English District
On Wednesday, September 18, 2025, pastors and church leaders from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia gathered at the newly renovated Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Lititz, PA, for the Fall Circuit Meeting of the Philadelphia Circuit of the English District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). The day was filled with worship, teaching, fellowship, and important conversations about the work of the church in our time.
The gathering began with a Divine Service of the Word, led by Rev. Christopher Seifferlein, pastor of Mount Calvary. Pastor Seifferlein delivered a remarkable sermon that set the tone for the day, grounding the assembly in Christ’s Word and encouraging those gathered to remain steadfast in the ministry of the Gospel. The service was a reminder that every circuit gathering of pastors is more than a business meeting, it is first and foremost a time of worship and encouragement for those entrusted with the ministry of Word and Sacrament. In Word and prayer, pastors are renewed for the calling God has placed upon them.
Engaging with Wilhelm Löhe’s Three Books Concerning the Church
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to theological study. Rev. Robert Kieselowsky, who has long been active in Lutheran ministry in the Philadelphia area, presented on Wilhelm Löhe’s classic work Three Books Concerning the Church. Löhe, a 19th-century German pastor and missionary, is well-known for his profound influence on confessional Lutheran thought, especially regarding the nature of the church, mission, and the pastoral office. Pastors considered Löhe’s deep reflections on what it means to be the church and how the church carries out her mission in the world. The discussion prompted thoughtful engagement about how these timeless insights can be applied today as congregations face modern challenges in ministry. Löhe’s insistence that the church is defined by Christ’s Word and Sacraments resonated deeply, reminding all present that faithfulness to these gifts must remain the foundation of Lutheran identity and practice.
Christology, Satisfaction, and Thomas Aquinas
The theological study continued with a presentation from Rev. Roy Coats, who guided the pastors through a teaching on satisfaction for sins and the differences between the Confessional Lutheran view of Christ’s work and the framework presented by Thomas Aquinas. Rev. Coats emphasized that while Aquinas’ scholastic theology articulated aspects of Christ’s atonement, the Lutheran Confessions provide a clearer and more faithful testimony to Scripture’s teaching on how Christ alone satisfies God’s justice and reconciles sinners to God. By comparing these theological traditions, pastors were reminded of the unique clarity and comfort offered by Lutheran Christology, Christ crucified for us and for our salvation.
Circuit and Synodical Business
After a morning of worship and theological enrichment, the pastors turned to matters of district and synod business. Circuit meetings play an important role in the life of the LCMS, connecting local pastors and congregations with the wider work of the English District and the Synod as a whole. Discussions included updates on district initiatives, encouragement for supporting theological education, and planning for future ministry within the circuit. These conversations foster unity among pastors serving in diverse contexts, whether in the heart of Baltimore, the suburbs of Philadelphia, or the communities of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Such gatherings ensure that the work of the church remains coordinated, accountable, and focused on the mission Christ has given: to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching His Word (Matthew 28:19–20).
A Newly Renovated Setting in the English District
The meeting was hosted at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Lititz, PA, which recently completed significant renovations to its worship space and facilities. The updated sanctuary provided a beautiful setting for the day’s service and discussions, and the congregation’s hospitality reflected their joy in serving the wider church. Mount Calvary, under the leadership of Pastor Seifferlein, has become known in the Lancaster area for its commitment to the historic liturgy, clear preaching of the Gospel, and dedication to Lutheran confessional identity. Hosting this circuit gathering was a natural extension of that mission, as the congregation opened its doors to brothers in ministry from across the region.
Strengthening Bonds in the Gospel
The Philadelphia Circuit meeting exemplified the strength and purpose of such gatherings in the life of the church. Pastors were refreshed by the proclamation of the Word, challenged by deep theological study, and encouraged by fellowship and shared mission. In an era where many churches face decline and confusion about their identity, the circuit’s focus on Christ, His Word, and the treasures of Lutheran theology offers clarity and hope. Pastors returned to their congregations renewed in their calling to preach Christ crucified, administer His sacraments, and shepherd the people of God with faithfulness and courage.
As the English District and the wider LCMS continue their work, gatherings like this serve as a reminder that the church’s strength does not rest in programs, strategies, or trends, but in Christ Himself. The Philadelphia Circuit will continue to meet, pray, study, and encourage one another as they labor together in the Gospel. For those in the Lancaster area, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church remains a beacon of confessional Lutheran witness, offering the Word of Life to all who enter its doors.
