The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2018 by The Canadian Lutheran

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 33 Number 4

Keeping the Faith in a Faithless World

INSIDE • A Light in the Darkness • Lutherans and the Benedict Option • Trust Not in Princes • Consider All the Works Thy Hand Has Made

“ Together, we strive for a world where people live in peace with equality, empowered to achieve their universal rights to quality of life. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of people around the world. Without you, this work would not be possible. Thank you.” KARIN ACHTELSTETTER CLWR Executive Director

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 33 Number 4

Lutherans and the Benedict Option Trust Not in Princes

6 9

July/August 2018

Departments Table Talk

A Light in the Darkness

In Review

The Benedict Option Page 6

Ant Man and the Wasp

Presidential Perspective

Consider All the Works Thy Hand Has Made

News Section International News

LWF suspends meetings with ILC • Australian pastors reject women’s ordination • Malagasy Lutherans seek fellowship with LCMS • New president for Ghana’s Lutherans

National News

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

ABC District

Central District

East District

March for Life • Reconciliation training • Hats and Mats Project • Annual family camping weekend • 2018 Gertrude Pollex Award

Mission Update

The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: editor@lutheranchurch.ca

Education Report

©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.

Annual preaching retreat • Fifty years for St. James Lutheran, Winnipeg • District convention info • Aid for church work students

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.

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.

Family baptized • LWMLC zone celebrates anniversaries • Vernon church building closed • Installations • District Convention info

New Int’l Mission Executive • Costa Rica work suspended • LCC responds to situation in Nicaragua • Ukraine seminary graduation

New Testament Greek via distance educaton • FORE! Annual CLTS golf tournament

Letters to the Editor

Classifieds

Supplement

LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE–CANADA

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

e all have that favourite pair of jeans, the pair that fits just right and is just the right colour. We wear them until they are faded and worn, then look for the same style in the next pair.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Letters to the Editor Re: The Rite Thing Rev. Michael Keith’s article, “Doing the Rite Thing” (May/June 2018), certainly held up the ideal of Christians taking their faith seriously and being involved regularly in Divine Services. However, I believe he overstated some points. Rev. Keith states that “Church rites begin and flow… by regular attendance at Divine Service.” He says that if rites are disconnected from Divine Service, the rites “cease to function” and “lose their meaning,” and can “cause more harm than good” and “teach dangerous superstitions.” When speaking of Baptism, Rev. Keith states that it is seen as a sort of “magic” when parents bring their children without attending the Divine Service. Well, Baptism is a sacrament, and thus a mystery, in how the Holy Spirit works though Baptism to claim a child as God’s own. A baptism is good and valid whenever and wherever it is done. Did not Jesus say to let the little children come to Him, and not hinder them (Matthew 19:4)? When Rev. Keith speaks about confirmation, he is speaking of a “rite.” This rite has two parts. I agree that it is a

problem when the person makes vows to attend Divine Services regularly but doesn’t. However, confirmation is also a period of instruction. It is usually a weekly class in God’s Word lasting two years with the pastor. This gives ample opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work through God’s Word to create or nurture saving faith in the young person. Non-attenders at Divine Services who want to be instructed, even if it is “Christianity 101” for them, should be welcomed. When it comes to marriage, it is “holy matrimony” whenever a man and woman commit themselves to each other for life in a legal manner. That a couple would come to the church and pastor, even if they are non-attenders at Divine Services, gives a unique opportunity first to study the Word together. Again, this allows the Holy Spirit to stir faith within them, more likely leading them to regular worship attendance than sending them to the marriage commissioner would. I have personally seen this take place. This is not asking the “rites of the church to do something they are not intended to do.” Baptism is a means of Grace. So is the Word of

God contained within the rites. For this reason, they are evangelistic. Rites do not confer blessings, but the Word and sacraments do. Article 5 of the Augsburg Confession states: “It is only through these two means [Word and sacraments] that the Holy Spirit works faith where and when He pleases in only those who hear and do not reject the Gospel.” The “damage to the confession of Jesus” and “the integrity of the Church” is caused by being uncaring and legalistic about who is “worthy” of receiving the “rite.” Our “daily vocations” are not the means of grace to “do the evangelism work.” The Word proclaimed in opportunities the Lord sends our way are. However, all this is soon to be a moot point, as the church is considered extreme and irrelevant by the culture. The Gospel is already offensive to the world. More and more, people are not coming to the church for baptism, confirmation, or marriage. Those that still are need to be encouraged, not discouraged because of their lack of attendance at Divine Services. Rev. Darren Siegle Osoyoos, B.C.

A Sense of Adventure I always marveled at the faith of Philip, who like Abraham before him, simply followed the Lord’s leading and believed the angel’s words, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8:26). And of course on the way he met the Ethiopian eunuch, shared the good news about Jesus from Isaiah 53, baptized him in a desert Wadi, and gave birth to the strong Christian church that still exists in Ethiopia. As our Lutheran Church–Canada faces three District Conventions in which Regional Pastors will be elected, I pray that the Holy Spirit will call out faithful men like Philip who will have a Sense of Adventure and are eager and willing to go wherever the Lord leads believing the He might still have a few surprises in store for His present and future followers.

Now I must admit that I have had more than a few adventures over the last fifty years and more of public ministry and service, but I am not normally an adventuresome person. As my children and former parishioners well know, my Motto has been: “Make a Plan, Work a Plan.” That simply means that as I have prayerfully looked at the new job descriptions of Regional Pastor, Mission Council, and Circuit Counselors, I have come to the realization that you have to have a plan. Can anyone visit all of the pastors and deacons, let alone congregations and ministries, in a year? I think not. But they might be able to do so in the three years before the next Synodical convention if they have a plan. In the Alberta–British Columbia District there are currently eleven circuits. A Regional Pastor might

be able to make intentional visits if he planned to visit a Circuit every quarter scheduled around a Circuit Meeting. Two Circuits might even meet together, such as Vancouver and Fraser Valley, or North and South Edmonton. He could also visit several congregations as well over a week before or afterwards. It won’t happen, however, unless one makes a plan, follows through, and has just enough sense of adventure to believe that the Holy Spirit will offer some stops, starts, turns, twists, and reboots along the way. Another favourite adventure from the Acts of the Apostles is the Vision of the Man from Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). It only happens because Paul and Silas and Timothy listened to the Spirit of Jesus who would not allow...

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Letters cont. on page 40

Table Talk

A Light in the Darkness by Mathew Block There is prepared on high My heritage, my lot; Though here on earth I sink and die, My heaven shall fail me not. Though here my days are dark, And oft my tears must rain, Whene’er my Saviour’s Light I mark, Lo, all is bright again.

o wrote Paul Gerhardt, that great luminary among Lutheran hymnwriters, in 1650 (the translation is Catherine Winkworth’s). Like so many of Gerhardt’s hymns, the words here are a comfort to those facing dark days, whether in their personal lives or when they consider the state of the world around them. In the midst of sorrow, we find comfort knowing Christ has prepared a place for us in the life to come—that He will lead us at length through the shadows and into the light of His eternal kingdom. Gerhardt knew a thing or two about grief. He lived through the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that waged from 1618-1648. Perhaps eight million people died as a result of the war—some through fighting, but many others from famine and disease, which ran rampant as a result of the three-decade conflict. Up to 40 percent of the entire German population may have been wiped out. And yet, in the midst of such tragedy, Gerhardt found peace in Christ. We find ourselves living through dark days in Canada too. We do not face armed warfare (thank God), but we are nevertheless in the midst of a spiritual battle. Canada has long been in a struggle to determine what role, if any, the Church should have in guiding wider culture, politics, and morality. Then again, perhaps it would be more honest to say Canada was once in such a struggle. Let’s call a spade a spade: our nation has already secularized. That battle has been lost.

Indeed, Christians in Canada are increasingly vilified and ostracized in wider society. One need only look at the recent Supreme Court decision on Trinity Western University for evidence of this fact (see page 17). The days are indeed evil, as St. Paul writes (Ephesians 5:16). So how then are we as Christians to make the best use of the time? The Church in Canada finds itself in exile; how then should we respond? We should begin where the Church must always begin: in God’s Word. In particular, Jesus’ teaching that we are in the world but not of it is vital for us to remember in these days (John 17:14-16). Though exiled, Christians must not withdraw from the world;

The Church in Canada finds itself in exile; how then should we respond? we are “in it,” after all. But we are also to be on our guard so that we do not become “of the world” either. In his article on The Benedict Option this issue (see page 6), Rev. Esko Murto outlines for us how Christians can begin fortifying their faith right now: by recommitting themselves to prayer and the study of Scripture, to gathering with other Christians for Word and Sacrament, to living as if faith in Christ really is the most important thing in life. He calls us, in other words, to remember what it means to be “not of this world.” Rev. Dr. John Hellwege meanwhile reminds us of our privileges and responsibilities as people who are “in the world” (see page 9). He outlines for us both the dangers and God-

given opportunities which lie in our engagement with the political realm. For God is still God over the civil realm too: we should engage that system insofar as we can in good conscience, working to safeguard the diminishing rights the Church currently enjoys. Of course, we should not be deceived into thinking we will, through political means, somehow save the world. That’s Jesus’ job, not ours. Instead, we are called simply to be faithful with the resources we have been given, however little they may be (Matthew 25:14-30). That means nurturing your faith life through regular prayer, worship attendance, and Scripture reading. It means making your home a place where Christ comes first—before entertainment, before sports, before that extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning. It means teaching the faith intentionally to your children—to spend time in family devotions, to study the catechism together, to sing hymns as one. It means cultivating relationships with family, friends, and neighbours, and actually sharing the Good News of Christ with them. The days are indeed dark. But thanks be to God, Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12)! In His light, we see light (Psalm 36:9), and with His Word to guide us, we may yet navigate this benighted world (Psalm 119:105). We even become His mirrors, reflecting light to those still dwelling in darkness (Matthew 5:16). It’s my privilege to walk that road of faith with you again, as with this issue I return as editor of The Canadian Lutheran. I pray that God would continue to use this little magazine to show you just how bright His light is—and how bright a light you can be too in the dark little corner of the world where you find yourself now.

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Lutherans and the Benedict Option

Finding our Way in a Post-Christian society by Esko Murto

o tell a complicated thing in a simple way is better than telling a simple thing in a complicated way. Rod Dreher’s 2017 book The Benedict Option falls into the first category. It is approachable, easy to read, and clear enough, but deals with a topic both important and complex—namely, how the Christian Church can go on in a post-Christian world. The name “Benedict Option” needs a bit of explaining though. The Benedict of the title refers to St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 - c. 547 A.D.), often called “the founder of Western monasticism.” At the time of St. Benedict, the world of antiquity was coming to an end; the Roman Empire (at least in the West) was being brought down by barbarian invasions from the outside and corruption from within. Benedict, so the story goes, was born into nobility, but chose to live as a hermit after seeing the decadence and corruption in

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Rome. Over time, he attracted a number of followers, and the Benedictines were born. Benedictines were the critical link between late antiquity and the medieval age. When the Roman world collapsed, it was monasteries that became the depositories of western civilization and Christian faith. In their studies, monks slowly copied ancient texts, preserved knowledge of sciences, and maintained and developed arts. Likewise, monks later emerged from their cloisters and began the missionary work of reChristianizing Europe. The Lutheran Church has traditionally held a negative view of monasticism, as by the time of the Reformation the monasteries had become both organizationally and theologically corrupt. It’s important to note that The Benedict Option is not encouraging Christians to all become monks and nuns.

Nor is this a book examining the history and theology of the monastic movement. Instead, Dreher simply showcases St. Benedict as an example of Christians finding a way to hold on to their faith and lifestyle, even amidst great change in their surroundings.

Fall of the Christian West What has Benedict to do with the present day? The Western world is now in a situation similar to that of St. Benedict’s time, with old Judeo-Christian culture collapsing into what appears to be some sort of postmodern barbarism. Instead of drinking mead from skull-cups and wearing loin cloths, this barbarism is characterised by: (1), the abandonment of objective moral standards; (2), the refusal to accept any religiously or culturally binding narrative, except as chosen; and (3), the repudiation of history as irrelevant. It is shallow, whimsical, and subjective. Dreher contends that the Culture War between secular culture and Christianity in the West has been lost. The Views of the “liberal elite” are already shared by the majority of people, and their ideas are even penetrating Christian churches as well. The Benedict Option is not a book meant to rouse complacent Christians to battle secularism, or to muster together the remaining forces to turn the tide of cultural change. That change has already taken place, Dreher says, and it won’t go away—at least, not in the short run. The Judeo-Christian worldview has moved from being the majority to a minority, and increasingly even a marginalised minority. Is there hope? At the twilight of Ancient Rome, the survival of the Western Civilization became possible when it was no longer connected to the survival of the Empire. The Benedict Option calls the Christian reader to accept that the old alliance of Christian faith, majority culture, and legislation in the West has come to an end. But that does not mean the end of Christianity. The Church can not only survive but even thrive in the postmodern era if it accepts this reality and acts accordingly.

our lives. And if they are the most important thing, then we will desire to express these truths in not only clear, but also beautiful ways, using all the arts accessible to us. In our time, traditional apologetics have become in many cases ineffective; but the compelling power of beauty remains. Aesthetics don’t make one into a believer, but they can be a necessary first step which causes people to stop and listen. “Love” is another way for the Church to show what truth is when rational arguments are ignored by the wider world. Consider the subject of marriage: the Christian view on marriage might not win in a public debate, but when Christian spouses commit themselves to a life of love and faithfulness, they give a testimony to what the Christian understanding on marriage means in practice. This speaks to the broader importance of our lives as public witnesses to our faith—and to the dangers, consequently, of being lax in our practice of our church discipline. Such discipline is not so much a tool for moral improvement, but rather provides a testimony to the integrity and solemnity with which the Church keeps its truths. The church that claims to teach the Truth but fails to reject falsehoods gives a testimony of relativism, no matter what they claim on paper. The most interesting and also challenging part of The Benedict Option deals with the Church as a concrete, social community (instead of merely an abstract spiritual idea). This begins in the smallest communal unit: one’s own home. Calling it a “domestic monastery,” Dreher encourages Christian families to consciously make family devotional life a top priority. As a part of the “monastic” nature of home, Christians should practice hospitality but also make clear at least to themselves that their home is a Christian household, with the limitations that brings. The desire to make Church into a concrete social community, “the idea of a Christian village,” requires work and almost always needs intentional commitment. When so many distractions are competing for their time and energy, Christians need to make a conscious decision to prioritize the Church as their primary community. At the same time, the social reality of the church should not become an idol; the love between members is a fruit, not the foundation, of the life of faith. In the end, The Benedict Option is not anything radically new. And it does not even try to be. Instead, it encourages Christians to rediscover something the Church has always possessed. At its heart, it is a call

The old alliance of Christian faith, majority culture, and legislation in the West has come to its end. But that does not mean the end of Christianity. The Church can not only survive, but even thrive.

Church as a community of truth, beauty, and love In the postmodern era, “truth” and “beauty” are often downplayed as mere opinion. The Church must resist this apathy and embrace not only the doctrines of Scripture, but also seek to rediscover a worldview where these truths become the most important thing in

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for the Church to be the Church. “This Benedict Option thing, it’s just being Christian, right?’” one young woman comments in Dreher’s book. “It’s just the church being what the church is supposed to be.” The strength of the Benedict Option is its low threshold of application—you do not need much to get started. As Dreher writes, “Don’t let the best be

the enemy of good enough.” Start small and make it sustainable from the beginning.

Rev. Esko Murto is Assistant Professor of Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario.

How can you start “being the Church” more intentionally where you are? • Does everyone know everyone by name in your church? Knowing a name is not much, but that’s where community usually begins. Seek ways to make this happen. • Is devotional life important in your daily life? Prayer and the study of Scripture is good for you and your family. How can you make sure you have enough time for it every day? • Holidays sometimes call us to ask which bonds are more crucial to us: the o n e s fo u n d e d o n kinship or the ones created by the Holy Spirit. Should you stay home Christmas morning to spend quality time with your relatives if it means missing out on one of the greatest feasts of the Church? • Can I/we be more hospitable to unbelieving neighbors, as well as to our brothers and sisters in the Church? The Epistle to Diognetus from the second century described Christian families in this way: “They have a common table but not a common bed.” How can we imitate this? • How do we, as a congregation, enforce integrity and accountability through the use of church discipline without falling into moralism and judgmentalism?

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

• How can we give testimony to our faith through beauty in the church—through visual arts, music, and other ways? Is it possible to do this without spending a lot of money? Or should we invest money in this way to remind ourselves what really matters? What does it communicate if you drink wine at home from a crystal glass and the Lord’s Blood at church from a disposable cup? • People have always needed communities, not only for the sake of companionship but also and especially for mutual support and protection. If someone in our church suffers from sickness, do we visit them? If their house burns down, do we help them build a new one? Are we ready to devote real time and money for the wellbeing of our fellow congregants? Do we even know them well enough to know if they are suffering? • Am I ready to make sacrifices for my faith if needed? It may mean that some hobbies, relationships, or jobs won’t work for me. Can I accept this, knowing that the Gospel is still a treasure that makes me happy and rich beyond measure in heavenly things?

Trust Not in Princes by John Hellwege

he situation looks bad for traditional, conservative Christians. The prestige of the Christian Church has been steadily undermined. Social views of morality have changed, with pornography, prostitution, and homosexuality becoming common and even publically celebrated. On top of this, there are economic challenges, and even a country that seems to be losing its identity. Into this mix comes a political party that promises to restore the economy, dignity, and morality of the nation. The party officially endorses a non-sectarian “positive Christianity.” This sounds very good and many church members and pastors vote to give this party the largest share of the government. Almost immediately, this party makes good on its promises. The economy turns around, patriotism and dignity are restored, and morality and the family are praised. Things are starting to look up. Does this situation sound familiar at all? What was just described did not take place in Canada or even North America. It wasn’t even the 21 st century. It was the 20th century, the place was Germany, and the party was the National Socialist Worker’s Party. Yes,

the situation described above was that which raised Hitler to power. In a tragic form of irony, many Lutheran pastors, such as Martin Niemöller, voted for the Nazi party, only to later be imprisoned by that same party once in power. What happened? How could Christians do such a thing? How could a historically Christian nation, and even Christian leaders, support Adolf Hitler? It is all too easy for us to sit here in Canada and take pride that we didn’t fall for a Hitler, but rather fought him. But there is a danger in looking at other countries and focusing on “their” problems, as if we too did not face similar temptations, albeit in different forms. Even now, it seems there are many things over which Christians in Canada can wring their hands in worry. Consider the situation described at the beginning of this article: how much of it sounds eerily familiar to our own times? Consider the well reported case of Trinity Western University and their attempt to establish a law school. This proposed school was denied accreditation by the law societies of British Columbia and Ontario due to

It is all too easy for us to sit here in Canada and take pride that we didn’t fall for a Hitler, but rather fought him.

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the university’s code of conduct which prohibits sexual relations outside of traditional, heterosexual marriage. By now everyone knows about the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision that the rights of potential LGBT students trump the religious rights claimed by the university (see page 17). Likewise, in Alberta there is a legal battle taking place over a provincial law mandating gay-straight alliances at all schools, including Christian ones. One could easily list many more examples.

What are we to make of these things? We are living in a world today that scholars have defined as “post-Constantinian.” This is a shorthand way of saying that, ever since the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine, Christianity and Christian institutions have had a somewhat privileged position in Western society, but that this “Constantinian” privilege is now over. That leaves us in a curious position in Canada: the Charter of Rights and Freedoms begins by stating this country is “founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law,” yet it seems that the very idea of the supremacy of God is being attacked and at times expunged from our legal framework. Because so many of these battles are being waged in the realm of politics, it has sometimes been suggested that a political solution is necessary. While this seems largely true, we also need a word of caution.

Therefore, it is not right for us, as Christians, to hide away in our own little communities and ignore the outside world. We need to be active and involved in the greater political world. We must keep in mind that God works in this world through two different realms of authority. These are traditionally called the Kingdom of the Right-Hand and the Kingdom of the Left-Hand. The Kingdom of God’s Right-Hand is the Church. Here God comes to us and rules through His grace and mercy. God has established the Church as His means of bringing forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to humanity. However, God also rules over the world through governments and authorities. In this Left-Hand Kingdom, God is the ultimate King over all creation, including all rulers and authorities. In this Kingdom, God works for our good by rewarding those who do good and punishing evildoers in this life (Romans 13:1-4). In this Left-Hand Kingdom, God grants authority to our earthly rulers to protect us in this life. Because of the importance of this charge, it is vital that Christians be willing to be engaged, not for our own good, but for the good of our neighbors. God calls us all to work for the good of those around us, including through political means. However, our engagement in the political realm also comes with a warning. Psalm 146:3 cautions us: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.” We need to remember that whenever we turn to political means, we are turning to sinful human beings. Everyone must make their decisions in regards to elections with caution and prayer. We must be wary not to put too much hope and trust in fallen people. Here is where our great danger lies. It is easy for everyone, Christians included, to fall into the trap of thinking that if we can only get the right people or party into power, then all will be well. But when we act in this way, then we are no longer trusting in God—we are trusting in fallen sinners. If we hand too much power to sinners, we can end up with tragic problems, such as befell Germany under Hitler. But even to a lesser extent, we need to be vigilant. Yes, we should work to put the best individuals into power, but we also need to make sure that our trust is not in people, but in God. Likewise, we must pray for our leaders, even those we do not like—and especially for those with whom we do not agree.

Psalm 146:3 cautions us: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.”

Christians and the State In Article 16 of the Augsburg Confession, we are reminded that “Christians may without sin exercise political authority; be princes and judges; pass sentences and administer justice according to imperial and existing laws; punish evildoers with the sword; wage just wars; serve as soldiers…” Lutherans confess that it is good and right that Christians serve in governmental offices. Furthermore, in Romans 13 we are told: “You also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honour to whom honour is owed.” In a parliamentary democracy, such as Canada, this means not only paying taxes, but also other aspects of representative government: making an informed vote, for example, and other forms of participation that are expected of all citizens. After all, how can our Ministers of Parliament, as well as others, represent their constituents if their constituents do not give them guidance?

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Rev. Dr. John Hellwege is Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LWF unilaterally suspends regular meetings with the International Lutheran Council GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has unilaterally moved to suspend regular meetings with the International Lutheran Council (ILC), following a joint decision by LWF General Secretary Martin Junge and LWF President Panti Filibus Musa. Dr. Junge announced the decision in a report to the LWF Council in Geneva on June 29, 2018. The International Lutheran Council received the news with regret. “We are disappointed in the LWF’s decision to break off regular discussions,” said ILC Executive Secretary Albert Collver. “It is difficult to see how unilateral action of this kind does anything but damage the relationship between our two organizations.” “It is true that the ILC and the LWF have significant differences of opinion on a number of theological issues,” Dr. Collver continued. “But despite these very real differences, the ILC remains willing to meet with LWF leaders in a spirit of friendliness and mutual respect.” The ILC and the LWF have held regular annual discussions since 2011, honouring an earlier 2005 Memorandum of Understanding which called for such meetings. Eleven church bodies currently hold membership in both the ILC and the LWF, making regular contact between the two organizations particularly valuable. The Lutheran World Federation considers itself a communion whose members are in altar and pulpit fellowship with one another. By contrast, the International Lutheran Council is instead an association of church bodies and not does consider itself a communion. While many

members of the ILC are in communion with one another, this is neither a requirement for nor a direct result of membership in the ILC itself. In recent years, a number of LWF churches and confessional groups within LWF churches have contacted the ILC in hopes of developing a closer relationship. In his report, Dr. Junge indicates that he disapproves of the ILC’s fielding of such requests as well as its plans to make room in its organizational structure to recognize these groups. The LWF is therefore suspending meetings with the ILC at the present time. The ILC is unapologetic in its position. “When faithful Lutherans come seeking closer ties to the ILC, we will of course welcome and support them, even if they should be a minority in their own country or church body,” said Dr. Collver. “Christian hospitality and love demand nothing less.” In his report, Dr. Junge also accuses the ILC of spreading “aggressive and wrong communications about the LWF”— charges the ILC categorically denies. “We take very seriously the Christian’s call not to bear false witness against one’s neighbour,” Dr. Collver noted, “just as we take seriously the entire Law and Gospel in God’s Holy Scripture.” The LWF envisions the suspension of meetings with the ILC as temporary in nature, with plans to resume meetings “after the second half of 2019.” The ILC for its part stands ready to resume contact with the LWF at any time. Lutheran Church–Canada is a member of the International Lutheran Council. From ILC news service.

