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.
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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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Church Worker Appreciation Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Congregations and school communities are encouraged to use the month of October to demonstrate appreciation not only for their pastors but for all workers in the parish and schools.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod thanks God for the 14,647 faithful church workers who serve in congregations and schools across our Synod.
Here are some resources to show your gratitude and support for your pastors, teachers, church musicians, deaconesses, and other church workers.
View resources

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

St. Michael’s Day
2023-09-29
The Church commemorates St. Michael and All Angels each year on Sept. 29.
“Fear not.” So every angel begins his speech in the Scriptures. They are the fearsome warriors of the Most High God, commanded by Michael the Archangel, forming the “Sabbaoth,” the armies of the Lord. And yet, they are given this office as His heavenly legate: to announce the good news of great joy in Christ Jesus, incarnate, risen and ascended, all for us mortals. Christ’s warriors and messengers are set to guard duty for His Christians. Their unseen eyes draw us to follow their gaze, “for they always behold the face of the Father, who is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10).
How is Michael a “Saint”?
The word “saint” simply means “holy one.” We often use this word to describe those Christians who have departed this life in the faith. The New Testament most often uses it to address Christians in the Church on earth (Rom. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:2, Eph. 1:1, etc.). Michael and the angels of God are not humans “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2), but they are “holy angels” — holy just as God created them and as the Scriptures describe them (Mark 8:38, Acts 10:22, Rev. 14:10).

Liturgical color for St. Michael’s Day
White is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. This color, used primarily during these Sundays, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy.

One-Year Series and Three-Year Series
Scripture readings

Daniel 10:10–14; 12:1–3

Rev.12:7–12

Matt. 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20

Lectionary summary
Our Father in Heaven Protects His Children by Giving His Holy Angels Charge Over Them
We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation. Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ,” His holy angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human messengers on earth, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb,” against all the power of the enemy, for by “the word of their testimony,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev. 12:10–11; Luke 10:18–19). By their preaching and Baptism of repentance, the old Adam and the old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). As God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3).
Prayers

St. Michael and All Angels

Attend a service
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

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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'Set Apart to Serve' Resource Launch Town Hall
2023-09-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
To kick off the next stage of its church work recruitment initiative, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will host an online Set Apart to Serve Resource Launch Town Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. The live town hall will also be recorded to watch at any time afterward.
SAS is a collaborative effort across the Synod to support and encourage future church workers. The goal is to create an intentional culture of church worker formation in every LCMS congregation, Lutheran school and camp. The Synod is developing resources and tools to help congregations foster this culture.
During the past five and a half months, SAS has been working with 36 congregations, schools and camps that represent all 35 LCMS districts to pilot-test SAS resources and tools.
Feedback from the pilot sites has helped the LCMS refine these resources, and SAS is excited to share these effective tool kits with you.
During the town hall, the hosts will:

Provide a brief overview of the SAS program;

Share what was learned working with the pilot participants;

Introduce resources and tools to help congregations, schools and camps with raising up the next generation of church workers; and

Provide the next steps on how to make SAS work in your congregation.

Registration for the town hall is now open. Each congregation with a representative attending the town hall will receive a free welcome kit.
This town hall will be recorded and offered alongside the full collection of SAS resources. If you’re unable to attend the live event but intend to watch the recording, please register as an attendee so your church or organization will be eligible to receive the free welcome kit.
Register now

Join Zoom meeting

Meeting ID: 896 7406 1102

Passcode: [REDACTED]

LCMS Set Apart to Serve

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

888-843-5267 (THE LCMS)

setapart2serve@lcms.org

Installation of LCMS president, vice-presidents, secretary and board members
2023-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will hold a service of installation for President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, six vice-presidents, the LCMS secretary and several board members at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The service, which will be held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, will follow the Order of Vespers. The public is invited, and a brief reception will follow.
President Harrison was re-elected to a fifth term in June. First-Vice President Rev. Peter Lange, the five regional vice-presidents and Secretary Rev. Dr. John Sias were all re-elected during the 2023 LCMS Convention, which was July 29–Aug. 3.
Newly elected or re-elected members of the Synod’s Board of Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International Mission, and Commission on Theology and Church Relations, will also be installed during the Sept. 15 service.
In addition, board members will be installed for the Concordia University System, LCMS Foundation, Concordia Plans, Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Concordia Publishing House and Concordia Historical Institute.
More information will be shared as it is available. In the meantime, questions may be directed to the LCMS Church Information Center at infocenter@lcms.org or 888-843-5267 (THE LCMS).
Watch livestream

LCMS Board of Directors: September 2023 meeting
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-16
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Sept. 14-16, 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 – Sept. 14-15, 2023
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-15
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet Sept. 14-15, 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.

LCMS Pastoral Colloquy Meeting: September 2023
2023-09-07 - 2023-09-08 | 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 September 7–8, 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.

2023 LCMS Disaster Response Conference
2023-09-06 09:00 - 2023-09-08 15:00 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The 2023 LCMS Disaster Response Conference — “Walking Together in Disaster Response” — will be held from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis.
Day 1
The first day of the conference is ONLY for LCMS District Disaster Response Coordinators (DDRCs) and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trainers.

Wednesday, Sept. 6 — 9 a.m. registration to 5 p.m.

The first day of the conference includes training, particularly on the establishment and operation of volunteer activities.
Days 2 & 3
The second and third day of conference anyone with an interest in disaster response, including DDRCs and LERT trainers.

Thursday, Sept. 7 — 8 a.m. registration to banquet starting at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 8 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sessions, which will cover a variety of topics, will include tabletop exercises, case studies and practical breakouts. The conference schedule also includes chapel services, on-site lunches and a banquet.
View agenda

Specialized Spiritual Care Training Track
Introductory Series for Rostered Church Workers and Laity
For the first time, we’re also offering a specialized track for those who are interested in providing spiritual care to various groups after disasters. Continuing education units (CEUs) are available.

Registration
Conference registration has closed.

Lodging
Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.
Hotel rooms are available at the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel for the nights of Sept. 5, Sept. 6, and Sept. 7 at a discounted room rate of $85 per night (plus applicable taxes). The discounted rate is subject to availability.
Each room includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, self-parking, and shuttle service to/from the Hilton and the International Center is also included. A fitness center and on-site restaurant are also available.
Hotel booking information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Questions?
Contact LCMS Disaster Response at disaster@lcms.org with any questions.
Register now

LCEF luncheon with author Timothy Goeglein and Concordia University presidents
2023-07-31 12:00 - 13:30 | Baird Center: Milwaukee, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Please sign up to join Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and author Timothy S. Goeglein for a free luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 31, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee during the LCMS 2023 Convention.
Goeglein will speak on his newly released book: Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story.
Following Geoglein’s presentation, LCEF president and CEO Bart Day will a lead panel discussion that will include several Concordia University presidents reflecting on the book. Other topics include the role of higher education in addressing these issues and, specifically, how our universities afford The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod a unique opportunity to engage students.
This luncheon will be limited to 150 attendees. Each attendee will receive a free signed copy of the book. Please join us for this special event.
Register now

About Goeglein and his new book, Toward a More Perfect Union
Tim Goeglein is Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family. Formerly, he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. He was the President’s principal outreach contact for conservative and faith-based groups.
His new book — Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story — was published on Jan. 11, 2023.
Book description
It has become evident that over the past 70 years, Americans have become increasingly ignorant of our nation’s founding principles. Civic education and American history have either not been taught or deliberately mistaught throughout our nation’s public — and in numerous cases, even our private — education system.
This lack of education or misinformation has placed our nation in great peril, and we are seeing the consequences unfold daily in our corporate boardrooms, halls of power and streets. This book is a prescription for returning our nation to a healthy culture.
What others are saying
“To be sure, Goeglein is intellectually honest and affords a fair and honest account of America’s shortcomings. But instead of using past wrongs as a weapon, Goeglein urges us to use them as a tool to better understand ourselves so that we can avoid repeating past mistakes.” — The Daily Caller
“Toward a More Perfect Union is not just another book that ought to be read, but a call to action that must not be ignored.” — Lee Edwards

LCMS LifeFest - Milwaukee
2023-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will host LifeFest on Sunday, June 25, at the Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Milwaukee to celebrate life and remember the many lives lost to abortion in the United States.
Join LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and other fellow Lutherans at the event, which occurs a day after the one-year anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 24, 2022, that overturned Roe v. Wade.
LifeFest will take place immediately following the closing worship service of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League convention in Milwaukee. The event will feature live music as well as refreshments and light snacks.
LifeFest is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited.
RSVP now

Presentation of the Augsburg Confession commemoration
2023-06-25
On June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was presented by theologian Philipp Melanchthon, who spoke on behalf of German rulers and free cities, to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg.
Melanchthon, a vital member of the Protestant Reformation along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, wrote and compiled the Augsburg Confession. Luther was an outlaw under imperial law and was unable to travel to Augsburg, but he reviewed the articles before Melanchthon read the confession in the presence of the Emperor.
Emperor Charles V invited the Lutheran princes and theologians to attend a meeting of government leaders at Augsburg. He wanted to discuss how the religious controversy in his empire could be settled so German Lutheran princes would join the imperial forces to keep the Turks out of Europe.
The Augsburg Confession is composed of several documents that already existed but were combined by Melanchthon to give a clear but conciliatory summary of the teachings and practices of the Lutheran pastors and congregations. To this day, the Augsburg Confession is the primary explanation of the Lutheran faith and is one of the most important documents of the Reformation.

