PUBLISHED BY THE MISSOURI DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD September 9, 2016
Mission Mondays: International Student Ministry - St. Louis

The International Student Ministry - St. Louis, has meaningful conversations with about 75 internationals every week that do not know the promises of Jesus. The board, volunteers and small staff of ISM know that as they share themselves, they share Christ. They are always ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. Read more. . .

 

Back Pack Blessings!



















In August, more than 20 New American youngsters came to the CFNA Peace Center to receive book bags filled with school supplies. All of them are members of refugee families from Afghanistan, Nepal, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Nigeria and more. Each was thrilled to not only receive the book bags, but to meet their CFNA tutors as well. Read more . . .

 

Search for Assistant to the President for Lutheran Church Extension Fund
The Missouri District has begun a process to search for a new Assistant to the President for Lutheran Church Extension Fund. What we are looking for is an individual with a strong business acumen coupled with a strong servant heart for the ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The staff member would work collaboratively with the Missouri District staff and with the national Lutheran Church Extension Fund offices. The person would assist congregations in the investment and loan process and promotion of LCEF services. There would be regular travel within the state of Missouri to meet with congregational staff and leaders regarding LCEF resources. This position is accountable to the President of the Missouri District. Those who are interested should contact Michelle Christ (michelle.christ@mo.lcms.org) to request a copy of the position description or to submit a resume and three references by September 30, 2016. 


 
Salt and Light
Taken from the Septembr 2016 LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission Newsletter
Contributed by Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director, LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission

In his “Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century,” LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison states, “Where the Holy Trinity is present via the Gospel and received in faith, there cannot but be Witness (martyria), Mercy (diakonia), Life Together (koinonia). These three reflect God’s very being as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, and they encompass His holy and gracious will for all in Christ Jesus — namely that all come to believe in and bear witness to Christ, reflect divine compassion and live together in forgiveness, love and joy in the Church (AC I). Read more . . .

 

Missouri District Annual Report on the Way

Last December was the final printed version of The Voice of Missouri. We have tried to expand our electronic communications through the weekly versions of The Voice and President Hagan’s Encourage. However, we determined that we wanted to provide the congregations and their members with an Annual Report summarizing the work of the Missouri District in the last year. This report will be sent to those who formerly received The Voice of Missouri. It will also be available online. Please watch for your copy of the Annual Report in the coming days. We hope that it will provide you with helpful information about the district’s critical targets and finances, but also inspiring stories about missions across the district and plans for the future.” 














 
Announcements/Other News



The Missouri District will be offering five conferences this fall to support our congregations and lay leaders. The purpose of the conference will be to encourage, equip and connect volunteers in our congregations through practical presentations, partnerships and networking. 

Five dates & locations across the district! A wide variety of breakout sessions! Join us for a wide variety of interesting topics to assist your congregation and its leaders.

All location times are 8:00 a.m. – Noon and registration is only $10 per person.

Click on the date/location below for more information and to register.

Locations:



Grace Place Wellness Church Worker Retreat
October 17-21, Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale MO

The Missouri District is partnering with Grace Place Wellness to host a retreat for active church workers. It will be held at Big Cedar Lodge on Oct. 17 – 21, 2016. The 5-day, 4-night retreat will be held at Big Cedar Lodge, a grand wilderness resort, reminiscent of lavish, turn-of-the-century Adirondack hunting lodges, but with all the modern conveniences. The only cost for the participants is a $250 registration fee and transportation to and from the retreat facility. Meals and lodging included. There are seven spots open so first come, first serve. CLICK HERE to register.


2016 Missouri District Pastors’ Conference
District Pastors will meet at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach on October 31 - November 1 for the Missouri District Pastors’ conference “God’s Gift of Marriage in Troubled Times.” CLICK HERE for more information and to register.


Christian Friends of New Americans’ GOLF BENEFIT

Tuesday, October 11, 2016
#1 Norwood Hills Country Club Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121
Church worker discounts available. Gift your favorite church worker!
Click here for more information.

 


Lutheran Prayer Breakfast

The Missouri District is partnering with a number of Lutheran agencies to sponsor this year’s Lutheran Prayer Breakfast. The speaker this year will be Rev. Walt Wangerin Jr. The breakfast will be held October 12 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at Orlando Events and Conference Center. Cost is $25 per person. Payment options include - send note including your name (and the names of any guests) along with your check to: The Lutheran Prayer Breakfast, c/o Angie Sutton at Lutheran Senior Services, 1150 Hanley Industrial Ct. St. Louis, MO 63144. Make check payable to Lutheran Senior Services. Or contact Angie Sutton at 314.262.8217 or Angie.Sutton@LSSLiving.org to make your reservation and arrange for payment.


Missouri District Junior High Fall Retreat Rescued

October 28 - 30

The Missouri District Lutheran Jr High Retreat is returning this fall around the theme, “Rescued”. Our focus this year is on baptism and the blessings we receive from this awesome gift of God.

Our presenter & worship leader is Rev. Joel Beyer, the pastor at Community Lutheran Church near San Diego, CA. And……The Relentless Project is returning to provide our music!

CLICK HERE for more information and to register!



Missouri District Mission Summit – Save the Date – June 3, 2017

The Missouri District will be hosting a Mission Summit next year at Concordia Seminary in partnership with LCMS Office of National Mission, Concordia Seminary, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Church Extension Fund and Send Me St. Louis. The summit will feature Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Greg Seltz presenting the keynote address. There will also be practical sessions and inspirational presentations to equip congregational leaders for reaching out to their community. Mark your calendars and plan to be there!


Music at St. Paul's Presents: "Hymn Festival"

Music at St. Paul's invites you to a Hymn Festival on Sunday, September 25, 4 p.m. featuring Organist Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.. Hildebrand will play St. Paul's recently renovated and expanded Martin Ott Pipe Organ, Opus 28. He will be accompanied by St. Paul's choirs and instrumentalists. Click here for more information.



Mid-Missouri Lutheran Hospital Ministry
Scheduled to be a patient in a Columbia hospital? There are seven hospitals in Columbia where patients from central Missouri, throughout the state, and surrounding states come for medical treatment. In some circumstances pastors cannot come to Columbia for a pastoral visit with their member. That is why the Mid-Missouri Lutheran Hospital Ministry was formed in 1975,and has called Rev. Richard Ingmire to serve as chaplain to Lutheran patients at these hospitals. Pastors and patients may contact Chaplain Ingmire in advance of the hospital stay at 573-231-1424 (cell), or by email ingmire67@hotmail.com, or register as Lutheran when admitted to the hospital. Chaplain Ingmire will visit you with pastoral care.




District and Church Events 
          (E2 Encourage and Equip Conferences2016 Missouri District Pastors' Conference and Junior High Retreats: Fall 2016 & Spring 2017) 
Installations and Ordinations
Personnel Changes and Calling Congregations
LCMS Missouri District News             
Obituaries