The Canadian Lutheran - July/August 2017

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 32 Number 4

LORD, KEEP US STEADFAST IN YOUR WORD

In Adjumani, Uganda, many South Sudanese refugees arrive with very little. Your support is providing items that help improve their quality of life.

Yar Mabei Jok, who cares for five stepchildren, received two mattresses, a blanket, soap, two jerry cans and utensils among other items.

“These things are very useful to us because we were sleeping on the ground and now we use mattresses,” she says. “I thank CLWR, the government of Uganda and the Lutheran World Federation for supporting my livelihood.”

Your support along with funding from the Government of Canada is making a difference in the lives of many South Sudanese refugees.

Thank you!

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Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 32 Number 4 July/August 2017

The Faith of our Fathers Back to the Catechism: Holy Baptism Baptized into Christ I Support Restructuring Restructuring Enters Final Phase About the Cover Art

6 8 9 10 12 40

Departments Table Talk

The Eternal Word in a Changing World

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History of the Reformation

Translating the Bible

39

In Review

Dunkirk

37

Presidential Perspective

What We Are Called to “Bee”

42

News Section International News

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LCMS-NALC-LCC Dialogue produces new book on Law and Gospel • Norwegian Lutherans consecrate bishop 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).

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National News

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Criminal Code change • Celebrate the Reformation in style • Convention 2017: Presidential nominees & workbook released

ABC District

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Sabbath Conference 2017 • Ministry wives blessed by retreats • Foothills Lutheran celebrates 50th anniversary

Central District

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Ordination anniversaries observed • Congregations mark Canada’s 150th birthday • Congregation celebrates 100 years

East District

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Pastors and Deacons Conference • Higher Things retreat • Longserving choir member celebrated • Pastor retirement

Mission Update

29

Seminary education in Ukraine continues • Fifty years of blessings for Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada

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.

Education Report

©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.

Book of Concord Readings

38 41

Supplement

33

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New Threinen book: Landesteu, An Odyssey Classifieds

LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE–CANADA 1

Lutheran Women Today HELPING YOU GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME An amazing way

Like many who are the mission of LWMLC involved through the me my mother and the wo group at my home cong is included among many rural, congregations tha and seen membership d recent years. We can all be however, knowing we ar bigger picture. A quilt or t one LWMLC society (grou are added to hundreds from loonies or toonies droppe are added to thousands of projects across Canada and fields. Every woman invol a national network of over LWMLC is part of an work alongside the wom United States, Australia, ideas and support each ot and mission. What a bles goal with thousands of ot

Stronger togethe

God created a world and men complement different abilities. God m to work together for His of His church, for famili is the purpose and reaso women of faith, it is an h given gifts as each has b Spirit to the very best of God is with us always, p need to further spread H of LCC and beyond.

The goal of the LWM Committee is to use o provide women with too and help them grow th using the gifts He has gra devotions, Bible studies etc.—equipping, motiva them to grow in God’s w the gospel with others.

The theme for this tr “Fan into Flame the Gift We are focusing on sharin those in our families, ou our comfort zone. We’v

The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017

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.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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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

The Eternal Word in a Changing World

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ur world is in a constant state of change. Flash back ten years: cell-phones were used primarily for texting and making phone calls. Today they are as much computers as phones, used for browsing the web, playing games, listening to music, and watching the latest show.

Twenty-five years ago the internet was in its infancy. Today we’re entering the “internet of things” era, in which everything— phones, televisions, thermostats, home alarm systems, and more—are integrated and communicate with each other.

Fifty years ago colour television was a novelty, seventy-five years ago black-and-white was in its infancy, and one hundred years ago television was nothing more than an idea. Today we have choice in video entertainment like never before, through Netflix and other streaming options. Even satellite and cable seem outdated by comparison.

What’s more, through avenues like YouTube almost anyone can produce a video series of their own and have the potential to reach an audience of millions.

And that’s all just in the realm of technology. In the same period of time we’ve seen world wars and cold wars. We’ve seen women get the vote across the Western world and the end of segregation in the United States.

We’ve seen dramatic cultural shifts in terms of what constitutes acceptable moral behaviour on issues of life and sexuality. One can only imagine what the next one hundred years will bring.

In the midst of this cultural and technological flux, it’s comforting

by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran to know that some things do not change. Primary among them is the centrality of Scripture and its ongoing authority over the life of the Church. “Heaven and earth will pass away,” Jesus tells us, “but My words shall not pass away” (Mark 13:31). St. Peter, quoting Isaiah, says the same: “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Peter 1:2425, Isaiah 40:8).

“The Word of the Lord Remains Forever.” Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum. These words were the motto, the rallying cry of the Lutheran Reformation. Throughout the upheavals and debates of their era, the reformers clung firm to this principle. Scripture was the Word of God. Scripture was trustworthy.

It held authority over and above the church’s traditions, over and above the decrees of the papacy.

It was solid. A rock. And it would last forever.

The challenges of our time are similar in some ways to those of the Reformation. In both eras, for example, we see a lack of confidence in the Bible. The Western world is a post-Christian one and consequently few people have much use for Holy Writ. Even among those who call themselves Christian, many downplay the value of the Bible. Entire Christian denominations have jettisoned the clear teaching of Scripture on various points—notably on issues of human sexuality and the sacredness of human life.

Some further deny, in practice if not explicitly, the exclusive truth claims of Christianity—that Jesus

alone is the Way, the Truth, and Life—all for fear of offending those of a another faith.

These people look at the changes in public opinion around them and determine it is the Bible, not our culture, which is in the wrong. So they remake God in their own image.

But God does not change simply because we want Him too.

Neither does His Word. The Ten Commandments are as applicable today as they ever were. The Law is just as clear on what God demands of us as it ever was. Moreover, it is just as clear that we fail to keep the Law as we ought—and that we are subsequently deserving of God’s rejection and wrath.

But thank God, it is not merely the Law which does not change. So too the promises of God are eternal.

The Gospel remains true forever— the Good News that Jesus Christ has died to take away our sins and risen again to give us new life. This is, at its core, the message of all Scripture: Christ for you. Christ loving you.

Christ saving you.

“God’s Word forever shall abide, no thanks to foes who fear it,” writes Martin Luther in his famed hymn A Mighty Fortress. He’s right: the Word of the Lord indeed stands forever, whatever other changes the world might undergo. And thank God for that.

Reformation 2017 For news, information, events, and resources on the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation, visit www.reformation2017.ca.

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The Faith of our Fathers The Lutheran Reformation in the Palatinate

by Norman J. Threinen

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n recognition of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation, it is appropriate that we focus on the writings of Martin Luther and on the blessings of the Lutheran Reformation. For the Reformation has impacted our identity as Lutherans and informed the way we express our Christian faith still today. With this in mind, it is also of value for us to reflect on how the Lutheran Reformation reached our ancestors—probably humble peasants whose interests were largely limited to the task of raising their families and making a living on their small farms in the Palatinate region of Germany.

On October 31, 1517, when Luther nailed the NinetyFive Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, he was doing what theologians of the day had often done. He was calling for a theological debate on an issue which was of importance to the church. Since the Theses were drawn up in Latin, Luther evidently expected the debate to take place among theologians. But the Theses were translated into German. They were then printed and distributed throughout Europe. The earlier invention of the printing press brought the message of the Theses to a much broader audience than Luther likely had in mind. It was only because they did so that they provided the spark which ignited the Reformation.

One might conclude falsely that the printing press enabled everyone within Germany and Europe to be

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impacted by the message of the Theses. This is far from the truth. For, even in translation, the Theses could only reach the people who were able to read—people who had a basic education and normally lived in the cities. The large number of people who lived in small villages in the hillcountry of the Upper Palatinate of Germany, for example, would likely never hear about Luther’s Theses. Normally illiterate and focused on their day-to-day existence, they would have continued to go to mass, pray to the saints, and buy indulgences as acts of Catholic piety, totally unaware of the excitement created by the Theses. So, how is it that these people—the ancestors of many of us today—were identified as Lutherans, only a few years later?

The rulers in the Palatinate could not help becoming aware of the Ninety-Five Theses. They would also have been present at the Diet of Worms in 1521 when Luther took his stand on the Word of God. They would also have been present at the Diet of Worms in 1530 when the Lutheran princes took a similar stand. Yet, it wasn’t until 1535, when Frederick II, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, married Dorothea, the daughter of the Danish Lutheran King, that a ruler from the Palatinate identified with Lutheranism and introduced it to their people.

In the final analysis, it was Otto Henry, Frederick’s nephew, who identified himself and his land as Lutheran.

He did so by joining the Schmalkald League against Emperor Charles V and subscribing to the Augsburg Confession. For his stance, he was banished by the Emperor in 1545. However, upon his return from exile, he actively promoted Lutheranism in the Palatinate, issuing court directives in support of Lutheranism. He also conducted visitations the way Luther had done in Saxony to ensure that the pastors knew and acknowledged the new faith. And he encouraged the fathers in his realm to followe Luther’s admonition to teach the Small Catechism to members of their household. To the extent that this occurred, we can be confident that the doctrine and practice of Lutheranism filtered down to the entire population of the Palatinate. Thus, the people of the Palatinate were brought into the Lutheran fold.

But a challenge to Lutheranism in the Palatinate occurred when Otto Henry died in 1559. Frederick III, who succeeded him as Elector, leaned toward Reformed theology and commissioned his theologians to publish the Heidelberg Catechism to rival and replace Luther’s Small Catechism. He also tried unsuccessfully to replace Lutheran preachers with those who espoused Calvinist theology. His efforts to replace Lutheranism with Reformed theology we re o n l y p a r t i a l l y successful because they were resisted by a strong p o p u l a r m ove m e n t , one led by his own son, Ludwig VI, who eventually succeeded his father as Elector in 1576.

The period following the Schmalkald War was a time of religious controversy within Lutheranism in Germany generally.

It ended with the adoption of the Formula of Concord in 1577 and when the Formula, together with other Lutheran Confessional documents, were gathered together in the Book of Concord, Ludwig was one of those who subscribed to it. Whether our ancestors, living in their scattered villages and working on their small farms were aware of the high level theological discussions of the period is doubtful. While some of them may have followed the Heidelberg Catechism, most continued to identify with Luther’s Small Catechism which was included among the Confessions in the Book of Concord. Acceptance of this document was considered to be sufficient to identify them as Lutherans.

The constant warfare and persecution, as well as the limited opportunities facing people in the Palatinate in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, led people to seek a better life in the New World. From these migrations, Lutheran churches were established in New York and North Carolina. And when the American Revolution disrupted British shipping to America, Lutherans and others

from the Palatinate looked to new territories available for settlement in Eastern Europe. Thus, many people from the Palatinate and other south German territories moved to Galicia, the most eastern province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Among the earliest of the German colonies in Galicia were the twin Lutheran villages of Landestreu and Ugartsthal located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Since no pastors accompanied the colonists, they sustained themselves spiritually by Luther’s Bible and Small Catechism, gathered on Sundays for public worship under the leadership of their lay leaders, and, in their homes, the fathers taught the faith to members of their family using Luther’s Small Catechism.

In time, as land became scarce in the mother colonies, Lutheran daughter colonies were organized elsewhere. Included among the new colonies was Katharinendorf in nearly Bukovina, founded in 1867, the year that the Dominion of Canada came into existence. From this village and others nearby, the first movement of Palatine Lutherans would come to Western Canada twenty-five years later.

Meanwhile, German immigrants, many of them having their roots in the Palatinate, were arriving in eastern Canada. In Pennsylvania, where they had been part of mixed Lutheran and Reformed communities, they had formed religiously mixed congregations. They continued to do so in Southern Ontario.

Among them was St. Paul’s congregation in Kitchener. In its early history, the congregation rejected ministers who had no use for Luther or Lutheran practices and, in 1867, it called on Adam Ernst, a pastor of the Missouri Synod, to serve them. Ernst agreed if they would accept him as a Lutheran minister and if they would exclusively use Luther’s Small Catechism. Thus, a Lutheran congregation developed which still exists today.

Not everyone reading this article had ancestors who originated in the Palatinate area of Germany. Some of you may not even have originated in Germany. Yet, for all of us, the story of the Lutheran Reformation intersected with the story of our family at some point in time, whether early in our family’s story or within our own lifetime. And for this we thank God.

For all of us, the story of the Lutheran Reformation intersected with the story of our family at some point in time.

And for this we thank God.

Rev. Dr. Norman J. Threinen is Professor Emeritus of Church History at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton. He is the author of the recently released book Landesteu, An Odyssey, which chronicles the journey of his ancestors from the Palatinate to Ukraine and finally to Canada where they would become part of the Lutheran congregation in Landestreu, Saskatchewan (see page 30 for a book review).

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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

Holy Baptism

by Martin Luther

A

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

First What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Third How can water do such great things?

Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Second What benefits does Baptism give?

It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

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Certainly not just water, but the Word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without God’s Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying” (Titus 3:5-8).

Fourth What does such baptizing with water indicate?

It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).

Baptized into Christ

by Edward G. Kettner

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s Luther continued to a serious matter. To spurn the we are born anew, born from above, consider the need for a invitation is to spurn the blessings born of water and the Spirit, as Jesus catechism, he initially that God attaches to baptism. Christ told Nicodemus (John 3:3,5). Peter focused on what would become commissioned the apostles to make tells us that just as Noah and his the first three parts: the Ten disciples by baptizing; when we are family were saved through water Commandments, the Apostles’ baptized, it is in fact God Himself when the rest of humanity was Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. who is doing the baptizing, making destroyed, so also baptism saves us But he soon realized that more us His children.

