Bringing hope to Haiti - Lutheran Church

Transcription

The
CANADIAN
LUTHERAN
www.canadianlutheran.ca
Bringing
hope to
Haiti
• Haiti after the earthquake
• Young people? Where?
• Expanded news sections
• Bible translators update
January/February 2010
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CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
302 - 393 PORTAGE AVENUE, WINNIPEG, MB R3B 3H6
1.800.661.2597 • WWW.CLWR.ORG
Contents
Features
Earthquake, heartbreak and hope
www.canadianlutheran.ca
Volume 25 Number 1 January/February 2010
Disaster strikes people already living in dire poverty in Haiti
Where are our young people?
Already Gone authors try to solve the exodus from the church
Listening to a younger voice
Report from a survey of LCC youth and adults
Departments
Letters to the Editor
Haiti earthquake report
Page 6
As I see it Say what?
6
10
13
4
5
Know your Bible for survival
Where’s Walther
15
Transitions, Classifieds
49
50
Who’s Walther?
Presidential Perspective Love’s “Strategic Direction”
Reach out to newcomers with a love that draws a person in
News Section
International News 16
National News 18
ABC District
22
Central District 28
East District
34
Mission Update
40
Education Report
42
Supplement
45
Wittenberg outreach plans taking shape • Event sends Advent
across the ocean to Ukraine
T h e C a n a d i a n L u t h e r a n is the national
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published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/
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the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee
for Communication and Technology).
ISSN #0383-4247
Member: Canadian Church Press
Editor: Ian Adnams
National/International News editor: Keven Drews
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by
permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Christmas gift for francophones • Seminary education still a
“lively concern” • Planning workshop sets course for benefit
plans • New decade brings communication changes
Grey Cup party a rehearsal for Olympics • A message in glass for
100th anniversary • Airdrie mission: from vision to mission • More
than 1000 walk to Bethlehem in B.C. • VBS at Christmas?
Mission festival informs and inspires • Christmas comes to Street
Reach • Children lead journey to Bethlehem • Lutherans prominent
at pro-life conference • District board faces difficult decisions
Gracias for uniforms • Outreach carnival reaches Sudanese
community • Nourishing body and spirit • New treatment for MS
sparks interest for church member • 175th anniversary in Kitchener
Report from Southeast Asia warms hearts • Unplanned mission
New seminary curriculum prepares 21ST Century pastors
God’s Word at Work
2010 Update from Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada
Cover photo by Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance Living in a makeshift tent, a mother cradles her baby born less
than a week after the earthquake in Haiti.
Role Change forT LBTC
Executive
Director
C
L
January/February 2010 HE
ANADIAN
UTHERAN
Letters to the editor
Questions for the author
In the article “Are we homophobic?”
(September 2009) the author says he
was “stunned” by a situation where
his biblical stance put him in direct
conflict with people he claims to love
when Jesus considers such situations
an integral part of His own ministry
as well as that of His disciples.
The article vacillates on the
need to condemn sin in the lives of
homosexual friends and in the process
calls into question the biblical principle
of loving the sinner and hating the sin.
Scripture reveals to us clearly that God
will never justify any sin. That means
the damnation of anything connected
to sin. If the sinner cannot be separated
from his sin, then no one can be saved!
Does not this doubt lead to making
light of or even disposing of Christ’s
sacrifice for us?
The author continues: “And as one
of my friends told me, when applying
that interpretation (we are to love
sinner and hate sin), ‘Your love
doesn’t feel like love.’ That means
my love feels abusive, oppressive,
and disingenuous. This is what my
friends, my neighbours, the people
whom I love, told me about my
love. And it kills me.” This suggests
that the love of Christ – which
leads the sinner to repentance by
first preaching the law, followed by
the Gospel for the contrite heart
– is not the “proper” love because
it feels abusive, oppressive and
disingenuous. Even worse, however,
is the attempt at persuading the
reader to adopt the same belief (or
in this case unbelief) by saying: “It
should kill you too.”
The writer’s persuasion of the reader
is further stepped up with charges
of hate and abuse, and suggestions
that our Christian love is failing.
His description of homosexuals as
“hurting people, only more wounded
by us” affirms and encourages the
spurious notion of homosexuals as
victims of our unfair response to their
inborn condition. I am personally
not aware of any believer who would
talk to a person with homosexual
inclinations in hateful and denigrating
ways, or who has been abusive
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN
and oppressive to the homosexual
community – unless condemning the
homosexual lifestyle is considered
precisely that. Consequently, calls for
repentance suggest we are to abandon
the imperatives of Christian agape
love toward homosexuals in favour
of a “love” that first and foremost
communicates acceptance. Would this
be pleasing to God? It is clear that the
chief goal of homosexual activists is to
establish in court that anything short
of the approval of the homosexual
lifestyle is an act of hate.
A critical look at “Are we
homophobic?” reveals a subtle
demagogic persuasion to accept
the language and agenda of the
homosexual activist. Readers are
encouraged to maintain their biblical
stance yet are left with a largely
unresolved reluctance to condemn
the homosexual lifestyle in real
individuals. The net effect is to imply
that these can somehow safely coexist
—something the Apostle Paul clearly
does not allow (Cf 1Cor 6:9-11).
This is how other Lutherans got
en route to approving the ordination
of homosexuals. It started with the
refusal to condemn the homosexual
lifestyle “validated” by the argument
that it is impossible to “separate sin
from the sinner” without hurting the
sinner. It was argued that “proper” love
cannot and will not hurt the sinner.
Needless to say, this “proper” love was
not the love of Christ (agape).
Consequently, we need to realize
that refusing to condemn the
homosexual lifestyle will eventually
lead to approving of the homosexual
lifestyle. The imperative not to
“hurt” somebody will eventually
override sound doctrine. We also
need to realize that, if our members
continue to be exposed to such
wrong-headed notions of “love”
—as occurred in the article “Are we
homophobic?” all the way to the last
paragraph—no amount of formal
ascent to the Scriptures and the
Lutheran Confessions will prevent
a shift in attitudes in favour of the
homosexual lifestyle.
Kris Smilek
Orangeville, Ontario
Author responds
It is strange to have one’s inner
struggles splayed open on the page
of a publication. It is particularly
hard when dealing with such a
controversial subject as I did in my
article. The danger of which I was
aware is the one that I suspect is at
play in the letter. The danger is one
of being misunderstood based on my
internal struggles, the things most
of us never share, rather than by the
means of our outward actions.
When I wrote Are We Homophobic?
I was struggling, that is true. I was
struggling with how to apply my
stance, one of an uncompromising
condemnation of sin, to people
whom I had come to love. This
struggle did not change the fact that
I would condemn that sin, as Christ
would, as all of His people should.
This struggle does not change my
views of the faith, the faith that goes
far beyond a simple formal assent of
a Confessional position. For me, the
views of the Scriptures as contained
in the Confessions of the Lutheran
Church are by no means just some
academic standard to be assented
to, they are my views. They are the
views of the Christ that revealed
Himself to me in the Word.
That being said, I have received
dozens of e-mails, messages, and
personal chats from people who
read the article. They shared in
my experience. They shared an
uncompromising, and uncompromised
love for the teachings of the Scriptures,
but when they hurt others even in the
loving proclamation of the Truth of
those teachings, they hurt. They hated
having to hurt the people they loved.
You see, my article does not argue
that we can do nothing. It does not
say that it is somehow okay to sin
against God and man if condemning
that sin pains the sinner. What it
does is point out that we too are
sinners in need of repentance, and
that we too may share in the pain
of Christ as He condemns the sin of
His children.
Quinn Moerike
Edmonton, Alberta
As I See It
Say what?
by Ian Adnams
Know your Bible for survival
Within days of the Haiti earthquake,
the ‘pop music glitterati’ announced
the production of an updated version
of the song “We are the world” which
raised more than $63 million back
in 1985 for humanitarian aid in
Africa. A local radio station, when
reporting the story, played the 25year-old version and I carefully
listened to the lyrics by Michael
Jackson and Lionel Ritchie.
About two-thirds of the way
through, a phrase caught my
attention. I didn’t catch all the
words but there was a reference
to “God” and “turning stones into
bread.” I must admit, my hearing
isn’t what it used to be but the
phrase stuck with me.
What do you do when you need an
answer? You Google it. And that’s
what I did. I typed in the words “we,
world, God, stone, bread.” Voilà. My
ears were correct. The lyric is (as
sung by Willie Nelson):
As God has shown us,
by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand.
What?
God didn’t turn stone to bread!
In fact it was the other way around.
Jesus—no doubt hungry after a 40day fast—refused to allow Satan to
turn stones into bread saying “It is
written: ‘Man does not live on bread
alone, but on every word that comes
from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4)
Someone got it wrong! Nestled
somewhere in the deep crevices of
the lyricist’s brain was some ancient
Sunday school connection between
God, bread and stones. The concept
of God turning stones to bread fit the
poetic flow so he went with it. Why let
the real Word of God get in the way?
Many in the church today lament
the loss of biblical literacy—basically
knowing God’s Word. Last October,
a book by Timothy Beal Biblical
Literacy: The Essential Bible Stories
Everyone Needs to Know: (The best
bits without all the boring bits)
was published in an effort to help
people understand the many biblical
allusions found in western culture.
Even atheist educators acknowledge
that biblical literacy is important for
serious study of Western civilization.
So much artwork, literature and music
is based on biblical themes or stories
Even atheist
educators
acknowledge that
biblical literacy is
important
that not having an understanding
of the Bible makes full appreciation
impossible.
How many times do you see
references to Calvary come out as
cavalry or even Calgary?
Recently, in Indigo/Chapters I took
a look at the ‘religion’ section to see
what the retailer was offering. Five
years ago you would find an interesting
assortment under the category —three
or four Bibles, some inspirational
books by folks like Charles Stanley
or celebrity Christians, a smattering
of New Age offerings and maybe
something Buddhist or occult-themed.
(I even have a note on my Blackberry
about an interesting juxtaposition
of two authors side-by-side: Mother
Teresa’s “Come be my Light” next to
“Your best life now: 7 steps to living
your full potential” by Joel Osteen.)
This time however I measured
36 linear feet of shelving devoted
to religion—one Bible, a handful of
semi-Christian books, the expected
Buddhist and occult offerings and an
unexpected book on space aliens.
In contrast, the store devoted the
same amount of space to “Chicken
Soup for the ...” books and more than
200 linear feet to ‘self help!’
So, even if you wanted a Bible, they
are difficult to find.
Look around your house. How
many Bibles do you have? Are they
well-worn or in pristine condition?
A recent message on Twitter read
“If your Bible is falling apart, you
probably aren’t.”
It’s not a matter of knowing in
your head what’s in the Bible, it’s
knowing in your heart the power
it brings to your life. The Holy
Spirit, working through the Word,
challenges and convicts us with
God’s Law and comforts us with the
Gospel. Every time I read or hear
Scripture, something new is sure to
grab my attention.
Reading the Bible can be daunting
and challenging, but it is doable. I
have a copy of the One-Year Bible
that takes me through God’s Word
with readings from the Old and New
Testaments, a Psalm and a section of
Proverbs every day. It’s online at www.
oneyearbibleonline.com. Use your own
Bible and download the schedule.
If you have a copy of Lutheran
Worship it has a Daily Lectionary
that takes you through God’s Word
in a year.
CPH’s The Lutheran Study Bible
provides excellent introductory
information on how to study and
apply God’s Word.
At a time when the residue of
Christianity is slowly fading from
our society, we need to make sure we
have the training to wield “the sword
of the Spirit, which is the Word of
God” (Eph. 6:17).
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2010
Earthquake,
heartbreak
and hope
Quinn C. Moerike is a student at Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
Edmonton, on leave to pursue further studies at Concordia University
College in the Mastor of Arts in Biblical and Christian Studies program.
Disaster strikes people already living in dire poverty in Haiti
by Keven Drews
B
y all accounts, it was a typical January afternoon
in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The sun was shining, and
the temperature was hovering between 25C and
30C. Just before 5 p.m. on January 12, Howard Bogusat
(Christ Lutheran Church, St. Catharines), a resident
of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and member of the Haiti
Lutheran Mission Society, was travelling in an SUV with
several Haitians in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince.
Then chaos struck. “The ground shook, winds blew
dust all around, and trees shook like dogs shaking off
water,” said Bogusat, who was in the country with his
brother Walter (Grace Lutheran Church, St. Catharines)
and Lynnette Tobin, a member of AIDS Niagara, to
dedicate a church. Somebody in the SUV’s backseat
started shouting, “go, go,” in French, and the SUV took
off, heading towards a local Lutheran church served by
Pastor Thomas Bernard. Everybody in the SUV would
soon learn the situation’s gravity.
What just hit the tiny Caribbean country, according
to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), was the area’s
largest recorded earthquake. It struck along the EnriquilloPlantain Garden fault, about 15 km west of Port-au-Prince
and about eight km down. Its affects were felt immediately.
Associated Press reporters wrote of widespread casualties.
The UN Mission suffered serious damage. Fritz
Longchamp, chief of staff for Haitian President Rene
Preval, said “buildings were crumbling right and left.”
Even the Presidential Palace collapsed. Throughout the
afternoon and evening, the body count continued rising
and the damage wasn’t even done. The USGS reported
the aftershock sequence of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake
would last for months, maybe even years.
During the following week—while the Bogusats and
Tobin struggled to leave the country—Lutherans in
Canada responded, calling for prayers and donations,
collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars for relief
efforts. Meantime, individuals like Suzanne Deliscar,
a Brampton, Ont. lawyer and member of Orangeville’s
Living Faith Lutheran Church, waited to hear from
loved ones.
After surviving the initial shock, Bogusat arrived at
Pastor Thomas Bernard’s church. Locals were wandering
around the streets, looking terrified. Even Bernard—one
of the first pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Haiti (ELCH)—appeared stunned, walking by, muttering,
and saying he needed to check on his family. The Bogusat
brothers and Tobin soon headed for the Kinam Hotel.
When they arrived, they found a man who had a working
Photo by Nils Carstensen/DCA/ACT Alliance.
Port-au-Prince, downtown area destroyed up to 80 - 100 percent
by the earthquake.
cellphone. He managed to get a message back to the
Bogusat family in Canada that all were OK. However,
the aftershocks continued well past midnight. “I prayed
to the Lord and just got a distinct feeling, almost like a
message back, that ‘this is not where it ends,’ and ‘I have
a lot of work for you to do yet,’” said Bogusat. “I relaxed
quite a bit, and the aftershocks were barely perceptible
till around 2 a.m.”
Suzanne Deliscar wasn’t so lucky. She couldn’t
relax. A former mission volunteer, Deliscar would have
to wait until January 13 to hear whether her Haitianborn husband, James Deliscar, was still alive. “It was
horrible waiting and waiting and not knowing what was
happening,” she said. Thanks to a voicemail message,
Suzanne learned James had narrowly escaped being
crushed by a building during the earthquake, had travelled
to Gonaives, a city located north of Port-au-Prince, and
was safe. She continued to worry about his safety, the
safety of other Haitians, and the availability of water,
medical supplies, the cost of goods and food. She also was
worried about looting because James was forced to leave
most of their possessions in Port-au-Prince. “To have to
start from scratch again would be horrible.”
Lutheran agencies and churches responded to
the catastrophe almost immediately. On January 13,
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) issued an
appeal for relief and redevelopment funding. The funds
would go to Actions by Churches Together (ACT) for
long-term Haitian assistance. The same day, Rev. Robert
Bugbee, president of Lutheran Church–Canada, issued
a statement, telling Canadians the church would send
funds immediately to CLWR. Bugbee also asked members
to donate. “The basic needs of all Haitians—regardless of
their religious affiliation—are a serious matter and need
to be addressed immediately,” he said. The president
asked members to pray. “In your churches and individual
homes, I ask you to join with us in the national office in
praying God to clear the way for us to act as His hands
to help and heal and restore.”
Meantime, the Bogusat brothers and Tobin struggled
to get out of Haiti. The morning after the quake, they
headed to the airport in Port-au-Prince. Along the way,
they witnessed the earthquake’s devastation and resulting
social chaos. The earthquake had flattened a whole
hillside. At a gas station, an attendant pulled a gun on
their car, ordering it out of line so police could fuel up.
At the airport, they waited until 2:30 p.m. They couldn’t
get out. American officials were screening U.S. citizens,
only. The group’s translator suggested everyone return to
Gonaives. By the evening, they arrived at a guest house, a
former orphanage purchased by the HLMS. They’d wait
there for another six days.
On January 14, the Canadian government announced
its response: plans that proved to be critical to fundraising
efforts. Beverley J. Oda, minister of international
cooperation, said the federal government would match
up to $50 million any donations made by Canadians to
a U.S. C-130 transport, which was
unloading vehicles. U.S. Airmen
then began loading people. “We
just walked up the ramp with our
luggage,” said Bogusat. “They had
seats on the two inside walls of the
plane, but there were a dozen extras,
including us. We still didn’t know if
we would get shunted or not. Then
they started setting up some stowed
seating and it was finally apparent
that we had made it.” The Bogusats
and Tobin were on their way to
Florida. Soon, all three would be safe
and at home in Canada.
As the days and weeks passed,
Lutherans in Canada continued to
donate to earthquake relief efforts.
CLWR announced it had raised more
Lynette Tobin and Howard Bogusat join the evacuation line waiting to board a U.S. C-130
than $400,000 for relief efforts in less
along with photographer Wally Bogusat.
than a month. On January 24, the
HLMS announced it had wired $15,000 to earthquake
eligible charities assisting in Haitian relief efforts. “Many
relief efforts. The tally included $5,000 sent soon after
Canadians are deeply concerned about the suffering and
the earthquake and another $10,000 approved by the
loss of life as a result of this catastrophe in Haiti,” said
organization at an annual meeting. The HLMS also
Oda, in a news release. “Canadian citizens have shown
announced plans to send a 12-metre container of clothing
time and again their generosity with countries in urgent
and other goods to the Lutheran church in Gonaives in
need, and our government is prepared to match their
April for distribution throughout the earthquake stricken
contributions dollar for dollar.” Groups like Canadian
areas.
Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), and HLMS learned they
were eligible charities.
The same day, FaithLife Financial, a not-for-profit,
Message from President Bugbee
member-based financial services organization, announced
a $35,000 contribution to Haitian relief efforts. Dr. Dieter
January 13, 2010
Kays, FaithLife Financial’s president and chief executive
On behalf of Lutheran Church–Canada pastors and
people across our country, I express the sorrow and horror
officer, said his organization had already donated $10,000
our members feel at the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti.
towards World Vision’s emergency appeal. FaithLife
The basic needs of all Haitians—regardless of their religious
Financial also announced it would match donations of up
affiliation—are a serious matter and need to be addressed
to $25,000 through its Matching Grants Program in support
immediately. To that end, Lutheran Church–Canada is
of local chapters’ fundraising efforts. The organization has
forwarding emergency funds today to Canadian Lutheran
31,000 members in 350 Chapters across Canada.
