God in All Things - Without Borders

September 16, 2022

Rev. J. Derek Mathers brought English District LCMS greetings to God's people at Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda, NY on Sunday, September 11 as they celebrated their 125th anniversary. The congregation was started by young people who desired to have English as the language of worship at a time when German was still the language of most LCMS congregations. They wanted to invite their non-German speaking friends to worship with them. Great time to remember and to look forward.

Rev. J. Derek Mathers attended the opening service for the 47th academic year at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lutheran Church - Canada on September 11. Rev. Dr. James Kellerman was installed as Associate Professor of Theology. Rev. Allen Maleske, emeritus pastor in the East Region and former District President, was honoured with the Emeritus Crucis award.

Call Received and Accepted

The Rev. Danlias F. Howe (SELC District) has received and accepted a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Trinity, Ocala, FL.

If your congregation is interested in extending a divine call to a seminary candidate or plans to make application for a vicar, the call documents and vicarage applications must be received no later than Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Please add this topic to your congregational voter’s meeting agenda for discussion in November or December. This will allow for the necessary paperwork to be completed in a timely manner. Calling congregations must access the Call Documents for Ordained Ministers and the Vicarage Application using a web address/URL. Please contact Kathy Stanis, Administrative Assistant, at 248-476-0039 ext. 320 or by email at kstanis@englishdistrict.org for the login information.

The pastors of the Philadelphia Circuit of the English District invite your participation in the Pennsylvania Life March at the State Capitol steps in Harrisburg on Monday, September 19. The schedule includes informational speakers at 11 AM, a noon march, and a 1 PM address from Silent No More. Join us for this day as we consider God’s gift of life, learn what we can do in our state as we strive for justice for all, and march for the dignity of all people, both women in difficult pregnancy situations and children unborn in the womb, both loved by God. For FAQ’s about the day go to marchforlife.org/Pennsylvania or contact Rev. Seifferlein for details pastorcms@mclclititz.org or (920) 918-7200.

The 2023 tour to Israel is open 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 Parables and this tour opportunity at one of the ZOOM meetings.

Tuesday, September 20 2022, 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT Zoom Link

Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 9:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. PDT Zoom Link

A Thankful Campus Ministry

Imagine a group of college students peacefully kayaking along a backwoods creek when all of a sudden a water fight breaks out. That is just what happened this last August when All Saints campus ministry sponsored a kayaking event on French Creek for Slippery Rock University and Grove City College students, just after they returned to campus.

There they were, enjoying the French Creek scenery when all of a sudden they were deluged by Rev. Jacob Deal. He had brought his children’s’ fully loaded water pistols with him on the kayaking trip. Everyone, including Rev. Deal, enjoyed not only the water battle, but also the lunch and getting to know each other.

I’m thankful for this fun event for the students, which was organized by All Saints’ president Peter Rigney and by All Saints Fellowship’s student president, Leif Lodtvet. It was so much fun that it was described as “Fantastic,” and “The most fun ever,” and “When can we do it again?”

Click here to read more.

You are invited to be reenergized for your service during a "Take Heart! Renewed to Be a Blessing" respite retreat. The retreats are being offered to LCMS teachers and commissioned ministers by DOLXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel. Financial support is provided by the LCMS Office of National Mission. The next retreat is in Dayton, OH, October 28 - 30, 2022.  Registration is available here.

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 October 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.

Lutheran Benefits Group in Sterling Heights, MI is seeking a full-time customer service representative (CSR) to work with clients and prospects. Provide excellent customer care to churches, schools and employees while assisting in the growth of the agency. Self-motivated with strong administrative and organizational skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Adobe, general technology and learn third party software. If interested, please contact Keith Mueller at 586-739-5700.

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Loudon, TN, is looking for individuals with music experience who are interested in part-time work. (We are open to full-time options as well). Our Music Director has announced her intention to retire at year’s end and a committee has been formed to determine how the church will replace this position.

Skills we are looking for include:

• Ability to play the organ, piano, clavi nova
• Familiarity with church hymns particularly from the LCMS hymnal
• Experience leading and conducting a choir to sing traditional and contemporary pieces
• Experience leading and conducting a chime choir
• A degree in church music or past experience in leading and accompanying Lutheran service worship is especially desired but not limiting

If you possess all or part of these qualifications and this is something that interests you, please contact Pastor Brian Truog at 865-458-9407.