English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. |
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Since 2015, Rev. John Diener has served as the chairperson of the English District's Evangelization Team. Under his leadership, he was able to draw the team together while challenging the members to be active in, be examples of, and promote evangelism for our congregations and full-time church workers. Not limiting the team to only members of the English District, Pastor Diener reached out to the LCMS Office of National Mission and invited Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, author of the LCMS Evangelism tool “Every One His Witness” video evangelism training, to serve on the team.
Thanks John! You led the Evangelization Team well and your service to the district is very much appreciated.
Pastor Diener will remain a member of the Evangelization Team. Our thanks to Rev. Fred Reaman who has accepted Bishop Jamison J. Hardy’s appointment to be the chairperson moving forward.
Members of the Evangelization Team
1. Rev. Frederic Reaman (Chairperson)
2. Rev. John Diener
3. Rev. Daniel Warner
4. Rev. Derek Mathers
5. Rev. Jeffrey Teeple
6. Rev. Dr. Mark Wood
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2022 LCMS Youth Gathering |
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With great excitement we announce that Mr. Terry Leu will be serving our English District as 2022 NYG District Coordinator. While the gathering is still a long time away, now is the time to begin thinking about and planning for your congregational youth to attend.
Having attended LCMS youth gatherings for many years Terry is a solid resource to help your congregation and youth group in their planning and preparation.
You will be hearing more from Terry in the future. You can contact him by email.
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Rev. Paul H. Eggold of Greendale, WI, was called to glory on Monday, September 28, 2020. Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI from Noon to time of service at 2:00 PM. Please keep the entire Eggold family in your prayers.
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Call Received and Accepted
The Rev. Andrew M. J. Fedder, First, El Cajon, CA, has received and accepted a call from the Office of International Mission to serve as a Theological Educator in Eurasia.
Calls Accepted
The Rev. David J. Stevens (Candidate Status) has accepted the call to serve as Sole Pastor at Faith, Sullivan, IL (Central Illinois District).
The Rev. Marcus T. Zill (Missouri District) has accepted the call from Faith, Tucson, AZ to serve as the deployed Campus Pastor to the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.
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District BOD Grants for Chicagoland: Bethesda Lutheran Church and International Academy |
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Bethany Lutheran Church in Chicago lovingly donated their building to the English District. This gift was a legacy to the church, meant to further the work of the Gospel in the Chicagoland area. The District made improvements and ultimately sold the building when it became clear that the cost of upkeep was not in line with good stewardship.
The sale has allowed the English District to set up grants to help local churches in their important work. Bethesda Lutheran Church and International Academy, in partnership with Chicagoland Lutheran Education Foundation (CLEF), received money for property improvements, curriculum, and a variety of other initiatives to enhance the learning experience for its students.
We thank the saints at Bethany for their love for the District and the Gospel and their desire to help others in their ministries! What a sacrifice and legacy, and what a lasting mark on the community and other churches.
The students recently created and sent cards expressing their thanks.
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2020 Professional Church Workers Conference |
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English District's ordained and commissioned workers are invited to attend the 2020 Professional Church Workers (PCW) Conference on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. This year the theme of the conference is “Loving God: As Pastor, As Layperson, In Pastoral Integrity”. The PCW Conference will be split into two Zoom meetings with one in the morning and the second in the afternoon. Please plan to attend both sessions. Our guest presenters are looking forward to speaking and sharing with our district church workers. If you need login information, please contact Sally Naglich by email or by calling 248-476-0039.
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Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s Leadership Conference, including the Annual Meeting, has been canceled due to COVID-19.
Instead, LCEF will hold an Annual Update Zoom meeting on November 21, 2020, at 10:00 am CST. During that time, you will receive updates on the financial and ministry status of LCEF, as well as strategies for growth in the future. This is a Zoom update open to the public.
Registration for the meeting is now open. Please register and invite any and all who would like to receive the update to also register.
As you know, this has been an unusual year but one in which the Lord’s blessings have been many. LCEF will share their annual results and future opportunities LCEF intends to grow.
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Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT)
Volunteers Needed
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There is a need for LERT-trained volunteers and LERT teams in Louisiana and in Southern Alabama/FL panhandle to help clean up after the recent hurricane activity. Most of the work is chainsaw operations and support though there are many other volunteer opportunities.
Please contact:
John Ketterer, DCE at (586) 945-3856 for work in the Sulphur, LA area.
Rev. Ed Brashier at (205) 296-3714 for work in Southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle.
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Zoom Meetings Planned for Congregational
Lay Leadership
with English District President/Bishop and Staff
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Zoom meetings are planned for congregational lay leaders with President/Bishop Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy and the District staff on October 21, 2020 at 7:30 PM (EDT) or October 22, 2020 at 9:30 PM (EDT). We are hoping for at least two (2) lay leaders from each congregation to attend.
Please help us identify and connect with your congregational leadership by sending the following information to info@englishdistrict.org:
Congregation Name
Congregation City, State/Province
Lay Leader #1 Name & Email
Lay Leader #2 Name & Email
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2021 English District Convention |
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The English District is scheduled to meet in Convention next summer: June 17–19, 2021 at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI. According to Synod Bylaw 4.2.1, “Conventions of the districts shall afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the district’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take action on reports and overtures, and handle appropriate appeals.”