(1 Peter 3:18-21). work was needed to help people Luther reminds us that baptism We can also say “I am baptized.” understand what was necessary is a means by which God gives us Once the act has taken place, we to be a Christian. Therefore, the gift of the forgiveness of sins— exist in the state of being baptized he went on to add sections on and therefore life and salvation. people. Because of that, we daily Baptism, Confession (to which Baptism is not simply water, but die to sin and are raised to newness was later added the Office of of life. (To see the beauty of the Keys), and the Sacrament this, look to hymn 594 in the of the Altar. Since both Rome Lutheran Service Book: “God’s on the one hand and other Own Child, I Gladly Say It.”) Protestants on the other had Baptism is a word of Gospel confused some important to the troubled sinner. It is not points and thus missed out on an excuse for continuing in the comfort and sweetness of sin, an attitude which needs the Scriptural understanding, to be addressed with a call Luther discussed these issues to repentance. As St. Paul simply and directly, showing says, “How can we who have how they deliver God’s gifts of died to sin still live in it?” forgiveness, life, and salvation (Romans 6:1-2). But Paul adds to us redeemed sinners. to this admonition, noting that Rome understands baptism in baptism we are actually as an act performed by the united to Christ’s death and church which imparted power resurrection (Romans 6:4-11). to people to begin to work out Indeed, baptism brings us into their salvation in them. In a relationship with Christ which Rome’s understanding, baptism is as intimate as the relationship does its work simply by the between a bridegroom and his performance of the act. Many bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). We Protestants on the other hand are made members of His bride, believe that baptism is simply an the Church. (This is brought out ordinance given by God that must Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River. Woodcut from the in hymn 644 of the Lutheran 1558 edition of Luther’s Small Catechism. be obeyed—a demonstration of Service Book: “The Church’s one’s commitment to Christ.

One Foundation.” See especially L u t h e r r i g h t l y re c o g n i z e d water attached to the Word and stanza 1). that baptism is an ordinance, but promise of God. Through baptism It is clear, simple, and wonderful. it is not something that we do we are made members of Christ’s Baptism unites us to Christ by water merely because God requires it. body. We are buried with Christ and Word, delivers us from sin, Rather, God requires it because He into His death and raised with Him death, and the devil, and gives us actually does something through to new life. forgiveness, life, and salvation. What it, something for our benefit. The When we talk about our baptisms, a comfort this is, and what joy it is imperative attached to baptism is we often say that we “have been to know this! an invitation, and as Jesus’ parable baptized.” This points to the one Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor of the wedding banquet shows baptism for the remission of sins— Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia us, spurning God’s invitation is an event not to be repeated. By this Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

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I Support Restructuring

by Robert Bugbee

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iscussions on restructuring at the Synod’s 11th Convention in October at Kitchener, Ontario will likely be intense. That’s all right. The issue is important. It deserves a strong dose of talking and listening. I hope you are praying that the Lord guides the delegates, as I am doing, nearly every day.

I believe that Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) urgently needs to simplify its structure. The structure we took with us into our life as a self-governing church in 1988 was a close copy of what we knew in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. That is a church body many, many times our size. There were likely compelling reasons to do it, but early on in our brief history, people began to sense it wasn’t working as well as we needed it to.

Attempts to change the structure in a deep way were sometimes turned back. Other times those attempts were pared down and became just a matter of “adjusting” a few components here and there. As a result, the feeling did not let up that we could shape the structural side of our life better than it is now.

Overtures to successive conventions expressing this were sometimes “killed” by committees before they ever got to the floor. Resolutions that were successfully adopted in recent years expressed the same recurring sentiment.

I’d like to begin by setting some things straight.

Members of the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) have worked long and hard on proposals for this fall. I’ve been troubled at times by the criticism that they are “rushing” this process

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

through, “pushing too fast.” In fact, they are simply trying to carry out the resolutions passed—by overwhelming margins—at all three LCC District conventions in 2015.

Those resolutions asked that exactly this be done, that proposals be brought to our 2017 Synod Convention. It is very rare that all Districts would pass resolutions on the same subject at the same time, and would all do so nearly unanimously. We ought to be grateful to the CCMS for tackling this demanding assignment, even if some of their details aren’t your first choice.

It has also grieved me to be told on occasion that grassroots delegates at 2015 District conventions only voted for restructuring because they were angry about the CEF crisis in western Canada. Grassroots people had good reason to be upset at that time, but nobody has the right to claim that their thinking was somehow faulty or their decisions illegitimate because of their pain. Nor do the restructuring proposals prove that the church has no respect for Districts and the work they have faithfully done since the “Canada District” (a predecessor of our East District) was organized in 1879. Beyond all that, it is simply not true that the Synod’s leaders believe that structure is our deepest concern or that restructuring will, in and of itself, fix all the challenges we face.

The most basic change of the current restructuring proposals is that we should henceforth streamline and operate with one administrative structure. At the present time, our three Districts—in addition to LCC itself—are corporate entities. I recently did some statistical digging and learned that our entire church in

Canada is only slightly larger than the Missouri Synod’s Iowa District West. And yet, small as we are, we carry the burden of four separate corporate structures. Each has to have its own CEO, its own Board of Directors, its own schedule of conventions, its own financial and budget structure, its own Handbook and bylaws, its own set of committees or departments to populate, its own policy and procedures manuals, and on it goes.

Can anyone doubt that precious time and effort is being expended to maintain these four corporations beyond what would be needed if we reduced them to one?

Nor is it just a matter of money and meeting time. The Committee on Convention Nominations, preparing for this fall’s Convention, has done thorough work under the chairmanship of Reg Tiegs. They will have a respectable slate of candidates to present to the delegates. That didn’t happen easily.

Reg had to amend the “excel table” well over one hundred times as homework was done to identify candidates, contact them, wait for responses, and go back to the drawing board if people declined. It has taken concentrated effort to assemble a full slate of servants to do the work of just our one Synodical “c o r p o ra t i o n . ” C a n anyone doubt that we struggle at times to identify the necessary human resources to fill the slate for not just one but four corporate structures?

This does not mean that the Synod needs no presence out in various parts of our far-flung country. The proposed system of “regional pastors” can focus on providing spiritual supervision and ministry support without each of them having to carry the demands of a separate corporate structure in his area. This is in no way to minimize the hard work done over the years by the district presidents of our church. But we don’t need separate corporations to set them free to exercise the pastoral gifts the Lord has given them.

Among other proposals is that we should shift to one large convention every four years, at which every

parish is represented. In our current three-year cycle, we have either a District or a Synod convention in two out of every three years. To me it would be liberating if we had more non-convention years! We could put together “non-legislative” gatherings to spend more time studying the Scripture, grappling with how to reach people in our rapidly secularizing country, and in nurturing each other across the many miles that separate us.

I respect the concerns expressed in recent months that proposed bylaw-type documents need to be strong and clear in expressing things that must not change in the Synod; that is, our confession of Christ, His inerrant Word, our subscription to the Lutheran confessional writings, and the clear objectives for which the Synod was created to begin with. These concerns are being taken to heart. Homework is being done this summer as I write these lines to see that they receive the proper attention.

The final form of all the restructuring proposals has not yet appeared.

That will happen with the prescribed lead-time before the Convention outlined in our current LCC Handbook for the kind of constitutional changes we have been considering. I am hopeful that the final form will express a way forward for us that is Biblically ro o t e d , d o c t r i n a l l y orthodox, legally sound, and more efficient in using the financial and people resources with which the Lord Christ has blessed us.

I’ll say it again: I support restructuring. It is not because I expect structures, constitutions, or bylaws to ever accomplish what only God can do by His Word and Holy Spirit. But I am persuaded that we are dragging along far more corporate machinery than we need to carry Christ and His unchanging Gospel to a world around us that is dying to know Him.

I support restructuring.

It is not because I expect structures, constitutions, or bylaws to ever accomplish what only God can do by His Word and Holy Spirit. But I am persuaded that we are dragging along far more corporate machinery than we need to carry Christ and His unchanging Gospel to a world around us that is dying to know Him.

Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee is President of Lutheran Church– Canada.

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Re-Forming Our Church

Restructuring Enters Final Phase CCMS partners with Synod’s Board of Directors WINNIPEG - Lutheran Church–Canada’s Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) has moved the restructuring effort into its final phase in preparation for the Synod’s 11 th Convention, set for October 13-16, 2017, in Kitchener, Ontario.

In a series of decisions, the Commission voted unanimously to participate in a special “Working Group” with representatives of the LCC Board of Directors. Members of the newly-created group include Rev. Nolan Astley, First Vicepresident of Synod; Rev. William Ney, chairman of the CCMS; Rev. Paul Schallhorn, BOD secretary; and Cindy Sholdice, BOD member.

In consultation with the Synod’s legal counsel, the group will craft amendments to the current LCC Handbook that reflect the desire f o r c h a n g e w i d e l y ex p re s s e d during the past 20 months in a national restructuring survey, circuit presentations, and regional convocations. “The schedule is tight,” noted CCMS Chairman, Rev. William Ney, “but we are hopeful going into this phase that we can have final proposals ready for early September.” He added that this would fulfill constitutional requirements for advance notice

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spelled out in the LCC Handbook, and enable the appropriate resolutions committee to add this proposal to other overtures submitted from various places in the Synod.

In the same meeting, the Commission granted a peaceful release to Rev. Dr. Lester Stahlke of Edmonton, who has served the CCMS as its restructuring consultant since November 2015.

The Commission’s action expressed that “Dr. Stahlke has given ‘over and above the call of duty’ in his service both to the CCMS and to Lutheran Church-Canada.” Dr. Stahlke was the architect of the restructuring process up to this point, compiling and scheduling a national survey, designing PowerPoint presentations for circuits, church worker conferences, boards and other entities. It was noted that he had offered from the outset to provide these services at a fraction of the regular cost and was tireless in his willingness to travel, interview and provide reporting. “We would never have reached this stage in such a short time without Les’ direction,” Rev. Ney commented.

The present restructuring effort grew out of resolutions passed in the spring of 2015 by all three LCC District conventions. “It rarely

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

happens that all of these grassroots gatherings, representing every local congregation, would express virtually the same feeling about the need for change, and would do so almost unanimously,” reflected LCC President Robert Bugbee. “We knew the timetable was challenging, but the CCMS worked hard with Dr. Stahlke to honour the Districts’ plea that restructuring proposals be presented at this 2017 Synod Convention.”

CCMS leadership had long expressed its goal to have the approval of the Synod’s Board of Directors in this effort. Now the two entities have consented together to entrust the final phase before the Convention to this special Working Group. “We need everyone’s prayer support in these last weeks,” Rev. Ney said. “We’re committed to reaching the goal set for us by all those voting lay delegates and pastors in the District conventions two years ago, and also to honour the voluminous input over these last 20 months from the members of Synod across Canada.”

Additional news stories and information on the restructuring process is available at: www. canadianlutheran.ca/lccrestructuring-process/.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCMS-NALC-LCC dialogue produces new book on Law and Gospel USA - When representatives of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) started meeting together more than five years ago, it was decided that the group would sponsor a book of essays on the proper distinction of God’s Law from His Gospel.

That book will be available from Concordia Publishing House in the coming months.

E d i t e d by Rev. D r. A l b e r t Collver III (LCMS), Rev. Dr. James Arne Nestingen (NALC), and Prof. John T. Pless (LCMS), The Necessary Distinction: A Continuing Conversation on Law & Gospel contains thirteen essays on the relationship of the Law/Gospel distinction to preaching, pastoral care, missions, ethics, and the Christian life. Essayists include Mark Seifrid, William Cwirla, Peter Brock, Larry Vogel, Mark C. Mattes, Naomichi Masaki, James Arne Nestingen, Stephen Hultgren, John T. Pless, Steven Paulson, Albert Collver III, and Roland F. Ziegler.

“I’m pleased that we have brought together a variety of confessional Lutheran scholars from North America and Australia

to provide our churches with vigorous and fresh discussion of a theme at the heart of Lutheran theology,” said the work’s editor John T. Pless. “It is our hope that this book will be used in pastoral gatherings throughout the NALC, LCC, and LCMS to challenge and better equip pastors to engage the fine art of distinguishing Law and Gospel in all that they do.”

The book’s forthcoming publication has garnered praise from a number of theologians and church leaders. “These authors take Christ, the Scriptures, and our confessions seriously,” President Robert Bugbee of Lutheran Church–Canada noted.

“They are not carbon copies of each other. They put you through your paces, even if you wrestle with certain details of their views. Pastors as well as informed lay theologians will profit from them. What a welcome contribution to the 500th Reformation anniversary year!”

“When participants of the LCMS/LCC/NALC consultation first discussed the need for a book on the distinction between Law and Gospel, we couldn’t have conceived this collection of essays would be so practical, direct, helpful and accessible!” explained Rev.

Dr. David M. Wendel, NALC’s Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism. “In our day, when many Lutherans seem to have lost their way biblically, this book is much needed. It is for those who preach the Word and those who hear the Word, for pastors and laity, for the theologically trained and those who aren’t. It is a gift to our churches and to all who are committed to the ‘necessary distinction.’”

Norwegian Lutherans consecrate bishop NORWAY - On May 25, 2017, The Lutheran Church in Norway (Den lutherske kirke i Norge – LKN) consecrated Rev. Torkild Masvie as its Bishop.

Bishop Masvie was installed into his office by Archbishop Janis Vanags of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL), assisted

by Bishop Arri Kugappi of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia (ELCIR), Bishop Hanss Jensons of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, and President Dan Gilbert of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

The LKN’s Deputy Bishop, Rev. Alf

Danbolt, led the Norwegian part of the consecration.

Prior to his consecration, Bishop Masvie had previously served the LKN as provisional bishop. The LKN is a young church with five congregations and 90 baptized members. It dates back to the 2005 founding of the Church of the Messiah. The church has four pastors in active duty and one retired pastor. It was accepted into membership in the International Lutheran Council during the 2015 World Conference in Argentina.

The LCMS and the ELCIR are fellow members of the International Lutheran Council with the Lutheran

Bishop Masvie is installed (Photo: Sondre Masvie.)

Church in Norway. The ELCL is a member church of the Lutheran Wo r l d Fe d e ra t i o n , b u t i s i n fellowship with the LCMS.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Criminal Code change may affect churches OTTAWA - Before Parliament recessed for summer, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-51: “An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Department of Justice Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act.” The goal of the legislation is to update Canada’s Criminal Code. However, one change has caught the attention of Canada’s faith communities.

Currently, it is against the law to disrupt a worship service, or any meeting or assembly of any kind, Section 176 of the Criminal Code states: 176 (1) Every one who ( a ) by threats or force, unlawfully obstructs or p reve n t s o r e n d e avo u r s to obstruct or prevent a clergyman or minister from celebrating divine service

or performing any other function in connection with his calling, or (b) knowing that a clergyman or minister is about to perform, is on his way to perform or is returning from the performance of any of the duties or functions mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) assaults or offers any violence to him, or (ii) arrests him on a civil process, or under the pretence of executing a civil process, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

Disturbing religious worship or certain meetings (2) Every one who wilfully disturbs or interrupts an assemblage of persons met for religious worship or for a moral, social or benevolent purpose is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Bill C-51 deletes this provision from the criminal code.

