English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
| |
Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
| | |
Bishop Jeff Miskus recently joined the saints at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sarnia, ON, for worship as the congregation celebrated its 90th anniversary. Bishop Miskus was the guest preacher and gave his presentation of the "Sermon on the Mount." During the service, the son of a former member joined the family of Christ through the waters of baptism. The day was made complete with a catered dinner and musical entertainment. Over 100 people were in attendance!
Members were asked to contribute to a “Pieces of Redeemer” board, filling in puzzle pieces of families and members - current and past - who have been a part of Redeemer’s 90-year history. These puzzle pieces have been displayed for all to stop by and reminisce.
We give praise and thanks to God for His faithfulness and blessings shown to the Redeemer congregation.
Pictured with Bishop Miskus are Rev. Colton LaMay and Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Roger Ellis.
| | |
Call Received
The Rev. Andrew C. Mussell (Minnesota South District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of First, Kingsville, ON, Canada.
| | |
The 58th Convention of The English District—Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is less than two weeks away.
Convention proceedings will be livestreamed here.
| | We encourage congregations to reproduce and share the following message with your members. Click here for Lifeline's "Family" reproducible file in .pdf format. Click here for more information on Lifeline. | | God's Mission Here — LCMS National Mission | | | |
Connect to Disciple guides congregations through the process of building awareness for the church, creating connections with people in the community, nurturing and deepening those relationships through shared activities, and then “making disciples.” This last work is the proper work of the Holy Spirit. We can take part in this process by bringing people to the Means of Grace and bringing the Means of Grace to people. Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Derek Mathers, Mission Executive to the English District, discuss outreach in today’s church, easy ways for congregations to be more connected to the community around them, and the importance of intentionality. Listen to the podcast here.
| | Congregations Needed for Pilot Project | | | |
In September, the LCMS will launch a program designed to help congregational lay leaders create a supportive and caring environment that will improve the well-being of those who serve the church. LCMS Worker Wellness is asking for congregations that are interested in participating in this pilot project to fill out the questions by July 15. More information will be provided in August.
Healthy church workers carry out their vocations with more energy and joy. When the church supports its workers, the whole Body of Christ is blessed. As Christ has promised: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).
Click here to complete the questionnaire by July 15th. Email for more information or if you have any questions.
| | |
We pray for all aspects of our upcoming English District Convention to proceed smoothly: safe travel, the business of the English District, elections, activities, discussions, theological presentations, fellowship, and the celebration of the English District’s ministries and missions.
District daily prayers for July 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.
| | 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. | | |
Redeemer, Lincoln, NE
Redeemer Lutheran Church recently celebrated two 45-year ordination anniversaries with breakfast goodies and a few stories. Friends since seminary, both Pastor James E. Fandrey and Chaplain James Hoke were ordained in June 1980. Both honorees were quick to acknowledge their wives, Ruth Fandrey and Linda Hoke, who were and remain critical to their years of ministry. Pastor Fandrey has served Redeemer as Vacancy Senior Pastor for the past 12 months while Chaplain Hoke continues to assist with preaching. Pastor Samuel Bobby will be installed as Senior Pastor in July.
| | |
Shepherd of the Mountains, Pinetop, AZ
Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church recently hosted its annual Everything-On-A-Stick Party and Basket Auction. Lynne Bremer, widow of John Bremer, the originator of this event, hosted the event at her home. Funds raised at this event are used for church building necessities and the purchase of Bibles that are distributed during the congregation's annual Trunk-Or-Treat. Everything-On-A-Stick has been part of the congregation's history for 20 years and generated $1500 this year.
Pastor Michael Mathews led participants in prayer prior to the event. One of the most creative Everything-On-A-Stick this year was a chocolate dessert representing individual barbeque grill tops, using toothpicks to hold everything in place.
| |
|
Calvary, Mechanicsburg, PA
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church recently participated in Foundry Day, an annual festival held in Boiling Springs, PA. The Board of Congregational Outreach, Evangelism, and Missions at Calvary distributed flyers and information about the church, along with items such as hand sanitizers, pens, and books/stuffed animals for children to community members. Additionally, the board provided grilled hot dogs with special toppings as a fundraiser. This event successfully raised approximately $350, which will be donated to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., an organization that provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families.
| |
Faith, Overgaard, AZ
Pastor Rodney Schmeltz and members of Faith Lutheran Church recently participated in Community Resource Network Day, an event connecting residents and visitors with resources. It fosters community involvement and collaboration by uniting local organizations, nonprofits, and volunteers to offer services and support.
| | |
Peace, Palm Desert, CA
Congregation members of Peace Lutheran Church of the Desert recently celebrated with Lilia and Elia as they confirmed their faith on Confirmation Sunday, marking Pastor James' first Rite of Confirmation as a pastor. It was extra special as one of the confirmands was his daughter Lilia. A luncheon was held afterwards and fellowship abounded. To God be the Glory!
| | |
Continuing Education Opportunity:
Redeemer – Ventura, IA
| | | |
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, IA, will host a continuing education course from July 22 to 24. Dr. David Petersen will lead a study entitled "Twenty-First Century Preaching: Gleaning Method—Luther, Gerhard, Walther." This class will examine Johann Gerhard’s methodology for preaching, as well as that of early Missouri, comparing these approaches to classical rhetorical training as encapsulated in Cicero and Josef Pieper's Homiletics. The course will also review some of Luther’s and Walther’s sermons to analyze how they align with this pattern.
Redeemer Lutheran Church is located at 301 S. Main St. Ventura, IA, 50482.
To register, email Rev. Jesse Burns or call (712) 260-1070.
| | The 2025 Luther Hostel, scheduled for November 5–7, 2025, will explore the theme “What Is a Confessional Lutheran?” Over the course of the retreat, you’ll be able to attend presentations led by different CTSFW professors, worship with the seminary community in Kramer Chapel, visit seminary classes, interact with students, and explore our peaceful campus. For more information and to register, click here. | | |
Get Ready for LSM 2025! Join us at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20 for our 43rd season, featuring over 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services. Can’t make it in person? Watch online via Live from LSM!
Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, and the debut Faculty Organ Recital. Don’t miss Festival Week with powerful performances from the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.
Read more in our new season brochure here. Click here for visitor details and online access.
| | |
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!
| |  | |
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.
| | |
If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
using your email's forwarding option.
| | | | |