World Relief, which is helping us deliver help to shattered
After waiting much of the week in the guest house, the
people in Haiti.
Bogusats and Tobin learned about a chance to get out of
We carry special concern for our Lutheran churches and
the country. On January 18, Howard checked the Delta
mission partners in Haiti, who were already labouring
Airlines schedule and found a plane scheduled to leave
under trying circumstances because of the poverty in their
the airport the following morning. So early January 19,
country, and because of hurricanes and tropical storms
which had caused so much destruction in recent years.
all three left Gonaives for the airport in Port-au-Prince.
We encourage LCC congregations and members to
“Due to fuel shortages, traffic was light, and we got there
donate generously to the relief effort. Please do so without
in just over two hours,” said Bogusat. At the airport, a
delay! You can visit the website of Canadian Lutheran
U.S. official, packing a rifle, took Bogusat, his brother
World Relief (www.clwr.org) and click on “Donate,” or
and Tobin into the airport. All three handed in their
send cheques to Canadian Lutheran World Relief at its
immigration cards. They soon learned, though, that a
national offices, 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
line forming for individuals leaving the country was for
R3B 3H6. If you wish to contact them by telephone, the
U.S. citizens only. All three were in a bind: they’d handed
number is 204-694-5602, or toll-free at 800-661-2597.
in their Haitian immigration cards but couldn’t leave.
In your churches and individual homes, I ask you to
Tobin headed off and asked a few questions of her own,
join with us in the national office in praying God to clear
learning a plane was leaving at 10 a.m. Dodging stacks
the way for us to act as His hands to help and heal and
restore.
of equipment, people and vehicles, the trio headed for
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Keven Drews is a freelance writer and editor. He is a member of St.
Luke Lutheran Church, Surrey, B.C.
A young survivor of the devastating January 12 earthquake
carries water to his family’s makeshift shelter in a camp
for the homeless in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
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But assistance is still needed. Media reports estimate
the earthquake’s death toll has topped 200,000 people,
including 27 Canadians. As of February 8, 75 Canadians
were still missing. Aftershocks continued to wreak
havoc on the country. CBC News reported that about
50 aftershocks, with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher
struck Port-au-Prince in the weeks after the earthquake,
destroying buildings and local infrastructure. Included
in the devastation were about 60 Lutheran churches,
according to the HLMS. Emergency officials estimate the
disaster has left more than two million people homeless.
Then there are the orphans. Before the earthquake, the
United Nations reported 380,000 orphans were living in
Haitian orphanages or group homes.
“It’s so difficult for us here in Canada to even imagine
what is happening in Haiti,” noted President Bugbee.
“But we do know that God’s people have responded
with heartfelt generosity to the work our various
connected agencies have committed to do. We know that
involvement in Haiti will go well beyond these times of
meeting basic needs and will mean long-term planning
which will require long-term support. And we know that
through all the work undertaken by so many Christian
agencies, the people of Haiti will see God’s love for them
in action.”
For the full story of Howard Bogusat’s travels and
additional photographs go to www.canluthextra.ca.
Where are our
Already Gone authors try to solve
Two-thirds.
That’s the important figure at the heart of the 2009
book Already Gone; Why your kids will quit church and
what you can do to stop it, co-authored by conservative
Christian speaker Ken Ham and pollster Britt Beemer
(with Todd Hillard).
Already Gone claims that of all the children
sitting around you in the pews on Sunday, 60plus percent of them will abandon their place
on the benches within an alarmingly short
amount of time. The book’s findings are based on a
survey the authors gave to 1000 formerly and currently
church-going twenty-somethings. They were asked not
only about their church-going habits (or lack thereof),
but their beliefs (or lack thereof), as well as the reasons
that those who are “already gone” dropped out of church
in the first place.
The Canadian Lutheran sought out the opinions
of three Lutherans on the book. Reader Judith Burns,
parent and member of the ABC District Board of
Directors, called Already Gone “one of the more
challenging books I have read (in 2009).” Lori Schultz, a
deacon and director of parish services in St. Catharines,
Ontario, said that the book had some “startling
conclusions” and “interesting inferences,” while
Pastor Terry Defoe of Mount Olive Lutheran Church
in Regina seemed to take great interest in some of the
points that Ham, et al., made with regard to
the problem of youth dropping out of
church, calling one particular
passage a “helpful roadmap.”
One of the main points Ham
and company put forth in the
book is the bitter irony that
Sunday school itself is the
reason that the kids are leaving
the church, that current
Sunday Schools are actually
the cause of the children’s
eventual defection. Not only
that, but the authors state
that the children may have
metaphorically left the church
not in college, as common
belief tends to dictate, but,
rather, somewhere in the time
between elementary and high
school.
Pastor Defoe points out
that “if we believe that we can
10 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN
young people?
the exodus of youth from the church
by Jim Chliboyko
reach them in college, even in a Christian college, it turns
this world and its origins, from a Christian point of view,
out that that’s far too late. Young people start leaving the
will always be inadequate... For example, we can take
church mentally long before they actually exit.”
issue with the fact that it leaves God out. We can take
It doesn’t end there. According to the research done
issue with the fact that it cannot explain how life began
for the book, Ham’s team claims that former Sunday
in the first place.”
school students were more likely than people who never
Defoe goes on to advocate not dismissing evolution,
attended Sunday school to have doubts about the church’s
as Ham suggests, but studying the variety of views
teachings--as well as the Bible itself--in spite of their years
surrounding the competing theories of the development
of Christian education.
of life.
But Sunday Schools are not
In further advocating
alone responsible. Parents are Review excerpt
his position, Ham says,
Not once does Ken Ham suggest that being able to answer
also at fault, largely for foisting
“The Church and the Bible
tough
questions is a method of evangelism. Rather, he
the entire responsibility for
are no longer the places
Christian education on that encourages us to give our young people a solid footing we go to learn historical
single hour before (or after) the so children will know that even though we walk by faith, science. The Church gave
Sunday service, while ignoring we do not have to discard intelligence to continue in the up that responsibility and
the other 160-some hours of faith of our fathers.
relegated it to the world. We
Judith Burns
the week. Says Schultz, “I
kept the spiritual things,
once had a parent expressively
the moral things and the
‘remind’ me that, as a church
relationships things. This
worker, it was my job to teach his children about God and
is what most preachers will preach about, but is it
give them Christian morals.”
relevant? Do young people today make a connection if it
As for actual reasons why this chasm is forming,
isn’t connected to physical reality? I don’t think so.”
why the youth are calving off the berg of the church,
As reader Schultz says, “Ham warns that when we
the book says that there are several other factors at play,
allow such compartmentalisations, we begin to support
including what our youth see as their elders’ and church
the idea that Christianity is irrelevant.”
leaders’ general hypocrisy, as well as the dissonance
But, the reviewers did find wisdom in the authors’
that develops between what the church (specifically, the
findings.
Bible) teaches about creation compared to what secular
Says Burns, “Initially, there might be some resistance
society believes.
on our part as members of Lutheran Church–Canada to
Ham says that where most current Sunday schools
think that our Sunday school program might fall into the
go wrong is with the delivery of the lessons, on the
category of needing a reformation, but upon reading the
storytelling itself, likening the current popular perception
book, I have to conclude
of Bible stories to fairy tales. He advocates God’s Word is
that on the basis of
a true historical text.
Ham’s analysis, the
Burns says, “This is where reading the book gets
criticisms are valid
uncomfortable. Ken Ham suggests that because we tell
even for us.”
Bible stories during Sunday school, the children learning
Pa s t o r D e f o e
them see them as equivalent to a fairy tale. Rather than
adds, “Our young
giving an account of an historic event, we tend to have
people want to
cartoon-like graphics and watered-down narratives of
know whether the
certain events. These “stories” are repeated on a two- or
Bible relates to the
three-year cycle... Ken Ham argues that instead of teaching
real world they live
them the story of Noah and the ark, that we equip them
in every day. To
to answer the questions that they are bound to face later
our young people,
in life about the (historical) reality of (the) worldwide
it appears that
Flood.”
schools teach
Adds Defoe, “Remember that the ground rules
“facts” while the
of science mean that science will not consider the
church teaches
supernatural, and therefore, what science can know about
“opinions.”
11
Review excerpt
Our young people want to know whether the Bible
relates to the real world they live in every day. To our
young people, it appears that schools teach “facts” while
the church teaches “opinions.” … Confirmation programs
in our churches are a tremendous resource—but these
programs need new life. By the time confirmation rolls
around, our young people already have strong opinions
about the church and faith and the relationship between
religion and science.
Rev. Terry Defoe
I believe that the confirmation
programs in our churches are a
tremendous resource–but these
programs need new life.”
This is where the role of Sunday
school as apologetics class comes in. The
simple definition of the field of Christian
apologetics is the defence of one’s faith.
Ham and his team are particularly focused
on the aspect of apologetics that focus on
the Bible’s accuracy.
Burns says that, “Basically, Ken Ham
is proposing that our Sunday schools
become an arena for an apologetic for our
faith. This is obviously easier said than
done. It would take a total re-education
of parents, youth leaders and Sunday
school teachers. They would become
the teachers of apologetics, rather than
teachers of Bible stories.”
Defoe, too, mentions the apologetics
angle. “Churches need to help Sunday
school teachers to answer
the sceptical
questions of young
people and teach
apologetics... It’s
one thing to tell
students what
to believe, it’s
another thing
to teach and
communicate
that in a
convincing and
gripping way.”
There are
other possible
areas
of
adjustment, as
well.
“We need to
remember that
the main sources
of influence on our young people are their friends, their
music and the media,” says Defoe. “We need to work
diligently with these realities, not against them.”
However, the reviewers didn’t agree with everything
that the authors brought up.
Schultz says that she differs from Ham in the alarmist
tone he raises: “However, I am compelled to disagree with
Ham on his following comment: ‘American Christianity
could be on the edge of obsolescence in less than two
generations.’ Given our state in original sin, following
Christ could never become obsolete!”
Another one of the book’s issues is that Ham attempts
to cover all the bases for all denominations by referring
to them merely as Bible-focused. Schultz, for one, says,
“It is important to note that, of the 1000 young adults
interviewed, only 136 were Lutheran (and it is unclear
from which synod they hail.) Many Lutheran readers
might want to know more about how and who they
classified as ‘Bible-believing congregations and Biblepreaching pastors.’”
Review excerpt
We have abdicated instruction regarding the history of the
universe (e.g., the study of geology, biology, astronomy,
anthropology) to the secular world and chosen to focus
solely on doctrine, “concentrating on the spiritual and
moral aspects of Christianity.” Many of the “facts” being
taught in conventional education contradict the truth
of the Scriptures. Ham warns that when we allow such
compartmentalizations, we begin to support the idea that
Christianity is irrelevant. He notes a Church-wide shift in
focus, where man’s ideas are used to interpret the Bible,
rather than using Scripture to evaluate man’s ideas. Perhaps
we need to evaluate what we do to help children, youth
and young adults refute these claims.
Deacon Lori Schultz
Ultimately, though, the readers seemed to take
something away from the read. Defoe writes, “Blaming
is not helpful. Taking shared responsibility for finding
solutions is. Ham calls for ‘a new reformation’ in the
church—in other words, a reformation in the way we deal
with our young people and their questions.”
Burns concludes by saying, “Even though this book
may require a great deal of soul searching on our parts,
it may well be one of the most important books we read
on the subject of youth in our churches.”
Read the entire reviews at www.canluthextra.ca where
you can also comment what you read.
The book Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit
Church and What You Can Do to Stop It by Ken Ham, Britt
Beemer, and Todd Hillard is available from most online
booksellers and www.answersingenesis.org.
Jim Chliboyko is a freelance Lutheran writer in Winnipeg.
Listening to a younger voice
by Quinn Moerike
The younger a respondent, the more important unity in
In the summer of 2009, Lutheran Church–Canada
the externals seemed, even if people disagreed on points
invited young people online to participate in a survey to
of doctrine, that disagreement was seen as un-Christian
help those who serve the church in leadership positions
and unloving.
understand their attitudes toward their church. People
The older a respondent, the more likely they were
who had attended youth gatherings and those who were
militant in their beliefs, with worship forms being the
members of LCC’s Facebook page received the invitation
main topic of consideration. Those asking for historic
and were asked to share the link with others.
Liturgy tended towards the middle of the spectrum, with
Not all who responded were ‘young adults.’ Of the 352
the very young and the over-35 crowd most in favour of
respondents, 49.4 percent were under the age of 35 and
“contemporary worship” forms. I should note here that
60 percent female. Edmonton seminary student Quinn
though almost no one said that entertainment was their
Moerike provided November’s Planning Conference with
priority for the Divine Service, many complained about
an overview of the survey, taking into account both the
boring and irrelevant preaching and worship forms.
statistical information and numerous comments.
There is an immediately obvious and vast theological
illiteracy, starting with the over-35 crowd who are
he main thing we know is that these answers reflect
theologically ignorant and militant, while the younger are
those of people with Internet access who have been
illiterate and suspicious of all of this fighting over issues
made aware of or been connected in some fashion
that, frankly, baffle them.
to the web-presence of Lutheran Church–Canada which,
Fortunately, there was a large minority of theologically
though it is a good start, we must concede is a small
thoughtful respondents (from all sides of the issues), but
presence much in line with our small synod.
the gap between them and the rest was so profound that
A few over-arching themes are evident: most attend
one wonders if they would ever understand each other. It
services weekly; most identify themselves as “Lutheran
is likely they would perceive the other as not even speaking
Christians;” most think that their faith is important in
the same language when it came to matters of the faith.
their daily life; most think that “hearing God’s Word” is the
Sadly, there is vast division in the respondents, with
most important part of the Divine Service; most have some
multiple condemnations from all sides of the issues
contact with people their own age at their church; most
for the other sides, usually in the form of thinly veiled
are very highly educated in comparison with the national
insults questioning the faith or faithfulness of the “other”
average; most are either students or work full time; and we
Christians. The vast differences in practice (perhaps
had a good mix of over/under 35 and male/female.
theology) confuse and scare the people growing up in the
Something interesting to note is that the average
Church as they do not understand why there is so much
respondent is highly educated. This stood out right away,
difference and anger or infighting over what they usually
as the numbers for the respondents are very high. The
perceive to be external and unimportant issues.
national average is “some 33 percent of women...held
Finally, two groups are at most risk for leaving the
a university degree compared to 25 percent of men in
church and feeling left out: young adults and young
2006.” That is far less than the almost 57 percent this
parents. Both feel there is nothing for them; young parents
survey boasts for university graduates, with another 25
feel they cannot be part of the worshipping community
percent of respondents with some university or college.
as they have to care for their children and feel like they
The younger the respondent, the less important their
are looked down upon if their children make noise or are
faith became for them in day-to-day life and the more
not perfectly behaved during the Divine Service, which
suspicious and wary of the Church they became. The
makes them reticent to come at all. The young adults
above-35 crowd was almost universally happy with their
perceive they are not valued and “left out” when the focus
present congregation, with some exceptions.
of a congregation is on the seniors and the youth, with
Also, the younger the respondent, the more angry they
nothing left for them.
seemed to be with the congregation they had interacted
Overall, two major factors are at play. One, our
with, and were often bewildered by the complexities of
biblically illiterate and secular culture. And two,
church life, doctrine, and even worship forms. Many felt
relationships between youth and adults which play
ostracised by the Church as a whole, and felt they didn’t
the most determinative factor regarding their loyalty
matter/were not being heard.
to, enjoyment of, and willingness to participate in
Some suggested courses of action were, of course,
congregational life. There is little we can do about the first
worship style changes, but also most interestingly, a fairly
trend, but we can address the second with Christian love,
consistent call for youth/young adult Bible studies with
patience, care and even things as simple as courtesy and
people their own age and a means to be involved in the
manners. And that is valuable information indeed.
life of the congregation, like on boards or committees.
T
13
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510104_01
Where’s Walther
Who’s Walther?
The fingerprints of the first LCMS president are found in LCC
Every once in a while, God sends
to His church a theologian who
can speak the Word of God with
particular clarity to the people of his
generation. Such a man was C. F. W.
Walther, the first president of The
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther
was born on October 25, 1811 in
Langenchursdorf, Saxony. He was
ordained a Lutheran pastor on
January 15, 1837. His conscience
soon forced him to break with the
state church into which he was
ordained. He became a follower of
the maverick pastor and theologian,
Martin Stephan, who was preparing
to emigrate to the United States.
Walther’s decision to join Stephan
took him to America. It ensured,
as God worked things out, that
Walther would become the spiritual
father of the Evangelical Lutheran
Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other
States, later to be known simply as
The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod. As the first president and the
theological leader of Missouri during
her golden years, Walther became
one of the most influential Lutherans
of the 19th century.
Walther’s life testifies to how
God uses evil for good. Walther
was subjected to the influences of
rationalism and pietism in his youth,
but his struggle against these “isms”
led the budding theologian into a
serious study of the Scriptures and
the Lutheran Confessions.
The Rationalists placed human
reason above the Holy Scriptures
as both judge and jury over what to
believe. Every holy mystery of the
faith was subjected to the standard
of sinful human “reasonableness.”
Shallow moralism replaced Gospel
preaching. The sacraments were
despised as having no practical value.
Rationalism rejected the divine
authority of the Holy Scriptures
and replaced this authority with
whatever secular standards were
fashionable at the time. It put man’s
correct kind of government, but because
head over the Holy Scriptures. C. F.
they had the Divine means of grace.
W. Walther, as a sheep who listened
They had the pure Gospel and the
to the voice of his Shepherd, could
rightly administered sacraments. They
not tolerate rationalism.
had pastors who preached that Gospel
But he flirted briefly with pietism. If
and administered those sacraments.
rationalism puts man’s head over the
They were church, not a sect.
teaching of God’s Word, pietism puts
As Lutherans all over the world
man’s heart over
seek to discover
the Scriptures.
what they really
Through a
are and stand for,
thorough study
the teaching of
of Luther’s
C. F. W. Walther
writings, Walther
is a good place to
learned to put his
start. A sincere
confidence in the
love for the truth
objective truth
will not lead to
of God’s Word.
the claim that
He learned to
Lutherans and
distrust human
Roman Catholics
feelings, just as
now agree on the
he distrusted
doctrine of God’s
human reason. He
justification of
became a scholar
t h e s i n n e r.
of the Lutheran
Neither will it
Confessions and Dr. C.F.W. Walther, first president of The b o g u s d o w n
the writings of Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
in endless
the orthodox
wrangling over
Lutheran fathers. He was drawn
the “correct” way to do things in
to the Stephanite emigration out of
areas where God hasn’t spoken.
fierce loyalty to the truth that the
A deep love for God’s grace will
state church in Saxony despised.
see every other issue in its proper
The followers of Martin Stephan
setting. The authority of the pastor
left Dresden in November 1838 and
is the authority of Jesus to forgive
arrived in New Orleans in January
sins here on earth (Matthew 9:6),
1839. While on board ship, Pastor
not the authority to impose his
Stephan was elected bishop. Before the
will on others. By following in
newly-arrived Saxons could settle in,
Walther’s footsteps a pastor serves
Bishop Stephan was accused of sexual
with authority, God’s authority, who
and financial misconduct and deposed
says what God says and claims that
Pastor Walther was not yet thirty
God is saying it!
years old, but found himself the
Through sermons, convention
theological leader of this group of
essays, and articles, C.F.W. Walther’s
demoralized immigrant Lutherans.
voice still speaks to the Church. In
Now they had no bishop. What were
a series of columns we will ask the
they? Were they still the church? Or
question “Where’s Walther?” and
should they swallow their pride and
discover that his fingerprints are found
return from whence they had come?
in much of what we teach and practise
How could they do that?
in Lutheran Church–Canada.
