The Canadian Lutheran - January/February 2015

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The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 30 Number 1

CONFUSED?

Bible Reading 101


Thank you! It’s just what they needed You gave the perfect gift this Christmas when you gave a Gift from the Heart. Items like “Irrigate a Field” help people like the Eyasu family grow enough food year-round in dry northern Ethiopia. A full stomach: there aren’t many better gifts than that.

Make your support go further. Don’t forget Gifts from the Heart this year for birthdays, anniversaries, confirmations and other special events. Visit clwr.org /donate or contact us at 1.800.661.2597.

CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF 600 - 177 LOMBARD AVENUE, WINNIPEG, MB R3B OW5 1.800.661.2597 • WWW.CLWR.ORG


Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca

How God really speaks today Reading the Bible 101

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Volume 30 Number 1 January/February 2015

Departments Table talk

“Lord, to whom shall we go?”

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In Review

Into the Woods

37

Presidential Perspective

The “Right Side of History”?

42

News Section International News

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National News

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ABC District

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Central District

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The most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian • ILC Executive meets in England, plans for 2015 World Conference

ABC District insolvent, investors facing losses • President Bugbee releases pastoral letter on ABC District situation • Canada decriminalizes assisted suicide • LCC Pension Plan stable

T h e C a n a d i a n L u t h e r a n is the national publication of Lutheran Church–Canada, published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ October, November/December under the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee for Communication and Technology). ISSN #0383-4247 Member: Canadian Church Press Editor: Mathew Block Advertising: Iris Barta District News Layout: Marion Hollinger Cover: istockphoto.com/mammuth Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: bcs@lutheranchurch.ca

All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request. The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: communications@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2014 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction of a single article or column for parish use does not require the permission of The Canadian Lutheran. Such reproductions, however, should credit The Canadian Lutheran as the source. S c r i pt u r e t a ke n f ro m t h e H O LY B I B L E , N E W INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

On the CEF and DIL • MARVELous..coming soon! • Boar’s Head Festival • Lutheran school connects Scripture with technology Youth retreat • VBS offerings headed to Nicaragua • Advent and Christmas activites • New workers installed

East District

Helping the homeless with hats and mats • Christmas missions bazzar • CLWR work introduced in Quebec

Mission Update

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New church workers for Nicaragua • Malabar Mission Society reports outreach success in India

Education Report

CCSCF plans for 2015 conference • Seminary cooperation continues • CUCA moves to Pension/Benefit autonomy

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Classifieds

39

Daily Bible Reading

41

Supplement

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Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen Street South, Kitchener ON N2G 1W2 Phone: 519-742-3361 Toll free: 1-866-518-7071 www.lbtc.ca info@lbtc.ca

this visit was most

chosen as the first LBTC

great interest in linguistics, literacy training and

Early in 1975, Erna Hein, Secretary of the LBTC

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015 instrumental in beginning Chairman.

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presents…

On the Trail of Martin Luther

Please join Mathew Block, editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to the birthplace of the Reformation.

11 Days, 14 Meals • October 14 - 24, 2015

Highlights: Worms, Gutenberg Museum, Mainz, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle, Lutherhaus, Dresden, Leipzig, St. Thomas Church, Eisleben, Wittenberg, St. Mary’s Church, Berlin • Visit the Gutenberg Museum and see the famed Gutenberg Bible. • Travel to Worms, where Luther refused to recant and the Imperial Diet declared him an “outlaw.” • Visit Wartburg Castle, the place Luther translated the bible into German while in hiding. • Enjoy a guided tour of Eisleben, site of Luther’s birth and death, including a visit to the house where he was born. • Discover St. Thomas Church, where Martin Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach was a cantor.

Double $4,385

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Book by April 15, 2015 and SAVE $200 per person!

Join us for an online webinar. Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. (EDT) to register https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5199530378720352770

For more information, call Collette at 800.581.8942 Travel provided by

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*Rate is per person and includes roundtrip air from Winnipeg Intl Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers. Early Bookings Savings is valid on air-inclusive packages only. Pricing is based on a minimum of 10 passengers traveling on the same air schedule from the same gateway. Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all tour packages. If you purchase an air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Travel Industry Council of Ontario Reg. # 3206405; B.C. Reg. #23337

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015


Table Talk

“Lord, to whom shall we go?” by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran

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t’s something I grew up singing regularly as part of the liturgy, right before the Gospel reading: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). The verse is a potent reminder of the power of Scripture; these aren’t just words on a page. They’re powerful. They change people. They bring eternal life. And yet, if I’m honest, I too often live as if the words of Christ were not life to me. Too often I leave my Bible sitting on the shelf, dust slowly accumulating. I find myself “too busy” to spend time in the Word, and yet somehow find time to read this or that book, watch this or that movie, and browse this or that website. It’s not that these other activities are somehow wrong; they’re not. But when we choose them to the exclusion of Scripture reading we demonstrate a certain hard heartedness on our part. The 16th century theologian Thomas Cranmer paints the problem well. “What excuse shall we make at the last day before Christ if we delight to hear men’s fantasies and creations more than His most holy Gospel?” he asks. “What excuse can we give if we never make time to do the very thing we should do above all other things? What shall we say in our defense if we choose to read everything except Scripture, the very thing we ought to make time for before all other readings?” What defense indeed? “Man does not live by bread alone,” Jesus tells us, “but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mathew 4:4, Luke 4:4; cf. Deuteronomy 8:3). We nod our heads in agreement when we hear the words in church. Then we go home

and fill up on “bread alone,” as if the words were never spoken. I know and you know that we Lutherans are not always very good at reading our Bibles regularly. It’s a problem, and one we need to own up to. But it’s not just us. Canadian Christians in general have abandoned reading Scripture in recent years. “The majority of Canadians, including those who identify themselves as Christians, read the Bible either seldom or never”—that’s the grim conclusion of the Canadian Bible Engagement Study, which was released last year. In 1996, 27 percent of Christians in Canada read the Bible at least once weekly; by 2013, that number had dropped to 14 percent. Things have certainly changed from the heady days of the Reformation. At that time, Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into common German spurred average Christians to commit themselves to Scripture reading. One of Luther’s contemporaries—an opponent, actually—summarized the situation in this way: “Even tailors and shoemakers, yes, even women and ignorant persons... studied it with the greatest avidity as the fountain of all truth.” The fountain of truth: that really is what Scripture is. And the truth it contains—the life it bestows—is Christ dying and rising again for us. The Bible brings us Christ, and Christ brings us salvation. It was this Good News that motivated Christians in Luther’s time to dig into the Bible so voraciously. They wanted to be near the Christ of their salvation. They wanted to hear the words of eternal life that He was speaking.

The Holy Spirit can use the same Good News to motivate us to spend time in Scripture—to begin healthy spiritual practices like private reading and family devotions, and to attend worship regularly in our congregations, where we hear the Word of God publicly read and proclaimed. This issue of The Canadian Lutheran has tools to help you dig into that Word. “How God really speaks today” (page 6) reminds us that the Word of God isn’t something hidden; the voice of God isn’t secreted away in some corner of your heart waiting to be discovered. Instead, it’s available to you in an external, trustworthy way—written down in the Bible and proclaimed in your church. But maybe you’ve never read the Bible on your own before. Or maybe you’re out of practice. That’s okay. “Reading the Bible 101” (page 11) gives you some helpful pointers to keep in mind as you get started. Your pastor and other mentors in the faith are also valuable resources here: ask them for their advice and guidance. Starting with this issue, we’re also including a Bible reading plan (page 41) in The Canadian Lutheran. By reading six small selections each week, you can finish the entire Bible in two years. Invite your family to do the readings with you, or encourage a friend to take part. That way you can keep each other on track. The One who bled and died for you is speaking. He wants to give you the good gift of His Word—a Word that strengthens and sustains faith, draws you closer to Christ, and transforms you more and more into His image. Tolle lege: take up and read.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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How God really speaks today by Philipp Cary

Editor’s Note: From time to time we run across other publications that reflect the high value we place on Scripture as God’s revelation. The following article is such a publication, highlighting the dangers of “just following your heart” when it comes to faith.

T

he first time I realized how seriously anxious the new evangelical theology can make people, I was reading a student’s paper and trying to figure out just what she was talking about. It was the first course I was teaching at an evangelical Christian college where I had recently been hired as a philosophy professor. We were studying the concept of revelation in a class on the philosophy of religion, and I assumed that when we used the word “revelation” in a Christian context, we all knew that meant the Bible. But I was wrong. The paper I was reading criticized the concept of revelation, and behind the criticism was anguish. The problem with revelation, my student wrote, was that you can never tell if it’s the voice of God. For how do you know which voice you’re hearing is really God’s voice? And if you can’t tell it’s God’s voice, then how can God reveal anything? I realized pretty soon that she wasn’t talking about the Word of God in Holy Scripture. That’s just not what the term “revelation” meant for her. It meant a voice she was supposed to listen for in her own heart. And her anguish was: how can you tell whether you’re listening to the right voice? How can you be sure you’re not mistaking your own voice for God’s voice? How do you know? You have to admire this student’s honesty, not to mention the courage it took to write such a paper for her Christian philosophy professor. The sad thing was that her honesty was the source of her anguish. She was too honest to succeed in persuading herself that she really knew which of the voices in her heart was God. It’s as if there were a kind of psychological trick she was supposed to pull on herself, and she was too self-aware to believe the trick as she was doing it. And since for her, hearing God in her heart was what it meant for God to reveal

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himself she was left without any concept of revelation or how to know God. The comments I wrote at the end of this courageous student’s paper were the first step I took toward writing this book. What I wrote went something like this: “I have good news for you: the voices in your heart are all your own. So you don’t have to get all anxious about figuring out which one of your voices is God. None of them is. The revelation of God comes in another way, through the word of God in the Bible, and this is something you can find outside your heart.” What I discovered as I continued to teach evangelical students is that most of them have the same deeply unevangelical view of revelation as this anguished student, and that they learned it from their evangelical churches and youth groups and other Christian ministries. It’s the standard teaching in American evangelical circles today— the new evangelical theology.

From “Guidance” to Hearing God

And this is a very new development. The practice of listening for God’s voice in your heart has only recently displaced Scripture as the most important way, in the view of most evangelicals, that God reveals himself to us. When I was a kid this practice was called “guidance,” and it was not nearly so central to the life and piety of evangelical Christians as it is today—though it was already prevalent enough to cause many young people a great deal of anxiety. The idea, as it was taught to me back in my college days, was that when you have a big decision to make—say, about marriage or your career—then you are supposed to seek guidance from God (good idea!) and the key way to do that is by listening to how he’s speaking in your heart (bad idea!).


The bad idea, let me hasten to say, was not that you should listen to your heart. That’s something you have to do if you want to know your own thoughts and feelings, which you need to know if you want to make good decisions— not to mention if you want to have self-knowledge. But listening to your heart contributes to self-knowledge, not knowledge of God. The bad idea was that listening to a voice in your own heart was how you could hear God. For to know God you have to listen to God, not to yourself, and that means listening to a word which comes from outside yourself—the external Word of Scripture. The bottom line here is that God speaks to us as a person. And you can’t listen to another person just by hearing what’s in your heart. Other persons live outside your heart, and that’s where you have to listen for them. That’s even how they get into your heart. So Scripture says Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17) but directs our attention outside ourselves to find what we should put our faith in: “Faith comes by hearing,” says Paul, “and hearing comes by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The Word of Christ that’s he’s talking about is not a voice in our hearts but the preaching of the Gospel in external words that we can hear with our ears, announcing the good news of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:15). So Christ gets into our hearts precisely as we put our faith in the Word of Christ that we hear preached to us. He is a person who is inside us because we find Him outside us. That’s how it always goes with persons. This way of finding Christ through the Word of God used to be obvious to all evangelical Christians, but not anymore. The practice of seeking “guidance,” which they tried to foist on me when I was a college student, is now the reigning view among today’s evangelical college students about how God speaks. It’s very revealing that one of the best and most important books advocating this practice, written by Dallas Willard, was originally titled In Search of Guidance, but in a more recent edition has been re-titled Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. It’s one of the best books on the subject because it includes so many warnings and safeguards about how this practice of “hearing God” can go wrong. But even with the safeguards, I still think the practice is inherently bad for your faith. You can begin to see why just by noticing the title change, which reflects the way this practice has spread and taken over evangelical piety. What used to be described as “guidance” is now described as having a relationship with God. In fact, for many evangelicals nowadays “having a personal relationship with God” means hearing God speak in your heart. This would have astonished most evangelicals

a couple of generations ago, who thought of a personal relationship with God as based on God’s Word, which they found in Scripture alone.

The Many Voices in Our Hearts

“Hearing God speak in our hearts” is not only a bad way to learn who God is, it’s also bad for our hearts. It prevents us from recognizing the thoughts of our own hearts and dealing responsibly with them. The good news here is that it’s okay that the thoughts of your heart are your own. They don’t have to be God’s voice to be something worth listening to. But we do have to listen carefully, even critically, because we have many different voices in our hearts and some are better than others. Some in fact are pretty dumb—thoughtless and conventional, easily manipulated and willing to join whatever party is going on. Those are usually the loudest voices, trying to drown out the others. It’s usually the quiet voices that are the most perceptive, because they come from a part of ourselves that’s afraid to speak up at the party, but that knows what we really have to live with inside—knows how we really feel and how it hurts. This is where we often find the voice of our own integrity—a voice that’s unsure of itself because it tells us about feelings we’re not quite ready to admit we have, or thoughts that on some level we don’t want to think about even though we need to. But the voice is there because it comes from the part of ourselves that the party can’t drown out—the part that notices how our heart isn’t quite in it. Self-knowledge means knowing the voices in your own heart, both thoughts and feelings. They’re not always right, but they’re yours and if you don’t know them, you don’t know yourself. The good news here is that it’s okay to know yourself. The voices in your heart don’t have to be God’s voice to be worth listening to. They’re not infallible, but they are often perceptive, telling you a lot of things you need to know. And as our moral character develops and the Spirit works within us, the voices of our own heart can even grow into voices of wisdom. This is not a wisdom we should trust as if it were the word of God (for there is nothing more foolish than people who are wise in their own eyes), but it is a wisdom God commands us to seek: the wisdom to discern good from bad, to make responsible adult choices, to live with moral integrity. Attaining self-knowledge is part of the process of growing up. In commanding us to seek wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), God is commanding us to seek knowledge of ourselves, as well as knowledge of Him—and an awareness of the difference.

