Jacqueline L. Loontjer Sept. 27, 1947 – June 12, 2025 Jacqueline Louise Loontjer, 77, passed away on June 12, 2025. Jackie was born in Dodge City, Kan., in 1947 to Jack and Dorothy (Leighty) Maskus. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; and her brother,...
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as...
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual,” (1 Cor....
“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life...
“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...