Encourage Newsletter
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan 

The Good Confession
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 
1 Timothy 6:12

There is much talk about the confession of the faith this time of year. Many of our congregations observe the Rite of Confirmation during the month of May. This Sunday, the Church also commemorates the Holy Trinity and the preservation of the confession of the triune God among us. It is good for us to rejoice as the saints of God continue to confess the faith of the Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian creeds. In a world of chaos and confusion that is focused more on dialogue than truth, it is vital that the Church preserves the faith once delivered to the saints. We do that as we teach the creeds to children and adults alike.

But we are to do more than just teach the creeds and confessions of the church. We are not just a confessional church, but also a confessing church. Confirmands are taught more than just the content of the Apostles’ Creed, but also to confess the content of the creed. We do so when we speak to someone grieving about the hope of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting or to someone confused about our world when we confess that God the Father is creator of all things. The creeds and confessions of the church are not intended to be tucked away in a museum, but guiding the daily witness and confession of individual Christians as they live as aliens in this foreign land.

When St. Paul writes to his young partner in ministry, he acknowledges the “good” confession of the faith that has been handed down, but he also rejoices in Timothy’s own personal confession of that faith. Parents, pastors and other catechists need to continue to teach the Church’s creeds to distinguish against the falsehoods so prevalent in our world. But we also must teach young and old alike to be bold confessors of that faith. We equip those we teach to bear witness to the triune God in our daily vocation, wherever the Lord leads us. Many of our worship services might take a couple minutes longer as congregations confess the Athanasian Creed this weekend and take time to explain what it is and why we confess it. But may we continue to teach that we are a confessional and confessing church as we bear witness to the truth of God’s Word each day!

Prayer – Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan 

Events and Information

A Message from President Hagan About the Proposed District Restructure

Click the image below for a video message from District President Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan about the proposed district restructure that will be discussed and voted on at the convention.

Congregation Members Are Invited to Attend the Opening Worship Service at Convention

All Missouri District congregation members are invited to attend the opening worship service of the LCMS Missouri District Convention on Sunday, June 10, at 7 pm. The worship service will include the celebration of Holy Communion.

The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, 2200 I-70 Dr. SW, Columbia, MO, 65203. Registration is not required to attend the worship service. If you will be near Columbia on June 10, we hope you will be able to attend and worship with us.

Food, Fun & Fellowship at Ballpark Village with CUNE
June 13

The Concordia University Nebraska (CUNE) Alumni group is hosting an alumni and friends event at Ballpark Village in St. Louis. Join President Brian & Dr. Laurie Friedrich for a fun night cheering on the Cardinals vs. the Padres. Enjoy fellowship with the Concordia family and hear what’s new at CUNE!
 
• Wednesday, June 13, 6 - 10 pm 
• Ballpark Village at the Budweiser Brewhouse 
• Game starts at 7:15 p.m.   
• $50 per ticket
• Register at cune.edu/brewhouse by June 1
 
Ticket purchase includes a great view of the game from the Brewhouse, drink tickets and an all-American buffet, featuring grilled chicken, hot dogs, burgers, sides and dessert. This event is open to everyone. We hope CUNE alumni, family and friends can join us.

MEET US IN ST. LOUIS!

Volunteers Needed for LEA Convocation 

The Missouri District is looking for volunteers to help out at the Lutheran Educators' Association (LEA) Convocation October 10-12 at the Americas Center in St. Louis.

Volunteers will be needed to welcome and direct participants, run errands and assist with registration and hospitality. This is the perfect opportunity for retirees, especially retired educators, so that current educators can attend events rather than serve in volunteer roles.

There are many opportunities available, so everyone is sure to find a fit for their skills, talents and desire. Whether you can be there for a few hours, half a day, or multiple days, we'd love to have your help.

If interested, please send an email with your name, phone number, email address and availability to Alan Freeman at alan.freeman@mo.lcms.org.