ILC prepares for 2018 World Conference BELGIUM - The International Lutheran Council (ILC) will hold its 26th (11th) World Conference September 2629, 2018 in Antwerp, Belgium, meeting under the theme “Ecclesiology and Ecumenism.” The event will also mark the ILC’s 25th anniversary in its current form. Among other business, the World Conference will elect officers to the ILC’s Executive Council as well as vote on the acceptance of several new members to the ILC. “It is an honor and a blessing for our rather small Lutheran church in Belgium to host the ILC’s World Conference,” said President Gijsbertus van Hattem of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium. “May the Lord of the Church bless our studies and decisions, in order to advance His Kingdom through the work of our confessional Lutheran churches.” “We’re excited to be celebrating this special 25th anniversary for the ILC,” noted Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, Executive Secretary for the ILC. “The International

Lutheran Council has become a strong voice for confessional Lutheranism worldwide, and we’re planning to continue that forward momentum during our meetings in Belgium.” The ILC is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies, presently counting 38 members throughout the world. While this year’s conference marks the 25th anniversary of the ILC in its current form, its predecessor body—the International Lutheran Theological Conference—dates back to 1952. The ILC as it currently exists was formed in 1993 in Antigua, Guatemala, when representatives from all six continents adopted a constitution founding the International Lutheran Council as a global council of Lutheran church bodies. Lutheran Church–Canada is a member of the ILC, and currently holds the North America regional representative position on the Executive Council. From ILC news service. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Australian Pastors Conference rejects draft doctrinal statement on women’s ordination AU S T R A L I A - T h e G e n e ra l Pastor’s Conference of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) has rejected a draft doctrinal statement calling for the ordination of women by a vote of 119 to 96 (and one informal vote). Despite disagreement on the subject, debate was reportedly marked by a spirit of calm and gentleness. The conference was held July 10-12, 2018 in Hahndorf, South Australia. The draft document—entitled “A Theological Basis for the Ordination of Women and Men”—was created in response to a resolution of the LCA’s 2015 General Convention of Synod. That resolution called on the church’s Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations to develop draft doctrinal statements for the church’s 2018 convention providing a theological basis for

the ordination of women, as well as a theological basis for why the ordination of women need not be church divisive. The resolution came after an earlier vote to approve women’s ordination at the 2015 convention narrowly f a i l e d t o re c e i ve the 2/3 majority it required to pass. The decision of the 2018 General Pastor’s Conference to reject the draft doctrinal statement may impact the L CA’ s u p c o m i n g General Convention of Synod, which is expected to vote again on the ordination of women when it meets October 2-7, 2018 in Rosehill Gardens, New South Wales. The LCA’s bylaws note that the pastor’s conference is tasked with giving “guidance in matters of doctrine and confession” to the wider church. To that end, the General Pastor’s Conference is called specifically to “consider those

questions, issues and statements of a theological and confessional nature which appear on the agenda of the Convention of the General Synod,” and “voice its opinion with regard to the advisability or non-advisability of dealing with any such question or issue or of adopting a particular statement.” T h e q u e s t i o n o f wo m e n ’ s ordination has been a longstanding subject of disagreement in the LCA. In addition to considering the matter at its 2015 General Convention of Synod, the church also addressed the subject in 2000 and 2006. Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and the Lutheran Church of Australia enjoy a special partnership, as LCC is the LCA’s only full partner church in altar and pulpit fellowship. LCC does not accept female ordination, but is committed to praying for the Australian church as it wrestles with this issue. The International Lutheran Council—of which LCC is a member and the LCA an associate member— has also pledged prayer for the Australian church. From ILC news service.

New President for Ghana’s Lutherans GHANA - The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) welcomed their new president, Rev. John Shadrack Donkoh, during a special installation service in Accra on July 1, 2018. The theme for the service was “One Body, One Lord, One Mission,” drawing on Ephesians 4:4-6. President Donkoh was elected president with 82 percent of the vote during a convention on March 17, 2018 in Kumasi. He succeeds Rev. Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, who had led the church for the past 40 years. Prior to his election, President Donkoh was pastor of All Saints Lutheran in Anyaa and a part-time lecturer at the ELCG’s seminary in Sasaabi. He was ordained in 1991, and subsequently served and planted

churches throughout Ghana. From 1994-2002, he served as a missionary to Uganda, and further served as Manager of Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) in that country from 19952003. He later served as Country Director for LHM in Ghana from 20032011. President Donkoh formerly served the ELCG as secretary of the Ministerial Council (2003-2008), as Vice Chairman of its Restructuring Committee (2006), and as Secretary of the Disaster Committee (2007-2011). President Donkoh’s election followed two years of work as the ELCG developed a new system of governance for the church. A convention in January 2018 saw the church adopt a new constitution, which precipitated the March elections.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

ELCG President John Donkoh

T h e E va n g e l i c a l L u t h e ra n Church of Ghana is a member of the International Lutheran Council. From ILC news service.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Malagasy Lutherans to seek fellowship with the LCMS MADAGASCAR - On May 25, 2018, the Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM) voted to “more fully realize our unity as Lutheran Christians” between itself and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), with hopes that a closer relationship between the two churches will lead to the recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship in the future. The decision came during a gathering of the Committee of Highest Synod Leaders (KMSL), the highest decision making body in the Malagasy church, as they met in Antananarivo. “We give thanks to our Lord who leads His church. I am very pleased to announce that FLM has decided to seek fellowship with the LCMS,” said FLM’s President, Bishop David Rakotonirina. “This is the first step to open the door by working together in the areas of development. We pray for the next steps. We desire to keep FLM a confessional Lutheran church. Praise the Lord.” L C M S P re s i d e n t M a t t h ew Harrison greeted news of the vote with joy, calling it “one of the most significant days in the history of The LCMS and world confessional Lutheranism.” “We are deeply humbled and deeply thankful,” he continued. “This is the result of growing love and partnership, recognizing a unity of confession of Christ, the gospel, and the truth of the inerrant Scriptures, and of the Lutheran Confessions,” President Harrison continued. “We have grown together through LCMS World Relief and Human Care medical mercy work, aids projects, graduate education for Malagasy leaders at our Fort Wayne seminary, the work of our Africa region missionaries, of our church relations division, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and more. The Malagasy have taught us much about zeal for outreach, and care for the most needy. And we have much more to learn. Thanks be to God.”

FLM Bishop David Rakotonirina addresses the assembly on the opportunity of closer relations with The LCMS.

The Malagasy Lutheran Church was founded in 1867 by Norwegian missionaries and is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. Today, FLM is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world, with approximately 4 million members in 8,500 congregations. It counts 1,500 pastors, and has more than 1,000 schools for Christian education. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has 2 million members, and is a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran churches. Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS Director of Church Relations and Executive Secretary for the ILC, brought greetings to the KMSL on behalf of the Missouri Synod. In remarks to the assembly, he encouraged them to maintain their faithful witness in the Gospel. “Our churches are sisters, in the same family, but separated while we were both young, but now we have found each other as we celebrate

important jubilees,” he noted. “We are confessional Lutherans who are faithful to the Bible with a strong Lutheran identity. The Missouri Synod and our partner churches around the world are eager to walk with the Malagasy Lutheran Church. We hope to come closer to you and partner together to bear witness to Jesus Christ throughout the world.” “This marks a historic moment in world Lutheranism, where a Lutheran church in the Global South seeks a true partnership to mutually strengthen and encourage one another,” he said of the vote. “Today, the LCMS has the ability to help build capacity, while tomorrow the Malagasy Lutheran Church will send pastors and missionaries both to Europe and to North America. In fact, they already are doing this.” The FLM and LCMS will now turn their attention to planning next steps for their growing partnership. From ILC news service.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

New Names for LCC Districts; provisions for diaconal training WINNIPEG - At the meeting of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Board of Directors on April 26, 2018, the board voted to approve a motion to change the names of its three regions (currently districts) to reflect the new structure of the organization. As of January 1, 2019, the the provinces of the ABC District will be known as the West Region; the Central District will be known as the Central Region, and the East District will be known as the East Region. The Board’s approval of the name changes is one part of the ongoing changes to the structure of LCC. Instead of District Presidents, the church have Regional Pastors. Ecclesiastical services will be transferred from the districts to LCC on January 1, 2019. Another part of the restructuring process is the election of lay persons

to the new Regional Mission and Ministry Councils (RMMC). The Regional Pastor, Circuit Counsellor, and RMMC members elected at this year’s District Conventions will take office on January 1. The term extends until the Synodical Convention in 2021. The current

District Presidents and current Circuit Counsellors remain in office until December 31, 2018 so that there is no gap in service. At the same meeting, the Board decided that Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton (CLS) will take responsibility for the preparation and certification of Directors of Parish Services (DPS). Students can work with either seminary, but CLS will grant the certification. In addition, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines will take the lead on the Pastors with Alternative Training (PAT) program. Previously the program was directed by LCC’s Mission Executive. Students can work with whichever seminary is closest, but CLTS will grant the educational and theological certification.

LCC Board Approves Framework for Election of Regional Mission and Ministry Council Lay Members W I N N I P E G - T h e B o a rd o f Directors of Lutheran ChurchC a n a d a ( L C C ) a p p rove d t wo recommendations from its Restructuring Working Group during its April 26, 2018 meeting regarding the election of lay members to the Regional Mission and Ministry Councils (RMMC) and the effective date of office. LCC’s Commission on Nominations and Elections (CNE), elected in October 2017, oversees the nomination and election of Regional Pastors, Circuit Councillors, and lay members of the RMMCs. Earlier this year the CNE re q u e s t e d t h a t c o n g re g a t i o n s provide the names of nominees for all regional positions. Those nominated for election are subsequently contacted to confirm they will stand. Nominees are also be vetted to see if they are eligible for election. “We still need more names to work from in order to

fulfill our mandate,” explained CNE chairman Rev. Lorne Reddemann at the time. The CNE then compiles the list of nominees and provide a slate of names for election in each circuit. F i n a l l y, a t t h e D i s t r i c t Conventions in October, members will caucus by circuit and elect an RMMC lay representative from the slate of candidates. “I would encourage all congregations to participate in this process.” says President Teuscher. “Moreover, although there are questions surrounding the duties and other particulars of some of these positions that cannot be answered at this time of transition to our new synodical structure; I would strongly encourage all who have been nominated to serve our Lord and His church in these ways to allow their name to stand.” The Regional Pastor, Circuit Counsellor and RMMC members

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

elected at their District Conventions will take office on January 1, 2019. The term extends until the Synodical Convention in 2021. The current District Presidents and current Circuit Counsellors remain in office until December 31, 2018 so that there is no gap in service.

