May 11, 2012

Leaving a lasting legacy of a "unique" philosophy of sharing resources to assist ministries through investments and loans, Fred. E. Lietz, 95, died April 19.

Mr. Lietz served as the first executive leader of the LCMS’ Church Extension efforts, serving for 22 years. He was called by the Synod to become the Executive Secretary in 1957 and later served as the first President when it was incorporated Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) in 1978.

May 10, 2012

As Jacob Hawthorne began research for LCEF’s National Student Marketing Competition for Concordia Universities, he asked his grandmother — a member of Our Redeemer, Fort Smith, Ark. — if she had heard of LCEF. Kathleen Thompson's answer surprised her grandson, who attends Concordia Chicago.