Published by the English District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod June/July 2014Vol. XXXXII, No. 3

Life Giving Water ForeverThe LWML English District Convention inspires wom-en in giving their time, talents and treasures

The women of the LWML English District gathered for their 36th Biennial Convention on May 4-6 in Countryside, IL. The theme was based on Revelation 21:6, “Life Giving Water, FOREVER,” and the convention was led by President Shirley Holle - the final convention of her term. The goal of the convention was to “come to worship God as HE connects with us through Word and Sacraments, enabling us to go and serve others.”

One hundred and six attendees enjoyed servant events, Bible study and the fellowship of being together. Additionally, three District Young Woman Representatives (YWRs) were in attendance. With guidance from their Zone leaders, the convention was a great opportunity for the young women to see what the LWML is all about.

“These young women have the desire to make a difference, are wil l ing to assume the

Pictured (from left) are Celia Quin, Al-lison Love and Jessica King.

President Shirley Holle receives a certificate for four years of service as President of the LWML English District, with Carolyn Blum, LWML VP of Organizational Resources.

responsibilities given them by the District, and serve in a sincere and dedicated manner. Enthusiasm to learn and be involved is a must, and these three YWRs were just that,” said President Holle.

She also shared many highlights and memorable moments from this year’s convention.

“My biggest highlight was the Friday evening sermon and the Bible study, led by Rev. Fred Gerlach, of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ewing, NJ. He did a great job with his knowledge and humor to help us understand more about the life-giving water we receive through Christ. This was the most important part of the convention,” President Holle shared.

T h e w o m e n e n j o y e d opportunities to serve through the three servant events: preparing meals for Feed My Starving Children; organizing backpacks for Christ the King Lutheran School; and making gift boxes for Phil’s Friends, a cancer support organization.

Four speakers Megan Birney, GEO missionary to All Nations Church in Hong Kong, Cynthia Kahn, of POBLO Ministries, Bruce Grover of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, and Kristi Roegner, from Heart to Heart

Sisters inspired the group with stories and examples of their ministries.

The convention attendees also celebrated 70 years of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League English

continued on page 4

Channel MarkersThe Rev. Dr. David P. StechholzBishop & President of the English District

One More YearDear fellow redeemed, brothers and sisters in Christ

of the English District-LCMS:As you know, in a little over a year from now we will

elect a new Bishop/President of the English District. I am “termed out” (term limits). I will say it again, but let me thank you for the opportunity to have served you the past eight years. My sincere thanks to you.

In the next issue of the English Channels, I will share some thoughts with you about your choices as a district of Synod having to do with an elected Bishop

“Kingdom of Heaven”Jesus makes many more references

The Kingdom of God and the Church“Seek first the Kingdom of God...” (Matthew 6:33) “I will build My church...” (Matthew 16:18)

President being full-time (necessary to fulfill the LCMS requirements of visitation and oversight) or part-time (serving as a full-time parish pastor somewhere in the District in North America and only part-time as “DP” or Bishop). The two may or may not be mutually exclusive. And while that is not something for me to decide, allow me to use this forum of the Channel Markers to offer some thoughts on the subject since it is important; it can affect you and your congregation.

But for this issue I want to focus on what is becoming a thorny issue and does not need to be. It seems to be fashionable in some quarters of North American Christianity today to belittle the Church in favor of the term “Kingdom of God,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” or just “the Kingdom.” I have seen in writing the term “churchianity,” where some useful comments have turned into an almost derogatory use of the word “Church.” “Church”

The word “Church” is a beautiful word. It was used only twice in the Gospels by our Lord Jesus.

One is noted above, when our Lord told Peter and the other Apostles that on the rock of faith (on Him), the rock of Peter’s confession of Jesus as “the Christ” (Messiah), the Son of the Living God, He would build HIS CHURCH, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Our Lord also used the word “Church” in reference to repentance and forgiveness in Matthew 18:15-18, and “church” here would refer to the local congregation. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus also speaks through St. John to the seven churches in Asia Minor.

