English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Servant to Servant
Greetings!
August 12, 2022
Bishops' Visit
Trinity, San Dimas, CA
 
On Sunday, August 7, 2022, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy officiated the closing of Trinity, San Dimas, CA and the disposition of its church building. We give thanks to God for the nearly 80 years that Trinity and its members gave faithful witness to the Gospel and service in His name. 
Assistant to the Bishop's Visit
Rev. Derek Mathers worshiped with English District Emeritus Pastor Ray Kirk as he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination, leading the Divine Service at the congregation where he was ordained, Emmanuel Lutheran, Beamsville, Ontario. Gathered for the picture with Pastor Kirk are (left to right): Rev. Marty Fraser, Rev. Derek Mathers, Rev. Ray Kirk, Rev. James Schnarr, and Rev. John Makey.
The people gathered to celebrate Ray's 50th anniversary of his ordination in his home congregation have changed but Emmanuel Lutheran Church has several sons of the congregation in ministry. Pastor Kirk led the Divine Service which was followed by a pot blessing luncheon at a member's home.
Congratulations Pastor Kirk and Nancy!
All Saints Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry’s Precious Task
Even though Christian parents do all they can to instill faith in their children, it is still a huge challenge for their college-bound children to remain Christian when they attend college. This is where campus ministry comes into the picture.

Campus ministry at All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center is well aware of the challenges facing students when they come to Slippery Rock University, Grove City College, and Westminster College. One of the first things campus ministry does is to connect with them as soon as possible so they will know that we are eager to be part of their lives.

I called students inviting them to join us for a Saturday kayaking outing this month which is just after classes resume. The nineteen slots available for places in the kayaks filled quickly. The opportunity to talk to the students was a blessing for us. They appreciated our willingness to help make their first weeks on campus more fun and less stressful. They were glad to be assured when we said they didn’t have to worry if they had never been kayaking before.

To read more, please click here.
Israel Tour Zoom Evening Meeting August 16
The 2023 clergy and spouse tour to Israel has now been opened to all called "Ministers of Religion!" This will allow many more of our called workers and spouses to come to Israel at a deeply discounted rate, less than half the cost of most Israel trips. Join SELC District President Wally Vinovskis, Indiana District LCEF Vice President TJ Mattick, and English/SELC District LCEF Vice President Dan Lepley to learn about the Judean Wilderness and more about this tour opportunity at the ZOOM meeting.

Pictured above: St. George’s monastery, dating back to the 3rd/4th century, is perched precariously overlooking Wadi Qelt, the traditional Valley of the Shadow of Death, in the heart of the Judean Wilderness.

Tuesday, August 16 2022, 9:00 p.m.. EST/6:00 p.m. PST Zoom Link
Saints Monica and Augustine Family Retreat
The Philadelphia Circuit of the English District welcomes you to the annual Saints Monica & Augustine Family Retreat to be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 10 AM-3 PM (registration & continental breakfast begin at 9:30 AM) at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 308 Petersburg Rd., Lititz, PA. Preaching and catechesis by Rev. Rob Kieselowsky & Rev. Chris Seifferlein, craft, games, music, and lunch round out this relaxing day as we discuss life together as families under God’s Word. All ages welcome! Cost is free.

To register attendees or for more information, contact Rev. Christopher Seifferlein at (920) 918-7200 or email pastorcms@mclclititz.org.
Lifeline Update
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Office of the President would like to compile a list of relationships that the LCMS has with pregnancy resource centers, pro-life clinics and other organizations that provide support to mothers, children and families.

Will you please share the names (and locations if you have them) of organizations that your district and congregations work with?  Please email Roni Grad with the information. Thank you.
Prayer Requests
The Bible's promise is true: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).
Called to Glory
Mrs. Patricia (Patty) Lynn Wirtz – September 7, 1957 to August 7, 2022
 
Patricia (Patty) Lynn Wirtz, wife of Rev. Nicholas D. Wirtz, was called to her eternal rest on Sunday, August 7, 2022. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022, at 12:00 PM, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2005 S Houghton Road, Tucson, AZ 85748. The Rev. Isaac H. Wirtz, pastor of Mt. Olive and son of Nick and Patty, will officiate the service and Rev. Nicholas Wirtz will be the guest preacher. Please keep the Wirtz family in your prayers.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 115:15

Rev Dr. Jonathan Naumann fell and broke his leg on Sunday, July 25, just before he and his wife gave their last “home service” mission presentation. On July 27, he had surgery in Omaha, Nebraska. We pray for complete healing.

District daily prayers for September 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.
LCMS Foundation
Contact Ron Grimm, English District Planning Counselor, 412-584-7039 or visit www.LCMSFoundation.org.
Contact Dan Lepley, DVP - English and SELC District Lutheran Church Extension Fund, for more information at 317-402-9401.
In Our Churches
St. John's, Germanicus, ON

Despite the 100 degree temperatures, God’s people at St. Johns Lutheran Church gathered together Sunday, August 7th to give praise and thanks for 150 years of ministry. Pastor Richard Klein preached on the theme "Be Strong in the LORD". With his wife Rosemarie, Pastor Klein traveled from British Columbia to preach at this event. Greetings came from many of St. John’s previous pastors, political leaders, and our District Vice President, Rev. Jeffrey Miskus, brought greetings from our Bishop and the congregations of the English District. The anniversary committee did a wonderful job of organizing a meal following the event. To God be the Glory!!!
Trinity, Erie, PA

Lee was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on August 7, 2022. He was a part of the music camp where kids learn Christian songs on ukuleles, piano, and guitar and have creative art classes. Lee asked to be baptized after the exciting week of music and praise to Jesus.
Trinity Lutheran Church held its second Sonshine Saturday on July 23rd. The celebration promotes local Christian bands outside the church building.  People are invited for prayer and to meet with church members in the sanctuary. A bouncy house, hot dogs, watermelon, and popsicles were shared with the community. Over 125 were in attendance and five bands played at the event.
The week of July 18 Trinity Lutheran Church offered Sparks Studio Music Camp for children ages 2 to 12. The program featured Christian singing, ukulele lessons, guitar lessons, harmonica, sight music reading instruction, and acrylic creative painting, all centered around the teaching of the Trinity. Twenty-two students and seven adults were involved. All were thrilled to be back after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
Church Music Opportunity
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Loudon, TN, is looking for individuals with music experience who are interested in part-time work. For more information, please contact Pastor Brian Truog at 865-458-9407.
Nebraska District Seeking Treasurer
The Nebraska District LCMS is seeking a Treasurer. To suggest someone for this position, or to apply, please contact District President Rev. Richard Snow.
 
Position Description & Purpose:
The purpose of the treasurer position is to manage the business affairs of the district and assist the district president in caring for the financial matters of district congregations and workers.
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