English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
| | L-R: Zach Hughes (Acolyte), Tom Anderson (Head Elder), Rev. Rory Hermann, Rev. Tom Sayre, Rev. Dr. Glenndon Genthner, Rev. Santiago Keinbaum, Rev. Eric Linthicum, and John Schumacher (Elder) | | |
The sense of joy was palpable in the sanctuary of Celebration Lutheran Church, St. John's, FL, at the installation of Rev. Santiago Keinbaum. Rev. Eric Linthicum, Circuit Visitor, officiated and preached the sermon. Rev. Keinbaum was offered blessings by the pastors who were present and greetings from those congregations who were unable to be there. Music was provided by Deborah DeGrado, Director of Music Ministry, and the church choir. The altar was lovingly prepared by Altar Guild member Lynn. The worship service was followed by fellowship and a well-attended luncheon.
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"After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Acts 16:10
Thirteen participants from the USA and Bethlehem, Palestine were honored and privileged to visit Seoul, South Korea to learn about Lutheran history and culture as well as the medical system in South Korea. They were able to visit the International Lutheran Church (ILC) in Seoul for a workshop presentation as well as worship. Pastor Carl Hanson serves as the pastor and is sent by the LCMS as its missionary to South Korea. The ILC is the only English-speaking Lutheran church in South Korea. The visit also included a tour of Ajou hospital and a presentation by Dr. Park who is a member of the ILC. Participants were able to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and learn about the Korean War. They were also able to visit the Luther University and hear from James Rush, a professor at the university as well as Dr. Kim, president of the Korean Lutheran Church.
| | The Lutheran Parish Nursing annual study tours visit countries around the world to learn, share, network, and support. Their 2026 annual tour will focus on Panama City, Panama. For more information about future study tours, email Sue Neff, RN, PN, District Representative for Parish Nursing, LCMS English District. | | 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 November 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 | | | |
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 tells us, "We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." (NIV)
As we can see in the affirmation from the Apostle Paul, it is scriptural to share in success as a way to spur one another on in love and good deeds. So in the spirit of this encouragement, it is timely to share again stories and best practices regarding your 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions efforts.
In case it's been a while since you've given thought to the 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions ministry (or your congregation's 1-1-1 box has been misplaced or forgotten), just remember it's simple. Very simple. It is 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.
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 in this space in Servant to Servant and on the English District website.
”And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..." Hebrews 10:24. More Scripture and messages for Mission 1-1-1 are available on the district website. Lastly, if you have questions, reach out any time by email.
| | 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. | | |
Ascension, Atlanta, GA
The Lutheran Church of the Ascension hosted a glorious Reformation Festival. The service of scripture and song included 11 pastors and countless musicians from both the English District and the Florida-Georgia District. A short clip of the service is available here.
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Grace, Redford, MI
Volunteers from Grace Lutheran Church participated in the annual Trunk ‘n' Treat sponsored by Redford Township Leisure Committee. Congregation members donated lots of candy, and children walked the trail at a local park and gathered treats along the way. Members of Grace passed out candy, copies of Portals of Prayer, and other tracts.
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Redeemer, Verona, PA
Congratulations to Redeemer Lutheran School's high school girls volleyball team on being named the 2025 Southwestern Pennsylvania Athletic Alliance (SWPAA) Volleyball Champions!
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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!
| | Registration is now open for the 2026 Symposia Series January 20–23 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). The popular annual event consists of two symposia, one on exegetical theology and the other on the Lutheran Confessions. This year, the 41st Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology will focus on "Holiness, Sacrifice, and Worship: Leviticus for Today’s Royal Priesthood.” The 49th Annual Symposium on the Lutheran Confessions will explore "Baptism: The Water That Unites and Divides.” Click here for more information or to register. | | |
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church has the following items available:
Altar, lectern, pulpit, credence table, kneeler, three chairs, and several banners and paraments. Email if interested.
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Please share the information from Servant to Servant with members of your congregation.
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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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