Posted 3/15/25

KFL Celebrates Successful Overland Park Banquet! Next up -- Wichita! Get Your Tickets Today Our Overland Park banquet with pro-life mother-daughter duo Rachel & Evita Duffy was a huge success! We had a great evening celebrating the beauty and dignity of every human life with so many passionate supporters. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our incredible volunteers who made it all happen. More photos will be posted soon on our website. Stay tuned! Wichita, you're up next! Join us, along with Rachel and Evita Duffy, at our 2025 banquet on Tuesday, March 25th. Get your tickets now at kfl.org! MARCH 25 | WICHITA For special requests on seating or dietary restrictions, please contact us at kfl@kfl.org. We look forward to seeing you there! Pro-Life Legislative Update: What You Need to Know We're moving quickly this legislative session, but every day, we're still in Topeka advocating for pro-life values. Here's a quick update on where things stand: House Bill 2062 - Child Support from Conception House Bill 2062 ensures that courts consider medical and pregnancy-related expenses from the moment of conception when determining child support payments. It passed in the House 85-34. On Wednesday, the Senate approved the bill with a 30-9 vote but added an amendment allowing parents to claim a tax exemption for an unborn child. The bill as amended was sent back to the House for further action. House Bill 2307 - Prenatal & Postnatal Diagnoses Act House Bill 2307 strengthens support for women and families facing medically challenging pregnancies, prenatal and postnatal diagnoses. In 2013, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) was authorized to create a program to provide information to these families but took no action. This bill transfers responsibility to implement the program to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD), ensuring families truly receive the resources and support they need. It passed the House unanimously, 122-0 -- a strong bipartisan win for life! The bill was passed favorably out of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee earlier this week and now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. Senate Bill 275 - Fetal Development Video in Classrooms Senate Bill 275 requires Kansas public schools to include a visual presentation about human fetal development in any class that teaches human growth, human development, or human sexuality. The bill was heard in the Senate Education Committee on Thursday. Watch the hearing below! WATCH: HEARING ON SENATE BILL 275 House Bill 2359 House Bill 2359 updates the laws around adult guardianship, conservatorship, and protective proceedings in Kansas.  This bill is a major step forward in a decades long battle and includes provisions that protect those with disabilities from being deprived nutrition, hydration, and medical care. The pro-life movement proudly stands with the disability rights community in support of this measure. The Kansas House passed House Bill 2359 by a vote total of 89-34 and the Senate Judiciary Committee has passed the bill out favorably. It now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.  Stay updated throughout legislative session: we’ll be sharing links to live streams and updates on social media. Follow us at @KansansForLife on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram to stay up to date! Apply for the KFL Community Impact Scholarship We're excited to announce the Kansans for Life Community Impact Scholarship, offering $2,000 awards to five students engaged in pro-life advocacy. If you know a high school senior or college student who qualifies, please share this opportunity with them! Who Qualifies? Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students in Fall 2025, attending a Kansas university or have a permanent address in Kansas. Students will complete and document pro-life volunteer activities using photos, videos, and summaries. How to Apply: Complete this online form. Applicant will receive an email with full instructions and a unique link to personal portfolio folder. Applicant will upload documentation of his or her pro-life advocacy and volunteer activities by 11:59 pm CST May 1, 2025. Selection committee will review applicants' submissions. Winners will be announced by July 1, 2025, and each will receive $2,000 to use for educational expenses. Encourage a student you know to apply and make a difference in the pro-life movement! Find the application link and full details here: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LINK & FULL DETAILS Upcoming KFL Events Wichita KFL Banquet | Tuesday, March 25th National Right to Life Conference in Overland Park | Thursday, June 19th through Sunday, June 22nd Other Pro-Life Events International Day of the Unborn Child | Saturday, March 29th You're invited! On Saturday, March 29, from 9:00–10:00 AM, the Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic and others will gather outside Planned Parenthood (6013 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS 66104) for the International Day of the Unborn Child. Archbishop Naumann will lead a time of prayer in remembrance of the unborn. This peaceful event aims to raise awareness and stand for the dignity of life. In the News Department of the Navy confirms it will no longer fund abortion-related leave or travel The Department of the Navy announced last week that it is no longer offering paid leave or travel reimbursements for service members to get an abortion. The new Navy policy states that "taxpayer dollars will not be used to fund, promote, or reimburse Service Members of dependents for elective abortion-related travel expenses." 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

