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What kind of church do you want for the next generation? I would challenge you to respond without referencing food, friends, buildings, or kinds of music. The foods will change. People come and go. If you own a house, you realize there are no eternal buildings. Although some parts of the old TLH hymnal are still used today, many of the musical settings are different. Even in the church, it is unsettling at times to know how much change occurs.
There is an old tagline among Lutherans, “A changeless Christ for a Changing World (Hebrews 13:8).” If Jesus does not change, the Church should focus on making sure that His gifts do not change. We cling to His promises: the Word of the Lord endures forever (I Peter 1:25), salvation is in Christ alone (John 14:6), He continues to give washing of new birth in baptism (Titus 3:5-8), and He renews us in forgiveness through His body and blood (Matthew 26:28). These truths are worth the steadfast fight to preach, teach, study, and pray.
We pray for the next generation. I pray without ceasing for my children to be kept in the true Christian faith since their baptisms (and all the people I have had the honor of baptizing). I realize that in this broken world there are no guarantees, which once again can be quite unsettling. Yet, we can assure that the next generation will have a Church where the Truth is proclaimed, faith renewed, and they receive a clear conscience in the full sufficiency of His cross and resurrection.
Study the Scriptures, encourage your pastor, pray for your leadership, and be diligent in hearing the Truth of Christ and Him crucified (I Corinthians 1:23).
Fight the good fight (I Timothy 6:12)
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SEMINARY CALLS AND VICARAGE REQUESTS
Congregations interested in 2025 Vicarages or Seminary Calls should submit documents to the District Office by February 15th. Contact Diana to begin the process.
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CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL REPORTING
It is time to submit your congregation’s end-of-year statistics and update your current list of lay leaders at the following website: lc.lcms.org.
The deadline for congregation statistics and lay leader updates is Feb. 28. You may also review your congregation’s profile and lay leader information anytime throughout the year to make sure your contact information, service times and other important data are current.
If you cannot remember the username and/or password you created previously for your congregation, follow the on-screen helps on the login page to recover your credentials.
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Registration for the MN North District Convention continues at the links below. Congregations should register their voting (pastoral and lay) delegates by February 10th. Congregations in vacancy should register a lay delegate only. Each delegate will need an email address for upcoming convention communications. Please be sure to BOTH register online AND complete the signed credential forms.
The CONVENTION WORKBOOK is now available for download at the convention website. Delegates should download and print the workbook. Three ring binders will be available to those who need them in the convention check-in area. Use the links below to assist with your convention preparation:
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Prayers Needed
Southern California Wildfires
As a result of a very significant Santa Ana wind event, several devastating wildfires have been burning in multiple areas in Southern California. Thousands of homes and other structures have burned, and unfortunately there have been fatalities and injuries.
Several of our PSD congregations and schools are in or near the fire areas, with some having to evacuate. As of this point, we are not aware of property damage to churches and schools but have been told some members and student families have lost their homes. We will provide more details to our district as we receive them. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters affected by these terrible fires.
HELP HERE >>
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Deaconess LeAnn Gregoire was installed at Trinity in Isle, MN on January 19, 2025. She is pictured here with Rev. Mark Maunula and Deaconess Amy Rast (Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne). | Rev. Donald Klatt was installed at Zion, Crosby and Immanuel, Iron Hub on January 12, 2025. Back row: Rev. Blake Rickbeil, Rev. Jeff Ross, Rev. Donald Klatt, Rev. William Traphagan, Rev. Greggory Coop, Rev. Caleb Worral, Rev. Dr. Karl Weber and Rev. Sam Janssen. Front Row: Rev. John Moe, Rev. Mark Johnson, Rev. Dr. Richard Hans, Rev. Les Uhrinak, Rev. Frank Milo and Rev. David Becker. | |
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Phil has a strong connection to the Lutheran church, having grown up in the denomination, attended Concordia University (River Forest) and even taught at a Lutheran school in Chicagoland. For the past 18 years, however, he's concentrated full-time on his ministry.
We invite churches and schools to join us in our mission of providing Christ-like support, hope, and love to cancer patients. We offer a variety of ways to do so, large and small:
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Host a Pack Event: These are fun and engaging events that can bring your community and congregation together, to assemble care packages with a variety of items that cancer patients can use.
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Color Cards of Hope: These can be downloaded directly from our website and colored by children in classrooms, Sunday School, or during VBS. Even adults love this fun and therapeutic pastime!
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Tie fleece blankets: These take a bit more time and are great for a rainy afternoon project at your church or school.
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Collect Care Package Items: This is a great opportunity for adults and children to bring items to church or school during Missions Week or as a special outreach project.
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Join our Prayer Team: We are always in need of prayer warriors who will lift the sick and suffering up to the Lord with petitions and supplications.
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Contribute monetarily: Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated goes to supporting cancer patients. Every penny makes an impact!
For more information about how you can get involved, please visit our website at philsfriends.org and visit their booth at the Convention.
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Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marias, MN, is excited to announce plans for a new building, with construction starting in spring 2025. The project aims to create a welcoming space for biblically based worship and fellowship while meeting the growing needs of the congregation.
The new building will feature a classic design measuring 48 feet by 42 feet, with a high vaulted ceiling in the sanctuary. The layout includes a welcoming narthex, fellowship space, a kitchen, and other
essential areas. Future expansion options have been built into the plan.
In alignment with our mission, “Alive in Christ, Bringing Life in Christ,” this building project reflects our commitment to sharing
God’s love and providing a space where faith and community can flourish. The church plans to fund the project through secured funds and community involvement. The construction process will invite
participation from the church and the broader community, fostering a sense of connection, stewardship, and teamwork.
“This new building is an exciting step for our church community,” said Pastor Watt of Life in Christ Lutheran Church. “It’s a space designed to bring life in Christ to all who enter, built with faith, teamwork, and a shared vision of God’s mission.”
To learn more or support the project, visit https://licgm.org/buildingplan.
Life in Christ Lutheran Church strives to reflect the love and grace of God, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in everything we do. We invite you to come and worship with us.
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Everyone Prepared! Everyone Saved! This is the motto, tagline, mantra, marching order – whatever you want to name it – for Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas. Powerful. Simple. Profound!
Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School Board of Directors is seeking qualified and highly motivated applicants for its next President/CEO. LEARN MORE>>
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Does your congregation have news to share? Send your photos and stories to our Lutheran Witness Editor, Rev. Travis Lauterbach at: the.lutheran.witness@mnnlcms.org | |
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm | Closed for Lunch Noon - 1:00pm | | | | |
