Encourage Newsletter
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan 

Collaboration Not By Necessity, But By Identity
Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides a great starting point for congregations to consider how they live and work together. A study of this epistle would help the congregation members to be reminded of the importance of how each part of the body is equipped, working properly and building one another up in love. My hope would be that pastors and congregations would return to the important themes of unity and togetherness in Ephesians as they look to the future.

But, such an emphasis on unity and collaboration should not be limited to one congregation. In this day of rising insurance costs and shrinking church memberships, it is a good time for multiple congregations to consider how they might live and work together. Imagine multiple congregations working together to provide teaching, support and fellowship opportunities for youth and young adults. Imagine a large congregation partnering with a smaller congregation to reach out to a growing community. The lessons of Ephesians can be applied to more than just how various church members and boards can work together, but also how congregations in a circuit can celebrate their confessional unity through collaboration in confirmation classes, older adult activities or engaging the unchurched in the community.

There is an increasing number of dual and multi-point parish agreements that are being developed across the Synod. Rather than seeing this as a financial necessity, it would be even better if we saw this as the fruit of our unity in the faith and flowing from the encouraging words of Ephesians. Our collaboration should not be viewed as a last act of desperation, but simply the recognition of our identity in Christ, as God’s baptized children, joined together in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The district staff is working with congregations and circuits to facilitate more collaboration between congregations. Please let me know if you would like to be involved in those conversations and efforts. So, I close with the hopeful words of Paul from Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Prayer – Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan 

Convention Update - Registration Now Due

The 2018 Missouri District Convention is fast approaching. Please make sure all pastoral and lay delegates are registered and have completed all necessary certification forms and lodging reservations as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. 

As a reminder, attendance is required for all rostered church workers. If you cannot attend for any reason, please complete the excused absence form in writing and return it to the District Office at events@mo.lcms.org. 

Below are important steps for both pastors and lay delegates to follow and complete to make sure they are properly registered for all aspects of the convention. Please complete all forms and return them according to the directions on each. Forms and webpages are linked below for your convenience.

Steps for pastors: 

• Convention registration
• Pastoral delegate form
• Link to lodging registration 

Steps for lay delegates: 

• Convention registration
• Lay delegate form
• Link to lodging registration 

Steps for advisory delegates: 

• Convention registration
• Link to lodging registration 

The convention workbook is now available online. Please download it and either print a hard copy or bring a digital version on your laptop or tablet. Click here to visit the convention page on our website.

For questions about the convention workbook, please contact Michelle Christ at 314-590-6200. 

If you need assistance with registration, please contact Sue Thompson at 314-590-6200. 

We look forward to seeing you at the convention. Please continue to pray for our district as we prepare for convention.