English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. |
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The Rev. Noah J. Rogness was installed as an Associate Pastor of Immanuel, Alexandria, VA on Saturday, September 12, 2020. In attendance were many clergy from the surrounding area and some even traveled a great distance to be there. Bishop Jamison J. Hardy officiated the installation.
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We are pleased to announce the calling of our next English and SELC District Vice President, Rev. Daniel Lepley. Dan will succeed Rev. David Thiele upon David’s retirement later this year.
Dan is a graduate of Concordia University Mequon and Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne. He has most recently served as senior pastor at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, Avon, IN where he was installed in 2013. Prior to that he served at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN.
Dan and his wife Wendi have four children. Isaac is a sophomore at Purdue University while daughters Meghan (senior) and Carina (sophomore) are in high school. Their youngest son Markus is in sixth grade.
Please join us in welcoming Dan to the LCEF and English District family!
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2021 English District Convention |
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The English District plans to meet in Convention next summer: June 17–19, 2021 at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI. Synod Bylaw 4.2.1 states the purpose of this meeting of representatives from District congregations: “Conventions of the districts shall afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the district’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take action on reports and overtures, and handle appropriate appeals.”
Our congregations and their pastors and members play several important roles in the District Convention process. The first mailing has been sent by email to inform you about those roles and prepare you to fulfill them. If your congregation did not receive the email, you will find all the information on the district website.
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1-1-1 A Dollar for Missions
One Dollar - Per Member - Per Week
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Our third season of 1-1-1!
On September 1st we began a new year of 1-1-1. This is exciting because 1-1-1 is based on the concept that many doing little can accomplish much. Much has been accomplished indeed. In the first two years of God’s people participating in 1-1-1, over $100,000 was gathered and disbursed to the identified missions. That is the provision of God through his people joyfully placing “one dollar-per member-per week” into their congregation’s 1-1-1 collection container.
We have over sixty 1-1-1 participating congregations, which is a very good number! Truly, the 1-1-1 saying has proven true, “There is power and strength in many giving a little!” Thanks be to God!
Bishop Hardy and the District Missions Council have identified English District Campus Ministry as the next mission focus for our 1-1-1 gifts from September 1, 2020 until August 31, 2021.
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Concordia Plan Services Webinar
You know you should save, but there is so much more to it than that. How much should you save? What type of account should you use? Can you get help with investments?
Date: October 8, 2020
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Looking for ways to remain connected to the children in your church? Watch this video, "LCEF Ministry Moment - Kid's Connection" for some ideas.
If you would like to discuss how to move your ministry forward with ideas like these, please contact David Thiele, English District LCEF Vice President, by email or phone 517-980-2857. LCEF is here to support you and your congregation.
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For more information, contact the English District Gift Planning Counselor Ron Grimm by phone (412)-584-7039 or email.
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Livestreamed/Recorded Services |
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We encourage everyone to take advantage of alternative opportunities to hear God’s word and to be blessed by the Divine Service. We have compiled a list of opportunities on the English District website that is continually updated.
If your congregation is recording or live streaming and is not included on this list, please email us at info@englishdistrict.org and let us know how people can access it.
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Ministerial Health Commission |
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How are your pastor and his family doing these days?
This is a question that lay leadership of our congregations need to be asking right now. It has been a long six months since the beginning of Covid-19. While many pastors are able to manage short-term issues and adaptations that often come along in ministry, Covid has called upon our church workers for a marathon of effort. This can be wearing on emotions, physical well being and the mind. Further, this can negatively impact marriage and family relationships.
As Chair of our English District Ministerial Health Commission tasked with supporting and encouraging church worker and church worker family wellness, I encourage our lay leaders to give extra attention to caring for their church workers and their families.
Besides being in prayer for our church workers and continuing to provide for their physical needs as best as we are able, what more can be done?
First, be aware of what is being identified in current articles and studies concerning Church workers in the current contexts of ministry. Here are two recent articles on what is being identified among church workers today.
Second, speak with your church workers. Just ask the questions, “How are you personally doing right now? How is your family doing?” Listen and respond openly to what is shared with you.
Third, assure your church workers that you stand with them, support them, and value them.
Fourth, encourage your church workers to honor one or two full days off work each week to maintain a balance in these extra effort days of Covid. And encourage them to take their vacation, even though they might be sacrificially resistant.
If you would like to chat more about this topic or have situations of concern please know that you are welcome to contact my office or any member of our Ministerial Health Commission. Names and contact information are available on the district website.
Assistant to the Bishop and Mission Executive
800-755-9335 x 311
416-320-6366 (Canadian cell)
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Your prayer concerns are important to the English District. When you submit a prayer request, with your permission, it will be posted in this weekly eNewsletter. The Bible's promise is true: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).
We invite you to pray with us through October.
Daily prayers available here.
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Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry to Retire |
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In his 30th year at Concordia University, 24 of them as president, Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry told the University’s Board of Regents that he will retire from his position June 2021. During his tenure, Concordia University has been widely recognized for its excellence in Christian faith and learning, student outcomes, robust program growth in the areas of health science, business, and education, and the successful merger with a sister campus, Concordia University Ann Arbor, in 2013.
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Sherman Oaks, Sherman Oaks, CA
Cooler temps for courtyard services at Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church.
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Fairlawn, Fairlawn, OH
Youth Night at Fairlawn Lutheran Church began with a short devotion and then the teens played several outdoor games.
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Messiah, Princeton, NJ
Sunday was a lovely day for the members of Lutheran Church of the Messiah to worship outdoors, enjoy a picnic, and participate in a scavenger hunt.
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Zion, Detroit, MI
Due to the extension of the Michigan state of emergency limiting all meetings and conferences held indoors to 10 people, the St. Michael Liturgical Conference at Zion Lutheran Church has been cancelled. Zion is working to contact everyone who has registered for the Conference and to refund any registration fees already submitted.
Zion has already begun planning the 2021 St. Michael Liturgical Conference, to be held on Monday, September 27, 2021. We hope you will make plans to join us at Zion for the 2021 Conference!
If you have any questions, please contact the Zion Church office at (313) 894-7450.
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Bethesda, Chicago, IL
This week Pastor Bacon led chapel at Bethesda International Academy. Thank you for sharing God's word with the children!
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Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI
The teachers and students at Hales Corners Lutheran School are happy to be back together and starting the new school year! Chapel is held via Zoom, but still interactive and worshipful. Socially distanced classrooms, masks all around, teachers traveling to classes instead of teaching in their rooms, and sanitizing desks and hands frequently are just some of the many new procedures. There is much to be grateful for as blessings overflow.
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4th Grade Cup Rhythms in Music |
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Please 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. They can subscribe by clicking on the "Sign up for our emails" link at the bottom. Thanks for spreading the word!
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Please share your congregation's or school's unique ministries with the rest of the District. Send pictures and stories for consideration to Holly Scheer by Wednesday, 12:00 pm ET. We want to see how YOUR congregation or school is showing the love of God to those in your community and around the world.
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If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
using your email's forwarding option.
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