saint Paul Lutheran High School...

Jolly Ol’ Saint Nicholas In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  1 John 4:10-11 The writer to the...

Christ is Coming Soon, Therefore, Encourage Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 For eight years, this message has been sent out each week.  Occasionally, I will receive an appreciative response regarding a particular “Encourage.”  Most weeks though there is...

Join us Friday, December 1 from 10a–1p Christmas Open House this Friday. Come and meet with Missouri District staff, grab some delicious goodies, and raise a festive cup of hot chocolate. No need to RSVP. Just save the date, stop by anytime between 10am and 1pm, and we'll see you...

For All This Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Dr. Luther writes, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”  However, he does...

Rev. Walter Michael Schoedel February 26, 1926 – November 9, 2023   Walter M. Schoedel, a church and community leader, died November 9, 2023, at the age of 97.  Rev. Schoedel was a pastor, teacher, administrator, consultant, writer, and counselor during his 70+ years of ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri...

Christ Is Not Safe, But He Is Good Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy   before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the...

A Different Kind of King Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  John 18:36 The history of...

Ordinary Saints And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:17 As bells toll in churches as they observe All Saints Day, it is a time to give thanks to God for...