English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
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Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
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Calls Received
The Rev. Robert J. Wacker (Ohio District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Trinity, Villa Park, IL.
The Rev. Kyle I. Kuehl (Michigan District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls, WI.
Call Received and Returned
The Rev. Ryan A. Cramer (Southern District) has received and returned the Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Martin Luther Chapel, Pennsauken, NJ.
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In Paul's letter to the Romans, he asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone reaching?” Romans 10:14 (ESV)
Thankfully, as a result of 25 English District congregations, two mission plants—both of whom have responded to St. Paul’s call to action written above—Blessed Sacrament Lutheran Church and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey and Deaconess Gina Teeple in Germany will each be receiving $12,642 USD from the 2025-26 Mission 1-1-1 contributions.
We have just begun the 2026-27 campaign. If your congregation has participated in the past, we thank you and encourage you to continue to do so. If you have yet to start a campaign and your church feels led by the Spirit and His Word to begin, all of the information you need to get started is located on the English District website.
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In this space, each week we will continue to provide Scripture and messaging that can be used so that this campaign is saturated in the Word, and surrounded with communication that can be re-purposed into chapel talks, posters, postings, short lessons, and bulletin inserts. The Mission Action Team prays that you will partner with us in this vital Kingdom work.
As St. Paul exhorted his young disciple Timothy in his second letter to him, "{P]reach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)
Photo credit: The Lutheran Church of the Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls, WI
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Pastor Eric Andræ, Haley (middle), Lutheran Student Fellowship President, along with another friend of the campus ministry, welcome students to campus and seek to build relationships of friendship and support.
Please keep all our Campus Ministries in mind and in prayer as student across all our campus ministries return to their studies.
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[Members of] All Saints Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry believe it was a huge opportunity to be invited to the welcome days at Grove City College and at Slippery Rock University...{Students] came to All Saints several miles from Grove City. Campus ministry at All Saints believes that the first worship a student attends when coming to college is often the one he continues to attend.
Augusta Mennell, Campus Ministry Director at All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center, shared "Are College Fairs Important?" Read the entire article here.
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English District Board member Tom Honebrink recently presented his gift to Concordia the Reformer Seminary in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic. Pictured (L-R) is Tom, missionary Pastor Sergio Fritzler, director of the seminary and Pastor Ross Shaver, the dean of the seminary. This picture was taken during the worship service, held to commence the opening of the 10th academic year of the seminary. FORO guests were invited to bring works of art to decorate the walls of the seminary. Tom brought a tile with Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
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We pray for all, especially our youth, who struggle with mental illness and the pressures of our society.
District daily prayers for October 2026 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.
| | Ministerial Health Commission | | | |
"Active church workers may be aware of the Ministerial Health Commission but may not know what the Ministerial
Health Commission is about. We are made up of
various members of the English District who all listen with
compassion. We are that understanding, open door
to contact in times of need."
Rev. Timothy Holzerland
Chair of the Ministerial
Health Commission
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Suffering comes to people in many different forms. And a person may not be able to handle it on their own. The Ministerial Health Commission strongly encourages a person to reach out and make contact when life affects any part of their daily livelihood, be it physical, behavioral, or emotional well-being. Its mission is to understand the issues of concern, envision the possibilities, strategies, and available support to enhance the well-being of English District workers and their families.
Contact us when a confidential and compassionate listening ear is needed. Click here for an informational brochure.
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First, El Cajon, CA
Members of First Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church held a joint "Launch Day" to celebrate the beginning of the school year. Pastor Paul Willweber, who serves Prince of Peace and Pastor James Huenink and Kathleen Vaughn who serve First, set up a table with church information along with a sign asking, "How can we pray for you today?" They were able to pray with students and received many requests for more information about upcoming Bible studies. In addition, there were many questions from students asking about the difference between Lutheranism and other religions. We pray for continued blessings on this ministry and the harvest it will yield.
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Redeemer, Sarnia, ON
It was a joyful morning for Pastor Roger Ellis and members of Redeemer Lutheran Church as they celebrated the Holy Baptisms of Brielle and Zoey. All enjoyed witnessing Zoey's enthusiasm as she spent part of the morning in Sunday School. We pray for God's continued guidance upon Brielle, Zoey, their mom, and all involved in their faith journey.
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Faith, Arlington Heights, IL
Pastor Travis Schmidt and the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting a conference on 1 and 2 Thessalonians with Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen leading the discussion.
The conference is scheduled for Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 431 South Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005. Contact Pastor Schmidt at (414)-313-1522 or
email for reservations and more information.
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Advent, Zionsville, IN
Save the Date!
Marriage-minded Lutheran young adults ages 21–40 are invited to a Lutheran Singles Weekend at Advent Lutheran Church, October 9–11. The weekend will include worship, fellowship, meals, games, and opportunities to connect with other LCMS Lutheran young adults.
Visit the registration link for the full schedule and details, or email Pastor Aaron Schultz.
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Our Savior, Hartland, MI
The 2026 Body of Christ and the Public Square conference will be held at Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church. The conference serves as an educational resource relative to religious liberty. It labors to equip citizens with an accommodationist understanding of Church and State, resulting in civil engagement aimed at living peaceful and quiet lives according to the tenets of faith (1 Tim. 2:2-6).
Click here to learn more.
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Concordia University, St. Paul, Slashes 2027-28 Tuition by $5,500
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), announced it will lower traditional undergraduate tuition by $5,500 for the 2027-28 academic year, reducing its listed price to $21,700. The 20 percent reduction in tuition for traditional undergraduate programs underscores the university’s commitment to making a college education affordable and accessible for more students. It also puts tuition at CSP on par with many Minnesota public universities. Learn more about CSP's "Tuition Reset 2.0" here.
| | Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne | | | |
CTSFW Welcomes Largest Class Since 2009
The 181st academic year opened at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), September 8 at the annual opening service, with the largest incoming class since 2009 occupying the front rows in Sihler Auditorium. In addition to the 63 residential formation students, CTSFW is welcoming 17 students in distance formation programs, including Deaconess Studies and the Specific Ministry Pastor program, along with new international students and students in advanced graduate programs. Watch a recording of the opening service here.
| | 2027 LCMS Life Conference | | | |
The 2027 LCMS Life Ministry Conference will be held online Feb. 26–27, 2027. The conference will feature video presentations on life issues for the strengthening and support of lay members and church workers as they advocate, educate, and share the truth of God’s Word, the sanctity of life at all ages, and Christ’s mercy for all people.
Registration for the conference is free, although attendees may choose to purchase extended access to the library of presentations for on-demand viewing. Several sessions conducted in Spanish will be included.
Congregations are encouraged to host watch parties during the conference to facilitate further discussion of the presentations.
We hope you will consider joining us online in February to be strengthened and supported in our shared confession of God’s creation and value of all human life. Click here for more information.
| | Contact John Hoover, LCEF District 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. | | |
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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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