Dear Friends in Christ,

In our present circumstances turmoil is rampant, anger toward and distrust of fellow man is at the boiling point, and reaching a consensus on just about any issue seems improbable. And I am not just talking about politics. These same issues are occurring in our communities, in our homes and, unfortunately, even at times in our churches.

One may ask: where then does our joy and peace come from? As people of faith, we are blessed to not only know the answer, but to have the answer in our hearts. It comes from the ONE Who never changes. It comes from Jesus, our living hope (1 Peter 1:3), who, “for … you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

How richly blessed are we to have such an amazing, generous God of love, grace, mercy, and peace. This ever-present, unchanging God makes Himself known in the Holy Scriptures and the Sacraments, and allows His light to shine for us, in us, and through us!

Let us draw near to the newborn Savior where He is found! (Heb.10:25; James 4:8)

Through Michigan District mission and ministries, we strive to bring this same joy and peace we have in Jesus Christ to the many we serve who have not yet experienced His presence or who don’t even minimally understand that He is with us always.

Along with our congregations, the Michigan District supports numerous Innovative Missional Ministries that serve the unchurched and under-churched in many urban and rural communities. These ministries—places like Elli’s House, The Luke Project 52 Clinic, Franklin Avenue Mission, A2E Sports Camps, and other Innovative Missional Ministry efforts—respond to specific needs in their communities, meeting people where they’re at in life. You can  learn more about these and others, here:

Dear friends, as you pray about and eventually make your annual Christmas and year-end gift-giving decisions, would you please consider a gift in support of the many Innovative Missional Ministries of the Michigan District? By supporting these vital ministries through the Here We Stand campaign, you will significantly help the Michigan District in its efforts to fulfill the primary objective, which is to grow Christ’s Kingdom. Your gift will make a difference for today (by helping someone find a job, or be fed or clothed, or find housing, etc.), and ultimately for eternity, as this person learns of life with Jesus now and forever.

Again, I humbly ask you to prayerfully and generously help us help others as we carry out our mission to reach the lost and disciple the saved. You can make a donation online here.

Remember, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. May the joy and peace of His birth be with you today, tomorrow, and forever.

Together with you and the Holy Spirit endeavoring to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and let our light shine for His glory,

Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
President, Michigan District, LCMS

P.S. The Michigan District Church Extension Fund will provide a 10% match to every gift received in our Annual Christmas Appeal as part of their gift-matching commitment to the Here We Stand campaign. Please be generous.

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