The Canadian Lutheran May/June 2018 by The Canadian Lutheran

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca

Receiving God’s gifts

INSIDE • Doing the Rite thing • Humboldt – still strong • LWMLC: A silver celebration • 2018 candidate placements

Volume 33 Number 3

EVERY YEAR, CANADIAN LUTHERANS LIKE YOU WELCOME AND SUPPORT REFUGEES AS THEY BEGIN NEW LIVES IN CANADA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY OF ‘WELCOMING THE STRANGER’!

Shinga Buregeya and Esperance Nyantungane and their five children spent 12 years living in a refugee camp in Burundi before they came to Canada in 2016. They are grateful for the sponsors who helped make their new life possible.

“The place where we came from was the hardest place to be—we were living a life full of worries,” says Esperance. “Now we are happy, we are really relaxed and living peacefully here.”

Is your congregation interested in refugee sponsorship? Visit clwr.org/refugee-sponsorship to learn more.

A: 600-177 LOMBARD AVE. WINNIPEG, MB R3B 0W5 CANADA

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018P: (204) 694-5602

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Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 33 Number 3

May/June 2018

Doing the Rite thing 6 Humboldt – still strong 9 LWMLC: A silver celebration 11 Back to the Catechism: Christian Questions and Answers 14

Departments Together in Mission and Minist ry

Amended LCC constitution approved Doing the Rite thing Page 6

Table Guest

When we grieve

In Review

Paul, Apostle of Christ

History of the Reformation

The Heidelberg Disputation

Presidential Perspective

What does the Church do?

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

All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request. The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: communications@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2018 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.

Special convention for German Lutheran church • LCC suspends work in Costa Rica

National News

Latest stats show dip in membership • New Managing Director for LHM office • New Director of Communications for LCC

ABC District

Changes at Riverbend Preschool • LLL hosts Valentines fundraiser • District members in Cameroon • Adult baptism in Osoyoos

Central District

VBS shares Easter story • Generous hearts provide emergency food • Sundaes on Sunday help purchase Gifts from the Heart

East District

Tuesdays-at-ten • Help with VBS planning • New mission field active in Quebec and NCR • EDLYA’s spring retreat

Mission Update

Liturgy workshop in Nicaragua

Education Report

Seminaries celebrate graduations and placements

41 35

Classifieds

Supplement

Spring 2018 Empowered by God’s own mission to save the world, the mission of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society, is to enlist the prayers, gifts, and energies of God’s people in Lutheran Church–Canada to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ THEopportunity. CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June wherever God provides

Where the Gospel is strong, the devil works harder

2018

Congregations approve amended LCC Constitution WINNIPEG - Congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) have voted to approve Synod’s amended constitution by a large margin. Of the 300 congregations eligible to vote, 222 sent in ballots with 206 voting for adoption, 12 voting against the changes, one abstention, and three late ballots. Secretary of Synod, Grace Henderson announced the results April 26 noting that to pass, the vote required a 2/3 majority of ballots received. To plan for the possible positive vote by congregations, the Board of Directors’ Restructuring Working Group met April 10 by conference call to prioritize the actions required to implement the changes if approved. The group members include Pastor Nolan Astley (chair); President Timothy Teuscher; Interim LCC

Administrator Dwayne Cleave; and appointees from LCC’s three districts: Pastors David Bode and Mark Hennig (ABC); Lillian Kozussek and Jordan Wall (Central); and Pastor Marvin Bublitz and Lois Griffin (East). “We’re tasked with assisting the Board of Directors by answering a number of ‘how’ questions now that we have the ‘what’ in place,” noted Pastor Astley. Decisions made by the Working Group will go to the BOD for approval and implementation. One of the first items on the list for discussion was the process for electing lay persons to the new Regional Mission and Ministry Councils. The group has made a recommendation to the BOD for its consideration at its April 26 conference call meeting. Other areas for further discussion and recommendations are budget

and finance, communication, and the continuance nationally of various current district supports and programs. Pastor Astley reminded the Working Group that many of the current procedures remain in place but will require adjustment in wording to bring them into line with the new structure. To keep Synod members up to date on the implementation decisions of the Board of Directors and provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions a website is available at www.canadianlutheran.ca/TMM. “We’re trying to bring about these changes in an orderly fashion,” explained President Teuscher. “The important thing for all of us to remember is to keep focused on Christ and His Church as we work together in mission and ministry.”

Congregation constitutions WINNIPEG - At its April 26 conference call meeting Lutheran Church–Canada’s Board of Directors (BOD) addressed the procedure f o r u p d a t i n g c o n g re g a t i o n a l constitutions under LCC’s new structure. On behalf of the BOD, President Timothy Teuscher has provided the following information: Over the past few months questions have been raised in various parts of our synod as to the process and procedure congregations are to follow in amending their constitution in light of the restructuring of our synod. The time frame for the transfer of ecclesiastical services to LCC from the districts is January 1, 2019. At t h a t t i m e, a s o u r n ew Synodical Bylaws state, “A Member Congregation which translates, revises, or amends its constitution or adopts a new constitution shall submit such translation, revision, amendment, or new constitution to the president, who shall direct it

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

through existing channels for review. Upon favourable action by the Board, the congregation shall be notified that the changes are valid and approved and that the congregation is empowered to function under the new or changed constitution.” (Synodical Bylaw 1.15 b.) An ad hoc Committee on Congregation Constitutions will be appointed by the Board of Directors later this year to serve as the “existing channels” through which congregation constitutions are reviewed. Until the end of this calendar year the process for reviewing and approving any amendments or changes to a congregation’s constitution remains as they have been under the old structure; that is, they are to be submitted to the president of the district who will direct it through the district’s constitution committee. In addition, in light of replacing districts with regions in our new

synodical structure, all references to “district” or “district president” in congregation constitutions should be amended; e.g., change “District President” to “Regional Pastor,” etc. This is most likely applicable to those articles of constitutions pertaining to the calling of a pastor and to the disbursement of property in the event the congregation disbands or dissolves. Until the end of this calendar year any changes in these areas should also be submitted to the constitution committee of the district; and, I would encourage the members of such committees and the Board of Directors of each district to expedite any proposed amendments to congregation constitutions by the end of 2018.

Remember Lutheran Church–Canada in your will. www.lutheranfoundation.ca

Table Guest

When we grieve Y

ou don’t need to be a hockey fan, have children, or be from Humboldt, Saskatchewan to have been deeply touched by the injuries and deaths from the terrible bus crash on April 6. We lament the loss of young lives we had hoped would flourish for many more years. We are saddened as we ponder the many people who now have to come to terms with such a tragic loss. Then tragedy struck Toronto with a van driver targeting pedestrians killing 10 people and injuring 16. These horrific events touched our entire nation as people from coast-tocoast viewed the images of the crash sites, read the news reports, and watched the vigils unfold. E ve n t s l i ke t h e s e confront us with the reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be, and of how suddenly death can arrive. But they do even more than this. They threaten our sense of safety and security. We may lose trust in others who we thought would keep us safe. They can threaten our faith that God will provide safety and security for our own children and others whom we love. We grieve because of the loss of life, safety, security, and trust. Grief, simply put, is what we experience whenever something we value is harmed or taken away. Grief is anchored in love, not logic. It is connected to our ability to love and care for people and things. So, grief is not an illness but a natural and healthy response to injury; it shows we are able to love and that we continue to love. And grief touches more than just emotions. It also affects our thinking, our bodies, our relationships, and our spirituality.

Thankfully, we can integrate our grief into our lives so we not only cope, but heal. This happens as we receive the safety and support of others allowing us to authentically mourn; to give expression to all the things going on inside of us as we try to come to terms with this new reality. Real strength in the face of tragedy is not bottling it up, but having the courage to let things out. It will take time to authentically

by Darren Dressler similarly, give us a designated time to gather to acknowledge the reality of all the losses, to recall the many lives lost, to give expression to our grief, to seek support, and to contemplate our lives. All these events can help us wake up to life—to consider deeply why and how we live, what it means to be Christians in this time and place, and how we wish to live meaningfully and purposefully going forward. Beyond these, the Church can c re a t e t h e ro o m f o r people to talk about these tragedies, to consider life and death generally, and to reflect on this specific tragedy. We can do this in our regular events, or by creating special gatherings. This is not just for our own members, but for the people around us who are also trying to process what occurred. There are, and will be, many questions about God, tragedies, heaven, hope, and healing. We do well to give people the freedom to ask these questions, ponder them, and know that not all of them are easily answerable, if at all. Finally, while we know in our brains that events like this can and do happen in our world, it touches our hearts when they happen close to us. As a result, what we are forced to begin is not a thinking journey, but a spiritual journey. We are on this spiritual journey together as a nation. May we, as the Church, be “little Christs” to our neighbours who need us so much right now, bringing some light in the midst of darkness.

We do well to give people the freedom to ask these questions, ponder them, and know that not all of them are easily answerable, if at all. let everything out as both we and the survivors process all that has happened. The sudden and horrific nature of these events makes this complicated. The loss of lives makes this complicated. The high number of victims makes this complicated. In the face of this, how will we find healing? Together. Together we have been injured, and together we will heal. We will do it together as congregations and as communities and as the Church. Rituals and ceremonies are important parts of coming together. Prayer vigils offer opportunities to be together, pray together, grieve together, and heal together. Candlelight vigils can bring together people from across the community to acknowledge the shared hurt, the shared loss, and the shared need for healing. Memorials and funerals,

Rev. Darren Dressler is pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Airdrie, Alberta. He holds a certificate in Death and Grief studies from the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Doing the Rite thing The Rites of the Church: superstition or faithful reception? by Michael Keith

eghan Markle married Prince Harry on May 19. In preparation for her wedding there was planning for all the normal details: dress designed, cakes ordered, itineraries checked and double checked. There was also a baptism and a confirmation on the pre-wedding “to-do” list. Ms. Markle is reported to have said she was being baptized and confirmed in the Church of England as a sign of respect for the Queen. There is no reason to doubt the integrity of Ms. Markle’s public confession of her faith in Jesus and assume the best – but it’s troubling that one might be baptized and confirmed in the Church out of respect for someone. Is that a good reason? It is common to find similar attitudes. The rites of the Church are sometimes viewed as something performed to please someone or to fulfil a family expectation or obligation. Some see them as rites of passage – simply a marker in the maturation process. Others view them as imparting some sort of blessing or protection that exists apart from faith. However, there are serious flaws and dangers in this way of thinking. Church rites begin and flow out of a life of faith nurtured by Jesus by regular attendance at the Divine Service. When any of the rites are disconnected from a faith nurtured by regular service attendance they cease to function in the way they are intended and lose their meaning. In fact, when disconnected from a life of faith they may cause more harm than good and unintentionally teach a dangerous superstitious understanding of both the rites and of Jesus Himself.

Baptism Desiring to have a child baptized is a wonderful thing! Parents want to bring their children to the font because they trust the promises Jesus says are attached to the blessed Sacrament and want their child to receive those gifts. As part of the ceremony, parents and sponsors vow to bring the child regularly to God’s house to hear His Word, and to teach them the Christian faith. If, however, they are just getting the child “done” (as some have described it) and do not understand or care about the promises Jesus makes through water and the Word, and have no intention of bringing their child to the Divine Service where the child’s faith (and their own) is fed and nourished—then this is not a good thing. In fact, it is hypocritical and dangerous. When viewed this way the rite is removed from a faithful life lived in the Church and, without the context of a life of faith, the rite is perverted making it something it is not. It may be seen as some sort of “magic” and function more as a superstition than a means by which grace is distributed and received through faith—a faith that continuously needs feeding and nurturing by regularly receiving the gifts from Jesus given in the Divine Service. Confirmation “Our child is the right age; I guess it’s time for Confirmation.” The “why” of enrolling the child in confirmation is important. If it is because the parents desire to have their child grow in knowledge and

Church rites begin and flow out of a life of faith nurtured by Jesus by regular attendance at the Divine Service.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

faith in Jesus and be admitted to the altar to regularly receive the Body and Blood of Jesus – then thanks be to God! However, if the last time the child was at church was when he or she was baptized, we have a problem. Confirmation is not intended to be “Introduction to Christianity 101.” It is intended to follow up on a child’s regular attendance in Divine Service hearing and learning from God’s Word as a part of their lives and as exemplified by their parent’s life of faith. In this way parents are faithful to the vows made at the child’s baptism to raise the child in the Christian faith and to live as godly examples for their children. It is further intended that both during and following confirmation the confirmand will continue regular church attendance — part of the vows confirmands make on their confirmation day. Now, perhaps the family and the child have not faithfully attended Divine Service and confirmation presents an occasion for them to begin regular attendance – then praise God! If, however, it is not the intention of the confirmand to continue to regularly attend following confirmation, then it begs the question: “Why bother?” If Confirmation is viewed as simply a period of instruction after which the student is “finished with church” then the point of Confirmation is missed and perpetuates the unhealthy view of “confirmation as graduation” from the Church.