In the Acts of the Apostles (St. Luke) and the majority of the Epistles (St. Paul, primarily, but also St. James and St. Peter), the word “church” or “churches” are used extensively. Just because our Lord Jesus only made reference to “church” a couple of times does not mean that the Church (the Body of Christ or Family of God) and churches (local congregations) are to be minimized or disparaged. I want to encourage you to speak well of the Church and of local Christian congregations, especially

to the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven or simply “the Kingdom.” He taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” What is the Kingdom of God? See Luther’s Small Catechism in the LSB hymnal or the 1991 edition or any earlier addition to the third Chief Part, “The Lord’s Prayer.” If you are using the 1991 Synod Catechism (Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation), check on page 184. What is the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God is His ruling as king over the whole universe (kingdom of power), the continued on page 3

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I want to encourage you to speak well of the Church and of local Christian c o n g r e g a t i o n s , especially the one where you have a membership as a disciple of Jesus.

By Heather SchneiderWe thank and praise God for the continued support

of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) among English District congregations and schools. Some highlights are listed below:

* World Malaria Day was held on Friday, April 25th. Congregations and schools were encouraged to pray for the LMI and those currently suffering from malaria.

* The LMI is currently working in seven countries. At this time last year they were only working in four.

* The LMI is different from other relief efforts, as the focus is both on sharing the Gospel, as well as providing mosquito nets and medications.

* 88 congregations of the English District have participated in LMI efforts. Over $90,000 has been raised for relief efforts.

As you can see, the Lord continues to work through individuals, congregations, and schools. Please consider supporting the LMI if you haven’t already done so!

church on earth (kingdom of grace), and the church and angels in heaven (kingdom of glory). This simple explanation suffices.

I encourage you, though, to examine Luther’s Small Catechism more thoroughly and review his concise explanation of Christ’s words, “Thy Kingdom come.” Review also the Apostles’ Creed and also that we con-fess “the holy Christian church,” which is the communion of saints. Pages 157-169 will be very helpful.

Pages 184-186 also instructs us more about the King-dom of God. Many of our fine hymns and praise spiritual songs speak about “the kingdom.” “I love Your kingdom, Lord…,” to quote one. Daily seek His kingdom in your life. Re-read the beautiful story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John, Chapter 4, and drink of the Living Water that wells up to eternal life as you seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, His right rule in your heart and life.

My goal is to encourage you who are in Christ’s

Channel Markers (continuation)continued from page 2 Church and members of a local Christian congregation

Under the NetHighlights of LutheranMalaria Initiative

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Amy Staubus, a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Berwyn, IL, accepts her “Lumen Christi Volunteer Educator” award presented by Lavern Kruse on Sunday, April 6, at their worship services. Amy’s husband Noal and children, along with numerous extended family members and friends, shared in the special recognition. The Board of Education also presented Amy with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in thanksgiving to God for the many ways that Amy exemplifies the “Light of Christ” to all of them.

Lumen Christi Award presentation

in the English District-LCMS, to encourage and help strengthen the under-shepherd of Jesus Christ, your rightly called and ordained pastor (Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession), pray for and support your congregation, encourage your fellow members, serve in that congregation, and witness with Eastertide and Pentecost joy to Christ Jesus and His Resurrection.

Please do not talk badly about your congregation, pastor, bishop, or other commissioned or elected servants, including lay leaders. And brother pastors, do not talk badly about “the sheep,” those seeking Christ’s Kingdom, even if they stumble or speak badly of you. Beloved, do not use disparaging terms about Christ’s Church. You are seeking the Kingdom of God in your devotion to the Lord (fearing, loving and trusting in Him). Seek Him also in your godly behavior, witness, and humble service. This pleases Your blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

By The Rev. Robert FitzpatrickSecretary, English District

Convening in Ann Arbor May 12-13, prior to the English District Professional Church Workers Conference, the District Board of Directors tended to the business of the District. This “Sidebar” provides a synopsis of that meeting.

1. Reports to the Board were provided by Pres. Stechholz, Treasurer/Business Manager Naglich, Canada Corp. Pres. Kahle, Parish Services/Schools Exec. Assts. Kruse and Holzer. and LCEF Vice-Pres. Thiele. Additional reports came from the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, the Endowment Fund Managers, and Missions.

2. From the President’s Report the District Ministry Plan was reviewed and adjusted to note additional income and specific opportunities for moving ministry forward in various areas of the District. Congregational Constitution and By-Law changes were approved upon recommendation of the District Constitution and Membership Committee. Praise Congregation of Ft. Wayne, IN was granted a release to move their membership to the Indiana District. Mission activity and possible forming of congregations was noted in the Syracuse,

Secretary’s Sidebar

LWML English District has a mission grant goal of $15,000 for this biennium. Mite collections are gathered in an effort to provide grants for:

1. “Taking Jesus to the Streets” and “Sidewalk Sunday School,” Ministries of Ablaze! Mission and Ministry Center, Riverview, MO.

