Reporter (St. Louis, MO)

Students from Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City, Mo., lead the Midwest March for Life near the Missouri State Capitol on April 30. (Trina Lieb) On April 30, the Midwest March for Life recognized Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City, Mo., as Missouri’s “Pro-Life School of the Year.” The award, which annually highlights school communities that have been active in advocating for life, was announced during the Midwest March for Life’s rally at the Missouri State Capitol.

Aaron Andreasen, son of LCMS missionaries Rev. Jordon and Alison Andreasen, reads a letter from a pen pal during a “Missionary Kids Connect” event in the LCMS Eurasia region in April. (LCMS/Alison Andreasen) Throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) four international regions, there are more than 110 children who have deployed with their parents serving in the international mission field.

The Phoenix Convention Center is the site for the 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS, to be held July 18–23. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford) The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is set for July 18–23 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Whether you are attending in person or following the proceedings at home, here is everything you need to know about keeping up with all convention-related news.

Rev. Steven Meltzer, Wadena, Minn., has been appointed circuit visitor for Wadena Circuit 5, replacing Rev. Blake Rickbeil. — Rev. Brady Finnern, president, Minnesota North District Heath J. Luehmann has resigned from the commissioned roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is, therefore, no longer able to receive a call. — Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, president, Missouri District Rev. David Ficken, Dublin, Calif., has been appointed circuit visitor for Mount Diablo Circuit 7, replacing Rev.

Brendan Hoffmann, Saint Peters, Mo., and Alicia Dirr, Indianapolis, have successfully completed the Lutheran teacher colloquy program for commissioned ministry and have been declared qualified for a first call. — Jared Stiek, director of Colloquy, Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.

Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.: assistant professor of nursing—medical/surgical; health and human performance faculty Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis.: graduate nursing For more information about positions, including complete job descriptions, qualifications and application process, visit lcms.org/cus-positions. Posted June 30, 2026

Note: Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase. Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Notices should be sent to notices@lcms.org. The deadline for the August issue is July 10. Communionware: chalice, glass cruets, credence table, individual communion cups. Contact revmcginley@protonmail.com or call 515-419-0865.

(LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford) By James Baneck Was there a time in your life when you begged and pleaded with God as though nothing else mattered — as though you had never prayed for anything more important? What dire need dropped you to your knees and led you to implore the almighty God to answer you? In the Greek translation of the New Testament, different words are used to mean “pray.” One is translated as a supplication, request or thanksgiving to God.

The Rev. Dave Keane (left), pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Vista, Calif., prays with Karen and Rich Sahag in the Sahag home on March 17. Keane is featured, along with other second-career church workers, in the Summer 2026 issue of Lutherans Engage the World. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford) There will always be a desire to have more workers in the church: more pastors to fill vacancies, more rostered teachers to serve in Lutheran schools, more missionaries to send around the world.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Board for International Mission (BIM) and Board for National Mission (BNM) met in St. Louis April 30–May 1 and May 7–8, respectively. Both boards will hold their next meeting Sept. 17–18 in St. Louis in conjunction with the installation of the LCMS president, vice-presidents, other officers and board and commission members elected at the 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS.