Fan into Flame Provides Funds for Efforts Near and Far
Church planting is just one facet of the Synod’s worldwide evangelism effort known as “Ablaze!”
The Magazine
Public Service and Citizenship: Thoughts from a Christian Politician
Our government is a gift from God, who calls us to be good stewards of it. by John W. Shimkus Religion and politics are the two subjects that conventional wisdom says should never be brought up in polite conversation. If this really were true, I would be a very lonely man. That’s because I am
Lutheran Witness: September 2009
Maybe it’s just our growing older, but each year, September seems to arrive more quickly than anticipated. Suddenly, our vacation is a receding memory, the kids are back in school, Labor Day is upon us, and we are left to wonder, “What happened to summer and all the plans I made? Where did the time go?” One item that occupies much of our time is work.
Facing Death
by Dr. William B. Knippa I was diagnosed several months ago with a terminal illness. I think I’m over the initial shock of hearing that news. I have wonderful family support, and I know heaven is waiting for me, but I’m still scared. I’ve heard people talk about dying a “good death” or “dying well.”
Shedding Some Light
‘O Sleeper, Awake!’ My husband’s beloved grandmother was called to her eternal home at the age of 101 (while holding her pastor’s hand). During her funeral service, our 5-year-old son, Jack, became restless. First, he asked to take off his shirt because he was hot. Then he was hungry. When he said he was sleepy,
Sharp Edges
by Rev. Thomas E. Engel Our old barbecue grill was as rusted as an old wreck in a junkyard. So my wife and I spent the early part of April shopping for a new gas grill. When we found one that met our needs, the grill’s big box barely fit in the trunk of our
Convention Reflections
At one convention, . . . I got a question I don’t recall having been asked before: ‘If you could change one thing in the LCMS, what would it be?’
Back to School: 25 Ways Toward an Interwoven Ministry
by Diane Strzelecki As part of a presentation last March to the National Lutheran Administrators Conference, Rev. Ron Weidler, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Batavia, Ill., listed a series of steps that enhance the ministry efforts of a congregation. Weidler and Immanuel principal Glenn Steinbrenner, along with leaders from the two additional schools that were
In Detroit: Partners in the Field
by Roland Lovstad Ministry among immigrants in neighborhoods such as Detroit’s Mexicantown depends on willing and committed volunteers as well as church workers. As he reviews Iglesia Luterana Pan de Vida en Belén, Rev. Gregory Lorenz remarks, “Our ministry exists only because we have partners and that includes congregations and individuals.” The congregation and LATINO
Back to School: From School to Church – a Personal Story
by Diane Strzelecki Like families in many communities, the Ellis family was unchurched. Today, the family worships at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Batavia, Ill. Corinne Ellis tells her story to Lutheran Witness editor-at-large Diane Strzelecki. We moved to Batavia four years ago and had planned on sending our son to public school. In fact, that was
Back to School
A “seamless ministry” between church and school unites a congregation in outreach to its community.
Summer Worship–An Exciting Adventure!
by Scott Snow As the “dog days of summer” fade into preparations for kids going back to school, there will still be time for many families to squeeze in that last exciting opportunity to get away before the more relaxed schedules of summer become distant memories. Others will know the excitement of welcoming these travelers