“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” With these gentle yet triumphant words, Psalm 23 unveils the heart of our Savior. Jesus is not distant, aloof, or indifferent—He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls us by name, and leads us with perfect love. Martin Luther...

Missouri District invites community to celebrate 2026 Call Day! The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is inviting congregations and church workers from Missouri to celebrate Call Day 2026, when seminary students receive their first pastoral or diaconal ministry placements and assignments. This milestone marks an important step...

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” With those opening words, Psalm 27 answers the deepest anxieties of the human heart. Fear stalks every corner of life—fear of trouble, fear of enemies, fear of failure, fear of sickness, and finally, fear of death itself. Yet...

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” (Ps. 136:1, ESV). Psalm 136 is a vibrant hymn of gratitude, proclaiming God’s unwavering love through creation, deliverance, and daily care. Through every verse, we’re reminded that Christ embodies this enduring love, the heart of...

Psalm 67 radiates with hope, inviting us to rest in God’s gracious promises. This beautiful psalm calls all nations to praise God, whose mercy and blessings overflow to His people. In a world often shadowed by uncertainty, this passage reminds us that God’s light shines through, offering encouragement and unwavering...

As the gentle glow of Christmas morning dawns, Psalm 98 erupts in a jubilant call to worship, appointed for Christmas Dawn in the church’s lectionary. This psalm overflows with encouragement and hope, inviting all creation to celebrate the God who has done marvelous things, most gloriously revealed in the birth...

C: Communion – God’s Gracious Feast of Presence “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in...

  Kathryn J. Bredehoeft Nov. 13, 1948–Aug. 9, 2025 Kathy was born Nov. 13, 1948, in Goessel, Kans. to Leroy and Ruth (Meyer) Vogts. She graduated from Canton High School in 1966, where she was Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian. After spending a summer doing data entry, she became the first...

B: Baptism – God’s Gracious Seal of Belonging “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27, ESV). Advent calls us to prepare for God’s coming, and baptism stands as a profound gift of His presence. In the waters of baptism, God claims...

A: Absolution – God’s Gracious Word of Forgiveness “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9, ESV). In the quiet of Advent, we prepare our hearts for God’s coming, and His gift of absolution shines...

Missouri District announces opening of Mission Grant application The Missouri District is pleased to announce that applications for Mission Grants for the award period July 2026 – June 2027 are now open. The District invites The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations and affiliated organizations with a passion for local mission outreach...

Beneath a sky ablaze with dawn’s golden fire, a weary traveler pauses on a windswept hill, heart stirred by the timeless song of Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Ps. 100:1-2, ESV). The...

Psalm 97 sings a resplendent ode to God’s dominion, its verses a tapestry woven with divine glory, calling hearts to a faith rooted in Scripture’s eternal truth. “The Lord reigns,” it proclaims, “let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad” (v. 1a). Creation quakes in reverent awe as...

Psalm 1, Psalm 19, and Psalm 119 stand as towering reflections on the Word of God, each offering unique insight. Psalm 19, in particular, radiates hope, revealing God’s glory through creation and His gracious Word, the Torah, which encompasses far more than mere law—it is God’s life-giving revelation, culminating in...

When the world feels heavy with injustice, Psalm 10 gives voice to our aching hearts: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” The psalmist laments the boldness of the wicked, who oppress the poor, boast in their greed, and dismiss...

Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1, ESV). This verse points directly to Jesus Christ, whose work on the cross is our sure and certain fortress. In life’s storms—whether personal trials, societal unrest, or spiritual battles—Christ’s redeeming love remains our...

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble,” (Ps. 107:2, ESV). These words call us to proclaim God’s steadfast love, a golden thread woven through Psalm 107. This psalm vividly reminds us that no matter our struggles—wandering in deserts, bound in darkness, or tossed...

  Jesse H. Kunkel April 23, 1932 – Sept. 11, 2025 Jesse Herman Kunkel, 93, of Concordia, Mo., fell asleep in the arms of Jesus Sept. 11, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Care Community in Concordia. Born April 23, 1932, in Hamilton, Texas, he was the son of Alvin and...

In the wilderness of life, where trials drain our strength and joy feels distant, Psalm 63 proclaims a truth that anchors the heart: even in the driest desert, your soul can find Christ. His presence is not bound to moments of abundance or ease. He is with you in the...

In a world fractured by division, where relationships strain under conflict or isolation, Psalm 133 offers a vision of hope: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). This psalm paints a picture of harmony, likening it to precious oil flowing down Aaron’s beard...

To deny having a checkered past is to deceive ourselves. We all have moments of regret and wish we could change past decisions. The phrase “live and learn” reflects this reality. Sometimes, we look back on our actions with embarrassment or shame, which is the Law revealing our sins. However,...

  The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is pleased to announce that Natalie Cunningham has joined the District staff as the new MOScholars education assistant. Natalie brings with her several years of valuable experience as a classroom teacher and a deep passion for Lutheran education. Originally from Lockwood,...

Imagine being St. Peter, confessing, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and receiving Jesus’ high praise: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus then declares, “And I tell you, you...

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory,” (2 Cor. 1:20, ESV).  Do you remember a time when God said “no” to you? I do! It was a painful period...

Psalm 13, a poignant lament penned by David, captures the raw anguish of a soul in distress, crying out to God amidst deep sorrow. This psalm resonates with anyone who has felt abandoned, overwhelmed, or lost in the face of life’s trials. We find in Psalm 13 a profound reflection...