God in All Things - Without Borders

April 21, 2023

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Bishop Jamison Hardy visited with Rev. Michael Johnson, Sr. and the members of Faith, Arlington Heights, IL.

Bishop Jamison Hardy officiated the installation of Rev. Michael N. Frese on Friday, April 14, 2023. Pastor Frese was installed as the Deputy Director of Church Relations of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, St. Louis, MO.

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Bishop Jamison Hardy installed Rev. Robert Zagore as the Sole Pastor of Celebration, St. John’s, FL.

Concordia University Wisconsin provides the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in a Lutheran community. Our program develops ethical and respected leaders that inspire growth and change in their organizations, communities, and congregations.

Our scholar-practitioner curriculum is applicable to the needs, issues, and demands facing today’s church leaders. As a DBA student, you will enhance your skills and expertise to implement new practices that can make a true difference in your congregation and the lives of its members.

The online DBA program at Concordia is truly focused on flexibility and work-life balance. We understand that your role as a pastor will need to be the priority over your academics during certain times of this three-year program. Our program includes online courses and group discussions, along with easy accessibility to faculty. This all makes for a feasible program for pastors actively engaged in their church communities.

The next DBA cohort, or group of students, will start their DBA journey in July 2023. And it begins with an in-person residency on Concordia’s campus in Mequon, WI. Engage in an enlightening experience where you will meet current DBA students, our dedicated faculty, and support staff that will be with you every step of the way.

Apply by June 1 to be in the next DBA cohort.

We understand you need all the information you can get when making a life-changing decision to pursue your DBA. Here are a few options to get the answers you need.

Email Dr. Matthew Hurtienne, Dean and DBA Program Director, who will provide further insight on this doctorate program.

Schedule a 1-on-1 call with one of our Concordia experts to discuss everything from admissions, requirements, cost, and more!



Visit the DBA website.

A book for pastors and church leaders, Pastoral Leadership: Shepherding and Caring for God's People uses the context of biblical accounts and figures to offer practical advice and counsel on aspects of pastoral leadership.



The author, Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, draws from more than 20 years of experience as a pastor and bishop to encourage pastors to be actively engaged in what is going on throughout the life of the parish and lead their congregations instead of passively following them.

Publishing Date: June 20, 2023

Pre-orders and Kindle downloads are available by clicking on this link: Pastoral Leadership

April 24-26 | Ft. Wayne and St. Louis

At Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, vicars and deaconess interns will receive their assignments on April 24 at 7 p.m., and the pastoral candidates will receive their calls on April 25 at 7 p.m.

At Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, vicars and deaconess interns will receive their assignments at a 3 p.m. worship service on April 26, and candidates for the pastoral and diaconal ministry will receive their first call on the same day at a 7 p.m. worship service.

The atmosphere was conducive in expressing the season of Lent. Meeting together in Vicar Greenhagen’s apartment, participants stripped away the enjoyments of meat, alcohol, and pub fare for a season. It really was a testimony of Christ’s work to see young adults committing themselves to an evening that is void of luxury and focused upon Christ. Open conversations flowed concerning occupational challenges and familial conflicts. The group has really become a family, caring for one another’s needs and burdens. 

Click here to read the full article.

The purpose of the English District Endowment Fund is to provide God's people with a unique opportunity to participate in a perpetual fund. This fund shall assist congregations and rostered workers alike. One aspect of the Endowment Fund currently being offered to Rostered Church Workers is a grant for financial assistance with their student loans. Those rostered workers who are currently serving (called workers) in ministry in their first through eighth year in an English District LCMS congregation or school are eligible to apply for this education indebtedness grant. 

For a Church Worker (Student Loan) Debt Reduction Grant we ask that you complete an Application for Church Worker Transitional Assistance. These forms are available on our District website.

If you have any questions, please contact Rev. J. Derek Mathers at 1-800-755-9335 ext. 311. Deadline for applications is Sunday, April 30, 2023.

The deadline to submit your congregation’s end-of-year statistics and update your lay leaders at lc.lcms.org has been extended to next Friday, April 28, 2023. An e-blast was sent on Monday, April 3, 2023, to congregations that have not reported. It went to the email addresses on file for the congregation, their pastor(s), and select leaders of the congregation. 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. 

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.

Prince of Peace, Medina, OH

County residents came together at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to indulge in a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds for the homeless. The dinner was hosted in order to raise money to help homeless people find permanent residency. Prince of Peace member Greg Ulm is the board president of the organization. A Thrivent grant was used to purchase most of the items for the meal.

Click here to read the full article.

Trinity, New Lenox, IL

The Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday school children made scribble rocks with encouraging words from Christ! Miss Beth spread them out throughout our community walking path to spread a message of joy.

St. John the Divine, Chicago, IL

St. John the Divine Lutheran Church welcomed three new members on Palm Sunday: Shauna, Ann, and Yung-e.

St. John the Divine also celebrated the successful completion of First Communion class for nine of their students. They received the Lord's Supper on Palm Sunday and all will continue in Confirmation Class, beginning after Easter. Pictured are Kylie, Ashley, Violet, Analies, Eleanor, Cory, Myrtis, Isaac, and Walter with Rev. Ike Nicholson.

Redeemer, Pittsburgh, PA

Sixth graders and Lutheran Junior Honor Society members Ava and Violet made a choice to spend their recess time picking up trash around the playground! Thank you girls for your service-minded hearts!

Abounding Love, Lee's Summit, MO

The Pre K class at Abounding Love Lutheran Preschool was invited to help plant the Giving Grove, They can’t wait to watch the trees grow and share the fruit with those in need in our community. Thank you Mr. Brad for including them and Mr. Rick for making it just a little more fun.

ENGLISH DISTRICT LCMS

248-476-0039

info@englishdistrict.org

www.englishdistrict.org

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