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...

Paul W. Schmalz September 11, 1944 – June 10, 2023 Paul W. Schmalz died at Overland Park, Kansas on June 10, 2023. He was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on September 11, 1944, and baptized at Trinity Church.  He was the second of three sons of the Rev. Alfred C....

James C. Johnson September 2, 1945 – May 18, 2023 James Carlton “Jim” Johnston, of Rolla, Missouri passed away on May 18, 2023 at the age of 77. Jim was born on September 2, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Paul Johnston and Ruth (Papke) Johnston.  On June 15,...

St. Lucia: A Sicilian Saint Celebrated in Scandinavia Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 There is a group of Norwegian students who study at Saint Paul Lutheran High School...

Jolly Ol’ Saint Nicholas In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  1 John 4:10-11 The writer to the...

Christ is Coming Soon, Therefore, Encourage Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 For eight years, this message has been sent out each week.  Occasionally, I will receive an appreciative response regarding a particular “Encourage.”  Most weeks though there is...

Join us Friday, December 1 from 10a–1p Christmas Open House this Friday. Come and meet with Missouri District staff, grab some delicious goodies, and raise a festive cup of hot chocolate. No need to RSVP. Just save the date, stop by anytime between 10am and 1pm, and we'll see you...

For All This Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Dr. Luther writes, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”  However, he does...

Rev. Walter Michael Schoedel February 26, 1926 – November 9, 2023   Walter M. Schoedel, a church and community leader, died November 9, 2023, at the age of 97.  Rev. Schoedel was a pastor, teacher, administrator, consultant, writer, and counselor during his 70+ years of ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri...

Christ Is Not Safe, But He Is Good Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy   before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the...

A Different Kind of King Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  John 18:36 The history of...

Ordinary Saints 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 As bells toll in churches as they observe All Saints Day, it is a time to give thanks to God for...

Paul G. Crisler October 8, 1937 – October 23, 2023 Paul Gilbert Crisler passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the age of 86. Paul was the son of the late Gilbert and Nellie Crisler (nee Allmeyer); loving husband of Carolyn Crisler (nee Madorin) of 37 years; dearest father...