LCMS Calendar

Mercy Ministries Webinar
2026-02-27 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Mercy work: It’s one thing that sets Lutherans apart, and there is so much happening right here at home to bring God’s mercy to people in need.

This Zoom webinar will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the latest mercy work happening through the LCMS Office of National Mission. Participants will get a front-row seat to see how God is caring for His people through LCMS disaster response efforts; family, life and health ministries; church worker wellness; and more.

Can’t make it live? Register for the webinar and you’ll receive a recording of the event to watch later at your convenience. During registration, participants can also submit questions that may be included during the Q&A portion of the event.
Presenters:

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, managing director, LCMS Office of National Mission
Bri Gerzevske, director of Managed Contributor Care, LCMS Mission Advancement

Register now

2026 Arizona March for Life in Phoenix
2026-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
The 2026 Arizona March for Life in Phoenix is Saturday, February 28. The pre-march rally begins at 11:00am at the Arizona State Capitol (1700 W. Washington Street) and the march at 12:00pm.
Join us as we witness to the sanctity of life.
For more information, contact Dr. Roni Grad at roni.grad@gmail.com

Register Now

Lay Worker Appreciation
2026-03-06
On March 6, we thank God for our lay workers, who serve tirelessly in a variety of ways in our LCMS schools and congregations.
These roles are too numerous and varied to list them all, but they might include church or school secretaries/administrative assistants, business managers/accountants/treasurers, school librarians, communication/publicity/marketing specialists, teacher aides, musicians, ministry area coordinators and others. All of these people are integral to the mission in the places they serve, and we give thanks to God for them.

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

FORO — Dominican Republic
2026-03-06 - 2026-03-08
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in the Dominican Republic on March 6-8, 2026.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Erin Mackenzie, LCMS Missionary
erin.mackenzie@lcms.org

2026 Kentucky March for Life
2026-03-11 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Kentucky State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
The 2026 Kentucky March for Life is March 11 at the Kentucky State Capitol. Come out and join other Lutherans to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

2026 Georgia March for Life
2026-03-12
The 2026 Georgia March for Life is March 12, 2026. The rally begins at 11:00am and the march at 12:00pm. Come out and join other Lutherans to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

2026 Connecticut March for Life in Hartford
2026-03-18 11:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106, United States
The 2026 Connecticut March for Life is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The rally begins at the Capitol at 11:30pm and the march begins at 12:30pm.

Register Now

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.
Registration is closed
Event capacity is full for youth and adult leaders. If you are interested in attending, join the waiting list by emailing LCMS Youth Ministry at youth.ministry@lcms.org.
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.

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.

Download flyer

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

2026 Illinois Pro-Life March in Springfield
2026-03-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Springfield, IL, Springfield, IL
The 2026 Illinois Pro-Life March is Thursday, March 19, in Springfield.
The rally begins at 1 p.m. at the Lincoln Statue in front of the Illinois Capitol Building (401 S. 2nd St.; Springfield, IL 62701). The march is at 2 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you as we witness to the sanctity of life. Check back soon for more information about the events for the day.
Register Now

FORO — Belize
2026-03-20 - 2026-03-22
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Belize on March 20-22, 2026.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Herb Burch, LCMS Missionary
herb.burch@lcms.org

LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee Listening Sessions — East-Southeast Region
2026-03-26 00:00 - 2026-03-27 23:59 (America/Chicago)
The Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) is excited to be hosting Listening Sessions in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) East-Southeast Region on March 26 and 27. Our hope is to engage in a fruitful discussion about how the LCMS is forming faithful pastors to meet the current and future demands of the holy ministry.

The panel will include the two seminary presidents — the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (St. Louis) and the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (Fort Wayne) — along with the Rev. Dan Galchutt, LCMS interim chief mission officer, and the Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director of LCMS Pastoral Education.

We are hoping for a healthy conversation as we answer questions and share insights and information. To that end, we are grateful to you for sharing information about the session with your congregation. District staff, pastors, commissioned workers and laity are invited to attend.

Schedule

LCMS East-Southeast Region

Thursday, March 26, 1–4 p.m. — The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, Silver Spring, Md.

Friday, March 27, 1–4 p.m. — Christ the King Lutheran Church, Orlando, Fla.

Bulletin Insert

LCMS East-Southeast Region — March 26-27

Bulletin Blurb

Share in your Sunday Bulletin:

Have questions about how the LCMS is forming faithful pastors to meet the current and future demands of the holy ministry? Come and talk to the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee, which includes the two seminary presidents, at the Listening Session hosted at [Congregation] on [Day, Date, Time].

Social Media

Share graphic and caption on your congregation’s social media:

The LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee will soon hold two Listening Sessions in the LCMS [Region], sharing information and insights about forming faithful pastors to meet the present and future needs of the LCMS.

