LCMS Calendar

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

2026 Pennsylvania March for Life
2026-09-21 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17101, United States
The Rally will begin at 11 a.m., with the March to follow at 12 p.m. Register now to witness to the sanctity of life.
Register Now

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

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 — Dominican Republic
2026-09-04 00:00 - 2026-09-06 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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

National Mission webinar
2026-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
The Lord is not far from us — He is at work right where we are, in our congregations, schools and communities.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will host a webinar at 2 p.m. Central time on Friday, Aug. 28, that will offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the work of the LCMS across North America as together we bring the love of Christ to those in our neighborhoods and communities.

We are so excited to share with you all about how our church is engaging in God’s mission here through church planting, family and discipleship ministry, disaster response and more.

Can’t make it live? Register for the webinar, and you’ll receive a recording of the event to watch later at your convenience.

Presenters:

Rev. Dan Galchutt, chief mission officer and interim executive director of the Office of National Mission

Bri Gerzevske, director of Managed Contributor Care, LCMS Mission Advancement

Register

FORO — South Africa
2026-08-10 00:00 - 2026-08-13 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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

'All Nations Sing' workshop — Los Angeles area
2026-07-27 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, 902 S. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA, 92701, United States
LCMS All Nations Ministry is hosting an “All Nations Sing” workshop on Monday, July 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Santa Ana, Calif.

With an emphasis on music sung in English and Spanish, this event is a pre‑convention workshop of the VIII National Hispanic Convention LCMS. It is also being offered in celebration of 100 years of Hispanic Ministry in the United States in 2026.

The free 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. When presented as a pre‑conference event, All Nations Sing allows select musicians identified by the conference to rehearse and prepare repertoire in advance, enhancing both the workshop itself and the conference that follows.

Schedule

Discover from 1 to 3 p.m. — Hear introductions to other attendees and to a variety of Spanish “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 to 5 p.m. — Attend small and large group rehearsals for those who are helping lead music during the Tuesday evening Hispanic Convention Opening Communion Service and 100th Anniversary Commemoration. Not one of those performers? Use this time to listen, sing along, ask questions and share ideas.

Register

Lutheran Braille Workers lunch-and-learn — 'Dining in the Dark'
2026-07-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
During the 2026 LCMS Convention, Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW) will host a free lunch-and-learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at the Phoenix Convention Center on the second floor in room West 211AB.

What would it be like to share a meal without sight? Join Lutheran Braille Workers for this unique experience that offers a glimpse into the daily realities of visual impairment while enjoying a complimentary box lunch.

During the luncheon, attendees will also learn about LBW’s “Songs of Faith, Stories of Light” initiative, a five-year project that shares the faith stories of people who are blind or visually impaired through original music and storytelling.

Come curious, leave inspired. Online registration is open.

Register

Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty lunch-and-learn — 'Church in the Public Square'
2026-07-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
During the 2026 LCMS Convention, the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty (LCRL) will host a complimentary luncheon at noon on Tuesday, July 21, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Room North 232 AB.

LCRL’s Dr. Gregory Seltz and Rev. Mark Frith will be joined by Focus on the Family’s Timothy Goeglein as they share the work of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, speaking to the challenge of being a “Church in the Public Square” for the sake of the Culture and the Mission of the Church.

The conversation will include issues concerning religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and educational freedom while positing the wonderful, present opportunities for the Church’s moral and Gospel voice to be useful in God’s hands for the sake of His preserving and saving work.

Attendees will also hear about the LCRL’s “Champions for Liberty” Network of Churches and receive Goeglein’s latest book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family.

The luncheon will be limited to 50 people. Scan the QR code to register online or visit the LCRL convention booth in the Exhibit Hall.

Register

Alliance Defending Freedom lunch-and-learn — 'Your Ministry in the Public Square: Understanding Your Rights and Limitations'
2026-07-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
During the 2026 LCMS Convention, Alliance Defending Freedom will host a free lunch-and-learn titled “Your Ministry in the Public Square: Understanding Your Rights and Limitations” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Room North 232 AB.

Many churches and schools want to engage on issues that affect public life but are unclear on their legal rights and limitations.

