Supporting God's People

The last year has been challenging for congregations, schools, and our church workers. At the same time, we continue to strive to faithfully teach the Word of God in our congregations, schools, and homes. This issue of the VOICE is focused on the care and support of church workers. I would like to share with you about District initiatives that seek to support our servants, congregations, and schools.

PULPIT SUPPLY

The Missouri District, with the assistance of retired pastors, is providing pulpit supply for pastors who are in need of a respite during the Easter season beginning on April 11. More than 15 pastors were able to be blessed by this initiative during the Epiphany season. For more information, check out the District website https://mo.lcms.org/pulpitsupply/. We pray that this will be a blessing to your congregation and pastor.

TELL THE NEXT GENERATION CONFERENCE

The Missouri District is hosting another Tell the Next Generation on Saturday, March 13 online from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The conference will focus on equipping families in faith formation in the home (especially for primary grade children and adolescents). The conference being online enables us to draw family ministry leaders from across the Synod in supporting our congregations and schools in Missouri District. Like our 2019 Conference, there will be two plenary presentations, Bible study, and break out presentations. The conference will be held on March 13 at no cost to the participants. Elders, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, Pastors, Directors of Christian Education, and anyone who is concerned about retaining our youth and families should attend.  To register, go to https://modistrictlcms.regfox.com/2021-tell-the-next-generation-conference

DISTRICT YOUTH GATHERING

The Missouri District is hosting a combined Junior and Senior High Youth Gathering online on April 7-10 from 7-10 p.m. The gathering theme is “Take Heart” and will include Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling as the speaker and once again feature Bread of Stone providing music. Though we may be scattered across the state, it will be a great opportunity for us to encourage one another to “Take Heart!” Check out the District website for more information and to register your group https://mo.lcms.org/youth-ministry/.

SHINE! DISTRICT SERVANT EVENT

We are also overjoyed to host SHINE!, the first Missouri District Servant coming up April 16-25. Each congregation, school or campus ministry across Missouri are encouraged to consider hosting a servant event in their community as together we serve our neighbors across the state. Groups of any size can participate, but need to register by March 15 to get their free SHINE! t-shirts. The District website has more information about SHINE! and the link to register https://mo.lcms.org/shine/.

Please join us in praying for our church workers, congregations, schools and these upcoming events. May God bless all the ways in which we share Christ’s love in word and deed across Missouri.