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

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LWML-Canada celebrates anniversary with introduction of a new logo WINNIPEG - Twenty-five years after becoming an autonomous Canadian organization, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC)celebrated the occasion July 5-8, 2018 in Winnipeg under the same theme from 1993: “One in Spirit, One in Purpose.” There was an anniversary cake, photos from past conventions and events, and many memories shared. One of the moments of excitement came with the unveiling of a new logo. Intertwined hearts illustrate Christ’s heart interwoven with our hearts, the diversity of the women of Lutheran Church–Canada and the love we have for Jesus, each other, and those we serve. Tara Lyn Hart served as keynote speaker, as speaker at an afternoon interest session, and as entertainer through song at the banquet. Greetings were brought from several organizations including Ida Mall of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in the U.S.A. Ida was president when the women of Lutheran ChurchCanada were full participants of the last convention of International LWML in Edmonton, Alberta in 1993. Dr. Leah Block discussed Canada’s “medical assistance in dying” laws from a Christian perspective. Rev. Assefa Aredo, first graduate of the Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) program, and Yeshi Olkeba, both from the Oromo community, described their experiences as refugees and integrating into the Winnipeg and Lutheran communities. Seven women from LWML-Canada shared experiences from their Sister to Sister mission trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica and the needs of the women there. The first item of business at the convention was consideration of a new set of bylaws that would make major changes to how LWLMC is structured. A 2/3 majority was required for adoption. The vote was two votes short of that majority. Following considerable discussion and procedures outlined by the league’s lawyer, the voting

body approved reconsideration of the decision. The results of the second vote were identical to the first, and restructuring was declined. Each triennium a goal is set, and projects are selected to receive mission grants. For 2018-2021 the goal is $130,000. This is in addition to the goals set by the four districts of LWMLCanada. Delegates chose 20 percent, or $26,000, as the amount set aside for a Mission Opportunity Fund whereby projects arising during the triennium may receive funding. The balance of the funds will go to the following: Circuit rider transportation, Atlantic Canada; mission and ministry projects by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Moncton, N.B.; regional VBS teams for remote congregations; LCC national youth gathering; Rancheria feeding and education program, Nicaragua; evangelism c o u r s e outreach, C LT S , S t . Catharines; technology upgrade, Zion Lutheran Christian School, Prince George, B.C.; youth ministry, C e n t r a l America; and eva n g e l i s t s /

deaconesses, Nicaragua. Grants will be paid as requested and as monies are received. During the convention, offerings and donations were received to assist the PAT program, to fund a retreat for women in Costa Rica, to jumpstart the mission grant goal and for education for deaconesses in Central America. The total exceeded $24,000. An anniversary offering is also being taken by local societies throughout 2018 to support the diaconate program being re-established at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton. A special note of thanks goes to LCC Central District for covering the cost of sign language interpreters, allowing two women from B.C. to participate in the entire convention and two from Winnipeg to attend for part of the convention.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Supreme Court rules against Trinity Western University O T T AWA - O n J u n e 1 5 , the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against Trinity Western University (TWU), which was seeking to have the law societies of Ontario and British Columbia’s refusal to accredit graduates of TWU’s proposed new law school overturned. The societies had stated they would not accredit graduates of TWU, an Evangelical Christian university, because of the school’s community covenant, which prohibits sexual intimacy outside heterosexual marriage. The Supreme Court released a pair of complex 7-2 rulings, finding in favour of the law societies. While eight of the judges agreed that the decision to refuse to accredit TWU graduates represented an infringement on the university’s religious rights, the majority decided such infringement was justified in favour of upholding LGBTQ rights. Justices Russell Brown and Suzanne Côté wrote a dissenting opinion in which they supported Trinity Western University. “The decision not to approve TWU’s proposed law faculty because of the restrictions contained in the Covenant—a code of conduct protected by provincial human rights legislation—is a profound interference with religious freedom, and is contrary to the state’s duty of religious neutrality,” they wrote. “This is a sad day,” said Bruce J. Clemenger, President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) after the ruling. “While the Court affirmed individual religious freedom and its expression, and did not oppose the idea of TWU law school, we are deeply concerned that the infringement of Charter freedoms was deemed reasonable.” The EFC (of which Lutheran Church–Canada is a full member, as of this past March) was an intervener in the case in support of TWU. I n 2 01 2 , T r i n i t y We s t e r n University first submitted its

proposal to open a new law school to the Province of British Columbia. The province gave approval the following year. Public outcry against TWU quickly followed, with much attention being paid to the university’s community covenant, which prohibits sex outside of heterosexual marriage. The covenant is a code of conduct d raw n f ro m t h e u n i ve r s i t y ’ s Evangelical Christian beliefs, and all members of the TWU community—faculty, staff, and students—are required to abide by it while at TWU. As public discussion of the proposed law school spread, the law societies of Ontario and Nova Scotia indicated they would refuse to allow graduates of TWU to practice in their provinces. In 2014, the Law Society of British Columbia

f o l l owe d s u i t , ove r t u r n i n g a previous decision to recognize TWU graduates. In light of the Law Society’s new stance, the province of British Columbia subsequently revoked its approval of the law school. Trinity Western University launched a legal challenge against the three provincial law societies, winning cases in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice, meanwhile, ruled against the university. Both the B.C. and Ontario cases were appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, leading to the June 2018 decision reported above.

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Worker Benefit Services Board Plans Future Strategic Planning Session WINNIPEG - The Board of Directors of Worker Benefit Services (WBS) decided at its June meeting that a “refresh” of its strategic plan is in order, based on feedback from the fifteen regional meetings which were recently held. As a result, the board is scheduling a strategic planning meeting for January 20-21, 2019 in Winnipeg. The meetings will involving representatives of all key stakeholders, including employers, active members, and board members from both WBS and Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC). The focus of the meeting will involve reviewing the existing strategic directions and ensuring they accurately reflect the future areas of concern of both employers and members. “The recent regional meetings have been a great opportunity to share some of the successes and challenges facing the worker benefit areas with the lay leadership in our churches,” said Dr. Dieter Kays, chair of the WBS Board. “At the same time we have also heard about the challenges that some congregations are facing as their membership and revenues decline. One of the key issues that has been raised by lay leaders in these meetings is how employers can have input into making the plans affordable, particularly for congregations with shrinking revenues.” He added “that, while challenging to get input from 235 employers, this will be one of the topics of discussion at the planning forum.” While a majority of the directors of the worker benefit area have always been members of LCC congregations but

are not members of the plan and do not receive any benefits from the plans, a number of participants in the regional meetings felt that there should be a more direct process to formalize the identification of both member and employer representation on the Board of WBS. This will be another topic for discussion. Dwayne Cleave, Chief Operating Officer of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and a member of the Worker Benefit Services Board of Directors, indicated invitees to the January meeting will consist of nine leaders of participating employers who have signed the re c e n t p a r t i c i p a t i o n agreements—three from each region; four active members in the plans; the LCC President or designate; the Board Chair of LCC or designate; members of the Board of Directors of WBS; and a number of resource people, for a total of approximately 20-24 participants. A f o r m a l announcement and application process will be sent out to congregations through regular LCC communication channels in early September. Lay leader applicants must be current holders of an official congregational or employer position e.g. congregational chair or vice chair; treasurer; chair of the elders. A basic financial background would be an asset but is not necessary. Applicants should also ensure that they are available for the scheduled planning dates in January. Successful invitees will be notified the first week of December 2018.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Family received through baptism in Dickson Channing, Hayes, and Oaklynn. Joe and Kristine Amendrud participated as baptismal sponsors. “ T h e re i s g re a t re j o i c i n g in the Gregory home and in the congregation of King of Kings for what God has done,” noted a news report from the congregation. “Praise His holy name!” Submitted by Lona Fawcett

Using time and talents to show care Celebrating the baptism of the Gregory family.

DICKSON, Alta. - On June 24, 2018, the Gregory family from Raven, Alberta, received the sacrament of Holy Baptism during Sunday worship at King of Kings Lutheran in Dickson. The event brought to mind the story of the family baptized in Acts 16:16-34. There St. Luke recounts

how the entire household of the jailer at Phillipi came to believe in Christ and were baptized. The Scriptures also note that the whole family was filled with joy. Tyler and Kayla Gregory were were filled with the same joy in June, as they were baptized along with their four children, Heaton, (l-r) Faye Ulmer and Inez Johnson show some of the We Care bears going to Cameroon.

“Spreading their cloaks” before Jesus

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - On Palm Sunday members of Immanuel Lutheran Church placed coats at the altar to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The 132 items were distributed to several community charities. Rita Boltezar

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Several members of Trinity Lutheran Church responded to a request from Canadian Lutheran World Relief to support their Baling Days, May 14-15, 2018 by giving of their time and talents to make “We Care” knit teddy bears and baby quilts. Inez Johnson, Faye Ulmer, and Rosalind Plumtree made 22 bears, while Darlene Albertson and Gail Topnik made 14 quilts. The items were displayed at the church on April 29 and were then boxed and delivered to the Baling Day location in Abbotsford. The shipment is destined for Cameroon where they will be gratefully received. O rg a n i z e r s t h a n k a l l w h o contributed their time and effort to make these beautiful items that will give such joy and comfort. Rosalind Plumtree

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

From the President

“W

e do not preach ourselves, but we preach Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5) writes St. Paul—and for good reason! Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Saviour of the world! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the Bridge between God and us. Jesus is our Priceless Treasure. • In our bondage, Jesus is our Freedom. • In our blindness, Jesus is our Vision. • In our hunger, Jesus is the Bread of Life. • In our searching, Jesus is our Answer. • In our quest for love and acceptance, Jesus is our Suitor and Beloved. • In our weakness, Jesus is our Power. • In our storms, Jesus is our Anchor. • In our worry, Jesus is our Peace. • In our despair Jesus is our Joy. • In our guilt, Jesus is our Advocate. • In our defeat, Jesus is our Victory. • In our grief, Jesus is our Hope. Yes, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord—and not ourselves. And why would we want to preach or promote ourselves? We can save no one from God’s judgement. We are separated from God. We are shackled in sin. We are blind. We are weak. We are powerless to overcome Satan and death. For good, sound, biblical reasons, we do not preach ourselves, but instead proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord! As one preacher said, “I have only one sermon: ‘Come, sinners, and look on Christ.’” Do you want to hear something that is mysterious, nonsensical, but nevertheless true for so many people in this world, including for you and me? God places treasure in “jars of clay.” Jesus was a treasure in a “jar of clay.” Jesus was born in human flesh. And yet, in Jesus, all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form! Despite being God in the flesh, Jesus was subject to hunger, weariness, grief, death. Jesus was “cracked”—“broken”—even “shattered”—on the cross. Like a broken, useless, clay pot, He was discarded to the dump—to death. But He rose from the dead! We are broken, chipped, cracked pots. And yet our Lord places priceless treasure in us! For example: Jesus lives in us! St. Paul’s statement is true for

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

all believers in Christ, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me!” (Galatians 2:20), as does His love, forgiveness, mercy, peace, and joy! Jesus’ love, mercy, peace, and joy flow from us into the lives of others as we interact with them on a daily basis. The Spirit of the Lord lives in us. St. Paul explains, “We are the temple of the Spirit of the Lord! Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means the fruit of the Spirit abides in us too: joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—faith, hope, love. Despite having these treasures within us, we are still “clay pots.” St. Paul describes his life as a follower of Jesus this way: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” There is nothing soft about our life with God. The call to serve our Lord is not for wimps! Who of us isn’t like a clay pot—chipped and broken? Are we not hardpressed, but not crushed? Are we not perplexed, but not despairing? Are we not ridiculed, even ostracized, for our faith in Jesus, but not abandoned? We may be plagued by illness, broken relationships, depression, anxiety, and death, but we are not destroyed. Why? Because of Jesus and what He accomplished for us by His life, death, resurrection and ascension! “Therefore, we do not lose heart,” St. Paul writes. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). To Jesus Christ, our Lord, be all the glory, honour, and praise! President Glenn Schaeffer

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

LWMLC zone celebrates three anniversaries were served to celebrate the 45 th anniversary of Parkland Zone, Canada’s 150 th birthday and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and each lady left with a little something. Melissa Henke

Vancouver Island circuit Ascension convocation Several present and past zone presidents: (l-r) Fay Schatschneider, Phyllis Kober, Alvina Wolf, Barbara Richardson, Doreen Decore, Barb Lackman.

