Dear friends in Christ, We all know that we live in a world that is increasingly unstable with culture shifts, economic pressures, family struggles, and unrest in our nation and world. We see and feel these struggles in our congregations too with aging memberships, financial struggles, and cultural pressures. In...

  Rev. Walter P. Snyder Jan. 16, 1957 – June 1, 2026 Walter Phillip Snyder, 69, of Concordia, Missouri, asleep in Jesus, 1 June 2026. He was born on 16 January 1957 in Springfield, Illinois, to the late Rev. Dr. Walter W. Snyder and Melba (Grossmann) Snyder. He spent his...

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2 ESV). Dear friends of Jesus, St. Paul’s words cut straight to the marrow. In a world fascinated with novelty, personality, and spiritual technique, Paul narrows everything down to one blazing center: “Jesus Christ...

  Rev. Elmer B. Schiefer Jan. 21, 1926 – May 17, 2026 Rev. Elmer B. Schiefer died May 17, 2026. He was born in Vassar, Mich., Jan. 21, 1926, the second son of Edwin J. Schiefer and Agnes M. Block. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church...

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). John 3:16 is not a slogan; it is the Gospel in its purest form. Notice first the subject: God. The movement begins not...

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16 KJV). The Epistle to the Hebrews does not invite timid speculation about God’s favor. It commands something astonishing: “Let us therefore come boldly.” The...

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10 ESV). The sons of Korah are not exaggerating. They are confessing faith. The psalmist has tasted something...

  Lyle J. Kurth June 21, 1933 – Oct. 16, 2025 As Lyle J. Kurth entered the family of faith in his baptism July 16, 1933, so he entered his glorious heavenly home Oct. 16, 2025. Lyle was born June 21, 1933, in Carroll, Iowa, to John and Anna Kurth....

  Roy E. Pfund Sept. 2, 1937 – March 18, 2026 Roy Edward Pfund was born Sept. 2, 1937, in Bay City, Michigan. Roy was the son of the late Oscar John and Amanda Caroline née Reutter Pfund and loving brother of the late Lois Pfund Mueller. Roy was baptized...

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1 ESV) Psalm 118 is a song of triumph and trust, a hymn of thanksgiving that resonates deeply with God’s children, pointing us to the comfort and hope found in God’s unchanging love and...