Walther helped them and now
This article is excerpted and adapted from
us understand that they were the
an essay Missourians in Canada? by Rev. Rolf
Preus, published in Word&Deed, Fall 1999.
church, not because they had the
15
International News
Lutheran pastor represents Christian Church at tsunami memorial
KAO LAK, Thailand - At the
annual December 26 remembrance
ceremony for the 2004 tsunami in
Phang-nga province in southern
Thailand, Pastor Suchart Srikikarn,
president of Takuapa Sahatay
Lutheran Church represented the
Christian faith. He was invited by the
provincial governor to attend “Five
years in memory of the tsunami.”
The event takes place at the site of
a coast guard vessel swept a mile
inland by the force of the tsunami
and now serves as a memorial to the
thousands who lost their lives. Jurin
Laksanawisit, Thailand’s education
minister presided over the ceremony.
The pastor’s participation provides
him the opportunity to proclaim the
Gospel to the mostly Buddhist and
Muslim audience. The invitation is
recognition of the Christians who
perished in the disaster and the
church’s involvement in the relief
efforts.
Following the tsunami, Pastor
Srikakarn’s congregation, along with
the Kok Loi congregation served
by Lutheran Church–Canada’s
missionary Pastor Suchart Chujit,
organized relief efforts with funds
provided by members of LCC
congregations. Both churches grew
as a result of the contacts made
following the disaster. Through
the Sahatay Church, LCC is still
supporting the education of 12
orphans.
At t h e c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e
remembrance ceremony, participants
released 2552 lit lanterns into the
air in memory of those who died.
A Christmas service in Takuapa
prevented Pastor Srikikarn from
attending the lantern ceremony.
Pastor Suchat Srikakarn, president of Sahatay Takuapa Lutheran Church, at the microphone
during an event commemorating the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.
Wittenberg outreach plans taking shape
TAMPA, Fla. - Members of the board
supervising a joint U.S.-German
effort toward Gospel outreach in
Wittenberg, Germany, received a
warm welcome when they met in
separate meetings in November with
The Lutheran Church–Missouri
Synod’s Board of Directors,
Council of Presidents, and
Board for Mission Services.
The supervisory board of
the International Lutheran
Society of Wittenberg
(ILSW) met November 1819 in Tampa, Fla. It used the
opportunity to meet with the
three LCMS boards, who also were
meeting in Tampa in advance of the
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
Fall Leadership Conference.
The ILSW was established by the
Missouri Synod and its German sister
church, the Independent Evangelical
Lutheran Church, known as the
SELK, to work jointly in the city
most associated with Martin Luther
and the Reformation.
“I think we made a great deal of
progress toward developing a ministry
plan for Wittenberg,” said Rev. David
Mahsman, an LCMS missionary
who is serving as managing director
of the ILSW. “And everyone on the
board was very happy with the warm
reception they got from the Board of
Directors, the COP, and the mission
board.”
It was the ILSW board’s first
meeting since Mahsman began
working in Wittenberg in
September. The board has three
members from the Missouri
Synod, three from the SELK,
and one from Concordia
Publishing House.
Mahsman said that
most of the meeting was
spent working through
his first report, which dealt
with building relationships
for Gospel outreach in Wittenberg,
looking at ways to share the Gospel
with the hundreds of thousands of
tourists who visit the Luther city
every year, and exploring options
for LCMS students and others to
study there.
Only about 15 percent of the
people of Wittenberg even profess
to be Christian, Mahsman said. The
hope is that the LCMS and SELK can
help with Gospel outreach “in the
very place God used 500 years ago
to see to it that we have the Gospel
today,” he added.
The ILSW board’s next meeting
will be February 16 via video
conference.
International News
Development partner announces new funding for LCC projects
WINNIPEG – Canadian Lutheran
World Relief (CLWR) has announced
$36,500 in funding for two Lutheran
Church–Canada (LCC) programs in
Nicaragua this year.
The announcement was made as
Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua
(ILSN) prepared for its first biennial
convention and includes new money
for a medical and dental clinic and
increases in school scholarships.
The medical clinic, which began
operations in May 2009, is open
every Thursday beginning at 8 a.m.
and remains open until all patients
have been seen.
The clinic is staffed by a doctor
and a dentist, who see an average
of 40-45 patients each week, and
provides common medications
because many patients are too poor
to purchase them.
CLWR will continue to support
the Christian Children’s Education
Program. The program, conducted in
all 23 congregations of ILSN, provides
an average of 25 scholarships in each
community to the neediest children.
CLWR executive director Robert Granke
greets school children in Nicaragua.
The scholarships include the
required school uniforms, shoes,
backpacks and school supplies.
Each child is also enrolled in the
tutoring and Christian-education
class held five days a week when
children are not in school (Children
attend school in the morning or in
the afternoon.)
These classes, held in the
churches and led by teachers and
deaconesses, provide tutoring and
homework support for the children
in math, Spanish and other subjects.
A portion of the time is also set aside
for Christian education and cultural
activities.
More than 750 children are
enrolled in the program. CLWR
has provided support for about 250
children.
Since 1999, CLWR has partnered
with LCC to support community
development projects.
Robert Granke, executive director
of CLWR, visited congregations of
the ILSN in November. You can
read more about his visit at www.
lccontheroad.ca, The Canadian
Lutheran (December 2009)or in
the forthcoming issue of CLWR’s
Partnership newsletter due out in
early February.
(With files from the CLWR and LCC news.)
Event sends Advent across the ocean to Ukraine
WINNIPEG - More than 280
members of Red River Circuit
congregations filled the pews and
aisles at Saint James Lutheran
Church, Sunday, December 6, to
celebrate Advent with music and
to support LCC’s foreign mission
student fund. Five choirs and two
soloists brought the message of
Christ’s coming.
Lutheran Church–Canada
President Robert Bugbee preached
on Isaiah 52:7 which talks about the
beautiful feet of those who preach
Good News. He noted how God is
using LCC to enable the spread of the
Gospel, especially in Ukraine. “From
this service we are sending Advent
over the ocean,” he said, referring
to how the offering will support
preparing future leaders of the Synod
of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in
Ukraine (SELCU).
The service included choirs
from Immanuel; Good Shepherd;
Saint James; and a joint choir from
Beautiful Savior and Lutheran
Church of the Redeemer.
For many the highlight of the
evening came when members of the
East African Oromo community sang
two songs, swaying to the rhythm
of the music. The previously quiet
congregation broke into applause
following the first song, expressing
a p p re c i a t i o n f o r t h i s u n i q u e
contribution. The leader of the
Oromo group is currently enrolled
in LCC’s Pastors with Alternate
Training program. His instructor,
Pastor Richard Beinert, adjunct
professor of Concordia Lutheran
Seminary, Edmonton, is also pastor
of Immanuel in Winnipeg.
A committee from the circuit
organized the event, the second in
2009. In May, a similar gathering
at Peace Lutheran Church focused
on funding the final construction
stages of a seminary building for
which Concordia Lutheran Mission
Society (CLSM) was gathering
funds. That event raised almost
$20,000. Envelopes distributed to
congregation members throughout
the city continued arriving at CLMS
so that by the end of the summer both
CLMS Ukraine projects, including
the seminary construction, were
fully funded.
A similar mission-oriented event
is planned for the Vancouver and
Fraser Valley circuits on Sunday,
February 21 at Trinity, Abbotsford.
To support LCC’s Foreign Mission
Student Aid fund, go to www.
lutheranchurch.ca/donate and click
on “Support one of our featured funds
today....”
17
National News
New hymnal a Christmas gift for francophones
MONTREAL – French-speaking
Lutherans around the world are
singing previously unavailable
francophone hymns this Christmas
thanks to a new publication.
In November, Lutheran Church–
Canada published Liturgies et
cantiques luthériens (LCL) – a
hymnal that brings Francophone
Christmas hymns, like Il est né, le
divin Enfant, into common usage.
“Just as the English-speaking
world would never think of Christmas
without Silent Night, francophones
feel the same way about Il est né,
le divin Enfant,” said Rev. David
Somers, an LCC pastor in Montreal
who headed the hymnal project. “The
previous hymnal, published some 35
years ago didn’t include it.”
In addition to Christmas hymns,
LCL contains several never-beforepublished material from Lutheran
sources in the Alsace-Lorraine region
of France.
More than 2,500 copies of the
hymnal are now in circulation and
are used in Africa, Europe and
Haiti.
Somers and Dr. David Saar spent
three years on the LCL project, basing
the hymnal on the 2006 Lutheran
Service Book (LSB). The LCL,
however, is not a direct translation
of the LSB.
The Lutheran church is seeing
dramatic growth in French-speaking
Africa especially in Madagascar.
Many members of Somers’ Montreal
congregation are Malagasy and have
established roots in Quebec.
Lutheranism is not new to the
province.
For his doctoral thesis, Somers
researched the denomination and
discovered many early immigrants
f ro m F ra n c e we re L u t h e ra n ,
escaping the War of Religions that
pitted Protestants against Roman
Catholics.
Eventually, the Roman church
in New France, now Quebec, made
it difficult for Protestants to own
land or earn a living, so the number
of Lutherans and Protestants
declined.
“ L u t h e ra n wo r s h i p f o r m s
(liturgy) are based on those of the
Catholic Church,” said Somers. “The
new hymnal reflects that tradition so
it has a familiarity with those who
come from a Catholic tradition.”
Long-time staff member retires
WINNIPEG - Following two months
of leave for health reasons, Worker
Benefit Plans director, Inge Schroeder
retired in December. She is the
longest serving member of
Lutheran Church–Canada’s
staff, joining the new church
in 1989 as administrative
support. She soon focused
her talents on assisting in
the Worker Benefit Plans
office, under the supervision
of Ken Werschler. In 1997
when Mr. Werschler suffered
a stroke, Inge became assistant
administrator of the plans, assuming
the directorship in 2002.
“We thank God for people like
Inge who have such a dedication
to serving God’s people,” said LCC
President Robert Bugbee. “We pray
that God will continue to bless her
as she enters into this new phase in
her life.”
During her service with
Worker Benefit Plans Mrs.
Schroeder shepherded
through major changes in
the health benefits which
a l l owe d m e m b e r s t h e
flexibility to choose coverage
which better suited their
specific situation. She also
worked with the Board of
Managers to address the 2008 stock
market drop which affected pensions
around the world.
LCC treasurer, Dwayne Cleave is
providing interim leadership to the
Worker Benefit Plans.
Seminary education
still a “lively concern”
WINNIPEG – Stakeholders in the
deliberations and findings of LCC’s Task
Force on Cost-efficient, Sustainable,
Seminary Education can avoid an
adversarial process by participating
in “regular, candid discussions,” says
the group’s chairman.
“Even if the final recommendations
of the task force do not meet with
universal acclaim, it is important that
the various parties to the discussion
are given every opportunity to
have their concerns heard and
considered,” said Pastor Nolan
Astley, task force chairman.
The task force met during the fall
and held several conference calls. It has
also received and considered responses
from three district conventions, as
well as the seminaries. The deadline
for other submissions has passed.
A face-to-face meeting in February
planned to focus on what Lutheran
Church–Canada (LCC) expects and
requires from its seminaries.
The task force chairman thanked
all those who have taken time to
prepare submissions. “It is obvious
that seminary education remains a
lively concern within the synod,”
he said.
Life hotline now
available in Canada
REGINA - Lutherans for Life-Canada
and Word of Hope, a life ministry
affiliated with The Lutheran Church–
Missouri Synod have established a
partnership to provide a ‘hot-line’
service for women contemplating
abortion.
The US-based agency’s toll-free
number is now linked with Canada
and counsellors can refer Canadian
callers to Canadian Christian crisis
pregnancy centres or LCC contacts.
The toll-free number for Word of
Hope is 1-888-217-8679. For more
information go to www.word-ofhope.org or www.lutheransforlifecanada.ca
National News
Focus on education at December meetings
WI NNIP EG - Two recent
meetings centred around Lutheran
Church–Canada’s higher education
institutions and programs.
P r e s i d e n t Ro b e r t B u g b e e
convened a meeting of the higher
e d u c a t i o n Ad v i s o r y C o u n c i l
Wednesday, December 9. The
council includes the presidents of
LCC’s seminaries and university
college: Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger
(CLTS, St. Catharines); Rev. Dr.
Manfred Zeuch (CLS, Edmonton)
and Rev. Dr. Gerald Krispin (CUCA,
Edmonton). Rev. Nolan Astley,
chairman of the Task Force on
Cost Efficient Seminary Education,
attended part of the meeting by
conference call.
The first part of the agenda asked
each of the participants to provide a
report on their institution’s current
activity and challenges. Following
this, Rev. Astley joined the meeting
to present the latest information
from the task force and follow-up
on its recommendations presented
to the seminaries in June which
included an Advisory Council
meeting before year-end.
During the afternoon session,
members of the council discussed
admissions policies, harmonization
of seminary schedules, curriculum,
fund-raising and development
work, and communication with
the church-at-large.
Thursday, December 10 saw a
special meeting of LCC’s Council of
Presidents, the seminary presidents
and Rev. Dr. William Mundt
(professor at CLTS, St. Catharines)
and Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer (adjunct
professor at CLS, Edmonton) who
currently administer the Pastors
with Alternate Training (PAT)
program in their area. The goal
of the meeting was to clarify the
national framework for the course
of study.
The PAT program was established
by the 2002 synodical convention to
allow the church to prepare pastors
to serve specific congregations
Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger (r), acting president of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St.
Catharines confers with Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch, president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
Edmonton during recent meetings in Winnipeg.
which have special needs. These
may include language, culture or
geographic isolation.
After hearing how the PAT
program is currently delivered
and the various needs throughout
LCC for pastors to serve unique
congregations, the presidents decided
to place responsibility for the program
with synod’s executive assistant to
the president for Mission and Social
Ministry Services, Rev. Dr. Leonardo
Neitzel. The change will take place
July 1. Pastor Neitzel’s doctorate is
in missiology, a subject he also taught
at the seminary in Brazil.
“These were very constructive and
encouraging meetings,” said President
Bugbee. “The Lord is placing before
us tremendous opportunities and
challenges and at the same time He is
providing wise and creative counsel to
address them.”
Called to Glory
Florence Heinemann, wife of former
Board of Directors chairman, Walter
Heinemann was called home by her
Lord, Wednesday, December 30. A
Praise and Celebration of Life Service
was held Wednesday, January 6 at
Grace Lutheran Church, Regina. In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made
to the Walter and Florence Heinemann
Endowment Fund through Lutheran
Foundation Canada.
Keep up-to-date with
Lutheran Church–Canada
INFODIGEST
News & information
www.lccinfodigest.ca
19
National News
Planning workshop sets course for LCC benefit plans
WINNIPEG - For the first time in
its more than twenty-year history,
Lutheran Church–Canada’s Worker
Benefit Plans (WBP) conducted
a strategic planning workshop to
define its role and mission in an
ever-changing
employee health
and benefits
environment.
Joining the plan’s
Board of Managers
and staff members, January 19 and 20
in Winnipeg, were twelve participants
representing WBP’s constituencies:
members, congregations, schools and
higher education institutions.
“ T h i s p ro c e s s c a m e a t a n
important time,” remarked Board
of Managers chair Lois Griffin.
“Meeting with representatives of all
our constituents not only gave the
board immediate feedback, but began
establishing relationships that are
important to our future.”
Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Dieter
Kays, president and CEO of FaithLife
Financial, the workshop goal was “to
establish the strategic framework that
will provide guidance to develop a
plan design and funding strategy that
will ensure a sustainable future.”
Presentations from LCC treasurer,
Dwayne Cleave and consultants
Mark Dahlman and Nancy
Swerhun provided
information on
the current state
of LCC finances
and demographics;
health benefit
plans and pension plans. Group
discussions and feedback produced
vision and mission statements,
defined six values and identified five
strategic directions.
The group decided that the
mission of Worker Benefit Plans is
“to serve members and employers by
ensuring the provision of sustainable
benefits” summarized in its current
slogan “Serving those who serve.”
To guide decisions by the Board of
Managers, the vision statement says
that “we will develop an efficient,
innovative and sustainable benefit
plan with shared responsibility
among engaged stakeholders.”
An organization such as WBP
also requires values by which it
conducts its business. Participants
identified integrity; transparency;
stewardship; consultation; shared
responsibility; and excellence as
the most important values for the
department.
To achieve its stated vision and
mission, LCC’s Worker Benefit Plans
intends to focus on five primary
areas:
1.Ensure sustainability and stability
of the plan
2.E n s u r e a n e d u c a t e d a n d
knowledgeable employer and
member base
3.Cultivate meaningful involvement
from stakeholders with shared
responsibility
4.Promote health and wellness of
stakeholders
5. Enhance and strengthen the
governance process
The Board of Managers’ next
scheduled meeting is March 9 and
10 in Edmonton. It is planning
focus group discussions across LCC
in April.
Christmas Eve webcast a first for Lutheran Church–Canada
STONY PLAIN, ALTA. – More
than 75 viewers watched a
live, webcast of the Christmas
Eve service from St. Matthew
Lutheran Church.
An additional 67 viewers
watched a recorded version of
the service online.
The webcast was part of
a new move by the Lutheran
Church–Canada (LCC) to provide
live online coverage of church
events.
“For some, this was their Christmas Eve service,”
said Ian Adnams, director of communications for LCC.
“We are grateful to the congregation, Pastors Bill Ney
and Jim Fritsche and technician Paul Ney for making
this possible.”
During 2009, LCC webcasts
included three district conventions,
the Lutheran Women’s Missionary
L e a g u e – C a n a d a ( LW M L – C )
national convention, seminary
graduations, as well as seminars
and workshops.
Churches with high-speed
internet access can webcast their
services, too.
“We learn something new
with each webcast,” said Adnams.
