Living Our Baptized Life in Christ

Galatians 2:20

October 16, 2026

Calls Accepted

The Rev. Kyle Kuehl (Michigan District) has accepted a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls, WI. 

The Rev. Robert J. Wacker (Ohio District) has accepted a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Trinity, Villa Park, IL. 

Call Received

The Rev. James A. Leistico has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor at Faith, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (LCC).

Call Received and Returned

The Rev. James Huenink has received and returned a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of St. Paul, Mountain View, California (CNH District).

Meet a member of the Ministerial Health Commission.

Rev. Brian Crane

Mesa, AZ

Cell: 480-985-0224 : revbriancrane@yahoo.com

The Rev. Brian Crane is the Senior Pastor of Eternal Life Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, where he has served since October 2022. He previously served congregations in Wisconsin, as well as on the staff of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also was a Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Rev. Crane was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park (BA, Government and Politics, 1995). He spent eight years with the Federal Government in Washington, D.C., before enrolling at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (MDiv, 2007).

Rev. Crane and his wife, Tabitha, have been married since 1994. They have one daughter, Annika, who is a registered nurse in Arizona. During his free time, Rev. Crane enjoys exploring the desert Southwest, stargazing and astronomy, and spending time with his family.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Last week in this space we shared a video produced by Lutheran Church of the Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls, WI. That video includes some of the best practices that represent all of the above from St Paul’s words of encouragement to the Philippians. Here are some of the highlights called out from the video, all of which capture the essence of Mission 1-1-1 campaigns across the English District:

1. Dream big without fear. As we know, perfect love drives out fear.
2. Include from baptized babies to the oldest among us. We are all part of the body of Christ.
3. This is a free will offering , over and above regular sacrificial giving: $1 per week per baptized member. Any participation is acceptable.
4. Mission 1-1-1 should be highlighted weekly in church communications.
5. Mission 1-1-1 is a method by which stewardship can be taught.
6. There is power and strength in many giving a little.
7. We are not alone in this effort. We have Christ’s authority and presence guaranteed in His Great Commission. We can dream and do big without fear.

"For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power, and love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Each week, we provide Scripture and messaging that can be used so that this campaign is saturated in the Word, and surrounded with communication that can be repurposed into chapel talks, posters, postings, short lessons, and bulletin inserts. The Mission Action Team prays that you will partner with us in this vital Kingdom work.

We pray for all affected by domestic violence: victims, family members, friends, witnesses, first responders, and the community at large.

We pray for the family of Ron Kasten, commissioned minister, who fell asleep in the Lord earlier this year.

We give thanks to Almighty God for His blessings upon West Portal Evangelical Lutheran Church & School as the school celebrates its 75th anniversary year.

District daily prayers for November 2026 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.

Members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, responded to the Erie, Pennsylvania, community after the recent massacre that killed 10 people, including an unborn child. They placed crosses, prayed with community members, and brought three comfort dogs. Responders included Deaconess Carolyn Lindenmuth and David Lindenmuth of Holy Trinity, as well as Tom and Alice Anderson of Trinity. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Director Sarah Sekki helped coordinate the effort. We continue to pray for everyone affected by this tragedy.

Prince of Peace, Mesquite, NV

Pastor Bob Bruggeman and members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church welcomed Brad & Kathy and Sharman into membership. The congregation celebrated this significant event with a special cake and wonderful fellowship.

Messiah, Princeton, NJ

Pastors and parishioners from Messiah Lutheran Church, Holy Trinity (Somerset, NJ -- New Jersey District), St. Peter (Lambertville, NJ -- New Jersey District), Hope (Levittown, PA -- Eastern District), and students from Princeton Pro-Life (Princeton University) assembled baby care packages for local ChoiceOne pregnancy resource centers to distribute to clients. Each baby care package included Bible verses, an encouraging note written by volunteers, and contact information for nearby LCMS parishes. Messiah and Holy Trinity contributed over $5,000 to this project, which was matched by a generous $5,000 Million Dollar Life Match grant from LCMS Life Ministry.  

Members of Messiah also joined NJ District pastors and parishioners, NJ District President Stephen Gewecke, Deaconess Nicole Chappell (mercy specialist for the LCMS Office of National Mission), and hundreds of other pro-lifers from around the Garden State to march in the New Jersey March for Life in Trenton, NJ. They had gorgeous weather, and after the March, their LCMS group visited the ChoiceOne pregnancy resource center in Lawrence Township to meet the staff, tour the building, see how donations are distributed, and learn about volunteer opportunities.  

The Doxology team invites you to participate in the presentations and conversations that will examine a shared vision for cultivating a culture of care for congregational well-being and health. This program is open to:

• Pastors and their wives
• Commissioned Ministers and spouses
• Elected church officers, boards, committee members
• Every layperson who loves his Lord and His Church

There is no cost to attend this program and there are two opportunities to attend: November 21, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio, and December 5, 2026, at Memorial Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas.

The North WI District LCMS Board of Directors is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Assistant to the President for Schools, Missions, and Communications.

The District President’s Directions for Application letter, Job Description, and Application Questionnaire can be found here. Please share this information with others that you feel may be interested in and qualified for this position. The NWD LCMS office will be accepting applications through October 30.

Please pray for God’s guidance and will for the entire call process including those serving on the call committee and those contacted for interviews. Email Lori Kavajecz with questions.

If your congregation is interested in extending a divine call to a seminary candidate, or plans to make application for a vicar, the call document or vicarage application must be received no later than Sunday, January 31, 2027. Please add this topic to your congregational voter’s meeting agenda for discussion in November or December. This will allow for the necessary paperwork to be completed in a timely manner. Calling congregations must access the Call Document for Ordained Ministers and the Vicarage Application using a web address/URL. Please contact Susan Fluegge, District President’s Administrative Assistant, at 248-476-0039 or by email for the login information.

The annual Good Shepherd Institute Conference at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, is November 8–10. This year’s theme, “Our Living Heritage,” remembers the forebears of previous generations, giving thanks for and learning from those who continue to inform the church and her practice.

Each night features a music event in Kramer Chapel that is free and open to the public. We invite you to attend each event and join us in remembering significant figures in the history of LCMS church music. Register today.

Attend a Listening Session with the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee in the LCMS Great Lakes Region.

Do you have questions about how our LCMS seminaries are forming faithful pastors to meet current and future demands of the holy ministry? The LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) wants to hear from you!

The presidents of both LCMS seminaries — the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) and the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) — will be part of the panel, engaging in discussion with those in attendance as well as sharing information and insights. 

Dates and details for listening sessions in the LCMS Central and Great Plains regions are coming soon.

Contact John Hoover, LCEF District Vice President, by email or phone 314-276-3370 for more information.

Contact Ron Grimm, English District Gift Planning Counselor, 412-584-7039 or visit www.LCMSFoundation.org.

For more information, please contact our Operations Department at 314-394-2790.

ENGLISH DISTRICT LCMS

248-476-0039

info@englishdistrict.org

www.englishdistrict.org

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