“One wonders whether the Government is seeking to curtail the rights of Canadians to worship or gather undisturbed,” noted Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) President Robert Bugbee.

“People of all faiths and those who conduct public meetings should be concerned by this.”

The legislation is now before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights which will meet in the fall. A number of opposition MPs have expressed concern over the change and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is monitoring the discussion and plans to bring its concerns to the Minister of Justice.

President Bugbee believes that “if passed as it is, this legislation could have an unexpected effect on churches and other worshipping communities.” He suggests that members of LCC congregations familiarize themselves with the issue and speak with or write to their Member of Parliament, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, or members of the committee.

Lutheran Church–Canada will continue monitoring the legislation as it passes through the committee stage.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” - Hebrews 11:1 A message from

Great is the glory of the Lord!

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Celebrate the Reformation in style CANADA - Celebrate the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation in style and support Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) missions in the process.

The T-shirt features LCC’s Reformation 2017 logo, and is a great way to share the story of the Reformation in your community.

It costs $25 and is available in men and women’s styles, three different colours (black, white, and blue), and four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large). Costs cover the cost of producing and shipping the T-shirt, with all additional proceeds going to support the missions of LCC. Congregations are asked to submit one order on behalf of all interested congregants.

Orders are being handled by Philip Prozenko, designer of LCC’s Reformation logo. Orders are due

by September 1, 2017 and can be sent by mail or email.

Please note that a minimum order quantity must be reached before production can begin. In the

event the minimum requirement is not reached, orders will be refunded.

Download the order form here: www.canadianlutheran.ca/celebratethe-reformation-in-style/.

The Canadian Lutheran takes two first place wins at 2017 CCP Awards CANADA - Presentation of the 2017 Canadian Church Press Awards took place June 22, 2017, at which time The Canadian Lutheran received two first place wins. Rev. Michael Schutz’ feature article “Driven from Distraction” took first place in the prized “Features—Magazine” category, while Rev. Ted Giese’s review of the film X-Men Apocalypse received first place in the Media Review category.

“It’s always gratifying to see our authors recognized for the excellent work they do,” said Mathew Block, editor for The Canadian Lutheran.

“We are dedicated to providing our readers a quality magazine that nurtures their faith and spurs them to think deeply about the world around them, and writers like Michael and Ted help us do just that. Congratulations to them both on their wins!”

Rev. Schutz’ article explores the proper place of technology in our modern world. In so doing, he utilizes the story of Narcissus— who wasted away after falling

in love with his own reflection in a river—along with Marshall M c L u h a n ’ s interpretation of the myth to highlight the “still waters” in our own day which seek our gaze.

“It’s not so much that our attention is firmly fixed on one thing that will lead to our death,” Rev. Schutz explains. “It’s that our attention is given to everything but the One who leads to everlasting life. And if we fail to realize that technology, which facilitates so much attention seeking, profoundly shapes not only what we pay attention to but how we are giving our attention, then we can end up starving ourselves not of earthly bread but of the Bread of Life.” “ I l ove d t h i s , ” w ro t e t h e category judge of the piece. “Take the great myth [of Narcissus], link it to modern-day communication studies, and serve it up with a heavy dose of faith? Well done!”

Rev. Giese’s winning review of X-Men Apocalypse explored the film’s “messy spiritual tangle,” discussing themes of fatherhood and faith which are weaved throughout the movie. “It may take some effort for audiences to peel away all the explosions to find the film’s central story: fatherhood and the importance of who that father is,” Rev. Giese writes. But doing so makes the film all the more interesting.

“I’ve never seen these movies and never had any interest in seeing them,” the category judge wrote in response to the article. “But now I want to. Your insight into the central themes of fatherhood and trust make this movie something all of us can relate to.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Convention 2017: Workbook released,presidential nominees announced CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada has released the workbook for its upcoming synodical convention to be held October 13-16, 2017 in Kitchener, Ontario.

I n c l u d e d i n t h e wo r k b o o k i s information on nominations as well as other important convention information, including overtures and reports from synodical departments, auxiliaries, listed service organizations, and other entities.

The workbook is available f o r d o w n l o a d h e r e : w w w. canadianlutheran.ca/ c o n v e n t i o n - 2 01 7 - w o r k b o o k released-presidential-nomineesannounced/.

Of particular interest this convention are the nominations for president, as President Robert Bugbee announced earlier this year he would not be standing for reelection. In total, 18 different pastors received at least two nominations for the position of president. Of these, two have accepted the nomination. The slate of presidential nominations includes Rev. Timothy Teuscher (11 nominations) and Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer (4 nominations).

Rev. Teuscher currently serves as pastor of S t . Pe t e r ’ s Lutheran C h u r c h (Stratford, Ontario) and as First Vice President of the East District of Lutheran Church–Canada.

Dr. Schaeffer currently serves as President of the Alberta-British Columbia District of Lutheran Church–Canada.

The slate of candidates for VicePresidents include: ABC District: Rev. David Bode, Rev. Tom Kruesel, Rev. Roland Kubke, Rev. Lee Loveridge Central District: Rev. Ted Giese, Rev. Alex Klages, Rev. Dr. Harald Schoubye

Further information on candidates is available in the workbook, as are the names of those candidates who declined nomination. Also included in the workbook are the nominees for open positions on the Board of Directors, Commission on Adjudication, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and the Boards of Regents for both Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario).

East District: Rev. Marvin Bublitz, Rev. Timothy Teuscher, Rev. Kurt Reinhardt

Resolution committees and convention appointments CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) has announced resolution committees, appointments, and registration information for the upcoming synodical convention to be held October 13-16, 2017 in Kitchener, Ontario.

Resolution committees have been appointed and will meet at Synod’s Winnipeg office September 8-9, 2017. They will also meet October 13 at 1:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee 1 will focus on Synodical Structure, Committee 2 will focus on Parish Services and Higher Education, and Committee 3 will focus on Administration and Finance.

Committee one will be served by Rev. Thomas Prachar (chair), Merv

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Rochelau, James Krestick, Ron Faulkner, Rev. Jonathan Kraemer, and Rev. Robert Korsch. Committee 2 will be served by Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer (chair), Rev. John Rapp, Barb Fooks, Jordan Wall, Robert Felstead, and Rev. David Smilek.

Committee 3 will be served by Rev. Paul Zabel (chair), Jon Oberholzer, David Mitchell, Deacon Miriam Winstanley, Rev. Alex Klages, and Michael Maunula.

The opening communion service for convention will be held Friday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener will be host congregation for the convention. Serving on the Worship Committee are Rev. Ken

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

Maher (chair), Paul Walrath, Rev. Ron Mohr, Rev. Larry Gajdos, and LCC President Robert Bugbee.

Rev. Maher will also be serving as convention chaplain.

D r. I a n Ad n a m s h a s b e e n appointed Convention Manager.

Working with him locally will be Udi Scott in charge of registration a n d h o s p i t a l i t y, w h i l e D o r i s Schaeffer will serve as Head Page and Pages coordinator.

Several exhibitors will be at convention, including Sperling’s Book Store. International guests will be in attendance from the United States, Germany, Nicaragua, and Peru.

ABC District News

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

Surrey preschool reaches out to the community SURREY, B.C. - Every year, Sowing Seeds Preschool chooses a charity to raise funds for. This year the school chose to fundraise through a coin drive, clothing drive and food drive for Nightshift Ministries. Nightshift Ministries supports the homeless in the Surrey community by providing food, clothing, shelter, and counseling all year long. They are a Christian not-for-profit organization and share the hope, love, and Word of God to everyone they assist.

The school desired to assist somewhere in their own community this year, and they were successful in realizing that hope. The teachers sent home coin bags and a responsibility chart in hopes that the children would not only learn about helping others in the community, but

Collecting coins in aid of others.

would also start to learn about responsibility around their own

house. The children and the parents were very excited about the prospect of their children gaining a larger understanding of caring for others.

The students were given two weeks to complete their tasks and ended the two weeks with a Friday evening pizza and movie event.

The families and children came up with five boxes of clothing, about half a box of food and a total of $270 to be donated to Nightshift Ministries. The amazing part about the whole fundraising event is that about 70 percent of the preschool families are low income or in poverty themselves. The staff are very proud of their families and the children for working so hard and truly using God’s love to help others.

Carly Birch

Sabbath Conference 2017 PIGEON LAKE, Alta. “Notice,” and “Pivot.”

The Sabbath Conference The participants are takes place each year thankful to Pastor Stern as a way for nonfor leading these studies, pastor church workers and also for being (directors of parish alongside them during services, paid church the conference, being in workers, and church fellowship with them, volunteers) of Lutheran listening, and praying Church–Canada to get with them. together to study God’s There were three Word, have professional sessions on Mark development time, enjoy Buchanan’s book fellowship, and hold each “The Rest of God.” other up in prayer.

Each participant at the This y e a r ’ s A group of some of the Sabbath attendees. (front, l-r) Jessica Pixner, Linda conference received a Desrosiers, Gina Greer, Kaitlin Schmitz, Michael Gillingham; (back) Tyler conference, themed “The Walworth, Kendra Cottrell, Stephanie Mayer, Tara Sadorozney, Lynn copy of the book and Basics of Biblical Sabbath Gergens. presenters from among Rest and Self Care,” took their ranks helped lead Genesis 2, God rested. In the Hebrew, place at Mulhurst Lutheran Camp the group through various chapters it means God stopped. Ceased activity. (an hour outside of Edmonton on of the book, which focused on what Abstained from work. At Sabbath, Pigeon Lake) from February 28 to God means by resting, what the we take a break to rest, reflect, and March 3. The conference began with intention of Sabbath is, and how we refocus. We stop what we are doing an opening service at Concordia need to renew this purpose. and come together.

Lutheran Seminary led by visiting ABC District President Glenn The Bible study leader this professor, Dr. Joel Heck. Dr. Heck Schaeffer came out to camp and year was Rev. Neil Stern. Rev. reminded participants about the word led an Ash Wednesday service, and Stern led the group through Bible “retreat” and how it means to rest, Seminary President Jim Gimbel continued next page studies teaching them to “Stop,” reflect, and refocus on our goals. In The Lutheran July/August 2017 1 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN July/August 2017 17

ABC District News

Alberta Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor Sabbath conference, continued

led a session on the current state of diaconal training in Lutheran Church–Canada. Participants were blessed by both of these men, as they provided not only leadership, but also genuine care.

Other highlights from the week were a games night, a prayer and share night, times of devotion and worship, and having time just to laugh (and cry) and play (and pray) together.

The conference was blessed to have Deaconess Linda Desrosiers join this

year, who serves at Trinity Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Vancouver.

Through a generous grant from the Mill Neck Foundation, a translator was provided for her, and she was able to participate in all Sabbath activities.

It is hoped that continued funding for translators will continue so that Linda can join us at the Sabbath Conference again in the future.

The next Sabbath Conference is scheduled for February 3-6, 2018.

The conference starts on a Saturday in hopes that more volunteers will be

able to join, at least for the weekend.

All LCC congregations are invited to send their church workers—paid and volunteer—for a time of rest and renewal, as well as professional development and even some fun.

For further information on the upcoming Sabbath Conference, contact co-chairs Stephanie M aye r a n d J e s s i c a P i x n e r a t sabbathconference@gmail.com or visit the conference website www. sabbathconference.ca.

Tara Sadorozney

From the President Our family in Christ very congregation I have been a part of, whether as a lay member or pastor, has been my family. It was in the presence of my church family that my faith was born and confirmed. Over the years, it has been through my church family that the Spirit of the Lord has nurtured my faith in the triune God. My church family is where I, and my wife and children, have been loved and accepted. Our church family are the people we have often wept and laughed with as we shared the lows and highs of their lives and our own. Our church family has been our “safe haven” where we have been able to have wounds mended and bruises healed. It is in relationship with our sisters and brothers in Christ that we receive and give; serve and are served; love and are loved.

It’s as family that we gather in worship to receive the bountiful gifts of our Father. It’s as family that we confess our sin (maybe even sins we have committed against one another) and forgive in the name of Jesus.

It’s as family that we gather at our Lord’s Table to partake of a feast provided by our Brother. As family we pray for one another, sing with one another, and serve one another.

Yes, I love my church family. I have spent my life serving this family, but honestly, it is I whose life is richer, more meaningful, and purposeful because of how my Father has enriched my life through His Son and you, my sisters and brothers in Christ!

It saddens me to see generations of family members who have been baptized and confirmed

E

2 The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017 18 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

no longer active members of the family; to see family members in conflict; to hear of family members suffering, alone. Our brother in the faith, St. Paul, reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

With so much discussion focused on the restructuring of the corporate nature of our institutional church and a new governance model, we may be tempted to forget that we are first and foremost, family—the family of God! Cherish those “family meals” when you gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ to be fed by your Father through His Word and the Eucharistic dinner! Reach out in love to those family members who were baptized and confirmed in your congregation, but who have distanced themselves from you. Invite them to come home. Pool your family resources, serving together in fraternal love, so that you can enrich the lives of others by serving them. Go and invite “orphans” to be your “siblings” by sharing Jesus’ love with them. Celebrate the inclusion of adopted sisters and brothers into God’s family, many of whom will be baptized as adults, children, or infants. And, live with the anticipation and excitement of that grand family reunion that awaits us in our heavenly home!

Your brother in Christ, Glenn E. Schaeffer

ABC ABC District News

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

Ministry wives blessed by retreats

At the Alberta retreat: (back, l-r) Rev. Harry Haberstock (retired, Creston, B.C.); Joyce Lobitz (Shepherd of the Valley, Canmore); Janice Kraemer (All Saints, Edmonton); Pat Howard (King of Kings, Markerville); Rizelle Dittmer (Christ, Mellowdale); Becky Ziprick and Rev. Marv Ziprick (Bethel, Edmonton); (middle) Karen Kubke (St. John’s, Beach Corner); Jazmin Kurtenbach (husband Joshua is a seminary student); Emerald Schoepp (retired, Edmonton); Sharon Marshall (Immanuel, Tomahawk); Ruth Strand (Edmonton); (front) Deanna Hautz (Hope, Port Coquitlam, B.C.); Michelle Gamble (Grace, Drumheller); Erin Mayer (husband Michael is a seminary student).

