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 19, 2021, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy visited with vacancy pastor, Rev. Michael Taylor, and the members of Holy Trinity, Albion, PA. Bishop Hardy served as the guest preacher and was pleased to welcome Holy Trinity, a new member congregation, to the English District. |
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Calls Received
The Rev. Nathaniel R. Schwartz (Minnesota South District) has received a call to serve as the sole pastor of First, El Cajon, CA.
The Rev. Nicholas D. Wirtz has received a call to serve as a deployed pastor of Santa Trinidad Lutheran Hispanic Mission, Tucson, AZ.
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Paul Tombura, Board Member of the Canada Corporation of the English District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
Paul Tombura went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2021 after succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident. He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Windsor, Ontario and a board member of the Canada Corporation of the English District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
Paul was born and baptized in 1968 in Equatoria, a province of Sudan, now South Sudan. He came to Canada and lived in Windsor for twenty years, where he was a friend, mentor, advocate, welcomer, and Christian encourager to most of the Sudanese immigrants who came to live in Windsor. He managed to maintain his connections with many people worldwide as well.
He assisted the church as a council member and convention delegate.
Please keep the Tombura family in your prayers.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!"
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What You Should Know Regarding the Equality Act |
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The House of Representatives recently voted to pass the Equality Act, a bill that would ban discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It would also substantially expand the areas to which those discrimination protections apply.
On Thursday, April 15, 2021, Greg Baylor, Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), and Dr. Gregory Seltz, Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, joined together to discuss what’s at stake for Religious Liberty and how we can protect our congregations. Following their presentation, Bishop Jamison J. Hardy and Pastor Christopher Thoma arranged for Dinesh D’Souza to join the Zoom meeting.
Resources to share:
Please read this article for information regarding ADF Church Alliance and English District Partnership.
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We’ve been through a lot in the past 14 months. A large number of our members have been primarily away from church buildings. What’s changed? Barna Group notes that some gaps have developed. Statistics show that only 17% of Church goers know what the Great Commission means. Many experts are saying a new normal is developing. And wouldn’t it be nice to know what the new normal is at your church?
The good news is you can find out in a few weeks! New resources, self-guided workshops, and tools are being offered by the LCMS. According to Barna research, half of churched Christians (50%) report that they would like to be coached and/or given tools for sharing their faith with non-Christians. You can help your church find your congregation’s new normal by taking a free, no cost, congregational evaluation called CADDS. It will measure several crucial elements of congregational well-being: sustainability, adaptability, and balance of outward-inward focus. For more information, email our English District Mission Executive, Rev. Derek Mathers.
God’s blessings!
Evangelization Team Chair
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Who is shepherding you?
How easy is it for YOU to answer this simple question: Who is shepherding me? On Sundays like this upcoming Good Shepherd Sunday (in the three year series), we boldly answer and confess: The Lord is my Shepherd. But what about at work when you are asked to sacrifice your bold faith on the altar of political correctness, so you do whatever it takes to keep your job. What about the times you find yourself amongst the crowd that is calling for tolerance of behavior and lifestyles that are certainly contrary to God’s will and ways? Do you lift up the banner of God’s authoritative Word which may be considered hate speech by the crowd or do you go along with the crowd so as to not cause a stir? What would you do if your child or grandchild questions their identity and asks you to sympathize with their feelings? Do you put them under the shepherding care of the Good Shepherd, their Lord who created them to be His own in the identity of their birth (the creation of the Creator) or do you direct them to follow the cultural direction of self-determination of identity (which in effect makes them their own god).
We certainly live in difficult times with difficult questions of equality, personal rights, justice, cultural marxism and the like. If you are one of many who are investigating, “What does this mean?”, please read this article sponsored by the English District Evangelization Team that encourages you to answer the question, “Who Is Shepherding You?” with a bold and assertive answer before all the world (Witness and Outreach), “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want!”
Please click here to read the full article from Rev. John Diener.
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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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On Call Day, we celebrate the assignment of vicars and deaconess interns as well as the call of candidates into the Office of the Holy Ministry. All calls and assignments for service are to churches or ministries within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN
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Vicarage & Deaconess Internship Assignment Service, Monday, April 26, 2021, 7:00 PM (EDT), watch the service live here.
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Candidate Call Service, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 7:00 PM (EDT), watch the service live here.
Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO
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Vicarage & Deaconess Internship Assignment Service, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 4:00 PM (EDT), watch the service live here.
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Candidate Call Service, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 8:00 PM (EDT), watch the service live here.
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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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Weekly Retreat from Grace Place Wellness for Pastors and Spouses |
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Every Tuesday at 1 PM CST, Dr. Darrell Zimmerman, Executive Director of Grace Place Wellness, hosts a “weekly retreat” in the Grace Place Wellness Community. It is a miniature, online version of a Grace Place Wellness Retreat. He begins each week by talking about a principle of human wholeness or wellness practice. Registered participants get a chance to discuss what they have learned in an open and honest small group setting.