Worship resources to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession
LCMS Worship provides propers to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession on or around June 25. Suggested resources included an Introit, Collect of the Day, Old Testament Reading, Psalm, Epistle, Verse, Holy Gospel, Hymn of the Day, and Preface.
A lectionary summary is also available to include in worship service bulletins.
Download propers
Download lectionary summary

Related resources

Read the Augsburg Confession

Download the Augsburg Confession

The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

Sources of the Augsburg Confession

History of the Protestant Reformation

LCMS Worship

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LWML 40th Biennial Convention
2023-06-22 - 2023-06-25 | Baird Center: Milwaukee, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Registration is open for the 40th Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, which will be held June 22-25 at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. The LCMS women’s auxiliary is also known as LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission.
The convention theme is “Celebrate the Lord of the Nations,” which is based on Psalm 33:12-13: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man.”
Visit lwml.org/2023-convention for more information, including online registration and hotel details.
Learn more

Trinity Sunday
2023-06-04
Trinity Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
To attend a Trinity 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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Confessing the Holy Trinity
The Athanasian Creed, which was written by an anonymous author in the 5th century, is the Church’s confession of the Holy Trinity. On Trinity Sunday, the Church proclaims the Christian faith through the words of the Athanasian Creed.
“The Athanasian Creed declares that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and our Lord’s incarnation are “the catholic faith.” In other words, this is what the true Church of all times and all places has confessed. More than fifteen centuries later, the Church continues to confess this truth, confident that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given Himself for our salvation.”

The Athanasian Creed — Text (Lutheran Service Book p. 319)

The Athanasian Creed — Spoken responsive version

The Athanasian Creed — Sung version

The Athanasian Creed — Sung responsive version

The Athanasian Creed — With hymn verses

Source: This translation of the Athanasian Creed (Quincunque Vult) is from Lutheran Service Book. Copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Distributed by the LCMS Worship for congregational and school use and streaming only. Commercial reproduction or reproduction for sale of this work in part or in whole without the written permission of the copyright holder is prohibited.

Liturgical colors for Trinity Sunday
The altar will be adorned with white, which is the color of purity and completeness. This color assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection Day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy.

Three-Year Series A
Scripture readings

Genesis 1:1—2:4a

Acts 2:14a, 22–3

Matthew 28:16–20

Lectionary summary
The Holy Triune God Recreates Us in the Image and Likeness of Christ Jesus
The holy Triune God “created the heavens and the earth,” and “behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:1, 31). However, after Adam and Eve fell into sin and plunged God’s good creation into decay and death, the Son of God would be “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be “crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). As Jesus “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), He also raises up all the baptized and pours out the Spirit upon them through the preaching of His Gospel. He sends out His apostles to “make disciples of all nations” by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded” (Matt. 28:19–20). Through such baptizing and teaching — Gospel and Sacraments — the holy Triune God recreates us in the image and likeness of His incarnate Son, Jesus, the Christ, and behold, it is “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Isaiah 6:1–7

Romans 11:33–36

John 3:1–15 (16–17)

Lectionary summary
The Holy Trinity Reveals Himself to Sinners
When Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he cried out “Woe is me!” For the sinner cannot stand in the presence of a holy God and live (Is. 6:1–7). But God the Father lifted up His Son Jesus for us on the cross, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This eternal life of Christ is given us according to the Holy Spirit’s good pleasure in Baptism. “Unless one is born [again] of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). To sinners in fear of death, the messengers of God place on our lips the living body and blood of Christ and speak His words of absolution, “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Is. 6:7). Having received forgiveness and life from the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit, we join with the angels in praising the blessed Trinity, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!” (Is. 6:3). “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33–36).

LCMS Worship

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LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference - 2023
2023-05-31 - 2023-06-01 | University Lutheran Chapel, Minneapolis, MN, 316 10th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
The LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference will be held May 31 through June 1 at University Lutheran Chapel in Minneapolis. The conference theme is “Engaging the Collegiate Mind.”
The speakers will be Dr. Adam Francisco, the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, and the Rev. Eric Andrae. We hope that long-term ministry leaders — pastors, commissioned workers, and other campus workers — will join us for support and networking.
This conference is for pastors, DCEs, deaconesses and others who are leading campus ministries in the LCMS. Its purpose is to:

Facilitate networking among campus ministry leaders;

Facilitate sharing of ideas; and

Provide theological education and discussion, including plenary presentations, breakout sessions and a panel discussion.

Register now

Schedule
Wednesday, May 31

10 a.m. — Matins

10:30 a.m. — Welcome

10:40 a.m. — “The Wittenberg Mind” with Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss

11:30 a.m. — Sext (Midday prayer at the sixth hour)

11:45 a.m. — Lunch

1 p.m. — “An Appeal for Apologetics” with Dr. Adam Francisco

2 p.m. — Break

2:15 p.m. — “State of LCMS U” with Rev. Michael Meyer

2:45 p.m. — Breakout sessions:

A — “Intentional Friendships with International Students Open Doors for Spiritual Conversations” with ministry catalyst for International Student Ministry Inc., Sue Hasselbring

B — “Zoomer Rumors: What Do Kids Today Actually Care About” with University Lutheran Chapel’s campus ministry vicar, Samuel Smith

C — “Using Hymnody to Teach the Faith” with Rev. Mark Preus

3:45 p.m. — Break

4:15 p.m. — “Preventing the Pitfalls of Politicization” with Rev. Eric Andrae

5:15 p.m. — Vespers

5:30 p.m. — Dinner banquet

7:30 p.m. — Gemutlichkeit at Luther House

Thursday, June 1

Breakfast — On your own at hotel

10:15 a.m. — Terce (Prayer at the third hour)

10:15 a.m. — “Muslim Views on Christianity” with Dr. Adam Francisco

11:30 a.m. — Sext (Midday prayer at the sixth hour)

11:45 a.m. — Lunch

1:15 p.m. — “Christian Literature — Christian Literature?”

2:15 p.m. — Break

2:45 p.m. — Roundtable / Sharing Ideas

4 p.m. — Itinerarium

(All times Central)
Download schedule and speaker information
Register now

Pentecost
2023-05-28
The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
To attend a Pentecost service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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What is Pentecost?
The word “Pentecost” (pronounced PEN-tuh-kost) comes from the Greek word pentekostos which means “fiftieth.” Exactly 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the form of flames of fire.

Bulletin inserts
Kids in the Divine Service — Pentecost

English

Spanish

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

Three-Year Series A
Scripture readings

Numbers 11:24–30

Acts 2:1–21

John 7:37–39

Lectionary summary
The Risen Lord Jesus Pours Out the Holy Spirit
The Lord took “some of the Spirit” that was on Moses “and put it on the seventy elders” of Israel (Num. 11:25), and they “prophesied in the camp” (Num. 11:26). In the same way, our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost — the 50th day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the 12 apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:2–4, 11). The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners. From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear our pastors “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11), and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

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

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Armed Forces Sunday - 2023
2023-05-21
The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces encourages congregations to give thanks to God for our nation’s military veterans, service personnel, chaplains and families on Armed Forces Day weekend.
It’s less important which Sunday you choose; we simply want to give thanks to God in honoring the men and women who faithfully answered the call to serve in our nation’s military.

Armed Forces Sunday — Typically the third weekend in May; Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 20, 2023, and can be observed on Sunday, May 21, or on the Sunday of your choice.

Memorial Day weekend — Sunday, May 28, 2023

Independence Day weekend — Sunday, July 2, 2023

Veterans Day — Nov. 11, 2023; can be observed on the preceding or following Sunday.

Any Sunday of your choice

To help congregations plan their commemorations, the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces offers free resources, including:

Introduction Letter

Sermon Resource

Bulletin Inserts: General (Color)

Bulletin Inserts: General (Black-and-White)

Bulletin Inserts: Responsive Prayer and Ministry-By-Mail

For more information and resources, visit lcms.org/armedforces.

LCMS Board of Directors: May 2023 meeting
2023-05-17 - 2023-05-19
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May 17-19, 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 Pastoral Colloquy Meeting: May 2023
2023-05-11 - 2023-05-12 | 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 May 11–12, 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.

Walk for Life – St. Petersburg, Fla.
2023-05-06
Join us for the Walk for Life in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Northshore Park.

Learn more:

View more details for this event
View additional Pro-life events around the U.S.

March on the Arch – St. Louis
2023-04-29
Make plans to attend the March on the Arch in St. Louis on Saturday, April 29, 2023 and witness to the sanctity of life. More information to come!

Learn more:

View more details for this event
View additional Pro-life events around the U.S.

