The Canadian Lutheran - March/April 2016

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 31 Number 2

Loving the Stranger

Partnering with you in HIS mission Join THE LARGEST PRo-LiFE RALLY in CAnADA AT noon on MAY 12, 2016 Reasons to Believe

Written to show the reasonableness of the Christian faith, this booklet makes its case clearly and with conviction and is a quick go-to guide on how Christianity makes sense on many levels. In an easy to read style the author shows how believing in God, creation, prophecy, man’s inner morality, Jesus and salvation are not farfetched and out there. (6BE145 English or 6BF145 French).

Your Place in God’s Plan

What’s your purpose in life? Like spokes without a hub, a life without purpose – a centre – feels futile and empty. This booklet can help you gain a deeper understanding about God’s plans for you and with you.

6BE100 (English only).

Booklets may be in your congregation’s tract rack – if not, request a free copy.

1.800.730.5358 ● 613.729.0379

Events include:

Candelight Vigil, Rally on Hill, March Downtown, Rose Dinner, Youth Banquet & Youth Conference.

Get details at MarchForLife.ca

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Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 31 Number 2 March/April 2016

Loving the Stranger Encountering Famine, Encounter Hope Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

6 9 12

Departments Table Talk

Prepared for Good Works

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Re-Forming Our Church

Restructuring Update: Survey Results Released In Review

Risen: The Resurrection as Mystery Which Tomb?

13 41 44

Saints of the Reformation

The Martyrs: Esch and Voes

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Presidential Perspective

New Structures: Thinking and Praying

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News Section International News

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Confessional Lutherans and Anglicans draw closer together • ILC Chairman calls on German authorities to protect Christian refugees

National News 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 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. ©2016 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.

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Nine insights on the Restructuring Survey • LCC unveils logo for 2017 Reformation celebrations • Upcoming 2016 March for Life

ABC District

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Quilters bless less fortunate • 2016 budget • Church-worker conference planned • Valentine’s Dinner benefits missions

Central District

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Across the District • Congregational meal marks Seder • Women in Moose Jaw feel the burn • Oromo confirmations

East District

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Kingsville activities • Montreal prepares to commemorate Reformation • 30-hour famine • Kitchener installation

Mission Update

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Syrian family settled in Winnipeg • LAMP calls for prayer • Fire at Ukraine seminary

Education Report

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CUE President resigns from clergy roster • Seminaries hold joint board of regents meeting • Atheism Conference

48 49 37

Classifieds Daily Bible Reading

Supplement

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.

Three generations: Allison Kuhl, Rachel Kuhl, Adelma Mellecke

Lutheran Women

LWML Canada

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada encouraging and equipping women to

TGrow HE C UTHERAN 2016 inANADIAN God’s Word •L Share God’s Son March/April • Serve God’s People

It’s a challenging time for Christian women

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Table Talk

Prepared for Good Works

by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran

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aith transforms lives. The Scriptures tell us that those who believe in Jesus Christ begin to live differently. Those who have been given the Holy Spirit are empowered by Him to begin to live a new life, to strive to follow God and His will ever more closely. We begin to seek out good works to do. But this is not because we are coerced to do so—as if our salvation depended on such acts. Rather, we follow after Christ in gratitude for the salvation He has already won for us. We give God thanks by willingly living as He would have us live—as, indeed, He has freed us to live. The Lutheran Confessions put it this way: “Those whom the Son of God has freed do true good works freely or from a free and willing spirit” (SD IV.18).

In this, our spirits are encouraged by the Holy Spirit as He enlivens us through the Word of God and through the Sacraments. So it is that we eagerly, if imperfectly, seek to follow St. Paul’s admonition: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Indeed, as Christians our minds are transformed: St. Paul tells us elsewhere that we have the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:12).

This isn’t just about our thoughts and words either; as our minds are transformed ever more into the mind of Christ, so too our actions begin to mirror His. We find ourselves motivated to love others as Christ has loved us.

More than once in the Gospels, we are told that Jesus, when He saw

the physical and spiritual needs of the people around Him, was “moved with compassion.” And so He reaches out to them to heal, to feed, to teach, to forgive. As Christians, we are called to similarly care for the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbours—to reach out to them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yes, but also with physical acts of mercy.

Lutherans rightly defend the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone. That’s how we’re saved: by grace, not by works.

But there is a danger that some people misunderstand this to mean that works are somehow not important.

The opposite is true: we are saved by grace in order that we might be freed to do good works, not out of compulsion or fear, but rather out of love and a willing spirit. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” St. Paul writes.

But he continues, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

God prepares His people for good works. He moves us to “love our neighbour as ourselves,” as the commandment teaches. And this love is a practical love: it includes feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned, as Jesus reminds us (Matthew 25:31-46).

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Christ is moved to do all this and more.

Put simply, faith manifests itself in works. Because we are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, we are free to do willingly what the Law commands. We are motivated by love, not by fear.

Still, this sanctification of our lives by the Holy Spirit is a hard business.

It requires pruning and it often hurts.

Inevitably we stumble on the path towards holy living. In fact, as we come to know God’s Word more fully, we cannot help but see our own sins more clearly. The Law daily brings to our eyes our failure, leading us ever back to Christ and the forgiveness He has won for us at the cross. And indeed, it is here at the foot of the cross that the path to holy living finds both its beginning and end. For here we see both our sin and our Saviour. Christ takes upon Himself our guilt and gives us instead His righteousness. He takes our death and gives us His life.

As Christians, we struggle with this tension. We are sinners. And yet we have been given new life through Christ. We therefore strive in His strength to follow His perfect example, even though we ourselves are imperfect. As the Confessions say: “As soon as the Holy Spirit has begun His work of rebirth and renewal in us through the Word and the holy sacraments, it is certain that on the basis of His power we can and should be cooperating with Him, though still in great weakness” (SD II.65).

Oh God, strengthen our feeble faith, that we may love You more deeply and follow Your ways ever more gladly.

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Loving the Stranger A Basic Christian Value

by James Morgan

Syrian refugees in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. (Image: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 2013. Used under CC BY-ND 2.0)

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e all know people with beliefs and lifestyle choices that are different than our own. Even within the Christian faith we see differences of belief—yes, even within Lutheranism. While we must defend pure doctrine and holy living, does that mean we ought to simply condemn and shun those with whom we disagree? No! The Lord Jesus was born, crucified, and resurrected for all people out of infinite love. During His time on Earth, Jesus associated with people with whom He did not agree, in order to show His lifechanging love to them.

It is our role as Christians to do the same—to meet people w h e r e t h e y a r e, speaking the truth in love. This is difficult. An extremely delicate balance has to be made between showing respect, dignity, and love towards others without endorsing beliefs or lifestyle choices that are un-Christian. This is a challenge we encounter constantly in our workplaces, neighbourhoods, and families.

People with beliefs and lifestyles different than our own can feel unfamiliar to us—like strangers—because of their differences. That’s true even when we know them by name. This sense of “strangeness” in society can lead to fear. But God does not want us to live in fear. He doesn’t want those who believe in Him to be fearful or to cause others to live in fear either. The fact is, we are all “fearful strangers” sometimes. In North America, where we live mostly in comfort, we need to remember that and lend a hand to others in discomfort a n d d i s t re s s . T h e Lord reminded the Israelites of the same thing in Deuteronomy: “Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” (10:19).

“Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”

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Strangers in the World Today

There are many events in the world today that foster fear and a sense of strangeness. Refugees from Syria know

The Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, where tens of thousands of refugees have lived since civil war in Syria broke out. (Image: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 2013. Used under CC BY-ND 2.0)

what fear is like. They’re also finding out what it’s like to be strangers: half of the population of an entire country has been displaced. 80 percent of Syrian children have been negatively affected in some form. Approximately half a million people have been killed. Faced with such a situation, we have a Christian obligation to show compassion and assistance to the suffering, regardless of their faith. This obligation was revealed in the Old Testament, long before Jesus Himself came to fulfill and explain it. “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong,” God says. “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:33).

When it comes to helping Syrian refugees, we don’t all have to volunteer or donate money: we all have limits to what we can and cannot do.

But we can all pray.

Prayer, and faith in God’s answer to those prayers, is sufficient. Of course, if we can help in more material ways, that is wonderful too, but no one is inferior to another just because they cannot give as much of their time and money as their friends, neighbours, and fellow Christians.

Refugees from Syria are largely Muslim. Elsewhere, it is Christian refugees facing fear. Many refugees

fleeing Pakistan right now for Thailand are Christians.

There they are encountering institutionalized fear and persecution from the authorities and citizens in Thailand, even though their plight as refugees has been officially recognized by the United Nations (UN).

That recognition is supposed to be a guarantee that the Pakistanis will be protected.

For these Pakistani Christians, leaving an Islamic country that is hostile to their faith with an often unstable government in order to flee to a mostly Buddhist country with an often unstable government is an attractive option— an option that most of us would not consider attractive at all. The problem is that Thailand does not want refugees, even on humanitarian g ro u n d s . I t h a s n ’ t signed the UN’s official refugee convention. That means that already persecuted Pakistanis risk being arrested and jailed if they are found out—and yes, it has happened. Christians f ro m Pa k i s t a n a re living in fear in Thailand because the local people fear them, simply because they are different.

In many ways, the hardships facing Pakistani Christian refugees in Thailand and the ones facing Syrian Muslim refugees coming to Europe and North America are similar: fear and hostility often await them in both cases. It is true

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

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“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” favour with God or reserve a space in Heaven when we there are differences, especially in religion. But this doesn’t die. Such an idea completely undermines and cheapens the change the basic truth that these people are all human beings with the same needs. God loves each of them equally—even salvation Jesus Christ has already won for us. We know that the ones who do not believe in Him. There are Christians we are still sinners in need of repentance and forgiveness; in North America no amount of w h o a re o n l y good deeds and concerned about h a rd wo r k i s helping other going to change persecuted that. Instead, we Christians. The do good works truth is though because we love that the Bible does Jesus—who first not say to just loved us—and look after other because we want Christians and let to live by His the others fend example out of for themselves. gratitude.

“Religion that At its core, God our Father the call to attend accepts as pure to the needs of and faultless is strangers is a this: to look after Christian concept. orphans and It is rooted in widows in their the love and distress, and to sacrifice of Jesus. keep oneself from Tragically, some being polluted by The Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. (Image: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, people today play the world” (James 2013. Used under CC BY-ND 2.0) politics with this 1:27). That verse does not say to only look after those with idea, saying it is a “liberal” value. It cannot and should not be whom we agree. What kind of a show of Christ’s love would seen this way. It isn’t a political concept at all; it is a Christian it be if we did not help everyone? In the Gospels, the Lord value. It is a biblical value. And while some people make it Jesus helped all kinds of people. These were people of all an issue of politics, Christians need not fear compromising faiths and those who lived at the margins of society. We must our Christian values when we care for the stranger. In fact, this task is borne out of Christian love and service, and can remember that evangelism is shown best through love, not even be an opportunity for sharing the Good News of the wariness and defensive attitudes.

One who motivates such love.

There is no right or left, liberal or conservative, when it comes to the Gospels and the example of our Saviour Division and fear are the evil one’s work. Blatant recounted throughout them. Empowered by His Holy condemnation and disagreement divide. But the work of Spirit, let us live and work as He calls us to, in love and Christ is love, shown through the sacrifice He made for us in service to one another—even to strangers. at the cross—a task that completely replaced and outdid any need we have to work to earn his favour and our salvation.

James Morgan is a writer and former broadcaster living in Gatineau, As Christians, we are all called to do good works like Quebec where he is completing a Ph.D in History. His home congregation caring for refugees. But let us not be confused about why is Trinity Lutheran near Gowanstown, Ontario, and he worships at various LCC congregations in the National Capital Region. we do these good things. We don’t do them in order to earn

Why We Care

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Encountering Famine, Encountering Hope

by Emily Pritchard

A Global Encounter in Ethiopia.

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“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

- Romans 5:2-5 -

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hen I think of the people of Ethiopia there are no better words that come to my mind than those highlighted in Romans 5:2-5: faith, grace, joy, sufferings, endurance, character, hope, and love. Having the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia gave me a whole new outlook on what it means to suffer and yet find the endurance to push though the hard times long enough to find hope. For many communities all across Ethiopia this hope has come through the work and support of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). Motivated by the love of Christ, Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and CLWR work together to improve lives in communities across the world in a way that promotes sustainability and preserves dignity for all.

Every two years CLWR organizes a Global Encounter team of Lutherans across Canada, providing them with the opportunity to travel to the different countries they support through CLWR and learn about the different projects that have established. From January 16-30, 2016 I was blessed with the opportunity to serve as the youth delegate for Lutheran Church–Canada and experience the work of CLWR in Ethiopia first-hand. The theme this year for the Global Encounter trip was food security. As a university student currently studying human nutrition and specializing in food security, I couldn’t have been more excited to receive this call to be a part of this experience.

Together with fellow LCC members Rev. Tom Kruesel, Rev. Jeremy Richert, Eunice Famme, and 23 other participants, we travelled to different project sites that CLWR funds and operates in partnership with the Ethiopian Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

Ethiopia is in the midst of the worst drought they have experienced in the past 50 years. With the projection of a major food crisis that will cause severe malnutrition for many, CLWR is providing some of the more vital resources people need. As you can imagine, something as simple as getting water can be a huge struggle when you are in

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the midst of a drought. CLWR and LWF have established many water diversion and irrigation sites to serve this need and they have several more still in different phases of construction. The opportunity to visit these sites gave me a much bigger picture of how projects like this not only provide water, but provide jobs for the community members. This promotes crucial, long-term sustainability for these people in the forms of incomes, community involvement, and hope.

CLWR and LWF’s work doesn’t stop there! Once community members have access to a reliable water source, opportunity arises for community members to grow their own food and raise their own animals. In order to do so, the people need to be educated on the best agricultural practices and have financial support.

The Hetosa Value Chain project was another project we visited that is doing a great job at providing such education and support to community members living in the Hetosa district. The main objectives of this project are to support small-scale farmers so they can increase their dairy and vegetable production for consumption and marketing, improve use and availability of food in rural households, and facilitate the delivery of the quality demanded for local and national markets.

LWF is working towards achieving these objectives through the establishment of dairy and irrigation cooperative societies, and demonstration sites used to teach farmers how to grow different vegetables and fruits.

They also support the construction of irrigation diversion weirs by community members, and seek out and provide input for improved seeds and training of community members. We visited many of the beneficiaries of the Value Chain project and heard how education about artificial insemination for livestock, the creation of several nurseries, and hands-on farming sites are all used to better the lives of the people. The unique Value Chain approach to food security takes into consideration all steps in the chain of events from production to consumption. It is a value adding process, which takes into account each different stage involved in the production of healthy nutritious food with the focus of satisfying the market demands.

The Value Chain project serves as a great example of the cooperative work between LCC and CLWR because it emphasizes the improvement of daily life and it focuses on sustainability in underdeveloped countries around the globe. I believe that Kati Casba (the Head of Aid at the Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia) said it best at our meeting

with her at the Ethiopia-Canada Cooperation office: “Irrigation projects allow farmers to have crops turnover.

Crop turnover results in families that now have a bed to sleep on at night and food to eat.”

I don’t think I could put it more eloquently than that.

When LCC members support the work of CLWR through prayer and financial gifts we, through the power of Christ, are helping to change the lives of God’s people as we have been instructed: “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11b).

The work that God is enabling CLWR to do is amazing.

The way in which they provide help to the people in Ethiopia through an avenue that screams sustainability and extrudes so much dignity and empowerment for the local people is something we should all be supporting. I have now seen first hand the work CLWR is doing in Ethiopia and it is a blessing for the people.

God has given us this amazing world in which we live, but much greater than that are the people and the cultures that dwell within it. Going on a Global Encounter like this has helped me to realize that the only way to truly experience another country is to become a part of their culture, participate in their traditions, learn their language, eat their food, become friends with their people, and share the love and joy God has given to you with them.