Join Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kevin Theriot for a free luncheon to get the clarity you need to confidently lead your ministry. Key questions we will explore include:

What legal limitations and restrictions are placed on churches, principals, and pastors when engaging in today’s issues?

How do Christians engage in the public square while maintaining their primary identity in Christ?

How can leaders guide their congregations and schools to engage in culture not as partisans but as ambassadors for Christ?

The event is open to church leaders and heads of school. If space is available closer to the event, we’ll reach out about the opportunity to bring additional staff or family members.

Space is limited to 50 guests, so register today to reserve your spot.

Register

About the presenter

Kevin Theriot serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is a key member of the Center for Life Team working to defend pro-life speech and protect medical rights of conscience.

Since joining Alliance Defending Freedom in 2003, Theriot has been successful as lead counsel or co-counsel in numerous cases protecting the unborn and preserving the freedoms of speech and religion.

In NIFLA v. Becerra he was part of the Supreme Court team that protected California pregnancy centers from being forced to refer for abortion. In Women’s Health Link v. City of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Theriot defended the freedom of a pro-life pregnancy center to access an advertising forum in city buses. He was also one of several ADF attorneys who assisted Mississippi’s legal team with defending Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization at the Supreme Court, the victory that reversed Roe v. Wade.

In Kelvin Cochran v. City of Atlanta, he defended Chief Cochran’s free speech rights from government censorship, receiving a settlement of $1.2 million dollars. Theriot also co-authored the 2017 law review article, Free to Do No Harm: Conscience Protections for Healthcare Professionals.

Theriot earned his J.D. in 1991 from Vanderbilt University Law School. He is admitted to the bar in Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona. He is also a member of the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous federal district and appellate courts.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund lunch-and-learn — 'Strengthening and Sustaining Small(ish) Churches: The Basics and Beyond'
2026-07-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Lutheran Church Extension Fund will host a free lunch-and-learn titled “Strengthening and Sustaining Small(ish) Churches: The Basics and Beyond” at noon on Monday, July 20, at the Phoenix Convention Center during the 2026 LCMS Convention.

Join Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Senior Vice President-Ministry Solutions of LCEF, and learn the eight key traits of a self-sustaining congregation in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. From pastoral care to lay leadership, from ministry plans to facilities and finances, it’s all part of impactful Gospel proclamation inside the walls of the church and beyond into the community.

The thought-provoking gathering is for both pastoral and lay leaders with a desire to faithfully proclaim, “Christ is risen, indeed!” in this generation. A free guide will be presented to each attendee.

This luncheon will be limited to 200 attendees. Register online for a time of learning, food and fellowship.

Register

Concordia Plan Services lunch-and-learns
2026-07-19 00:00 - 2026-07-21 23:59 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Concordia Plan Services will host six lunch-and-learns from Sunday, July 19, to Tuesday, July 21, during the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.

To register for a free luncheon, visit the Concordia Plans exhibitor booth at the convention beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18. View Exhibit Hall days and hours of operation.

Schedule

Sunday, July 19 — 12:15 p.m.

“Concordia Risk Solutions: A New Ministry Insurance Option”

Room — W211 AB

Presenter — Kevin Herweck, Concordia Plan Services Chief Executive Officer

Overview — Traditional insurers rarely understand the unique needs of ministries — that’s why Concordia Plan Services created Concordia Risk Solutions, an insurance program designed around the values, operations, and real-world risks ministries face every day. This session will introduce this exciting new offering, including coverage for property, general liability, automobile, workers’ comp, and more. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how this purpose-driven, values-aligned program can safeguard your people, property, and mission — so you can stay focused on spreading the Word of God.

Sunday, July 19 — 12:15 p.m.

“Fitness for All Ages”

Room — W213 AB

Presenter — Paul Endorf, Concordia Plan Services Financial Educator

Overview — Financial wellness is an important component of our overall wellness. This session will provide a toolkit of actions you can take to improve or maintain your financial well-being, such as using credit wisely, saving and investing for the future, and utilizing fintech. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to be a good steward of the financial resources God has entrusted to you.