Call Day 2023 - Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
2023-04-26 | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105, United States
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL) will hold its Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service and its Assignment of Calls Service on Wednesday, April 26, at the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.
Watch as future vicars, interns, deaconesses and pastors learn where they will serve God’s people next. All calls and assignments for service are to churches or ministries within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Assignment of Vicarages & Internship

Wednesday, April 26 — 3 p.m. Central time

Assignment of Calls

Wednesday, April 26 — 7 p.m. Central time

Services at CSL will be streamed online at csl.edu/academics/call-day-services.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Birthday
2023-04-26
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod celebrates its birthday on April 26. Initial members, which included 12 pastors representing 14 congregations from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, New York and Ohio, signed the church body’s constitution on April 26, 1847, at First Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Chicago, Ill.
Originally named The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States, the name was shortened to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1947 on the occasion of our 100th anniversary.
The roots of the LCMS run deep, tracing back to Saxon and other German immigrants establishing a new church body in America, seeking the freedom to practice and follow confessional Lutheranism.

Only Jesus: No Other Name

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

Call Day 2023 - Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
2023-04-24 - 2023-04-25 | Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW) will hold its Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service on Monday, April 24, and its Assignment of Calls Service on Tuesday, April 25, at Kramer Chapel.
Watch as future vicars, interns, deaconesses and pastors learn where they will serve God’s people next. All calls and assignments for service are to churches or ministries within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service

Monday, April 24 — 7 p.m. Eastern time

Guest preacher Rev. David Nehrenz of the LCMS Oklahoma District will be giving the sermon.
Assignment of Calls

Tuesday, April 25 — 7 p.m. Eastern time

Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Allan Buss of the LCMS Northern Illinois District will be giving the sermon.
Services at CTSFW will be streamed online through Facebook and the seminary’s Daily Chapel page. For more information, visit ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events.

LCMS Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministers Meeting
2023-04-12 | Zoom Call
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministers (CCCM) is scheduled to meet on Zoom on April 12, 2023.
The six-member committee is chaired by the LCMS first vice-president and includes a representative of the Concordia University System (CUS), two CUS presidents, two CUS faculty involved in the colloquy process and one representative of CUEnet.
The CCCM meets approximately four times per year.

Easter
2023-04-09
Easter — the Resurrection of Our Lord — will be celebrated on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
By the shed blood of Christ, eternal death has passed over us, and now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen!
To attend an Easter service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical colors for Easter
The altar will be adorned with white, which is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. The theme for the “great fifty days” of Easter is supported by the use of white. This color, used primarily during these Sundays, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy.
Gold may also be used for Easter Sunday and major feasts of Christ. Gold represents value and worth. The golden festival of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the event that gives our lives meaning and worth. He is worthy of our praise as we adorn his altar with the color of splendor.

Three-Year Series A
Scripture readings

Acts 10:34–43 or Jeremiah 31:1–6

Colossians 3:1–4

Matthew 28:1–10

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

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Job 19:23–27

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

Mark 16:1–8

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

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Good Friday
2023-04-07
Good Friday will be commemorated on Friday, April 7, 2023.
To attend a Good Friday service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical color for Good Friday
The altar will be adorned with black. The calendar calls for its use only twice — Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There’s no mistaking the message that this sober color gives. Black is the absence of light. Good Friday, or Black Friday in combination with Ash Wednesday, calls for sober reflection on the cost of our redemption.
Without Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in, nor new life in Christ to enjoy.

Three-Year Series A
Scripture readings

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7–9

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

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

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

2 Corinthians 5:14–21

John 18:1-19:42

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

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Holy (Maundy) Thursday
2023-04-06
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, will be commemorated on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
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 A
Scripture readings

Exodus 24:3–11 or Exodus 12:1–14

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

Matthew 26:17–30 John 13:1–17, 31b–35

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

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Exodus 12:1–14 or Exodus 24:3–11

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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Palm Sunday
2023-04-02
Palm Sunday, also known as the Sunday of the Passion, will be commemorated on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
To attend a Palm Sunday service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find church near me

Liturgical color for Palm Sunday
Scarlet will adorn the altar on Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday. It is a color worth investing in because it stands in contrast to the traditional red that is used on Festival Sundays. Scarlet’s use during the somber days of Holy Week help to offer a different message. As the Manual on the Liturgy points out, “scarlet is a color anciently associated with the passion … the color of blood” (p. 25). Violet may also be used where Scarlet vestments are not present.

Scripture readings for Palm Sunday
Three-Year Series A Lectionary

Isaiah 50:4–9a
Philippians 2:5–11
John 12:12–19 (Procession)
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

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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