I t h a n k C LW R for providing me the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia with the Global Encounter team.

Thank you, as well, to my home congregation (Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kitchener) for the tremendous support you all so willingly and continually pour upon me. Praise and thanksgiving to our Lord who called me to this mission and the safety that He provided along the way. I continue to stand in awe each day of the One who determines our steps according to His gracious will.

God is changing lives all across the world. How cool is it that we have the opportunity to be the paintbrush in His hand, painting a picture far more beautiful then we could ever imagine? I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited!

God is changing lives all across the world. How cool is it that we have the opportunity to be the paintbrush in His hand, painting a picture far more beautiful than we could ever imagine?

Emily Pritchard is a student at the University of Guelph where she is studying Applied Human Nutrition. She is a member of Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ontario.

See more photos from her trip in the East District News section of this issue.

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Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

by Ron Ludke

Editor’s Note: In 2008, the Government of Canada along with parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to respond to abuse and other negative impacts of the Indian residential school era. It completed its work in December 2015, issuing a report with a series of recommendations “in order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” The federal government plans to adopt the recommendations in their totality.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

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e have a problem in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation hearings over the last few years brought to the forefront the terrible history and legacy of Indigenous people in Canada. The new government of Canada has committed to implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Churches that participated in the residential school program have acknowledged and apologized.

Nevertheless, the problem remains. First Nation’s people in the north have seen significant harm done to them and as a result many are disenfranchised and disillusioned. There is need for reconciliation.

Consider some of the issues facing First Nation’s people today: - Suicide is the leading cause of death among First Nation’s people between the ages of 10-24.

- Diabetes among First Nation’s is three times higher than the national average.

- 58 per cent of on-reserve aboriginal people between the ages of 20-24 have not graduated from high school.

- Fetal alcohol syndrome is 25 times higher than the world average.

My grandfather emigrated from Germany in the early 1900s. He entered Canada with $10 and the hope of finding opportunity. He was able to homestead a quarter section of land and became a landowner. My grandmother told me of memories of Cree people who came and asked for clothing and food but most had been moved to Indian reserves. Those native people once lived and hunted buffalo on the land my grandparents now called their own. Teepee circles and arrowheads were the only reminder of the people who once raised their families where settlers now farmed.

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I don’t believe my grandfather, other settlers, or their descendants meant harm. I don’t believe most knew or understood what had happened nor could they contemplate what the future would hold for First Nation’s people who were displaced. I don’t believe it is helpful to point fingers or lay blame. We live in a sinful world and brokenness is the result.

But we can do something about the situation today. As Christians, we are called and equipped to act. Scripture tells us: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP), in partnership with the Lutheran church, has been about the ministry of reconciliation for over 45 years.

With help and participation of our church and its members, LAMP has become the most significant source of spiritual witness and nurture in northern Canada.

Pastors and lay people from churches across Canada ask me how we can help. The First Nation’s friends I have met and work with tell me clearly what they are asking us to do: - Come visit with us and support us on our journey to healing.

- Send pastors and teachers to come teach us the Scriptures.

- Come teach our children about Jesus.

- Pray for us.

- Send missionaries who will share the Gospel in word and action.

As executive director of LAMP I am committed to doing exactly what First Nation’s people are asking us to do. We have the experience and we have the relationships built over many years. We have hundreds of volunteer missionaries who are answering God’s call to go to all nations. You can participate with your prayers, participation and your Canadian mission funding support.

LAMP’s staff and volunteer missionaries are now preparing to go. We plan to hold Vacation Bible Schools, youth Sports Camps, adult Bible studies, and provide pastoral care for thousands of First Nations’ people in communities all across northern Canada this summer. With your help, we can bring reconciliation and the gift of salvation through the Gospel. Reconciliation is possible through Jesus.

Ron Ludke is Executive Director of Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, a Listed Service Organization of Lutheran Church–Canada.

Re-Forming Our Church

Restructuring Update Survey Results Released Dear Members of LCC: In keeping with our plan of implementation for the restructuring of Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) as requested of by the three Districts of LCC, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) is moving ahead quickly to share the results of the National Survey on Restructuring. The Survey was a huge success as 2,049 participants filled out the survey either online or in paper form. What was surprising and also exciting was that the respondents took the time to send us almost 20,000 written comments filling nearly 900 pages. At this time of year our pastors are very busy in Lenten and Easter planning but 73% of them filled out a survey. Thus Stage One of the restructuring process was, under God’s blessing, a great success!

I n o rd e r t o ke e p the whole church fully informed and to continue our efforts to prevent this process from being a top down endeavor, we are putting the full results of the Survey— with all answers to all 60 statements in the Survey and nearly 20,000 comments over 860 pages. Everyone is welcome to view these results at any time. You can also read an analysis of the survey results by the CCMS online. Find the analysis and the comments themselves at www.canadianlutheran. ca/restructuring-update-survey-results-released/.

The CCMS has also provided “Nine Insights for Discussion Based on the Survey” that they hope will inform ongoing discussions on restructuring. Find them on page 16 of this issue.

Please keep the CCMS and the Board of Directors of Synod in your prayers as we move ahead with Stage 2 of the restructuring process, which involves multiple meetings with District Boards of Directors, Seminaries, Circuit Counselors, Circuits, and Church Worker Conferences in all three Districts. The purpose of these meetings is to add personal input from individuals—lay, clergy, and deacon— across Canada. These comments, along with the survey, will aid the CCMS in preparing proposals for the restructuring of Synod, proposals which will be initially presented to LCC’s Board of Directors at the end of June.

Once Stage 2 has been completed, we will then take the proposals for restructuring which the Board of Directors has initially agreed to and present them to the people of LCC for their input and ideas once more. That input will feed into the final recommendations of the CCMS, which will be presented for the consideration of the 2017 National Convention.

The CCMS is very grateful and sincerely thanks everyone who took the time to respond to the National Survey. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership in the Gospel and in planning how best to deliver that Gospel to our fractured and broken world as we move ahead into the future serving our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We are looking forward to continuing our partnership in the Gospel and in planning how best to deliver that Gospel to our fractured and broken world.

Rev. William Ney is Chairman of Lutheran Church-Canada’s Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure.

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Confessional Lutherans and Anglicans draw closer together N O RT H A M E R I C A Participants in the Anglican Church in North America ( AC N A ) , T h e L u t h e r a n Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Lutheran C h u rc h – C a n a d a ’ s ( L C C ) ongoing ecumenical dialogue have released an interim report on their work so far. Entitled “On Closer Acquaintance,” the document is the culmination of six years of regular discussions between the three church bodies, and highlights the discovery of significant doctrinal agreement between the Anglican and Lutheran participants.

The authors are clear that there is still much work to be done before altar and pulpit fellowship between the two sides would be possible.

Nevertheless, they have found the discussions promising enough to publicly declare their prayer “that, in the time and manner of His choosing, our Lord would grant each side in our conversations to acknowledge our ‘first cousin’ to be in fact a true sister church, with the result that we would welcome each other wholeheartedly to our respective altars and enjoy the blessed situation in which our clergy and people would be interchangeable with each other as we stand under the grace of God and work for His kingdom.”

In the meantime, they encourage all three church bodies to “consider the ways in which we can cooperate and come together in ways that fall short of full communion but do allow the greatest measure of cooperation while maintaining full theological integrity.”

Download the report at www. canadianlutheran.ca/wp-content/ u p l o a d s / 2 01 6 / 0 2 / O n - C l o s e r Acquaintance.pdf.

The leaders of the three churches welcomed the report warmly, reflecting on the growing relationship between confessional Anglicans and Lutherans.

“In a time when so many churches are departing from the teachings of the Bible, it has been refreshing to see the stand for Scriptural Truth

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that is being made by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church–Canada,” said ACNA Archbishop Foley Beach. “We agree on the essentials of the Faith, and share a common desire to evangelize North America with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The LCMS’ President Matthew Harrison had a similar perspective.

“In these trying times for global Christianity, we were joyously surprised and deeply heartened to learn of ACNA and its struggle to be faithful to the New Testament and historic Christian faith,” he said.

“By God’s grace we have found real friends who have encouraged us deeply. We have been inspired by the journey of these men and women out of a church body which had abandoned the New Testament. They have sacrificed greatly, virtually all of them losing the properties of their respective congregations due to the structure of the Episcopal Church. I pray that we would be so courageous facing such difficulties.”

LCC President Robert Bugbee praised the dialogue and the growing theological consensus between confessional Lutherans and Anglicans.

“These discussions have been marked by great thoroughness and theological integrity,” he noted. “Nobody reached for easy compromises, nor did anyone paper over matters that needed to be fully worked through on the basis of God’s Word. Biblical Christians throughout North America face many pressures, not only with the secularization of our society, but also because of the doctrinal decay and revisionism in much of mainline Christianity. We thank the Lord for the commitment of our Anglican friends,

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

and ask Him to use our witness to hold Christ the Saviour out to people all around us.”

All three leaders were present for the most recent round of dialogue between the LCMS, ACNA, and LCC, held February 8-9 in St. Louis, Missouri. A major focus of the meeting was finalizing the report on the six-year dialogue so far.

The report begins by recounting the close history of Anglicans and Lutherans, suggesting that while they are not as yet “sister churches” they are “the closest ecumenical cousins in Christendom.” Moreover, the current divisions in world Anglicanism mirror similar divisions in world Lutheranism.

In these situations confessional Anglicans and confessional Lutherans find they have much in common. Each tradition also has much to offer the other: “We note that while Anglicans have been famous for their patterns of prayer and devotion, Lutherans have majored in more precise doctrinal definition and theological precision,” the report states. “While both sides acknowledge the essential quality of both lex credendi and lex orandi, it may be that Lutherans can assist Anglicans toward more careful attention to the first and that Anglicans can help Lutherans to deepen their practice of the second.”

The report continues by comparing the doctrinal positions of the two traditions at length. The churches have found strong agreement on a number of areas, including the subjects of the Trinity, the person of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, the creeds, original sin, justification, and good works.

The talks have also identified areas that require further discussion.

In particular, the report notes that “the ordering of the ministry is the area where we have found the most work, study, and discussion needs to be done to reach a common understanding of the connection between our practices.” To that end, Continued on Page 15.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

ILC Chairman calls on German authorities to protect Christian refugees G E R M A N Y - Minorities are repeatedly targeted by radical Muslims at refugee shelters in Germany. In addition to single mothers traveling with children, Christians are also being affected. Dr. Gottfried Martens, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church—a congregation of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) in Berlin-Steglitz—has furnished multiple reports of radical Muslim attacks on Christians and converts to Christianity. Members of his parish, composed primarily of refugees from Iran and Afghanistan, have appealed to Dr. Martens to rescue them from such shelters. Along with violent physical attacks, Christians are regularly insulted as “Kuffar” (unbelievers); necklaces adorned with baptismal crosses are wrenched from their necks, their Bibles torn up, and access blocked to kitchens in the shelters. As recently as this past Saturday such violent attacks took place in the refugee facility located at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin.

The SELK’s national bishop, Rev. Dr. Hans-Jörg Voigt, has responded by demanding separate accommodations

for Christians as long as the state cannot ensure that all refugees may freely practice their faith in asylum facilities without disturbance.

“Religious freedom is a constitutionally protected right, comparable to freedom of the press,” Bishop Voigt said. “The state has ILC Chairman Hans-Jörg Voigt. the obligation and duty to permit, ensure, and protect in Germany represent a majority over freedom of religion.” If this is only against Muslims and, as a result, are possible in the short term by providing legitimately concerned to protect a separate accommodations for refugees religious minority. In refugee shelters, according to religion, then this is however, the proportions are the other the necessary solution for the time way around so that the Christians being. “It must not be permitted that form the minority. Their need for Christians are oppressed in refugee protection is urgent. As a matter of shelters because of their faith.” principle, Bishop Voigt stressed that Bishop Voigt, who is also Chairman integration can only succeed when the of the International Lutheran Council, faith of other people is respected and added that influential groups in society tolerated. Despite sharp differences in and politicians are either downplaying faith convictions it must be the goal this abuse or silencing it completely. of everyone to shape a peaceful life The problem is that Christian churches within the community.

Lutherans and Anglicans draw closer together (cont.)

Continued from page 14.

the paper encourages Lutherans to “consider the ways in which the ministry of the bishop (as distinct from presbyter) is already at work among them” and encourages Anglicans to consider “how recognition of the office of bishop can go hand in hand with acknowledgement of the unicity of the office instituted by Christ.”

Likwise, the report identifies the diaconate as a topic that would be beneficial to discuss.

The two sides also address the topic of female ordination in the report. The LCMS and LCC both understand the ordained ministry to preclude women.

The report notes that a majority within ACNA also hold this position even as they are “engaged at the present time in a consensus-seeking discussion with the minority within its midst that takes

the opposite view.”

Additional doctrinal stances compared in the report include the Church, Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, Holy Absolution, and the role of Christian rulers.

“When our open-ended conversations began six years ago, some of the signatories to this report approached our task with a mixture of low expectations and a certain nervousness before the unknown,” the report admits in its conclusion. “All of us are somewhat surprised to have discovered the deep common bonds between us in the Body of Christ, and to have registered the large measure of consensus that we have documented above. We regard these things that we have discovered together as a gift of the Lord, and trust Him to use our findings to His glory and to the

good of the universal Church. As we commend this report to the people and clergy of ACNA, LCMS, and LCC, we encourage Lutherans and Anglicans to remember each other in prayer, embrace one another in Christian love, to encourage each other to confess Christ boldly in our ever darkening times, and to support each other in mission and outreach in faithfulness to Him who has laid the same Great Commission on us all.”

Elsewhere in the report the authors write, “We earnestly hope that these pages may be read and pondered as widely as possible by the clergy and people of our respective church bodies, not only in private but also in the setting of Bible classes, clergy and theological conferences, and other appropriate forums of Christian education.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Nine insights on the Restructuring Survey for Discussion Editor’s Note: The following is a series of insights into the results from the national survey on restructuring.

Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) offers the results to inform discussion on the restructuring process going forward.

To read the results of the survey (including all comments and a more detailed analysis of the results), please visit www.canadianlutheran. ca/restructuring-update-surveyresults-released/.

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above, then the majority of Survey respondents were in favour of having every congregation in LCC be represented in this manner at subsequent National Conventions.

4. The Survey showed that a majority of the respondents preferred having the Synodical P re s i d e n cy d i v i d e d i n t o t wo separate positions: “Spiritual Leader” and “Administrator”.

5. The CCMS with the support of the Board of Directors of LCC would like to have a discussion across Canada by groups to explore the options for the title for the “Spiritual Leader.” Note: A large majority of lay people preferred “President” and a large majority of the clergy preferred “Bishop”.

ased on the survey results regarding the restructuring of LCC, which support a major overhaul of our structure, the CCMS and LCC Board of Directors are offering the following points for discussion and information as a means of receiving additional input from the members of LCC to the CCMS and Board of Directors of the Synod: 1. The Survey gave clear indication that the respondents favour dissolving the Districts and restructuring the Synod to function with o n e Ad m i n i s t r a t i v e s t r u c t u re, i n c l u d i n g the possibility of r e s t r u c t u r i n g t h e The cover page of the CCMS survey analysis. circuits/regions geographically.

2. The Survey indicated that the 6. Although restructuring the District CEFs ought to be merged training of deacons was shown into one Synodical CEF subject to to be a high priority for Survey legal review. respondents, it must be noted that 3. The Survey respondents the Board of Directors of LCC are reaffirmed our practice that each currently involved in extensive congregation of Synod may cast two discussions, consultations, and votes at a Convention (currently decision making regarding that at District Conventions). The two restructuring and so any helpful votes are to be cast as follows: ideas will be passed on directly to one vote to be cast by ONE OF them. Any restructuring in this I T S RO S T E R E D C H U RC H area will come about as a result of WORKERS, and ONE TO BE the Board of Directors action.

CAST BY A LAY PERSON. If the 7. The question of the Seminaries Districts are dissolved as indicated was answered at the 2011 Synodical

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Convention where the direction was given to the Board of Directors by the Convention to implement a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Seminaries which would facilitate more cooperation and financial savings. This has been done, is in effect, and has resulted in financial savings, significant growth in the number of young men entering the Seminaries and an improved common curriculum between the Seminaries. Attached a r e t h e M O U a n d t h e 2 01 4 Convention Resolution regarding the Seminaries.

8. The Survey indicated that respondents wanted a clarification of the relationship between the Lutheran Church-Canada and Concordia University of Edmonton. That clarification is currently being prepared by the Board of Directors and will be made available to the church at large in the near future.

9. The relationship between Lutheran Church-Canada and Canadian Lutheran Wo r l d Re l i e f i s a l s o being clarified and established by the Board of Directors of LCC at this time. Once the shape of this relationship is firmed up, the Board will communicate that relationship to the whole church.

The CCMS invites you to attend, arrange, or request a discussion group in your congregation or area.

Please ask your pastor or circuit counsellor for the date and location of a discussion in your area or for assistance in arranging a discussion group that you can attend. At the end of June the CCMS will make recommendations based on the survey and these Canada-wide discussions.

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC unveils logo for 2017 Reformation celebrations

CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) has released its logo for 500th anniversary commemorations of the Reformation in 2017.

The logo was designed by Philip Prozenko as a gift to the church.

Prozenko is chairman of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also President and owner of AtlantexCreativeWorks, a company involved in the design and fabrication of exhibits, displays, and sculptures for museums, interpretative centres, and trade shows.

“I designed the Reformation wordmark in response to some of the literature and souvenirs that I had been seeing, which I didn’t feel reflected the significance and importance of this world-changing event,” Prozenko explains. “My design incorporates

both the Luther Rose and the cross to reflect Martin Luther’s desire to return Christendom’s focus back to Christ crucified and that we, as sinners, are justified with God by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Scripture alone.”

Even the font, he notes, echoes the German blackletter style in use at the time of the Reformation.

LCC’s Reformation 500 Committee is hard at work preparing resources for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Rev. James Heinbuch serves as Chairman of the committee, which includes LCC members from a variety of backgrounds, including laity, churchworkers, the seminaries, and LCC auxiliaries. LCC congregations and members can expect to see the committee release a number

of Reformation-themed resources in the months to come.

2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

October 31, 1517 is the day Martin Luther is traditionally believed to have first nailed the 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg—an event regularly associated with the beginning of the Reformation. Over the ensuing decades, Luther and other reformers called for the correction of certain abuses in the church at large, and a return to a theology and church practice more clearly grounded in the Scriptures. After their call to “ReForm” the church was rejected by Roman Catholic authorities of the day, the movement gave birth to what we today call the Lutheran church.

2016 National Youth Gathering welcomes chaplain, emcee ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) youth from across the nation will gather at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario July 8-12, 2016 for LCC’s 2016 National Youth Gathering (NYG)—“Living H20.”

The NYG committee is thrilled to welcome Rev. Scott Gamble, who will be filling in as chaplain for the gathering in Rev. Glenn Worcester’s absence. Rev. Scott Gamble had

previously been scheduled to serve as emcee for the event. With his change in position, the committee is pleased to welcome one of its own members, Deacon Amanda Hastings, to serve as emcee during the main sessions.

Some of the gathering’s other presenters include Dr. Micah Parker (main speaker), Jennifer Jade Kerr (musician), and These Guys (entertainment troupe).

Fo r m o r e information about the Gathering, please visit the website www.nyg16.ca or contact Chairperson Tony Marchand via email at tmarchand@intown.net.

He will be able to guide you to the information you are looking for or put you in contact with a committee member near you.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Physician assisted suicide gives new urgency to 2016 March for Life government has been giving an the idea that minors suffering mental OTTAWA - Pro-life Canadians are extension until June 2016 in order illness should be allowed to commit preparing for this year’s National to craft new legislation on the issue. assisted suicide.

March for Life in Ottawa, with Even so, some individuals are being The parliamentary report also Lutherans planning to be among them. given exemptions by the courts to encouraged the institution of This year’s theme is seek physician assisted suicide now. laws which would force objecting #endthekilling and refers to the At least one of these—an Ontarian physicians to facilitate euthanasia twin concerns of abortion and man—committed physician assisted by referring patients to another euthanasia. “Canadian governments suicide in March. And Quebec set up doctor willing to perform the have permitted the killing of preborn its own policies for physician assisted procedure, exacerbating concerns children for 47 years now, bringing suicide in December 2015. in Canada over steadily increasing the death toll to well over 4 million,” A recent parliamentary report impingements on conscience and organizers write. “Now in 2016 has recommended allowing physician religion freedoms of health care with the impending legalization of assisted suicide in a much wider professionals. Canadian physicians euthanasia, the Supreme Court has number of instances than indicated remain divided on the legalization demanded we begin to kill people at in 2015’s Supreme Court of Canada of physician assisted suicide, and the end other end of the spectrum ruling. In addition to providing the Canadian Medical Association too, in their old age.” objects to forcing physicians Lutherans for Life-Canada to refer.

(LFL-C) President Clifford The federal government is Pyle is encouraging Canadian expected to unveil proposed Lutherans to speak out on life legislation on these issues, issues. “God calls His people perhaps as early as the to defend the sanctity of life second week of April. Some at all stages, from conception news sites are reporting the to natural death,” he said. recommended legislation will “It is important for Canadian not be as permissive as the Lutherans to make their views earlier parliamentary report. heard, especially now as our Late last year, Lutheran government prepares legislation Church-Canada joined Catholics, on the issue of physician Evangelicals, and other Canadian assisted suicide.” LFL-C is a religious leaders in issuing a listed service organization of declaration on euthanasia and Lutheran Church–Canada. physician assisted suicide, The 2016 March for Life opposing the practices and calling will take place May 12, 2016.

MAY 12/16 for greater support for palliative While LFL-C is not officially care in Canada. The declaration participating as an organization also encouraged freedom for this year, some of their board healthcare professionals with members will be present for the march ottAwA suicide MarchForlife .ca physician assisted for conscience concerns on euthanasia and are encouraging other Lutherans PArliAMent Hill terminally ill competent adults, the and physician assisted suicide. Since noon!

1.800.730.5358 ● 613.729.0379 to also march as individuals. President report encouraged giving dementia then, the Christian Medical and Pyle notes that if people are looking for patients the option to make advance Dental Society, along with other a parking spot, LFL-C members will requests for assisted suicide, and groups, has organized a website be gathering at St. Luke’s Lutheran legalizing assisted suicide for people encouraging Canadians to defend Church at 326 MacKay Street in suffering from mental health issues. the conscience rights of Canadian Ottawa. A short devotion or prayer It also encouraged offering assisted healthcare workers. You can find more will be said before joining the march suicide to terminally ill children and information on their website at www. on Parliament Hill. youth. An Angus Reid Institute survey canadiansforconscience.ca.

While the issue of abortion has in the weeks following the report’s Lutherans can find additional been a longstanding concern in release suggested strong opposition to pro-life resources at LFL-C’s website Canada, physician assisted suicide these elements: 78% rejected the idea (www.lutheransforlife-canada. is a relatively new one. The Supreme that psychological suffering should be ca)and on the website of their Court of Canada decriminalized grounds for physician assisted suicide, American counterpart (www. physician assisted suicide in with even higher numbers rejecting lutheransforlife.org).

February 2015, but the federal

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

ABC District ABC District News News

Alberta and British Columbia, Jon Teschke, editor Alberta and British Columbia

ABC district president addresses Alberta government over sexual orientation guidelines EDMONTON – Alberta-British Columbia District President Glenn Schaeffer has published a letter he has sent to Alberta’s Minister of Education regarding the guidelines on sexual orientation the provincial government has released for schools.

“We commend your desire to provide a safe and caring setting for all students; every child should be safe and protected,” President Schaeffer’s letter begins. “They are of infinite value to our Creator, who forms them in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-14) and who loves them so much He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die on the cross for their present and eternal well-being (John 3:16).”

“However,” he continues, “the Guidelines for Best Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, and Gender imposes a form of gender identity that is, in our view, extreme and contrary to natural law.

Sexual identity, that is, whether we are male or female, is determined by our Creator; not by us…. This truth is so absolute that the creation of individuals as male or female was an uncontested universal truth until the late twentieth century.”

President Schaeffer’s letter to the Minister of Education follows on a previous letter he distributed to Alberta congregations, encouraging them to make their concerns known to the provincial government and to pray.

While President Schaeffer’s letter to the Minister of Education expresses his disagreement with the guidelines, he nevertheless articulates a need for compassion when caring with those suffering from gender dysphoria and related issues. “Their lives are often haunted by sorrow, confusion, shame, selfloathing, depression, and anxiety,” he notes. “Tragically, their internal struggle is compounded when they are bullied, taunted, and ostracized.”

Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, district president

But he expresses concern that the new gender guidelines, rather than helping those suffering from these issues, will ultimately further confuse and harm them.

He further writes that the Guidelines, in their current state, impinge upon the rights of other students. “The Guidelines fail to honour and protect students and their parents who think expressions of the LGBTQ lifestyle are immoral,” he explains. “There appears to be

little consideration for those who must make accommodations for what they find to be confusing or morally objectionable reasons.”

To that end he proposes the government consider “more constructive approaches to providing students with a safe and caring learning environment.” Such approaches could include: • enforcing anti-bullying laws and policies that exist; • assuring all children suffering from gender dysphoria or an intersexual condition that they are precious creations of God who empathizes with their condition and who provides medical and psychological reparative therapy through therapists and doctors; and • providing educational awareness to all students of the internal struggles of children wrestling with an intersexual condition or gender dysphoria.

You can read President Schaeffer’s full letter here: https://gallery.mailchimp. com/9a435107655732dd229cc903a/ files/Letter_to_Minister_Eggen.01.pdf.

Alberta quilters bless less fortunate BRUCE, Alta.

- C h u rc h a n d community ladies at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bruce, Alberta have quilted for nearly ten years, making around 80 blankets eve r y w i n t e r.

The quilts have ended up Women at Immanuel Lutheran in Bruce, Alberta pose with quilts warming people they’ve made to benefit others. (Photo: Barry Schmaus) in Nicaragua, of the ladies remarks that the quilt First Nations communities in material has been like the little boy’s Northern Alberta, women’s shelters, loaves and fish that never ran out. and in many other places as needed.

Submitted by Maarit Otto All the materials are donated. One

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The Canadian Lutheran March/April 2016 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Alberta and British Columbia, Jon Teschke, Jon Teschke, editor

ABC District 2016 budget The ABC District Board of Directors ratified a 2016 ABC District Mission and Ministry Program. Based on congregational mission remittances in 2015 the projected income for 2016 is $630,000.00. The primary source of income, accounting for about 94% of the $630,000.00, is the mission remittances provided

by ABC District congregations.

The remainder of the income comes from private donations and special mission offerings.

Being largely dependent on

congregational mission remittances will require that we monitor cash flow projections and adjust our spending accordingly.

The congregations’ mission remittances are used to support congregations, schools, and church workers in their work of sharing the Gospel of Jesus with people who do not yet believe in Jesus as their Saviour. For example, the following ministries are receiving funding in 2016 to enable them to do the Lord’s work in their respective communities: Shepherd of the Hills

“Remember How He Told You” – St. Luke 24:6 t. Luke tells us the women went to Jesus’ tomb at “deep dawn.” That’s not exactly what most translations say, but the Greek word usually translated as “early” can also be translated as “deep.” Deep dawn, as in “it is always darkest just before the dawn.” At deep dawn the light and the dark are very close together.

As the final deep darkness of night arrives, it seems as if things could go either way. In the deep dawn there will be either light or there will be dark.

For the women deep dawn wasn’t just a time of day, it was also a state of mind. Jesus had died. They saw that with their own eyes on Friday afternoon.

And now on Sunday morning, they went to finish anointing the body. However, when they got there, the stone was rolled away. What did this mean? Had yet another indecency been committed against their Lord and teacher, or did He have another surprise in store for them. Darkness and light stood very close together as they approached the tomb. Had evil won again? Would the light appear? Which would prevail?

As they stood there perplexed about this, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” they asked. “He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” Now the light and the dark were very close together. Deep dawn was upon them—the darkness of denial or the light of life stood side by side.

But then they remembered His words, and in that remembering at deep dawn Easter happened. They

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Lutheran Church (Airdrie, AB); Trinity Lutheran (Deaf) Church (Vancouver, BC); Faith Lutheran Church (Surrey), Trinity Lutheran Church (Richmond), and the BC Mission Boat (Parksville, BC).

Read the whole ABC District Mission and Ministry budget here: https://gallery.mailchimp. com/9a435107655732dd229cc903a/ files/2016_ABC_District_Budget_ General_Summary_.pdf

remembered His word—His living active word, His word that pierces joint and marrow, His word that never failed to accomplish its purpose, His forgiving word, His healing word, His word that called the dead from their slumber. And remembering His word they told these things to the eleven and all the rest. Before they saw Jesus, they remembered and believed. Before they saw Jesus, they knew He was alive.

In the deep dawn life and light prevailed. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Times of deep dawn still exist in our world. The doctor’s office calls and they need to see you right away. You answer the door and it’s a police officer. The boss calls you in and you know it’s not good news.

No matter what those other voices have to tell you in the deep dawn, no matter what darkness (or perhaps light) they reveal, hear also the words of the angel: “Remember how He told you: • “Come to me all you weary and burdened and I will give you rest” • “I am the light of the world” • “I am the Good Shepherd” • “I am the resurrection and the life” “Remember how He told you.” In that remembering His eternally living word gives you new life. He is risen, risen indeed, to come to us in the deep dawn of our life so that like the women who had not yet seen we might believe. In the deep dawn life and light prevailed.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Remember how He told you. Amen.

Rev. Nolan Astley

ABC District News News ABC District

Alberta British Columbia Alberta and Britishand Columbia, Jon Teschke, editor

All-Church Worker conference planned The ABC District All-Church Worker conference is set for October 17-19, 2016. The location of the conference will be Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Additional information (e.g. lodging, travel suggestions, agenda) will be forthcoming.

The decision to have an ABC D i s t r i c t A l l - C h u r c h Wo r k e r conference was made after seeking input from the Circuit Counselors

and the circuits. Opinions were split evenly between having a regional conference or an All-District conference, although respondents suggested that if the costs of an AllDistrict conference were similar to a regional conference then the preference was for an all-District conference. After some research and number crunching by District staff, the conclusion was made that an all-Church Worker 2.5 day

conference was similar in price to a 3.5 day regional conference. In light of the fact that the last time the ABC District had an All-Church worker conference was in 2010 and in light of the CEF/DIL situation and Synod-wide discussion around the possible restructuring of Synod, it was deemed prudent to have an AllChurch Worker conference.

Attendees will be expected to arrange their own travel and lodging.

Date set for vote on district plan of arrangement EDMONTON - On March 21, the District received approval from the Court to present its Plan of Arrangement and Compromise to creditors. Individual creditors and proxies for groups (corporations and congregations) will hold a meeting in Calgary on May 14 to vote on the plan. The Court Appointed Monitor, Deloitte Restructuring Inc., was to send an information package on the vote to all creditors by April 8. The Monitor will also be participating in several additional information meetings in April.

The plan as presented to creditors would include the following (all bullet points are taken verbatim from “The Basics and What You Need to Do” handouts provided by Deloitte to creditors).

“The lesser of $5,000 or the total amount of their claim (the ‘Convenience Payment(s)’), which will be paid upon the date that the District Plan takes effect. The Convenience Payments will be made net of any amounts that have been paid to you pursuant to the emergency fund, which was approved by the Court as part of the Initial Order granted on January 23, 2015 (‘the Emergency Fund’).”

