Water of Life's History
History of the Missouri Synod
With slightly more than 2.3 million members, the LCMS is the second-largest of the Lutheran bodies in America, with a membership that continues to walk together -- the meaning of "Synod" -- in much the same way as it was originally organized.
First named the "German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Missouri, Ohio and Other States," the name was shortened to the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod at its 100th anniversary in 1947. Today the name "Missouri Synod" serves to tell us that our church's long history is an important part of its identity and that it has the unique heritage of being borne out of the Middle Western the United States.
"Blessed, and at the same time a blessing" best describes the last 150 years for the LCMS. Through individual congregations and the organizations affiliated with the Synod, the saving Gospel has been shared with millions. In the 19th century, missions began with a concern for Native Americans in Michigan and Minnesota. Later immigrants were supported. In 1877 ministry began among Americans of African descent, including the founding of black congregations, schools, and later a college. Foreign mission fields were established before the century was over. A publishing house was started in 1870, today known as Concordia Publishing House (CPH). By 1920, an organization that had begun as a youth society, and was to become the "Walther League," supported one-third of the church's missionaries.
Today the Synod's congregations continue to walk and work together providing many of the same programs originally called for in the church's 1847 constitution. Naturally there is more. Today there are relief programs and care facilities for those with special needs -- assisting the emotionally and physically injured and challenged to "see," "hear," and "understand" the goodness of God. The ministry of organizations like the International Lutheran Laymen's League and International Lutheran Women's Missionary League pursue ministries that now go beyond "traditional" media of radio and television and extend to satellite and cyber-space. At 150 years the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has changed and has remained the same. And that is the meaning of "Synod" -- walking together and, at the same time, going somewhere. The message and mission remain the same over time, even as Missouri Synod Lutherans go as a people sent forth by God's blessings.
Summarized from http://chi.lcms.org/lcms/synod150.htm.
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Water of Life Lutheran Church started out as Forney Lutheran Outreach in 2002 with support from area Lutheran Churches. In 2005 we started regular worship services and Sunday School. On October 29, 2006, Water of Life was officially chartered as a member congregation of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. On Sunday, June 6, 2010, we moved into our newly constructed building at 12340 F.M. 1641, Forney, TX.
We worship the Triune God with the ancient liturgy presented in a contemporary musical setting that also includes the great hymns of the Faith. Holy Communion is celebrated every Lord's Day.
History of the Missouri Synod
With slightly more than 2.3 million members, the LCMS is the second-largest of the Lutheran bodies in America, with a membership that continues to walk together -- the meaning of "Synod" -- in much the same way as it was originally organized.
First named the "German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Missouri, Ohio and Other States," the name was shortened to the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod at its 100th anniversary in 1947. Today the name "Missouri Synod" serves to tell us that our church's long history is an important part of its identity and that it has the unique heritage of being borne out of the Middle Western the United States.
"Blessed, and at the same time a blessing" best describes the last 150 years for the LCMS. Through individual congregations and the organizations affiliated with the Synod, the saving Gospel has been shared with millions. In the 19th century, missions began with a concern for Native Americans in Michigan and Minnesota. Later immigrants were supported. In 1877 ministry began among Americans of African descent, including the founding of black congregations, schools, and later a college. Foreign mission fields were established before the century was over. A publishing house was started in 1870, today known as Concordia Publishing House (CPH). By 1920, an organization that had begun as a youth society, and was to become the "Walther League," supported one-third of the church's missionaries.
Today the Synod's congregations continue to walk and work together providing many of the same programs originally called for in the church's 1847 constitution. Naturally there is more. Today there are relief programs and care facilities for those with special needs -- assisting the emotionally and physically injured and challenged to "see," "hear," and "understand" the goodness of God. The ministry of organizations like the International Lutheran Laymen's League and International Lutheran Women's Missionary League pursue ministries that now go beyond "traditional" media of radio and television and extend to satellite and cyber-space. At 150 years the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has changed and has remained the same. And that is the meaning of "Synod" -- walking together and, at the same time, going somewhere. The message and mission remain the same over time, even as Missouri Synod Lutherans go as a people sent forth by God's blessings.
Summarized from http://chi.lcms.org/lcms/synod150.htm.