Bring your questions and join the discussion with both seminary presidents — the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (Fort Wayne) and the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (St. Louis) — along with the Rev. Dan Galchutt, LCMS interim chief mission officer, and the Rev. Dr. James Baneck, LCMS executive director of Pastoral Education. We’re looking forward to a fruitful discussion!

The Listening Sessions will take place:

[List the relevant information from above on the session(s) nearest you]

Download graphic

Pastoral Formation Listening Sessions

The LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee will be hosting Listening Sessions in all five LCMS Regions. The West-Southwest Region sessions will be on June 13 and 15. Dates and details for listening sessions in the LCMS Central, Great Plains and Great Lakes Regions coming soon.

View schedule

Palm Sunday
2026-03-29 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
Palm Sunday, also known as the Sunday of the Passion, will be commemorated on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

To attend a Palm Sunday 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 Palm Sunday

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.

Scripture readings for Palm Sunday

Three-Year Series A Lectionary

John 12:12–19 (Procession)

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 118:19–29 or Psalm 31:9–16

Philippians 2:5–11

Matthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11-66 or John 12:20-43

Lectionary summary

Now Is the Hour When the Son of Man Is Glorified

“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming.” He comes in gentle humility, “sitting on a donkey’s colt,” yet also as the King of Israel “in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13, 15). His royal glory is faithful obedience and self-sacrificing service “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). The love of God is manifested in the cross and Passion of His Son for the salvation of sinners. Since He has borne our sins and suffered our death, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9), and He exalts us in His resurrection. Our Lord did not hide His face “from disgrace and spitting” (Is. 50:6), but He trusted His God and Father, who raised Him from death and the grave and exalted Him to His right hand. This same King Jesus now comes to us in gentle humility in His Supper, where He feeds us with His body and cleanses and covers us with His blood, so that “after his resurrection” we also shall rise and enter the holy city (Matt. 27:52–53).

One-Year Series Lectionary

Matthew 21:1–9 (Procession) or John 12:12–19 (Procession)

Zechariah 9:9–12

Psalm 118:19–29 or Psalm 31:9–16

Philippians 2:5–11

Matthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–54

Lectionary summary

The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory

“Behold, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin’s curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find a church near me

Volunteer Appreciation
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30
During the month of April, we thank God for our volunteers, who serve tirelessly in a variety of ways in our LCMS schools and congregations.
These roles are too numerous and varied to list them all, but they might include elders, council/board members, altar guild members, greeters, ushers, acolytes, volunteer musicians, Sunday school/vacation Bible school teachers, property/landscape volunteers, office volunteers and more. All of these faithful individuals are integral to the mission in the places they serve, and we give thanks to God for them.

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

Holy (Maundy) Thursday
2026-04-02 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, will be commemorated on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

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.

Find a church near me

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 A

Scripture readings

Exodus 24:3–11 or Exodus 12:1-14

Psalm 116:12-19

Hebrews 9:11–22 or 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Matthew 26:17–30 or John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Lectionary summary

Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us and Loves Us to the End

“The LORD’s Passover” (Ex. 12:11) and “the blood of the covenant” at Mount Sinai (Ex. 24:8) foreshow the Lord’s Supper. The blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, now covers us, and we keep His Supper “as a feast to the LORD” (Ex. 12:14). In Him, we see “the God of Israel” (Ex. 24:10), and yet He does not lay His hand on us to punish us, but from His hand we eat and drink in peace. As our High Priest, He “entered once for all into the holy places … by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12). He shed His own blood in order to “purify our conscience” and bring us before His God and Father “without blemish” (Heb. 9:14). The holy apostles received this New Testament in His blood from the Lord Jesus “on the night when he was betrayed,” and they delivered the same to His Church, which we also now receive in the name and remembrance of Christ (1 Cor. 11:23–26; Matt. 26:26–28). He has “loved his own who were in the world,” and He loves us “to the end” (John 13:1); therefore, let us also “love one another” (John 13:34).

One-Year Series

Scripture readings

Exodus 12:1–14 or Exodus 24:3–11

Psalm 116:12-19

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

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find a church near me

Good Friday
2026-04-03 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
Good Friday will be commemorated on Friday, April 3, 2026.

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.

Find a church near me

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 A

Scripture readings

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Psalm 22 or Psalm 31

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

Isaiah 52:13–53:12

Psalm 22 or Psalm 31

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).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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Easter
2026-04-05 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
Easter — the Resurrection of Our Lord — will be celebrated on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

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 A

Scripture readings

Acts 10:34–43 or Jeremiah 31:1–6

Psalm 16

Colossians 3:1–4

Matthew 28:1–10

Lectionary summary

The Victory of Christ Crucified Is Given to You in the Preaching of His Resurrection

Every Sunday is the Lord’s day, the day of His resurrection, “after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week” (Matt. 28:1). In the Divine Service, the Church enters upon the eternal “eighth day.” The Lord Jesus, “who was crucified,” who “has risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:5–6), is the firstborn from the dead and the firstfruits of the new creation. Because “you have died” with Him in Holy Baptism, “you have been raised with Christ” and “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1, 3). The Lord Jesus has become our God, as surely as He is “the God of all the clans of Israel,” and we now belong to His people (Jer. 31:1). In this, He “shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34), but “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). As “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” and “raised him on the third day,” He also raises us up and pours out His Spirit upon us through the Gospel (Acts 10:38, 40).