“A further cash distribution from the liquidation of the assets (the ‘Non-Core Assets’) held by the District, outside of the Prince of Peace Properties (as defined below). The Monitor currently

estimates that Eligible Affected Creditors who are not paid in full by the Convenience Payments will receive cash distributions of between approximately 15% and 20% of their remaining proven claims, after deducting the Convenience Payments, from the sale of the NonCore Assets. These cash distributions will be made net of any amounts that have previously been paid to you pursuant to the Emergency Fund.”

“A distribution in the form of shares (the ‘NewCo Shares’) in a new company (‘Newco’) into which will be transferred the Harbour and Manor seniors’ care facilities, the surrounding development and expansion lands and the Prince of Peace church and school (the ‘Prince of Peace Properties’). In addition to the Prince of Peace Properties, assets held by ECHS and EMSS, including working capital, computer hardware, furniture and fixtures, a water treatment plant, medical equipment and a vehicle will be transferred into NewCo (the ‘ECHS and EMSS Assets’). The Prince of Peace Properties and the ECHS and EMSS Assets will collectively be referred to as the ‘NewCo Assets’.

Based on the value of the Newco Assets, the NewCo Shares are currently anticipated to be valued at between 53% and 60% of each Eligible Affected Creditors’ remaining proven claim, after deducting the Convenience Payments.”

The document goes on to explain what NewCo is: “NewCo will be formed as a private Alberta corporation immediately after the District Plan takes effect. As described above, the NewCo Assets will be transferred to NewCo and NewCo will continue to operate the Harbour and Manor seniors’ care facilities. Eligible Affected Creditors (with the exception of those Eligible Affected Creditors who reside outside of Canada) who are not paid in full by the Convenience Payments will receive 100% of the NewCo Shares on a pro-rata basis based on the amount of their remaining proven claims after deducting the Convenience Payments. For greater clarity, this means that Eligible Affected Creditors will become owners of NewCo (the ‘NewCo Shareholders’) with the NewCo Shares representing that ownership interest.”

The Court Appointed Monitor writes that it is “supportive of the District Plan and is of the opinion that the District Plan is fair and reasonable and appears to be in the general best interest of all parties.”

Voting on the District’s Plan of Arrangement and Compromise follows on an earlier vote January 23, 2016 by depositors of District Investments Ltd. on their Plan of Arrangement. The court appointed Monitor reports that 472 of DIL’s depositors voted on the plan, with continued next page

The March/April2016 201621 3 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN March/April

ABC ABC District News

Alberta British Columbia Alberta and Britishand Columbia, Jon Teschke, editor

Valentine’s dinner benefits missions EDMONTON – On February 13, the Klondike Zone of the ABC District Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries hosted another successful Valentine’s dinner at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Edmonton. The evening started out with a dinner prepared by members of the Klondike Zone. It included oven roasted ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, and green salad. The meal was finished off with coffee, tea and three different cakes.

Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel from Lutheran Church–Canada’s national office served as guest speaker for the event. Dr. Neitzel spoke on the mission work LCC does in different locations in Asia and Central America. His main focus was on how LCC and LLL work together to bring the saving grace of our Lord and Saviour to the people of Nicaragua.

Approximately 70 people attend the event, which raised about $1,170.

Dr. Leonardo Neitzel speaks about missions.

Members also hoped to receive a grant from Faith Life for this event. Monies raised will be used to further the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries in Nicaragua and locally.

New pastor for Delta Lutherans DELTA, B.C. - Saviour Lutheran Church in Delta, British Columbia celebrated the installation of their new pastor on March 6, 2016. The congregation welcomed Rev. Vic Esperanza during a special service where they were joined by Pastors and Lutherans from across the lower mainland. Interim Pastoral

Leader Nolan Astley conducted the service of installation. Following the service, the congregation enjoyed refreshments.

Prior to his call to serve as halftime pastor at Saviour Lutheran, Rev. Esperanza had served the congregation as a vacancy pastor.

Seeking district editor

The Alberta-British Columbia District continues to seek an editor for the ABC District News section in The Canadian Lutheran. Those interested in volunteering for this unpaid position are invited to contact Janice Ruf, Senior Manager of District Services at jruf@lccabc.ca. In the meantime, please send submissions for the ABC District News section to The Canadian Lutheran’s editor Mathew Block at communications@ lutheranchurch.ca

Vote, continued 92% in favour of the plan.

The court has determined that approval for the DIL Plan should be decided at the same time as the District Plan.

Additional information on the restructuring process is available from the websites of the Chief Restructuring Officer (www.klupart. com/cef/) and the Court Appointed Monitor (http://www.insolvencies. deloitte.ca/en-ca/Pages/lutheran_ church_canada_the_alberta_british_ columbia_district_et_al.aspx).

Visit the ABC District website at www.lccabc.ca Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

District Editor 7040 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E3 phone: 780-474-0063 communications@ lutheranchurch.ca

Passtor Esperanza, centre front, with area pastors.

4 The Canadian Lutheran March/April 2016 22 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Next deadline: May 7, 2016

Central District District News Central News

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

Humboldt congregation hosts prayer service HUMBOLDT, Sask. - “Buenas t a rd e s ! ” ( S p a n i s h f o r “ g o o d afternoon”) from St. John’s Lutheran, which hosted a Cuba 2016 World Day of Prayer event on March 4.

Twenty-eight members of six local churches attended the service of prayer and hymns, based on the theme “Receive children. Receive Me”. A procession of symbolic items were carried and placed on the head table: a Bible for God’s Word, kept by the faithful facing challenges in a formerly atheist state; a candle for hope in the future, as many young people emigrate; a fruit tray of items used in the traditional Cuban dish ajiaeo; maracas for joy and rhythm; and stalks of sugar cane for love. The head table was draped in red, white, and blue—the colours of Cuba’s Flag of the Solitary Star—and held

a basket of white butterfly jasmine origami paper flowers—the national flower of Cuba. Strings of colourful Cuban yarn dolls were created and displayed and will be donated The decorated head table. later this year to The offering collected will the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoe supply materials needed to continue boxes. Special music throughout was World Day of Prayer in Canada and provided by organ and bongo drums. around the world, including Cuba.

A video explained the current Fellowship followed the service economic and social issues in Cuba with coffee and lemonade, both and shortages due to a 50-year U.S. traditionally served to guests in trade embargo. Attendees learned how Cuban households. these impact women and children and rejoiced that children in Cuba receive Lorna Grout free education and healthcare.

Across the district – Lent & Easter edition

SASKATOON - On January 22, Faith Lutheran Church hosted a citywide youth event consisting of games and pizza. The girls nearly conquered the boys in Air Hockey, while an intense game of Jenga took place carefully on the other side of the room. A game of Dutch Blitz tested everyone’s (youth and adult alike) skills of speed, handeye coordination and counting, while others spun in the air and attempted to catch plastic Easter eggs in a bucket. Overall, it was a fun and filling night!

OXBOW, Sask. - More than 150 people came out to the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper hosted by St. Peter & St. John Lutheran Parish. Lots of fun was had and $780.25 was collected for the Stars Landing Pad Initiative in Oxbow.

SASKATOON - February 7 saw St Paul’s Fourth Annual Chili Cook-off. Once again the competition was fierce; there were 13 chilis entered. Congratulations to Natasha Zlipko for winning the title of best overall chili. Dahab Woldu took home the award for hottest chili, and Nadine Wagner won for most unique chili.

The March/April 201623 1 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN March/April 2016

Central District News News

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

Event shows youth a marvelous time REGINA - Thirty young people from the congregations of Mount Olive, Grace and Prince of Peace in Regina; Our Saviour in Fort Qu’Appelle; St. John’s, Humboldt; and Faith, Middle Lake gathered at Mount Olive Lutheran Church for the “February Break Marvelous Youth Event” February 18-19. They worshiped in Divine Service and Compline, enjoyed presentations on the Book of Judges and the Apostles’ Creed, played games, and watched some Marvel movies.

The group took a break in their packed schedule for a photo.

from Mount Olive Facebook page

Fun and games (and food) were part of the program.

Ponderings from the president Such is our Easter joy! pastor had just celebrated an early Easter morning service at one point of his dual parish, and was on his way now to conduct the service at his second congregation. Suddenly, his car gave a groan and a bang, finally coming to a stop. With his cell phone in hand and with Easter joy still in his heart, the pastor began his call for assistance with the traditional Easter greeting, “Christ is Risen!” The operator was silent for just a moment, and then replied, “Oh, did He...really?”

Ah, the skepticism and secularity of the pagan mind!

As Christians we are often tempted to think the same way. We seem to believe more in the Easter bunny than in a historical person named Jesus. Besides, the bunny is so cute and cuddly, not bloodied and battered like Jesus’ crucified and dead body. It’s so much easier to believe in a God who is “out there” somewhere, mystically present and aware of us, rather than a God who would take on human form only to die on a cross. It’s so much easier to believe that your loved one who died is now “at peace,” rather than try to connect their eternal future with a man who died two thousand years ago. It’s so much easier to believe in qualities like love and kindness than it is to believe in a God who would commit the loveless act of

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2 The 2016 24 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN March/April March/April 2016

allowing His own Son to die for something He never did, for people He never met.

Our Christian faith either stands or falls with the resurrection of that body which was laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb on Good Friday. Jesus’ resurrection assures us that God the Father has accepted the sacrifice of His Son as payment in full for the sins of the world. We can be assured that all of our past sins—no matter how big or small, no matter how seemingly insignificant or glaring, no matter what consequences we suffered as a result of those sins— have been forgiven and forgotten by our heavenly Father when we go to Him with humble and repentant hearts.

Because Jesus is risen from the dead, we now have hope for the future; hope that we will join Him with resurrected bodies for an eternity in heaven. As we stand at the grave faced with the humbling finality of life, our faith rises to the occasion as we join with Job and say, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” As we remember those who have died before us, we have the assurance of our Saviour’s own words: “Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

Such is our Easter joy!

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District News News

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

Congregational meal marks Seder SASKATOON - On Saturday evening, March 19, some 61 people gathered at Faith Lutheran Church for a modified Seder or Passover meal. The occasion allowed much teaching, including an explanation of the origins of the Seder/Passover, along with its links to the Lord’s Supper.

A festive table was set to convey the importance of the meal; candles were lit and menorahs displayed.

The meal itself was tailored to a very different palate than that of the Biblical time: using everyday foods, cooks served pot roast, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, spinach salad with tomatoes and sliced eggs, the unleavened matzah bread, and charoset, a delicious apple “relish,” some with wine and some with grape juice. Some items were symbolic; others just good food! For dessert, Passover macaroons were

offered and pound cake “lambs” were sliced by the matriarch or patriarch at each table. An offering of red wine to commemorate the four glasses used in the original Passover meal rounded out the supper.

The Seder, meaning “order,” was illustrated by PowerPoint and explained

by Larry Mikulcik and Dennis Kendel. Rev. Rudy Pastucha added the religious significance of the meal as it relates to Holy Communion.

It will be remembered a s a n e n j oya b l e a n d educational evening.

Renate Bishopp

Meal servers at the ready.

Congregation reaches out to the community WINNIPEG - Peace Lutheran Church recently executed its first food drive in an effort to achieve a ministry of presence in its community. The congregation’s board of evangelism organized the event to increase the visibility of Peace Lutheran Church to neighbouring households and to serve the community by supporting the church food bank.

Approximately 20 volunteers, including children, were involved in the pilot project. Door hangers advertising the food drive, and Peace logo bags for donations were delivered to approximately 300 households. Those households were revisited over the subsequent week to collect donations.

The endeavour was blessed with much enthusiasm and support. The average response rate in terms of donations was 25 to 30 percent, yielding an estimated 250 lbs. of food. More importantly, these households were made aware that

Bags were distributed, filled, and collected.

Peace Lutheran Church is a part of their neighbourhood, and that the church seeks to serve the community, in part via the food bank. Also, some congregation members who were unable to physically participate were moved to generously support the

food bank with their own donations.

“I feel strongly about helping the less fortunate,” said one such member.

Volunteers felt rewarded by the experience. “It was exciting to return to our [assigned] street and see the donations,” said Rev. John Blum. “With each bag that was ready for pick up, I got more and more choked up. I didn’t expect such a positive response,” commented Alex Bancroft.

Fo r a b i t o f c o n t ex t , 3 0 0 households, the scope of this pilot project, constitute only about a third of a square kilometer. “We’ve only begun,” said Chris Anderson (Director of Evangelism). “The potential for growth and increased coverage is huge.” Based on the positive feedback, the Peace Board of Evangelism hopes to reach every household in the church’s immediate community over the ensuing years.

Hope Anderson

The March/April 201625 3 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN March/April 2016

Central District District News Central News

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

Women in Moose Jaw feel the burn based on Luke 24:3132: “Their eyes were o p e n e d a n d t h ey recognized Him.....

They said, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us…?’”

The 18 women in attendance were encouraged to feel the burn the Holy Spirit gives during corporate worship, daily living, private devotion, Bible study, and service to others. As a part of the service, there was an ingathering LWMLers contributed to the ingathering during the prayer of baked goods and service. snack foods. These items were given to local firefighters MOOSE JAW, Sask. - Women were in appreciation for the work they do invited to “Fan into Flame the Gift to keep us safe. of God…Feel the Burn,” during Lydia Parker the annual Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada Prayer Service at Emmanuel Lutheran C h u r c h , J a n u a r y 2 6 . Pa t t i Kreutzwieser prepared the service for the Central District LWMLC,

Congregation celebrates Oromo confirmation WINNIPEG After one year of dedicated studies, ten Oromo Christian youth were confirmed at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where the group is currently meeting, with a f u l l c h u rc h in attendance to watch this Rev. Assefa Aredo with the confirmands. historic event.

Oromo people in the Winnipeg area.

This is the fruit of the mission work Rev. Assefa Aredo begun in the Central District with the

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Dryden prepares to host convention Preparations are in full swing in Dryden, Ontario, as they get ready to host women from across Central District in the triennial convention of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada, Central District June 3-5, 2016. Theme of the convention is “Christ Alone is our Rock” based on Psalm 62:1-2, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

New mission projects to receive grants will be selected and officers elected. Highlights include special speakers, a walk for missions and an ingathering of items for those in need in the local community. Also under discussion will be proposed changes to the structure of the organization.

Notice of annual meeting

The annual meeting of the Lutheran Church–Canada Central District will take place Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at the District Office in Winnipeg.

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 elaine.stanfel@gmail.com

Next deadline May 7, 2016

East District News News East District

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

Many activities keep Kingsville congregation busy KINGSVILLE, Ont. February was busy indeed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. A group of about 20 men and boys met to make sausages which were sold to congregation members in a fundraiser. The sausages were delicious and participants can’t wait to get together again for a repeat.

During spring break, eight church women met to do some sewing/quilting. Most of the quilt tops were sewn at home so that the group had only to pin together the tops, stuffing and backing.

The quilts then moved to the sewing machine, where edges were sewn and pins removed.

Then they moved again to the table where they were quilted with knots. A heart-shaped note telling the recipient about

Jesus’ love was pinned to the corner. A total of 20 quilts were produced. Just the week before, the group bundled 147 sundresses, 41 layettes, and 7 afghans for Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

On Palm Sunday, March 20, the Young Adults planned and took part in an uplifting wo r s h i p s e r v i c e w h i c h included a baptism. Shown here, Rev. Dusan Tillinger, with new members Kenzie and Shai-Lynn. The previous Sunday, March 13, the congregation welcomed three new members, Chris, Tracy, and Kandreya. Following the service, a group of about 85 gathered in fellowship to celebrate with a pot luck d i n n e r, e n j oy i n g m a ny delicious casseroles.