RED DEER, Alta. - The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League– Canada Parkland Zone fall rally was hosted at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church under the theme Celebrate— “They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7). Fortyeight attended including six past and present zone presidents. Events included a game of LWMLC Jeopardy, which tested memories of LWMLC and Parkland Zone history, and a skit about Katharina Luther where participants learned about her life before and after meeting Martin Luther. Rev. Brian Amison (Rocky Mountain

House) led a Bible study entitled “Celebrate Life.” Linda Horton, LWMLC ABC district president, was the guest speaker. She talked about celebrating the little things in our lives and gave encouraging words and thoughts to live by as we serve one another and our Lord. The ladies took a love offering for James and Leona French from 100 Mile House, B.C., who lost their home in the B.C. wildfires. More than $700 was collected to help them get back on their feet. Throughout the day, various hymns were sung and several door prizes were distributed. At the end of the day, cake and cupcakes

Vernon church building closed VERNON, B.C. - On April 8, 2018 St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vernon held a final worship service in their church building on Alain Road. The building is being decommissioned due to deterioration of the building. Perimeter fencing has been set put up around the sanctuary, and the entry by Alain Road has been being closed. While the congregation considers their next steps, Community Baptist Church (located at 4911 Silver Star Road) has graciously offered St. John’s the opportunity to share their facilities for Lutheran services and activities. They held their first service in that location on April 15, 2018.

Rev. Craig Tufts

Beautiful backdrop provided with the lunch.

DUNCAN, B.C. - Trinity Lutheran Church hosted the Vancouver Island Circuit Ascension Convocation on Saturday, May 5. Lutheran Church– Canada President Timothy Teuscher was the guest presenter for the morning study with an insightful look into the history of the Augsburg Confession. He encouraged attendees to “hold fast” to the precious Word of God and the historic confession of the Lutheran Church. Convocation participants made their way to Alderlea Farm and Café near Duncan for an exquisite farm-to-table lunch—and beautiful scenery—hosted by John and Katy Ehrlich with entertainment from Rev. Erik Trovall (Peace Lutheran, Sidney, B.C.) and his barbershop quartet, the Killer Wails. The culmination of the day’s events was the Festival Divine Service with President Teuscher as preacher, in a service celebrating the Ascension of Our Lord and the foretaste of the Marriage Feast of the Lamb in His Kingdom which has no end. Rev. Paul Roggow

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Installation at Bethlehem and Bethany and Rev. Vince Moore (Elk Island Circuit Counselor) conducted the installation. The two congregations joined together after the service to enjoy a delicious supper to warmly welcome the Dul family (Jeff, Shannon, Guinevere, Nathan, Kianna, and Andrew). The members of Bethlehem and Bethany give thanks to God for Rev. Dul who accepted the Divine Call as the congregations’ pastor.

2018 Convention (front, l-r) Revs. David Kihn, Vince Moore, Jeff Dul, Glenn Schaeffer, Mark Hennig, Harry Ruf; (back) Revs. Keith Haberstock, Jim Heinbuch, Ed Lehman, Harold Witte, Jonathan Kraemer, John Maxfield.

FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alta. - On Sunday, March 18 more than 130 people and 11 pastors gathered at Bethany Lutheran C h u r c h , Fo r t S a s k a t c h e w a n (rural), for the installation of

Jeffery Dul as pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bruderheim. ABC District President Glenn Schaeffer led the service, local pastors read the Scripture readings,

Seminarians receive Lutheran Service Book Sherwood Park, Alta. - The 11th Regular (51 st) Convention of the Alberta-British Columbia District will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park, Alberta on October 19-21, 2018. The theme for this year’s event is “Called to Proclaim His Righteousness... To a People Not Yet Born” (Psalm 22:31).

(l-r) Kai Buck, Clarence Elle, Andrew McDonald, Darcy Albers, Ben Wandio, Scott Brayall, Gordon Schoepp. (Missing from the picture is Joshua Timm.)

E D M O N T O N - Fo r t h e p a s t number of years Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada/Lutheran Hour Ministries Canada have presented t h e Lutheran Service Book t o students at Lutheran Church– Canada’s two seminaries. On April 9, 2018 Clarence Elle and Gordon Schoepp from the ABC

District Lutheran Laymen’s League presented hymnals to the following students from Concordia Seminary in Edmonton: fourth-year seminarians Kai Buck, Andrew McDonald, and Scott Brayall; and first-year seminarians Darcy Albers, Benjamin Wandio, and Joshua Timm.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Gordon Schoepp

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: September 16, 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Congregation turns out the lights for fellowship event REGINA - “Dining and Devotion in the Dark” was held at Prince of Peace, June 2, offering an evening of food, fellowship, and fun—all in the dark! Some 54 guests enjoyed a threecourse, served meal of salad, lasagna, and apple pie in total darkness, with only the aid of well-placed glowsticks on their person. Black tablecloths, plates, cutlery, and napkins made for an interesting atmosphere, and lots of chatter and laughter could be heard by the waitstaff in the kitchen as everyone

Mission experience in Russia shared

Dining by glowstick light.

managed to visit just fine in the dark. Inspirational videos entertained and gave “food for Christian thought”

between the courses, with topics ranging from “letting your light shine” to being thankful for all those family members that each bring different personalities and “quirks” to a family gathering. An offering of used glasses was collected to be donated to an agency for recycling. The congregation responded enthusiastically to this first-time fellowship event. The organizers had fun planning it and would recommend it as a great Saturday night out for all.

Tea tells the story SOUTHEY, Sask. - Once a month, the ladies—and friends—of Emmanuel Lutheran Church are invited to a Girls Night Out. On May 28, 2018 the group heard “The Story of the Tea Cup,” “Lessons from a Tea Pot,” and “The Gospel According to a Tea Bag.” Many of the ladies attending brought their favourite tea cup with them. The evening concluded with fellowship and lunch.

Some of the ladies in attendance.

Mary Massier

(l-r) Revs. Dr. Jim Dimitroff and James Vosper

PLUMAS, Man. - On Saturday, May 19, Rev. Dr. Jim Dimitroff (emeritus, Edmonton) gave a presentation at Zion Lutheran Church on his missionary experience in St. Petersburg, Russia. Members from both Zion and Christ, Neepawa attended. Dr. Dimitroff began by explaining how this opportunity arose and how he was chosen, called, and sent (with his family) to St. Petersburg to be the Executive Director of LCMS Missions at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Attendees thank God for all the work He accomplished through Dr. Dimitroff’s ministry in Russia. Dr. Dimitroff and his wife C h r i s t i n a we re ava i l a b l e f o r questions after the presentation. The evening concluded with a time of refreshments and fellowship. Rev. James Vosper

Congregation hosts fun-filled car rally WINNIPEG - As part of its 50 th anniversary celebrations, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church held a car rally Saturday, June 23. It was bright and sunny when eight teams took off to compete in the congregation’s second ever (in 35 years) rally. Their travels took them among street names beginning with C, into a park, and along a major highway. Teams were also sent into a couple of stores to identify and buy certain items. (Who knew Bulk Barn had so many tasty treats?) Along their way the teams also had to watch for landmarks and advertising displays, showing they were on the right track. Points were awarded for correct answers—not speed—so even the slowpokes had a fair chance. Upon returning to the church, participants enjoyed pizza and

(l-r) Par ticipants Gail Wise, Maureen McCrea, and Lorraine Weir

soft drinks. First prize went to the Ducharme Dynamos, who won a beautiful not-quite-genuine goldplated trophy. Everyone agreed on how much fun they had, and talk immediately began about holding it every year. A round of thanks is due to the organizers and the participants for such a fun-filled day. Gail Wise

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Change of venue for annual preaching retreat REGINA - Due to a major fire at Living Skies Retreat & Conference Centre in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, the 2018 St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preachers Retreat was held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, June 4-6. This year’s speaker was Rev. Benjamin Ball, senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church (Hamel, Illinois). He preaches more than most as his parish operates St. Paul Lutheran School, the only Classical Lutheran School in Metropolitan St. Louis where daily chapel—including a sermon— is conducted throughout the school year. Rev. Ball has presented on topics at various conferences in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod regarding

Rev. Benjamin Ball addresses the gathered pastors.

pastoral care such as: The Introduction of Private Absolution, Preaching the

Faith to Children, and The Use of Hymnody as Catechesis.

Ponderings from the president

The more things change… s I approach retirement at the end of this calendar year, I’ve thought back to some of the first columns I wrote for The Canadian Lutheran. Ian Adnams (editor at that time) suggested that the three new district presidents write about what we had learned after our first year in office (September 2001). After eighteen years I’ve revisited that list with today’s comments in brackets. Fortunately, and in some cases unfortunately, the same is true today. • Our district has been blessed with many talented and dedicated people who love the Lord and want to see His church grow. • Many of our people want the district president’s advice, but when it is given, they ignore it. • I think I finally know how to work the telephone in my office. (Just when I thought I’d figured it out, the system was changed—both in Regina and Winnipeg—and I had to learn it all again!) • I have seen the destructive effects of sin at work in people’s lives. On the other hand, I will never cease to be amazed by the stability and new direction Christ’s love and forgiveness give to a forgiven sinner’s life.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

• Loving and caring Christians who introduce unbelievers to Jesus in everyday situations will draw them to our churches. (This continues to be the best mission work carried on in our church.) • Staying angry is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. • I have witnessed Christians saying unkind words and doing unloving acts toward other Christians and unbelievers. I have witnessed Christians saying and doing incredible Christ-like words and actions out of love and compassion for other Christians and unbelievers. • God has sent only one Person to be His gift to the church—and it’s not me. (Constant reminders have been needed!) • Many of the problems and disagreements in our church revolve around what the lay people can do and what is strictly reserved for the pastoral office. • Our congregations appreciate visits from “the District” in the person of the District President. • So far, I have the most hair of anyone on the LCC Council of Presidents. (No longer true after the departure of Revs. Mayan, Solie, and Pastucha.) Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Saint James Lutheran Church—the first fifty years WINNIPEG - On June 3, 2018, the people of God at Saint James Lutheran Church came together to give thanks and praise to God for fifty years of blessings as a congregation. Fifty years ago the congregation moved into its new sanctuary at Hamilton Avenue and Cavalier Drive with a young pastor, Rev. Karl Koslowsky, as the called shepherd. Two small Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod congregations in Saint James-Assiniboia (Faith and Peace) had joined to form Saint James Lutheran Church. The site chosen for the new church was that of the Peace Lutheran Chapel. Once the two congregations came together, their buildings were sold and they met for services at Voyageur School until they could move into the new church in December 1969. Working together became a large part of membership at Saint James as pastor and members set about establishing a Lutheran presence and inviting neighbourhood families in the booming new subdivision to attend services. Families paired up for weekly care of the church, made final payment on the mortgage in 1982, purchased a pipe organ in 1983, and celebrated the 25th anniversary of the church with Rev. Koslowsky’s 25 years of service to God and Saint James in 1983. By the beginning of the year 2000 the congregation had outgrown its facilities and the whole congregation planned and worked to enlarge the church. The addition houses a large meeting room, offices, library, altar guild room, cry room, youth room, and six new classrooms. The narthex was enlarged to accommodate a large cloak room, washroom, and elevator. Comfort was increased with the addition of air conditioning and more furnace power. Council President Gerry Otto organized volunteers to assist where construction workers needed extra help, or as cleaners and painters were needed. Member Karl Oswald was the building manager. During eight months of construction, services continued each Sunday.

