The Canadian Lutheran - May/June 2017

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 32 Number 3

A motley crew of Lutheran Ladies and their hilariously ill-fated fundraising schemes A musical play created by One Trunk Theatre.

Tour generously sponsored by, and in support of, Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

An opportunity will be provided to support CLWR’s work during intermission.

N O I S

S I K M TLUC O P

Visit onetrunktheatre.com for date, location and ticket information

On tour to Calgary, Camrose, Edmonton, Langenburg, Regina, Russell, Saskatoon, Winnipeg

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 32 Number 3 May/June 2017

Mending the Net: The Reformation and Ecumenism 6 Back to the Catechism: The Lord’s Prayer 8 Teach Us to Pray 9 Restructuring Update: Proposed New Bylaws 10 Common Myths on LCC’s Restructuring 11 About the Cover Art 40

Departments Table Talk

And I am the Only One Left

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History of the Reformation

The Diet of Worms

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In Review

The Promise

37

Presidential Perspective

Canada at 150

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News Section International News

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LCC Pastor addresses international panel on Christian persecution in Pakistan 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. ©2017 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.

National News

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ABC District President addresses March for Life participants • Winnier in LCC’s French Reformation Hymn contest

ABC District

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District Ball Tournament • Team builds Mission Centre Wall in Nicaragua • Quilters set new record

Central District

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Kickoff to Reformation events • Anniversary celebrations • New Saskatchewan parish • Regina chaplain featured on CBC

East District

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Luther film • Congregation celebrates first confirmations • Supporting local hospice • Small, struggling congregations

Mission Update

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Beautifying the Church: Loving our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua

Education Report

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Online Reformation course • Reformation conference at CLTS • First calls for pastoral candidates • Placements for vicars and DPS intern Book of Concord Readings

38 41

Supplement

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Classifieds

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.

Spring 2017 Empowered by God’s own mission to save the world, the mission of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society, is to enlist the prayers, gifts, and energies of God’s people in Lutheran Church–Canada to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever God provides opportunity.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

How long will we need to support…? ne of the questions that people supporting

in the local synod and country has presented some obstacles and

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In 1517, a young professor posted a list of concerns about abuses in the church.

And the world changed.

Rediscover the heart of the Reformation. www.reformation2017.ca

Table Talk

And I am the Only One Left

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he Prophet Elijah was hiding in a cave when the Word of God came to Him and asked him what he was doing. “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts,” Elijah said. “For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10).

The despair he feels is evident. Not much earlier, in fact, he had even prayed for death. “It is enough,” he told God. “Now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (19:4).

Elijah had recently fled from the city of Jezreel, where the wicked queen Jezebel had threatened to kill him. It was a difficult time in Israel. Over the past several years Jezebel and her husband King Ahab had systematically persecuted and wiped out the prophets of the true God. In their place they had elevated the worship of the pagan gods Baal and Asherah. Elijah escaped the massacre by spending three years in another country. But all the while, we read, Ahab had been trying to hunt him down.

You can understand why Elijah felt so alone. He was one man against many. You can well imagine Elijah praying the words of Psalm 88: “They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together.... Darkness has become my only companion.”

The reformer Martin Luther l i kew i s e k n ew t h a t s e n s e o f abandonment. Like Elijah, he stood against the rulers of his day and called them to account for

by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran their false worship. In return, he was condemned by the pope and summoned to stand before the emperor at the Diet of Worms. He was ordered to recant. He refused.

“Here I stand,” Luther is said to have confessed. And while the words may be a later editor's addition, they sum up his overall sentiments. In the face of the combined power of pope and prince, Luther may have stood alone—but he still stood. Unmoved.

Luther contra mundi. Luther against the world.

But then, that's not quite right.

Perhaps it might have been better to say, “Here we stand.” For while Luther was the only one on trial, he wasn't alone in his confession of faith. Numerous others had followed him in rejecting Rome's theological errors. Like Luther, they now made their stand on the Word of God—the one sure island of truth in a tempestuous sea of human ideas and opinions (more on the Diet of Worms on page 39).

And just as Luther was not truly alone, so too the same can be said of the Prophet Elijah. For he wasn't really “the only one left,” as he intimates. Obadiah, he knew, had saved the lives of a hundred prophets of the true God when Jezebel had most slaughtered. And there were other believers who supported him and his work—not prophets or priests, perhaps, but laypeople devoted to the LORD and not to pagan gods. God tells Elijah directly that He had reserved for Himself “seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).

But even if this were not the case for Elijah or Luther, it would still be an error to say they were alone. For God was with them. And God had not forsaken them.

When the pressures of the world have you feeling small and isolated, it's important to remember that you, like Elijah and Luther, are not in this alone. God has given you a family of fellow believers to bear you up. We see them in the pews with us every Sunday. We see them also, as Dr. Stephenson reminds us this issue, in the pews of other Christian church bodies (see page 6).

More important, though, is this: God is with you. And He will never forsake you. There is only One that God has ever truly and utterly forsaken, and that was Himself. For on the cross, the Father abandoned His Son—My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?—so that He need never abandon you. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are brought anew into God's family. And though we may desert Him, He never deserts us.

That can give you courage to speak up in a society that increasingly tells Christians to pipe down—something President Bugbee encourages us to remember especially this year during the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation (see page 42). Bolstered by the witness of fellow believers and assured of the continued presence of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to make our lives a great confession—to confess with Elijah that our God is the only true God. To confess with Luther that Christ alone is the source of salvation.

Amen. In this faith may we stand firm to the end.

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Mending the Net The Reformation and Ecumenism

by John R. Stephenson

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hen Jesus called them into His service, James and John were sitting in the family fishing boat with their father Zebedee, “mending their nets” (Matthew 4:21). After the Resurrection, seven of the apostles had the frustrating experience of spending a whole night fishing on the Sea of Galilee, catching nothing.

As we know, in the early morning the Risen Lord stood on the beach and commanded them to cast their net again, in shallow water and broad daylight. Even though they struggled to bring ashore a miraculous big catch of 153 large fish, St. John mysteriously records that “the net was not torn” (John 21:11).

The Acts of the Apostles record how the Twelve, along with other apostles and ministers, fished people aboard the one Church, which preserved her unity despite the tension that erupted between Jewish and Gentile Christians. We might say that the net remained unbroken in apostolic times. But as early as the second century, rips appeared in the net, the Montanist schism being in some ways a preview of certain aspects of 20th-century Pentecostalism. In the third century, the Novatianist schism occurred when some puritan-minded folk refused to stay in the mainline Church which granted forgiveness even to Christians who committed the worst imaginable sins. The fifth century saw a twofold exodus from the great Church of the Empire, on the part of the “Nestorians” and the “Monophysites” respectively, ancient Christian communities that are still around today.

In the lifetime of St. Augustine, most Christians in North Africa belonged to the separatist Donatist Church. The net had suffered multiple rips.

Nor had the full measure of Christian disunity yet been reached. In a process that spanned many centuries, East and West drifted apart, so that between 1053 and 1204 A.D. Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Catholicism gravitated into separate communions. And in the 16th century the Western Catholic Church exploded into a welter of church bodies not in fellowship with each other. In September 1517, Martin

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Luther accused some leading late medieval theologians of playing down the effects of the Fall and playing up the role sinners could play in securing their own salvation. And on October 31st of that year, the Reformer called for a clean-up of doctrine and practice in the matter of indulgences.

As Luther issued these calls for reform, nothing was further from his mind than to unleash a series of schisms that would lead to the formation of what we now call Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, Reformed Christianity, the Church of England (which gave birth to Anglicanism), and a variety of Anabaptist groups. In 1530, as Emperor Charles V presided over the Reichstag at Augsburg, there was still one Church, albeit with a great conflict raging within her, while by the time the Formula of Concord was promulgated in 1577, there were at least three distinct churches competing for loyalty within the Holy Roman Empire, possibly more.

By now the net had been ripped to shreds.

In many parts of the Western world, Christian division has been such a familiar phenomenon for so long that we oftentimes find it normal and not at all tragic. But I recall, when serving a lengthy vacancy in St. Catharines, visiting an elderly lady from the former Yugoslavia, who expressed regret that the Canadian churches are so aloof and distant from one another. From her girlhood she recalled Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran Christians attending each other’s Christmas and Easter services and focusing more on their agreements than on their disagreements. Later in the conversation, she remarked that the area she came from had a large Muslim population!

By the same token, in many parts of the Third World, Christians of all confessions are a small and sometimes harassed minority surrounded by often hostile adherents of other religions; this is especially the case in India. Even in Canada, we do well to reflect that we call Jesus “our Lord” only within a relatively small circle of our fellow Canadians. Obviously, even though most of these people are not our fellow communicants in Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), the Holy Spirit has wrought a supernatural bond

between them and us. As Canadian secularism becomes ever more threatening and the Muslim presence in our midst grows more menacing, it will become increasingly clear to us that those who confess the universal lordship of Jesus belong together, not apart. It makes sense to do whatever we can to mend the net.

The Ecumenical Movement, as we know it today, got up and running in the second half of the 19th century and enjoyed its glory days in the mid to late 20th century, especially after the Roman Catholic Church leapt aboard its bandwagon at the time of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The long-term goal of the ecumenical movement has always been the attainment of full visible reunion among the separated Christians of the world. One cannot, indeed may not, quibble with this aim. After all, Christ the one Lord brings His people into one Church (or body) through one Baptism, where He wants us to profess one Faith (see Ephesians 4:5 and the surrounding verses). In the upper room, He prayed for unity among His disciples of such a kind that the world will see it (John 17)! Clearly, the mending of the net of His earthly Church is a matter dear to Jesus’ heart.

To put it dangerously crudely, LCC has only a modest investment in the ecumenical movement that is big business for much of Christendom. I recall the tangible excitement of many Christians in the UK in the late 1960s as they expected the goal of visible reunion of the separated churches to be reached within a generation.

Many devout people of goodwill suffered much disappointment in the closing decades of the 20th century as the realisation dawned on them that Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, confessional Lutheranism, Evangelicalism, and Liberal Protestantism cannot be easily blended into an ecumenical smoothie; Christian doctrine may not be relegated to the adiaphora, that is, to those matters on which we can safely agree to disagree.

Given our strong doctrinal convictions, which have a great impact on the matter of practice, we LCC Lutherans can take a more positive view of the stalled state of ecumenical aspirations than is the case for those who revolve in the orbit of the Lutheran World Federation.

Perhaps Christians may never be reunited at a single altar here below, and restoration of broken fellowship is certainly a project for centuries, not decades. In this situation, LCC is cultivating ecumenical relationships with a view to achieving a series of intermediate goals, such as the cultivation of goodwill, praying for and with each other, making common confession of Christian truth wherever possible, cooperating in the relief of suffering, and offering a maximum of joint witness on ethical matters to the militantly secularist authorities of our land.

Clearly, each of our ecumenical partnerships are different, and the area of common ground varies on

a case by case basis. We are closest to our brethren of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), and to the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA), with whom we have established a broad volume of consensus. We are now on the radar screen of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada, some of whose bishops are taking note that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada does not enjoy a monopoly on Lutheranism in this country; our conversations are proceeding well and in a trusting atmosphere, and old caricatures are being overcome on both sides—but we are not going to reach the same point that we have attained with ACNA anytime soon. I have had no involvement in our relations with the Evangelical Fellowship in Canada, but I welcome our efforts to build stronger relationships with this segment of Christendom also.

Each of our seminary courses lists specific goals in the areas of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. As we go about building ecumenical relations at all levels of our churchly life, attitudes are simply crucial. The distinction is often made between polemical and irenical theology, which two adjectives derive from the Greek words for war and peace respectively. The history of doctrine and theology is littered with books consisting of what we might call “punch your lights out polemics” (and I confess to having contributed to this genre of literature myself). But as I represent our Church in conversations with ACNA and the Roman Catholic Church, I do my best to listen, to put the best construction on the words of our dialogue partners, and then to speak the truth in love; it is vital to pray for our separated brothers and sisters and, to the maximum extent possible, with them. Lack of love was responsible for at least some rips in the net.

Make no mistake about it: although the conflicts that followed October 31, 1517 soon spiralled out of control and even caused bloodshed over the next two centuries, Martin Luther’s concern was the reform of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church, not the multiplication of schism, and his Small Catechism is intended as an irenic, winsome presentation of Christian truth, not as a pharisaic thrusting of “Lutheran” idiosyncrasy in other Christians’ faces. Like James and John at the moment of their call into Jesus’ service, we too should be found doing what we can to mend the net. And yet our efforts as a Synod to mend the net of Christ’s Church are not our chief concern, being a goodly and commendable byway, but not the main highway, which—for all Christian churches and confessions—remains the great task of casting Jesus’ net through the proclamation of His Gospel.

We too should be found doing what we can to mend the net.

Rev. Dr. John R. Stephenson is Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario.

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Adapted from Luther’s Small Catechism © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. All rights reserved. To purchase Luther’s Small Catechism, please visit CPH at www.cph.org.

Back to the Catechism

The Lord’s Prayer

by Martin Luther

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s the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

The Introduction Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

The First Petition Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

The Second Petition Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come?

God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

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The Third Petition Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.

This is His good and gracious will.

The Fourth Petition Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbours, and the like.

The Fifth Petition And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny

our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

The Sixth Petition And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

The Seventh Petition But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

The Conclusion For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.* Amen.

What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.” *These words were not in Luther’s Small Catechism.

Teach Us to Pray

by Edward G. Kettner

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he Lord’s Prayer is the third is hallowed among His people, and reminds us that in the end Christ part of Luther’s Catechism.

His will, namely the spread of His Himself is the true Bread of Life.

