Exciting News

God's blessings continue to unfold in unexpected and much needed ways.  Often, people express concern about the future of the North American Lutheran Church and its ability to train new pastors.  God is supplying our need.  Earlier this year, an endorsement panel was held to meet 8 seminarians who are seeking ordination and call in the North American Lutheran Church.  They have gone through ELCA seminaries and have remained orthodox.  Now, in June, we will hold a second panel to receive an additional 7 senior seminarians.  If they are certified, that will mean 15 new pastors who are wanting to serve with us.  That is truly exciting.  I would say that is a miracle of God!  Continue to pray that the Lord of the Church will send out laborers into the harvest!

Remember to keep in prayer Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WI, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altona, IL, who will be taking a second vote to leave the ELCA on Sunday, May 15.  Also, St. John Lutheran Church, Danforth, IL, will take its second vote on Sunday, May 22.

One last thing.  On May 21/22, Pastor Preston Foster, St. Paul, Metropolis, and Christ the King, De Soto, and I will be doing a pulpit exchange.  It is a way for the congregations to grow closer together.  Our council is interested in doing that type of thing more often.  They are interested in building relationships within the Illinois Deanery.  If anyone is interested in doing so, please contact me and we will try to work out a schedule.

God Bless! 

Pr. Jim Lehmann, Dean