2. “Ministry to African (especially Liberian) Immigrants,” Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ewing (Trenton), NJ.

3. “New Campus Ministries at the University of Toledo & University of Pennsylvania” Campus Ministry, English District-LCMS.

4. Sanctus Lutheran Ministries (Woodstock-Hickory Flats-Canton area), a new mission start from Christ the Shepherd, Alpharetta, GA.

5. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church for LMS Compassion Center, York, PA.

6. Operation Barnabas – Catalina Chapter Catalina Lutheran Church, Catalina, AZ.

7. Fund the Development and Training of Ethnic Women Leaders for Service to the Church and World through the LWML Heart to Heart Sisters Program.

District. “The God whom we thank for fulfilling the promises

of the past 70 years will fulfill His promises in the coming years of the LWML English District,” said President Holle.

As the convention drew to a close, President Holle passed the gavel and offered congratulations to newly-elected District President Jan Simmons. The LWML English District represents 24 language groups, and has initiated the LWML Heart to Heart Sisters Program.

President Holle also gave thanks to many, including English District LCMS President/Bishop David Stechholz.

“It is always great to have Bishop Stechholz with us and we truly appreciate his support of the LWML. He spoke of happenings in the District and encouraged us to serve the Lord with gladness,” she shared.

President Holle said all in attendance had the opportunity to glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“We could drink deeply from His Word and we left to share His overflowing love as our convention objectives stated. We provided the opportunities and we know the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who came to be a part of this convention. We learned that the ‘Time is Now’ to share the good news of Christ our risen Lord.”

Life Giving Water Forever (continuation)continued from page 1

Mission grants

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NY area and the Chicago, IL area. 3. The annual Audit performed by the Synod auditing

department was received and reviewed. It was noted that the audit was “clean” with no issues of concern.

4. Revisions to the Board Policy Manual were reviewed and approved. The District Articles of Incorporation will be reviewed and up-dated at the request of Synod.

5. The 2015 District Convention tentatively is set for Concordia University, Ann Arbor MI, June 17-20. This appears to be the most economical site.

6. Information on the condition of the District office, possible renovations, and possible multi-use was discussed.

7. Synod Resolution 7-04A concerning the viability of the Districts of the Synod received vigorous discussion, but no action at this time. Various efforts to tell the English District “story” are being reviewed.

8. Circuit alignment for delegate election to the 2016 Synod Convention was discussed and information on “managing” the 3-year cycle of meetings and events will be sent to the Circuit Visitors for implementation.

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Since 1994, the English District has recognized at least one pastor each year with the honorary title of Doctor of Divinity. Nominations are submitted by congregations and voted on by circuit visitors, vice presidents and the president of the District.

This year, The Reverend Joseph Fabry was honored at the English District P ro fe s s iona l Church Workers Conference, held May 13-14, 2014 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Rev. Dr.

Doctor of Divinity presented to co-recipient Pastor Joseph Fabry

Pastor Joseph Fabry is pictured with his wife Shir-ley and the Rev. Dr. David P. Stechholz, Bishop and President of the English District.

Roger Pittelko will be honored at a later date in Illinois.

Joseph Paul Fabry, was born on September 26, 1929 in Chicago, IL, to Joseph and Mary Fabry. He was brought to Holy Baptism on October 13, 1929 and was confirmed on May 3, 1942 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL, where he would later be ordained into ministry.

Pastor Fabry entered Concordia College, Fort Wayne, IN, as a ministerial student in September 1943, completing his studies in 1949. In the fall of 1949, he entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, to continue his studies for the Holy Ministry. He received his theological diploma on June 4, 1954. On June 13, 1954, he was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry at Zion Lutheran, Chicago, IL.

He accepted the Solemn Call from Dr. Martin Luther Church in Gary, IN, and served the congregation until April of 1963, conducting services in both the English and Slovak languages. In 1963, Pastor Fabry accepted the Call of the SELC Mission Board to serve a dual parish in Ontario, Canada: St. Matthew in Smithville, and Faith in Dunnville.

In 1972, he was installed as pastor of Christ the King, an English District congregation, in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. He served as Circuit Visitor for the Detroit South Circuit for many years. He also served as interim pastor at Nativity Slovak Lutheran Church in Kingsville, Ontario.

