LCMS Calendar

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

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

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

Three-Year Series and One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Revelation 14:6–7

Romans 3:19–2

John 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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

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

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

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

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings

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

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

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

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

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings for Christmas Day

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary
Scripture readings for Christmas Day

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

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

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

Find church near me

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

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

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

Isaiah 60:1–6

Ephesians 3:1–12

Matthew 2:1–12

Psalms

Series B — Psalm 72:1–11 (12–15)

One-Year Series — Psalm 24

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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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

2 p.m. Zoom webinar

7 p.m. Zoom webinar

Learn more

Million Dollar Life Match grants

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

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

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

2024 Kansas March for Life in Topeka
2024-01-24 | Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE Eighth Ave., Topeka, KS, 66603, United States
The Kansas March for Life is Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in Topeka. The march begins at 12:00pm at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (214 SE Eighth Ave.) with the Rally for Life to follow. Join us in Topeka as we witness to the sanctity of life.

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – Jan. 31, 2024
2024-01-31
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on Jan. 31, 2024, 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 – February 2024 meeting
2024-02-01 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
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.

LCMS Board of Directors - February 2024 meeting
2024-02-08 - 2024-02-09
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Feb. 08-09, 2024, 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.

Feast of the Transfiguration (Three-Year Series B)
2024-02-11
In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the Three-Year Lectionary, Transfiguration is on Feb. 11, 2024, which is only three days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
On this day, the church recalls the event of Christ’s Transfiguration on the mountain, revealing His divine nature to Peter, James and John before He set His face toward Jerusalem, where He would accomplish the world’s salvation by His death and resurrection for us.
Where Transfiguration is the last service before Ash Wednesday, many congregations say farewell to the word “Alleluia.” As Judah would not sing their songs in the land of exile (Psalm 137), so the church sets aside our simplest word of joy and praise — until we take it up again in triumph on Easter: “Alleluia! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”
To attend a worship service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical color for Transfiguration
White, the color of light, purity and completeness, adorns the altar to commemorate the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On the mountain, Christ’s face and clothes shone white as light (Matt. 17:2). 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 Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color of Easter. On high festive days when white is appointed, some congregations also use gold.

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings for Transfiguration

2 Kings 2:1–12 or Exodus 34:29–35
2 Corinthians 3:12–13 (14–18); 4:1–6
Mark 9:2–9

Lectionary summary
The Face of Jesus Christ Manifests the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God
It was “a hard thing” that Elisha asked, but by his persistence he was able to see the prophet Elijah being taken “by a whirlwind into heaven.” Although “chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them,” Elisha received Elijah’s cloak and a “double portion” of his spirit for preaching the Lord’s Word (2 Kings 2:9–11). It was a hard thing, too, for Israel to see Moses and come near to him, when “the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Ex. 34:29–30). Therefore, after “he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken with him in Mount Sinai,” Moses “put a veil over his face” (Ex. 34:32–33). Only the Word of the Gospel lifts the veil, and “only through Christ is it taken away” (2 Cor. 3:14). Thus are we able to behold “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,” who is “the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4–6). For the Law and the prophets are all fulfilled in Him. Therefore, “listen to him,” and fix your sights on “Jesus only” (Mark 9:7–8).

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Ash Wednesday
2024-02-14
Ash Wednesday, which will be commemorated on Feb. 14, is the beginning of Lent and, if Sundays are omitted, is 40 days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday begins the church’s annual season of penitence, traditionally marked by fasting, almsgiving and prayer. In the LCMS, congregations often offer additional services in the week where the Word is preached and the Sacrament offered.
As the name suggests, many congregations practice the ceremony of the imposition of ashes on this day. Ashes are a symbol of mortality and repentance, since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). When the pastor places them on the penitents, often in the shape of a cross, he speaks a sobering reminder: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19).
We ourselves will not overcome the temptations of Satan, our sinful flesh and death, but Christ our champion will. Throughout the coming season, we will watch as He endures and overcomes the devil with his works and ways, suffers willingly for our sakes, and redeems us by His blood and Passion. Faith trusts in Him and believes, even from the ash heap, that “a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
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 Ash Wednesday and Lent
On Ash Wednesday, the altar is adorned with violet or with black. The calendar calls for black only twice — Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There is no mistaking the message of this somber color: Black is the absence of light. Ash Wednesday calls for sober reflection on the outcome of sin, and Good Friday on the price 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. Yet we do not grieve as others do, without hope (1 Thess. 4:13).