“Although we still encounter some
technical wrinkles, we are approaching each project
with a number of backup plans.”
Webcasts are available for further viewing at www.
lutheranchurch.ca/videonet
National News
New decade brings communication changes for Lutherans
WINNIPEG – With the new year
comes new developments in Lutheran
Church–Canada’s communication
strategy. The goal is to provide
regular, ongoing information online
while still providing hands-on
communication.
To keep readers up-to-date,
news stories, both national and
international, along with event
reports and news from congregations,
districts, and educational institutions
will soon begin appearing online
only days after the events they
report are finished. The current site
www.lccinfodigest.ca will handle
all news stories. The twice-monthly
InfoDigest will continue as an
e-mail compilation of news and
information.
Dr. Ian Adnams, LCC’s director
of communications, noted that the
key to keeping the news current is
making sure the news reports and
photos from congregations get to the
district editors as soon as possible.
In addition, an online version
of The Canadian Lutheran, www.
canadianlutheran.ca with more
features, columnists and news will
launch by September. The hardcopy
edition of the magazine will publish
six times per year. “The Internet
allows us to provide timely news
and information and the printed
version gives readers something to
take home from church and spend
time with,” explained Adnams.
The magazine will also develop a
Facebook presence and continue
using Twitter for story alerts.
Plans for the news service include
posting short video clips from events.
“You can record a video with a cell
phone these days, so there’s no reason
why that can’t be part of a report,
along with a high quality digital
photo,” said the director. The site will
also have an area for classified ads,
coming events and blogs.
The printed version of the
magazine is expanded to include
more district news and draw stories
from the website. “Between the
regular magazine, the online version
and ongoing news postings, we
hope to engage the broadest possible
audience,” said Adnams.
The January/February edition of
The Canadian Lutheran is already
using an web-based system to provide
readers with more information
on published stories. Dr. Adnams
pointed out that as an interim
step “we have introduced www.
canluthextra.ca which provides
readers with follow-up information
on stories and articles.” The site
also allows readers to comment
and engage in discussion with the
authors.
Although reducing the
number of paper editions of The
Canadian Lutheran was partially
driven by budget concerns, the
Board of Directors’ Committee for
Communication and Technology
which provided advice for the changes
believes the new approach is a positive
direction. LCC’s research shows
many members of congregations are
online almost every day.
“The Lord is providing us with
new ways to communicate,” observed
Dr. Adnams. “Our goal is to build the
best media mix using all the tools at
our disposal.”
LCC president wraps
up the year on The
Lutheran Hour
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Rev. Robert
Bugbee, president of Lutheran
Church–Canada, was guest speaker
on The Lutheran Hour, Sunday
December 27, 2009. This program,
In Christ, A Glad New Year, was
broadcast across Canada and the
United States
“When you see Jesus, you’re
looking at God’s rescue, love and
help,” said President Bugbee in his
message based on Luke 2:25-32.
For a list of radio stations
that carry The Lutheran Hour
call Lutheran Laymen’s League of
Canada at 1-800-555-6236 or go to
www.lutheranhour.ca where you
can also listen to the message online
or by podcast.
The program’s regular speaker,
Rev. Ken Klaus announced he will
retire from the post in January
2011. The International Lutheran
Laymen’s League which produces the
broadcast is now taking applications
and nominations for a new speaker.
See Page 49.
21
ABC District News
Alberta and British Columbia Belinda Johnson, editor
Showing the true light to those awaiting the torch
WESTBANK, B.C. - At 4:30 p.m.
Monday, January 25, the Olympic
Torch came to this community,
and Redeemer Lutheran Church
responded, setting up a tent and
offering free coffee and hot chocolate
to the hundreds of people who came
to cheer as runners moved it along
Pastor Jonathan Asmus (l) in front of
Redeemer’s Welcome Tent greeting onlookers
along the torch route.
the highway through Westbank on
its way to Kelowna. Fred Voight served the hot
chocolate, while Rev. Jonathan Asmus
spoke to the crowd waiting anxiously
for the torch to appear. Church
members handed out pamphlets
and Olympic devotions as people
excitedly discussed the upcoming
arrival. Families cheered, shouted and
waved energetically as the procession
passed by. The Olympic spirit showed
in wearing red and white and
waving flags, but it also provided an
opportunity for Redeemer Lutheran
to talk to people about the real joy in
life, Jesus, and invite them to worship
with the LCC congregation.
Muriel Threinen and Charlene Waines Wiltink
Jessica and Carson Wiltink await the torch.
Emmaus Lutheran congregation celebrates 80 years of blessings
SEXSMITH, Alta. “Thanks be to God” for
His continued blessings
and provisions so that
on August 16, 2009,
Emmaus Lutheran Church
celebrated 80 years of
Christian service in the
c o m m u n i t y. E m m a u s
still holds services most
Sundays and maintains
a stable congregation,
unusual among rural
congregations today.
L o c a l d i g n i t a r i e s , Rural Alberta congregation celebrates ongoing ministry.
friends and former
first German Lutheran families
members attended the historic
settled in the area. The first Lutheran
anniversary event. The church
missionary arrived in 1919, and
also received many congratulatory
thus Emmaus became the “mother”
notes and well wishes. Following
of Lutheran churches in the Peace
the worship service people shared
Country. Worshippers held services
memories, played games, and enjoyed
in various homes, until in 1930 they
the delicious food provided for all.
made plans to build a church with
The congregation thanked God
cemetery on property donated by
for the privilege of sharing the
Louis Steinke. They dedicated that
wonderful news of salvation during
church—built by volunteer labour—
these past 80 years.
on December 14, 1930, just in time to
The Emmaus Lutheran
hold Christmas services there.
congregation of the North Kleskun
In 1931 Rev. R. E. Luening
district, though officially founded
began serving the congregation
April 14, 1929, has beginnings that
once a month from Spirit River,
actually go back to 1915, when the
and Emmaus made plans
to open a Christian day
school. When Rev. F.
Gabert was called, he
became the church’s
first permanent pastor
and teacher (though no
parsonage existed yet,
and he had to billet with
congregation members).
The school opened with
13 students; by year’s end
enrolment had grown to
24. Emmaus Day School
closed in 1944 when
it merged with North
Kleskun Public School. Teachers
were scarce, so Emmaus’ Rev. Pearce
taught at the public school that year.
Back then, pastors conducted the
twice-monthly worship services both
in German and in English. Early
members helped a strong choral
group and Bible society grow within
the church. Many early pastors spent
hours riding horseback to serve
rural churches such as Emmaus.
We have to admire the stamina
and dedication of these pastors and
founding members.
Submitted on behalf of
Emmaus Lutheran Church
ABC District News
Grey Cup party a rehearsal for Olympics
SURREY, B.C. - St. Luke
Lutheran Church hosted a bigscreen, big-sound broadcast
of the Grey Cup game for 45
members and neighbours as
part of its preparations for the
2010 Olympics. The goal was
reaching out to families and
friends of members, as well
as those in the surrounding
neighborhood. By meeting
new people, building personal
friendships, and witnessing, the
committee hoped to encourage
others to come into God’s
family and eventually become members
of the congregation. The church will
be part of More than Gold, a network
of ministries aimed at mobilizing
Christians for service and witness in
connection with the Games.
The Evangelism Committee had
a number of logistical problems to
deal with when it came to pulling
off the November event. The first
was installing a satellite dish to
receive a broadcast feed of the game.
Next, it had to find audio and video
equipment. The projector used
for Sunday services turned out to
To p : B re n d a
Weiss (left) and
Shirley Wisdahl.
Bottom: Chris
Govaski holds
baby Sophie
Govaski.
work fine for projecting the game
onto the wall of the gymnasium.
Some of church’s musicians lent
their personal amplifiers and sound
systems to help create a fullscale theatre-like experience.
The committee made a
brochure that was included
in weekly church bulletins,
posted on the website and
circulated to nearby homes.
The success of the Grey
Cup party has given the
committee the confidence
to broadcast two highadrenaline Olympic events:
the USA-Canada men’s
hockey game, followed by the
men’s gold medal game. The
plan once again will be to invite
friends and family of church
members, circulate brochures to
families in the vicinity, and post
signs on the property advertising
the events. In keeping with
Lutheran tradition, a concession
stand will offer fans lots of good
food in the way of hot dogs,
chili, chips and drinks. For fans
attending, it’ll almost feel like
being there.
For more information, see St
Luke’s Calendar and News pages at
www.sllc.ca.
A message in glass for 100th anniversary
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - When
Immanuel Lutheran Church
members celebrated 100 years of
ministry on Sunday, November
15, they unveiled a huge stainedglass artwork in the chancel
to commemorate the blessings
of our Lord. Members could
get postage stamp stickers
commemorating the stainedglass project as well.
Heinz and Patricia Demes
of Demes Glass Studios created
the eight-by-ten-foot work
depicting the foundations of
Immanuel’s ministry—Word
and Sacrament—as well as some
local landmarks and landscape.
Many will enjoy the glowing
glass in years to come, and it
serves to remind all who view
it of God’s great blessings to the
congregation.
Approximately 420 people
attended the uplifting worship
service which featured special
music and guest preacher LCC
president Rev. Robert Bugbee.
A delicious meal following the
service provided ample time for
fellowship.
Stained glass window commemorates
100 years of blessings.
23
ABC District News
Airdrie mission: from vision to mission
AIRDRIE, Alta. - For a community
of 35,000, Airdrie stands out. Some
74 percent of the population is under
age 45, and 34 percent under age
15. For most of its history, it never
had a Lutheran Church–Canada
congregation. After retiring in October
2006 from Mt. Calvary in Red Deer,
Rev. Jim Schuelke felt called to start an
LCC mission in this demographically
promising town situated on Highway
2 north of Calgary.
To help establish the mission,
Calgary circuit pastors contacted
members of their congregations
living in Airdrie to gain permission
for Pastor Schuelke to contact them
about starting work in their area. In January 2008, Rev. Schuelke
and Dr. Glenn Schaeffer met
with 15 families and three circuit
counsellors to discuss his vision
and the practical possibilities. They
formed a core group, then set
out to establish regular worship,
Bible study and Sunday school. For
the next 15 months the fledgling
congregation met in the education
wing of the local United Church.
Worship services happened twice
a month, with adult instruction
classes and Sunday school directly
afterwards.
Worship service led by vicar Rod Parker.
In the fall of 2008 the group began
talking with Redeemer Lutheran
Church in Didsbury, Alberta, and
decided to apply for a vicar together.
In December 2008 the group had its
first children’s Christmas program,
Singing Gloria.
On Palm Sunday 2009, the Airdrie
mission finally began weekly worship
services, at Our Lady Queen of Peace
Catholic School. May 2009 brought
another new reason to celebrate.
LCC’s Placement Committee had
granted their request for a vicar! Rod
Parker and wife Tammy would begin
work in August 2009 at the Airdrie
mission as well as at Redeemer.
Working under Rev. Robert
Mohns, vicar Rod began getting
to know the congregation through
member visits. He also helped increase
the mission’s online presence through
blogging, podcasting sermons and
classes, and moderating a discussion
forum. He also stirred interest
in using the online Evangelism
Explosion program, XEE, as means
of equipping congregation members
and confirmation students to reach
out to their community.
Now known as Shepherd of
the Hills (members hope it will
become a constituted congregation
of Lutheran Church–Canada) the
mission continues to provide Sunday
school, Bible studies and worship.
Current projects include planning
a special Palm Sunday to mark the
anniversary of weekly worship and
involve the community. Learn more
about the mission’s past and future
at www.airdrielutheran.com.
Guess who’s coming to dinner?
GRANDE PRAIRIE,
Alta. - In October and
November, Faith Lutheran
held an innovative
fundraiser to raise money
for a seminary student
at Concordia Lutheran
Seminary in Edmonton.
Several families signed up
to cook meals, while others
signed up to eat. Sounds
fairly straightforward, but
there was a twist. Neither
the chefs nor the diners
knew beforehand where
they were going or who
was attending! Not only
did they share a fantastic
(l-r): Rick Slater, Sara Slater, Samuel Isley Jeanette Thiebert,
Elmer Buchberger, Sharon Buchberger, Reg Isley and Emily
Isley.
meal, they also played
games and visited. What
an amazing way to not
only support a student (or
another mission), but to
also grow in fellowship
with other Christians!
While each diner was
asked to donate a minimum
of $15, the Lord blessed
the fund-raiser with much
more. Adding donations
of those who could not
attend, this event raised
nearly $2000. Congregation
members look forward to
having surprise guests for
dinner again soon!
ABC District News
More than 1000 walk to Bethlehem in B.C.
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. - On
December 16 and 17, Hope
Lutheran Christian School hosted
the Bethlehem Walk, an outdoor
presentation that dramatized Christ’s
coming and changed Hope itself into
Bethlehem.
To bring people to the walk,
Hope rented a large World War
II–era searchlight that shone in the
night sky, visible for more than two
miles. One woman, who came to the
walk with her 10-year-old daughter,
commented that her daughter saw the
light as they were Christmas shopping
and insisted they come find out what
it was for. On a night when they
intended simply to Christmas shop,
they heard about the true meaning of
Christmas. What a blessing!
Guests to the Walk queued down
York Street, awaiting an invitation to
join a guided group that would enter
a large tent in the school parking
lot that provided shelter for the
multiple scenes. Groups started at
the Garden of Eden, learning about
man’s fall into sin and the need for
a Saviour. From there they heard
the prophets foretelling
Jesus’ birth. The next
scenes led to the angelic
proclamation that Mary
would carry the Son of
God. From there they
heard Caesar Augustus’
decree; saw Mary and
Joseph interact with the
innkeeper; heard the
angel choir; witnessed
the arrival of the wise
men from the East and a
scene of reflection at the
stable. The tour ended
in the sanctuary with
musical presentations by
students from Grades 5
through 8.
There was a real
baby in the manger, and
live animals—sheep,
donkeys, goats and llamas
(disguised as camels)—
provided an exciting and Light leads the way to the true meaning of Christmas.
unpredictable element.
M a ny p e o p l e d i d a
Bethlehem thanks God for all the
double-take as they walked through
people who spent countless hours
each scene.
preparing for this ministry outreach.
Vacation Bible school at Christmas?
KITIMAT, B.C. - When Redeemer
Lutheran Church contemplated
new ways of witnessing in the
community, someone commented
that during Christmas break many
children sit around with nothing to
do. From this came the idea that a
mini-VBS would be an amazing way
to reach out to the neighbourhood in
winter as well as summer.
Over the three days of Christmas
Bible school, children learned about
“The Promise Given,” “The Promise
Fulfilled” and “The Result of the
Promise.” Twenty-four children
attended (many from unchurched
families) with local youth helping
coordinate crafts and games. Asked
“Did you have fun?” and “Did you
learn about Jesus?” the children
gave a resounding and enthusiastic
“yes!”
Many ways of thinking outside
the box to reach our communities
can pop up—this is just one. We pray
God will give us new and exciting
ideas to do more in the year to come!
“Therefore, we are ambassadors
for Christ, God making His appeal
through us,” 2 Corinthians 5:20
(ESV).
Gathered around the Christmas tree, children came to learn about God’s promise fulfilled
in Jesus.
25
ABC District News
Sharing His story, sharing resources
EDMONTON - The district Lutheran
Laymen’s League (LLL) met at
Redeemer Lutheran Church October
23-25. Speakers wove the convention
theme, Share His Story, through
their presentations, emphasizing
the purpose behind LLL’s work in
Canada, in the United States, and
around the world.
Banquet speaker Mick Onnen,
International LLL president, stressed
to listeners why it is so important
for each one to reach out to family,
friends and people met daily, sharing
with them how God works in our
lives. Bob Felstead (governor of
Region 15: Canada) treated attendees
to a live teleconference with Ricardo
Arguello in Nicaragua. Richard
Cohrs, from the LLL head office in
St. Louis reported positively and
enthusiastically about the good things
happening in the Men’s Network
(http://www.lhmmen.com/). Stephen
Klinck, managing director of LLLCanada updated the group on work
being done through the Canadian
office. Gordon Schoepp, president
of LLL Alberta–British Columbia
District, welcomed them all.
In addition to learning about
the league’s work, the group raised
$4043 for LLL work in Nicaragua.
Designated donations amounted to
$2543, with a $1500 added grant
from FaithLife Financial.
Well attended, this was the district
group’s seventh biennial convention.
Ellen Weinheimer, Klondike Zone
From the President
J
anuary 21 is the most depressing day
of the year. At least that is what one
psychologist says, and he identifies a
number of factors to support his claim.
He points to the long cold winter nights. He says that
by this time, most people have broken their New Year’s
resolutions and feel bad about it. Many have also had
to come to grips with the large amount of debt they
incurred over the Christmas season.
Whether he is accurate or not, we have all been
sobered by grim images of the devastation that has
taken place as a result of a catastrophic earthquake in
Haiti. Almost every newscast increases the projection
of those killed by the quake and, as I write this, the
death toll stands at around 150,000. The numbers are
staggering and the personal stories, heartbreaking.
What do we, as Christians, have to say to a world
groaning under the curse and consequence of sin?
I am reminded of the healing of the paralytic. News
had spread that Jesus was in Capernaum. Many came
to the place where he was staying. They filled the
house to hear Jesus preach. There was no way that the
four men who carried the paralytic could get close to
Jesus so they opened the roof of the house and lowered
the paralytic into Jesus’ presence.
The Bible doesn’t tell us how he became paralyzed.
In our day and age, people face the tragedy of paralysis
all too frequently. A car accident, a sports injury, even
slipping on a patch of ice: all might be recipes for
life-altering disasters. We can’t even begin to imagine
how dramatically someone’s life can be changed in
an instant. Sadly, these injuries are permanent since
medical science has not yet figured out how to cause
the spinal cord to grow back together. There isn’t
much hope with this kind of an injury.
The crowd must have held its breath as it wondered
what Jesus would do for this hopeless paralytic. And
then he did the unexpected. He announced, “Son,
your sins are forgiven.” With these words, Jesus
underscores that the spiritual condition is of far greater
concern that our physical condition. He also made a
bold statement about his own nature. Even the scribes
said, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Exactly! Jesus is God! He can forgive sins. And in
order to show that He had such authority, He then
healed the paralytic. Which was the greater miracle?
The paralytic’s body has long since decayed and
turned to dust. But, as a forgiven sinner, he is with his
heavenly Father awaiting the resurrection.
Our Lord is compassionate. He knows our
weaknesses and feels our pain. He walks with us in
the darkest of tragedies. The forgiveness of sins which
we receive through faith brings with it hope. St. Paul
writes, “And hope does not disappoint us, because
God has poured out his love into our hearts by the
Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5).
What is your tragedy? What is your grief or pain?
What is your struggle or loss? In the forgiveness of
sins won for us at the cross, we are assured of God’s
gracious care for us in life and in death. Here is the
confident hope we have in Christ: “For I consider
that the sufferings of this present time are not worth
comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”
(Romans 8:18 ESV).
