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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On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy visited with Rev. Anthony Oliphant and the members of Redeemer, Elmhurst, IL.
Pictured are Rev. Anthony Oliphant and Bishop Jamison J. Hardy
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The Lake Erie Church Workers Conference |
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The Lake Erie Church Workers Conference was held October 18-20, 2021 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH. One impact of the USA-Canada border limitations and COVID-19 restrictions caused a group from Canada to set up a satellite location to attend the conference. The group met at Hope, Kitchener, ON, Canada and participated via video livestreaming.
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The guest speaker was Rev. Dr. Eric Andrae, pastor of First Trinity, Pittsburgh, PA. He spoke about the theology of Bo Giertz, author of The Hammer of God. Rev. Andrae discussed how this Swedish theologian brought Lutheran Theology into the context of his time. In addition, Rev. Andrae taught the difference between German Pietism and the Pietism found in other places. There was some practical discussion on what Giertz did in the context of his ministry. The presentations were filled with practical, theological, and historical value.
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Each year, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) celebrates their most accomplished athletes by inducting exceptional CUW faculty, staff, students or alumni into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to CUW Athletics Department. Congratulations to one of this year’s honorees, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy! Bishop Hardy wrestled at Concordia University Wisconsin from 1993-1996 and played football from 1992-1993. He was a two-time team captain and two-time team Most Valuable Player while on the wrestling team. He was also a two-time NAIA National Qualifier. Bishop Hardy graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1996.
The Hardy family pictured from left to right: Nathaniel, Bishop Hardy, Noah, Wendy, and Naomi.
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Call Received
The Rev. Dr. Adam C. Koontz, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, has received a call to serve as sole pastor of Martin Luther Chapel, Pennsauken, NJ.
Call Returned
The Rev. Eric Moffett, Foothills, Calgary, AB, Canada (LCC-West) has returned the call to serve as sole pastor of Redeemer, Sarnia, ON, Canada.
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Pastor Appreciation Month |
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WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE JESUS DO FOR YOU?
In this week’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus asks the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) Imagine yourself in that same position - the Son of David, the prophesied Messiah, the one true God of the universe, Immanuel, God in the flesh – asks YOU, “What can I do for you?” Would you be like King Solomon and ask for wisdom? Remember the disciples, James and John, were asked the same question by Jesus, “What do you want Me to do for you? (Mark 10:36) They asked for seats of power on Jesus’ left and right in glory. So...what would you have Jesus do for you? This isn’t the same as sitting on Santa’s lap and him asking you what you want for Christmas. (If you are like me, you gave that up some time ago - at least since COVID started.) Ralphie, the boy in the movie, “Christmas Story,” knew exactly what he wanted - a Red Ryder BB gun. But as broken, sinful, blinded people, are we even capable of answering the question, “What would you have Jesus do for you?”
What if we all asked Jesus to do for us what Bartimaeus asked, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” (Mark 10:51)? I want to see. What would this restoration mean for our sight? With Reformation quickly approaching, I would propose that it would restore a sense of reality. The reality that led to Martin Luther’s last words being, “We are beggars: that’s the truth.” That Luther and each one of us are nothing more than beggars crying out for mercy (to receive what we don’t deserve) so that we can follow Jesus, only Jesus – is truth! This restored sight enables us to see the world around us in a whole new light. It also equips you to be prepared always to share the Good News of Christ with this same world. Read this article as encouragement to pray daily to Jesus, the One who seeks to serve you rather than be served, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
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Connected to Christ Book Review #1 |
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In Mark Wood’s book, Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life, one could see his passion, excitement and experience with evangelism. Every good story can answer the questions of who, what, where, why, when and how. This book goes through these questions with witnessing. Mark Wood shares knowledge and new abilities to further growth in how one is a witness and how broken people are sent to other broken people with the message of the Gospel.
This book is like a Cliff Notes version of Every One His Witness. It has the highlights of that curriculum. The author gives practical ways to listen to other people, finding a point of connection between a person’s story and Jesus’ story, and crafting different conversations about Jesus to fit a person’s unique circumstances.
Connected to Christ is an easy read, yet a helpful resource for a Bible study, small group, or personal read. In his writing, the author's dedication for equipping Christians to share the Good News with joy with others is very evident. – Pastor Seth Hoeppner, Faith, Watertown, WI.
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The Bible's promise is true: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).
District daily prayers for November are located on our website.
Your prayer concerns are important to the English District. If you have a prayer request you would like shared in this newsletter, email the District office.
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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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LCEF Launches Free Mobile App
Great news for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) MyAccount users: LCEF now has a free mobile app! This convenient new tool allows users to make transfers, pay bills and stay up to date with account balances—all from the convenience of a phone or tablet. If you are an LCEF MyAccount user, the new mobile app is available for download now from the Apple store (lcef.us/appstore) and the Google Play store (lcef.us/googleplay).
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Peace, Fremont, IN
Peace Lutheran Church commissioned its Comfort Dog Ministry on October 17. Dove and her handlers are seen with other area teams from Indianapolis, Toledo, and Chicago.
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Zion, Detroit, MI
Zion was hit hard by the June Detroit area flooding and are pleased to report that the modular building on the north end is back up and running. Much of the rest of the building is empty, awaiting restoration. Thankfully, the organ blower was spared water damage and only a few acapella and candlelight Masses were necessary. God’s blessings were evident through this difficult time, including the church proper being well above ground level and, therefore, suffered no damage. No Masses, Divine Offices, or private confession and absolutions were canceled, and other spaces were usable for meetings and classes. Many gracious gifts in support of the cleanup and restoration have been thankfully received as restoration continues.
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Our Savior, Hartland, MI
Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran hosted their in-person and livestreamed event The Body of Christ and the Public Square on October 16. Rev. Chris Thoma, Abby Johnson, Charlie Kirk, and Candace Owens spoke to the sold-out crowd.
On Thursday, October 21, Rev. Thoma was interviewed by Dinesh D'Souza to further discuss The Body of Christ and the Public Square on his podcast. You can watch the interview here. Rev. Thoma's section starts 26 minutes into the episode.
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Fairlawn, Fairlawn OH
Fairlawn Lutheran School students and their families were welcomed to the 10 am church service on October 17. The children sang several songs as part of worship. Video of the service including the children’s presentation is available on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Great job kids!
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Abounding Love, Lee's Summit, MO
Abounding Love has been so blessed to have two wonderful volunteers revamp their lower level entrance to the school. It is beautiful! Thank you Virginia and Larry Propp!
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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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Also, please share your congregation's or school's unique ministries with the rest of the District. Send pictures and stories for consideration to jmcgarr@englishdistrict.org by Wednesday at 12:00 Noon 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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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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If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
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