Marriage At times you hear people remark, “Well, at least they got married in a church.” Holy matrimony is indeed a blessed gift the Lord gives us, and it is a joy when a couple comes together before the altar to make vows to one another and to God that they will live together in the estate of Holy Matrimony as God intends it. The marriage rite includes prayers that the couple would be faithful to each other and to their marriage vows. This blessed union is then to receive continual strengthening by hearing the Word of God together, by receiving forgiveness from Jesus which is then extended to each other as they faithfully attend Divine Service where Jesus comes to serve them through Word and Sacrament. However, if the last time the couple was in church was when they were married, and it is not their intention to regularly attend, what difference does it make if they are married in a church? Why bother holding your wedding in a church if you don’t intend to come back? The wedding

may as well be officiated by a marriage commissioner in a hall. If the marriage rite is divorced from a life that intends to be lived in faithful reception of God’s gifts in the Divine Service then, once again, the Church rite becomes some sort of superstitious spell cast upon the couple to wish them success as they walk out the door never to return. The only way the rites of the Church can be properly understood is within the context of a life of regular and faithful reception of the gifts from Jesus in the Divine Service. When removed from a life of faith, rites are abused and lead to misunderstanding. Looking for a rite of the Church apart from a life of faith is asking for the wrong thing. It’s like going to Pizza Hut and ordering a Big Mac. If you want a baptism apart from a life of faith lived in the Church—your expectations are wrong. That’s not what baptism is. If you want to be confirmed and do not intend on regularly attending Divine Service afterward—that’s not what confirmation is. If you want the rite of Holy Matrimony but intend to live your married life apart from the Bridegroom and His Church—that’s not what holy matrimony is.

Outreach? Some might say that celebrating the rites of the Church serves as “evangelism” and that we should baptize, confirm, and marry anybody who asks hoping they will come to faith and attend church. However, that’s asking the rites of the Church to do something they are not intended to do. They are not evangelistic—at least not in their primary function and intention. Rites confer the blessings and gifts of Jesus received through faith. Others may argue: “For the sake of the few who might come to faith and become active in the Church, we should do it!” But that assumes that in performing these rites in a way in which they are not intended does not have negative consequences nor causes damage to the witness of the Church. In fact, arguably, it does cause damage and denigrates the meaning of these rites and unintentionally teaches a superstitious view of Jesus rather than a view that such gifts from Jesus are received through faith. We may very well be doing damage to the confession of Jesus and the integrity of the Church when we try to make the rites do the evangelism work we are given to do in our daily vocations. Have we sought to legitimize the misuse and misapplication of the rites of the Church by claiming THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

them as evangelism? Observing the rites may present us with opportunities to patiently and gently explain and teach people a deeper understanding of their meaning, however we ought not allow the use of Church rites in a way that teaches that they do not require faith nurtured by Jesus in His Church. Could it be that we have helped perpetuate an understanding that regular attendance at Divine Service has nothing to do with the Christian Faith? We become concerned about issues surrounding the sixth Commandment, “You shall not commit adultery”, but we seem less concerned about the third: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Have we unwittingly given the world the witness, and members of our churches the message, that Jesus is not a lot different from a voodoo doll that you conjure up to give you good luck and blessings if you have some magic words said in a ceremony? Have we unintentionally taught people that this is what Christianity is – “magic” rites and rituals to be sporadically performed throughout one’s life with no connection to the Church, the Divine Service, and a life of faith? If the high percentage of inactive members connected to many of our congregations tells us anything about this – a good number see little connection between a life of faith and regular reception of the gifts from Jesus in Divine Service. The rites of the Church are not rightly viewed as standalone events. They are not things that need to be “done” and checked off the “to-do” list or as something to appease a grandparent. We avoid a superstitious understanding of the rites of the Church when we understand that they are for the faithful and to be received through faith. Apart from faith they make no sense.

Response So, what do we do about this misunderstanding many seem to have? In our parishes, when someone approaches us to perform a rite of the Church, we can seek to winsomely communicate the essential connection of the rite to a life of faith nurtured by Jesus in the Divine Service. Jesus said “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me

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you can do nothing.” In receiving from Jesus in the Divine Service we abide in Him. At times, when it’s clear that the rite is being sought for its own sake in isolation from a life of faith we may need to say “no” until we can provide instruction to build an understanding that the gift given in the rite is to be received through faith. Perhaps we need to consider carefully how to avoid giving any superstitious understanding of the rites. We will need to continue patiently teaching God’s people that receiving the gifts from Jesus in Divine Service is not incidental to the Christian faith; it is essential. We can start with ourselves seeking to model the receptive Christian life and faith by making our attendance at Divine Service an absolute priority. The rites of the Church are the ways in which we receive the gifts and promises from Jesus through faith. They are a treasure through which our Lord generously shares His gifts with His people. They often serve as meaningful and significant events in the lives of the faithful because they are, in fact, meaningful and significant. This is because the gifts given are recognized as gifts from Jesus and joyfully received through faith. We regularly make use of them because our Lord bids us to come and receive His gifts – and we in faith receive His gifts and respond with lives filled with thanksgiving and praise. Rev. Michael Keith is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and SML Christian Academy in Stony Plain, Alberta

Humboldt – still strong

A small community copes with heartbreaking loss

by James Morgan The arena in Humboldt hosted a prayer vigil on Sunday, April 8 which was broadcast nationally.

When tragedy affects a small community, everyone feels it. The highway crash on April 6 that killed 16 people and injured 13 others aboard a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team is proof.

umboldt, Saskatchewan is officially a city, but it’s a small city. News reports from Humboldt in the weeks since the tragedy show it’s the kind of place where it’s impossible to walk down a supermarket aisle without meeting a friend, neighbour, or relative. And indeed, that’s true of the churches of Humboldt, among them, St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Connections “It is hard to find anyone in Humboldt who does not have a connection in some way with someone on that bus,” said Pastor Clint Magnus of St. John’s. Patti Durand, a member of the congregation is one of those people. She said there was an “overwhelming sense of helplessness and hopelessness” in the first 72 hours following the crash. She said many people were unsure about what to do or say. Durand said she prayed and asked God to direct her to see what was needed and what opportunities there were to help. She said it was important to “support the supporters,” including the leadership of the Broncos organization, the Mayor and Council, and the teachers at Humboldt’s four schools who had to cope with the sudden death and injury of several of their students. Durand said supporting the supporters turned into feeding people, praying for them, and talking with them to offer support. Arlene Kish, a long-time area resident who is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in nearby Middle Lake, explained the connections local Lutherans have with Broncos team members, and their families, and there are very few degrees of separation. Kish said her cousin’s son was Tyler Bieber, a local radio sports broadcaster who was traveling on the team bus to that night’s game in Nipawin. The grandparents of deceased

Broncos player Jacob Leicht are members of St. John’s in Humboldt and are friends of Kish. She said her grandson played baseball with Evan Thomas, another of the players who was killed, and that critically injured player Morgan Gobeil is the son of their farm fertilizer dealer.

Being there Pastor Magnus described the whirlwind of response and reaction he experienced as a pastor. He said when news started arriving about the tragic bus crash, the arena in Humboldt was opened. He and other clergy from churches in Humboldt went over to pray with residents who had started to assemble, and show support, and offer a hug if needed. Magnus said he did not sleep much that night, or for the rest of the following week. On the Saturday, he re-wrote his sermon for Sunday to better address the tragedy and how it was affecting the community. “On Sunday morning, we struggled through the service, but the Gospel was what everyone needed to hear, and it brought much comfort.” Faith matters Tragedies have a way of piquing interest in the faith, and Pastor Magnus said that is what happened in Humboldt in the days after the bus crash. “Most of the time, outside of the faithful, most people don’t care what the church has to say, but when there is a great tragedy, almost everyone wants to hear what we have to say,” he said. Every week, the sermons at St. John’s are uploaded to the church’s Facebook page. Pastor Magnus said his sermon from the Sunday following the tragedy received nearly 10,000 views. On the Sunday following the tragedy, the Humboldt Ministerial Association, an organization of local

God worked through the vigil to give a Christ-centred witness to all of Canada

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clergy, organized what they thought would be a relatively small prayer vigil at the arena. 7,500 people showed up, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and the two biggest personalities in Canadian hockey broadcasting: commentator Don Cherry and host Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada. The service was broadcast on national television without commercials or commentary. Pastor Magnus said the vigil was organized as a Christian prayer service and he was happy it remained that way, even with the presence of politicians and celebrities. He said God worked through the event to give a Christ-centred witness to all of Canada.

Pastor Magnus’ sermon the Sunday following the tragedy received nearly 10,000 views on Facebook.

Funerals Humboldt also experienced a series of funerals because of the Broncos bus tragedy. Pastor Magnus officiated at the first of them, which was for broadcaster Tyler Bieber. The 29-year-old play-by-play hockey announcer for CHBO “The Bolt” was baptized at St. John’s and had attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School there. Two-thousand people attended that funeral at the arena. He said the funeral services brought much-needed healing and closure to the

The Humboldt community will not recover instantly from what happened. community, adding it gave people “permission,” to go back to work and school, and figure out what the new “normal life” will be. Amid funerals for 16 people, 13 others were in various states of recovery in hospital, most in Saskatoon. Pastor Magnus said that because their family members were spending extended periods of time at the hospital, efforts were made in Humboldt to help cover things like meal expenses.

Working through grief The Humboldt community will not recover instantly from what happened. Pastor Magnus said many people will seek counselling in the future, but it is important to trust that the Lord will provide the strength everyone needs, and that things will get better as time goes on. There is proof that trust in the Lord is at work and that the community is more united and resilient. Patti Durand explained that a “Humboldt hug” is a little longer and a little tighter than the average hug and crosses barriers that normally come between people

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in our culture. “Everyone wrapped their arms around their family, their neighbours, acquaintances, no matter age, gender, race, or how long they had known each other. It was a beautiful thing to witness,” she said, adding that the hard work of keeping the community strong is just starting now that media attention is slowly shifting away.

Comfort of the Gospel Pastor Magnus was optimistic explaining that what happened in the community shows there is still a need for the church and for God in people’s lives. “What would have happened here if the Church had not been here to bring the comfort, consolation, and healing of the Gospel?” he asked. He noted that it often seems the survival of congregations is precarious because of declining attendance and aging parishioners, but when a community tragedy strikes, the church is needed to provide what he called the “consolation of the Gospel … the words of eternal salvation in Jesus Christ,” and to “hug a grieving family and tell them they will see their loved ones again through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ” when people are facing tragedy. “I thank God that we were here for a time such as this and that God has worked through us so mightily,” said Pastor Magnus. Many felt emotional after the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy because of a common bond as Canadians or with people from small towns. But as Christians, we also feel a common bond because of our shared faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:6 says it perfectly; “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Christians in Humboldt and across Canada have been doing that.

James Morgan is a writer in Gatineau, Que. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gowanstown, Ontario, he worships with various LCC congregations in the National Capital Region.

A silver celebration by Eloise Schaan

his year marks the 25th anniversary of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) and excitement is high as women across the country celebrate its birth. On June 21, 1993, this organization became the official women’s auxiliary of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and, as such, supports its mission outreach.

organization adopted the motto “Called to Serve” with the supporting scripture verse Deuteronomy 10:12 where God asks us to fear Him, to walk in His ways, to love Him and to serve Him. This has remained the focus of LWMLC throughout the past 25 years and will continue to be the focus in the coming years.