Posted 2/4/25

Mini-News: Kansas March for Life Edition (Photos Included) On Wednesday, thousands of pro-life Kansans joined us for the Annual Kansas March & Rally for Life – the largest crowd we have seen for this event! The march kicked off at noon at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, where participants walked together to the steps of the Kansas State Capitol. The crowd was diverse and filled with many young pro-lifers. The rally highlighted the pro-life legislative success of the past two years and acknowledged the work ahead for the movement.  "For two years in a row, the pro-life movement stood strong against the most pro-abortion governor in Kansas history and have overridden her vetoes a historic SEVEN times. Despite these heartbreaking number of abortions occurring in Kansas, women are being helped, and babies are being saved everyday" said Mackenzie Ayers, KFL Deputy Director of Communications and event emcee. Jeanne Gawdun, KFL Director of Government Relations, provided an overview of KFL’s 2025 legislative priorities, which include expanding funding and access to Kansas’ Pregnancy Compassion Awareness program and empowering women to seek justice for abortion injuries, among other items. Attendees had the chance to send an action alert to their legislators, urging support for the 2025 Pro-Life Legislative Agenda. If you missed this opportunity at the rally or couldn’t attend, there’s still time! Click the button below to reach out to your legislators. ACTION ALERT | SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR LEGISLATORS Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins also addressed the crowd, while pro-life legislators stood in support of the shared life-saving agenda. One of the most powerful moments of the rally was the display of 24 tables filled with fetal models, visually representing the 19,467 lives lost to abortion in Kansas in 2023. Attendees responded with deep emotion – some prayed, others wept, and many stood in silence, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the loss. "How many is too many?" said Ayers. "People are waking up to the fact that our beloved state has become the state of nearly 20,000 abortions. Women and babies deserve better." A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the rally and to all the amazing volunteers who put in countless hours to make it happen -- we couldn’t have done it without you. VIEW EVENT PHOTOS READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT Media Coverage from the March & Rally WIBW 13: ‘Women and babies deserve better’: Thousands rally for Kansans for Life march at the Statehouse "We have almost seen almost a triple of the number of abortions in our state since 2019 and we think Kansans are waking up to this fact and are not good with that,” Kansans for Life Director of Communications Danielle Underwood said. "We think women and babies both deserve better." Thousands of Pro-Life Advocates Join Kansas March for Life to Mourn Abortion Victims "KFL memorialized the 19,467 lives lost to abortion in 2023 through a powerful display of 24 tables filled with fetal models to visually represent the tragic numbers." 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

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     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.

 

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 10/1/24

Church and Ministry Alliance Link:

https://go.adflegal.org/webmail/414972/1673681184/401180ce3b607df8cab89eb11604c6d6319f3c4bddf3bf1c53afadd599e0be13

