Every year the Partners in Ministry Christmas Luncheon kicked off with barbeque, devotion, event planning and a Goodwill-themed White Elephant gift exchange. The group includes people in a wide range of service capacities, reflecting the richness and diversity of the ministries in the Missouri District.
When Tim Schrader’s sister became a missionary in west Africa, he didn’t realize it would have a profound impact on his life in St. Louis. Once she was back in America, his sister got involved with a local RSO of the LCMS, the Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA). With...
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). The first strokes of brush of the painter on the canvas are just as important...
As the calendar turns to December and the liturgical calendar turns to Advent, the lives of families of all shapes and sizes become increasingly busy. From midweek services to athletic practices and games to Christmas concerts, programs, and parties. If there is one activity that both the Scriptures and research...
By Francis Lieb, Church Worker Care Team As you enter the Advent/Christmas Season, what are you thinking about? Chances are that most professional church workers are thinking about all the deadlines and demands of this season. We think about the extra time it takes to get ready for special services,...
“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it.” Isaiah 2:1 My daughter texted me last spring a bit...
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 The end of the church year always directs the vision of the saints towards Jesus’ return in glory. With our eyes cast towards...
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 The familiar words of Psalm 136 have become a frequent refrain at kitchen tables for generations. Thanksgiving is more than just a day of the year. It is also more than just a...
Thanksgiving kicks off a great migration. This one holiday will generate a movement of over 54 million travelers for holiday gatherings. As Christmas nears, more and more will be added to their numbers. While we lament over the vanity overtaking the season, more people are led to take a step...
Our cell phones chime and buzz with many daily alerts. We have reminders from our friends and family, our calendar, current events, traffic, weather and news. In Luke 10:02, Jesus makes a big announcement. It’s a mission alert and a call to prayer: “The harvest is plentiful, but the...