Gifts and talents Long history Although several Canadian women had served in LWML was not new to the women in Canada as, prior to elected position and/or on committees of ILWML, we 1993 we, along with women from the United States, were were now on our own and had to fill all the positions part of the International Lutheran Women’s Missionary ourselves. One of the challenges we faced was finding League (ILWML). League women for all the positions activity began in Canada in and committees, but, as usual, the early 1940s with the women God puts the right people in the from Bruderheim, Alberta, right place at the right time – all forming the first LWML society we have to do is to completely in Canada. Across the country put our trust in Him and then societies were created, and these follow as He leads. Women from societies joined together to form across Canada were excited regional districts which became about all of this and were willing districts of the national LWML to serve in any way they could organization in the United using their God-given gifts. We States: Laurentian District – worked with what we knew, May 15, 1950; Ontario Districtbut soon found the structure of October 15, 1950; AlbertaILWML too much for our much British Columbia District – smaller organization. It took a July 4, 1951; Manitoba and few years, but eventually we Saskatchewan – October 12, reached a place that worked for 1953; and Ontario Sonset – July us. Getting to know and to work 20, 1990 (previously part of with women from all parts of Minnesota North). the country was such a blessing. Canadian-made Stewardship With the forming of Those early years were Lutheran Church–Canada Edmonton hosted the International Lutheran Women’s Missionary challenging. Mission outreach in 1988, the women were League convention in 1993 which included the founding of was, and still is, our primary encouraged to work toward LWML-Canada. focus, but we knew the executive becoming a Canadian organization, an auxiliary of would have to meet and that meant spending money. We held the newly-autonomous church. The “mother” LWML our meetings in various cities with every effort made to be as was very supportive and worked with the women in economical as possible, women were billeted and meetings Canada toward this goal. Immediately following the held in churches with local societies providing meals. In ILWML convention in Edmonton in 1993, more than those days, before computers and various other technological 800 women from across Canada and fellow sisters from devices were as widely used as they are now, communication the United States attended the Founding Convention of was primarily by telephone or regular mail. Continued on page 13 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada. The new THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

New resources Council and If we didn’t all committees know it before, have one or two it soon became Counsellors apparent there working with are many gifted them at all times. women in The support of Canada. As a LCC boards, result, LWMLC both Synod and has produced its District, has own resources – been very much printed materials valued. Of great such as devotions, LWMLC’s elected officers serving LWMLC since 2015: (l-r) Roberta Nixon (VP Christian Growth); importance is Bible studies, Renate Bishopp (VP Christian Mission); Gail Mitchell (VP Communication); Eloise Schaan (first the support and seminar programs, LWMLC president); Iris Barta (President); Rachel Kuhl (Financial Secretary); Lorraine Kaija (VP encouragement Member Development); Rev. Brad Julien (Pastoral Counsellor). Absent: Lorraine Weir (Treasurer). and also items from our parish designed for personal use or as gifts. For the first several pastors as we work together to bring the saving Gospel years we stored them in homes of the officers and it soon of Jesus Christ to others, both at home and throughout became apparent we needed to have a home base. LWMLC the world. approached LCC to see if it would be possible for us to have a Called to Serve room in its office building in Winnipeg. The Synod graciously LWMLC is a voluntary organization and the women provided one and we finally had a home with a street address. volunteer generously their time, talents and treasures. There Lillian Friesen volunteered to manage the office part-time for are no membership fees and financial support is through a number of years. Margaret Klatt began assisting Lillian and, mites (mission offerings) and special gifts/bequests. God when Lillian felt the need to retire, took over as office manager. has graciously gifted us here in Canada and the women (and Misson support perhaps also some men) are very generous in giving their Mission grants supporting LCC in its mission and gifts as they live LWMLC’s motto “Called to Serve.” ministry have always been of prime importance, and in the Tapestry, our quarterly magazine, has been in the past 25 years LWMLC nationally and at the district level capable hands of Marion Hollinger and her Editorial has granted more than $2.5 million to mission projects Committee since its beginning. It includes timely articles, three Bible studies, and news of happenings in societies, zones, districts and nationally. Its fine content, over the years has garnered various awards. Being in the Word is of prime importance, and as we grow in the Word, God puts all kinds of opportunities before us. We learn to trust Him completely in what we say and do. We learn to value our families as special gifts He has given us. We learn to be more comfortable in our relationships with others. It can be said that an LWMLer is one who follows God’s call to serve by using the gifts He has given her where He has placed her. The world in which we live has changed dramatically in the past 25 years, with a Walk for Missions at the Ontario District convention. The sponsored walks are held at all national and district conventions. resulting impact on LWMLC. Advances in in Canada and throughout the world where LCC has a technology have created changes: email has taken the place presence. God has truly blessed this outreach and made of many telephone calls and regular mail; on-line meetings a difference in many lives as a result. Each convention, have replaced many previous face-to-face meetings; and both national and district, chooses outreach projects and many gifts have been developed and/or enhanced using this sets a mission grant goal which is achieved by the time technology. However, with all these changes, one thing has of next convention. never and will never change: the focus of LWMLC which Pastors is being in the Word and serving our Lord with the gifts From the beginning, LWMLC has always been blessed He has given to each one of us. To Him be all the glory! with Pastoral Counsellors who serve in an advisory Eloise Schann served as first president of LWML-Canada. She is a member of Christ Risen Lutheran Church in Kanata, Ont. capacity on both national and district boards. General THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Back to the Catechism

Christian Questions and Answers Drawn up by Dr. Martin Luther for those who intend to go to the Sacrament of the Altar.

fter confession and instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Supper, the pastor may ask, or one may ask himself: 1. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe it; I am a sinner. 2. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept. 3. Are you also sorry for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God. 4. What have you deserved from God by your sins? His wrath and displeasure, temporal death and eternal damnation. Romans 6:21 and 23. 5. Do you also hope to be saved? Yes, such is my hope. 6. In whom, then, do you trust? In my dear Lord Jesus Christ. 7. Who is Christ? The Son of God, true God and man. 8. How many Gods are there? Only one; but there are three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 9. What, then, has Christ done for you that you trust in Him? He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. 10. Did the Father also die for you? He did not; for the Father is God only, the Holy Ghost likewise; but the Son is true God and true man. He died for me and shed his blood for me. 11. How do you know this? From the holy Gospel and from the words of the Sacrament, and by His body and blood given me as a pledge in the Sacrament. 12. How do those words read? “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given

thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way also He took the cup after supper, gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; this cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 13. You believe, then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament? Yes, I believe it. 14. What induces you to believe this? The word of Christ: “Take, eat, this is My body...Drink from it, all of you; this...is...My blood.” 15. What ought we to do when we eat His body and drink His blood, and thus receive the pledge? We ought to remember and proclaim His death and the shedding of His blood, as He taught us: “Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 16. Why ought we to remember and proclaim His death? That we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins but Christ, true God and man; and that we may learn to look with terror at our sins, and to regard them as great, indeed, and to find joy and comfort in Him alone, and thus be saved through such faith. 17. What was it that moved Him to die and make satisfaction for your sins? His great love to His Father and to me and other sinners, as it is written in John 14; Romans 5; Galatians 2; Ephesians 2. 18. Finally, why do you wish to go to the Sacrament? That I may learn to believe that Christ died for my sin out of great

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

love, as before said; and that I may also learn of Him to love God and my neighbor. 19. What should admonish and incite a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently? In respect to God, both the command and the promise of Christ the Lord should move him; and in respect to himself, the trouble that lies heavy on him, on account of which such command, encouragement, and promise are given. 20. But what shall a person do if he is not aware of such trouble and feels no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament? To such a person no better advice can be given than that, in the first place, he put his hand into his bosom, and feel whether he still have flesh and blood, and that he by all means believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7. Secondly, that he look around to see whether he is still in the world, and keep in mind that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15 and 16; 1 John 2 and 5. Thirdly, he will certainly have the devil also about him, who with his lying and murdering, day and night, will let him have no peace within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; 2 Timothy 2. (NOTE: These questions and answers are no child’s play, but are drawn up with great earnestness of purpose by the venerable and pious Dr. Luther for both young and old. Let each one take heed and likewise consider it a serious matter; for St. Paul writes to the Galatians, chapter six: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked.”)

Back to the Catechism

Communion Q&A by Edward Kettner

any, if not most, editions of the Small Catechism published in recent centuries conclude the enchiridion (handbook portion, as distinct from the expository portion with its questions and answers and with the Biblical support) with a set of questions and answers said to have been drawn up by Martin Luther to enable the pastor to question the Christian, or to enable the Christian to ask himself or herself, in preparation for receiving the Lord’s Supper. Though ascribed to Dr. Luther, these questions and answers did not appear in any edition of the catechism until 1551 (more than 20 years after the first edition was printed and five years after Luther’s death). While Luther may not have drawn up these questions and answers himself, they reflect the catechism’s teaching concerning our sinful state, Christ’s redemptive act performed “for me,” and the blessings God gives each of us with His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. The questions are meant to be asked after the Christian has confessed their sins and received absolution, and after careful and thorough instruction in the chief parts of the catechism. They begin by leading individuals in acknowledging that they are sinners, which they see by examining their lives in light of the Ten Commandments, that they deserve God’s wrath and eternal condemnation, and that their only hope for salvation is in the work of Christ. This Christ is the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, who alone is both true God and true man, as is confessed by the creeds. He is the one who died for me, shedding His blood for me on the cross. All of this is declared in the

Gospel and belongs to the most basic teachings of the faith, reflecting the commandments and the Creed. The next set of questions pertains to the Lord’s Supper, instituted by Christ, in which He gives us His true body and blood to eat and to drink. This body is the very body which hung on the cross and died for us, and this blood is the very blood which was shed for us. Only that truth, that reality, is consistent with the words which Christ spoke when he blessed and distributed the bread and wine to His disciples. It is Christ’s word and promise that makes present His body and blood. Our faith merely trusts that word as our mouths receive what Christ gives us. The Sacrament, Christ’s visible word and promise, serves to remind us of what He has done for us, and in our eating and drinking we confess that word and promise to those around us who join us in our eating and drinking, to those in the Church throughout the world who eat and drink, and to the entire world until such time as Christ returns to bring

this age to an end and brings to pass the new heavens and the new earth. As long as this age lasts, the Church, the body of Christ, will by this act be announcing to Church and world what Christ has done for all, and will be summoning others to faith in Christ. Receiving this Sacrament is an act of penance, as we acknowledge our sins and come for forgiveness; an act of trust in Christ, who alone can be the source of the forgiveness we need; and a source of joy and comfort, knowing that what Christ has promised is truly “for me.” Since in the Sacrament we are promised such great blessings, and since we have such a great need for them, we should admonish and encourage our fellow Christians to avail themselves of this Sacrament as often as possible. The final question is quite pertinent to those times when we might not be aware of our need for the Sacrament. The words of advice here are taken from Luther’s words in the Large Catechism: touch your body to see if you still have flesh and blood; look around you to see if you are still in the world; and know that you still have the devil lurking about you. Knowing these things will lead you to run to your pastor and beg for the sustenance that Christ has for you here. With these questions and answers Christians are given the opportunity to examine themselves, to see their sinfulness, to see the need they have for Christ’s gifts, and to be assured that Christ has supplied these gifts to each and every one of them as individuals, uniting them into His body, the Church. We need these reminders, and we need and rejoice in the blessings given by Christ! Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Special convention for German Lutheran church STADTHAGEN, Germany – A special convention of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (SELK) convened April 19 to elect a bishop upon the expiration of the current bishop’s term of office. Rev. Hans-Jorg Voigt was elected in 2005 to serve a twelve-year term. To prepare for the 2018 convention, last year SELK’s national pastoral conference nominated Bishop Voigt and Pastor Markus Nietzke as candidates for the position. During the Thursday afternoon session, candidates responded to questions submitted by delegates prior to the gathering. Forty-seven

voting delegates participated in the individual aspects of a new hymnal election. On the first ballot, Bishop for the SELK, including the hymn Voigt received 30 votes and prayer sections as well and Pastor Nietzke 17. as the liturgical readings. The convention chairman, O n S a t u r d a y, t h e Dr. Frank Keidel, declared convention voted to accept Voigt elected to continue the third draft of the new as the chief pastor of the hy m n a l a n d a d o p t e d SELK. His new term of revised procedures for office is not time-limited. future conventions. The convention SELK is a partner c o n t i n u e d F r i d ay by SELK convention re- c h u r c h o f L u t h e r a n elected Bishop Hansforming four working Jorg Voigt. Church–Canada. groups. While one Bishop Voigt also serves group worked on drafting revised as chairman of the 38-member procedures and rules for the Synod International Lutheran Council. From SELK news service with translation of the Church, three others discussed assistance from Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee.

LCC suspends work in Costa Rica thanks for the trust placed in me. COSTA RICA -Lutheran Church– I have learned and grown a lot in Canada (LCC) missionaries, Pastor faith during these years. I know that Edmundo Retana and his wife for the faith community of Cartago Deaconess Betty Solórzano Cevallos it has been a have announced beautiful process their resignations of fellowship from the mission and Christian in Costa Rica, fellowship. The citing personal and seed of the Gospel family reasons. As has been sown a result, there are with abundance no LCC or Iglesia in our country.” Luterana-Sínodo He continued, d e N i c a r a g u a Pastor Retana and Deaconess Betty “I am very clear at this moment that (ILSN) workers in the country. the ways and thoughts of the Lord are In his letter of resignation, Rev. always higher than ours (Isaiah 55, Retana stated, “I am grateful to our 9). I welcome them now with faith Lord for allowing me to serve him for and humility. May the Lord keep you all these years. And to you, authorities and protect you in his mercy.” of the LCC and ISLN, an additional

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Rev. Retana first contacted LCC after he responded positively to a number of theological documents posted on a LCMS CTCR website. He was introduced to the LCC missionary in Costa Rica, by Rev. Pedro Adolfo Quintero. He had worked in a Lutheran Church (LWF) in San José at the time as well as teaching occasional theological courses at the University in San José. Following completion of his colloquy program at the ILSN, Rev. Retana received a call by ILSN and ordained in Costa Rica by ILSN President Rev. Luis Diaz. He began working in the area in which the family lived and continued that ministry in the area south of San José in addition to his own. Deaconess Betty formally joined the work after her consecration as an ILSN deaconess five years ago. The mission’s work, which involved weekly worship and Bible study in two locations as well as active women’s, youth and children’s social ministries, was most recently sponsored by grants from the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. LCC’s Committee for Missions and Social Ministry Services, in consultation with ILSN, is examining the future direction of mission work in Costa Rica.