Posted 8/20/24

How bad is a Harris/Walz ticket? A few weeks ago, we laid out presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ radical view on abortion. Since then, she has announced her VP pick: Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, and he stands in complete and total lockstep with her extreme positions.  As we’ve previously stated, never before has the abortion industry’s wish list of extreme policies been closer to reality than it is with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. His pro-abortion record speaks for itself. Walz—who has described his record as "so pro-choice Nancy Pelosi asked me if I should tone it down"—signed into law the PRO Act to establish a “fundamental right” to abortion for any reason and at any time during pregnancy. He then signed a bill repealing longstanding and commonsense policies, including informed consent for Minnesota women and a program similar to Kansas' Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program, that would support pregnant and new moms.  As a congressman, he repeatedly voted in favor of taxpayer funding of abortion and against protecting unborn children when they can feel pain. He co-sponsored legislation that would remove nearly all state and federal limits on abortion. And he voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would ensure that newborn babies who survive abortion be treated with the same degree of care – regardless of the intent of delivery. The list goes on and on. His positions aren’t just extreme, they're out-of-touch with most Americans. This upcoming November election is too important to sit out…make a plan to vote! You're Invited: KC & Wichita KFL PAC Fall Flings! The Kansans for Life Political Action Committee (KFL PAC) is hosting two upcoming events that you won't want to miss! Kansas City Area Presidential Debate Watch Party Tuesday, September 10th | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Grid Collaborative Workspaces 12022 Blue Valley Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66213 INFORMATION & TICKETS Wichita Fall Fling Saturday, September 28th | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Private Residence | College Hill Neighborhood ** Address will be given after registering INFORMATION & TICKETS For sponsorship info or questions about either event, please contact Amanda Grosserode at 316.687.5433 or amanda@kfl.org. See you there!     First Episode of Season 3 is Out Now! The first episode of Season 3 of our podcast, On the Right Side of History with Kansans for Life, is out now! From Brownback to Alito to the overturn of Roe. Learn how one pivotal moment in the U.S. Senate changed history and Sam Brownback’s starring role. Hear the inside story from the former international ambassador, governor, US. Senator, and Congressman. Find it on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website. While you're there, please subscribe or leave us a review! LISTEN >>> KFL'S LATEST PODCAST EPISODE Fun at the State Fair: Sign up to Volunteer! The Kansas State Fair is just around the corner and we need your help to reach thousands of individuals with our pro-life message! Last year, we unveiled our fully redesigned booth, to attract more young people and families to learn about the beauty of every human life. The state fair serves as our biggest educational outreach opportunity and runs from September 6th - September 15th. We'll need an army of volunteers to help us at our booth, and many time slots are still available. If you would like to volunteer for a shift, you can sign up here. YES! I WANT TO VOLUNTEER AT THE KANSAS STATE FAIR Questions? Please contact JoAn@kfl.org. See you there! In the News Teen with Down Syndrome Makes Beauty Pageant History — and Gets Named Miss Congeniality Kayla Kosmalski made history last week when she became the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete in Miss Teen USA. "I want to show the world that people with Down syndrome can do anything...the experience was amazing – and I loved to be on stage...I want to show little girls that they can dream big." Save the Dates Watch for details about these events coming soon! KFL Booth at the Kansas State Fair | September 6th-15th KC Presidential Debate Watch Party | Tuesday, September 10th Wichita Fall Fling | Saturday, September 28th General Election | Tuesday, November 5th Giving Tuesday | Tuesday, December 3rd Kansas City KFL Banquet | Tuesday, March 11th Wichita KFL Banquet | Tuesday, March 25th Please consider going for an hour of prayer outside one of Kansas' five 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   DONATE TO KFL

Posted 8/20/24

Posted 8/16/24

We're making plans for a fun fall evening and hope you'll join us! On Tuesday, September 10th, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will take the debate stage in what will likely be a fireworks show.  What will the candidates do and say? Find out in the company of pro-life friends at our presidential debate watch party!   Kansas City Area Presidential Debate Watch Party Tuesday, September 10th 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Grid Collaborative Spaces 12022 Blue Valley Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66213 Enjoy delicious food and drink, cash bar, and more as we gather to watch history in the making! All proceeds from this event benefit KFL PAC. Don't delay! Purchase your tickets today. Click the button below to find more information and to reserve your spot.   PURCHASE FALL FLING TICKETS

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,  Nigeria, and 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!

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

Posted 3/7/24

Dear Members of Grace Lutheran Church,

Greetings in Christ. I hope this email finds you well!

