English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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God in All Things - Without Borders | |
The English District office will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. | |
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Calls Accepted
Ministerial Candidate Jonathan S. Lackey has accepted the Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Grace, Vine Grove, KY
The Rev. Curtis D. Stephens (SELC District) has accepted the Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Trinity, Scarsdale, NY.
Call Returned
The Rev. Jeffrey S. Teeple has returned the Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Holy Cross, Flushing, MI (Michigan District).
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For the Life of the World: Receiving Christ’s Gifts of Life in the Divine Service by Rev. Daniel K. Greg | | |
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“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51, NKJV)
“Faith is the divine service that receives the benefits offered by God. . . By faith God wishes to be worshiped in this way, that we receive from Him those things which He promises and offers.” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession 4.49)
“For where there is forgiveness of sins, there also is life and salvation.” (Luther’s Small Catechism 6.6)
One of my favorite stories from the Gospels is Luke Chapter 7. A woman who “was a sinner” (v.37) comes to Jesus at the table. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, her shameful public reputation, her anxious thoughts; she knows that she needs to be with Jesus.
Seemingly, she has nothing to offer Jesus. She must use her own repentant tears in sorrow over her sin, her own hair to wash and kiss Jesus’ feet. The ointment may have been any old ointment that she already had, but it would provide some comfort to her Lord and Savior.
I love these stories: stories of real people, sinners, who need Jesus Christ. When they hear that Jesus is in town or in a certain place, they go there to see Him, hear Him, touch Him. Sometimes, as with the case of the paralyzed man (Luke 5), these real people must be brought to Jesus by those who love them, as we often must be brought.
Yes, this woman had nothing to bring Jesus but her brokenness. She didn’t even have words for him. Yet Jesus gives her what she needs, even if she doesn’t know it.
Jesus gives this woman the forgiveness of her sins. “Your sins are forgiven.... Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (v.48,50).
And it’s done.
They’re gone.
Click here to read the full article from Rev. Greg.
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Ministerial Health Commission "Invitation to Serve" | | |
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Do you have a desire to care for your brothers and sisters in ministry through service on the English District Ministerial Health Commission (MHC)?
If someone is in need, our MHC is ready to walk alongside our church workers and their families, to listen in a non-judgmental way, and to encourage and offer support.
We seek to gain understanding, give comfort, and provide encouragement through confidential conversation, supportive consultation, and resource recommendations.
We are asking God to raise up members of our English District who have compassion, are open in mind and heart, and are faithful and prayerful, to join our MHC.
We are asking God to move those skillful in active listening, those able to give and take counsel, and those who have experienced woundedness and healing in life and a willingness to walk with others, to join our MHC.
We are looking to God to grow our MHC with new members who are able to be available and flexible, are inclined towards a participatory presence, and are willing be a resource through the ministry of our MHC.
Our Mission is: To understand the issues of concern and envision the possibilities, strategies, and available support to enhance the well-being of English District workers and their families.
Our Vision is: To be an ever-present resource and support to a culture in which well-being strengthens workers of the English District and their families.
Contact either of our co-chairs, Pastor Tim Holzerland or Pastor Derek Mathers if you have a desire to serve and care for our church workers and their families as a member of the MHC.
If you know of someone who has the gifts to serve in this capacity, please let them know of this opportunity.
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Start Your Doctor of Business Administration Journey | | |
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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.
Click here for an introductory message from Dr. Matthew Hurtienne.
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.
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Pastoral Leadership: Shepherding and Caring for God's People | | |
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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
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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 keep Rev. Dr. Roger Ellis, his wife Lynda, and their family in your prayers as Roger is in the hospital being cared for by his family and the medical team.
District daily prayers for June 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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Contact Dan Lepley, DVP - English and SELC District Lutheran Church Extension Fund, for more information at 317-402-9401.
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Peace in the Valley, Benson, AZ
What blessings were had: Easton, age 9, was baptized on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Peace in the Valley Lutheran Church.
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Prince of Peace, Medina, OH
Sunday, May 21, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church thanked their Sunday School teachers with an end of year breakfast. Thank you to all Sunday School teachers for all you do!!
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St. Mark, Janesville, WI
Members from St. Mark Lutheran Church prepare to hand out Bibles to men at GIFTS Men’s Ministry Shelter. The men receiving these Bibles are at this shelter to get their lives straightened out as they recover from various addictions. St. Mark helps through serving meals and providing God’s Word.
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Rev. Dereck Pillay received eight adults and two children into the family of believers at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. They were warmly welcomed by the congregation. | |
On Mother's Day, all St. Matthew Lutheran Church mothers came together to sing a hymn in tribute to to the glory of God and mothers everywhere. Thank you for sharing your love. | |
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Immanuel, Alexandria, VA
Immanuel Lutheran School’s foundational mission is “building faith in the next generation.” Read their story titled “Lutheran heritage built with historic bricks” in the most recent issue of LCEF’s Interest Time here.
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West Portal, San Francisco, CA
Congratulations to the West Portal Lutheran School 8th graders who participated in the Baccalaureate worship service last Sunday, May 21st.
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COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING COORDINATOR
Ascension of Christ, Beverly Hills (English District) is seeking a Communications/Digital Marketing Coordinator for the church and childcare center. The job is part-time (30 hours) with competitive pay, plus some benefits. Contact the church at 248.644.8890 or pastorgrams@ascensionofchrist.org for the full position description and to apply.
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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 the unique ministries of your school or congregation with the rest of the English 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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