Please find more information here.
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Dealing with Feelings of Guilt and Shame |
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Ministerial Health Commission
In Lutheran Church Canada's Q&A with Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau some of the topics discussed include those of guilt and shame, addressing the following questions:
- How do we identify guilt or shame in ourselves?
- What are some signs that a person is experiencing problematic levels of guilt or shame?
- What effects can guilt or shame have on our lives physiologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually?
Ristau explains, "This is how it often goes: the devil points to a true fact, a sin that we ought to feel guilt or shame over, but then convinces us that God is not loving, compassionate, or forgiving. Sin, flesh, Satan, and we ourselves try to keep us away from going to Jesus with our mental and spiritual baggage... Forgiveness is the solution and yet we avoid it."
In these especially isolating times, let us continue to encourage each other in truth and in love—comforting each other with the comfort we ourselves have received from God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
Your sister in Christ,
Alex Steinke
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Your English District Ministerial Health Commission is here to be a confidential sister or brother in Christ, walking alongside our church workers and their families. Please reach out if you need assistance.
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Concordia Myerstown Mission Closes |
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New missions always start with a positive and hope-filled vision and passion. When, for whatever the reason, the new mission work comes to an unexpected end it can be most discouraging. Even in such moments we hold fast to our Lord and Saviour and continue to put our trust in Him.
Concordia Lutheran Mission – Myerstown, PA, one of our English District 1-1-1 missions, has closed. The closure is a consequence of many different factors which include these days of Covid-19. As the English District, we express our appreciation for the vision and effort that God’s people at Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lititz, PA put forth in starting the mission in Myerstown. This is how new congregations are best planted, in partnerships with others in a circuit and District.
All matters concerning the Myerstown Mission have been brought to an organized conclusion. Remaining funds from the mission have been disbursed to cover remaining obligations and a balance of about $52,000 forwarded to the English District. These funds will be used by the English District to support other mission starts and congregations. Thanks be to God.
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English District Virtual Gala |
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Click the photo above to register today! Thank you! |
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New Free Resource for Sharing the Gospel: “Jesus Never Fails” |
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During these turbulent times, a central message that everyone needs to hear is “Jesus Never Fails!” And now, the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (a recognized service organization of the LCMS) has this short devotional booklet available at no cost to you in a variety of languages, for outreach to immigrants in your community or for short-term mission trips. To read the English edition (great for shut-ins and hospital visits), click here. This booklet is also available in languages like Haitian Creole, Spanish, French, Swahili, Russian and Vietnamese. PDFs are available here. Email your order for print copies to info@LHFmissions.org. |
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Continuing Education Opportunities |
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Grace Lutheran Church, in Auburn, MI will host a summer continuing education course June 14-16. The Rev. Eric R. Andrae will present "The Atheist Who Became a Bishop—Bo Giertz Is a Unique, Broad, and Deep Voice North Americans Need to Hear." To register or find out more information, please visit the Concordia Theological Seminary website here or download the flier here.
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA is excited to host a summer continuing education course August 2-4. Dr. Roland Ziegler will present on “Luther’s Bondage of the Will.” To register or find out more information, please visit the Concordia Theological Seminary website here. |
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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 comfort and strength for the family of Paul Tombura (member of English District Canada Corporation Board of Directors).
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
Due April 30
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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 April 30, 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 Friday, April 30, 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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The Word of God is vital to the gift of faith given to us by our Lord. It is food for the soul and the body. How can you encourage your members to be more intentional in developing their knowledge of the Bible? Check out the latest LCEF Ministry Moment video, Internalize Scripture, for some ideas.
Contact your LCEF District Vice President, Pastor Daniel Lepley, to discuss this and other ideas to help your ministry move forward according to God's will.
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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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Bethesda, Chicago, IL
Bethesda International Academy is growing under the leadership of Aaron Landgrave. Their enrollment has exceeded expectations, and the students are happy to be in school! The faculty and staff have worked very hard to create an environment that celebrates each success and seeks ways to offer their best to students and families. Virtual learning is still offered for those students who are not able to attend in person, a challenge for teachers but a welcome compromise for parents. Well done, Bethesda.
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Faith, Watertown, WI
Faith Lutheran School has been meeting face-to-face since the beginning of the school year. Under the leadership of Judi Hoeppner, this little school is making a significant impact in their community.
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Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI
Hales Corners Lutheran School, under the direction of Albert Amling and Crissy Peterson, thrives as a beacon of light in their community. The NLSA team noted a few "best practices" to be shared with the national commission, but the strength of their ministry comes from an outstanding church and school partnership. The pastors and the school administration are well connected, ensuring the Word of God remains at the center of all learning during the school day, in worship, and in all other study opportunities.
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Crissy Peterson was finally presented the 2020 Lumen Christi Award, honoring her dedication and commitment to sharing the love of Christ with the children and families of Hales Corners Lutheran School. Congratulations, Crissy! |
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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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