Rev. Don Schiemann
ABC District News
B.C. congregation marks anniversary and looks to the future
NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. After a year without a pastor, Mt.
Calvary Lutheran ended the year
on a celebratory note. In June, 2009
the congregation celebrated the
installation of its fourth pastor since
1942, Rev. Kyung-Hyun (James)
Kim. Vacancy pastor Rev. Sanford
Schelp officiated at the service
attended by pastors and congregation
members from the Lower Mainland
and Fraser Valley circuits.
In October 2009 Mount Calvary
celebrated its 75 th Anniversary,
thanking God for the many blessings
He has bestowed on the congregation
over years. Joining in this special
service on the afternoon of October
18 were two former pastors, Rev.
Sigmund Redenbach, lector and
Rev. Sanford Schelp, guest preacher.
A celebration program directed
by Henry Waack highlighted the
congregation’s many musical
talents.
Mt. Calvary was established
as a congregation serving New
Westminster on January 6, 1934.
Two years later the current church
property was purchased for $650.
By 1937, the church’s first buildings
(church, church hall, and parsonage)
were completed.
A n ex t e n s i o n
wa s a d d e d i n
1957 and stands
as the church
today.
This past
Advent season
was a time to
reflect on God’s
riches blessings,
but it was also
an opportunity
for renewal and
rededication
of service in
Christ to our
community with
our new pastor
and a new focus
for the next 75
years.
Rev. Redenbach, Rev. Kim, Rev. Schelp, Bethany Andriulaitis
Corinna Andriulaitis
Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church
Right: Henry Waack
and Pastor Kim
play a duet for the
75th Anniversar y
Celebration. Both
men are concer t
pianists!
We have lift-off!
CALGARY - On Sunday, January
10, seventy people from all over
northwest Calgary gathered in St.
Basil Catholic School’s gymnasium for
the first-ever Loving Saviour Lutheran
Church worship service. Fifteen of
the people attending (representing
five homes) were newcomers to the
group—an encouraging start for a
new worship site!
The service began with district
executive Dr. Glenn Schaeffer leading
a rite for establishing a satellite
worship site. The sermon and rest of
the service focused on Luke’s account
of the baptism of Christ and celebrated
Jesus as our “place trader” who opens
heaven to sinners. Children enjoyed
their special program during the
sermon along with a children’s song
and object lesson incorporated into
the service.
In the first two Sundays after
the launch service, three of the five
families who visited Loving Saviour
on January 10 have visited again,
and two other families attended for
the first time. Arranging follow-up
home visits for all has been a high
priority in these first few weeks, and
will continue to be a priority.
Please continue praying for Loving
Saviour, its people and those it is
reaching—and that God will grow
His kingdom in northwest Calgary
through its ministry among them.
Visit the ABC District website at
www.lccabc.ca
Send news, photos, articles
and announcements six
weeks prior to publication
month.
Belinda Johnson, district editor
7100 Ada Boulevard,
Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4
phone: 780-474-0063
bjohnson@lccabc.ca
Next deadline:
March 26, 2010
27
Central District News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor
Mission festival informs and inspires
MIDDLE LAKE, Sask. - Faith
Lutheran Church hosted more than
75 visitors—including LCC president
Rev. Robert Bugbee and new mission
executive Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel—
November 21 at the Northland Circuit
Mission Festival.
The idea for a mission festival
developed after Faith member Arlene
Kish attended the Central District
convention last April. Hearing reports
about shortfalls in financial support,
Kish became determined to alert local
congregations about missionaries
spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
as well as more tangible social
ministries such as those providing
food or medical care.
President Bugbee travelled from
Winnipeg to make a presentation,
along with mission and social ministry
executive Dr. Neitzel. The synod
supports fledgling Lutheran church
organizations in Ukraine, Thailand,
Cambodia and Central America,
not only with funding but also with
volunteers who train nationals to be
missionaries, pastors and teachers
among their own people.
Concordia Lutheran Seminary
in Edmonton is one of LCC’s two
seminaries preparing future pastors.
Director of development Rev. Daniel
Deyell explained that the seminary
also hopes to make learning more
accessible to any church member via
part-time classes, distance education
and special-interest seminars.
Rev. Wayne Olson and parish
worker Melissa McNeil described
the challenges facing La Ronge
Lutheran Fellowship. They gear
many programs and activities to
youth and children, and future goals
include buying a ministry bus and
building a multi-purpose centre for
community outreach.
Rev. Sye Van Maanen from the
Central District office in Regina
outlined more mission opportunities
“in our own backyard.” Besides
supporting the La Ronge fellowship,
district congregations help
fund Street Reach Ministries in
Thunder Bay, a ministry to the
deaf community in Winnipeg, and
a revamped educational program
for church members. Immigrant
communities served by various
congregations include a large Oromo
(African) population in Winnipeg, a
Central American group in Brandon,
and Germans and Russians in the
Steinbach area. Establishing a
street ministry in Regina is under
consideration.
During free time, festival
participants could play a “fish for
missions” game, shop at the Canadian
Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) Four
Corners store, fold bandages for
medical missions and scan displays
from CLWR, Concordia Lutheran
Mission Society, Lutheran Women’s
Missionary League–Canada, Bethany
Pioneer Village, and FaithLife Financial
(who helped sponsor the event).
Faith Lutheran women provided
the noon meal and refreshments, and
Faith’s Rev. Ken Keller led opening
and closing worship, with piano
accompaniment by Dori Cooke.
Children from the congregation
also took part, singing a traditional
LCC mission executive, Dr. Leonardo Neitzel,
(left) and President Robert Bugbee: “You can
have confidence in the work LCC is doing.”
West African welcoming song and a
harvest thanksgiving song.
O rg a n i z e r s h o p e t h i s w i l l
become an annual event hosted
by various circuit congregations.
The widespread Northland Circuit
comprises churches in Choiceland,
Hudson Bay, Humboldt, La Ronge,
Melfort, Middle Lake, Mistatim,
Nipawin and Prince Albert. Pastors
and members of Saskatoon Circuit
churches also attended.
Rev. Daniel Dyell, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, speaks to participants.
Coming events
February 13 – Saskatoon
Circuit Mission Festival, Faith
(Saskatoon)
March 20 – Equipping to Share
workshop, Faith (Saskatoon)
Deacon Melissa McNeil and Rev. Wayne
Olson of La Ronge, Sask.
April 9-10 – LLL Central
District Convention, Zion
(Yorkton)
Seeing the love of Christ in Haiti
worshipped with
WINNIPEG - A
the congregation at
group of 10 Christians
the Jacmel church,
travelled from western
serenaded by a choir
Canada to Haiti
of young women
October 14-21 to help
blessing them with a
out in an eyeglass
traditional “sending”
clinic coordinated by
song. This service,
MOST Ministries,
as well as another
an organization
on Sunday evening,
(associated with The
l a s t e d a b o u t t wo
Lutheran Church–
Missouri Synod) that Haiti mission team (l-r): Linda Kullman (Peace, Winnipeg), Charlene Rogers (St. hours.
Life is not easy in
facilitates short-term John’s, Warman, Sask.), Gerald Otto (Saint James, Winnipeg), Judith Sedo (Good
mission trips. The Shepherd, Winnipeg), Alex Richards (Holy Cross, Winnipeg), Wilma Keating, Agnes the poorest country
and Fred Luciow (Saint James, Winnipeg), Marilyn Swain (Peace, Winnipeg) and
in the western
team’s goal was to Rosemary Langner.
hemisphere—many
find opportunities to
go hungry and most eat only two
share their faith and minister to
meals a day, yet Haitians welcomed
hurt people—for the lost to see Jesus
the team with generous hospitality
through these vision clinics.
and large smiles. One team member
The team travelled by air from
noted, “I have been given so much
Winnipeg to Miami, arriving in
and it’s my duty to give back...the
Port-au-Prince to join another team
people of Haiti helped me to see that
of 10 from the United States. The
more clearly. I will never forget those
city seemed huge, hot and humid,
smiling faces against the backdrop of
with garbage everywhere along with
horrible living conditions.”
gun-toting soldiers. The next day
In total the clinics distributed 446
the combined group headed over
pairs of eyeglasses and 75 or more
mountainous terrain to Jacmel on
Marilyn Swain serving at the eyeglass clinic.
pairs of sunglasses. Gifts of money
the Caribbean coast.
the love shown them. Team members
raised back home went to the pastor
The first half-day eyeglass/
witnessed the joy in the face of one
for ongoing care of his congregation
medical clinic opened up at First
man with very poor eyesight after
and to an orphanage for care of its
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
they were able to fit him with a pair
children. LWMLC teddy bears, as
Jacmel. A dental team arrived the
of glasses and a simple white cane, to
well as many other items the team
following day. Clinics also set up
assist him as well as to make others
transported all the way from Canada,
shop at a school in a town half an
aware of his difficulty.
found new homes in Haiti.
hour away. People attending the
Marilyn Swain
Sunday morning the group
clinics were often visibly moved by
Christmas comes to Street Reach
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - With the Christmas tree lit
and an atmosphere of love and friendship in the air,
December 10 saw Christmas start early at Street Reach
Ministries.
Thunder Bay’s Lappe Lutheran church choir filled
the room with carols, and musicians on guitars belted
out gospel, blues and old-time favourites. Rev. Neil Otke
joined in on the spoons.
Spreading a bit of God’s love through music,
fellowship, food and sharing made for a memorable
evening—a joyous way of celebrating the birth of the
One who came for us all.
Mary-Anne Barton
Enjoying the food that streamed in from donors.
29
Play shows different side of visual impairment
the thought of losing
THUNDER BAY, Ont.
their sight. People who
- Mixing humour and
have not experienced
heart, the cast of Sight
vision loss, he says,
Unseen showed Thunder
think of it as complete
Bay a different side of
darkness, but that is not
visual impairment. Based
accurate. “If you take
on personal stories, the
our cast, for example,
play featured actors—
there is an amazing
including an LCC pastor—
difference between them.
w h o a re t h e m s e l ve s
Two people are classed
visually impaired.
as totally blind, but one
Rev. Clark Wilkie
of them can sense the
(pastor emeritus, Thunder
difference between light
Bay) is both a client of
and dark.”
CNIB (formerly known
Eleanor Albanese,
as the Canadian National
director and facilitator,
Institute for the Blind) Rev. Clark Wilkie (right) rehearses the opening scene for Sight Unseen.
said the cast was made
and a volunteer speaker
is the same,” says Wilkie today. “I
up of brave and joyous people who
for the organization. Though no
have peripheral vision—I can sense
had a message and delivered it with
stranger to speaking before groups,
someone is there, but I can make you
enthusiasm. Writing workshops
he said acting was quite a different
disappear just by looking at you. I find
helped them develop the script and
experience.
life is no different than it was before,
add some of the cast’s personal
Four years ago he lost his central
except that I can’t drive. I can’t read
stories to the mix.
vision but retains some peripheral
yet...but I’m learning Braille.”
The play ran at the Bora Laskin
vision. Twenty years ago, when
Wilkie said he finds a lack of
Theatre November 26-28, funded by
told he would eventually become
knowledge in the general public
the Ontario Arts Council.
legally and functionally blind, the
with files from Jeff Labine
about visual impairment, partly
thought was worse than when it
tbnewswatch.com
because people are so afraid of even
actually happened, he reports. “Life
Children lead journey to Bethlehem
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Lappe
Lutheran Church children’s
ministries presented their
perception of the first Christmas
December 13.
The angel Gabriel, large as life,
visited a young woman in her home.
An angel appeared to Joseph in a
dream instructing him what to do.
Multitudes of angels startled awake
a band of shepherds, tired and cold
in the middle of the night.
The scene unfolded on
a mountain of fresh green hay
surrounded by stuffed animals.
Lucas, 6, brought five dogs which
played with the live “sheep” actors
(Lucas himself, Benjamin, 1, and
Loralei, 3). Congregation and family
members in the audience enjoyed
each moment, finding themselves
transported to Bethlehem to
Angels appear to the shepherds.
witness the birth of Immanuel—God
with us.
By faith the children received this
Bible story, simply believed it and,
in turn, told it to the congregation
in their own way—acting as the
church’s youngest missionaries.
Mary-Anne Barton
Saskatchewan Lutherans prominent at pro-life conference
SASKATOON - The
a pro-life lobbyist at the
National Pro-Life
United Nations; Fr. Louis
Conference, October
DiRocco, a priest of the
29-31, drew some 250
Archdiocese of Kingston
people and strengthened
who also worked full time
connections between
for a number of years as
different sectors of the
a pro-life U.N. lobbyist;
pro-life movement.
John-Henry Westen, co“Protecting life from
founder of LifeSite News;
fertilization to natural
and Alex Schadenberg of
death is the pro-life
the Euthanasia Prevention
movement’s goal,” said
coalition.
Muriel Nielsen, president
Dr. Delores Sparagna
of the Saskatchewan
Doherty, president of
Pro-Life Association,
LifeCanada/VieCanada,
welcoming Canadian
noted the high number of
delegates as well as Cliff Pyle, president of Lutherans for Life–Canada and a member of Grace young people registered
(Saskatoon), thanks Dr. James Lamb for his presentation.
international speakers
and reminded conference
Paul’s Lutheran and led a Bible study
to Building Bridges: Making Choices
goers that gatherings such as
there Sunday morning.
for Life.
these help inspire and encourage
Ke y n o t e s p e a k e r A n d r e a
“We must build bridges to other
individuals in their often challenging
Mrozek, founding director of
groups so we can be more effective
work. A student panel (with Leah
P ro Wo m a n P ro L i f e, d e s c r i b e d
in the work we do,” said Nicole
Hallman from the University
her efforts to deliver the message
Pyle, the conference committee’s
of Calgary, Dax Rumsey of the
that abortion harms women. She
Saskatoon chair. The three-day event
University of Saskatchewan and
expressed frustration at how many
included several speakers, panel
Renee Schmitz, assistant western
well-meaning people unquestioningly
discussions, prayer services, and a
director of the National Campus
accept abortion as a woman’s right,
Friday evening banquet.
Life network) discussed challenges
crucial to freedom and equality,
Opening the sessions, Dr. James
in bringing the pro-life message to
when in reality abortion is a grave
Lamb, executive director of U.S.
university campuses.
injustice, which in addition to taking
Lutherans for Life, spoke about
“No one pro-life organization has
the lives of unborn children harms
scriptural and faith imperatives
it all,” said Nicole Pyle. “We must
all women.
to imitate Christ and “cherish the
help each other reach our vital goals
Jim Hughes of Campaign Life
children,” because each one is
to save babies, to help women make
Coalition related how a woman
precious to God. “Our starting
informed decisions, to make sure
came into his office to say that
point for cherishing the children is
those hurting because of an abortion
seeing the signs displayed at a Life
knowing how much we are cherished
know God loves them and is ready
Chain demonstration changed her
by God,” said Lamb. “Scripturally, a
to heal their silent pain… Now [we
mind about having an abortion—as
child is anyone who is vulnerable and
have] a new goal, to tell our seniors
a result, her five-year-old daughter
in need, who needs to be loved, who
and our parents that we love them,
is alive today. “It is all worth it,”
needs to be protected,” Lamb said,
and we want them to live until our
he said.
adding that as the “hands and feet” of
Creator takes them.”
with files from:
Other speakers included
Christ, Christians have Jesus himself
Cliff Pyle, Lutherans for Life–Canada
Winnipeg-South MP Rod Bruinooge,
to offer to those who are despised,
Kipley Lukan Yaworski,
a member of the multi-party prosuffering and downtrodden.
The Prairie Messenger
life caucus; author and lawyer
“We are for life because God is
Ezra Levant, who is calling for
for life,” Lamb said, adding that the
an investigation into the work
struggle for life is taking place within
Clarification:
of the Canadian Human Rights
the victory that Christ has already
Water with the Word: A
C o m m i s s i o n ; W i n n i p e g ’ s D r.
won. “We need more of our fellow
Baptism Q&A is available as a free
Larry Reynolds, an internationally
Christians to wake up, step out and
PDF from www.bythefont.com/
recognized medical professor and
make a difference as shining lights
downloads or as an inexpensive
researcher; Samantha Singson of
in the world.” He also spoke to nine
paperback (to order, e-mail
the Catholic Family and Human
local LCC pastors and vicars at a
kellyklages@mts.net).
Rights Institute, who has worked as
breakfast meeting, preached at St.
31
Live Nativity delights passersby
THUNDER BAY, Ont. On the nights of December
19 and 20, real animals
chewed hay as people
passing by Trinity Lutheran
Church came upon a stable,
a manger and a living cast
of wise men, shepherds and
angel surrounding the Holy
Family, silently but vividly
proclaiming the Word of
God and the fulfilment of
His prophecy to send a
Saviour.
More than 150
people took in the sights
and sounds of that first
Christmas night, as a
Snow fell gently on the sheep and donkey as they helped tell the story
of our Saviour’s birth.
speaker system played
carols and broadcast the
voice of 13-year-old Tyra
Laws telling the Christmas
story. On one occasion
one of the sheep drew
right up to the manger and
nuzzled the baby’s cheek,
to the delight of children
watching from the city
sidewalk.
In the church basement
hall, hot chocolate, tea and
coffee helped everyone
warm up. This unique
opportunity to experience
the Christmas story
touched many hearts.
Ponderings from the president
It’s not fair!
ife often doesn’t seem fair. The
person who pulls into the lot
just behind you beats you to the
last parking spot. You had your
heart set on triple-fudge chocolate-mint ice cream,
but the store doesn’t have any today—even though
you saw it there yesterday. Your favourite football team
is ahead for the entire game—then, with no time left
on the clock, they take a penalty for having too many
men on the field. The opposing team takes advantage
and wins the game and championship.
This recognition of the unfairness of life began
when I was a child. If my helping of ice cream was
slightly bigger than my younger brother’s, loud words
of disappointment filled the room. If he got to sit in
the front seat on a car trip when I thought it was really
my turn, cries of frustration ensued. The inequality
of life reached its height when we were disciplined.
My brother would punch, poke or generally harass
me. I’d get angry and respond in kind, usually with
a little something extra. Of course, my mother never
the saw the original offence, but it seems as if I was
always caught and punished when I tried to get even.
In hockey, it’s known as the “retaliation penalty.”
On a more serious note, you save your money for
many years, only to see those savings earn little as
interest rates plummet. You work hard, giving your
heart to a company for many years, only to be let go
with little more than a thank-you when the company
L
downsizes or closes. Two people commit murder in
virtually similar circumstances. One is sentenced to
many years in prison, while the other receives a light
sentence or is even exonerated of any wrongdoing.
Life just doesn’t seem fair.
In many ways, we are thankful our God is not
fair with us. If He treated us fairly, we would no
doubt experience many more bad days than good.