We have heard what God Kingdom throughout the world, The prayer for forgiveness and would have us do and leave undone, takes place. Luther notes in his for the grace to forgive in the fifth and seen how far short we fall in explanations to these petitions that petition shows us that we forgive keeping them. We confess faith in the these things all happen without our because we have first been forgiven, God who has created us, redeemed prayer, but we pray that they may and that the more we recognize us in Christ, and called us to faith happen among us also. our need for forgiveness, the more through the preaching of the Good The next four petitions focus on easily we respond by forgiving News. The Lord’s Prayer is the how God deals with us and would others. The sixth petition, that prayer our Lord gave to his disciples, have us deal with one another in we not be led into temptation, those who believe in Him, when they our lives. In asking for daily bread asks that God would give us the asked Him to teach them how to pray. we pray that God would give us power to resist the enticements of He said, “When you pray, pray world, flesh, and devil, and be like this.” Thus not only is the preserved in the midst of those Lord’s Prayer a prayer that the temptations. The final petition, church has prayed ever since our that we be delivered from evil, Lord gave it to us; it is the prayer or more precisely the evil one, that serves as a model for all of asks that God preserve us in this our prayers. life until it comes to an end and It has been said that our until Christ returns for us. worship is nothing else than The concluding doxology saying back to God what He to the prayer does not seem to has said to us. That certainly is have been a part of the prayer the case with the Lord’s Prayer. as Jesus gave it, and is not found Jesus teaches us to pray for those in the earliest New Testament things that God would have us manuscripts. It is best understood trust Him for. as the church’s response of praise The prayer opens with the to the God who sent His Son to words by which Jesus invites us redeem us and who will preserve to pray: “Our Father.” While God His Kingdom, power, and glory is indeed our Father by virtue of forever. The final Amen is a being our creator, the invitation declaration on the part of the to call God our Father comes Church that we affirm all of this from Jesus, who refers to God to be true. both as His Father and ours. In In all of this, we remember the Sermon on the Mount Jesus that God gives all these things to refers to God’s relationship to Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. Woodcut from the us even without our prayer. We 1558 edition of Luther’s Small Catechism.

His disciples as “your heavenly pray that these things might be Father.” This clearly shows that done among us. So our prayer God is our Father by virtue of faith “all that we need to support this not only asks God to give us what in Christ’s work for us. Only Christ’s body and life.” Luther lists all He has promised to give us; it also disciples, that is, only Christians, the blessings he mentioned in his calls to mind the promise of God have the right to call God “Father.” explanation to the first article of that He will give these things to us, Thus, we can pray confidently, the Creed along with many more. thus enabling us to pray confidently knowing that God has our best While the immediate context of the to our heavenly Father. God grant interests at heart. giving of the Prayer does not refer this to us all!

The first three petitions deal to Christ’s body given under the with God and with the coming of bread in the Lord’s Supper, the use Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor His Kingdom into the world. When of the Prayer in conjunction with Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia God’s Kingdom comes, His name the consecration of the elements Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

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Re-Forming Our Church

Restructuring Update Proposed New Bylaws

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he Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) has completed and placed the proposed new Act and Bylaws for Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) online. Download the proposed bylaws here: www.canadianlutheran.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2017/04/LCC-Act-and-Bylaws-ConvocationDraft-3.0-Website.pdf.

Eleven regional convocations were planned in order to give the whole church another opportunity to provide input to the CCMS before the final bylaws are written. [Note: convocation schedules were shared with LCC members and congregations online in April.]

From the beginning the CCMS has sought to build this new structure based on input from the congregations, pastors, and deacons of LCC. Vancouver Region: Zion Lutheran (Cloverdale) April 29 Vancouver Region: First Lutheran (Kelowna) May 6 Calgary Region: Prince of Peace (Calgary) - June 10 Edmonton Region: Bethel Lutheran (Sherwood Park) - June 10 Regina Region: Faith Lutheran (Saskatoon) June 11 Regina Region: Grace Lutheran (Regina) - May 13 Winnipeg Region: Saint James (Winnipeg) - June 17 London Region: Faith Lutheran (London) - May 27 Toronto Region: Christ Our King (Mississauga) - June 3 Electronic Meeting: LCC Boardroom (Winnipeg) - June 18 Electronic Meeting: LCC Boardroom (Winnipeg) - June 19 You will also find online a paper that I have written in response to countless questions as to “why” Lutheran Church-Canada is restructuring itself and why the CCMS has completed such a major restructuring rather than just “tweaking things a bit”

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as some have suggested. You may wish to read that paper also in connection with your reading of the new proposed Bylaws. Download the paper here: www. canadianlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ Factors-that-Led-to-the-Major-Overhaul-of-the-LCCStructure.pdf.

It is important for all to understand that these new Bylaws are not written in stone yet but rather soft clay, so to speak. From the beginning the CCMS has sought the input of people across the country in LCC in order to determine what would be the primary pillars of restructuring upon which the CCMS would build a new structure. Now, we want to make sure that the structure that will be presented to the Convention in October this year is what the majority of members of LCC would like. Therefore, you are not just invited, but strongly encouraged, to attend one of the above scheduled Convocations so that you may add your voice to further guide the CCMS in finalizing the proposed new Bylaws.

One other note: the new structure shows that the CCMS is recommending eight Regions but only four Regional Pastors to begin with, even though the Chart shows eight Regions and eight Regional Pastors.

Thus, each initial Regional Pastor would cover two Regions and work with two (instead of one) Regional Councils. Download a document on the proposed regions here: www.canadianlutheran.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2017/04/Proposed-LCC-Regions.pdf.

This is being put forth for financial reasons.

Having done a study of the financial implications of the restructuring, it became obvious that at least at the beginning of the new structure, we would not be able to afford more than four Regional Pastors. We will be prepared to discuss this further at the Regional Convocations.

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

Common Myths on LCC’s Restructuring

by Paul Schallhorn

“J

ust the facts, Ma’am.” Millions of people in the 1950s tuned in weekly to hear Jack Webb, aka Sergeant Joe Friday on Dragnet, say his famous catch phrase. Over the years it became part of everyone’s vocabulary as people trying to sound clever would interject: “Just the facts, Ma’am.” It was as famous as another line from that era uttered by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, “Play it again, Sam.” There’s only one problem: neither line is factual; they are both misquoted and were never said in the way we have come to “remember” them.

The same could be said of Lutheran Church– Canada’s (LCC) process of possible restructuring.

There are a number of myths that have developed over the course of the last 18 months as the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) has presented their proposal at various stages. In order to clear the air of some of the major misconceptions, we will stick to “just the facts.”

MYTH #1: We are only talking restructuring because of the ABC District Church Extension Fund (CEF) crisis.

FACT: While the CEF crisis in the ABC District has had a major role to play in bringing restructuring to the forefront in peoples’ minds, it is certainly not the sole reason why the CCMS is providing a possible plan to restructure LCC. The CCMS was given its mandate because all three Districts in Convention passed resolutions for the CCMS to look into this matter and provide a plan for the upcoming Synod Convention in October 2017. We are simply doing what we have been tasked to do; but it goes much deeper than this.

When LCC came into existence in 1988, instead of creating a new structure that would fit our situation in Canada, delegates voted to borrow—in its entirety—the

structure that they knew from The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS). The prevailing thought was we could fine-tune or change this structure as we moved forward and make it our own. As early as 1993, a taskforce was struck to begin this process. Some of their proposals were passed at the next Synod Convention, many were not, but the unwieldiness of the LCMS structure we borrowed and were now using could not be understated because it is built for a Synod of millions not thousands. The CCMS as part of its job has then looked at our structure since that time proposing various changes over the years—some of which were major, some minor; some of which were passed, some not. The fact is, restructuring has been part of LCC’s history from its beginning even though it may have been highlighted by the recent events in the West.

MYTH #2: The proposed one administrative structure from the CCMS creates a centralization of power.

FACT: This would be true if there were no checks and balances or a limitation to the authority that the Synod Board of Directors (or any other entity within the proposed structure) would wield; but that’s not the case. Every board, commission, committee, council, or person, at every level has been given a certain amount of authority to fulfil their role but in a manner that limits that authority to their specific task. In other words, authority/power is channelled in a very specific detailed manner to provide nimbleness between conventions for the various entities to do their job without having to wait until the next convention to make necessary changes yet without giving them a carte blanche to make sweeping changes that would affect everyone without everyone’s input.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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The other factor that changes with the proposed structure is that everyone will have a voice in determining our future not just a few. Currently we have only a representative number of delegates making decisions on our behalf at Synod Conventions; in the proposed structure every congregation will attend and make decisions affecting the direction of LCC. Furthermore, by making the decisions as a whole, we all will have a hand in determining how much authority is given to the Board of Directors and how it is used between conventions.

It bears pointing out that presently we are following a practice called a “federation of Districts,” that is, each District acts independently of each other and also of Synod.

That is part of our history as we were three independent Districts under the umbrella of the LCMS before we b e c a m e autonomous.

The spinoff of this is that we have four different goals and plans and agendas that are being attempted to be fulfilled across LCC. Moving forward under the proposed structure we would have one vision and one plan which will make for a more unified approach to achieving our goals.

again, the Central District has barely enough to meet their current needs, and the East District which is in the most “favourable” position still relies too much on investment returns to make up $200,000 plus of their budget.

What we counted on in the past to meet our financial commitments cannot be counted upon any longer. We are just one more CEF crisis or market downturn away from a total collapse of LCC as we know it. So the CCMS, with figures from our Synod treasurer, has planned a more realistic budget that does not rely on these “extras” which cannot be counted upon. Does this have an impact on the proposed structure?

Definitely; we will not be able to afford as much as we think we can now, but by following a more realistic budget, we will be able to better positon ourselves for the future.

This is what we have attempted to build into the proposed structure.

Another important factor that is directly attributable to the current s t r u c t u re i s the lack of oversight Synod has on the rest of the Synodical family. Because Synod and the Districts (and the other entities affiliated with LCC like the two seminaries, etc.) are incorporated separately, Synod has no authority over any of them. This has led to Concordia University, Edmonton removing itself from LCC (without any remuneration) and the unfortunate ABC District CEF crisis—to name just two examples. What has come out of this difficult time in our history is that our current structure is terribly flawed. The fact that an entity affiliated with LCC over which LCC has no oversight is able to walk away with our assets or bring us to our knees and perhaps threaten our very existence is untenable.

While there are still a number of other myths that could be treated, time and space are limited. Suffice it to say, we as a CCMS have been listening to all concerns and suggestions at every stage of this process, and while we cannot guarantee that everything we hear will be agreed upon and incorporated given the polar opposites of various viewpoints, nevertheless, the proposed structure is not our own making, it is yours as we have taken your input and crafted the proposed Convention Draft based on what you as a whole have shared with us.

As always, we pray for God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit to direct us in the way He wants us to work for Him as we walk together.

What has come out of this difficult time in our history is that our current structure is terribly flawed. The fact that an entity affiliated with LCC over which LCC has no oversight is able to threaten our very existence is untenable.

MYTH #3: Our current structure is not the problem and making sweeping changes is not necessary and too drastic.

FACT: There are a number of major factors moving forward that cosmetic changes or no change at all to our current structure will not address nor fix. The elephant in the room that no one likes to talk about is the fact that membership in our congregations and therefore Synod is declining which has an impact on a number of fronts not the least of which is financial. Over the years we have over-budgeted and therefore overspent more than what we have received from people’s giving in the offering plates.

The figure our Synod treasurer calculated before the ABC District CEF crisis was roughly $650,000 which includes Synod and the three Districts.

So where did the money come from to make up this huge shortfall? We have relied heavily on investment returns that are not guaranteed to always be positive, and on reserve funds which are not inexhaustible. This trend cannot continue and many have been trying to point this out for years to no avail. The ABC District has exhausted all of their capital and cannot have a CEF ever

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

Rev. Paul Schallhorn is Secretary of Lutheran Church–Canada’s Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC pastor addresses international panel on Christian persecution in Pakistan SWITZERLAND - On March 14, Lutheran Church–Canada member Rev. James Luke was invited to present in Geneva at an event entitled “Christians in Pakistan Under Threat.” The event was organized on the sidelines of the 34th session of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland. Rev. Luke is the LCC East District’s Intercultural Missionary at Large to the Greater Toronto Area and a retired Captain of the Pakistani Army.

Other members of the panel included Naveed Walter, the founder of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, and Javed Baksh, a retired Major of the Pakistani Army and a former Vice President of the Canadian Christian Association. Also speaking at the event was Przemyslaw Czarnecki, a member of the Polish Parliament and Vice Chairman of their Foreign Affairs Committee. The panel was moderated

by Dr. Mario Silva, a former Canadian MP and current Executive Director for the International Forum for Rights and Security.

News of persecution of Christians in Pakistan has been largely overshadowed by the deadly wars currently rocking the Muslim world— largely between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam—which have resulted in the current refugee crisis. The focus of the panel presentation was to generate awareness to the plight of Pakistan’s Christian community which is being persecuted with impunity.

Pakistan is one of only two countries established on the basis of religion, meaning a person’s legal rights are determined by their religion, Rev. Luke and his co-presenters noted.

Christians in particular face trials because of Pakistan’s blasphemy law (Penal Code 295C) which mandates that any “blasphemies” of the Quran or Islam’s prophet are punishable, even up to a death penalty. This law effectively subdues all Christians into submission because a Muslim can accuse a Christian of blasphemy without needing to repeat the alleged

Rev. James Luke poses in front of a street car bearing a sign promoting the “Christians in Pakistan Under Threat” event.

blasphemies as evidence, because that would be blasphemy in itself.

“This sword hangs over the head of all Christians regardless of position, education, or social status,” Rev. Luke explains. “The law in most cases is implemented by a mob, incited by religious clerics, who execute street justice by lynching, burning, killing the victim of such accusations.”

He notes that churches and other Christian institutions are victims of arson at an alarmingly high rate. Similarly disturbing is the number of abducted Christian women, forced conversions, and mob justice—all with no end in sight.

Added to this is mounting concern because of “the wave of Islamic fundamentalism within the state and government structures” growing in Pakistan, with serious repercussions for religious minorities.

The presentation also focused on what can be done to better safeguard the rights of Christians in Pakistan.

Due to intolerance, charged religious emotions, uncompromising attitudes, conspiracy theories, and a largely illiterate population, any steps going forward to reverse the genocide should move simultaneously on two parallel axes, Rev. Luke and his co-presenters noted: Government to Government and People to People.

Western nations must show moral courage in acknowledging Christian persecution in the Islamic World.

Without political moral courage, attempts to safeguard persecuted

Christians fails right at the starting l i n e. “ W h e t h e r f o r N a t i o n a l strategic interests, internal political considerations, or just ignorance of jihadist intents, Western Christian majority nations are reluctant or, dare I say, afraid to speak on Christian persecution,” Rev. Luke suggests. He urged Western nations generally and the Canadian government in specific to speak out publicly on the persecution of Christian minorities in the Muslim World, especially in Pakistan.

Westerners should also seek partnership with progressive, moderate Pakistanis who seek peace and justice, he urged. “A non-Muslim attempting to speak on Islam is a non-starter” in Pakistan, he noted. “It’s best to seek out, work with, and strengthen moderate Muslim organizations working on human rights, womens rights, equal rights, religious rights, regional peace, and the rule of law. Together with these progressive Muslims, Christians stand a chance to be heard in the halls of power in Pakistan.”

Rev. Luke further urges Western governments to take seriously the traditional “carrot and stick principle of give and take.” He suggests that Western nations insist that for every dollar given to Pakistan for any project, a portion be earmarked for support of the persecuted Christian community. A clear signal should also be given by the United Nations in officially declaring Pakistani Christians a persecuted minority, which would help Pakistani Christians to be accepted as refugees.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

ABC District President addresses March for Life participants CANADA - May 11, 2017 marked Canada’s twentieth annual national March for Life. Ever year, thousands of Canadians march through the streets of downtown Ottawa to draw attention to life issues including abortion and physician assisted suicide. The March for Life is the largest annual demonstration on Parliament Hill, though it generally garners very little media attention.

This year’s theme was “Life, We Stand on Guard for Thee.”

While the Ottawa march is the largest in Canada, it is by no means the only march. On the same day, Canadians across the country gather for local marches to bear witness to the sanctity of life and call for greater protections for the most vulnerable.

One such march takes place in Edmonton. This year marked the tenth annual Alberta March for Life, and among the speakers at this year’s event was President Glenn E. Schaeffer of the Alberta-British Columbia District (ABC) of Lutheran Church–Canada. President Schaeffer spoke to a diverse crowd gathered at the Alberta Legislature.

“All lives, from conception to natural death, matter to God,” he said

during his speech. “We are of infinite worth and value to our God, so much so that God shared in our humanity! Ponder this wondrous mystery for a moment: Jesus, who Christians believe was God in the flesh, was a zygote, an embryo, an infant, a toddler, a youth, a grown man! God gives all human life dignity and worth simply by the fact that He shares in our humanity.”

“But there was another reason why God’s Son became a man,” he continued. “The Bible says, ‘This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us’ (1 John 3:16). Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sin. Jesus came to ‘heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds’ (Psalm 147:3). If you ever wonder if you are loved, look to the cross of Christ. If you are in search of renewed life and hope, look to Jesus who conquered death by rising from the dead.”

That knowledge of God’s love is the foundation upon which we stand as we confess that all human life is sacred, President Schaeffer explained.

“All lives matter from conception to natural death to our Creator—to our Saviour, Jesus Christ—and therefore,

all lives are of infinite value and worth to us! And that’s why we are here today. We are the voices for the unborn who cannot speak. We march.

We speak the truth. We pray. We petition those who make laws in our land to break free of the delusional spell they’re under that some lives don’t matter.”

In addition to his service as President of the ABC District, Rev. Dr. Glenn E. Schaeffer is a former President of Lutherans for Life-Canada (LFL-C), a Listed Service Organization of Lutheran Church–Canada. LFL-C’s mission is to “witness to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God.” You can find pro-life resources through their website at www.lutheransforlife-canada. ca, and through the website of their American counterpart www. lutheransforlife.org.

The next March for Life is scheduled for May 10, 2018.

Winner in LCC’s French Reformation Hymn contest C A N A D A - Yv e s K é l e r o f Bischwiller, France, has been chosen as the winner of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) French hymn contest celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Kéler’s hymn is entitled C’est plus qu’un bain pris dans de l’eau.

The contest was organized by LCC’s Comité francophone liturgique, and people from all over the world were invited to submit entries rooted in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism text on baptism.

Kéler receives a $250 prize for the winning entry. The hymn is set to the 19th century melody “Saint Crispin” by George J. Elvey—a tune famliar to many Lutherans as an

14

accompaniment for “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” (LSB 563).

Download the hymn at www. canadianlutheran.ca/winner-in-lccs-

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

french-reformation-hymn-contest/.

An additional download contains annotations noting references to the catechism and Scripture.

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ABC District News

Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor Alberta

Sharing the Gospel, preschool style CALGARY - Thirty-seven percent of the students at Foothills Preschool come from unchurched homes, presenting an amazing opportunity to reach out with the Gospel message.

Basic Scriptural truths are presented in ways that the children can relate to, similar to Jesus telling parables that His contemporaries could understand.

Sometimes secular books are used in their preschool classroom to illustrate a biblical truth. During a unit on dinosaurs this past winter, one of the children’s favourite books was The Mine-O-Saur by BardhanQuallen. The dinosaur was called a mine-o-saur because he did not like to share with his school friends.

He would repeat, “MINE! MINE! MINE!” However, by the end of the story, he had mended his selfish ways.

After the book was read to the class, the children made their own protoceratops and were asked to tell

the story of their mine-o-saur to an adult in the room so their thoughts could be scribed for them. Here are some of their stories: • My mine-o-saur does not like to share anything. He is lonely.

• My mine-o-saur says, “Mine!

Mine! Mine!” His brother is sad.

• My mine-o-saur does not want to share his toys. He says, “Mine!

Mine! Mine!” His friends don’t want to play with him.

• My mine-o-saur now likes to share hugs with his mommy. He puts toys in the sandbox and shares trucks with an elephant.

• My mine-o-saur now wants to share with her friends. She likes to share dolls.

• My dinosaur is a firefighter. He likes to help people.

The message was clearly presented to the children that we are

Preschool children at play.

blessed that because of Jesus, we can come to our Heavenly Father, first for forgiveness, and then for strength as we try again.

Betty Ann Chandler

District continues tournament tradition REVELSTOKE, B.C. - Last August, Revelstoke was the place to be for the annual ABC District Ball Tournament. Players aged 1365 were out for a time of fun and fellowship as congregations came together to play baseball.

The tournament started on Friday evening with skills competitions for the most accurate throw, fastest around the bases, and homerun hitting competition. The players were divided into under-40 and over40 categories. The tournament then commenced early Saturday morning as the sun was coming up over the mountains. The kids’ competitions for ages 3-12 were held on Saturday afternoon while the players had a break for lunch.

With no local congregation in Revelstoke, members from First Lutheran Church in Kelowna stepped in to arrange a concession

Last year’s tournament participants.

stand for the players. The teams came together for a pulled pork supper at the field.

Ball games continued on Sunday.

The teams held a church service on the ball field, thanks to St. John Lutheran Church, Vernon, with blue sky and fresh air in abundance—a bald eagle even flew overhead during the service. Congratulations to First Lutheran Church (Kelowna) for first place, Bethel Lutheran Church (Sherwood Park) young adult team for second place, and St.

John Lutheran Church (Vernon) for third place.

Plans are underway for the 30 th annual ABC District Ball Tournament, August 11-13, 2017 in Golden, B.C. Each year the tournament rotates between Revelstoke and Golden. The tournament has traditionally been the weekend after the August long weekend. Teams are limited to 16 in Golden. All players 13 years and up are invited to attend.

For further information and registration packages contact the tournament organizers Sara Towriss at jeffsara@shaw.ca (Hope Lutheran Church, Port Coquitlam); Tracy Simons at tsimons@shaw.ca or Dylan Preiss at d.preiss10@gmail.com (Bethel Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park).

Tracy Simons

The Lutheran May/June 2017 1 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN May/June 2017 15

ABC District News

Alberta Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor

From the President

God’s not-so-secret agents! here was nothing secretive about Pentecost.

Sounds of violent wind filled the house—a sign that the Spirit of the Lord was among them. Visible flames of fire rested on their heads fulfilling John the Baptist’s prophecy that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Inspiring speech flowed from the lips of Jesus’ followers as they began to speak in a variety of foreign languages.

These Spirit-filled followers spilled out into the streets of Jerusalem! There was such a ruckus that God-fearing Jews in the city for the Festival of Pentecost were drawn to the commotion. They were bewildered—perplexed—amazed by what they saw and heard (Acts 2:5-13). When questioned what was happening, St. Peter and the Eleven didn’t play coy; they didn’t say rather mischievously, “We’re secret agents.” And when the crowd pushed for an explanation Jesus’ followers didn’t refuse to tell them for Whom they worked.

In fact, St. Peter, one of those formerly cowering disciples, stands up in their midst and proclaims a powerful Christ-centred message. St. Peter says, “These men are not drunk as you suppose. What you see unfolding before your very eyes is the fulfilment of an Old Testament prophesy from the prophet Joel.”

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18) And, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. (v.21) We live in the age of which Joel prophesied—when the Spirit of the Lord is poured out on people; when sons and daughters, young and old proclaim the Good News of Jesus!

For many of us, our “Pentecost experience” occurred when we were baptized in the name of the

T

2 The Canadian Lutheran May/June 2017 16 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

triune God. As a result, we are God’s Not-So-Secret Agents! We are “the salt of the earth.” We are the “light of the world.” We are like “a city on a hill that can’t be hidden.” We serve the hungry, the thirsty, and the stranger. We clothe the poor, visit the imprisoned, and minister to the sick. We possess beautiful feet as we bring good news to the world!

Sometimes being a Not-So-Secret Agent calls for personal sacrifice. The following report comes from Dr. Jim who works with The Voice of the Martyrs. He recounts, in a 2014 article: One brother, Helal Saber, had been badly burned.

He was walking down the street with his fiancée when a group of Muslims stopped him and asked one simple question. “Are you a Muslim or a Christian?” With attacks going on throughout the neighbourhood, surely Helal must have known what might be in store for anyone with the “wrong” answer. But he bravely answered, “I am a Christian,” and refused to deny Christ. The men doused him with gasoline and set him alight. Helal was burned on over 85 percent of his body, and though I planned to see him during my trip, he went to be with the Lord before I arrived.

That’s an extraordinary example of being one of God’s Not-So-Secret Agents. God-willing none of us will undergo a similar experience. But, whether we are an introvert or an extrovert, we are called to be God’s Not-So-Secret Agents. St. Paul describes in Romans 12:4-18, in very practical terms, how we live as God’s Not-So-Secret Agents. You don’t have to be an extroverted person (or some super Christian) to live as St. Paul describes. Truth be told, introverts make great evangelists! Often it’s the simplest, unnoticed acts that have the most profound effect on the lives of others.

So, we are God’s Not-So-Secret Agents! Being enlivened—being renewed, being revitalized—by the Holy Spirit, we live for our Savior and we speak of our Saviour! Why? So that many more people may call on the name of the Lord and be saved.

Rev. Dr. Glenn E. Schaeffer

ABC ABC District News

Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor Alberta

Central Alberta team builds Mission Centre wall NICARAGUA - On January 10, a team of 18 people, mostly from central Alberta, headed to Nicaragua for a mission trip. Planning for the trip had begun about a year prior, when, with the help of Dr. Neitzel, Lutheran Church– Canada’s Mission Executive, a building project had been picked and dates for the trip approved.

The project the team selected was to build a wall around the Mission Centre in Chinandega. Some of the property is being used as an orchard and garden so protection is needed.

There are also many larger events that are held at the centre, like conventions and youth gatherings, and a wall adds to attendees’ protection as well. The team hosted many fundraisers and raised enough money to build the entire wall around the Mission Centre. They also prepared crafts and games to share at some local vacation Bible school events.

The team arrived prepared to help with the building of the wall.

They helped dig the ditches for the

foundation, tied rebar, m i xe d a n d h a u l e d cement, hauled cement blocks, and helped in any way they were able. Team members worked with five hired workers who were scheduled to stay and complete the wall after the team left.

Te a m m e m b e r s also helped out with four VBS programs in the Chinandega area.

They found it to be a blessing to work with the Nicaraguan church workers and experience their love for God and for His people. As the group reflected on their time in Nicaragua, they realized they were there to help build a wall, but in many ways several walls came down.

Melanie Kuhn

A portion of the wall.

Members of the team.

Women enjoy a garden getaway!

S T. A L B E RT, Alta. - Ladies from the Concordia and Evergreen Zones of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League– Canada’s AlbertaBritish Columbia District, gathered for a spring retreat March 24-26. The theme, G a r d e n G e t a w a y, allowed them to forget about the snowy and Members of both zones gathered for a group photo. rainy “spring” weather studying Gods Word, worshipping, they were experiencing, and dig into singing, and taking walks to reflect God’s word with their sisters in quietly. The Star of the North Retreat Christ. There was no weed pulling, Centre was the perfect location but they did take some time to look for this joint retreat, providing at some of the “pests” that they participants a great location to go for experience as Christian women. a walk, a room to themselves, comfy Together the women spent time

sitting areas, and great food.

Session leaders were Karen Hildebrandt, Sherley Hearty, and Jeanette Stern. Becky Wandio led the group daily in song, and Concordia LWMLC Zone Counsellor, Rev. Gary Dombrosky, led them in two moving worship services and provided spiritual support.

Thanks go to the retreat organizers: Doreen Christensen, Evaline Ulmer and Karen, Becky and Jeanette.

The retreat committee is excited to announce that they are going to try to offer a retreat every year. Next year’s joint event is tentatively booked for early March 2018 under the theme “Seaside Escape!” Watch local zone newsletters for more information.

The group hopes to welcome many newcomers.

Becky Wandio

The Lutheran May/June2017 201717 3 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN May/June

ABC District News News ABC District

Alberta Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor

King’s Quilters set new record

Rev. Andy Kahle and members of the group pose with some of their handiwork.

100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. - A dedication service was held at Christ

and 140 pair of boys’ shorts made by the King’s Quilters, a group of about 15 members and friends of the church. Rev. Andy Kahle led the service.

T h e K i n g ’ s Q u i l t e r s h ave been meeting once a week at the church and working on the quilts and clothing items since the fall.

Much work was done by the ladies individually in their own homes, as well. The project was an excellent means of community outreach with much of the material required for this initiative donated by the community.

The fruits of these ladies’ labours, the most bountiful ever, will be distributed to needy recipients by Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

the King Lutheran Church on April 23 to bless the 119 quilts, 250 dresses

Missionaries visit district congregations teamwork—it takes BRITISH COLUMBIA many churches and - Martin and Joan Weber individuals involved have been sharing their through prayer and stories of how God’s financial support.

Word is changing lives As they have visited as people understand churches in Canada, God speaking to them Martin and Joan are in their own languages. thankful for those The couple has been who have continued working in Cameroon, to partner with them.

Africa since 1982, They are based in involved with Bible Surrey (Cloverdale), translation, literacy and B.C. until April 20, Scripture engagement Martin and Joan Weber but are making trips to speak in through Lutheran Bible Translators various places across Canada. Since of Canada. After dedicating the mid-January, they have shared at Kwanja New Testament, they several Lower Mainland churches, recorded the New Testament, then including Zion Lutheran in continued working with translators Cloverdale, Hope Lutheran in Port to bring together and publish the Coquitlam, Walnut Grove in Langley, Old Testament Scripture selections Saviour Lutheran in Delta, White for the services of the church year.

Rock Lutheran, and will soon visit They have published two of the three Trinity in Richmond, Mt. Calvary books in the Kwanja Lectionary in Mission, Trinity in Abbotsford, series. They are now also working St. Luke’s in Surrey, and other to help the Dowayo, Vute, and other groups in the area. Future plans to language projects produce their share about their work and ministry lectionary books. through Lutheran Bible Translators This ministry involves

4 The Canadian Lutheran May/June 2017 18 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

include Vancouver Island and the Okanagan in March. April will see them in Drumheller and Drayton Valley, Alberta, as well as in the Edmonton area. They plan to travel to Saskatchewan and Ontario after that to continue to provide education and encouragement about their work and to continue to share the message that God has a heart to reach the people of all nations. Bible translation into their languages is one of His tools to speak to them in their heart languages.

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

Laura Goerz, District Editor editor@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: July 15, 2017

Central District News News

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

Circuit kickoff to reformation celebrations WINNIPEG - Saint James Lutheran Church hosted a Reformation event February 26 to kick off celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in the Red River circuit. It was a time of wonderful worship and fellowship with around 200 in attendance from the eight congregations in the circuit.

A worship service was led by Rev. Jim Schnarr with the sermon preached by Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, L C C M i s s i o n E xe c u t i ve. A n offering of $1,535 was raised to support Lutheran Church–Canada’s Synodical missions.

Special music enriched the worship service. An adult circuit chorale choir was led by Richard

Appler and accompanied by Karen Appler. Shirley Wildeman served as director of a youth choir from Saint James and as organist. A talented teenage trumpeter from Beautiful Savior, Marshall Kaatz, accompanied the triumphant hymns written by Luther with resounding strength and majesty, especially on “A Mighty Fortress is our God”!

The service was followed by an Oktoberfest-style meal with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and all the fixings. Tiered cake plates were filled for dessert with cookies in the shapes of crosses and hearts reminding us of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Beer steins commemorating the 100th anniversary

(l-r) Revs. Neitzel and Schnarr

of Lutheran Hour Ministries were available for purchase.

The Reformation committee is thankful for the many who pitched in to make it all happen. The celebration was enjoyed by all who came.

Catherine Schnarr

Lappe 100th anniversary celebrations continue THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The anniversary weekend at Lappe Lutheran Church April 8-9 was a very uplifting experience. It was with joyful hearts that 160 congregational members and friends joined together for an evening of fellowship over a wonderful dinner.

Pastor Neil Otke welcomed everyone and encouraged the sharing of memories. Rev. Orville Aho (pastor from 1947-54) spoke of his years at Lappe, including a minute

of silence for the founding fathers.

Rev. Adrian Toms (a son of the congregation) spoke of his call into the ministry. Elaine McLean shared memories of the music ministry.

Interspersed throughout, humour was supplied by masters of ceremony Doug and Wendy O’Connor. The evening closed with a performance by the MacGillvrary Pipe Band to the enjoyment of all.

This rejoicing carried through to Sunday’s 3 p.m. Celebration Service,

Pastors assisting in the anniversary service (front row, l-r): Revs. Brian Falkenholt (Christ), Tim Barone (Calvary), Steve Bartlett (Epiphany), Thomas Prachar (Central District President), Neil Otke (Lappe), Adrian Toms (emeritus), Garry Heintz (Redeemer, Kakabeka Falls), and Keith Blom (Circuit Counsellor).

as the pastors and the children, complete with balloons, processed into the sanctuary. The congregation gave praise and glory to God in both word and song for the past, the present and the future, “knowing that we are His.” Agnes Huotari spoke of childhood experiences, while John Nojonen shared some history of the building itself.

Rev.Tom Prachar’s sermon, “Understanding the Times” (1 Chronicles 12:32) made the congregation aware that even though we may have difficulty looking to the future and what it may look like, God knows; and since these times are in His Hands, He will have people that do understand, pastors and laypeople alike, for “we are His.” The offering was designated to the Lappe Volunteer Fire Department for their wounded warrior program.

Everyone is welcome to come and join us for the following upcoming special occasions (or anytime you are driving to or through Thunder Bay) as we continue to serve our Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: July 2, we look forward to Canada Day festivities; July 9, we celebrate with Trinity, Rev. Neil Otke’s 30th continued next page

The May/June 201719 1 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN May/June 2017

Central District News News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor continued from previous page

Anniversary in the Ministry; July 30, 3 p.m., Closing Service of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission weekend.

100th Anniversary Committee

New parish formed in Saskatchewan BERGHEIM, Sask. Rev. Randy Heide was installed as pastor of S t . Pa u l ’ s L u t h e ra n Church on February 12, forming a dual parish with St. John’s Lutheran Church, Warman.

Left, Rev. Orville Aho, 91 years young.

Revs. Tom Prachar (front, left) and Randy Heide with the church council

Ponderings from the president Simply saying thank you have this annoying habit that when someone presents me with a gift, I am at a loss as to how to respond.

If it’s not Christmas or my birthday (or maybe even if it is), I don’t know how to receive a gift from another. My first reaction is probably to say, “Oh, you shouldn’t have!” I say that sometimes only to be polite when I really don’t like or want that particular gift. Or I say those words because, well, in this situation that’s what people expect you to say in kindness for their thoughtfulness.

Upon receiving an unexpected gift, sometimes I respond by saying, “No, I can’t accept that!” To which the giver responds, “I insist!” And after a little more backand-forth of this dialogue, it is only then that I reluctantly accept. There is almost this unwritten rule that I can’t accept a gift until the giver persists, and insists, until I relent and finally take it.

When I’m presented with a gift, I feel a compulsion (most times) to give that person a gift in return. I feel that somehow I must repay that person, not necessarily to recognize their kindness to me, but to make me feel better by not accepting “charity” from another.

As the years have gone by, I think I’m getting better at graciously receiving a gift. I no longer argue with the person about my seeming unworthiness. I try to silence any thoughts of responding with my own gift. I simply say, “Thank you!”

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As we are privileged to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, that response might be the best we can give to our gracious Lord: “Thank you!” This celebration reminds us that despite our sinfulness, our Saviour loved us enough to pay the price demanded by a just God for our sin. Jesus did just that by suffering and dying as the sinless One in our place, and then rising victorious from the dead. As a result of His love for us, our gracious God declares us “not guilty” of any transgressions against Him. In a sermon on October 6, 1537 on John 1:17, Luther wrote: “Grace consists in this, that God is merciful to us, shows Himself gracious for the sake of the Lord Christ, forgives all sins, and will not impute them unto us for eternal death. This is grace: the forgiveness of sins for the sake of the Lord Christ, the covering up of all sins.”

This eternal salvation is a gift for which I did not ask.

It is a gift I could neither earn nor deserve. I have nothing to offer in return for His gift to me. It is grace, pure and simple—sola gratia, grace alone—God’s undeserved love shown to me and all sinners. This gift was almost lost during the time of Martin Luther and the Reformers.

But thanks to our gracious God, He made sure that His message of love and salvation—His perfect Gift in the person of Jesus—would sound forth loud and clear to people like you and me who desperately need to hear it.

Our response to God for His amazing love to us can be nothing less than a simple, yet heart-felt: “Thank You!” Rev. Thomas Prachar

2 The 2017 20 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN May/June May/June 2017

Central District District News Central News

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

Congregation honours their shepherd on Good Shepherd Sunday WINNIPEG - On May 7, Rev. Todd Hoeffs, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, was surprised after the Sunday morning service with a cake and refreshments celebration.

Marking his fifth anniversary serving the congregation (and his 18th year in pastoral ministry), the cake read “Thanks for the last 5 years.”

Sincere sentiments were offered, recalling Rev. Hoeffs’ first day on

the job, sharing office space with the vacancy pastor. It was recalled that since he couldn’t settle into his office, Rev. Hoeffs would go and give communion to a sick member. It was also remembered that the first item he pulled out of his moving-in box was a picture of his wife! All of this a sign that “he’s a keeper.”

Rev. Hoeffs cut the special cake, with his wife Jennifer, daughter

Twice the fun with Easter mini vbs

Rev. Hoeffs cuts the anniversary cake, with son Jonah looking on.

OXBOW AND FROBISHER, Sask. - St. Peter & St. John Lutheran Parish hosted an Easter vacation Bible school in March. Ten children attended in Frobisher, while 65 gathered in Oxbow for a Bible story, crafts, games, songs, and supper. Resurrection Egg kits that tell the Easter story were given to each family that attended.

Georgia, son Nick and eldest son, Jonah, serving it to the worshippers.

The pastor described how the last five years flew by quickly and stated that he looks forward to many more years of ministry partnered with the people of Redeemer. A truly wonderful celebration!

Regina chaplain helping keep Canada safe REGINA - The series, “Keeping Canada Safe” has begun on CBC. The purpose is to capture intimate and dramatic behindthe-scenes stories of the everyday heroes who keep our country secure—from first responders and professionals who do important work of which we often are not aware, to ordinary citizens driven to take action in the face of pressing needs. The Regina Police Services segment featuring the Central District chaplain Rev. DJ Kim is not part of the televised episodes, but it is a stand-alone digital moment being shared on social media.

A screen-shot from CBC’s segment on Rev. DJ Kim.

The short, one-minute clip is at https://www.facebook.com/cbckeepingcanadasafe/videos/418411865170331/ The May/June 201721 3 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN May/June 2017

Central District District News Central News

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

Enthusiastic eaters treated to international feast MOOSE JAW, Sask. - On March 26, KEEP (Kids Encountering Emmanuel Program) hosted a Taste

from Abroad, serving traditional foods from the different countries and areas that Canadian Lutheran

World Relief sponsors. Soups, falafel, hummus, basbousa, and flatbread were among the international dishes on the menu. Some of the more than 50 diners enjoyed the different tastes; others, not so much. But that didn’t stop the generosity as more than $250 was collected.

Each Sunday the KEEP members have been bringing items for CLWR’s We Care bags and funds for shipping for their offerings to God. Patricia Kreutzwieser

Financial aid for church work students

KEEP member Amara helps with clean up.

Pastor installed in Humboldt HUMBOLDT, Sask. - The installation of Rev. Clint Magnus as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church took place April 23. Rev. Cody Cooper (La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship), the

new pastor’s son-in-law, preached and District President Rev. Tom Prachar officiated. A supper was held before the evening service.

Financial assistance is available to men and women of the Central District who are preparing for full-time service in Lutheran Church-Canada.

Application forms are available at www.lcccentral.ca (click on Student Aid under the Resources tab), or by calling 1-800-ONELORD (663-5673).

Deadline for the district office to receive the completed form is August 15.

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

(front, l-r) Revs. John Rapp, James Chimirri-Russell, Clint Magnus, Tom Prachar, Ken Keller (vacancy pastor). (back) Revs. Todd Guggenmos, Jeff Dul, Richard Mensch, Cody Cooper, Ted Geise, and Wayne Olson.

4 The 2017 22 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN May/June May/June 2017

Next deadline July 15, 2017

East District News News East District

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

World’s first mass media star popped up in Waterloo!

WATERLOO, Ont. - Did you know that with the aid of the Gutenberg printing press, Martin Luther the reformer became the world’s first mass media star?

There were 125 people of all ages who came to the May 7 showing of Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World at Princess Cinemas. This docudrama was produced for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and was both informative and entertaining.

The full-length documentary features thrilling reenactments of the sixteenth-century events with commentary from leading churchhistory experts.

Currently the Waterloo showing of this movie is the only one scheduled for Canada. Those who saw the movie were very impressed with the production and many wanted to purchase the movie for additional home viewing. (It is not currently available for purchase.)