Three-Year Series B
Scripture readings

Joel 2:12–19

2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Lectionary summary
Return to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself
On Ash Wednesday, we come down from the mountain with Jesus and set our face toward His cross and Passion in Jerusalem. We make our pilgrimage with Him by way of repentance, and thus we return to our dying and rising in Holy Baptism. Christ Jesus, “who knew no sin,” became our sin, so that by His death we are released from sin and in His resurrection we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). As God has thereby reconciled the world to Himself in Christ, “now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). He has provided the sacrificial Lamb, and He has left “a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering” (Joel 2:14) in the Eucharist. He summons us to return to Him with all our heart because He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). We do so with faith and confidence in Him, and so we pray to Him as our Father, give to the needy from a heart of love, and fast for the sake of repentance (Matt. 6:3–4, 6, 17–18).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Joel 2:12–19

2 Peter 1:2–11

Matthew 6:1–21

Lectionary summary
Return to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself
“Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people” (Joel 2:15–16). Lent, with its corporate fast, begins today. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Imposition of Ashes, from Gen. 3:19). “Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger” (Jonah 3:9). We know. Faith believes that, for Christ’s sake, “a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13); therefore, we do not hesitate to return to Him “with all [our] heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (v. 12). He raises the dead, as we shall see in 40 days’ time. Satan opposes such reconciliation and life. He would twist our discipline into self-serving pride (Matt. 6:1–12), leading us into unbelief and unfruitfulness until we fall from the Lord’s “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4, 8). For this reason, our Lenten discipline not only gives something up but also takes up the sustenance and exercise of faith: hearing His Word and turning from ourselves—to God in prayer and to our neighbor with charity. “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (v. 5–7).

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LCMS Pastoral Colloquy - February 2024 meeting
2024-02-19 - 2024-02-20 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry (CCPM) is scheduled to meet on February 19–20, 2024 in St. Louis.
The four-member committee is chaired by the LCMS first vice-president and includes representative from both LCMS seminaries and a member from the Council of Presidents, according to Synod bylaws.
The CCPM meets approximately five times throughout the year to examine applications, interview eligible candidates and manage the policies and practices of the colloquy process.

'YouthLead' Training for Teens
2024-02-29 - 2024-03-03
YouthLead equips teens to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities. LCMS Youth Ministry will host our 2024 YouthLead Training from Feb. 29 to March 3 in St. Louis.
Our focus will be Christian identity, who God has made us to be, and who we are to each other. Along with the new curriculum, we will be working through leadership development programming as well.
There are a limited number of spaces in the training. Once those spots are filled, we will gladly take participants on a waiting list.
Who can attend Youthlead?
Any high school youth who is an active member of an LCMS congregation and desires to be a leader can join us along with adults who desire to mentor young leaders.
We prefer teens attend with an adult leader from their congregation. Arrangements can be made for them to come unaccompanied.
How much does it cost?
Registration for youth and adults is $375. This covers your food and housing during the training, transportation to and from the airport if needed, supplies, and a shirt. You will also need to cover your transportation to and from St. Louis.
We encourage you to contact your district before you register as some districts have support for those attending this training.
What happens at a Youthlead training?
Youth are equipped for leadership in two key ways. First, we engage them in studying God’s Word through a Bible study they experience and are trained to lead back home.
Second, we focus on their unique identity and vocations as well as practical leadership skills that will benefit them in all aspects of servant leadership.

