Love your neighbor as yourself
SERVANT to SERVANT                           9-2-16


 
BISHOP'S VISIT
Bishop Jamison J. Hardy traveled to Atlanta, GA to be with the saints at Lutheran Church of the Ascension on Sunday, August 28, 2016. He was quite surprised when he received a pre-service visit by the local police department who came to greet him. Special thanks to the Buckhead Police Department for all they do to serve and protect.

 

Following the morning worship, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

The Rev. David V. Miller, two Buckhead police officers, and Bishop Jamison J. Hardy

The Rev. David V. Miller and

Bishop Jamison J. Hardy

CHURCH AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Love Thy Neighbor

LERT Training a Success
Chris Cassell (center back row) is an English District LCMS board member and elder at Redeemer, Lincoln, NE. He attended LERT training through LCMS Disaster Response along with another Redeemer elder, Kevin Bachman (front row, far right). They received excellent and informative training and found that there are many ways to serve.

Here is a list of upcoming LERT Training Events:
9/10/2016 - Brighton, CO
9/17/2016 - Colorado Springs, CO
9/24/2016 - La Mesa, CA
10/8/2016 - Huntington Beach, CA
10/22/2016 - St. Louis, MO (Chapel of the Cross)
1/14/2017 - Canastota, NY
2/25/2017 - Damascas, OR

If you need more information, please contact Rev. Brian WestgateChair, English District Disaster Relief & Human Care Committee.
Packing love and supplies
 
Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church, Beverly Hills, MI, delivered backpacks and school supplies to the Women and Children's Center of Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, MI.

Campus Ministries


Martin Luther Chapel (MLC), East Lansing, MI, serves college students at Michigan State University. Here are members of this year's student leadership teams with MLC pastors Rev. Dave Dressel and Rev. Curt Dwyer, looking forward to "Sparticipation."

The Rev. Eric S. Carlson, Ron Grimm, Sharon Colaizzi,

Bob Souer and Jim Wolf

 
 
Ministry leaders
  
Congratulations to the new Stephen Ministry leaders at Peace, McMurray, PA. The long hours that were put into completing the training is appreciated. Peace is blessed to have people in the church who want to help others through the difficult times in their lives.

 
 
 
School Notes
 
Summer School
Students at Faith at Jacob's Well, Ft. Wayne, IN enjoyed a camping theme while attending summer school.
 


#BackToSchool
 
Little ones prepare for the new school year at Abounding Love Preschool in Lee's Summit ,MO.
Students at Martin Luther Christian School in Pennsauken, NJ, offered up their prayers and then blew bubbles, learning that God made the bubbles unique just like He made the children unique!
Around the Synod
 
Worship for Shut-ins
 
Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. produces a weekly, 30-minute Lutheran broadcast worship service called Worship for Shut-Ins. Each service includes music, Scripture readings, prayers, and a Lutheran pastor delivering a message that is designed to feel one-on-one to the viewer. Each program is closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
 
Ways to Watch
Worship for Shut-Ins is available to watch in three different ways . The most recent programs are always located on their homepage.

The television broadcast schedule lists over 100 local TV stations, including Total Christian Television (TCT).

View the most recent program, as well as archived programs, in Online Viewing.
Learn how to watch via your mobile device.

Reach and Preach DVD Ministry
Have Worship for Shut-Ins delivered to you each week via their Reach & Preach DVD 
Metro Detroit Auditions
 
The Detroit Lutheran Singers will begin its 2016-2017 season on Monday, September 12, 2016. Auditions are open for all voices. Interested singers who can read music should request an audition by contacting Norma Sander at bethnorma@aol.com or 248-895-0018. Auditions will last approximately 10 minutes and take place at First Methodist Church in Birmingham, MI. There is no need to bring prepared music. You will be asked to read some rhythms and sight read some melodies. Please click here for concert dates and to order tickets for the upcoming season.
Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus

Seminaries Begin Academic Year
 
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO will begin its 178th academic year with a special worship service at 10:00 AM (CDT) on Friday, September 2, 2016 in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The public is invited to the Opening Service. Those who cannot attend may watch the  livestream  here. Family and friends are invited to join in the celebration on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by using #CSLorientation and #GraceInHisSon.
Kramer Chapel
 
 
On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 the Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne community will gather to celebrate the opening of the 171st academic year. The Opening Service will begin at 10:00 AM in Kramer Chapel. The public is invited to the Opening Service. Those who cannot be on campus may watch the livestream here.
 
