LCMS Calendar

Armed Forces Sunday - 2024
2024-05-19
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 18, 2024, and can be observed on Sunday, May 19, or on the Sunday of your choice.

Memorial Day weekend — Sunday, May 26, 2024

Independence Day weekend — Sunday, July 7, 2024

Veterans Day — Nov. 11, 2024; 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.

2024 Oregon March for Life in Salem
2024-05-18 | Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
The Oregon March for Life is Saturday, May 18th in Salem. Join us at the Oregon State Capitol (900 Court Street NE) as we march and witness to the sanctity of life.
The march will begin at 2:30pm. We will gather 15 minutes prior to the march.
Look for the Lutherans with the LCMS Life Ministry banner and lime green hats.
After the march we will take a group photo. For more information, contact Vicar Zachary Kreitler
at zachary.kreitler@ctsfw.edu or at 314-330-1550.

LCMS Board of Directors - May 2024 meeting
2024-05-17 - 2024-05-18 | Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May 17-18, 2024, at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
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.

The Ascension of our Lord
2024-05-09
The Ascension of our Lord will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
To attend an Ascension service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find a church near me

Liturgical colors for Ascension
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.

Three-Year Series B
Scripture readings

Acts 1:1–11

Ephesians 1:15–23

Luke 24:44–53

Lectionary summary
The Ascended Lord Jesus Is with Us Always in His Church on Earth
After He rose from the dead, the Lord Jesus presented Himself alive to the apostles, “appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). When He ascended to the right hand of the Father, He did not orphan His Church, but He fills all things in heaven and on earth and gives gifts to His disciples. Even now, through His Church, He continues “to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), preaching “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47) even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Though the cloud hid Jesus from the sight of His disciples then, and He remains hidden from sight even now, He remains with His people through His Gospel and Sacraments. He comes to us by the Word of His apostles, by the promise of His Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit, whom He pours out upon “the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22–23). In this holy Christian Church, we bless God and worship Christ with joy, for in His Church He blesses us with forgiveness, lifts us up in His hands and seats us with Himself “in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:20).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

2 Kings 2:5–15

Acts 1:1–11

Mark 16:14–20 or Luke 24:44–53

Lectionary summary
Jesus Is Ascended, but Not Absent
On the 40th day after His resurrection, our Lord ascended to the right hand of the Father. But although Jesus is hidden from your eyes, He is not absent from you. For He now fills all things in heaven and on earth. He continues “to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1), preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins through those sent in His name (Mark 16:14–20; Luke 24:44–53), giving you His true body and blood in the Supper. Jesus is your great Elijah who pours out on you a double portion of His Spirit in the Word and the Sacraments (2 Kings 2:5–15). He is Lord over all things for the sake of the Church. He whom heaven cannot contain has raised your human nature to share fully in the glory of God. You who believe and are baptized into Christ’s body are already sitting in the heavenly places; for you are in Him who is at the Father’s right hand. When He comes again in the clouds on the Last Day, you also will appear with Him in glory.

LCMS Worship

lcms.org/worship

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2024 Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry Conference
2024-05-06 13:00 - 2024-05-07 15:15 (America/Chicago) | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The 2024 LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry Conference will be held May 6–7 in St. Louis and online. The conference will begin at 1 p.m. on May 6 and conclude at 3:15 p.m. on May 7.
Those currently serving in Specialized Care contexts and those interested in learning more about this ministry are welcome to attend, either in-person or online.
The conference will include presentations on a variety of topics related to Specialized Care, opportunities to share experiences and insights, and the announcement of some exciting updates for our Specialized Care workers.
Featured presenters include:

A panel featuring district presidents, including LCMS Missouri District President Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan and LCMS Northern Illinois District President Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss;

Rev. Dr. Jared Yogerst, director of spiritual care at Providence Place Senior Care in Minneapolis, Minn.;

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis;

Representatives from LCMS Disaster Response; and

Rev. Brian Heller, manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry, and Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Office of National Mission managing director, Human Care and Ministerial Support.

