On March 28, LCMS Pastors from all across Iowa made their way to Des Moines to attend the 2023 LCMS Pastors Day on the Hill organized by Lutheran Family Service. It was a day of inspiration, information gathering and fellowship (see photos of the day below).

In today’s culture, fellowship and support is needed now more than ever. Not only as brother pastors, but for our LCMS legislators and other legislators that stand up to defend God’s truth for life. LCMS Pastors’ presence, encouragement, support and prayer bears with it deep meaning and impact.

Attendees were transported back in time by President Matthew Harrison exploring ancient societal views on abortion. Deaconess Tiffany Manor reinforced the need for the LCMS church and all her Pastors and members to be a voice for life and active in the Kingdom of the Left. Lutheran Family Service Deputy Director, Kim Laube, shared the landscape of critical “life” legislation currently impacting Iowans (abortion and physician assisted suicide) as well as providing resources and action items.

Next was a chance to meet and encourage our LCMS legislators at the Iowa State Capitol as well as meet with other Iowa legislators to thank, share our views, encourage and pray with.

We thank and appreciate those in attendance at the 2023 LCMS Pastors Day on the Hill, and encourage as many as possible to attend in 2024.

Together, we are the light of His truth in this dark world. Matt. 5:14

A special thank you to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for their wonderful hospitality and delicious breakfast. It was very much appreciated by Lutheran Family Service and all who attended.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO INFORM & ENGAGE YOUR CONGREGATION?

Download and use the resources below to educate and take action.

EDUCATE

• Inform members about 2023 Iowa Life Advocacy priorities
• Enlighten them using Physician Assisted Suicide info and map
• Share how Lutheran Family Service, Many Hearts & PRCs work together
• If you have met with your legislators at the Capitol,  share your experience with others so they may be inspired to do the same.

TAKE ACTION

• Distribute unplanned pregnancy tear-away posters
• Learn how to help women facing unplanned pregnancy
• Find your closest pregnancy resource center
• Help others find and contact their Legislators

We pray that God continues to use our partnership together with LCMS pastors, congregations and members to stop children from  being killed through abortion and prevent physicians from helping people commit suicide.

About Lutheran Family Service & Life Advocacy Work

Lutheran Family Service is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) that informs, educates, equips and activates our LCMS congregations to stand up and defend the value of human life.

Jesus calls us to influence our culture. He tells us we are the light of His truth in this dark world (Matthew 5:14) and that we are to be like salt preserving this truth and defending it (Matthew 5:13). One of the ways we do this is in the public square is through our elected officials. Part of our Christian responsibility as citizens is to be a voice for God’s truth in the ears of those who represent us. Learn more about life advocacy HERE.