 |
|
Love your neighbor as yourself
|
|
Servant to Servant 10-7-16
|
|
|
Midwest Region Pastors Conference
|
|
The Midwest Region Pastors Conference was held October 4-6, 2016 at the Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center in Chicago, IL. The speakers included Bishop Jamison J. Hardy, The Rev. J. Derek Mathers, The Rev. Jeffrey Leininger (Concordia University, Chicago), The Rev. David Thiele (LCEF), Sara LoCoco (Lutheran Child and Family Services), and The Rev. Michael Brown (English District Life Ministries).
On Tuesday, October 4th, a worship service was held and a reception followed. Bishop Hardy said, "Great night of worship at the Midwest Fall Regional of the English District. Thanks be to God!"
|
|
|
Assistant to the Bishop's Visit
|
|
The Rev. J. Derek Mathers, Assistant to the Bishop and Mission Executive, recently visited with the members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Scarsdale, NY. While there, Rev. Mathers found a stack of Servant to Servant newsletters printed and available for members to pick up and read. He also had a wonderful time meeting and spending time with The Rev. Ronald Rieger and his wife, Jennifer.
|
|
|
Call Received
The Rev. Todd W. Arnold of West Portal, San Francisco, CA and 3rd Vice President of the English District, has received a call to serve Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior, Green Valley, AZ.
|
|
 |
|
By Rev. David A. Muench, Director of Ministerial Care, Concordia Plan Services
October has always seemed to me to have something of a "quieter" character. It's not the month of Thanksgiving, or Christmas, although thoughts of preparation for them surely are beginning to "push their way" to the surface. Neither is it a month in which a lot of state and county fairs are held, nor the beginning of another school year. There are, of course, some important events in the month. The fall schedules for high school and college are in full swing, Major League Baseball hosts the World Series, and our denomination observes the Protestant Reformation. I'm confident that you can add a few other events which have made their way onto your October calendar.
It seems to me, then, that October is a wonderful time for God's people to share their appreciation for pastors.
It's an excellent opportunity to express the respect, appreciation and admiration you have for your pastor(s) and for the work they do. With the month of October having been identified as Pastor Appreciation Month, you have a reminder to think either individually, as a small group (perhaps your Bible study group), and/or as the entire congregation, as you plan for activities and gestures to encourage your pastors, demonstrating your love for them. This is not to say that other roles and activities of ministry are not important and worthy of appreciation, but in October, we take the time to specifically honor pastors and thank God for them.
|
|
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5:18
Like the United States, Canada gives thanks for all of its blessings on a special holiday once a year.
This year, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 10, 2016.
Blessed Thanksgiving to all of our pastors, congregations, family and friends who live in the "True North strong and free."
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
|
|
|
Disaster responder to deliver aid, await full impact of Hurricane Matthew
|
|
LCMS Disaster Response is ensuring immediate humanitarian aid for hurricane-battered Haiti while also readying for the full impact of Hurricane Matthew as it approached the U.S. southeastern coast on October 6, 2016.
Thanks to compassionate people in the LCMS who respond generously in the wake of disasters, and using funds already on-hand for disaster response work, two aircraft have been chartered to airdrop some 120,000 packaged meals and supplies to the people in the hardest hit areas of Haiti. On October 6, LCMS leaders approved a $10,000 grant to Mission and Ministry, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization coordinating this vital airdrop.
|
|
|
Church and school activities
|
|
In our schools
Time to read
Always fun at the Martin Luther Christian School, Pennsauken, NJ, on book fair day.
|
|
Preschool fun
Little ones at Open Arms Childcare Center in Lancaster, PA, enjoy their day at the center.
|
|
Outdoor time
Kindergarten students at Martin Luther Christian School, Pennsauken, NJ, enjoy studying outside on a nice fall day.
|
|
|
Redeemer Lutheran School, Oakmont, PA, had the top runners in the Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Schools, PALS, 5K Run/Walk.Congratulations!
|
|
|
The 7th/8th grade "A" team took second place in the Hales Corners Lutheran School Wildcat tournament! Way to go, Lady Wildcats!
|
|
|
|
Learning to comfort
Fourth grade classes at Hales Corners Lutheran Schools, Hales Corners, WI, participated in an activity through Club Comfort. The students discussed ways that they can provide comfort to those in need, while also creating a plaque for someone in their lives who needs comfort. Hales Corners Lutheran School was the first school in Wisconsin to have the opportunity to participate in this program.
|
|
Field trip fun
Students from Bethesda International Academy, Chicago, IL, had a great time at the pumpkin patch.
|
|
|
|
Welcome!