I would like to cordially invite your congregation to host a Live-Stream of LCC's Christian Culture Conference this June for your members. This year’s theme is Lutheranism in a Post-Christian America.

The conference dates are:

Tuesday and Wednesday, June 4th and 5th.

Tuesday runs from 1:15pm MT to 5pm MT.

Wednesday runs from 10am to 12pm MT with our Benefit Concert at 6:30pm MT.

If you are interested in participating, please register below!

Register for Live-Stream

There are three videos set up for streaming: Conference Day 1, Conference Day 2, and the Benefit Concert Wednesday evening. All use the same password.

 You can rewind each video and view them at a later time/date when it is most convenient for your congregational viewers.

 A live chat feature is available for all online viewers. We will take one question for each speaker from our online chat.

 If you have any questions regarding this event, please do not hesitate to contact me at s.preus@lutherclassical.org or (307) 314-5882.

 We hope you will consider joining us for this exciting conference! Please find conference speakers, topic, and schedule below.

Our Contact Information

Luther Classical College

2300 Hickory St
Casper, WY 82604

(307)216-5294

https://www.lutherclassical.org

Posted 11/7/23

Dear Friends,

The Washington County (KS) Public Schools 1967 grade card had this quote to parents on it: “You therefore have a duty to perform. You must rear, nourish and educate him. Along with this teaching comes moral training as well as intellectual, social, physical and civic education.”

 

It’s a fantastic phrase, and a good reminder to us of our vocation as parents. To that end, both I, and staff of the Kansas District, do get asked quite frequently about “homeschool resources,” especially in areas of our state where we do not have a Lutheran school located. We addressed this topic at an open forum during our October pastor’s conference. I have also asked, and received, from Rebekah Wright an initial resource document. Rebekah Wright is a native Michigander now living in Topeka via Iowa, Indiana, and Florida. Her husband is the senior pastor at St. John’s Lutheran in Topeka. She is a stay at home mother of five, ages nine, eight, six, five, and three. She has been homeschooling since 2019 when her oldest was five and loves it.

This email is not intended to take or draw away people from our Lutheran schools—they are absolute gems! This document is meant to serve as a “best practices” piece of what you might do or consider. If you have ideas that work for you in your context, please share them with me. For now, I invite you to check out our new “Homeschool Resources” website link on our website: https://kslcms.org/education-youth/homeschool-resources/

God’s blessings as you go about your day in the Lord as His baptized!

In the service of Christ,

Rev. Justin Panzer

President, LCMS Kansas District

Office Phone: 785-357-4441

www.kslcms.org

www.facebook.com/kslcms/

 

Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and who gave Himself for me."

Posted 12/9/22

Dear Friends,

Rejoice! Your King comes to you! 

In light of the 2023 Kansas District Life Conference and March for Life, I want to draw your attention to three things:

1. Please register for the event at this link by January 18, 2023 – https://kslcms.org/caring-ministry/life-ministry/2023-life-conference/
2. When registering, please pay for the lunch. Scroll to the bottom of the website page and click on the red “Lunch Payment” button.
3. Please also register for the “March for Life” with this link by December 31, 2022 – https://www.lcms-life.org/need/detail/?need_id=737571 This will ensure that you receive a stocking hat and hymn sing sign.

Thank you! We look forward to your participation, and we will continue to pray for the mighty of the Holy Spirit in the State of Kansas for the respect of life from womb to the tomb.

In the service of Christ,

Rev. Justin Panzer

President, LCMS Kansas District

Office Phone: 785-357-4441

www.kslcms.org

www.facebook.com/kslcms/

Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and who gave Himself for me."