Martin Luther (portrayed by Padraic Delany) faces the Diet of Worms in the 2017 docudrama Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World. (Courtesy: Boettcher+Trinklein Inc.)

The proceeds of the ticket sales went to two worthwhile charities. $1,250 was raised to be split by the Community Cupboard which operates out of Historic St. Paul’s

Lutheran Church (Kitchener), and the Nicaragua South Mission Fund which operates out of Faith Lutheran Church (Kitchener).

Udi Scott

First confirmation in Quinte Lutheran Church TRENTON, Ont. - Rev. Allen Maleske, pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Mission in Kingston, held a confirmation class at the Mission’s Trenton location, Quinte Lutheran Church. Recently completing instruction were confirmands Pheobe Gunter and Debbi Petherick who were received into communicant membership by the rite of adult confirmation on March 11.

Quinte Lutheran’s inaugural service was September 27, 2015 with Rev. President Paul Zabel preaching and members are currently worshipping on selected Saturday evenings at the Salvation Army Chapel in Trenton. They hold Bible study at 4:30 p.m. followed by Divine Service at 5:30 p.m.

Confirmands Pheobe Gunter and Debbi Petherick are accompanied by Rev. Allen Maleske.

Leif Laakso THECanadian CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN May/June May/June 2017 The 2017 23 1

East East District News

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

From the vice-president Everything in the Christian church is so ordered that we may daily obtain full forgiveness of sins through the Word and through signs (i.e., the Sacraments) appointed to comfort and revive our consciences as long as we live. hese words from Luther’s Large Catechism are not only fitting words for us to hear as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this year, but they are also necessary words to take to heart and actually put into practice, especially in light of the present state of turmoil and uncertainty in our church—aging and declining congregations, financial difficulties in our synod and districts, and so forth. The list grows longer every day.

What is the purpose and task of the church? Why should you even bother going to church? One reason and one reason only: to receive forgiveness of sins. For, as Luther goes on to say in the Small Catechism, “where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” The familiar explanation of the Third Article of the Creed puts it this way: “In this Christian Church (the Holy Spirit) daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.”

And that is why things in the church need to be “so ordered.” It begins with the order our Lord Himself has established—the order or office of the holy ministry, the proper calling of pastors by congregations to preach and teach the pure Word of God and administer the Sacraments according to Christ’s institution whereby this forgiveness of sins is offered, given, and bestowed upon us. It includes, as a result, the proper order of worship—the Service of the Word and the Service of the Sacrament, as the Lutheran Service Book puts it in the Divine Services. And it is also the basis upon which and the reason why congregations themselves are constituted and ordered. After all, “everything in the Christian church is so ordered that we may daily obtain full forgiveness of sins through the Word and through the Sacraments.”

And this is so in our synod and districts as well—or at least it should be. This is why the Board of Directors and Department for Outreach of our East District has made it one of their main priorities to financially support remote and struggling congregations: so that people might continue to receive forgiveness of sins through the preaching of the Word of Christ and the administration of the Sacraments. This is why we do not (and should not!) operate like some business which closes some of its franchises that are not producing for the corporation; for as C.F.W. Walther says in his essay on the Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod: “Let everyone who is in a tiny little congregation

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2 The May/June2017 2017 24 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN May/June

take note and know that church matters are not like worldly matters. The smallest congregation is just as important as the largest one, and the largest is no more important than the smallest, because every congregation is great only because Christ is present in it.”

This is why our district is now in the process of looking at other ways of ordering things so that people in congregations which can no longer financially support a pastor might continue to “obtain full forgiveness of sins through the Word and through the Sacraments” — dual and tri-parishes, a deanery model (thanks to the task force from the Central District for their report on this), circuit riders, etc. This is why we are attempting to deal with so-called “non-calling vacancies” — the concept and idea of which is dis-orderly and contrary to Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession which states that “no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call.” This is why our district’s Board of Directors has submitted an overture to the upcoming convention of our synod to deal with the uncertainty and lack of order concerning the status of retired pastors.

Our synod, too, would do well—in the midst of our current restructuring process and the countless hours and dollars that have been spent on this matter—to remember that “everything in the Christian church is so ordered that we may daily obtain full forgiveness of sins through the Word and through the Sacraments.” This, after all, was the guiding principle in how the first Lutherans wanted their confession to be put into practice and a proper structure implemented, as set forth in their 1545 report entitled The Wittenberg Reformation: “Proper Christian Church Governance consists chiefly in these (six) parts: First, in proper pure doctrine. Secondly, in proper use of the sacraments. Thirdly, in preservation of the preaching office. Fourthly, in preservation of proper discipline.

Fifthly, in preservation of necessary schools. Sixthly, in fitting provision (for ministers and churches).” This is the underlying principle behind Walther’s aforementioned essay on the Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

In his essay entitled “An Assessment of LCMS Polity and Practice on the Basis of the Treatise,” Dr. George Wollenburg offers these timely words of warning and caution when it comes to this matter of structure and organization: “It is only natural to look at the visible organization with its structure and in our thinking externalize the church and approach it from the institutional, statistical, and organizational point of

continued next page

East District News News East District

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

continued from previous page view. Efforts are then directed toward perfecting the organization, making it operate smoothly and efficiently.

This understanding of the church produces some, not only unfortunate, but also serious consequences.”

In addition, consider these words of wisdom from Mar tin Luther concerning the 1526 proposed church order for Homberg and Hesse: “I know well and have experienced it myself that when laws are enacted too early and before they are tried out in practice, they rarely succeed. The people are not used to them, as those think who sit apart and picture to themselves in word or thought how things should proceed. To prescribe and to obey differ greatly from each other. Experience will show that many things in this order must be changed, while with others no one will bother about them. But if some things prevail and come into use, then it is easy to add to them and to arrange them in order. To make laws is indeed a great, glorious, and important thing, but without God’s Spirit nothing good will result from it. Therefore it is necessary to proceed with fear and humility before God and to observe these bounds: short and sweet, little and well, tender and always onward. After these things have become rooted, then more will be added as is necessary.”

No, not a preoccupation with authority and accountability, about whether decisions are made from the top-down or the bottom-up, about equal representation of clergy and laity at church conventions, and a whole host of other organizational and governance matters. That should not be our main concern; but rather this: “Everything in the Christian church is so ordered that we may daily obtain full forgiveness of sins through the Word and through the Sacraments.” After all, the catechism doesn’t say that “some things” in the church should be ordered for this purpose, but “ever ything.”

Rev. Timothy Teuscher First Vice-President, East District

Collingwood supports local hospice COLLINGWOOD, Ont. - The FaithLife chapter at Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, with support from all the members of the congregation and with the generous support from the FaithLife Matching Grant program, received $800 in support of the Hospice Georgian Triangle—Campbell House.

Campbell House offers a palliative care residence providing 24-hour care for those who are at the end stage of a terminal illness.

The cheque was presented to the executive director, Kelly Borg

and the development coordinator, Janet Fairbridge. Representing the congregation were the council chairman, Hank Bouwman, and Rev. Ken Maher; Linda Long represented the FaithLife chapter. On behalf of the congregation, they are thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate the generosity and love of the members. A tour of the facility was a true highlight of the visit, with a sincere feeling of how families are welcomed and made to feel like this is “home.”

Linda Long

(l-r) Hank Bouwman, Janet Fairbridge, Linda Long, Kelly Borg, Rev. Ken Maher

Congregation celebrates ordination anniversary DESBORO, Ont. - The members of Faith Lutheran Church gathered to give thanks for their pastor of 20 years and to celebrate Rev. Brian Dunlop’s 25 years of service in the ministry. A surprise luncheon was held after the Sunday service on April 30, with special guests Rev. Dr. John Stephenson and Rev. Paul and Judy Zabel.

Rev. Dunlop graduated from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines) in 1992.

His first call was as assistant pastor at First Lutheran in Lloydminster, Alberta until 1997 when he accepted his current call to Faith. He married Shirley in 1990 and they have 3 grown children.

Bill King

President Paul Zabel (left) presented Rev. Dunlop a certificate of commemoration in honour of his 25th ordination anniversary.

THECanadian CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN May/June May/June 2017 The 2017 25 3

East East District News

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

Small, struggling congregations

“S

mall and struggling.” Is your congregation in that category? With recent Lutheran Church–Canada statistics showing that the average Sunday morning worship attendance is around 60 people, chances are pretty good that your congregation is small and struggling—or you know of a nearby LCC congregation facing the same challenges. And for most of us, this is setting off alarm bells and causing us to hide our head in the sand, or circle the wagons to defend what we still have with all our might, or face the future with resignation, depression, or even despair.

The question is how do we respond in these circumstances?

Here’s a list of helpful advice: 1. Give yourself a spiritual health check. a. Do I give my Christian faith the priority place it should have in my everyday life? (See First Commandment) b. Do I enter into worship truly expecting to encounter my gracious Lord in a personal and powerful way through His Word and Sacraments?

(See Third Commandment) c. Do I rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) d. A m I p r a c t i s i n g g o o d stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted me with? (See Luke 19:11-27) e. Do I always put the best construction on everything regarding my congregation and my pastor? (See Ephesians 4:25 & 1 Corinthians 13:7 and Eighth Commandment) 2. Take seriously the fact that Jesus is the only Way of salvation a. Bear witness to Christ within your various vocations b. Recognize that most of our neighbours and co-workers are lost c. Invite people to come to church with you d. Pray • For God to bless your words for His purpose

• For opportunities to reach out to the lost around you • For the individuals who accept your invitation to worship • For the individuals who reject your invitation 3. Ask some difficult questions about your congregation and community a. Is my congregation’s presence in this location vital? Is it viable? b. How is our church building a blessing? How is it a burden? c. What is the status of my congregation’s ministry to its inactive members? d. What is my congregation’s reputation within this community? e. What are the needs of this community that my congregation has the resources to help to meet?

4. Think beyond the status quo of your congregation a. Consider what God is doing in your congregation through Word and Sacrament ministry and celebrate that by putting #1 and #2 above into practice. b. Consider what God is doing in your congregation and respond in faith to the questions in #3 above. c. Consider linking up with a neighbouring congregation or two to form a dual or tri-parish d. Consider linking up with three or more nearby congregations and sharing a pastoral team of two, three, or more pastors e. Consider selling your building and…

• Worshipping in a school, store-front, or other location that heightens your congregation’s visibility in your community.

• Worshipping in the intimate settings of parishioners’ homes • Merging with a nearby congregation which would also sell its building and together the newly merged congregation could build a new church building

that is dependent on God’s action for us and in us. That’s why we pray: “For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.”

With health restored through the forgiveness of sins worked in us through the means of grace, we seek to walk in Christ’s ways.

Our congregations would be less afraid of our struggles if members consciously sought to live in such a way that their Christian faith was apparent to everyone around us—including fellow members. We would experience greater joy if we would look beyond the boundaries of our “autonomous” congregations and worked together, bearing one another’s burdens, taking up our crosses, and following Jesus—thus shining with Christ’s light more brightly together than we can individually.

We will be less anxious about the future when we cling to Christ’s promise that everything we need will be added unto us as we “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”.

The spiritual and temporal health of congregations is a reflection of the health of individual members. And

Next deadline: July 15, 2017

4 The May/June2017 2017 26 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN May/June

Rev. Ron Mohr, East District Mission Encourager

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

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Beautifying the Church: Loving our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters

The chapel of the Mission Centre in Chinendega, seen during a recent class.

by Harold Ristau

W

e praise God for the generous donations by Canadian Lutherans in building churches for congregations in Nicaragua. It is a tremendous blessing that our brothers and sisters can worship with roofs over their heads.

But while much attention has been paid to erecting church buildings, often little consideration has been devoted to improvements that can be made to the interiors of these churches.

The Chapel of Lutheran Church–Canada’s Mission Centre in Chinendega functions as a sort of prototype for the other Nicaraguan congregations: because it is relatively empty of churchly furniture, banners, images, and the like, other churches now seem to believe that they should remain relatively empty as well. As new Lutherans, without exposure to global Lutheranism, many are

under the impression that Lutheran churches everywhere look like theirs.

Newcomers hear about the saving and consoling good news of Jesus Christ from Nicaragua’s Lutherans, but when they enter their churches, there is virtually nothing to reinforce that unique and wonderful message.

We hope to raise funds to make the interior of the Mission Centre beautiful—something to take pride in (“boasting in the Lord,” as 1 Corinthians 10:17 says). The timing is significant, especially in light of the 500 th Anniversary of the Lutheran Church. The way which we decorate the interiors of our churches matter because it is expressive of our confessional identity. Historically the differences between Roman Catholic interiors and Lutheran ones were that Christ and Him Crucified were made central in Lutheran churches, as opposed to lost amongst numerous images of other saints. But apart

from that difference, the interiors looked virtually the same—a reminder that Lutheranism was not a sixteenth century “invention,” but a continuation of the practices and doctrines confessed and believed by the early Church and the Apostles— teachings which have remained present throughout the history of the Church, despite the false teachings associated with Rome.

It is perhaps not affordable for most Lutherans today to build our churches with the same scope and grandeur of our Reformer counterparts. But it is one thing to be unable to beautify the interior and another to choose not to. Why did Lutherans care about a beautiful interior? The short answer is that we learn through seeing, not only through hearing. This is especially true in less literate cultures and more visual ones.

If we could worship with our eyes closed, and just hear the Word as it

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Beautifying the Church cont. is expressed through the liturgy and worship, we wouldn’t need a beautiful interior. But if you are anything like me, although I try to close my eyes during worship and just listen to the Word since “faith comes from hearing” (Romans 10:17), I still tend to open them a lot—and a beautiful interior adorned with pictures of Jesus and the story of Scripture is better at directing me back to the Word than looking at a white washed wall. Luther loved art, and he asks why we would not encourage placing a picture of Jesus crucified before our eyes, since we already imagine Him in our minds when we close our eyes.

Unfortunately, many Nicaraguan Lutherans have an aversion to anything that looks “catholic.” As a result, they don’t have a lot of liturgical furniture, crosses, crucifixes, or paintings on the insides of their churches. Their freedom as Christians to worship visually and colourfully is hindered by this prejudice. Some do not even have baptismal fonts, leaving an impression that the sacraments are not essential to our communal and individual life of faith. Imagine saying that you loved your spouse but didn’t want to wear your wedding ring! He or she would probably raise an eyebrow. The things that we put before our eyes remind us of that which is in our hearts.

A beautiful church is only an expression of vanity if the intent of making it beautiful was a vain one. Consider the artistry depicted in the Old Testament: the ornate decorativeness of the Ark of the Covenant, the woven curtain, and liturgical furniture of the interior of the Old Testament temple were all intended to teach the Israelites about who they worshiped, and the kind of God that He was: invisible, yet intimately present; a holy judge yet a loving father; a majestic king yet mercifully “on their side” (Romans 8:31).

In the Lutheran church, beautiful interiors were motivated by those same catechetical concerns, so that

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God’s love for us would be reinforced not only audibly but also visually, as well as driven by the notion that “we ought to do well all that we do,” which is what items dedicated “to the glory of God” suggest.

Like Judas, who had a hard time understanding how spending money on perfume for Jesus’ feet could be as important as giving money to the poor, we sometimes have a hard time justifying spending money on something that appears non-essential to the mission. But Jesus says that there is money for both.

A beautiful worship space is intended to express His love for you: a beautiful space for beautiful children.

In our affluent country of Canada, we spend money on ourselves fairly liberally. On our wedding anniversary, we rarely ask the question whether or not we will either go out for dinner or go out for a movie. When a new child is added to the family, no parent ever says, “Because we’ve got to purchase some new items, the other kids don’t get birthday presents this year.” When a couple gets married, there is never a dilemma in choosing either having a wedding dress or having some flowers. Normally we find a way to do both, because the whole package is important to us.

Sadly when it comes to the Church, we aren’t always so generous or sensitive, and it is always to our

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

own detriment and not the Lord’s.

For it’s not that the Lord needs to be reminded about how beautiful He is; He knows that already. But we need to be reminded of how beautiful He is—and how beautiful we, His precious baptized children, are in His sight.

A beautiful worship space, which the Bible and the Church have always advocated for, is intended to express His love for you: a beautiful space for beautiful children. The beautiful Gospel that made you His children, is reinforced visually in the Lord’s house, where the beautiful Gospel keeps you his children. Every Sunday He throws a wedding party for you, and He likes to do all things well (yes He knows how to throw a good party). He “pulls out all the stops” so to speak, and has gifted us all with lots of resources to do so.

Help us do the same for our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua.

For those who are interested, please consider making a donation to LCC Missions, designating the funds to “Beautification of the Mission Centre.”

May God bless you in your giving.

Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau is incoming Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines) and a member of Lutheran Church–Canada’s Committee for Missions and Social Ministry.

LCC’s Mission Work Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n LCC’s missions, visit L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . c a .

You can support LCC’s missions through online giving, or by sending donations by mail: Lutheran Church– Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

Celebrate the Reformation with free online course on Luther’s life ONLINE - Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS - Edmonton) has announced that its next Quest Course will focus on “Martin Luther’s Road to Reformation, 1483-1521” and be taught by Rev. Dr. John A. Maxfield.

The free course is scheduled for Wednesday nights in October 2017, with live-streaming online for those unable to attend in person.

“What better way to celebrate the Reformation 500 anniversary than to learn about the man who started it all?” asks promotional material. “In this course we will examine Martin Luther’s life and the development of his theology from his birth in 1483 to the controversy that developed thirty-five years later after his posting of the Ninety-Five Theses on Indulgences on October 31, 1517 that initiated the Reformation.”

Classes will take place October 4, 11, 18, and 25 at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. local

time, with live-streaming online occurring simultaneously. Video from the lectures will be made available online later for viewing after the event.

The breakdown of classes is as follows: October 4: Church Life and Spirituality in Germany on the Eve of the Reformation / Luther’s Family, Upbringing, and Education October 11: Life in a Monastery and Student of Theology/ Luther as Professor of Theology and Maturing Theologian October 18: Luther’s “Reformation Discovery” of Justification by Faith—Early Developments and His Reflections as an Old Man/A Theologian of the Cross and the Beginnings of Reform October 25: The Controversy over

the 95 Theses and the Development of a Reformer/A Wild Boar in the Vineyard? The Road to Luther’s Stand at Worms Course instructor Dr. Maxfield is an ordained pastor of Lutheran Church–Canada and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton.

He teaches courses in the History of Christianity, Theology, and European History, specializing and publishing on the German Reformation and Luther Studies. Among other works, he is a contributor to the forthcoming Oxford Encyclopedia of Martin Luther, with an article on Martin Luther’s exposition of Old Testament texts.

Those interested in participating can do so either on campus or online (http://concordia.adobeconnect. com/quest). There is no cost to participate, but organizers ask people to register by email at admin@ concordiasem.ab.ca or by phone at 1-780-484-1468 (ext. 225).

CLTS plans Reformation 500 conference

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - As part of this year’s celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario) will hold a conference exploring the Reformation’s impact on parish life.

The conference “The Reformation of Worship and Preaching” will take place September 10-11, 2017.

Two guest speakers will headline the event: Rev. Dr. Jobst Schöne, Bishop Emeritus of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany and Rev. Dr. Fredrik

Sidenvall, Principal at L.M. Engstöms Gymnasium, Lutheran High School in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The conference will begin following the seminary’s opening service September 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. That evening will see Dr. Schöne giving his keynote address “Luther Without Myths.” Dr. Schöne will continue his lectures the following d a y , speaking on Luther’s reforms of Christian worship, highlighting the impact of the Gospel.

D r .

Sidenvall will extend the theme

to encompass preaching, answering t h e q u e s t i o n “ W h a t wa s t h e practical impact of the Reformation on what people heard from the pulpit. Additional Reformation topics will be explored by other presenters from CLTS. Further information on registration will be made available soon.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

First calls for seminary graduates

CLTS = Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario) CLS = Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton)

Andrew Cottrill (CLTS)

Zion Lutheran (Yorkton, Saskatchewan) Andrew Cottrill is a native of St. Catharines, Ontario, born January 10, 1988. He studied history at Brock University in St. Catharines and McMaster University in Hamilton before feeling the call to prepare for pastoral ministry. He did field work at Grace Lutheran in St. Catharines, and St. John’s Lutheran in Snyder, Ontario. He served his vicarage at Christ Lutheran in Timmins, Ontario under Rev. David Smilek. He is married to Sarah, and they have two children: Audrey (3) and Bruce (1).

Will Rose (CLS)

Four-point Parish (Plumas/ McCreary/Neepawa/Portage La Prairie, Manitoba) Will Rose received a Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in 1999. He married his wife Sarah in 2000. He served as a church youth director for three years in Albany, Oregon.

He received a Masters of Ministry degree from Pacific Evangelical School of Ministry. He served in a number of positions, including Youth Pastor and Senior Pastor, at a church in Kola, Manitoba from 2007-2013. He and his family were received into the Lutheran church in Brandon, Manitoba in 2014. He and his wife have been blessed with eight children.

Kirk Radford (CLTS)

Christ Lutheran (Sarnia, Ontario) Kirk Radford was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.

He currently lives near Romeo, Michigan, with Renate (his wife of 23 years) along with their three girls: soon-to-be-marreid Gabrielle (22), university student Christiane (20), and highschool student Annika (17).

Radford entered seminary studied in 2014 after a career in management consulting, specializing in labour and employee relations. Since 2013, he has served in various capacities at an inner-city mission church in Detroit called Family of God, including through his vicarage.

Paul Schulz (CLTS)

Commended to the LCMS Paul Schulz was born May 8, 1989 in St. Louis, Missouri.

He was baptized May 20, 1989 at St. John’s Lutheran in Ellisville, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2011 with a B.A. in Linguistics.

He served as a Missionary’s Assistant for Lutherans in Africa until enrolling at CLTS in the Fall of 2012.

He married Clara Reinke in June 13, 2015. The two welcomed a boy on May 4, 2016. Schulz served his vicarage at Immanuel Lutheran in Terre Haute, Indiana under Rev. Jacob Sutton.

Vicars receive placements

Matthew F enn (CLT S) to Our Saviour Lutheran (Dryden, Ontario)

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

Shiek Lief Maurico (CLS) to Trinity Lutheran (Winkler, Manitoba)

M i c h a e l M aye r ( C L S ) to Redeemer Lutheran (Didsbury, Alberta)

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

Seminaries present special awards

Chris McLean (CL S) to Redeemer Lutheran (Kitimat, British Columbia)

CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada’s two seminaries celebrated their annual convocation services at the end of May, 2017. In addition to celebrating the first call of pastoral candidates and announcing the placements of vicars and a DPS intern, the two seminaries also presented awards to a number of honourary awardees.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS - Edmonton) held its 33rd Sacred Convocation on May 25, 2017, during which time it presented the Doulos dia Iesoun (Servant for Jesus’ Sake) award to Rev. Dr. Karl Keller. This award is reserved for “veterans of the cross”—pastors with a minimum of thirty years of faithful and distinguished service in the ministry. Dr. Keller also served as preacher for the Convocation service.

CLS also presented the Friend of the Seminary Award to Myron and Anita Yurko. This award is presented to those who have contributed significantly to the seminary as members of the board of regents, seminary guild, faculty, or staff, as donors, or as volunteers.

During its Annual Call Service o n M ay 2 7 , 2 01 7 , C o n c o rd i a Lutheran Theological Seminary

(CLTS) presented its highest honour, the Delta Chi (Servant of Christ) award, to Reg Tiegs. Tiegs is Chairman of the LCC East District’s Board of Directors.

The seminary will also present its Friend of the Seminary award to Carol Nagel, archivist of the East District’s Malinsky Memorial Archives and a long-time member of the Seminary Guild Executive.

Kenneth Stadnick (CLS) to Advent Lutheran (Evansburg, Alberta)

Alex Timm (CLS) to Lord of Life Lutheran (Kamloops, British Columbia)

DPS intern placement

Lenora Wallden (CL S) to Holy Cross Lutheran (Kitchener, Ontario)

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.� - Psalm 18:2 A message from

Great is the glory of the Lord!

ADVERTISE HERE! The Canadian Lutheran sells advertising space to help offset the cost of printing and shipping the magazine to congregations and subscribers.

Classified space is sold at $0.45 per word, minimum 50 words ($22.50).

To purchase classified space, or to receive a rate card for other advertising opportunities with The Canadian Lutheran, please email pres_sec@ lutheranchurch.ca or call 1-800-588-4226.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

Spring 2017 Empowered by God’s own mission to save the world, the mission of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society, is to enlist the prayers, gifts, and energies of God’s people in Lutheran Church–Canada to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever God provides opportunity.

O

How long will we need to support…?

ne of the questions that people supporting mission work often ask is: how long will we need to continue to support this mission, person, people or place? That is a great question to ask, as it demonstrates an invested interest and the prayer that someday the mission will be strong enough to function on its own.

In my work life I have had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines a few times over the past 12 months and while there I worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Manila.

I find the temperature, social structure and economic struggles in the Philippines to be very similar to an LCC mission country —Nicaragua. The similarities caused me to ask LCP (Lutheran Church in the Philippines) president Pastor Antonio Reyes about the history of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines and how it became strong enough to be able to support an orphanage and a large private school. What he shared gave me a glimpse of what might come of our work in Nicaragua.

LCP has been around for a long time—much longer than the ILSN (Iglesia Luterano Synodo de Nicaragua). In 1946 the Philippines was a mission field for LCMS (Lutheran Church–

Lisa Jackson, CLMS board member, with some of the Gloria Dei members in Manila, one of 190 Lutheran congregations in the Philippines.

Missouri Synod) and only became a partner of LCMS in 1971. They have had their ups and downs but it took LCP almost 30 years to become independent—a far cry from the 11 years between when LCC missions first began working in Nicaragua following Hurricane Mitch and 2008 when ILSN became its own independent synod.

Even now LCP receives intermittent support through various initiatives and remains strongly connected to its big brother, LCMS. Just as we never would dream of neglecting our children, or ignoring our siblings, our brothers and sisters in Christ are connected to us through to eternity.

Over the past seven years I have been part of an LCC team that provides mission support and visits specific congregations

in Nicaragua as part of that mission support. The vacation Bible school programs in and around Leon, Nicaragua have been the primary focus of our physical mission team and year after year the number of children attending the summer VBS has almost doubled. As a result of the growth and active outreach, the fundraising and manpower coming from Canada has also grown, making it more and more challenging to secure financial and physical support. One of the mission’s goals is to ensure that the engagement and outreach in this area is sustainable and maintained throughout the year.

Setting objectives and developing a project plan like we do in Canada for our local missions and projects have been a challenge.

Working remotely over email and with a young infrastructure

in the local synod and country has presented some obstacles and the relatively short time that the team actually spends in Nicaragua makes it challenging to establish relationships and develop the trust needed to create long term goals.

Thankfully—and with the Lord’s guidance—we have started to see local church workers take on a leadership role and develop sustainable practices to maintain the momentum created by the infusion of support from Canadian short-term mission teams like ours.

So, to circle back to the question of ‘how long will we have to support this,’ the short answer is that we must have faith as that can only be answered by Him who called you to support this good work.

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Lisa Jackson

Explore some of the long-term missions you can help support through Concordia Lutheran Mission Society in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Thailand, Ukraine, or even within Canada by reading through the 2017 projects.

F O L L OW I N G P A G E S : 2 0 1 7 M I S S I O N P R O J E CT S

Every dollar you donate to a specific project goes directly to that project!

2 0 1 7 M I S S I O N P R O J E CT S

CANADA

COSTA RICA

1701 - South Asian Radio Ministry – $5,000 A regular Urdu-language radio program reaches out with the Gospel to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond via the Internet.

1703 - Cartago Mission & Missionary Support $25,000 To help keep this outreach active in Cartago, Costa Rica, funds are needed for stipends, rental of a worship facility, transportation and resources.

CAMBODIA 1702 - Mission In Cambodia - $12,000 Lutheran Church–Canada has been working in Cambodia encouraging Gospel outreach for several years. Support for this project goes toward the continuing mission and education ministries of the newly-formed Cambodian Lutheran Church. The church leaders and members need renewed strength through your prayers and your financial support as they work hard to continue the ministry to new and current Lutherans in Cambodia.

1704 - Children's Education Outreach in Costa Rica – $6,500 Missionary Edmundo Retana and his wife, Deaconess Betty, are doing a wonderful job reaching out to more than 50 children and youth in two communities in Cartago, Costa Rica. They teach Bible stories and Luther’s Small Catechism regularly and have developed a once-a-month worship service focused on outreach to the youth. Monies raised in this project will pay for teaching resources.

1705 - Youth Outreach in Cartago, Costa Rica $1,600 *NEW* Pastor Edmundo Retana in Cartago reaches out to more than 30 young people with the Gospel. These youth meet weekly to learn about God’s

Word and for fellowship.

Finances are needed for transportation, rental of a meeting place, meals, and other resources including youth retreats.

Nicaragua. The mission hopes to help three families repair their homes. This help would bring great blessings for the families and a wonderful witness to the community.

NICARAGUA

1709 - Sebaco Mission Support for Pastor and Deaconess Morales – $12,000 This project will help continue the fruitful mission activities and worship services in Sebaco which is served by Pastor Hector Morales and his wife Deaconess Christina.

1706 - Nicaragua Children's Christian Education - $9,600 Along with other agencies Concordia Lutheran Mission Society provides scholarships for almost 700 children. The funds assist the deaconesses with their stipends and provide basic school materials and backpacks for the children.

1707 - Nicaragua Deaconess Support - $8,000 A small stipend of $20 per month for each of the 37 deaconesses of the Iglesia Luterano Sinodo de Nicaragua (ILSN) will help them with the cost of living and the cost of transportation to the location in which they serve.

1708 - Earthquake Aftermath Relief - $10,000 In June 2016 an earthquake hit the already impoverished region of Rancheria in

1710 - Worship and Outreach facilities in Rivas – $6,400 Help Pastor Roque continue the mission as he focuses on families and their children by providing a place to meet and worship together.

1711 - Nutrition for the children of Rancheria $2,000 Provide humanitarian care and a Gospel connection to children in Rancheria, one of the poorest regions of Nicaragua.

One hundred children receive

Every dollar you donate to a specific project goes directly to that project!

2 0 1 7 M I S S I O N P R O J E CT S bread and the Bread of Life twice a week for a whole year at a cost of less than $50 per child.

1712 - Central America Church Workers Medical Fund - $7,000 *NEW* The church workers in Central America do not have any medical plan or health security. Creating an urgent medical care fund will help provide immediate care for church workers and their families when in need.

1713 - Music Program for Children and Youth $5,000 *NEW* Music and worship go hand-in-hand. Supporting this project will help train children and youth in music so they can accompany congregational singing and grow in their praise to the Lord. The funds will supply music and instruments.

1714 - Computer Training for Deaconesses and Children - $2,500 *NEW* A computer lab is available at the Mission

Centre in Chinandega where deaconesses and students can access donated computers.

Money is needed to provide transportation to courses, on-site meals and teachers to train the church workers and others.

1715 - Motorcycle for Mission Outreach to Masaya - $3,000 *NEW* Pastor Guillermo Zuniga from Granada, Nicaragua has been doing mission outreach into the region of the Masaya Volcano. There are 22 children and 12 adults currently attending Bible studies. Pastor Guillermo, however, needs a motorcycle to commute to this area more regularly.

1716 - Microfinance Program for Central American Church Workers - $2,800 *NEW* This program will help church workers receive funds so they can start a business, farm some land, and begin self-sustaining projects to provide ongoing funds to care for their families.

THAILAND 1717 - Mission and Ministry to Kokkloi, Thailand - $8,500 Pastor Chujit, his wife Aporn, and a few congregational leaders share the Gospel as best they can in south Thailand’s Phangnga province. Pastor Chujit sells rubber and pineapples in his spare time to make extra money to survive but it’s not enough. Supporting this project will help Pastor Chujit and his family with the mission and ministry work in South Thailand.

UKRAINE 1718 - Bible Study Outreach in Village of Zorya - $1,600 Pastor Sergei Bevz has been sharing Christ in his home village of Zorya and has been able to share the Gospel with many. He continues holding Bible classes for children, adults and youth. Finances are needed for transportation and resources.

1719 - Support for Missionary Navarotskyy in Nikolaev - $9,800 After two years of postgraduate studies at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Pastor Alexey Navrotskyy accepted a call and moved to the port city of Nikolaev, Ukraine.

He serves two congregations and is supported as Lutheran Church–Canada`s missionary to Ukraine. Funds provided to this project will help pay for housing, a stipend, and transportation.

1720 - "Days of Faith" Theological Conference $1,000 *NEW* The Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) provides this outreach to members of all her churches to gather for fellowship and growth in their Christian faith. It is a wonderful way of helping others know they are not alone.

Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) An Auxiliary of Lutheran Church–Canada

2 0 1 7 M I S S I O N P R O J E CT S 1721 - Summer Youth Camp - $1,400 *NEW* Summer is a time of refreshment. The Summer Youth Camp brings together youth and young adults for a retreat to encourage them in their faith, and invite friends to hear the Gospel. This year`s focus will be on the Reformation. The church also sees the gathering as an opportunity to look for gifted young men and talk to them about the preparing for service as pastors in the Holy Ministry.

1722 Men's and Women's Gatherings for Reformation 500 - $1,100 *NEW* Not everyone can join the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine’s annual Days of Faith Conference, so these gatherings will provide an exciting, timely alternative. The church plans to hold two seminars for women and two or three seminars for men and leaders of congregations focused on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and its themes of Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone.

You can also find more information on our website www.concordiamissions.org, or you can follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ConcordiaLutheranMissionSocietyCLMS

MISSION l. 1:5 Phi

PARTNE

IN RS

CLMS

LUTHERAN

EGLISE

CHURCH-CANADA LUTHERIENNE du CANADA

Response Form Become a “partner in mission.” Kindly indicate below how we may direct your donation and return this form along with your cheque to Concordia Lutheran Mission Society Inc., P.O. Box 455, Water Valley, AB T0M 2E0.

Project number _____________

$ ____________

Operational costs

$ ____________

Project number _____________

$ ____________

Total gift

$ ____________

Wherever needed

$ ____________

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:4-5 Please provide the following information so we may forward a charitable receipt to you and to keep you informed on current mission projects via our mailings. If you fill in the form as “Mr. & Mrs.” you will receive two ballots for mail-in elections. In this case both first names are helpful.

Mr., Mrs., Ms. , Rev.

First name(s)

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Address City

Prov.

Email The following information is optional:

Home Phone

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Postal Code

In Review: The Promise

T

he Promise is a sweeping historical drama set in 1915 at the beginning of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of Turkey’s Ottoman Empire. The current Turkish government and its predecessors publicly deny this holocaust took place. Viewers need to know that even now the Turkish government doesn’t want people to see this film or any film detailing the events surrounding this attempt to wipe out the Armenian Christian population that lived within its borders.

Although set during historical events, The Promise’s central story and its main characters are fictional.

The film begins with a promise made by a young man, Mikael, living in the Sirun, a remote village in the southeast of the Ottoman Empire. He promises to accept a dowry of 400 gold coins from the father of a young woman, Maral, so he can study medicine in Constantinople and return to marry her. Mikael’s promise is built on the hope of bringing modern medicine to his small town and improving the lives of his fellow Armenians. While he doesn’t love Maral, he believes once married, love will grow.

In Constantinople Mikael meets an Armenian girl, Ana Khesarian, the nanny and tutor of Mikael’s relatives with whom he’s boarding during his studies. He also meets Ana’s boyfriend, Chris Myers, an American Associated Press reporter. Caught between his promise, the engagement to Maral, and his growing love for Ana, Mikael is forced to make difficult choices as Turkey enters World War I in 1915.

Emboldened by its association with Germany and the other Central Powers, the Ottoman Empire’s first order of business is removing what it believes are internal threats to its war efforts, beginning with “infidels”— the Christian Armenians. Racing against the clock to reveal the atrocities of the genocide, Myers risks his life to tell the world the story of the Armenian holocaust as believers are deported, murdered, robbed, and led into the Syrian desert for mass execution.

Meanwhile, Ana will not abandon her Armenian people. As hostilities mount she becomes embroiled in an effort to smuggle Armenian children out of the country. Throughout the film the paths of Mikael, Ana, and Chris crisscross repeatedly as their story unfolds amidst the tragedy befalling Armenian Christians.

Christian viewers will notice a few interesting features in the film. First, it portrays positively the vocation of the Office of the Public Ministry.

Clergy, both Armenian and nonArmenian, are shown as caring, involved Christian members of the community. The Armenian priests are shown working out their vocation in prayer, conducting weddings and funerals, leading the liturgical life of the church in worship, and providing comfort. They are not shown inciting violence or trouble but rather caring for those they serve amid violence and trouble.

The film also has a theologically correct view of revenge/vengeance.

Mikael, when faced with the option to fight or help the injured, chooses to help the injured honouring his vocational path as a medical student.

The decision bothers him and in a moment of personal conflict he says that he seeks revenge. The response?

“Our revenge will be to survive.” This is the Christian approach to vengeance: putting things in the hands of God and pushing forward, living lives to the glory of God and for the benefit of the neighbour. Much of what St. Paul writes in Romans 12:14-21 about vengeance and revenge is exemplified in The Promise.

Following the film’s Toronto Film Festival premier on September 11, 2016, Open Road Films obtained distribution rights and set the wide release date for April 2017. But releasing The Promise proved to be a unique challenge, as movies about the Armenian Genocide face an uphill battle even to be made at all.

In 1934, for example, MGM planned to adapt Franz Werfel’s novel The Forty Days of Musa Dagh for film. Production was squelched by the Turkish government of the day.

Opposition to telling the Armenian story is still present—evidenced by the propaganda campaign against The Promise. Only one day after the film’s first public screening, the film had racked up more than 70,000 one-star user votes on IMDB. As producer Mike Medavoy noted in a Variety article, “there’s no way that many people saw the movie after one screening. There aren’t that many seats in the theatre.”

With a restrained love story that zigs where audiences might expect it to zag, The Promise is a drama well worth watching. More than that, this film comes at an important time as Eastern Orthodox Christianity and other Middle East Christians experience genocidal conditions anew. Director Terry George provides a film that presses its viewers towards a sympathetic investigation of the past and, by extension, may prompt viewers to consider the present situation in which many Christians live.

Rev. Ted Giese is associate pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church (Regina, Saskatchewan).

He is a contributor to Reformation Rush Hour on KFUO AM Radio, The Canadian Lutheran, and the LCMS Reporter, as well as movie reviewer for the “Issues, Etc.” radio program.

An expanded version of this review appeared online at www.canadianlutheran.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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Partnering with you in HIS mission

A Treasure Revealed: Martin Luther and the Events of the Reformation Wrestling with Scripture, Martin Luther struggled with man’s place before a righteous God. It wasn’t until he understood Paul’s declaration that “the righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17) that hope became real. Learn more about this reformer who God used to declare that it is by grace – and grace alone – that we are saved.

(6BE161 English or 6BF161 French)

Classified

Transitions

CAMP KOINONIA ON LAKE ISLE in central Alberta may just be the perfect location for your family reunion, wedding, retreat or VBS! Our heated Pavilion is available throughout the year for use by the week, the weekend, or the day. Campsites adjacent to the Pavilion and closer to the lake may be rented as well. Members of a Lutheran church are invited to consider joining our unique lake community by taking out a renewable license to use one of our lake lots. An affordable and familyoriented Christian camp that features playgrounds, a spor ts cour t, and outdoor chapel, and Sunday worship throughout the camp season, we may be just what you’ve been looking for.

For more information, please visit www.lakeislelutherancamp.com or contact us today at 780-727-2477 or LCA.Camp@outlook.com.

Rev. Dr. Rober t Bugbee, LCC P r e s i d e n t a n d B e a u t i f u l S av i o r Lutheran (par t-time), Winnipeg, Manitoba to First Lutheran, Windsor, Ontario. (Installation to be determined at a later date).

The Bible – What? When? Why? Why do Christians care so much about the Bible? They read, discuss, teach and preach about it. Why is it so important? When was it written?

Who is it about?

What makes it different from other books? In this booklet you will learn about the Bible and the heart and centre of its message. (6BE136 English or 6BF136 French).

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

Listen to The Lutheran Hour www.lutheranhour.ca Also available as an App Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4 1-800-555-6236 info@LLL.ca www.LLL.ca LutheranHourMinistriesCanada

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

Rev. James Heinbuch to Emeritus Status and transferred to ABC District.

Rev. G a r r y H e i n t z , Re d e e m e r Lutheran, Kakabeka Falls, Ontario to France - Holy Trinity/St. Paul at Woerth/Lembach, France.

Rev. Andy Kahle, Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran, 100 Mile House, B.C. to Duchess Lutheran/Peace Lutheran, Duchess/Tabor, Alberta.

Installation: June 18.

Rev. Keith Haberstock, Prince of Peace Lutheran, Calgary, Alberta to Trinity Lutheran, Fort McMurray, Alberta.

