LCMS Calendar

YouthLead Training
2025-03-08 - 2025-03-11 | Pallottine Renewal Center: St. Louis, 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO, 63034, United States
LCMS Youth Ministry will host a YouthLead Training event Saturday afternoon, March 8, to noon Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Pallotine Renewal Center in the St. Louis suburb of Florissant.
Who can attend Youthlead?
Any high school youth who is an active member of an LCMS congregation and desires to be a leader along with adults who desire to mentor young leaders.
It is preferred that teens attend with an adult leader from their congregation, although arrangements can be made for teens to come unaccompanied.
How much does it cost?
Registration is $375 per attendee, which covers food and housing during the training, transportation to and from the airport if needed, supplies and a T-shirt. Attendees are responsible for their transportation to and from St. Louis.
We encourage you to contact your district before you register as some districts have support for those attending this training.
What happens at a YouthLead Training event?
Youth are equipped for leadership in two key ways. First, we engage them in studying God’s Word through a Bible study they experience and are trained to lead back home. Second, we focus on their unique identity and vocations as well as practical leadership skills that will benefit them in all aspects of servant leadership.
This annual training event is led by our teen Executive Team and gives fellow teens the tools they need to mature in their faith, become leaders in their congregations, and reach out to their peers with the love of Christ.
This year’s curriculum will focus on caring for those struggling or in crisis. Our leadership training will develop an attendee’s skill set, including how to communicate as a church leader.
If you have questions about the event, email LCMS Youth Ministry at youth.ministry@lcms.org.
Download flyer
Register

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

Armed Forces Day - 2025
2025-05-17 | IN
Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod may commemorate the holiday during weekend worship services.
The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces encourages congregations to give thanks to God for our nation’s military veterans, service personnel, chaplains and families who have faithfully answered the call to serve.
LCMS congregations may plan their commemorations with the help of free resources, including:

Introduction letter

Sermon by Rev. Chaplain (Captain) Kyle D. Mietzner

Bulletin inserts: General (Color)

Bulletin inserts: General (Black-and-White)

Bulletin inserts: Responsive Prayer and Ministry-By-Mail

Other 2025 celebrations

Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, and may be commemorated on Sunday, May 25.

Independence Day is Friday, July 4, and may be commemorated on Sunday, July 6.

Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, and may be commemorated on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Any Saturday and/or Sunday of your choice.

For more information and resources, visit lcms.org/armedforces.

LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference - 2025
2025-05-28 - 2025-05-30 | Concordia University Irvine — Irvine, Calif., 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA, 92612, United States
The LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, through Friday, May 30, 2025, at Concordia University Irvine (CUI) in Irvine, Calif.
Under the theme “Baptized: Identity and Vocation in Campus Life,” the conference will feature plenary presentations by the Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer, Rev. Dr. David Loy, and Rev. Dr. Oesch.
This conference is for pastors, DCEs, deaconesses and others who are leading campus ministries in the LCMS. Its purpose is to:

Facilitate networking among campus ministry leaders;

Facilitate sharing of ideas; and

Provide theological education and discussion, including plenary presentations, breakout sessions and a panel discussion.

The conference begins at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, May 28, and ends with lunch at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Read the schedule to see session times, topics and speakers.
There is no fee to attend. Lunch and dinner on May 28 and 29 as well as lunch on May 30 are included at no charge. The conference capacity is 70 participants.
Attendees may also reserve a complimentary room for the nights of May 28 and 29 on a first-come, first-served basis. On-campus dormitory rooms are single occupancy with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. If a spouse is staying in the room, there will be a cost of $70 per night on May 28 and 29. Additional nights cost $70.
If you are flying, the closest airport to the conference site is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is about 4 miles away from CUI. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) are both more than an hour away from the university. If you have travel questions, please email lcmsu@lcms.org.
View conference schedule
Register now

Equipping Conference
International Student Ministry, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, will host its annual Equipping Conference at Concordia University Irvine immediately after the LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference.
While this is a separate event, if you are planning to attend both, please be sure to register for housing for Friday, May 30.
More information is available on isminc.org.

2025 LCMS Youth Gathering
2025-07-19 - 2025-07-23 | New Orleans, La., New Orleans, LA, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s National Youth Gathering is scheduled for July 19–23, 2025, in New Orleans, La.
Registration is scheduled to open in fall 2024. More information will be posted on this page as it becomes available.
Held every three years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.
During the five days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across Synod.
Visit lcmsgathering.com for the latest information.

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/lcmsnyg

Latin America Missionary Alumni Event
2025-08-07 - 2025-08-08 | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105, United States
The Lutheran Center—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is commemorating 125 years of mission work in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC) in 2025, and current and former LAC missionaries will gather for an anniversary celebration on Aug. 7-8 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The missionaries will reflect on their work around Latin America and the Caribbean, and attendees can enjoy fellowship time while learning how the Lord continues to work in LAC. The Synod’s multi-generational mission work will be celebrated under the banner of “Remember, Repent, Rejoice.”
All LCMS missionary alumni of the Latin America and the Caribbean region are invited to attend this special event. Service includes that of a career missionary, Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) missionary, or Volunteer Youth Ministry (VYM) missionary under LCMS World Mission or LCMS International Mission.
Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 7

5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Cocktail reception and dinner at Concordia Historical Institute (located on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis)

Friday, Aug. 8

8:30 a.m. to noon — Missionary alumni presentations and roundtable discussions

Noon to 1 p.m. — Lunch

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Missionary presentations and roundtable discussions

4 p.m. — Vespers with dinner reception to follow

Attendance is free. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging accommodations.
Email lcmslac@lcmsintl.org for more information.

2025 LCMS National Disaster Response and Training Conference
2025-09-17 - 2025-09-19 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The 2025 LCMS National Disaster Response and Training Conference will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 19, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s International Center in St. Louis.
Meeting under the theme “Serving the Suffering: The Church’s Role in Recovery,” attendees will learn how the church can respond in crisis situations with the physical and spiritual care that is so desperately needed by those affected.
Attendees will also hear practical advice and guidance from pastors, disaster response coordinators and others who have responded to significant disasters.

Schedule
All times Central
Sept. 17 — ONLY for LCMS District Disaster Response Coordinators (DDRCs) and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trainers.
This day will include training on best practices related to the LERT training, generative conversation, and ample opportunities for learning from one another. The new LERT manual and PowerPoint presentation, which will be the standard for all future basic LERT trainings and modules, will be revealed.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 — 9 a.m. registration to 5 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

Sept. 18-19 — For DDRCs, LERT trainers, and all others with an interest in disaster response.
Sessions will include presentations on the theology of mercy, table-top exercises, case studies and practical breakouts.

Thursday, Sept. 18 — 8 a.m. registration to 5 p.m. Lunch and a catered banquet dinner will be provided.

Friday, Sept. 19 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Registration, which includes five meals, is $75 per person.
Attendees are responsible for their own lodging, and hotel rooms are available at the Hilton St. Louis Airport at a discounted rate.
Register online

Questions?
Contact LCMS Disaster Response and Training at disaster@lcms.org with any questions.

2025 Pennsylvania March for Life in Harrisburg
2025-09-22 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, PA, United States
The 2025 Pennsylvania March for Life in Harrisburg is Monday, September 22, 2025. The rally begins at 11:00am and the march at 12:00pm. March with other Lutherans and witness to the sanctity of life. More information is to come.

Register Now

Church Worker Appreciation – Pastor
2025-10-12 | IN
Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation.
To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

Oct. 25 — Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach, and Director of Church Ministries Appreciation

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

On Oct. 12, we begin our year of church worker appreciation by thanking God for our pastors, who stand in the stead of Christ as they bring us His gifts of Word and Sacrament.
The LCMS offers suggestions and resources to show your gratitude and support for pastors.
View resources

LCMS Worker Wellness

lcms.org/worker-wellness
workerwellness@lcms.org

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

Church Worker Appreciation - Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach, Director of Church Ministries
2025-10-25 | IN
Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation.
To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

On Oct. 25, we continue our year of church worker appreciation by thanking God for four commissioned (auxiliary) offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry: deaconess, director of family life, director of Christian outreach and director of church ministries.
View resources

LCMS Worker Wellness

lcms.org/worker-wellness
workerwellness@lcms.org

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

YouthLead Training — March 2026
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-22 | Pallottine Renewal Center: St. Louis, 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO, 63034, United States
LCMS Youth Ministry will host a YouthLead Training event Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, 2026 in the St. Louis suburb.
YouthLead equips teens to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities.
This year’s curriculum focus will be on apologetics, including how to understand and share Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus. Along with learning to teach this curriculum, we will lead youth in leadership skill development and building relationships with other young leaders.
Who can attend Youthlead?
Any high school youth who is an active member of an LCMS congregation and desires to be a leader along with adults who desire to mentor young leaders.
It is preferred that teens attend with an adult leader from their congregation, although arrangements can be made for teens to come unaccompanied.
How much does it cost?
Registration for youth and adult leaders is $425, which covers food and housing during the training, supplies, and a T-shirt. If needed, transportation to and from St. Louis Lambert International Airport is available. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from St. Louis.
Registration will remain open until spots are filled or until February 25.
We encourage attendees to contact your LCMS district before you register as some districts have support for those attending this training.
What happens at a YouthLead Training event?
YouthLead equips teens to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities.
The annual training event is led by our teen Executive Team and gives teens the tools they need to mature in their faith, become leaders in their congregations, and reach out to their peers with the love of Christ.
If you have questions about the event, email LCMS Youth Ministry at youth.ministry@lcms.org.
Download flyer
Register

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

Church Worker Appreciation – Director of Parish Music
2026-04-26 | IN
Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation.
To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

Oct. 25 — Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach, and Director of Church Ministries Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

On April 26, we continue our year of church worker appreciation observances by thanking God for directors of parish music, one of the seven commissioned (auxiliary) offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry.
View resources

LCMS Worker Wellness

lcms.org/worker-wellness
workerwellness@lcms.org

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

Church Worker Appreciation – Teacher
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-08 | IN
Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation.
To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

Oct. 25 — Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach, and Director of Church Ministries Appreciation

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

During the week of May 4–8, we continue our year of church worker appreciation by thanking God for school teachers, one of the seven commissioned (auxiliary) offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry.
View resources

LCMS Worker Wellness

lcms.org/worker-wellness
workerwellness@lcms.org

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

YouthLead Servant Event — June 2026
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-19 | Camp Lutheranhaven: Albion, Ind., 1596 S 150 W, Albion, IN, 46701, United States
LCMS Youth Ministry will host its inaugural YouthLead Servant Event from Sunday, June 14, to Friday, June 19, 2026 at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Ind.
The gathering blends a week-long servant event and our YouthLead training. Part of each day will serve the Burmese Mission Outreach’s Party in the Park, which shares Christ’s love through fun and fellowship with Burmese refugees in Fort Wayne, Ind.
The remainder of each day will be for large- and small-group time to cultivate Christian leadership skills, including communication development, writing and leading a devotion, and more.
Who can attend Youthlead?
Any high school youth who is an active member of an LCMS congregation and desires to be a leader along with adults who desire to mentor young leaders.
How much does it cost?
Registration is $300, which includes food and housing during the training, supplies, and a T-shirt. Some of the cost of this training is graciously provided by a grant from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
Participants will have to provide their own transportation to and from Camp Lutherhaven.
If you would like to bring a group of more than four youth and two adults, please contact julianna.shults@lcms.org before you register.
What are the accommodations?
Housing will be in Camp Lutherhaven’s Daniel Retreat Center with men and women staying on separate sides of the cabin.
Participants should bring towels, sleeping bags, pillows, and other bedding as everyone will be staying on bunk beds.
Meals and snacks will be provided through Camp Lutherhaven and Burmese Mission Outreach.

Download flyer
Register

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

Church Worker Appreciation – Director of Christian Education
2026-06-26 | IN
Our church workers dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to serving their church and school communities. That means it’s always the right time to show them our appreciation.
To help the church be intentional in showing that appreciation, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has set aside the month of October and other special days throughout the year to highlight different kinds of church workers and their service. You are encouraged to join with your brothers and sisters in Christ across the LCMS in using these opportunities to show appreciation to our church workers, who serve us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

Oct. 25 — Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Christian Outreach, and Director of Church Ministries Appreciation

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

On June 26, we continue our year of church worker appreciation observances by thanking God for directors of Christian education (DCEs), one of the seven commissioned (auxiliary) offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry.
View resources

LCMS Worker Wellness

lcms.org/worker-wellness
workerwellness@lcms.org

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org