View conference agenda

In-person registration
The in-person portion of the conference, which will be held at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis, is limited to 110 participants. Registration, which is $50 per individual, includes dinner on May 6 and lunch on May 7. Attendees will also have access to view recorded sessions for 90 days after the conference ends.
The deadline for in-person registration is April 19.
Online registration
Online participation is unlimited. One online registration, which is $25, can be used by an individual, couple, family or group. Registration provides access to view recorded sessions for 90 days after the conference ends.
Registration will remain open throughout the event for online participation.
Discounts
Any professional church work student at a Concordia university or one of our seminaries may attend this conference for free.
Register online

LCMS Pastoral Colloquy - May 2024 meeting
2024-05-02 - 2024-05-03 | 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 2-3, 2024 in St. Louis.
The four-member committee is chaired by the LCMS first vice-president and includes representative from both LCMS seminaries and a member from the Council of Presidents, according to Synod bylaws.
The CCPM meets approximately five times throughout the year to examine applications, interview eligible candidates and manage the policies and practices of the colloquy process.

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – May 2-3, 2024
2024-05-02 - 2024-05-03
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on May 2-3, 2024, 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.

Midwest March for Life 2024
2024-05-01 | Missouri State Capitol, 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
The Midwest March for Life is May 1, 2024 in Jefferson City, Mo.
The Capitol South Lawn grounds open at 7:45am. Activities throughout the day include a Capitol prayer walk, exhibits, speakers, rally, and march.
The March will begin after the 9:15am Main Rally. General information and parking information can be found at https://midwestmarchforlife.com/

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Birthday
2024-04-26
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

2024 California March for Life in Sacramento
2024-04-22 | Sacremento, CA, CA, United States
Join us for the 2024 California March for Life in Sacramento on April 22, 2024. The rally begins at 12:00pm and the march at 1:00pm. More information to come.

Stewardship Philippians Conference - Milwaukee and online
2024-04-20 08:30 - 14:00 | LCMS South Wisconsin District Office, 8100 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53222, United States
The South Wisconsin District (SWD) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), in partnership with LCMS Stewardship Ministry, will host a hybrid Philippians Conference on April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Milwaukee.
The conference, which will be held at the SWD office and available to watch online, will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, SWD mission executive and LCMS National Mission stewardship specialist.
What is a Philippians Conference?
The workshop is based on St. Paul’s words in Philippians 1, where we see how the leadership of the congregation is working together in the realm of stewardship.
The Philippians Conference gathers pastors and lay leaders to spend a day together looking at the theology and practice of stewardship, grounding congregational stewardship on the solid foundation of Scripture and the Confessions. The conference will also help local congregations to assess, strengthen and even change their local stewardship culture.
Attendees will get a fresh perspective on stewardship and leave the event with one or two action items to put into practice immediately at their congregation.
Who should attend?
Pastors, elders, other elected leaders and other members of the congregation are all invited to attend.
How can I participate?
Local congregation groups are encouraged to join us in person at the SWD office in Milwaukee. In-person registration is limited to only 100 attendees.
Since in-person registration is limited, congregations are also invited to host an online “watch party.” This would mean that your pastor(s), congregational leaders and members would gather at your church to participate as a group via Zoom. There will be an online moderator to ensure the presenter addresses your questions.
How much does this cost?
There is no cost to participate in this event.
How do I register?
Both in-person and online seats are limited, so register today at swd.lcms.org/hybrid. If you intend to join us in person, please be ready to register your complete list of attendees. The registration form closes on April 15.
Other questions?
All questions may be directed to the Rev. Nathan Meador at meador@swd.lcms.org or call 414-464-8101.

Board for National Mission - April 2024 meeting
2024-04-18 - 2024-04-19
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 18, and on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.
Read more about the LCMS Board for National Mission.

2024 Illinois March for Life in Springfield
2024-04-17 | Springfield, IL, Springfield, IL
The 2024 Illinois March for Life will be on Wednesday, April 17, in Springfield. The rally begins at 11 a.m., and the march begins at noon. Check back for additional details about a worship service that day and the starting location of the march.

Created Male and Female: In His Image Conference - 2024
2024-04-15 12:30 - 2024-04-16 17:15 | LCMS International Center: St. Louis, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St Louis, MO, 63122, United States
The Created Male and Female: In His Image Conference, hosted by National Mission together with DOXOLOGY, will be held April 15–16, 2024, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis.
Conference topics will include:

Pastoral care for those who cohabitate;
Pastoral support for parents of children who identify as transgender;
The Christian worldview and sexuality;
Spiritual care for those suffering with LGBT-related temptations; and
Christian counsel for families of individuals with same-sex attraction.