Register for the training

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

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2024 Arizona March for Life in Phoenix
2024-03-01 | Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
The 2024 Arizona March for Life is Friday, March 1, 2024. The rally begin at 11:00am at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, and the march begins at 12:00pm. Join us as we witness to the sanctity of life.

2024 Connecticut March for Life in Hartford
2024-03-20 | Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT, 06106, United States
The 2024 Connecticut March for Life is March 20, 2024. The rally begins at the Capitol at 12:00pm and the march begins at 1:00pm. Join us in Hartford as we witness to the sanctity of life.

Spring 2024 Missionary Kid Program Team — Africa
2024-03-20 - 2024-03-24
Missionaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who are serving our Lord in Africa will gather with their families for a time of continuing education from March 20-24, 2024.
While the adults have a program of scheduled studies, volunteers are needed to join a short-term mission team to prepare and lead the children’s program for the missionary kids, ranging in age from toddlers to teens.
The program can be modeled after a kids camp, Vacation Bible School or other types of active learning. We will provide the curriculum for team members to use as a framework.
The missionary gathering incorporates worship, rest and fellowship. It is also important to care for our missionary children, and LCMS International Mission wants them to have fun while nurturing their faith.
More information, including the event location, will be provided upon completion of your application.

Cost: Approximately $50/person (airfare not included)

Included: Food, lodging, project costs, coordination and international medical insurance

Learn more and sign up

Palm Sunday
2024-03-24
Palm Sunday, also known as the Sunday of the Passion, will be commemorated on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
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.
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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 B Lectionary

John 12:12–19 (Procession)

Zechariah 9:9–12

Philippians 2:5–11

Mark 14:1—15:47 or Mark 15:1–47 or John 12:20–43

Lectionary summary
The Son of David Ascends His Throne and Reigns in Love from His Cross
The Son of David comes in gentle humility, “sitting on a donkey’s colt,” yet as the King of Israel “in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13–15). He comes to be lifted up in glory on the cross in order to cast out “the ruler of this world” and draw all people to Himself (John 12:23–32). The Church is thus called to “rejoice greatly,” because her King comes with salvation, and “he shall speak peace to the nations” (Zech. 9:9–10). As He is anointed “beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8), He also ascends His royal throne as “the King of the Jews” by way of His Passion (Mark 15:2, 17–19, 26). He goes “as it is written of him,” wherefore “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power” (Mark 14:21, 62). For the glory of God is love, which crescendos in the humble obedience and voluntary self-sacrifice of the Son of God for the salvation of sinners. So, God the Father has “highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9), that He might reign over us in love with the forgiveness of His cross.

One-Year Series Lectionary

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

Zechariah 9:9–12

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).

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Annunciation of our Lord
2024-03-25
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.
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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).

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Holy (Maundy) Thursday
2024-03-28
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, will be commemorated on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
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 B
Scripture readings

Exodus 24:3–11 or Exodus 12:1–14

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 or 1 Corinthians 11:23–32

Mark 14:12–26 or John 13:1–17, 31b–35

Lectionary summary
Let Us Love One Another, as Christ 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) are preeminent types of the Lord’s Supper. The blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, now covers us, and we keep His Supper “as a feast to the LORD” (Ex. 12:13–14). In Him, we see “the God of Israel” (Ex. 24:10), and yet He does not lay His hand on us to punish us. As disciples of Jesus, we recline at the table with Him to eat and drink in peace (Mark 14:18). The apostles, who received the New Testament in His blood “on the night when he was betrayed,” delivered the same to His Church, which we also now receive in remembrance of Him (1 Cor. 11:23–26; Mark 14:22–25). So He has “loved his own who were in the world,” and He loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He thus feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34). For “we who are many are one body” because “we all partake of the one bread,” which is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:17).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

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).

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