English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

God in All Things - Without Borders

Servant to Servant

Dear PEGGY,

September 16, 2022

Assistant to the Bishop's Visit

Rev. J. Derek Mathers brought English District LCMS greetings to God's people at Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda, NY on Sunday, September 11 as they celebrated their 125th anniversary. The congregation was started by young people who desired to have English as the language of worship at a time when German was still the language of most LCMS congregations. They wanted to invite their non-German speaking friends to worship with them. Great time to remember and to look forward.

Rev. J. Derek Mathers attended the opening service for the 47th academic year at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lutheran Church - Canada on September 11. Rev. Dr. James Kellerman was installed as Associate Professor of Theology. Rev. Allen Maleske, emeritus pastor in the East Region and former District President, was honoured with the Emeritus Crucis award.

Divine Calls

Call Received and Accepted


The Rev. Danlias F. Howe (SELC District) has received and accepted a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Trinity, Ocala, FL.

Calling a Seminary Candidate/Requesting a Vicar for 2023

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 Wednesday, February 1, 2023. 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 ext. 320 or by email at kstanis@englishdistrict.org for the login information.

March for Life

The pastors of the Philadelphia Circuit of the English District invite your participation in the Pennsylvania Life March at the State Capitol steps in Harrisburg on Monday, September 19. The schedule includes informational speakers at 11 AM, a noon march, and a 1 PM address from Silent No More. Join us for this day as we consider God’s gift of life, learn what we can do in our state as we strive for justice for all, and march for the dignity of all people, both women in difficult pregnancy situations and children unborn in the womb, both loved by God. For FAQ’s about the day go to marchforlife.org/Pennsylvania or contact Rev. Seifferlein for details pastorcms@mclclititz.org or (920) 918-7200.

Israel Study Meeting, Tuesday, September 20

The 2023 tour to Israel is open to all called "Ministers of Religion. This will allow many more of our called workers and spouses to come to Israel at a deeply discounted rate, less than half the cost of most Israel trips. Join SELC District President Wally Vinovskis, Indiana District LCEF Vice President TJ Mattick, and English/SELC District LCEF Vice President Dan Lepley to learn about Parables and this tour opportunity at one of the ZOOM meetings.


Tuesday, September 20 2022, 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT Zoom Link


Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 9:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. PDT Zoom Link

All Saints Campus Ministry

A Thankful Campus Ministry


Imagine a group of college students peacefully kayaking along a backwoods creek when all of a sudden a water fight breaks out. That is just what happened this last August when All Saints campus ministry sponsored a kayaking event on French Creek for Slippery Rock University and Grove City College students, just after they returned to campus.


There they were, enjoying the French Creek scenery when all of a sudden they were deluged by Rev. Jacob Deal. He had brought his children’s’ fully loaded water pistols with him on the kayaking trip. Everyone, including Rev. Deal, enjoyed not only the water battle, but also the lunch and getting to know each other.


I’m thankful for this fun event for the students, which was organized by All Saints’ president Peter Rigney and by All Saints Fellowship’s student president, Leif Lodtvet. It was so much fun that it was described as “Fantastic,” and “The most fun ever,” and “When can we do it again?”

Click here to read more.

Doxology Respite Retreat in Dayton, OH

You are invited to be reenergized for your service during a "Take Heart! Renewed to Be a Blessing" respite retreat. The retreats are being offered to LCMS teachers and commissioned ministers by DOLXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel. Financial support is provided by the LCMS Office of National Mission. The next retreat is in Dayton, OH, October 28 - 30, 2022.  Registration is available here.

Prayer Requests

The Bible's promise is true: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).


District daily prayers for October 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.

LCMS Foundation

Contact Ron Grimm, English District Planning Counselor, 412-584-7039 or visit www.LCMSFoundation.org.
Contact Dan Lepley, DVP - English and SELC District Lutheran Church Extension Fund, for more information at 317-402-9401.

In Our Churches

Crosspoint, Sahuarita, AZ


Members of Crosspoint Lutheran Church shared testimonies of God’s hand in their lives and vocations. Many dressed or brought work-related items for the “Labor Sunday” service – including current or former employment in the military, retail sales, education, music, counseling, postal service, medicine, fitness, food service and insurance.

Christ the King, Grosse Pointe, MI


On September 11, Christ the King Lutheran Church celebrated their 80th anniversary, 1941-2021, in worship and fellowship. 'Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...' and "Remember His marvelous works which He has done,

His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth' 1 Chronicles 16.12

Apostolic, Moses Lake, WA


Apostolic Lutheran Church welcomed two new members on Sunday, September 11th. 

Mike and Tamara are pictured with Pastor Winston Grieser. 

Shepherd of the Canyon, Gold Canyon, AZ


English District Mission, Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran, celebrated its first worship service!


Following a Bible study, the core group gathered for their first Divine Service in a hotel conference room under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Mark Wood. Next week signs and other invitational materials will be released.


The service was filled with music and singing. Please keep our newest mission congregation in your prayers.

Immanuel, Orange, CA


On October 15 and 16, 2022, Immanuel Lutheran Church is celebrating 100 years. If you would like to celebrate with them, call the church office by September 30 at 714-538-2373 for more information. 

In Our Schools

Fairlawn, Fairlawn, OH


The preschool children enjoyed having Pastor Gau and Fizz greet them during drop off on Monday, September 12!

Lutheran Benefits Group Seeking Customer Service Representative

Lutheran Benefits Group in Sterling Heights, MI is seeking a full-time customer service representative (CSR) to work with clients and prospects. Provide excellent customer care to churches, schools and employees while assisting in the growth of the agency. Self-motivated with strong administrative and organizational skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Adobe, general technology and learn third party software. If interested, please contact Keith Mueller at 586-739-5700.

Church Music Opportunity

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Loudon, TN, is looking for individuals with music experience who are interested in part-time work. (We are open to full-time options as well). Our Music Director has announced her intention to retire at year’s end and a committee has been formed to determine how the church will replace this position.


Skills we are looking for include:

  • Ability to play the organ, piano, clavi nova
  • Familiarity with church hymns particularly from the LCMS hymnal
  • Experience leading and conducting a choir to sing traditional and contemporary pieces
  • Experience leading and conducting a chime choir
  • A degree in church music or past experience in leading and accompanying Lutheran service worship is especially desired but not limiting


If you possess all or part of these qualifications and this is something that interests you, please contact Pastor Brian Truog at 865-458-9407.

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!
Also, please share your congregation's or school's unique ministries with the rest of the District. Send pictures and stories for consideration to jmcgarr@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.
ENGLISH DISTRICT LCMS
248-476-0039

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