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Latest stats show dip in membership, rebound in adults confirmed WINNIPEG - The 2017 statistics for Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) have been released and indicate that membership continues to decrease to just over 56,000 members. I n 2 01 7 , L C C c o u n t e d a baptized membership of 56,620, down 2.8% from the year previous, when baptized membership was at 58,216. Confirmed membership has also declined, sitting at 43,494 in 2017 (down 2.7% from 44,666 members in 2016). LCC’s baptized membership has been in uninterrupted decline since 1999, while confirmed membership has been in uninterrupted decline since 2001. LCC President Timothy Teuscher says “In Martin Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 he contrasted what is called the theology of glory versus the theology of the cross. Such are the lenses through which we would do well to look at the 2017 statistics of our synod” The number of adults received into membership in 2017 increased by 6.3% to 189, compared to a year prior when 177 adults were received. The number of children baptized held steady in 2017 at 645 and while the number of juniors confirmed in 2017 dipped to 382 from 419 in 2016 they are still greater than 2014’s record low of 370. Average weekly attendance at congregations also continued its decline in 2017, down to 57 from 60 the year prior. Average communion attendance, remained steady with confirmed members of LCC communing an average of seven times in 2017 for the third year. President Teuscher continues, “Instead of bemoaning the declining numbers and of then succumbing to the temptation of jettisoning our Christ-centred and Bible-based heritage of the cross in favour of non-biblical and cross-less efforts to supposedly build and grow the church, consider for a moment the ‘statistics’ that come from the lips of our Lord Jesus Himself.” Quoting,

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). The number of congregations holding Sunday School classes in 2017 dipped slightly to 177 (from 180 the year prior) with the number of pupils also dropping to 1,611 compared to 1,777 in 2016. The number of

congregations holding Vacation Bible Schools was also down to 101 from 109 the year prior, likewise with a drop in over-all attendance to 4,502 in 2017 from 4,807 in 2016. While weekday religion class attendance dropped in 2017 to 1,336, reported attendance at Bible Study classes, however, rose to 1,815 compared to 1,633 a year earlier. In 2017, Lutheran Church–Canada counted 298 congregations. 118 congregations did not send in statistical reports for the 2017 year (compare with 94 who did not send in reports in 2016). LCC congregations are reminded that statistical reports for the 2018 year must be submitted to LCC by March 31, 2019. President Teuscher concludes, “It was Albert Einstein, of all people, who put this matter of statistics most succinctly and, surprisingly, even biblically: ‘Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.’”

New Managing Director for LHM office who direct the LHM work in their KITCHENER, Ont. — The Board regions supporting and encouraging of Directors of Lutheran Laymen’s local Lutheran churches League of Canada (LLLC) and volunteers to share the announced that Lisa Jackson Good News of the Gospel in of Waterloo, Ontario will their cultural context. serve as the organization’s In Canada LHM new Managing Director. broadcasts The Lutheran Ms. Jackson is a member of Hour on 81 radio stations, Redeemer Lutheran Church and creates and supplies in Waterloo where she has congregations with outreach organized numerous mission resources, Bible studies trips to Nicaragua to assist and devotional materials. congregations of Lutheran In addition, the Canadian Church Synod of Nicaragua. Lisa Jackson operation engages a growing number She succeeds Stephen Klinck who of people on social media. served the LLLC for more than 30 Ms. Jackson began serving at years and is retiring. LHMC’s Kitchener office mid-May Lisa holds a master’s degree allowing for an overlap with the in Leadership Studies from the current managing director. University of Guelph, and Lutheran Laymen’s League of has also studied marketing and Canada (www.LLL.ca ) distributes communications. Lutheran Hour Ministries resources in LLLC operates one of 34 Lutheran Canada and is an auxiliary organization Hour Ministries centres around the of Lutheran Church–Canada. world served by men and women THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

New Director of Communications for LCC WINNIPEG -Lutheran Church– C a n a d a ’ s B o a rd o f D i re c t o r s has announced the hiring of Christopher Pelletier as Director of Communications. As Executive Assistant to the President for Communications, he will provide leadership and guidance in the ever-changing communication landscape. Pelletier is responsible for effective communication to LCC’s constituencies in all media. Born and raised in Cobourg, Ontario, Pelletier has been involved in media and communications for more than 20 years. Prior to relocating to Winnipeg in the fall of 2016, Chris was the owner and operator of a news and information website for Northumberland County. Pelletier has worked on “both sides of the microphone” as a reporter and communications professional and began his service with LCC May 1 working out of the Winnipeg office. The Canadian Lutheran, the official magazine of Lutheran

Mathew Block, re-appointed editor of The Canadian Lutheran, and Interim Communications Manager, Ian Adnams met with LCC’s new Director of Communications, Chris Pelletier in May.

Church–Canada announced the re-appointment of Mathew Block as editor. Previously, Block had served as LCC’s Communications Manager and has since moved to Swan River, Manitoba. Mathew will continue in his role as an editor for the International Lutheran Council.

LCC’s first Director of Communications Ian Adnams served as interim communications manager and magazine editor since January and will continue with the organization in an advisory capacity until July.

Awards for Lutheran publications HAMILTON, Ont. — At its annual Awards Banquet, Friday, May 4, the Canadian Church Press (CCP) presented three Awards of Merit to The Canadian Lutheran, the magazine of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). A movie review of “Silence” written by Rev. Ted Giese received a first-place award. In his remarks on the article, the judge called it “An impressive review that would be fully acceptable in any secular, major publication.” A s e r i e s o f t h re e a r t i c l e s on the Reformation 500 theme authored by Mathew Block, Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner, and Kelly Klages was awarded third place in the Department category. The judge’s remarks on the theme stated “The ambitious scope of celebrating and commemorating the Reformation deserves credit here. It is not a typical Publication Department as might usually be seen in this

category, but it does merit consideration for its consolidated common theme.” Rev. Dr. James Gimbel’s Reformation anniversary article “Heart and Sola” also received a thirdplace award in the Features: Non-fiction (magazine) category. The judges called it “an original take on an anniversary piece.” On hand to receive LCC’s awards was interim editor of The Canadian Lutheran and former CCP president Ian Adnams. “These awards are important to publications like The Canadian Lutheran,” he noted. “The process provides an objective look at the magazine by industry professionals outside

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

the organization.” Each entry receives a written analysis that includes suggestions for improvement. L u t h e r a n Women’s Missionary League-Canada’s publication Tapestry received a third-place award in the Personal Experience category for a story entitled “An Intervention” by Amy Bracebridge. Canadian Church Press is a 60-year-old association of more than 50 church-related magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and online publications. It meets annually to provide professional development, encourage networking, and celebrate excellence in publishing through its awards program.

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Changes at Riverbend Preschool EDMONTON, Alta. - Lots of exciting things have been happening at Riverbend Lutheran Church’s preschool over the past couple of years! The school was pleased to welcome Chelsea Sloan as Program Director at the start of the 2016 school year. With Chelsea’s training through Concordia University of Edmonton and her experience in teaching at Lutheran schools, she has been a wonderful addition to the team of Christian teachers. After 24 years of being known in the community as Riverbend Christian Nursery School, in February the name was changed to Riverbend Christian Preschool to help the community better recognize what the school does. As the preschool strives to continue providing a quality early childcare environment for preschoolers, the teachers have been engaging

i n p ro f e s s i o n a l d eve l o p m e n t opportunities to assist them in implementing the Early Learning & Childcare Curriculum Framework for Alberta: Play, Participation and Possibilities. The staff are excited about this curriculum as it encourages them to recognize preschoolers as active participants in their learning environment and the teachers as co-learners, co-researchers, and coimaginers of possibilities, all within a loving Christian environment where the children are shown that Jesus is their Saviour and loves them very much! For example, Pastor Sye van Maanen’s most recent chapel time with the children focused on Love, among their other various emotions. In January, the school held its first Literacy Day with Dads. This event was a way to encourage the involvement of dads with their preschoolers’ learning, and all were

Literacy Day with Dads

pleased with the positive response! Most of the students’ dads joined their children in the classroom for uninterrupted quality time reading books and enjoying some snacks. The staff received wonderful feedback on this event, and plan on making it a regular event for each school year. Melissa Bentley

Happy Birthday, Foothills Lutheran Christian Preschool! CALGARY, Alta. - Foothills’ p re s c h o o l c e l e b ra t e d i t s 1 5 t h anniversary in 2017 with a birthday party on a Saturday afternoon in September. Organizers attempted to invite as many of their 539 alumni as possible, but they were unsure how many would come as families from five continents have attended the preschool over the years. Current students were invited to join in the fun, too. Families were welcome to drop in during the afternoon to decorate a cookie, enjoy a local magician, and create a birthday card for the preschool sharing a special memory. Of course, a birthday party needs balloons and singing— activities led by Foothills’ two pastors. Thoughtful emails from alumni families who now lived as far away as Kuwait and Ghana were received and read. In October, as a congregation, Foothills Lutheran Church gave thanks for its preschool ministry during a Sunday worship service

and the youth group hosted a “taco in a bag” fundraiser lunch for the preschool while a slide show of photos looped. A gift of a Luther Rose throw and mugs were presented to the preschool staff. FLC Preschool doors opened in September 2002 with five children

enrolled in a licensed morning program. Initially organizers thought this would be a ministry for Christian families looking for a Christian program for their children. Plans were to eventually move the preschool from its existing location near the University of Calgary to a new neighbourhood with many young families. However, the preschool is still in its original location and has instead proven to be an outreach ministry opportunity to university grad student or post-doc families and other internationals. Of course there are Christian families too. Now, in the school’s 16th year, 44 percent of the preschool students are unchurched (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheists) and 76 percent of students speak a language instead of, or in addition to, English in their homes. Congregation members praise God for the opportunity to be missionaries to those in their backyard who don’t know yet know Him. Betty Ann Chandler

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Klondike zone LLL hosts Valentine’s fundraiser SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. - The Klondike Zone of the ABC District Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada (LLLC) hosted another successful Valentine’s dinner February 10 at Bethel Lutheran Church. Dr. Joy Berg The evening began with dinner, cooked by the faithful group that makes up the Klondike zone. They prepared oven-roasted ham, mashed potatoes, mixed

vegetables, roasted b ra t w u r s t , r i c e a n d sauerkraut casserole, buns, and gravy, finished off with coffee, tea and ice cream topped with mixed fruit. This year’s featured presenter was Dr. Joy Berg, a professor of music at Concordia University of Edmonton. She holds degrees in Piano Performance and Choral Conducting from University of

Saskatchewan, University of Alberta and University of Iowa, with her doctoral dissertation focused on the Christmas cantatas of J. S. Bach. She has been a church musician for many years and she is an active chorister, currently singing in the alto section with Pro Coro Canada. Dr. Berg spoke on Music, Worship, and Mission. Approximately 65 people attended the event. Included in the $1,634 raised were monies from the continued next page

From the President

hat Canada needs is salt and light. Jesus says to us, “You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13, 14). Salt impedes decay. Salt preserves and seasons. Light is necessary for life. Light revitalizes. Light refreshes. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Flight into the invisible is a denial of the call. A community of Jesus which seeks to hide itself has ceased to follow Him.” St. Paul writes, “We were buried with Jesus 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). Our living Lord, who gives us new life, enables us to be salt and light! What does this new life of being salt and light look like? Here are some examples: • Remaining chaste sexually until we have spoken our wedding vows before God and to the person we promise to love and honour until “death do us part” (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5-17); • Living in a monogamous marriage with our spouse in which the love and servanthood of Christ is manifest in the way we speak and live with our spouse (Ephesians 5:22-33) fostering security and stability in the home for our children; • Valuing the life of all children from conception to death and nurturing their relationship with our heavenly Father (Psalm 139:13-14; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-9); • Addressing our bouts with depression or anxiety by seeking assistance from trained professionals and partaking of a healthy, daily dose of God’s Word and worship (Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7); • Fervently loving and forgiving people who have sinned against us (Matthew 5:43-48; 6:12);

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

• Working diligently and faithfully, in collaboration with our fellow employees, in our places of employment (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-4:1); • Enjoying life’s countless blessings recognizing that our Creator and Saviour is the source of a purposeful life and true pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:24-3:8); • Aging gracefully by enduring the pain and suffering that often accompanies the “ticking of our biological clock” even “rejoicing in our sufferings because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Romans 5:3-5); • Facing the unpleasant reality of our death (and the deaths of people we love), not with despair, but with hope and joy knowing that “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). To be salt and light also means that we admit to losing our own saltiness and to hiding our light under a bowl (Matthew 5:15), but we turn to Jesus, who is the Salt of the earth to restore our saltiness and to Jesus as the Light of world in whose love we are refreshed and by whose forgiveness we are renewed. Join me in praying, Dear Lord Jesus, give us Your Word that Your Good News may be made known in all the world, beginning in our own homes and neighbourhoods. Give us Your Word so that we may receive it by faith and that Your Word may work and live in us that we may be Your salt and light in Canada. Amen. President Glenn Schaeffer