How can you tell whether you’re listening to the right voice? How can you be sure you’re not mistaking your own voice for God’s voice? How do you know?

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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That’s why the new evangelical practice of “hearing God speak” is doubly bad for us. By trying to identify which voice in our hearts is God’s, we not only misidentify God, we fail to know ourselves for who we really are.

Doubly Good News

It is good news that God does not speak in our hearts. It’s doubly good news, having to do with both God and ourselves. On the one hand, this means it’s okay that the voices of our hearts are our own. And on the other hand, it means that when God does speak we can hear Him the way we hear people we love, who are real and therefore exist outside our own hearts. We hear them speak by turning our attention away from our own hearts and listening to voices that come from outside us. Some people who like the newfangled way of “hearing God” say it’s more personal. But that’s not how we get to know and love other persons! On the other hand, I don’t agree with the critics who say “hearing God in your heart” is self-centered. When I look at my students, what I see instead is that it prevents self-awareness and selfknowledge. It reinforces the sense so many of them have that their own feelings don’t really matter and aren’t worth listening to. It also undermines the genuine kind of selfassurance that goes along with real moral responsibility, where you know what you believe and why you think it’s true, even when others try to manipulate and control you. Trying to hear God within yourself does not strengthen the self but undermines it. It makes you easier to manipulate, like a girl who doesn’t know what to say when a guy tells her, “I think God’s telling us we should get together. Don’t you feel him saying that too?”

“What’s Wrong with Me?”

Listening to God in our hearts is a way to avoid thinking critically; it prevents us from thinking for ourselves like a good steward or a responsible adult. That’s why I don’t think it arises from individual selfishness. It’s not something that any of us came up with on our own; it’s something we were taught. I’m calling it a practice, because it’s not something that just happens to us—like one day God suddenly starts talking to us. It’s something we’re taught to do on a regular basis, in church or youth group or on weekend retreats. We are told how to listen to God in our hearts and make it an ongoing part of our lives. And we are made to feel guilty if we don’t put it into practice. In a sense, however, you can’t really say we’re taught to do this, because if there were any real teaching going on, it would be easier to think critically about it. It’s more accurate to say that what we’re dealing with here is the power of group dynamics. Have you ever been in a room full of people doing something together that doesn’t feel quite right to you? Despite your discomfort, you’re likely to feel all sorts of pressure to give in and join the group. And the pressure is not just external. Because everyone else in the room seems

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to be on the same page, you end up listening in your heart to a persistent, worried voice asking why you’re the only one who’s not getting it. It all seems so right, so obvious, to everybody else. Why can’t you see it? What’s wrong with you? I think this is one of those loud voices trying to drown out the quieter, more perceptive voices in your heart. It’s a kind of socially induced guilt that takes the form of that voice in your heart eating away at you, nagging at you, saying: “What’s wrong with you?” It’s reinforced when people smile at you really nicely and say, “We can see you’re struggling with this. We’ll pray for you.” When people treat you like that, then you really know there must be something wrong with you—at least they think so. This is the way many groups make it hard for people to be very thoughtful or critical, or to say things that disturb the consensus of the group. It’s really the group maintaining its own comfort zone—by making you feel uncomfortable that you’re not in it. And it all happens with the best of intentions. Nobody’s being mean or judgmental; they’re all just trying to help. They’re perfectly sincere about that. But the assumption is that you need help because there’s something wrong you—you don’t really fit in, you aren’t experiencing what everyone else is experiencing or you aren’t thinking the same way they are. This is one of the most powerful secrets of manipulation: people do it without even meaning to—and with the best of intentions, because all they want to do is help. And it has a potent effect on you, making you wonder what’s wrong with you if you’re not on board with everyone else. If it didn’t work like this, then groups wouldn’t wield such enormous social power. Group dynamics is powerful— powerful enough to give social cohesion to a crowd by getting everybody in it to suppress their own criticisms, doubts, and hesitations. People keep their anxieties to themselves, and nobody speaks up to raise any concerns about where it’s all going. This situation is very different from sound Christian teaching. It’s not really teaching or preaching at all, but more like a kind of peer pressure. The technology of manipulation in our society harnesses peer pressure all the time, as you can see by watching how advertising works to recruit our youngsters for consumerism. And yes, adults are subject to peer pressure too. I’m convinced this pressure is how most people have learned to listen for God in their hearts. They do it because it makes them feel anxious if they don’t. They wonder what’s wrong with them if they can’t hear God’s voice. “Am I not really a Christian,” they ask, or “Have I somehow missed out on a real relationship with God?” So instead of being taught the Word of God in Holy Scripture (which does not require them to do any such thing) they are left anxiously trying to figure out which of the voices in their hearts is God—because that’s what everybody else is doing.

Where the Spirit Really Speaks

The good news about self-knowledge is that it’s okay for your feelings and thoughts to be your own, not the voice of


God. For the good news about God is that He makes Himself known the way a real person does, by speaking to us from outside our hearts. And precisely that external speaking, when we take it in by faith, gives a new shape to our hearts, conforming us to the image of his Son. That’s how our thoughts and feelings and inner voices become a new thing. The Bible instructs us that this external speaking of God’s Word is the work of His Spirit. Just imagine what it was like hearing God’s Word in Old Testament times. You didn’t go listening to your own heart; you listened to the words of the prophets. For the Spirit of the Lord is the Spirit who speaks through the prophets. “Thus says the Lord!” the prophet would cry aloud, and what you heard next was God’s Word given to his people Israel. Things have not changed much since then. The Word of God still comes out of human mouths and resounds in the ears and hearts of his people. That’s where you go to hear God—you dwell in the community of His people, because that is where His Word is. And because His Word is spoken among His people, it gets into their hearts. They learn it by heart, and thus it dwells within them and changes their lives. Think how this works, inwardly and outwardly: the Word of the Lord comes to people in the human voices of the prophets, then is repeated by the voices of those who hear and believe, and in the end is repeated even in the voice of our own hearts. It is just like today, when we pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name.” The words are God’s, coming from our Lord Jesus himself, but the voices are our own. So also when we learn these words by heart and repeat them silently: is the voice of our own hearts (we don’t have to pretend it’s God’s voice) but the words are God’s, right there in our hearts. And this Word in our hearts shapes us, like a favorite piece of music that you sing to yourself to give you hope when you are tired, discouraged, or needy. It is God’s Word, but your own voice. That’s how it is even in your heart: with your own voice, the voice of your heart, you can remember, repeat, even sing the Word of God. (Think of how many good hymns and spiritual songs are really just ways of singing words taken from the Bible.) That’s how it works, because the place to look for God’s Word is not in your heart but in the gathering of God’s people for worship, praying, preaching, and teaching. That is why the apostle says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). And in a parallel passage, he says, “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:18). From the parallel between these two passages we can see what being filled with the Spirit means: it means for the Word of Christ to dwell richly among us. This happens when the people of God gather together as a congregation in the name of Christ, teaching and admonishing and singing God’s Word to one another. In both passages, the verbs and pronouns are plural. To translate the Greek literally, you’d have to say something like, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you guys,” and

The Word of the Lord comes to people in the human voices of the prophets, then is repeated by the voices of those who hear and believe, and in the end is repeated even in the voice of our own hearts. “Be filled with the Spirit, you guys!” In both cases, you find what you’re looking for—the Word and Spirit of Christ—in His church, the Body of Christ. And because it’s there in the church, the gathered Body, it’s in our hearts as well—as the apostle proceeds to say: “singing... with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16) and “singing and making melody in your hearts to God” (Ephesians 5:19). (Again, the “your” in both passages is plural.) The alternative to THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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the consumerist church is thus the truly Spirit-filled church, which means the church gathered to hear the Word of Christ spoken and sung externally by human voices, so that hearts may be formed inwardly in joy and thanksgiving and the knowledge of God. So nothing has changed in this regard since biblical times. The Spirit has always spoken through external words. Biblical prophets, for instance, never talk about hearing God in their own hearts. That’s just not what they say about their own experience. They often tell us about their dreams and visions, but they know nothing of the practice we have been taught today where you try to quiet yourself and hear God’s voice in your heart. That’s not how the Spirit speaks, because that’s not why the Spirit speaks. He does not come to give people private instruction—that’s not what prophecy was ever for—but to join them to the community of God’s people. So the best place to hear Him now is in a gathered congregation of the Body of Christ, where He is present to teach, comfort, warn, and guide all who believe. His speaking is not an inner experience but a shared event, just like the teaching and admonishing that happened when the New Testament church was filled with the Spirit. Most striking of all, of course, is what happened on the day of Pentecost. Notice that the Bible tells us nothing about the experience of the people who spoke in tongues on that day, but instead dwells at length on the experience of those who heard them speaking in their own languages—languages from all over the world (Acts 2:613). That’s the Pentecostal experience: the experience of hearing the Word of Christ taught and sung and preached and prayed, hearing it in human voices speaking words you can understand, so you can put your faith in it and take it into your heart.

Two Questions

When I talk about this biblical view of the Spirit with my students, they often ask, “But are you saying God doesn’t speak today?” Now you know my answer. Of course God speaks today! His speaking today in the Word of Christ is what saves us and makes us Christians, and that is what the Holy Spirit is all about. He speaks when the words of the prophets and apostles found in Scripture are preached and taught and sung and prayed, especially in the gathering of His people for worship. He speaks whenever the gospel of Jesus Christ dwells in us richly. What my students’ question shows is that they have never thought of this as God speaking. For them, the only way God can speak today is in the privacy of their own hearts. That’s the only way they have ever heard of God speaking—the only way they have ever heard it talked about, even in church. They have literally not been taught to hear the Gospel as God’s word. Presumably they’ve been taught that they have to believe it to be saved, but evidently after they get their “fire insurance,” their free ticket out of hell, they think the Gospel of Christ has nothing more to say to

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them about their Christian lives. I figure this cannot be their fault—it must be how they’re taught in church. This is going to have dire consequences for the future of the evangelical churches in America, I think. Another question my students ask is: “Are you saying God can’t speak in our hearts?” It’s like they want to make sure a door is left open for this other way for God to speak, even after they’ve been persuaded that the Bible doesn’t impose on them the practice of listening for God in their hearts. Maybe it’s not how they’re supposed to hear God all the time, they’re thinking, but perhaps it’s something God does now and then, on special occasions. And of course, you can’t deny that God can do whatever he wants. But the real question is about what God in fact does want to do—how He has actually chosen, in His wisdom, to speak—and to answer that question we have to look at what we know about how and why God actually does do things. We have to ask: why in the Bible and the history of His people does He keep speaking to us in external words, in the voices of prophets and apostles, preachers and teachers, and even in our own songs and the prayers He gives us to pray? God could speak in some other way, we may suppose. But whenever we hear of Him speaking in Scripture He seems quite intent on speaking this way, giving His own Word to us in external human voices. Why? As I put it earlier, God speaks to us like any real person, as someone outside our own hearts whom we love. There are deep and wonderful mysteries here, all of which center on Jesus Christ. The place to find real people is not in our hearts but in their own flesh: surely that is why God came to us in the flesh, in His own Son, Jesus our Lord, who is God from God, the eternally begotten of the Father. The great mystery—which means the wonder and the glory—is that this flesh in which He comes to us is our own. It is human flesh, so that he can meet us and speak to us like any other person we know. It is a human face that we long to see as we await the coming of our Beloved, the Bridegroom—and the Spirit and the Bride say, “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:17, 20). Our Lord’s face is a human face, and His voice is a human voice. That’s why it’s okay that our voices, too, are human voices. For He speaks to us in human voices, the voices of prophets and apostles, preachers and teachers, in song and prayer—and in His own voice, which is a human voice, the voice of His human flesh, born of a woman. So it’s okay that our voices, too, are our own human voices—even the voices of our heart. They don’t have to be God’s voice to be worth listening to, or even to speak the Word of God. Dr. Philipp Cary is Professor of Philosophy a t E a s t e r n U n i ve r s i t y n e a r P h i l a d e l p h i a , Pennsylvania. The above ar ticle is selected from the first chapter of his 2010 book Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things You Don’t Have to Do, published by Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Used by permission.


Reading the Bible 101 P

lanning to read through the Bible this year? It is important to remember the Bible’s structure and context. Although many resolve to read the Bible from front to back, this may not necessarily be the best approach. In his Exploring God’s Word study guide, John Scharlemann reminds us that the Bible is composed of two divisions: “The Old Testament books describe God’s creation and protection of a chosen people... and encompasses a period of time from the creation of the world until about 400 years before the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament books, on the other hand, begin with the birth of Jesus Christ. They describe His ministry, death, and resurrection as well as the creation of God’s church... and encompasses a period of only about 100 years.” Many Bibles indicate clearly in the Table of Contents that there are different kinds of books in each Testament (history, poetry, prophets in the Old; history, epistles and apocalypse in the New). The Bible is not like a novel but is rather a collection of 66 books, organized not chronologically but rather by types of literature. Some of these were written during the time spans covered in other books. For example, many of the New Testament epistles were written during the period covered by the book of Acts. The prophets were announcing their messages during much of the time accounted for in Kings and Chronicles. One of the marvels of the Bible is the great unity despite the diversity. Here is a book written over 1600

by William Mundt years, spanning 60 generations, by 40+ authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, written in different circumstances including war, peace, in the wilderness, in a dungeon, in a palace, on a hillside, in joy, in despair, written on three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe) in three different languages. Biblical authors spoke on hundreds of controversial subjects with harmony and continuity as if written by one author. This demonstrates what the Bible says about itself: “And we have something more sure, the prophetic Word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1).

“Go kill the Amalekites!”

“Another danger of trying to read the Bible like any other book is misinterpreting and misapplying verses. Sure, God said “Go kill the Amalekites” (1 Samuel 14:48), but, to borrow one of Martin Luther’s questions of an enthusiast (one desiring to take all verses literally), did He tell you to kill them? The first hearers or recipients of the THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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words in Scripture understood, in most cases, the content in the context of the revelation. One exception would be that sometimes the prophets did not know all the details of what was to come. (For example in 1 Peter 1:10-11, we read: Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.) Thus the words of Scripture are not to be understood as personal messages to those who read them nor as words primarily for individual interpretation and application. That said, the Christian will often find words of sorrow or joy that seem well-suited to their own situation, especially in the Psalms.

