2026 Tucson Life March
2026-01-17 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Tucson Convention Center, 260 South Church Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85701
The Tucson life march is Saturday, January 17, 2026. Join other Lutherans at 9:30am for devotions on the sidewalk in front of the Tucson Community Center (across from St. Augustine Cathedral on S. Church Avenue). At 10:00am we will join the march at the cathedral and travel to Holy Hope Cemetery. Contact Dr. Roni Grad at roni.grad@gmail.com if you have questions.
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2026 Life March in San Juan, Puerto Rico
2026-01-19 | San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
There will be a life march in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 19, 2026 at 10:00am. Join fellow Lutherans to sing hymns and witness to the sanctity of life. For more information, contact Ashley Lehr at Ashley.Lehr@lcms.org

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2026 Life March in St. Paul, Minn.
2026-01-22 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St. Paul, MN, 40601, United States
There is a life march at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul, January 22, at 12:00pm and with a program following on the Capitol steps. Before the event, Lutherans will gather for a Divine Service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 10:00am. For more information call the church at 651-776-4737.

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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

2026 Life Magnified and Texas Rally for Life in Austin
2026-01-24 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Texas Capitol Building, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join Lutherans from around Texas on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for a Matins prayer service and Bible study from 9:00am to 11:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin.
Come early for coffee and fellowship, stay after for lunch, and join in the Texas Rally for Life march to our state capitol at 1:00pm.
For more information, contact Pastor Ross Davis at ross.davis@stpaulaustin.org.
Website: https://www.stpaulaustin.org/
Website: https://www.texasrallyforlife.org/

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2026 Walk for Life West Coast
2026-01-24 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco, CA, 94132, United States
The 2026 Walk for Life West Coast is January 24, 2026 and begins at 11:00am at West Portal Lutheran Church (200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, 94132) for fellowship and refreshments. Participants will then travel together to the march.
The event begins at 12:30pm with speakers, and the Walk for Life begins at 1:30pm. Sign up to come and witness to the sanctity of life.
Contact Pastor Fox (PastorChipFox@gmail.com) if you have questions.

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Feast of the Transfiguration (One-Year Series)
2026-01-25
In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the One-Year Lectionary, Transfiguration is on Jan. 25, 2026, and is followed by three Sundays of preparation and instruction from Jesus 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 Septuagesima (which means about 70 days before Easter), 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.
Find a church near me

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.

One-Year Series
Scripture readings for Transfiguration

Exodus 34:29–35 or Exodus 3:1–14

Psalm 2

2 Peter 1:16–21

Matt. 17:1-9

Lectionary summary
Jesus Is Transfigured and Manifests His Glory
The Lord appeared to Moses in the light of the burning bush (Ex. 3:1–14). Later Moses’ face would shine with the light of God’s glory when he came down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29–35). At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with the One who is the Light of Light Himself (Matt. 17:1–9). Jesus’ glory as God shines with brilliant splendor in and through His human nature. By this epiphany, our Lord confirmed the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16–21), revealing that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He manifested His majesty as the eternal Son of the Father, and He wonderfully foreshowed our adoption as sons (Collect). We who have been baptized into Christ’s body are given a glimpse of the glory that we will share with Him in the resurrection on the Last Day.

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

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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.

2026 Kansas March for Life
2026-01-28 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE Eighth Ave., Topeka, KS, 66603, United States
The Kansas March for Life will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in downtown Topeka. The March for Life is scheduled to begin at noon, followed by the Rally for Life at the Kansas State Capitol. The March for Life gathering place will be at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603).
The link to the 2026 Kansas District Life Conference webpage, which will take place before the March for Life.
Contact Rev. Stoever at Rev.Stoever@proton.me with any questions you have.

Register Now

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 00:00 - 2026-02-15 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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

To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Feast of the Transfiguration (Three-Year Series A)
2026-02-15
In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the Three-Year Lectionary, Transfiguration is on Feb. 15, 2026, which is 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.
Find a church near me

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 A Lectionary
Scripture readings for Transfiguration

Exodus 24:8-18

Psalm 2:6-12

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

Lectionary summary
God Manifests His Glory in the Body of Christ Jesus, Transfigured for Us by His Cross
The Transfiguration confirms “the prophetic word … to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). The divine glory of Jesus is manifested in the word of His apostles, who were “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). “He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun” (Matt. 17:2). Moses and Elijah witnessed the fulfillment of the Old Testament in this Lord Jesus, and the Father testified concerning Him: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5). By His own blood, shed on the cross, Jesus makes and seals the new covenant with us. Hence, “the appearance of the glory of the LORD” is no longer “like a devouring fire” (Ex. 24:17), but it is graciously revealed in His own body. As “Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel” went up the mountain with Moses and “beheld God, and ate and drank” (Ex. 24:9, 11), we also behold the Lord our God in Christ Jesus, and we abide with Him as we eat and drink His body and blood at the altar.

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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Ash Wednesday
2026-02-18
Ash Wednesday, which will be commemorated on Feb. 18, 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.

Find a church near me

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 A

Scripture readings

Joel 2:12–19

Psalm 51:1-13 (14-19)

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 or Jonah 3:1-10

Psalm 51:1-13 (14-19)

2 Peter 1:2–11

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

“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).

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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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 00:00 - 2026-02-25 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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.

Contact

Erin Mackenzie, LCMS Missionary

erin.mackenzie@lcms.org

To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

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

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].

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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]

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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.

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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 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

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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