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

District members in Cameroon

West African Lutheran Bible Translators missionaries on retreat in Cameroon

CAMEROON, West Africa - In January, Jessie Branson, Rhonda Kelman, Sherry LaRose, Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, Miriam Winstanley, and Sid and Melanie Kuhn —all from the ABC District—travelled to Cameroon to help with two projects. Their first endeavour was providing a retreat for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) missionaries in West Africa. The retreat spanned five days and involved 40 people, including the volunteer team. Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer led the group in the study of 1 Peter and in worship. Rev. Dr. James Keller, LBT-Canada’s

executive director, led the morning worship. The rest of the team came prepared to offer the children of the missionary families a VBS-type program while the parents were in sessions. The missionaries and their families were very grateful for the opportunity to come together for Bible study, worship and fellowship. It had been several years since they had met with other colleagues and they deeply appreciated their time together. Several commented that the children’s programming provided during the retreat was a blessing

Klondike zone, continued raffle of a handmade quilt made by a member from Bethel Lutheran Church, and a grant from FaithLife Financial. These funds will be used to further the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries in Nicaragua and Canada. Organizers expressed special thanks to everyone who came out to support the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Klondike Zone LLL. Gordon Schoepp

because it allowed them to focus on Bible study and professional development more thoroughly and without distraction. When the retreat was finished, the team (with the exception of Rev. Schaeffer) headed to Galim to see where LBTC missionary Rev. Mike Kuhn and his family live and work. After the team had raised the funds to build a library next to the Lutheran school in that community they could witness the progress made on completing the building. There was some work left for them to help with and they had the building ready for its opening and dedication on January 24. Attendance at the school is growing and the library will help finance the cost of running the school. Galim is in a predominately Muslim region and they are thankful that God’s Word can be proclaimed to the children attending this school. The team members are also thankful that King of Kings Lutheran Church (Spruce View, Alta.) was willing to host this project and for the support of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada and the ABC District, along with local congregations and individuals, who gave so that this project could be completed. Melanie Kuhn

The sale of a handmade quilt added to the funds raised. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Grace, Osoyoos celebrates adult baptism OSOYOOS, B.C. - On February 18, Dennis Smithers was baptized and received his first communion at Grace Lutheran Church. His story illustrates how God is at work using His Word, family, friends, churches, and pastors to fulfill the Great Commission. Dennis shares his journey: For most of my life, I would not consider myself a Christian; however, I occasionally prayed when I found myself in times of trouble. My oldest son, Ryan, became a Christian in 1993, and went on to study theology and linguistics before moving to Japan to teach English. Ryan sent me my first Bible in 2005. I started reading and after a year completed the Old and New Testaments. I enjoyed

Dennis Smithers and Rev. Darren Siegle

the read and my impression of the Old Testament was that God is extremely disappointed and angry with mankind. My second reading of the Bible, a few years later, left me

80th anniversary in Duncan D U N CA N , B . C . - T r i n i t y Lutheran Church celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding (September 12, 1937) on September 30, 2017. The preacher for the service was pastor emeritus Rev. Robert Willie. Rev. Paul Roggow, current pastor at Trinity, was officiant. District President, Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer attended, as well as clergy and members of the Vancouver Island Circuit. All enjoyed a time of fellowship after the service, and a nice display of pictures from past years. Beginning in 1937, Trinity members met in Glenora for a good number of years. Pastor Doeling served them and started a number of other churches on the Island that are still serving their Lord faithfully today. When World War II broke out, RCMP members were sent to observe what was being said in the home church by the pastor and members because most people attending were of German background and the service was conducted in German. There were no war stories or spies found but the RCMP did hear the Good News that Jesus suffered and

(l-r) Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, Rev. Robert Willie, Rev. Paul Roggow

died for the sins of the world and by grace through faith in Him they could have forgiveness for their sins and the assurance of eternal life. By His grace, the same message has been preached to this very day through the other preachers who have served Trinity. The members of Trinity purchased the piece of land where the church currently sits, and while the church was being built they worshipped on Sunday afternoons at the Anglican Church downtown. In 1957 the congregation moved into the new church building. The wall in the church where the altar is located and the wall on the parking lot side are still part of the original building, as is the main portion of the basement.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Len Bland

with a different understanding, one of love and forgiveness from God. Reading the Bible did not lead me to attend church. However, in 2016, I felt something missing and decided to start visiting different churches to listen to sermons and get a feel for the church in general, particularly when I was away working in the East Kootenay area. This past year, our good friend and neighbour Donald Scott passed away. He and his wife Marjorie were always kind and helpful neighbours. I knew Don and Marjorie were Christians and actively involved in their church. They were genuine and really lived what the Bible taught. We attended Don’s funeral at Grace Lutheran Church in Osoyoos; my first visit to this church. The church was packed with Don and Marjorie’s friends and family. Don’s death happened unexpectedly, so I was surprised at his passing. Rev. Darren Siegle led the service and I was taken aback by his sermon and words to the congregation and to the family. He left no doubt for me that Don had left and was in a better place and out of pain. After the service I decided I would attend Grace Lutheran’s service the following Sunday. This continued, and I enjoyed the structure and the sermons of Pastor Darren. After a few times attending the service, Pastor Darren asked me if we could meet for further instruction, to which I agreed. These meetings started last September 2017 with Instructions in the Christian Faith. We concluded in January of this year. Visit the ABC District website at www.lccabc.ca Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month. Laura Goerz, District Editor, editor@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: July 15, 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

VBS shares the Easter story OXBOW, Sask. - Despite a wild snow storm, St. Peter Lutheran Church held an Easter vacation Bible school March 23 welcoming about 60 kids from Oxbow and area. Participants heard the Easter story using Resurrection Eggs, made crafts, and played games. The evening wrapped up with a free pancake s u p p e r. A f re e - w i l l offering of skipping ropes, balls, and frisbees was collected for LAMP teams to distribute this summer. This is the fifth year the congregation has Participants working on an Easter craft offered a one-day mini families in the region and beyond. VBS before Easter, sending home God has been so faithful in this Resurrection Egg sets that tell outreach event and those involved the Easter Story to more than 75

have loved seeing all the families He has brought to hear the amazing Easter story. Regan Schultz

Camp Aurora paint night fundraiser

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Budding artists from the Thunder Bay area had a great time April 12 at Calvary Lutheran Church painting colourful campfire scenes in support of Camp Aurora. The Paint Nite raised around $1000 for the camp and all had a fun evening, complete with tasty treats. The lead artist was Felicia Crichton from Paint Nite Thunder Bay.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Youth host Brazilian-themed fundraiser

Generous hearts provide emergency food

Guests at Brazil Night dinner

REGINA - The youth of Mount Olive Lutheran Church hosted a Brazil Night fundraiser April 28 as they look forward to participating in a Higher Things conference in July. The Brazilian dinner began at

6 p.m., featuring Brazil’s national dish “feijoada” a black-bean based s t ew. M o re t h a n 2 0 0 p e o p l e, including many from the Brazilian Community in Regina, gathered for an evening of food, friendship and faith!

WINNIPEG - Thanks to generous hearts, the emergency food pantry at Peace Lutheran Church is full and a large food donation was delivered in March to Main Street Project for its food bank. About 150 bags of food containing more than 1000 items were collected by the congregation.

Ponderings from the president

Future prospects or the last while, I seem to be reminded again and again that I’m not as young as I used to be. My mind makes contracts my body can’t meet. I look forward to a dull evening. My knees buckle and my belt won’t. My back goes out more than I do. I know all the answers, but no one is asking me the questions. The other day I caught myself humming along with the elevator music. I got into a heated argument about pension plans. I had a party and the neighbours didn’t realize it. I was sure I just wrote a column for The Canadian Lutheran…I could go on, but you get the picture! With retirement on the horizon, and fewer days ahead than there are behind in life, I’ve been reflecting more on the past, as well as dare I say it, “pondering” what the future holds. If age improves things like wine and cheese, why have generation upon generation had a difficult time respecting and honouring their elders? And now we have to contend with the “assisted dying” and “death with dignity” movements. I am encouraged to “check out” early if I feel my life is over. But how can I possibly know for certain that God has nothing further for me to do in this world? Death is ugly and anything but dignified, no matter

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

how we try to make it better. Death was not part of God’s original plan when He first created humans in the Garden of Eden. I’m here in this world until God decides to call me home. Until then, there is plenty to do and keep me busy, no matter my age. I can continue to tell others about my Saviour who loved this broken world so much that He died and rose again for sinners like you and me. I can let the love of my Saviour shine through me with attitudes and actions motivated by His love, thereby giving hope to others. I can pray for others so that our Lord may have mercy on them and richly bless them. The Psalmist says: “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age: they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Ps. 92:12-15). Even in old age, “ever full of sap and green”! Now, there’s something to ponder in the days ahead! Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Sundaes on Sunday help purchase Gifts from the Heart LANGENBURG, Sask.- Members of Christ Lutheran Church organized a fundraiser for Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s Gifts from the Heart, with the goal of raising $1000 to purchase numerous gifts. Through the “Sundaes on Sunday” fundraiser hosted by the youth and the Sunday school children, and from Sunday school offerings and from a general church offering, the congregation more than doubled that goal. They purchased two Seed Packages, two Learning & Living Kits, and additional gifts including Crop Know How, Clean Drinking Water, Fight Back Against Drought, Oxen and Plough, and a Tippy-Tap Water Station, for a grand total of $2900.

Congregation members enjoying their ice cream sundaes.

Frobisher celebrates Seder

Thank you to first responders

FROBISHER, Sask. - On Maundy Thursday, March 29, St. John Lutheran Church held a Passover Seder. The evening included the special Passover foods, a full supper, Holy Communion, and stripping of the altar in preparation for Good Friday.

Wascana circuit Easter vigil

REGINA - Members of the Wascana Circuit of the Central District gathered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, March 31.

REGINA - April 11 was Police Appreciation Day at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. The lunchtime event provided an occasion to welcome local members of the police forces, firefighters, and emergency services with a smile, and to say a big “thank you” to these brave men and women for what they do for the community every day. Hosted by the Outreach Committee, volunteers served sloppy joes, buns, veggies, and cake.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Congregation blessed by zeal of new members MOOSOMIN, Sask. - In 2016 Rev. Jeffery Dul conducted a confirmation class at Trinity to bring a group of adults into membership. Since then these members have encouraged and supported the study of God’s Word and Christian fellowship. The congregation now holds a fellowship night every first and third Saturday of the month and a regular Bible study, led by Ron Dietrich, every Wednesday with refreshments. As well, members take part in a hymn sing at the local Trinity Lutheran and the bell tower. nursing home. Past-chairman Lawrence individuals who now have helped Rambold contacted The Canadian the church grow. He stated, “I am Lutheran to say how pleased the overwhelmed with joy how God has members of Trinity are with the blessed this congregation.” instruction and induction of these

Gifts receive rite of blessing WINNIPEG - Five handmade quilts, 24 dresses and eight layettes were blessed at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and given to Canadian Lutheran World Relief for much-needed use overseas. Valerie Olsen was thanked for her oversight, with added thanks to those who assisted her, such as Redeemer members Christine Hansen, Doreen Kaminsky, Chris Lammers, Linda Hanner-Zelt for delivering the items, and Valerie’s friend from the Winnipeg Weaver Group, Susan Styrchak, involved with the church for more than 20 years.

Rev. Todd Hoeffs

Chili contest supports Camp Lutherland

Lise Haberstock presents the trophy to winner Rev. Daryl Solie

REGINA - Good Shepherd L u t h e ra n C h u rc h h o s t e d t h e inaugural Wascana Circiut Chili Cook-off fundraiser for Camp Lutherland on April 13. Five area pastors and one DPS cooked up a whole lot of chili to be judged by a panel of three “celebrity” judges, who picked their favourite, and the crowd, who got to pick theirs. The celebrity winner was Rev. Jim Chimirri-Russell. Rev. Daryl Solie won the popular vote. The event raised $1064.15 for Camp Lutherland thanks to all who attended and helped out.

Visit the Central District website at www.lcccentral.ca

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month. Elaine Stanfel, district editor, 509 Airport Road, Pembroke, ON K8A6W7 613-687-6620 elaine.stanfel@gmail.com

Next deadline July 15, 2018

Valerie Olsen with the gifts for CLWR.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

East District News

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

Tuesdays-at-ten ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Tuesdays-at-Ten Bible study is conducted by Rev. Frank Silver, emeritus, for the tenants of Luther Manor. Christ Lutheran Church, which is adjacent to Luther Manor, oversees the outreach ministry for this senior’s residence. While physically our bodies are deteriorating, spiritually we are being Study group gathers every Tuesday. restored in the joy of In Him our hearts rejoice, for we salvation. Psalm 33:20-21 describes trust in His holy name.” us well: “We wait in hope for the Rev. Frank Silver Lord; He is our help and our shield.

Help for your VBS planning KITCHENER, Ont. - Is your congregation looking for a little help with your VBS planning? The East District can help. We will again offer a $500 grant to any struggling congregation in the district to assist with getting a VBS program going. To apply for this grant please email rmohr@lcceast.ca with the following information: • Name of congregation

• •

Proposed dates of VBS Outreach aspects to your VBS program Please okay this application with the pastor and congregational leaders before sending it in. May our Lord Jesus bless the proclaiming of the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus to our own people and to the whole community around us.

Quilt returns home LOCKSLEY, Ont. - The ladies of Grace Lutheran made this quilt for Grace Fiess (wife of Rev. Philip L. Fiess, who served in Locksley from 1952-56) when Pastor Fiess accepted a call to Stratford. Each of the ladies appliqued a square for the quilt which included their name at the bottom of their square (block). Grace Fiess, who developed Alzheimer’s, passed away on March 26, 2016, at the age of 86. Her daughter, Nori (Norwynne) Frape, donated the quilt back to Grace, Locksely. Nori said that her mother appreciated the quilt very much and kept it with her treasures in her cedar chest. Elaine Stanfel

Petawawa congregation supports community aid

PEMBROKE, Ont. - Office workers at The Grind Emergency Refuge in Pembroke pose with some of the donated items from the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church, Petawawa. This mission project was initiated by the parish Ladies’ Aid/Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada. Examples of items donated were scarves, gloves, slippers, socks, toques and hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, Kleenex, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions. Marie Sack

Three of the ladies who quilted a block are still members of Grace, Locksley. Pictured are Emma Fox and Berndena Karau; missing from the picture is Myra Witt.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

East District News

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

2018 East District convention update KITCHENER, Ont. - The upcoming 2018 East District Convention is hosted by London Circuit at the Double Tree Hotel, 300 King St. in London, Ont., under the theme “Jesus the Rock Forever” (Isaiah 26:4). Our host congregation is Our Saviour, London, with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Voege as the host pastor and local worship committee chair. Dr. Gary Zieroth from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne will convene daily plenary sessions as convention essayist. You can read more about Dr. Zieroth in the March/April edition of The Canadian Lutheran.

The Local Arrangements C o m m i t t e e, c h a i re d by Ku r t Bromhall, is in place and well into convention planning. The District staff is also on-schedule to complete its many convention tasks. Please note these due dates: Workbook Reports July 1, 2018 ED Board Nominations July 7, 2018 Overtures August 14, 2018 As we move into a new synodical structure in 2019, we encourage all congregations to take part in this final district convention.

From the president “Welcome Home!” “After [Jesus] said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” (Acts 1:9)

ven though I have four children, all with their own children (my grandchildren) and all with their own homes, whenever any or all of them pile into the home in which my wife Judy and I live, I still think of them as “coming home.” I know how my own dad and mom felt whenever my three sisters or I returned with our families for a visit to our parents. I can still hear my father’s words echoing in my ears: “Welcome home, son!” These thoughts flashed into my mind when we Christians recently celebrated our Lord’s Ascension into heaven. What thoughts or pictures form in your mind when you read or hear the Holy Scripture’s accounts of our Lord Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Perhaps you’ve seen paintings of Christ’s ascension: the perplexed disciples on the hilltop looking at a cloud, two angels in white robes standing beside them. Imagine the scene and the homecoming that must have taken place beyond that cloud and out of the sight of the disciples who were witnesses to our Lord’s ascension into heaven. All the victory parades that have ever taken place in the history of our world for all the conquering armies and military leaders following the end of any of the great wars cannot be

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

compared to the welcome Jesus received upon His return into heaven. Countless angels must have sung a tumultuous symphony of praise containing the words: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12). How God the Father ’s eyes must have overflowed with tears of love as He welcomed His Son, our Lord Jesus, home with the words He had spoken at His Baptism, “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). Because of Jesus, we look forward to our own glorious homecoming. Clothed in the righteousness Jesus won for us on Calvary, we will be judged holy when He comes again on the Last Day. We will be caught up and taken into heaven, where the Father will look at us and see only Jesus’ righteousness. “Welcome home, son and daughter,” He will say. “With you I am well pleased!” How can we not but thank our Lord Jesus for the life He lived and the suffering and death on the cross He endured, to pay the price for all of our sins and to make us children of the heavenly Father! Rev. Paul Zabel

East District News

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

New mission field active in Quebec & NCR GATINEAU, QC and is with great joy and hope NATIONAL CAPITAL that the East District is REGION - Rev. Ndriana able to use these funds for Rakotoarimah, an ordained French-language ministry pastor of the Malagasy in that area. Lutheran Church, is about Rev. Ndriana will begin to begin work in a new/old by serving a core group mission field—Gatineau, of Malagasy Lutherans in Quebec and the National the area and bi-lingual/ Capital Region (NCR). Rev. Francophone members Ndriana completed one year o f O u r Re d e e m e r, of study in LCC’s colloquy Buckingham. It is our program and his wife Aimee (l-r) Rev. Ndriana Rakotoarimah with Rev. Richard Lockstadt and Rev. prayer that our Lord will recently joined him in Dr. David Somers. bless this outreach effort Canada from Madagascar. by drawing more and more From June 1 until the end of St. Catharines, and return at least people to faith in Christ Jesus from August Rev. Ndriana will serve a monthly to Gatineau to continue both the Malagasy community and period of supervised ministry at giving pastoral care to the flock the Francophone community in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, which we pray that the Lord will Quebec and the NCR. Gatineau, Quebec, under the joint gather there. It is our hope that this Please join us in prayer for supervision of Rev. Richard Lockstadt outreach ministry will continue this mission and that Christ may and Rev. Dr. David Somers. There beyond 2019. strengthen and encourage the will be a second period of supervised Funding to support this outreach pastor and people of Our Redeemer ministry from June through August comes mostly from the sale of the congregation and the whole Quebec of 2019. In between he will continue church building used by Eglise Tri-Parish through this new outreach his colloquy studies at Concordia Lutherienne Saveur du Vivant, ministry. Rev. Ron Mohr, Mission Executive Lutheran Theological Seminary, which closed several years ago. It

EDLYA’s spring retreat F I S H E RV I L L E , O n t . - Imagine a room full of 30 or so young adults. Now imagine you are in Fisherville for the weekend of May 4-6. If you have done so correctly, you will have a good impression of the latest EDLYA (East District L u t h e ra n Yo u n g Ad u l t ) retreat! Approximately 30 young adults came to Trinity Lutheran Church the beginning of May, where they attended a presentation about the occult by Trinity’s About 30 young adults gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisherville, Ont. for a retreat weekend pastor, Rev. Mark Danielson, of fun, music, and learning. and spent a great weekend together. yourself in spiritual fellowship. retreat, August 3-6. For more As our website states: “All It’s a great opportunity to meet information please visit www. EDLYA retreats offer … a retreat fellow Lutherans and support and edlya.ca. Allison Kuhl, from the stress and worries of encourage each other in faith.” EDLYA Director of Communications everyday life by surrounding The next gathering is a camping THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

East District News

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

Rev. Robert Cole celebrates 80th birthday and providing monthly BEAMSVILLE, Ont. communion. He was - Emmanuel Lutheran then recruited to Church recently hosted provide regular English a special luncheon in services for St Peter’s honour of Rev. Robert Estonian in Toronto. Cole’s 80 th birthday. When, at 70, he again The birthday party wanted to retire, the became a celebration congregation’s inability of his entire career to find a replacement after Rev. Les Prusha wooed him back. From and friend Richard 2009 to present he Montgomery shared has served as vacancy fascinating details and pastor at Christ Our anecdotes of Pastor Saviour (Grimsby) Cole’s life. and Emmanuel Born and raised in Toronto, Robert Cole (l-r) Pastors Emeritus Lester Prusha, Robert Cole and Frank Silver all turned 80 (Beamsville) for two critical periods each. felt called to Lutheran this year. Pastor Cole ministry from the time offers sermons both challenging of his confirmation at St. John’s Hamilton, Ont. He later served and comforting. His Bible studies Lutheran Church in Concord. He Messiah in Waterloo and Trinity illuminate God’s Word. He is an served as president of its Walther in Toronto from which he retired expert liturgist and exceptional League and then went off to in 1995. vocalist. Concordia Collegiate Institute in Although working at the Anglican Both Rev. Prusha and Rev. Frank Brownsville, N.Y.; Concordia Senior Book Centre, he was frequently Silver (who joined the celebration), College in Indiana; and finally, to called back into the ministry for also turn 80 this year. All three men Concordia Seminary in Missouri. short-term substitutions and served are Pastor Emeritus in that they Ordained in 1965, his first call was as supervising pastor at Emmanuel, have been honourably discharged to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Georgetown, guiding lay pastors from their roles. In its original Latin however, the term was applied to “retired soldiers” yet these men all Pastor Singh travels to India continue to soldier on for their Lord. Susan Juhlke-Ongaro made use of his time there to meet with some of the leaders of the Lutheran Church in India and of Concordia Visit the East District website at Lutheran Seminary www.lcceastdistrict.ca in Nagercoil. He also met with Rev. J. N. Cherubin S u n d a r a m , Send news, photos, articles coordinator and announcements six weeks a n d d i re c t o r o f prior to publication month. Lutheran Heritage Ilene Fortin, district editor Fo u n d a t i o n i n Rev. Joseph Singh (right) with Rev. J. N. Cherubin Sundaram and East District Office his wife. India. Pastor Singh 275 Lawrence Avenue, has been preparing Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3 ETOBICOKE, Ont.- Rev. Joseph a translation of Luther’s Small E-mail: ilene@lcceast.ca Singh of Our Saviour Lutheran Catechism into Punjabi which he Fax: 519-578-3369 Church recently travelled to his home hopes will be published sometime Next deadline: in India. While this trip was partly this year. July 15, 2018 Rev. Joseph Singh for personal reasons, Pastor Singh

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Liturgy workshop inspires Nicaraguan church workers CHINANDEGA, Nicaragua – For six days following Easter, 23 pastors and deaconesses, and a musician from the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) gathered for a series of workshops on Lutheran Liturgy and Hymnology led by Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) pastors Rev. Dr. David Somers (de l’Ascension, Montreal) and Rev. David Saar (St. John’s, Mount Forest, Ont.). Held at LCC’s Central America Mission Centre the primary goal of the workshop was to provide a theological and holistic understanding of the Liturgy in the context of training leaders chosen by the ILSN to teach all ILSN congregations how to use various liturgies and hymns from the new Spanish-language hymnal. “In the mission of God and for Lutheran Church–Canada and the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua, the music and liturgy workshop is a significant moment in the Church,” noted Dr. Somers. The workshop included pastors and deaconesses and was part of LCC’s commitment to continuing education for ILSN church workers. Each day the participants explored how liturgy strengthens the people of God in Christian worship, trains for witness through its music, unifies I L S N c h u r c h p r a c t i c e, a n d strengthens the doctrine of the Word through congregational singing. The presentations also noted that using the liturgy discourages sentimentality,

Rev. Dr. David Somers discusses the role of liturgy with ILSN pastors

solidifies doctrine when used daily in personal, congregational, and family life, and comforts, soothes and heals the soul with the divine message of Law and Gospel. The workshop noted that Martin Luther expressed high regard for music in the church saying, “I judge fully, and I am not hesitant to affirm that, with the exception of theology, there is no other art that can be placed on the same level of music. With the exception of theology, only music produces what only theology can produce, that is, a cheerful and calm disposition.” Luther also observed: “This is the reason why the Prophets did not make use of no other art except music. When they taught theology, they would not use geometry,

mathematics or astronomy, however the music, so as to maintain the theology and music firmly connected and proclaimed the truth through the Psalms and songs.” Dr. Somers expressed the hope that as a result of the workshops “the pastors and deaconesses and their congregations will grow steadily in their love and appreciation for corporate worship in the house of the Lord as well in their families and personally.”

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During the workshop pastors celebrated the Festival Liturgies including Christmas led by Pastor Douglas. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

Seminaries celebrate graduations and placements ALBERTA and ONTARIO - In two annual events Lutheran Church–Canada received five church workers and sent an additional six into the field for a year of vicarage in preparation for the pastoral ministry. Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton held its Sacred Convocation, Thursday, May 24 at Bethel Lutheran Church in nearby Sherwood Park, Alta. During the service three men received their Master of Divinity degrees and accepted placements in parishes: • Scott Brayall – Faith, Grand Prairie, Alta. • Kai Buck Peace – Trail/St. Peter, Castlegar, B.C. • Andrew McDonald – Lord of Life, Kamloops, B.C. In addition, Lenora Wallden received certification as a deacon (Director of Parish Services) and will continue her service at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ontario. CLS is now taking the lead in preparing deacons for service in LCC, although students can study at either seminary. On Saturday, May 26, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS), St. Catharines, conducted its annual Call Service at Christ Lutheran Church in St. Catharines. During the service the seminary presented candidate Insub (Isaac) Paik, who studied as a colloquy student for the past year, as eligible for a call in an LCC parish. “We thank God for these gifts to the church He has given to us,” noted President Timothy Teuscher. “Please join me in praying for these servants of the Word as they begin this new phase in their lives.” During the two events, six seminary students received vicarage assignments: • Adam Chandler (CLS): Trinity, Winkler/Zion, Morden, Man. • Travis Heide (CLS): Redeemer, Kitimat, B.C. • Peter Knelson (CLS): Hope, Port Coquitlam/Mount Calvary, New Westminster, B.C. • Joshua Kurtenbach (CLS): Redeemer, Didsbury, Alta. • Vishal Kumar Paul (CLTS): Redeemer, Waterloo, Ont. • Mark Rekken (CLS): Prince of Peace, Calgary/ Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Calgary, Alta. Following their vicarage internships, they will return to the seminaries to complete their studies. Both seminaries honoured members of LCC’s family with special awards. CLS presented Ellen Raflaub with its Friend of the Seminary award recognizing her tireless efforts supporting students and their families through the Seminary Guild. In St. Catharines, CLTS presented its Delta Chi (Servant of Christ) award to Rev. Nolan Astley. The honour recognizes service to Christ and His Church. Rev. Astley, currently senior pastor of Holy Cross, Kitchener, has served LCC as First Vice-president and Secretary of Synod. The retiring seminary business manager, Mike Bauer, received CLTS’ Friend of the Seminary award in recognition of his 18 years of service.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

CLS pastoral candidates await their placements.

CLTS colloquy graduate Rev. Isaac Paik is flanked by supervised ministry candidate Rev. Ndriana Rakotoarimah and Vicar Vishal Paul, with seminary faculty and preacher, Rev. Greg Johnson, Our Savior, Etobicoke, Ont.

Following presentation to the church by Deacon Jenn Frim (centre), who is responsible for diaconate certification, Lenora Wallden received her placement from LCC President Rev. Timothy Teuscher.

Earlier this year the seminaries reported that in the next three years they expect to graduate 15 students who have prepared for the pastoral ministry.

Replay the services: • C o n c o r d i a L u t h e r a n S e m i n a r y S a c r e d Convocation: https://youtu.be/qVVh4mManZU • Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary Call Service: https://youtu.be/8SkfYIT-aM0

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

2018 Pastoral Candidate Placements Scott Brayall (CLS) Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Prairie, Alta. (Kristopher) Scott Brayall was born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alta., where he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church before moving to Edmonton. He attended Concordia University of Edmonton to receive a B.A. in Drama before moving to Concordia Lutheran Seminary for his MDiv. Scott served field work at St. Matthew Lutheran Church under Revs. Rod Buck, Michael Keith, and Mark Dressler, and then at Riverbend Lutheran Church under Rev. Sye van Maanen. His vicarage was served in Didsbury, Alta. at Redeemer Lutheran Church under Rev. Darren Dressler. Scott and his wife, Becky were married in 2015. Kai Buck (CLS) Pe a c e, T r a i l / S t . Pe t e r, Castlegar, B.C. Kai Buck was born in Edmonton, Alta. and grew up in Winnipeg where he decided to aim for seminary. Upon graduating from high school, he moved to Stony Plain, Alta. He attended Concordia University College of Alberta. where he met his wife Melissa to whom he has been married for four years. They have a daughter, Freya. Kai served as a vicar at Our Saviour Lutheran Church and St. Mark Lutheran Church in Dryden, Ont. under the supervision of Rev. James Wood.

Andrew McDonald (CLS), Lord of Life, Kamloops, B.C. Andrew McDonald was born in Winchester, Massachusetts (just outside of Boston) to Roman Catholic parents and he was baptized and raised in the Catholic Church. In 2010, he graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with a BA in Literary Studies. Fo l l ow i n g g ra d u a t i o n , Andrew joined his parents who had moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he found his way to the Lutheran Church, joining an LCC congregation in 2011. He enrolled at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in 2014. Andrew performed his fieldwork at Kings of Kings Lutheran Church in St. Albert and Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park. He served as vicar at Trinity and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Winkler and Morden, Man. He and his wife Rachael were married in August 2017.

DPS Placement Lenora Wallden (CLS), Holy Cross, Kitchener, Ont. Lenora Wallden was born and raised in Chilliwack, B.C. the youngest of three girls. Upon graduating from St. John Brebeuf High School in 2006 she started her first job working in an LCC church. She spent four years working in the office at St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chilliwack. She entered the fouryear Bachelor of Arts program at Concordia University of Edmonton and worked towards her Director of Parish Services certification. Lenora served her one-year internship at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ont.

Vicarage assignments

A d a m C h a n d l e r T r a v i s H e i d e Peter Knelson Hope, Joshua Kurtenbach Vishal Kumar Paul Trinity, Winkler/Zion, Redeemer, Kitimat, P o r t C o q u i t l a m / Redeemer, Didsbury, Redeemer, Waterloo, Morden, Man. B.C. Mount Calvary, New Alta. Ont. Westminster, B.C.

Mark Rekken Prince of Peace, Calgar y/ Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Calgary, Alta.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

In Review: Paul, Apostle of Christ Thoughtful exploration of mercy, forgiveness, and love

hen watching Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018) viewers will be well served to remember St. Paul’s words to the early Corinthian Christians: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The premise of the film (available on DVD in June) is St. Paul’s letter to St. Timothy where he says, “Luke alone is with me” (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul (James Faulkner) is imprisoned in Rome’s Mamertine Prison around 67/68 A.D. near the end Emperor Nero’s reign. Fire has swept through the city; Nero blamed the Christians, so they are under persecution— imprisoned, burnt alive in the streets as human torches, and thrown to the wild beasts in the Coliseum’s circus. A group of Christians under the care of Priscilla (Joanne Whalley) and Aquila (John Lynch) live in fear and uncertainty. The film opens with the arrival of St. Luke (Jim Caviezel) who has come to see Paul and the other Christians. Three plots interweave with Luke connected to each thread. First, Paul in prison, the central plot; then, the persecution of the Christian community; and finally, the illness of the daughter of a fictional Roman soldier, Mauritius (Olivier Martinez), who is the Mamertine Prison’s warden. Filmmaker Andrew Hyatt has commented that in creating this character he draws from scriptural accounts where Peter, Paul, and Jesus interacted with various Roman centurions, prefects, guards, and their families. As a result, viewers familiar with those biblical accounts will feel an authenticity to the fictional story of Mauritius, his wife Irenica (Antonia Campbell-Hughes), and their sick daughter. This storyline is compelling as Mauritius and his wife struggle with their devotion to the pantheon of Roman gods and interact with Christians like Paul and Luke. The weakest part of the film is the plot around Priscilla and

Aquila. This is where viewers see the overacting and the film’s clunky bits. Since much of this happens in the film’s first act some viewers may find it hard to stick with it. Don’t be deterred, press on. Casting James Faulkner as Paul is brilliant. As an actor known for playing gruff, hard, even cruel and unpleasant characters he brings this quality to Paul, Apostle of Christ. The angry hateful personality of Saul of Tarsus is still there but now, christened by Ananias (Manuel Cauchi) as Paul an

Although much of the film is fictional, it is also faithful to and replete with Scripture. apostle of Christ, it is tempered by the love of Christ and the grace and mercy of God. This is a believable portrayal of Paul and an unexpected but welcome nuanced performance of a redeemed man. Jim Caviezel cast as Luke is equally fascinating as he had played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ (2004). Often, while watching Caviezel’s St. Luke, his portrayal of Jesus from comes to mind. While this might seem distracting, it again proves a brilliant choice. With few exceptions the characters of Paul, Luke, and Mauritius ring true. Likewise, the collision of Christian and Roman virtue, ethics, and religious

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

by Ted Giese

convictions is well portrayed with one exception. While the film shows pagan sacrifices and prayers, there is only one instance of Holy Communion and it is not in the context of congregational Christian worship. Overall, while Christians are not shown in worship nor seen praying the Psalms, there is one powerful moment where they pray together the Lord’s Prayer. Is this a family film? Mature Christians and interested individuals will get a lot from Paul, Apostle of Christ but be warned: the film is rather bleak, unfolding slowly, but building patiently to its conclusion. Don’t worry about seeing gory scenes of wild animals attacking and eating Christians in the Coliseum. While these are talked about, and Christians are shown entering the coliseum, Hyatt doesn’t include graphic depictions. That said, the film does show Nero’s human torches and that may be too much for sensitive viewers. As a filmmaker Hyatt shows great restraint in taking liberties to create a fictionalized story. Although much of the film is fictional, it is also faithful to and replete with Scripture. This is a film deserving of a wide audience and is a strong presentation of forgiveness, grace, and mercy, and is exceedingly wise in its portrayal of love. Rev. Ted Giese is lead pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina; a contributor to LCMS Reporter; and movie reviewer for the “Issues, Etc.” radio program.

Where the Gospel is strong, the devil works harder “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

ver the last ten years there has been civil and political unrest in many of the areas where Lutheran Church–Canada missions are active. In parts of Ukraine it has, at times, been difficult to live, let alone send teachers and professors to lead the seminary there. With tumultuous political climates there has been fluctuating enrolment creating challenges for the staffing and sustainability of the various Lutheran outreach programs. Regardless, the strength and perseverance of the faithful has allowed the Christian community in Ukraine to prevail and thrive. Now in 2018 we see missionary Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy busy with two rural mission stations in Nikolaev—while he provides leadership to various humanitarian projects and teaches at the seminary in Odessa.

1 Peter 5:8.

Reverend Missionary Navrotskyy

Reverend Missionary Navrotskyy should be a familiar name to you by now, as he has been a beneficiary of many mission projects over the years. If you have not heard about him through CLMS, then you may have heard about him from Lutheran Wo m e n ’s M i s s i o n a r y League–Canada, LCC Missions, or Concordia

Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton where he studied for the past few years. It is through the Grace of God and gifts of the people that he has been able to hear the word, come to Canada to study and take up the busy role(s) he now holds in Ukraine. Praise the Lord for Rev. Oleksiy’s willingness to serve even as there were times when Ukraine seminary classes were suspended while the administration at home and abroad waited to see what was going to happen next. The devil was also found prowling around in Southeast Asia ready to rock the foundation of a developing Lutheran community and its leadership. In 2016 LCC had to take some time to assess the breakdown of the existing synod in Cambodia and determine how best to support the restructuring efforts. Thanks be to God and through the

Sewing school participant.

power of the Holy Spirit the Cambodia Lutheran Church was established and has regained momentum. New church workers and congregations are actively preaching, teaching and taking on projects to support their outreach such as the newly established sewing school. Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms (LCC’s Mission Advisor for Southeast Asia) is currently in Cambodia to provide guidance on church governance and leadership matters. continued next page

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Unrest, continued Most recently our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua have been facing conflict as a result of social unrest. It is not yet known what impact the violence and activity will have on the work of the church in Nicaragua, but one thing we can be certain of is that the devil will do his best to take advantage of the instability the situation has caused. Some might say it is a good measure of the power and strength of the Gospel when things start to go wrong—because it is there that the devil will focus his efforts. There are many mission projects sponsored by LCC Missions as well as the various auxiliaries

in Canada and the United States and we ask you to continue to support those initiatives—as we hear from the church workers in Nicaragua that they continue their work as they have been called to do. While we cannot see what will come of the turmoil and tragedy, we do know that the Lord is most powerful and all-knowing and the Holy Spirit will always reach the hearts of those who don’t even know that they need Him. From the comfort of my home I find it difficult to truly understand the trials and struggles our fellow Christians face in other parts of the world. I often

Unrest in Nicaragua

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

wonder how it is that I was placed here in the relative safety of Canada while my brothers and sisters in Christ are in the midst of riots, and I marvel at the blessings my children have whilst others are hungry, lonely and lost. A few years back I confessed this feeling to a translator (let’s call him Charlie) who worked with our Nicaragua mission team and his response was a reflection of selfless love and humility. Charlie said to me, “I am in Nicaragua for a reason, this is where I was placed by God to serve him, and so I serve him, because this is where I was meant to do it.” Charlie is a passionate man who loves Christ and loves his country

and its people—and while he has connections that would allow him to leave Nicaragua, he remains and continues to work with mission teams while the world erupts around him. As I prepare to transition out of my role supporting Concordia Lutheran Mission Society, I pray for Charlie and all other brothers and sisters in Christ around the troubled world to have the comfort that only these words can give: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14: 27-28

Every dollar you donate to a specific project goes directly to that project! 2 0 1 8 M I S S I O N P R O J E CT S Many of the 2018 Mission Projects encompass the needs of those who are facing the challenges of sharing the Gospel amidst adversity. Learn more at concordiamissions.org or www.facebook.com/ ConcordiaLutheranMissionSocietyCLMS. Canada 1801 – LCC Intercultural Ministry Conference – $5,000 1802 – South Asian Radio Ministry – $5,000 Central America 1803 – Central America Regional Church Workers Training – $10,000 1804 – Children's Feeding Programs – $12,000 1805 – Children’s Education Program – $9,600

Pastors, deaconesses and church workers in Nicaragua, projects 1803 and 1811.

1816 – Mission and Ministry in Costa Rica – $25,000

Children’s education program, projects 1805 and 1815.

1806 – School Desks and Chairs – $5,000 1807 – Music Program for Children and Youth – $5,000 1808 – Youth Ministry – $6,000 1809 – Computer Training for Deaconesses and Children – $2,500 1810 – Missionary Transportation (motorcycles) – $8,000 1811 – Deaconess Support – $6,000 1812 – Mission facility in Rivas – $6,000 1813 – Place for worship in La Pita – $700

Ukraine 1817 – Support for LCC Missionary Navrotskky in Nikolaev – $7,650 1818 – Seminary Program and Operation – $20,000 1819 – Youth Programs – $4,700 1820 – Pastoral Care in Prison Ministry – $1,300 1821 – Days of Faith Theological Conference – $3,800 1822 – Ministry and Mission in Zorya – $1,500 1823 – Cycle English Language Club in Dnipropetrovsk – $1,500 Thailand 1824 – Mission and Ministry to Kokkloi, Thailand – $8,500

Pastor Suchart Chujit with his family in Kokkloi, Thailand, project 1824.

Adult Bible study under the trees, projects 1812 and 1814.

1814 – Missionary Rental Jinotepe – $5,400 1815 – Children’s Education Program, Costa Rica – $6,500

Concordia Lutheran Mission Society makes no deduction from donations designated to projects to cover operational expenses. If a project you donate to has been fully funded at time of receipt, then every effort will be made to distribute the funds to a similar project and/or a project in the same country. The entire amount donated to projects goes to projects. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

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

HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS Many of you know that one of our working board members, Pastor Roland Syens, lived in Ukraine as a missionary pastor for many years. Pastor Syens often shares a story from 2008 of a young boy who sat in the back of the room, fidgeting and creating distraction during his Bible studies and lessons. Pastor Syens admits that he wondered if this young man would ever learn from the words he heard. That young man was named Sergey Bevz. This summer, while

Sergey Bevz and youth leaders in Ukraine.

Pastor Syens was again in Ukraine, the Ukraine Synod

was holding Christian summer camps for children

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

LUTHERAN

EGLISE

in local communities. A team of six youth were leading the ministry—the main leader of this team— Sergey Bevz! We have no way of knowing what God will do with our gifts, but they are a blessing He works with in many ways, at many times beyond what we intend. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

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

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

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History of the Reformation

The Heidelberg Disputation by Mathew Block

n April 1518, about half a year their own good works and in their following the publication of The own right thinking in matters of 95 Theses, Martin Luther was salvation. The theologians of glory in invited to present at a debate during Luther’s day taught that Christians a meeting of the Augustinian order were simply required “to do what is in Heidelberg, Germany. Here Luther in you” (facere quod in se est) before moves away from the question of they would receive grace from God. indulgences into deeper subjects: By “doing what is in you,” they the question of how we are saved. meant Christians had to take the first In The Heidelberg Disputation and step towards God—to turn to Him its accompanying explanations, and will themselves to love Him to Luther makes clear he no longer trusted in works righteousness as a road to salvation. Salvation must come instead through Christ alone. The disputation is best remembered for articulating the difference between the “Theology of the Cross” and the “Theology of Glory.” The former sees all things through the cross of Christ; the latter seeks out the hidden things of God as if they were Luther debates in Heidelberg something we could grasp through our own reason. But trying the best of their abilities. Only after to understand God in the strength that would God grant them grace. of our own reason, Luther says, The theologian of glory thus inevitably leads to an errant view of diminishes the seriousness of human God and salvation. sin downplaying the consequences of Theology of Glory the Fall and arguing that human will Luther explains that those he and works can bring us towards God. calls “theologians of glory” believe Whatever larger role God might play, humanity is more or less still capable the theologian of glory nevertheless of seeking out God on its own. They leaves some part of the work of might recognize that the Fall into sin salvation to himself. had negatively impacted the world, But Luther knew the cross leaves but all we really need, they would say, no such possibility. If salvation were is a little help from God to get back merely a matter of “doing what is in on the right track. In such a system, us,” then the death of Christ would human reason is placed on a pedestal, never have been necessary. At the and trusted to figure out both who cross, God reveals exactly what “is in God is and how to approach Him. us.” Sin. Death. Decay. Something so Inevitably, this self-trust leads heinous, so terrible, that only the death people to place their confidence in of God Himself can rectify the situation.

We must be honest with ourselves about the predicament we are in, Luther writes. “The theologian of the cross calls a thing what it actually is” – and when it comes to our sin, “it” is not good news. We are sinners through and through. Not even our best attempts at loving God or holy living can save us. However good our earthly works might seem, they cannot save. In fact, they are riddled with sin. “Although the works of man always s e e m a t t ra c t i ve a n d good,” Luther writes, “they are nevertheless likely to be mortal sins.” The Prophet Isaiah says much the same when he writes, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The yeast of sin is worked too well through the whole dough contaminating everything. So even when we try to obey God’s Law, we offer up polluted sacrifices. We are slaves to sin and even our purported “free will” is corrupted by it! “Free will, after the fall, exists in name only,” Luther writes, “and as long as it does ‘what it is able to do,’ it commits a mortal sin.” Whatever the theologians of glory might say, “Doing what is in you” just won’t cut it. Left to our own devices, we must inevitably be damned. That thought should drive us to our knees in despair. But that despair is not necessarily bad, so long as it leads us to look outside ourselves for salvation in Another. “It is certain that man must utterly despair of his own ability before he is prepared to receive the grace of Christ,” Luther continued on next page

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

explains. It is only in recognizing our utter sinfulness that we are ready to “fall down and pray for grace and place our hope in Christ in whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection.”

Theology of the Cross In contrast to the theology of glory, which trusts in human strength, the theology of the cross emphasizes the weakness of humanity. It stresses that we cannot know God on our own terms; instead, we must meet Him solely through His selfrevelation in Christ crucified. At Golgotha God reveals Himself in a way we could never have expected. He becomes human and suffers death on a cross. The theologian of the cross must thus learn to disregard outward appearances and trust instead in the works of God, even though— like suffering—they are unattractive on the surface. He must despair of himself and look for salvation solely in the “foolishness of God”— that strange and seemingly inglorious death of God on a tree. Salvation, then, is something we receive but do not earn. Something we are given but do not deserve. Something that comes by faith and not works. “He is not righteous who does much, but he who, without work, believes much in Christ,” Luther writes. “For the Law says, ‘Do this,’ and it is never done. But Grace says, ‘Believe in this,’ and everything is already done.” This is good news! The recognition that God saves us through faith in Christ and not our works represents significant growth in Luther’s understanding of the Gospel. But while he points us in the right direction in The Heidelberg Disputation, Luther does not flesh out the nature of salvation in detail. Some may argue whether he yet grasps the Gospel entirely. One might almost read Luther in this work as saying it is our selfeffacement before God that makes Him grant us grace. He writes that

“through humility grace is acquired,” (that is, through our self-humility in recognizing our utter sinfulness.) And again: “Humility and fear of God are our entire merit.” These words echo in part the “self-hatred” Luther counselled in The 95 Theses as the right mode of repentance. Taken to an extreme, we might read the early Luther as saying we must hate ourselves as much as God hates sin—which is to say completely— and that we must agree that we are entirely unlovable before He will, paradoxically, make us the object of His love. Luther’s emphasis on terror (of ourselves and our sin) in this work finds no corresponding emphasis on the comfort found in the Gospel. Consequently, one might say that while Luther identifies the disease of sin and the need for a cure, the good doctor does not quite describe the cure in its fullness. In some ways, this is to be expected: Luther himself dated his breakthrough understanding of the Gospel to early 1519—months after the debate at Heidelberg. But what The Heidelberg Disputation reveals is Luther’s growing understanding that problems in the church were not merely a matter of indulgences. He now understood the whole system of works righteousness was unsupported by Scripture. Good works could not save. Salvation must come from outside the sinner. It must come from Christ. Luther continues his thinking on this subject in 1519, where he states that “the cross alone is our theology.” For while the crucifixion might seem inglorious, the theologian of the cross knows it to be the foundation of faith. St. Paul said it clearly so many years earlier: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18).

“The cross alone is our theology.”

Mathew Block ser ved as LCC Communications Manager and is the newlyappointed editor of The Canadian Lutheran.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Partnering with you in HIS mission

from our Project Connect series… Why Do Bad Things Happen? Why does trouble exist in the world? How could any benefit come from suffering? What has God done to deal with the evil and pain in this world? Here are valuable insights for sharing God’s love and remembering His desire to comfort His people in all situations. Booklet (6BE126 ) English or (6BF126) French.

Where’s God in All of This? Suffering happens all around – in the form of natural disasters or terror brought on by humans. Suffering can be economic or health related and be global, community or individual in scope. It often drives people to ask “Where’s God in All of This?”. Booklet (6BE110).

LHM booklets may already be available at your congregation – if not, contact us for a free copy. For you to share– Serving with Joy lll.ca/using-serving-with-joy LHM resources are available from: Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4 info@LLL.ca * www.LLL.ca 1-800-555-6236 LutheranHourMinistriesCanada

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Transitions

Classified

Rev. Dr. James Keller, Executive Director Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada to pastor, Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Ont.

CAMP KOINONIA ON LAKE ISLE in central Alberta may just be the perfect location for your family reunion, wedding, retreat or VBS! Our heated Pavilion is available throughout the year for use by the week, the weekend, or the day. Campsites adjacent to the Pavilion and closer to the lake may be rented as well. Members of a Lutheran church are invited to consider joining our unique lake community by taking out a renewable license to use one of our lake lots. An affordable and familyoriented Christian camp that features playgrounds, a spor ts cour t, and outdoor chapel, and Sunday worship throughout the camp season, we may be just what you’ve been looking for. For more information, please visit www. lakeislelutherancamp.com or contact us today at 780-727-2477 or LCA.Camp@ outlook.com.

Rev. Lee Loveridge, pastor, First Lutheran Church, Kelowna, B.C. to pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lethbridge, Alta. Rev. Dr. Dusan Tillinger, pastor, First Lutheran Church, Kingsville, Ont. to pastor St. Luke’s Lutheran, North York, Ont. (LCMS, English District).

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by Rev. Ted Giese

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For Rent: Foothills Lutheran Student Residence, 3102 34 Ave NW Calgary. The residence is a COED 4-bedroom house, on church site in Brentwood and a five- minute walk to the U of C. Rental rate is $500 monthly. Rate includes utilities, local telephone, laundry, high speed internet access, basic digital cable, private bedroom, shared common areas (large kitchen, living room with fireplace). Common areas are furnished but students to furnish private bedroom. Preference will be given to Lutheran students. Letter of reference from Pastor required. For more information and to apply contact Foothills Lutheran Church, 403-280-1342 or of fice@ foothillslutheran.com

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5 A message from

Great is the glory of the Lord! THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

Presidential Perspective

What does the Church do? President Timothy Teuscher

n the book of Acts we read the following description of those 3,000 souls in Jerusalem who heard and received the apostle Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost, repented of their sins, and were baptized in the name of Christ: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). This verse, however, not only describes the early Christians in the church at Jerusalem; but, in light of other clear passages in the New Testament, it also prescribes that which is to characterize the lives of all believers in Christ, of all who are baptized in His name, of all who are members of His church including you and me. There are actually four prescriptions. The first is to devote ourselves “to the apostles’ teaching;” to gladly and frequently hear and learn God’s Word that is read from the lecterns and proclaimed from the pulpits in our congregations and which alone, as St. Paul says, is “able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). He then exhorts us to, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Col. 3:16). The second is to devote ourselves “to the fellowship;” to the communion, the gathering of believers for worship, the joining together of the baptized to praise and thank God for all His blessings of body and soul – singing “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16), as the apostle continues. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as

some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). The third is to devote ourselves “to the breaking of bread;” to the eating and drinking of our Lord’s body and blood in the Holy Supper, to participating in and partaking of the body and blood of Christ through which and in which, as the Small

This is a prescription for the Church in our time. Catechism puts it, “forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given us.” And what does our Lord Christ Himself say about the Sacrament? ‘Omit this!” No, rather “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). The fourth is to devote ourselves “to the prayers;” meeting together in the courts of the Lord’s house to offer to Him our joint petitions “for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs” (LSB Altar Book, p. 167). St. Paul tells Timothy in his instructions on public worship, “I urge, then, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Tim. 2:1). This is no mere description of the early church, but a prescription for the Church in our time and for all of us as her members. Notice, this wasn’t just a mindless hearing of the apostolic Word or an occasional gathering for worship or a perfunctory offering up of prayers

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

to God or an infrequent partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Rather, those first New Testament believers “devoted themselves” to these things. They were dedicated to, ardent about, and preoccupied with “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers.” I mention all this because, quite frankly, in the church there are often other things we are dedicated to, ardent about, and preoccupied with, whether in our congregations or in matters pertaining to our synod. Organizing, restructuring, and finances have preoccupied many of us over the past few years. You can probably come up with your own list. Herman Sasse, one of the 20th century’s foremost confessional Lutheran theologians, put it this way: “Today, as always, people ask in one form or another: What does the church do? The early Christians founded no mission society, held no conferences on the problems of Palestine which the world’s political powers have been trying in vain for centuries to do, or on how to deal with the threat of barbarian invasions. They passed no resolutions at conventions condemning the rampant immorality that was devastating society in the Roman Empire. Instead, ’they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers’ (Acts 2:42). And the result of this? ‘The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved’ (Acts 2:47). To the world it is inexplicable that the church lives on, always doing the same old thing. But the fact of the matter is that because it is the same old thing, the church goes on living.”

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2018

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REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE