English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
| | Board of Directors Meeting | | | The English District Board of Directors recently met at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Louis MO. Senior Pastor Ted Laesch and congregation members extended a warm welcome and gracious hospitality to those who attended. | | |
Call Received and Accepted
Mrs. Amy A. Nelson has received and accepted a Divine Call to serve as Director of Christian Ministries of St. Mark’s, Janesville, WI.
| | MinistryFocus Grants for Rostered Church Workers | | | |
Applications for church worker financial assistance in 2026 are now available. All rostered church workers of the LCMS are eligible for these grants. Since 2015, MinistryFocus has awarded more than $1.1 million in financial assistance grants to 392 LCMS church workers.
Additionally, in a partnership with LCEF and MinistryFocus through a matching fund from the Lilly Endowment, the English District is pleased to announce that applications for up to three (3) Ministry Excellence Fund grants are also now available at MinistryFocus.org for pastors and deaconesses in the district. These grants include an online financial education course from Concordia University Wisconsin in addition to a financial assistance grant. The application for all grant programs is the same and MinistryFocus will determine eligibility for the respective grants. Grant applications are due December 31st and award announcements will be made in late January 2026.
If you have any questions, please email Rev. Ken Krueger.
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Life Week 2026 will take place from Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24. For this upcoming week, Lutherans For Life (LFL) has chosen the theme Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, based on Psalm 139:13-14. The week will begin with Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, on January 18. Life Sunday resources, including bulletin inserts for adults and children, a themed Bible study, and other related materials, are available here.
Click here for more details.
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Passed in the cover of darkness on October 31, 2025, an evening known for giving proper, devout, and holy contemplation to the dying and the dead, the Illinois state senate sent to the governor’s desk SB1950, a bill that, unless vetoed by the governor in the next 60 days, will become law in that state, legislating suicide as an answer to terminal suffering. In a prayer for all Illinoisans, we ask the following:
O Almighty God, we pray on behalf of the people of Illinois and our nation. You have said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Now answer on behalf of us who ask, and open the door to those who knock, to the benefit of the people of Illinois and our nation. Change the mind of Governor Jay Robert Pritzker against this law that he might veto it. Turn the hearts of all who trust in the choices of men’s hearts and bring them to know the care we are to give for the sufferer even as You provided it to us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
| | The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) started in 1847 with just 14 congregations, which were later divided into four geographic districts. Today, the LCMS has some 6,000 congregations divided into 35 districts that span all 50 states and Canada. In this video, LCMS Third Vice-President Rev. Dr. Scott Murray explains what districts are and how they serve as “Synod in that place.” | | Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is the LCMS’s program to facilitate church worker recruitment through its many free resources. October's Monthly Newsletter includes follow-up on the recent Teacher Colloquy Webinar and CUS/SAS Summit, the recent triennial convocation of the Lutheran Education Association (LEA), and much more. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter | | 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 Saturday, January 31, 2026. 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 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 for the login information.
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We pray that God surround those individuals and congregations in conflict and bring His peace.
We pray for those experiencing health issues, that they would lean into the Lord for the healing and comfort only He can provide.
We pray for those who mourn, that they remember the hope in our Savior and "...do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13b
District daily prayers for December 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.
| | 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions | | | |
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
All churches and believers have different needs. Some needs are temporal, like new carpeting for the sanctuary or a new car. Some needs are eternal, like grace, forgiveness, and salvation. The Apostle Paul tells us that both types of needs—in fact, all our needs—have their source in the glorious riches of Christ Jesus. What are these riches? Promises to be fulfilled in His Word.
Over the past few months, we have been collecting verses from His Word and sharing them on the English District website. If your church is seeking some further encouragement or guidance regarding your 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions efforts, there is a ready source to consider or share with one another. This is especially suitable for Mission 1-1-1 lay owners.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
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Don't underestimate your ability, through God's grace, to encourage others. Your congregation's participation in the 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions effort can inspire others. Please email a picture of your congregation's 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions box. Tell us what lessons your church has experienced. We look forward to celebrating your stories.
Pictured: Lynda Buch, a member of church leadership at Hope Lutheran Church, Kitchener, ON, with the congregation's 1-1-1 box.
| | 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. | | |
Tree of Life, Inverness, FL
Pastor Eric Linthicum and the congregation of Tree of Life Lutheran Church recently welcomed five new members. The worship service was followed by fellowship and an amazing cake.
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Trinity, Ocala, FL
Pastor Danlias Howe and members of Trinity Lutheran Church, together with the local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers and VFW Post 4209, honored Vietnam War era veterans during a matins service and special pinning ceremony.
Pastor Howe preached on the encounter between Jesus and the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Worship was very well-attended by congregation members, veterans, and those who support our veterans. A warm fellowship reception followed the ceremony.
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Peace, Palm Desert, CA
Members of Peace Lutheran Church of the Desert held a luncheon in honor of veterans. Pastor James Bowes, who is not only the pastor at Peace Lutheran, but is also a career veteran, was joined by several veterans from the community. Olive Garden catered the affair while the ladies of the congregation brought on the desserts. Pastor James did a presentation to the preschool students the day after. We join the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church in asking that God bless our veterans and our country!✝️
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"The Lutheran Advantage" is an e-journal of the latest news across the Concordia University System. Click here for more information or to sign up.
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You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2026! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN from June 21-July 19 (Full Session) or June 21-July 3 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Watch this LSM Experience Video to learn more!
| | Rally & Summit Celebration | | | |
Join us January 31, 2026, and February 1, 2026, for The Lutheran Hour Rally & Summit Celebration coordinated by the Michigan District. This event will focus on re-inspiring laity to invest in their God-given talents and to reach beyond church walls to spread the gospel message of our Risen Savior. The Rally & Summit is designed for all congregations to participate, either in-person or online.
On Sunday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Dr. Michael Ziegler of The Lutheran Hour will lead a live-streamed worship service. Click here for more information.
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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.
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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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