LCMS Calendar

LCMS Minnesota South District Convention — 2025
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-14 | Concordia University, St. Paul: St. Paul, Minn., 1282 Concordia Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Minnesota South District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, to Saturday, June 14, in St. Paul, Minn., at Concordia University, St. Paul.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Minnesota South District Office

Profile — Minnesota South District

Web — mnsdistrict.org

Email — information@mnsdistrict.org

Phone — 952-435-2550

LCMS Mid-South District Convention — 2025
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-14 | Hilton Memphis: Memphis, Tenn., 939 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, TN, 38120, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Mid-South District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, to Saturday, June 14, in Memphis, Tenn., at the Hilton Memphis.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Mid-South District Office

Profile — Mid-South District

Web — mid-southlcms.org

Email — mwashburn@mid-southlcms.com

Phone — 901-373-1343

LCMS New Jersey District Convention — 2025
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-14 | Crowne Plaza Edison: Edison, N.J., 2055 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ, 08817, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 New Jersey District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, through Saturday, June 14, in Edison, N.J., at the Crowne Plaza Edison.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS New Jersey District Office

Profile — New Jersey District

Web — njdistrict.org

Email — info@njdistrict.org

Phone — 908-233-8111

LCMS Montana District Convention — 2025
2025-06-09 - 2025-06-12 | Billings Hotel & Convention Center: Billings, Mont., 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, MT, 59101, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Montana District Convention is scheduled for Monday, June 9, to Thursday, June 12, in Billings, Mont., at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Montana District Office

Profile — Montana District

Web — mtdistlcms.org

Email — office@mtdistlcms.org

Phone — 406-259-2908

LCMS South Wisconsin District Convention — 2025
2025-06-09 - 2025-06-10 | Concordia University Wisconsin: Mequon, Wis., 12800 N Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI, 53097, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 South Wisconsin District Convention is scheduled for Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, in Mequon, Wis., at Concordia University Wisconsin.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS South Wisconsin District Office

Profile — South Wisconsin District

Web — swd.lcms.org

Email — swd@swd.lcms.org

Phone — 414-464-8100

LCMS Iowa District West Convention — 2025
2025-06-08 - 2025-06-10 | Camp Okoboji: Milford, Iowa, 1531 Edgewood Drive, Milford, IA, 51351, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Iowa District West Convention is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, to Tuesday, June 10, in Milford, Iowa, at Camp Okoboji.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Iowa District West Office

Profile — Iowa District West

Web — idwlcms.org

Email — info@iowadistrictwest.org

Phone — 515-576-7666

Pentecost
2025-06-08
The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
To attend a Pentecost 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

What is Pentecost?
The word “Pentecost” (pronounced PEN-tuh-kost) comes from the Greek word pentekostos which means “fiftieth.” Exactly 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the form of flames of fire.

Bulletin inserts
Kids in the Divine Service — Pentecost

English

Spanish

Liturgical color for Pentecost
The altar will be adorned with red. Red is a power color and is appropriate for use on Pentecost Sunday. On this day we remember the power and fire of “the Lord and Giver of Life,” who revealed himself as the promised one. The color red communicates the motif of strength-strength and power the Holy Spirit gives in order for God’s people to call on the name of Jesus Christ and share that powerful name with others.

Three-Year Series C and One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Psalm 143

Gen. 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

Lectionary summary
The Holy Spirit Gives Peace
Following the flood, Noahs descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with one language and the same words (Gen. 11:1), they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing the language of all the earth,dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the 50th day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. At this sound the multitude came together (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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2025 Oklahoma March for Life in Oklahoma City
2025-06-07 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, OK, United States
The 2025 Oklahoma March for Life in Oklahoma City is Saturday, June 7. Register to witness to the sanctity of life.
Register Now

LCMS Texas District Convention — 2025
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-07 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: Houston, Texas, 18220 Upper Day Road, Houston, TX, 77058, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 LCMS Texas District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, to Saturday, June 7, in Houston, Texas, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Texas District Office

Profile — Texas District

Web — txlcms.org

Email — info@txlcms.org

Phone — 512-926-4272

LCMS Florida-Georgia District Convention — 2025
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-07 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South: Kissimmee, Fla., 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL, 34746, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Florida-Georgia District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, to Saturday, June 7, in Kissimmee, Fla., at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Florida-Georgia District Office

Profile — Florida-Georgia District

Web — flgadistrict.org

Email — communications@flgadistrict.org

Phone — 407-857-5556

LCMS Kansas District Convention — 2025
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-06 | Tony’s Pizza Event Center: Salina, Kan., 800 The Midway, Salina, KS, 67401, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Kansas District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6, in Salina, Kan., at Tony’s Pizza Event Center.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Kansas District Office

Profile — Kansas District

Web — kslcms.org

Email — ksdconvention@kslcms.org

Phone — 785-357-4441

LCMS North Wisconsin District Convention — 2025
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-02 | Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center: Rothschild, Wis., 10101 Market Street, Rothschild, WI, 54474, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 North Wisconsin District Convention is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, and Monday, June 2, in Rothschild, Wis., at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS North Wisconsin District Office

Profile — North Wisconsin District

Web — nwdlcms.org

Phone — 715-845-8241

LCMS Rocky Mountain District Convention — 2025
2025-05-29 - 2025-05-30 | Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows: Lone Tree, Colo., 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Rocky Mountain District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, Colo.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Rocky Mountain District Office

Profile — Rocky Mountain District

Web — rm.lcms.org

Email — info@rm.lcms.org

Phone — 303-695-8001

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.

