Thankful
Our national day of Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And though it isn’t an official day in the church calendar, one might take a moment to sit back and think of the good gifts God has blessed you with. Luther puts it so simply in the Large Catechism:
Also, if anyone meets with unexpected good fortune, however trivial, he says, “God be praised and thanked!” or “God has bestowed this on me!”1
However trivial. . . It seems Luther keenly understood that all he had was a gift from God. And so it is for you. Everything is gift. Everything is something to be thankful for. Thankful for God making you a husband or wife, father or mother, pastor or teacher, neighbor or friend. Thankful in plenty and in want. More so, as Dr. Luther writes in the Small Catechism: “For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.”2
Most especially, thanksgiving for Christ. Chiara Lubich puts it so beautifully:
My God, what a mystery is the life that you have given us. And what a trial (death) it has to undergo to reach its goal, our eternal home.
Thank you for having come among us, and for showing us the way, for making yourself the way. Lost in you, we will always live in the light, even amidst the deepest darkness.
Thank you for becoming man, for having lived among us and having died for us (cf. Rom 5:8), for me. Yes, died. Had you not died, how could we face death? Now we will think of you, and die with you, even in our last moment.3
There isn’t much more to say. When you gather with family this week, receive all your good gifts with glad and thankful hearts, aiming your praise to the One who has supplied it all.
Dear Friend in Christ,
At Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), our mission is clear: to support the growth and prosperity of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and its ministries. But we can’t do it without you.
That’s why we are excited to introduce a new, limited-time investment opportunity that not only contributes to your financial future but actively supports, sustains, and strengthens the mission and growth of LCMS ministries.
A Remarkable Investment with a Higher Purpose
For LCMS Members: This offer is designed exclusively for LCMS congregations, schools, organizations, and individuals like you.
2½ Year Fixed-Rate Term Note: Secure a steady 6.25% rate of return over the next 2½ years. It's a solid choice for those looking to grow their investments.4
New Money Only: There is exciting activity across the LCMS, and the demand for LCEF loans is stronger than ever—thanks be to God! Your new investment of a minimum of $500 enables us to support this growth.
Flexible Options: You can even invest in this note as an individual retirement account (IRA), making it accessible and versatile.
Why This Matters
Your investment goes beyond financial gain. It directly contributes to the success of LCMS churches, schools, organizations, and dedicated church workers. That’s what truly sets our offer apart from others you may receive.
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NID Fall Ministry Update
From President Buss:
Thirty-five years! That was the milestone Marie and I celebrated this summer. June marked 35 years of marriage and we were, in fact, married in Northern Illinois. This summer we celebrated with a cruise … on Lake Geneva … Wisconsin, not Switzerland … with our children and a significant other.
It is important to look back on such occasions for we see the mercy and faithfulness of God for us sinners. What milestones have you celebrated lately in your congregation, community, family, or even your birthday?
Every journey has highs and lows. We look back and we look forward and because of God’s promises in Christ, the best is yet to come! And remember the rear-view mirror is smaller than the windshield!
Read the Fall Ministry Update here!
The Large Catechism: The Ten Commandments, art. ii, par. 74
The Small Catechism: art. ii, par. 2
Heaven on Earth: Meditations and Reflections
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. Neither LCEF nor its representatives give legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your tax advisor as to the applicability of this information to your own situation. UMB Bank n.a. serves as the custodian for the LCEF IRA program. Rates as of November 2023. Balance restrictions apply. Rates subject to change. Visit lcef.org for details.