In today’s News:
Lutherans respond to Hurricane Laura
Thursday, at around 1 a.m. CDT, Hurricane Laura came ashore near the tiny town of Cameron, La., as a Category 4 storm. With sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, Laura snapped trees, knocked down power lines, tore roofs off buildings and shattered windows across the area. According to weather.com, the storm left parts of coastal Louisiana underwater, hundreds of thousands of people without power, and at least six people dead. While the worst damage was in Louisiana, the storm’s impact was also felt in parts of Texas and Arkansas. One of the areas most devastated by the storm was Lake Charles, La. St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles sustained significant damage to its sanctuary. Yesterday, LCMS Disaster Response Director the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson and Director of Disaster Training The Rev. Michael Meyer traveled to Louisiana to meet with Southern District President The Rev. Eric Johnson, do an initial assessment and begin planning a response. Ross Johnson emphasized that the response will be a shared effort by multiple parties, including the affected congregations, the LCMS Southern and Texas Districts, the Synod and several LCMS recognized service organizations.
Concordia Seminary St. Louis opens its 182 year
With the theme “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” Concordia Seminary, St. Louis began its 182nd year with an opening service Friday morning in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Due to social distancing measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person attendance was limited, but the service was available for all to watch via livestream at csl.edu/live. During the service, Seminary Interim President Dr. Daniel Preus welcomed new students, preached and introduced the 2020-21 academic theme, which is based on Hebrews 13:8. New faculty and staff were recognized during the service, as well as new positions for existing faculty and staff. The seminary anticipates a fall enrollment of 623 students.
Los Angeles County evicts a church
On Aug. 12th Los Angeles County filed charges prohibiting Grace Community Church from holding religious services. But a local judge decided in favor of Grace Community Church to allow religious service if congregants wore face coverings and practiced social distancing. Pastor John MacArthur said at the time that the church was meeting indoors because it was their constitutional right and that it was commanded by God for his people to come together in worship. Factories, pot shops, liquor stores and department stores are allowed to stay open but not houses of worship. Yesterday, Los Angeles County sent a letter of eviction to Grace Community Church from a county-owned parking lot. They informed the church it can no longer use the parking lot it has for more than four decades. Los Angeles officials gave church officials 30 days to evacuate the premises. The county broke their agreement that was in effect for 45 years.
