In April, Concordia Seminary will send a packet of Concordia Seminary Sunday materials to the pastor of each Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation. A special bulletin insert, an adult Bible study, sermon notes, a Seminary video DVD and other worship resources are available to assist pastors and congregations in observing Concordia Seminary Sunday. The suggested date for Concordia Seminary Sunday is July 13, the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Yet the materials are not dated and may be used in a variety of ways throughout the year.

The appointed Scripture reading in the new lectionary series makes Concordia Seminary Sunday an appropriate observance for the suggested Sunday. This year, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 is the Gospel lesson appointed for July 13, and “Workers for the Harvest” is the suggested sermon and Sunday theme.

Concordia Seminary offers these materials as an annual opportunity for congregations to emphasize the importance of forming men for service in the pastoral ministry and deaconesses for diaconal ministry, and to assist in the crucial process of identifying, informing and encouraging future pastors and deaconesses.

“We have received a very enthusiastic response from churches throughout the country in the past and that indicates that the people of the LCMS are aware of how important it is to have faithful, compassionate pastors who proclaim God’s Word with boldness,” commented Lois Engfehr, director of communications. The bulletin inserts offer concrete actions people can take to help in the formation of tomorrow’s pastors and deaconesses.

For more information or to order Concordia Seminary Sunday materials, contact the Communications Department, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; (314) 505-7374; communications@csl.edu.