Click
here
to read an article from the local paper about Kristi Bauer, the new DCE at Hope Lutheran Church, Hastings, MN. Welcome, Kristi!
|
|
In our churches
Members, students and families of West Portal Lutheran Church and School, San Francisco, CA enjoyed a picnic at Pine Lake in beautiful Stern Grove.
|
|
Love Thy Neighbor
In your community
These herbs were growing out of control! It was time to make another bountiful harvest and donate it to the Erie City Mission. What will be the impact next year when this mission expands its operation? Erie Sproutz is a ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, Erie, PA.
|
|
Sanctity of Life
The San Francisco/Bay Area Lutherans 4 had a very fruitful event, full of fun, fellowship, information and "buying." Over $700 was raised for the local pregnancy center, BirthRight, whose representative was present to share their ministry. A particular need was met right away because of the money raised: diapers! Sometimes it is a need as basic as diapers that causes an expectant mother to worry. Additionally, those in attendance were happy to learn about the 24-hour hotline that this facility offers so it is reachable to women in crisis.
|
|
|
|
|
Our guest blogger shares a little history about the Lutheran Federal Credit Union and the benefits of membership.
Why I Am an LFCU Member
As I think about the history of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), I see a tradition of innovation. On October 2, 1930, for example, the first Lutheran HourĀ® radio program was aired, spreading the Gospel message using the young technology of broadcast radio. The program continues today and is broadcast across the world in more than 80 languages. As another example, in 1952 the International Lutheran Layman's League ventured into television with "This Is the Life." This 36-year television series featured dramatizations of contemporary problems and how they were resolved using a Christian solution. These are but two examples of a history of innovation in the LCMS, a tradition that continues today in the Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU).
Ken Krueger is a member and board member of Lutheran Federal Credit Union. Do you have a ministry experience you would like to share? If so, you, too, could be a guest blogger for the English District. For consideration, please send an email to
Lynne Cobb, Communications Coordinator for the English District LCMS.
|
|
|
News from our international workers
|
|
Dear Friends,
Click here to read our recent newsletter, letting you know what has been happening and what is about to happen. We ask, as always, for your prayers for our ministry here in northern Ghana. The Lord has a lot of work for us and we know the devil will always resist us. Ask the Lord of the harvest to help with this critical work.
On October 17, 2016, we will be heading home to visit our supporters and to share with them what is happening. The up-to-date list of our activities is on the backside of the newsletter. If you can come and see us, please do! We love to meet with our prayer partners and to pray for you.
As always, can we get a little part of the church bulletin board? We want as many people as possible praying for us! God keep you in His grace!
We commend you to Christ,
Rev. Dale and Suzanne Kaster
Your
International Workers in Ghana, West Africa
|
|
|
Hello from the Ferrys!
Now visiting in the United States!
That's right! We've landed back on American soil for the first time in over two years. We're currently in the midst of a whirlwind tour of as many locations, churches, groups, and houses as we can cram into these few short weeks.
Click here
to read about our landing, as well as our first few stops. Check out tidbits inside about the kids' reactions to American food and activities as they re-adjust to life on this side of the world.
We remain thankful for the opportunities that our Lord gives us through you as we work together to accomplish what He would have us do. We're hoping to see as many of you as possible over the next few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers, even as we pray in gratitude to have each of you on this team.
Yours in Christ,
The Ferry Family
Charles, Cheryl, Caleb, Caitlin, Carissa, Cassandra, and Chloe
|
|
Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Click
here to read the Ritzman family newsletter,
international workers in Papua. New Guinea.
|
|
Greetings to all of you, brothers and sisters in Christ!
September was a busy month for us in the quest to continue to develop a network of support in order to carry out the work that we have been called to do in the Dominican Republic and Latin America.
Thank you to all who are remembering us in prayer, and who have become a part of our Network of Support to send us to the field and to sustain us there.
Please take a few minutes to read our September newsletter by clicking
here.
Pastors and secretaries, please print out a few copies of the newsletter for your congregation display board and for those who do not have email.
Your fellow workers in Christ,
Cheryl & Jonathan Naumann
International Workers to Latin America
|
|
|
|
The English District Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod supports and funds missions, from our churches' local communities to people across the globe. Your gifts provide
- Grants to plant and support new mission churches.
- Continued support of campus ministries across the District, which provide worship, Bible study, and the resources needed to care for and plant seeds of faith among students on college campuses.
- Scholarships to students studying at the seminaries and Concordia universities.
- Support to our partnership with the Dominican Republic Lutheran Mission (DRLM), touching the lives of others by training leaders, planting mission churches, caring for children with disabilities, and building schools.
- Grants to encourage growth and ministry within English District schools.
- And much, much more.
Whether it is a scholarship or basic humanitarian need, 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.
|
|
Do you have an idea or a story or photo to share? Send them to us so we can read, enjoy, support and celebrate with each other and grow together!
There are so many interesting experiences and opportunities to learn and our eNewsletter Servant to Servant is a way we can share that information.
Please send pictures and stories from your church or school to
Kathy Stanis for possible inclusion.
|
|
Previous issues of the eNewlsetter, Servant to Servant, are available
here.
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. Forward the newsletter to members of your church 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
