“God has heard the cry of His people!”

-       posted by Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, President/Bishop of the English District.

We are exceedingly thankful that the Supreme Court of the United States has overturned Roe v Wade by a commanding 6-3 margin. That this was done on the Feast of The Nativity of St. John the Baptist is significant, in that he, the last of the Old Testament prophets, recognized his Savior while he was at about 6 months gestational age in his mother’s womb (and Jesus Himself was early in His first trimester, Luke 1:39-45).

While this decision is huge, we need to remember that it is very much like a first baby step, namely a huge milestone, but with much work still to do. The overturning of Roe v Wade does not ban abortion, but merely returns the issue to the states. Furthermore, the matter is not finished even in Washington, as politicians who support a “right” to abortion work to codify it into federal law. Finally, it is important to remember that in the end, the answer to abortion, like all sin, lies squarely in metanoia, namely the repentance and changed hearts that only God can effect (SC Creed, Third Article).

Thus, God still calls us into the public square, and we go. We begin by begging His forgiveness for our sins, and His blessing on us, that all that we say and do is pleasing to Him. We ask Him to give us the words that abortion supporters need to hear, that He might bring them to repentance and grant them His forgiveness. We engage them with the proclamation that each human life is precious to God, from the time of fertilization to forever! We share with them how God sent His only Son to take on human flesh, beginning as a single cell zygote in His mother’s fallopian tube, to die on the Cross to atone for our sins and those of all, to rise again to defeat death (1 Corinthians 15:21-22), and declare us right with the Father (Romans 4:25). And He has done this for everyone, regardless of individual strengths and weaknesses; in fact, the weaker among us are indispensable to Him, and therefore to us (1 Corinthians 12:22)! Who are we to take away the life of one for whom our Lord became incarnate and died? Furthermore, as Lutheran Christians, we recognize that the commandment not to murder includes the positive that we help and support our neighbor in every physical need (SC, Fifth Commandment). Thus, like every generation of believers that has gone before us, we reach out to abortion-minded women in crisis pregnancies, helping to meet their physical needs, and at the same time showing them the reason they may have hope even in the face of adversity (1 Peter 3:15). And our care for them and their babies extends far beyond the time of birth!

Indeed, the work has just begun. We invite you to a time of prayerful discernment of how God is calling you and your congregation to life-affirming outreach in your community. To assist you in your work, we have been rebuilding our Lifeline webpage, to link you to the life-affirming resources of Synod, Lutherans for Life, other national organizations and sister congregations, you may access the page here. Furthermore, we encourage you to consider applying for a grant through the LCMS Million Dollar Life Match program. While the Phase 2 deadline is only days away, you may plan to apply for Phase 3 funds by April 1, 2023. For further information, click here. Finally, for any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to email Dr. Roni Grad, Lifeline Chair. As God moves you forward, know that we pray His protection on you, and His richest blessings on your life-affirming work in His Kingdom.

In the June 24, 2022 issue of Servant to Servant, the election results from the 57^th English District Convention were announced. The following information was either missed or listed incorrectly.

Congratulations to The Rev. Charles D. Lentner, recipient of “The Roger D. Pittelko award – He Loved the Church.” The award was presented to Pastor Lentner by Bishop Jamison Hardy during the English District Convention. Rev. Lentner’s biography can be read here. Rev. Lentner is pictured here with his wife, Eleanor.

Download the Mission Grant Application 2023-2024 to fill out a congregational evaluation and apply for a grant. 

Mission grant applications are due by August 1, 2022. Please return the application to the district office by fax (248-476-0188), email or mail: 33100 Freedom Road, Farmington, MI 48336-4030. 

District daily prayers for July 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.

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.