Principles not particulars matter

Principles not particulars matter. In other words, look for the primary meaning of the text and don’t get bogged down in details of lesser importance. Parables, for example, have one main point of comparison. Look for that rather than trying to pull special meaning out of the little things; don’t go developing theologies out of allegories and particulars. The parable of the unjust steward, for example, in Luke 16, urges believers to faithful service with the gifts God entrusts to them. It is not advising us to make shrewd, shady investments (or buy lottery tickets) so we have more to give the church. The Book of Revelation, as another example, is a special kind of literature, written during a period of persecution to comfort believers. Since it would be dangerous to get caught carrying a book saying “the emperor is a fink,” figurative language says the same thing in describing a beast (whose 666 designation works out handily to Caesar) and the dangers connected with his reign.

Helpful hints

Here are some hints to remember when reading the Bible. 1. Begin with prayer. The Bible is God’s Word so we have the advantage of knowing the author and being able to ask Him to send the Holy Spirit to aid us in understanding. 2. Look for Christ. Martin Luther maintained that God’s revelation for our salvation by grace through faith on account of Christ is the golden thread that runs throughout the Bible so we can find something pointing to Jesus on every page. If we find a passage that seems to be saying something different from the rest of Scripture and its main message (the analogy of faith), then our interpretation is probably wrong. 3. Let Scripture interpret itself. That is, let the New Testament help you understand the Old; let clear or easily understood passages help you with more difficult ones. Stick with the plain and obvious meaning of a text. (For example does Malachi 3:10 really teach us there are windows in heaven?) 4. Distinguish Law and Gospel. This is one of the more

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

difficult approaches to master. Perhaps you learned the SOS principle. The Law “shows us our sins,” while the Gospel “shows us our salvation.” Sometimes it is not that simple to tell. Basic questions to ask might include: a) Is God telling me to do something? Is this a command? Is this a reminder of someone’s sin of which I might also be guilty? b) Is God giving a promise, providing comfort and reassurance, or an example of His love and mercy? Remember that in the Law God is condemning sin and commanding good works, but no one can be forgiven and saved by trying to obey it. The Gospel is the good news that Christ kept the Law for us. The Gospel brings the promise of forgiveness, faith, life, and the power to please God. Consider these examples from the Gospel of John. In 2:1-11, Jesus changes water into wine. All the planning and preparation was not enough (Law). Jesus provides where human resources fail and improves upon our best. He is worthy of our trust (Gospel). In 14:1-31 we see that fear and uncertainty often blind us to the truth (Law), but Jesus is the way and promises His Spirit to keep us in it (Gospel). 5. You may not understand everything that you read the first time. Repeated readings, Bible classes, and daily devotions will aid your understanding. It is also often helpful to read through an entire book quickly to get an overview and then go back slowly over the individual chapters and verses. A good study Bible, like The Lutheran Study Bible, available from Concordia Publishing House, provides explanatory notes, cross references to other verses, and other aids to understanding. A good Bible dictionary, a Bible atlas, and a concordance are all useful tools too to help us grasp first of all the “then and there” meaning and the principles for a “here and now” application. CPH has also recently published an excellent two-volume Lutheran Bible Companion.

More, more, more!

An ancient historian once observed that “Scripture is like a river... broad and deep, shallow enough for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim” (Gregory the Great in his Moralia on Job). Or to use a more familiar analogy: The Bible is like our food. Some of it goes down quickly, like milk or mushy peas. But other parts of Scripture are like steak. That is also nourishing but takes more time to chew and digest. But don’t get discouraged, God wants you to know what is on His mind and in His heart. That is why He sent Jesus and had all His revelations recorded, for, as the Apostle reminds us: “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Rev. Dr. William Mundt is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Start reading the Bible today. Find a reading plan on page 41 of this issue of The Canadian Lutheran.


International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

The most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian WORLD - In many parts of the world, being a Christian continues to be dangerous. Open Doors, an independent organization dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians around the world, has released its World Watch List 2015. The list contains the 50 countries where the persecution of Christians is most severe. Among countries with the worst record, the most dangerous place to be a Christian in the world is North Korea. Although the effectiveness of its leader, Kim Jong-Un, is in doubt by some experts, the official opposition towards religious faith of any kind in the communist country remains firm and there is even some evidence it has worsened. Following North Korea at number 2 is Somalia. That country has no functioning government and is dominated by a series of Islamic terrorist groups and clans that all have a common dislike for Christians. Iraq is number 3 on the list. The Islamic terrorist organization ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has taken control of sizable parts of the country during the past year. Many Christians have been killed or fled. It is impossible for the church to function in areas held by ISIS and the Christian communities in those parts of Iraq have basically disappeared. Open Doors notes that, aside from ISIS, the politically weak government of Iraq has itself begun to adopt more fundamentalist Islamic social customs and laws. Due to the threat posed by ISIS and an ongoing civil war, Syria is at

number 4 on the Open Doors Watch list for 2015. Various factions in the civil war will target Christians, often through kidnapping and holding victims for ransom. Islamic fundamentalists are targeting churches and individuals. The trend of Islamic extremism and weak civil authority continues in Afghanistan, causing it to be fifth on the World Watch List. The continued strength of the Taliban, tribal conflicts, and a government tainted by corruption are keeping Christianity largely underground. There is not a single church building or public space for worship in the entire country. And having one would make it a target for extremists. Christian visitors from outside face danger constantly and have fallen victim to it. In 2014, three Christian aid workers (one from the USA and two from Finland) were killed, and a Roman Catholic priest was abducted and remains missing. Muslim extremism in Sudan has that country at number 6, while Iran is at 7 due to the continued persecution of Christian by the authoritarian Islamic government there. The incursion of the Taliban and similar groups into Pakistan poses a serious threat to Christians and as a result, that country is number 8 on the list. At number 9 is the small African country of Eritrea.

The government there persecutes Muslims who convert to Christianity. However, the long-tolerated Orthodox Church in Eritrea also discriminates against non-orthodox Christians. Nigeria is at number 10 on the list. The activities of the radical Muslim organization Boko Haram are the most significant challenge facing Christians in the African country. Even though Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, is a Christian, northern states with significant Muslim populations where the influence of Boko Haram is more severe have adopted Sharia law, taking away much of the freedom and civil liberties of Christians. So far in 2015, there have already been several attacks by Boko Haram on cities in northeastern Nigeria, continuing a trend that began in 2009 and has led to the death of thousands of people. To learn more about the 2015 World Watch List, visit Open Door USA’s website at www. opendoorsusa.org.

ILC Executive meets in England, plans for 2015 World Conference E N G L A N D - T h e E xe c u t i ve Committee of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) met January 15-16, 2015 at the St. Cuthman’s Retreat Centre in Coolham, West Sussex, just south of London, England. ILC Chairman Hans-Jörg Voigt, Bishop of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany, presided over the sessions. The committee’s primary task was to make preparations for the

ILC’s 25th World Conference, set for September 2015, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bishops and presidents of all 34 full and associate member churches are being invited. The chosen overarching theological

theme for the gathering is Bringing the Reformation to the World. In addition, delegates to the conference will choose a chairman and other executive officers for the coming three-year term. Chairman Voigt expressed his joy over the fact that five Lutheran church bodies from various continents have made inquiries about taking up membership in the ILC. Read more at www.ilc-online.org.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

ABC District insolvent, investors facing losses

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n January 5, the AlbertaBritish Columbia (ABC) District announced that, as a result of its Church Extension Fund (CEF) activities, it faces a serious financial situation which could potentially lead to the District’s closure. In a letter to investors that day, District President Donald Schiemann advised that the CEF was “facing a cash flow shortage” and that it had put a moratorium on all withdrawals and deposits. “The foundation of our options is clear,” President Schiemann explained in the letter. “We will need to begin selling District assets to pay back our investors.” To that end, the District articulated two potential ways forward. The first was liquidation, and would result in the total divestiture of ABC District assets as soon as possible in an effort to recoup CEF losses. Under this option, all District assets would be sold and the ABC District would cease to operate. The second option the ABC District suggested included restructuring the CEF. In this option, the District would sell many of the District’s assets to recoup losses while retaining the Prince of Peace Manor and Harbour in Calgary, with the intention of generating additional payments for CEF investors. “The objective would be to continue to pay the income from the Manor and Harbour to you,” the ABC District letter to investors explained, “until it made sense to sell the Manor and Harbour.” The District suggested that this could potentially result in higher payouts to CEF investors but notes it represents “a higher risk.” The District would continue to operate under this proposal. The ABC District organized meetings with CEF investors January 15-16. In the days following, the situation continued to evolve. On January 23, the ABC District announced that the District, ABC District Investments Limited (DIL), Encharis Community and Housing Services, and Encharis Management and Support Services (collectively

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referred as the “District Group”) filed for and received an Initial Order under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The Order sees the Court appoint an external Monitor—Deloitte Restructuring Inc.—to oversee restructuring efforts by the District. The Initial Order grants a stay of proceedings until February 20, during which time investors in the ABC District CEF or DIL are “restrained from exercising any rights or remedies against the District Group,” Deloitte’s website notes. Investors are unable to seek redemptions during this period, except for RRIF annual minimum payments and emergency funding for eligible investors in the ABC District CEF or DIL. “During the stay of proceedings, the District Group will work with the Monitor to assess their options with respect to presenting a formal plan of arrangement to their creditors, which could enable them to restructure their affairs, compromise their debt and continue their operations,” Deloitte’s website explained. The Courtappointed Monitor is responsible for monitoring the District Group’s operations during CCAA proceedings, reporting to the Court on the District Group’s restructuring efforts, advising the Court and creditors on the reasonableness and fairness of any way forward proposed by the District, and overseeing any claims process that is established in the future. All publicly available documents related to the CCAA process are being posted online at: www.insolvencies. deloitte.ca. The latest news highlighted potential problems with District Investments Ltd. Earlier communications had suggested DIL was operating normally, but new documents filed by the ABC District indicate there has been a spike in requests for transfers in recent weeks, resulting in a “run on the bank.” The ABC District is separately incorporated and operates its activities, including its Church Extension

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

Fund, independently of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). LCC has no management of the CEF or any other District programs. “In the end, it is investors in the ABC District CEF who will need to decide what steps to take next,” noted Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, President of Lutheran Church–Canada. He encouraged investors to seek out sound financial advice as they make decisions for the future, noting they should not feel pressured to act in any way contrary to their consciences. “The whole situation is heartbreaking,” President Bugbee said. “Many of our faithful people are now facing significant losses. They are understandably worried, confused, and angry. May God give them the strength they need in this difficult time. I ask LCC members across the country to keep them and the entire situation in prayer constantly. “At the same time, this is an opportunity for our church family to show the love of Christ in practical ways too,” he continued. “I am heartened by messages from local churches in Alberta and British Columbia, where congregational leaders are already looking for concrete ways in which they can help their fellow parishioners who are now in trouble. We all need to provide as much personal and emotional support to those affected by this situation as possible. “LCC itself has no legal authority to step in and manage the ongoing financial situation in the ABC District, as some have wished,” President Bugbee explained. “Because the District is a separate corporate entity, we are legally not allowed to intervene.” But President Bugbee was also clear that LCC is monitoring the situation closely. “At this moment, we are awaiting the decisions of investors so that we can know more clearly what steps LCC should take and when to take them.” The above is summarized from news reports, official statements, and other communications. The Canadian Lutheran is publishing regular reports at www.canadianlutheran.ca.


National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

President Bugbee releases pastoral letter on ABC District situation The following letter was issued by Lutheran Church–Canada’s President Robert Bugbee to all congregations, pastors, and deacons of LCC. The letter was sent with the request that congregations read it publicly during worship February 8, and that they make it available in hard copy for congregants. In the event congregations did not receive the letter prior to February 8, they were requested to read it publicly in worship on February 15.

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reasured brothers and sisters, one and all: In one way or another, everyone throughout Synod’s family is affected by the trauma arising from the insolvency of the Alberta-British Columbia District and its Church Extension Fund. This matter is now bound up in a process administered by the law courts, and not by the leadership of the church. Neither I nor anyone else can say with certainty how it will be resolved. Because we are a close family despite great distances in our country, I know church members in the East and Central Districts feel sorrow in hearing of friends and loved ones losing large sums of money. Even members with no direct ties to those involved are distressed at the news of a congregation that may lose its church, another that cannot build as planned, or of seniors who trusted the church with their life savings in the hope of covering their simple, everyday needs. That is only a very abbreviated list of the people and situations affected. I am deeply grateful for the love of our members who sorrow and pray over this tragedy in other parts of the country. I implore you not to grow weary in those prayers, and to talk in your communities and with your pastors about concrete ways to help. Our hearts go out most of all to local churches and members in Alberta and British Columbia. Those of us far away can scarcely imagine the fear, disappointment, and even anger many of you feel. It is true that Synod has no legal power to

take control of the corporate side of things in your area. It is also true that Synod does not possess the funds to undo the crisis, since the Synod actually owns very little. At the same time, there is no barrier stopping the rest of the family from feeling your sorrows. Paul said it like this, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Brothers and sisters in Alberta and British Columbia, we weep with you now. “Jesus is Lord.” That’s how the first Christians confessed their faith. When neighbours tried to pressure them into saying, “Caesar is lord,” the sons and daughters of God who trusted Christ answered, “No, Jesus is Lord.” He is the One the Father sent to be our Rescuer. He died for our sins, and was raised again. He’s the One listening in love to the cries of His children, holding a strong hand over their lives each day. That’s why the believers confessed, “Jesus is Lord.” They did not have the leisure of saying it only on sunny days when everything came easy. It was also their faith at a tough time when the authorities hunted them, when learned people called them fools, and when church members hurt and let each other down. Perhaps at those times most of all, the believers took refuge on this rock: “Jesus is Lord.” You do well to confess it with them at this painful time. “Jesus is Lord” must be the controlling factor for those in leadership as they explain their actions to fellow Christians. Justifying oneself or protecting an institution can never be the big goal, since Jesus is Lord. This confession gives direction and the right tone, on the other side, to anyone demanding clear answers. It is reasonable to do that, and yet could degenerate into self-destructive bitterness and insult if not carried out under Jesus, the Lord. People understandably afraid for their personal survival also confess, “Jesus is Lord,” when they run to Him in their prayers and ask Him to guide them toward those who can help. You

in faraway parts of our land, tempted perhaps to shrug it off and think, “It’s not my problem,” are called upon to confess, “Jesus is Lord,” and under Him to ask what you can do to carry your needy brothers and sisters in the west. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that this tragedy is the single most disruptive thing to have taken place up to now in the 26-year history of our Synod. That’s because it does not merely involve money. It is shaking up our longtime structures, shaking up a trust that has often been taken for granted, and shaking up the pride we frequently took in our own decision-making. Painful as this is, perhaps the day has come when we need such a shake-up. That is not only true for people in charge of a single district or one financial agency. It has also been true at times of local congregations, active church members, as well as deacons, pastors, and leaders at the highest level, including the Synod president. I call upon you now, brothers and sisters, to confess again today, “Jesus is Lord,” and to begin grappling with the current crisis trusting in that lordship of His. Whether you have wounded others, have been wounded yourself, or wonder what you might possibly do to stand by fellow believers in their trouble … the way to healing must and can come through Jesus, the Lord, if indeed it is to come at all. Pastor Robert Bugbee, President Winnipeg, February 8, 2015

Lutheran Church–Canada has published a series of statements on the ABC District situation online, including answers to frequently asked questions. Read them all at www.canadianlutheran.ca/ s t a te m e n t - o n - a l b e r t a - b r i t i s h columbia-district-churchextension-fund/.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Canada decriminalizes assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia

CA N A DA - O n Fe b r u a r y 6 , the Supreme Court of Canada decriminalized assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia. The declaration has been suspended for one year to give the federal government time to propose new legislation on the issue. The news comes just under a month since Lutheran Church–Canada congregations marked Sanctity of Life Sunday. “Today Canada has crossed a threshold by opening the door to assisted-suicide and voluntary euthanasia,” President Bruce J. Clemenger of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) said in response to the ruling. “Our society has a long legal history of unambiguously affirming the sanctity of human life. The Court has ruled that in some circumstances the killing of a person will be legal. Euthanasia has come to Canada.” The EFC was an intervener in the case. President Clemenger went on to encourage Parliament to move quickly to protect vulnerable people who may be affected by this decision. “With the 12-month time frame given by the

Court, Parliament must move quickly to ensure that stringent safeguards, protections and oversights are in place,” he said. “The experience of other countries is that over time the safeguards are ignored or weakened, placing vulnerable people at risk. As Canadians, we need to ensure that high quality palliative care is available and comfort and care are provided so that no one comes to believe being killed is their best option.” The decision comes at a troubling time for Canadian physicians. In late 2014, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) released a draft human rights policy that would restrict physicians’ rights to freedom of conscience and religion. The CPSO has historically recognized the right of doctors to refuse to provide non-emergency treatment when such treatment conflicts with the physicians’ moral or religious beliefs. Such rights are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The new policy would instead force doctors to facilitate such procedures— despite their objections—by requiring them to officially refer patients to a physician willing to provide the procedure. The change would force prolife doctors to refer patients requesting abortions. And now that the Supreme Court of Canada has decriminalized assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia, physicians would also be forced to facilitate these

acts as well, despite their moral and religious beliefs. A similar draft policy created by the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Saskatchewan was approved on January 16. The province of Quebec already requires physicians to refer. Additional information on these concerns is available from the Christian Medical and Dental Society’s website at www.cmdscanada.org. Concerned readers may also find information from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition’s website at www.epcc.ca, as well as Lutherans for Life-Canada’s website at www.lutheransforlife-canada.ca. 2014 was a significant year for lifeissues in North America, especially on the topics of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. In November, American assisted-suicide advocate Brittany Maynard took her own life after drawing headlines around the world on her intent to do so. In the spring of 2014, the province of Quebec passed a bill legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide (scheduled to take effect at the end of 2015). At the same time, Lutherans have attempted to bring a pro-life perspective to the topic in a number of ways. The Canadian Lutheran highlighted the subjects of euthanasia and assisted suicide earlier in June 2014 with a feature story by Dr. L. Block entitled “Hands of Mercy.” And the 2014’s Love Life Conference, sponsored by a number of Lutheran organizations including Lutherans for Life-Canada, focused on the subject of euthanasia, with the Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition serving as keynote speaker.

LCC Pension Plans stable despite ABC District CEF problems WINNIPEG - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee wants Synod’s professional workers and employers to know that pensions are stable despite ongoing problems reported with the Church Extension Fund (CEF) in the Alberta-British Columbia District.

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“I’ve asked leaders of the LCC Worker Benefit Plans (WBP), to summarize just where we stand on this matter,” President Bugbee commented. “The insolvency of the ABC District and its CEF has caused confusion among some folks in the Synod who may fear for their

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

pensions or for the pensions of pastors and deacons they’ve come to love. Questions have been raised, and I want to reassure people across the church in this important area.” The following observations were provided by Dwayne Cleave, (Continued on page 39)


ABC District News News ABC District Alberta British Columbia Alberta andand British Columbia, editor

On the Church Extension Fund and District Investments Limited EDMONTON - On J a n u a r y 5 , 2 01 5 , the Alberta-British Columbia District (the District) announced its Church Extension Fund (CEF) would be facing a cash flow shortage come spring 2015. The District reached out to its depositors to inform them of the situation and to ask for help in finding a way forward. Meetings were held with depositors in nine circuits on January 15 and 16. In total, the meetings reached over 1,000 people; depositors and their families. The meetings were important to us: it was our chance to hear from depositors and other members of the congregations on what was important to them and their preferences for the path forward. We heard that a full investigation needed to happen to determine how we got into this situation. We heard that we needed to bring in expert oversight. We heard that more information was needed before preferences could be expressed

on the way forward. And, we heard that care and concern needs to be given to those with the most need. But the situation did not remain the same. At the meetings, we also heard many questions about our RRSP, RRIF and TFSA funds (known as District Investments Limited or DIL). At the time of the meetings, DIL was stable: its loans were producing and the liquid cash was sufficient to keep honouring withdrawals at its normal rate. In January, after the meetings, the total amount of transfer requests totaled almost $7.8M. This would have meant that some depositors may not get anything back while others got everything.

The District had a tough decision to make – to complete all these transfer requests, or to seek help from the Court to enable payments to be suspended. In the interest of fairness for all of our depositors, and after much prayer and consultation, on January 23, 2015 we filed under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). This allows the District to follow a process that is supervised by the Court. We are now in the process of developing a plan to return what funds we can to depositors with our Court-appointed Monitor, Deloitte Restructuring Inc. We w i l l b e s e n d i n g m o re information to depositors via letter mail and will continue posting regularly on our website: www. lccabc.ca or on the Monitor’s website: www.insolvencies.deloitte.ca. The Alberta–British Columbia District

MARVELous…coming soon! LANGLEY, B.C. - With a theme revolving around superheroes, the 2015 ABC District Yo u t h G a t h e r i n g i s sure to be summer’s blockbuster hit! Plans are well underway for the gathering, titled “MARVELous,” taking place July 2-5 at Trinity Western University. The theme verse for MARVELous is Psalm 98:1a, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” As always, this youth gathering is open to youth in grades 7-12 and their dedicated leaders. Opportunities will abound to worship, learn, serve, experience, and grow in faith as we

marvel at what God has done in us and for us. The gathering committee (Michelle Heumann, Tracy Wemyss, Sarah Wemyss, Jennifer Jade Kerr, and Andrea Worcester) are excited for the pumped up (think Iron Man) sessions led by main speaker Rev. Andrew Craig (Trinity,

Pincher Creek). Youth are in for a treat with the musical stylings of Jennifer Jade Kerr and her team of talented musicians, offering up worship and praise. Rev. Lee Loveridge (First Lutheran, Kelowna) will be serving as chaplain, offering his spiritual gifts to the gathering as a whole and to all individuals involved. Keep your x-ray vision sharp as there will more information to come in the coming months regarding volunteering, registering, and attending this fantastic event. For more information, go to www.dyg.lccabc.ca.

The Lutheran January/February2015 201517 1 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN January/February


ABC District News Alberta British Columbia Alberta andand British Columbia, editor

From the President

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

A

t some time or another everyone faces a major crisis in his or her life. It could be entirely of one’s own making; it could be entirely the result of another’s actions; it could be a combination of the first two; but it is always the result of the fact that we live in a sinful world. Apart from trying to understand our circumstances and the people involved, a common question at times like these is “Where is God in all of this and why has He allowed this to happen?” I am the first one to admit that I don’t have all the answers. I know that this is not a terribly comforting response to those who have been impacted by the current situation in the ABC District regarding Church Extension Fund and ABC District Investments. I doubt there are few in our church who are not yet aware of what has happened—and certainly our people in the ABC District are all too aware. In a pastoral letter to the ABC District which went out some weeks ago, I expressed that this has happened on my watch. I have always said that anyone serving as a District President needs to understand that “the buck stops here.” Our District staff, execs, board of directors and others are, quite literally, working night and day to try and address the situation. I would not liken this to a five kilometre race; it is much more like a full marathon. So far, we have gone a couple of hilly kilometres and we have a long road to travel yet. This is a situation I never wished for, but one in which I have seen God at work in so many ways. It is a time when I have been struck by how much God has done in the midst of this. And He has taken this situation and this time to remind me and to teach me of things that I have so often taken for granted. What have I been reminded of and what I learned? First of all, that God’s grace is always sufficient. It is sufficient to cover my sin. It is sufficient to strengthen all of us for the facing of the days ahead. It is sufficient to heal our wounded district. I have also learned much about how God is at work in the hearts of our people. In the many e-mails, phone calls and letters we received—even those that sometimes expressed anger, sense of betrayal and disappointment—we were almost universally assured that they were praying for us. I have learned that we

2 The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2015 18 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

are a praying church and we take God at His word when He promises to hear and answer our prayers. I have seen that we are a tremendously caring and giving church. As a district, the first thing we determined to do was to set up an emergency fund for those who would be grievously affected by the freezing of their savings. Beyond that we have had people and congregations donate their CEF savings to help alleviate the situation. I see also the care that family members are providing to our investors— particularly the older investors—who struggle to comprehend what is going on. And I recognize that many who may seem quick to criticize often do so because they care about those who have been impacted. I have also been reminded that the church is the bride of Christ and that He will take care of her. The Gospel which she proclaims will continue to be preached until our Lord brings human history to a close and calls His bride to her eternal home. Meanwhile church structures will change and emerge but that which is of first importance must always stay the same. As St. Paul wrote: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3-4) We have a gracious God for the sake of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He invites us to pray and cast all of our cares on Him. He encourages us to care for one another. He promises to be with us in any and every situation until the end of the age. My friends, in the midst of this and whatever other trials you or I may face, we can live in hope. I dare not diminish the serious nature of the situation we are dealing with in the Alberta–British Columbia District of Lutheran Church–Canada. But I am bold to commend these words of Scripture to you: “I (we) can do everything through Him who gives me (us) strength.” (Phil. 4:13) Sincerely, your brother in Christ, Rev. Donald Schiemann, President Alberta–British Columbia District Lutheran Church–Canada


ABC District News News ABC District Alberta British Columbia Alberta andand British Columbia, editor

Youth explore biblical worldview of creation and science CALGARY – Nearly 40 youth, leaders and volunteers gathered at Foothills Lutheran Church, October 31 to November 2, 2014, for the annual ABC District Fall Youth Retreat. This year’s speaker was Calvin Smith from Creation Ministries International (CMI) who presented five sessions that equipped the attendees with information supporting a biblical worldview of creation and science. This training in apologetics gave the youth more confidence sharing their faith with atheists and evolutionists, and sessions included teaching on Noah’s ark, dinosaurs, and the Tower of Babel. In addition to the youth and leaders, about 60 people from the Calgary area attended a public session on the Thursday night. Between the two events, 49 people signed up to receive the CMI email newsletter. The youth also spent time writing letters to Christians in other parts of the world who are in prison because of their faith in Jesus. An organization called Voice of the Martyrs maintains a list of these people, and distributes information to increase awareness about the persecuted Church. Forty letters were

Participants at Calgary retreat.

sent directly to imprisoned Christians in China, Vietnam, and Pakistan. Many hands were involved in helping with setting up, cleaning up, cooking and serving food, chaperoning the youth, publicity, and all of the other necessary work that goes into holding an event such as this. The committee thanks everyone who attended, especially those who assisted with both the youth retreat and the public session. 2015’s retreat will be November 6-8,

and the planning committee is pleased to announce that LCC President Robert Bugbee will be the speaker. He will be presenting on 1 Peter, and the theme verse will be 1 Peter 2:9. Watch www.lutheranyouthretreat.ca for registration information in the spring! The fall youth retreat committee is Stephanie Anhorn, Heather Demers, Scott Gamble, Heather Graham-Navis, Michelle Heumann, Trevor Heumann, Eric Moffett, and Miriam Winstanley.

The Boar’s Head Festival, a celebration of Christ’s birth EDMONTON – More than 125 members and friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church presented The Boar’s Head Festival, A Celebration of Christ’s Birth, December 12-13, 2014. The colourful ceremony of the Boar’s Head has been part of Christmas celebrations in England since the Middle Ages. The Boar represented evil and the presentation of the boar’s head at Christmastime signified the triumph of the Christ Child over sin. Bethlehem Lutheran Church once again continued this ancient tradition, giving it new life through music and pageantry. A tremendous effort from many from the congregation, along with the participation of Bethlehem alumni and friends from other congregations,

was required in order to execute two successful performance nights. These volunteers made up the choir, musicians, director, seamstresses, publicity, cookie bakers, stage hands, videographer, refreshment hosts, actors (both children and adults—there were more than 60 parts!), and many others. The sanctuary was Sharing the wonder of the birth of Christ. filled both evenings and after each performance, the guests and cast gathered together Kruse, and Betty Ann Kehler worked for fellowship and wassail (hot cider) tirelessly to share the gift of Christ’s and cookies. birth. The festival committee of Sharon Nowicki Candace Rivet, Janice Ruf, Jennifer The Lutheran January/February2015 201519 3 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN January/February


ABC ABC District News Alberta British Columbia Alberta andand British Columbia, editor

Lutheran school connects Scripture with technology KELOWNA, B.C. - At Willowstone Academy, technology serves to support the child’s learning. It is used as a tool to effectively create, expand and share ideas. As technology continues to advance, the school is confident it is raising students that will leave their nest as Christcentered change makers who are ready to light up the world and are able to adapt to whatever the future of technology may bring. Grade 3 educator, Janine Draper, is constantly looking for new ways to engage her students in authentic learning. Weekly chapel services serve as a way to get children involved, creatively and technologically. At the most recent grade 3-led chapel, the class produced an iMovie on an iPad to teach their peers about their theme verse, Psalm 25:4-5. Technology serves as a way for students to engage with Scripture in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them. Willowstone Academy’s YouTube channel features many videos from chapel services, classroom projects, and community outreach events. Another way the class has integrated technology into their learning is through the use of Twitter. Two years ago, Draper set up a Twitter account with her

Janine Draper uses Twitter to engage her students to take risks and share their ideas globally.

students. She is using Twitter as a way to showcase her children’s learning with a broader community and also to demonstrate that her learning environment is a safe place to take risks. “The greatest lesson learned has been that when we feel worthy, safe, and loved, we somehow have the courage that it takes to risk and move towards greatness,” shares Draper. You can follow the class at @ MrsDrapersClass.

Willowstone Academy is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. The school is a ministry of First Lutheran Church and serves families with children aged 30 months to grade 7, with plans to expand to grade 8 next year. To learn more about their “Learn Forward” educational philosophy, please visit www.willowstoneacademy.com. Heather Sandager, Admissions Advisor

Providing more than music SIDNEY, B.C. - The Mary & Martha Society of Peace Lutheran Church sponsored toe-tapping music provided by the Victoria Accordion Club Band. This was a successful fundraiser for the Sidney Food Bank to the tune of $1,300. Having sold very few tickets prior to the Victoria Accordion Club Band event, there were concerns the church was honoured with a for its success. However, God blessed Certificate of Appreciation. We do and delivered many happy people not have to look far to find people to participate in singing, swaying in need. and dancing! As Peace supports the Mari Davis, Coordinator Food Bank regularly with stipends,

4 The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2015 20 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month. District Editor 7100 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4 phone: 780-474-0063

communications@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: March 25, 2015


Central District District News Central News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

“Fulfilling” youth retreat

Session time

CHRISTOPHER LAKE, Sask. “FULFILLED!” was the theme for the 2014 North Saskatchewan Youth Retreat held at Camp Kinasao this past November, based on Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Thirty youth (along with eight adults, one deacon, four pastors,

and one vicar) from Humboldt, L a Ro n g e, Middle Lake, Nipawin, Saskatoon, a n d Wa r m a n , learned that “God Gave t h e L a w, ” “Christ Fulfills the Law,” and t h a t “ We Now Live.” E a c h year, youth are given a “take home” gift as a small reminder of what they learned at the retreat. This year, that keepsake was a USB wall charger. They were reminded that their devices “live” when they have enough “juice” in the battery. Once the battery dies it “comes to life again” after being recharged, as Christ raises us up to new life in our baptism. All sorts of indoor and outdoor

games were played, and each evening was capped off by cabin devotions using flashlights. One of the highlights of the weekend as reported by participants was the Catacomb Worship Service. Essentially a Compline Service (an evening service including elements from early Christian worship), this service served to remind participants of the perils of being a Christian in the early church which was under persecution, at a time when the penalty for being a Christian was death. To help set the tone for the utter quiet, the youth entered and exited the worship area (outside in an enclosed space, complete with roaring fire) in silence, accompanied only by the distinct sound of Gregorian Chant. Organizers praise God for all the adults who were able to be there to provide supervision, guidance, and shepherding for the youth who attended, and for the wonderful setting provided by the staff at Camp Kinasao. taken from a report by Rev. Rudy Pastucha

VBS offerings headed to Nicaragua PLUMAS, Man. - During the week of August 11-15, Zion Lutheran Church offered the “Gangway to Galilee” vacation Bible school program from Concordia Publishing House. Some 33 children attended, with 14 volunteers running the program. It was a fun-filled week as all shared God’s message of grace and salvation from Ephesians 2:8. The group used a rotational model, with four stations (music, lesson, craft, snack/games), each day opening with a short skit. This year the children were challenged to collect nickels for the offering which will purchase VBS materials for congregations in Nicaragua. Participants rustled up every nickel from their homes to bring in a total of 10.3 kg of coin. Organizers hope a future

VBS participants in Plumas

group from the church travelling to Nicaragua will be able to take with them VBS materials purchased with these funds. The children and

congregations of Nicaragua continue to be very dear to their hearts of those at Zion Lutheran. Donna Lach

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Central District News News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

Baking with a mission purpose LANGENBURG, Sask. - On Sunday, October 26, Sarah Rosin, age 12, created an opportunity to share God’s love and help others less fortunate. By serving coffee, muffins and cookies after church to the congregation at Christ Lutheran Church, Sarah’s goal was to purchase one or two medical kits through Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Sarah, who loves baking, made eight dozen muffins and a pail of cookies to prepare for her turn to host coffee. She is very appreciative

of everyone’s generosity, as she well surpassed her goal of raising a couple of hundred dollars. In all, Sarah raised $1,067 and was able to stock two medical clinics as well as purchase one fishnet and one water purification kit. The medical clinics to be stocked will most likely be located in Africa or Syria. Sarah thanks everyone who supported this mission project! Twila Rosin

Sarah Rosin

Ponderings from the president

Take it to the Lord in prayer ’m so far behind, I think I’m first.” My administrative assistant, Lil, muttered this phrase the other day in an attempt to describe how far behind she was when it comes to the work in our office. I started to list all the things I needed to do in the course of a week, ending with, “I’m busier than a one-armed paper hanger!” Lil corrected me, “No, you’re so far behind, you think you’re second—right behind me.” Our days are certainly filled with lots to do. In our office, we not only have the normal, everyday work that needs to be done, but add to that convention planning, conference calls, meetings and travel, writing sermons and devotions some of which come at the last minute, and it makes for a busy time. Some of us may not be quite as busy at work, but we feel the pressure more in our personal lives. Working to keep a relationship strong, rearing children, caring for an aging parent, driving the kids to music lessons and hockey practice, cleaning, laundry…the list is almost endless. Of course, sometimes we feel very busy when in fact the opposite may be true. We think we need to complete a whole list of tasks today, and so feel tremendous stress and pressure. But often when we stop to prioritize our tasks, we realize that certain things can wait until tomorrow or next week. Suddenly, we feel as if a weight

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has been lifted from us. And when our work absolutely needs to be accomplished by a certain date or time (like the writing of this column), we may need to become better managers of our time so that we don’t leave everything until the last minute. Sometimes people think that our Lord is too busy to hear and answer our prayers. “He has so much to do, so many people for whom He cares, that I won’t bother Him with my problems.” Nothing could be further from the truth! Our Lord wants us to bring before Him all our requests for help at any time. So often we complain that we don’t have the time to pray because we are so busy. Often, it is simply a matter of rearranging our priorities in life. The apostle Paul encourages us, “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:17-18). Our prayers have such an interesting way of lifting our spirits so that we are able more confidently to confront and handle our present challenges. When we take the time to pray, we discover that our Lord blesses us with the time we need in order to accomplish so many other priorities in life. “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). Rev. Thomas Prachar


Central District News News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

ACROSS THE DISTRICT... Advent and Christmas activities

FROBISHER, Sask. - St. John Lutheran Church presented a Live Nativity featuring shepherds, sheep, angels, wise men, and the holy family. With carols, hot chocolate and apple cider, members gave joyful witness to the real meaning of Christmas at the town tree lighting festivities.

REGINA - The Board of Education of Grace Lutheran Church surprised the Sunday school children with a little party December 21. There were treats and gifts for the children, who worked hard learning the words to their hymns and getting ready to sing and play their handbells on Christmas Eve.

LANGENBURG, Sask. - Triune Lutheran Parish Sunday school children brought joy to some of the congregation’s older parishioners by carolling and bringing cookies to shut-ins; and everyone worked hard to help pack Christmas hampers.

SASKATOON - Members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church welcomed a constant stream of people on November 29 at an open house display of some 201 nativities.

OXBOW, Sask. - On December 13, St. Peter

Lutheran Church held its annual Christmas Mini VBS. Children enjoyed playing games, making crafts, singing, eating a spaghetti supper, and above all, hearing the Christmas story of Jesus Christ born to set us free from death and sin. The kids also enjoyed a scavenger hunt searching all around the church to find the characters of the Nativity.

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Central District District News Central News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

[New] workers installed WINNIPEG - District President Rev. Tom Prachar installed LCC President Rev. Robert Bugbee as Assistant Pastor at Beautiful Savior on Saturday, December 6, in a 4:00 p.m. service. Rev. Cam Schnarr was the preacher, basing his message on Isaiah 40:1-8. A light lunch was enjoyed following the service.

THUNDER BAY - Congregation members at Calvary Lutheran Church witnessed the Rite of Installation for Rev. Timothy Barone as Lead Pastor on November 27, performed by Ontario Circuit Counsellor Rev. Garry Heintz. Prior to the service the congregation enjoyed a beef on a bun dinner, and a celebration cake was served for dessert. Rev. Barone has been Associate Pastor at Calvary since 2013, having graduating from the St. Louis Seminary that May. Rev. Barone and his wife Megan have three children: Leo and twins Mia and Max.

(front, l-r) Revs. Richard Kruesel, Glenn Worcester, Robert Bugbee, Cam Schnarr, Richard Beinert, Brad Schollenberg. (back) Revs. Tom Prachar, Todd Hoeffs, Jim Schnarr, Leonardo Neitzel, Ward Yunker.

Lay school completed for another year

Participants in this year’s lay school ready for a day of learning.

(back, l-r) Revs. Keith Blom, David Haberstock, Justin Miller, Dan Repo; (middle) Revs. Brian Falkenholt, Garry Heintz; (front) Rev. Tim Barone

REGINA - The Central District Theological Lay School offered a series entitled “Called! To Faith in Christ and Fervent Love Toward our Neighbours” from October 1- 4 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The three evening options began with supper and a class. Rev. Jeremy Swem presented “The Resurrection, Life and Death”; and Rev. Ted Giese, “Seeking the Good of Your Neighbour.” Rev. Professor John T. Pless (Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) led the group in “Rediscovering Vocation” on Friday evening and Saturday.

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Visit the Central District website at www.lcccentral.ca Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month. Elaine Stanfel, district editor 509 Airport Road, Pembroke, ON K8A6W7 613-687-6620 E-mail: elaine.stanfel@ gmail.com

Next deadline: March 25, 2015


East District News News East District

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

Children share Christmas treasures with congregation ETOBICOKE, Ont. - The Sunday school children of Our Saviour Lutheran Church had a chest full of Christmas treasures to share with the congregation when they led the worship service on Sunday, December 21. Twelve students participated in the event and used story, verse and song to praise God. A large silver box of treasures was centre stage, and as each child spoke about his or her special Christmas object it was drawn from the box and placed on a nearby table. Each item represented a name for Jesus: Immanuel, Shepherd, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of Kings, Bright Morning Star, and Saviour. Following the presentation of each symbol, a related song or poem helped to further the emphasis on the object. The congregation joined the students in portions of hymns such as: “Away in a Manger” and “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.” The students sang “Oh, How I Love Jesus” and “Happy Birthday Jesus.” As well, the children did an especially enthusiastic rendition of the poem “Ring the Bells” in which the preschool students were the bell ringers. The service concluded with a brief video which highlighted a Lutheran pastor, Rev. Randrianosolo Joseph, and some members of his congregation serving a special meal to the children in an orphanage in Madagascar. After the meal each child received a bag of school supplies. For many of these children it was the first time they had their own pencils! This event at the orphanage was made possible by funds collected through Our Saviour Lutheran’s Sunday School mission project. Through this outreach to less fortunate children our students have learned that even though they are a small group they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Sunday school students then invited the congregation to join them as they sang “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Linda Honke, Sunday School Superintendent

Sunday school students present “Christmas Treasures”

Helping the homeless with hats and mats

front (l-r): Brenda Scholl, Bailey Hamp; back (l-r): Lilo Dotterer, Marg Bregman, Marlene Deichert, June Hayter, Heather Ball

GODERICH, Ont. - For the past couple of years, 3x4 foot mats woven from 4L milk bags donated from various churches in Goderich and from families at Goderich Public School, along with mats being made at Zion Lutheran Church, Dashwood, were distributed on mission trips, including one to Nicaragua at the end of 2013. Interest was raised at the Vacation Bible School in the summer of 2014 to start a weekly group at Berea-by-theWater Lutheran Church, to involve others in preparing the plastic strips and then weave them into mats. So, beginning in September, volunteers met at the church for one and a half hours each week to do just that!

Rather than sending the mats overseas, volunteers decided to help the homeless in Ontario. They connected with Project Unity as well as Mission Services of London, who have both shown a great desire to distribute mats to their homeless clientele. This past fall, volunteers produced and delivered about 30 mats. Volunteers have also added the knitting of hats into this project of helping the homeless, with ten being delivered to date. There is a growing group of individuals who are starting to take part in the hat project as well as the mat project—some by helping craft them, some by providing yarn, and some by providing money to purchase materials. Heather Ball, project coordinator

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East District News News East District

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

Christmas missions bazaar and silent auction KITCHENER, Ont. - Bethel held its annual Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction November 22. Members baked 14,000 butter cookies for the bazaar and all sold out! There were lots of delicious hot foods for sale, including sausage on a bun and a variety of soups, along with tortes and other German baking—all served with coffee or tea. Many interesting items were up for bid at the silent auction, which raised more than $4,500 for the St. Paul’s Community Cupboard in Kitchener. Crafts and “attic treasures” were also offered for sale. In total more than $12,000 was raised for Lutheran charities. Irene Rooney

Bethel members baking cookies in the church kitchen.