On August 25, 1957 Pastor Fabry married Shirley A. Mizerak of Gary, IN. The Lord blessed their marriage with four children: Joel Steven, married to

Kathryn; Mark Joseph, married to Cecilia; David Paul, married to Nancy; and Ellen Marie, married to Todd Hoyer. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren. Retiring in 1995, Shirley and Joseph lived In Lexington, KY; Findlay, OH; and currently in Livonia, MI. Joseph served as vacancy pastor and did supply preaching during most of his retirement years. At the present time, Joseph and Shirley are active members at Christ Our Savior in Livonia.

Pastor Fabry has many cherished memories of his years at the Seminary, 1949-1954, to include sitting at the feet of such veterans of the cross such as: Alfred M. Rehwinkel, Martin Franzmann, Jaroslav Pelikan, J.T.Mueller, et al, and attending the funeral of Walter A. Maier, first Lutheran Hour Speaker, in the Seminary Chapel on January 14, 1950.

When reflecting back on 60 years in the Gospel Ministry, Pastor Fabry writes, “I praise God for calling me into His service, blessing me with a gifted and devoted wife, a wonderful family and good health. I join the Psalmist David in his declaration of gratitude, ‘my cup runneth over!” Psalm 23:5

Around the District

Pictured above are Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, students and spouses who have been assigned to the English District and begin the next part of their journey in service to Christ and His Church. Pictured (left to right) are Vicar Christopher Craig, Catalina, Tucson, AZ; Jen Koontz; Candidate Adam Koontz, Mt. Calvary, Lititz, PA; Bishop/President David Stechholz; Vicar Joel Oschwald, St. Michael, Fort Wayne, IN; and Jeni Oschwald. Not pictured: Candidate David Schinbeckler, Holy Redeemer, Sandusky, MI; Vicar Winston Grieser, Zion, Detroit, MI.

Grace, Elyria, OH celebrated Palm Sunday with the confirmation of T. J. Morris and Justin Koepp, who are pictured above with Rev. Robert F. Weldon, Sr.

The members of Grace, Vine Grove, KY presented new spring and summer clothes for children to the SpringHaven Domestic Violence Program. Having enjoyed collecting hats and mittens on a Christmas tree last winter the members decided to collect summer wear on palm trees. Pictured with the colorful assortment of outfits and over 200 pieces of clothing, including shirts, shorts and socks, are Cathy White and Roberta Tannahill.

Grace, Vine Grove, KY will be moving into a new facility soon and Beautiful Savior, Lee’s Summit, MO was replacing some of their metal folding chairs. Through a conversation at the Professional Church Workers Conference those “old” chairs will find a new home at Grace.

How wonderful it is when God connects a need with the provision, and both sides are grateful. His timing is excellent!

Hales Corners Lutheran Schools – Hales Corners, WI earned a Certification as Best Christian Workplaces for 2014 from Best Christian Workplaces Institute. Each year since 2003, BCWI recognizes exceptional organizations whose leadership understands that employee engagement results from a flourishing culture and drives positive ministry outcomes.continued on page 7

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Certified Best Christian Workplaces span the globe and represent all facets of ministries from churches, schools to universities, parachurch missions to products and services, book publishers to radio stations. These certified organizations exceed the percentage of engaged employees vs. norms.

New Life Chinese, San Francisco, CA donated $1,690 to the Beautiful Motorcycle project to buy two motorcycles for rural church workers now in training by the Rev. Stephen Wiesnauer, LCMS Missionary to Asia.

Our Saviour, Valley Stream, NY members delivered donations of food and diapers totaling 180 pounds along with baby clothes collected from the New Mother’s Program Baby Shower to the Long Island Social Services in Uniondale.

continued on page 7

Around the District (continuation)continued from page 6

St. Michael, Fort Wayne, IN received into the congregation 46 new members on May 4, 2014. Members were received through Transfer, Reaffirmation of Faith, and Adult Confirmation. Three adults were also baptized. These families and their children were welcomed by Pastor Reed Lessing, Senior Pastor and assisted by Pastor Jerrold Nichols.

Traci a student at University of Toledo was baptized

Congratulations Coach Robert Koehne (pictured left in the above photo) of Valley Lutheran High School, Phoenix, AZ. Coach Koehne received the “Spirit of Cotton Award” from the Phoenix Suns Charities! Read the official press release: www.nba.com/suns/phoenix-suns-charities-announces-spirit-cotton-award-winner.

