Reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

On a historical note, the members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield celebrated the 120 th anniversaryof their congregation on Sunday, November 16, 2008. The parish is being served by the Reverend Robert Jensen(Emeritus), Springfield.The members of Springfield East continue to meet with the members of Springfield West in weekly exegeticalstudies and monthly Winkels.Springfield West Circuit – Rev. Keith Pereira, Circuit CounselorMy second term as circuit counselor has been very enriching. I have learned from my fellow brothers. Withouttheir support, prayers and encouragement the task at hand would be difficult and challenging. Me fellow pastorsgave me support after losing my father in 2005 and my mother in 2007. These were difficult times. But God andmy fellow pastors got me through it. It is an honor to be a part of the Springfield West Circuit.There have been changes in the circuit the last three years. Rev. Martin W. Mably was installed as AssociatePastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL on July 7, 2007. He served as Vicar there beginning inJune of 2006. On January 15, 2008 Rev. Joel T. Dieterichs resigned as Associate Pastor of Trinity LutheranChurch, Auburn, IL. February 1, 2008 was a wonderful day for Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn, IL Rev. Dr.Harold Woodworth was installed as Assistant Pastor. Rev. Ron Schmidt who helped at Our Savior Springfieldwas called to glory.The Springfield West Circuit continues to meet with the Springfield East Circuit for their monthly PastoralConferences. Each week pastors from both circuits get together for a Bible Study that involves the lectionaryreadings. Different pastors take turns doing an exegetical and practical study of the lessons.One new ministry involves The Lutheran Hour. Congregations from both circuits have pledged money so TheLutheran Hour can be broadcast locally. As of March 1, 2009 the Lutheran Hour can be heard on radio stationWLUJ 89.7 Springfield at 3 P.M. What a wonderful opportunity to have God’s Word broadcast in the Springfieldarea.This will be my final term as Circuit Counselor. If it were not for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I would havebeen unable to complete my term. To Him be all honor and glory world without end. May God go with our newCircuit Counselor. He will give him the strength to do His will as counselor. I will help him in any way possible.It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my fellow pastors.In Christ,Rev. Keith R. PereiraSpringfield West Circuit Counselor2009 Convention Section B – Reports Page 47