A Light for the Nations A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.  Luke 2:32 Simeon’s prophecy regarding the Child in his arms is seen fulfilled in John’s vision in Revelation 7.  The promised Messiah was the hope for Gentile and Jew alike.  The...

Twelve Days of Christmas And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  Luke 2:17-19 Merry Christmas!  It’s still Christmas! ...

The Power of God And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:35 God does not stir up His power the way...

Anything Important Bears Repeating Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 The classic description of God found is the Scriptures first in Exodus 34:6.  “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,” says the Lord...

Michelle Eggold Asleep in Jesus Monday, December 6, 2021. _________________ Michelle Eggold's passing brings a heavy heart. Principal at Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton, MO, Michelle was a faithful servant, fervent in her ministry, a loving wife to husband Stephen Eggold, Principal of Green Park Lutheran in St. Louis,...

To Convict and to Comfort Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.  A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare...

Off With Their Heads Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered.  Acts 7:52 For all of our laments about the state of the world today, there is really...

Good News Network “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 There is a problem when you watch too much cable or network news.  When we spend so much time watching all of the terrible things going on in the world,...

Thinking About the Right Things “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these...

Alan Freeman has accepted a call to serve as Associate Director of School Ministry in the LCMS Office of National Mission.  Freeman will begin his work in the new role in January.  He has served as the Missouri District Director of Schools since 2016.  Before coming to the District office,...

Sometimes…Even Pastors Consider Quitting Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:58 Sometimes it is the long and seemingly pointless meeting.  Sometimes it is the anonymous letter.  Sometimes it is...

Administrative Assistant to the District President The Missouri District is searching for an Administrative Assistant to the District President. The responsibilities include assisting the District President in his communication, scheduling, and also the support of the call process for pastors. Requirements for the position include strong computer skills (including Microsoft...

Remembering Saints and Friends Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 A faithful, veteran pastor once noted, “When you stay somewhere long enough, you stop burying members and start burying friends.”  As I get older, All Saints Day is a much more meaningful day...

Rev. Merwin Desens 1936-2021 Rev. Merwin Carl Desens, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas, entered heaven on October 22, 2021 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his time of death and passed away peacefully. Born in 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rev. Desens was...

The Ongoing Reformation: The Word of God "The word of the Lord remains forever."  And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:25 The Reformation was not really one event (i.e. 95 Theses), but it included a series of events that brought about reformation within...

Reverend Dale Trimberger Oct 15, 1940 – Oct 20, 2021   The Reverend Dale H. Trimberger, of rural Chrisman, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family with assistance from Haven Hospice. His death came after a 4 month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Rev....

The Best Part of Conferences “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 There is a scene in the television show, The West Wing, where the President’s chief of staff, Leo McGarry, tells a story to one of his staff who...

Offensive Mascots “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.”  2 Timothy 4:2-3 The last...

We Walk By Faith So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the...

Reverend Jeffrey E. Lloyd Jan 16, 1945 – Oct 1, 2021 Reverend Jeffrey Elwyn Lloyd, 76, of Bates City MO, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021.  Rev. Lloyd was born January 16, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI, son of Elwyn and Alice nee Becker Lloyd.  He was a member of...

Unchartered Territory By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with...

Unlike the World “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”  Ephesians 2:14 We live in a world divided against itself.  Our divisions come from many and various sources, but they are all a result of our...

Still Learning Lessons from Grandma I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 My brother and I recently traveled to help our father and stepmother prepare for...

Rev. William Roger Voelker Oct 5, 1944–Sept 8. 2021   Rev. William Roger Voelker (pastor emeritus) was the son of William C. Voelker and Nya T. Voelker.  He was born October 5, 1944 and was baptized into the Christian faith October 15, 1944 at St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, Kansas. ...

Christ’s Resurrection and Your Small Little Slice of Service Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Each year a new batch of servants stand before the altar and promise to...