The Canadian Lutheran September/October 2018 Edition

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 33 Number 5

That’s too Catholic!

INSIDE • Why Church Art Matters • The Treasure of the Liturgy • Lutherans and the Sacraments

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Join the Conversation

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 33 Number 5

September/October 2018

A Defense of Beauty: Lutherans and Sacred Art With Angels and Archangels and All the Company

of Heaven: The Treasure of the Liturgy Lutherans and the Sacraments

6 9 12

Departments Table Talk

That’s too catholic!

Why Church Art Matters Page 6

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In Review

Crazy Rich Asians

39

Presidential Perspective

Our great and priestly commission

42

News Section International News

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ILC-PCPCU dialogue group • ILC World Conference welcomes 17 new member churches • LWF unilaterally suspends regular meetings with the ILC

National News The Canadian Lutheran is the national publication of Lutheran Church–Canada, published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ October, November/December under the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee for Communication and Technology).

ISSN #0383-4247 Member: Canadian Church Press Editor: Mathew Block Advertising: Iris Barta District News Layout: Marion Hollinger Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: bcs@lutheranchurch.ca

All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request.

The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: editor@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2018 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction of a single article or column for parish use does not require the permission of The Canadian Lutheran.

Such reproductions, however, should credit The Canadian Lutheran as the source.

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LWML-Canada leaders meet in Calgary • A Christian reponse to the legalization of marijuana • Forthcoming elections of Regional Pastors

ABC District

19

2018 Ministry Wives’ Retreats • Edmonton seminary grads installed • Church members recognized • Pastor retirement

Central District

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Lights out • Mission presentation • Car Rally • Congregational anniversary • VBS roundup • Ministry by ferry

East District

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Festival on the Bay • Raspberry Pi • Intercultural Church Workers Conference • Former district president celebrates anniversary ordination

Mission Update

31

LCC International Mission Executive installed • Work in Costa Rica resumes • Nigera and Bible translation

Education Report

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A lesson in practical evangelism • Seminaries welcome new students • CLTS begins search for new professor Letters to the Editor Classifieds

Supplement

4 41 35

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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Letters to the Editor Re: “Shall we Gather at the Gathering?”

I’ll be honest and upfront: I was troubled by the article “Shall we gather at the Gathering?” (March/ April 2018). In these days of synodical restructuring, I feel it is incredibly important that we choose to band together to strengthen our church body.

And yet, the article in question puts forth The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod national youth gatherings and Higher Things gatherings as equal options to our own synodical gatherings. Actually, the article seems to promote Higher Things, as it gives a much more detailed account as to what goes on at Higher Things gatherings then what goes on at our own.

I have been involved in youth retreats and gatherings since I attended my first Lutheran Church–Canada National Youth Gathering (NYG) in Vancouver in 2001. It was the first time

that I began to understand that I was part of a much larger church body here in Canada, and it was the first time that I realized our church body is awesome.

I have met people at the National and District Youth Gatherings that have gone on to be lifelong friends, mentors, and, yes, even my wife.

When I left Ontario and moved to Alberta to attend university at 17, I was amazed at how many people I already knew because I met them at one of our own gatherings. Since then I have attended all of our NYGs and a fair number of East District and ABC District Youth Gatherings (DYG), and have been blessed to find myself on the planning committees for local and DYG committees.

Our NYGs, DYGs, and our own local youth retreats are not only vitally important to the lives of our youth but to the life of our

church. We are doing our church a disservice by not supporting its youth gatherings. And if you have concerns or hesitations about our own gatherings, get involved.

Contact your NYG or DYG chair and be a part of a committee. Let’s make our youth gatherings the best that they can be, together.

We a r e a l r e a d y a c h u r c h fractured and splintered. We are far stronger together. Our youth are far stronger together.

Synod means to “walk together.”

In these days we need to stop treating “synod” as a noun, and begin treating it as a verb. It’s not just something we say, it’s something we do. Or at least it should be.

Rev. Eric Moffett - Foothills Lutheran Church, Calgary Co-Chair, ABC District Youth Gathering

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Table Talk

“That’s too catholic!”

I

n A Tale of a Tub, Jonathan Swift tells the story of three brothers who receive coats from their dying father. His will explains that they are not to add or subtract anything from these coats, and gives careful instruction as to their use. At first, they follow the instructions of the will carefully. But over time, the eldest brother—Peter—convinces the other two to adorn their coats with all sorts of decorations in keeping with the latest fashions.

It is only after the coats are dramatically altered that the younger brothers—Martin and Jack—realize how far they have strayed from the terms of their father’s will. Jack violently rips out the additions to his coat, and in the process nearly tears the coat to shreds. Martin, by contrast, works slowly and methodically to remove the additions little by little, constantly looking to the will for guidance as he attempts to return the coat to its original state.

The brothers represent the three streams of western Christianity: Peter stands for Roman Catholicism; Martin reflects Martin Luther and his spiritual descendants; and Jack stands for John Calvin and the Protestant traditions arising out of the radical Reformation. The father’s will, meanwhile, represents the Holy Scriptures, while the coat represents the Church’s teachings.

Christ handed down the faith complete and inerrant to the early Church; but over the centuries, there arose doctrines and practices which obscured and even contradicted the teachings of Scripture. These are the baubles added by Peter and the other brothers. But as Christians reexamined these teachings in the light of Scripture during the Reformation, many realized correction was necessary.

Some in their haste to remove error

by Mathew Block basically rejected everything, in a sense tearing down the Church in order to build a new one. But Luther and his coworkers took a different approach: they affirmed the ultimate authority of Scripture, of course, but also recognized that the history of the Church was a good guide in determining faithful interpretations of the Bible from flawed ones.

In fact, there was much good and beautiful that had been built in the Church over the centuries. To throw it all away without reason was, to Luther, not only wrong but a sin. The Lutheran Reformation was therefore a “conservative Reformation” (to use Charles Porterfield Krauth’s words).

The Church had certainly heaped up many errors in the centuries leading up to the Reformation, “till the foundation upheld little but perishing human traditions, and the precious things were lost in the heaps of rubbish,” as Krauth says. As noted earlier, there were two basic responses to this situation. “The revolutionary spirit of the radical Reform proposed to leave nothing but the foundation, to sweep from it everything which had been built upon it,” Krauth explains. But the Lutheran response was more careful.

Like other Protestants, it accepted “the foundation which has been laid once for all.” But it also “proposed to leave on it everything precious, pure, and beautiful which had risen in the ages.”

“The one proposed to pull down the temple,” Krauth summarizes.

“The other, to purify it, and to replace its weak and decayed portions with solid rock.”

It is for this reason that Philip Melanchthon can write in the Augsburg Confession that “the churches among us do not dissent from the catholic [i.e., “universal]

church in any article of faith.”

And again: “There is nothing here that departs from the Scriptures or the catholic church, or from the Roman Church, insofar as we can tell from its writers.” Melanchthon is saying that the teachings of the Lutheran reformers was grounded in the Scriptures and in keeping with the witness of the Church throughout the ages. Lutheran objections to Roman teachings at the time weren’t because Rome was “catholic,” but precisely because, in its errors, Rome had departed from the purity of the catholic faith.

The early Lutherans considered themselves faithful catholics; it was Rome that called them “Protestants” and “Lutherans”.

To be Lutheran then is to be catholic. It is to accept the good of the Church down through history while pruning away errors on the basis of the authority of Scripture.

This edition of The Canadian Lutheran discusses issues that some Protestants—perhaps even some Lutherans—find objectionable about us: our use of sacred art, our reception of the historic liturgy, and our understanding of the sacraments.

Some look at these things and accuse us of being “too catholic.” But what they consider a slur, we ought to embrace: we are indeed catholic.

Like the earliest catholics, we affirm the Bible as the great and ultimate authority in the life of the Church. And we embrace the treasures He has bestowed upon the Church down through the ages. One need not choose between the two.

We wear our coat of faith proudly, trusting in the heavenly Father who has given it to us, Who instructs even now through the will He has left us—the Holy Scriptures, the very Word of God.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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A Defense of Beauty

Lutherans and Sacred Art

by Kelly Klages

Law and Gospel by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1529).

A

rt is a powerful resource for teaching the faith.

Beauty, order, and harmony in worship bear witness to our beliefs and reflect truth about God’s Word. Lavish art has been a hallmark of biblical worship, from God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle in the Old Testament to the heavenly visions of worship in Revelation. The early church adorned worship spaces with intricate paintings and mosaics even before church buildings became legal and common. For millennia, stunning visuals have set places of worship apart as the most important structures in their communities. The sanctuary visibly witnesses to what is believed and taught there, its beauty an offering to the glory of God.

“That’s Too Catholic!”

I grew up in a Baptist church where sanctuary pictures were feared to be “idolatrous.” Growing up evangelical, it was assumed that visuals we didn’t use—visuals that could be seen in a Catholic church (like crucifixes)—were simply wrong by default. Conversion to Lutheranism in my early twenties cured me permanently of this irrational phobia.

This aversion to images, still rampant in Calvinistic and evangelical churches, dates back to the 16th-century

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iconoclasts that came after Martin Luther. Luther strongly opposed these radical reformers. Instead he encouraged churches to retain whatever was good, beautiful, and beneficial for proclaiming the Gospel. Art is not idolatry; we don’t worship images, but our Creator.

Lutherans viewed themselves as the Church Catholic rightly reformed, not as a novelty sect breaking from historic Christianity. So it is no surprise that historic Lutheran churches, first in Europe and later in North America and elsewhere, share much of the same beauty and grandeur of the Roman churches. Our Reformation was, and remains, deliberately conservative: fix what is wrong, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (or break it). Vestments, stained glass, statuary, chanting, incense, crucifixes, and other art forms are just as distinctively and historically Lutheran as they are Catholic, and our confessions point out that they are acceptable to use in Christian freedom.

One major reason why traditional Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican churches are so beautiful and artistically lavish, is the recognition of the true body and blood of Jesus in the Lord’s Supper. Despite differences on our understanding of the real presence, there has been some level of agreement that Jesus is literally present with His saving

power in communion. That has implications for our be feeding the poor instead. The first assertion is generally understanding of what church buildings are for: the untrue, and the second presents a false dichotomy. Both gathering of believers is in a sense no less than heaven statements are a snub to the artist’s vocation. on earth, the throne room of God. Art reflects what is In general, we are not poor. For people in the West, believed. On the other hand, if a church body believes we have never been richer—and Christians are building that Jesus is physically far off, and that worship is solely uglier, drabber churches than ever. Priority-wise, instant a moving musical experience and a Bible-based lecture, gratification and cheapness seem to frequently win out over the surroundings and aesthetics will inevitably conform transcendence or the glory of God. to and reflect those assumptions.

When one woman chose to honour and glorify Jesus with Still, some Lutherans seem to be afraid of looking aesthetic extravagance in the Scriptures, she was scorned “too Catholic.” Why should this be, though, especially in by indignant disciples for the expensive “waste.” Judas areas where Catholicism poses zero threat to Lutheran Iscariot even accused her of not caring enough about the identity? The fact poor. (Nota bene: St. is, we are sometimes John informs us that more eager to Judas had selfish, not conform to and feel altruistic, motives.) a c c e p t e d by o u r But Jesus defended many iconoclastic the woman: “She has eva n g e l i c a l done a beautiful thing neighbours than to me.” He explained we a re t o s t a n d the theological strong in our own significance of Lutheran heritage the deed—the and beliefs. The preparation of His pervasive influence body for burial. Art of popular Christian does both of these: s p e a ke r s , b o o k s , it raises beauty as and media should an offering to God, make us pause and and points to deeper reflect whether truths about what He the better warning has done. might sometimes be Let’s not be Judas “That’s too Baptist!” in our reasoning or The Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald (c. 1512-1516). rather than “That’s practice. We can feed too Catholic!” the poor. But art is C.F.W. Walther for the poor, too. puts it in strong Indeed, churches terms: “We refuse to are often one of the be guided by those few places where the who are offended by poor can get art and our church customs. beauty. And many a We adhere to them poor and struggling all the more firmly c o m m u n i t y h ave when someone wants shamed their richer to cause us to have a guilty conscience on account of them... neighbours by the beautiful churches they have raised.

It is a pity and a dreadful cowardice when one sacrifices the Moreover, art serves an educational purpose too, good ancient church customs to please the deluded American teaching and reflecting the content of our faith. This was sects, lest they accuse us of being papistic. Indeed! Am I to particularly true in the period of the Reformation when be afraid of a Methodist, who perverts the saving Word, or many people could not read. Even today, we can learn from be ashamed in the matter of my good cause, and not rather and grow in our faith through encounters with sacred art. rejoice that the sects can tell by our ceremonies that I do Consider also the calling of the artist or craftsman. Do not belong to them?” we acknowledge that their vocation is legitimate and worthy, as the Bible does (Exodus 31:1-11), or are we implying that their gifts are frivolous and unimportant?

“We Can’t Afford It” Not every church must be a Gothic cathedral, of course—some churches are less ornamented than The other main objection to beauty in the church is that others. But when speaking of affordability, a good (and art costs money—that we are too poor, or that we need to

Art is not idolatry; we don’t worship images, but our Creator.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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The interior of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

biblical) comparison can be made: our own houses. We can afford those. Do they pale in comparison to our houses of worship? Is it visibly obvious that church is different, set apart, uniquely beautiful—that something happens there that is unlike any other experience on earth—where God comes in His Word and Sacraments to touch us with His forgiving power? Haggai the prophet censured the Israelites for living in “paneled houses” and busying themselves with their homes while the house of the Lord was neglected (Haggai 1). Faith never grudgingly asks God about bare minimums. Faith says: “God’s house, where He is truly present with His gifts, is incomparably precious to me. How can we visually manifest that truth?” Our visuals will confess something. Is it the right thing?

What It Means For Us Neither iconoclastic Protestants nor secularists should be dictating to us what our sanctuaries should be like. A beautifully-adorned church is not inherently “Catholic”—it’s Lutheran. If you have such a church, appreciate and take care of it. And if your congregation decides there’s room for improvement somewhere, in construction or adornment? Before panicking about

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money, get a few quotes for your project. You may be pleasantly surprised. Think of what will aid your children and grandchildren to regard God’s house with reverence and awe, as a place of truth and beauty, where God is present.

Whatever our churches look like individually, we shouldn’t abandon part of our beautiful, Christ-focused heritage because of mistaken fears about looking “catholic.” Nor should we hold to a cheap, throwaway approach to faith, and a prioritization of the secular over the sacred.

The architect Duncan Stroik says, “The best churches bring out unmodern ideas. They remind us of God’s perfection and holiness and make us feel humble.” The Church’s creative heritage has always been counter-cultural. We all need something “out of this world,” stable and transcendent and timeless. We have that in the Gospel. It’s great when our visuals teach the same message.

Kelly Klages is a writer and artist living in Morden, Manitoba.

With Angels and Archangels and All the Company of Heaven Artwork from the title page of Martin Luther’s 1523 German Mass.

The Treasure of the Liturgy

by Thomas Winger

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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F

ifty years ago a Lutheran pastor dryly observed that everyone’s using the word “liturgy,” but that it means something different to each person. To some it just means “an order of service.” To others it means a type of church service which they call formal and regard as cold and unspiritual.

We could dig into the history of the Greek word “liturgy,” but perhaps it’s enough to say that it really means neither of the above! At its heart, the liturgy is a “divine service,” as our hymnals say. It’s God at work through His Word and sacraments to deliver the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. And it’s our divinelyinspired response to those gifts in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. But how exactly does that happen?

Sometimes we talk about the liturgy as if it’s just a manmade order—written by committee or inherited from our forefathers. Now it’s true that many of the details are worked out in hymnal committees and aren’t given to us

by God; but those bits aren’t really the liturgy either. If they were, then Jesus’ harsh words to the Pharisees, who criticised His disciples for eating without ritual handwashing, would apply to us: “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). So where does the liturgy come from?

It’s really both biblical and catholic.

The Liturgy and the Bible Firstly, in its essence it comes from Jesus Himself. The liturgy is a continuation of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus taught that He was the fulfilment of the Old Testament Temple and its worship (John 1:14; 2:21). He was the presence of God on earth, teaching His people (Luke 10:38-42), forgiving sinners, and eating with them (Mark 2:15-17).

S e c o n d l y, J e s u s c o m m a n d e d a n d g ave authority to His apostles to continue doing what He had done. He told them to make disciples by baptising and teaching (Matthew 28:1920), to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47), to absolve sinners (John 20:23), and to give out His life-giving Body and Blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). And He promises that where we do these things, He is with us (Matthew 18:20; 28:20). So the liturgy is really Jesus at work, for when we gather in His name, He continues to carry out His ministry of teaching, forgiving, and feeding us. And He is the one who carries our prayers and praise back to His Father’s throne (Hebrews 7:25; 13:15).

Thirdly, we read throughout the rest of the New Testament how the early apostolic church carried out what Jesus had given them to do. After the great crowd

at the Temple on Pentecost were baptised, “they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communion in the breaking of bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). That’s the liturgy: they gathered for Word and Sacrament with prayer. Paul tells Timothy to devote himself “to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13), and that he should pray for kings and the world’s salvation (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Acts tells us that the early church gathered each Sunday for the “breaking of the bread” (the Lord’s Supper) in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection. So when we gather to do the same, we’re also being faithful to Jesus and worshipping in the way He gave us in the Bible.

But the liturgy is biblical in another way, too. Lutheran Service Book (LSB) has done us a great favour by including Bible references next to the words of the divine service.

This reminds us that we’re not only doing what Jesus told us to do, but that we’re doing it using God’s very Word.

Like a proud Father, God is most pleased with us when we speak back to Him the words He first taught us. A teacher of mine liked to say that the liturgy is 99.44% Scripture.

When we use His words, we don’t have to worry that our worship might not be pleasing to Him and fall under the condemnation of the Pharisees. That’s why we use God’s own words to respond to Him with joyful praise and thanksgiving for His mercy to us in Jesus Christ.

The Liturgy as our Catholic Heritage Now, we also use the word “liturgy” in another sense: to refer to the particular way this scriptural content has come together over many centuries of church history. Martin Luther w ro t e i n 1 5 2 0 : “ T h e [divine] service now in common use everywhere goes back to genuine Christian beginnings.” Our Lutheran liturgy is part of the “Western rite” (shared with Anglicans and Roman Catholics); and it has much in common also with the “Eastern rite” (used by Orthodox churches). This long history and broad Christian usage gives the liturgy stability and strength. It protects us from the whims of individuals. It strengthens the unity of the church by giving us common words and ways of worship, focused not on ourselves but on Christ’s gifts. The liturgy is therefore both “ecumenical” and “catholic” in the best sense of those words: it belongs to the whole Christian church.

There have been times, of course, when the church got it wrong. The Lutheran Reformation was very much concerned with worship. The medieval church had turned the Lord’s Supper into a sacrifice offered up to God—

The liturgy is God at work through His Word and sacraments to deliver the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.

And its our divinely-inspired response to those gifts.

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A painting of the Lutheran Divine Service in St. Nicholas Church (Luckau, Germany).

and it affected the words of the liturgy. But rather than throwing out the whole thing, Luther and his colleagues performed careful surgery to cut out what was bad and keep what came from Scripture and served the Gospel.

Introducing his reform of the Latin mass in 1523, Luther wrote: “It is not now nor ever has been our intention to abolish the liturgical service of God completely, but rather to purify the one that is now in use from the wretched accretions which corrupt it and to point out an evangelical use.”

This is what we gladly receive in our Lutheran hymnals: the Gospel-centred, biblical liturgy of the Church. LSB offers five musical settings of the divine service, but their content is pretty much the same. The headings in the services tell us that we’re getting “The Service of the Word” and “The Service of the Sacrament,” as Jesus gave us to do (with a preparation rite beforehand).

The “Propers”—the Introit, Scripture readings, and so forth, which change each week—offer us “the full counsel of God,” presenting His biblical Word without favouritism. The major texts of the liturgy—what we call “Ordinary” because they don’t normally change—join us “with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven” (the Preface) by singing the songs of Scripture.

In this way we get variety and stability in balance.

Next time you sing the songs of the historic liturgy, think about where they come from and where they take us. The Kyrie gives us the words of blind Bartimaeus, “Lord, have mercy!”—reminding us that we come before God with nothing to offer, just seeking His help. The Gloria in Excelsis sings the Christmas hymn of the angels, because Christ is coming in the flesh to us as well. The Creed sums up the whole of Scripture to teach us our Triune God’s way of salvation. The Sanctus borrows another angelic song, heard by both Isaiah and John in their visions of heaven, to open our eyes to see how the divine service brings us before the very throne of God. And as we then sing “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” our eyes are turned to the altar where He comes to feed us on earth. The Agnus Dei gives us divine words to ask that Lamb of God for the gift only He can give: to take away our sins and grant us peace. And as we depart from that altar, we sing in the Nunc dimittis with ancient Simeon that we are now prepared to depart this world, having seen God’s salvation. What a treasure!

Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger is President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. He is also the author of Lutheranism 101: Worship, available from Concordia Publishing House.

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Lutherans and the Sacraments

by Edward Kettner

W

hat has the Church meant when it speaks of the “catholicity” of the Church, or when it speaks of “one holy catholic and apostolic church”? The word “catholic” is derived from a Greek term which means “according to wholeness.” That which is “catholic” is that which relates to the whole Church throughout all space and time, and pertains to the teaching God has given the Church to announce and the means by which God builds and grows His One Church. Since we as Lutherans declare that what we believe, teach, and confess is nothing other than that which is to be believed always, everywhere, and by all, we legitimately consider ourselves to be truly “catholic,” and should not be afraid of the term.

One of the distinguishing marks between Lutherans and other church bodies who deem themselves “Protestant” is in our understanding of those ordinances from God which are referred to as “sacraments.” Most Protestants—those that follow the teachings set forth by John Calvin or Ulrich Zwingli—see those ordinances as commands of God which are to be obeyed simply because God has commanded them.

They understand them to be public witnesses to our faith, but not means of grace. One complaint that they make about Lutherans is that Luther and his followers “did not go far enough” in their reformation of the Church, especially since they continued to proclaim that the sacraments were Christ’s work for and in His Church and not human works that demonstrate our faith.

When at the time of the Reformation the emperor and the pope declared the “Lutherans” to be guilty of all forms of heresy, the leading theologians and princes of the Lutheran Church prepared and signed the Augsburg Confession in order to demonstrate that their teachings conformed to what the Church had taught from the beginning. They recognized (and declared) that the true unity (catholicity) of the Church consisted in the right proclamation of the Gospel in all its articles and the administration of the sacraments according to Christ’s institution (see Article VII of the Augsburg Confession). Thus the Church transcends denominational boundaries and shows itself to be a fellowship of faith. The

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Augsburg Confession then went on to describe the truly “catholic” (universal) understanding of the sacraments.

The Lutheran party emphasized their continuity with the church from the apostolic era onward, and retained the traditions of the church with the exception of those things that contradict the Gospel. Other Protestant groups, by contrast, saw the purpose of the Reformation to be the task of returning the church to the apostolic era as they understood it, rejecting anything that was not explicitly commanded by Christ, including such things as vestments, music, and art.