ENGLISH DISTRICT BLOG
Campus Ministry encounters cynics, skeptics, and unbelievers who say that God does not matter. Campus ministry at All Saints Lutheran Church (ASLC) and Student Center is in Slippery Rock because we believe that God does matter. We want international and American students at SRU to have the opportunity to know this.

The following is a story of two SRU students who found that God matters to them. They came to ASLC to study the Bible and to share their hopes and frustrations. Mara (not her real name) often spoke of her family. She was struggling to know herself. She was trying to deal with the fact that she had been adopted. It helped her to read about Joseph's life in Egypt because it showed her that no matter what his family did or didn't do, he trusted God and God never failed him.


Augusta R. Mennell is the Campus Ministry Director at All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center in Slippery Rock, PA. If you would like to highlight your work in the ministry, send a submission for consideration to Lynne, Communications Coordinator for the English District LCMS, lcobb@englishdistrict.org.

THE 'MUSTACHE RESOLUTION'
The 66th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod ended on Thursday, July 14, 2016 with lightheartedness and fun while also addressing a pressing need.

The Rev. Dr. Roger C. Paavola, chairman of Committee 13, Routes to Ministry, and president of the LCMS Mid-South District, asked to offer a new resolution, 13-06, "Funding Seminary and University Education," informally called "The Mustache Resolution."

Earlier in the convention, the assembly took an impromptu "vote" on whether the best mustache was sported by LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison or LCMS Montana District President Rev. Terry R. Forke.

Paavola, who read the resolution, noted there are two million members of LCMS congregations, and it was proposed that members should also be able to vote for whether Harrison or Forke has the best mustache by donating a minimum of one dollar per vote.

The goal is to raise $2 million in scholarships for Concordia colleges, universities and seminaries. The first voting on who sports the best mustache was July 12, 2016 when the floor committee chaired by Forke presented its business for delegates to consider. Forke won that vote.

The Mustache Resolution has until December 31, 2016 to raise $2 million by votes for "The Best Mustache in the Synod." At that time, "the recipient of the smallest amount of dollars raised between Harrison and Forke must have his mustache shaved off in full or in part by the other participant." This portion of the resolution was received with hearty laughter.

If the $2 million goal is not met, Paavola said he "would be required to grow facial hair until it either resembles the beard and mustache of Dr. Roland Ziegler" or his "wife begs him to shave." Ziegler, who sports abundant facial hair, is on the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.

The reading of the resolution was received by the assembly with applause and cheers. After Paavola asked that the resolution be passed, Harrison remarked, "It is crazy, but it is in order."

The resolution was adopted with a unanimous voice vote.

In a recent interview, President Harrison spoke about the "Mustache Resolution".
 
Q: Let's talk about the mustache vote. Will you be demanding a recount?
 
Harrison:  [laughing] It was a fun ending to a whole lot of preparation and work. If some 60 percent of Synod members really believe LCMS [Montana] District President Forke's mustache is the best in Synod, well, I want to see the proof! If we can raise a million for seminary and church-worker education, I'll gladly let Forke shave my mustache. In fact, I'll be glad to be shaved completely bald if we can get to a million!

How to vote for 'The Mustache Resolution'
 
To cast a vote for who has the best mustache, write down for whom you are voting (Harrison or Forke), include your donation and specify the fund(s) to which the donation should be directed (for seminary-student financial aid, the For the Sake of the Church fund [for all Concordia University System schools] or a specific LCMS college or university's scholarship fund).
 
Mail this to:
LCMS Chief Financial Officer
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.
 
For credit-card donations (of at least $15) with your vote, contact the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-THE-LCMS (843-5267).
 
Because of the cost to record and receipt donations, only those giving $15 or more will receive a separate tax-deductible letter from the LCMS.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
The Rev. Terry R. Forke
FREE NEW DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever!
A new devotional resource for people going through tragedy is now available from LCMS Disaster Response, The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever: 40 Daily Devotions of God's Comfort.

Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Even as little children, we learn that life isn't fair. Every day we face the consequences of sin and brokenness in our lives, from illnesses to disasters to other tragedies. These events often leave us struggling financially, physically and spiritually.

But no matter what comes our way, we have the assurance that the victory has already been won for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we might be with Him in heaven for all eternity.

Thanks to the generous members of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS), we are able to provide this devotional book free of charge. These 40 devotions - each includes a Scripture passage, a meditation, a prayer and a hymn - are focused on bringing God's comfort and peace to those who are struggling after a disaster or other crisis.

Although this resource is distinctly Christian, it is intended for anyone who is suffering from the brokenness of this world.

We pray that through it, you will be reminded that God loves and cares about you, even when it is hard to understand what is going on around you. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
Contact the church information center at  infocenter@lcms.org with your mailing address and the amount of FREE copies you would like.

Author Profile
As director of LCMS Disaster Response, the disaster response and human care ministry of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, The Rev. Ross E. Johnson oversees the church's comprehensive disaster response program, including planning, training and implementation of immediate and long-term responses to help people in the aftermath of disastrous events wherever they occur. He works to facilitate relationships with federal, state and community disaster response agencies; consults with LCMS districts, congregations and international church partners to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters around the world; and makes available pastoral care in the field while responding to a disaster.
KFUO AUDIO:
2016 Presidential Election Issues Important to the LCMS
In an August 17, 2016 broadcast, Worldwide KFUO's Free to be Faithful moderator Kip Allen and The Rev. Christopher Thoma, Our Savior, Hartland, MI, discussed the November 2016 presidential election and they addressed issues of special importance to The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. 

Topics included abortion, marriage and the family, and religious liberty.

Click here to listen to the August 17, 2016 radio broadcast. 
LABOR DAY

The English District office will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of Labor Day.
NEWS FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS
A Baby Girl at Last! 

It has been an incredibly busy month again, but the highlight has certainly been the birth and baptism of our newest addition, baby Emily Grace Naumann. Read all about it in our newsletter! To view this month's newsletter, click here. Pastors and secretaries, if you would, please print out some copies for your members and notice boards.

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support, which enable us to carry out this important ministry here in Colombo, Sri Lanka!

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Edward Naumann
Theological Educator, South Asia

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in the name of the Lord! We pray that all of you have had a restful summer! Our mission work goes on by the grace of God. Click here to read our latest newsletter.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
  
In Christ,
  
Rev. Daniel, Kathy, and Ana Conrad

The 2017 LCMS Life Conference is scheduled for January 27-29, 2017, at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel in Arlington, VA. The conference is open to all LCMS Lutherans and guests.

Join LCMS Life Ministry as we proclaim God's truth that all life is sacred - from the very beginning until the natural end.

Conference highlights include:
  • Marching at the 44th annual National March for Life in our nation's capital;
  • Listening to presentations from speakers, including Dr. George Delgado, who pioneered a protocol to reverse the abortion pill, and the Rev. Jonathan Fisk, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Oakes, ND.
  • Attending daily worship and devotions, with Divine Service on Sunday morning.

(On Saturday, January 28, 2017, The Rev. Michael Brown, English District life coordinator and

pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE, will lead the morning devotions at 9:00 AM.)

LUTHER 2017
500 Years of Reformation
In conjunction with our English District (ED) Reformation 500 commemoration, we would like to list upcoming Reformation events (Divine Services, lectures, symposia, celebrations, etc.) in our English District congregations and circuits on our ED Reformation 500 website. This includes activities beginning at Reformation 2016. This listing will be a great way to announce our activities to our neighbors who might be interested in attending and to share ideas with each other as we formulate plans for our local events leading up to Reformation Day 2017. Please email details to Roni Grad at roni.grad@gmail.com. Thank you in advance and God's blessings!


SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
The English District Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod supports and funds missions, from our churches' local communities to people across the globe. Whether it is a scholarship or basic humanitarian needs, we seek to "love our neighbors as ourselves" in all we do. Your financial support can assist us in doing more in Christ's name. To support English District ministries  click here. Please prayerfully consider making a donation today.
    
SERVANT TO SERVANT
Please send pictures and stories from your church or school to Kathy Stanis  for possible inclusion.

Previous issues of the e-Newlsetter, Servant to Servant, are available on the Resources page of the English District website:

You are encouraged to share the information from Servant to Servant with members of your congregation. All are invited to subscribe to this weekly publication by emailing Peggy Oke at poke@englishdistrict.org (include first and last name, email address and church) or simply forward the newsletter to them using the "Spread the Word" link at the bottom left of this newsletter. They can subscribe by clicking on the link at the bottom right titled "Sign up for our emails." Thanks for spreading the word!
 
ENGLISH DISTRICT LCMS

webmail@englishdistrict.org



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