HOPE, B.C. and SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. - The Ministry Wives Retreats were once again a blessing!

A total of 25 women, 12 in B.C. and 13 in Alberta, gathered together at Camp Hope (Hope, B.C.) or Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (Camrose, Alta.) for the annual ministry wives retreats.

T h e t h e m e t h i s ye a r wa s “Boundaries,” led in B.C. by Karin Gregory, Counselor Supervisor at

At the B.C. retreat: (back, l-r) Rev. Harry Haberstock (retired, Creston); Ana Wilch Zhang (Trinity, Richmond and Faith, Surrey); Ruth Hilderman (retired, Surrey); Ursula Rink (Bethlehem, Vancouver); Beverly Harold (Trinity, Richmond); Karin Gregory (Focus on the Family Canada, Langley); (middle) Eva Gainer (Redeemer, West Kelowna); Ruth Miller (Zion, Surrey); Freda Reisdorf (retired, Langley); Marilee Schelp (retired, Surrey); Diane Vint (Abbotsford); (front) Tingyu Wilch (Faith, Surrey); Donna Tufts (St. John’s, Vernon); Deanna Hautz (Hope, Port Coquitlam, photographer).

Focus on the Family Canada, and led in Alberta by Rev. Marv Ziprick of Bethel Lutheran Church (Sherwood Park).

There was laughter and tears, support and encouragement, worship and prayer. There was time to relax, visit, do a jigsaw puzzle, play games, go for a walk, and eat good food. The women were blessed!

The Ministry Wives Committee encourages all congregations to support their clergy family in order

for the wife to attend this yearly retreat. She will discover new friends, and realize that she is not alone in her walk as a ministry wife.

The committee is grateful for the congregations, individuals, Seminary Guild, and LWMLC groups that financially supported the retreats this year—you have blessed the ministry wives with your encouragement!

Deanna Hautz, Chair, Ministry Wives Committee

Celebrating faith journeys on Father’s Day PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. - Hope Lutheran Church celebrated Father’s Day with a Discipleship Sunday honouring the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the lives of several people.

After instruction in the Christian faith, five adults were baptized on June 18, along with one infant. Each of those adults, from age 20 to 67, had a unique journey to faith that led them to Hope Lutheran. (One other adult baptism candidate was not able to be present on that day and was baptized two weeks later.)

Five other adults also affirmed

their faith in the Triune God. C o n g re g a t i o n a l songs of praise to our Heavenly Father followed the baptisms, recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in leading these people to a saving faith in Christ. A specially baked a n d New members at Hope. decorated cake was shared during the fellowship time after the service.

Rev. Laverne Hautz

The Lutheran July/August2017 201719 3 THECanadian CANADIAN L UTHERAN July/August

ABC District News News ABC District

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

Foothills Lutheran celebrates 50th anniversary with 50 projects

A snapshot of Foothills History: Former Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Dr. Oswald Hoffman at cornerstone laying of Foothills Lutheran Church in 1968.

CALGARY - It may be a tall order, but Foothills Lutheran Church members have set a goal of 50 new church projects/activities/events during the church’s 50th anniversary year, which began April 2, 2017.

A weekend of celebration, April 1-2, highlighted that 50th year for church members, friends and guests. Heather Sommers and her organizing team worked for almost a year planning events, compiling a 50-year history, producing a slide show, and reaching out to previous members and friends. The organizing committee hosted an evening banquet planned on Saturday, a special Sunday morning worship

service, and then a Sunday afternoon service of Celebration. “God in His graciousness has surely blessed us,” said Rev. David Bode, Senior Pastor at Foothills. Both the Foothills Lutheran Choir and the Ethiopian Lutheran Choir highlighted the afternoon celebratory service.

The Saturday banquet featured a thorough slide show produced by Foothills member Phil Lemke, a 50year history booklet, and a nostalgia tribute by retired pastor Rev. Eldon Ohlinger. Long time member and elder Dale Dusterhoft served as Master of Ceremonies at the banquet.

Michael Mayer, a vicar from the congregation, preached the Sunday morning sermon. Rev. Laverne Hautz, a former pastor, preached the celebration service sermon.

The “50 for 50” challenge, which actually began with the new year, includes ideas for congregation members for projects such as evangelism/outreach, community service, or spiritual growth. The projects encompass many members or a few, or even just individuals, noted committee chairperson, Heather Sommers. Those projects include reviving a church/community garage sale, making meals for those in need, clothing drives, and seniors dayoutings/tours.

The congregation began at their 3104–34 Ave. NW location in spring

1967. Previous names of the church included Varsity Hills Lutheran and University Lutheran. The church served as a haven for university students of the Lutheran faith, and it still does. The refurbished parsonage has housed university students on and off for several years. The Associate Pastor at Foothills, Rev. Eric Moffett, specializes in student outreach.

The Senior Citizens Manor at the edge of the church property also gives church members an opportunity to serve the elderly community in Calgary. Already the church’s seniors group, the Silver Saints, have gone on tours to events such as the Rosebud Dinner Theatre and fall colours tours in the Rocky Mountain Foothills.

About 10 years ago, Foothills Lutheran updated their 3-crosses/ mountain back-drop logo to include the words: Connecting people with Christ through worship, relationships & service. “We hope to live and carry that mission out, especially in our 50 th year, and beyond,” said Ms. Sommers.

Pastor Bode quoted Psalm 121:12, favourite Bible verses of the church through the years. “I lift up mine eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

If you are interested in joining with Foothills in their “50 for 50” year, please contact the church at 403-284-1342 or office@ foothillslutheran.com Mark Kihn

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 A snapshot of Foothills History: Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper worshipping at Foothills in 2008.

4 The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017 20 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

Next deadline: September 16, 2017

Central District News News

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

Ordination anniversaries observed

CYPRESS HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK, Sask. - The Cypress Hills Parish (Mount Calvary, Swift Current/Trinity, Pontiex/Mount Calvary, Maple Creek) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Brad Julien in a special combined parish service July 19, followed by a pot luck lunch. District President Rev. Tom Prachar was guest preacher.

REGINA - The congregation of Mount Olive Lutheran Church thanked God for 50 years of faithful service (since June 11, 1967) that Rev. Irwin “Pud” Pudrycki has shepherded congregations in southern Ontario as well as the Central District congregations of Good Shepherd, Hudson Bay/Zion, Mistatim, Saskatchewan and Mount Olive, Regina.

Rev. Pudrycki was born in Cudworth, Saskatchewan. He graduated from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, with a B.A. in 1963, and from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with a M.Div. in 1967. His year of vicarage was split between serving Mt. Calvary, Calgary, and Grace, Edmonton. He was ordained into the Holy Ministry on June 11, 1967. He faithfully served the three-point parish in Southern Ontario of St. Paul’s, Wellesley/Emmanuel, Petersburg/St. John’s, Poole.

In 1975 he accepted the call to serve the dual parish of Good Shepherd, Hudson Bay/Zion, Mistatim, Saskatchewan.

Then in 1980, he accepted a call to Mount Olive, serving as both Senior and Associate

Rev. Barry Wood cuts the anniversary cake.

ROBLIN, Man. - T h e members of St. Matthew’s, Roblin, Manitoba and Grace, Zorra, Sask. gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ordination of their pastor, Rev. Barry Wood, with a special parish service hosted on June 25 at St. Matthew’s. A potluck meal followed the service.

Presentations were made on behalf of District President Rev. Tom Prachar, FaithLife, and the parish.

Rev. Wood graduated from Concordia Lutheran S e m i n a r y, E d m o n t o n .

His first call was to the Broadview/Moosomin parish in Saskatchewan.

Rev. Brad Julien

(l-r) Donna and Rev. Irwin Pudrycki

Pastor until his retirement on September 30, 2002. Even after his retirement in 2002, he has remained active in proclaiming the Gospel.

(l-r) Revs. Clint Magnus, Ken Keller, Tom Prachar.

HUMBOLDT, Sask. - The 25th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Ken Keller was observed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in a special service July 2. Guest preacher was District President Tom Prachar.

Rev. Keller was born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, and raised in the Bateman area.

He farmed south of Bateman before entering Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, graduating from that institution with a M.Div. in 1992. His year of vicarage was served at Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan He was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 12, 1992. He was originally called as a missionary-at-large to Northwestern Saskatchewan. In 1998 he accepted a call to serve Trinity, St. Walburg and Immanuel, Mervin, Saskatchewan In 2009 he accepted the call to Faith, Middle Lake, Saskatchewan, serving until his retirement in 2012.

The July/August 201721 1 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN July/August 2017

Central District News News

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

Beausejour Reformation celebration BEAUSEJOUR, Man. - On June 25, Grace Lutheran Church welcomed former and current members and friends for a special Reformation c e l e b ra t i o n . I t b e g a n w i t h a Reformation Hymn Festival service featuring special music from organist Gail Lashek and soloist Emily Turner-Brannen. Rev. Ward Yunker gave a sermon on the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, and the whole congregation came forward to post Luther’s 95 Theses.

A barbecue followed the service.

Then Alice Young had games for children and adults including “Hide the Bible,” “Church Bingo,” and “Reformation Bowling.”

Rev. Ward I. Yunker

Sunday School Superintendent Alice Young prepares a “Diet” of Worms for the children of Grace Lutheran Church.

Ponderings from the president Confessing the faith boldly ne aspect of Reformation history that is not commemorated as much by Lutherans is the presentation of the Augsburg Confession. The editor’s introduction to the Reader’s Edition to the Augsburg Confession says: “On Saturday, June 25, 1530, at three o’clock in the afternoon, Dr. Christian Beyer stood, walked toward the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, and began reading the Augsburg Confession in a loud and distinct voice. Through the open windows a hushed crowd outside in the courtyard hung on his every word, as did the two hundred or so people gathered in the hall.... When Dr. Beyer finished reading, Dr. Bruck took the German copy of the Confession from him, handed both copies to the emperor, and said, ‘Most gracious Emperor, this is a Confession that will even prevail against the gates of hell, with the grace and help of God.’ Thus was the Augsburg Confession presented as a unique Confession of the truth of God’s holy Word, distinct from Romanism on the one hand, and Reformed, Anabaptists, and radicals on the other. June 25, 1530, is a date every bit as important for Lutherans as is the more familiar date of October 31, 1517—the day on which Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses.”

What gave the Reformers the boldness to make this presentation to the Emperor? It is the same thing upon which we rest our faith today: a faith that is grounded in God’s holy Word. The Reformers relied on God’s promise in Psalm 119:46: “I will also speak of Your testimonies

O

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before kings and shall not be put to shame.” Like the Reformers, we, too, can have confidence and boldness as we witness to others about Jesus. People may mock us, governments may ignore us, and others may attempt to intimidate us and put us to shame, all because we trust in Jesus. But our faith in Him is solidly anchored in God’s holy Word.

God’s Word has this wonderful effect of drawing us away from ourselves toward trusting in another, a truly holy One, the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus our Saviour.

He took His perfect life and offered it for us when He suffered and died on the cross. As the Holy Spirit builds us up through the study of God’s Word, the reception of our Lord’s body and blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and as we daily remember our Baptism and how God through water and Word claimed us as His own, our faith is deepened. We become bolder in our witness.

Jesus promises: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). Intimidation is cancelled by the gracious promise of our loving God: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

As the Reformers set the example, so we, too, can confess confidently with the apostle Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District District News Central News

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

Congregations mark Canada’s 150th

GRENFELL, Sask. - Peace Lutheran’s float won first place for organization in the Canada Day parade.

OXBOW, Sask. - St. Peter’s float in the Canada Day parade also celebrated the congregation’s 100th anniversary.

WINNIPEG - Members of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer celebrated on July 2 with ice cream.

WARMAN, Sask. - St. John’s members provided water at the Canada Day celebrations at Lions Park.

Circuit celebrates Augsburg Confession anniversary WINNIPEG - Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church hosted the Red River Circuit celebration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession on June 25. Central District President Tom Prachar preached on Psalm 119:46—“I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame.” Celebrant for the Holy Communion service was Rev. Cam Schnarr, assisted by circuit pastors, Jim Schnarr, Ward Yunker and Harald Schoubye. Seminarian Matthew Fenn was present to promote the St. Catharines seminary. He not only assisted with the service, but made a presentation to Beautiful Savior’s morning Bible Class.

Following the special service, everyone was treated to a delicious meal of pulled pork in the basement.

(back, l-r) Revs. Cam Schnarr, Jim Schnarr, Ward Yunker, Tom Prachar; (front) Seminarian Matthew Fenn, Rev. Harald Schoubye

The July/August 201723 3 THE Canadian CANADIAN LLutheran UTHERAN July/August 2017

Central District District News Central News

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

Celebrating continues at Lappe and blessed him in t h e m a ny p l a c e s he had served, and what a blessing the congregations were to him.

Rev. Otke gave thanks for his wife Kari and their family.

T h e n i t wa s t h e congregation’s turn.

The congregation thanked God for Congregation celebrates Canada Day their pastor and presented him with a gift. Letters on July 22 for the Wounded Warrior from Central District and different program, sponsored by the local levels of government were read. Of Lappe Volunteer Fire Department, course, in true Lutheran fashion the with Rev. Otke joining them for the service was followed by a barbecue week’s wilderness adventure. On July lunch.

30 the congregation acknowledged its Other events during Lappe’s Finnish roots hosting the closing anniversary year include a barbecue service for the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Festival weekend with Rev. Markku Niemela and Rev. Neil Otke (honouring Lappe’s 100th Congregation celebrates 100 years anniversary). showcasing the 100-year history OXBOW, Sask. - May 28, 2017 was The congregation will celebrate of the congregation in photos and the 100th anniversary of St. Peter the Reformation on November 5 memorabilia. A delicious roast Lutheran Church. A Divine Service with Lutheran Church–Canada’s beef fellowship luncheon followed was held at 11:00 a.m. with members President Robert Bugbee as guest the Service with meat that was of St. John Lutheran, Frobisher; preacher. graciously donated and prepared by Trinity Lutheran, Wordsworth; as 100th Anniversary Committee the St. Peter members. It was a very well as many past members who have wonderful celebration of 100 years moved to different communities, for of God’s faithfulness! an attendance of around 170 people.

Rev. Jason Schultz A handbell choir, children’s choir, For more photos of the day’s celebrations and and the St. John choir all added to the displays, go to St. Peter & St. John Lutheran celebration during the Service. The Parish Facebook page. congregation was blessed Visit the Central District website t o h ave t h e i r at www.lcccentral.ca former pastor Rev. Neil Otke as guest preacher.

Send news, photos, articles Ad d i t i o n a l l y, and announcements six weeks former pastors prior to publication month.

Re v s . D a v i d Elaine Stanfel, district editor, Ramsey and 509 Airport Road, Bill Kronen Pembroke, ON K8A6W7 celebrated the 613-687-6620 day with us. elaine.stanfel@gmail.com There were Next deadline great historical d i s p l a y s , (l-r) Revs. Neil Otke, Bill Kronen, David Ramsey, Jason Schultz September 16, 2017

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - During the Divine Service on Sunday, July 2, members of Lappe Lutheran Church celebrated Canada’s sesquicentennial, giving thanks to God, praying for the nation’s leaders, and asking for God’s continued guidance in Canada. The congregation, proudly wearing their red and white, sang “Oh Canada” with much gusto!

On July 9, Lappe members, along with members from Trinity Lutheran, celebrated Rev. Neil Otke’s 30 years in ministry. During his message, Rev. Otke spoke about the grace of God and how the call to be a pastor has led to many ups and downs. But he thanked God for His persistence in bringing him to seminary, first to St. Louis and then to Edmonton. He spoke of how God had always been with him throughout his ministry

(photo credit Carol Tetzlaff)

4 The 2017 24 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN July/August July/August 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

Fifty percent rain—fifty percent sun—but still totally fun BELWOOD, Ont. Fun and fellowship abounded at this year’s third annual East District camping weekend held in June at Highland Pines Campground near Guelph. An eclectic blend of Lutherans of all ages from congregations as far afield as Windsor and Ottawa gathered together via the large group tent site and rental cabins. Overall there were 65 people s p a n n i n g t h r e e Lutherans from Weekend. generations.

Between rain showers it was actually hot, so all made good use of the pool and splash pad. The campers also crafted, played parachute and board games, and had interesting theological discussions over propane stoves. And this year’s

several circuits gathered for the third annual

soccer game was particularly heated.

It was great to see the younger children, many of whom have now camped together three years in a row, forging friendships. Kids enjoyed roasting way too many marshmallows

and waving fiery sticks in the air.

Adults enjoyed telling them to be careful, singing hymns, and chatting by the fire until it started to rain violently, and then all enjoyed a good oldfashioned summer storm from the comfort of the tents.

Thanks go to Revs. Kitsch, Kuhl, and Ristau for leading the many services throughout the weekend. The ground-breaking Family Camping Kuhl kids set a new trend by roasting “Peeps” (marshmallow Easter treats). Who knows what will be roasted next at Lutheran Camping’s 2018 edition? Come and find out for yourself!

Elise Ristau

2017 Pastors & Deacons Conference moves to Camp Pioneer ANGOLA, New York - Camp Pioneer has long been a favoured retreat for East District confirmands but this year district church workers also enjoyed the relaxed, beautiful surroundings while conferring on other weighty matters. The conference May 15-17 left everyone with much to think about.

Day one featured Rev. Bill Ney, chairman of LCC’s Committee on Constitutional Matters & Structure, speaking about restructuring LCC, while on day two, Dr. Thomas W i n g e r, C o n c o rd i a L u t h e ra n Theological Seminary President, presented “What is Salvation? and What is Sanctification? Biblical Reflections on the Reformation.”

Between scheduled events, the forty plus church workers in attendance enjoyed the comradery of brothers and amenities of the camp for discussion and relaxation. So many expressed their desire to return

With such weighty matters as Synod Restructuring on the agenda, the 2017 spring conference was moved to the relaxed and beautiful surroundings of Camp Pioneer.

to Camp Pioneer in 2018 that a poll was conducted by the conference chairman after returning home. The

result: the 2018 Pastors & Deacons Conference will be held at Camp Pioneer on May 14-16.

THE CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN July/August July/August 2017 The Canadian 2017 25 1

East East District News

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

Longest-serving choir member celebrates 65th anniversary KITCHENER, Ont. - As a young newlywed, Joyce Kehn joined the Holy Cross choir singing soprano.

The choir was originally a ladies choir but in 1958 men were added. Over the years, Joyce was a sought-after soprano soloist for many occasions and frequently sang “O Holy Night” on Christmas Eve. She was always eager to entertain at church socials, ladies retreats, and church picnics (often dressing as a clown for the picnics). In the early years, she remembers the choir singing at Easter services and then helping serve the Easter breakfast.

Community choirs have also been a part of her past and she is a life member of Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions.

Currently Joyce still sings in the Church Choir, works with her daughter on the Cradle Roll, and makes regular visits to senior members of the church in nursing homes. She is the choir social convener who hosts coffee and donut time after rehearsal on the first Thursday of each month.

Her role as Choir treasurer requires her to collect funds for the social activities of the choir and for gifts given on behalf of the choir.

Thanks be to God for her many years of service.

Jennifer Massicotte

Elroy Mann (Director of the Board of Worship) presents Joyce Kehn with Royal Doulton carolers to commemorate the anniversary milestone.

From the president When shadows disappear nd I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. - (Isaiah 42:16) Although Helen Keller was blind to the sun which shines in the sky, the eyes of her soul enabled her to capture a sunshine for her life which no one was able to take from her. The darkness which had crowded about her on every side did not blot out the sunshine in her heart. This quote, which is attributed to her, summed up her philosophy: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do!” What a wonderful thought to ever keep with us.

Based upon Isaiah 42:16 and the familiar words of Psalm 119:105 which reads: “Your word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” I would like to add to Helen Kreller’s statement this insight — If we keep looking to God, who is the Light of the world, the shadows will disappear.

There will be a brightness about living which we can always possess, because coming from our Lord and our God, as His Word assures us, there will always be “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” that will never go out and will illuminate the pathways that we walk day by day.

A

There was once a group of friends who started out together to climb a rather steep mountain. One of them became rather ambitious and hurried along ahead of the others, so that finally he became separated from those with whom he was climbing. It was not until the others had scaled a rather steep precipice that they were united with their friend once again. There he was, sitting on a large rock looking out over the beautiful scenery below. However, the view was obstructed by some trees that dotted the face of the mountain.

So, as the others approached, the first thing that the ambitious climber said was, “Now that you are here, let us all go up a bit higher. Together, let us scale up that dangerous cliff over there, which I was unable to climb myself, to get an even better view.” The point being, that what this individual was unable to do alone, he was able to accomplish with the help of the others.

How often do we not find ourselves also thinking that God’s ways seem too slow for us? We cannot wait, so we hurry on by ourselves. Only to discover, as we face some impossible situation, that we too, are unable to carry on alone, that we are not able to achieve, not only what we want and desire, but also the greatest and most important victories — without the presence of our almighty and loving and gracious Lord and God. But with Him we climb to heights of undreamed beauty!

Rev. Paul Zabel

2 The July/August2017 2017 26 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN July/August

East District News News East District

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

Youth enjoy a full day at Higher Things retreat WATERLOO, Ont. - Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted a Reformation 500 event in the form of a one-day Higher Things Youth Retreat on March 17. The retreat was designed for youth in grades 5 to high school. The main speaker was Rev. George Borghardt, Senior Pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS) in McHenry, Illinois and the President of Higher Things.

Eighty-one people were in attendance including 53 young people. Rev. Borghardt taught that when the Gospel became clear to Dr. Luther, everything changed!

The Scriptures were opened up and he saw Jesus’ salvation everywhere.

Rev. Borghardt told the attendees that Luther’s teaching that we are, at the same time, saint and sinner, that the Law is one thing and the Gospel is another, and that the righteousness that God requires and the righteousness that God gives in Jesus are all different ways of saying the same thing about the glorious Reformation discovery Luther made.

We are saved by grace alone; that is,

by Jesus alone, and that salvation is received by faith alone. Rev. Borghardt took the young people

through the book of Romans to show how Luther discovered the precious treasure of the Gospel.

Following a lasagna lunch served up by the good people of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the young people went on a Reformation-poster puzzle-hunt. The youth went on to assemble a 50” X 50” Lego mosaic of the Luther Rose. Congregations or groups interested in borrowing a loanable Canadian Lego kit of the mosaic are encouraged to contact Rev. Ron Mohr at rmohr@lcceast.ca.

Next year’s retreat is scheduled for March 16, 2018.

Rev. David Saar

To create the Luther Rose from Lego, participants select individual pieces to complete their 5” X 5” baseplate pattern.

Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Lego bricks are required to complete the 100 baseplates of the mosaic.

Reach out through your Christian vocation as a community volunteer Canada - Bear witness to Christ’s love as you care for those in need around you. Volunteering in your local community is a great way to reach out in Christian love to people outside your congregation.

Many local, provincial, and national organizations are in need of volunteers to bring their services to individuals that need them.

The “home support” link at www.cnib.ca describes Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s

Vision Mate program. This is just one of many opportunities available for Lutheran Christians to bring Christ’s love to people in our communities. Check out Canadian Blood Services at www.blood.ca/en/ becoming-volunteer to assist with blood drives, or Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca/en/getinvolved to drive people for their treatments and appointments, or a service organization in your own community.

None of this should be done with the objective of getting those we serve to join our church, but simply to follow on Christ’s assurance that whatever we do for those in need we are doing for Him. But we also trust that God will use what we do through expressions of Christian love and service to draw people to Himself and to create opportunities for us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Christ alone.

Rev. Ron Mohr, Mission Encourager

THE CANADIANLutheran LUTHERAN July/August July/August 2017 The Canadian 2017 27 3

East East District News

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

Pastor retires after 37 years in the ministry MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - On July 16, Rev. Larry Flohr retired after 37 years serving as pastor, with the last 21 years at Christ Our King.

His celebration service was held at Christ Our King that day and more than 150 people came to hear his final sermon, “The Surprising Harvest,” based on the Gospel reading for the day from Matthew 13:19. East District President Zabel participated and administered the Rite of Farewell to a Pastor at Retirement. Rev. Gary

Rev. Larry Flohr offers one final benediction as pastor of Christ Our King Lutheran Church.

Reformation 500 exhibition kicks off festivities in Quebec SHERBROOKE, Que. - Local Lutherans are hosting a series of events during 2017 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation.

Rev. Razafy Razafindrakoto of Église Évangelique Luthérienne de la Réconciliation kicked off Reformation 500 festivities on July 29 with a special exhibition on the life and work of Martin Luther.

T h e o p e n - d o o r ex h i b i t i o n also hosted a conference, coffee hour, and a capella choir with songs of the 1517 Reformation.

A film screening and Bible camp for youth in mid-August will explore more about Martin Luther.

“Martin Luther is, for us, the most important reformer of the church,” Rev. Razafindrakoto said.

The Sherbrooke congregation has been preparing these events for months. Find out more about upcoming events at 819-565-5888.

Zieroth (a son of Christ Our King) read the Old Testament Reading and Rev. Robert Krestick, who ordained Rev. Flohr 37 years ago, read the Epistle.

Following the service, Rev. Flohr was presented with some gifts to help him in retirement, including a fishing pole and a deck of cards with a picture of the church on them (he loves playing euchre). The congregation also presented him with a memory book consisting of cards written by members of the congregation along with pictures from the last 21 years. President Zabel brought words of welcome from the district, and Rev. Krestick recalled their time together in their home church of First Lutheran in Windsor.

After the presentations, a delicious barbecue lunch with potluck salad and dessert was held in the basement. Former and current members of the congregation had the opportunity to extend best wishes and God’s blessings to Pastor Larry and family before leaving. Rev. Flohr and his wife Marjorie have now moved to their home by the lake in Minden, Ontario where they can enjoy quiet and peaceful days out on the dock, surrounded by nature and the beauty of the area.

Donna Prusha

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

Pastor Razafy outside Église Évangelique Luthérienne de la Réconciliation at 473 rue Bowen Sud in Sherbrooke shortly after the congregation’s move.

4 The July/August2017 2017 28 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN July/August

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Ilene Fortin, district editor East District Office 275 Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3 E-mail: ilene@lcceast.ca Fax: 519-578-3369

Next deadline: September 16, 2017

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Seminary education in Ukraine continues

by Edward Kettner

I

n late April and early May I had the privilege of returning to Ukraine to teach once again at the Lutheran Seminary in Odessa.

This was my sixth trip to Ukraine in the last twenty years and my fifth time teaching. I have taught at least one course to each of the four groups of students that have gone through the seminary.

I flew in to Odessa on April 22, and was met at the airport by the church’s bishop, Aleksandr Yurchenko (who was a student in the first group that went through the seminary) and by current student Yurij Timerkan (whose mother Larissa serves as the seminary cook), and taken to the seminary in the village of Usatovo.

The next day I attended church at the congregation in Odessa, with Bishop Yurchenko preaching.

I began teaching on Monday, April 24. The class has four students with one additional man who was auditing the course. The topic of the course was Christology, dealing with the Person and Work of Christ, along with the nature of Saving Grace and Justification by Faith, thus covering the heart and core of our theology—the articles of faith upon which the Church stands and falls. Most days, class sessions ran six hours, three in the morning and three in the afternoon, with

Nikolai Pohilij, Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner, Yurij Timerkan, Oksana Kovalenko (translator), Dimitrij Volohov, Dimitrij Kravchenko.

only a morning session on Fridays.

Classes were taught in English with Russian translation concurrent.

On April 30 I had the privilege of preaching to the Odessa congregation, and then was taken, along with our translator, on a walking tour of the city of Odessa by one of the students who is a native of the city and very proud of it. The course ended with a final exam and a barbecue on May 11. I flew back home May 12. The teaching, learning, and translation work is at times difficult, but the end result, God willing, will be four

new pastors for the church who are capable of faithfully preaching the Good News of Christ to the church in Ukraine and to people who do not yet know the Gospel.

Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

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

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Fifty years of blessings for the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada CANADA - As the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada m a r k s i t s 5 0 th anniversary in 2017 it is celebrating and giving thanks to God for the men and women of the Lutheran Laymen’s League who have made it their objective to assist the Lutheran Church of Missouri, Ohio & other States (later known as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) in word and deed since 1917 and Lutheran Church–Canada since 1989.

When the Lutheran Laymen’s League (later the Int’l LLL) was formed in 1917 by twelve men to relieve the Synod of its crippling $100,000 debt, members of Canadian congregations were among those who joined. In 1920, the LLL raised $2.7 million to establish a benevolent fund for the Synod’s retired and invalid professors, pastors, and teachers and the widows and orphans of deceased “servants of the Word.”

In 1923 and 1926, it helped equip radio station KFUO operating out of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis.

Re-organizing in 1929, the LLL expanded its membership and its focus shifted from just gathering funds to encouraging lay participation in all phases of church work, particularly in congregations.

In 1930, it resolved to “put the Gospel on the air” through a national radio program and on October 2, 1930, the first broadcast of The Lutheran Hour aired on

30

WHK Cleveland, with legendary speaker Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier.

These continued until June 11, 1931 when network policies and financial uncertainties during the depression stopped the weekly broadcasts. 1935 saw the broadcasts re-start and in the decades since, listeners have received inspiration and encouragement from messages preached by many speakers: Rev. Dr. W.A. Maier, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Acker, Rev. Dr. Armin Oldsen, Rev. Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann, Rev. Wallace Schulz, Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus; and Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz.

At first Canadians heard the early broadcasts from American radio stations near the border. By 1941, six Canadian stations were

also airing the weekly program. This number increased to a high of 102 stations, with the number currently sitting at 84. Now the Internet makes these programs available anytime and anywhere.

The influence of The Lutheran Hour is difficult to measure and stories of its impact come from surprising sources. It’s not unusual for the LLL-C office in Kitchener to receive a call from someone who listened to the program at home when they couldn’t attend church during illness, wild prairie winters, or while in remote areas of Canada where there was no Lutheran church. John Daniels, who served as the Director of the LLL office in Canada before becoming the Executive Director of the Int’l LLL, said The Lutheran Hour was instrumental in his becoming a

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

Christian. Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel (LCC’s Executive for Missions and Social Ministry) tells how the program was instrumental in him meeting his wife and her coming to faith in Brazil. When interviewing Rev. Dr. Paul Meier, son of the original speaker, on the Canadian TV program 100 Huntley Street, host David Mainse admitted that every Sunday before his family left home for their Pentecostal church service, where his father was the pastor, they always listened to The Lutheran Hour!

When television gained popularity in the 1940s, the Int’l LLL produced four feature films and even televised some Lutheran Hour broadcasts. In 1952, the LCMS started producing “This is the Life”, a television drama series and in 1967 invited the Int’l LLL to join as a cosponsor of Lutheran Te l e v i s i o n . T h e League assumed sole responsibility for production in 1975 which continued until 1988. “The Life” was seen across Canada on a number of TV stations and early on the films were distributed from the homes of two pastors, one in Edmonton and the other in Kitchener. LLL Canada purchased time for the program on the national cable network Vision TV from 1989 to 1995 when “On Main Street,” hosted by Dr. Dale Meyer, became a staple for the channel. For eight years it generated ongoing response to its biblical approach to hot topics.

Television specials for Christmas and Easter, produced by Lutheran Television, were also popular with Canadian stations and audiences.

1967 was a banner year: Canada celebrated its centennial; there were 242 LCMS congregations in Canada; and LLL Canada incorporated and registered as a Canadian charity. It continued distributing the Int’l LLL programs in Canada and working

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

LLL Canada (cont.) with congregations, and LLL members, groups and volunteers.

Those volunteers have faithfully served both LLL Canada and the Int’l LLL, as well as hosted Int’l LLL conventions in Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Saskatoon.

When Lutheran Church–Canada formed in 1988, LLL Canada began working with this new church body.

Over the years there have been a number of cooperative efforts including: Parish Media Team workshops for more than 350 people from 90 LCC congregations; support for translation in Thailand; funding for television outreach in Ukraine; medicines for Ukraine; printing of the catechism in Russian; Equipping to Share workshops; funding for the national youth gathering; multimedia outreach in Quebec; Living for Tomorrow in Saskatoon; and the Reach Out Canada conference marking LCC’s 25th anniversary.

LLL Canada also focuses on meeting the needs of the members and congregations of LCC with printed devotions for Lent and Advent, translating them into French and Chinese and posting them on Facebook. During the 1980s it produced a French language radio program with speakers, Rev. David Elseroad and Rev. Denis Fortin. It now hosts a website featuring a radio program from France and translates LHM Project Connect booklets to reach francophone speakers as well as those whose native tongue is Chinese. You’ll also find the organization on Facebook.

Responding to a recent survey, LLL Canada is developing new resources to help Christians in their everyday witness and outreach.

“SolasAlive” features short internet videos using the themes of Luther’s reformation to connect people with the Gospel and the church. “Serving with Joy” is an easy and fun way to use simple serving opportunities to connect people with the Gospel.

“So many of our LCC congregations are making use of the

resources offered by LHM through LLL Canada,” explains Rev. Ron Mohr, Mission Encourager in LCC’s East District. “The video and print Bible studies are very popular, especially the series on Martin Luther and the Reformation marking this year’s 500th.” He notes that one of the first places many pastors look for helpful resources for parishioners is the Project Connect booklets. “All of the LHM resources apply Biblical truths to practical needs of the people in our communities.”

The Int’l LLL conducts outreach from 30 ministry centers around the world. LLL Canada is responsible for Canada but has also provided financial support for the work in France, India, and Nigeria.

Currently, it partners with LHM Nicaragua in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ alongside the local Lutheran church.

One thing that makes LLL unique in Christian media outreach organizations is that it does not rely primarily on the ‘audience’ for financial support. Most of the funds to produce and distribute Lutheran Hour Ministries’ programs and m a t e r i a l s c o m e f ro m d o n o r s across Canada who simply want to participate in a ministry dedicated to effectively sharing the Gospel. As an auxiliary of LCC, LLL Canada is financially independent and is not funded by the Synod; instead it relies on the faithful and generous support of individuals, groups, and some congregations.

For the past fifty years in Canada, LLL Canada’s efforts have reflected the organization’s slogan: “Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church.” God willing, LLL Canada will continue on in that mission for many more years to come.

Find LLL Canada online at www.lll.ca.

Partnering with you in HIS mission

Prayer – When You Don’t Know What to Say Prayer is the privileged means we are given for communicating praise, thanksgiving, searching, and sharing with our Heavenly Father. The importance of prayer, our words and God’s ways of answering are considered. The Lord’s Prayer is examined and valuable insights are offered.

(6BE148) Also available in French and Chinese.

Learning to Pray Prayers for thanksgiving, safety, and at bedtime are some of the small ‘talks’ youngsters have with God. This little booklet for children encourages them to pray and provides some prayer poems as useful examples. (6BE158).

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

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

New Threinen book: Landestreu, An Odyssey

CANADA - Rev. Dr. Norman J. Threinen, professor emeritus of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) has recently released his latest book, Landestreu, An Odyssey: The Story of a Family over Time (published by and available from Friesen Press). In this work, Threinen recounts the story of his own ancestors, tracing their journey from Germany in the late 18 th century first to Galacia (in what is today Ukraine), and then, more than a century later, to Canada.

While the book focuses especially on Threinen’s own family, the journey is one that countless Germans undertook in the late 1700s. In 1772, Austria, Prussia, and Russia annexed and divided part of Poland, subsequently inviting hardworking Germans to settle in these underdeveloped territories. In exchange for leaving their homelands, the Germans were granted freedom to keep their faith, large lots of farm land, and the promise of a brighter future.

Dr. Threinen is a noted historian on Lutheranism in Canada, and his typical depth of research shines through in this work. But the book is more than just a historical study; it blends history together with narrative, drawing readers into the

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story of Magnus Nabass and his wife as they make their way to their new home in Galacia. We travel with them by wagon from their home in southwest Germany to the city of Ulm, where they board a ship to Vienna, Austria. From Vienna, we follow their journey to Lemberg (modern-day Lviv, Ukraine), before we come at last to the new village of Landestreu. In the end, Magnus and his family travelled nearly 1,200 kms, as the crow flies, from their home in Germany—a journey which took more than half a year to complete.

In Landestreu, the family put down roots that would last for several generations. And although frontier life was hard, it was also rewarding.

The land bore fruit in its season—as did the family. Children were born.

Marriages were celebrated. Through it all, a steady faith supported the German settlers.

The same faith would follow several citizens of Landestreu as they later moved to settle other land in Bukovina. Among them was another Threinen ancestor—Philipp Brandt.

And when Bukovina would prove unsatisfactory as a long-term home, Brandt and family would immigrate to Canada, spurred by the prospect of good, affordable land. There they would settle with other German families in a new Landestreu, in what is today Saskatchewan.

The heart of this community of settlers was not a town but a

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

church—a Lutheran fellowship grounded in faith and worship.

Here it is that Threinen’s ancestors would finally all come together, the completion of a centurylong odyssey from Landestreu to Landestreu.

The book draws to a close with the conclusion of World War I. But, as Threinen notes, the story does not end there. “From the community, many have gone forth to make their contribution to the country and to the world,” he writes. Indeed, we in Lutheran Church–Canada are particularly indebted to the people of Landestreu, as the congregation there served as a sort of mother church for further expansion of the Lutheran faith in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Landesteu, An Odyssey is a lively read which draws the audience in and brings history to life. And while it is the story of one particular family, its account of faith, family, and immigration is one that many readers will find parallels stories of their own. Some may even be inspired to dig deeper into their own family history, that they may better understand and honour their forebears—just as Threinen has honoured his in this book.

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

Trial and Appellate Counsel – Commercial Litigation Garfinkle | Biderman LLP 801-1 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 2V9 Tel 416.869.1234 Fax 416.869.0547 www.garfinkle.com

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HELPING YOU GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Lutheran Women Today

LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE–CANADA

An amazing way to answer God’s call Like many who are involved in THE MISSION of Lutheran the mission of LWMLC, I became Women’s Missionary League– involved through the mentorship of Canada is to: my mother and the women of the EQUIP, MOTIVATE AND group at my home congregation. It ENCOURAGE WOMEN to is included among many small, often • GROW in God’s Word, rural, congregations that have aged • SHARE God’s Son and and seen membership decrease in • SERVE God’s people recent years. We can all be encouraged, Every woman of Lutheran Church– however, knowing we are part of a Iris Barta, President Canada has an opportunity to be part bigger picture. A quilt or two made in of this mission. If there is an LWMLC one LWMLC society (group) in a local congregation society in your congregation ask them how your are added to hundreds from all across Canada; a few gifts and talents can be incorporated. Find out loonies or toonies dropped in your collection box what opportunities there are to be encouraged are added to thousands of dollars used for mission to grow in your faith and equipped to share projects across Canada and in international mission your faith with others. If there isn’t a society in fields. Every woman involved in LWMLC is part of your congregation, use the contact information a national network of over 2,500 women in Canada. included in this insert and check out the article LWMLC is part of an even bigger mission. We on getting involved to see what you might do. work alongside the women’s organizations of the God has called each of us to serve Him United States, Australia, and England. We share (Deuteronomy 10:12). LWMLC is an amazing ideas and support each other in our common faith way to answer that call! and mission. What a blessing to share a common Iris Barta goal with thousands of other women in the world!

President

Stronger together, united in His name to grow, share and serve God created a world of order where women and men complement each other with their different abilities. God made woman and man to work together for His glory, and for the good of His church, for families, and the world. This is the purpose and reason for the LWMLC. As women of faith, it is an honour to use our Godgiven gifts as each has been gifted by the Holy Spirit to the very best of our abilities. We know God is with us always, providing us with all we need to further spread His love—to the women of LCC and beyond.

The goal of the LWMLC Christian Growth Committee is to use our God-given gifts to provide women with tools that encourage them and help them grow their faith in Jesus. By using the gifts He has graced us with we provide devotions, Bible studies, inspirational stories, etc.—equipping, motivating and encouraging them to grow in God’s word so they can share the gospel with others.

The theme for this triennium in LWMLC is “Fan into Flame the Gift of God,” 2 Timothy 1:6.

We are focusing on sharing the Word of God with those in our families, our churches and beyond our comfort zone. We’ve written on topics like

The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017

“Loving the Unlovable” and “Being in the World, Not of the World.” How important is it for us to “fan the flame” of the spark the Holy Spirit placed into our children and grandchildren at their baptism? To show by example the important part God plays in our day to day lives?

If you would like to hear more about what we do, we’d love to share with you. If your interest is stirred, ask a woman in your congregation how she benefits from being a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to spread the Word of God and to show His love in whatever way she can.

As she shares her story with you, take note of the excitement that is sure to take over.

We’re all in this together and how much stronger we are when we’re united in His name and doing His work—all by His grace. Explore with us and grow in God’s Word. Join with us and share God’s Son and serve God’s people here and around the world “When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’!” Erma Bombeck Roberta Nixon, Vice-president, Christian Growth LWML–Canada

LWMLC – HOW DO I FIT IN? what we read, translators inserted the marks we have today.

Theologically or spiritually, when referring to our relationship with Jesus Christ and all that it entails, the nuance of each sentence is even more meaningful, profound and important.

For example: How do I fit into the love of Jesus and His plan of salvation for me? How do I fit in as a member of His church, of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada? How do I fit in, loving Jesus as my Saviour and my neighbour

as myself? The question mark indicates that you may be either questioning or searching into these matters—or being strongly defensive about them. If you substitute the exclamation marks for question marks, the sentences take a whole new meaning. How do I fit in! If you substitute the exclamation mark for a period or a colon, it seems that these matters are settled with no doubt and that you may want to explain, confess or witness about them.

Renate Bishopp Vice-President, Christian Mission

unified form to the mosaic He makes me fit in! for His service and glory.

Considering the way LWMLC is bigger than its God created and sustains name—much more than us—we can’t but exclaim: just a name or individual “It is just because of His society. Paul says: “All of mercies that He makes me you who were baptized fit in!” Considering the into Christ have clothed sacrifice Jesus endured yourselves with Christ. a n d a c c o mp l i s h e d f o r our salvation, the way He Rev. Leonardo Neitzel There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male adopted us and nourishes nor female, for you are all one in Christ us in the fellowship of His church—we Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28). can’t but exclaim: “It is just because The legacy of faith is transmitted of His mercies that He makes me fit from generation to generation. One of in!” Considering the way the Holy my mother’s greatest joys was to nurture Spirit grafted us into Christ through in us the love of Jesus through her baptism, sustains and guides our faith teaching and example. Together with my and witness through God’s Word and father they raised fourteen children— the Sacraments—we can’t but exclaim: ten of their own and four adopted. There “It is just because of His mercies that were ten daughters and four sons in He makes me fit in!” In Ephesians 2:8-9 the family. It is a large extended family Jesus says: “You did not choose me, but I where Christ still today, is the Head and chose you and appointed you to go and at the centre. My sisters and we brothers bear fruit—fruit that will last.” grew up in the Christian mentorship of Made to fit in—we serve mom and dad. Each and all are called to As a mosaic we are part of the fit it, counted as part of Christ’s family. universal church and a global LWML. Each has something to contribute. It is There is diversity in cultures, languages, not a perfect family, as we all are cracked colours, shapes and sizes. Each person pots and broken vessels. Just because of and group is unique, has its own shape, this my parents did not want us to lose size and colour. Our Master, Jesus sight of the fellowship with Christ. As Christ, through His wisdom, makes they were graced by God’s mercy, made each piece fit together perfectly. He to fit in His plan of salvation—they have blesses His church with many and committed their lives in living an active various gifts, skills and talents—large, faith through witnessing and serving as small, visible, invisible, young, old, Christ’s instruments. yellow, black and white. Each and all What a way to fit in! are precious in His sight. Through Word The church may be compared to an and Holy Spirit He gives shape and

orchestra. As each musician tries tuning his or her instrument for the concert, it produces a noisy and out-of-harmony sound! There is heavy work from the part of each member and the orchestra as a whole, though. Each member is to play a part, which, joined with the others, fits in perfectly. The conductor sets the tone, conducts—and out comes a perfect harmony.

In similar way, each woman has a deep place in God’s heart, is part of His plan of salvation, and part of His orchestra for this world. Each has a special call to belong and to fit in—to participate—with a special gift and skill to receive, give and to share. The content of the melody is divine as Christ is the Head and the Conductor. He makes us fit in and contribute in whatever manner that His name be glorified, people saved and nurtured in His Word.

As we take our call and place in the opportunities God gives us to fit in, we are strengthened and grow in our spiritual life, encouraged and equipped for His service. LWMLC’s theme and approach has always been to serve in gratitude—which is always an encouraging call! The results of our service are God’s responsibility. We just sow the seed and play our part. He guarantees the outcome: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

Rev. Leonardo Neitzel Mission Executive, LCC

How do I fit in? How do I fit in! How do I fit in. How do I fit in: Notice the difference? A little symbol or punctuation at the end of a sentence can change its meaning quite significantly. In reading and writing, it is helpful to pay attention to commas, periods, exclamations, interrogations, colons, semicolons, slashes, dashes, ellipsis, you name it!

The original Scripture text doesn’t have punctuation marks. To remain faithful to the original text, to convey its real meaning and help us to understand

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The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017

LWML–Canada

LWMLC – HOW DO I FIT IN? Troubled lives turned around Lutheran Wo m e n’s Missionary League–Canada is very missionorientated.

They pray for and support Rev. DJ Kim financially many worthy causes around the world through their mites, donations and grants. They especially have impacted the work of a missionary working on the streets in Saskatchewan, Rev. DJ Kim. His full name is Dong Joo Kim and he is from Korea, now an ordained Lutheran Church–Canada pastor. Rev. Kim says, “If it wasn’t for these beautiful women, I would not have made it this far. Their financial support, their caring,

and especially their prayers have been great spiritual ammunition in this battlefield.”

He began to serve the Regina City Police Services as chaplain and became known as Padre DJ Kim as captain with the Royal Regina Rifle Reserves at the Regina Armories. He says as captain in the Royal Regina Rifles, “I am not here to convert anybody. I am here to help the troops make sense of what they do. These guys run forward into danger when everyone else runs away.

They need someone to help them make sense of that.”

This is where the mission-orientated LWMLC ladies fit into the picture. Word was spreading of the work of this street ministry. LWMLC women gave him the opportunity to get his message across

Canada. He spoke as their guest speaker at their conventions and gatherings at places like Brandon, Man., Dryden, Ont. and Lumsden, Sask. They prayed and they gave.

Rev. Kim relates to people on both sides of the law, helping victims of the crime on the path to healing as well as reaching out to those who have committed the crime and the officers who have to deal with it day in and day out. Busy and always on the run himself, he says, “Day or night, my boys know my phone is on 24 hours a day.”

Rev. Kim is the first to tell you that the only thing that can turn a troubled life around is the grace of God. “Look at me,” he says, “I’m the living proof!”

For a more detailed story, watch for the winter issue of LWMLC’s magazine, Tapestry.

Joy for pastors involved with LWML–Canada Lutheran Women’s Jesus Christ with the world Missionar y League– around us.

Canada is not just about Sometimes when we women. While the look at our congregations members are all Lutheran we can get focused only on women, their activities, survival. Yet, working with e n c o u r a g e m e nt , a n d the women of LWMLC can support are for everyone help lift our eyes beyond inside and outside of the ourselves to the greater church. This is what first church and mission fields encouraged us, and many in which God has placed Rev. Brad Julien other pastors, to get more us and privileged us to involved in LWMLC. As participate in—at home, in an auxiliary of Lutheran our communities, in our C hu r c h – C a n a d a , t h e province, in this country, mission of LWMLC and and throughout this world. of each of their societies The theme for this is to “equip, motivate, triennium in LWMLC is and encourage women “Fan into Flame the Gift to grow in God’s Word, of God,” based on Paul’s share God’s Son and serve encouragement to Timothy God’s people” with their in 2 Timothy 1:6. The Holy time, talents, and treasures Rev. Jeff Dul Spirit does this work as (including, but not limited we gather to hear God’s to their mites).

Word and receive His sacrament in the It is a mutual blessing to regularly Divine Service, and then He continues gather with the women of LWMLC in to fan the flames of faith as the ladies their Bible studies and to join them at gather and study God’s Word revealed their renewals, for we share the same in Christ. It is a fantastic opportunity ultimate goal: to share the Gospel of to discuss God’s Word together, along

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The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017

with its implications in the daily lives of the ladies.

We would extend the invitation to all pastors and ladies to get involved growing in God’s Word together, sharing Christ Jesus with the world, and serving and supporting God’s people with the gifts God has given you.

Rev. Brad Julien Rev. Jeff Dul LWMLC Pastoral Counsellors

LWMLC Christian Mission Committee is looking for mission grant ideas for the 2018 convention. A list of proposals already received has been posted on our website; more are to come including yours!

Also posted at https:// lutheranwomen.ca/ missions/how-to-submita-grant-proposal are guidelines for submitting your proposal.

LWML–Canada

Missions supported by LWMLC grants from mites in 2013-2018 Medical Missions shipping Construction materials, Dominican Republic Mission Centre kitchen, Nicaragua Youth and counsellors, short-term mission teams Mission assistance in Costa Rica Children’s feeding program, Rancheria, Nicaragua Vehicle, Rev. Michael Kuhn, LBTC, Cameroon Deaconess Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya Seminary chapel, Odessa Ukraine Sewing school, Cambodia Feeding and Christian education program, Nicaragua Sister to Sister seminar, Cambodia Evangelists/deaconesses, Cambodia Evangelists/deaconesses, Nicaragua Canadian teachers, Concordia Seminary, Odessa, Ukraine

$10,000 $4,000 $5,400 $11,000 $1,750

Children’s ministry in small congregations South Asian radio broadcast in Greater Toronto Area

$11,500

$10,000 $5,000 $15,000 $17,688 $4,735 $7,200 $8,532 $8.532 $9,000 $16,000

$3,000

Windsor Essex County Lutheran Outreach Atlantic Canada ministry LAMP missionary and pilot Refurbish LAMP plane Bibles for outreach, Dryden, Ontario Food Bank, Dryden, Ontario Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp, Northwestern Ontario Skill development for chaplains Hope Lutheran School, Port Coquitlam, B.C. Birthing and developing new LCC congregations, ABC District LCC National Youth Gathering 2016 Technology upgrade, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton Visiting and site pastors, Maritimes Community Cupboard, Kitchener, Ontario Mission Opportunity Grant (funds can be applied for between conventions)

$3,600 $2,500 $17,500 $12,500 $755 $2,500 $1,744 $3,000 $20,710 $8,602 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $73,000

Total

$344,750

Getting involved • Check our web site for resources designed by and for Lutheran Women • “Like” Lutheran Women Canada on Facebook for daily inspirational posts and follow us on Twitter. (addresses below at right) • Subscribe to Tapestry—regular print, large print, electronic or audio—for Bible studies and articles for Christian women.

• Contact your local LWMLC society (group) for Bible study or assistance in getting a new Bible study group started.

• Contact the women of your local LWMLC group to learn how you can be involved in hands-on mission service projects.

• Contribute financially to mission projects through your congregation or directly to LWMLC • We’re exploring a virtual or online group for those who are unable to participate in person. Share your ideas of how it might work with Laura at datamanager@ lutheranwomen.ca.

LWML–Canada Resource Centre 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 1-888-596-5226 Ext. 220 resourcecentre@lutheranwomen.ca

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The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2017

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

ibe Subscr ! today

Available in print, including large print.

Not enough time to read?

• Order the audio version (MP3 files on CD for CD players or to transfer to your favourite device) and listen while you drive or run

• Order the electronic (PDF) version and take it with you to appointments, and other places where you wait Order from Laura at: datamanager@lutheranwomen.ca or 1-780-299-6123 Credit cards accepted Consider contributing a faith-based story.

For details on themes, deadlines and how to submit visit https://lutheranwomen.ca/publications-and-forms/tapestry

LWML–Canada President Iris Barta president@lutheranwomen.ca 1-204-889-8494

LWML–Canada https://lutheranwomen.ca https://www.facebook.com/LWMLC http://lwmlcnews.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/LWMLC LWML–Canada

In Review: Dunkirk

by Ted Giese

W

riter/director Christopher Nolan has done for the W W I I eva c u a t i o n o f Dunkerque, France (code-named Operation Dynamo) what Steven Spielberg did for the Allied D-Day amphibious landing in Normandy, France (codenamed Operation Neptune). But where Spielberg’s 1889 film Saving Private Ryan left the French beach and the English Channel to tell a more conventional war-genre narrative, Dunkirk stays on the beach and in the beleaguered English Channel—making Dunkirk a more neatly-told story and, by order of magnitude, a more claustrophobic and relentlessly intense film. And Nolan does this without an R-rating, making Dunkirk a much more accessible film for a wider audience.

Dunkirk details the English evacuation of its expeditionary force from continental Europe after an unexpected, aggressive, and successful push from the Nazi army as its Panzer division repeated blitzkrieg pinned British and French ground troops against the English Channel on the sandy beaches of Dunkirk, France.

While Britain, France, and New Zealand had declared war against Germany following the Nazi invasion of Poland on September 3, 1939, not a lot happened in the first months of the war. Then on May 10, 1940 the English and Allies deployed an expeditionary force. By May 20 everything was falling apart as the force was routed and bottled up at Dunkirk.

In telling the story of Dunkirk, Nolan has crafted an extraordinarily intense and at times unnerving film about a military catastrophe which against all odds was snatched out of the fires of total defeat. Part of his strategy to keep viewers on the edge of their seats is the disorienting way in which the narrative develops.

While chronological, the film is not precisely linear—at least not in a conventional way. Three separate narrative threads weave together into a single epic tapestry—but each thread covers events that would have

taken different lengths of time to chronologically unfold. Essentially, it’s like this: imagine three men arriving at an intersection—one walking, one on a bike, and the other driving a car.

They each arrive at the same point at the same moment, but it took longer for the man to walk there, less time for the man on the bike, and even less time for the man in the car. Now intercut these three stories: at first the impression is they are each happening simultaneously, particularly if their respective story is told in equal parts.

This is what viewers get with Dunkirk: a temporal disruption to the natural unfolding of time that heightens the tension and drama.

The three narrative threads Nolan takes up to tell the evacuation story are land, sea, and air. The story that begins on land with 400,000plus stranded ground troops unfolds over a one-week timeframe. The sea-based story largely focuses on the conscripted British personal and commercial boats deployed across the English Channel to ferry soldiers to larger ships or back to Britain directly. This narrative thread unfolds over a one-day time frame. Meanwhile, the story that takes place in the air over the English Channel and the beaches of Dunkirk unfolds over a one-hour time frame.

Each narrative thread receives about the same screen time yet are intercut in such a way that it takes some time for the audience to understand just how everything is unfolding.

The land narrative revolves around fictional young British private named Tommy, who works determinedly to get off the beach and back to England while most of the other soldiers await rescue patiently.

His efforts could best be summed up with the phrase “two steps forward, one step back.” The drama from the land point of view comes from the tested patience of the ground forces as they have to wait while exposed to enemy air attacks. Christian viewers may be reminded of the words of St. Peter: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing

that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The British expeditionary force is essentially being asked to trust that rescue is coming no matter how bleak the situation might look.

The narrative of their rescue by sea is centred on a small pleasure vessel captained by Mr. Dawson, his teenage son Peter, and Peter's friend George. While some vessels were commandeered by the Royal Navy and manned by sailors, many others like this fictional boat were piloted by their owner/operators. By sticking to the historical details, primarily the young age of most of the British expeditionary force soldiers, Nolan ends up highlighting a striking feature of this rescue. The men who came to the aid of the soldiers by sea are older and some younger teenage boys. The image of the fathers and grandfathers of Britain rescuing their sons is moving and the kind of thing rarely witnessed in films today.

Told with little dialogue, Nolan’s Dunkirk still manages to emphasize the interactions, both positive and sometimes negative, between men under stress on the battle field. For the Christian viewer, what emerges especially is a meditation on the Fifth Commandment: You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love

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In Review (cont.)

