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, April 25, 2021, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy installed The Rev. Todd A. Seaver as the Sole Pastor of Redeemer, St. Clair Shores, MI. |
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Calls Received
Ministerial Candidate Daniel Greg (CSL) has received a call to serve as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirt, Elk Grove Village, IL.
Ministerial Candidate Raymond Hulett (CTSFW) has received a call to serve as pastor of Hope Ev. Lutheran Church, Fremont, CA.
Ministerial Candidate Stanley Lacey (CTSFW) has received a call to serve as pastor of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Clarksburg, WV.
Call Accepted
The Rev. Nicholas D. Wirtz has accepted the call to serve as a deployed pastor of Santa Trinidad Lutheran Hispanic Mission, Tucson, AZ.
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Welcome to the District: New Workers
Call Day 2021
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The assignment of vicarages, deaconess internships, and call placements was announced and celebrated on Call Day at both seminaries.
Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN held their Vicarage and Deaconess Assignment service on Monday, April 26, 2021. Call Day for ministerial candidates was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. It was announced during the services that four vicars-elect received vicarage assignments and two ministerial candidates received calls to the English District.
On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO held its Assignment and Internships Service and Call Day. One person received a deaconess internship and one ministerial candidate received a call to serve in the English District.
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Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne Call Candidates |
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Raymond Hulett—Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fremont, CA - Pastor |
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Stanley Lacey—St. John’s Lutheran Church, Clarksburg, WV - Pastor |
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Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne Vicar Candidates |
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Brennan DeForest—Messiah Lutheran Church, Danville, CA
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Benjamin Janssen—First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA |
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Ellery Steffensen—Catalina Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ |
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Daniel Warner—Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries, Philadelphia, PA |
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Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Call Candidate |
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Daniel Greg—Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Elk Grove Village, IL - Pastor |
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Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Deaconess Internship |
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Jenny Huelsman—First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA |
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1-1-1 Focus on Campus Ministry |
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Our English District identified recipients of 1-1-1 (A Dollar for Mission) for 2020-2021 are the campus ministries of our District. We want members of our District congregations, those who bring a (1) dollar per (1) person per (1) Sunday, to have a clear picture of how these gifts are being used to directly support the mission of our District. These gifts come together to fund important ministries across the District, like Martin Luther Chapel at Michigan State University, $1 at a time.
Read more about the campus ministry of Martin Luther Chapel and how they connect with students and faculty during this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
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If someone asks you the question, “Are you connected?” instantly you are faced with the horror of thinking, “What if I’m not?” No one likes to be disconnected from that which can improve your way of life. To be “connected” in today’s society is to be on social media (be that Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), Wi-Fi, the Internet, an app or even a support group. We yearn to be “hooked up,” connected to the most up and coming phenomena, attached to all that is successful. The pandemic has made it difficult, if not impossible, to be fully connected to any one thing or any one person or group. Relationships are certainly strained. The Biden administration is calling for “unity” at a time when we are literally polarized by our differing opinions, politics and sinful attitudes toward one another.
Into this setting of confusion and chaos, Jesus paints a simple picture of what it means to be truly connected: “I am the Vine; you are the branches... Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Or said another way, connected to Him alone, we can do anything. Ask yourself this question, “To what or whom am I connected?" As we look at the world around us, we should ask the question, “To what or whom are the people around me connected?” Sharing the Gospel is relational. God has given us the picture of relationship - Vine to branch. Please click here to read the full article considering the simple question, “Are you connected?”
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As confusing and as frustrating as this past year has been God’s Word has not been stopped or even hindered from going forth and accomplishing God’s will in the hearts and lives of people around our world. This is true of the focus and efforts of Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director of LCMS Witness & Outreach Ministry and director of the LCMS revitalization initiative.
These Re:Vitality tools, and they are just tools, are specifically meant to assist congregations in identification, reflection, and refocusing of the witnessing and outreach they are currently involved in. With a renewed awareness and consideration of these activities, the tools of Re:Vitality can help God’s people discover a growing level of intentionality in these same areas of their ministry and mission. The key is always this, the information gained is of no use or profit unless it is given energy and priority to be applied. You can have the right tool for a task but if you do not use the tool it is of little to no benefit to you. No secret, there will be a cost as congregations generally do not like change but that is what the tools of Re:Vitality present us with, opportunity for change that will work to strengthen our witness and outreach to our world and specifically to individuals looking for hope.
