Several members from District congregations gathered for the district sponsored Mission Event on Wednesday, April 17th at Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah. The evening began with an opening devotion by Rev. Mark Nebel. The Rev. Sergio Fritzler, Director of the Seminary, presented through Zoom on what is currently happening in ministry. Erin Mackenzie, Volunteer Coordinator for the LCMS Latin America Region presented in person what is happening through the mission. Congregations were encouraged to take an offering prior to the event and present their offering at the meeting. About $6,500 was donated to the mission. The Southern Illinois District Task Force to the Dominican Republic Seminary thanks all for their prayer and financial support.
Rev. Sergio Fritzler, Director of Concordia El Reformador Seminary, was installed on September 10, 2024, replacing Rev. Joel Fritsche who accepted a Call to serve at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In the Dominican Republic, Fritzler also serves as a church planter at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Licey. His work involves supervising seminary field workers, making evangelistic visits, and planting new mission starts in nearby communities. In addition, he has served Concordia the Reformer Seminary as a professor and provost since 2017, overseeing residential students’ affairs as well as distance learners in partnership with Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Rev. Fritzler is an accomplished musician, using his musical talents on the keyboard, flute, and accordion to enhance worship services. He played a substantial role on the hymnal committee that developed the new Lutheran hymnal in Spanish which was rolled out in the spring of 2022. Fritzler is married to Lillian, a nurse by profession. They have two sons, Enzo and Martin. In his spare time, he enjoys grilling, playing musical instruments, and playing soccer with his sons.
Regional Director, Rev. Ted Krey said, “We are grateful that the Lord of the harvest provides experienced and capable men to lead a seminary in preparing pastors and deaconesses at a time such as this. The impact of Concordia Seminary the Reformer continues to grow as her men are sent out to all corners of Latin America. Pastor Fritzler brings a wealth of experience and a clear distinction to the task of preparing confessional pastors as evangelists, shepherd, and teachers who would preach the Gospel.”
Thank you again for your continued prayers and financial support. If a congregation would like to learn more, Jeffrey Fick is willing to give a mission presentation at any time. You may contact him at sidlcmssage@gmail.com or call 618-234-4767.