The February issue of The Lutheran Witness had an article that our District Stewardship Committee recommends for your reading entitled “He Wants You,” by the Rev. Jason Braatan. Here are the cliff notes in five simple points for you, dear reader and fellow child of God:

1. Attend the Divine Service faithfully and receive God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation.

2. Pray for the Lord’s help.3. Consider what the Church, as a “mercy place,” is and

Stewardship Cornerwhat the Church does.

4. Take stock of your current giving in light of the New Testament’s teaching on supporting the work of the Church.

5. Commit for the year, even beginning now, a generous portion of your income. (The Committee suggests you might determine your current percentage of giving to church and charity and try to increase it by a percentage or more each year from where you currently are at, and experience the joy of giving in response to God’s blessings in Christ Jesus.)

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Traci a student at University of Toledo was baptized (left) on April 6, by Rev. Peter Burfeind.

Pastors - Ordination/InstallationThe Rev. Jeff Webb, Installed, February 9, 2014, Sole

Pastor, Celebration, Jacksonville, FL; Candidate Arthur Drehman, Ordained/Installed, April 6, 2014, Sole Pastor, Our Savior’s, St. George, UT; The Rev. Bradley Urlaub, Installed, May 4, 2014, Associate Pastor, Faith, Arlington Heights, IL

Calls AcceptedThe Rev. Aaron Unseth, Sole Pastor, The Alley Church,

Cottage Grove, MN; The Rev. Thomas Engler, Sole Pastor, Prince of Peace, Menomonee Falls, WI; The Rev. James Gau, Pastor, Fairlawn, Fairlawn, OH; The Rev. Fred Reaman, Sole Pastor, Greenfield Park, West Allis, WI

Change of StatusThe Rev. Brian V. Pratt, February 1, 2014, Active to

Candidate; The Rev. James May, March 18, 2014, Active to Candidate; Sarah Walquist, May 31, 2014, Active to Candidate

ResignedDiane K. George, May 19, 2014

English District Official Acts

By Rev. Eric CarlsonOur Savior Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL

As the pastor of a small church, I am always looking out for opportunities to reach new people. Those opportunities often come in unexpected ways. For instance, some of my visits to home-bound members and trips to meetings require me to travel on toll roads. On these trips, I often see the same toll collectors. Rather than rushing through, I take a few moments to greet them and have a quick conversation.

On one of these occasions, a woman I had spoken with several times before looked very upset. I asked her if she wanted to talk about it and to my surprise she opened up about a broken relationship and the sadness it was causing her. The traffic behind me was getting understandably upset, so I prayed with her briefly and gave her my business card with a time

Called to GloryThe Rev. Marvin Janz, May 6, 2014

Transfers InBelva Schindler, March 3, 2014, Rocky Mountain District;

The Rev. Leon Jameson (SMP), March 7, 2014, Missouri District; The Rev. Bradley Urlaub, April 21, 2014, Minnesota North District; Annette Miller, May 2, 2014, South Wisconsin District

Transfers OutMarissa Engelhard, March 25, 2014, Michigan District;

The Rev. Gale Schmidt, April 8, 2014, Pacific Southwest District; Sarah Walquist, May 1, 2014, Pacific Southwest District; Alicia Levitt, May 30, 2014, Indiana District; The Rev. Aaron Unseth, May 31, 2014, Minnesota South District

Transfers Out - Congregations/SchoolsPraise Lutheran Church and Little Praiser’s Preschool &

Childcare Ministries, May 19, 2014, Indiana District

Who has God placed in your path?we could talk later in the day. She ended up calling me at the church. I had the opportunity to listen to her struggles, share the Gospel, and pray with her.

This isn’t a particularly exciting story, but it demonstrates how unexpected opportunities to share Christ come about in our daily lives, sometimes with people that we normally overlook. All it takes is a few extra moments to interact with someone and ask how they are doing. In this instance, the person God placed before me was a toll collector. The person God places before you could be a server at a restaurant, a mechanic, a clerk at a store, a mail carrier…who will you encounter as you go about your day?

One thing is certain. You won’t have to look far to reach out with the love of Christ!

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About the ChannelsThe English Channels is a publication of the English

District-LCMS, 33100 Freedom Rd., Farmington, MI 48336.Phone - (800) 755-9335Staff Editor - Sally NaglichPage Designer - Ed WrightSend articles to: snaglich@engishdistrict.org

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trictLCMS, and follow us on Twitter: @EngDistrictLCMS.Read our blog at englishdistrict.org/resources/blog.You’ll find the latest information on conferences and events,

insights for your church leaders and congregation and more.