If God treated us in fairness as we deserved, we
would experience only His just judgment, wrath and
condemnation. The reason He doesn’t is simple: we sin
daily and do not come close to meeting His demand
for perfection.
Many times we experience the ultimate in unfairness
when we have to suffer punishment for something
someone else did. Jesus experienced that when He bore
our sins on the cross, paying for them in full with His
perfect life and innocent suffering and death.
While our God is just and fair, thankfully, He is truly
merciful! Because of Jesus, He deals with us on His
terms of love and mercy. As He feeds and strengthens
us through His Word and sacraments, we bear the
unfair situations of life with the confidence that He
will bring about some good from it (Romans 8:28).
When we face unfairness we are not bitter, but instead
we speak of Christ’s love and mercy (1 Peter 3:15-17).
When we suffer unfairly for someone else’s sin, we bear
it patiently, not seeking revenge (Matthew 5:39).
God’s love in Christ: that’s more than fair!
Rev. Thomas Prachar
Students boost number of lifesavers in community
WINNIPEG - Beautiful Savior
Lutheran School, one of 26 schools
across Manitoba chosen to participate
in a pilot CPR program, devoted
November to teaching the lifesaving
skill. The “Tree of Life” program
showed students from Grades 5 to
8 how they can help make their
community safer by learning basic
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
Each student received a kit,
CPR Anytime™, with a DVD and
book detailing CPR basics, along
with a personal inflatable CPR
mannequin (known as Mini Annie)
to practice on. From Friends of the
Heart and Stroke Foundation, the
program teaches non-professional
rescuers of all ages how to perform
CPR in approximately 25 minutes.
Organizers encouraged each student
to use the kit and train a minimum
of five other people in CPR.
Students then created a “Tree
of Life” in the school, each of its
heart-shaped leaves labelled with
the name of someone who completed
the training. It’s a graphic display
of how many more lifesavers their
community now has, thanks to a
month of learning and passing along
the simple skill of CPR.
Leslie Kolmel
“Tree of Life” bears a leaf for every community member trained in CPR.
District board faces difficult decisions
LUMSDEN, Sask. - LCC Central
District’s board of directors, in an
attempt to be good stewards, gathered
November 23-24 for its quarterly
meeting at St. Michael’s Retreat
Centre, just north of Regina.
Members reviewed the district
strategic plan’s mission and vision
statements, looked at governance
issues and discussed the role of vicepresidents and circuit counsellors.
The board appointed Eileen
Turner (Christ, Neepawa, Man.) as
lay representative to the board for the
Winnipeg region. She replaces Claudia
Edel whose husband, Rev. Ken Edel,
took a position as military chaplain in
Edmonton. The board also appointed
Rev. James Wood to the Central District
Reconciliation Committee.
The district president reported
that five parishes are calling a pastor,
while 18 are not calling at present.
Melissa McNeil was placed as a
deacon (DPS) at La Ronge Lutheran
Fellowship, Saskatchewan. Rev.
Alex Klages (Trinity, Winkler/
Zion, Morden) became new circuit
counsellor for the Portage circuit.
In financial matters, board
members learned that the district
might not achieve the $850,000
congregation mission goals by the
end of the fiscal year. By estimation,
budget reserve funds will only last
about another three years.
At a previous meeting, the board
considered undertaking mission
work on Aboriginal reserves near
Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.
After further discussion the board
investigated plans to begin a street
ministry in Regina. To start and
maintain such a ministry, current
funds would need to be reallocated,
but would be sufficient for only
three to four years of operation. The
board continues to wrestle with these
possibilities.
With the district office in Regina
needing major renovations, the staff
has investigated various options to
build, buy or lease office space in the
city. At the board’s further request,
a feasibility study will look into
incorporating the district office with
the synodical office in Winnipeg. The
study will be presented to the board
at its May meeting.
Visit the Central District website
at www.lcccentral.ca
and announcements six weeks
prior to publication month.
Elaine Stanfel, district editor
Box 471, Nipawin, SK
S0E 1E0
306-862-3723
E-mail:
billandelainestanfel@
sasktel.net
Next deadline:
March 26, 2010
33
East District News
Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor
Advent concert and outreach event
OSHAWA, Ont. - Grace
Lutheran’s first-ever
Advent concert followed
the church’s Advent dinner
on Saturday, December
12. The dinner—a “potblessing” rather than potluck—drew an enthusiastic
gathering of members and
guests. Two weeks earlier,
volunteers had walked the
neighbourhood handing
out invitations, and were
rewarded when more than
25 neighbours and their
families attended.
Both the choir and a
sizable group of young
musicians—on violin,
flute, guitar, clarinet and
percussion—performed
traditional holiday fare
spiced with a Cuban carol, a
Polish lullaby, and a German
carol with one verse sung
in the original language.
Thanks go to all the
musicians and volunteers
(including PowerPoint
expert Marshall Hohmann)
for a splendid night.
Anne Carson, Grace, Oshawa
Funding infusion for
mission trip
Grace’s choir (back, l-r): Bob Southern, Carolyn McLeod,
Lucy Southern, Alannah Hohmann and Rowena Parmar;
(front): Sandy Doyle, Anne Carson, Debbie Vincent and
Reta Curran.
DASHWOOD, Ont. - With a little
help from their wives on October
17, Zion Lutheran Men’s Fellowship
served 165 people a home-cooked
supper of ham, scalloped potatoes,
corn, turnips, coleslaw and pie. For
the past 14 years, proceeds from
this annual fund-raiser have gone to
benefit international LCC missions.
This year the men raised more
than $1300 they’ll use to buy food
baskets in Nicaragua during their
upcoming mission trip, March 1221. Previous years’ funds have
gone toward building supplies in
Nicaragua and missions in Haiti and
Ukraine.
Doris Osgood, Zion, Dashwood
The Advent orchestra (back row, l-r): guitarists Leo
Hohmann and Ryan Grootendorst, violinists Selby
Hohmann and Rev. Jack Hetzel, and Alannah Hohmann
on flute; (front, l-r): keyboardist Paula Hohmann, violinists
Bianca Parmar and Christa Hruska, Brennan Parmar on
clarinet and Brianna Parmar on flute. Brennan and Brianna
also played percussion.
Men provide meal to raise funds.
Gracias for uniforms
KITCHENER, Ont. - Sunday school
students at Faith Lutheran Church say
gracias for supporting their Nicaragua
mission project which helps other children.
Offerings from a December 13 Christmas
program, along with fourth-Sunday
offerings and a matching grant from
(left and above) Children from Faith, Kitchener support mission
FaithLife Financial, went into the project. Besides
uniforms (essential for attending school in Nicaragua),
it provides shoes, backpack, books, tutoring and other
necessities for a child’s year of Christian education. A
selection process identifies children most in need.
Rev. Warren Hamp, Faith, Kitchener
East District News
Another pull for the record books
COBOURG, Ont. - Rev. Kevin Fast,
pastor and strongman of St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, set a Guinness
world record on September 17
when he successfully pulled a C17 Globemaster III cargo plane
8.8 metres across the tarmac at
CFB Trenton. One minute and 16
seconds was all it took to claim the
record for heaviest aircraft pulled
by an individual. The plane weighs
188,694 kilograms.
“This is something I’ve been
wanting to do for a long time,” Fast
said of the feat. An Australian had
set the previous plane-pull record,
just under 187,000 kilograms, in
1997.
Rev. Fast also made the record book
in 2007 for pulling two fire trucks,
weighing 63 tonnes, more than 30
metres (see The Canadian Lutheran,
July/August 2007). At the time he
explained, “Setting a record involves
a combination of things: God’s gift
of strength, technique, and desire to
fight through the pain to finish. My
confirmation verse has been my
theme not only for truck pulling but
for life—Joshua 1:9.”
Outreach carnival
reaches Sudanese
community
HAMILTON - A fall Outreach Carnival
on September 26 at Pilgrim Lutheran
provided games, prizes, balloons and
more—a great opportunity to get to
know the community’s Sudanese
brothers and sisters in the faith.
Morning activities culminated in a
blending of the two cultures, singing
and hearing God’s Word, followed by
a potluck meal. Rev. Peter Gatluak,
ordained in May 2009 at Pilgrim,
serves as missionary-at-large to the
Sudanese community in the greater
Hamilton area. Sudanese worship
service at Pilgrim takes place at 2 p.m.
each Sunday.
From a report by Rev. Jim Schnarr and
Rev. Peter Gatluak, Pilgrim, Hamilton
Rev. Jim Schnarr (left) and missionary-atlarge Rev. Peter Gatluak make their carnival
rounds accompanied by Shrek.
Rev. Kevin Fast—pastor and strongman.
Chrismons repaired after 40 years
LONDON, Ont. - In 1969 several
women of Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church made chrismons (ornaments
symbolizing Christ’s name) for their
church Christmas tree. As the years
went by, some of the meaningful
ornaments broke or faded; more were
lost when the decorated tree toppled
over several years ago. This Christmas
the tree had a larger, more secure
stand, and the church’s Mary Martha
L W M L C
society spent
an evening
with tacky
glue, glitter,
sequins and
pearls repairing the chrismons for
2009 and future years.
Ethel Kuhl, Good Shepherd, London
(l-r) Mabel Keller, Lorine Ryan and
Tracey Klages.
Clowns and balloons delighted festivalgoers. Face painting, a magic show and
an inflatable bouncer rounded out the
options.
35
East District News
LCC’s new French hymnal available globally
N I AG A R A
but strengthens
FALLS, Ont. - The
and establishes
French-language
evangelical Lutheran
Lutheran Church–
practice and teaching
Canada hymnal,
in Francophone
published during
churches as never
Reformation Week
before. A case in point
2009, is a trailis the Athanasian
blazing document
Creed. Considered
both in content
by Luther the jewel
and size. Never
of creeds and his
before has such a
personal favourite,
complete service
this creed was
book and hymnal
excluded from French
b e e n ava i l a b l e
Lutheran liturgies for
in French for
centuries—one of
members of any
the rude surprises to
c h u r c h b o d y,
researchers as work
Roman Catholic Welcoming LCC’s French hymnal, Liturgies et cantiques luthériens, into the East District progressed on the
or Protestant.
new volume. Now
with the rite of Blessing were (l-r): Revs. Jason Kouri, David Milette, David Saar, Kurt
W h a t l e n d s Reinhardt, Charles Ravelonjato, Brian Dunlop, Razafy Razafindrakoto and President Paul the Creed’s liturgical
L i t u r g i e s e t Zabel, at the church workers’ conference in November.
role has been restored
c a n t i q u e s
to its rightful place,
luthériens such importance? First,
pews. A generic Protestant hymnal
based on documented historical use.
the mere availability of a Lutheran
reprinted in Québec gets some use
An additional feature is the
hymnal in French. The last such
among evangelicals.
Holy Communion hymn section,
hymnal rolled off the presses in
All this is to emphasize our
the richest collected in French for
1975 and quickly went out of
synod’s progressiveness in publishing
depth and breadth of eucharistic
print. Surviving copies are few and
Liturgies et cantiques luthériens. In
themes. The unfortunately common
falling to pieces. Second, no other
doing so, we have made a unique
Lutheran practice in France of
French-language hymnal has been
contribution to hymnody in Canada,
infrequent communion services
so comprehensive and reflective
North America, and even the world.
reduced to a minimum the number
of Lutheran practice and doctrine.
In France, a pastor of a once solidly
of communion hymns, and the
Liturgies et cantiques luthériens’ 864
confessional Lutheran church body
teaching, though solid, was down to
pages include 434 hymns and three
(now part of a Reformed/Lutheran
a handful of texts, limited in scope.
settings of Divine Service, along
fusion) has arranged for sale of the
This has been corrected, and Holy
with Matins, Vespers and Compline,
hymnal in the oldest Protestant
Baptism hymns augmented as well.
Holy Baptism, Marriage and Funeral
bookstore in Strasbourg. He hopes the
Looking for a unique mission
services, among many other liturgical
witness of the printed page in Lutheran
project? Lend a helping hand by
resources. Slightly more than half
form might result in increased interest
making a French-language hymnal
the hymns have parallels with the
in the living application of historical
available to a congregation that
Lutheran Service Book (LSB), and
Lutheran worship.
otherwise would simply not have the
one Divine Service setting is a
Nascent Lutheran churches in
Lutheran hymnal. Where? Take your
translation of LSB’s Setting Four.
Haiti rejoice over this new reality of
pick: Haiti, Dominican Republic,
Anglophone members of LCC
a completely Lutheran, completely
Africa, or help out our sister church in
may find it difficult to imagine,
French service book. They advanceFrance. For more information, email
but there simply has never been
ordered it to replace the Baptist
ascensio@bellnet.ca or cantiques@
anything like this resource before.
hymnals they had been unwillingly
egliselutherienne.ca.
The United Church of Canada
using. A new Haitian Lutheran
Order Liturgies et cantiques
does have a hymnal for its Frenchbody just being formed will begin
luthériens from Concordia Publishing
speaking congregations—a three-ring
its worship life based on this solidly
House online at www.cph.org (type
binder with few hymns. The Roman
Lutheran source—something never
“French hymnal” in the search box),
Catholic Church has a hymnal for
before possible.
or phone 800-325-3040.
francophones, but even the cathedral
In real and important ways
From a report by Rev. David Somers,
Église luthérienne de l’Ascension, Montréal
in Montréal doesn’t stock it in the
this volume not only restores
East District News
Word of Life mission hits restart button in new location
Worshippers gathered at Word of Life’s new home last November
From Heaven Above
BARRIE, Ont. - Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd and Loving
Saviour Lutheran Church held a
family Christmas program, From
Heaven Above, on December 20.
Through music, drama, songs,
readings and recitations, the Sunday
school children brought the story
of Jesus’ birth to the combined
congregations. Rev. Steven Omoregie, Lutheran Church of
the Good Shepherd/Loving Saviour, Barrie
Children share story of Jesus’ birth.
Founder of outreach to the blind celebrates 90th
Frieda Fink and her great-grandchildren.
ELMIRA, Ont. - Frieda Fink,
founder of Lutheran Braille Workers
of Canada, celebrated her 90th
birthday at St. Paul’s, the church
where she has long been a member.
A luncheon in her honour followed
the Sunday service on November 15.
Rev. Richard Frey surprised her with
a tale of how she “broke him in” when
he first came to Elmira as pastor. Peter
Holling, Frieda’s nephew, provided
some fond and funny memories of
his aunt. Frieda’s great-grandchildren
helped with the all-important task
of blowing out the candles on her
birthday cakes.
GUELPH, Ont. - More than three
dozen people gathered for a special
“restart” service celebrating Word
of Life mission’s new location,
Trillium Waldorf School. Volunteers
from the mission’s mother church
(Bethel Lutheran, Kitchener)
helped hand-deliver invitations
for the November 1 event around
the neighbourhood.
Rev. Aaron Rubach called
community response “encouraging,”
adding: “We hope to have them back
for other events we have planned.”
East District President Paul
Zabel served as guest preacher,
assisted by liturgists Rev. Jim Keller
and Rev. Rubach, and reader Rev.
William Gillissie.
Trillium administrator Karyn
Kirkwood brought greetings from
the school. Pastor Rubach expressed
thanks to Stone Lodge, Word of
Life’s first home, where Divine
Service is still celebrated twice a
month (on the second and fourth
Sunday at 2 p.m.).
Bethel’s evangelism committee
continues to offer spiritual,
financial and volunteer support to
its offspring, and Rev. Rubach and
Rev. Earl Allsopp doggedly share
the Gospel in this city—inviting,
encouraging and nurturing as
broadly as possible, with God’s love
and His Word.
In 2009 Word of Life held its
first marriage service, officiated by
Rev. Rubach.
An Advent and Christmas carol
service on December 20 drew more
than 30 people, who were invited to
return for Christmas Eve service.
A core group of dedicated
individuals, bolstered by faith in
Jesus Christ, continues planning
for an even more exciting 2010.
Trillium Waldorf School is
located at 540 Victoria Road North
in Guelph. Word of Life Mission
services take place every Sunday
at 10:30 a.m., with Bible study at
9:30.
Stephen Klinck, St. Paul’s, Elmira
37
East District News
Nourishing body and spirit
DASHWOOD, Ont. - A Spiritual
Spa Day on November 7 drew 45
women to Zion Lutheran Church for
this fifth annual event designed to
spark the spirit and relax the mind.
Keynote speaker Kathy Birkett led
a Bible study, Women Who Saw
Jesus, examining Christ’s response to
their needs and to our needs today.
Along with a phenomenal lunch
came soothing and uplifting musical
interludes and skits. Afternoon
speaker Heather Keller had women
take a closer look at
Life Nourishment,
ex p l o r i n g w h a t ,
how and why we
eat, traditions and
roles regarding food
both at home and at
church.
Doris Osgood,
Zion, Dashwood
Right: Women gather at
Zion, Dashwood for a
renewing event.
From the President
A New Year…A New Tomorrow
Morning
Because of the Lord’s great love we
are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
T
here is something exciting about a new year!
Things of the past seem to come to an end or
conclusion—even if, in reality, they carry on. A new
year brings opportunity to turn over a new leaf, turn
the page, take a new path, set new goals or some other
expression of altering the course of one’s life. Many
people approach the beginning of a new year with
eager anticipation—ready to get going, enjoy new
things and new people, and make something happen.
And all of this is good!
But when all is said and done, our talk about the
new year is more a matter of perception than reality.
January 1 is really just the day after December 31.
This time around, New Year’s Day happened to land
on a Friday following a Thursday. Looking at it from
this perspective sort of takes the starch out of all the
build-up, doesn’t it?
But is that as negative or blasé as it sounds? I imagine
it might be, depending on the person speaking. But
what if we look at things from the perspective of the
Scripture passage above, recorded for us in the book
of Lamentations? Something simple but profound is
stated here in these words about God, and it applies
specifically to us. As for God’s loving-kindnesses (also
translated as compassions, mercies, kindness or steadfast
love) — they never cease! They do not wear out, get
old, break down, and become faulty or out of date.
They do not weaken, struggle, and become impotent
or otherwise incapacitated. Now think about this for
a second. The only reason we need something new
is that the old no longer suits us or does its job. But
this is never a problem with God’s loving-kindnesses
and mercies!
These gifts are new every morning. We do not
have to await a new year to open them. They aren’t
refreshed because they’ve become worn or useless.
God’s loving-kindnesses are fresh the moment our
eyelids greet the dawn. Whatever it is that burdens
our hearts at the beginning of the day, God gives
something to help us bear it. Whatever joys thrill our
souls, God gives something to make it even better.
Whatever blessing you need (and the key word here is
not want but need) God’s loving-kindnesses are ready
to rain down upon your head. Oh, to have this kind of
perspective every day!
I like it when a new year rolls around. When January
begins I often make my own lists of changes, goals
and projects I hope to complete during the upcoming
days and months. But I am really counting on the
fact that with God the first day of the new year is just
another day—one in which His loving-kindnesses, His
mercies, are brand-new, just like they were yesterday.
This is not being blasé, this is the confidence of a faith
that knows God’s divine resources are new with each
new morning. With this in mind, I think I can make
it. Because I am sure God will send a heap of new
loving-kindnesses my way tomorrow morning, and
His gifts of renewal won’t ever be dependent upon it
being a new year.
God’s blessings on your new year—or, I should say,
“on your new tomorrow morning”!
Rev. Paul Zabel
East District News
New treatment for MS sparks interest for church member
DARTMOUTH,
N.S. - When news
of an astonishing
development in
multiple sclerosis
research hit
Christopher
Canada, the
Alkenbrack at home
media turned to
in Nova Scotia.
Faith Lutheran’s
Christopher Alkenbrack for comment.
The National, Halifax local news,
and French CBC news station RDI
(Réseau de l’information) came
calling on this past president and
treasurer of the Nova Scotia MS
Society.
Congregation treasurer
Christopher (also assistant treasurer
at Good Shepherd in Moncton, N.B.)
attends Faith with his wife Claire and
children Nicholas and Leah.
About the media attention, he
says: “My only goal in all of this is
to get the new treatment that was
discovered by a group of researchers
in Italy.” (On November 20, 2009, the
Globe and Mail reported on the work
of Dr. Paolo Zamboni, a professor of
medicine at the University of Ferrara,
and the experimental surgery he
performed on his wife, an MS sufferer
since 1995. Dr. Zamboni’s studies
suggest that MS is a vascular rather
than an autoimmune condition.)
Since his public appearances
the Alkenbracks have been deluged
with messages—by phone, email,
Facebook and more—from current
and former co-workers, neighbours,
schoolmates, even total strangers, all
expressing good wishes and many
offering to help directly if they can. Please pray for Christopher and
other MS sufferers, and sick people
everywhere, that they neither fall
into despair nor put their hopes in
New shepherd at Kincardine/Southampton
too small a glory here below, but
rather receive every gift from God.
Pray for the Gospel in Word and
Sacraments to go out mightily, along
with a temporal cure for MS if the
Lord wills it!
Rev. David Milette, Good Shepherd,
Moncton, N.B. /supervising pastor, Faith,
Dartmouth, N.S.
Coming Events
175th anniversary in
Kitchener
KITCHENER, Ont. - Historic St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church celebrates
its 175th anniversary in May with
the theme “Tell the next generation” (Psalm 145:4). Established in 1835 to
serve the many German Lutherans in
the area, it is Kitchener/Waterloo’s
oldest congregation. On the weekend
of May 29-30, the church invites
current and former confirmands,
members and friends to a reunion,
2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 29, and
divine worship at 3 p.m. the next
day, with LCC president, Rev. Robert
Bugbee serving as guest preacher.
A reception follows. If planning to
attend, RSVP as soon as possible
to office@historicstpauls.ca or 519745-4891.
Visit the East District website at
www.lcceastdistrict.ca
In attendance (back, l-r): Revs. Robert Bruer, David Saar, Kurt Lantz, Kurt Reinhardt, James
Keller; (middle) Revs. Brian Dunlop, Robert Clifford, Raymond Maher, District President Paul
Zabel; (front) Revs. David Gallas, Paul Schult, William Kramer and Marvin Bublitz.
KINCARDINE, Ont. - With 92 in
attendance, Rev. Robert Clifford
became pastor of the Grace/
Southampton dual parish.
At the installation, 12 of the 14
visiting pastors assisted with the
service, including District President
Paul Zabel who reminded the parish
and pastor of their unique obligations
to each other. Serving as liturgist was
Rev. Kurt Reinhardt and as lectors,
Revs. William Kramer, Marvin
Bublitz and Kurt Lantz. Susan
Otterman played the organ for the
Sunday communion service.
Rev. Clifford served Christ the
King (100 Mile House, B.C.) for the
past ten years, since his ordination
in 1999. He replaces Rev. Kurt Lantz,
who served Grace/Kincardine since
1998 and the dual parish since
2003, before accepting a call to
Resurrection (St. Catharines).
and announcements six weeks
prior to publication month.
Ilene Fortin, district editor
East District Office
275 Lawrence Avenue,
Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3
E-mail:
ilene@lcceastdistrict.ca
Fax: 519-578-3369
Next deadline:
March 26, 2010
39
Mission Update
Report from Southeast Asia warms hearts
WINNIPEG - The bitter cold weather
was a far cry from the warm humid
air of Bangkok, Thailand, when
volunteer missionary in Southeast
Asia, Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms visited
Lutheran Church–Canada’s office
December 17 and 18. Dr. Harms,
retired LCC mission executive, met
with President Robert Bugbee and
Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, executive
assistant to the president for Mission
and Social Ministry Services.
Recently returned from Thailand,
he brought first-hand information
about LCC’s missionary Pastor
Suchat Chujit and the work of
Lutheran Institute Southeast Asia
(LISA) of which he is executive
director. LISA provides theological
education in Thailand and Cambodia
taught by Canadian professors and
pastors. There are14 students in
Bangkok and 41 students in Phnom
Penh, Cambodia. This was Dr.
Harms’ first opportunity to provide a
face-to-face briefing for the president
and mission executive.
He reported both theological
classes will graduate in May,
2010 after receiving four years of
preparation for the pastoral ministry
in a series of 16 week-long intensive
courses that go from morning into
the evening. Most
recently, Pastor
Nolan Astley (Holy
Cross, Kitchener,
Ont.), taught a
course Theology
of the Cross;
servanthood
under the cross
in October,
and Concordia
L u t h e r a n
S e m i n a r y
p r o f e s s o r, D r.
Ed Kettner, will
Bugbee and Dr. Neitzel learn the locations of Lutheran
teach a course President
churches in Thailand from Dr. Leonard Harms
on the Lutheran
Confessions in early January.
how God has blessed our efforts,”
“What stands out about these
said Dr. Neitzel. “It is especially
men preparing to be pastors is
thrilling to see what is happening
their eagerness to learn and to put
in Cambodia as our friends there
their learning into practice,” said
proclaim the Gospel in so many
Dr. Harms. “Their thirst for God’s
ways.”
Word is never quenched, nor is
Although LCC has no formal
their desire to share the Gospel with
connection to the Cambodian church,
unbelievers.”
support for theological education
Dr. Harms moved to Bangkok
comes from Concordia Lutheran
after his retirement in 2006. LCC’s
Mission Society, an LCC auxiliary.
Board of Directors called him as a
Dr. Harms returned to Thailand
volunteer missionary seconded to
December 28 in time to welcome Dr.
LISA.
Kettner and the five CLS seminary
“As I learn more and more about
students travelling with him.
our mission work, it is exciting to see
God begins an unplanned mission station in Nicaragua
CHINANDEGA - Following a
bi-weekly meeting of pastors and
deaconesses of Iglesia Luterana Sínodo
de Nicaragua (ILSN), Missionary
Rufino Laines whom ILSN called to
begin mission work in Rivas shared
with me the difficulty of finding a
house to rent in Rivas within the
budget. He asked what I thought
about renting a house in Jinotepe, a
community about 30 km from Rivas.
“But that would mean you would
have to commute every day to carry
out your ministry in Rivas,” I said.
“But I wouldn’t have to commute
to Jinotepe then,” he responded.
“I’ve begun mission work there too
and have a small group that gathers
for study.”
He then told me how it happened.
Some time ago the mission centre
received a request from a family in
an LCC congregation on Vancouver
Island. They were providing support
for a young lady in Jinotepe through
a children’s charitable agency. Since
the young lady (who is also disabled)
had reached adulthood and was no
longer eligible for the program, the
family asked if our mission could
provide a channel so they could
continue their support.
We sorted out a process and
arranged for Missionary Rufino to
deliver the small stipend each month.
After all, the community was just
a short detour off his regular route
from Granada to Rivas.
Missionary Rufino delivered
the stipends and began visiting
with the family. Then he visited
with the neighbours and others in
the community. It isn’t long before
he has a small group of people
gathering with him for Bible study
and worship. And so began a new
mission station.
We now rent a house in Jinotepe
within our budget and Missionary
Rufino and his family have moved in.
God’s ways are wondrous to behold.
Remember Missionary Rufino
and his deaconess wife, Maryanne as
they begin this new chapter in their
service to Christ and His church.
by Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan
Volunteer Missionary in Nicaragua
Mission Update
Lutheran Christians busy in Ukraine; ask for prayers
In September, four female
DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE
members travelled to Odessa for a
– Lutheran Church–Canada’s
women’s seminar and to discuss
missionary in Ukraine recently met
plans for the almost completed
with one of 17 candidates who ran in
Concordia Seminary, Odessa.
the country’s January 17 presidential
More recently, the community
election.
baptized a two-year-old girl and
Aleksey Navrotskyy, a pastor of
passed out warm clothes to needy
the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran
residents of
Churches in
Dnepropetrovsk.
Ukraine (SELCU),
“Each of us
reported that he
brought [a] few
gave the candidate
clean, warm, good
a Bible and a copy
things from their
of Luther’s Small
personal wardrobe,
Catechism and
and all these
talked about youth
clothes were sorted
work and Christian
out, counted up
faith.
and driven to the
Navrotskyy
center of…[need
s a i d U k ra i n i a n
in]…our city,” he
Christians are
reported.
praying for the
Community
country’s leaders.
m e m b e r s
The meeting
regularly counsel
was just one of
individuals who
many activities of
are ill, are in
Pastor Navrotskyy
hospital or are
in this eastern
Missionary Aleksey Navrotskyy
victims of violent
European country,
crimes.
which is bordered by Russia to the
Navrotskyy wrote of one girl who
east, the Black Sea to the south,
returned home after she was attacked
Romania, Moldova, Hungary,
and beaten.
Slovakia and Poland to the west,
“In the moment of attack she began
and Belarus to the north.
to pray out loud, and this man left her
Besides performing routine
and went away and took nothing,”
duties between he has hosted TV
he said.
shows and conferences and have
The girl was later taken to the
travelled throughout the country,
hospital by her parents and Navrotskyy.
said Navrotskyy.
She suffered a broken nose and
Regular activities
damaged sight.
Ukrainian Orthodoxy is the
“Fortunately she stayed alive,” he
majority and Protestantism remains a
said.
minority in this country of about 46.2
Navrotskyy also wrote about two
million people. So Navrotskyy and
people who were involved in a local
members of the Lutheran community
children’s ministry but were forced
in Dnepropetrovsk, which is located
to take sick leave after a “difficult
on the Dnieper River northeast of
situation.”
Odessa, are hard at work.
He asked for prayers so leaders can
Navrotskyy said he preaches
receive the Lord’s wisdom.
twice a month and serves
Music, TV shows and lectures
communion at the Dnepropetrovsk
Navrotskyy said Lutherans are
Lutheran Church. Congregation
also reaching out to other Christians
members, called servants, preach
and non-Christian Ukrainians.
the remaining weeks.
The Lutheran community hosted
a conference for young Christians at
the Alpha and Omega Student Centre
in September.
“The value of music and the role
of theology in music service were
talked about,” said Navrotskyy.
“We invited some leading Christian
musicians and sound producers of
Ukraine who shared their experience
with all participants.”
About 60 people attended the
event.
Later in the autumn, the Lutheran
community produced three TV
programs—Navrotskyy preached
during one of them—and ran a series
of lectures on the topic of science and
Christianity.
Sergey Nikolenko, trained as a
physicist and theologian, prepared
the lectures.
More than 70 people attended,
including non-Christians, who asked
some “strong questions.”
Travel
Travel remains an important part
of missionary work.
I n S e p t e m b e r, N av ro t s k y y
travelled to Yalta with a small group
of German Christians and visited a
Lutheran community, a children’s
sanatorium and the elderly.
Yalta is located on the southern
shores of the Crimean peninsula on
the Black Sea.
“We gave food to those who
are in need, sweets to children and
everywhere preached about a mercy
given to us in Christ,” he said.
Navrotskyy said the Lutheran
community has several big projects
planned for the winter and he asked
for prayers.
He said the community plans to
host a forum for about 100 preachers,
called servants, and a conference
for men called, Be Courageous. The
community also hosted a big Christmas
service and Children’s performance.
He concluded his report by asking
everyone to “pray for many people
being ill this season and who…[have
H1N1]…flu in Ukraine.”
41
Education Report
New seminary curriculum prepares 21ST Century pastors
EDMONTON - After three years
of questioning and evaluating itself,
Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS)
in Edmonton inaugurated a new
curriculum this fall. What was
wrong with the old one? In terms
of theological content, absolutely
nothing! The eternal Gospel we are
called to preach remains the same. But
our surrounding culture has changed
so much, we needed new ways of
presenting that unchanging Gospel to
what is virtually a new world.
One major change takes place
outside the classroom. Since
becoming a pastor involves developing
character as well as mind, we have
set up a “co-curriculum” to help
CLS equip and evaluate students in
non-academic—but essential—areas.
Students earn units by participating
in field education, workshops and
seminars, and other events conducive
to spiritual and
personal growth.
Developing a sense
of servanthood
is one important
area, as are
pastoral skills,
wo r s h i p s k i l l s
and life skills in
general.
In the past
g e n e ra t i o n we
have moved from a culture that was
at least nominally Christian to one
that is purposefully multicultural.
Religion is now seen as private
matter of one’s own choice rather
than something based on inherent
truth—specifically, the inherent
truth of God redeeming the world
through His Son, Jesus Christ. This
calls for an education that prepares
pastors (and lay people) for speaking
and confessing the Gospel in a culture
that is increasingly indifferent or
even hostile to it.
New methods of delivering this
education help extend our reach
well beyond the campus. With
instantaneous communication and
live streaming, people living at a
distance can listen and view lectures,
Dr. Ed Kettner teaching a class at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton
participate in class discussions
and deliver assignments. While we
recognize that education takes place
best in a community of Christian
scholars, based on-campus, distance
learning will also
p rov i d e a way
students can test
the waters, to see
if they truly have
the aptitude for
seminary and for
ministry.
Tradition
once divided
the curriculum
into four fields:
exegetical theology, systematic
theology, historical theology and
practical theology. CLS has noted
that the division is somewhat fluid,
that all of these categories overlap
in many ways and the curriculum
needs to reflect this. For example, a
sermon needs to be relevant to people
and well-delivered (practical), but
it needs to be based on a thorough
study of the text (exegetical) and
reflect the truths of the Word of God
that have been proclaimed through
the ages in His church (doctrinal and
historical).
At CLS, “practical theology”
has become “theology in praxis,”
as we recognize that all theology is
intensely practical, since it relates to
the salvation of sinners and prepares
A sermon needs
to be relevant to
people and welldelivered
the potential pastor and leader to
bring the Gospel to bear on the
lives of people in the pew and in the
culture. Some courses have become
explicitly trans-disciplinary and
team-taught, to clearly demonstrate
the importance of integrating the
entire discipline of theology into a
unified entity.
Regardless of the new curriculum,
the central teaching at the seminary
is still Scriptures as the Word of God
written, the Lutheran Confessions as
a true exposition and exhibition of
that Word, and the proper distinction
between Law and Gospel. Students
continue learning the skills of
preaching, teaching, counselling,
and evangelism so they can relate to
the people they will serve. And they
are engaged with the church through
field education experiences in area
congregations.
Through the reorganized
curriculum and new co-curriculum,
our students grow in learning, in
doing and in character, so they
leave the seminary as well-rounded
individuals ready to serve God
through the congregations to which
they’ll be called. They learn, grow,
serve and mature into true “servants
for Jesus’ sake.”
Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner,
Academic Dean,
Concordia Lutheran Seminary
Edmonton, Alberta.
Education Report
EDMONTON – Hungry students
received a helping hand this
January when a food bank opened
at Concordia University College of
Alberta (CUCA).
The food bank, which received
about $8,000 worth of donations,
was available January 4 and occupies
three sets of shelves in the Peter
Schiemann Student Centre.
“It’s nothing romantic or beautiful
or even much more formal than
shelves and food, but hopefully
its practical and simple enough
to help,” said Andreas Schwabe
who heads CUCA’s public relations
department.
Schwabe said there is a real need
for the food bank, considering the
high cost of education and the poor
economy. In fact, Schwabe spoke of
one full-time student who worked
outside class and had just enough to
eat to stave off the shakes.
“It’s hard to perform academically
if you’re struggling to have enough to
eat,” he said. “We’re trying to offset
the pressure some students are under
by making food available.” Schwabe
said individuals at CUCA began
talking about creating the food bank
after last year’s CBC Turkey Drive.
He said the food bank is a cooperative
effort between himself, CUCA’s
president, Dr. Gerald Krispin, library
staff and maintenance workers.
“We just set it up, put food in it,
and if students need it they can take
it,” said Schwabe. “We’d rather err
on the side of making a mistake by
being open and generous, rather than
having too much (re: any) formal
administration.”
Individuals can help out by
putting food on the shelf at the
Peter Schiemann Student Centre or
by sending a cheque to Concordia’s
Alumni Association. If you would
like to make a donation, please
contact Karen Hildebrandt, at
karen.hildebrandt@concordia.ab.ca.
Cheques should include a note stating
the money is for the food bank.
More than a full plate.
Concordia Publishing House
is the number one offering envelope choice.
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43
$0
Inflation hits statistics
WINNIPEG - A story in the
November edition of The Canadian
Lutheran reported the statistical
information for Lutheran Church–
Canada in “Statistical ups and
downs” (National News). Something
in the article didn’t sit well with
reader Blair Otterman, a member
of Trinity Lutheran Church in
Fisherville, Ontario. So he went
to LCC’s website, and scrutinized
the information. We received the
following e-mail from him:
“The November edition of The
Canadian Lutheran reported an
average church attendance increase
for the East District which, from
personal experience, seemed too good
to be true.
“I reviewed East District statistical
data to identify which church(es)
were responsible for the significant
reported attendance increase (~20
percent).
“There is an obvious error
in the data for Pembroke, Grace,
(Locksley) where reported average
attendance is 1220. This must be
a typo considering that baptized
membership is only 348. It is likely
that average attendance should be
122.
“Using this entry would
bring actual East District average
attendance for 2008 down to a more
expected level of 76.
“Also, the entry of 185 for First
Lutheran in Palmer Rapids is not
realistic (baptized membership of
37) and perhaps belongs to another
church.”
We have corrected the errors and
the correct numbers are now online
at www.lutheranchurch.ca under the
What is LCC? tab.