The Lutheran party pointed to the true unity of the Church in AC VII as the right preaching of the Gospel and proper administration of the Sacraments. This was the basis of the disagreement with Rome. Rome had gotten off track, they said, by first of all saying that the sacraments worked and had benefit for the person simply by the performance of the act, even apart from the faith of the recipient. In this view, the sacraments are the means, that is the power, which gives the individual the ability to move forward toward salvation—working out their salvation through the power of grace infused into the individual. The Church, then, is not composed of those who are saved, but of those who are working out their salvation.

For Rome, the sacraments do not convey the forgiveness of sins in its fullness. Each sacrament, then, gives something that the others don’t. Baptism, for Rome, forgives sins up to the point of baptism, but other sins can be forgiven only through the sacrament of penance. Confirmation becomes the means by which the Holy Spirit is further given to the individual to work harder in order to gain more merit before God. The Augsburg Confession sees this understanding as an abuse of the gift given by God in all of the sacraments, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Rome (and Eastern Orthodoxy as well) insists on seven sacraments, each having something not present in the others.

The Lutheran Confessions, in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession XIII, note agreement between Lutherans and Rome in that the sacraments are not simply marks of profession among people (the Calvinist and Zwinglian

position), but that they are also signs and testimonies of God’s will toward us through which God moves hearts to believe (AC XIII:1-2). Yet the Lutherans Confessors refuse to enumerate the sacraments, while Rome and the East insist that there are seven.

Things are further complicated by the fact that the term “mysteries” (Latin “sacraments”) used by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:1 is not defined. In order to point to their origin with God, as acts performed by God, the Confessors define them as rites which have the command of God to which the promise of grace has been added. Thus the Apology lists the “sacraments” as Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Holy Absolution (i.e., the pronouncement of God’s forgiveness to repentant sinners).

Some readers will be surprised to see absolution called a sacrament here. In fact, the Lutheran Confessions allow for a number of rites to be called “sacraments,” depending on the definition in use at any given time. Our primary definition of “sacrament” focuses on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which are unique in that they attach the promise of forgiveness to a visible sign. But in a broader definition of the word, we can also call Holy Absolution a sacrament.

All three of these rites— Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Holy Absolution—were instituted by Christ and grant the gift of the forgiveness of sins. (See John 20:2223 where Christ institutes the Office of the Keys and connects the promise and gift of forgiveness to Holy Absolution).

In a way, it could be said that the Confessions are in fact more catholic that either the Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox! The Eastern Orthodox argue baptism must be completed with the rite of chrismation—the use of holy oil—which they say serves as the seal of the Holy Spirit. Roman Catholics see the sacrament of confirmation as a further step in the Christian life that adds grace to the grace given in baptism, and they see the sacrament of penance as necessary to forgive sins committed after baptism and to remit time in purgatory. The Lutheran Confessors instead rightly see repentance and absolution as a return to one’s baptism (see Large Catechism IV:77-82 and the Brief Exhortation to Confession).

It is important to see baptism for what Christ and His apostles say it is: something done to us and for us for the forgiveness of sins. Since it is God’s act and not ours, we can trust Christ’s promises concerning it. To turn it into a human work creates the impression that our obedience

in some way justifies us before God. To say, “I have been baptized,” is a word of Gospel, a word of consolation, to the troubled sinner, which gives assurance that God has made that sinner His own and has given them new life. Without that clear word of promise the individual is forced to look within for assurance. We cling to baptism because of Christ’s promises attached to it, not because the act of being baptized somehow justifies us before God. So also the Lord’s Supper is to be taken at Christ’s word, that there He gives each of us His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, for life, and for salvation. Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism both recognize that Christ gives His body and blood in the Sacrament, but both speak about a “change” from bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood, language that the Confessors avoid, preferring simply to accept Christ’s words that in the Lord’s Supper the bread and the wine are His body and blood. Eastern Orthodoxy puts its focus on healing and transformation of the individual, which is not wrong in and of itself, but the Confessors emphasize that all other gifts we receive in the Sacrament are founded upon the gift of the forgiveness of sins.

So also, in contrast to Rome and the East, the Confessors recognize that the sacrament (or rite) of repentance (penance) has its focus on the word of Absolution, which is to be pronounced unconditionally. Acts of restitution and reconciliation between Christians or with the Christian and the world come as a result of Absolution and are not to be seen as requirements that merit the pronouncement of forgiveness.

Most important with all three is the fact that they all emphasize the “for you” nature of the Gospel. That “for you” shows that what has been instituted generally is distributed specifically to each individual, making them Christian and sustaining them in the faith. It is those words which require faith, but also serve as the object that faith clings to, not as something outside of Christ, but because that is where Christ has promised to meet us.

That promise of forgiveness, won for every one of us on the cross, is given to each of us through the Gospel and the sacraments as Christ says, “This is for you.” And that is a promise worth clinging to!

The promise of forgiveness, won for every one of us on the cross, is given to each of us through the Gospel and the sacraments.

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

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Fourth (and Fifth) meeting of the ILC and the PCPCU dialogue group GERMANY – The fourth (and fifth) meeting of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) – Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) dialogue group took place September 17-21, 2018 at the facilities of Lutherische Kirchenmission i n B l e c k m a r, Germany. The goal of this “informal dialogue is to find out whether an official dialogue between ILC and PCPCU on the world level is possible and might be fruitful.”

Four working groups submitted papers for plenary discussion; they were established as follows: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Thönissen (Paderborn, Germany) and Prof. Dr. John Stephenson (St. Catharines, Canada) worked on the topic of Justification; PD Dr. Burkhard Neumann (Paderborn) and Prof. Dr. Roland Ziegler (Fort Wayne, USA) on Synérgeia and Sacrifice; Prof.

Dr. Josef Freitag (Lantershofen, Germany) and Prof. Dr. Gerson Linden (São Leopoldo, Brazil) on Ministry and Ordination; Father Augustinus Sander (Erfurt, Germany) and Prof. Dr. Werner K l ä n ( L ü b e c k , G e r m a ny ) o n Eucharist and the Sacrifice of the Mass (Apology Article XXIV).

The Lutheran team invited Dr. Pavel Butakov from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novosibirsk, Russia to deliver a paper on “The Eucharistic Conquest of Time” (printed in: Faith and Philosophy Vol. 34 No. 3 July 2017), pointing out the difficulties of certain theories to explain the presence of the sacrifice of Christ in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Those papers already submitted were discussed in detail. Criticisms we re d e b a t e d a n d a d d i t i o n a l suggestions were noted. It occurred that some commonalities between the Roman Catholic and Concordia-Lutheran traditions are to be found whereas some points still need further explanation and consideration on both sides and in plenary. Several issues however still

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Participants in the ILC-PCPCU dialogue group include, on the ILC side, Rev. Dr. Albert Colver III, Prof. Dr. Werner Klän, Prof. Dr. Roland Ziegler, Prof. Dr. Gerson Linden, and Prof. Dr. John Stephenson. On the Roman Catholic side are Prof. Dr. Josef Freitag, PD Dr. Burkhard Neumann, Father Dr. Augustinus Sander, and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Thönissen.

remain controversial and obviously cannot be resolved in this informal dialogue but will have to be dealt with in future conversations.

The working groups now have been appointed to rewrite their respective drafts and send them for further discussion. Additionally, text modules shall be sketched that will form part and parcel of the final report. On the grounds of these text modules, a first draft of the final dialogue report will be conceptualized. This task has been assigned to Dr. Klän. Over and above this, a preamble was seen as helpful to explain the hermeneutical

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

approaches to the dialogue and its various topics, including an accurate description of the Lutheran “set of norms,” or standards that define the Church’s doctrine.

The final meeting of the dialogue group has been scheduled for September 2019 in either Canada (St. Catharines, Ontario) or the United States (St. Louis, Missouri). The final report is planned to be adopted at that meeting. Then it will be submitted to the ILC Executive Committee and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity to consider whether the results are a satisfactory basis to start an “official dialogue”.

From ILC news service.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

ILC World Conference welcomes 17 new member churches BELGIUM - The 26th (11th) World Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) took place September 25-28, 2018 in Antwerp, Belgium, with church leaders from more than 50 church bodies in attendance, representing more than 20 million Lutherans worldwide.

That attendance figure, which includes ILC members and guest churches, reflects the growing prominence of the International Lutheran Council on the world stage. That growth was also evident in the decision of the 2018 World Conference to accept 17 new church bodies into membership, more than doubling the number of Lutherans worldwide formerly associated with the ILC (from 3 million to 7.15 million).

Present for the event were representatives of ILC member churches in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, N o r way, Pa p u a N ew G u i n e a , Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Ru s s i a , S o u t h A f r i c a ( t wo member churches), the United States of America (two member churches), and Venezuela. Of those church bodies just accepted into membership at the 2018 convention, representatives were on hand from church bodies in Benin, Finland, Liberia, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sweden, Taiwan, Uganda, and Uruguay.

Additional guests at the 2018 Wo r l d C o n f e r e n c e i n c l u d e d representatives of the Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church Mekane Yesus (Ethiopia), the Lutheran Church of Rwanda, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belarus, the Silesian Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession (Czech Republic), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in Lithuania, the Evangelical Lutheran Church Society (Norway), the Istanbul Lutheran Church (Turkey), the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Ukraine, and the North American Lutheran Church (USA).

T h e t h e m e f o r t h e 2 01 8 conference was Ecumenism and Ecclesiology. Delegates heard lectures and studies on the topic, looking at it in its historical and regional contexts, as well as considering the confessional basis for ecumenism.

The convention also heard a report on the ILC’s ongoing dialogue group with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, as well as adopted a resolution concerning relations with the Lutheran World Federation.

Discussion of the convention theme culminated in the adoption of a statement on “Confessional Identity and Ecumenical Responsibility.” “We are also driven to engage churches outside of the ILC community,” the statement notes, “because we are convinced we have an obligation to share the Gospel of Christ and all its articles—our confessional heritage— with the whole of Christianity.”

The 2018 World Conference also saw elections to the ILC’s Executive Committee. Reelected as ILC Chairman was Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reelected as Secretary was President Gijsbertus van Hattem of

the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium.

The remaining five elected positions on the ILC’s Executive Committee are filled by church bodies as opposed to specific individuals. Serving as the representative for Africa is the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa, which is led by Bishop Dieter Reinstorf. The region of Asia will be represented by The Lutheran Church in the Philippines, which is led by President Antonio Reyes. Europe will be represented by t h e E va n g e l i c a l L u t h e ra n Church of England, which is led by Chairman Jon Ehlers. The world region of Latin America will be represented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, led by President Rudi Zimmer. Finally, the North American region will be represented by Lutheran Church– Canada, which is led by President Timothy Teuscher.

Additional appointments to the Executive Committee include Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee (Past President of Lutheran Church–Canada and former Vice-Chairman of the ILC) and President Matthew Harrison of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

For detailed news on the 2018 World Conference, see the reports at the International Lutheran Council’s website at www.ilc-online.org.

From ILC news service.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LWF unililaterally suspends regular meetings with the ILC 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 Musa Panti Filibus.

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 International Lutheran Council and the Lutheran World Federation, 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

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association of church bodies and not does consider itself a communion.

While many members of the ILC are, in fact, 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.”

The LWF report also suggests the ILC has not been clear in affirming that churches may hold membership in both organizations.

While the ILC feels it has been clear on this matter, it reaffirms that it permits dual membership in the International Lutheran Council and the Lutheran World Federation.

In his report, Dr. Junge also accuses the ILC of spreading “aggressive and wrong communications about the LWF”— charges that 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 writes that it 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.

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LWML-Canada leaders meet in Calgary CA L G A RY - Fo l l ow i n g e a c h t r i e n n i a l c o n ve n t i o n , n ew l y elected and appointed personnel of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) meet to build community and plan for the coming three years. From September 7-8, 2018 the group met in Calgary.

A change from such meetings in the past was the invitation extended to a representative from each zone across Canada. The invitation was accepted by many, and more than 50 women attended.

Each day opened in God’s Word.

Pastoral counsellor, Rev. Jeffrey Dul, led the group in Bible study exploring who we are as we serve our Lord. One in Spirit, One in Purpose—the theme of the league’s recent convention—was the topic of a Bible study led by pastoral counsellor, Rev. Jim Keller.

Pat Geick, President of the LWMLC’s Laurentian District, and Janice Buchner, President of the Ontario District, helped the group explore strategies for a successful meeting. This was followed by

a discussion regarding ways to expand the organization. The consensus was to concentrate on being who we are as enthusiastic women sharing the Gospel and serving others rather than on what we may think we “lack.”

Because LWMLC uses the online meeting website, Go-to-Meeting extensively, Arlene Kish, LWMLC’s Central District President, led a t ra i n i n g s e s s i o n f o r t h o s e unfamiliar with the program.

Each of the committees— C h r i s t i a n G row t h , C h r i s t i a n

Mission, Member Development, and Communication—met for indepth planning sessions. Groups of recording secretaries and financial people met as well. At a round table discussion, leaders from national, district, and zone levels met with each of the national committees to learn, to ask questions, and to share. They all reported a very productive discussion.

Linda Horton, President of the LWMLC’s ABC District, hosted the event.

A Christian Response to the Legalization of Marijuana

CANADA - On October 17, the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Canada. That has left a number of churches wondering how best to respond to the new situation.

That’s the question behind a recent article by Rev. Perry Hart entitled “Legal Weed: What does the Bible have to say about it?” “What do we say to our friends, families, and

co-workers as weed pops up around us?” he asks. “Is it wrong? Is it okay?

Should we, as Christians, light up?”

Rev. Hart goes on to consider the issue of marijuana use in a biblical context, addressing a number of common arguments in favour of cannabis use. He debunks the old myth that marijuana is mentioned in the Bible, and highlights how use of the drug differs from the use of alcohol.

Suggesting that marijuana use is problematic for Christians, Rev. Hart then turns to practical considerations: what should local churches do if members are using cannabis? And how should local pastors and fellow laity best respond?

For answers, visit The Canadian Lutheran online to read Rev. Hart’s full article: www.canadianlutheran. ca/legal-weed-what-does-the-biblehave-to-say-about-it/.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

District Convention News and the Election of Regional Pastors CANADA - This issue of The Canadian Lutheran was prepared before District Conventions were held in October. News from the District Conventions will appear in the November/December issue of the magazine. For up to date information in the meantime, please visit www.canadianlutheran.ca as well as your District’s website.

The Central District convention was scheduled for October 1-3, 2018 in Winnipeg; the East District Convention for October 14-17 in London, Ontario; and the ABC District Convention for October 19-21 in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Regional Pastors A major focus of the District Conventions was planned to include the election of Regional Pastors.

As of January 1, 2019, LCC will have three regions (the number and configuration of regions is subject to revision over time) consisting of: the West Region, the Central Region, and the East Region.

Regional Pastors will serve as the ecclesiastical supervisor and spiritual leader for of the pastors, deacons and congregations (“the Members”) who reside and serve in his Region.

He will serve as spiritual leader for pastors, deacons and other professional church workers in his region. In his responsibility for Ecclesiastical Oversight, Building Community, and Care for Members, he will nurture

brotherly support and dialogue to encourage unity of doctrine, practice, mission and ministry in his region.

T h e Re g i o n a l Pa s t o r w i l l emphasize God’s greatest gifts to mankind (1) the saving work of His Son as expressed in the Gospel and (2) God’s constant provision.

The Regional Pastor will, therefore, support congregations in identifying and acting upon opportunities for outreach to advance the Gospel and bring lost souls to Christ. The Regional Pastor will also emphasize Christian stewardship of time, talent and treasures to encourage congregations to appreciate God’s gifts and return to God a portion of His blessings. To do this, he will show dedication in visiting with Pastors and congregations in his region on a regular basis.

The Regional Pastor is responsible for coaching, mentoring, and advising Pastors within his region in their Divine Calls to serve, lead and guide their respective congregations and parishes. The Regional Pastor will establish relationships with Pastors in his Region with, and through, the network of Circuit Counsellors. The Regional Pastor will support the work of the circuit counsellors in the region and appoint a circuit counsellor in the event of a vacancy, in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws. The Regional Pastor will also perform such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Synodical President.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Ministry wives retreats 2018 CAMROSE, Alta. and HOPE, B.C. - The Ministry Wives Retreats were once again a blessing! A total of 21 women—eight in B.C. and 13 in Alberta—gathered together April 20-22 at Camp Hope in Hope, B.C. and at Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) in Camrose, Alberta, May 4-6, for the fifth annual retreat.

The theme this year was “Healing Hearts and Lives Touched by Loss: Hope for You and Those You Care For,” led at both retreats by Rev. Darren Dressler from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (Airdrie, Alberta). Rev. Darren is certified in thanatology: care in death, dying, and bereavement. The chaplains this year were Revs. Karl Keller (retired) from Abbotsford, B.C. and Jonathan Kraemer from All Saints Lutheran (Edmonton).

There were laughter and tears, support and encouragement, and worship and prayer. There was also time to relax, visit, do a jigsaw puzzle, play games, go for a walk, and eat good food. At the Alberta retreat, four wives of seminarians had the opportunity to dialogue with more “seasoned” ministry wives about life in the parish. All participants were blessed!

The Ministry Wives Committee encourages all congregations to support their clergy family and make opportunity for their pastor’s wife to attend the yearly retreat. She will discover new friends and realize that she is not alone in her walk as a ministry wife. Organizers are very grateful for the congregations, individuals, Seminary Guild, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada groups that financially supported the retreats t h i s ye a r — yo u h ave b l e s s e d these ministry wives with your encouragement!

Deanna Hautz

Alberta group: (back, l-r) Rev. Jonathan Kraemer, chaplain (All Saints, Edmonton), Denise Hellwege (Edmonton), Joyce Lobitz (Shepherd of the Valley, Canmore), Laura Wandio (seminary, Edmonton), Joyce Heinbuch (retired, Spruce Grove), Pat Howard (King of Kings, Spruce View), Jenn Dressler (Shepherd of the Hills, Airdrie), Rev. Darren Dressler, facilitator (Shepherd of the Hills, Airdrie); (front) Sharon Marshall (Immanuel, Tomahawk), Rachael McDonald (seminary, Edmonton), Michelle Gamble (Grace, Drumheller), Jazmin Kurtenbach (seminary, Edmonton), Erin Mayer (vicarage, Redeemer, Didsbury), Deanna Hautz (Hope, Port Coquitlam B.C.; missing: Sandra Schaeffer (Edmonton).

BC group: (back, l-r) Marilee Schelp (retired, Surrey), Tingyu Wilch (Faith, Surrey), Cindy Lunderby (Trinity, Abbotsford), Linnea Lyons (Hope, Victoria), Ana Wilch Zhang (Trinity, Richmond and Faith, Surrey), Ruth Miller (retired, Abbotsford); (front) Deanna Hautz (Hope, Port Coquitlam), Rev. Karl Keller (retired, Abbotsford), Rev. Darren Dressler (Shepherd of the Hills, Airdrie), Vera Kroeger (retired, Delta).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

From the President

Give thanks to the Lord! artin Luther’s favourite psalm was Psalm 118, of which he wrote, “This is my own beloved psalm…

I fell in love with this psalm especially… Would to God all the world would claim this psalm for its own, as I do!”

High above the plains and rolling hills of Bavaria in southern Germany rises Coburg Castle. Today’s visitor walks into the courtyard to find a massive sculpture of Martin Luther holding a Bible. Luther lived in Coburg Castle from the end of April 1530 to the beginning of October. He wrote a good many pieces for publication during those months, including extensive commentaries on Psalm 117 and 118. On the wall of the room where he did his writing was painted in large letters a quotation from Psalm 118:17, in German. The restored quote can still be seen on that wall. It translates, “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.” This text, verse 17, became his personal motto for life.

Psalm 118 is the closing psalm of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a processional hymn of praise and thanksgiving sung during the Jewish Passover. Some scholars assert that Psalm 118 might have been the hymn sung by Jesus and His disciples as they made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane on that fateful night that Jesus was betrayed by one of His own followers.

The psalm begins and ends with, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Martin Luther found much joy and peace in the everyday gifts of creation. Sun, food, drink, grain, clothes, precious metals, house, spouse, children, music, good government, education, the functioning of our bodies…

All are signs of God’s goodness and steadfast love for all creation, for those who worship Him and even for those who don’t.

Martin Luther says, “This verse should be in the heart and mouth of every person every day and every moment.

Every time he eats and drinks, sees, hears, smells, walks, stands; every time he uses his limbs, his body and his possessions… he should recall that if God did not give him all this for his use and preserve it for him… he would not have it.”

Ponder the gifts of creation in your own life. As ordinary and normal as many of these daily gifts may be, are they

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

not a sign of God’s goodness and His steadfast love for you? Do you not find yourself thinking, “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever”?

But, for Luther and for us, God’s goodness and mercy is experienced most fully in this life, and for all eternity, in the person of our Saviour Jesus Christ and the relationship the Holy Spirit has established with us! As Luther writes, we know that it is Jesus Christ “who has redeemed us, purchased and won us from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that we may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him… for He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity… The Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps us in the one true faith… And in this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all our sins with the certain promise that He will raise us and all the dead and give us eternal life” (Small Catechism, Explanation to the Second/Third Article).

Yes, indeed: “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Focusing on the goodness and steadfast love of God, the psalmist invites us to worship and adore our God! “Let Israel say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let the house of Aaron say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.’” The chosen people of God—those called to serve as priests—are bidden to acknowledge the enduring love of God. All those who fear the Lord, including you and me, are summoned to raise our voices in song and praise to our Creator, Protector, and Saviour whose love for us lasts for all eternity! As we reflect on the goodness of God as He provides the necessities needed for the health of our bodies and souls, how can we not but sing: “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”

Rev. Glenn E. Schaeffer

ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Edmonton seminary grads placed in ABC District

(front, l-r) Revs. Ron Abresch, Rod Buck, Kai Buck, Jan Pastucha, Doug Stapleton; (back) Revs. Darren Siegle, Ron Towriss.

CASTLEGAR, B.C. - On the afternoon of June 24, the members of Peace Lutheran Church in Trail and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Castlegar joined together in worship at the ordination and installation service of Rev. Kai Buck. The service was attended by members of both congregations as well as many visitors.

Rev. Buck attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton beginning in 2014. He served his vicarage in Dryden, Ont. In May 2018, he graduated and accepted his first call. He is excited to begin his ministry alongside the people of Peace and St. Peter.

Both congregations have warmly welcomed their new pastor and family and are looking forward to working together with him towards the faithful proclamation of the Gospel.

Glenn Schaeffer presided while Rev. Jan Pastucha preached. The service was attended by a multitude of guests, including members of Lord of Life, the family of Rev. McDonald, and other pastors and laypeople from the Okanagan Circuit. A potluck dinner followed the Pastors welcome their new brother in ministry. (l-r) Revs. Gordon Heselton, Elmer Mushumanski, Glenn service.

Schaeffer, Andrew McDonald, Jan Pastucha, Jonathan Rev. M c D o n a l d i s a Asmus, and Michael Schutz. recent graduate of Concordia KAMLOOPS, B.C. - After a few years Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton. He of vacancy, Lord of Life Lutheran brings an extensive background in Church has welcomed a new pastor. literature and theatre to the pastoral Rev. A n d rew M c D o n a l d wa s ministry. He is excited to begin ordained and installed at Lord of Life serving the people of Kamloops. on July 15. ABC District President

(l-r) ABC District President Glenn Schaeffer, Rev. Darren Dressler, Rev. Scott Brayall, Rev. Jaime Ventura, and Rev. Terry Goerz.

