If your congregation is interested in extending a divine call to a seminary candidate, or plans to apply for a vicar, please contact Kathy Stanis, Administrative Assistant, at 248-476-0039 ext. 320 or by email at kstanis@englishdistrict.org. A new version of the call documents is available (ver. 4.9.3). Do not use any older versions or the call documents will be returned for correction and resubmission. Call documents and vicarage applications must be received at the English District office no later than February 1, 2022.

By Rev. Joshua Ulm

Mark Wood’s “Connected to Christ” overflows with Christlike passion for the lost in our world. Dr. Wood writes with heartfelt care for all those who do not know Jesus, and motivates the reader to fervent prayer and witness on behalf of lost and broken people. This book always has God at the center of the work of evangelism, even as the author provides practical advice for our work of Christian witness. One of the strengths of this small volume is clarity of terms. Many other evangelism programs and guidebooks use differing terminology without taking the time to explain the nuances, but Wood guides the reader through his chosen terms with clarity. Another strength is the honest acknowledgement of our shortcomings as witnesses. Rather than avoiding roadblocks to witnessing, the reader is encouraged to witness to broken people as a broken person. Lutheran Theology is prominent in the book, and the conclusions and practical advice are built on a solid Law/Gospel foundation.

Because the brevity of this book necessitates a narrow focus, some readers and congregations may benefit from additional discussion on other aspects of the doctrine of vocation. These discussions could explore other ways we serve God in the world through our vocations in addition to Christian witness.

This book would make a fantastic takeaway from an “Every One His Witness” workshop, a gift given to stoke interest for an EHW workshop, or a gift to a friend or congregation member who is interested in the basics of Christian witness.

Your faithful tithes and offerings to the English District enable us to

continue to be a source of hope and opportunity for people who need

us. Please prayerfully consider joining us in ministry, so that the English

District can continue its work in spreading the message of Christ. The

English District Endowment Fund was established to provide support to

current and new missions and ministries, church workers and seminary

students, and campus ministries in the areas where our congregations live

and witness.

Every gift matters. Whatever God leads you to give will be a great blessing

as we all work together to plant new missions and schools, and provide

resources to existing ministries and church workers across the United States,

Canada, and around the world. GIVE NOW.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” So picture this: A group of co-workers (some believers and some non-churched) come together to the home of a Christian for a festive event. The home is filled with various art pieces. Among them is a picture of a person in prayer with the caption: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Another is a majestic picture of a mountain, a stream and a bird chirping with the words of Psalm 100:4, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”  Someone breaks the ice with the invitation to conversation, “Wasn’t today a wonderful day God has given to us?” In the background, someone lets loose with a raucous sneeze only to be greeted with a chorus of, “Bless you” but also “God bless you!” When dinner time arrives, the host offers up a prayer thanking God for the fellowship, the hosts, and all the good received from His bounteous hand. The evening is filled with laughter, conversation, and groups of people engaged in games. Intermingled into this evening is the occasional acknowledgment of God’s activity and thanksgiving to Him. Even some intentional verbalization of salvation by grace alone through faith alone is shared. One by one, as the guests leave, the farewell bidding from the host is a warm, “Good night! God be with you.”

Would you call this picture an “evangelism” event? No one quieted the gathering to offer a persuasive speech to believe in God. The hosts didn’t target the “non-churched” guests to intentionally proselytize them. Even though very few words from the Bible were spoken - God’s Word was intentionally spoken and the Holy Spirit accompanied each Word.  (“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ” Romans 10:17.) But the picture was absolutely one that bore witness to God and the difference He made in the lives of the Christians. The picture, the bold witness in this case was one of thanks-living. And this thanks-living, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, Word and action, had a profound impact on the non-churched. Picture one of those non-churched couples discussing on the way home, “What a wonderful night. I want what they have. I’m going to ask them what makes them tick.” As you prepare for your own celebration of Thanksgiving, please read more about how your life can continually be one of thanks-living.