Monday, July 20 — 12:15 p.m.

“Fostering a Culture of Wellness: Helping Ministries and Workers Thrive”

Room — W211 AB

Presenter — Kelly Menke, Concordia Plan Services Health and Wellness Educator

Overview — What does a true culture of wellness look like — and why does it matter? Research shows that when health is valued, stress goes down, satisfaction and productivity go up, and organizations thrive. In this session, you’ll discover practical actions and resources to help build a supportive wellness culture in your ministry, no matter your role.

Monday, July 20 — 12:15 p.m.

“Building Your Retirement Paycheck with Concordia Plans”

Room — W213 AB

Presenter — Keith Duesenberg, Concordia Plan Services Financial Educator

Overview — A secure retirement doesn’t happen by accident — it takes intention and planning. This session will walk you through the Concordia Retirement Plan pension, explore the possible sources of your future retirement “paycheck,” and remind us why personal savings still play a vital role in our financial future. You’ll leave better equipped to be a faithful steward of the resources God has provided, so you can enjoy the retirement He has in store for you.

Tuesday, July 21 — 12:15 p.m.

“Anticipating the Future: Planning for Aging Parents”

Room — W211 AB

Presenter — Kelly Menke, Concordia Plan Services Health and Wellness Educator

Overview — It is no surprise to us that our parents are getting older. But are you equipped for all that comes with it? This session will equip future caregivers with essential knowledge to navigate the challenges of caring for aging parents. From discussing parental wishes and understanding caregiver roles to ensuring safety and health and addressing legal and financial considerations, attendees will be well-prepared to provide compassionate and effective care.

Tuesday, July 21 — 12:15 p.m.

“Work and Personal Life: Finding Harmony”

Room — W213 AB

Presenter — EverNorth Health Services

Overview — You’ve got a family you love, amazing friends, and a demanding job — and they all want part of your life. But it feels like giving to one means taking from another. In this seminar, we’ll discuss strategies that can help you fit the pieces together. Explore what work/life harmony means to you. And start a plan to achieve it.

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

Concordia Plan Services 1-on-1 financial educator meetings
2026-07-18 00:00 - 2026-07-21 23:59 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center: Phoenix, Ariz., 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Church workers and other individuals enrolled in Concordia Plan Services are invited to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with a financial educator Saturday, July 18, to Tuesday, July 21, during the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.

During each 30-minute meeting, members can review CRP pension benefits, discuss retirement planning, explore strategies for building personal savings through the CRSP 403(b), or ask questions about any personal finance topic.

The Concordia Plans Financial Education Team will be offering meetings at its exhibitor booth (#100) on the following days and times:

Saturday, July 18 — 10 a.m.-7 p.m

Sunday, July 19 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Monday, July 20 — 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sign up for an appointment or visit the Concordia Plans convention booth beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, to reserve a meeting time. Walk-up appointments are welcome, based on availability.

Reserve appointment

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

2026 Iowa March for Life
2026-06-20 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Trinity Lutheran Church, Des Moines, Iowa, 3223 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, 50311, United States
The Iowa March for Life will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Moines will host a Matins prayer service at 9 a.m., followed by a speaker and then lunch at 11 a.m. The Rally and March will begin at 12 p.m. at the state capitol. Register now to witness to the sanctity of life.

Register Now

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

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

LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee Listening Sessions — West-Southwest Region
2026-06-13 00:00 - 2026-06-15 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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

LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference - 2026
2026-06-04 00:00 - 2026-06-05 23:59 (America/Chicago)
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

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).

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Pentecost
2026-05-24 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

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 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.

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

LCMS Board of Directors - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-14 00:00 - 2026-05-16 23:59 (America/Chicago)
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on May. 14-16, 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.

Board for National Mission - May 2026 meeting
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

'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

Church Worker Appreciation – Teacher
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-08
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

June 26 — Director of Christian Education Appreciation

During the week of May 4–8, we continue our year of church worker appreciation by thanking God for school teachers, 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

FORO — Peru
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03
LCMS International Mission will host a FORO about mission work in Peru on May 1-3, 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