One-Year Series

Scripture readings

Job 19:23–27

Psalm 118:15-29

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

FORO — Eritrea
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-10
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Eritrea on April 7-10, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The gathering includes the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Shauen Trump, Regional Director for Africa
LCMS International Mission
shauen.trump@lcms.org

FORO — Rwanda
2026-04-13 - 2026-04-18
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Rwanda on April 13-18, 2026. The gathering includes Lutheran Mission in Africa–Synod of a Thousand Hills.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Shauen Trump, Regional Director for Africa
LCMS International Mission
shauen.trump@lcms.org

2026 Colorado March for Life in Denver
2026-04-17 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix) | Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80203, United States
The Colorado March for Life will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026. The Rally will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the March following at noon. Register now to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

Life on the Field: A Missionary Spouse Perspective
2026-04-18 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
LCMS International Mission will host a webinar titled “Life on the Field: A Missionary Spouse Perspective” from 9 to 10 a.m. Central time on Saturday, April 18.

Missionary service is a calling that involves the whole family. For those who may be contemplating missionary service, there are many important questions that deserve thoughtful, honest conversation.

This Zoom webinar will offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life on the international mission field from the perspective of LCMS missionary spouses. Through a panel discussion with current and formerly deployed spouses, participants will hear firsthand insights into topics such as safety, medical care, housing, children’s education, finances and raising a family in another culture.

Join us to learn how God equips and cares for missionary families as they serve around the world.

Can’t make it live? Register for the webinar, and you’ll receive a recording of the event to watch at your convenience. Participants who attend live may submit questions during the event.

Presenters:

Deaconess Clarion Fritsche, manager of Mobilization and Training, LCMS Office of International Mission

Rebecca Krey, missionary spouse, Santiago, Dominican Republic

Jennifer Preus, missionary spouse, Brasov, Romania

Krista Trump, missionary spouse, Nairobi, Kenya

Justin Logston, missionary spouse, Santiago, Dominican Republic

Register

LCMS International Mission

international.lcms.org

888-843-5267

2026 Virginia March for Life in Richmond
2026-04-22 | Richmond, Virginia, VA, United States
The Virginia March for Life is Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Register now to witness to the sanctity of life. More details will come.

Register Now

FORO — Mexico
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-23
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Mexico on April 22-23, 2026, in Mexico City.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Dr. Arthur Rickman, LCMS Missionary
arthur.rickman@lcms.org

FORO — Spain
2026-04-23 - 2026-04-29
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Spain from April 23–29, 2026, in Madrid. The gathering includes the Spanish Evangelical Lutheran Church (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Española).
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contacts
Benjamin Helge, LCMS Missionary
benjamin.helge@lcms.org

2026 March on the Arch in St. Louis
2026-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Aloe Plaza, St. Louis, MO, 20, S 20th St,, St. Louis, MO, 63103
The annual March on the Arch is Saturday, April 25 in St. Louis.
There will be sponsor tables, including LCMS Life Ministry, with information and resources. The rally begins at 11:00am at Aloe Plaza (across from Union Station, 20th and Market Street).
The march begins at 12:00pm and ends at the Gateway Arch (the distance is just over a mile). Light refreshments will be provided for participants at the Arch grounds. Join other Lutherans for this event and witness to the sanctity of life.
Information on parking garages and metro stations can be found here, but there is ample street parking as well. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Now

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Birthday
2026-04-26
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod celebrates its birthday on April 26. Initial members, which included 12 pastors representing 14 congregations from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, New York and Ohio, signed the church body’s constitution on April 26, 1847, at First Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Chicago, Ill.
Originally named The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States, the name was shortened to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1947 on the occasion of our 100th anniversary.
The roots of the LCMS run deep, tracing back to Saxon and other German immigrants establishing a new church body in America, seeking the freedom to practice and follow confessional Lutheranism.

Only Jesus: No Other Name

Resources to help celebrate the 175th anniversary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
View resources

Church Worker Appreciation – Director of Parish Music
2026-04-26
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

2026 Midwest March for Life in Jefferson City, Missouri
2026-04-30 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Missouri State Capitol, 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
The Midwest March for Life in Jefferson City, Missouri will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Rally will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the March following at 11:30 a.m. Register now to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – April 30-May 1, 2026
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-01
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on April 30 and May 1, 2026, 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.

FORO — Peru
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Peru on May 1-3, 2026.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. James Sharp, LCMS Missionary
james.sharp@lcms.org

Church Worker Appreciation – Teacher
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-08
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