Posted 11/8/22

Campus Ministry:

Posted 11/4/22

Please read the attached link to learn more:  Defending Life

June 30, 2022

Value Them Both Coalition Demands Removal of False and Deceptive Ad, Holds Media Accountable For Reporting Truth about Amendment

Read article here:https://kansansforlife.salsalabs.org/vtbcoalitiondemandsremovalofafalseanddeceptivead?wvpId=5e014166-e27e-4650-93b8-52fb641acd5a

June 24, 2022 - A letter from President Harrison:

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Today is a monumental day, a day on which we simultaneously rejoice, pray, give thanks, lament, repent and weep. The Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade and returned the responsibility for protecting life to the states. “Held: The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives” (SCOTUS, Dobbs v. Jackson, 1).

“[The Lord] has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate” (Luke 1:52).

Today is also the Church’s feast day, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. These two events are a happy convergence.

Today we celebrate the birth of the one who, before he was born, leaped in joyful Spirit-inspired confession when his mother met the mother of his unborn Lord. Today we take comfort in our Lord’s unborn forerunner and in the unborn Savior. We also rejoice at the resounding victory for life in the United States. Many of us long doubted it would ever come. The Lord has had mercy upon us, even us, sinners all, even in these times.

Today we continue to speak out against the evil of abortion, which many will continue to practice and advocate in states bent on death. Many who have been misled by the father of lies and the culture of death greet this day with weeping and gnashing of teeth. Today we continue to sing that the Lord “has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68).

Today we pray for unborn children who remain unprotected in many states. Today, in many places, the abortion industry continues to kill unborn children and welcomes those from states where such killing is illegal. Today we take comfort that by the Lord’s hand “we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us” (Luke 1:71).

Today we repent of our own lack of love for the least, the last and the lost, for mothers in need and families facing crises. Today we celebrate God’s gift of the one He sent to “go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:76–77).

Today we recommit to love all, unborn and born. Today we receive the sunrise from on high, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79).

Today we proclaim: Repent and believe the Good News that Jesus Christ, conceived by the Spirit, formed in the womb and born of the virgin Mary, died and rose for sinners. That includes all of us. Today we give thanks for John who preached repentance and pointed to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Today we lovingly invite all to listen to Jesus’ call, “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). If you have caused an abortion, the taking of life, there is forgiveness in Jesus! Don’t be hardened in sin or advocate for more sins. Today you have hope in the One whose way John the Baptist prepared. Jesus is for sinners. Come join the rest of us forgiven sinners! Jesus is for you! You need not have a bad conscience! Repent and believe the Good News of God’s love for you in Jesus.

Today we lament that the U.S. Supreme Court continues to deny the unborn the legally recognized right to life. Even though Roe v. Wade has fallen, states can still allow the killing of unborn children. Today we pray that more unborn will leap for joy in the womb, as St. John did.

Today, even as we rejoice, we weep that U.S. policy continues to promote abortion globally. Today we bend our knees in prayer.

O Lord, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). The Lord preceded His Son, our Savior, with a forerunner. We pray that today’s decision points ahead to the day when every state advances the cause of life and expands protections for unborn children.

Lord have mercy upon us.

Matthew C. Harrison
President
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Joint letter from LCMS President Harrison and presidents of WELS and ELS to U.S. Attorney General

June 24, 2022

Attorney General Merrick Garland
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001

Dear Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke:

As presidents of three Lutheran Christian church bodies that vigorously support the rule of law, justice and legal protection for all people—especially the least, the weakest, the unborn—we are writing about the increased violence that has occurred following the leaked draft of the Supreme Court opinion concerning Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. These acts of violence against churches, pro-life organizations and pregnancy centers are clearly terrorist attacks: they use violence designed to intimidate in order to achieve political ends.

Such attacks are sadly well documented: Pro-life organizations in Wisconsin and Oregon were attacked. A pregnancy care center in New York was also attacked. Vandals defaced 17 churches or pro-life organizations with pro-abortion or anti-religious slogans, including the phrase “abort the church.” These terrorist attacks aim to intimidate through the slogan “If abortions aren’t safe, then neither are you.”