Our congregations and their pastors and members play several important roles in the District Convention process. The first mailing has been sent by email to inform you about those roles and prepare you to fulfill them. If your congregation did not receive the email, you will find all the information on the district website.
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1-1-1 A Dollar for Missions
One Dollar - Per Member - Per Week
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The English District is in its third season for funding missions to which every congregation is invited to participate. It is completely voluntary, but we believe that as God's people see and hear what is being accomplished, specifically and directly in support and development of new missions and enhancing existing missions, more and more of us will want to be involved.
It's simple. Very simple. It's not burdensome, nor sacrificial. It involves every baptized member of the Body of Jesus in your congregation, from the newest baby baptized to the oldest member. It demonstrates the power of the beautiful body of Christ working together, prompted by faith. It shows how much can be accomplished by many giving little.
Here's how it works: $1/per baptized member/per week. Simple, right? Self-explanatory almost. Not burdensome, nor sacrificial. All can participate.
We are happy to share that there are currently 62 congregations and 6 individuals participating in 1-1-1. To all involved, thank you.
This is the power of many giving little as we are moved by God's spirit.
Missions is what the Church is called to do, by Jesus.
There is power and strength in many giving a little!
Young and old are making a difference.
Won’t you join us?
Click here for more information.
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Concordia Plan Services Webinar
You know you should save, but there is so much more to it than that. How much should you save? What type of account should you use? Can you get help with investments?
Date: October 8, 2020
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How can you use social gatherings to engage people in ministry? Find out in this LCEF Ministry Moment video "Engage Your People #4: Social Gatherings," the final video in the Engage Your People series.
If you would like to discuss how to move your ministry forward with ideas like these, please contact David Thiele, English District LCEF Vice President, by email or phone 517-980-2857. LCEF is here to support you and your congregation.
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For more information, contact the English District Gift Planning Counselor Ron Grimm by phone (412)-584-7039 or email.
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Livestreamed/Recorded Services |
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We encourage everyone to take advantage of alternative opportunities to hear God’s word and to be blessed by the Divine Service. We have compiled a list of opportunities on the English District website that is continually updated.
If your congregation is recording or live streaming and is not included on this list, please email us at info@englishdistrict.org and let us know how people can access it.
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Ministerial Health Commission |
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Your English District Ministerial Health Commission is here to be a confidential sister or brother in Christ, walking along side of you. We strive to be a listening ear with a non-judgmental heart, supporting you where you are, not where anyone thinks you should be! We will encourage, not chastise, listen without advising, and pray without ceasing for you. May God grant you the strength to reach out if and when you need it.
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English District COVID-19 Soldiers of the Cross Grant Endorsement Application |
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The Soldiers of the Cross grant is available to all rostered church workers (ordained and commissioned) who serve in English District ministries (congregations, schools, and RSOs.) The fund is for temporary relief for those suffering economically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To download more information and the application click here.
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Your prayer concerns are important to the English District. When you submit a prayer request, with your permission, it will be posted in this weekly eNewsletter. The Bible's promise is true: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).
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Fairlawn, Fairlawn, OH
Fairlawn Lutheran Church held a special blessing for the Bible study and Sunday school teachers on Christian Education Sunday.
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Prince of Peace, Medina, OH
The Piecemakers Quilt Group met at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in September to have an outdoor planning meeting and gather baby quilts they made for Oasis of Hope. Vicar Jim Bretthauer blessed all of the 21 quilts that will go to Oasis of Hope in the next couple of weeks. They know the quilts will be a blessing for the new babies coming into the world. They are blessed with so many talented women who made all of the quilts.
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Ascension, North Olmsted, OH
Ascension Lutheran Church celebrated their first CarChurch baptism. Kendra, daughter of Angela and Nick Council, was baptized during the beginning of the service. The temperature was cool, but the sun was SHINING!
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Members of "Helpers of Joy" at Ascension Lutheran Church continue to get creative and maintain social distancing with residents of Northridge Nursing Center. One of the members, Carole Bower, celebrated "National Teddy Bear Day" by dressing as a teddy bear and visiting residents through their windows. |
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Little Lambs Academy, New Berlin, WI
Some Peace Lutheran Church (New Berlin) members donated new preschool Bibles to preschool students at Little Lambs Academy. Little Lambs Academy offers preschool to three- and four-year-olds at Peace Lutheran Church. It is directed by Laurie Kieliszewski. Rev. Greg Michel serves the parish of Peace Lutheran Church. We praise God for the blessing of being able to bring His word into the lives of preschool students and their families!
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Grace English, Chicago, IL
The kids are thrilled to be back in school.
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Grace, Grafton, OH
These three-year-olds from Grace Lutheran Preschool are starting their third week of preschool. They are happy, healthy, and having fun. Danielle Scheetz and her staff ensure the classroom activities are well planned and engaging.
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Grace, Elyria, OH
Here is the threes class at Grace Lutheran Preschool. This is the third week of school for these children and they are adapting well! Grace is under the direction of Stacy Zifcak. Please keep Stacy and her staff in your prayers as they continue to navigate the challenges of this school year.
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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 your congregation's or school's unique ministries with the rest of the District. Send pictures and stories for consideration to Holly Scheer by Wednesday, 12:00 pm 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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If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
using your email's forwarding option.
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