A portion of the crowd gathered for the 50th anniversary service and dinner.

“Pastor K” retired in 1999 after 30 years of faithful service to God and Saint James. In June 2000, Rev. Rod Buck accepted a call to the congregation, was installed on June 25, remaining until May 2010. While he was away on military assignment in Afghanistan in late 2006 and early 2007, Rev. Richard Beinert served as Associate Pastor. The third pastor at Saint James congregation was Rev. James Schnarr who accepted the congregation’s call in late 2011. He was installed on December 11, 2011 and retired from the ministry at the end of January 2018. On June 3, the congregation celebrated its 50 th anniversary service with liturgist Rev. Dr. Richard Beinert, and lectors Rev. James Schnarr and District

President Thomas Prachar. The congregation’s beloved first pastor, Rev. Karl Koslowsky, preached the sermon. One hundred and seventy family members and friends attended dinner following the service. The hearts of the congregation were touched by God’s Word in a special message delivered by Lutheran Church–Canada President, Rev. Timothy Teuscher. At the time of the anniversary service, Saint James was in pastoral vacancy. Rev. Dr. Richard Beinert accepted the congregation’s call and was installed as its new shepherd on July 15. The congregation members pledge to remain faithful to Word and Sacrament under his direction, and to serve the Lord’s will with diligence and reverence. Fran Wershler

Lunch with foreign flair S A S K AT O O N , Sask. - Each year on the first Sunday in March, Faith Lutheran Women’s Society of LWMLC invites the congregation to a luncheon called Mission Café. The proceeds go to the church’s mission giving. This event lends

itself to using recipes of foreign origin since people often think “abroad” when they hear the word mission. This year a taco soup was offered, which was viewed at first with suspicion but soon became a favourite. Renate Bishopp

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Sunday school picnic fun

Hot dogs fund youth trip

NEEPAWA, Man. - Members of Christ Lutheran Church enjoyed the great outdoors during their Sunday school picnic activities June 10, 2018.

REGINA - Youth from Mount Olive Lutheran Church spent a couple of weekends in May and June selling hotdogs at various store sites around the city to raise funds for their trip to the Higher Things Conference in Northfield, Minnesota in July.

2018 convention WINNIPEG - The 11 th (50 th ) Regular Convention of the Central District will be held at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Winnipeg on October 1-3, 2018. The theme for this year’s event is “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (Psalm 90; LSB 733). The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Norman Threinen, a son of the Central District. The District Convention is the Annual Meeting of the Central District. As the congregations, pastors, and deacons gather for this last meeting under the banner of Lutheran Church-Canada Central

District, we intend not only to look back on the blessings our gracious Lord has showered upon us in the past, but to boldly go forward in hope, proclaiming His message of life and salvation to all who will

Financial aid for church work students WINNIPEG - If you are considering a churchrelated career and planning to attend a seminary or university but require additional funds to assist in preparing for full-time service in the Church, the Central District is offering assistance. Educational institutions offering degrees for pastors or teachers or other deacons might include: • Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St.

Catharines, Ontario • Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton • A university/seminary associated with the LCMS. For information regarding applications for student aid, please visit www.lcccentral.ca to find the regulations for eligibility and the forms for submission and consideration. For additional information, please call the Central District Office at 1-800 ONE LORD.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

hear. To that end, we pray that our gracious Lord would bless our time together, our speaking and listening, our singing and praying, all so that we will remain His faithful servants. The logo for this year’s convention was designed by Nathan Friesen (St. James Lutheran, Winnipeg). The clock indicates that our time—our life—is securely in God’s hands, with the cross of Christ at the centre of all that fills our time in this world. We are assured that God’s strong hand has led us in the past, is guiding us in the present, and will continue to lead us in the future.

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 September 16, 2018

East District News

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

Reflections on the national March for Life OTTAWA - I loved the March for Life—this year’s (May 10, 2018) was the first one I ever attended but I have read about it with interest for years. The March is only a very small news item to the news networks; they even avoid covering the largest annual march in Ottawa, which counts more than 15,000 participants alone! A busload of secondary school students from the local Catholic high school in Stratford went to the March for Life in addition to a group of adults organized by Right to Life (a Roman Catholic pro-life organization), with whom we Lutherans for Life members jumped on board again this year. The Life Coalition umbrella group organized buses from 22 Ontario cities. Many politicians spoke at the rally prior to the march. Many organizations were represented—a great boost for those thinking they were the only ones upset by the direction of our courts and legislature regarding pro-life issues. I was very happy with the prolife rally. It was a celebration of life—which God gives and only He decides when it is finished—and was peaceful, respectful, and impactful to all observers. I’d like to thank the members of St. Luke, Ottawa and Revs. Paul Pollex, Bryan King, and Rick

Lutherans for Life–Canada has a growing March for Life presence each year.

Juritsch for hosting our busload from Stratford for breakfast, giving us a place of assembly, a great memorial service, and a bag lunch for our walk to Parliament Hill; and the many other members of Lutheran Church–Canada who attended as part of the march. Glenn Kahle

About Lutherans for Life-Canada Lutherans for Life– Canada (LFL-C) is a prolife, pro-family ministry whose mission is to witness to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God. The vision of LFL-C is to be a biblical, pro-life voice and resource to Lutherans, and through them, transform society. Through local chapters and Life Ministry Coordinators, LFL-C educates on life issues

from a biblical law/gospel perspective through LFL produced videos, publications, audio tapes and materials for worship and Bible study. LFL-C believes that every human life— from conception to natural death, regardless of physical or mental challenges or condition of dependence—is precious in God’s sight. For more information, visit www.lutheransforlifecanada.ca.

Centre is Glenn Kahle, Lutherans for Life director and firsttime participant in the march. On the left is Terry Shaw of First St. John’s (Seebach’s Hill). Terry is a protest activist who peacefully marches each month outside a London, Ontario, hospital where abortions are performed. Terry, who is a frail senior and survivor of multiple heart attacks, continues to personally march, join life chains, give presentations, and writes about prolife causes.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

East District News

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

East District group meets for reconciliation training A N G O L A , N . Y. - C a m p Pioneer hosted Ambassadors of Reconciliation training for a group of East District circuit counsellors, the district president, and vicepresident on June 4-7, 2018. The four-day session comprised two courses: “Coaching People Through Conflict” and “Mediating People Through Conflict.” “A very demanding schedule which required advance reading

and studying, and even homework following each day’s study,” noted participant feedback. “But well worth the effort.” Everyone went home after the four days with greater confidence in their conflict resolution skills. Reconciliation training participants

From the president God is our Helper! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). ow often in our lives do we leave untapped the great reservoirs God has provided for us? We think we can find the resources we need in our own strength, but we learn, painfully sometimes, that life would be much simpler if we would simply call upon our Lord to direct, lead, and assist us. Once there was an old man who had no relatives or family but had some friends with whom he lived. He had known these people for many years and they had received him into their home as a result of their Christian kindness. The old gentleman was exceedingly grateful for all the help and love that these dear friends had extended to him. However, it weighed heavily on his heart that he could do so little to return to them the assistance that they had provided to him. This elderly man was loved by most everyone for his genuine humility, his devotion to duty, and his trusting faith in God. He had one habit, however, which was a bit disturbing. He wanted to be self-sufficient. He did not want to cause any more inconvenience than was absolutely necessary. Where this characteristic especially showed itself was at the dinner table. Someone would ask him, “May I pass you the butter?” or “May I pass you the rolls?” and immediately the old man would say, “No, thank you, I can reach.” Then he would bend over the table and stretch out his arms as best he could to the food he happened to want at the moment. Many times, a minor catastrophe would occur during the procedure. Either a glass of water or a cup of coffee would be spilled—or even worse yet, a bowl containing a salad or a hot dish would be overturned.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

All of this could have been avoided if he simply would have asked those sitting at the table with him to pass the particular item of food or drink that he wanted. We perhaps smile or chuckle to ourselves upon hearing the antics of this elderly gentleman, but there is something in his behaviour that can be found in most of us. How many of us have not done the same thing at one time or another? Whether it be for our physical needs or our spiritual needs, God is always near at hand to give us help. He wants to do just that. But we go on our clumsy way, never consulting Him or laying our requests in His hands. If we would only make known our requests to God, He is not only able but willing to fulfill them. This is especially important when it comes to our soul’s salvation. For, as we read in the third chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we can become “bewitched” into believing that we can procure our own salvation by following the works of the law, by our own doing, rather than remembering that our salvation has already been won for us by Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. As you read about the elderly gentleman who desired to be totally self-sufficient, you may have thought to yourself how foolish he was in not accepting someone else’s help in such a small thing as asking for food at the dinner table. How much more so do we do the same thing—and not only when it comes to receiving physical assistance, but also when it comes to resting our soul’s salvation in the redemption our Lord has won, apart from any works or merit on our part. May we ever “trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not lean on our own understanding.” For God is indeed our Helper in all things! Rev. Paul Zabel

East District News

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

Hats & Mats celebrates another year GODERICH, Ont. Another year has come to a close for the Berea Lutheran Hats and Mats Project. Between September 2017 and June 2018, the group donated more than 3,000 items to the homeless of Goderich, Owen Sound, Sarnia, London, and Toronto (at various sites), as well as to homeless veterans through the local Legion. This amount is up from the just under 2,000 items donated last year. A typical group of helpers from the Monday night group. Items donated enthusiasm. There has also been include sleeping mats; knit hats, mitts fantastic participation from project and scarves; crocheted facecloths; branch members of the Huron Haven small cushions; waterproof bags; community, Port Albert community, socks; clothing; and toiletries. Goderich Place Retirement Home, The Goderich group, which and Huron Centennial Public School. generally consists of close to 20 Organizers thank all the volunteers each Monday evening, community members who have worked diligently with great contributed acrylic bulky yarn,

knit wear, and clean 4L milk bags to the project. Group members are now taking the summer off and will resume after Labour Day weekend in September. If you would like to contribute or learn more about the project, check out www.facebook.com/bereagoderich. Heather Ball

Annual family camping weekend T h e eve n t wa s l ov i n g l y remembered in several haikus: Shining summer time A hot friendly fire sings Below the worship From the kids: Can’t wait to get up, Out of my sleeping bag, I run, New friends to play with.

Participants in the East District’s 2018 Camping Weekend.

From the parents: Coffee, coffee, yes Catch up with friends old and new Pour me another cup

BELWOOD LAKE, Ont. - The East District 4th Annual Camping Weekend June 14-17, 2018 attracted more than 50 participants, who enjoyed a rainfree weekend of fun and fellowship.

Sun, stars, splash pad, pool Compline, matins, and Viking chess This Camp had it all.

Elise Ristau

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

East District News

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

Messiah welcomes new shepherd WATERLOO, Ont. - Rev. John Rapp was installed as pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario on July 8, returning to his home province of Ontario. Rev. John Rapp previously served congregations in Valleyview, Alberta and Middle Lake, Saskatchewan

following his ordination in 2010. He received his B.A. in Waterloo at Wilfrid Laurier University before going on to Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines where he received his M.Div. in 2010. East District President Paul Zabel performed

the Rite of Installation, and Rev. Richard Orlowski delivered the sermon. Following the Rite of Installation, the newly installed pastor assumed the role of presiding minister beginning with the Prayer of the Church. Refreshments and fellowship followed the service.

2018 Convention

Participating pastors: (back l-r) Revs. Dr. Wm. Mundt, Gilvan de Azevedo, Dr. Roger Winger, Konstantine Hahn, Kurt Schultz, Rob Korsch, Kurt Lantz, Robert Krestick, Joel Kuhl, Ralph Schmidt; (centre) Revs. Joe Das, Kevin Walrath, Marcus Kuehn, Warren Hamp, Robert Cole, Ron Mohr; (front) Revs. Richard Orlowski, John Rapp, Paul Zabel.