God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbour in his body, but help and support him in every physical need (emphasis added).

Apart from the Nazi Luftwaffe pilots, no German soldiers are visible— only the sporadic and opportunistic gunfire of an enemy army consistently outside the cinematographer’s frame.

This adds to the mounting suspense and makes Dunkirk less about the German attackers and more about the evacuation and rescue. Although the film depicts intermittent acts of selfishness and selfish selfpreservation by some soldiers, overall the film is about rising to meet the obligations of the Fifth Commandment— men, both military and civilian, risking their lives to s ave t h e l i ve s of others. For example, when M r. D a w s o n , Peter and George rescue their first stranded soldier, he selfishly wants them to take him, and him alone, back to Britain.

Instead they carefully distract and contain the belligerent soldier to rescue additional soldiers.

The rescue narrative from the air also shows this high degree of willingness towards self-sacrifice.

Nolan eventually homes in on a single Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot, Farrier, who works to “help and support his neighbour in every physical need” by continuing to engage the enemy, even when he could have turned back to England for mechanical reasons.

In a year awash with big budget super heroes and sci-fi, Dunkirk

provides a unique, intense filmgoing experience. It’s commitment to detail and near flawless execution makes it one of the best war films to date, and puts it into contention for the upcoming awards season.

The freshness of Nolan’s narrative approach will keep viewers on the edge of their seats and stay with them after they leave the theatre. The three threads of the narrative start reorganizing in the mind and act like a memory—a memory that honours the hour in the air, the day at sea, and the week on land for all those involved at Dunkirk. Even though the story is told primarily with fictional characters, Nolan manages to honour the real men (and some women nurses) caught up in the events of the WWII evacuation in a candid and c a t h a r t i c way befitting of their sacrifices.

A word of warning: while the film is rated PG in Canada, it can’t be stressed enough that this film is an intense experience, especially if viewed in IMAX. People suffering w i t h a n x i e t y, claustrophobia, fears of water or drowning, and those who generally have a hard time with war films will want to think long and hard before attending Dunkirk. The film will likely be far too challenging for small children and sensitive children entering their teenage years.

The film is about rising to meet the obligations of the Fifth Commandment— men, both military and civilian, risking their lives to save the lives of others.

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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.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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Transitions Rev. Gilvan de Azevedo, Emeritus, Windsor, Ontario to Bethel Lutheran C h u rc h , K i t c h e n e r, O n t a r i o .

(Installation to be determined at a later date.)

Rev. Peter Van Katwyk, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Red Deer, Alberta to Zion Lutheran Church, Prince George, B.C. and Vanderhoof Lutheran Church, Vanderhoof, B.C. (Installation to be determined at a later date.)

Announcements Rev. Esko Murto of St. Catherines, Ontario has successfully completed the requirements of the Pastoral Colloquy Prog ram for L ut heran Church-Canada and is, therefore, eligible for a call in LCC.

History of the Reformation

Translating the Bible

by Mathew Block

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s far as Martin Luther was common to all,” Luther wrote in 1522.

Luther’s absence, the Reformation concerned, the Wartburg “They are clear enough in respect to had been thrown into confusion. castle was more a prison what is necessary for salvation, and Andreas Karlstadt had begun a radical than anything else. He had been are also obscure enough for inquiring agenda of reform in June 1521 which spirited away to this place in May 1521 minds. Let everyone search for his had subsequently led to the smashing following his appearance at the Diet portion in the most abundant and of statues and artwork, rebellion of Worms. This was a subterfuge of universal Word of God.” among the Augustinian monks, and Frederick the Wise, who knew it was So it is that Luther began his growing civil disorder. The situation dangerous for Luther to go home now translation. But Luther knew that if was a powder keg: what had begun that he was under the imperial ban. people were to read Scripture aright, as reformation was in danger of But Luther’s safety came at a exploding into armed revolution. price. Isolated from his friends and Still disguised as a knight, coworkers, he suffered intense Luther made a secret trip to loneliness. What is more, he Wittenberg in December 1521 to had to live with the knowledge assess the situation. He wrote a that he was a hunted man. He letter admonishing the people to subsequently had to pretend to obey due authority and refrain be someone he was not: in place from insurrection. But rebellion of Luther the monk there arose seemed ever more likely, especially the Knight George. He grew a following the arrival in the new beard and let his hair grow out to year of the so-called Zwickau complete the disguise. prophets. These people stirred up It is little surprise that Luther the populace yet again, claiming would come to refer to the direct revelation from God that Wartburg as his “Patmos”—the superseded Scripture. island to which St. John was Despite the danger he faced exiled in his later years. But like under the imperial ban, Luther left St. John, who wrote the Book his lonely prison at the Wartburg of Revelation while on Patmos, and returned to Wittenberg in Luther used his time at the March 1522. There he opposed Wartburg industriously, writing the false prophets and demanded numerous letters and tracts. they produce a miracle to But more than any other, Martin Luther Translating the Bible (Eugène Siberd, 1898). authenticate their claims. No such the work which stands out from confirmation was forthcoming, Luther’s Wartburg period is his it was important to translate in a way and the “prophets” left town. translation of the New Testament. the average person could understand.

In a series of sermons, Luther A professor of Scripture, Luther had To that end, Luther would slip into encouraged the people not to be grounded his calls for reform in the nearby villages to listen to the people prisoners to their passions, but teachings of the Bible. But for most talking. He wanted his translation to instead to follow a moderate path of people, the debate between Luther and speak in a voice they would recognize. reformation—one that respected the his opponents was beyond their grasp “We must ask the mother in the home, consciences of their fellow believers for the simple reason they could not the children on the street, the common and did not force sudden changes speak Latin—and Latin was the only person in the market about this,” he upon them. In the cause of reform, readily accessible translation of the writes in a later letter explaining his he said, it is necessary to educate not Bible available. methodology of translation. “We must dictate—to demonstrate the truth of That, Luther determined, had to be guided by their tongue, the manner one’s positions on the basis of the change. For too long, the Bible had of their speech, and do our translating Word rather than legislate compliance. been held prisoner in the language of accordingly.”

“We must preach and teach, and let the the scholar; it was time it spoke in the Such clarity was precisely what Word alone do the work,” he explained. vernacular too. “The Scriptures are the people needed at this time. In “The Word must first capture the THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

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History (cont.) hearts of men and enlighten them; we will not be the ones who will do it.”

That Word would begin to capture the hearts of men and women across Germany in a powerful new way a few months later. Luther had completed his translation of the New Testament prior to his return to Wittenberg. Now he and his friend Philip Melanchthon, prepared the work for publication. In September 1522, the New Testament appeared in the market; within two months 5,000 copies had been sold.

German people could now read and hear the Scriptures read in their own tongue. Through it all, the Holy Spirit was at work through the Word, drawing people to faith and a deeper understanding of the Gospel.

The translation of the Old Testament would take significantly longer, and Luther would here rely much more on the assistance of Melanchthon and other friends, like Johannes Bugenhagen, Justus Jonas, and Caspar Creuziger. It would not be until 1534 that the entire Bible would appear in one book. The breadth of God’s Holy Scriptures was now available to regular Germans in a language they could understand.

Luther’s Bible would go on to inspire other reformers to similar work: William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale would rely on Luther’s translation in the preparation of their English translations (which subsequently influenced later English Bibles, including the King James Version). Luther’s work likewise influenced translations elsewhere in Europe, such as in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Even some of Luther’s opponents began producing German Bibles which heavily plagiarized his.

The Scriptures, which had long lain imprisoned in inaccessible Latin, were now freed to speak to common people in their heart languages. Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, was speaking to them. In the Bible, they were meeting Truth—and in accordance with Christ’s promise, the Truth was setting them free indeed.

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

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About the Cover

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couple of weeks ago, my husband received a book order in the mail. It was a beautiful facsimile of an original Luther Bible (published by Taschen).

Luther’s translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew—the task with which he laboured during his secret stay in Wartburg Castle in the early 1520s—is often considered the single most significant and valuable accomplishment of his entire life.

Historically, its importance is undisputed. Having the Scriptures in the vernacular changed the place of the Bible in the lives of the German people forever. The new German Bible influenced subsequent E n g l i s h t ra n s l a t i o n s , including the King James B i b l e. I t i s comparable to the King James for its role in standardizing the language itself. The prevalence of print copies had a lasting impact on issues like literacy and education.

Even Luther’s critics praised his masterful skill and vibrant use of language. If Luther had accomplished nothing else in his entire career, his translation of the Bible would be enough to secure his place in history.

The reformers saw the tidal wave of reformation as a demonstration of the power of the Word of God. Luther himself did not claim credit.

“I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip and my Amsdorf, the Word

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor did such damage to it.” The Bible’s availability to pastor, prince, and pauper was a great equalizer. To hear, read, and learn God’s will, and His gracious Gospel promises, was a new gift to a great many people. The translation of the Bible into various languages for the edification of God’s people still continues today. Our own abundant resources for accessing the Scriptures should humble us—let us never take for granted all we have been given!

For my painting, I consulted images of the ro o m i n t h e Wartburg where Luther lived as he worked on translation, incorporating some new symbolic touches. The open book on the desk, equipped with quill, faces a wall crucifix— an ongoing remembrance that at the heart of all Scripture is Christ’s love for sinners in His death and resurrection. The lit candle represents faith, which has God’s Word as its object. On the floor in the foreground is a folded garment and sword, representing Luther’s temporary alter-ego as “Knight George” at the Wartburg. The sword hilt bears the letters “VDMA.” This stands for Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (“The Word of the Lord Endures Forever”), the motto of the Lutheran Reformation.

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

Together in Concord

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ith this issue, we come to the end of our readings from the Book of Concord.

But study of the Lutheran Symbols is a life-long discipline; we benefit from regular reading of these works.

Grounded in the Scriptures and to the teachings of the Church down through the ages, they point us ever back to Christ. In the end, it is Jesus—in His death and resurrection—that is our true and lasting confession.

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.

“By God’s grace, with intrepid hearts, we are willing to appear before the judgment seat of Christ with this Confession and give an account of it. We will not speak or write anything contrary to this Confession, either publicly or privately.”

- Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration: Conclusion

WEEK 46 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon VI 9–16  Tues 17–26  Wed VII 1–9  Thurs 9–19  Fri 20–27

WEEK 49 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 20–30  Tues 31–43  Wed 44–53  Thurs 54–63  Fri 64–75

WEEK 47 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 28–41  Tues 42–51  Wed 52–62  Thurs 63–72  Fri 73–84

WEEK 50 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 76–86  Tues 87–IX 3  Wed X 1–13  Thurs 14–25  Fri 26–XI 3

WEEK 48 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 85–97  Tues 98–106  Wed 107–119  Thurs 120–VIII 6  Fri 7–19

WEEK 51 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 4–14  Tues 15–27  Wed 28–36  Thurs 37–47  Fri 48–64

WEEK 52 Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration  Mon 65–77  Tues 78–86  Wed 87–XII 4  Thurs 5–27  Fri 28–40

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 July/August 2017

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Presidential Perspective

What We Are Called to “Bee” Vice President Thomas Krusel

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ast year I started keeping honey bees. I have one hive and about 18,000 bees. I find them absolutely fascinating. They are a joy to watch as they go back and forth in and out of the hive, bringing in pollen and nectar to strengthen and enlarge the hive.

Right about now my children will be rolling their eyes and groaning inside—“Bees again, Dad. Really?”—and my wife will be making that face familiar to all long-suffering wives—that “Really, I find this story as fascinating as the first 122 times I heard it” look. I hope you will indulge me as I share some fun bee facts: 1) Bees only weigh 1/10th of a gram each. 2) It takes twelve bees their whole life to produce a teaspoon of honey. 3) To make a pound of honey, the bees fly a combined total of approximately 80,000 km—or three times around the earth at the equator. 4) If bees were paid minimum wage, a pound of honey would cost two million dollars in wages.

My point? The honey bee is a small, seemingly insignificant being which accomplishes very little individually in its lifetime. But working with the other bees in the hive in one summer, they can raise approximately 250,000 new bees, start two to four new hives, and bring in over 100 pounds of honey!

I well could have started this article with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like a beehive...” It would be easy to write a parable using the picture of a beehive. We are the worker bees, and God has entrusted us with the work of building up the kingdom. The world is a dangerous

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place for a bee. And we, as God’s children, find ourselves in a world that is growing increasingly hostile to the Word of God, and people who believe that Word.

What can we do? Lutheran Church–Canada is such a small church. We don’t have that many members, and we are spread out mighty thin in Canada. Most of us are just regular folk, working hard to earn a living and support our congregation as best we can. With the increasing hostility we face in the world, we can be tempted to circle the wagons—to withdraw into the shell of our congregations, throw in the towel, and give up.

One thing I have never seen at the front of my hive is a bee sitting there, feeling sorry for itself because the world is a dangerous place and it can do so little to contribute to the health of the hive. Whenever possible, they are hard at work. No matter how bad things are outside the hive or how small a part each bee plays, they stay busy. They are about the work of the hive. Each bee may play a small part to be sure, but each one does their part and together they accomplish amazing things. What a beautiful picture of our place in God’s kingdom.

Of course every parable falls apart when pushed too far. The parable of the Faithful Bee falls far short of describing our work in the kingdom simply because it is not our work. Nor is it our effort and ability that spreads God’s kingdom. It is God’s work, and He has promised to work in and through us, blessing our small, beesized efforts to spread the Gospel.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2017

He gives us the privilege of sharing our faith, often in small ways, with those around us. He calls us to be witnesses to God’s plan of salvation.

We can’t argue people into the Kingdom of God. But as witnesses to God’s goodness, we can share our faith with them, and entrust the real work of conversion to the Spirit. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

And what is the power that we receive through the Holy Spirit?

It is the power to do miracles: in particular to heal, and to raise the dead. It is the Gospel, whose power brings healing to broken hearts and gives life where death once ruled.

It is the power of God himself! As Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

We need not fear the threats of this world. We need not give into despair, for God has called us, promised to sustain us in all things, and work in and through us to enlarge his kingdom. Remember the little bee, and remember Him who calls you to “bee” his.

Rev. Thomas Kruesel is Second Vice President of Lutheran Church–Canada.

CANADIAN

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