From the president “Your Best Friend!” “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) ave you seen or heard one of those commercials currently being played both on television and on the radio in which the same rather hard-hearted and cold comment is repeated three times regarding some individual who is facing some difficulty, hardship or anxiety? Finally, following the three rather blunt statements a more compassionate and caring statement is suggested as a possible way to befriend the one who is in need. There is nothing quite so discouraging as being lonely and downhearted and not having a friend with whom we are able to share our ups and downs. Particularly at this time of year, it seems, discouragement and perhaps even feelings of despair or gloominess become a little more prevalent in all of us. The celebration of our Lord’s birth at Christmas within our churches and within our faith life has come and gone. Even though the period of sunlight for each day is slowly increasing, our winter and the cold weather appear as if they will never end. Once again we have settled back into regular routines and ways of doing things. Problems and anxieties in church life and personal life that were perhaps set aside for a time resurface. Life just seems a little bit emptier when the friends and relatives with whom we visited a number of weeks ago return to their own lives. Once there was a young woman who returned to her studies at university following Christmas break. Shortly thereafter, she phoned her mother in desperation and

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said: “I feel so all alone now that I have returned to school. What shall I do?” Without hesitation her mother replied: “Make some good friends at once!” One of the things everyone admired about Jesus when He walked here upon this earth was His friendliness. He had a kind word for the little children who were playing in the street. He would stop and talk to the merchants along the highways and He had a smile of encouragement for the sick and down-hearted. The Master was a friend of all men, willing to share happiness and love wherever He went. He is the same today. There is a story of a boy who helped change a whole day for everyone in his family. It was one of those mornings that happen so often in every house. Dad was late for work. The boy’s older brothers and sisters were in a hurry to get off to school, and Mom also had a hectic day ahead of her. Everybody quickly sat down to the breakfast table and started to eat . . . that is, everybody but little Timmy. He just sat silently there for a moment. Then with a rather worried expression on his face he turned and said, “Mom, we forgot Jesus!” The family had always said grace, but in the hurry they had forgotten. Never forget your best Friend. He is the One who loves you so much that He suffered and died and rose again that you might live your life to the fullest – both here in time and hereafter in eternity! He is the one who can cheer you up and give your life new meaning! Rev. Paul Zabel


East East District News

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

Faithful church family transfers to Nunavut WINDSOR, Ont. - First Lutheran has bid farewell to one of its faithful church families. Chris and Tonya Fleming moved to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, with their children Miah and Caiden, where Chris will be furthering his service as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On October 19, the Fleming family attended service with Chris in full dress uniform. The Flemings will maintain their church membership at First Lutheran, as there is no LCC presence in Nunavut. The congregation wishes them God’s richest blessings in their new home and look forward to seeing when they next visit the Windsor area. Cindy Israel

Rev. Gilvan de Azevedo with Officer Chris Fleming, his wife, Tonya, and children, Miah and Caiden.

Khushkhabri – The Good News

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - T h i s past Christmas, Asian Television Network presented a short video called “Khushkhabri” which means “The Good News.” The video was developed by Christ Our King Lutheran Church and LCC East District’s Intercultural Ministry. Watch it on YouTube at http://youtu. be/oToy-rO9z0o.

Who would like to be Mary? BURLINGTON, Ont. - Shrinking enrollment creates challenges when it comes to the annual children’s Christmas program—a situation faced by many Sunday schools. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church the tradition has been a Sunday School pageant followed by a congregational Christmas dinner. It was time for something different! This year a new idea emerged: a family Christmas event! The focus was on families–children, parents, grandparents—but everyone was invited. December 14 was the designated date. The excitement grew as the evening began and people started arriving. The plan was to start with a shared craft time around 4:30 p.m. Children and adults gathered around various craft stations and the creative juices soon started flowing! What fun it was seeing young and old alike dabbling in glue, sprinkles, paint, beads, etc. Some 80-year-

olds admitted they had not done anything like this ever! When the participants finished their crafts, a quick tidy-up occurred so we could get on with the next part of the evening—Christmas dinner. People graciously signed up to bring specific dishes so we enjoyed a wonderfully delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings. After that fine meal, everyone headed into the sanctuary for the grand event—our Christmas pageant! Adults were advised to bring towels,

sandals, and bathrobes for their own make-shift costumes. Costumes for the children stored at church were brought out. When the question went out, “Who would like to be Mary?” a senior lady raised her hand. She had never had an opportunity to portray the mother of Jesus. When the question went out, “Who would like to be Joseph?” the senior Mary giggled and asked, “Can I pick him out?” People eagerly volunteered to be shepherds, wise men, angels, the inn keeper, the star, etc. It was fun watching adults and children get into their costumes. Readings from the Christmas narrative were handed out to five people who wanted to be readers. In between the narrative sections, Christmas carols were sung. Totally unrehearsed and totally ad lib, the group together presented the wondrous truth of God’s Son born to be our Saviour. Carol Walrath

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015 The Canadian Lutheran November/December 2014 27 3


East East District News

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

90th birthdays

CLWR work introduced in Quebec

KITCHENER, Ont. - The Ladies of Grace recognize the 90th birthdays of congregational members with a visit or, if possible, a luncheon after the Sunday service. The Ladies of Grace have been members of LWMLC since 1949. Michelle Eber

Montreal, QC — At the request of LCC President Robert Bugbee, Mr. Tom Brooks, Director of Community Relations for Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), presented the organization’s work to representatives of churches in Quebec. Attending the January 10 meeting were pastors and members of Ascension, Montreal (LCMS), de l’Ascension, Montreal (LCC); de la Réconciliation, Sherbrooke (LCC), as well as the Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM) in Montreal. Rev. Dr. David Somers, Missionary-at-Large, Montreal

District installs new mission executive

Betty Berlet, a former Ontario District LWML President, celebrates her 90th birthday.

The fight against Ebola

Rev. Ron Mohr (centre front) with pastors participating in his installation. Rev. Ron Mohr was installed as the East District Mission Encourager, with East District President Paul Zabel officiating at the installation and Rev. Dr. Tom Winger (Rev. Mohr’s brother-in-law) preaching.

Notice of the Convention/Annual Meeting of Lutheran Church–Canada, East District The Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada, East District will take place May 3-6, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 105 King St. E., Kitchener. In accordance with paragraph 12 of Bylaw 2014 of the East District, the business of the Annual Meeting of members will be conducted during this District Convention. The business of the annual meeting will include the election of officers and directors, the receipt of financial statements, the report of the public accountant,

the appointment of the public accountant for the next fiscal year, the receipt of various reports, amendments to the bylaws and regulations, and other business as may come before the meeting. All members of the corporation or their delegates are entitled to be present at the convention and annual meeting. Lois Griffin, Secretary LCC, East District

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

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COBOURG, Ont. - The FaithLife Financial group at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church hosted a special Soup Lunch during Fellowship Hour on Sunday, November 23. The generous support of members totaled $287. FaithLife Financial matched $250 of that with a cheque to CLWR for work in West Africa to fight the Ebola crisis. Source: St. Paul’s, Cobourg bulletin

Send news, photos, articles 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@lcceast.ca

Fax: 519-578-3369

Next deadline: March 25, 2015


Mission Update New church workers for Nicaragua

Newly consecrated deaconesses (front row) and newly ordained pastors (middle row) pose for a picture following the service. In the back row are pastors who took part in the service, including Rev. Ed Auger, ILSN President Marvin Donaire, and LCC President Emeritus Ralph Mayan (left to right, beneath the cross).

NICARAGUA - January 25 was a day of great celebration for the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (ILSN – Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua). That Sunday, eleven pastors were ordained and nine deaconesses were consecrated for service to the church. The new graduating class nearly doubles the number of pastors in the ILSN, and increases by half the number of deaconesses. The church body now counts 26 pastors and 32 deaconesses to serve its 23 congregations across the country (as well as mission work in Costa Rica and Honduras). “Our Lord Jesus Christ tells in Scripture to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would provide workers,” said Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Executive for Missions and

Social Ministry. “He has answered those prayers, and for that we are truly grateful. These young pastors and deaconesses will be a great blessing to the church in Central America.” Lutheran Church–Canada first began mission work in Nicaragua in 1997. Just over ten years later, in 2009, the ILSN was founded. A major component of LCC’s mission work in Nicaragua has been theological education for pastors and deaconesses. The first class of Nicaraguan Lutheran pastors was ordained in 2002, following a threeyear program of multiple two-weak intensives taught by professors and pastors of LCC. January’s graduation marks the fourth class of pastors and deaconesses to be ordained and consecrated for service.

Missions in Nicaragua continue to grow, thanks to close cooperative work. In September 2014, LCC called Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod missionaries Rev. Ed Auger and his wife Deaconess Cherie Auger to serve as mission supervisors in Nicaragua. In that role, the Auguers assist the ILSN in its work and oversee LCC missions in the region.

LCC’s Mission Work For information on LCC’s missions, visit LutheranChurch.ca. You can support LCC’s missions through online giving, or by sending donations by mail: Lutheran Church–Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Canada

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Mission Update Malabar Mission Society reports 2014 outreach success in India

Children attend one a Vacation Bible School organized by the Malabar Mission Circle and supported by the Malabar Mission Society.

I N D I A - I n i t s W i n t e r 2 01 4 newsletter, the Malabar Mission Society (MMS) reports a number of ministry successes in 2014, as the agency supports Lutheran outreach in India through the work of the Malabar Mission Circle (MMC). “In all my annual visits to India I am impressed and inspired that in MMC’s local congregations, the witness of the Church is still vibrant and effective,” said Rev. Carlton Riemer, Project Officer for the MMS. “Laypeople and pastors make friends with their nonChristian neighbours and share the Gospel with them through personal

conversations, house prayers, and other outreach events such as Vacation Bible School. They do so even in the face of persecution and discrimination.” The MMS reports that the MMC held 20 Vacation Bible School camps in 2014, with a total of 921 children participating. The ministry opens doors to share the Good News of Christ with those who have not heard it before: of those children participating, 409 were Christian, 455 were Hindu, and 57 were Muslim. In fact, the Vacation Bible Schools held in at least two communities had only

Hindus and Muslims in attendance. “May God bless the Gospel seeds planted in the hearts and lives of these children,” Rev. Riemer said, “so that they yield a bountiful harvest in their families and communities.” Among other ministry projects, the Malabar Mission Society further reports that an October youth camp in Sulthan Bathery had a record 81 participants, and that a November Family Convention in the same location saw 173 participants. Earlier in the year, a convention in Anantapur for converts from Islam to Christianity saw more than 70 people attend. Another project over the last year has seen work move forward in bringing the MMC’s Bible Correspondence Course program online. The Malabar Mission Society supports the work of the Malabar Mission Circle (a ministry of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church) as it shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ along the Malabar Coast in India. The MMS is a listed service organization of Lutheran Church–Canada, and will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with a banquet to be held April 10, 2015 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n the Malabar Mission Society, v i s i t t h e i r we b s i t e a t w w w. malabarmissionsociety.org.

GARY R. SCHMIDT President

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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Education Report The Zombie Mission Field: CCSCF plans for 2015 conference EDMONTON - The zombie mission field is all around us and is “ripe for the harvest,” says Rev. Dr. Bill Anderson, Director of the Canadian Centre for Scholarship and the Christian Faith (CCSCF). But there are also “zombie missionaries”—Christians who are mindlessly wandering around in endless missionary activity yet not realizing the opportunities that are right in front of them. Or as Kevin Sherwood puts it in his song Abracadavre: “They [zombies] show me that we are the same.” Sherwood is the composer of the zombie music for the acclaimed video game series Call of Duty. He is also the keynote speaker at the CCSCF’s 2015 conference on Religion and Pop Culture, to be held May 1-2 at Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) in Edmonton. T h i s ye a r ’ s c o n f e re n c e i s expected to be quite different from the last three conferences hosted by the CCSCF; organizers expect a number of non-Christians to be in attendance because of the subject matter and the draw of Kevin Sherwood from the gaming world. A choral performance of Sherwood’s music will be a precursor to the conference on April 30 in CUCA’s Auditorium, with Elena Siegman and Malukah serving as principle singers. “Many of the same themes in zombie culture originate in the Garden of Eden and subsequent fallout,” Dr. Anderson explained. “In some ways zombies are an expression of Original Sin. They represent our deepest fears and insecurities about life and death. They picture the fear of being trapped in ceaseless activity with all our pain and suffering. They are meaninglessness and hopelessness. In short, zombies are a dead end. There is no Gospel of Zombies.” Organizers of this year’s event picture the concert as Law and the following CCSCF conference

as Gospel— providing a window into mission opportunities in a popc u l t u r e context. “ W h i l e Christianity may be in steep decline in Canada, Canadians demonstrate a d e e p interest in religious i d e a s (however false and idolatrous), Dr. Anderson noted. “The mission field in Canada is ripe with zombies— who know they’re lost, m e s s e d up and in need of salvation—but are open to something more. They are open to something beyond 9-5, consumerism, and being endlessly busy with meaningless activities and entertainment.” “Even as Christians, we are ‘zombies,’” Dr. Anderson continued. “But the difference between us and the other zombies is that we have experienced God’s grace and have been raised from the (spiritually) dead by being ‘born from above.’ We have experienced the One who came to us in our baptism and saved us—who continues to commune with us in His body and blood— which are real food and drink (John 6:55) leading unto eternal life. We have been redeemed from the curse of sin, but while we live in this body and in this sinful world, we are tempted to remain zombies. Unlike

zombies, though, we have the sure promise of a glorious resurrection.” The CCSCF invites Lutheran Church–Canada members to come and explore zombies and other pop-culture subjects like shopping, technology, video games, movies, TV, comic books and tattoos from a Christian perspective. They especially encourage congregations t o s e n d t h e i r yo u t h g ro u p s , young people who are constantly exposed to zombies in the popculture around them. You can get tickets for the concert at www. zombiegig.ca. For more information on the conference visit www. canscf.ca. Register online at www. onlineservices.concordia.ab.ca/ ops_new/ccscf/form.php.

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Education Report Seminary cooperation continues S T. C AT H A R I N E S , O n t . - Cooperation between Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries continues to bear fruit, as evidenced by recent meetings in St. Catharines, Ontario. On January 26, the Boards of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary held their annual joint meeting, followed the next day by individual board meetings. On January 28, representatives of the seminaries as well as LCC’s Board of Directors met as part of the regular review of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). “We’ve come a long way from the difficult days leading up to the 2011 Synod Convention when the future of seminary education in Lutheran Church–Canada was in question,” noted LCC First Vice President Nolan Astley, who serves on the MOU Committee. “Over the last few years our seminaries and the Board of Directors of Synod have, by God’s grace, begun to work together in many important ways.” Vice President Astley highlighted a number of recent seminary successes: 1. Continued fiscal responsibility. The two seminaries h ave d e m o n s t ra t e d a s t ro n g commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability, both in seeking out opportunities to reduce expenses and being diligent in developing donor support for their programs.

Both schools finished recent fiscal years in surplus positions. 2. Greater resource sharing through technology. Over the past four academic years, the two seminaries have shared a number of classes via the internet, with Edmonton students able to take courses taught from St. Catharines and vice versa. Better equipment has been purchased and students and faculty are growing more comfortable with the technology. 3 . Re n ewe d f o c u s o n recruitment. At 2013’s National Church Worker Conference, church worker recruitment a session topic, focusing especially on the role of current pastors and deacons in raising up candidates for church work vocations. The ABC District has developed a website focusing on recruitment (isgodcallingme.ca), and CLTS and CLS have produced a series of posters for display in churches. 4. Responsible approach to faculty hiring. Both schools are seeking new faculty to replace re t i r i n g p ro f e s s o r s , a n d t h i s process is being carried out with consultation between the schools and Boards of Regents.

The committee also reported plans to revise the current MOU document to provide ongoing guidance for the seminaries and Synod as they work together to provide cost-effective sustainable seminary education in LCC. It also noted its desire for the establishment of a more permanent committee. “The intention would not be to go back to the old method of having a Board for Higher Education, which reduced seminary autonomy and did not report to Synod’s BOD,” Vice President Astley explained, “but there is a case to be made for the creation of a synodical committee that would coordinate our work in the training of future church workers, much as the Committee for Missions and Social Ministry Services guides LCC’s mission work.” The MOU committee has set September 2015 as the target date for the completion of a new document to guide seminary education in LCC. The committee also wished to address misconceptions that they are committed to the immediate amalgamation of LCC’s two seminaries. Concerns raised in the Task Force’s report continue to militate against amalgamation in the near future, and so the present focus remains on cooperation and operational unity, rather than institutional merger.

CUCA moves to Pension and Benefit autonomy EDMONTON/WINNIPEG Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) has informed LCC that it needs to assume pension plan sponsor and administrator responsibilities for its members as soon as formal approval is received from the Provincial Regulator. This move forms part of a long term strategy which has seen Concordia align its governance and operations with the other 25 colleges and universities that make up the Post-Secondary system in Alberta. The action was anticipated

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and will not change the stability or future viability of Lutheran ChurchCanada’s Worker Benefit Plans (WBP), according to WBP leadership. CUCA’s membership includes its current active employees, its retirees, and its former employees, also known as “deferreds”. The process will involve a plan split of assets and liabilities as CUCA establishes its own pension plan. For the time being, CUCA assures its members that their coverage will not change. CUCA assumes responsibility for all pension

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liabilities associated with its members. CUCA would also take along its share of plan assets. The transfer ratio of assets and liabilities to CUCA will be in proportion to the “funded status” of the pension plan. In simple terms, this means that Concordia and the managers of the WBP are working to ensure that the financial impact on remaining employers and employees in the LCC Worker Benefit Plans will be neutral. Re a d m o r e a t w w w. canadianlutheran.ca.


Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen Street South, Kitchener ON N2G 1W2 Phone: 519-742-3361 Toll free: 1-866-518-7071 www.lbtc.ca info@lbtc.ca

A Brief History of 40 Years of Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada: 1974–2014

In the mid-1960’s, LBTC pioneer Rev. Morris Watkins, the founder of Messengers of Christ aka Lutheran Bible Translators (USA), started the groundwork for an LBT presence in Canada, at the time confined mostly to the West. Rev. Edwin Lehman became what would be known as the Area Representative in 1968. Meanwhile, Rev. Watkins visited Pembroke, Ontario in May of 1970, at the invitation of Rev. Ronald Reisdorf of St. John’s Lutheran Church. It was later pointed out that

this visit was most instrumental in beginning great interest in linguistics, literacy training and translation ministry in Canada in general, and among Lutherans in particular. Then LBT-USA Executive Director Lindsy (Skip) Hubby and Director of Development Rev. L. Kenneth Zank, working with the larger LBT-USA community, recognized the need for an organization founded in Canada by Canadians for Canadians. With the encouragement of Lutherans in the Pembroke area, and under the thoughtful supervision of Mr. Hubby, a Canadian nonprofit organization was launched in May 1974. The first directors of the newly-minted LBTC were: Lorne Markus, Clara Robinson, Vic E. Siegel, Shirley Witt, Rev. William L. Gustafson, Lindsy Hubby and Delbert Schmidt. Officers were elected in July 1974, with Del Schmidt

chosen as the first LBTC Chairman. Early in 1975, Erna Hein, Secretary of the LBTC Board of Directors, was secured to head up establishing offices. She was the sole employee of the new enterprise, and “donated” two rooms in her home (500 McGee Street, Pembroke) which served as LBTC’s first home. Mrs. Hein and her husband Mel had served LBT-USA as display coordinators, regional coordinators, and represented LBT-USA at conventions and church functions. By 1976, LBTC had added a second parttime employee, Jean Nagora, who served as bookkeeper, secretary, typist and receptionist. LBT-USA organized and carried out a series of dinner rallies across Canada to help build a solid base of support under the still-tender LBTC.

It was during this period of growth that several families heeded God’s call to service

LBTC advertisement – Canadian Lutheran January 2015

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as LBTC’s first on-field missionaries—notable among these were Ted and Gloria Engel from Saskatchewan serving in Guatemala among the Pokomchi people, and Horst and Eugenie Schultz of Niagara Falls, who helped bring the saving Gospel to Papua New Guinea. It was at this time that the LBTC Board of Directors began discussions concerning the hiring of a Director of Development on a part-time basis.

LBTC began to grow apace in those early years, and by 1977 it was felt that not only should the Director of Development be a full-time position, it should also be filled by an ordained person. Thus, in 1978, Rev. Howard Kuhl accepted the newly reconstituted position. In 1978, with regulations pertaining to non-profit organizations growing in number and complexity, the LBTC Board of Directors applied for and received membership with the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC or “4Cs”). The Code of Ethics for the 4Cs requires its member organizations to be honest, open and

accurate in all its dealing with the public, and to comply with all levels of government. When Pembroke, Ontario presented transportation problems, LBTC began the search for a new home. Pastor Kuhl worked from his home in Georgetown, Ontario for no cost until a “Relocation Committee” was struck to review future office needs and location. The Committee determined that one “must have” for the new location was a large Lutheran constituency from which to draw volunteers and workers. The Committee determined that Kitchener, Ontario was the most feasible location, and in 1981 offices were opened at the Frederick Mall, 285 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.

Upon relocating, LBTC appointed Stephen Klinck as its Office Manager. Soon most LBTC-related activities were performed in Kitchener, yet the official head office remained in Pembroke. In June 1982, the Board authorized the departmentalization of LBTC, and appointed Rev. H. E. Kuhl Executive

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Director, and Steven Klinck to Director of Finance. Also in 1982, LBTC assumed financial responsibility for its first missionary team—Martin and Joan Weber—of Surrey, BC. They were assigned to the Kwanja language group of Cameroon, West Africa.

The following are some of the key events and highlights in the 40-year history of LBTC: 1983: first LBTC Literacy workers, Robert and Jean Schmitt of Waterloo, ON, assigned to the Limba language group in Sierra Leone, West Africa. 1984: ED Howard Kuhl spent six weeks visiting LBTC workers in Sierra Leone and Cameroon, as well as LBT-US in Liberia; LBTC celebrates its 10th anniversary and provides congregations with a “Special Anniversary Prayer.” 1986: Bethel Lutheran Church, Edmonton AB, began a $10,000 anniversary project to provide the Kwanja/Weber ministry with a new vehicle.


1987: ED Howard Kuhl and photographer Robert Huth visit Cameroon and the Kwanja project. Two slide/video tape presentations resulted; Board instructs negotiation of a joint ministry agreement with LBT-US. 1988: The Agreement between Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada and Messengers of Christ – Lutheran Bible Translators received approval and was signed by LBTC ED Rev. Howard Kuhl and MOC – LBT ED Rev. Paul Volz in August. 1989: LBTC celebrated its 15th Anniversary. Rev. Roy Gesch, ED of LBT-US, spoke at the Annual Meeting and banquet. 1990: Martin Weber reported that the Kwanja phonology was complete, and literacy work is going well. Most of the Gospel lessons for the church year, and the entire Gospel of Mark, have finished in draft form. 1991: LBTC moves its offices to 137 Queen Street South in Kitchener, ON, offices owned by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Carol Martin is named Managing Director. 1992: the Board of Directors set a goal for the next three years, as God provides, to take primary responsibility

for two MOC-LBT projects. This is done through a network of Regional Representatives working with Congregational Contacts. 1994: sponsored a spiritual retreat for LBTC missionaries in Cameroon, West Africa. Rev. Don Schiemann served as retreat leader. Celebrated the 20th anniversary of LBTC. 1996: Martin and Joan Weber report the completion of the first drafting of the entire New Testament in Kwanja. Though much work remains, the book of Luke is complete and published. 1997: Robert and Jean Schmitt complete the application process and are accepted as missionaries with LBTC. 1998: Robert Schmitt is appointed Executive Director, effective November 1998. 1999: Missionaries Annette Kaiser and Scott Westermann are married and deployed to Cameroon.

2001: Horst and Eugenie Schultz celebrate 30 years since their arrival on the field in Papua New Guinea. Martin Weber is guest

LBTC advertisement – Canadian Lutheran January 2015

speaker at the LBTC Annual Meeting and Banquet. 2003: Tara Bradley begins as Accounting Supervisor. 2004: LBTC begins a year of celebration for its 30th anniversary. Dinner and information nights are held in Pembroke, Kitchener, St. Catharines and Saskatoon. Erna Hein, Rev. Howard Kuhl and Rev. Ed Lehmann are awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards. 2006: on 30 December, the Kwanja New Testament is dedicated. Martin and Joan Weber were present along with LBTC ED Robert Schmitt. 2008: LBTC Board of Directors calls Rev. David Maffett as Executive Director. Martin and Joan Weber speak at the Annual Meeting and Banquet, and are presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 2009: Faith Comes by Hearing makes an audio recording of the Kwanja New Testament.

2010: Rob and Eshinee Veith speak at the Annual Meeting and Banquet. Gord Martens receives the

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Lifetime Achievement Award. 2011: Eshinee Veith is accepted as a missionary with LBTC. The Board approves missionary recommendations for Mike and Kara Kuhn, who become pre-missionaries in 2012. The Dowayo (Cameroon) Translation Project begins. 2012: The LBTC Board of Directors calls Rev. Dr. Jim Keller as Executive Director. Jane Ford and David Maffett end service with LBTC.

January 2014: Rev. Dr. Jim Keller visits missionaries deployed to Cameroon. He also visits the Dowayo translation project and presents them with a new laptop computer. As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, LBTC sponsors a series of concerts held across Canada, with the kick-off performance during the Annual Meeting and Banquet. LBTC Missionaries Mike and Kara Kuhn are withdrawn from Galim, Cameroon for health reasons. They begin an educational furlough in August 2014. What’s next for LBTC?

2013: Rev. Mike and Kara Kuhn are deployed to Galim, Cameroon. LBT-US Director of Program Ministries David Snyder speaks at the Annual Meeting and Banquet. Frieda (Oelke) Witt and Keith and Rhonda Bohlken receive lifetime achievement awards.

God has blessed us greatly in these last 40 years. Through the efforts of LBTC and LBT-USA, some 7 million persons have access to the Word of God in their mother tongue, their heart language. We consider this a wonderful gift God has given to His children. In 2015 Martin and Joan Weber and LBTC will be celebrating the publishing of the Kwanja Lectionary. Rev. Mike and Kara Kuhn will continue their educational furlough and be available for presentations. Eshinee and Rob Veith have returned to Botswana and to their work of translation and ethnomusicology.

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LBTC missionaries give greatly of themselves to ensure the mission statement of LBTC is fulfilled wherever Bible translation and literacy training are needed around the world. They are committed not just to the work of translation, but also to the people they serve. How can you help? -through prayer -through partnership in time, talents and treasure -through the establishment of LBTC bases in congregations across Canada -through volunteering to host an LBTC event in your area or in your congregation. For further information about our missionaries or to contribute to the work of LBTC, please contact us at: LBTC 137 Queen St. S. Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2 519-742-3361 1-866-518-7071 jkeller@lbtc.ca www.lbtc.ca Thank you so much for your prayers and support in the promotion of Bible translation in Canada. May the Lord’s richest blessings be yours now and always!


In Review

by Ted Giese

R

ob Marshal’s new adaptation of the Tony award winning musical Into The Woods is Disney’s most recent foray into live-action film musicals. As in the original, Marshal’s Into the Woods finds its story centred on folk tale characters made popular by the Brothers Grimm. Viewers will see everyone from Cinderella to Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood to Jack of Beanstalk fame, up on the big screen in a plot that weaves their stories together and plays their respective stories against each other. Add a baker and his barren wife to the mash-up of those beloved fairy tale characters, along with a cursed witch and Red Riding Hood’s wolf, and viewers have a lot to sink their teeth into. However, viewers may want to take the self-aware story’s caution to heart and be “careful” when embracing the tale Into the Woods tells. Disney knows a thing or two about musicals; the songs in their movies have permeated general culture and enthralled children for years. Most people will recognize everything from the cheerful tune

of “Whistle While You Work” in Snow White (1937) to the melodic “Let it Go” from Frozen (2014), and they will also recognize how easily their children pick up the lyrics. While it’s wonderful to see children genuinely excited about music, parents should always be careful consider the messages in the lyrics. In the case of Into The Woods, the lyrics are a product of their times. They are rooted in a post-modern ambivalence and hostility towards normative truths. The film’s overall plot involves a baker and his wife who can’t conceive a child. Their next-door neighbour is a witch who was cursed by her own mother. The witch employs the services of the baker and his wife to help lift her mother’s curse and in return she’ll lift the curse causing the baker’s wife’s barrenness. All the other fairy tale storylines crisscross each other while interacting with this central plot line. To add drama to the first half of the film, the witch needs Cinderella’s slipper, Jake’s cow “Milky White,” and Red Riding Hood’s scarlet

hood (among other things) to lift her curse. But the catch is she can’t physically touch them herself— hence, the need for the Baker and his wife to gather the goods. The big twist in the film, as in the Broadway musical, is that the “happily ever after” ending comes in the middle of the film. The second act of the story details the unexpected complications arising after the happy ending. Cinderella’s prince turns out to be less than charming; having a baby doesn’t fix the baker’s marriage; and the removal of her curse doesn’t improve the witch’s outlook on life. By the end of the film there’s a lot of finger pointing between the various characters. That’s when the postmodern “moral” of the film starts shining through. Cinderella and the baker sing: “People make mistakes, holding to their own, thinking their alone. Honour their mistakes. Fight for their mistakes everyone makes one another’s terrible mistakes. Witches can be right, Giants can be good. You decide what’s right, you decide what’s good.” For Christians familiar with the Ten Commandments, this is a

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In Review (cont.) troubling “moral.” To a Christian ear, the words ring false: God is the true arbiter of what is right and good, not the individual. Consequently, it would be troubling to hear children running around the house singing these lyrics. The movie presents a pointed challenge to its viewers at the end when the remaining cast and the ghostly voice of the witch sing: “Careful before you say, ‘listen to me.’ Children will listen. Careful the wish you make, wishes are children. Careful the path they take wishes come true, not free. Careful the spell you cast, not just on children. Sometimes the spell may last past what you can see and turn against you. Careful the tale you tell. That is the spell. Children will listen.” Set aside all the “wish” and “spell” language and you’re left with the film’s main post-modern thesis: “What has been historically taught to children is not necessarily good and should be placed under suspicious scrutiny. And whatever is taught to children will have consequences, with the teacher on the hook for it in the end whether the outcome is for good or for ill. So be careful.” Interestingly, the second part of the idea actually resonates well with Christian thought; teachers, parents, grandparents, and friends do need to be careful about what they teach, say, and do because children are in fact listening and learning. Jesus warns His disciples (teachers in the church) saying, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin”(Luke 17:1-2). The film’s larger teaching though—that morality is arbitrary—turns on its head what Scripture teaches as good and right. Such suggestions should clearly be avoided, especially when dealing with children or those who, like children, are new in the faith. So do viewers go into the woods with this film or stay at home?

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While rated PG, this film is not suitable for young viewers. Like the original folk tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm, Into The Woods ventures into some disturbing and dark subject matter including the rather gruesome comeuppance of Cinderella’s stepsisters and some not-so-subtle innuendo in the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. That being said, teenage viewers and adult audiences will find some interesting things to consider. When viewed through the lens of the Ten Commandments, the film becomes a cautionary tale focused on the Second Table of the Commandments. Viewers can ask, “Does Prince Charming lead a sexually pure and decent life in what he says and does?” “Does Jake protect his neighbour the Giant’s possessions?” “Does Little Red Riding Hood obey her mother’s advice about staying on the path in the woods?” When asking these kind of follow up questions keep in mind what the Lord says to Israel after giving the Ten Commandments: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Into the Woods provides ample opportunity to talk about the Second Table of the Ten Commandments and learn from them: first as applied to the film itself and from there to more real-world examples which are sure to naturally flow out of any such discussion. Will little children be singing the lyrics and songs of Into the Woods like they sing those from Frozen? That remains to be seen. While it’s making good money at the box office it may not be as musically interesting to young viewers as previous Disney offerings. Still, the film is well cast and the performances have some real stand-out moments.

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But if you are planning to see this film, be careful in the woods and don’t forget to pack Luther’s Small Catechism. Rev. Ted Giese is associate pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is a contributor to The Canadian Lutheran, the LCMS Reporter, and KFUO Radio, as well as movie reviewer for Issues, Etc.

Movie Night! Take your family’s movie nights to the next level. The Canadian Lutheran publishes regular movie reviews by Rev. Ted Giese online—more than you see in the print magazine. Visit www.canadianlutheran.ca for the latest film.

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Pension Plans cont. (Continued from page 16) WBP Executive Director, and Dr. Dieter Kays, Chairman of the WBP Board of Managers: 1. No LCC pension plan assets are invested in any Church Extension Fund; instead, defined benefit (DB) pension plan assets are invested according to a detailed policy statement. To be clear, a loan the Worker Benefit Plans once had from the ABC District CEF during the widespread solvency problem among pension plans in order to avoid sharp increases in employer contributions has been fully repaid; in other words, the WBP owes nothing to the ABC District; 2. DB pension plan assets are allocated among four investment firms (TD Asset Management, 40%; Foyston, Gordon & Payne, 40%; Mawer Investments, 15%; Wellington Financial Fund IV, 5%); 3. Monthly pension plan contributions collected by the LCC Worker Benefit Plans from employers and employees are promptly deposited with pension plan “custodians.” (Pension plan custodian for the DB Plan is CIBC Mellon; for the DC Plan it is SunLife Financial); 4. Pension plan custodians monitor the frequency and level of contributions to ensure they meet all regulatory funding requirements; 5. LCC as the overall plan sponsor maintains regular contact

Transitions with the pension plan regulators; the regulators continue to express confidence in the administration and transparency of our plan; 6 . Wo r k e r B e n e f i t P l a n s administration was transferred on January 1, 2015, to Ellement & Ellement Consulting of Winnipeg. This is expected to reduce operating costs without weakening customer service. Janice Otto, longtime coworker in our WBP department, now works at Ellement & Ellement and continues as the primary contact on our accounts for workers and employers across LCC. Dr. Kays noted, “Although we expect to send the comprehensive 2014 Worker Benefit Plan Annual Report to employers and employees on schedule in early spring, we wanted to provide these assurances now to our people throughout the Synod.” Dwayne Cleave concluded by observing, “In fact, our Worker Benefit Plans—as a financial entity of LCC—are in a corporate structure separate from the ABC District, and are not affected by the CEF difficulties there in any way. I want to stress this particularly for our pastors, deacons and congregations in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.” Further information on LCC’s Worker Benefit Plans can be found at www.lccbenefits.ca.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 A message from

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Great the glory theHis Lord! Thank theisLord and of Sing Praise

Rev. Joel Kuhl, pastor, Christ, Timmins to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waterloo. Rev. Wayne Geick, pastor, Zion, Augsburg/St. Luke, Eganville to Emeritus. Rev. Dr. Andres Taul, pastor, St. Peter Estonian, Toronto to Emeritus. Deacon Jennifer Shack, Director Parish Services (CAND) to ABC District, Concordia University College, teacher. Rev. Andy Kahle, St. John, Williams Lake, BC to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 100 Mile House, BC.

Classified Pastor's Downsizing Library. The librar y includes a collection of bereavement/grief books. For a complete list of the books for sale please contact dpriestap@aol.com or 403-293-4861.

ADVERTISE HERE! The Canadian Lu t h e ra n s e l l s advertising space to help offset the cost of printing and shipping the magazine to congregations and subscribers. Classified space is sold at $0.40 per word, minimum 50 words ($20.00). To purchase classified space, or to receive a rate card for other advertising opportunities with The Canadian Lutheran, please email pres_sec@ lutheranchurch.ca or call 1-800-588-4226.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

39


THE FAITHLIFE FINANCIAL DIFFERENCE

I am a MEMBER because...

READ the booklet WATCH the video Regrets, Reality, Restoration

NEW in the Project Connect booklet series. The things we regret doing – or not doing, do not have to dictate the present – or the future. We can move beyond the crippling pain our decisions may have caused. (6BE159)

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$10 million given back to communities across Canada over the past three years. Includes value of volunteer hours.

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NEW from the LHM the video-based topic study Regrets, Reality, Restoration uses compelling video of people who have experienced profound regret for their actions to remind us that God’s love in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness and restoration to our anguished past. This 4-part study uses video, user guide notes and dig deeper links and is suitable for individual or group study. Watch it online at www.lhm.org/men or order a DVD kit (69E91).

Lenten Devotions from LHM available in booklet form or online at www.LLL.ca .

Visit faithlifefinancial.ca to find a Financial Representative today. FaithLife Financial is a Christian, member-owned financial services provider. Members blend faith and finances to be wise with money and live generously – strengthening families, churches and communities.

Check for booklets at your church or contact us for a free copy. Quantities available at a nominal cost. Some titles are available in languages other than English at www.LLL.ca/booklets

Hear messages of inspiration and hope from The Lutheran Hour on radio, online or by app at www.lutheranhour.ca facebook.com/faithlifefinancial

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twitter.com/faithlifefin

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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1.800.563.6237

Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Ave Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4 www.LLL.ca 1-800-555-6236 or helpful@LLL.ca


Daily Bible Reading

M

In the beginning...

any Christians understand the important of reading the Bible, but they don’t know where to start. The Canadian Lutheran is therefore pleased to provide this Bible reading plan. Every issue of the magazine will include the next set of readings as you walk through the Bible. If you follow the readings regularly, you’ll finish reading the entire Bible in two years. But you’ll note there are no dates written here. That way, if you fall off track for any reason, you can always come back and continue from where you left off. Daily Bible reading is a healthy spiritual practice. If you haven’t started before, start today!

“Whoever would know God and have eternal life should read this Book with diligence and search for its testimony of Christ, God’s Son.” - Martin Luther

WEEK 1  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Gn 1:1–2:25 Gn 3:1–24 Gn 4:1–6:8 Gn 6:9–8:22 Gn 9:1–10:32 Gn 11:1–12:9

WEEK 5  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Gn 45:1–46:34 Gn 47:1–48:22 Gn 49:1–50:26 Ex 1:1–22 Ex 2:1–25 Ex 3:1–4:31

WEEK 9  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ex 34:1–35 Ex 35:1–36:38 Ex 37:1–38:31 Ex 39:1–40:38 Lv 1:1–17 Lv 2:1–3:17

WEEK 2  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Gn 12:10–13:18 Gn 14:1–15:21 Gn 16:1–17:27 Gn 18:1–19:38 Gn 20:1–21:34 Gn 22:1–24

WEEK 6  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ex 5:1–6:30 Ex 7:1–25 Ex 8:1–9:35 Ex 10:1–29 Ex 11:1–12:51 Ex 13:1–22

WEEK 10  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Lv 4:1–6:30 Lv 7:1–9:24 Lv 10:1–11:47 Lv 12:1–15:33 Lv 16:1–17:16 Lv 18:1–19:37

WEEK 3  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Gn 23:1–24:67 Gn 25:1–26:35 Gn 27:1–28:22 Gn 29:1–30:43 Gn 31:1–33:20 Gn 34:1–35:29

WEEK 7  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ex 14:1–31 Ex 15:1–27 Ex 16:1–17:16 Ex 18:1–27 Ex 19:1–20:36 Ex 21:1–22:31

WEEK 11  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Lv 20:1–22:33 Lv 23:1–21:55 Lv 26:1–27:34 Nu 1:1–3:51 Nu 4:1–6:27 Nu 7:1–8:26

WEEK 4  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Gn 36:1–37:36 Gn 38:1–39:23 Gn 40:1–23 Gn 41:1–40 Gn 41:41–57 Gn 42:1–44:34

WEEK 8  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ex 23:1–24:18 Ex 25:1–27:21 Ex 28:1–29:46 Ex 30:1–31:18 Ex 32:1–35 Ex 33:1–23

WEEK 12  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Nu 9:1–10:36 Nu 11:1–12:16 Nu 13:1–15:41 Nu 16:1–18:32 Nu 19:1–20:29 Nu 21:1–35

Readings for the above plan are from the Lutheran Study Bible © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. To purchase this resource or other Bible reading resources, please visit CPH at www.cph.org. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

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Presidential Perspective

President Robert Bugbee

Y

ou may have missed this, because I don’t think anyone has made it into a specific marketing slogan. In recent years, however, prominent voices keep commenting on big decisions being made in society—for example, when marriage was re-defined in Canada, or when our Supreme Court recently approved of physician-assisted suicide. In the midst of the comments, you sometimes hear it said that a given judge... or court... or politician... or social activist... was “on the right side of history.” It is usually said to describe someone who pushed for approval of a practice or mindset that was not accepted in the past. What does it mean, this “right side of history”? It is almost made to sound as though “history” is a great, noble personality marching forward, or the current of a mighty river. You have two choices: unite with that current and let it take you along; or foolishly resist, get pulled under, and drown. Perhaps nobody has defined it in so many words, but it’s increasingly clear that the “right side of history” seems to consist in whatever changes the majority of people have come to prefer. I guess it is no accident that those who speak of the “right side of history” frequently point to public opinion polls telling us how Canadians feel about all kinds of stuff being debated in the parliaments and courts. Christian people shaped by God’s Word in Scripture surely rejoice over any number of changes the years have brought. We’re glad when governments protect citizens who were abused for years, for example, because of their skin colour. It’s a

42

The “Right Side of History”? great thing when the same institutions resolve to stand up for women injured by a husband, instead of pressuring them to suffer in silence. We’re happy that provisions have been made to vaccinate children against certain diseases that formerly destroyed people, but now are rarely heard of in our country. Christian people don’t automatically balk at every change that comes as history moves on. I’ve often found it curious how various lands and peoples—especially in what we call the “Global South”— continue to encourage values most Canadians have set aside. Many of them resist the idea of changing marriage into something other than a lifelong union of one man and one woman, to give one example. Are they all to be considered “on the wrong side of history,” just because their majorities don’t agree with the majorities in countries like ours? Perhaps this is why the Bible does not seem to fret much over whether God’s people are on “the right side of history,” the way commentators celebrate that idea. From the Scripture’s point of view, history gets it right sometimes and other times gets it wrong. History may bring healthy changes in one part of the world, and self-destructive trends someplace else. Scripture points you past “the right side of history”—whatever that’s supposed to be—to the Lord of history. The Lord created time (Genesis 1:5). He lets it tick forward (Genesis 8:22). He will make an end to history as we know it (2 Peter 3:10-13). Sometimes He actually makes fun of the big stuff nations, peoples and rulers think they’re going to accomplish, and brings

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2015

it to nothing in His own good time (Psalm 2:1-5). Nobody can make that clear to you quite like Jesus Christ does.He looked like nothing when He was born. He didn’t seem to have much influence over the majority of people in His time nor those who ruled them. Very quietly, the Lord of history used one of those rulers—one who didn’t even believe in Him—as His instrument to see to it God’s Son came into our world where His prophet had predicted (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:6). Jesus’ later life shows this, too. If you had told representatives of the Roman empire in those days that their mighty structure would crumble, while lowly Jesus of Nazareth would gather a people leaping over boundaries, crossing oceans, and enduring through history’s changes, they’d have laughed you to scorn! That kind of laughter, by the way, is being directed toward the sons and daughters of God in many parts of our world. Yet this is precisely what Jesus has done. And He continues to do it. Your call is to worry less about being on “the right side of history” and instead to cling in faith to Christ, the Lord of history. Paul said it like this, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). He tells us something similar in the last letter we have from him, when he wrote of Jesus, “if we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). With all due respect to the “right side of history,” you and I do well these Lenten days by repentance and faith to stay on the right side of the Lord, our Help for today and our Hope forever.


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REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE



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