Rev. Gregory K. Smith February 8, 1949 – October 14, 2024   Faithful servant of the Lord, Rev. Greg Smith, went home to be with Jesus on October 14, 2024. He was born in Decatur, IL on February 8, 1949, to John William “Bill” and Lela Smith. He was a devoted husband,...

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused significant damage to churches, schools, and homes of members in the Southeastern and Florida-Georgia Districts. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trained volunteers are needed. Missouri District LERT Disaster Response Coordinator, Kris Schuldt, has deployed to North Carolina with other volunteers from across the country.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.  And some fell among thorns, and...

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 The Word of God does what it says, as we were reminded last week.  However, Christians who believe the Word of God are to...

Rev. Dr. Thomas “Tom” Baker September 17, 1945 – October 10, 2024   Pastor Thomas “Tom” A. Baker was born in Windsor, Ontario on September 17, 1945, to Albert and Theresa Baker. After graduating from Concordia College in Fort Wayne, IN with a Bachelor of Arts (1967) Tom attended Concordia Seminary, St....

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return...

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like...

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so...

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:6 St. Paul’s emphasis on togetherness in Ephesians includes the idea of Gentiles being “fellow heirs” or literally “heirs together” with Christ-confessing Jews. Sadly,...

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a...

Rev. Benjamin Charles Schumacher May 26, 1943 - August 30, 2024   Benjamin Charles Schumacher, 81 of St. Robert, MO, a Minister of the Gospel, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 in the Aurora Health and Rehab of Rolla, MO.   Pastor Schumacher is survived by his wife: Elaine Schumacher...

Rev. Dr. Victor A. Constien July 2, 1928 - August 31, 2024   Beloved husband of the late Dorothy K. Constien (nee Knoebel). Dear father of Daniel (Maria) Constien, Mary (David) Doering, Judith (Glenn) Olson, Andrew (Cheryl) Constien and Rev. Stephen (Elisabeth) Constien. Dear grandfather of John (Cori), Martin, Tim...

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places...

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a...

As we finish this week of learning about church work vocations and how these servants of the church came into ministry, we now want to highlight our teachers. Lutheran schools are such a blessing and we are excited to raise up the next generation of “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers”! Today,...

Our deaconesses play an important role in ministry! Today, read about Deaconess Kelly Hardt who serves at Immanuel Lutheran in Washington. Since graduating from Concordia Chicago (River Forest), she has served 24 years in ministry and currently leads Women’s Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, and Comfort Dog Ministry, plus she assists...

Happy Wednesday!  Today, as part of “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers” learn about Director of Family Life Ministry Hannah Knehans who serves at Trinity in Springfield. A Lutheran teacher and pastor’s kid, Hannah has had a focus on family ministry since she was quite young. She took advantage of homeschooling with...

Today for “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers” hear from Cynthia Twillman who serves as Director of Christian Education (DCE) at King of Kings in Kansas City. A Concordia University, St. Paul alum, she has been in the ministry for 28 years! What a blessing!  Here is her story:   Upon graduating...

God at Work Through Youth Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall...

Rev. Henry L. Schaefer September 18, 1930 – May 6, 2024 Rev. Henry L. Schaefer was born on September 18, 1930 in Monroe, Louisiana and called to his heavenly home on May 6, 2024 in Joplin, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn J. “Enderson” Schaefer on...

We are so excited that “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers” 2024 is officially underway! Sunday, August 25, 2024, churches around the District are taking a special offering to help future church work students. So we’d like to introduce you to some amazing church workers from across Missouri. We pray that you...

Help Wanted…Help Provided Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 Some churches and Lutheran schools alike may feel like they have “Help Wanted” sign hanging in their...

Rev. Dr. David E. Wiesner March 19, 1933 – August 7, 2024 Rev. Dr. David Emil Wiesner was born on Sunday, March 19, 1933 to Dan Wiesner and Viola Wiesner (nee Broeg) of Waukon, Iowa.  The youngest of two sons born, he was baptized into the Lutheran faith (LCMS) at Trinity...

A Good Work! The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.  1 Timothy 3:1 There are many different reasons why boys and men decide they would like to be pastors.  Some are influenced by the example of their pastor or encouraged...

In Jesus’ Name And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17 Congregations in Missouri District are located in large cities, small towns, and in rural communities.  Some are very large, while others have...