Convocation of Theology of the Cross
We are a District of congregations within LCMC who are free in Christ, accountable to one another and rooted in the scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
The three words that best describe the primary focus of the Augustana District are Theology, Church, and Mission. We exist to serve congregations of LCMC by tending to theology, serving the practical needs of congregations, and actively promoting and coordinating mission ventures. Our District Council, four boards, part-time service coordinator, and support staff assist the district in carrying out these commitments.
“The Word of God is Jesus Christ[2], the proclamation of him[3], and the Holy Scriptures[4]. This Word functions as both law and gospel, which need to be distinguished, but not separated. The law orders society and convicts us of sin, showing us our need for a Savior[5]. The gospel is the power of God that liberates us from sin, death, and the power of the devil, and brings us, by grace, from death to life[6].
2 John 1:1, 14, 3 Matthew 18:20; I , John 1:1, 2, 4 II Timothy 3:16, 5 Smalcald, Part III, Article II. The Law, 6 Romans 1:16
Sinners are made right with God by grace alone through faith alone on account of Christ alone. This is the article of faith by which the church stands or falls.”[1]
1 Augustana IV; Smalcald, Part II, Article 1: “Nothing in this article can be given up or compromised.”
Christ commanded that his Word be proclaimed[7]. Through it, the Holy Spirit works faith when and where he pleases[8] and repentant sinners are elected unto salvation. Christians live out their earthly lives as totally justified and totally sinful[9].
7 Luke24:46-47, 8 Romans 10:17; Augustana V; Small Catechism Part II, Third Article. , 9 Smalcald, Part III, Article III. Penitence.
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
Proverbs 18:16
The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) is a national Church in Ethiopia proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. The EECMY is the largest Lutheran Church in Africa with some five million members.
Augustana District is called to stand with EECMY to support evangelists, to provide EECMY Seminarian support, and to purchase bicycles and motorcycles for evangelists to travel to communities to spread the Gospel. Three worship centers are in the process of construction, one in a very challenging Muslim community.
As a district, we are supporting 4 pastors at $125/month. These pastors are preaching the Gospel to Muslims in northern India and the harvest is great!
Would you, or your congregation like to sponsor a pastor at $125/mo., or $375/quarter?
The District sends quarterly payments of $1,500 to AIMJ, All India Masihi Jamat.
Since its inception the Augustana District has not sought out funding, but as we continue to grow and provide more services, the financial needs also grow.
The District Council asks that:
If possible, send financial gifts to the district before its fiscal year-end on March 31.
If AD is not yet in your congregational or personal budget please consider placing it in your 2023 budget.
If the AD is already in your budget, we THANK YOU, and ask that you please prayerfully consider raising the level of your support.
Thank you to all of you who have generously supported the district this past year. As a reminder, the district runs on a fiscal year from April 1 – March 31. As of today the district is at 79% of it’s budget for 2022-2023 and still needs $29,800 by March 31, 2023.
Niki Pokornowski, Augustana District Financial Coordinator
Please consider donating today…
Or send a check made payable to:
Augstana District
c/o Niki Pokornowski
335 Main St S
Hutchinson MN 55350
We are happy to report that over $28,605 has been raised to support the AD 2020 Initiative as of July 31, 2021. One of the inspiring success stories of this initiative is the new “Table Ministry” in Sioux Falls, South Dakota led by Pastor Erica Varcoe. While we are thankful for this special giving, we can’t forget to support our AD General Fund as well.
DID YOU KNOW that you, or your congregation, can financially support the district in a number of ways? It’s true! See all the ways here!
Augustana District
c/0 2020 Initiative Fund
335 Main St. S.
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Please specify “2020 Initiative” in the memo section.
Or you can donate online now:
[wpedon id=14169]
Augustana District
335 Main St S
Hutchinson MN 55350
Note: The newsletter is sent on the first Friday of every month and the newsletter deadline is the Monday prior to that Friday.
at Augustana District
NEW! Church Salary Reports for budget setting are now being offered to our congregations!