The conference has three different tracks geared toward specific audiences.

Afternoon sessions on Monday, April 15 are geared towards clergy;
Evening sessions on Monday, April 15 are geared towards families and laity; and
All sessions on Tuesday, April 16 are geared towards educators and church workers.

Featured presenters include:

Rev. David C. Fleming, executive director for Spiritual Care, DOXOLOGY;
Dr. Beverly K. Yahnke, executive director for Christian Counsel, DOXOLOGY; and
Rev. Matthew Wurm, senior pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookings, S.D.

Registration
Space is limited for in-person attendees, so register soon to reserve your spot. Registration closes on April 1 or when capacity is reached. The registration fee, which includes lunch, is $25.
Register

2024 Colorado March for Life in Denver
2024-04-12 | Denver State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80203, United States
Join us in Denver for the Colorado March for Life 2024 on April 12 at the State Capitol. The rally begins at 11:00am and the march at 12:00pm. More details are to come.

Easter
2024-03-31
Easter — the Resurrection of Our Lord — will be celebrated on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
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.
Find a church near me

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 B
Scripture readings

Isaiah 25:6–9

1 Corinthians 15:1–11

Mark 16:1–8

Lectionary summary
The Risen Christ Has Swallowed Up Death Forever!
The entire fallen world is veiled in a funeral shroud “that is spread over all nations” and “cast over all peoples” (Is. 25:7). But the Lord of hosts, in the Person of the incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, has removed that terrible pall and swallowed up death forever. By submitting Himself to death, He burst it apart from the inside out. Now He wipes away all tears from our faces, and He invites us to “be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Is. 25:9). His body and His blood, crucified and risen, are given and poured out for us as a feast “of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined” (Is. 25:6). We enter that feast through Holy Baptism, whereby our old man is buried with Jesus Christ, and we are raised up in Him, “dressed in a white robe” of His perfect righteousness (Mark 16:5). What St. Paul and the other apostles received “by the grace of God” is also “delivered to you” by the preaching of Christ, “in which you stand, and by which you are being saved” (1 Cor. 15:1–11).

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
2024-03-29
Good Friday will be commemorated on Friday, March 29, 2024.
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 B
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
2024-03-28
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, will be commemorated on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
To attend a Maundy Thursday service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical colors for Holy (Maundy) Thursday
Scarlet will adorn the altar on Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday. It is a color worth investing in because it stands in contrast to the traditional red that is used on Festival Sundays. Scarlet’s use during the somber days of Holy Week help to offer a different message. As the Manual on the Liturgy points out, “scarlet is a color anciently associated with the passion … the color of blood” (p. 25).
Violet may also be used where Scarlet vestments are not present. In some places, White may also be used indicating that this is a high feast of Christ who instituted the Blessed Sacrament on this night.

Three-Year Series B
Scripture readings

Exodus 24:3–11 or Exodus 12:1–14

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

Mark 14:12–26 or John 13:1–17, 31b–35

Lectionary summary
Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Has Loved Us and Loves Us to the End
“The LORD’s Passover” (Ex. 12:11) and “the blood of the covenant” at Mount Sinai (Ex. 24:8) are preeminent types of the Lord’s Supper. The blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, now covers us, and we keep His Supper “as a feast to the LORD” (Ex. 12:13–14). In Him, we see “the God of Israel” (Ex. 24:10), and yet He does not lay His hand on us to punish us. As disciples of Jesus, we recline at the table with Him to eat and drink in peace (Mark 14:18). The apostles, who received the New Testament in His blood “on the night when he was betrayed,” delivered the same to His Church, which we also now receive in remembrance of Him (1 Cor. 11:23–26; Mark 14:22–25). So He has “loved his own who were in the world,” and He loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He thus feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34). For “we who are many are one body” because “we all partake of the one bread,” which is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:17).

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Exodus 12:1–14 or Exodus 24:3–11

1 Corinthians 11:23–32

John 13:1–15 (34–35)

Lectionary summary
Let Us Love One Another, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). By eating His body and drinking His blood, we proclaim to all the world that Jesus is, indeed, our Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1–14), who was sacrificed for us on Calvary. In Christ, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity. With such love, he “loved His own who were in the world,” and even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love, let us love one another, just as He has loved us (John 13:34).

