The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther published The 95 Theses, his response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the sale of indulgences. What's an indulgence, and what did Luther have to say about them in 1517? Find out here: https://thelc.ms/4dZ9khf

In this letter, Pres. Harrison reflects on a recent trip to visit a partner church in India and the upcoming U.S. elections, while reminding us to cling to Christ, who will never leave or forsake us, who gives us hope in the midst of a hopeless world. https://thelc.ms/3NJFke0

As Church Worker Appreciation Month draws to a close, it's a great time to remember that family culture can encourage the next generation to value church workers — and consider pursuing church work vocations themselves! https://thelc.ms/3zAg723

Even Martin Luther got it wrong when he tried to justify himself by his works. But Jesus got it right, and by His grace, so did Luther, and so do we. https://thelc.ms/3zl1nUH

How can the children of your church help appreciate your pastors and church workers? Here's an idea: Get out the crayons and let them draw a favorite memory of their pastor or other church worker! Find more ideas for appreciating church workers here: https://thelc.ms/40iZRxD.

Jane Wilke shares how Set Apart to Serve highlights the role the Concordia University System plays in church worker formation, as well as their efforts to reduce financial barriers preventing individuals from pursuing those vocations. Learn more at lcms.org/sas.

We invite you to memorize Ephesians 1:13 with us this week. Memorizing Scripture is a valuable practice for Christians, even in a digital age. Join us each week as we hide God's Word in our hearts. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eyrEps7. #memoryverse

Every day until October 31st, we'll be sharing some resources to help you dig deeper into why and how Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day. A great way to honor our historical heritage is by reading classic works of theology — just like Martin Luther did! https://thelc.ms/4d30ePt

+SERVICE OF THE WORD+ Reformation Day (Observed) Oct. 27, 2024 GOSPEL John 8:31–36 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” ALLELUIA AND VERSE Luke 12:32 Alleluia. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Alleluia. COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Reformation Day (Observed) Oct. 27, 2024 In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For thankful and steadfast hearts to receive God’s Word, that He would enable us to keep it and bring forth its good fruit in our lives, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For God’s goodness and tender care, especially on this Reformation festival, in thanksgiving for Christ, the revelation of His holy will, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For faithful hearts, that we would remain steadfast in the Word of God and never follow false gospels that lead us away from His truth; and for pastors who will preach with purity and joy that we are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For those who lead our land, that they would use power rightly for the preservation of order, the accomplishment of justice, the protection of life and the defense of the weak; and for wise, godly and faithful leaders who will follow the Lord’s commands and serve with integrity, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For all who face adversity of any kind, that our God would comfort them by His Holy Spirit, and that they would acknowledge their afflictions as the manifestation of His fatherly will, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. For all who commune, that in the worthy eating and drinking of the Sacrament they may have the certainty of forgiveness in Christ, who was set forth as the propitiation for our sins by His blood, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. Preserve Your Church, O Lord, and each of us as members of Christ’s Body, that we may not surrender the true Gospel for any reason, but be kept in this faith and fear throughout the days of our earthly pilgrimage, until that day when we and all Your people shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the reward You have prepared for us and all who have loved His appearing; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.