'All Nations Sing' workshop
2026-05-04 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105, United States
LCMS All Nations Ministry is hosting an “All Nations Sing” workshop on Monday, May 4, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

With an emphasis on music sung in English, Chinese, and Spanish, this event is a pre‑convention workshop of the Multiethnic Symposium of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. It’s also a celebration of 90 years of LCMS Chinese ministry and 100 years of Hispanic Ministry in the United States in 2026.

The workshop is designed to help people expand their repertoire of beloved and useful hymns and songs from different languages and heritages.

Every week, LCMS churches across the United States gather for the Divine Service in a wide range of languages — English, Spanish, Amharic, Nuer, Oromo, Chinese, Korean, Hmong, French Creole, Arabic, Vietnamese, Tamil and more.

Explore beloved musical repertoire from these diverse ministries. Presentations provide both musical insight and practical guidance for integrating this repertoire into congregational life, worship, and outreach.

Participants are encouraged to bring their instruments and join an interactive music lab, where the emphasis is on singing, playing, and arranging music together.

Schedule

Discover from 1:30-3 p.m. — Hear introductions to other attendees and to a variety of Spanish and Chinese “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Col 3:16). This session also features presentations/discussions about various strategies for making music as churches of many languages and cultures.

Music Lab from 3-4:30 p.m. — Attend small and large group rehearsals for those who are helping lead music during the Tuesday evening Festival of Nations and Hymn Festival of the Multiethnic Symposium. Not one of those performers? Use this time to listen, sing along, ask questions, and share ideas.

Register

Board for National Mission - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 7, and on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.
Read more about the LCMS Board for National Mission.

FORO — Uruguay
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Uruguay on May 15-17, 2026.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

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

Armed Forces Day - 2026
2026-05-16
Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod may commemorate the holiday during weekend worship services.
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 who have faithfully answered the call to serve.
LCMS congregations may plan their commemorations with the help of free resources, including:

Introduction letter

Sermon by Chaplain (Major) Bobby Niemtschk, U. S. Army

Bulletin inserts: General (Color)

Bulletin inserts: General (Black-and-White)

Bulletin inserts: Responsive Prayer and Ministry-By-Mail

Other 2026 celebrations

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and may be commemorated on Sunday, May 24.

Independence Day is Saturday, July 4, and may be commemorated on Sunday, July 5.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and may be commemorated the preceding or following weekend.

Any Saturday and/or Sunday of your choice.

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

LCMS Board of Directors - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-23
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May. 22-23, 2026, in St. Louis.
The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the LCMS, and it is the custodian of all the property of the Synod — directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of the Synod.
The BOD exercises supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod, except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of the Synod or where the voting members of the Synod, through the adoption of bylaws or by other convention action, have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities.
In such circumstances, the BOD retains general oversight responsibility as defined in Synod Bylaws.

Trinity Sunday
2026-05-31
Trinity Sunday will be commemorated on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as the Church continues to confess the confident truth that the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — has given himself for our salvation.
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.
Find church near me

Confessing the Holy Trinity
The Athanasian Creed, which was written by an anonymous author in the fifth 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

Gen. 1:1–2:4a

Psalm 8

Acts 2:14a, 22–36

Matt. 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

Psalm 29

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

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference - 2026
2026-06-04 00:00 - 2026-06-05 23:59
The LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference will be held Thursday, June 4, through Friday, June 5, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan.

Under the theme “From Generation to Generation,” the conference will feature plenary presentations, breakout sessions and roundtable discussions.

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.

Registration is free. Attendees will receive a complimentary single-occupancy hotel room on June 4 on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch and dinner on June 4 plus lunch on June 5 are also included at no charge.

More information, including speaker and session information, will be available once finalized.

View conference schedule

Register online

LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee Listening Sessions — West-Southwest Region
2026-06-13 00:00 - 2026-06-15 23:59
The Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) is excited to be hosting Listening Sessions in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) West-Southwest Region on June 13 and June 15. 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 West-Southwest Region

Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. — Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Monday, June 15, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kingwood, Texas

Bulletin Insert

LCMS West-Southwest Region — June 13 and June 15

Bulletin Blurb

Share in your Sunday Bulletin:

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

Social Media

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

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

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

The Listening Sessions will take place:

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

Download graphic

Pastoral Formation Listening Sessions

The LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee will be hosting Listening Sessions in all five LCMS Regions. The East-Southeast Region sessions will be March 26 and 27. Dates and details for listening sessions in the LCMS Central, Great Plains and Great Lakes Regions are coming soon.

View schedule

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

Download flyer
Register

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

Festival of Scripture & The Arts — 'Song of All Songs'
2026-06-20 - 2026-06-21 | Concordia University Chicago: River Forest, Ill., 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL, 60305, United States
Concordia University Chicago (CUC) will host a Festival of Scripture & The Arts on its campus in suburban River Forest, Ill., on June 20–21.

The weekend will include a set of lectures and presentations on the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) by LCMS authors Rev. Dr. Andrew Steinmann, Dr. Paul Raabe and Rev. Dr. Joel C. Elowsky, who are published in the forthcoming book Interpreting the Song of Songs: Reception History from Qumran to the Modern Era (Baker Academic, September 2026).

Professional recitations of the Song of Songs by members of the theater department, poetry on themes of the Song of Songs by students and faculty of CUC, and commissioned artwork for the event will accompany the world premiere of music faculty Jonathan Stahlke’s “Song of All Songs,” a 45-minute work which takes the entire biblical text of the Song as its basis.