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Annunciation of our Lord
2024-03-25
The Annunciation of our Lord will be observed on March 25. The Annunciation commemorates the visit of the angel Gabriel to the blessed Virgin Mary, announcing that the eternal Son of God would take up human flesh in her womb and, in accordance with Isaiah’s prophecy, be born of a virgin.
His message declared that God showed undeserved kindness to Mary and, by faith in His Word, Christ was conceived in her. In this way, she is a godly example of faith for us also — how a Christian hears the Words and promises of God and says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
The Annunciation is appointed for March 25, from which date Christmas came to be observed as the birth of Christ (nine months later). When the Annunciation falls in Passiontide, Holy Week or Easter, it is observed at another time.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical color for the Annunciation
White, the color of purity and completeness, adorns the altar to commemorate the Annunciation of Our Lord. In His light we see light, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy.
White is also the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it, which is observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color for Easter.

Three-Year Series and One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Isaiah 7:10–14

Hebrews 10:4–10

Luke 1:26–38

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

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Palm Sunday
2024-03-24
Palm Sunday, also known as the Sunday of the Passion, will be commemorated on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
To attend a Palm Sunday service, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches, service times, and contact information.
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
Find a 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 B Lectionary

John 12:12–19 (Procession)

Zechariah 9:9–12

Philippians 2:5–11

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

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

One-Year Series Lectionary

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

Zechariah 9:9–12

Philippians 2:5–11

Matthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–54

Lectionary summary
The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory
“Behold, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin’s curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).

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

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

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

Learn more and sign up

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

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

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

Register for the training

LCMS Youth Ministry

lcms.org/youth

youth.ministry@lcms.org

888-843-5267

facebook.com/LCMSyouth

facebook.com/lcmsgathering

twitter.com/LCMSyouth

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

Ash Wednesday
2024-02-14
Ash Wednesday, which will be commemorated on Feb. 14, is the beginning of Lent and, if Sundays are omitted, is 40 days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday begins the church’s annual season of penitence, traditionally marked by fasting, almsgiving and prayer. In the LCMS, congregations often offer additional services in the week where the Word is preached and the Sacrament offered.
As the name suggests, many congregations practice the ceremony of the imposition of ashes on this day. Ashes are a symbol of mortality and repentance, since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). When the pastor places them on the penitents, often in the shape of a cross, he speaks a sobering reminder: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19).
We ourselves will not overcome the temptations of Satan, our sinful flesh and death, but Christ our champion will. Throughout the coming season, we will watch as He endures and overcomes the devil with his works and ways, suffers willingly for our sakes, and redeems us by His blood and Passion. Faith trusts in Him and believes, even from the ash heap, that “a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
If you are homebound, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.
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Liturgical color for Ash Wednesday and Lent
On Ash Wednesday, the altar is adorned with violet or with black. The calendar calls for black only twice — Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There is no mistaking the message of this somber color: Black is the absence of light. Ash Wednesday calls for sober reflection on the outcome of sin, and Good Friday on the price of our redemption.
Without Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in, nor new life in Christ to enjoy. Yet we do not grieve as others do, without hope (1 Thess. 4:13).

Three-Year Series B
Scripture readings

Joel 2:12–19

2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

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

One-Year Series
Scripture readings

Joel 2:12–19

2 Peter 1:2–11

Matthew 6:1–21

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

LCMS Worship

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

Three-Year Series B Lectionary
Scripture readings for Transfiguration

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

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

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LCMS Board of Directors - February 2024 meeting
2024-02-08 - 2024-02-09
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Feb. 08-09, 2024, in St. Louis.
The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the LCMS, and it is the custodian of all the property of the Synod — directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of the Synod.
The BOD exercises supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod, except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of the Synod or where the voting members of the Synod, through the adoption of bylaws or by other convention action, have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities.
In such circumstances, the BOD retains general oversight responsibility as defined in Synod Bylaws.

Board for National Mission – February 2024 meeting
2024-02-01 08:00 - 17:00
The LCMS Board for National Mission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.
Read more about the LCMS Board for National Mission.

LCMS Board for International Mission meeting – Jan. 31, 2024
2024-01-31
The LCMS Board for International Mission is scheduled to meet on Jan. 31, 2024, via Zoom video conference call.
The Board for International Mission is charged with developing and determining policies in support of mission and ministry in foreign countries for the Office of International Mission.
