Encourage Newsletter
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan 

Perfect and True
“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30

The words of David were written after Yahweh had delivered him from his enemies, especially from the hand of King Saul. The Way of the Lord is perfect and the Word of the Lord shall be proved true. David’s words are not just words about God’s deliverance, however. Ultimately, his words are words about the promised Messiah, the One who would rescue and redeem all the New Israel from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus would identify Himself as the Way of the Lord. He is the path or road by which salvation is given to humankind. Unlike the desert wanderings of the Israelites, God’s way is direct and perfect and that way is Christ.

David continues by noting that the Word of the Lord proves true. As St. John begins His Gospel, we know that Jesus Christ is that Word made flesh. His perfect life, death and resurrection prove the prophecies of David and all the patriarchs and prophets to be true. From His incarnation as the child in Mary’s womb to His ascension to the Father’s right hand, Jesus is the truth and He proves all of God’s words to be true. As Dr. Adam Francisco noted in his convention essay, Christianity is different than all other religions because ultimately it is not a philosophy. Christianity is based on the certain fact that Jesus was born, died and rose again, and that proves the Word of the Lord is true.

What this means for you is that God is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him! We live in an uncertain world, in an uncertain age, yet we can trust that God’s way is perfect and His Word is true. What a comfort for Christians who fret over decisions and worry about the future. Your loving and gracious God will always be a source of refuge for His beloved children and we can trust in His wise guidance and His good and gracious will. May the Word of the Lord continue to grant you wisdom as you journey through this fallen world, and may you find the shelter and security on that journey in the God whose way is perfect and whose word is true!

Prayer – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan

Events and Information

Third Annual St. Louis Area Winkel
August 29

All pastors who attend St. Louis and St. Charles Winkels are invited to the St. Louis Area Winkel on Wednesday, August 29th at Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, Clayton, MO  63105.

Registration is online only: Click here to register. We will not be able to take registrations over the phone or by email.

There is no cost to attend the Winkel, but you must register online as space is limited. Lunch will be provided.  The deadline  to register is August 20 (or when space is filled). Last year’s gathering had a waiting list, so if you register and then need to cancel, please send an email to Sue.Thompson@mo.lcms.org. 

The Winkel provides a great opportunity for pastors from all over the city and across circuit boundaries to come together for the mutual consolation and conversation of the brethren.  

Tentative Schedule:

8:30     Refreshments (Chapel Plaza)

9:15      Welcome (Chapel Plaza)

9:30     Chapel – (Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus)

10:15     Text Study (Koburg Hall)

11:15      Confessions Study (Koburg Hall)

12:00    Lunch (Koburg Hall)

12:45     Announcements

1:00      Plenary Presentation (Koburg Hall)  “Engaging Millennials”  Rev. Mark  
              Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry 

1:45       Table Talk – (Koburg Hall)

2:30      Closing

Volunteers Needed for International Student Ministry

Don’t get rid of that bed in the guest room, and don’t throw away your old dishes … donate them! The International Student Ministry (ISM) is hosting a furniture giveaway for international students in the St. Louis area and will pick up your furniture or household items on August 17, the day before the furniture giveaway event.

If you have items to donate, you can:  

• Call Ann or leave a message at 636-273-6239 (St. Paul’s, Wildwood)
• Email Ann at:  annismstl@gmail.com

Show an international student the kindness and generosity of American Christians by donating furniture or other household items. As a volunteer driven ministry, the ISM has many ways for interested Christians to get involved with international students. To find out more about the ISM, visit their website at https://ismstl.org/.

Today's Business Now Available Online

All four issues of Today's Business from the 20th Convention are now available online. Click here to access them on our website.

Watch Some Convention Highlights on Facebook

A number of convention events were streamed live on Facebook including:

• Opening Worship
• Essays 1 & 2 by Dr. Adam Francisco
• President Hagan's acceptance speech
• Matins Memorial Service

To watch them, visit our Facebook  page and click on the video. You can also find photos and some election results on Facebook and on Twitter  using #MOLCMSConvention2018. 

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.