2018 Gertrude Pollex Award recipient SIMCOE, Ont. - The Ontario District of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League – Canada (LWMLC) recently awarded the 2018 Gertrude Pollex Bursary to Adrianna Blitterswyk. This bursary was established in memory of Gertrude Pollex, who served as president of the district from 1952-56. It is intended to provide financial aid and encouragement to young women who desire to serve their Lord in church work and are studying to become parish workers, deacons, teachers, or musicians. The applicant must be a member of a Lutheran Church–Canada or Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregation within the boundaries of the Ontario District LWMLC. Adrianna is a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Simcoe. Her goal is to serve the church as a deacon, DPS, or missionary, and she is currently studying to

LCC East District 11th Regular Convention October 14-17, 2018 London, Ontario. (Logo Design: Phil Prozenko)

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

Adrianna Blitterswyk

complete her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and religious studies at Concordia University in Edmonton.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Janice Buchner

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month. Ilene Fortin, district editor East District Office 275 Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3 E-mail: ilene@lcceast.ca Fax: 519-578-3369

Next deadline: September 16, 2018

Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC to welcome new International Mission Executive WINNIPEG - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) is pleased to announce that Rev. Mark L. Smith has accepted the call to the position of Assistant to the President for International Missions (International Missions Executive). LCC’s Board of Directors extended the call in June and Rev. Smith is expected to begin his work on September 1. O r i g i n a l l y f r o m M o n r o e, Michigan, Rev. Smith earned his B.A. in theology at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York and Luther Seminary in Australia, received his M. Div. degree from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines before obtaining an M.A. degree from Durham University in the United Kingdom. He has served in a variety of positions: a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod lay missionary to Papua New Guinea; volunteer coordinator for the African Refugee Program of

the Lutheran Church of Australia; Missionary-at-Large and Pastor of St. Timothy’s in Sunderland, U.K.; seminary instructor in Nicaragua and Haiti; and Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Plumas, Manitoba. He is currently serving as the LCC East District’s Circuit Rider in the St. Andrew’s parish of Atlantic Canada, which includes Halifax, Annapolis Valley, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Rev. Smith succeeds Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, who retired at the end of April 2018. As International Mission Executive, Rev. Smith will be responsible for mission and social ministry programs offered by LCC. The duties of the position include providing oversight of the current mission and social ministry programs, exploring new mission opportunities and strategies, and developing funding strategies for the support of missions and social

Rev. Mark L Smith

ministry. Rev. Smith will also provide oversight of social ministry programs, communicate the mission work of LCC, represent the president to districts, mission oriented-auxiliaries and agencies, act as LCC Liaison with Listed Service Organizations, and other duties as required.

LCC seeking Domestic Mission Executive WINNIPEG - Lutheran ChurchCanada’s Board of Directors is also seeking nominations for an Assistant to the President for Domestic Missions (Canadian Mission Executive) who will coordinate and lead our mission and social ministry outreach in Canada. With the guidance of the Synodical President, the Canadian Mission Executive shall be responsible for

leading and managing a mission and social ministry program that: • •

S u p p o r t s a n d e n c o u ra g e s congregations receiving financial support from Synod; Ac t i v e l y e n c o u r a g e s a n d supervises all established missionaries and mission fields in Canada, responding to needs and identifying new opportunities;

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•

• • • •

Confers with Seminaries for the identification and theological d eve l o p m e n t o f p o t e n t i a l missionaries; Plans and implements course content for continuing education for missionaries; Plans and implements volunteer missionary programs; Assists congregations in being outreach-oriented; Performs other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the President or the Board of Directors.

Those wishing to nominate someone for this position can submit names to the LCC for consideration. Nominations may also be sent by e-mail to: officemanager@lutheranchurch.ca. The deadline for nominations is September 15, 2018.

Serving Canada’s Christian Community THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC responds to situation in Nicaragu

Nicaragua- Inter-American Development Bank

NICARAGUA - Lutheran Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Canada (LCC) has been in regular contact with the Lutheran Church

Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) and the Christian Mission Association in Nicaragua (AMCN) regarding the

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

ongoing instability in Nicaragua. On May 29, 2018 the ILSN and AMCN advised LCC that they no longer view it as safe to send mission teams and other representatives to Nicaragua, due to escalating unrest and uncertainty. LCC has responded by sending funds requested by the mission in the amount of $2,650 (USD) to assist with immediate needs for food. These funds were provided by the Nicaragua team from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo. LCC will continue to monitor the situation and send more funds if requested through the mission centre. LCC is working closely with and in cooperation with ILSN in this difficult time.

Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Odessa seminary celebrates graduation

Students with SELCU Bishop Aleksandr Yurchenko and Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson and Rev. Dr. James Gimbel.

UKRAINE - Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Odessa, Ukraine hosted its graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 9, 2018 where four students received their theological diplomas after completing a threeyear course together. Re v. D r. J a m e s Gimbel of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton and Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Catharines attended the ceremony on behalf of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). Dr. Torgerson was appointed by the CLS Board of Regents in 2015 to serve as Rector of the Seminary in the Ukraine for this cohort of students. The graduation started with a morning service for the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) at the seminary, with attendance from around the church. Dr. Gimbel preached in the morning and brought greetings from LCC President Timothy Teuscher. Dr. Torgerson presided over the graduation ceremony in the afternoon and was assisted by Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko, who acted as an interpreter. At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Aleksandr Yurchenko of SELCU expressed his and SELCU’s appreciation for Rektor Torgerson’s service, and asked him to continue with the supervision of those sent out on vicarage. Bishop Yurchenko also expressed his sincere gratitude

The congregation gathered for the graduation service.

for all the support received from LCC, and asked for their continued kindness and assistance in the future. Two of the graduating students were assigned to be vicars, with Yu r i j T i m e r k a n a s s i g n e d t o Dnipropetrowsk and Dimitrij K rawc h u k a s s i g n e d t o N ova Kahowka. One student is currently consulting with his family before accepting his vicarage. Another student, who began his studies later, requires the completion of additional courses before being posted. The last student was not considered ready for placement at this time. Courses at the seminary were taught by representatives from around LCC, from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and from the Mission Diocese in Finland. Lutheran Church–Canada’s history with the SELCU goes back to 1998 when, at a meeting of the leaders of LCC and the incipient Lutheran Church in Ukraine in the summer of 1987, LCC leaders asked the Ukrainian brothers present, “What can we do to help you?” Bishop Viktor Graefenstein responded, “Please, provide theological training for our pastors.” Following the meeting, LCC’s mission director at the time, Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms, recruited Rev. Dr. Norman Threinen in January 1998 to organize the seminary program in Ukraine.

Dr. Threinen served as Rector until 2014. Instability in Ukraine in 2014 led the seminary to defer welcoming the new class of students until the fall of 2015, with Dr. Torgerson serving as rector. Lutheran Church–Canada has long supported the mission and ministry of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine. It is especially involved in providing seminary education to the Ukrainian church, paying for the seminary building, and providing instructors.

LCC’s Mission Work Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n LCC’s missions, visit L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . c a . You can support LCC’s missions through online giving, or by sending donations by mail: Lutheran Church– Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca

New Testament Greek via distance education ONLINE - Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton is offering an evening course in New Testament Greek, beginning Tuesday, September 4. This is a nine-month course that is being offered by distance education, so you can access it on the internet from anywhere. It will meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Mountain Time). In addition to these weekly “live” class sessions led by the instructor, the course relies heavily on students’ independent work using the course’s textbook, workbook, and online materials. The course follows William Mounce’s Basics of Biblical Greek (3rd edition). A syllabus is available upon request. The course is priced at $250 per semester. (Churchworkers in Lutheran Church–Canada pay even less.) The instructor is adjunct faculty member Alex Marque, a Ph.D. student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis who specializes in the Greek writings of the early church. Visit Concordia Lutheran Seminary’s website for more information at www.concordiasem.ab.ca.

FORE! Annual CLTS golf tournament

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary’s (CLTS) annual Golf Tournament saw 82 competitors get together for a day of fun and fellowship on the Sawmill Golf Course on June 4. Strong winds provided excellent excuses for less-than-perfect swings, and beautiful sunshine brought a healthy red glow to the cheeks of golfers as they combed through tall grass in search of lost balls (theirs or previous players’). Sand traps were fluffy and inviting, and the small brook running through the course

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

taught many players the ever-important lesson of not letting one’s heart grow too fond of earthly possessions, even one as small as a golf ball. In short, it was an enjoyable event, with members of the seminary community and supporters of the seminary gathering together for a day of golf fellowship. CLTS faculty and staff also want to express their thanks for the Sawmill Golf Course for once again supporting the seminary tournament and providing a wonderful location for the game.

LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE–CANADA

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

e all have that favourite pair of jeans, the pair that fits just right and is just the right colour. We wear them until they are faded and worn, then look for the same style in the next pair. A search on Amazon for women’s jeans resulted in 20,000 options. When the search was narrowed down by size there were still 700 choices. No wonder it’s so difficult to find that favourite style and fit! As Christian women it can be difficult to find just the right fit for our service to the Lord. We are all called to serve God. (“What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” Deuteronomy 10:12). There are many ways to serve Him. Might Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada be one of those ways for you? As the women’s auxiliary to Lutheran Church–Canada our mission is to equip, motivate and encourage the women of LCC to grow in God’s Word, share God’s Son and serve God’s people. The ways we do that can be as varied as the styles of jeans offered by Amazon. In the work of LWMLC I have found just the right fit for my service to God. As a young woman I found mentors who encouraged me in my faith and service. As a mother I found the help, guidance, and support of loving sisters, mothers and grandmothers in the faith. As a woman in the workplace I found in the leadership of LWMLC a safe place to

Discover your perfect fit!

learn and sharpen my skills. As my faith grew God provided LWMLC sisters who helped me step outside my comfort zone to share the love of Jesus on mission trips. Throughout my life LWMLC has given me opportunities and resources to become an encourager, a guide, and a friend to others in their faith journey. Like many of you, I’m not an “off the rack” fit for jeans nor when it comes to my service to the Lord. LWMLC seeks to equip each of us with just the right, custom-fit avenue for service so that many—or even just one more—are shown I r i s B a r t a , President the love of Jesus.

One in spirit, one in purpose

25 years — “Called to Serve” as God’s women through Lutheran Church–Canada 1993-2018 LWML–Canada

Check out some of the online “styles” we offer On the following pages we provide a window into some of the many opportunities for service through LWML–Canada. For more insights visit us online at any of the following: WEBSITE: lutheranwomen.ca BLOGS: lwmlcnews.wordpress.com excerptsfromtapestry.wordpress.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LWMLCanada TWITTER: twitter.com/LWMLC LWML–Canada UPDATE: sign up on the website

Or contact me at president@lutheranwomen.ca THE C ANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018 35 The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2018 1

Hearing God’s call through His Word A tea party theme was the setting for a Bible study, “Take a Break—Meditate!”

Retreats to focus on the Word are sometimes indoors, sometimes out.

Seminars allow for digging deeper.

Zone gatherings include worship.

Putting hands and feet to work in His service

Sock monkeys, fun to make and serving a useful purpose.

Servant feet get a break.

Most conventions now include a pledge walk in support of missions.

36 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN July/August July/August 2018 2 The 2018

Collecting stuffed animals will provide comfort to children involved in a traumatic event.

Mittens, toques and more to give away. LWML–Canada

Above and right, collecting and packing kits for Canadian Lutheran World Relief

Putting together craft kits for VBS in Nicaragua

Gathering items for those in need in the local community.

Right, supporting missions in Nicaragua, this time with a personal presentation.

Some like to make quilts to give away while others visit the sick or shut-in.

