“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...

Missouri District celebrates 2025 Call Day services Seminary students receive ministry placements, assignments The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) joined with congregations and church workers across the Synod in celebrating Call Day 2025, a significant milestone in the lives of future pastors and deaconesses. Each spring, the...

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers...

“Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.’ But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he...