I encourage you to take another look at Re:Vitality and imagine how these tools might open doors of more effective witness and outreach for God’s people into our world.
In 2020, Rev. Dr. Wood spoke at the Minnesota South District Pastors Conference, providing a complete presentation of all the current Re:Vitaility tools and resources, explaining how they fit together and what the purpose is of each one. I believe it is worth your time to consider these tools as they have been reworked to be used without needing an outside facilitator. Here is the link to the video.
It is my hope that you will let me know your thoughts after watching it.
Assistant to the Bishop and Mission Executive
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Shirley Holle, a member of the English District Board of Directors, has written about her Pandemic Bible Study experience. This article is encouraging at a time when it might be easier to quit.
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The Role of a Father Confessor for Pastors |
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Every pastor (church worker) needs someone they can talk to, someone they can trust, someone they can confess their sins to and receive the assurance of the forgiveness of their sins in Christ Jesus from their Father Confessor. President/Bishop Hardy has been constant in this message and encouragement since he first was elected as our President/Bishop.
All pastors are fallen individuals. As people of pride and self-sufficiency we often fail to have someone we can trust who can hear our struggles, give sound brotherly advice, and offer the needed absolution of sins. But this is an area that every pastor would do well to pay attention, and to cultivate a relationship with another trusted pastor of proven godly wisdom, character, insight, and confidence.
There seems to be a variety of thought about the role of a Father Confessor in our congregations. To provide a common understanding of the foundation, practice, and benefit of having a Father Confessor as a pastor, Father Mark Braden was invited to write on this topic for us. He has titled the article: “On Private Confession and Absolution for the Pastor.” May the teaching and thoughts he shares be a blessing in your life.
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English District Virtual Gala |
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In the beginning, God spoke and it was so. Thy strong word.
Today ministry and mission work is done with our hands and feet, our actions and our words. Thy strong word.
God also inspires us to give of our treasures. Thy strong word.
Our English District has an Endowment Fund that assists congregations and pastors with ministry and mission work. The 2021 English District Virtual Gala is a time for our district to gather online and recognize the work of our ministries and missions that received assistance from our Endowment Fund. It is also an opportunity for all members and congregations to donate to this important fund so it may continue supporting our district’s work in ministry and mission.
Join the English District on June 13, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time for the Virtual Gala—Thy Strong Word. There will be inspiring speakers, award presentations, opportunities to donate, an online auction, a celebration of our missions, and beautiful music.
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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 May 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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LCMS Statistical Reports - Deadline Extended to May 31 |
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2020 Congregation Statistics and Lay Leader Reports
Thank you to the English District congregations who have already submitted their end-of-year statistics on the LCMS Information Support Network (LISN) for Congregations. For those of you who have not submitted your reports, the deadline has been extended to May 31, 2021, and these reports will be used when we invoice the convention assessments this year.
When you file your statistical report, please update your lay leaders and provide their email addresses. These will be important to your congregation receiving timely reminders to participate in Synod governance through the convention cycle.
Congregation statistics are entered directly into the LISN database, which is designed to provide better service and greater access. If you have problems logging in, or need assistance, please send an email to rosters.stats@lcms.org or call (314) 996-1366 to request your login information.
Again, the deadline to submit the congregation statistics is Monday, May 31, 2021. Convention assessment invoices will be mailed from the District office in early April using the figures available at that time. If no report has been filed, the last known figures will be used. For questions regarding the assessment, contact the district office: info@englishdistrict.org or 800-755-9335.
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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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Our Savior Lutheran in Hartland, MI is searching for a Director of their Early Childhood Learning Center. Education degree is needed and experience preferred. If you have a desire to care for children and staff in a loving, Christian environment, please contact Pastor Thoma at pastorthoma@oursaviorhartland.org
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Fairlawn, Fairlawn, OH
The children’s message at Fairlawn Lutheran Church featured real lambs to help children learn about why Jesus is our Good Shepherd!
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Prince of Peace, Medina, OH
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is thrilled to re-start fellowship opportunities with coffee and donuts between service.
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Shepherd King, West Bloomfield, MI
Shepherd King Preschool had a few fantastic weeks learning about spring, construction, transportation and even reading!
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Christ the King, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Mrs. Pieper's and Mrs. Steinkampf's classes had a wonderful time learning about and participating in their Winter Olympics event.
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Are you following us on Instagram? |
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Make sure you are following englishdistrictlcms on Instagram for more content. Something you want to see more of on Instagram? Let us know in our DM's. |
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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 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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