LCMS Board of Directors - May 2025 meeting
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-24
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May. 23-24, 2025, 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.

2025 Oregon March for Life in Salem
2025-05-17 | Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
The Oregon March for Life is Saturday, May 17th in Salem. Come and march at the Oregon State Capitol (900 Court Street NE) and witness to the sanctity of life. The march will begin at 2:30pm. We will gather 15 minutes prior to the march. Look for the Lutherans with the LCMS Life Ministry banner and lime green hats. After the march we will take a group photo.

Register Now

Armed Forces Day - 2025
2025-05-17
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 California-Nevada-Hawaii District Convention — 2025
2025-05-15 - 2025-05-17 | Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel: Sacramento, Calif., 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA, 95815, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 California-Nevada-Hawaii District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, to Saturday, May 17, in Sacramento, Calif., at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District Office

Profile — California-Nevada-Hawaii District

Web — cnh-lcms.org

Email — prescnh@cnh-lcms.org

Phone — 925-245-4000

2025 Toronto March for Life
2025-05-10 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | St. Paul Lutheran Church: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1424 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario, M6H2H8, Canada
The Toronto March for Life is May 10. The day will begin with Divine Service at 9:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church (1424 Davenport Road, Toronto).
The LCMS English District President, Rev. Jeffrey Miskus, will lead worship. The march is at Queen’s Park (marchers can carpool from the church) from 11:30am to 1:30pm followed by lunch and workshops from 1:30pm to 4:00pm (location site details will be provided the day of the march at the Divine Service).
An accompanist to play for the service is needed. Contact Glenn Kahle with questions at Kahle123@rogers.com or at +1-519-616-3536. We hope that you can join other Lutherans and witness to the sanctity of life.
Register Now

LCMS Southeastern District Convention — 2025
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-09 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: Richmond-Midlothian, Va., 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23235, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Southeastern District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, in Richmond, Va., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Richmond-Midlothian.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Southeastern District Office

Profile — Southeastern District

Web — se.lcms.org

Email — sed@se.lcms.org

Phone — 703-971-9371

Board for National Mission - May 2025 meeting
2025-05-08 - 2025-05-09
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 8, and on Friday, May 9, 2025.
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.

Church Worker Appreciation – Teacher
2025-05-05 - 2025-05-09
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod historically has designated one month of the year for showing 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.
In 2024–2025, we have planned a year’s worth of observances to highlight the many different kinds of workers who serve the church and to give thanks for all of them and the indispensable and sacrificial work that they do:

Oct. 13 — Pastor Appreciation

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

April 28 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 5–9 — Teacher Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

During the week of May 5–9, 2025, we will 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.
The LCMS offers suggestions and resources to show your gratitude and support for teachers.
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

LCMS Wyoming District Convention — 2025
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-03 | Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center: Casper, Wyo., 800 N. Poplar Street, Casper, WY, 82601, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2025 Wyoming District Convention is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, to Saturday, May 3, in Casper, Wyo., at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center.
District conventions, which are held every three years by each of the Synod’s 35 districts, take place the year before the triennial LCMS national convention.
The schedule includes time for conducting business, electing officers, and sharing information. The conventions also offer opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, and fellowship.
Pastors, teachers, other commissioned ministers, and lay delegates elected by congregations are required to attend.
General sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend as an observer, and guests are also invited to the worship services.
LCMS Wyoming District Office

Profile — Wyoming District

Web — wylcms.org

Email — thoff@wylcms.org

Phone — 307-265-9000

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – May 1-2, 2025
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-02
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on May 1-2, 2025, 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.

2025 Midwest March for Life in Jefferson City, Mo.
2025-05-01 | Jefferson City, MO, MO, United States
The 2025 Midwest March for Life is Thursday, May 1, in Jefferson City, Mo. Sign up to join us as we witness to the sanctity of life in Missouri’s capital. The events of the day include speakers, a prayer walk at the Capitol Rotunda, and a Youth Rally.
Register Now

Church Worker Appreciation – Director of Parish Music
2025-04-28
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod historically has designated one month of the year for showing 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.
In 2024–2025, we have planned a year’s worth of observances to highlight the many different kinds of workers who serve the church and to give thanks for all of them and the indispensable and sacrificial work that they do:

Oct. 13 — Pastor Appreciation

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

April 28 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 5–9 — Teacher Appreciation

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

On April 28, 2025, we will 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.
The LCMS offers suggestions and resources to show your gratitude and support for parish music directors.
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

Council of Presidents - April 2025
2025-04-26 - 2025-05-01
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Council of Presidents is scheduled to meet on April 26-May 1, 2025.
The President, vice-presidents, and district presidents of the Synod comprise the 42-member Council of Presidents, which meets four times each year to provide opportunity for mutual counsel regarding the doctrine and administration of the Synod and to edify and support one another in the work that they share, those responsibilities found throughout the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.

