English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
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Calls Received
The Rev. Aaron J. Hickey (Central Illinois District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Associate Pastor of Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI.
The Rev. Bryan K. Schindel (Michigan District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of First, Kingsville, ON, Canada.
The Rev. Dr. Mark A. Wood has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon, Gold Canyon, AZ.
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English District Missions | | |
How much do you know about the English District’s Mission Action Team? Did you realize that the idea of "church planting teams" is not new, but has existed since the 19th century? Did you know that the earliest LCMS mission efforts were focused on those arriving at Ellis Island in New York, NY? Are you aware of current church planting efforts…and the breadth of work being done to build His Kingdom?
Over the next four months, Servant to Servant will share the story of the Mission Action Team, bringing you the history, current events, and innovations surrounding it. Click here for Part 1.
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We encourage congregations to reproduce and share the following message with your members. Click here for Lifeline's "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2025" reproducible file in .pdf format. Click here for Lifeline's 2025 Coming Events, a list of upcoming sanctity of life learning opportunities. Click here for more information on Lifeline. | |
Mission Grant Recipient Report | | |
Below is some wonderful news shared by
Pastor Jacob Deal regarding
All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center.
Here ends the year and an absolutely wonderful year it was, God be praised! We had a lot of planning over the summer to set us up to be the most successful we could possibly be. There was a general feeling that the congregation was really coming together to be more fully engaged with the life of the colleges. More attention was given to academic calendars, student feedback was reviewed, student leaders approached, and more weight was handed over to the students as the leaders of the organization.
What loomed over our heads was the reality that we may not have a Slippery Rock University (SRU) Lutheran Fellowship. Too many students had left and we had none, to our knowledge, to replace them. Again, the Lord answered our prayers. While last year He blessed us with the upstart of Grove City College (GCC) Lutheran Student Fellowship, this year He gave to us a young man to lead the fellowship at SRU. If you haven't gone through the establishing of a student group, know this, it takes years sometimes. It can be difficult and frustrating. It is much easier to hold on to one than it is to recreate one. God be praised for His mercy.
We are pleased to announce that All Saints has decided as a congregation not to apply for any grants this year. For a very long time those grants were vital for our ability to carry out the extra work of campus ministry. To God be the glory, He has established the work of our hands, and we are now in a position to step aside and allow others to receive while we work to give back. It is with great joy and thanksgiving that we can announce that through the cheerful giving of our members, our mortgage has finally been paid off. We know that the opportunities which now lay ahead of us are endless.
Many of you have heard of All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center through the years because of the wonderful work of Augusta Mennell. Her writings over the years have given our congregation a special place in the heart of many. You have watched students grow in faith and life. I hope that you will read and enjoy her future writings. She will be continuing to write to you all through the English District Servant to Servant. We hope that you will all continue to keep us in your prayers. May the Lord of all mercy and grace bless you in the new year. To God be the Glory forever and ever!
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Lutheran Witness – Deadline Reminder | | |
Lutheran Witness renewal forms were mailed to all churches with subscriptions/subscribers in November. All changes are due back to the district by January 30, 2025. Forms can be emailed (info@englishdistrict.org) or faxed (248.476.0188) back to the district office. It is not necessary to return forms if there are no changes. Subscriptions will automatically renew.
The annual subscription rate for 2025-26 remains the same as last year: $20.65 U.S. and $29.65 (U.S. funds) for Canadian addresses.
Email (info@englishdistrict.org) or call (248.476.0039) the district office if you have any questions.
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2025 Convention – Deadline Reminder | | |
Official nomination ballots for president and vice presidents have been mailed. Enclosed with the mailed ballots is an envelope addressed to Rev. Luke Zimmerman, secretary of the district, for returning your completed nomination ballots.
The deadline for returning nominations, overtures, congregation delegate forms, and circuit visitor election results is February 26, 2025. Please make a note of this deadline and plan your congregational voters meetings accordingly. These convention forms were emailed to all congregations in September. If you are unable to locate these forms, they are available on our website.
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Calling a Seminary Candidate/Requesting a Vicar | | |
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 Friday, January 31, 2025. 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 or by email at kstanis@englishdistrict.org for the login information.
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The district office will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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Please pray for all who are affected by the wildfires in California, that God provide safety for life and property of all involved, including first responders.
Please pray for all who are experiencing illness, that God provide healing, restoration, and strength for them and their caregivers.
District daily prayers for February 2025 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 John Hoover, LCEF Vice President, by email or phone 314-276-3370 for more information. | |
Lutheran Federal Credit Union | | |
For more information, please contact our Operations Department at 314-394-2790 | |
Shepherd of the Canyon, Gold Canyon, AZ
Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church (SCLC) recently held a working lunch meeting to prepare for Chartering. At that meeting, people desiring to become church members signed its Constitution, voted about calling a part-time pastor, discussed community outreach opportunities, viewed their financial status, and discussed post-grant needs.
The community of SCLC expressed much appreciation for the support received from the English District, the LCMS, Ascension Lutheran Church and Ascension Lutheran School in Tucson, and others who have come together to support the beginning of this congregation!
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Holy Spirit, Elk Grove Village, IL
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit recently consecrated their new hand-carved and painted crucifix from ALBL Oberammergau, Germany.
Brethren, when I came to you, I did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2
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Trinity, Ocala, FL
Members of Trinity Lutheran Church come together weekly as "Wednesday Workers" combining fellowship, ministry, service, and a delicious homecooked meal!
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Our Savior, Hartland, MI
The Life Team of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church is co-sponsoring "An Evening for Life" with Seth Gruber, Right to Life of Michigan President, Amber Roseboom, Rev. Paul Clark, Rev. Dr. Christopher I. Thoma, and other renowned speakers highlighting the lifesaving mission and strategic messaging of the pro-life movement in Michigan in this new era. Click here for more information and to register.
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Enrollment is filling fast for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2025! At LSM, students come together in an immersive musical community that connects the pursuit of musical growth with the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. LSM welcomes musicians of all kinds: brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more.
Do you know a young person (in grades 8-12) who would benefit from this life-giving and joyful musical community? Click here to nominate them for LSM today. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 22-July 20 (Half Session through July 6). Standard Enrollment is open now through March 1. For an overview of the Lutheran Summer Music program, click here.
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Church and Childcare Center Operations Director
Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Beverly Hills, MI
Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team as a Church and Childcare Center Operations Director. This position is part-time (30 hrs/wk), pays $20-22/hr, and includes benefits (employee discount, paid time off, professional development assistance, and retirement & disability). It offers an opportunity to serve and contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom in their community.
If you’re excited about the prospect of working in a team environment and using your talents to serve and contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom in the world, submit your resume to info@ascensionofchrist.org or apply through Indeed.
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Lutheran Bible Translators | | |
7,000+ languages are spoken in the world, but only 750 languages have the full Bible. Help raise awareness as a church advocate for Bible translation ministry.
Host a Bible Translation Sunday at your church to advocate for the mission of Lutheran Bible Translators. Engage your church with a call to action by inviting individuals and families to contribute $35 monthly to translate one verse of Scripture until the work is done (or set a total goal for your church). It’s a simple yet powerful way to gather in prayer, inspire generosity, and make a huge impact, translating entire chapters and books of the Bible. Join us in this mission to let the world know, “God speaks your language.” Ready to make a difference? Click here to take the next steps.
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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 llinthicum@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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