Celebrating our Freedoms in Christ

The Rev. Dr. Gerald “Jerry” & Terry Kieschnick

 The Rev. Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Kieschnick is a long-serving leader within our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod — notably serving three terms as our 12th National President from 2001 to 2010. His career spans roles as parish pastor, District President, and a foundation executive. Dr. Kieschnick has authored several books including “Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Birth, Growth, Decline, and Rebirth of an American Church.” The book highlights the history of the LCMS and looks to the future and the potential of our national church body and Christendom as a whole. Before his national role, he led the LCMS Texas District for ten years. While District President, he also chaired the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Pastor Kieschnick was ordained in 1970 and served as a pastor for congregations in Mississippi and Texas, including churches in Biloxi, MS, and Beaumont and Georgetown, TX. Following his term as LCMS president,
Kieschnick returned to Texas and held a position at Concordia University/Austin, TX from 2011 to 2015. In 2016, he rejoined the Lutheran Foundation of Texas (now Legacy Deo) in a leadership capacity. He retired in 2025 from his role as CEO.   

Terry and Jerry Kieschnick have been married 60 years and have two adult children. Throughout Rev. Kieschnick’s extensive career, Terry supported him and participated in his ministry. During the years her husband served as president of the LCMS, Terry often joined him on church-related travel. A 2004 trip to Asia noted that her presence “opened and built bridges” for the Lutheran mission movement there. She and Jerry also served as guest hosts on a tour with The Rev. Dr. Paul Maier. Terry remains a supportive partner in Dr. Kieschnick’s life

The Rev. Dr. David “Dave” & Judy Benke

The Rev. Dr. David H. Benke is the
retired President/Bishop of the Atlantic
District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod. He represented the eastern half of
New York State for the LCMS from 1991
to 2015. Ordained into the Holy Ministry in the Missouri Synod in 1972, he has served as Pastor of St. Peter’s/Brooklyn, NY, for more than four decades and served as President of the Atlantic District from 1997 until his retirement in 2015. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Benke is a product of the Lutheran educational system from grade school through graduate school,  attending schools in Milwaukee, Fort Wayne, St. Louis, and New York. He received the Doctor of Ministry degree from New York Theological School in 1983. He has received several honorary doctorates, including one from Concordia College, Bronxville, on whose Board of Regents he served for more than two decades.

Judy has been married to David for 57 years. She received her Ph.T. (putting hubby through) degree in 1972 when he graduated from Concordia Seminary-St.
Louis. They moved to the New York metropolitan area in 1973 to serve in  Lutheran Schools and inner-city ministries. Judy began her career as an educator, completing her MS in Administration and Supervision from Hunter
College (NY, NY). She served as Director of St. Peter’s Pre-school (Brooklyn, NY) for twelve years. She served on the board od The Lutheran Counseling Center for nine years and as Chair of the Board for six years. Judy received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lutheran Schools Association for beginning many early childhood centers throughout the metropolitan New York City area.

2026 Numbers Available Soon.

Below are numbers from 2025:

REGISTRATION COSTS:
(Includes meals & lodging)

Two to a room – $500.00
Single – $350.00
Commuter – $75.00 per day ($15.00 on Wednesday)

Please don’t let the fees discourage you from attending. Contact the FLGA District Office, and we will discreetly assist you as we are able.

Event Agenda Coming soon
2026 Event Brochure

This Gathering is for all retired lay and rostered Servants of Christ.  Plenty of rest, reflection, and replenishment await all attendees.  Come and enjoy the still waters of the Indian River at the St. Stephen Christian Retreat and Conference Center in beautiful Titusville, FL, near the Kennedy Space Center.

Onsite check-in begins Monday at 10:00 am

Gathering begins Monday with lunch at noon

Sending Devotions at 11:00 am on Wednesday

Veterans of the Cross Gathering Exhibit Opportunity
March 9-11, 2026

2026 Exhibitor Invitation