2026 National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
2026-01-23 | Washington, D.C., 12th and 14th Streets, Washington D.C., 20002, United States
The 2026 National March for Life is in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 23, 2026. Plan now to join other Lutherans to march and stand boldly together in the public square and confess our beliefs about the sanctity of life. More information is to come.
Register Now

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – Jan. 28, 2026
2026-01-28
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on Jan. 28, 2026, via Zoom video conference call.
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.

Board for National Mission - January 2026 meeting
2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
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.

FORO — Honduras
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-15
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Honduras on Feb. 13-15, 2026, in La Paz, Honduras.
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 Board of Directors - February 2026 meeting
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-21
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Feb. 20-21, 2026, 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.

FORO — Venezuela
2026-02-24 - 2026-02-25
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Venezuela on Feb. 24-25, 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
2026-02-26 | Kentucky State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
The 2026 Kentucky March for Life is February 26, 2026 at the Kentucky State Capitol. Come out and join other Lutherans to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

FORO — The Philippines
2026-02-26 - 2026-03-03
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in The Philippines from Feb. 26 to March 3, 2026. The gathering includes The Lutheran Church in the Philippines.
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
Matt Wasmund, LCMS Missionary
matthew.wasmund@lcms.org

Rev. Paul Nelson, LCMS Missionary
paul.nelson@lcms.org

FORO — Panama
2026-02-27 - 2026-03-01
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Panama from Feb. 27 to March 1, 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. Dr. Arthur Rickman, LCMS Missionary
arthur.rickman@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 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

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

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

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

Annunciation of our Lord
2026-03-25
The Annunciation of our Lord will be observed on March 25. The Annunciation commemorates the visit of the angel Gabriel to the blessed Virgin Mary, announcing that the eternal Son of God would take up human flesh in her womb and, in accordance with Isaiah’s prophecy, be born of a virgin.
His message declared that God showed undeserved kindness to Mary and, by faith in His Word, Christ was conceived in her. In this way, she is a godly example of faith for us also — how a Christian hears the Words and promises of God and says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
The Annunciation is appointed for March 25, from which date Christmas came to be observed as the birth of Christ (nine months later). When the Annunciation falls in Passiontide, Holy Week or Easter, it is observed at another time.
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 the Annunciation
White, the color of purity and completeness, adorns the altar to commemorate the Annunciation 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 also 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. It is also the color for Easter.

Three-Year Series and One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Isaiah 7:10–14

Hebrews 10:4–10

Luke 1:26–38

Lectionary summary
Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary and Made Man
“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). But “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). He opens ears to hear and wombs to conceive. “Let it be to me according to your word,” says St. Mary (Luke 1:38). The Most High who once dwelt in the tabernacle comes to overshadow Mary, who believes the angel’s “annunciation” (Luke 1:35). “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In Jesus Christ, God is with us — even from the moment of His conception. This miracle, that Mary should become the mother of God, will be a sign against the proud in Israel; it is the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and David. “I delight to do your will, O my God,” says Christ (Psalm 40:8). From Mary’s flesh, the Most High has prepared a body for His Son (Heb. 10:5), a body to be offered “once for all” as the sacrifice that alone takes away sins and gives a righteousness apart from the Law (Heb. 10:10). Through His conception, life and death, we have been sanctified. God favors us in this child. And like the blessed Virgin Mary, blessed “are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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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

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

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

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
Erin Mackenzie, LCMS Missionary
erin.mackenzie@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

Board for National Mission - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 7, and on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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.

FORO — Uruguay
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Uruguay on May 15-17, 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

LCMS Board of Directors - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-23
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May. 22-23, 2026, 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.

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

Download flyer
Register

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

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

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

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

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

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

LCMS Worker Wellness

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

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

FORO — Dominican Republic
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-06
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 4-6, 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

LCMS Board of Directors - September 2026 meeting
2026-09-17 - 2026-09-18
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Sep. 17-18, 2026, 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.

FORO — Honduras
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Honduras on Sept. 18-20, 2026, in Comayagüela, Honduras.
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
