LCMS Calendar

2024 Life March in Tucson, Arizona
2024-01-20 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Tucson, Arizona
The 2024 Life March in Tucson, Ariz. will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Join us as we witness to the sanctity of life. More information is to come!

Walk for Life West Coast 2024, 20th Anniversary Walk
2024-01-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Make plans to join us on January 20, 2024 for the 20th anniversary of the Walk for Life West Coast. More details to come.

2024 National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
2024-01-19 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington, D.C., 12th and 14th Streets, Washington D.C., 20002, United States
Join us in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 March for Life on Friday, January 19, 2024. The rally begins at 12:00pm and the march begins at 1:00pm. The starting point will be between 12th and 14th Streets and continue on Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Capitol Building. More information to come.

Million Dollar Life Match grant training webinars
2024-01-10
The LCMS Office of National Mission will host two online training sessions on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 — the first at 2 p.m. CST and the second at 7 p.m. CST — for LCMS congregations and districts interested in applying for a Million Dollar Life Match grant.
Register

2 p.m. Zoom webinar

7 p.m. Zoom webinar

Learn more

Million Dollar Life Match grants

Epiphany
2024-01-06
The Epiphany of our Lord will be commemorated on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024.
After focusing on the Incarnation of our Lord — God becoming flesh — during the 12 days of Christmas, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find a church near me

Liturgical color for Epiphany
White is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany (Jan. 6), and the first Sunday following it, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed, some churches also use gold.

Three-Year Series B and One-Year Series Lectionaries
Scripture readings for Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1–6

Ephesians 3:1–12

Matthew 2:1–12

Psalms

Series B — Psalm 72:1–11 (12–15)

One-Year Series — Psalm 24

Lectionary summary
The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son
The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “13th day” of Christmas, and yet it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. Where Christmas has focused on the incarnation of our Lord, that is, on God becoming flesh, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

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Christmas Day
2023-12-25
Christmas Day is celebrated on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. The Festival of the Nativity of our Lord is the traditional way of saying Christmas Day, on which Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical color for Christmas Day
White, the color of purity and completeness, adorns the altar to commemorate the Nativity of Our Lord. In His light we see light, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy.
White is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany (Jan. 6), and the first Sunday following it, which is observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. In all, white serves as the best festive color for the church year.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings for Christmas Day

Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 2
Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
John 1:1–14 (15-18)

Lectionary summary
The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells Among Us in the Flesh
The Lord sends out His ministers of the Gospel to make disciples “of all the nations,” so that “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” For the Lord has “bared his holy arm” in the incarnate Christ (Is. 52:7, 10). The child in the manger, born of the Virgin Mary, is the very Word of God, the only begotten Son of the Father, “whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Heb. 1:2). As “all things were made through him” (John 1:3), so are all things redeemed and made new in Him. In His body of flesh and blood, we behold “the radiance of the glory of God” (Heb. 1:3), “glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace, that we might have life and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel, we are born again as the children of God, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life.

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings for Christmas Day

Exodus 40:17-21; 34-38
Psalm 2
Titus 3:4-7
John 1:1-14 (15-18)

Lectionary summary
The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh
In the beginning God created all things through His Word, His Son. But man fell into sin, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore, God spoke His Word again, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ’s body, we are made partakers of a new Genesis, “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4–7). In Christ, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared.

Media kits
The LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community.
View media kits

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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Fourth Sunday in Advent
2023-12-24 00:00 - 11:59 (America/Chicago)
The Fourth Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday morning, Dec. 24, 2023.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical colors for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
Blue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent, a season of repentance, waiting and watching, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

2 Sam. 7:1–11, 16
Psalm 89:1–5 (19–29)
Rom. 16:25–27
Luke 1:26–38

Lectionary summary
The Lord Builds a House for David: Jesus Christ Who Comes in the Flesh
When King David “lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,” he piously supposed that he would build a house for God (2 Sam. 7:1–2). But the Lord would turn it around: He would establish a house for David and an everlasting throne. This He has done not only for David, but also for all His people, in the Son of David, Jesus Christ, “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary” (Apostles’ Creed). That holy child, the incarnate “Son of the Most High,” receives “the throne of his father David” and begins to reign “over the house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:32–33). Having given Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, His body is the true and eternal temple of God in which His people have their own place of peace and rest. That is “the mystery that was kept secret for long ages” but is now “made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God” in order that we may have faith and life in Christ (Rom. 16:25–26).

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

Deut. 18:15–19
Psalm 111
Phil. 4:4–7
John 1:19–28 or Luke 1:39–56

Lectionary summary
John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah
The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses — the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7).

Media kits
The LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community.
View media kits

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

Third Sunday in Advent
2023-12-17
The Third Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical colors for the Third Sunday in Advent
Blue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent, a season of repentance, waiting and watching, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Psalm 126
1 Thess. 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28

Lectionary summary
The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness
When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church with “the garments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoice always” in the Lord, “pray without ceasing” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “the God of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24).

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

Isaiah 40:1–8 (9–11)
Psalm 85
1 Cor. 4:1–5
Matt. 11:2–10 (11)

Lectionary summary
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord …” (Isaiah 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isaiah 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come …?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.

Media kits
The LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community.
View media kits

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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LCMS Pastoral Colloquy - December 2023 meeting
2023-12-14 - 2023-12-15 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry (CCPM) is scheduled to meet on December 14–15, 2023 in St. Louis.
The four-member committee is chaired by the LCMS first vice-president and includes representative from both LCMS seminaries and a member from the Council of Presidents, according to Synod bylaws.
The CCPM meets approximately five times throughout the year to examine applications, interview eligible candidates and manage the policies and practices of the colloquy process.

Second Sunday in Advent
2023-12-10
The Second Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical colors for the Second Sunday in Advent
Blue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent, a season of repentance, waiting and watching, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8–14
Mark 1:1–8

Lectionary summary
You Are Prepared through Repentance for the Coming of the Lord
“The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) begins when John the Baptist appears and comes “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). As the prophet Isaiah had written, John is the messenger of the Lord, sent before His face to prepare His way. To this day, the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of the Law and the Gospel and in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. By these ways and means, “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Is. 40:5), and the Good Shepherd “will gather the lambs in his arms” (Is. 40:11). He speaks “tenderly to Jerusalem,” and He comforts His people by pardoning their iniquity (Is. 40:1–2). What is more, He promises “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Repent, therefore, and humble yourself as you wait for His coming in peace (2 Peter 3:14), because He “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

Mal. 4:1–6
Psalm 50:1–15
Rom. 15:4–13
Luke 21:25–36

Lectionary summary
The Lord Comes on the Last Day
The day on which our Lord returns will be a “great and awesome day” (Mal. 4:5). For He will come in a cloud with great power and glory. To the wicked and the proud, it will be a Day of judgment that will “set them ablaze” (Mal. 4:1). The signs preceding this Day will bring them fear and fainting. But to those who believe, who fear the name of the Lord, this Day is one to look forward to and rejoice in: “. . . straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Christ our Redeemer is coming; the Sun of Righteousness will bring healing in His wings. Let us, then, give attention to the words of the Lord, which do not pass away. Let us “through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures” (Rom. 15:4) be strengthened in our hope by the Holy Spirit and watch diligently for Jesus’ coming. Then, by God’s grace, we shall escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.

Media kits
The LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community.
View media kits

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

First Sunday in Advent
2023-12-03
The First Sunday in Advent, which marks the beginning of the new church year, will be commemorated on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical colors for the First Sunday in Advent
Blue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent, a season of repentance, waiting and watching, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

Isaiah 64:1–9
Psalm 80:1–7
1 Cor. 1:3–9
Mark 11:1–10 or Mark 13:24–37

Lectionary summary
The Lord Jesus Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us
Although we pray that God “would rend the heavens and come down” (Isaiah 64:1), that He would take vengeance against our enemies, we ourselves “have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6). We have continued in our sins for “a long time, and shall we be saved?” (Is. 64:5). Yet, the Lord does not punish us in anger. He comes in voluntary meekness and humility to save us by His grace. Just as He once came into Jerusalem to sacrifice Himself for us upon the cross (Mark 11:4–8), He still comes to His Church with the fruits of His Passion. By His ministry of the Gospel, we are “enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge,” and so He will “sustain you to the end” (1 Cor. 1:5, 8). Although “heaven and earth will pass away,” His words “will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). As He sends disciples to call us to Himself in the fellowship of His Church, so will He “send out the angels” to gather us and all of His elect “from the ends of the earth” to Himself in heaven forever (Mark 13:27).

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

Jer. 23:5–8
Psalm 24
Rom. 13:(8–10) 11–14
Matt. 21:1–9

Lectionary summary
The Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us
The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood, we also sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in glory, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11).

Media kits
The LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community.
View media kits

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2023
2023-11-30 - 2023-12-01
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2023, in St. Louis.
The Board for International Mission is charged with developing and determining policies in support of mission and ministry in foreign countries for the Office of International Mission.

LCMS Board of Directors - November 2023 meeting
2023-11-17 - 2023-11-18
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Nov. 17-18, 2023, in St. Louis.
The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the LCMS, and it is the custodian of all the property of the Synod — directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of the Synod.
The BOD exercises supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod, except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of the Synod or where the voting members of the Synod, through the adoption of bylaws or by other convention action, have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities.
In such circumstances, the BOD retains general oversight responsibility as defined in Synod Bylaws.

2023 Michigan March for Life
2023-11-08 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan State Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI, 48933, United States
The 2023 Michigan March for Life is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the capital city of Lansing, Mich. The rally begins at the capitol building at 11 a.m. Eastern time, and the march begins at noon. Join members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at the event to witness to the sanctity of life.
After the march, Hope Lutheran Church in nearby DeWitt, Mich., will host a pro-life presentation. The public is invited.
Learn more
Register

Board for National Mission - November 2023 meeting
2023-11-07 - 2023-11-08
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 7, and on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.
Read more about the LCMS Board for National Mission.

Reformation Day
2023-10-31
Reformation Day is commemorated on Oct. 31 each year. LCMS congregations may hold special services on Oct. 31 and/or on the preceding or following Sunday.
To attend a service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find a church near me

About the Protestant Reformation
More than 500 years ago, the Protestant Reformation brought the church’s focus back to God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses — the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” — to the church door in a small city called Wittenberg, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation, and thus the church officially commemorates this important anniversary on Oct. 31.
As you and your congregation prepare to celebrate this year, you are invited to use a variety of resources that highlight the history, theology, and continued effects of the Reformation today.
The Reformation was, first and foremost, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends. Every person, in every generation, needs to hear the Good News of their Savior from sin and eternal death.
View Reformation resources

Liturgical color for Reformation Day
The altar will be adorned with the festive color of red.

Three-Year Series and One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Revelation 14:6–7

Romans 3:19–2

John 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19

Lectionary summary
The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace
“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son, has justified us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:18–19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by the hearing of that Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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Church Worker Appreciation Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Congregations and school communities are encouraged to use the month of October to demonstrate appreciation not only for their pastors but for all workers in the parish and schools.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod thanks God for the 14,647 faithful church workers who serve in congregations and schools across our Synod.
Here are some resources to show your gratitude and support for your pastors, teachers, church musicians, deaconesses, and other church workers.
View resources

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

St. Michael’s Day
2023-09-29
The Church commemorates St. Michael and All Angels each year on Sept. 29.
“Fear not.” So every angel begins his speech in the Scriptures. They are the fearsome warriors of the Most High God, commanded by Michael the Archangel, forming the “Sabbaoth,” the armies of the Lord. And yet, they are given this office as His heavenly legate: to announce the good news of great joy in Christ Jesus, incarnate, risen and ascended, all for us mortals. Christ’s warriors and messengers are set to guard duty for His Christians. Their unseen eyes draw us to follow their gaze, “for they always behold the face of the Father, who is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10).
How is Michael a “Saint”?
The word “saint” simply means “holy one.” We often use this word to describe those Christians who have departed this life in the faith. The New Testament most often uses it to address Christians in the Church on earth (Rom. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:2, Eph. 1:1, etc.). Michael and the angels of God are not humans “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2), but they are “holy angels” — holy just as God created them and as the Scriptures describe them (Mark 8:38, Acts 10:22, Rev. 14:10).

Liturgical color for St. Michael’s Day
White is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. This color, used primarily during these Sundays, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy.

One-Year Series and Three-Year Series
Scripture readings

Daniel 10:10–14; 12:1–3

Rev.12:7–12

Matt. 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20

Lectionary summary
Our Father in Heaven Protects His Children by Giving His Holy Angels Charge Over Them
We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation. Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ,” His holy angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human messengers on earth, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb,” against all the power of the enemy, for by “the word of their testimony,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev. 12:10–11; Luke 10:18–19). By their preaching and Baptism of repentance, the old Adam and the old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). As God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3).
Prayers

St. Michael and All Angels

Attend a service
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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'Set Apart to Serve' Resource Launch Town Hall
2023-09-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
To kick off the next stage of its church work recruitment initiative, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will host an online Set Apart to Serve Resource Launch Town Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. The live town hall will also be recorded to watch at any time afterward.
SAS is a collaborative effort across the Synod to support and encourage future church workers. The goal is to create an intentional culture of church worker formation in every LCMS congregation, Lutheran school and camp. The Synod is developing resources and tools to help congregations foster this culture.
During the past five and a half months, SAS has been working with 36 congregations, schools and camps that represent all 35 LCMS districts to pilot-test SAS resources and tools.
Feedback from the pilot sites has helped the LCMS refine these resources, and SAS is excited to share these effective tool kits with you.
During the town hall, the hosts will:

Provide a brief overview of the SAS program;

Share what was learned working with the pilot participants;

Introduce resources and tools to help congregations, schools and camps with raising up the next generation of church workers; and

Provide the next steps on how to make SAS work in your congregation.

Registration for the town hall is now open. Each congregation with a representative attending the town hall will receive a free welcome kit.
This town hall will be recorded and offered alongside the full collection of SAS resources. If you’re unable to attend the live event but intend to watch the recording, please register as an attendee so your church or organization will be eligible to receive the free welcome kit.
Register now

Join Zoom meeting

Meeting ID: 896 7406 1102

Passcode: [REDACTED]

LCMS Set Apart to Serve

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

888-843-5267 (THE LCMS)

setapart2serve@lcms.org

Installation of LCMS president, vice-presidents, secretary and board members
2023-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will hold a service of installation for President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, six vice-presidents, the LCMS secretary and several board members at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The service, which will be held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, will follow the Order of Vespers. The public is invited, and a brief reception will follow.
President Harrison was re-elected to a fifth term in June. First-Vice President Rev. Peter Lange, the five regional vice-presidents and Secretary Rev. Dr. John Sias were all re-elected during the 2023 LCMS Convention, which was July 29–Aug. 3.
Newly elected or re-elected members of the Synod’s Board of Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International Mission, and Commission on Theology and Church Relations, will also be installed during the Sept. 15 service.
In addition, board members will be installed for the Concordia University System, LCMS Foundation, Concordia Plans, Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Concordia Publishing House and Concordia Historical Institute.
More information will be shared as it is available. In the meantime, questions may be directed to the LCMS Church Information Center at infocenter@lcms.org or 888-843-5267 (THE LCMS).
Watch livestream

LCMS Board of Directors: September 2023 meeting
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-16
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Sept. 14-16, 2023, in St. Louis.
The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the LCMS, and it is the custodian of all the property of the Synod — directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of the Synod.
The BOD exercises supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod, except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of the Synod or where the voting members of the Synod, through the adoption of bylaws or by other convention action, have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities.
In such circumstances, the BOD retains general oversight responsibility as defined in Synod Bylaws.

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – Sept. 14-15, 2023
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-15
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet Sept. 14-15, 2023, in St. Louis.
The Board for International Mission is charged with developing and determining policies in support of mission and ministry in foreign countries for the Office of International Mission.

LCMS Pastoral Colloquy Meeting: September 2023
2023-09-07 - 2023-09-08 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry (CCPM) is scheduled to meet on September 7–8, 2023 in St. Louis.
The four-member committee is chaired by the LCMS first vice-president and includes representative from both LCMS seminaries and a member from the Council of Presidents, according to Synod bylaws.
The CCPM meets approximately five times throughout the year to examine applications, interview eligible candidates and manage the policies and practices of the colloquy process.

2023 LCMS Disaster Response Conference
2023-09-06 09:00 - 2023-09-08 15:00 (America/Chicago) | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The 2023 LCMS Disaster Response Conference — “Walking Together in Disaster Response” — will be held from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis.
Day 1
The first day of the conference is ONLY for LCMS District Disaster Response Coordinators (DDRCs) and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trainers.

Wednesday, Sept. 6 — 9 a.m. registration to 5 p.m.

The first day of the conference includes training, particularly on the establishment and operation of volunteer activities.
Days 2 & 3
The second and third day of conference anyone with an interest in disaster response, including DDRCs and LERT trainers.

Thursday, Sept. 7 — 8 a.m. registration to banquet starting at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 8 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sessions, which will cover a variety of topics, will include tabletop exercises, case studies and practical breakouts. The conference schedule also includes chapel services, on-site lunches and a banquet.
View agenda

Specialized Spiritual Care Training Track
Introductory Series for Rostered Church Workers and Laity
For the first time, we’re also offering a specialized track for those who are interested in providing spiritual care to various groups after disasters. Continuing education units (CEUs) are available.

Registration
Conference registration has closed.

Lodging
Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.
Hotel rooms are available at the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel for the nights of Sept. 5, Sept. 6, and Sept. 7 at a discounted room rate of $85 per night (plus applicable taxes). The discounted rate is subject to availability.
Each room includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, self-parking, and shuttle service to/from the Hilton and the International Center is also included. A fitness center and on-site restaurant are also available.
Hotel booking information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Questions?
Contact LCMS Disaster Response at disaster@lcms.org with any questions.
Register now

LCEF luncheon with author Timothy Goeglein and Concordia University presidents
2023-07-31 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Baird Center: Milwaukee, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Please sign up to join Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and author Timothy S. Goeglein for a free luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 31, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee during the LCMS 2023 Convention.
Goeglein will speak on his newly released book: Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story.
Following Geoglein’s presentation, LCEF president and CEO Bart Day will a lead panel discussion that will include several Concordia University presidents reflecting on the book. Other topics include the role of higher education in addressing these issues and, specifically, how our universities afford The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod a unique opportunity to engage students.
This luncheon will be limited to 150 attendees. Each attendee will receive a free signed copy of the book. Please join us for this special event.
Register now

About Goeglein and his new book, Toward a More Perfect Union
Tim Goeglein is Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family. Formerly, he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. He was the President’s principal outreach contact for conservative and faith-based groups.
His new book — Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story — was published on Jan. 11, 2023.
Book description
It has become evident that over the past 70 years, Americans have become increasingly ignorant of our nation’s founding principles. Civic education and American history have either not been taught or deliberately mistaught throughout our nation’s public — and in numerous cases, even our private — education system.
This lack of education or misinformation has placed our nation in great peril, and we are seeing the consequences unfold daily in our corporate boardrooms, halls of power and streets. This book is a prescription for returning our nation to a healthy culture.
What others are saying
“To be sure, Goeglein is intellectually honest and affords a fair and honest account of America’s shortcomings. But instead of using past wrongs as a weapon, Goeglein urges us to use them as a tool to better understand ourselves so that we can avoid repeating past mistakes.” — The Daily Caller
“Toward a More Perfect Union is not just another book that ought to be read, but a call to action that must not be ignored.” — Lee Edwards

LCMS National Convention - 2023
2023-07-29 - 2023-08-03 | Baird Center: Milwaukee, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will be held from July 29 to Aug. 3, 2023, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee.
The Synod will gather under the convention theme, “We Preach Christ Crucified,” based on 1 Cor. 1:18–25. In a world of uncertainty, the church’s proclamation, mission, and identity remain the same. We preach Christ crucified.