The work is composed for two choirs, orchestra and soloists, and will be performed by members of the All-Music Alumni Reunion, meeting that same weekend. The performance is free and open to the public.

Registration for the festival weekend and performance may be completed online.

For more information, contact jonathan.stahlke@cuchicago.edu.

Register

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

Oct. 12 — Pastor Appreciation

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

April 26 — Director of Parish Music Appreciation

May 4–8 — Teacher Appreciation

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

LCMS Worker Wellness

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

Set Apart to Serve — LCMS church work recruitment initiative

lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

setapart2serve@lcms.org

LCMS National Convention - 2026
2026-07-18 - 2026-07-23
The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will be held from July 18 to 23, 2026 in downtown Phoenix.
The Synod will gather under the convention theme, “Christ Is Risen Indeed,” based on 1 Corinthians 15:20–22:
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Key dates
St. Louis
LCMS International Center

Floor Committee Weekend — May 29–June 1

Phoenix
Phoenix Convention Center

Pre-convention CLOSED Floor Committee Meetings — July 17

Floor Committee Open Hearings — July 18

Delegate Orientation — July 18

Opening Worship — July 18

Convention Proceedings — July 19–23

Convention Closes — July 23

St. Louis
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Installation of New Officers — Sept. 18

All dates are 2026.

More information

General Convention Questions — convention@lcms.org
Congregational Governance Questions — LCMSSecretary@lcms.org
Convention Triennium — lcms.org/convention-triennium

FORO — South Africa
2026-08-10 00:00 - 2026-08-13 23:59
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in South Africa on Aug. 10-13, 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 and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Fernando Huf, Alliance MissionaryLCMS International Mission
fernando.huf@lcmsintl.org

FORO — Dominican Republic
2026-09-04 00:00 - 2026-09-06 23:59
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 4-6, 2026.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Dana Stigdon, LCMS Missionary
dana.stigdon@lcms.org

LCMS Board of Directors - September 2026 meeting
2026-09-17 - 2026-09-18
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Sep. 17-18, 2026, in St. Louis.
The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the LCMS, and it is the custodian of all the property of the Synod — directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of the Synod.
The BOD exercises supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod, except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of the Synod or where the voting members of the Synod, through the adoption of bylaws or by other convention action, have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities.
In such circumstances, the BOD retains general oversight responsibility as defined in Synod Bylaws.

FORO — Honduras
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Honduras on Sept. 18-20, 2026, in Comayagüela, Honduras.
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations, and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools, and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples, address community needs, emphasize mutual listening, and encourage shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them, and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

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

FORO — Germany
2026-09-23 - 2026-09-29
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Germany from Sept. 23–29, 2026, in Berlin and Wittenberg. The gathering includes the Independent Evangelical—Lutheran Church (SELK).
What is a FORO?
A FORO — Spanish for “forum” — fosters relationships between missionaries serving on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and mission partners. The meetings facilitate networking, start conversations and focus resources to make disciples of all nations for generations to come.
When do FOROs occur?
Once or twice a year, LCMS missionaries meet with partners — people from churches, organizations, schools and partner churches — in their mission field. They discuss strategies to make disciples and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

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

FORO — Panama
2026-09-25 - 2026-09-27
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Panama on Sept. 25-27, 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

St. Michael’s Day
2026-09-29
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.
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LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email

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FORO — Puerto Rico
2026-10-02 - 2026-10-04
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Puerto Rico on Oct. 2-4, 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.

Contacts
Rev. James Sharp
james.sharp@lcms.org
card@lcmsintl.org

FORO — Peru
2026-10-16 - 2026-10-18
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Peru on Oct. 16-18, 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

FORO — Mexico (With Ylseta Lutheran Mission Human Care in El Paso, Texas)
2026-10-28 - 2026-10-29
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care about mission work in Mexico on Oct. 28-29, 2026, in El Paso, Texas.
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

Reformation Day
2026-10-31
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 Lutheran 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

Psalm 46

Revelation 14:6–7

Romans 3:19–28

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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LCMS Board of Directors - November 2026 meeting
2026-11-20 - 2026-11-21
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Nov. 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 — Malawi
2026-11-30 00:00 - 2026-12-04 23:59
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Malawi from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, 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 and address community needs, emphasizing mutual listening and shared decision-making.
Why are FOROs needed?
Missionaries don’t only need funding and volunteers. Missionaries need relationships. They need support networks. They need people to walk with them, pray with them, listen to them, learn from them and stand with them. FOROs help provide those relationships.
To learn more about FOROs, visit international.lcms.org/foro.

Contact
Rev. Fernando Huf, Alliance MissionaryLCMS International Mission
fernando.huf@lcmsintl.org

FORO — Honduras
2027-02-19 - 2027-02-21
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Honduras on Feb. 19-21, 2027.
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

FORO — Dominican Republic
2027-03-04 00:00 - 2027-03-07 23:59
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in the Dominican Republic on March 4-7, 2027.
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
Dana Stigdon, LCMS Missionary
dana.stigdon@lcms.org

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Birthday
2027-04-26
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

2027 Lutherland — Germany — Wittenberg — The Old Latin School Tour
2027-06-02 00:00 - 2027-06-15 23:59
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2027 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music
2027-07-12 00:00 - 2027-07-16 23:59
Hosted by LCMS Worship, the 2027 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music will take place July 12-16.

Information, including a location and daily schedule, will be announced when details are finalized.

If you have any questions about the Institute, email LCMS Deaconess Cara Patton at worship@lcms.org.

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

Worship planning resources

Subscribe to monthly resources email
