If you were o visit each of our CLC congregations across the country, you would note many differences. There are obvious differences in the size and architecture of church buildings. In some places you might worship in a converted garage with 20 other people; in another location there might be 200 worshipers in a brand…  Read More

under the theme: “Who Are We?” People Of God — Diverse, Yet United What if every one of us were just like everyone else? What if we were all cut from the same heavenly cookie cutter? We would look alike, dress alike, and think the same. At this point we might say, “Great! Everyone would…  Read More

(A final devotion by the chaplain of last summer’s CLC Convention at ILC, Eau Claire. The general theme asked the question: “Who Are We?”) When my family and I moved to Phoenix in the late ’80’s, we opened an account with a little bank on the street corner near our home. It was a nice…  Read More

“More power!” grunts Tim Allen on the set of Home Improvement. The sales person brags, “This new 4X4 has the highest horsepower in its class.” There’s no question that power impresses. But man’s power is puny compared to that of nature. A tornado can pick up a house as though it were a child’s toy.…  Read More

Have you been to the lake this summer? Did you pack up the car and visit the ocean or camp at the Grand Canyon? Did you travel to see far-flung friends or family, and spend time just sitting on the deck talking? It’s all part of the vacation experience that we look forward to at…  Read More

Coca-Cola has done it. The U. S. Postal Service has too. Virtually every organization alters its logo, reformulates its product or changes its name from time to time in order to present a positive, up-to-date public image. What about us? Has the time come to “get over” the Reformation, leave Luther to the pages of…  Read More

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? For many it just doesn’t seem like Christmas without at least a little snow. There is nothing quite like the calm and quiet which descends after a heavy snowfall. A fresh blanket of snow covers everything with dazzling white purity, and creates a sense of peace and well-being.…  Read More

A recent novel titled ‘A Skeleton in God’s Closet‘ revolves around the crucial question: “What if modern-day archeologists were to suddenly unearth the remains of Christ’s body?” In other words, what if Jesus had been crucified, dead, and buried, and that was the end? That prospect was the cause of the women’s sadness as they…  Read More

Installation In accord with our usage and order, Kevin McKenney, who was called by Peace Thru Christ congregation of Middleton, Wis. and Faith congregation of Cambridge, Wis. to be pastor was installed on May 16, 1999. –Pastor Michael Eichstadt Read More

Pacific Coast Pastoral Conference February 22-24, 2000 St. Stephen Lutheran Church Hayward, Calif. Agenda: 1. Encouragement for Discouraged Pastors -- Pastor Rollin A. Reim 2. May We Agree in Principle, but Disagree in Application? -- Pastor Bertram Naumann 3. How Can We Develop 'The Work of Evangelism' (2 Tim. 4:5)? -- Pastor Robert List 4.…  Read More

Each weekday at noon a local TV station poses a “sound-off” question. It might be “Should city crews use more salt on the streets?” or “Would you like to see flu shots mandated for all residents?” or “Could stricter gun laws curb violence?” Viewers are encouraged to “sound-off” by texting or emailing their comments, which…  Read More

I am a typical consumer. If a new grocery store opens down the street and advertises lower prices, I’ll abandon my old store without a second thought. After all, saving fifty cents a gallon on milk adds up. Airlines make a point of thanking passengers for choosing them because they know that consumers have choices and…  Read More

Have you ever re-gifted a present? In recent years the practice of re-gifting has been promoted as a way to deal with unwanted or unneeded gifts. After all, what are you going to do with two identical DVDs? What if you already own three Green Bay Packer caps? You could shove them into the depths…  Read More

“Pastor, I don’t know; I just don’t know,” the elderly congregation member told me as I sat down for a visit.  I had heard it before. This long-time believer had plenty of time to think in the nursing home, and he carried a great deal on his heart. He was concerned about children who had…  Read More

FROM the Sunday Church Bulletin of Messiah Lutheran Church, Hales Corners (Milwaukee), Wisconsin, January 26, 2014; CLC President Michael Eichstadt is pastor: The following is from Pastor Jyothi Benjamin in India describing the escalating persecution of Christians in the areas of their ministry: Still we have been facing some problem in various places of Andhra Pradesh.…  Read More

CLC President’s Report to the 31st Convention Dear saints in Christ and fellow workers in His kingdom: Does it matter? Does what we do here make any real, significant, positive, lasting difference? If it does, we have reason and incentive to get to work; if not, what’s the point? From a human perspective we have…  Read More

Dear fellow laborers in the Lord’s harvest field: “I’ve always encouraged my children to consider the public ministry for their life’s work, but now… I don’t know.” That was the very honest comment of a congregation member troubled by all the recent struggles and pressures that congregations and pastors in our fellowship have faced. How…  Read More

A REFORMATION MESSAGE FROM OUR CLC PRESIDENT The troops are withdrawing and coming home. The Wall Street Journal reports that the remaining US combat forces will leave Afghanistan sometime in 2016, after a bloody fifteen year conflict. Not many, however, are calling it a victory. The enemy has not surrendered. Battles continue to rage. Political…  Read More

No cell phone bars! There we were on the road somewhere in Missouri, completely out of touch with everyone! It doesn’t happen very often, does it? We expect to be able to reach out to almost anyone at any time via voice, text message, or e-mail. We count on these means to stay in touch…  Read More

Whether it is believed or not, truth remains truth. “What a game last night! You should have been there!” you breathlessly tell your coworker the next morning. “The lead changed every inning. Did you hear about the bases-loaded home run and the unbelievable catch by the center fielder in the ninth?” But finally, what your…  Read More