English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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God in All Things - Without Borders | |
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On Monday, February 20, 2023, Bishop Jamison Hardy visited with members of Holy Cross, Cleveland, OH.
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The English District’s Board of Directors met February 18, 2023, at Our Savior, Hartland, MI. Special thanks to the members of Our Savior for their warm hospitality.
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Professional Church Workers Conference Registration Open | | |
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God in All Things...Without Borders
Professional Church Workers - May 9, 3:00 p.m. to May 11, 11:30 a.m.
Circuit Visitors/VPs - May 11, 12:00 p.m. to May 12, 11:00 a.m.
The informational letter and link to register is available on our website.
We look forward to seeing you in May.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the District office: info@englishdistrict.org.
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New Opportunity for Service and Leadership in Our English District | | |
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God in All Things... Without Borders
Would you like to be involved in being a part of discussions which lead to action in developing mission in the English District?
At our 2012 English District Convention, Rev. Dr. William Schumacher presented a paper exploring the question,
"What are we about as an English District?"
His one sentence answer to this question was,
"Sharing the good news of God's Kingdom across every boundary
and barrier of human existence."
We are hosting a gathering of self-identified, interested individuals for a working conference to explore where we are and where we could be in terms of mission expansion for the glory of God and the blessing of all people. The application form for this conference is now available here.
This opportunity to participate in strengthening our culture of mission as the English District is open to all members of our English District, not just church workers.
As you read this, maybe it isn't for you but someone you know jumps to your thoughts. We ask that you pass this announcement/invitation to them quickly.
Our space is limited to 20-23 people. We will start the conference on April 18, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. and end on April 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. There is no cost for participants to attend the conference, and travel will be covered according to District guidelines.
Specifically, the goals of this gathering are to:
- Clarify our District understanding of mission within the context of God's Word and within our District culture.
- Identify beneficial and effective processes within our specific District for identification and development of new mission starts within the definition of mission established.
- Support the birthing of new mission by existing ministries/congregations/circuits.
- Resource these new missions with both tools and potential funding.
- Raise the bar...without borders.
- Mission / Mission / Mission...leading to growth of God’s Kingdom.
We hope that you will give serious and prayerful consideration to this opportunity.
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Synod Convention Reminders | | |
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The deadline for nominations for Synod president and vice presidents is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. This year nominations are to be submitted exclusively through an electronic system. In October 2022, every LCMS congregation received by mail login credentials for the nominating ballot and necessary instructions. If this envelope is lost or misplaced, a duplicate must be requested through the Office of the Secretary of the Synod (lcmssecretary@lcms.org or 314-996-1417).
For more information, visit the LCMS nominations website.
It is also time for congregations to submit end-of-year statistics and to update their current list of lay leaders at the following website: lc.lcms.org. Up-to-date statistical information is critical for determining proper voting representation at conventions. Emails for lay leaders will be increasingly important as channels for critical convention communications.
If you do not have your congregation’s login information, contact rosters.stats@lcms.org, or the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-843-5267.
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Lumen Christi Award Nominations | | |
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One week remains for nominations!
The Lumen Christi award is presented to publicly recognize the service of educators, to further promote and encourage all professional and volunteer leaders/teachers who are active members of an English District – LCMS congregation.
The 2023 Lumen Christi Award nominations for the English District Professional Educator of the Year and English District Volunteer Educator of the Year are due by March 3, 2023. Nomination forms are available through the links above. The Lumen Christi Award Criteria and Definitions are available here. Please prayerfully consider making a nomination.
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Roger D. Pittelko "Ille Dilexit Ecclesiam" Award | | |
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One week remains for nominations!
Nominations are requested for the third annual Roger D. Pittelko Ille Dilexit Ecclesiam* Award (*He loved the Church).
The English District has created this award to recognize and celebrate pastors who have served God’s people well in the English District.
Recipients of this award must meet the following criteria:
- He is an ordained pastor who served in the English District.
- He has retired from full-time active parish ministry.
- He exhibited a lifetime of faithfulness to our God and service to God’s people through congregations and the wider field of the English District.
Download the nomination form from the English District website.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, March 3, 2023. The recipient of this award will be announced as part of the 2023 Professional Church Workers Conference.
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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.
Please pray for healing, patience and comfort for Parish Nurse Shawneen Schmitt from Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior, Green Valley, AZ.
District daily prayers for March 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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Contact Dan Lepley, DVP - English and SELC District Lutheran Church Extension Fund, for more information at 317-402-9401.
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Calvary, Mechanicsburg, PA
The Move-In Box Project was organized by Calvary Lutheran Church’s Operation Barnabas Committee in partnership with the Harrisburg YWCA. Once permanent housing is ready for veterans in transitional housing, they are in need of numerous essential items to set up their new homes. Calvary members contributed those items for the Move-In Boxes; donations were also received from the American Legion Post in Mechanicsburg. A Thrivent Action Team grant also covered costs to purchase items. Calvary youth members helped with the box assembly.
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Grace, Redford, MI
Grace Lutheran Church organized a food distribution where the congregation put together boxes and bags of food that members donated. They had a drive-up distribution at the church for those in need and helped approximately 100 people. Rev. Tim Halboth and Vicar Grant Thiel were humbled at the plethora of volunteers and the gratitude of those that were served.
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Risen Christ, Plymouth, MI
The "Ladies Dine Right Tonight" event sponsored by the Board of Evangelism was enjoyed by many ladies. Thank you to Chef John, all of the men who helped set up, prepare & serve the meal & cleaned up, and Pastor Rennie and Esther for providing the musical entertainment. It was a wonderful time of fun & fellowship for all.
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Mount Calvary, Lititz, PA
Fifty-five youth and their leaders gathered for a Higher Things youth retreat on February 17-18 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Five states were represented as the youth enjoyed a plenary speaker, breakaway sectionals, worship services, and social activities including the “Luther Lounge,” a barn dance, a bible gameshow, and lots of food. Join us in Lititz next year!
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Ascension, North Olmsted, OH
Ascension Lutheran Church received six new members into her fellowship on Sunday, February 19. Five members joined by transfer from other congregations. One member was confirmed.
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Council members Jeff Clark and Jeff Troxell led a find-and-repair operation for a leak in the narthex of Ascension Lutheran Church. Pastor Joshua Ulm assisted with the jackhammer, which had its ups and downs. Praise God that the leak is fixed!
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St. John's, Bridgeport, WV
On the third Friday of each month, St. John's Lutheran Church hosts the Harrison County Family Support Center’s Game Night. Much fun is had by all who attend! Scrabble, anyone?
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Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI
The Hales Corners Lutheran School first graders had a great time at Discovery World last week. They explored a world of technology, learned about magnets, and visited the aquarium where they got to pet a sting ray and climb aboard a ship.
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Bethesda, Chicago, IL
At Bethesda International Academy, Mrs. Hernandez's class welcomed "first graders in training" this week for a special look at what is in store for them next fall. First graders in training learned about the subjects they will learn and what time lunch and recess are held. They got up out of their seats for a fun brain break and even earned a trip to Mrs. Hernandez's special treasure box.
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Faith, Watertown, WI
The students from Faith Lutheran School had a great time on their field trip to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The volunteers and guides were absolutely fabulous. What a beautiful place to learn about God's creation in the middle of February!
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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 the unique ministries of your school or congregation 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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If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
using your email's forwarding option.
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