One extremist group is advocating violence in response to the final Supreme Court decision on Dobbs, while another group published the home addresses of the Supreme Court Justices and encouraged people to show up at their homes, churches, and their children’s schools in an attempt to coerce the Justices and influence their final decision. A couple of weeks ago, there was an alleged attempted assassination of a sitting Supreme Court Justice at his home.

These continued terrorist assaults on religious and pro-life groups, because of their beliefs, are manifest crimes against citizens of the United States. These attacks call for a prompt, comprehensive, governmental response. Please publicly condemn these unlawful attacks, investigate them, fully prosecute those responsible, commit to providing security for the victims and other community service organizations, and employ vigorous efforts to prevent similar future attacks.

We continue to pray for you and all those whom God has placed in authority over us. May God bless you in your tasks and guide you to govern according to His will.

Sincerely,

Rev. Glenn R. Obenberger
President of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Mankato, Minn.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
St. Louis, Mo.

Rev. Mark G. Schroeder
President of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Waukesha, Wis.

June 2022 - Life After Roe v. Wade

Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land when it comes to abortion policy. Praise God! The Supreme Court has reversed nearly five decades of unconstitutional legal precedent and affirmed that there is no constitutional right to end a child’s life in the womb. States may now protect the unborn!

The majority opinion in Dobbs, authored by Justice Samuel Alito, made this crystal clear by stating: “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely — the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

Please read the rest of the article at:

https://www.adfministryalliance.org/post/life-after-roe-v-wade

Letter from District President Panzer: (6/23/22)

Dear Friends in Christ:

As many of you know, we are currently living in troubling times. One issue causing turmoil in our culture is the impending decision of the Supreme Court, and the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned. As you may have heard in the news, there have been reports of protests and even vandalism inflicted on churches across the country.

We encourage you to be mindful of this in your churches and schools in the days to come as we continue to proclaim God’s truth. It is times like these that we look to our Lord for comfort and guidance. In the Gospel of John, Jesus comforts His disciples by saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  

 Amidst the anger to which many people have succumbed, we, as Lutherans, have peace knowing that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Take heart during these turbulent days and remember that the Lord watches over you and the people you serve.

 We pray for this hurting world, that the Holy Spirit would give us the courage to lovingly share His Good News with others. You remain in my prayers as you encourage your people to live out their baptismal calling.

 May the Lord bless and keep you,

 President Panzer

Life Notes Link below:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Life-Notes-for-June-20-26--2022.html?soid=1123257853860&aid=kLov-8WkwhE

NEWS (added 5/10/22)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

On April 29, 2022, an EF-3 tornado tore through the town of Andover. The tornado path caused damage in Sedgwick County, the city of Andover, and across the county line into Butler County.

Rev. Scott Snow (Holy Cross, Wichita) and Rev. Mark Lovett (Immanuel, Wichita) report that at least two of the devastated homes belong to members of their respective congregations. Rev. Steve Wipperman (Peace, Andover) also reports that Kansas LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) is helping a couple from the congregation. We’re writing today to ask for your help in getting these families, and others in the community, back on their feet.

The LCMS Kansas District would like to encourage Kansas congregations and LCMS members to consider making a donation to aid in the recovery. The funds generated will help these families start rebuilding their lives. (If funds received exceed the needs of these families, they will be forwarded to the Kansas District LCMS Disaster Relief fund.) Local donations will also be collected by Holy Cross, Wichita and distributed to those in need.

WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE ONLINE by clicking the red button at this link https://kslcms.org/caring-ministry/disaster-response/ . Specify “Andover Tornado” as a designation on the payment page. (This is the quickest way to provide help.)

SEND A CHECK to the LCMS Kansas District (1000 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604), earmarked “Andover Tornado.”

PRAY for these families and everyone else affected by the tornado.

SHARE this email with others who would like to help.

CONSIDER holding a door offering in support of these families.

In the service of Christ,

 Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant on behalf of President Justin A. Panzer. Please send responses to President Panzer at kspres@kslcms.org or Tami Lierz at tami@kslcms.org. 

News (added 3/7/22)

Wokeism in the LCMS. Pray for healing.

https://thefederalist.com/2022/03/07/christian-university-bans-professor-from-campus-for-critiquing-its-dive-into-equity-and-inclusion/

https://www.gottesdienst.org/podcast/2022/3/1/tgc-172-called-to-defend 

Prayer request (added 12/2/21):

12-2-21

An email from President Harrison, requesting prayers.

Dear Brothers,

Grace and peace in Christ.

This is to let you know that our family (and our LCMS family) was impacted by the Oxford, Michigan school shootings.

My sister’s twins attend the school. My Nephew Michael, thank God, was home sick the day of the shooting. My niece, Dani, however was present. In fact, just prior to the shootings she and a classmate requested permission to Go to the restroom. Dani graciously suggested the other girl go first. That girl was shot. I do not know her condition.

A few weeks back, I preached in Oxford for the confirmation of my nephew and niece. A third child was also confirmed that day. That young lady’s older sister was shot. I was told that child is in a coma, information not verified. Her sister’s confirmation verse is very consoling for a Christian in times of difficulty. I recall preaching directly to the confirmand that the truth of her verse (I can’t recall what it is at the moment) would be a rock for her in the face of the challenges she would face in life. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable his judgements.  

My sister Catherine, her husband Brian, and the two children are severely shaken.

I request your prayers for my family, our LCMS family in Oxford including our pastors, and for all suffering this horrible event.

In Jesus,

President Matthew Harrison

News (added 10/3/21)

Personal remarks from President Harrison about COVID-19 and vaccines

News (added 7/29/21)

Christian Colleges Fight LGBT Students’ Lawsuit Seeking to Block Title IX Religious Exemptions

Read article linked here

News (added 7/29/21)

St. Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him, that all his words would bear witness to the truth of God’s Word, and that in all he did, he might proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18–19). The church prays that Christians, and especially those called into the Office of the Holy Ministry, might be given boldness and strength to confess the truth of God’s Word, even in the face of persecution and opposition. Where persecution occurs, and where governments fail to protect the right teaching of Scripture, the church confesses Christ and stands on the truth of God’s Word. Finland’s prosecutor general has charged the Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola, diocesan dean and bishop-elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, with incitement against a group of people. The charges stem from his agreement with a 2004 booklet that articulates historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. In addition, the prosecutor general has similarly charged Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish member of Parliament who authored the booklet identifying homosexuality as a sin and teaching that a failure to recognize sin as sin undermines the very need for a Savior. Through a recent International Lutheran Council statement signed by 48 confessional Lutheran leaders worldwide, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison addressed these events: “The actions of the Finnish State in prosecuting Christians for holding to the clear teaching of the very words of Jesus regarding marriage and sex (Matt. 19:4–6) are egregious. ... We Lutherans make this strong confession along with Drs. Pohjola and Räsänen.” Join us in praying for Christians throughout the world, that boldness of confession would lead all to Christ and Him crucified, as the church stands on the unchanging truth of God’s Word.   Read Statement

News (added 6/22/21)

Please visit the website below for more information:

https://valuethemboth.com/

"Together we can declare that Kansas values women and children. In January of 2021, allied legislators, along with coalition partners, successfully passed VALUE THEM BOTH through the Kansas legislature with huge supermajorities. This is an enormous win for life in Kansas but we’re not done yet.

Recent Court rulings have paved the way way for unlimited abortion, paid for with your tax dollars. You can reverse this course by voting for VALUE THEM BOTH in August of 2022. "

News (added 3/19/21)

Kansans for Life News

News (added 3/10/21)

Pastor Harrison on the Equality Act

News (added 3/9/21)

Updated COVID vaccine information 

News/Announcements: (added 3/1/21)

1. Equality Act Information from the Aliance Defending Freedom (linked here)

2. The Harms of the Equality Act (direct link - article below)