Posted 5/5/25

Our Next Executive Director

 

Lutherans For Life is delighted to announce that Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske has accepted the divine call to serve as the next Executive Director of Lutherans For Life! 

Dr. Fenske began his duties with LFL on May 1. On accepting the call, Dr. Fenske said, “I pray that God will strengthen and equip me to serve faithfully for the benefit of His Church.”

The Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske is a 2011 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since that time, he has served as the pastor of two dual parishes in the North Wisconsin District – LCMS, where he has been active in several different pro-life organizations. Dr. Fenske earned his Doctor of Ministry in 2019, again from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. He and his wife, Marie, have four daughters—Madison, Alexis, Hailee, and Marta—along with two grandsons, James and Rustyn.

Please pray for Dr. Fenske, his family, and the Lutherans For Life community that our Father would bless this time of transition, and our Savior would continue to abundantly provide for the needs of His people at Dr. Fenske’s present congregations.

The outgoing Executive Director of Lutherans For Life, Pastor Michael Salemink, will soon transition to a new vocation of service to the Church. The details will become public once final. Pastor Salemink said, “A delightful decade is drawing to an end. It makes me somewhat sentimental to reflect on what the time together with Lutherans For Life has taught me. No doubt I have learned far more than I have delivered and gained well beyond what I’ve given.” 

Pastor Salemink will be assisting with the transition to the new Executive Director through the end of May.

Posted 4/10/25

 

Hi Friend,

Your help is needed now. Governor Laura Kelly just vetoed three common-sense pro-life measures: 

  • House Bill 2062, which directs courts to consider child support from the moment of conception and extends tax exemptions to unborn children. 
  • A line item in the state budget that includes $3 million in funding for pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across Kansas.
  • Senate Sub for House Bill 2382, which requires schools to include scientifically accurate fetal development videos in science curriculum.

Lawmakers return to Topeka tomorrow where they can attempt to override her vetoes.

Please take a moment to send an email through our system to your elected officials. Ask them to override Governor Laura Kelly's actions.

We’ve done what we can to make it as easy as possible for you to contact them. Just click the button below to take action:

CONTACT MY ELECTED OFFICIALS

Thank you for continuing to do your part to stand for those who cannot speak for themselves! 

For life,

KFL Legislative Team

 

Kansas City

7808 Foster

Overland Park, 66204

913.642.5433

kfl@kfl.org

Wichita

7016 W. Harry Street

316.687.5433

kfl@kfl.org

Topeka

735 S.W. Jackson St.

Topeka, KS 66603

785.234.2998

kfl@kfl.org

View this email in your browser | 
 

This Month: Assignment and Call Services at CTSFW

Two of our most anticipated services at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), will be held at the end of April, as soon-to-be vicars, deaconess interns, and call candidates will find out where they’ll be serving in the coming year. We invite you to join us in person or via livestream for these special events. 
Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service
Monday, April 28, 7 p.m.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Candidate Placement Service
Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m. 
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, Chair of the CTSFW Board of Regents
You can watch the services via livestream on our Call Day webpage at ctsfw.edu/callday or on CTSFW’s Facebook or YouTube pages. After the services, you’ll be able to find video recordings, lists of calls and assignments, photos, and an interactive placement map. 

Learn more about Call Day Services

Posted 4/7/25

 

Two Pro-Life Bills Signed Into Law, Three Await Governor’s Decision

Lawmakers officially adjourned last week, marking the end of the regular legislative session. After a short break, they’ll return on Thursday, April 10, for the veto session. Before adjourning, the Legislature sent five pro-life bills to Governor Kelly’s desk. She now has the option to sign them into law, veto them, or allow them to become law without her signature.

On Friday, April 4, two of those bills -- House Bill 2307 and House Bill 2359 -- were signed into law.

House Bill 2307 increases support for women and families facing medically challenging pregnancies and prenatal diagnoses. Read more here.

House Bill 2359 updates Kansas' guardianship law to prevent denying nutrition or medical care to individuals with disabilities. 

The remaining bills on her desk include: 

  • House Bill 2062: Directs courts to consider child support payments from the moment of conception; extends tax exemption to unborn children.
  • Senate Sub for House Bill 2382: Requires schools to include scientifically accurate fetal development videos in their science curriculum.
  • State Budget | Includes $3M for pregnancy centers and maternity homes in Kansas.

We're prepared to work on any veto overrides if needed. Stay tuned for updates and potential action alerts as we head into the final stretch of session!

 

The Duffys' "Once in a Lifetime Opportunity"

Last week, Rachel Campos-Duffy and her daughter, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, took the stage at the second of two packed KFL banquets, where more than 1,500 Kansans came together between both events.

Now, a new episode of On the Right Side of History with Kansans for Life is out -- featuring an exclusive conversation with Rachel and Evita recorded just before their appearance at the Overland Park banquet.

The mother-daughter duo offers a behind-the-scenes look into family life with Sean Duffy as President Trump's Secretary of Transportation, how the nine Duffy kids are adjusting, their insights on the sweeping cultural changes shaping our world -- and how the pro-life movement can seize the moment.

Whether you attended the banquets or not, you won't want to miss your chance to get this inside scoop!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN >> KFL'S LATEST PODCAST EPISODE
 

Help Us Hit the Road for Life

We’re getting ready to hit the road this fall for a new educational campaign, bringing our pro-life message to communities across Kansas. As we make plans this summer, we’re in search of a mechanically sound cargo van or 12-passenger van (or larger)to help transport our team and materials statewide.

If you or someone you know may be willing to donate a vehicle or connect us with someone who can, we’d be incredibly grateful. To learn more or share a lead, please contact kfl@kfl.org -- thank you!

 

Coming to Kansas: National Right to Life Convention!

This is your moment to connect with others for real impact. Join KFL this summer as we co-host the National Right to Life ConferenceJune 20-21, at the Marriott Kansas City-Overland Park!

Over two action-packed days, we’ll tackle critical issues facing the pro-life movement --medical, cultural, political, legislative, and grassroots. Hear from national leaders, advocates from across the country, and those shaping the conversation in courts, classrooms, and communities.

Your voice matters. Your perspective matters. Every voice matters. So, grab your friends or family and make plans for this short summer road trip that will be the best investment you can make in yourself and the most important cause of our time.

More details are being added daily to NRLconvention.com -- but you can secure your spot today before it sells out!

SECURE YOUR SPOT >>> NRLC CONFERENCE
 

Make a Difference: Launch a Baby Bottle Project for Your Group!

Want to bring the Baby Bottle Project to your group? Here's what to know:

The project runs from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. Each participating household receives a baby bottle on or before Mother’s Day, along with suggested prayers for life. Participants pray at home and place spare change, bills or checks inside the baby bottle.

On or after Father’s Day, they return baby bottles to the church or group. Proceeds support pro-life educational efforts of Kansans for Life and selected pregnancy resource centers in our state.

To launch the project in your church or group, please complete the form below or email JoAn@kfl.org to let us know you would like to request baby bottles for your members or will reuse ones from a previous year.

YES! I WANT TO COORDINATE A BABY BOTTLE PROJECT FOR MY GROUP
 

In the News

Trump administration ‘temporarily’ withholds Title X funds from Planned Parenthood affiliates

"Nine Planned Parenthood affiliates said they received notice last week that Title X funding is being temporarily withheld from them. They have been given 10 days to show a willingness to comply with the Trump administration’s executive orders, and will then be informed as to whether the family planning funding will be permanently stripped or reinstated."

 

National Right to Life News - April Edition

Our friends at National Right to Life have issued their April Newsletter -- click here to access.

Please consider going for an hour of prayer outside one of Kansas' six abortion facilities: 

 

Trust Women Abortion Clinic, 5107 E. Kellogg Drive, Wichita

Planned Parenthood, 2226 E. Central Ave., Wichita

Planned Parenthood, 4401 W 109th St., #100, Overland Park

Center for Women's Health, 4840 College Blvd, Overland Park

Planned Parenthood, 6013 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City

Planned Parenthood, 2312 S Tucker Terrace, Pittsburg

DONATE TO KFL

Kansas City

7808 Foster

Overland Park, 66204

913.642.5433

kfl@kfl.org

Wichita

7016 W. Harry St.

Wichita, KS 67209

316.687.5433

kfl@kfl.org

Topeka

735 S.W. Jackson St.

Topeka, KS 66603

785.234.2998

kfl@kfl.org

ADF


 

Dear Fellow American,

Biological men competing in women’s sports—how can this continue to happen? 

In recent years, schools at every level have blurred the line in women’s sports competitions—a concern for every athlete, parent, and supporter of women’s rights. 

Recently, Brooke Slusser, a volleyball player at San Jose State University (SJSU), found herself living with a male teammate who is competing as a woman. Brooke’s head coach and school administration dismissed her concerns about privacy and safety, and she was told to keep quiet.

Every day, female athletes face situations where men identifying as women compete alongside them. This raises serious questions of fairness, privacy, and safety we can no longer overlook.

This issue isn't isolated. It’s worsened by the Biden-Harris administration’s changes to Title IX which seek to redefine "sex" to include "gender identity." Even with a new administration waiting to take office, state and local authorities are still pushing gender ideology, and some federal judges will continue to allow it. 

This will eliminate fair competition and privacy protections for women in sports.

But there’s hope—you can make a difference. By signing our petition, you tell the NCAA to stop letting men play in women’s sports and protect fairness and safety for female athletes across the country.

While thousands have already stood up, it takes a groundswell of people to drive significant change. That’s where you come in. Add your name today and help us hold the NCAA accountable.

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we stand with women and girls across the United States to protect women’s sports, private spaces, and basic fairness.

Together, we will ensure women are respected and safe in their sporting pursuits.

Sign the petition to protect women in sports now by using this link: https://adflegal.org/support/women-in-sports-petition/

Thank you for making a stand for truth and fairness.

Warm regards,

Your Friends at Alliance Defending Freedom

 

ADF


 

Alliance Defending Freedom  15100 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

 
 

Liberty Ldger P.O. Box 455 Leesburg, VA 20178 

If you no longer wish to receive sponsored promotional emails from us click here to unsubscribe. 

 

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Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As many of you know, there is a great need in the eastern regions of the United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Countless people, including LCMS members and congregations, are grieving the loss of their businesses, homes, and even their loved ones. Yet equally swift have been the many congregations, organizations, church members, and volunteers from around the Synod who have contributed their time, resources, finances, and prayers to aid those affected by the hurricane. I thank and praise God for the willing hearts and servant leadership of all involved!

As the long, difficult process of healing begins, I encourage Kansas District congregations and schools to prayerfully consider taking up a special offering during the month of October, to support our brothers and sisters in the LCMS districts affected by Hurricane Helene.

Provided below are links for the three districts receiving contributions:

• LCMS Mid-South District: https://mid-southlcms.org/

• LCMS Southeastern District: https://se.lcms.org/

• LCMS Florida-Georgia District: https://flgadistrict.org/

Funds received will be distributed by these districts for survivor support and some volunteer support. This will be a long-term ongoing recovery.

Other ways congregations and schools can help are by putting together hygiene kits for those districts affected. For a list of items needed for hygiene kits contact Donna Williams, the Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator, by emailing ksddrc@gmail.com

Let us join in prayer together as we “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

In the service of Christ,

Rev. Justin Panzer

Kansas District President

Posted 7/26/24

Hello McPherson College Friends, Family, Alumni and Supporters,

McPherson College is anticipating the arrival of one of its biggest international student classes ever! On average we bring in approximately 16 international students per academic year and this semester we are bringing in 30+ student from countries like Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy,  Nigeriaand the Netherlands just to name a few. We have noticed that on average, our international students arrive in Kansas at later times in the day to where they are not able to get the things they need and probably could not carry with them. In an effort to welcome them, help them have a smooth transition and set them up for success, McPherson College has been providing our international students with some basic necessities upon arrival which include but not limited to; bedding, personal hygiene items, basic school supplies and non-perishable food items (to last them until the dining hall opens).

Due to the size of this incoming class, we are requesting assistance providing these items from our Bulldog and McPherson Community. Our goal is to collect as many items as we can to by August 2nd 2024 as our international students start coming in around August 4th for their international orientation starting the 6th. We have compiled a list of the items needed and have made an Amazon wish list accessible here. The items we’re requesting do not have to be purchased on Amazon, nor do they need to be the exact items on the list, as the list is meant as a guide. Should you be able to donate any of these items, we would appreciate if the items were new as opposed to second hand or gently used. 

If you can donate any of these items, they can be dropped off at the Royer Center located in Miller Library at McPherson College – 1600 E Euclid St- Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00. If you do order off Amazon, you can have it sent directly to the school via the same address listed previously with ATTN: Student Affairs.

Thank you for all you do for McPherson College and our students, Go bulldogs!

 

Sarah Wood, B.S.

Director of Student Life

Student Activities Board Advisor

International Student Association Advisor

 

McPherson College  |  www.mcpherson.edu

(620) 242-0504 office

(620) 504-4807 on-call

woods@mcpherson.edu

Schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/woods-mc

7/2/24

Article form Alliance Defending Freedom:

Redefining "Sex" in Federal Law Harms Women and Children

5/18/24

Kansans for LIfe Mini-News - article link

5/18/24

Dr. Bruss called as seventeeth president of CTSFW:  article link

Posted 5/1/24

LCMS - The Lutheran World Federation - Paper - for study and evaluation.

Posted 4/28/24

Important Call to Action Document from Kansans for Life - Contact Elected Officials ASAP

Action Alert Document Link

Posted 4/28/24

Kansas For Life Mini- News - April 27th, 2024

Posted 4/5/24

We are excited to share a recent legal victory that impacts churches, ministries, and nonprofits nationwide.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a nonprofit's tax-exempt status is NOT the same as receiving government funding. This decision protects charities and nonprofits from being subjected to burdensome regulations and lawsuits that might threaten their tax-exempt status.

Alliance Defending Freedom advocated for this outcome by filing an amicus brief as part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard the freedoms of churches and ministries.

We encourage you to read the Fourth Circuit's opinion for a deeper understanding of this ruling.

Read the Opinion: https://adfmedialegalfiles.blob.core.windows.net/.../Conc...

Your membership is crucial in our continued effort to protect the rights of churches and ministries to operate, teach, and serve in accordance with God’s calling.

Blessings,

The ADF Church & Ministry Alliance

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