Key dates

Floor Committee Weekend — June 9–June 12, 2023, St. Louis

Convention Dates — July 29–Aug. 3, 2023

Pre-Convention Floor Committee Meetings — July 28 (Friday afternoon)

Floor Committee Open Hearings — July 29 (8 a.m.–12 p.m. Saturday)

Delegate Orientation — July 29 (1:30 p.m. Saturday)

Opening Worship — July 29 (7 p.m. Saturday)

Convention Close — Aug. 3 (12 p.m. Thursday)

Installation of New Officers — Sept. 15, St. Louis

More information

Questions? — Contact Barb Below: barb.below@lcms.org or 314-996-1413

Convention Triennium— lcms.org/convention

Convention updates — lcms.org/convention/national

Reporter story — Theme announced for 2023 Synod convention

Convention postponed from 2022 to 2023
In early 2021, the congregations of the LCMS approved, by over 90%, a proposal to extend the current 2019–2022 triennium, pushing the Synod’s previously scheduled 2022 national convention to 2023 and extending the timeline for districts that wish to delay their conventions from 2021 into 2022. The measure came as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt in both the church and the world.

LCMS Convention updates

LCMS LifeFest - Milwaukee
2023-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will host LifeFest on Sunday, June 25, at the Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Milwaukee to celebrate life and remember the many lives lost to abortion in the United States.
Join LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and other fellow Lutherans at the event, which occurs a day after the one-year anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 24, 2022, that overturned Roe v. Wade.
LifeFest will take place immediately following the closing worship service of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League convention in Milwaukee. The event will feature live music as well as refreshments and light snacks.
LifeFest is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited.
RSVP now

Presentation of the Augsburg Confession commemoration
2023-06-25
On June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was presented by theologian Philipp Melanchthon, who spoke on behalf of German rulers and free cities, to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg.
Melanchthon, a vital member of the Protestant Reformation along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, wrote and compiled the Augsburg Confession. Luther was an outlaw under imperial law and was unable to travel to Augsburg, but he reviewed the articles before Melanchthon read the confession in the presence of the Emperor.
Emperor Charles V invited the Lutheran princes and theologians to attend a meeting of government leaders at Augsburg. He wanted to discuss how the religious controversy in his empire could be settled so German Lutheran princes would join the imperial forces to keep the Turks out of Europe.
The Augsburg Confession is composed of several documents that already existed but were combined by Melanchthon to give a clear but conciliatory summary of the teachings and practices of the Lutheran pastors and congregations. To this day, the Augsburg Confession is the primary explanation of the Lutheran faith and is one of the most important documents of the Reformation.

Worship resources to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession
LCMS Worship provides propers to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession on or around June 25. Suggested resources included an Introit, Collect of the Day, Old Testament Reading, Psalm, Epistle, Verse, Holy Gospel, Hymn of the Day, and Preface.
A lectionary summary is also available to include in worship service bulletins.
Download propers
Download lectionary summary

Related resources

Read the Augsburg Confession

Download the Augsburg Confession

The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

Sources of the Augsburg Confession

History of the Protestant Reformation

LCMS Worship

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Worship planning resources

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LWML 40th Biennial Convention
2023-06-22 - 2023-06-25 | Baird Center: Milwaukee, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Registration is open for the 40th Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, which will be held June 22-25 at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. The LCMS women’s auxiliary is also known as LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission.
The convention theme is “Celebrate the Lord of the Nations,” which is based on Psalm 33:12-13: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man.”
Visit lwml.org/2023-convention for more information, including online registration and hotel details.
Learn more