Easter
2025-04-20
Easter — the Resurrection of Our Lord — will be celebrated on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
By the shed blood of Christ, eternal death has passed over us, and now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen!
To attend an Easter 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 colors for Easter
The altar will be adorned with white, which is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. The theme for the “great fifty days” of Easter is supported by the use of white. 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.
Gold may also be used for Easter Sunday and major feasts of Christ. Gold represents value and worth. The golden festival of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the event that gives our lives meaning and worth. He is worthy of our praise as we adorn his altar with the color of splendor.

Three-Year Series C
Scripture readings

Psalm 16

Isaiah 65:17–25

1 Cor. 15:19–26

Luke 24:1–12

Lectionary summary
Christ’s Resurrection Is the Firstfruits of the New Creation
The Lord has promised to “create new heavens and a new earth” (Is. 65:17), in which His people shall abide in peace and joy. That new creation has begun in the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus. All the baptized belong to that new creation. Reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, they are “the offspring of the blessed of the LORD” (Is. 65:23). The Lord rejoices and is glad in them; He hears and answers their prayers. For “if in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). But Christ Jesus has been raised, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). We may be “perplexed about this” (Luke 24:4), perhaps even frightened and brought to our knees, because it seems like an “idle tale” (Luke 24:11). But faith clings to the Word of Christ and finds His resurrected body — not in the tomb, but in His Holy Supper.

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Psalm 118:15–29

Job 19:23–27

1 Corinthians 5:6–8 or 1 Corinthians 15:51–57

Mark 16:1–8

Lectionary summary
Christ’s Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised
“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55, 57).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find a church near me

Good Friday
2025-04-18
Good Friday will be commemorated on Friday, April 18, 2025.
On this day, we remember when Jesus, the Lamb of God, was led to the slaughter of His cross as the Sacrifice of Atonement for the sin of the world.
To attend a Good Friday 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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Liturgical color for Good Friday
The altar will be adorned with black. The calendar calls for its use only twice — Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There’s no mistaking the message that this sober color gives. Black is the absence of light. Good Friday, or Black Friday in combination with Ash Wednesday, calls for sober reflection on the cost of our redemption.
Without Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in, nor new life in Christ to enjoy.

Three-Year Series C
Scripture readings

Psalm 22 or Psalm 31

Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7–9

John 18:1-19:42 or John 19:17-30

Lectionary summary
Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the Sacrifice of Atonement for the sin of the world. “Despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement; “and with his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). In perfect faith and faithfulness, He shares all our weaknesses and temptations, “yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). As our merciful High Priest, He brings us to the Father in peace, “makes intercession for the transgressors” (Is. 53:12) and joins our prayers to His own, so that we are heard “because of his reverence” (Heb. 5:7). From His cross, He gives us His Spirit (John 19:30), washes us with water from His side and covers us with His blood (John 19:34).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Psalm 22 or Psalm 31

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

2 Corinthians 5:14–21

John 18:1-19:42

Lectionary summary
Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). For in Christ, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19).

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Holy (Maundy) Thursday
2025-04-17
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, will be commemorated on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
To attend a Maundy Thursday 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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Liturgical colors for Holy (Maundy) Thursday
Scarlet will adorn the altar on Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday. It is a color worth investing in because it stands in contrast to the traditional red that is used on Festival Sundays. Scarlet’s use during the somber days of Holy Week help to offer a different message. As the Manual on the Liturgy points out, “scarlet is a color anciently associated with the passion … the color of blood” (p. 25).
Violet may also be used where Scarlet vestments are not present. In some places, White may also be used indicating that this is a high feast of Christ who instituted the Blessed Sacrament on this night.

Three-Year Series C
Scripture readings

Psalm 116:12–19

Jer. 31:31–34 or Ex. 12:1–14

Heb. 10:15–25 or 1 Cor. 11:23–32

Luke 22:7–20 or John 13:1–17, 31b–35

Lectionary summary
Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us
By Holy Baptism, “with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22), we enter the holy place with Jesus. For Jesus is our Passover Lamb who has been sacrificed for us. He reclines at table with us and feeds us with His own flesh and blood: “the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain” (Heb. 10:20). In Christ, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity (Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:17). With such love, He “loved his own who were in the world,” and He even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Psalm 116:12–19

Exodus 12:1–14 or Exodus 24:3–11

1 Corinthians 11:23–32

John 13:1–15 (34–35)

Lectionary summary
Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). By eating His body and drinking His blood, we proclaim to all the world that Jesus is, indeed, our Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1–14), who was sacrificed for us on Calvary. In Christ, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity. With such love, he “loved His own who were in the world,” and even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

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