We’ve all seen dilapidated buildings, with their broken windows and crumbling facades. For some, these structures are simply part of a backdrop. They’re often referred to as “vacant properties,” or “blight.” However, many struggling people in cities across our country have another word for it. Home. While there are some...
For the past 40 years, the organization Lutherans for Life has been equipping Lutherans to speak for Life. Rev. Jason Wagner, Missouri’s District Life Coordinator, attended the 2018 National Lutherans for Life Conference in St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 12 to 13. Though he’d always been interested in the conference, this...
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” Ephesians 1:7-8 The Great Depression began nearly ninety years ago with Black Tuesday, the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929. Though we are far removed...
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. —Jude 3 There is a difference between a Christian’s faith and the Christian faith. A...
At St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres, the faculty took the excitement and anticipation of their new space and folded it into the school year. The 2018-19 school year theme is “God at Work,” from Hebrews 3:4, which states, “For every house is built by someone, but God is...
Walking Together The cities, towns and curves in the road where Missouri District congregations are found represent a significant geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity. From the prairie to the urban core, our congregations are located in quite varied places. In Kansas City and St. Louis, our congregations may be located...
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. ...
During hardship, feeling alone can be the tipping point that pushes someone from hope to despair. Ken Oziah knows this firsthand from his experience with kidney disease. While kidney disease comes serious medical complications, it can also wreak havoc on daily life, careers and cherished relationships. Ken Oziah’s harowing experience...
October is Pastor Appreciation Month and there’s still plenty of time to show the leaders of your congregation what their work means to you. From coming up with fresh sermon ideas every single week to being responsible for the administration and spiritual care of congregations, pastors dedicate significant energy and...
Few parents would say being a teenager is easy. In addition to school, teens face pressure and uncertainty in their relationships and from American culture. And then there’s social media. The Missouri District Senior High Youth Gathering offers a chance for teens to take a step back and strengthen their...