English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
| |
Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
| | Eastern Region Pastors Conference | | | |
The Eastern Region Fall Conference was held in Ocean City, NJ. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane gave four fantastic lectures, including Vocation & Martin Luther on the Epistle of James. Rev. David. Fleming provided tremendous care to our souls as the conference chaplain.
| | |
Call Received and Returned
The Rev. Peter Bauernfeind has received and returned a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of St. Michael's and Trinity Lutheran Churches (New Jersey District).
| | Ministerial Health Commission | | | | | | |
Meet a member of the Ministerial Health Commission.
Rev. Jonathan S. Lackey
Cecilia, Kentucky
Cell: (256)345-7743
jlackey77@gmail.com
| | The Rev. Jonathan Lackey serves as sole pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Vine Grove, Kentucky, a parish he has served since graduating from Concordia Seminary in 2023. An Alabama native and an Eagle Scout, Rev. Lackey has a particular interest in historical theology, specifically the development of liturgics within English Christianity. In his free time, he enjoys competitive marksmanship, playing with his cats, Aria and Biscuit, and his rabbit Keble. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife Molly, whom he married in 2019, and his daughter Mary. | | Lifeline is the English District’s outreach that promotes the dignity and sanctity of life from fertilization to forever. We encourage congregations to reproduce and share the following message with your members. Click here for Lifeline's "Reformation Day 2026" reproducible file in .pdf format. | | |
“...but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (ESV)
We likely know what the good portion is. The portion not mentioned in this verse is associated with Martha’s frantic busyness. Mary had chosen to sit at the Lord’s feet and learn from Him in a state of calm and contentment. This contrast with the sisters is timeless because it characterizes two realities of living in the world today. Jesus says, “but one thing is necessary”—Himself. What Mary experienced is available today in the form of Divine Worship, as people hear from the living Word, and feel the true presence of their Lord and Savior in the Sacrament of the Altar.
Mission 1-1-1 dollars have the sole purpose of making this opportunity—Martha’s, Mary’s, and our opportunity—more readily available to those who have not had it before in its truth and purity. As we continue to support this mission, we pray to keep this in mind. If your congregation wishes to begin or further support your Mission 1-1-1 campaign for 2026-27, please click here for Scripture and Messaging resources.
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
| | |
We pray for all affected by domestic violence: victims, family members, friends, witnesses, first responders, and the community at large.
We pray for the family of Ron Kasten, commissioned minister, who fell asleep in the Lord earlier this year.
We give thanks to Almighty God for His blessings upon West Portal Evangelical Lutheran Church & School as the school celebrates its 75th anniversary year.
District daily prayers for November 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.
| | |
There is something about a journey that invites us to look beyond where we are. A journey has a starting point, a destination, and often a road full of unexpected turns, people, challenges, and blessings along
the way. This past month, we have been reminded of that in some very literal ways!
Read more about Pastor Jeffrey and Deaconess Gina Teeple's journey in their September 2026 newsletter.
| | Celebrating 50 Years of Service | | | |
Pastor Rob Kieselowsky and the congregation of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated 50 years of service by their Music Director and Organist, Kathy Panek. Former Vicar Rev. Dr. Christian Einertson preached, and a Jeremy Zimmer-composed prelude was premiered in Kathy’s honor. The service was followed by a magnificent feast in the fellowship hall. Thanks be to God for Kathy’s diligent and faithful service. She is a gift to the congregation!
| | |
Angelica, Allen Park, MI
Angelica Lutheran Church is currently vacant, but the congregation demonstrated its appreciation for the pastors who currently serve there. Members displayed this banner as a very clear message of the love they have for their pastors. May God continue to bless this congregation and their deep faith.
| | |
Epiphany, Dorr, MI
Pastor Ryan Beffrey and members of Epiphany Lutheran Church hosted a seminar called "Making the Good Confession in Life and at Death." The seminar was designed to help attendees make plans for when the Lord calls them to His side, plans that confess their faith even after death. Special attention was given to will planning, led by a local Lutheran attorney. Ron Grimm, our representative for the LCMS Foundation, gave a presentation on the work the Foundation does to support ministries important to people. The day ended with Pastor Beffrey giving resources and guides for planning a funeral service.
| | |
Peace, Palm Desert, CA
Pastor James Bowes of Peace Lutheran Church of the Desert serves as a volunteer chaplain for the Mitchell Medal of Honor Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association. Recently, Pastor Bowes offered the invocation as the chapter celebrated Corporal Dorothee Irwin, a World War II veteran who recently turned 104 years old. CPL Irwin was honored by the Military Women's Memorial as a Living Legend in recognition of her service. The gathering was a joyful opportunity to give thanks to God for her remarkable life and to honor her contributions to our nation.
| | |
Concordia-Chicago announces $5.9M initiative to enhance academic facilities
Concordia University Chicago will soon begin renovations of the Walter and Maxine Christopher Center for Learning and Leadership, an initiative that will add and improve instructional spaces on campus. The $5.9 million project, part of a multi-phased plan to enhance academic facilities, is fully underwritten by dedicated supporters.
“This project is a significant investment in our future and the needs of our students,” said University President Dr. Russell P. Dawn. “It is also a testament to the faithfulness of donors who believe in our students, in our mission, and in the future God has for Concordia-Chicago—and for that, we are deeply grateful.” Read the full article here.
| | 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. | | |
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.
| | | | |
