Mark your calendars to join us at historic Union Station in downtown St. Louis Oct. 21-23 for an exciting weekend that kicks off a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the International Lutheran Laymen's League / Lutheran Hour Ministries! This weekend recognizes the rich history of LHM's ministry and offers opportunities to learn about the bold vision that will carry LHM forward to new generations.
Below is just a sampling of the highlights that will make this an event you won't want to miss—all for the low price of $125 per person (lodging is not included; hotel details are listed at the bottom of this article). A program for youth will be offered for $25 per person and includes the Friday and Sunday activities listed below as well as special day-long youth events on Saturday.
Register today for this special celebratory event by visiting www.lhm.org/100years!
Friday
Enjoy a casual evening of fun and fellowship with family and friends during LHM's Family Night Oktoberfest. Dine on German fare and experience the musical tradition of the German and Middle European cultures combined with a modern flavor through marches, polkas, waltzes, and tangos performed by the Deutschmeister German Brass Band. The band will also be accompanied by authentic German dancers.
You will also have a chance to watch an exclusive sneak preview of the new feature-length film Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World. Sponsored by Thrivent, and produced by an Emmy-winning team of Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein, this project will air on national PBS in 2017. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), the film is designed to lead the national conversation surrounding the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The project not only revisits the dramatic moments that shaped Martin Luther's life and theology, it also explains the continuing impact of those events on the daily lives of both Lutherans and the broader culture.
Saturday
Celebrate the many blessings that God has bestowed on this ministry and revisit some of the notable achievements of lay leaders. You will also be challenged, energized, and equipped by a full day of speakers giving you tools and encouragement to put your faith into action! Speakers will include Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour; Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour; Rev. Matt Popovits; Rev. Greg Finke; Rev. Mike Newman; Cindy Steinbeck; and more.
Grab a passport and plan your "trip around the globe" as you visit with directors from each of LHM's more than 30 ministry centers who will be in attendance to share what is happening through the wide array of culturally relevant Gospel outreach activities in their country. This will be an unmatched opportunity to interact with a global panel of Gospel servant-leaders in one place!
Saturday concludes with a gala celebration featuring a gourmet meal, entertainment by renowned jazz songstress Erin Bode, a testimonial from Hollywood television producer Gary Hall about the impact that LHM's This is the Life television program had on his faith life, and a look at exciting future ministry opportunities from LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz.
Sunday
The weekend wraps up with a special morning on the beautiful campus of Concordia Seminary. A fellowship breakfast will be provided, followed by a special sending service led by Rev. Dr. Seltz. Free shuttle service from Union Station (and back) will be provided.
Special Room Rates On-Site at Union Station
Lutheran Hour Ministries has reserved a block of rooms on-site at the DoubleTree Union Station for the reduced rate of $119 per night. This rate applies for room reservations booked for the nights of Oct. 16 through Oct. 26 and the discount is being offered until Sept. 26 (or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first). Visit the hotel's web site or call (314) 231-1234 to make a reservation.
Parking is $10 per day for overnight self-parking and $20 per day for valet. For those not staying at the hotel and just planning to attend various event activities, daytime parking is $10 per day.