Adding laughter and fellowship

Convention-goers spend a relaxing evening by the fire with marshmallows and funny stories. LWMLâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Canada

A local group of women (a society) enjoy a group hug. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018 37 The Canadian Lutheran July/August 2018 3

Polishing up the latest fingernail style, with help from the younger women.

Lessons learned through laughter are more easily remembered.

Tying quilts for those in need isn’t work, it’s fun.

And topping it off with great food

Food and fellowship go together, especially when blended with digging into the Word and serving the Saviour.

History of LWML–Canada

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

Order your copy direct from https://www.lulu.com Enter Called to Serve in site search engine Discounted price: $ 6.12 + GST + shipping

Subscribe today! For details ~ • visit https://lutheranwomen.ca/ publications-and-forms/tapestry • email tapestry@lutheranwomen.ca • call Marion at 306-343-7396

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

4 The 2018 38 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN July/August July/August 2018

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

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

In Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp Family-positive film

he 2015 film Ant-Man set up the story of the new Ant-Man and the Wasp by introducing the subatomic quantum realm into which Janet Van Dyne, the original Wasp— and wife of the original Ant-Man, Dr. Hank Pym—vanished while saving thousands of people from a deadly missile attack. A trip into this miniscule world and successful return by modern Ant-Man, ex-con Scott Lang opened the door for a possible rescue mission to retrieve Pym’s missing wife. Father and daughter Hope Van Dyne (the modern Wasp) work with Lang reluctantly to make the rescue. Of course, things don’t go according to plan. The trio deal with numerous interruptions and setbacks, including from a mysterious villain named Ghost, who can walk through walls and vanish in an instant. She has her own agenda and it runs head-on with theirs. Along with Ghost, the mission is dogged by interference from FBI agent Jimmy Woo, unscrupulous middle-man-black-market-tech-dealer Sonny Burch, and Pym’s former colleague from SHEILD, Dr. Bill Foster. And while there are plenty of hijinks, shenanigans, and tight spots, this movie is less about the rescue and more about something of greater importance: family and marriage. After the epic scope of the Russo brother’s Avengers: Infinity War, the director of the first Ant-Man movie, Peyton Reed, returns with another small-scale film in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Both the original and current films are simple but effective family dramas infused with light comedy and super hero action. While ex-con Lang’s desire to be a good father for his daughter Cassie drove the first film, the plot this time around focuses on the Pym/Van Dyne family and their desire to be reunited. By the end of the first film it looked like smooth sailing for Lang as he had established himself as the new Ant-Man and successfully started a romantic relationship with Pym’s daughter Hope. But in the intervening

by Ted Giese years, Lang’s place within their family was lost when he abruptly left to fight with the renegade Captain America in Captain America: Civil War against Iron Man and the Avengers. His actions broke “The Sokovia Accords,” set in place after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, and he was punished. As Ant-Man and the Wasp opens, the audience finds Lang three days from the end of a twoyear house arrest. The urgency of the Pym/Van Dyne family rescue mission prompts Lang’s covert involvement in the unfolding story in which he also works to regain

If marriage in North American culture is a car in the ditch, AntMan and the Wasp is doing its part to help push it out of the ditch back onto the road. their trust and causing them to live as fugitives. In a wonderful bit of misdirection, the film’s title suggests the story is about the relationship between modern Ant-Man Scott Lang and modern Wasp Hope Van Dyne. In fact, it’s about the reunion of Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, the original Ant-Man and the Wasp— on one hand the rekindling of love after a break up, and on the other hand the steadfast faithfulness and love between husband and wife

separated for years by seemingly insurmountable barriers. The film is very positive towards marriage. This is true even though the Antman series portrays Lang’s ex-wife Maggie and her new husband Paxton. Theirs is a loving relationship. As Cassie’s father, Lang’s own relationship with them is portrayed in a respectful and positive manner. Where the first film presented a plot arc moving Lang from “dead-beat ex-con with a heart of gold” to a “small but mighty super hero” in the eyes of his ex-wife and her new husband, he was always a hero to his daughter regardless of his crime sentence. In this new film his amicable relationship with his exwife and the mutual respect between her new husband and him seems cemented as a positive albeit broken relationship. They are portrayed as not only acting civilly toward each other but as people who genuinely like each other. In this way Ant-Man and the Wasp encourages people to make the best of their situation—even when that situation has involved divorce. The Hank Pym/Janet Van Dyne marriage is even more refreshing. As husband and wife, they clearly love and honour each other and have remained faithful, living a sexually pure and decent life while they awaited their reunion never knowing if it

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

would ever happen. Granted, Janet Van Dyne didn’t have any prospective suitors in the subatomic quantum realm, but Pym remained faithful to her long after the government would have declared her dead. He never remarried and there is no mention of him having any other relationship outside their marriage. Janet is not bitter or resentful toward their subatomic separation but rather happy to be reunited with her husband and daughter. Many Hollywood films portray marriage in a dim light often cynically slighting it as a good or even redeemable institution. If marriage in North American culture is a car in the ditch, Ant-Man and the Wasp is doing its part to help push it out of the ditch back onto the road. Families, whether broken, blended, or intact, will find encouragement in this film. Another strong family element revolves around Lang’s daughter Cassie and Pym’s daughter Hope Van Dyne. Both are shown as honouring, loving, and cherishing their parents. This attitude is reinforced with flashbacks to a young Hope and her parents, which place her around the same age as current-day Cassie. They even share similar pet nicknames: Cassie is called “peanut” by her dad and Hope is called “jellybean” by her mom. The adult Hope shows no bitterness or resentfulness toward her parents for being deprived of having a mother most of her life. Over the years, through the troubles and hardships,

her desire to serve and obey them for the good of the family intensified. Both Cassie and Hope are excellent examples of characters working to keep the Fourth Commandment: Honour your father and your mother; just as Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne are an excellent film example of characters who work to keep the Sixth Commandment in which husband and wife love and honour each other. (While on the subject of the Commandments, Christian families should take note that while the action and violence don’t exceed other mainstream Marvel films, Captain America would not be happy with the frequent misuse of God’s name nor the couple of times Jesus’ name is used in vain.) Filled with clever and imaginative set pieces that play with the micro and macro effects of Pym’s technology, AntMan and the Wasp delivers audiences an eye-popping film experience best seen on the big screen. While the film may not be concerned with saving the universe from apocalyptic destruction like Avengers: Infinity War, it is very focused on protecting and saving the family in a world where marriage and family life can use all the saving available. Ant-Man and the Wasp does this with a lot of heart avoiding schmaltzy trite clichés. 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.

Letters, cont. from page 4 ...them to enter Bithynia, causing them to go on to Troas from Mysia, where Paul has the vision in the night, which sends them on to Macedonia and Achiaia. What Sunday School student does not love all the adventures the Apostles had on that and subsequent missionary journeys? I am enough of a realist to know that reorganizing is often the first sign of a failing organization. It doesn’t have to be so for Lutheran Church–Canada. If efficiency and

finances is not the primary motive, but flexibility to engage people, parishes, and pastors with the good news of Jesus, it will work. It also won’t hurt to have a sense of adventure, because we might be surprised to see that God has in store for us much more than all that we dreamed or thought.(Ephesians 3:20-21). Rev. Chuck Cooley Pastor Emeritus

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Partnering with you in HIS mission

Lutheran Hour Ministries is answering the call for material most asked for by you! It isn’t safe to assume that people know who Jesus was, let alone who He is. A new series of Project Connect booklets is being launched starting with the most important question of all… WHO IS JESUS? If you are blessed with the opportunity of being asked: who is Jesus, it can be an overwhelming and somewhat daunting task to respond to the questions in someone’s heart. In this booklet we tackle honestly and head-on one of the most common, and perhaps important, questions of the last two thousand years: Who is Jesus? 6BE170 Who is Jesus? Teaching children about Jesus should also rank high on our list and the smartly written, four-line stanzas and charming artwork of Do you know who Jesus is? will click with kids immediately. Children everywhere will enjoy reading and sharing this booklet that can remind or introduce their Saviour and the love He has for them. 6BE162 Do you know who Jesus is? 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

Read recent movie reviews by Rev. Ted Giese

www.CanadianLutheran.ca

Transitions Rev. John Rapp, from Faith Lutheran Church (Middle Lake, Sask.) to Messiah Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ont. R e v . D r. R i c h a r d B e i n e r t , from Immanuel Lutheran Church (Winnipeg) to St. James Lutheran Church (Winnipeg).

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Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 A message from

Great is the glory of the Lord! THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

Presidential Perspective

Consider All the Works Thy Hand Has Made President Timothy Teuscher

e who bear the name of Christ by virtue of our baptism are a new creation. And while we live in this world, we are not, as He says, to be “of the world” (John 17:14). St. John tells us not to “love the things of the world” (1 John 2:15). Likewise, St. Paul warns us against having “minds on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). At the same time, however, the First Article of the Creed reminds us that this world, even though it bears the effect of sin, is still a creation of God. As a result, all that is in the world—“clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have,” to use the words from the Small Catechism—are richly and daily given to us by God to support our lives. He does this “only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in us.” And so, not only are the redemptive and sanctifying gifts of God (Second and Third Articles of the Creed) given to us freely out of His pure grace and goodness, so too are the creaturely or worldly gifts (First Article). Both of these gifts—the spiritual and the physical—have the power to draw us to God. “For all this,” as the Catechism goes on to say, “it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him” (First Article), “that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness” (Second Article). To be sure, it is only through the means of grace—that is, the Gospel and the Sacraments (Third Article)— that God has promised to be with us and for us to our present and eternal salvation. Only in Christ do we truly know who God is and the great scope of His love for us. Simply experiencing

God’s goodness and greatness in the created world cannot by itself lead us to a true knowledge and faith in God. There is certainly much good in creation, especially at this time of year in our vast nation called Canada: gardens flowering; birds chirping and fluttering amidst the leaves of the trees; a star-lit night sky; the reds and yellows of a sunset; abundance of produce and seafood in the market; fields of wheat that seem to stretch on forever; vineyards and orchards teeming with fruit... the list goes on and on! But when we dwell on and glory in the creation alone, we are likely to miss the Creator.

When we dwell on and glory in the creation alone, we are likely to miss the Creator. There is so much that is pleasing to our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch in this world—but taken on their own, it can be tempting for people to make false religions out of this wonderful creation. Not all that different, by the way, than what our first parents did in the Garden. This is what St. Paul is getting at when he says of the sinful descendants of Adam and Eve, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:22-23). That brings us to back to the First Commandment, which deals not with faith versus non-faith, but rather with true faith versus false faith—faith in the one and true and only God, “the Maker of heaven and earth,” versus faith in the creation, in the things of heaven and earth. To be sure, God’s

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

created world has the capacity to draw people into a sense of wonder and delight, even when acknowledgment of God as its Maker and Preserver is lacking or denied. It is, however, as G.K. Chesterton remarked: “The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank.” And here is where the Second and Third Articles of the Creed come into play. For this lovely and delightful created world is marred and corrupted by sin. We see it every night on the evening news. Life in this amazing world is fleeting at best and will soon pass away. But the Creator became a part of His creation; “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). And He did so in order to redeem this sinful, fallen world—to restore His creation back to the bliss and perfection God made in the beginning. He even uses the things of creation to accomplish this great work—water, bread, wine, and words on a page in a book—“to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify” people like you and like me, and “to keep us with Jesus Christ in the one true faith,” as the Catechism says. And He will continue to keep us in that faith until the Last Day comes, when “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21), and when there will then be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). Martin Luther sums it up in these words: “Now if I believe in God’s Son and bear in mind that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, pears, as I reflect that He is Lord over and the center of all things.”

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN.ca More than a magazine.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2018

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

Of the $56 million in gifts designated by donors to specific LCC ministry organizations, one-third will go to congregations.

Plan today for the ministry of tomorrow. Call a Gift Coordinator today

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REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE