Shine Like Stars Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light...

While we can receive called workers throughout the year into the Missouri District, in April our two seminaries host “Call Day” where vicars and deaconess interns get their year-long assignment and students finishing their education receive Call placements. We pray God's blessings on those receiving calls and internship assignments. Services...

The Gospel of John in a Word Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may...

Death Swallowed Up in Victory He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,     and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.  Isaiah 25:8 A wise, veteran pastor once said, “When...

Washed in Blood So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.”  And all the people answered, “His blood be on us...

Newer Isn’t Always Better, But this Time It Is Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  Jeremiah 31:31 Old is not necessarily bad, nor is new necessarily good.  When God promises to...

God’s Workmanship For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10 After his beautiful description of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, Paul then describes us as God’s workmanship.  The Greek word here is the word “Poema.”  It is...

We Preach Christ Crucified For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  1 Corinthians 1:22-24 The...

God’s Love for Sinners But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8 In Romans 5, St. Paul describes our condition at the time at which Christ died for us.  Weak, ungodly, sinners, even enemies of God are the...

  Joyful Hope April 26–28, 2024 So often in our lives, joy is fleeting and hope feels uncertain. Our circumstances get us down and we long for relief. How did the apostle Paul face tough times like imprisonment—with joy? He was imitating Christ and waiting for His return! Paul had...

Rev. Blake Gilbert Wolf October 31, 1950 - February 13, 2024   Born Oct. 31, 1950, Rev. Wolf was blessed with an amazing, Christ loving spouse, Deb (Deborah Ruth Samuel), children, and grandchildren. A 1977 graduate of Concordia Seminary, Rev. Wolf served for 40 years as both a pastor and...

A Broken Heart for Valentine’s Day (Ash Wednesday) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17 Valentine’s Day falling on Ash Wednesday provides a great opportunity to teach about the condition of the human heart.  On this...

God’s Care for Older Adults Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.  Psalm 71:9 Congregations invest a lot of time, energy, and financial support in caring for children and youth.  Schools and youth groups, staff members and teachers...

Ellen M. Hetz May 21, 1940 – January 26, 2024 Ellen Marie Hetz (nee Stahl) was born to John and Alfretta (nee Wilkening) Stahl on May 21, 1940.  The oldest of four girls, she was baptized at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Miami Street in St. Louis in June of...

Dr. Arnold E. Schmidt September 19,1934 – November 9, 2023 Dr. Arnold E. Schmidt, 89 of Union, Missouri passed away on November 9, 2023. Dr. Schmidt (also known as Arnie) was born in Deshler, Nebraska on September 19, 1934, to Fred and Helene Schmidt.  He grew up on the Schmidt...

It's time for the yearly Lutherans for Life contests for youth. From art posters to essays, with a variety of grades included, be sure to click below to check out this great opportunity! Grades 3–5 Grades 6–12 Class of '24 Seniors

The Savior of All Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is...

A House of Prayer for All Nations And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it,     and holds fast my covenant— these I will...

Jesus’ Mercy for Those in Need Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.  Luke 4:40 Our Lord Jesus is revealed to the people...

A Place Where Children Are Welcome Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 19:14 A church can be an intimidating place for parents with young children.  More than anything else, parents are concerned about...

Our Down-to-Earth God But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  Galatians 4:4-5 We do not have an absentee God, sitting in...

Christmas Isn’t Over But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.   Luke 2:19-20 The return lines at department stores are so long they wrap around the...

Wait, Watch, Pray!  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a...

Orlyn A. Heimsoth, Sr. August 10, 1947 – July 15, 2023 Orlyn A. Heimsoth, Sr., 75, of Concordia, Missouri, went home to Jesus on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Orlyn was a loving husband to Diane Heimsoth (wife of 55 years); devoted father of...

Lloyd W. Haertling December 15, 1932 – July 17, 2023 Lloyd Haertling passed away on July 17, 2023 at the age of 90. Lloyd was the beloved husband of the late Wanda Haertling (nee Mueller); loving father of Kenda (Larry) Pavel and Lori (Pete) Sides; cherished grandfather of Nathan and...