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. - Faith Lutheran Church welcomed Rev. Scott Brayall and his wife Becky at a (very warm) 4:00 pm service July 29. ABC District President Glenn Schaeffer was present to perform the rites of Ordination and Installation, and Rev. Darren Dressler proclaimed God’s Word to the new pastor and his congregation. It was a blessing to have Rev. Jaime Ventura (Faith Lutheran, Grande Prairie) and Rev. Terry Goerz (Redeemer Lutheran, High Prairie) present to witness the occasion and share a blessing for Rev. Brayall.

Rev. Brayall would like to thank all those who travelled—family and friends and members from the local circuit—stating it was an honour to have them present. Following the service, there was a wonderful potluck with an abundance of food, where members had the chance to meet Pastor Scott and Becky and share fellowship with one another.

A recent graduate from Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton), Rev. Brayall is looking forward to beginning his ministry in Grande Prairie, serving the members of Faith and working with the Church to reach the broader community with the love of Christ.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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ABC District News

Alberta and British Columbia Laura Goerz, editor

Church members recognized for community involvement DRUMHELLER, Alta. - Grace Lutheran has once again gained recognition in its community. On June 15, Graham Giffin, chairman of the elders, was given the prestigious award of Citizen of the Year. Graham is forever and always available to the Graham Giffin community and to the Grace congregation. He never says no to a request and usually has things finished before he is even asked.

Graham is very involved in the community: a member of Rotary

Club, active volunteer with the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, and actively involved at Camp Kuriakos, to name a few of his activities. The congregation is proud of Graham and

past Grace Lutheran recipients of this same award: Graham’s wife Pat, three years ago, and Lynn Hemming, two years ago.

Rosalie Nimmo

Rev. Abresch retires

New pastor welcomed Rev. Ron and Ursula Abresch

Area pastors celebrate Loveridge installation

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church celebrated the installation of their pastor, Rev. Lee Loveridge on June 3. The service and luncheon were a time of great rejoicing as the installation of Rev. Loveridge was the culmination of faithful work during a period of Intentional Interim Ministry led by Rev. Robert Mohns.

May the Spirit of the Lord bless Pastor Loveridge and the other members of Immanuel as they witness of Jesus’ love to each other and the community around them.

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CASTLEGAR, B.C. - On June 17, the members of St. Peter Lutheran Church hosted a luncheon to recognize the service of their retiring pastor, Rev. Ron Abresch. Although he formally retired in February 2018, he had been serving the vacant congregations of Peace and St. Peter in Trail and Castlegar as they began the process of calling a new pastor.

Rev. Abresch served in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia since 2004. Originally called to serve at Peace Lutheran Church in Trail, he had come to care for three congregations—Peace Lutheran in Trail; St. Peter Lutheran in Castlegar; and St John’s Lutheran in Nelson (now closed)—since 2005.

Rev. Abresch received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1986. His first call was to serve as pastor at Jehovah Lutheran church in innercity Chicago. Several years later he went on to serve on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming among the Arapaho and at St. Luke congregation in Worland, Wyoming.

From there he was called to pastor

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

Familia de Dios, a Spanish-speaking congregation in Ottawa, Ontario.

While at Familia de Dios, he also began to teach in the seminary program for the Lutheran church in Nicaragua. God has blessed Ron and his wife, Ursula (Berndt, originally from Argentina) with a fine family: Martin, Mariana, Jonathan, Laura, and Ximena.

Rev. Abresch’s ministry in Trail, Castlegar and Nelson has contributed greatly to the lives of the people in the West Kootenays. They wish to thank him for his faithful service and pastoral care over the past 14 years and wish him a blessed retirement.

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: December 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) Participants 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

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Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Congregation celebrates 110 years

60th wedding anniversary surprise

ZORRA, Sask.

- On July 29 members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church celebrated the congregation’s 110th anniversary.

About 70 people attended the service and enjoyed cake afterwards. (l-r) Brian Bauer (chairman) with Rev. Barry Wood (current pastor), Central District President Thomas Prachar (guest preacher), and Rev. Robert Hasselstrom (pastor emeritus of Grace and the day’s organist).

WINNIPEG - Rev. Alvin and Jean Borchardt (emeritus, Neepawa, Manitoba) were surprised with a 60th wedding anniversary party on August 17. Family members from near and far gathered for the celebration.

Ponderings from the president “O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come”

T

he title for this post comes from LSB 733 v.1, and is the theme for our last Central District Convention in Winnipeg. By the time you read this article, the convention will have passed into the history books.

Beginning in 1922 as the Manitoba– Saskatchewan District of The Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod, the first convention was held in MacNutt, Saskatchewan. Later, the district adopted a name change to “The Central District” as congregations in Northwestern Ontario were welcomed from the LCMS Minnesota North District. Throughout our 96 years, our gracious Lord has been our help, and the hope for each passing age as they looked forward to the years to come.

Decades before the district was officially organized, the LCMS extended a call in 1891 to the newly ordained Rev. Herman Buegel who accepted the call as a missionary to western Canada. As the newly completed railway system across western Canada enabled Lutheran settlers of various ethnic backgrounds to stake their claims across the west, so it allowed Rev. Buegel to follow them with Word and Sacrament ministry.

Like any family, our congregations and pastors have had their squabbles over the years. Rev. Buegel had to clear up a matter where a pastor told his congregation that they could substitute

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

the unleavened bread of Holy Communion with dried apple slices. Despite doctrinal differences and variances in practice, the Lord has continued to guide us into the way of His truth. Indeed, “Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure” (LSB 733 v.2).

Even though our Central District will begin winding down its operations, our congregations, pastors, and deacons will continue to proclaim the precious message of Jesus crucified and risen from the dead under the new restructuring. In so doing, we are being faithful to the work our Lord has called us to do for, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

As we remember the past and our Lord’s mercies, we offer this prayer: “O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last And our eternal home!” (LSB 733 v.6).

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor WARMAN, Sask. - This year at St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School, there was a bumper crop of children for the 30-plus volunteers to serve. It is wonderful to see and hear how these congregational members are blessed by God while working in this viable outreach ministry!

Nearly half of the children come from families not connected to a congregation and find that learning about Jesus influences their lives.

VBS roundup

OXBOW, Sask. - A group of awesome kids and incredible volunteers had a great time at Vacation Bible School this year at St. Peter & St. John Lutheran Parish. They learned all about God’s amazing grace and love for us, and how He sent Jesus to rescue us from our sins, fears, and struggles, through Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, and lots of snacks. The mission offering collected $1,062.75 to support the BC Mission Boat Society to help kids on Canada’s west coast have VBS too!

REGINA - Kids enjoyed lots of learning and fun in the Barnyard Roundup at Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

WINNIPEG - At Saint James Lutheran Church, children had tons of fun learning about the promises of God who is faithful to His word.

And they threw water balloons!

PLUMAS, Man. - Zion Lutheran Church held Splash Canyon vacation Bible school, with 25 children, six youth helpers, and seven adult leaders/helpers in attendance. With a river flowing from the baptismal font near the altar, and life jackets all around the church sanctuary, the children learned about God’s promises and how He saves us through water and His Word. A particularly engaging lesson was when Rev. James Vosper told the oldest group how God healed Naaman’s leprosy through water and His Word, and then showed them how He heals us in the same way. One blindfolded volunteer got to experience a slimy mess on his hands being washed clean with water—drawing a parallel to our sin being washed away through baptism.

For a sweltering three days the children sang, laughed, crafted, ate watermelon, ran through a sprinkler, and learned about God’s promises through five lessons. The kids loved to learn the Bible verses and theme through song, and were able to leave with a music CD to continue singing throughout the year.

Donna Lach

WINNIPEG - Many dedicated volunteers made this year’s Shipwrecked Vacation Bible School a wonderful week of nurturing many children in the faith.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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Central District News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor

Annual Bethany Day held inside and out President Thomas Prachar preaching.

A barbecue and entertainment followed, but were moved indoors. This year’s celebration also featured the ground breaking for a new multipurpose room addition.

Bethany Pioneer Village is a listed Central District President Thomas Prachar preached at the outdoor service organization service. of Lutheran Church– MIDDLE LAKE, Sask. - August 12 Canada. Nestled in a park-like setting was a busy, windy day at Bethany beside Lucien Lake Regional Park, Pioneer Village as residents, staff, and it offers independent living units, friends gathered for their yearly picnic. assisted living and long-term care. Its Members of Faith Lutheran mission is to glorify God by providing Church joined the residents for a welcoming Christian environment Sunday morning worship under and a caring staff to nurture those in a tent, with Central District need of physical and personal support.

Sharing God’s love at the fair

SASKATOON - For the 14th year the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada team in Saskatoon shared God’s love at the Saskatoon Ex, August 6-11. The display included lots of free helpful booklets dealing with everything from depression to bullies to parenting.

The ferryman still gets pastor to church S O U T H SASKATCHEWAN RIVER - The South Saskatchewan River gets in the way of the ministry between two congregations just north of Saskatoon.

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Warman shares a pastor with St. Paul’s in Bergheim. The only issue is that these Rev. Randy Heide (right) with a Christian ferry operator who two congregations serves diligently in his task when he’s not farming nearby. within 30 km of each The congregations owe these boatmen a hearty prayer of thanksgiving! other have a river that divides them.

This fall a new commuter bridge Thankfully, there is a ferry at the north end of Saskatoon will that joins the east and west sides eliminate the ferry wait time for of the South Saskatchewan, Rev. Heide as this bridge will offer a allowing Rev. Randy Heide to direct link to the grid road on which serve both congregations by the country church (St. Paul’s) is reducing his commute through located. After that, taking the ferry Saskatoon between services to will be purely for pleasure. about 35 minutes.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

REGINA - The Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada team in Regina was hard at work again August 1-5 at the city’s Queen City Ex. Volunteers witnessed a diverse audience seeking help and encouragement and Christian resources. Project Connect booklets and other Lutheran Hour Ministries materials along with free New Testaments were available to anyone who visited, as well as information on local Lutheran Church– Canada congregations.

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 December 16, 2018

East District News

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

Outreach at Festival on the Bay TRENTON, Ont. - Nathan Petherick, acolyte at Quinte Lutheran Church, encountered an “Augsburg spider” at the Festival on the Bay, July 19-21, where the mission set up an outreach booth. Inge Laakso, known for her realistic face-painting, offered free painting during the festival. Facepainting was a draw so the booth would always have activity (100 kids and even a few adults came by).

At one point the line up for facepainting was three hours!

The organizers’ main goal was to raise the visibility of Quinte Lutheran Church in our community.

Lutheran Hour Ministries donated more than $200 worth of tracts last year which were used again this year, and many people picked up tracts.

A few people not affiliated with Lutheran Church–Canada or The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod were interested in Portals of Prayer devotionals. Volunteers were able to have many positive conversations with people about the Gospel, our church, synod, theology, and so forth. Our ladies made silent Gospel bracelets with different-coloured

beads which were passed out to more than 100 people with our church information attached.

Nine members of our tiny church helped out at the booth for significant portions of the three-day festival.

After the festival our members were immediately talking about how we should brain-storm/deliberate on how to improve our booth for the 2019 Festival on the Bay next July!

On Saturday September 29 organizers planned to set up the QLC booth at Applefest in Brighton, Ontario. Volunteers had a great time there last year and the organizers were happy we are returning this year as were the organizers of the Festival on the Bay, because we design our booth to draw people.

Quinte Lutheran was recognized as an Established Mission Congregation of the District in September 2017 and is currently worshipping three Saturday evenings per month at the Salvation Army Chapel in Trenton. Bible study begins at 4:30 p.m. with Divine Service following at 5:30. Supervising pastor is Rev. Allen Maleske who

also oversees Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Kingston.

Leif M. Laakso

Petherick shows his very own “Augsburg S p i d e r , ” fashioned by the artistry of face-painter extraordinaire, Inge Laakso.

The booth was designed to attract and hold the interest of people—something festival organizers love to see.

Grace serves up some Raspberry Pi KITCHENER, Ont. - In August, the youngsters at Grace Lutheran Church were given an afternoon of coding instruction from Mme. Lise Quesnel, an industry software developer who came from Ottawa especially to instruct them. The aim was to introduce the audience to principles of computing using a popular computer platform (the Raspberry Pi) and a popular coding language (Python). The congregation’s members wished to show the pupils that if they could read and write, they could code. All managed to be engaged for the whole afternoon, with the occasional break for games.

Now that participants know the basics of how a computer works and how to talk with it, the next meetings will focus on making computers

interact with other devices. The project is expected to run for a year with meetings scheduled when ten or more people are available. The

organizers pray that the congregation will be blessed with vocations in this area, coming from this very group!

Bruno Korst

Some of the young members soak up new concepts and ideas as they learn more about Raspberry Pi. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

27

East District News

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

From the president

The importance of being a child of God “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). ow that the new school year has begun and children are once again attending classes, notices are appearing, it seems, just about everywhere, for motorists to be especially on the lookout for children on their way to and from school. Safety messages are included on a regular basis in television commercials, on billboards, and even on electronic messaging boards on major thoroughfares and freeways. However, no matter how thoroughly parents, grand-parents, friends, and loved ones do everything within their power to ensure the safety of their little ones, there are tragedies and accidents that still occur.

I’ve vacationed in Florida on a number of occasions and seen alligators suddenly appear on golf courses, along the side of the road, and next to very small ponds as well as larger bodies of water. On that basis, one must assume that in many places in Florida, alligators may be present in the most unlikely places. Such, apparently was the case when a two-year-old boy was dragged into the water on the night of June 14, 2016 by an alligator near Disney’s upscale Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. In this incident, there was perhaps nothing that could have been foreseen regarding the tragedy that took place. In other tragedies, however, warnings and precautions go unheeded resulting in sometimes dire consequences. How many times, for example, do people climb over barriers in zoos and in game preserves and end up with severe injuries—or even

N

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

worse, killed? All because they went beyond the limits of safety.

Such tragedies also occur to many in a spiritual sense, as well. For a while, everything goes well.

We live without restraints and inhibitions. We begin taking chances. Perhaps we go beyond the limits of safety. Tragedy results.

There are certain disciplines that must be followed if life is to be saved and secured. The engine must stay on two narrow ribbons of steel if the train is to reach its destination safely. In like manner, we must stay focused and on the right track in believing and trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour from sin, if heaven is to be our goal.

Our hearts go out to the parents of the little boy who saw their loved one snatched away by death.

But there is greater tragedy than that. Think of the parents who live idly on, unconcerned about the spiritual death which can come to their children, if they are not nurtured and taught the way that they should go.

What blessings result when parents give their children the inspiration of knowing God as a real friend, so that they acquire true spiritual understanding! Consider the little girl, for example, who early in the morning, on the day when her sister was to be baptized, was found standing by her sister’s little cradle singing, “Happy birthday, dear Jenny.” She had caught the significance of what it means to be a child of God! Rev. Paul,Zabel

East District News

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

Intercultural Church Workers conference CALGARY - Nearly 50 church workers representing all three Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) districts gathered together at Foothills Lutheran Church, Calgary for the sixth biennial Intercultural Church Workers Conference June 14-16. The East District was well represented with 18 participants, representing seven of the district’s nine circuits.

Under the theme “Integrating Witness and Outreach in Our InterCultural Ministries,” those gathered heard Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, director of Witness and Outreach Ministry for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), who served as keynote speaker. Dr. Wood is the author of the latest LCMS outreach tool “Every One His Witness.”

He described his presentation in this way: The Gospel is simple, but our world is complex. However, only the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ can answer the complex issues of our world. There are many obstacles to effectively sharing God’s Word with people in today’s contexts. How can we navigate the obstacles that are beyond our control? What can we do about the obstacles that we’ve put into place? Starting with an appraisal of witness and outreach, we explored how we can meet the challenges of speaking the Gospel with the various and diverse people whom we engage in our individual lives and in our life together as the Church.

His presentation also included LASSIE, an approach to witnessing using God’s First Article gifts to aid us in engaging people within the context of our existing relationships in order to speak with them about Jesus. LASSIE is an acronym which stands for Listen, Ask, Seek, Share, Invite, and Encourage. Dr. Wood emphasized that these should not be thought of sequentially, but as intentional actions that are often repeated within a relationship context to help us better understand people as share the Gospel with them.

Participants in the Intercultural Church Workers conference

LCC’s three district presidents each led a Bible study on witnessing within different contexts. Based on Acts 1:8, East District President Paul Zabel discussed what it means in our society today to be Christ’s witnesses in Jerusalem. Central District President Thomas Prachar talked about our witness in Judea. ABC District President Glenn Schaeffer helped participants see what it means today to witness to Christ’s salvation in Samaria.

Foothills was filled with the joyful sounds of preaching, prayer, and praise as attendees gathered several times for worship. In the opening Vespers service, Rev. David Bode (host pastor for the conference) served as liturgist and Rev. Ron Mohr (East District Mission Encourager) preached on 2 Corinthians 4:13, emphasizing the “Gracious Cycle” of the Word proclaimed: Faith created; Christians speak; the Word proclaimed.

Revs. Mark Chiang, William Chuol, and Isaac Paik led the morning and closing devotions, each bringing their own unique cultural perspectives and ministry experiences to their sharing of God’s Word.

During the Friday evening Celebration of Prayer and Praise conference attendees and guests from the Calgary area were blessed, inspired, and encouraged by the songs of praise, the Word of God, and the recounting of how our Lord is at work among and through His people. People from

four cultural communities—Korean, Oromo, Nuer (Sudanese), and Urdu— shared presentations of Word and Music which they had prepared for the occasion.

Throughout the conference Deaconess Miriam Winstanley played the organ during worship.

She, along with Rev. Bode and his wife Brenda and several members of Foothills congregation worked diligently in the kitchen providing delicious meals for the two and a half days of the conference, provided transportation to and from the airport and accommodations, and ensured that all of the technological needs were met. Many thanks to those who served as hosts for this conference.

The evaluations that were returned after the conference each cited the time to meet, talk together, and share with others engaged in intercultural ministry as an important aspect of these conferences. They also emphasized how important these conferences are for the encouragement of those called to serve our Lord Jesus and His church in these challenging areas and challenging times. It is the sincere hope that these biennial conferences would continue to be held under the new LCC structure.

Rev. Ron Mohr

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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East District News

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

Former district president celebrates 60 years in ministry KITCHENER, Ont. - More than 100 people gathered at Historic St. Paul’s July 22 to celebrate the 60th Ordination Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Roger Winger. Organized by Revs.

Robert Krestick and James Keller, the Festive Vespers included the highpoint of the service, the sermon preached by Dr. Winger’s son, Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger, based on the text, Isaiah 55:11. The service also featured pre- and post-service music specially chosen by Historic St. Paul’s organist, Paul Walrath. Selections included several of Dr. Winger’s favourites by Lutheran composer, Paul Manz. Paul also led the church choir in a joyful anthem based on texts from the psalms.

Other special music included a nonet (a group of nine singers) made up of four of Dr. Winger’s five children (Karen, David, Thomas, and Susan), three of their spouses, a grandson (Karen’s son, Eric) and his wife. They sang a couple of verses in a capella arrangements of two of the service hymns. Dr. Winger’s son David sang a solo on two verses of another service hymn,

Spirit’s Gifts— text and tune composed by Dr. Winger’s sonin-law, Rev. Ron Mohr, who also served as lector.

Lutheran Church– Canada East District President Pa u l Z a b e l l e d the Rite for the Rev. Dr. Roger Winger and guests enjoying the reception after Anniversary of an the service.

Ordination from Coventry and then as mission pastor the Lutheran Service Book Agenda. at Liverpool Lutheran Mission. The Dr. Winger was baptized and rest of his ministry has been served confirmed at Holy Ghost (now in Canada, first as parish pastor at Trinity), Fisherville, Ontario.

Faith, Dunnville/St, Matthew’s, Many relatives and life-long friends Smithville and St. Paul’s, Kitchener, from the Fisherville area were in then as president of LCC’s East attendance. He was also ordained District until his retirement in 2000. at the Fisherville church on July Since his retirement Dr. Winger 27, 1958, by his father-in-law, Rev. has continued in active ministry Walter Lebien, having been called as Pastor Emeritus at Historic St. to serve as pastor in the Evangelical Paul’s, preaching and teaching as Lutheran Church of England. called upon and caring for shutDr. Winger served for 14 years ins for both Historic St. Paul’s and in England, first as pastor of Holy Holy Cross.

He has also served as a Trinity, Tottenham, London, then as visiting instructor at LCC’s seminary founding pastor of Good Shepherd, in St. Catharines and on the board of directors for several of LCC’s Listed DPS grad installed in Kitchener Service Organizations/Auxiliaries.

The afternoon of celebration KITCHENER, Ont. - Deaconess of Parish Services program, was finished with a joyful reception Lenora Wallden, recent graduate of installed at Holy Cross Evangelical hosted by the members of Historic Lutheran Church–Canada’s Director Lutheran Church September 9.

St. Paul’s. Congratulations, reunions, and encouraging conversations (Back, l-r) Revs. Dieter Kays, William Chuol, Robert Morley, Roger Winger, Konny Hahn, continued well into the early evening.

Lloyd Wentzlaff, Paul Zabel, and Joe Das; (front) Rev. Nolan Astley, Lenora Wallden, Rev. Roland Syens.

Rev. Ron Mohr

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: December 16, 2018 30

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

New LCC International Mission Executive installed WINNIPEG - The installation service of Rev. Mark Smith as International Missions Executive of Lutheran Church–Canada, was held in the chapel at LCC’s Synod Office in Winnipeg on September 11, 2018.

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-atLarge and Pastor of St. Timothy’s in Sunderland, UK; 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 will succeed Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel who retired at the end of April, 2018.

As International Mission Executive, Pastor 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 ministry. 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 and other duties as required.

LCC’s Mission Work Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n LCC’s missions, visit LutheranChurch.ca. 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 Find us on Instagram by searching for

LCC_MISSIONS

LCC’s Work in Costa Rica Resumes COSTA RICA - Recent discussions between the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) and Rev. Edmundo Retana have resulted in the reinstatement Rev. Retana and the congregation in Cartago. The announcement of the decision from ILSN President Marvin Donaire last week immediately re-activated the work of Lutheran Church Canada (LCC) in that country.

The mission’s work involves weekly worship was sponsored by grants from the Concordia Lutheran Missionary Society. The suspension of work meant an end for more than a decade of Gospel outreach,

Lutheran Church–Canada work in Costa Rica.

LCC President Timothy Teuscher states “We thank and praise our gracious and merciful Lord that this matter has been resolved and that the work of proclaiming the Gospel in Costa Rica is now continuing.”

Rev. Retana first contacted LCC after he had responded positively to a number of theological documents posted on a LCMS CTCR website. He was introduced to the LCC missionary in Costa Rica, by Rev. Pedro Adolfo Quintero. He had worked in a Lutheran Church (LWF) in San

José at the time as well as teaching occasional theological courses at the University in San José.

Following completion of his colloquy program at the ILSN, Rev. Retana was examined and upon acceptance, was issued a call by ILSN and ordained in Costa Rica

by ILSN President Rev. Luis Diaz.

He began his work in the area in which they lived and after returning to Nicaragua, he continued that ministry in the area south of San José in addition to his own. Dea. Solórzano Cevallos formally joined the work after her consecration as an ILSN deaconess five years ago.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Crossroads 2018: Nigeria and Bible Translation

by Travis Heide Since returning from a two-week discernment trip to Nigeria this past June, I’ve been asked a load of questions regarding that country.

What animals live there? What are the road conditions? What did we eat—and what were we able to eat?

(Anything and most of everything.)

How was the weather? (Surprisingly mild though we went during the rainy season.)

One question the Crossroads West Africa trip with Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) prepared me to answer is this: Why is Bible translation important? It is a relevant question, considering that the official language of Nigeria is English. And there already exist numerous Bible translations in the world’s most commonly spoken languages, including Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, French, and even Arabic. Why, then, are people still putting in decades’ worth of work and networking to create fresh translations of the most read book on earth?

I left the United States for Nigeria along with three other travelling companions, including Rev. David Federwitz (LBT West Africa Regional Director) and Emily Wilson (LBT Mission Mobilization Coordinator), who had recruited me for the trip. On the ground we met with long-time Bible translator Rev. Chuch Tessaro and Rev. Linus Otronyi (LBT International Associate and a pastor of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria - LCN). We entered the country under the protection of the LCN’s Archbishop Christian Ekong, head of the LCN. I was reminded from time to time that we are not on a “mission” trip. Which was true: we were there to learn.

During the first week of Crossroads, our group stayed in the town of Ikoum in the southern part of Nigeria. Each morning we rode in a van to the place where LBT and Luke Initiative for Scripture Translation (LIST) were working in collaboration with representatives from several ethnic

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communities to translate the Book of Luke into their mother tongues.

Six different language clusters were present at this workshop revising translations of Luke with the help of interdenominational theologians and Paratext computer software. It came as little surprise to know that LIST was working with six different language groups within the vicinity of Ikoum; after all, as I soon learned, Nigeria is home to 502 languages. Rev. Otronyi shared that a little more than 200 of these have some portion of translated Scripture.

On our last day with the LIST project, representatives from the six languages communities were asked the question: Why is Bible translation important? Answers sounded from every corner of the room. In their own words: •

• • • • • • •

“The Bible is a complete document that everyone on earth needs to understand. Everything that is happening on earth is recorded in the Bible.”

“It keeps our language from going extinct.”

“It will give our language international recognition.”

“To reach the ‘wider room.’”

“The Bible belongs to those who have the privilege of education.”

“The God of the Bible is the only one deserving our recognition.”

“Interpreters are not good enough; it ends up in a Pidgin English.”

“God understands all languages.”

Bible translation is not simply about getting the written Word to people. There is something precious to the mission of groups like LBT to reach everyone in “the language of their hearts.”

Translation lends dignity to the world’s languages that are not recognized as “official” or as a language of commerce within their society. Of the 502 language groups in Nigeria (not accounting for dialectical differences), only three or four local languages are widely spoken. Translation also

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

ensures the survival of languages that until recently have existed only in oral form; and, as one chief put it, “there is no word in our language that is not in the Bible.” As the Scriptures appear in their native languages, young people are taught to understand grammar—something their grandparents did not have— and how to read without stumbling.

To many of those gathered at the translation workshop, the Bible currently belongs to an educated elite with proficiency in English. They commit themselves to bringing it to people of every age and status.

Rev. Otronyi shared an experience he had reading the Bible in his native Yala language. The meaning of the petition in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass among us” and Christ’s command to “pray for your enemies” had come in muffled tones when read in English during worship, even when interpreted or paraphrased into Yala. But when these written words of Christ appeared in Yala, they moved hearts.

This is what moves servants of Christ to work with people from different corners of the globe, to the meticulous work of acquiring language and earning the trust of individuals from other cultures, and most of all to listening to the Holy Spirit working through the Word to the heart and to the lips. This is the “why” of the “what” LBT has helped me to see.

Travis Heide is a student at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton), currently serving his vicarage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kitimat and Terrace, B.C.

Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca

A Lesson in Practical Evangelism

Over Mother’s Day weekend, seminarians from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario) Markus Peschel (South African), David Zakel (Canadian), Vishal Paul (Indian) joined Professor Harold Ristau to visit the neighbourhood of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ottawa, knocking on doors and sharing the Gospel through personal invitations to worship, as well as the distribution of tracts. The trip was the ‘practical’ component of their Evangelism Course, along with witnessing their faith at a booth at a local county fair. The trip was made possible by a generous grant from Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada.

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The 2018 spring short term course offered at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS - St. Catharines, Ontario) focused on Evangelism in the Parish. The two-week intensive explored various methods of outreach used in the church historically and in the current era. An emphasis was placed on the practical applications of evangelism: connecting Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and Christian care and concern for our neighbours.

During classes, the students heard from Rev. Ron Mohr (East District Mission Executive) and Rev. Rob Korsch (Grace Lutheran, Kitchener) about outreach opportunities in both the larger church as well as localized ministries. For example, Rev. Korsch spoke about the English as a Second Language courses he uses to reach out and serve the neighbourhood around Grace Lutheran Church.

In addition to class work, CLTS’ Evangelism in the Parish course involved students in two practical evangelism opportunities. The first occurred in the fall at the Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe, Ontario. The second was a weekend trip to Ottawa, where students met with Rev. Bryan King to hear how his congregation is serving the neighbourhood surrounding St. Luke Lutheran Church.

These two outreach opportunities represented different types of outreach. The fair booth experience, while allowing students to meet with a larger group of people, is a more passive vehicle for outreach: those

spoken with must first come to the booth. To that end, organizers tried various strategies to draw people in.

For example, large oak doors were used as props for a reformation conversation starter; a spinning wheel of biblical trivia engaged children while giving them an opportunity to win a prize; and Project Connect booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries on various life issues were available for anyone to take freely. The goal was to engage as many people as possible and give them something to chew on, along with information for local congregations. If they were willing, they could request a connection to a local congregation through the fair booth.

By contrast, the outreach experience in Ottawa required students to go out and make connections by knocking on doors. Every door in the area was knocked on, and one of several different tracts selected by Rev. King was left in the mailbox. Most everyone spoken with knew where St. Luke Lutheran Church was located, or knew of Rev. King. Some people were hesitant to talk about Jesus, perhaps thinking they were being visited

by Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses. But others, upon learning who the group really was, were grateful for the invitation. They were happy to hear that our only “agenda” was to let them know that a church that cared for them was located just down the street and that they were welcome to visit anytime.

Selected from a longer report by Dave Zakel. See the entire article at www.canadianlutheran.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC seminaries welcome new students to 2018-19 school year CANADA – Classes at Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries are well underway and both schools have welcomed a number of new students.

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario held its first full day of classes on September 5, while Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton held its first full day of the Fall Semester on September 17.

C LT S we l c o m e s f o u r n ew students this year: one Diploma student from Afghanistan via Germany, and three students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program. They anticipate having two students available for pastoral calls in May 2019 and two students ready to go on vicarage. A Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) student from Brazil had been accepted, but was unable to get a student visa and will likely begin his education next year. This year’s student body at CLTS comprises fifteen students: ten in the pastoral programme, one pastoral colloquy student studying full-time at the seminary, and four M.T.S. students.

Currently, all of CLS’ students are pursuing the M.Div. track and they will enrol their first DPS students, with two potential students beginning in Fall 2021. CLS has four students who will be eligible for placement this year with another currently on medical leave. Five students are out on vicarage this year and two more students are eligible for vicarage but both are deferring vicarage to their final year. With the three new students this Fall, CLS anticipates four or five vicars will be assigned in Spring of 2020. CLS currently has an enrollment of 15.5

CLTS begins search for new professor ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – Rev. Esko Murto, Professor of Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) has accepted a call to return to Finland and serve a congregation in Tampere. In view of his departure at the end of the current academic year (2018-19), the seminary is beginning the call process to seek his replacement.

In early September, CLTS issued a call for applications online for a Professor of Theology, to take up office in July 2019. The announcement was published on the seminary’s website as well as on CanadianLutheran.ca. Interested candidates were asked to submit their curriculum vitae by October 31, 2018.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

FTE (full-time equivalent) M.Div. students, including Open Studies students.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary held their short-term classes between September 4 and 14 and the new semester runs until December 19.

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary held an orientation day and BBQ at a local park on Tuesday, 4 September. The opening service was held on Sunday, 9 September, in the seminary’s Martin Luther Chapel, and was attended by the Board of Regents who were in town for one of their three annual meetings the next day.

The

LAMPlighter

Are you ready to be WOWed ‌by God

VOLUME 50 NO. 2 FALL 2018

by Annegret Layer, LAMP Volunteer Missionary, Sachigo Lake, Ontario and Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan

W

hen the request came to join a group of Minnesota women to host the 2018 WOW (Women of Worth) Conferences in northern Saskatchewan this past May, I jumped at the chance. I really felt drawn to its purpose of encouraging First Nations women through the ministry of prayer, worship, and workshops based on God’s Word. I admit my interest had been sparked for a couple of reasons.

Besides assisting with the Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay WOW

Conferences, one of my goals was to find out more in order to facilitate something similar in Sachigo Lake, Ontario, where I served on a LAMP mission team. With a growing number of relationships in that community, I wondered what I could do for the women to share the love of Jesus and spread the gospel.

Even before our WOW conferences began, I was introduced to many women of faith who truly believed in the power of prayer. We were prayed over and were asked to pray over others as well.

My role for the WOW Conferences was to speak on prayer. The women would be given a small booklet to decorate, which they could use as a prayer journal.

I researched prayer journals and provided a few Bible verses for the ladies. When it came time to give my talk about prayer, I did not feel qualified. After hearing how some of them prayed, I believed they could teach me a thing or two!

The women were so grateful for what we had to contribute and for coming to them to encourage them in their faith.

At the end of each WOW conference, we had a sharing circle. The strength of these women, their struggles and their faith was simply amazing. Most of all, their faith impressed (or shall I say, WOWed) me.

I felt so blessed to be able to share the whole experience with the lovely women continued next page

www.lampministry.org

WOWed by God, continued

of both communities. I was also encouraged by the number of younger women and even teenage girls who attended. In Sandy Bay, we were invited to a house where a Bible study was being held for young women and older teenage girls. It was such a blessing to be a witness to this study that was initiated by a young woman.

I recently read why LAMP was first established—to nurture the faith in the remote communities of northern Canada, and it all made sense to me. In some communities, the faith is already there, but if it is not nurtured, it will die. That is why we go to church and have Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Studies.

For those of us in major centers or the south, we have

access to so many options. It is not the same in the remote northern communities of Canada.

It is either difficult and/ or costly to go to these communities to help encourage the faith that is there. But, by doing so, we ourselves are encouraged.

Sending Church: Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, MB

Living out our mission Serving for a week of your time in the North can make such a huge difference, both in your life and theirs.

WOLLASTON - A message from a friend in this northern Saskatchewan community was received, which said that her kids woke up excited in the morning because it was only ONE MORE SLEEP until they (the LAMP mission team) come back! The mother of these children wrote: "I am so grateful for everything you and your group do for our children and the community."

Volunteer Missionary and LAMP CFO Darrel Buchholtz

NORWAY HOUSE and SHAMATTAWA - The LAMP teams from Fergus Falls, MN, returned safely home.We give all praise and glory to God for an amazing week at both locations. A special thanks to our prayer warriors who lifted us up to the Lord.

Many seeds were planted, and we pray for growth and nourishment so that in due season, faith blooms beautifully in these communities!

Volunteer Missionary Lori Dawkins

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

The

LAMPlighter KINGFISHER LAKE - We are teaching VBS in a First Nations community of about 400 people, 200 miles from the nearest major city with roads/airport, Sioux Lookout.

It is only accessible by air in the summer and 18 hours of slow ice roads in the winter.

We attended their Oji-Cree service.

Everything was spoken in Oji-Cree with the exception of Scripture readings, and the sermon was spoken in both Oji-Cree and English. It was very moving and had me thinking deeply about "let the little children come to me..."

(Matthew 19:14).

When my children were little, I often wondered what they could understand of the service, if it had meaning for them.

Today, I was like that child, not understanding the words spoken, but understanding the love and faith being shown/ felt. The sermon was strong, and impactful. I was moved to some tears at the end. It was an amazing two hours.

HALL LAKE - What an awesome week in Hall Lake! My heart is filled with joy as I see God working in so many ways in our community. One of my first VBS students from 2008 brought her son to Bible camp this week. Taste and See that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) was the theme for our Ladies Night with crockpot appetizers along with God’s Word for the main course. The annual clothing drive was an opportunity to catch up with old friends we have made over the years. Krazy Kraft night was just like it sounds....crazy. Former students and parents are working with us. Thanks be to God for this amazing opportunity to serve Him in this community!

Volunteer Missionary and Board Director (Canada), Judi Luckhardt

Kingfisher Lake Volunteer Missionary Karen Kondrick

LITTLE GRAND RAPIDS - Thankfully, almost the entire northern community of Little Grand Rapids was spared damage from the devastating fire in May. Although the fires burnt the power lines, everything is working again, and the residents all have returned. LAMP’s VBS was a welcome activity for the approximately 50 enthusiastic children attending, who had gone through a traumatic evacuation.

This is the twelfth year serving in the community for the team.

Pastor-pilot Dennis Ouellette

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

37

www.lampministry.org

God is calling...is He calling you?

Indigenous communities in the North are asking us to come and teach their children about Jesus, but we need your help!

LAMP is seeking short-term missionaries to serve in northern Canada.

If God has placed a call for missions on your heart, please call 1-800-307-4036 ext 1 or email shelly@lampministry.org.

Come, grow with us!

LAMP Mission Statement

LAMP is a cross-cultural ministry sharing Jesus Christ with God’s people in remote areas of Canada.

4966-92 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2V4 Box 480167, New Haven, MI 48048 tel 800-307-4036 x fax 780-466-6733

Donations can be made at our website

www.lampministry.org

Individual gifts are acknowledged with an official receipt for income tax purposes, and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Each gift designated toward a board-approved program will be used as designated, with the understanding that when any given need has been met, designated gifts will be used where needed most.

In Review: Crazy Rich Asians Asian film has a Christian twist

by Ted Giese

Y

ears ago, there was a criticallyacclaimed all-Asian-cast film in which Michelle Yeoh played a leading role: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This time around she plays a supporting role as Eleanor Young the protective mother of Nick Young in this year’s celebrated romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Nick is in love with economics professor Rachel Chu but has kept an important detail about his life from her: he is a crazy rich Asian from a premier family in Singapore. As the film unfolds, Rachel goes on a journey of personal discovery when she accompanies Nick back to Singapore for the wedding of his best friend Colin Khoo to fiancée Araminta Lee. At first, Rachel’s biggest anxiety comes from the prospect of meeting Nick’s family. She feels intimidated because of her singlemother immigrant North American upbringing. She quickly discovers Nick’s mother, disapproves of his choice in girlfriends, and, over the course of the film, seeks to find her place as an Asian-American woman in wider Asian culture and in her relationship with Nick and his family.

I n a n i n t e r v i ew w i t h J o n Turteltaub, Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu explained his desire to make a film both celebrating Asian culture and bridging the Asian and Asian-immigrant experience.

This bridging is seen throughout the film. One example is its use of popular Western music sung with Chinese lyrics. More fusion than karaoke, this approach undergirds the film’s theme of a woman trying to navigate two cultures. How does Chu tackle such a challenging topic in a lighthearted rom-com? At one point about three-quarters into the film, the term “banana” is used to describe someone who is “yellow” on the outside and “white” on the inside. While this small moment highlights Rachel’s personal struggle, it surfaces again more profoundly during the film’s credits with the use of a lilting cover of Coldplay’s song “Yellow” sung by Katherine Ho.

Chu wanted the song because of his own complicated relationship with the word “yellow” and its negative racial implications toward Asians. Including the song was a way of addressing this subect. In a personal letter to the band Coldplay director, Chu wrote that, “The color [yellow]… always had a negative connotation in my life... until I heard your song.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chu, in a reference to the song’s lyrics, said, “We’re going to own that term… If we’re going to be called yellow, we’re going to make it beautiful.” Essentially, he took a derogatory term and turned it into a badge of honour. To be clear, the song “Yellow” is not originally about these racial ideas but Chu’s use of the song reframes the lyrics, freighting them with new content.

Questions of racial, ethnic, and cultural identity are woven into the film’s thematic elements. For example, Rachel is poorer than Nick, which becomes a point of dramatic tension. As Rachel navigates the waters of Nick’s affluence, she also has to come to terms with something she saw as a strength which Nick’s family sees a weakness: she comes from a single-mother family with no close relatives while Nick comes from an intact family (although Nick’s father is out of town on business through the whole film and only comes up in conversation)

with a vast network of tightknit relatives. What this all leads to is the most important point of contention within the film: American individualism and following your passion—basically the pursuit of happiness versus the Asian idea of happiness coming from sacrifice, respect, honour, and long-term planning for the benefit of the family. As a result, Eleanor Young sees her son Nick’s love for Rachel as the potential ruination of the Young family and the family business.

The Faith Connection Christian audiences may want to consider how Nick’s mother, Eleanor, is presented. If the film has a central villain impeding Nick and Rachel’s relationship, it’s Eleanor—and yet in her second scene, Eleanor is depicted leading a women’s Bible study. During the study, Eleanor reads Colossians 3:1–2, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The scene also mentions Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction o f t h e L o rd . ” W h i l e E l e a n o r

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eventually gives her approval to Rachel and Nick, Christians may find it disappointing that a character so strongly positioned as Christian—the Young family and extended family are Methodists— early on in the film ends up being the most cruel and backward character towards the relationship.

The Bible study scene provides subtext and motivation for many of Eleanor’s actions, like having the temerity to deny permission for her son to sleep with his girlfriend under the family roof. Herein lies the disappointment: the character is set up to be a positive role model—a C h r i s t i a n m o t h e r w h o re a d s Scripture and has moral fibre in the face of social pressures—only to be shown as mean-spirited toward Rachel with words as sharp as any tiger’s claws or teeth.

H ow i s this impasse between mother and potential daughter-in-law resolved? In the end, Rachel realizes she must outmaneuver Eleanor and stand firm in her relationship with Nick. An interesting aspect of the approach Rachel takes is that she seems to follow the principle laid out in Philippians 2:3–4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Rachel’s willingness to let Eleanor win in her bid to protect the family from public disgrace and her son from losing his family for love by sacrificing any future relationship with Nick prompts Eleanor’s willingness to compromise and approve the relationship.

Where Crazy Rich Asians excels is in its final broader message of being “kind and compassionate” to one another (Ephesians 4:32), whether that’s applied to racial, cultural, or social differences.

This film was one of the breakout surprise successes of the 2018 summer box-office, a year which has seen several films set or shot in Asia to top the box-office. Why is this important? China is the secondlargest market for Hollywood films (not factoring in the rest of the Asian market), making success in Asia important to the North American film industry. With the success of these movies, audiences can expect more films seeking to bridge the North American and Asian markets. As this approach advances, the question r e m a i n s whether film makers will be “kind and compassionate” toward Western European and general North American racial, cultural, social and/ or religious differences.

One has to wonder how portrayals of Christianity will fare as more film makers shift their focus from West to East?

Will the film industry recognize that Christianity is a religion which transcends race, culture, and ethnicity? It has been since its beginning, when Jesus said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

Christians may find it disappointing that a character so strongly positioned as Christian ends up being the most cruel and backward.

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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.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

Partnering with you in HIS mission

The latest series of Project Connect booklets responds clearly to the questions Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? and What is faith?

These new booklets have 1 Peter 3:15 in mind so that you can always be prepared…

WHO IS JESUS? Responding to the question Who is Jesus can be intimidating.

In this booklet we tackle one of the most common, and perhaps important, questions of the last two thousand years: Who is Jesus?

6BE170 Who is Jesus?

WHY DID JESUS DIE? One of the most recognized images in the world is the cross. Why has a symbol of punishment become such a focal point for Christians? In this booklet we tackle this 2000-year-old preoccupation with the cross by answering: Why did Jesus die?

6BE172 Why Did Jesus Die? WHAT IS FAITH IN JESUS? We read that “Faith can move mountains”, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for”, “Faith is confidence”, but what exactly is “faith”? In this booklet, we tackle a question involving the mind, the heart, the soul and all of life: What is faith in Jesus?

6BE171 What is Faith in Jesus?

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

Transitions

Transitions

Classified

Rev. Brad Julien, from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (Swift Current, Sask.) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Pontiex, Sask.) to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (Maple Creek, Ont.)

Rev. Ron Mohr, from Mission Executive, LCC, East District ( K i t c h e n e r, O n t . ) t o E x e c u t i v e Director, Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada.

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Presidential Perspective

Our Great and Priestly Commission

I

President Timothy Teuscher

t is perhaps surprising to note that Matthew 28:19-20—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”—is never referenced in our Lutheran Confessions in the way we usually do today. You know, as the “Great Commission” which Christ has given to His Church. Instead, it is quoted in connection with our Lord’s institution of Holy Baptism and the Office of the Holy Ministry.

This begs the question: What, then, is the Great Commission passage in the Scriptures—the one which describes who we are as a Church and what are task is to be? I would submit 1 Peter 2:9—“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Let us take a closer look at just one of the things that the Apostle mentions: “you are a royal priesthood.” In this regard, the Reformer, Martin Luther, says, “Every baptized Christian is a priest, not by appointment or ordination, but because Christ Himself has begotten him as a priest and has given birth to him in Baptism.” Or as the founding father of the Missouri Synod, C.F.W. Walther, writes, “All believing Christians are priests and the whole Christian Church is the temple, the house of God in which they serve under their only High Priest, Jesus Christ.”

In the Old Testament we are told that the service or work of a priest was not to be done for himself but for the sake of others. A priest was to stand before God as a representative

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of the people and, conversely, to stand before the people as a representative of God. Moreover, even before God established that specific Aaronic or Levitical priesthood who were to serve in the temple, He says of and to all the people of Israel: “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). In the New Testament, St. Peter summarizes the work we have as members of God’s royal priesthood in this way: we are to “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

What then are some of these priestly, spiritual sacrifices we are to offer? Or, to put it another way, what is our mission, our duty, our task, as

What an awesome task has been given to us— to be priests of God, to render to God and to others spiritual sacrifices!

Christians and members of Christ’s church? The answer: • To offer the priestly sacrifice of repentance – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of praise to God – “Through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of living according to God’s will and commands – “I appeal to you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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To offer the priestly sacrifice of sharing our material gifts with others – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of our monetary offerings for the support of the Gospel ministry – “The gifts you sent are a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of praying for others – “Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of speaking God’s Word to others – “For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth” (Malachi 2:7).

• To offer the priestly sacrifice of bringing others to salvation in Jesus by proclaiming the Gospel – “Because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the Gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:16).

What a great privilege, what an awesome task has been given to us—to be priests of God, to render to God and to others spiritual sacrifices!

That is the one office which has been given to us all in our baptisms.

And that is the mission, the task… yes, the “Great Commission”… that we all have as part of a royal priesthood – to “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2018

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