LCR Church Convention July 12-15 in Garden City, MO

Salvation Evangelical Lutheran Church of Harrisonville Missouri is hosting the 2012 National Convention of the Lutheran Churches of the Reformation (LCR).  The LCR is a federation of autonomous, orthodox Lutheran local congregations that was formed in 1964.  Many of the original congregations in the LCR marked and avoided the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as an heterodox body.  The LCR today still pursues the earnest Christian doctrine and practice that was common in the late 1800’s but has become very rare in modern times.  More information is available at the LCR website www.lcrusa.org.  Two local churches in Missouri are members of the LCR, Salvation Evangelical Lutheran Church of Harrisonville, MO (served by Pastor Jeff Young 816-540-6308), and Concordia Lutheran Church of Henrietta, MO (served by Pastor Arnold List 816-776-3294).

     Four days of events provide an opportunity for people to see for themselves first-hand, in open meetings, how such an orthodox church body operates.  Some events are hosted at Salvation Evangelical Lutheran Church, 27506 East 283rd Street, Harrisonville, MO, and designed to provide a family friendly introduction to the LCR.  There will be an ice-cream social Friday at 7 p.m. for all interested to enjoy free ice cream and to meet members of LCR churches.  There will also be a kids fun-day Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where children will be able join in games and activities together with the children of LCR member congregations in a fun, safe and enjoyable atmosphere.  To help organizers estimate turn-out, guests are asked to RSVP to Pastor Young (816)540-6308. 

      Local home schoolers may already be familiar with LCR Pastor Emeritus Paul Cates, Ph.D. who has provided expert guidance and educational testing services through Faith Christian Ministries.  Information about free Christian educational services available at any LCR church will be available throughout the convention.  Home Schooler’s in Lee’s Summit Home Educators (LSHE), or Raymore Home Educators (RHE) may already know Pastor Jeff Young, or his wife Becky, or their home-schooled children Helena, Matthias, Miriam, Marie, Suzy, Cameron, and Cherish.  Home Schooler’s near Richmond MO may likewise already know Arnold List or his wife Dawn, who have successfully homeschooled his seven children. 

      For those interested in taking a more careful look at the doctrine and practice of the LCR, many meetings of the convention are open to observers.  Devotions will be held at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday at the GARDEN CITY COMMUNITY CENTER 201 Willow, Garden City, MO 64747.  Business meetings follow the devotions each day at the same location and are planned to conclude before 5 p.m.  The business meetings feature a thorough discussion of the activities of the LCR, as well as a doctrinal paper on the duty to receive true teachers into fellowship.  Sunday services will also be held at the Community Center at 9 a.m., and will include special graduation services for two of Seminarians.

      A pastor’s conference will be hosted at 2 p.m. Thursday July 12 at Salvation Evangelical Lutheran Church, 27506 East 283rd Street, Harrisonville, MO.  Pastors conferences provide those who have been called into service and studies for the holy ministry to aid one another through private discussion and private review of doctrinal papers.  The Pastor’s conference is open to pastors and seminary students who are interested in exploring fellowship, and who have been invited to attend by an LCR Pastor.  Again, those interested in convention events are encouraged to RSVP to host Pastor Jeff Young at (816)540-6308.