LCC’s Mission Work Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n LCC’s missions, visit L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . c a .

You can support LCC’s missions through online giving, or by sending donations by mail: Lutheran Church– Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2

Movie Night!

Take your family’s movie nights to the next level. The Canadian Lutheran publishes regular movie reviews by Rev. Ted Giese at www. canadianlutheran.ca.

Announcements St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Hamburg, Ontario closed April 23, 2017.

Rev. Ndriana Rakotoarimah of Gatineau, Quebec, has submitted an application to the Pastoral Colloquy Program of Lutheran Church-Canada.

Rev. Esko Murto of St. Catherines, Ontario has submitted an application to the Pastoral Colloquy Program of Lutheran Church-Canada.

Rev. Gar y Weber has been reinstated to the clergy roster of LCC as of April 20, 2017.

History of the Reformation

The Diet of Worms

by Mathew Block

F

or Martin Luther, the road was a German populace that widely Luther faced the same fate. Franz seemed destined to lead to supported him. Even more troubling von Sickingen sent a letter to Luther, martyrdom. He had been for Charles, many of the German encouraging him to shun Worms and summoned to appear before the Holy princes sympathized with Luther— take refuge in the Knight’s castle in Roman Emperor Charles V at the as did Franz von Sickingen, a Free Ebernburg. Luther declined.

Imperial Diet of Worms to answer Imperial Knight. And while Luther The journey was not, perhaps, so allegations of heresy. And so he left for rejected armed confrontation in this grim as Luther might have expected.

Worms on April 2, 1521. It would be instance, von Sickingen held no The towns along the road cheered him another 14 days before he would reach such qualms. The Knight was an as he passed through. And the people the city and stand before the emperor. experienced military commander with of Worms likewise turned out en masse A year earlier, Rome had no small army at his disposal, and he to welcome him, with more than 2,000 pronounced judgment on Luther’s was ready to ride to Luther’s defence. celebrating his entrance into the city. theology in a papal bull What good cheer there outlining Luther’s purported was would evaporate April errors. But the Pope was not 17, when Luther appeared in Germany. If his verdict on before the Diet. TwentyLuther was to be enforced, five of his works were laid he would have to rely on the out before him, and he was secular authorities to take asked to recant. Luther, so him into custody. boisterous in print, was here Germany at the time uncharacteristically quiet. was a collection of states and He acknowledged the books city-states with their own as his, but asked for time rulers: Luther, for example, to consider the question of lived in Saxony, which was recantation. “I beg of your ruled by Frederick the Wise.

Imperial Majesty time for But these various states reflection,” he said, “that I were collected together may be able to reply to the into a confederation called question proposed without the Holy Roman Empire. Luther at Worms (19th century coloured engraving after Emil Jacobs). prejudice to the Word of God And at the head of this or to my own salvation.” collective was Charles V, who was These things gave the Emperor Luther was rebuked and told that elected Emperor in 1519 a few months pause. Frederick the Wise, for his part, he should have already prepared his following his nineteenth birthday. urged Charles to let Luther be tried in answer, since he knew the purpose for Pope Leo X had opposed the Germany. Despite the protestations of his appearance at the Diet. But he was election of Charles V. Charles already the pope’s legate, Girolamo Aleandro, granted a day’s reprieve all the same. held extensive lands in Spain, Austria, Charles V opted to do just that: he The next day Luther was asked and the Netherlands, and his elevation summoned Luther to appear before again if he would recant. Now more to Holy Roman Emperor was viewed the Imperial Diet in Worms. And he composed, Luther responded. Some of with suspicion by many, including the further promised Luther safe passage his books, he said, were well-esteemed pope. It was not at all clear, therefore, to and from the assembly. The decision even by his opponents. These he that the Emperor would do as the infuriated Aleandro, who denied the could not retract since they were Pope asked and have Luther placed civil authorities had any right to hear generally accepted as sound Christian immediately under the imperial ban. a case the pope had already decided. doctrine. Others, he said, attacked As it happened, Charles V agreed Still, the invitation was not without papal teachings which corrupted with the pope’s assessment of Luther. risk: a century earlier, the Bohemian the Christian faith; he would be But he did not for that reason move reformer Jan Huss had likewise been adding “strength to tyranny” if he against him. Charles faced significant promised safe-conduct to a hearing. He recanted these, he said. Of a third pressure on the issue of what to was instead arrested and eventually group of books, Luther agreed he do with Luther, not least of which burned at the stake. Many feared had been too harsh in the treatment THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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History (cont.) of his opponents. But if he had erred theologically, he continued, he wished to be shown where. “If I have spoken wrong,” he said, “then show it to be wrong.... And then, if I am shown to be in error, I will be ready and willing to retract, and will be the first to cast my books into the fire.”

The response came sharply: there would be no debate with Luther as to his errors. He must simply answer the question, yes or no: would he recant?

Luther replied in words that have inspired Christians ever since: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture, or by clear and plain argument... my conscience is bound by the Word of God: I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor advisable to act contrary to conscience.

God help me. Amen.”

Later accounts add the oft-quoted phrase: “Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise.” And though Luther did not say the words himself, they powerfully paraphrase what he meant.

There followed several days of smaller meetings where Luther was again asked to appear before committees—without resolution.

And so, before the Diet could come to any conclusion on the matter, Luther made his exit.

If he had thought he was marching to martyrdom on the way to Worms, things must have looked even bleaker as he departed the city. He had defied the emperor. He had defied the pope. He knew the imperial ban was imminent—and with it a bounty on his head.

Frederick the Wise keenly understood the seriousness of the situation. An attempt on Luther’s life during the journey home was more than likely, so Frederick took matters into his own hands by acting first: he had Luther kidnapped for his own safety, and hidden away at Wartburg Castle.

The road of the Reformation had grown dark indeed.

About the Cover

“H

Mathew Block is communications manager of Lutheran Church–Canada and editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

ere I stand.”

These words a re t ra d i t i o n a l l y attributed to Martin Luther as he stood trial at the Diet of Worms and was ordered to recant his writings before Charles V— and refused. Although those specific words may be spurious, they nonetheless encapsulate his conviction and defense of the Gospel as he held forth at that game-changing event. Indeed, few phrases seem to sum up the spirit of the early Lutheran reformers, and the courage of confessional faith, with such i c o n i c f l a i r.

This is what “speaking truth to power” looks like.

T h e s e words are not just for famous theologians standing before kings. They are for each of us. In our era, p re t e n s e s o f tolerance and diversity are falling by the wayside, and there is more pressure than ever to “choose a side” in nearly every aspect of life. For Christians, in Luther’s time as well as today, the stand we are called to make is for our consciences to remain captive to the Word of God. In 1521 Germany, this move would confirm Luther’s status as an outlaw. After Worms, despite official promises of safe conduct back to Germany, he could have been killed on sight by any who met him without repercussion.

Do our churches today have such principled devotion to God’s Word?

At the Edict of Worms, Luther stood before a table of his writings.

The painting shows a small table, and the writings Luther defends are undergirded by a large Bible.

Who is he addressing in this painting, as he looks up to the viewer? In the historical context, it could be the emperor Charles, a hostile party with a truly unique perspective of Luther’s famous refusal to recant. Or the image could be seen as Luther raising his eyes upwards to heaven, pledging before God to preach and teach only that which aligns with His Word.

Ultimately, his gaze falls to us, the viewer, and we must decide where we stand as well.

I wanted to get something of the setting of my own church (Trinity Lutheran i n W i n k l e r, Manitoba) in the composition of this painting.

To get a sense of how the shadows and lighting would work, I stood on a chair in various spots in the sanctuary to get some photos while a model posed. For again, this stance, this call for boldness, is really for every one of us—in our own homes, churches, neighbourhoods, and communities. And who can say what changes, and what courage, just one Christian can inspire by standing firm on God’s Word in defense of the Gospel?

Kelly Klages is a writer and artist living in Morden, Manitoba. Download this artwork as a poster at www.reformation2017.ca

Book of Concord Readings

Unity in the Church

A

fter the death of Martin Luther, the Reformation in Germany became caught up in doctrinal disputes and in-fighting.

That period of confusion came to resolution with the creation of the Formula of Concord. Spearheaded by Jakob Andreae and Martin Chemnitz, this work settled some outstanding debates in early Lutheranism on topics like the third use of the Law, the real presence, predestination, and more.

You can catch up on previous readings for the Book of Concord online at www.canadianlutheran.ca/ book-of-concord-reading-plan/. To learn more about the Reformation, visit www.reformation2017.ca.

“For thorough, permanent unity in the Church, it is necessary, above all things, that we have a comprehensive, unanimously approved summary and form of teaching. The common doctrine must be brought together from God’s Word and reduced to a small circle of teaching, which the churches that are of the true Christian religion must confess.”

- Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration: Summary

WEEK 37 Formula of Concord: Epitome  Mon VIII 1–15  Tues 16–32  Wed 33–X 2  Thurs 3–XI 3  Fri 4–15

WEEK 40 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 33–42  Tues 43–49  Wed 50–62  Thurs II 1–7  Fri 8–14

WEEK 43 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 8–17  Tues 18–25  Wed 26–30  Thurs 31–35  Fri 36–43

WEEK 38 Formula of Concord: Epitome  Mon 16–XII 11  Tues 12–31 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Wed Introduction 1–10  Thurs Summary 1–7  Fri 8–13

WEEK 41 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 15–19  Tues 20–28  Wed 29–40  Thurs 41–47  Fri 48–56

WEEK 44 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 44–56  Tues 57–67  Wed IV 1–8  Thurs 9–18  Fri 19–32

WEEK 39 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 14–20  Tues I 1–6  Wed 7–15  Thurs 16–25  Fri 26–32

WEEK 42 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 57–64  Tues 65–73  Wed 74–83  Thurs 84–90  Fri III 1–7

WEEK 45 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 33–40  Tues V 1–9  Wed 10–19  Thurs 20–27  Fri VI 1–8

Readings for the above plan are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions - A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord © 2005, 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. All rights reserved. To purchase this resource or other Lutheran resources, please visit CPH at www.cph.org.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

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Presidential Perspective

Canada at 150 Years President Robert Bugbee

W

ith all the focus on the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Reformation, there’s another milestone Christians in our country should not miss. About the time you get this issue, we will be almost exactly at the 150th birthday of our country. Canada’s confederation dates to July 1, 1867.

Christians are citizens of “two kingdoms” at the same time. We have our truest home in the kingdom of God and Christ (Philippians 3:20), where the Lord rules us by His Word and Spirit. This kingdom is ours, even if we move from one country to another or “change our citizenship” in this world.

This kingdom remains unshaken, even if our country would be conquered and go out of existence in its present form. This kingdom is the one where we shall dwell forever with Jesus, Who died for us and was raised again.

This is why it is sometimes called the “kingdom of the right hand.”

We also live in another kingdom, which Christians call the “kingdom of the left hand.” In our case, it’s Canada.

Canada is not held together by faith or the forgiveness of sins. There’s a place in it for people who confess Christ, but also for adherents of other faiths, or even of no faith at all. Canada is built upon laws and human structures.

It’s not eternal. Go back far enough and there was no Canada. And at the end of all things—if not sooner—the institutions and structures that form our country will be done away with.

T h e 1 5 0 t h A n n i ve r s a r y o f confederation gives us a helpful opportunity to ponder our own place in this country and society as followers of Jesus Christ. We can begin with a big dose of gratitude to God. He has blessed us in Canada in an

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incredible way. Even those of modest means here are among the wealthiest people in the world, compared to countless other nations. Canada’s farms, waterways, and resources have met our needs in undeserved ways.

God has blessed us with peace and security in that we’re not threatened by foreign invaders. Despite their shortcomings, our governments have functioned in an orderly way. They have not subjected us to the horrors endured by people in totalitarian dictatorships. As Christians, we have been able to organize congregations, build churches and schools, and to carry on the Lord’s work without being outlawed or imprisoned. Don’t take this for granted! Canada’s 150th birthday is the right moment to praise God for it all.

At the same time, Canadian society is developing in ways that cause us legitimate concern. It’s fair to say the Christian faith has lost its hold on Canadians. As our country drifts away from commitments it once made to the defenceless unborn, to historic understandings of marriage and family, and opens the door to physician-assisted death, we have cause for sorrow and even alarm.

To be sure, Christians who struggle with these societal changes are not compelled to take part in them. But the changes themselves are symptoms of the fading Christian influence in our country. And we do have reason to worry sometimes about claims to respect religious freedom. After all, attempts are being made in Canada to keep certain Christians from practicing law, not because of evidence that they would violate court rules, but because some professional associations don’t approve of the faith-based institution

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2017

where they receive their training. More recently in Ontario, the push is on to compel Christians and others with conscientious objections to physicianassisted death to either help facilitate it or to stay out of medical practice.

The apostle Paul recognized that the Roman empire was not a “Christian” country. He was still thankful for the benefits it brought (Acts 27:2-3) and encouraged Christians to respect secular government (Romans 13:1).

At the same time, Paul was not afraid to insist on his rights to fair treatment as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:23-29).

What does this mean for Christians in Canada? We ought to be grateful for what God has given us here. We ought to be supportive and respectful of our land and institutions whenever possible. At the same time, in a democratic society, Christians have as much right as anyone else to speak their piece on public policy.

Perhaps things seemed easier for Christian people and churches in an earlier time. But God has determined that you and I should live and give our witness here and now, not in some other time. This means, however, that we aren’t going to be able to “coast along” the way church members did in an earlier era, confident that the community and its leaders were supportive of our faith and mission.

This moment is much more like the days of the early church. It’s going to require a faith-life that is much more deeply rooted in Scripture and prayer, so that we will understand our society from the Lord’s perspective, and will grasp the most faithful way to respond.

By the way, that would not only do the church good; it would be a great gift to our country for her 150th birthday and beyond!

CANADIAN

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