Overseas mission news
www.lccontheroad.ca
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to
go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:16-17
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either one or both of Lutheran Hour
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God’s Word at Work
2010 Update from Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada
Role Change for LBTC Executive Director
By Rev David Maffett
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us
work for the good of all, and especially for those of the
family of faith.” Gal 6:10
Last winter I had the opportunity to travel
with Dr. James Maxey, the Director of Program Ministries at LBT. We visited our LBT/
LBTC missionaries in Cameroon, Martin and
Joan Weber as well as a number of partner
organizations with which we work. At the
end of our visit, Dr. Maxey asked me if I
would consider supervising all of LBT’s work
More directly involved now with Cameroonian partners, Rev David Maffett
in Cameroon for Program Ministries. Seeing
meets here with former Program Director Dr James Maxey and Dr Besong
an opportunity for LBTC to be more directly
Aroga, Translation Consultant - Bible Society of Cameroon.
involved with the overall work of LBT, I
agreed to consider it. We subsequently put
together a Memo of Understanding for a one year trial
Those projects report directly to the DTL and the
that was approved by the LBTC Board of Directors.
latter to the Cameroon Supervisor.
This opportunity to serve involves two responsibilities: supervision of LBT/LBTC personnel and liaison
with LBT partners. In the first, I work with missionaries to establish their goals and objectives, their yearly
budgets and reporting. I insure that the missionaries
have the materials and support they need from LBT
staff. Currently this includes two families, the Webers
longtime servants in Cameroon and the Fays who are
in France learning French in preparation for assignment in Cameroon next year.
The second area of liaison with LBT partners
involves several things. All of our work is for the
Ev. Lutheran Church in Cameroon (ELCC) and is
managed through their Department of Translation
and Literacy (DTL). As a result of completed translation projects, LBT continues to support two language
projects, Samba and Vuté. The New Testaments have
been dedicated, but language teams continued to work
at literacy training, Scripture use and some translation.
With LBT support, the ELCC also has a young man
in training for Bible translation, Aubert Kpengapse.
When he finishes his degree in 2011 the DTL will
place him in a translation project which LBT will
support much like the above language projects.
Finally, LBT works in close cooperation with other
organizations like SIL Cameroon, the Bible Society of
Cameroon and the Cameroon Association for Bible
Translation and Literacy (CABTAL). As LBT’s
representative, I will provide liaison for effective
partnership. All of that means that I’ll need to make
yearly trips to Cameroon to visit, encourage and
evaluate our work.
This opportunity provides a several benefits to
LBTC. First, it enhances the relationship between
LBT and LBTC. We have always placed, supported
and supervised Canadian missionaries on the field
through Program Ministries. … continued on page 48
45
Language Learning: A Lesson in Humility
Kory attending school with his classmates. In the picture
to the left, Kory is second from the right. Above Kory is
on the far right.
When we were speaking at churches in the United
States and told people we were going to be in
language school in France, they usually said, "Oh!
That will be so easy! You'll be fluent in no time
since you'll be living there!"
Well, we have been living here for about 3
months and let us assure you that by no stretch of
the imagination is language learning "easy".
We spend about
20 hours a week in
formal classes. In
addition to class,
we try to study on
our own through
reading books,
drilling vocabulary
and grammar,
listening to the
Bible online, and
talking to one
another in French.
Most intimidating
yet most beneDuring a recent class and celebration
ficial
regarding
honouring the formation of the European
language learning
Union, classmates and their families
attended a multi-ethnic meal with flags
involves getting
identifying the source of each national
out and testing our
dish.
language skills in
the French life and
culture all around us. This sometimes involves making mistakes, getting funny looks, and feeling like a
child again.
There is a boulangerie (bakery) just around the
corner from our home. We order our bread from
the same ladies a few times a week and we often
wonder what they must think of us. On one
occasion, Kory got so caught up in trying to
pronounce the word "deux" (two) not like the
word "doux" (soft) or "du" or "de" (of/from)
while ordering baguette that he said it several times
in a row without saying what he was ordering
(pointing accomplished the task)!
Another time, the store owner told Cara thank
you for her order and instead of thanking her back
for her service, Cara told her "You're welcome"
and walked out. We practice so often "Thank you"
and the response "You're welcome" that she forgot
there are other responses that are sometimes more
appropriate!
Overall, we are
getting a new perspective on what it is like
to not be able to
understand or be
understood in another
language, reaffirming
how important it is to
have God's Word in
our heart language.
Kory, Cara, Sam, and Lucy. Sam
is 2 and Lucy is 6 months. They
are missionaries with LBT and
under David Maffett’s leadership, the Fay family will begin
their first assignment in Cameroon, West Africa at the end of
2010.
Update from Kory and
Cara Fay who are learning
French by immersion in Chambéry, France to prepare for
service among the Nizaa people of Cameroon late in 2010.
A Process of Patience:
Shortly after the printed
version of the Kwanja New
Testament was dedicated,
Stage 2 to record it was
planned in order to
distribute the New Testament more fully.
Initially, Martin and Joan
Weber, LBTC translators
were to be assisted by LBT
technicians Dan and Kay
Finley to orchestrate this
project. However due to an
injury, Dan was unable to
come to Cameroon in September to start the work.
In mid-October 2009, the
recording began with the
help of another recording
team. Here are excerpts
from Martin and Joan
Weber’s updates as the
recording progressed.
Recording the Kwanja New Testament
October 14:
We started recording
the Kwanja New Testament! Hallelujah! Issac
and Alex, Ghanaians
from Accra are here from
Theovision - the African
partner of Hosanna
Ministries and a parallel
to Faith Comes by Hearing in the USA. They
were just finishing a recording in Douala, Cameroon when they were
asked to substitute for
the Finleys.
I built the recording
studio using mostly thin
foam mattresses and a
funny-looking structure
to house the generator. It
was lined with old egg flats to keep it quieter.
We are proud of our Kwanja readers. Many worked
hard to improve their reading. What we hear being
read is the best Kwanja we’ve ever heard! We have
already noticed a difference in reading of Scriptures
in church services and pray this will be only the
beginning!
Jerome, our two Emmanuels (who work with us full
time) and Bruno (our son Sammy's friend) are native
speakers who know written Kwanja and are able to
detect the smallest errors in the reading.
One of the four controllers and Joan or I have
worked in the preparation room in another house we
have rented for this time to have a good place to
prepare the readers to read as well as possible in the
studio. It is a lodging too for visiting readers.
Venant, the reader for Paul and for whom we asked
for prayer that he be released from teachers' college to
be able to read, has had a really hard time getting permission! But he is here, has read half of Romans and
plans to stay a week or so to finish Paul's parts.
Joseph, a young Kwanja with only two years of
formal schooling, is reading for Simon Peter and is a
good one! He has probably practiced far more hours
than anyone. That worked well with his job as a night
watchman! The Kwanja Jesus is Felix, the lay pastor in
Yimbéré. He reads well when he prepares in advance.
October 26:
Bruno made the comment to us, "I feel like I'm a part
of an historic event. It's a real privilege to be involved
in this work!" It is an important event, recording the
Kwanja New Testament for the very first time! It is
exciting but it also has its ups and downs. Some days
our readers are tired and can't concentrate. Then
recording takes much longer.
Venant finished the rest of Paul's words in Acts,
after having finished reading Philemon on Friday. He
began the week really tense and divided because he
wanted to return to Banyo for an important meeting
where he might be elected president of the student
association. This would give him special privileges as
well as responsibilities. However he also feared he
would miss tests and his grades might slip. We witnessed God working in him as he "let go" of these
concerns to concentrate more on reading. As he recorded Paul's words, Venant realized himself the
power in them. May they speak also to many Kwanjas
in the future!
Pastor Boula
Samuel who read
the voice of God
found time to come
to our village to
prepare to read. His
schedule is busy but
we thank God for
his precious time as
Samuel has a deep,
authoritative voice
that worked very
well.
In preparation to record the Kwanja New
Testament, Joan Weber does a voice test
with a Kwanja reading from Scripture.
Felix had a bad week - the back wall of his mud
brick house fell over and he had ... continued next page
47
Continued from previous page
Continued from page 45
to spend time and energy repairing it. Yirmi
Emmanuel who read the book of Hebrews spent
hours in preparation only to panic and make a lot of
mistakes during the recording. We pray that he will be
at peace in order to finish. I find myself cheering on
each reader and praying for those who are struggling.
Now we are an integral part of that ministry serving
both Canadian and American missionaries. Second, that
integral connection to the work makes us better able
to understand and promote the overall goal of Bible
Translation here in Canada. And third, through this work
God may present us with yet more opportunities to share
his Word with those who do not have it in their heart
language.
October 29:
Several challenges have arisen that hamper progress.
Yesterday it started raining at 11:30 am, stopping
the recording for a few hours. We only finished 3
recording sessions instead of 5. It is raining more than
usual this month even though it is nearing the end of
rainy season. One advantage of rain though is that the
air is cooler and more comfortable!
Medical problems are also hindering us. Colds, eye
problems and even the effects of alcoholism are
affecting the readers’ abilities. Amadou has been
hindered because of his cold and coughing. He
persisted but found it difficult to understand what
he read - Revelation. He is discouraged and wants to
go home. I think that Revelation has been somewhat
overwhelming to him. We pray God's Word will
speak to Amadou’s heart.
Travel has been encumbered with our readers
manoeuvring their motorcycles through heavy rains
and waist-high water to cross rivers. Several have had
breakdowns delaying them.
Yirmi Emmanuel is still dealing with "panic" when
he reads. The last 2 chapters went a little better. Pray
that he will continue reading with God's peace.
November 4:
PRAISE GOD for Amadou who is feeling better.
He finished Monday afternoon. He read very well and
left in good spirits! God really changed things!
The best news is that we have finished all the
recording! Now we will listen through all the books
of the New Testament noting mistakes and correcting
them with one final session. We are looking forward
to celebrating with all the readers. Our Ghanaian
technicians are eager to return home. Please continue
to pray for God’s protection and blessing over this
project, that He will use it in the future to bear fruit in
the lives of Kwanjas!
Update from Martin and Joan Weber,
LBTC translators, Yimbéré, Cameroon
This is a great opportunity for all of us. I invite you to
continue with us in this service to God’s people or to join
us if you haven’t already done so. Pray for LBTC and
LBT, for our missionaries and support staff, for our work
in Cameroon, and especially that God would give me
wisdom and discernment.
Annual Meeting and
Translation Encounter
2010
Guest
Speakers:
Eshinee &
Rob Veith
The Veiths are
returning from
Bostwana for their first furlough in 2010. Eshinee is an
LBT translator of the Shiyeyi language and is Canadian.
Rob from the Seattle area is a vernacular media specialist
assisting the Lutheran Church of Botswana.
Please plan to join us with your friends for
dinner and entertainment on Saturday April 24
at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kitchener.
Annual Meeting begins at 5:15 pm
Dinner at 6:00 pm
Entertainment during and following the meal with
the help of K-W area EDLYA and Youth groups
Reservations are required by April 15
Please contact Lutheran Bible Translators
of Canada at 519-742-3361 or
by email info@lbtc.ca
Transitions
ABC
Susan Bernhardt, deacon (DPS),
Youth Ministry Institute, Calgary, Alta.
to candidate
Rebecca Kramer, deacon (DPS),
to candidate, Lutheran Church of
Australia
Rev. Kyung-Hyun Kim, pastor,
Trinity, Churchbridge, Sask. to Mount
Calvary, New Westminster, B.C.
Laura Kihn, deacon (teacher) to
Edmonton Lutheran School Society, St.
Albert, Alta.
CENTRAL
Rev. Keith Blom, pastor, Immanuel
Tonawanda, N.Y. to candidate Thunder
Bay, Ont.
EAST
Rev. Robert Clifford, pastor, Christ
the King, 100 Mile House, B.C. to Grace/
Southampton Lutheran, Kincardine/
Southampton, Ont.
Announcements
Rev. Gregory Kjos of Camrose, Alberta,
has submitted application to the Pastoral
Colloquy Committee of Lutheran
Church–Canada. Communications
regarding his application should be
submitted in writing within four weeks
to Rev. Daryl Solie, chairman, Pastoral
Colloquy Committee, c/o Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church, 935 McCarthy
Blvd. North, Regina, SK S4X 3L2.
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JOSEPH & THE PSALMS OF DAVID
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One where you will experience the
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From the fields of Canaan to the palaces
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2010. For information please call Joy
Brennen @ Hanover: (416) 247-3024 or
e-mail quiltjoyb@sympatico.ca
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH,
Prince Albert, Sask., will be celebrating
their 50th Anniversary as a congregation
on May 15 & 16, 2010. All former
members, their families and friends are
invited to attend. For further information
please contact Verna Schneider at
mv.schneider@sasktel.net or call 306764-3863.
Acceptance of advertising does not
imply endorsement by The Canadian
Lutheran or Lutheran Church–Canada
of advertiser, products or services.
St. Pauls Lutheran Church of
Handhills, Alberta will be holding
their centennial celebration on July
18, 2010. We would like to extend an
open invitation to anyone who was
affiliated with or attended our church
in the past.
PERIODICALS WANTED
Any issues of “Concordia Theological
Monthly” (1930 through 1973), “The
Concordia Journal” (1974 through
2000), “Consensus” (1975 through
1982) and “Lutheran Theological
Review” (1983 to present). Please
contact Arnold Pittao 780-875-7123,
apittao@telusplanet.net or write to 540529 Street, Lloydminster, AB T9V 1N2.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®
The Board of Governors of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League and the
Executive Director for Lutheran Hour Ministries invite applicants and nominations
for the position of Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®. The Speaker must be a
person with a passion for reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and
will be responsible for the preparation and delivery of Christ-centred messages
through broadcast media and speaking engagements. The Speaker must have a
Shepherd’s heart for relating and connecting with many fine people who view
Lutheran Hour Ministries as an extension of their own ministry, and should
be receptive to the expanding possibilities that media and technology offer in
“Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.” (http://www.
lutheranhour.org/)
The job description may be viewed in detail at http://www.lhm.org/tlhspeaker.htm.
Candidate must be an ordained clergy member of either the Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church–Canada who desires to speak boldly of
the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The successful candidate will have strong
communication skills in writing and speaking, enjoy relating to individuals and
groups, have experience in or be willing to learn media production and media
interviews, and be able to travel.
Applications and nominations will be accepted until March 31, 2010. If interested, please submit a resume with cover letter and salary
history to:
Jackie O’Guin, Human Resources
Lutheran Hour Ministries
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
E-mail: LHMjobs@lhm.org
Fax: (314) 317-4291
49
Presidential perspective
Love’s “Strategic Direction”
by President Robert Bugbee
Reach out to newcomers with a love that draws a person in
I’ve lost count of how many times
somebody has said: “Faith is totally
personal. It’s between Jesus and
me.” In one way it’s perfectly true.
God’s promises are directed at you,
not just the crowd. Nobody else can
repent for you. Nobody else can do
your believing. In that sense faith is
quite personal.
Did you ever notice, however,
that the Scriptures don’t quite talk
this way? Instead, the Bible says,
“Anyone who does not love his
brother, whom he has seen, cannot
love God, Whom he has not seen” (1
John 4:20). The apostle Paul told his
story like this, “The grace of our Lord
was poured out on me abundantly,
along with the faith and love that
are in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 1:14).
When the transforming grace of God
lays hold of you, it brings along these
powerful things: faith toward Jesus,
who died to save you, and love aimed
at other people all around.
Our Lutheran Church–Canada
places great importance on faithfulness
to the Scriptures as God’s written
Word. We’re concerned about doctrine
so that the content of teaching and
preaching is rooted in that Word. Our
theologians and pastors part company
with much of mainline Christianity,
where leading voices deny (or at least
muffle) Biblical teaching, including
bedrock truths confessed by the
faithful for centuries in the Apostles’
Creed, for example.
Late last year, leaders of our
Synod mulled over a set of “strategic
d i re c t i o n s ” f o r L C C a n d i t s
congregations in the coming years.
(Maybe you saw this in the December
2009 issue of The Canadian Lutheran,
pp. 22-23). The first direction is to
“cultivate loving healthy growing
congregations.” I won’t unpack here
everything they said on the subject,
but allow me to lay on your heart the
powerful role love can play in church
family life.
It can easily happen that
someone is drawn to your church
by its clear preaching and Biblical
message. Someone may attend adult
instruction, then publicly confesses
Christ and wants to be received
Contrary to what
some have told
me, this is not just
“the pastor’s job.”
into membership. Sadly, it can also
happen that such a person drifts
away rather quickly. Though there
may be many reasons for it, here’s
one that always troubles me. It’s
when long-time, committed believers
did not reach out to that newcomer
with the sort of love that really draws
a person in and gives the strong sense
of “People care about me here. I
really am one of the family.”
On the other hand, it is heartwarming to be cared for when dark
days come; wonderful to get a note
or card from someone in the church
family who took time to write (more
than a signature!) to encourage you
in Christ. It’s a joyful surprise when
the phone rings and a Christian
friend calls for no other reason than
to find out how you are doing …
how you are really doing in a way
that goes beyond the quick, “Hi, how
are ya?” It doesn’t make the trouble
go away, but there’s something
sustaining about it when members
of Christ’s body go to the funeral
home to support one another in a
time of loss, when they rush to an
ailing member of the church family
in the hospital, or see to it that
shut-ins have their days brightened
by phone calls, notes, and—best of
all—personal visits!
St. Paul put a strong emphasis on
sound teaching. He stressed the need
for personal repentance and faith in
Christ (read Romans, you’ll see!).
But after he came to trust in Jesus,
he did not only give attention to his
own private personal relationship to
the Lord. He threw himself into the
business of loving others, consoling,
correcting, encouraging and spending
himself in a deep way for the rest of
his life. To repeat, I’m persuaded
that’s why he said, “The grace of
our Lord was poured out on me
abundantly, along with the faith
and the love that are in Christ Jesus”
[italics added].
Contrary to what some have told
me, this is not just “the pastor’s job.”
It’s a wonderful open door the Lord
sets before you in the body of Christ.
It doesn’t cost you a dime to turn
this force loose in the local church
of which you are a part. While it can
never replace God’s love for us, it can
make that love of God seem more real
to others. Though it is not a substitute
for sound teaching and faithfulness
to the truths of Scripture, it’s like an
ornament making that faithfulness
seem all the more beautiful.
How I thank God for the ways
people in our churches are living this
out, despite our weaknesses! How I
thank Him for the good He’s ready to
do today through you, for the glory
of Jesus and for the blessing of many,
many people.
There’s no time like the present.
Life is a gift and no matter where you are in Life … now is always the best time to save
for your retirement and celebrate what matters most – your family and your faith.
Faithlife Financial is a financial services company with a difference.
We offer a full financial por tfolio including competitive and affordable insurance and
investment solutions that help you build a more secure future. Plus, we reach out and
support the Christian communities and charities you care about.
Call us today to create a personalized plan that meets your Life’s needs.
w w w. F a i t h l i F e F i n a n c i a l . c a
1-800-563-6237
12-09

Bringing hope to Haiti - Lutheran Church

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