Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
The Michigan District, LCMS serves congregations and church workers as they go about sharing the Good News of Jesus with people who do not know Him (Great Commission Ministry) and seeking out and compassionately attending to people in need (Great Compassion Ministry).
We support congregations so that they can thrive in Christ-centered ministries, loving and joyful atmospheres, and sustainable organizational systems (Healthy Congregations). And we support our church workers so they can also thrive in Christ-centered lives, loving and joyful spirits, and stable family and professional systems (Healthy Church Workers).
Because of your generous support, the District has been able to accomplish much in 2019 towards these Critical Targets of supporting congregations and church workers as they in turn reach out to their communities.
A Dual Campus Ministry grant was awarded to St. Luke, Haslett and Christ Campus which includes both a suburban and a center city location. This dual campus approach provides both locations with opportunities for learning and support and is a definite two-way street through which both sites are more creative, stable, and responsive to outreach opportunities.
The Digital Footprint Initiative was developed to address many of the challenges some congregations face when they do not have a web presence or do not have skilled, willing, and trained volunteers to update their current website.
The District’s Thought Leader and Innovative Missional Ministry Podcasts were added as one more way to inspire and encourage church workers on the go.
A Mental Health Case Manager was added to our staff in order to offer a confidential process for church workers and their families to receive guidance when going through a difficult time so they can make an informed decision about their mental and emotional health.
The Student Debt Assistance through Ministry Focus helps church workers who graduated from our Colleges and Seminaries and are facing a heavy load of debt.
These are some of the new initiatives that began in 2019. However, that’s certainly not all. Our ministries throughout the District continued serving their communities and reaching out to the least and the lost. Please take a moment to watch the Annual Report in video format at michigandistrict.org/annualreport.
To stay informed on how God continues to bless and send out His people in the Michigan District, please visit michigandistrict.org and subscribe to the enews, blog, and podcast.
May God continue to bless us all, as Jesus sends each and every one of us into our communities and the world.
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
President, Michigan District, LCMS
Photo of St. Matthew, Spring Lake taken by Elisa Schulz/Michigan District, LCMS for the church’s new website, which was built through the Digital Footprint Initiative.