Ilene Brandner

Partnering with you in HIS mission KITCHENER, Ont. - On June 8, 2014, at the National Convention o f L u t h e ra n C h u rc h – C a n a d a in Vancouver, the delegates voted unanimously to pass Resolution 14.1.01 to grant auxiliary status to the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada.

In addition to being an auxiliary of LCC, we were called to action at the 2015 LCC East District Convention in Kitchener, when Resolution 152-02a was adopted, stating, “That Congregations utilize Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) resources for outreach.”

In brief, this resolution states, “We are people ‘SENT’ and willing to be ‘sowers’ of the seed, the Good News of Salvation.” As the body of Jesus Christ we prepare ourselves for such sowing by including materials from LHM that address life’s issues which we hear about almost daily.

We can raise our witness readiness through programs like Mission U and Equipping to Share to not only make use of LHM resources within

Our new LHM logo has at its heart the cross with four people reaching out with the Gospel to the world. The design also signifies LHM’s desire to be your partner in HIS mission to rescue, restore and renew all who are lost and hurting.

our congregations but also to use them for outreach in booths at local fairs, plowing matches and other community events where allowed, and also if possible to place Project Connect stands in funeral homes, hospitals and other public places even though these opportunities are being denied more and more.

Both Pastor and people should endeavour to be partners with LHM by becoming familiar with and using LHM resources and listening to the Lutheran Hour broadcast and hold a Lutheran Hour Sunday every year. Remember, we are one

organization—the LLL is who we are and LHM is what we do.

In asking our congregations to utilize LHM resources, it is most helpful to have a person from the congregation who would act as a liaison between them and LHM. This person would keep their congregation informed on what LHM has to offer, organize a Lutheran Hour Sunday, and would be a big help with finding ideas and materials from LHM that would enhance the congregation’s outreach and mission efforts. That person is your LHM Ambassador. If your congregation does not currently have an ambassador, please resolve to find a volunteer. Your LHM ambassador might even be considered as a position or member on the church council. A position description and ambassador application form can be obtained by phoning the LLL– Canada office at 1-800-555-6236 or email helpful@LLL.ca. continued next page

THE CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN March/April March/April 2016 The Canadian 2016 27 1

East District News News East District

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

Commemorations begin in Montreal for 500 years of reformation evolving with the participation of some 25 volunteers thus far.

The garden is a spiritual oasis in the city—a place for passersby to find a quiet interlude for M O N T R E A L , Q u e. prayer and meditation.

- At the front corner Everyone is welcome to of l’Eglise luthérienne enter into this restful and de l’ Ascension is secure space. It is filled the Prayer Garden— with life and growth a n o n g o i n g p ro j e c t , and colour, reminders of begun in 2015 in view God’s reassuring work in of the 500th anniversary our world. Organizers of the posting of the 95 hope visitors, friends theses that launched the A group of volunteers adds finishing touches to a garden bench. and neighbours to the Reformation. The space apple tree today,” a message of hope garden will find solace, serenity and builds on the idea of the Luthergarden and responsibility. the radiant presence of the risen Lord, in Wittenberg, Germany, a joint The Montreal garden, including who first appeared to His followers venture which sees Lutheran an “apple tree,” is intended to in a garden. churches from around the world provide a haven for reflection in Rev. Dr. David Somers contribute 500 trees to be planted the multi-ethnic diversity of the there. That project is inspired by a Partnering, continued inner-city neighbourhood around the quote attributed to Luther, “Even if I church. Open day and night, the small The LLL mission, “Bringing knew that the world were to collapse enclosed area has been gradually Christ to the Nations and the tomorrow, I would still plant my Nations to the Church” assists in the proclamation of the Gospel by creating, distributing and promoting 500 years of reformation – 500 trees resources through various media and for Wittenberg equipping Christians for outreach. of the 500 trees to be planted in “Even if I knew that the world were The purposes for the corporation are: Wittenberg, and at the same time to collapse tomorrow, I would still (i) to aid the programs and activities to plant a corresponding tree in a plant my apple tree today” (ascribed of LCC and LCMS (in Canada) place that is significant for their to Martin Luther). in word and deed. own church.

In 2017, Lutheran churches (ii) to encourage Lutherans to Through this cooperative will commemorate the 500th participate actively in the work project, the Luthergarten will anniversary of the Reformation of their local congregations. stimulate interaction and set a (Jubilee) that had its beginnings in (iii) to help increase in Lutherans a communication process in motion.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg. deep consciousness of Christian Positive impulses will emerge and As a means of giving stewardship life. spread out into town, the region, expression to commemoration, We exist to assist and be of the country and, finally, into the the Luthergarten (Luthergarden) service to the church and by so world. In this way, the far-reaching has been established in Wittenberg doing strengthen and grow the significance of the Reformation on the grounds of the former church in witness and stewardship. will become tangible. town fortifications. In connection After all, the LLL was founded The project has been initiated with this project, 500 trees will back 1917 when 12 men met to by the Lutheran World Federation be planted at different places in settle a $100,000 debt facing the in Geneva, with support from the the city region, giving a concrete Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod German National Committee of the sign of the optimism so clearly in Milwaukee.

LWF and the United Evangelical expressed in Luther’s apple tree LLL Canada is a “not for profit” Lutheran Church of Germany quote. Churches from all over the corporation and is also a registered (VELKD) and by cooperation with world and from all confessions Canadian Charitable organization.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg. are being invited to sponsor one Robert Wilson, president, The Quiet Garden Lord, thy call we answer.

Take us in thy care.

Train us in thy garden.

In thy work to share.

LLL Canada, East District

2 The March/April2016 2016 28 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN March/April

East East District News

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

Global Encounter in Ethiopia ETHIOPIA – Emily Pritchard of Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran

C h u rc h ( K i t c h e n e r, O n t a r i o ) recently participated in Canadian

Lutheran World Relief’s recent Global Encounter trip to Ethiopia as Lutheran Church–Canada’s youth delegate. She and three other LCC members visited several different relief and development sites in Ethiopia supported by CLWR. Additional information on the trip is available from her blog at https://globalencounterblog. wordpress.com/ and in the summer edition of LWML–Canada’s magazine, Tapestry.

Far left: Emily Pritchard plants a tree in Ethiopia. Immediate left: A water bottle which has been converted into a “drip irrigation system.” Farmers fill the water bottle half way with water and then poke a hole in the bottom of the bottle. The water drips out slowly, providing a constant source of moisture, and only needs to be refilled every three days.

From the president “Keeping Focused!”

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness!” (John 12:46)

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father was once attempting to teach his boy how to plow a straight furrow. Finally he turned to him and said, “Son, if you want to plow a straight line you must not rivet your attention on the ground where you are working. Pick out some object across the field, something that is immovable like a tree or a big rock.

Keep watching that goal, and plow right toward it.”

There are too many ground-gazers in the world today.

With their eyes focused on the things of the earth they never know what abundant living really is. They miss the beauty which is all about them because they never look up. They become too attached to the things of the world. They let the world and the things in it mold and shape them, even to the point that they give in to the ways of the world. And eventually their lives become crooked and warped, without meaning or purpose.

There are others whom we might call pleasure seekers.

They are not interested in the narrow way with all of its restrictions. They forget that, to attain great living, the narrow way is the only way they should follow. Instead, they become attracted to other forces around them. They turn a blind eye to the sins committed by others around

them, and in so doing are influenced and persuaded to sin themselves. In they end, they discover that they are empty-handed. They have accumulated no real value; the pleasures which they thought they possessed have vanished. There is only one thing left now, a deep heart hunger and a vacuum of the soul which cannot be filled by anything except the righteousness of God. Then there are those who know and heed the words recorded for us in the pages of Holy Scripture that we are to live in the world and not of the world.

The Apostle Paul puts it eloquently in his letter to the Romans: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

We might call those who heed the Apostle Paul’s advice star-gazers. They are not just idle dreamers but fix their vision upon something constant. They build toward an immovable object. They are led by our Lord Jesus and follow the way of the cross. For great as its disciplines are, greater still is the joy of the journey and the heaven which is ahead. And even though the night should become dark, a light—the Light—shines through the gloom, and that Light keeps leading us on!

Rev. Paul Zabel THE CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN March/April March/April 2016 The Canadian 2016 29 3

East East District News

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

30-hour famine strikes Wellesley WELLESLEY, Ont. - Twenty-one Kitchener Circuit youth and six leaders from five churches met at First St. Paul’s on March 4 and 5.

The group went without food for 30 hours so that others wouldn’t need to do the same. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, $2,569.88 was raised to help feed the hungry through the Community Cupboard of Historic St. Paul’s, Kitchener.

On Friday night, the youth participated in a Bible study about prayer. On Saturday morning, Rev. Andy Schroth led a service of Prayer and Preaching. A number of youth brought along friends new to the church. Participants were thankful for a chance to grow in His word and help serve their neighbours.

This group of 21 youth cheerfully embarks on a famine to last for the next 30 hours.

Rev. Andy Schroth

Installation of Pastor Hart in Kitchener KITCHENER, O n t . - Re v.

Perry Hart was installed as the pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church on January 17 in an afternoon service attended by many clergy, m e m b e r s o f Participating pastors were (front, l-r) Revs. David Hamp, Kurt Lantz, Orlowski, Perry Hart, Dr. William Mundt, Dr. Roger Winger, Bethel, visitors, Richard Ron Mohr; (middle) Revs. Warren Hamp, Marcus Kuehn, Rob Korsch, a n d g u e s t s . Larry Gajdos, Dereck Pillay (English District), Konstantin Hahn; (back) The presiding Revs. Carl Wagner, Joel Kuhl, William Gillissie, Dr. James Keller, minister of the Seminarian Kurt Schultz, Andy Schroth, Dr. Thomas Winger.

English and provided by Bethel and prepared by German service was Rev. Richard members. Bethel youth assisted with Orlowski, assisted by Rev. David the food service. Many volunteers Hamp. Rev. Dr. William Mundt helped to make it a memorable preached the sermon, titled, “A evening.

Hart Heart Transplant,” taken from Rev. Perry Hart, his wife Tara Corinthians 4:1 (ESV): “Therefore Lynn, and their five children having this ministry by the mercy recently arrived from Australia, of God, we do not lose heart.” where he served almost four years Wonderful music was provided for in the Lutheran Church of Australia this special service by the Bethel before accepting the call to serve at Brass Ensemble and Bethel choirs Bethel. He served his vicarage in the directed by Mrs. Nellie Scholtes.

Waikerie Lutheran Parish in South Following the installation, more Australia. than 200 guests stayed for a time of Rev. Hart was born in Cold Lake, fellowship and a homemade supper

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Alberta and has spent most of his life in Canada. He married Tara Lynn in 1996. He received his M. Div. from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines. Prior to that, Rev. Hart graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and worked in sales, marketing and in the business field.

The Hart family look forward to establishing themselves in the Kitchener area and getting to know their new family in Christ at Bethel.

Irene Rooney

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca 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: May 7, 2016

Mission Update LCC staff joins CLWR and ELCIC to resettle Syrian family in Winnipeg

Staff from LCC, CLWR, and the ELCIC welcome a family of Syrian refugees to Winnipeg. (Image Courtesy: ELCIC Communications).

WINNIPEG - Staff members from Lutheran Church–Canada joined with staff from Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) February 23, 2016 at the Winnipeg International Airport to welcome a Syrian refugee family to Canada.

The family’s arrival yesterday was a happy surprise because they were originally expected to make the journey to Canada in April. A phone call in mid-February informed CLWR staff that the family would be landing in Winnipeg in only four days.

The family’s sponsorship is a joint partnership between the three national offices and LCC’s Central District office.

Last fall, CLWR staff members began collecting pledges to sponsor one person. CLWR extended the invitation to the two churches to join the initiative, making it possible to bring an entire family to Canada.

The husband and wife were English teachers in Syria and they have two young sons under the age of nine. The family fled to Jordan after the Syrian conflict began and were living in the

capital city of Amman before being connected to CLWR. A relative of the family was also at the airport to greet them and provide them with a place to stay for their first night in Winnipeg.

“It is one thing for us to hear news stories about efforts in general to welcome refugees to Canada,” said LCC President Robert Bugbee.

“But I am so grateful to the staff of Canadian Lutheran World Relief here in Winnipeg for inviting my co-workers and me to get involved with a specific family of refugees now preparing to make this their home.

CLWR leaders are not merely talking about the importance of work with refugees; they are helping us actually do it right here on the ground.”

“LCC staff embrace this as a wonderful adventure,” he continued.

“I think we’ll learn things we couldn’t learn any other way. And I won’t be surprised if it makes us feel the urgency to lay it on the hearts of our people and churches across the country to begin helping a specific family in their own communities. This project makes the challenges and the joys of refugee resettlement really come to life.”

With just a few days’ notice of the family’s arrival, there was a scramble over the weekend to make final arrangements for an apartment, furniture and household items, a phone and groceries to last for the first few days.

Arrangements quickly fell into place thanks to CLWR’s experience in this area. CLWR has been a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Canadian government since the 1970s and has been facilitating refugee sponsorships for decades for groups of private Canadians.

“My colleagues and I felt it was time to ‘walk-the-walk’ and become sponsors ourselves,” says Robert Granke, CLWR’s executive director.

“I have visited Jordan and met Syrian mothers and fathers who are desperate to resettle in a safe place where they can work, educate their children, and become part of a community. We knew we could support a family in this way.”

This is the first time national office staff from the LCC, CLWR and the ELCIC have joined together to sponsor a refugee family.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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Mission Update LAMP calls for prayer for First Nation community rocked by youth suicide

CROSS LAKE, Man. - Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) is encouraging Lutherans to pray for Cross Lake (Pimicikamak Cree Nation) as they struggle with a recent outbreak of youth suicides. From mid-December 2016 to mid-March 2016, six suicides (most of them youth) took place, in addition to dozens of other attempts.

In a school of 1,200 more than 150 of the students are on a suicide-watch list. The crisis has led the community to declare a state of emergency.

“What do we do when we receive this terrible news and a cry for help?

We do what we believe Jesus would have us to do,” says LAMP Executive Director Ron Ludke in a recent statement. “We pray and we ask friends like you to pray with us. We go to show support by our presence.

We share words of assurance and comfort from Scripture. We proclaim the Gospel of Jesus which is our only true source of comfort and hope.”

Executive Director Ludke notes that LAMP has been involved in Cross Lake for many years. Each

summer, a LAMP Vacation Bible School team from Billing, Montana serves in Cross Lake, and LAMP’s Pastor-Pilot Dennis Ouellette provides ongoing pastoral support to spiritual and community leaders.

In light of recent events, LAMP has again extended its support to the community, with Rev. Ouellette and LAMP team members from Billing, Montana preparing to visit Cross Lake during Holy Week to pray with and for youth and community leaders.

Executive Director Ludke draws attention to the needs of First Nations peoples in another article in this issue of The Canadian Lutheran (see page 12), and the importance of seeking reconciliation. In that article, he noted the grim statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death for First Nations people between the ages of 10-25.

LAMP staff and missions teams serve year-round responding to the needs of northern Canadian communities, and the “prayers of our northern friends together with your prayers are being answered,” Executive Director Ludke encourages. Recently Rev. Ouellette was able to provide a parenting workshop and LAMP board member Harry Huff offered to provide a bereavement workshop. The Women of Worth conference planned for May 2016 will bring spiritual enrichment to more than 100 women

from northern communities. And volunteer missionaries drive winter roads across frozen lakes to offer year-round support.

“People in northern Canada in desperation are asking for our help,” Executive Director Ludke writes.

“They are praying for God’s help.

God’s answer to their prayers may be you and me.” He encourages LCC members to pray for the work of LAMP, consider joining a mission team with the organization, and offer financial support as they are able for LAMP’s vital work among First Nations peoples.

LAMP is a listed service organization of Lutheran Church– Canada.

Correction: LBTC’s Annual Meeting Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada (LBTC) wishes to inform readers of an error in their supplement in the previous issue. That issue indicated that LBTC would be holding their 2016 Annual Meeting and Banquet on Saturday, May 14. The event will instead take place on Friday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. The remainder of the entry as printed last issue is correct.

GARY R. SCHMIDT President

519.570.3280 1.888.870.TUNE 519.579.7615 grschmidt@bellnet.ca www.schmidtpianoandorgan.com

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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Mission Update Seminary in Ukraine suffers fire UKRAINE - On February 9, 2016 Concordia Seminary in Odessa, Ukraine was damaged after a fire broke out in the basement. The seminary is an institute of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine (SELCU).

Rev. Dr. Steve Chambers o f C o n c o rd i a L u t h e ra n Seminary (Edmonton) was at the seminary teaching a class at the time. He reports that the power had gone out around 3:00 p.m. but that classes had been continuing in the meantime (power outages in Ukraine are not uncommon). Around 3:45 p.m., one of the students went Students investigate the source of a fire at Concordia Seminary in Odessa, Ukraine. Sunlight pours in to check on the furnace and the windows, illuminating the smoke in the air and the water on the floor. came back calling for help.

“Some materials outside the Social Ministry. “And we pray that, “These guys are very good at furnace but nearby caught fire,” through the prayer and financial improvising solutions to all sorts of Dr. Chambers explained, “and the support of LCC members, the problems and we are all doing just whole basement was filled with seminary will be able to recover fine,” Dr. Chambers writes. “It was smoke. For some reason, there quickly from this accident.” good for us all to pray together at are no fire extinguishers in the supper and talk about our thanks building! So we carried big bottles that this didn’t happen during the of drinking water to the two guys night, on the weekend, or at any who went right into the worst of other time when either we or the it, and they eventually succeeded building would have been more in putting out the fire. Thank God vulnerable. Thank God for his for their courage and know-how!” protecting hand of grace!”

LCC’s Mission Work Their fire-fighting efforts were “ T h i s c o u l d h ave b e e n a n helped by leaking water, as a absolute disaster,” he continued.

Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n number of plastic water-pipes “I’m thankful that the Lord spared melted during the fire, as did an us from physical harm, and the LCC’s missions, visit expansion tank, resulting in anklebuilding from more serious damage.

L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . c a . deep water. Further investigation Maybe you can join me in this You can support LCC’s suggested that it was electrical prayer of thanks, too.” missions through online equipment related to the hot-water The Odessa seminary was built giving, or by sending boiler that had initially caught fire, through the mission support of not the furnace itself.

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). donations by mail: By that evening, two of the LCC continues to oversee the students were already at work theological education program for Lutheran Church– attempting to restore water service the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Canada to the building. But the water-boiler Churches in Ukraine’s seminary, 3074 Portage Avenue system, which is used to heat the providing professors and other building, is expected to take much support. “We are grateful to God Winnipeg, MB R3K longer to repair or replace. In the for sparing the seminary building 0Y2 meantime, classes will continue and keeping everyone from harm,” Canada thanks to the use of four large said Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, electric heaters.

LCC’s Executive for Missions and THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Education Report CUE president releases letter to the church, resigns from clergy roster EDITOR’S NOTE: President Gerald S. Krispin of Concordia University of Edmonton has issued the following open letter to members of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). It addresses the university’s decision to cease identifying as a Christian institution.

Dear Friends of Concordia, I pray that everyone in our synod, and indeed all those who faithfully confess our Lord Jesus Christ, reflect upon our need of a Saviour from sin, death, and damnation as we journey through the season of Lent. Concordia as a whole is also preparing for Lent, which also includes me. And this year, I feel there is much to be repentant of.

I specifically need to ask the Church for forgiveness as one who belongs to its ministerium. That request needs be put into a context, however.

The article in The Canadian Lutheran (January/February 2016) has made its readers in our church aware of Concordia’s decision to no longer identify itself as a religious institution. More on that below. But in the first place, I need to present the following, even as it addresses what is in essence an accurate report of what transpired over the past few years in the Governance and direction Concordia has taken. These changes go as far back as 1978, when Concordia began operating as a primarily government funded institution. I understood little of our funding when I first became a faculty member at Concordia in 1987. However, after being appointed President some 20 years later, our Board Chair at that time and his successor alerted me to issues of accountability to the government that had been critically neglected. I don’t want to rehearse the whole process here, but ultimately, I sought to have Concordia achieve a state of operations that would pass scrutiny by Alberta’s Auditor General; this included good governance, fiscal controls, and transparency.

It is here that I fear that I lost sight of the following: I was both a Pastor

in the Church and the President of a publicly funded College (University).

While in many instances I would assume one role or the other, and sometimes both, I did not realize that holding both offices could lead to the kind of conflict of interest that has caused such consternation as the Canadian Lutheran article intimates.

For example: in ideal circumstances, I had drafted the Mission/Vision/Values Framework that celebrated everything that I believe a confessional Lutheran university should be. I articulated that conviction publicly at the June 2014 LCC Convention in Vancouver. I did so in my role as Pastor, but also with the belief that I could do so as Concordia’s President. But recently, circumstances have become less than ideal.

From May to November of 2015 the Board wrestled with the following reality: of the 26 post-secondary institutions in Alberta, only Concordia lacks support from a third “leg” (in this case, any substantial support from the church). What if one of the two legs on which we balance were to be cut? Concordia would fall. I presented the Board Executive with options at the November 13 meeting and stated that our only hope of getting funding outside of government and tuition would be to present ourselves as non-religious institution. Businesses, corporations, and most provincial governments do not support religious entities. A motion was drafted to take this to the full Board.

Now, as a Pastor in the church, I would have fought this motion (that I myself made) tooth and nail! I should have pointed back to my commitments to the Church and the promises made in 2014. But I could not act as a Minister in our Church in this situation; I am the President of Concordia with a fiduciary duty to faculty, students and staff, and accordingly, I had to leave my pastoral side behind and do what’s best for Concordia. In a sense, to avoid a conflict of interest, I had to recuse the pastor in me and let only the President speak. As Pastor, I should have spoken to the church; but I didn’t,

and I know this blind-sided the church.

President Bugbee can legitimately say he did not see this coming and had no warning whatsoever. Rightly, all the odium of the decision as felt by the Church falls on the President and Board of Concordia. However, while the President of Concordia stands by his decision, it is Pastor Krispin who does need to repent of having reneged on promises and assurances given only months before. I am truly and sincerely sorry that this has grieved a number of members in our church to the degree that their anger has led them to unwarranted conclusions. I can say with all sincerity that there was no long-term, pre-conceived plan or plot to lead Concordia in a path that disconnected us from our “ecclesiastical bond.” But in November 2015 there was a decision, and it has offended brothers and sisters within the Body of Christ. I am responsible.

I have sinned against those who put their trust in me as a Pastoral leader of Concordia. And for this I ask forgiveness.

As a final note, I also recognize that for some this will not be sufficient.

The reason I know that this will not be sufficient by some is that they will not acknowledge that the President of Concordia can and needs to be separated from the Pastor; and I fear even my sincere asking for forgiveness will be dismissed as disingenuous as a result. Consequently, and as I have been made aware that I have lost “all credibility” within Lutheran Church-Canada, I have asked President Bugbee to remove my name from the Clergy Roster of Lutheran Church-Canada. As of February 11, 2016, only the President of Concordia remains.

Dr. Gerald S. Krispin is President of Concordia University of Edmonton. A longer version of his letter can be read here: www.canadianlutheran.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2016/02/An-OpenLetter-to-the-Members-of-LCC-from-CUEPresident-long.pdf.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

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Education Report Seminaries hold joint Board of Regents meeting EDMONTON - The Boards of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario, and Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton met jointly February 2-3, 2016 at CLS’ campus in Edmonton.

Significant time was devoted each day to board development (urged by the Association of Theological Schools) with In Trust consultant Dr. Rebekah Basinger. The focus of these governance development steps was on how the board structure and action must align with synodical goals for theological education. Each board is to provide policy and governance direction so that its seminary will flourish in fulfilling its mission and purpose. Dr. Basinger affirmed many strengths from each of the boards, including the relational interactions, communication, and trust between and among the boards. She was especially affirming of the common commitment of each board to fulfilling its confessional mission.

At the meeting, each board also held separate sessions to deal with specific business items related to

its seminary. Both boards also met together to share information and updates, reports, and items of business.

Both boards reaffirmed their commitment to the broad understandings of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and its direction from the Church. Both boards also expressed concerns over Concordia University of Edmonton’s recent decision to remove “Christian” from its mission statement. Both seminary boards affirmed their absolute resolve to remain faithfully committed to LCC and her mission.

Both boards also committed the MOU committee (comprised of the presidents and Board of Regents chairmen from both seminaries, along with LCC Vice President Rudy Pastucha) to reinforce the spirit of cooperation with the LCC restructuring process through a restructuring committee of the CCMS, especially since there are questions on the survey dealing with the timeline and level of urgency in dealing with seminary configurations. The seminaries are increasing a focus on the exploration of extended models to carry forward

high quality, affordable theological education into the future for LCC. Highlights of both boards include: 1. a celebration of financial strengths at both seminaries (at CLTS from two recent bequests from previously unknown sources, and at CLS through continued strong support from faithful congregations and members across the church); 2. strong enrollment numbers (CLTS has 11 pastoral and 4 MTS students; CLS has 11 pastoral and 4 open studies students with seven new applications for 2016-17 in hand).

These increases speak strongly for the two seminaries, especially in light of the fact that, since 2005, the trend for ATS schools has been an average decline in enrollment by 24%; thus, LCC’s two seminaries are in a healthy counter-cultural trend; 3. healthy student populations; 4. coordinated faculty searches (OT and Systematics) over the next two years.

The spirit of the meetings was strong, affirming, positive, and collegial. Both boards recognize that there are many things for which we can give thanks.

Atheism & the Christian Faith conference to feature famed philosopher EDMONTON - This year’s conference of the Canadian Centre for Scholarship and the Christian Faith (CCSCF) will address the subject of “Atheism and the Christian Faith.” The event takes place May 6-7, 2016 at Concordia University of Edmonton.

The Keynote Speaker for this year’s event is world-renowned British philosopher Richard G. Swinburne. Professor Swinburne is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Over the past fifty years, he has been an influential proponent of philosophical arguments for the existence of God. His philosophical contributions focus especially in the philosophy of religion and philosophy of science. He aroused much discussion with his early work

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in the philosophy of religion, a trilogy of books consisting of The Coherence of Theism, The Existence of God, and Faith and Reason.

The CCSCF is currently inviting papers and presentations on the theme of Atheism and the Christian Faith for the upcoming conference.

Because the CCSCF is interdisciplinary in nature, they invite papers and presentations on the theme from a variety of perspectives, including the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Formal Sciences, and the subdisciplines of philosophy, theology, apologetics, psychology, sociology, history, culture, art, ethics, and so forth. Possible topics could include, among others, Atheism and Ethics, Atheism as Religion, Atheism and

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Meaning, Atheism and Apologetics, Atheism and Cosmology, Atheism and Teleology, Atheism and Ontology, Atheism and Morality, Atheism and Postmodernism, Atheism and Politics, Atheism and Economics, Atheism and History, Atheism and Biology, Atheism and Psychology, Atheism and Society, Atheism and the Arts.

For more information on submitting a paper, please visit www.ccscf.org/ conference/call-for-papers/.

The opportunity to publish papers from the conference may be submitted for review by the Canadian Journal for Scholarship and the Christian Faith.

Go to http://journal.ccscf.org/ For more information or to register, please visit www.ccscf.org.

Three generations: Allison Kuhl, Rachel Kuhl, Adelma Mellecke

Lutheran Women

LWML Canada

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada encouraging and equipping women to Grow in God’s Word • Share God’s Son • Serve God’s People

It’s a challenging time for Christian women According to the 2011 National Household Survey (Statistics Canada), 25 percent of the population of Canada has “no religion.” That statistic is up from 16.5 percent ten years earlier.

These people have become known as the “Nones.” 2016 is a census year. The question, I think, will not be has that segment of the population increased, but how much has it increased. It is a challenging time to be a Christian.

It is a challenging time for Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and for Lutheran Women’s League–Canada (LWMLC), an auxiliary of LCC. As an auxiliary of LCC, LWMLC exists to support the work of the Church. LWMLC’s support of the work of our church is expressed in our mission statement: to equip, motivate and encourage women to grow in God’s Word, share God’s Son and serve God’s people.

It is our mission to equip, motivate and encourage women to grow in God’s Word. We grow in God’s Word by allowing God into our lives in a real and meaningful relationship, through hearing and studying His Word. Growing in the Word sets the foundation for making Him the first priority in our lives and for all our service to Him. It is our mission to encourage each other and equip each other to share our faith, so all will know about His great, saving love for each of us.

Canadian statistics point emphatically to the great need to share Christ.

It is our mission to serve God’s people by providing opportunities for women to share their gifts and talents. Every woman in LCC is called

by God to serve Him. Our prayer is that LWMLC can help each woman recognize her call and serve, each in

her unique way.

L W M L C continues to work through our restructuring process. The goal of restructuring is Iris Barta to continue in our President mission with the added challenge of fewer people and financial resources, in a rapidly changing world.

This is a challenging time; it is also an exciting time. We are in the midst of renewing and refreshing our work for God. God will not let His Church die. He will bring to fruition the work begun in His name.

God is God, the faithful God who keeps His promises and His steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Iris Barta, President

Good Lord, What Do I Do? God’s Direction – Your Decisions

Women from the Nor’Western Zone of LWMLC’s Central District met at Faith Lutheran, Saskatoon, for the seminar titled: Good Lord, What Do I Do? God’s Direction – Your Decisions. They came away empowered by Bible study, table discussions and good fellowship.

One of the unique ways LWMLC serves the Church is through the preparing of seminar/retreat programs. This particular program is designed especially for today’s stressed-out woman.

All of LWMLC’s seminars/retreats are easy on leaders, providing information on materials needed, promotional help, biblical insight and more. These programs help deepen faith through singing, praying, digging into Scripture and building meaningful relationships with other participants.

For more information on this and other seminars check the LWMLC catalogue at www.lutheranwomen.ca or contact the LWMLC Resource Centre (see back page of this insert).

And, if you would like to be part of the team developing the next seminar/retreat, there’s a place for you. Contact president, Iris Barta, president@lutheranwomen.ca or 204-889-8494.

The March/April 2016 1 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN March/April 2016 37

Mighty Mites for Mighty Missions Do you know the story of the widow’s mite? Have you seen the power of a mite when God uses it for His purposes? Did you know that a Mite Box becomes a Mighty Box for missions when all our gifts of love are added together?

The origins of our mite box come from the biblical account of “The Widow’s Mite” found in Luke 21:1-4 (NKJV).

And He lo oke d up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

Members of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada once collected most of their funds in

small coin boxes they called mite boxes. The mite box was intended for offerings above and beyond, not in competition with, the support given to the congregation and the church body.

But the mite box is more than just a small cardboard box! It is a reminder: • to share blessings from God, • to pray for mission projects, • to thank the Lord for mission opportunities.

As times have changed and the use of coins has decreased, rather than collecting coins each day in a mite box, more and more women are choosing to do their giving once a month with bills or cheques. To make giving easy, new mite offering envelopes are now available.

Mite contributions amount to thousands of dollars that allow the

contributors, through the districts and national body of LWML–Canada, to support mission grants which assist others in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Really when you think about it, our mites are “Mighty Mites for Mighty Missions” based on Romans 10:14-15a (NIV): “How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are SENT?” Throughout the decades, Lutheran women have stepped out in faith— setting goals and trusting God to move the hearts of His people to give generously to LWMLC to proclaim the Gospel—guided by God’s Word: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

From an article by Lorraine Weir, Treasurer

Missions supported by LWMLC grants from mites in 2013-2018 Medical Missions shipping $10,000 Construction materials, Dominican Republic $4,000 Mission Centre kitchen, Nicaragua $5,400 Youth and counselors, short-term mission teams $11,000 Mission assistance in Costa Rica $1,750 Children’s feeding program, Rancheria, Nicaragua $10,000 Vehicle, Rev. Michael Kuhn, LBTC, Cameroon $5,000 Deaconess Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya $15,000 Seminary chapel, Odessa Ukraine $17,688 Sewing school, Cambodia $4,735 Feeding and Christian education program, Nicaragua $7,200 Sister to Sister seminar, Cambodia $8,532 Evangelists/deaconesses, Cambodia $8.532 Evangelists/deaconesses, Nicaragua $9,000 Canadian teachers, Concordia Seminary, Odessa, Ukraine $16,000 Children’s ministry in small congregations South Asian radio broadcast in Greater Toronto Area

38 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN March/April 2 The March/April2016 2016

$11,500 $3,000

Windsor Essex County Lutheran Outreach $3,600 Atlantic Canada ministry $2,500 LAMP missionary and pilot $17,500 Refurbish LAMP plane $12,500 Bibles for outreach, Dryden, Ontario $755 Food Bank, Dryden, Ontario $2,500 Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp, Northwestern Ontario $1,744 Skill development for chaplains $3,000 Hope Lutheran School, Port Coquitlam, B.C. $20,710 Birthing and developing new LCC congregations, ABC District $8,602 LCC National Youth Gathering 2016 $5,000 Technology upgrade, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton $15,000 Visiting and site pastors, Maritimes $15,000 Community Cupboard, Kitchener, Ontario $15,000 Mission Opportunity Grant (funds can be applied for between conventions) Total

$73,000 $344,750

New hands-on service takes shape

Three generations in mission: Christel Holder, Linda Schappert, Brittany Reed-Guillartres

Tapestry – a magazine for the women of Lutheran Church–Canada

Subscribe today!

For details:

• http://www.lutheranwomen.ca/

publications-and-forms/tapestry

• tapestry@lutheranwomen.ca or • call Marion at 306-343-7396

Tapestry - a Christian magazine by women, for women Stories of faith in action, Bible studies and more.

Samples and subscription info at www. lutheranwomen.ca Resource Centre Need a devotion or short Bible study for a meeting? Looking for a gift for confirmation or a baptism? Need a book of devotions for yourself? The Resource Centre is filled with many such treasures.

Catalogues are available. Pay by credit card. Call toll free at 1-888596-5226, Ext. 2220 or e-mail resourcecentre@lutheranwomen.ca.

Seminars/retreats Christian decision-making and being an effective leader are just two of the topics available, most on CD. Order through the LWML–Canada Resource Centre.

While some groups still quilt, ladies at Christ, Petawawa, Ont., tried something new at their Mission Service work bee on January 16. After a brief demonstration by Marie Sack (centre back), six sewing machines began humming while two more members prepared materials. In a short time eight re-usable sanitary pads were completed for women in Haiti. As of February 17, 116 had been completed with more in the works.

You don’t sew? Not all groups do. One of the regular columns in the LWML–Canada magazine, Tapestry, features ideas for those who don’t enjoy sewing.

Website for Lutheran women Monthly devotions and prayer calendars, news, information, pictures, resources, videos, downloads and more at www.lutheranwomen.ca

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, E-mail Updates Find out what other women are doing accross Canada, keep current on grants paid to mission projects and new tools available for your use. Visit www. lutheranwomen.ca for links to these services.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Connecting the women of LCC

A virtual LWMLC society — Sometimes it just isn’t possible to attend LWMLC gatherings. Perhaps a new baby keeps you at home or your work makes you unavailable when others meet or maybe distance keeps you away. A task force is currently exploring how a virtual society might work. Stay tuned.

Missions Support Lutheran Church–Canada missions through collecting “mites,” choosing mission grant recipients— often women and children—and learning more about these and other ways to share the Gospel message.

Restructuring for the future — Times change and organizations must as well. LWMLC is aiming to remain an organization that helps women grow in God’s Word, share God’s Son and serve God’s people as the process for doing so changes around us.

THE CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN March/April March/April 2016 The Canadian 2016 39 3

Seeking to use God’s gifts to LWML–Canada more effectively Fan into flame the gift of God 2 Timothy 1:6 This was the theme of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) convention held in 2015, and is the theme of LWMLC for the current triennium. Paul wrote these words to Timothy while he was imprisoned in Rome. He knew that his work was done and that he was nearing the end of his life. In this letter he encourages Timothy to continue using the gifts God has given him as he preaches and explains the good news of God’s love and the promise of eternal life to all who believe.

These words also speak to us today.

God has granted each of us gifts, but He doesn’t always give them fully developed. This happens only as we are faithfully in the Word, and as we use the gifts we have been given in service to Him and the people of the world.

It’s been said before, but it’s good to be reminded of it again: God has placed us where we are, with the gifts He has given us, so that we can all work together for the furtherance of His Kingdom. At times we act as though God has given us our gifts for our own use, but He is very clear that more is required of us. And only by using these gifts as He would have us use them can they be fanned into flame.

At the LWMLC convention in 2012, delegates passed a resolution “To Look at all Possibilities for a More Effective and Cost-efficient Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada.”

Since 2012 we have looked at our structure through the work of an outside consultant, two task forces, a member survey and discussion groups.

In 2015 a committee, consisting of our current national president, our four district presidents, three past national presidents and a pastoral counsellor has been working on a plan for a new administrative structure that

will be voted on at our 2018 national convention.

While all the details of the proposed structure plan are not final, the plan includes decreasing the number of boards and committees particularly at the district level. We continue to fine tune regional (zone/circuit) structure to provide communication links and resource sharing and support between our national executive and congregation groups.

As we look at changing our structure, our vision and goals are not changing. We continue to be a women’s organization focussed on sharing the news of our Saviour with others, locally, nationally and internationally.

An important part of our work

is providing resources, mentorship and support for women in our congregations and in our lives, so they can grow in their faith and are equipped to share that faith.

We welcome comments and suggestions about our restructuring process or ideas about how the women of Lutheran Church–Canada can work together effectively to grow in faith and tell others about their gift of grace.

Contact us through the “contact us” link on our website w w w. lutheranwomen.ca or through anyone working on the restructuring plan listed below.

Iris Barta, President, president@ lutheranwomen.ca Pauline Huth, ABC District President, paulinehuth@gmail.com Arlene Kish, Central District President, a.kish@sasktel.net Eloise Schaan, Laurention District Pre sident and Pa st National President, elschaan@sympatico.ca Janice Buchner, Ontario District President, janice@amtelecom.net Judy Grande, Past National President, judy@grandes.ca Marilyn Schultz , Past National President, schultzfarms@xplornet.ca Rev. Ken Maher, revken70@gmail.com

How can you be involved?

• Check www.lutheranwomen.ca for resources designed by and for Lutheran Women • “Like” Lutheran Women Canada on Facebook for daily inspirational posts • Subscribe to Tapestry, print, online or audio, for Bible studies and articles for Christian women • Contact your local LWMLC group for Bible study or assistance in getting a new Bible study group started

LWML–Canada Resource Centre 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 1-888-596-5226 Ext. 2220 resourcecentre@lutheranwomen.ca

40 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN March/April 4 The March/April2016 2016

LWML–Canada President Iris Barta president@lutheranwomen.ca 204-889-8494

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RISEN

In Review

The Resurrection as Mystery

by Ted Giese

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efore the film Risen, there was the Oscar Award-winning film The Robe (1953) in which Richard Burton played the fictional Roman tribune, Marcellus, a soldier present at Jesus’ crucifixion who becomes a believer. In Kevin Reynolds’ film Risen, Joseph Fiennes plays a Roman tribune, Clavius, who is present at the crucifixion of Jesus and then must come to terms with who Jesus is based on hard evidence.

Like The Robe’s Marcellus, the Clavius is fictional but the majority of the characters he engages are based on the biblical account of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, who is called by His Hebrew name “Yeshua” throughout the film.

Set between the day of Jesus’ crucifixion and His ascension 40 days later, Risen is not a film made by an atheist bent on disproving Christianity. It is respectful of the Christian faith while at the same time considering what a nonbeliever would have to “reconcile” should they have come in contact with the risen Jesus. Following the events of Easter morning, Pontius Pilate tasks Clavius with finding the missing body of Jesus to satisfy the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas, who fears that Jesus’ disciples have taken the dead body so they can claim the resurrection Jesus had foretold about Himself. Clavius is presented as a reasonable man going about solving a mystery like a modern-day detective.

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Ralph Fiennes stars as Clavius (on the left horse) alongside Tom Felton (as Lucius, on the horse on the right) of Harry Potter fame.

Does Clavius find Jesus’ body? As shown in the film’s trailer, he finds Jesus’ body alright—but He is not dead. In a letter to Pilate, Clavius writes, “I have seen two things which I cannot reconcile: a man dead without question, and that same man alive again.”

The idea of a Roman soldier grappling with the Christian faith isn’t new; Hollywood has long history of fascination with the soldiers who crucified Jesus. Sometimes they are brutal and sadistic as depicted in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ; sometimes they are conflicted like the centurion Cornelius in the recent television mini-series A.D. The Bible Continues, which told the highlyfictionalized story of a real Roman centurion’s eventual conversion to the Christian faith (Acts 10). John Wayne famously played a centurion at the foot of the cross in 1965’s The Greatest Story Ever Told, speaking the equally famous line concerning Jesus: “Truly, this man was the son of God.” It’s clear that a combination of John Wayne and Richard Burton provided partial inspiration for the

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Coen Brothers’ recent film Hail, Caesar!, in which George Clooney plays yet another Roman solider at the foot of the cross.

The question then is this: does Risen add anything to the long list of projects that focus on these Roman soldiers or is it simply derivative?

Thankfully, Risen gives audiences something new. First, by mixing the religious sword-and-sandal biblicalepic with the modern crime-solving genre, the film shows some originality in its approach. Second, by giving the audience the character Clavius, Reynolds adds a twist to the stock Roman soldier character.

While the film invites viewers to put themselves in Clavius’ sandals, just as in The Robe with Richard Burton, the addition of the soldier’s detective work for Pilate makes it feel fresher. Clavius’ spiritual yet sceptical detective character efficiently operates as the audience’s entry point into the Biblical story.

Moreover, Risen provides some needed originality by setting the film between Good Friday and the day of Jesus’ ascension. Apart from films

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

like 2014’s Son of God most films dealing with the crucifixion—like The Passion of the Christ—tell little about the resurrection or provide no mention at all. Here, too, Risen sets itself apart as Reynolds takes viewers from the foot of the cross to the ascension.

Another area where writer/ director Reynolds shows some originality is the careful depiction of the Romans as religious people who are not without some understanding of what Jewish people believe. The Romans portrayed by Reynolds are not agnostics or atheists. Clavius’ faith is in Mars the Roman god of war.

In a conversation with Pilate early in the film he says he prays exclusively to Mars, to which Pilate responds saying he prays to the Roman god Minerva for wisdom. While the Bible provides no details concerning Pilate’s prayer life, this fictional detail referring to his need for wisdom points back to Jesus’ trial (a scene the film only references through dialogue).

During the same conversation about prayer, while acknowledging Clavius’ ambitions, Pilate asks him

what he wants in life. Clavius’ hopes include a position in Rome, eventually a home in the countryside, a family, and a day without killing, a time of peace. By the film’s end Clavius faces a choice: does he believe the peace he seeks will be granted to him by Mars the Roman god of war or by Yeshua, the only Son of the Jewish God Yahweh whom he has witnessed risen from the dead. Right up until the final frames of the film viewers are left to wonder what Clavius will do with the facts before him. Will he believe in Yahweh and the Messiah Jesus or will he continue serving the god Mars and Rome? Will Reynolds leave it an open question?

Is Risen a flawless religious epic? No. Joseph Fiennes, who has played William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love and Martin Luther in Luther, turns in a good performance as Clavius, as does Peter Firth as Pontius Pilate. The other acting, however, is uneven.

With Risen, Reynolds creates a film that’s better than his 1995 film Waterworld but not as wellcrafted as his 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo. It is, however, a much better film than Son of God—the theatrical retread from the Roma Downey and Mark Burnett TV mini-series The Bible.

Apart from the film’s fictional characters and events, how close does Risen adhere to the Scriptural story? Here viewers will want to watch carefully as there are some details that will likely jump out.

For instance, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as having been a prostitute.

While this is a common belief, it isn’t clear in the Bible that this is the case; the idea only took a foothold in western Christian thought during the Medieval period. And while the Gospels talk about Jesus’ linen burial shroud, they make no mention of an image appearing on the shroud following His resurrection. Risen shows the empty shroud to have an image that looks like the image found on the Shroud of Turin. These moments of creative license may bother some viewers.

When it comes to the characterizations of the disciples, Risen ends up largely sidestepping their three years with Jesus prior to His death and resurrection. Rather than reflecting the depth and richness found in the biblical account, they are instead portrayed as holy fools who don’t appear to have received three years of intense education in the company of Jesus. For example, Peter could have talked to Clavius about Jesus’ transfiguration, or walking to them on the Sea of Galilee, or of his own confession of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the Living God before Jesus’ death and resurrection—a confession now proven in the risen Christ—

across as the biggest fool. In a more tempered moment, when asked if the disciples knew Jesus would rise from the dead, Bartholomew joyfully says, “He told us He would, but in truth we doubted.”

While Risen—which was produced in part by AFFIRMFilms, a division of SONY PICTURES which has recently produced a stream of films aimed at Evangelicals like Moms’ Night Out, Courageous, and Fireproof—will not satisfy every viewer, it is a semisecularly-produced religious film that deals with doubt and faith in an even-handed, positive way. Like Hail Caesar! it treats Christianity fairly.

There is no hard edge of cynicism which characterizes films like Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Denys Arcand’s Jesus of Montreal (1989), or Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979).

Its true strength may come in its “approachableness.” Risen will appeal to viewers who enjoy crime mysteries, detective work, and history—in short, those who would be less likely to watch something like Son of God or The Robe. Will Risen win Reynolds any Oscars? Not likely, but for all its flaws it provides an accessible film in which Jesus is both mysterious and approachable. It’s the kind of movie that invites Christian viewers to contemplate the nature of conversion in a personal way. It asks the valuable question, “What is it like to be moved from having no faith in Jesus to being a Christian?” This is an introspective layer many religious films fail to embrace.

The film gains high marks in embracing a risen Christ Jesus and the conviction of the remaining disciples who no longer fear death after their encounters with Jesus following the resurrection. instead he is depicted as someone who has not, on the day of Easter, had his mind opened by Jesus to understand the Scriptures concerning the Messiah (Luke 24:45). Had Reynolds taken this into account the characterization of the disciples could have been more compelling.

Where the film gains much higher marks is in fully embracing a risen Christ Jesus and the conviction of the remaining disciples who no longer fear death after their encounters with Jesus following the resurrection. Bartholomew is particularly honest, even if he comes

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.

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Which Tomb?

by Stephen L. Chambers African pilgrims visit the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.

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any thanks to Rev. Ted Giese for his helpful r e v i e w o f Ri s e n . H e characterizes the movie’s main points fairly and well, rightly noting that it’s one of the best “Jesus movies.” The movie coheres very well the Gospel accounts, demonstrating a healthy respect for the reality and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

When it comes to the historical realities of first century Palestine, the situation is more mixed. Many of the actors, especially among the disciples, are far too European in appearance. The landscape isn’t quite right either, as anybody who’s familiar with Israel will recognize.

However, considering the movie was filmed in Spain using mostly American actors, both of these problems are understandable.

And even when such details are obviously wrong—as, for instance, in the movie’s closing scenes showing Jesus and the disciples around the Sea of Galilee—the overall feel is pretty good. The

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producers have clearly made a significant effort toward getting the historical details right.

There’s one particular detail though that very easily could have been right but isn’t. The tomb that Jesus is shown to have been buried is not at all the sort of tomb most common in the first century A.D. There are plenty of those rather small, cramped, inter-connected tombs around, including half a dozen great examples within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Scholars agree that this building, parts of which date back to the fourth century A.D., has a strong claim of marking the spot where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Instead, the movie shows Jesus being buried in a much bigger grave, which is immediately recognizable to knowledgeable viewers as the one known today as “The Garden Tomb.” This site was promoted as an alternative location for Jesus’ burial by a British general, Charles Gordon, after he spent several months in Jerusalem in 1883. In the

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

movie, a huge stone is rolled into place along a groove in the bedrock in order to seal a full-height, rectangular door-opening that leads into Jesus’ grave, which is a separate construction unconnected to any of the neighbouring tombs.

All of those cinematic details match The Garden Tomb perfectly.

Unfortunately, the Garden Tomb is implausible, archaeologically speaking, as a location for Jesus’ burial. Its size, shape, and location are far too old to be the “new tomb” that the Gospels describes Jesus being buried in—a grave in which “no-one had yet been laid” (Matt 27:60, Luke 23:53; John 19:41). In fact, the Garden Tomb lies within an extensive complex of very old graves that date back to the 8th/7th century B.C. All of them are individual structures, rectangular in shape, with large openings, just like the film shows.

But no graves of this type are datable to the first century A.D. To the contrary, all of the graves in Jerusalem that date from Jesus’

time are small, low, horizontal shafts that radiate from a central entry-chamber like fingers on a hand—including the graves that are still visible in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, just metres away from the place where Jesus’ burial has been officially commemorated since the fourth century.

Granted, the stones that sealed this more archaeologically plausible type of grave are much smaller than the monstrous one that’s shown in the movie—which in turn matches the stone that’s on display today as a “prop” at the Garden Tomb. But even the smaller, plug-like stones that sealed actual first-century graves are big enough to qualify as the sort of “very large stone” the New Testament describes (Mark 16:4). And on the positive side, it certainly fits much better with the Gospel accounts to picture Peter “stooping down” to look into the smaller kind of tomb found at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre than into the large, full-height Garden Tomb (John 20:5).

S o w hy d i d t h e p ro d u c e r s of Risen choose to show Jesus being buried in a place that looks suspiciously like the Garden Tomb, even though there’s a very strong archaeological argument against it? I’m guessing it’s because the film’s target audience is mostly E va n g e l i c a l s , m a ny o f w h o m prefer—for emotional reasons, not necessarily historical ones—the beauty and relative tranquility of The Garden Tomb, over the gritty and run-down atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Already more than a century ago, the pioneering archaeologist R.A.S. Macalister noted this same dynamic at play. In a 1907 issue of Palestine Exploration Quarterly, he commented: “In conversation with tourists at the hotel in Jerusalem I constantly hear such a remark as this: ‘I came to Jerusalem fully convinced that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the true site; but I went to the Church and saw all the “mummery” that goes on there,

Visitors to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

and I saw the Muhammadan soldiers guarding the place to prevent the Christians fighting. Then I went to that peaceful garden: and then I knew that the Church was wrong, and that [General] Gordon had found the real site.’ This is the most convincing argument that can be advanced in favor of the tomb [that is, The Garden Tomb], and it is obviously quite unanswerable.”

Not much has changed in the last century!

U l t i m a t e l y, o f c o u r s e, i t ’ s impossible to know exactly what Jesus’ tomb looked like. But from an archaeological perspective, the most important details the Gospels tell us about it are that it was a new tomb in which no-one had previously been buried. Unfortunately, both of those details completely undercut the plausibility of the Garden Tomb—and thus also the location shown in Risen as the place where Jesus was buried.

Why did the producers of Risen choose to show Jesus being buried in a place that looks like the Garden Tomb, even though there’s a very strong archaeological argument against it? I’m guessing it’s because many prefer the beauty and relative tranquility of The Garden Tomb, over the gritty and run-down atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Chambers is Professor of Exegetical Theology and Academic Dean at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton.

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CANADIAN

LUTHERAN.ca More than a magazine.

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www.canadianlutheran.ca

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Saints of the Reformation

The Martyrs: Esch & Voes

by Mathew Block

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n July 1, 1523, two Augustinian monks were burned at the stake in Brussels. Their crime?

They were Lutheran.

A year earlier, in 1522, Johann Esch and Heinrich Voes and the other monks at the Monastery in Antwerp had declared their adherence to the teachings of Martin Luther and the other Evangelical reformers: that the Scriptures were authoritative even over church tradition, and that bishops—including the pope—were themselves subject to the authority of Scripture. They further held that bishops should exercise spiritual authority—to preach the Word of God—rather than the prince-like powers many bishops exercised. They also rejected the then-common practice of selling indulgences.

These were dangerous opinions to hold in the early sixteenth century.

In short order, the Bishop of Cambrai had all the monks of Antwerp arrested.

The Dominican theologian Jacob van Hoogstraten and several professors from the University of Louvain served as interrogators. Under threat of execution, all but three of these monks recanted: Voes, Esch, and a third named Lampertus Thorn.

These three were brought to Brussels from their prison in Vilvorde so that they might be burned at the stake. When they arrived, Thorn asked for additional time to consider his beliefs—and he was granted a reprieve.

Esch and Voes, however, remained steadfast in their faith, and so they were led out to the market square to be executed. Asked one last time to recant, they answered, “We will die as Christians and for the truth of the Gospel.”

As the fire rose around them, they confessed their faith again and again in the words of the Apostle’s Creed. Then

they sang the Te Deum until, as one author puts it, “at last the fire choked their voices, and there remained of them nothing but ashes.”

It may seem an ignominious end for these early Belgian adopters of the Reformation. Even their former monastery did not survive: it was considered corrupted and subsequently demolished. Voes and Esch’s witness to the truth of the Reformation was brought to an abrupt conclusion.

And yet, their message lived on, encouraging others. Though he wavered for a time, Thorn later affirmed the faith that Esch and Voes had professed with their blood.

Some say Thorn was executed a few days after Esch and Voes. Others— including Luther—seem to suggest he remained imprisoned indefinitely because of his faith. But even in that situation, Thorn, together with Esch and Voes, became a symbol for steadfastness in the faith. In a letter to Thorn, Luther writes that “you and [Esch and Voes] have been a great comfort to me, and a sweet savour to all Christendom, and a glorious ornament to the gospel of Christ.”

It can be hard to think of execution as a “sweet savour.” And yet it is true: the death of the saints reminds us that our God is greater than death—indeed, that He has defeated death. So it is that the death of Esch and Voes would inspire repentance in the lives of their former brothers at the monastery in Antwerp. Jacobus Probst, for example, had recanted in the face of the Inquisition. He later repented and threw himself with new vigour behind the cause of the Reformation, drawing strength from the witness of Esch and Voes.

Their story went on to encourage other Christians too, thanks in part to a ballad Luther wrote commemorating

Heinrich Voes and Johann Esch are burned at the stake.

their martyrdom. One English translation puts part of the song this way: “Flung to the heedless winds / Or on the waters cast, / The martyrs' ashes, watched, / Shall gathered be at last. / And from that scattered dust, / Around us and abroad, / Shall spring a plenteous seed / Of witnesses for God.” Truly it is said that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

These Flemish Lutherans’ witness to Christ, sealed with their blood, is a testimony both to their faith and to the God who inspires such faith.

Their blood ultimately points us back to Christ, whose blood wins salvation for all who believe in Him—and who strengthens us to confess His name even when persecution comes.

May the faith of Johann Esch and Heinrich Voes continue to encourage Lutherans today as we remember just how great a prize has been won for us

by Christ. It is a prize worth more than any comfort in this world. May we live in the light of this truth!

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Transitions Rev. Vic Esperanza, Candidate, to Saviour Lutheran Church, Delta, B.C. Installation: March 6, 2015.

Rev. Dr. Gerald S. Krispin of Concordia University, Edmonton, Alberta, has resigned from the clergy roster of Lutheran Church–Canada as of February 9, 2016.

Rev. Gregory Palmer, Faith Lutheran Church/St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vermillion/Mannville, Alt. to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Saskatoon.

Installation: TBA.

Announcements “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” - James 1: 19-20 A message from

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

Lynn Gergens of Langley, B.C. has completed the Deacon Colloquy Program of Lutheran Church–Canada and is eligible to receive a call.

Rev. Insub (Isaac) Paik of Surrey, B.C. has submitted an application to the Pastoral Colloquy Program of Lutheran Church–Canada. Communications regarding this application should be submitted in writing within four weeks to Rev. Tom Kruesel, Chairman, LCC Colloquy Committee, c/o 201 Birch St., Campbell River, B.C., V9W 2S4 or lcc_colloquy@gmail.com.

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Daily Bible Reading

“The Word of the Lord spread...”

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n this issue’s readings, we pass through the rest of the Gospels, the first of which we began in the previous issue. From there, we learn the history of the early Church as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

At its core, the book is a record of the spread of the Gospel message: “The Word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers” (Acts 12:24; cf. 6:7 and 19:20). Where the Word is proclaimed, faith follows.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to share His saving Word with others too!

Find earlier readings in previous issues of The Canadian Lutheran, o r d ow n l o a d t h e m a t w w w. canadianlutheran.ca/biblereading/.

“You knock at the door of our heart every day, and through Your Word, You call all of us to Yourself, most gracious Lord.”

- Johann Gerhard

WEEK 76  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Mt 14:1–15:39 Mt 16:1–17:27 Mt 18:1–19:30 Mt 20:1–21:46 Mt 22:1–23:39 Mt 24:1–25:46

WEEK 80  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Lk 9:1–62 Lk 10:1–42 Lk 11:1–12:59 Lk 13:1–35 Lk 14:1–35 Lk 15:1–16:31

WEEK 84  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ac 3:1–4:37 Ac 5:1–42 Ac 6:1–8:40 Ac 9:1–43 Ac 10:1–11:30 Ac 12:1–25

WEEK 77  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Mt 26:1–27:66 Mt 28:1–20 Mk 1:1–2:28 Mk 3:1–4:41 Mk 5:1–6:56 Mk 7:1–8:38

WEEK 81  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Lk 17:1–18:43 Lk 19:1–20:47 Lk 21:1–22:71 Lk 23:1–24:53 Jn 1:1–2:25 Jn 3:1–36

WEEK 85  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ac 13:1–14:28 Ac 15:1–35 Ac 15:36–16:40 Ac 17:1–18:23 Ac 18:24–21:16 Ac 22:17–23:35

WEEK 78  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Mk 9:1–50 Mk 10:1–52 Mk 11:1–33 Mk 12:1–13:37 Mk 14:1–72 Mk 15:1–47

WEEK 82  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Jn 4:1–54 Jn 5:1–6:71 Jn 7:1–8:59 Jn 9:1–10:42 Jn 11:1–12:50 Jn 13:1–14:31

WEEK 86  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Ac 24:1–26:32 Ac 27:1–28:31 Rm 1:1–2:29 Rm 3:1–4:25 Rm 5:1–21 Rm 6:1–23

WEEK 79  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Mk 16:1–20 Lk 1:1–80 Lk 2:1–3:38 Lk 4:1–5:39 Lk 6:1–49 Lk 7:1–8:56

WEEK 83  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Jn 15:1–16:33 Jn 17:1–26 Jn 18:1–19:42 Jn 20:1–21:25 Ac 1:1–26 Ac 2:1–47

WEEK 87  Mon  Tues  Wed  Thurs  Fri  Sat

Rm 7:1–25 Rm 8:1–39 Rm 9:1–11:36 Rm 12:1–21 Rm 13:1–14:23 Rm 15:1–16:27

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 March/April 2016

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Presidential Perspective

New Structures: Thinking and Praying

President Robert Bugbee

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he first Christian congregation had a problem its members did not foresee at first. Their church grew, and fast. It worked in two languages. Its primary leaders came from one of those language groups. Widows from the other group (who spoke Greek) were missed in a daily food distribution, since this loving church sought to feed its needy members. With a language barrier and huge membership, it’s understandable that individuals sometimes fell between the cracks. This was before the days of government assistance.

They called a meeting. The apostles made a proposal: Let’s create a group of seven to focus on this food distribution. Members approved this change. Spirit-led servants were identified. An installation was held.

The apostles were freed up for their primary responsibility, prayer and the proclamation of Christ’s Good News. Now that Word got out more effectively. Read about it in Acts 6:1-7.

Scripture doesn’t say the Lord commanded the establishment of this new group. At the same time, I don’t assume God frowned on it. The church took this step in Christian freedom.

The new arrangement was not good just because it was new. At the same time, the new arrangement was not wrong merely because it was different.

The goal was to clear obstacles aside so that the saving message of Jesus would reach more people, and that those who already trusted Christ would be deepened in their faith.

We don’t have a “model constitution and by-laws” in the New Testament.

Maybe you think it would be better if we did. Then we wouldn’t have to agonize over how to structure the work

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we do together; we could just copy that model from the Bible and distribute it to church members.

The Lord didn’t work that way.

In wisdom, He knew Christ’s church would have to cope with differing situations. It had to function in a world where the Gospel was outlawed and driven underground. It later carried on in empires where rulers supported it and put the whole weight of government into strengthening the church’s grip on certain areas and people groups. It functioned where “democracy” had not yet been developed, and it would have been hard to ask simple people to vote on anything, since many of them couldn’t read. It had to function in places where the village pastor might be the only person with any formal education.

Now we’re in times when any number of church members are experts in many areas, and where people want the wisdom of a certain idea explained a bit before they can really embrace it.

The Lord knew that churches would have to be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. As a result, when it comes to governing structures, there is room for differing judgments and solutions.

Over 2000 people from our Synod’s family recently took part in a national survey that asked their impressions on how we might change our governing structures. Now we are in a period where the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) is bringing together discussion groups to talk about the responses to the survey. I do hope such a discussion will happen in your local congregation or in a circuit forum involving parishes in the area. Ask

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN March/April 2016

your pastor or circuit counselor about having such a discussion if one hasn’t been scheduled near you already.

We still don’t have a “model constitution and bylaws” recorded in Scripture. I can report honestly that the CCMS has not decided upon details of a new structure it will now go out and “push” on all the rest of us. There is plenty of room for talking and listening in all of this. There are judgments to be made. There are different ways in which this or that could be configured in the future.

This does not mean that structures should be shaped mostly by what you want or what I think. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” wrote the apostle (Colossians 3:16). The first Christians in Jerusalem showed that concern when they set up their commission for food distribution, even though God had not expressly commanded it. They wanted to clear roadblocks aside, so that the Word of Christ could get out better.

I have become persuaded that our current structures in Lutheran Church–Canada have loaded us down so that we use up far too much energy maintaining our machinery, when we need to be freed up to get the Word of Christ more richly into people’s lives.

Our land is full of people who do not confess Jesus and do not know His Good News. Anything new we devise must address itself to that critical need.

Again, our New Testament provides no “model constitution.”

When it comes to a new structure for LCC, it’s going to take a lot of sanctified thinking. And praying for the Lord’s guidance is sorely needed. I hope you’ll help the family with both.

Plan. Make a difference, for your loved ones and the ministries you value.

Meeting your congregation’s future financial needs. $6 Million promised to congregations over the last 5 years.

Has your congregation hosted a Christian

Plan today for the ministry of tomorrow.

Call a Gift Coordinator today

1-877-711-4438 toll free www.lutheranfoundation.ca

Will and Estate Planning seminar yet?

Lutheran Foundation Canada A FINANCIAL MINISTRY OF LCC

REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE

Attention We Care Network There’s two new ways to make lives better.

HYGIENE KIT BUCKETS The same practical gifts for better health, with a bucket that can be used again and again.

WE CARE BEARS Handmade toys to bring joy to a child.

To learn more, please visit www.clwr.org/WeCare or contact us for our new instructional brochure.

wecare@clwr.mb.ca | 1.800.661.2597