Pastor David Maier - Forward in Hope

SUNDAY! 6 pm - January 31 Christian Care Concert - Faith Lutheran Church, Troy, MI

"Touching Lives, Giving Hope" A Christian Care Concert will be held Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Faith Lutheran Church (37635 Dequindre) in Troy at 6:00 p.m.

This Christian Care Concert will feature:

• Billy D. Brooks Memorial Lutheran Choir
• Detroit Urban Lutheran School Choir
• Lutheran City Ministries Choir
• Lutheran High School North Concert Choir
• Arbor Song Concordia University Ann Arbor

The Manhattan Declaration

In December of 2009 I began receiving emails and calls seeking information regarding The Manhattan Declaration.  During the last month questions have increased not only from individual pastors but also from circuits asking whether they could sign the Declaration.

The authors of The Manhattan Declaration (Robert George - Professor, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University; Timothy George - Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; and Chuck Colson - Founder, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (Lansdowne, VA)) have labeled the Declaration ‘A Call of Christian Conscience’.   It seems to be born out of two recognitions:

"What To Look For When Choosing A Church" - by Dr. Bryan Salminen

The following article was written by good friend Dr. Bryan Salminen for the purpose of being published in the Cadillac News.  It was also given to all of the members of the church he shepherds, Emmanuel, Cadillac.  In this article Bryan tackles, what I believe he has correctly identified as, one of the most perplexing issues of the Christian life today:  "Which church should I attend?"  Although the worship service should be engaging, too often, it seems, many look to be "entertained." 

Bryan gives some sound, biblical, easily understandable, thoughts and advice on this subject.  I hope that this post encourages some spirited discussion.  Enjoy reading the post.

How is The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) DIFFERENT?

Over the last number of months I've received numerous requests from from friends (laity) and other laity within The Michigan District, to discuss or explain the similarities and differences between The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  The questions have arisen mostly, it seems, out of conversations between our LCMS members and their ELCA friends who are questioning the outcomes of their Synod's August, 2009, convention.

"Theses on Worship"

It was in September of 2009 that the Council of Presidents (COP) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod unanimously adopted "Theses on Worship".  (The Council Of Presidents is made up of all the District Presidents in the LCMS and the President and Vice Presidents of the LCMS.)

This document has been "in process" since the 2007 Synodical Convention and were written in order to foster God-pleasing harmony in the worship of the gracious, merciful, only God.

HIGHLIGHTED MINISTRY: FATHERHOOD PROGRAM ... St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northville, MI

Periodically, it will be a genuine pleasure and great joy for me to highlight ministry programs that are taking place in various congregations and organizations around the District.  It is my hope and prayer that as you become informed about what these churches and organizations are doing as ‘creative’ or ‘new for them’ ministry that you might gain encouragement, new ideas, creativity, and impetus for similar or other ministry activities within your church or area.

It was recently brought to my attention that St. Paul Lutheran Church in Northville (dynamic link - just click) has begun an “All-Pro Dad” program.  The December monthly meeting which took place on December 17, was a one hour program entitled “Launch Your Kids.”  They were indeed blessed by having as a guest speaker former astronaut Jim Bagian of Northville.