The
CANADIAN
LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca
Volume 34 Number 5 - September/October 2019
“Let Your Holy Angel Be With Me...”
When a school provides a positive and creative environment, you feel free to develop initiatives and take charge of your own learning. – Hisham al-Miqdad
Hisham is helping transform his school in Jordan
will you join him? Hisham al-Miqdad’s childhood was shattered when war came to Syria. But today, things are different. Hisham’s life has changed, and he wants to do the same for others. But he needs your help. This fall, we want you to be inspired by Hisham’s story and then ask yourself whether you can give another child the same chance Hisham got — the chance to learn in a safe, supportive environment.
Watch Hisham’s story at clwr.org/papershapes 600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB, R3B 0W5
1-800-661-2597
Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 34 Number 5
September/October 2019
Maker of All Things... Invisible The Devil: Liar, Murderer, and... Instrument of God? 400 Years of Lutheranism in North America
6 9 12
Departments Table Talk
Maker of All Things... Invisible Page 6
The Conquered Foe
5
History of the Reformation
1519: The Gospel Breakthrough and the Leipzig Debate In Review
It Chapter Two
34 39
Presidential Perspective
As Angels Do Above
42
News Section International News
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ILC Africa Region holds conference in South Africa • LCC meeting with PCPCU in Rome • CPH celebrates 150 years • Ghana’s Lutherans celebrate 60 years • Former ILC Chairman called to glory
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
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Guinness World Records features LCC pastor • ABC District and officers settle with ASC • LCMS radio features Canadian seminaries, NYG • LCC domain name update
West Region Pastor ordained and installed in Dawson Creek • VBS reports • King of Kings Lutheran finds new ministry opportunity
Central Region
Editor: Mathew Block Advertising: Marlene Mohr Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: editor@lutheranchurch.ca
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Confirmation brings the faithful together • Pastor retires • VBS reports • Installation at Triune Parish • New pastor installed in Dryden
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.
East Region
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Worthless or hard-earned? • Exploring CLTS’ Rare Book Room online • Name change for K-W Lutheran School Society • New Gift Coordinator
The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-897-4319 E-mail: editor@lutheranchurch.ca
Education News
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.
Classifieds and Transitions
VOLUME 51 NO. 2 FALL 2019
©2019 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. Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Mission News
31
The Value of the Kingdom of Heaven
32
CLS and CLTS call for Award nominations • Seminaries Sunday 2019 • LCC seminaries launch new school year • CLS professor to return to parish ministry
Supplement
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35
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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Catch the new podcast* – Speaking of JESUS Lutheran Hour speaker Dr. Michael Zeigler and Jessica Bordeleau invite you to join them in having real conversations with real people about life, Jesus, and what He means to them. The weekly dialogue centred around Christ and His relevance is a dialogue between a variety of Christians from different walks of life, different stages of life, and different family backgrounds. Less than one in ten people have a conversation about God, faith, and spirituality once a month, and 70% of self-identified Christians are reluctant to have a spiritual conversation with anyone—even other Christians. Lutheran Hour Ministries aims to inspire you to have more spiritual discussion in your home, digitally, and all throughout your community. This is an opportunity to get more and more individuals to speak of Jesus, so that they may come to know Him personally. *Podcasts are an easy way to listen to your favourite Lutheran Hour Ministries programs and resources when it’s most convenient for you. Podcasts are audio files you can download automatically, free of charge, to your computer or portable devices. info@LLL.ca or 1-800-555-6236 www.LLL.ca
Jeffrey A.L. Kriwetz
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LCC’s Mission Work Support LCC’s missions through online giving at www.lutheranchurch.ca or by mail at: LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA 3074 PORTAGE AVENUE WINNIPEG, MB R3K 0Y2
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Table Talk
The Conquered Foe by Mathew Block
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n this issue, we consider in greater detail the supernatural world which exists just beyond our line of vision. In contemporary culture, it is common, even among Christians, to ignore the spiritual powers at work around us. And yet, Scripture is clear: angels and demons exist. We forget them to our detriment and our danger. The Devil is all too real, as Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau reminds us in his feature this issue (see page 9). And while Satan is a threat, we must always remember he is a defeated threat. He has been cast out of heaven. He has been vanquished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That knowledge informs some of the artwork chosen for this issue. On the cover, we see the Devil and his demonic hordes cast out of heaven by St. Michael and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9). Page 11 imagines the battle between Satan and St. Michael in more dramatic fashion, with Michael preparing to land the final blow. On page 10, the Devil flees from Jesus, who has successfully resisted temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:10-11). And on page 9, we see the resurrected Christ finally crush the Ancient Dragon beneath his feet—his spear thrust into the mouth of the serpent who so lately (and ineffectively) bit His heel (Genesis 3:15). In these images, there is no mistaking that the Devil is dangerous; he is depicted as vicious and violent. But he is also defeated. He is cast down. He is crushed underfoot. That image—Satan crushed underfoot—is one you should always keep in mind. Jesus has triumphed over Satan, and His victory is yours too. Just as God promised that Eve’s descendent would one day crush the head of the Ancient Serpent, so too we are promised that “the God of peace
will soon crush Satan underneath your feet” (Romans 16:20). “Resist the Devil, and he shall flee from you,” St. James instructs us (4:7). Likewise St. Peter warns us to resist Satan, promising that in the end the “God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:8-10). Your victory is possible because God wills it. Your strength is found in His strength. And He will watch over you. To that end, He commends you to the care of His angels, those blessed spirits who serve Him in heaven. We do not think about angels enough— something Rev. Dr. John Stephenson helps us to rectify with his feature article this issue (see page 6). These heavenly beings are guardians of the faithful. Just as St. Michael and his angels once battled the demonic hosts in heaven, they continue to protect Christians today. So it is that we pray with Martin Luther: “Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.” God answers these prayers. Let me share with you a story of my own. Back when I was in university, I received a phone call one morning. The person on the other end of the line was a recent convert to Christianity whom I had befriended and helped mentor in the faith. It was 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and I blearily asked what the call was about. My friend asked, “How do you know if a vision is from God?” I immediately became very awake; this person had, prior to becoming a Christian, been involved with certain occult practices. The first Scripture that came to mind was therefore 2 Corinthians 4:11—“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” I spoke on that theme for a few moments
before my friend responded: “Thanks. I think that’s what I needed to hear.” And with that, the call was over. A few days later, I learned my friend had been visiting with Mormon missionaries over the past few weeks, and had been convinced to be baptized into the Mormon faith. The next morning, she was troubled and reached out to me. Our brief conversation convinced her that she had been hasty in joining Mormonism. Not much later, she invited me to meet her for coffee to discuss these issues more fully. And that’s when I had one of the most visceral spiritual encounters of my life. I was in the shower getting ready to go when I was suddenly overcome with an overwhelming sense of anxiety. I felt that I could not leave the house. The sensation was overpowering and suffocating. I could not go. I could not. Eventually I turned off the shower, threw on a towel, and went out to find my roommate to ask him to pray over me. He prayed… and the sense of anxiety departed. I kept the appointment with my friend, and she became resolved in her Christian faith. There is little doubt in my mind that this panic attack was demonic in nature. I am not an anxious person and I have no history of mental illness. Nor have I ever had a similar experience since. The whole thing was terribly disconcerting at the time but it illustrates an important point: the Devil is already vanquished. His power is limited. Resist him in the power of Christ, and he will flee from you. The themes in this issue may be difficult for some. If you find them distressing, contact your pastor for prayer and support. And remember: the Devil is conquered. The angels watch over you. And God Himself is your strength and salvation.
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Detail from Tryptich of Jesus’ Baptism: Master of Frankfurt, c. 1500.
Maker of All Things... Invisible by John Stephenson
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s usual, St. Paul goes straight to the heart of the Faith with his fondness for the word group that includes the noun “abundance”(e.g., Romans 5:17; 2 Corinthians 8:2; 10:15) and the verb “to abound” (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:5; 8:2; Ephesians 1:8). The God who shows His face in Jesus our Lord never does things by halves, has no stinginess about Him, and never gives but He lavishes. When He creates, He brings a dazzling variety of creatures into being through His Eternal Son (Colossians 1:16); and when He comes to the rescue of a creation gone astray, He unites mankind under a new Head, raising guilty people up to a higher status than the one they had forfeited. “In Him the tribes of Adam boast more blessings than their father lost” (Isaac Watts, TLH 511:5). One might say that in Jesus it’s always more and never less. As if it weren’t enough to crown the visible world with countless billions of human creatures made in His own image, finding a unique DNA and fingerprint for each one, God also created a vast multitude of personal beings invisible to the naked eye. Our Lutheran teachers liked to quote St Augustine, who said that, while according to their office they are angels (messengers), according to their nature they are spirits. Not descending from a common ancestor like we do, each one is a unique and immediate creation of God, the angels not being carbon copies of each other, but arranged in a certain hierarchy, cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Psalm 80:1) not the same as seraphim (Isaiah 6:2), thrones, dominions, principalities, and authorities (Colossians 1:16) each with their assigned role, the archangel Michael (Revelation
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Detail from Archangel Michael: Simon Ushakov, c. 1676.
12:7) as commander of God’s celestial armies, and Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26) as His appointed ambassador to humans with a special role in salvation history. Just as God acts through humans as His “hands, channels, and means” for distributing good things in the visible creation (Large Catechism I:26), so He governs and watches over the universe through the agency of the angels. It seems that particular angels even have assigned roles in the destiny of specific nations (think through the implications of Daniel 10:13). Our Lutheran teachers follow the catholic tradition in its reflection on Scripture in maintaining that, like Adam and Eve, the angels were created with the capacity not to sin. When Lucifer abused this freedom to become Satan, taking many (a third?; see Revelation 12:4) down to doom with him, the angels who remained steadfast in their loyalty to God were “confirmed” in the good, receiving the gift of being henceforth unable to sin, becoming the first created members of the Church triumphant, the Church in glory. Actually, the holy angels thereby became more free than ever as they gave themselves one hundred percent to the God “whose service is perfect freedom.” So we shouldn’t think of Gabriel as reading woodenly from a script in the style of a robot when he conversed with Zechariah and Mary; no, he transmitted the message with which God entrusted him in a uniquely personal way.
The Old Testament presents the angels as God’s heavenly courtiers, who love Him above all else and give voice to His praise; a holy angel announces Christ’s birth to the shepherds and a choir of angels intone words of praise that the Church on earth now sings Sunday by Sunday in the Gloria in excelsis. Angels ministered to Jesus in the wilderness and in Gethsemane, and they proclaimed His victory over death at the empty tomb. Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and other prophets (e.g., Micaiah in 1 Kings 22:19) were exceptionally admitted to God’s heavenly throne room where they beheld Him attended by His angelic courtiers, and now in the New Testament Church the angels are present in Christian worship (1 C o r i n t h i a n s 11 : 1 0 ) , especially when we assemble for Holy Communion. The pastor does not give vent to poetic excess but states sober truth when he stretches out his hands to lead the congregation’s praise in the words “With angels and archangels and with the whole company of heaven.” Truly, in Jesus it’s always more and never less, as He is our Door to the God who does nothing by halves. One of our most beautiful and comforting Scripture-based truths is that God the Blessed Trinity, and very specifically our Lord Jesus Christ, True God and True Man, is at all times present with the whole Church militant in general and with each member of the mystical Body in particular. “Do you not realise that
The holy angels, God’s invisible warriors, are at all times sent forth to serve and protect those who are to inherit salvation.
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Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 12:5). Throw this blessed reality in the evil one’s face when loneliness, fear, and the burden of sin threaten to crush you in the middle of a pitch black, eerie night! And as if this article of faith known as the teaching of the mystical union were not overflowing evidence of God’s abundant bounty, the holy angels, God’s invisible warriors, are at all times sent forth to serve and protect those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Our Lutheran teachers incline to the longstanding Christian opinion that each believer has his or her own personal guardian angel. “Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.” The annual feast of St. Michael and All Angels, falling on September 29 each year (in 2019 on a Sunday!), is the time in the church year when we remember the holy angels, hearing Scripture readings and singing hymns that focus on them. It often happens that when the preacher makes clear that angels are for real and not just a figure of speech, someone comes up to him and shares a unique angel story that offers specific evidence that the ministry of angels is ongoing. I recollect the late St. Louis professor and author of an excellent commentary on Revelation, Dr. Louis Brighton, holding an audience spellbound as he related how mighty angels protected a pair of missionaries who had the courage to enter a village populated by particularly fierce cannibals; the angels remained unseen by the trembling missionaries, but showed their visible glory to the thunderstruck villagers, who soon entered the kingdom of God. And I remember a dear parishioner in St. Catharines, a woman with her feet firmly on the ground, who told a story of angelic deliverance when her pious grandfather took his family from their home in East Prussia in the closing days of the Second World War. They lost all their earthly goods, but were marvellously protected from a murderous mob to start their lives anew on a different continent. Why should we be surprised that the Lord continues to provide the kind of protection that He extended to the infant Church in Jerusalem (see Acts 5:19-20; 12:6-11)? He is the same yesterday and today and forever after all (Hebrews 13:8)! Following the Ascension of our Lord, when human nature took its seat on God’s throne, a constant and growing stream of humans made and refashioned in God’s image have joined the holy angels in the Church triumphant, the assembly of those who behold God’s face and cannot sin but henceforth enjoy the fullest imaginable freedom. As they protect the Church on earth, the angels ready themselves for the day when the archangel will call (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and the angels will gather the faithful from the four corners of the earth (Matthew 24:31) into the presence of the returning Jesus, from whom the whole Church of humankind and angels will never be separated. Then, as we all behold God’s face and are immediately present to each other forever, we shall appreciate to the full why St. Paul was so fond of the word group around the noun “abundance” and the verb “abound”. Rev. Dr. John Stephenson is Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Great Warriors from the Realm of Light Great warriors from the realm of light, Though seldom seen by human sight, Have flown down to our world of night To guard us with their outspread might. For blessed Jesus, Holy One, Though sore oppressed and near undone, Chose not to call them as God’s Son And so their care for us was won. Ten thousand stood at His right hand, Awaiting only His command; Yet silently He took His stand And faced the jeering demon band. The angel hosts with shielded eye Heard Gabriel and Michael cry, “O Lord of Hosts, Thou must not die!” But Satan raised His cross on high. Christ’s valiant knights were filled with fear, They wailed and shed a bitter tear To see their Lord pierced by the spear And hear the dark foe’s army cheer. But foul cheers died to great acclaim As awestruck angels spoke His name; Victorious from the grave He came Now bearing souls death sought to claim! The God-man’s voice rang through the air, He called upon His warriors fair, “Descend upon the dragon’s lair And guard My chosen people there.” With trumpet sounding loud and clear They’ve come to serve God’s children here; So in the darkness do not fear — Great warriors stand forever near. Rev. Kurt Reinhardt From My Light and My Salvation Used with permission.
The resurrected Jesus triumphs over Death and the Devil. Detail from Law and Gospel: Lucas Cranach, c. 1539.
The Devil Liar, Murderer, and ... Instrument of God? by Harold Ristau
Note: This article treats a difficult subject. If you feel spiritually distressed by the content please consult your local pastor for consolation and support. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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The Devil flees from Jesus after He resists temptation, while angels wait to minister to Him: Jan Swerts, mid 19th-century.
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t the end of a war, the conquering armies often to say, we are under the power of the Devil—and are rescued encounter rebel forces continuing to wreak havoc by the grace of our Father, transferred from the kingdom of on innocent civilians. Although defeated, attacks darkness “to the Kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians by these sore losers attempt to convince the world that they 1:13). Yet one of the most effective strategies of the Devil have power, even though they have none. In the same way, in destroying Christian souls remains convincing us that he the Devil and his evil minions, have been defeated by the does not exist or, at least, isn’t nearby. weapon of our Lord Jesus Christ’s cross at the great battle Remember that the ministry of angels is to dwell near of Calvary. Their power over us is “finished” and Christ is God’s people and keep them safe from harm and danger, as victor over death, sin, hell, and Satan, but these enemies well as announcing God’s message to His people on occasion, behave as if they still had power over us. God Almighty similar to the ministry of pastors. Well, demons are angels permits them this freedom until the second coming of Christ, “gone bad.” They are “fallen” from the beautiful and loving when “the great dragon and ancient serpent” (Revelation relationship established by our wonderful God. They are 12:9) will forever be cast away. On the Last Day, we will rebels who wanted to become their own gods by living lives experience victory over all the forces of hell. In the meantime, unto themselves, separate from their Creator. Thus, from our we live by faith, believing though not seeing. first ancestors until this present day, they tempt us human C.S. Lewis, in his book The Screwtape Letters, reminds creatures to do likewise. us that the topic of demons ought not be entered upon As all creatures are unfulfilled outside of a relationship lightly: “There are two equal with their creator, so too these and opposite errors into which creatures have been miserable our race can fall about the devils. since their rebellion, lacking One is to disbelieve in their peace and suffering eternal existence. The other is to believe, frustration. To compensate and to feel an excessive and for their hopelessness, they unhealthy interest in them.” pretend that they have power On the one hand, many explore over Christians and are rulers the topic for the wrong reasons. over aspects of God’s creation. Curiosity can lead us to dabble Masquerading as an “angel of in dangerous practices that light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), invite demons into our lives. the Devil even pretends that The road to hell is paved with he is the good guy, that he good intentions. On the other offers you ministry, and that hand, many dismiss the subject, his minions can help you in life. One of the most effective as if the Devil and the demons Many Christians compromise posed no real threat to modern their salvation by turning to strategies of the Devil in man. Some Christians believe spiritual mediums, reiki, voodoo, that demonic phenomenon and fortune tellers—to name a destroying Christian souls can be explained by science few practices—for wisdom and or psychology, while others remains convincing us that he empowerment. think that, if they exist, they Demons are masters of are exclusively active in “nonone thing: lies. And lies are does not exist. Christian” societies. However, powerful because they contain demonic oppression and kernels of the truth, and are thus possession are not phenomena confined to the ancient particularly believable and dangerous. The Devil is, after world. And with the decline of true Christianity, increasing all, the “liar who deceives the whole world” (John 8: 44; popularity of the occult, and the celebrations of various Revelation 11:9). As a false messenger he is highly skilled spiritualities in a multicultural society, be prepared for new at twisting the truth of God’s Word: namely, who God is waves of demonic activity even in a prosperous country and who we are. The Devil lies about our status as sinners: like Canada. convincing us that we are morally superior to others, and Childish and unbiblical images that picture the Devil as a don’t need church, or its holy means through which to comical character with a pointed tail and horns are dangerous commune with our Creator. He whispers that we can be to our physical and spiritual health, since they make light of our own pastors, our own shepherds, our own Christs, the Devil’s threat and influence. Yet, still, he “prowls around our own gods. And he lies to us about our status as saints. like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan, “the adversary” (1 Peter 5:8) and “accuser of God’s It is unfortunate that many churches avoid the ancient words people” (Revelation 12:10) is particularly good at accusing of the baptismal rite that proclaim our spiritual deliverance us of our sins. He lies about the value that we have in Christ, from the Devil through the “exorcism” of Holy Baptism. All tempting us to dwell on our sins, as if they were unforgiven, people are born “possessed,” in a sense, by the Devil—that is and insisting that God’s unconditional love for us is a fraud.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
St. Michael Vanquishing Satan: Raphael, 1518.
Because Satan is a master at perverting God’s Word, we ought never listen to him. Notice how Jesus never engages in conversation with the Devil and demons but simply silences them or keeps His words short, even when they speak something true (see Matthew 8:29)! Even the Bible can be misused. Jesus Himself faced this during His temptations when the Devil quoted Holy Scripture to Him. Just because someone “preaches the Bible” doesn’t mean they are a solid and biblical Christian preacher. Be especially wary if they tell you things that you like to hear! Faithful pastors are rightly rigid about rebuking false doctrine since these lies are particularly destructive. The Devil is not only skilled at misusing God’s teaching but also in abusing all of God’s gifts. Because, he creates nothing, even the notion of demonic “possession” is misleading. Nothing belongs to him. Certainly, he wants to possess houses, objects, and most importantly, people, but in actuality he can only occupy them for a moment. At the end of the day, he can create nothing nor possess anything. Instead, he is a thief—like a squatter in another man’s apartment. He only has as much power over us as we permit him. That is why our baptismal identity is crucial to counselling or caring for those who are physically oppressed or possessed by demons. For baptism, as Luther reminds us in the Small Catechism, “works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation”— salvation won for us “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.” The Holy Spirit has made our hearts Christ’s home through the means of grace. This is the message to which all Christians ought to daily return. In the end, the ultimate purpose of these enemies and their lies is not to possess you for a moment, harass you for a while, nor depress you for a season, but to destroy you in both body and soul. They want you to join them in their eternal misery now and forever. Thus, the Devil is a “murderer” (John 8:44) who “enslaves people by the fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15). In my own personal experience with the ministry of deliverance, I have found that many who are physically oppressed or possessed by demons seek the aid of Christ out of personal desperation in this life. In other words, they want to be free from the Devil but they don’t want to belong to God. But that option does not exist. For good or for ill, we all belong to somebody. And worldly “freedom” from everybody and everything is actually more like hell than heaven. Some seek freedom via suicide. Others seek freedom by avoiding their brothers and sisters in Christ. And so, there are worse things than possession. I would rather that a sinner be plagued by one thousand demons throughout the week and find him seeking God’s grace and mercy at the altar of Christ during the Sunday morning mass, than be entirely delivered and healed from his oppression only to never step foot into the church again. Not one of us is better off restored from our ailments if our healing results in a less
active spiritual life with Christ, as we find Him incarnate among us in Divine Service. Thus, when the Devil’s schemes drive us back to seek God’s mercy, we see how he serves as a divine instrument. He remains a servant of God whether he likes it or not, and God can use even him to lead us to cling more tightly to Jesus Christ and His holy cross. God’s love for us is so great that He even uses the demons for our own good—to the Devil’s eternal frustration. Even St. Paul refers to “a thorn in the flesh”, “a messenger of Satan” sent to “trouble” him so that he “would not become arrogant” (2 Corinthians 12:7). And God used that for his good. God uses all things—sufferings, trials, tribulations, and all sorts of evil—to bring us to, and keeps us in, the one true Faith. When we feel ourselves defeated by the Devil, we can have great hope that God can use even that evil to bring us back to our Saviour, Lord, Friend, and King, Jesus Christ and Him crucified for our salvation and forgiveness. In Him, we remain victorious, in spite of our feelings, beliefs, or experiences. To Him be glory and honour. Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau is Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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Canadian centenniel medal from the Lutheran Council in Canada alluding to the arrival of Lutheranism in North Canada with Rev. Jensen and the Danish expedition.
400 Years of
Lutheranism in North America Rasmus Jensen’s Story by Mathew Block
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n September 7, 1619, a ship from Denmark captained by Jens Munk arrived in Hudson Bay, landing in the area that would later be known as Churchill, Manitoba. A companion ship arrived two days later on September 9. They had been seeking out the Northwest Passage, but faced increasing difficulties with the weather before finally landing in Hudson Bay. Now they were forced to prepare for the onset of winter. Among the crew was the chaplain, Rev. Rasmus Jensen, a Lutheran priest from the Church of Denmark. Today Rev. Jensen is remembered as the first Lutheran minister to serve in North America, and also for leading the first Christian worship services in Western Canada. But his ministry would prove brief and difficult. The crew was not prepared for the harsh winter conditions. Gradually they succumbed to scurvy and the cold. Rev. Jensen’s ministry consequently focused on consoling the sick and conducting funerals, although he also led a Christmas Mass. By January 10, 1620, Rev. Jensen took to bed ill. A few weeks later, on January 23, he “sat up in his berth and gave the people a sermon,” records Captain Munk. It was the “last sermon
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he delivered in this world,” Munk adds briefly. After a further month of illness, Rev. Jensen died on February 20, the twenty-first member of the crew to perish. Of the 64-person crew, only three would survive the winter: Captain Munk and two others. They arrived home in Norway after two month’s
hard journey, a full year after having first arrived in Hudson Bay. That history has been little remembered in recent years, although in 1967 the Lutheran Council in Canada placed a plaque commemorating Rev. Jensen’s ministry near the site of his demise. They also released a medal
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
that year marking Canada’s centennial which alludes to Rev. Jensen’s ministry: the cross on the obverse rises from Churchill, Manitoba, the first site of Lutheran worship in North America. Twenty-four years later the first plaque would be replaced by a new one. The Lutheran Council in Canada gathered again in Churchill June 16-17, 1991 to unveil the new plaque. The participants, which included Lutheran Church– Canada President Edwin Lehman and Central District President Roy Holm, as well as members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Church in Denmark, unveiled a plaque noting the story of Rev. Jensen’s ministry. The unveiling took place one day before the 371st anniversary of the departure of the three surviving crewmen back to Europe. The text of the plaque reads: “In 1619, 8 kilometres upriver from this site, the first Lutheran services on North American soil were conducted by the Rev. Rasmus Jensen. He was a member of the ill-fated Danish expedition which discovered this port and wintered here. Only the ship’s captain, Jens Munk, and two crewmen survived the harsh weather, returning to Denmark the following year. Pastor Jensen led a Christmas mass, buried the dead, and ministered to the forlorn
work: proclaiming the Gospel and comforting the grieving. Lutheran Church–Canada congregations may wish to mark
the 400th anniversary of the first Lutheran worship services in Canada this fall with a special prayer during worship:
“Gracious and merciful Father in heaven, we thank You for Your servant, Rasmus Jensen, the first Lutheran pastor to serve in North America 400 years ago as chaplain on the illfated Danish expedition to Hudson Bay, whose earthly remains lie near Churchill, Manitoba known only to You, and who now awaits the day of the resurrection of all flesh. Be with all pastors who travel to distant, desolate, and perilous places, as they minister to those they accompany and to those they meet along the way, proclaiming to them the Gospel and sharing their hardships in the name of Him who humbled Himself to share ours—Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, in Your mercy; hear our prayer.”
Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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Top: Woodcut from Jens Munk’s account of the voyage, showing the two ships in the bay, hunting, cutting wood, and burying the dead. Centre: The plaque in Churchhill commemorating Rev. Jensen.
company. He died February 20, 1620, the first Protestant clergyman to be buried in Canadian soil.” 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the ill-fated Danish expedition. It consequently also marks the 400th anniversary of the first Lutheran worship services in North America. And while the story of Rev. Jensen ended in death, we know that death is not the end of the story. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). This was the Gospel which Rev. Jensen was called to preach as a minister of the church. It’s the hope which he held out to others in his final days. We shall see Rev. Jensen at the resurrection of the dead, and with him all other believers in Christ. In the meantime, we continue the same
International News www.canadianlutheran.ca
ILC Africa Region holds conference in South Africa studies on the topic “Servant Leadership” were presented in three parts: 1) Christ as a servant of all; 2) Disciples of Christ as servants of all; and 3) The Church of Christ as servants to the world. This year, church leaders from Benin, Malawi, South Africa, South Sudan, Participants in the 2019 ILC Africa Region conference. Tanzania, and Uganda gathered for the event, including: Bishop Nathaniel Bol S O U T H A F R I CA - The (South Sudan Evangelical Lutheran International Lutheran Council Church); Bishop Mandla Khumalo (St. (ILC) held its Africa World Region Peter Confessional Lutheran Synod conference August 16-20, 2019 in of South Africa); General Secretary Pretoria, South Africa. Patrice Legbanon (Lutheran Church The triennial meeting is an in Africa—Benin Synod); Bishop important opportunity for church Emmanuel Makala (Evangelical leaders to connect and build Lutheran Church of Tanzania – South relationships. During the 2019 East of Lake Victoria Diocese); Bishop conference, each leader was invited Modise Maragelo (Lutheran Church to present a historical overview of in Southern Africa); Executive their church. A series of daily Bible
Chairman David Wowa (Confessional Lutheran Church—Malawi Synod); Secretary Geoffrey Skosana (Lutheran Church in Southern Africa); Bishop Dieter Reinstorf (Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa); and Dean Peter Maganda (Lutheran Church of Uganda). Revs. Shauen Trump and Gary Schulte, Africa Area Directors from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Office of International Missions, were also present as guests. The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies, and the Africa World Region is the ILC’s fastest growing region. The region currently has eleven full member churches, three observer members, and one diocese listed as a registered organization member. Since the beginning of 2019, the ILC has received an additional six applications from African churches seeking membership. ILC News
Ethiopian Lutherans terminate partnership with PC(USA) over same-sex marriage E T H I O P I A - The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) held its 15 th Council in Addis Ababa from August 2024, 2019, during which time the church reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate only with churches that accept the biblical understanding of marriage. As a consequence of that decision, the EECMY has terminated its long-term partnership with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Concerns over the relationship arose following the PC(USA)’s decision to approve same-sex marriage in 2014. The EECMY responded at its 13th Council in 2017, deciding to send a pastoral letter to the PC(USA) encouraging them to remain faithful to the Word of God in matters of human sexuality. The EECMY reports it has waited more than a year for a response from the PC(USA), and so has confirmed
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during its 15th Council the decision to end the partnership between the two churches. The Presbyterian Church has a century-long history with the Ethiopian church, having helped to found one of the EECMY’s predecessor bodies. The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus previously broke fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Church of Sweden over human sexuality in 2013. The EECMY’s 15th Council met under the theme of 2 Timothy 4:5—“As for you, always be soberminded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Among other business, the Council elected Ato Fekadu Begna as Associate General Secretary. The EECMY is the largest Lutheran church body in the world with more than 9 million members. In
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
recent years, the Ethiopian church has established f r i e n d l y relations with the International Lutheran Council and some of its member churches, especially The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. Rev. Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa, who recently completed service as General Secretary of the EECMY in 2018, has regularly represented the EECMY as a guest at ILC events for several years, including most recently at the ILC’s 2018 World Conference in Belgium. The EECMY’s current General Secretary, Rev. Teshome Amenu, is a participant in the ILC’s Lutheran Leadership Development Program. ILC News
International News www.canadianlutheran.ca
LCC meeting with PCPCU in Rome ROME - Rev. Nolan Astley, Senior Pastor at Holy Cross (Kitchener, Ontario) and former First VicePresident of Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC), recently visited Rome for meetings with the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) on August 21, 2019. The meetings were an opportunity to discuss LCC’s ongoing national ecumenical dialogue with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). During his visit to Rome, Rev. Astley met with Cardinal Kurt Koch (President of the PCPCU) and Fr. Augustinus Sander (Official of the PCPCU). “It was good to meet with Cardinal Koch and Fr. Sander to discuss the growing friendly relations between
confessional Lutherans and Roman Catholics,” said Rev. Astley. “Our conversations in Canada have been invaluable in breaking down old misconceptions, and finding out just how much we have i n c o m m o n — eve n a s we acknowledge the differences which still exist.” T h e d i a l o g u e b e t we e n Cardinal Kurt Koch, Fr. Augustinus Sander, and Rev. Lutheran Church–Canada Nolan Astley (Image: PCPCU). and the Conference of Catholic Bishops officially began in 2013, and other countries, like Germany, as takes place regularly in Ontario. well as on the international level. The Rev. Astley has been a member of International Lutheran Council began those meetings since their inception. informal dialogue with the Pontifical LCC’s dialogue with the CCCB has Council for Promoting Christian also been complemented by additional Unity in 2015. The concluding dialogue between confessional meeting of this dialogue took place in Lutherans and Roman Catholics in late September 2019.
CPH celebrates 150 years USA - Concordia Publishing House (CPH), the publishing house of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, celebrated its 150th anniversary on September 11, 2019. “We are one of the top Christian publishing houses in the world and the largest Lutheran publishing house in the world,” noted Dr. Bruce Kintz, President and CEO of CPH, during anniversary celebrations. “Everything we do here, we do to the glory of God, God has watched over us. He continues to give us an imagination about how we can
continue to serve our churches and schools and families with resources faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.” Concordia Publishing House was founded in 1869, and is wellrecognized in Lutheran Church– Canada circles as the publisher of the Lutheran Service Book, The Small Catechism, and The Lutheran Study Bible. They are also the publisher of the devotional series Portals of Prayer as well as the popular Arch Books for children. In addition to this, they offer multiple other resources,
including fiction, non-fiction, academic works, Bible studies, S u n d a y School and Vacation Bible School curriculum, music, church supplies, and more. You can also get CPH apps, like the Small Catechism or Portals of Prayer, on your phone. CPH also offers author-led video studies online through CPH FaithCourses.
Remember Lutheran Church–Canada in your will. www.lutheranfoundation.ca THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca
Ghana’s Lutherans celebrate 60 years
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana. (Photo: ELCG social media)
GHANA - The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) celebrated its 60 th anniversary during a national convention September 1-2, 2019 in Madina. During the anniversary service on Sunday, ELCG President John Donkoh, elected in 2018, noted that “If you don’t know where you are from, it becomes very difficult to know where you are going.” Speaking on the history of the Ghanaian church, President Donkoh remarked, “It is said that a
man got to know about Lutheranism, and he wanted a church in Ghana. He was referred to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The Missouri Synod said, ‘You have a sister church in Africa.’ And so, missionaries from Nigeria were sent to Ghana. And that is how the Lutheran church began.” That Nigerian mission work in cooperation with the LCMS would bear great fruit. The ELCG formally registered with the Ghanaian government in 1964. Today the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana has approximately 35,000 members in 50 congregations and 600 preaching stations throughout the country. The church has also been active in international missions: the Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU) and the Lutheran Church in Africa – Benin Synod (ELA-SBe) are two church bodies founded through the mission work of the Ghanaian church, with the ELCG also having been active in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. To honour the work of Nigerians in helping found their church, the ELCG invited the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) to celebrate the special anniversary with them. Present as guest preacher for the anniversary service was the Right Rev. S.O. Willie, a provincial Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. A number of other international church partners were also present for the celebrations. The ELCG and the LCMS, LCN, LCU, and ELA-SBe are all member churches of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies. ILC News
Former ILC Chairman called to glory BRAZIL - On July 29, Rev. Dr. Johannes Hermann Gedrat, former Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), passed on to glory. A funeral service was held July 30 in Dois Irmãos, Brazil. Dr. Gedrat was born August 8, 1934 in Moreira, Brazil, where his parents were missionaries. He was ordained in 1958. He was elected President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil – IELB) in 1974. He would hold the position for four terms, ending his
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service in 1990. He later served as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Secretary for Latin America from 1990-1997. Dr. Gedrat was first elected Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (then still called the International Lutheran Conference) during the 1984 gathering in Obot Idim, Nigeria. He continued in that role until 1991. ILC News
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Rev. Dr. Johannes Gedrat
National News www.canadianlutheran.ca
Guinness World Records features LCC pastor
ministry with strongman feats might Habitat for Humanity. Other records CANADA - The 2020 edition come as a surprise to some, it makes have raised funds for Waumer Walk of Guinness World Records is out perfect sense to Dr. Fast. When he was (ALS), Tim Horton’s Kid’s Camp, now, and one of those featured confirmed as a youth, his confirmation Soldier On, McDonald’s Children’s prominently is Lutheran Church– verse was Joshua 1:9: “Have I not Charities, Fire Prevention Week, and Canada’s own Rev. Dr. Kevin Fast. commanded you? Be strong and the Alzheimer’s Society. Dr. Fast was one of the recordcourageous. Do not be afraid; do not While Dr. Fast’s strength is one-ofholders present during a Canadian be discouraged, for the Lord your God a-kind, it also has lessons for everyday launch of the book in Toronto on will be with you wherever you go.” Christians. “When I pulled the plane September 10, 2019, leading to a CBC Dr. Fast sees his great strength as for a world record, it took me about News story on his records. a gift from God. But why would God 45 seconds of maximum effort before Dr. Fast is pastor of St. Paul’s it started moving,” he notes. Lutheran Church in “When I had used up all Cobourg, Ontario, a position my strength and energy, he has held since 1993. He’s “We all have formidable challenges and had no feeling left in also the holder of more than that we must face.... Don’t be my body, that is when the 30 Guinness World Records plane moved. One might for strength, leading some discouraged, for the Lord your God cite 2 Corinthians 12:10, to dub him the “world’s but the verse that rings in strongest priest.” is with you.” my ears time and time again The nickname is apt is my confirmation verse: given the pastor holds Joshua 1:9. Through many some remarkable records. give such a gift? “Luther said, ‘God circumstances, situations, and even For example: “Most vehicles pulled does not need our good works, but our world records, this verse has been an by an individual” – 15 Mazda 3 neighbour does, ’ ” explains Dr. Fast. So inspiration for me.” cars; “Heaviest house pulled by an he asked himself: “How could this gift What should Christians take away individual” – 35.9 tonnes (79,145 benefit my neighbour?” from his story? Dr. Fast explains: “We lbs); and “Heaviest aircraft pulled “The answer was not far away,” he all have gifts. We all have dreams. by an individual” – 188.83 tonnes says. “Charity. I could raise money and We all have plans. And we all have (416, 299 lbs). awareness for good causes by setting formidable challenges that we must “The stereotype for a pastor is world records.” Over Dr. Fast’s many face all the time. One lesson that might probably closer to a frail old man with record-setting feats, he has raised funds be taken from my story is: ‘Don’t give his nose in a dusty book than to a for a variety of charities. His recordup. Don’t give in. Don’t be afraid. strongman pulling a giant cargo plane,” breaking pull of a three-bedroom Don’t be discouraged, for the Lord Dr. Fast acknowledges. But while house, for example, raised $70,000 for your God is with you.” the combination of full-time pastoral THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca
ABC District and officers settle with ASC
CANADA - On September 12, 2019, the Alberta Securities Commission reported that it has concluded a Settlement Agreement with the Alberta-British Columbia District and others regarding its former Church Extension Fund and District Investments Ltd. programs. The programs collapsed in early 2015. “In the Settlement Agreement, the parties admitted to breaching Alberta securities laws by making statements which they knew or
ought to have known did not state all of the facts required,” reports the ASC. “They acknowledged that certain information, which was not disclosed to investors, would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of the investments. Investors were not told, for example, that most of their money was concentrated in loans to a proposed land development project that defaulted on principal payments for three years in a row, did not produce financial statements, had inadequate financial controls in place, and had insufficient assets to secure the loans. As a result, there was significantly higher risk of losing their money than investors were told when they made their investments.” The ASC further reports that the individual respondents Rev. Donald Schieman, Kurtis Robinson, James
Kentel, Rev. Mark Ruf, and Harold Schmidt agreed to pay a total of $500,000 to the CCAA Monitor for distribution to investors according to the Court’s direction. An additional $100,000 is to be paid to the ASC to cover investigation and litigation costs. The ASC notes that “no settlement funds were paid by the corporate respondents, thus ensuring that any eligible corporate assets remain available for investor recovery through the CCAA proceedings. The Settlement Agreement is available online at the ASC’s website at: www.albertasecurities.com/-/ media/ASC-Documents-part-1/ Notices-Decisions-Orders-Rulings/ Enforcement/2019/09/LutheranChurch-SAU-2019-09-11-5476633. ashx.
LMCS radio features Canadian seminaries, NYG
LCC domain name update
ONLINE - KFUO Radio, a radio station of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, has recently featured two Canadian guests on its popular Coffee Hour program. On August 29, Rev. Glenn Worcester and Lisa Olding were invited to speak with Coffee Hour h o s t s A n d y a n d S a ra h a b o u t Lutheran Church–Canada’s 2019 National Youth Gathering, its theme, and how the gathering strengthens community and faith for those who attend. Rev. Worcester (Peace Lutheran, Winnipeg) was the main speaker for the 2019 youth gathering and Lisa Olding was Co-Chair for the gathering. O n A u g u s t 2 3 , Re v. D r. Stephen Chambers was invited to speak on Coffee Hour about the unique perspective of pastoral formation at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton, the relevance of studying biblical languages, and how this learning and formation benefit both pastors
ONLINE - Users of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) website may notice a minor change as LCC incorporates a new domain name to resolve an issue that caused a technical conflict between the website’s original domain name and the server used in the Winnipeg office. The Committee for Communications and Technology (CCT) discussed the issue at a recent meeting, and LCC office staff was able to find a solution that minimizes disruption to the office, the website, and future plans for more congregational websites using the same system. LCC’s website will now use the domain name lutheranchurchcanada. ca. The existing name lutheranchurch. ca will automatically redirect users to the new domain. There will be no changes to any email addresses that end in lutheranchurch.ca. Additional information on the change is available here: www. canadianlutheran.ca/lcc-websiteusing-new-domain-name/
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and congregations. Dr. Chambers is outgoing Professor Exegetical Theology at CLS. A year earlier in 2018, KFUO radio also featured Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario on the Thy Strong Word program. Dr. Winger joined host Rev. William Weedon to discuss the third chapter of Ephesians. Dr. Winger is the author of the Concordia Commentary volume on Ephesians. Listen to all these interviews online at KFUO Radio’s website: www.kfuo.org.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
West Region News
Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor
Pastor ordained and installed in Dawson Creek DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Rev. Christopher McLean was ordained and installed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on July 14, 2019. West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns officiated and Rev. Vince Moore (Rev. McLean’s seminary fieldwork supervisor and originally from St. Paul’s) was the guest preacher. Rev. McLean’s vicarage supervisor, Rev. Alan Visser assisted as well. There were many visitors from the Peace River Circuit, including Rev. McLean’s classmate Lief Mauricio, who was to be ordained and installed in Valleyview on July 28, 2019.
R e v. M c L e a n w a s b o r n in Washington and grew up in Saskatchewan. He became a member of Lutheran Church–Canada in 2011, after moving to Prince Albert. Before seminary he worked as a concrete plant manager, and also as a truck driver owner/operator in the aviation fuel industry. He and his wife Vawn celebrated eighteen years of marriage in August 2019, and they have two girls, Caslyn (12), and Elissa (9). He was a field worker at Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton under Rev. Larry
Mackay and Rev. Curtis Boehm in 2015, and Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Saskatchewan under Rev. Vince Moore in 2016. He served his vicarage year at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kitimat under Rev. Alan Visser. Rev. McLean is very excited that his family will be able to put down some roots in Dawson Creek as he begins his ministry in the Peace Country. With notes from Rev. Christopher McLean
Left: the McLean family Right: F r o n t : R e v. J a i m e Ventura, Rev. Christopher McLean, Rev. Vince Moore Back: Regional Pastor Rober t Mohns, Rev. Scott Brayall, Rev. Terry Goerz, Rev. Allan Visser
Journey with Jesus – He is the Way Home! CALGARY, Alta. - “Journey with Jesus” was the title of the Vacation Bible School held July 15-19 and July 22-26 at Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary. Each week over 80 children, age 4 through grade 6, followed the Israelites on a journey from Egypt to the promised land. Each Exodus account was paired with a Gospel account of Jesus’ work for us. Under the theme “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6), lessons culminated with the entry into the promised land for the Israelites, and with the place Jesus has prepared for us in heaven. Crafts and music supported each day’s learning, and time for games allowed the children to run off some energy and play together. This year there was also a Volunteer-
in-Training class each week for youth who had finished Grade 6. Twelve young people spent half their mornings in class for Bible Study and training, and the other half rotating to assist in various activities. A parent class was also offered both weeks, covering the daily lessons. Children who attended included members, relatives and friends of
members, those connected with the Foothills Lutheran Preschool, and children from the community. The church staff thank God for the many willing hearts and hands that made it possible to reach out with the Gospel in this way! Deaconess Miriam Winstanley
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West Region News
Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor
From the regional pastor The Comfort of the Communion of Saints
A
couple of years ago I had the great blessing of walking along the Napoleon route of the Camino Santiago de Compostela in the northern Iberian Peninsula of Spain. One day in a local church, I made the observation that I had sadly encountered so many local churches whose doors were barred and looked like they had been closed for many years. The local parishioner responded, “It is because of the Lutherans. They tore the church apart.” The tone was harsh and bitter, and took me aback. In our little Synod, we too have experienced churches closing t heir doors. Many of our congregations have suffered significant loss of members. These losses and closures certainly bring to all of us a sense of grief and mourning. Perhaps we are tempted to give ourselves over to searching for someone or something to blame. This leads to an unhelpful and unhealthy misappropriated blame, conflict, and division. It is true that the great treasure of the Holy Christian Church, the blessed Communion of the Saints in this world, is hidden to the world. But I pray that the Lord would open our eyes to the comfort and joy found in remembering the communion of saints. May we ever praise God for His work of calling and gathering His people into the Holy Christian Church in grace and hereafter into the Church triumphant. Recently I was reminded of one of Luther’s early devotional writings. Luther, at the urging of his mentor, Spalatin, wrote a letter to Frederick the Wise in 1519. The Elector of Saxony had just returned from the election of Charles of Spain as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and appeared to have grown very ill upon his return home. Luther wrote a devotional letter entitled “Fourteen Consolations, for those who labor and are heavy-laden.” Due to its popularity and many falsified copies, Luther allowed the devotional work to be officially published. By way of introduction, Luther writes: “The Holy Scriptures approach the matter of comfort in a twofold manner, insofar as they present to
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our view both blessings and evils, wholesomely intermingled.” Luther goes on to expound seven evils and seven blessings. (The whole devotional work is worth reading, by the way.) Writing on the sixth blessing, Luther turns his attention to the great treasure we have in the communion of the saints, the Christian Church, the Body of Christ: Whose heart will not be lifted up, even in the midst of great evils, when he believes the very truth, namely, that the blessings of all the saints are his blessings, and his evil is also theirs? That is the very pleasant picture the Apostle paints in his word to the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ” [Galatians 6:2]. Is it not a blessing for us to be in a company where “if one member (as is said in 1 Corinthians 12 [:26]) suffers, all members suffer together, and if one member is honored, all members rejoice together?” Therefore, when I suffer, I do not suffer alone, but Christ and all Christians suffer with me, for Christ says, “He who touches you, touches the apple of my eye” [Zechariah 2:8]. Thus others bear my burden, and their strength is my strength. The faith of the church comes to the aid of my fearfulness; the chastity of others endures the temptation of my flesh; the fastings of others are my gain; the prayer of another pleads for me. In brief, such care do the members show one another that the more honorable members cover, serve, and honor the less respected members, as is so beautifully set forth in 1 Corinthians 12 [:22–26]. Christ does not want us to be alone on the road of death, from which all men shrink. Indeed, we set out upon the road of suffering and death accompanied by the entire church. Actually, the church bears it more bravely than we do. Thus we can truthfully apply to ourselves the words Elisha spoke to his fearful servants, “Fear not, for those who are with us are more numerous than those with them. And Elisha prayed and said, ‘Lord, open the eyes of the young man that he may see.’ And the Lord opened his eyes and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha” [2 Kings 6:16–17].
West Region News
Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor
VBS in Rocky Mountain House All that remains for us now is to pray that our eyes, that is, the eyes of our faith, may be opened that we may see the church around us. Then there will be nothing for us to fear, as is also said in Psalm 125 [:2], “As mountains are round about it, so the Lord is round about his people, from this time forth and forever.” Amen. Luther’s prayer is one that the saints of this and every age should take up: that the Lord would open our eyes of faith to the great gift He has given to us: the blessed communion of saints. And how much more fitting it is as the whole Christian Church celebrates the great festival of All Saints Day 2019! Regional Pastor Robert Mohns
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. During the week of July 15-19, 2019, an average of eighty-nine c h i l d re n a t t e n d e d Va c a t i o n B i b l e School at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. The children experienced a “Faith Journey with Jesus” through daily Bible stories and related activities. The message was shared through centres for skits and music, Bible stories, science activities, crafts, snacks, and games. The children also had a chance to participate in this year’s VBS Mission Project, which was “Kids Helping Kids” at the local women’s shelter. Items donated were used to fill fifty kits that included toiletries, a towel, a book, and a comforting toy packed
in a child’s pillowcase. These kits are given to children arriving at the women’s shelter. “Over thirty volunteers filled a variety of roles to enable our VBS to happen,” noted Chris Richardson. “Once more God has been faithful in helping the congregation share the love of Jesus with the kids in their community.” Chris Richardson
Sports and Bible camps at Bethel Lutheran SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. Bethel Lutheran Church “roared” with excitement this summer with three Vacation Bible School camps, afternoon sports camps, and a music and drama camp. The church was blessed to be able to hire six summer students who were busy planning and preparing the programs beginning in June. During each week, campers learned that: “When life is unfair; When life is scary; When life changes; When life is sad; and When life is good, GOD IS GOOD!” “Irving Carter” made a daily appearance to help them remember the day’s theme. Themes were also reinforced through stops at the Wild Bible Adventures, Hungry Herd Café, KidVid Cinema, Imagination Station, and the Safari Celebration. Those attending the sports camps were introduced to flag
football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. On August 1, those in the music/drama camp presented a musical for family members and friends entitled “ROAR: The Musical.” For those attending both morning and afternoon programs and for the parents, staff, and volunteers, lunch was served each day. Mega Man, an anonymous superhero, helped set and remember goals in sports, life, and faith, based on the story of Nehemiah. Attendance for the three VBS camps was about 350, and for the sports and music/drama camps, attendance was more than 105. In addition to the six summer students, they also had the invaluable help of over 125 volunteers! Ann Nelson
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West Region News
Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor
More than memories: King of Kings Lutheran Church finds new ministry opportunity ST. ALBERT, Alta. - The loss of a church building does not mean the end of Word and Sacrament ministry. In the wake of the financial crisis in the former ABC District, the congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church in St. Albert lost its church building. On Sunday, April 3, 2016, the congregation worshipped for the last time in its building, and the congregation was facing the reality of having to disband. The last funeral held in the building was for a member who worked at Memories Funeral Home. Adam Rodis, Managing Funeral Director, invited King of Kings to use their facility for worship. The congregation was able to bring its altar, lectern, baptismal font, processional cross, and the priedieu Rev. Jan Pastucha’s father made for him twenty-five years ago for his ordination. On Sunday, April 10, 2016, the members met for worship at Memories for the first time. For a time the congregation made no major decisions but continued to grow in Word and Sacrament. In any major move, there are losses in membership, and King of Kings was no exception, losing several families. In the meantime, the relationship between Memories
and the King of Kings congregation continued to blossom. Rodis has even opened his office space for Rev. Pastucha to use on a weekly basis—although more laughing and practical jokes probably take place than actual work—and members assist Memories in hosting annual pancake breakfasts and barbeques for the community. Rev. Pastucha has been able to offer pastoral care to families outside the congregation who were turning to Memories for funeral arrangements. Two of Rev. Pastucha’s friends and colleagues talked about the unique situation the congregation was in and encouraged him to pursue training in grief care. The idea was presented to the congregation, and all agreed that this was a unique opportunity for the congregation to offer pastoral care for both its members and the wider community, and they unanimously decided to fund five training sessions in grief care. Rev. Pa s t u c h a e n ro l l e d i n The Center for Loss and Life Transition, known for providing quality bereavement care training. In July, he earned his “Death and Grief” studies certificate, and recently completed 150 hours of training from the internationally recognized Center for Loss and Life
Transition in Colorado. Along with many other resources Rev. Pastucha picked up during his training, the sessions provided him with tools to be a companion to those in grief and mourning. The congregation has suffered f i n a n c i a l l y, a n d t h e y t h a n k Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada for funding the last session of training. Rev. Pastucha is thrilled to join two others he knows who have undergone this training; Rev. Darren Dressler, pastor of Shepherd of The Hills Lutheran in Airdrie, and Rev. Michael Keith, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran in Stony Plain, have also completed their training from the Center for Loss and Life Transition. It is unlikely that King of Kings will see people flock to its new location in a funeral home, but two things are certain: as God gives the light of day the members will gather on Sundays and live daily in their vocations, and offer pastoral care through Rev. Pastucha to those grieving as Memories Funeral Home provides funeral arrangements. Submitted by the members of King of Kings
Left: Adam Rodis and Rev. Pastucha
Send news, photos, articles, and announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca
22TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN September/October September/October2019 2019 4 UTHERAN
Contact Regional Pastor Robert Mohns at: rmohns@lutheranchurch.ca 1-855-826-9950
Central Regional News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and NW Manitoba, OntarioNW - Michelle OntarioHeumann, editor
Confirmation Still Brings the Faithful Together WINNIPEG, Man. - On May 26, 2019, Peace Lutheran celebrated Confirmation Sunday. Eight young people who spent two years studying the Small Catechism and the Holy Scriptures made a public confession of faith. Seven of these students were from Peace and one, Aaron, was from Grace Lutheran in Beausejour, Manitoba. Aaron would have been the only confirmation student in his class at Grace, and his parents thought it was important he get to know other Christian young people, so he joined classes in Winnipeg. One of Aaron’s grandfathers drove him the 45 minute trip into the city every week. Aaron was confirmed at his own congregation on May 19 by Rev. Ward I. Yunker, but Aaron also wanted to be with his classmates for their big day. Rev. Brad Schollenberg of Peace Lutheran expressed thanks to his parents and grandparents for seeing the value not only of Christian education but also Christian community and friendship. On May 26, Aaron, his parents, and grandparents came to Peace
Lutheran for the big day. That Sunday, Art Linke— Aaron’s other grandfather— came to the altar to receive the Body and Blood of his Lord and Saviour. Standing next to him was Herb Kern, a member of Peace. Art and Herb were confirmed together in 1948, by Rev. Moertelmeyer. “We know that it is the Spirit wo r k i n g t h ro u g h Wo rd a n d Sacrament that ultimately brings God’s faithful children together and keeps them together,” noted Rev. Schollenberg, “but some of these old traditions, such as confirmation, certainly do help. The Rite of Confirmation brings young people together to teach them the truths of the Word of God and at the same time builds relationships that will last eternally.”
Rev. James Wood retires DRYDEN, Ont. – Rev. James Wood retired on August 25, 2019. The ministry was his second career; he and his wife, Lynne, sold their fishing and hunting lodge, then moved to Edmonton in 1999, where he studied at Concordia Lutheran Seminary. His vicarage was in Vegreville and Bruce, Alberta, and he was placed in the dual parish of St. James in Whitecourt and Rochfort Bridge, Alberta in 2004. In June 2006, he was called to Our Saviour Lutheran in Dryden, where he served for thirteen years. He continues to serve as a board member of the Committee for Missions and Social Ministry Services of Lutheran Church– Canada and on the board of the Haiti Lutheran Mission Society.
He continued: “Seated at the marriage feast of the Lamb of God in His heavenly kingdom, can you imagine who you might see there? Maybe someone from your confirmation class? After all, isn’t that what confirmation is all about— being faithful unto death, and letting the whole world know! With God’s help, and only with God’s help, we know that we can be faithful unto death. Let’s continue to encourage one another to this end.” From a report by Rev. Brad Schollenberg
Miraculous Mission VBS in Dryden DRYDEN, Ont. – A “Miraculous Mission: Jesus Saves the World” Vacation Bible School was held in Dryden from July 15-19, 2019. Twenty-eight students attended in Our Saviour in Dryden and twelve at St. Mark in Vermilion Bay.
Rev. James Wood THE 2019 THECANADIAN CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 201923 1
Central Regional News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and NW Manitoba, OntarioNW - Michelle OntarioHeumann, editor
From the regional pastor Forever
“It’s all falling apart. Attendance is down. My kids hardly come anymore. Our town is wasting away, and so is our church. For most people, belief seems to play second fiddle to the cares and concerns of life. I get so discouraged, I wonder if my church and faith even matter anymore. If my church goes the way of other churches in town, will anyone notice? Does Lutheranism matter? Does this thing called the Reformation still matter?”
W
e are attacked by these sorts of doom and gloom thoughts regularly these days. The Reformation only matters if God’s Word still matters. The Reformation was a reforming of the Church back to God’s Word. God’s Word mattered so much to the pastors and lay leaders of the Reformation that many risked death for it. It mattered so much that the phrase “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” became the rallying cry of the early Lutherans—Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum in Latin, VDMA for short (from 1 Peter 1:24-25; Isaiah 40:8). The Word of the Lord still matters now. When your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name, comforting your smarting conscience and pulling you out of your shame spiral, it matters. When our Lord’s body and blood are placed on your tongue, giving you peace amidst the storm and strength to continue, it matters. When the babies of your extended family are snatched from Satan’s clutches through Holy Baptism and given the new birth of water and the Word, it lifts a burden of concern and comforts you. We know about these things because of God’s Word. We believe these things because of God’s Word. These things have power—still to this day—because of Christ’s Word and command. His Word endures forever. Not only does the Word of the Lord endure today but His servants from the time of the Reformation still have much to teach the Church! For the first two hundred years of Lutheranism, there was a kernleider—a core set of hymns sung by Lutherans that taught the faith. Somehow we’ve lost them over the centuries, but they preach messages we need to hear in our day. Of particular comfort to me has been “O Lord, Look Down from Heaven, Behold” (The Lutheran Hymnal
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260). It is Luther’s poetic versification of Psalm 12, and is a powerful prayer for the Church of our day: 1. O Lord, look down from heaven, behold And let Thy pity waken: How few are we within Thy Fold, Thy saints by men forsaken! True faith seems quenched on every hand, Men suffer not Thy Word to stand; Dark times have us o’ertaken. 2. With fraud which they themselves invent Thy truth they have confounded; Their hearts are not with one consent On Thy pure doctrine grounded. While they parade with outward show, They lead the people to and fro, In error’s maze astounded. 3. May God root out all heresy And of false teachers rid us Who proudly say: “Now, where is he That shall our speech forbid us? By right or might we shall prevail; What we determine cannot fail; We own no lord and master.” 4. Therefore saith God, “I must arise, The poor My help are needing; To Me ascend My people’s cries, And I have heard their pleading. For them My saving Word shall fight And fearlessly and sharply smite, The poor with might defending.” 5. As silver tried by fire is pure From all adulteration, So through God’s Word shall men endure Each trial and temptation. Its light beams brighter through the cross, And, purified from human dross, It shines through every nation. (continued next page)
Central Regional News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NW OntarioNW - Michelle Saskatchewan, Manitoba, OntarioHeumann, editor
Installation at Triune Parish 6. Thy truth defend, O God, and stay This evil generation; And from the error of their way Keep Thine own congregation. The wicked everywhere abound And would Thy little flock confound; But Thou art our Salvation. Doesn’t it feel like we are “few within the Lord’s fold?” Yet we have the Word of the Lord proclaimed in our midst! When it is proclaimed in truth and purity, that is enough for life and salvation and for the work of the Lord to occur. We must repent of where we have not proclaimed His Word or lived it out. We must reform our ways with His Word. We must pray that the Lord keeps our little lighthouses of the Gospel shining the bright beams of Christ’s cross. The Word of the Lord that endures continue to grant you salvation in the name of Jesus, glorifying His name in every generation, a n d b u i l d i n g H i s C h u rc h according to His good pleasure. Regional Pastor David Haberstock
A S S I N I B O I N E C I R C U I T, Man. - On July 14, 2019, Rev. Todd Guggenmos was installed as pastor of the Triune Parish (Christ, Langenburg; Immanuel, Landestreu; and Christ, MacNutt). The installation service was hosted by Christ Lutheran, and was followed by a delicious potluck supper. Vacancy Pastor and Circuit Counsellor Rev. Barry Wood served as liturgist, Rev. Geoff Johnston and Rev. Andrew Cottrill served as
lectors, and Regional Pastor David Haberstock preached and led the Rite of Installation. Rev. Guggenmos moved to the Triune Parish with his wife Kirsten and son Alec after serving the wonderful saints at Our Saviour Lutheran in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. Rev. Guggenmos is a son of the Lutheran Church of Unity in Saskatchewan. Rev. Todd Guggenmos
Left to right: Revs. Andrew Cottrill (Yorkton), Ted Giese (Mount Olive, Regina), Regional Pastor David Haberstock, Todd Guggenmos, Barry Wood (Roblin/Zorra), Dan Moeller (Inglis/Grandview), and Geoff Johnston (Churchbridge)
Jesus, My Good Shepherd WINNIPEG, Man. - Holy Cross Lutheran, with the help of several dedicated people, held its first summer Vacation Bible School in 2019 for the first time in several years. The theme, “Jesus, My Good Shepherd,” and July dates were chosen and word spread throughout the neighbourhood. The first day was slightly hectic due to a morning thunderstorm that caused a power outage to the church, but all volunteers and children showed up and the activities proceeded with the light from outside. Each morning started with prayers and enthusiastic singing, and then Rev. Harald Schoubye would interview “Shepherd Jon” direct from a pasture west of the
city, who told exciting tales about his adventures finding lost sheep, as well as fighting and getting mauled by a vicious cougar. The rest of the fun-filled mornings were spent on Bible lessons, enjoyable games, wonderful crafts, and a nutritious snack, all following the theme. On the last day, parents were invited to attend to view a video of the week’s activities and enjoy a wonderful luncheon with their children and the hard-working volunteers. Everyone agreed it was an exciting week. Organizers hope all children, both regulars and new to the congregation, will remember that Jesus is indeed their Good Shepherd who loves them dearly. Larry Krause
Shepherd Jon (Ernest Vosper) with Rev. Harald Schoubye
THE 2019 THECANADIAN CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 201925 3
Central Regional News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, OntarioHeumann, editor Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NW OntarioNW - Michelle
Central District Board meets CENTRAL DISTRICT - The new Central District Board, tasked with closing down the corporation, met twice via conference call on May 29 and June 26, 2019 (Annual Meeting). Board members include: Rev. Arron Gust, Regina; Mr. Michael Maunula (Vice-Chairman), Thunder Bay; Mr. Donald Paulus (Treasurer), Winnipeg; and Rev. Thomas Prachar (Chairman), Winnipeg. The minutes of the last Annual Meeting (Central District Convention, October 1-3, 2018) we re a d o p t e d , a n d t h e 2 01 8 Audited Financial Statements were approved. The District recorded unrestricted net assets at the end of 2018 of $50,272, and the board learned that the Central
District will be receiving a bequest of mineral rights from a donor’s estate. T h e B o a rd d e a l t w i t h t h e following Restricted Funds: • transferred the “President’s Lecture Fund” ($12,346.67) to a restricted fund in LCC for special conferences and training of clergy and laity in the Central Region; • transferred the “Deaf Ministry Fund” ($53,304.80) to LCC for a designated fund for Central Region Deaf ministries; • transferred the “CEF Support Fund” ($12,763.28) to unrestricted funds of the Central District; and transferred the “LWML Mission Fund” ($2,357.99) to LCC as a designated fund for travel costs for Central Region missionaries.
A “North Shore Mission Endowment Fund” ($61,664.78) will be established with Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries, using funds from a previously designated District fund, in order to assist with mission work along the north shore of Lake Superior from east of Thunder Bay to Wawa, Ontario. Legal counsel has been contacted regarding procedures that need to be followed in order to close down the corporation known as the Central District. To date, the lawyer continues to work on that issue. Rev. Thomas Prachar
New pastor installed in Dryden
Mount Olive holds VBS
DRYDEN, Ont. - On August 25, 2019, Rev. Alexander Timm was ordained and installed as Pastor of Our Saviour and St. Mark Lutheran Churches in Dryden. Family came from the west to celebrate the occasion. He is married to Marion, and they have a son, Caleb.
REGINA, Sask. - This year, Mount Olive Lutheran Church held a “Miraculous Mission” Vacation Bible School from August 12-15, 2019. More than forty kids between ages four and eleven came out for the event. The kids and volunteers learned about God’s mission of sending Jesus to save us. Arletta Wood
Back: Rev. Thomas Prachar (Emeritus); Rev. Michael Montague (Red Lake); Rev. Stephen Bartlett (Thunder Bay); Rev. David Haberstock (Regional Pastor); Rev. Dan Barr (Atikokan); Rev. Jake Quast (Fort Frances and International Falls); Rev. Roland Kubke (Beach Corner, AB) Front: Rev. Brian Falkenholt (Thunder Bay); Rev. Alex Timm; Rev. James Wood (Emeritus)
A cake celebrating Rev. Timm’s ordination and installation was served at the potluck following the service.
Send news, photos, articles, and announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca
4 UTHERAN 26TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN September/October September/October2019 2019
Contact Regional Pastor David Haberstock at: dhaberstock@lutheranchurch.ca 1-800-663-5673
East Region News
Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada Michelle editor Ontario, and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia
Worthless or hard-earned? Left: Hannah Miller, Ethan Trainer, and Thomas Rickus setting up for the garage sale Right: Ayrin Joseph, Jesse Turcott, Hannah Miller, Holland Dekok, Thomas Rickus, Ethan Trainer, Wyatt Turcott, Ryan Dykstra, and Dale Schweyer, ready for the garage sale and car wash.
FISHERVILLE, Ont. - On July 4, the youth from Trinity Lutheran Church travelled to Langley to be part of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) 2019 National Youth Gathering. The convention theme might have been “Worthless,” but the adventure was definitely hard-earned. Trinity had nine eager youth who wanted to attend the gathering. From the beginning, the congregation agreed to financially assist any youth still needing help after fundraising was complete. It was not really necessary. In the end, the youth managed to fundraise about 90 percent of the costs. How did they do it? Clever ideas and hard work. In 2018, the congregation’s Ladies Aid invited
them help serve at the annual Sauerkraut Dinner, a long-standing tradition. The event was a success, and gave the youth incentive to continue with other projects (including 2019’s Sauerkraut Dinner as well). The Good Friday Brunch, another tradition at Trinity, was also adopted by the youth. In exchange for serving pancakes, eggs, and ham, they received the funds from the freewill offering. The event was also repeated in 2019. Some first-time events were also very successful: a Salad Bar Supper at the end of summer, Shortbread Cookies at Christmas (in participation with the youth from Prince of Peace, Burlington), a Garage Sale and Car Wash (even with the rain), and an
Envelope Campaign. Other ideas included a Spaghetti Supper, as well as a vegetable stand, and selling poinsettias at Christmas. Proceeds from the garage sale and carwash were supplemented by a donation from FaithLife Financial. “The youth definitely put in an amazing effort in raising the funds to attend,” notes Tricia Miller. “Thank you to the community of Fisherville and the congregation at Trinity for supporting all of the events and being a part of the spiritual growth of our young people. As Romans 5:8 shows, ‘There is nothing that you are worth less than.’” From a report by Tricia Miller
Left: Holland Dekok, Jessie Turcott, Hannah Miller, and Ayrin Joseph, preparing for the spaghetti supper Right: Ready to board the plane. Youth, IBODS and leaders from Trinity Lutheran (Fisherville), Prince of Peace (Burlington), and Christ Lutheran (St Catherines)
Bethel in Kitchener holds VBS KITCHENER, Ont. - From July 29-August 2, 2019, participants at Bethel Lutheran’s Vacation Bible School had a blast traveling back in time to ancient Athens to meet Paul on his missionary journey and learning about God’s love for them.
They also took time to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to share God’s love with others around the world. Erika Brandt
TT HE CANADIAN 2019 HE CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 201927 1
East Region News
Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor
From the regional pastor What can I do?
I
am in Nova Scotia as I write this. Hurricane Dorian passed over our heads a few days ago. By the time you read this, it will be long forgotten by most, except those who lived it and are still putting things back in order. What can I do? How did you read that question? Did you read it with a sense of hopelessness and helplessness? Some would. They would throw their arms up in defeat and cry, “What can I do?” I heard some describe what they saw outside their windows as Dorian stormed through. They said things like, “We saw that big tree swaying back and forth. The ground was lifting by its roots. It was either going to land on the road or our house. But what could I do?” Indeed, what could you do? It’s not as if you could run out and hold the tree or tie it up somehow. What can I do? Did you read the question in a sense of eagerness to help? Some would. They see a problem, a person in need, and immediately ask what they can do to help. Many have done just that, from the Bahamas to Newfoundland. Some years ago, I was visiting a shut-in member of our congregation. I took her the last five weeks of bulletins, as I usually did. As she glanced at them, she seemed to become sullen and I asked her what was wrong. Her eyes were drawn to the appeals for help in the bulletin; we had a supper coming up and hands were needed, we had a budget shortfall and funds were needed. She tapped her wheelchair. “What can I do?” she asked with a tear in her eye. “I can no longer help with suppers or funeral luncheons. I cannot help with the Altar Guild or spring cleaning. I have no money after paying for the care I need here. What can I do?” She obviously felt helpless and of no value to the congregation. I put my hand on hers, and I said, “Let’s have Communion and let Jesus do for us.” All month I thought of her. When I went to see her next, I said I had a favour to ask. I needed her to do something that unfortunately many in the
28TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN September/October September/October2019 2019 2 UTHERAN
congregation were too busy to do. “What can I do?” she said, not with a tear, but rather with a ray of hope in her eyes. I gave her a copy of the congregational directory. “Please pray for one family every day,” I said. “You have the time here.” “I can do that,” she almost shouted. Every time I would visit, she would ask about different families for which she prayed. She wanted to know their needs and how the Lord was answering her prayers. Too often we feel it is up to us to do something. But when the storms of life surround us, we are reminded that what we need is Jesus. It is He who did for us. It is Jesus who calms the storms in our life. It is Jesus who did something, everything, for the biggest problem we face: everlasting death in hell. So no matter what we face, He is our rock and refuge, an ever-present help in time of trouble. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-6 What can I do? When you hear someone ask that question, or you ask it yourself, direct them to Jesus who did, does, and will do all for our good. For while we were helpless and powerless in our sin, Jesus died for us. And He cares not only for our everlasting life, but He cares for our life here and now. So as He directs us through St. Peter, cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV). Rev. Marvin Bublitz
East Region News
Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor
Exploring CLTS’ Rare Book Room online ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - A n ew l y - c re a t e d o n l i n e g a l l e r y features books and images from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary library’s rare book collection, giving the public access to some of the most interesting items in the collection at the click of a mouse. The new website also provides information on the history of the Lutheran Church, with two new digital presentations on Martin Luther’s life and his writings. With the recent recruitment of a senior Brock history student as a volunteer, the seminary plans to continue digitising significant texts and images to add to the online gallery and to create further educational presentations. Those who visit the library in person can also use a new interactive kiosk outside the entrance to the
Reformation Rare Book Room, which allows users to browse the image gallery and view the presentations before heading inside. The tablet was funded in part by the Seminary Guild and by a grant from the Lutheran H i s t o r i c a l Conference. The Reformation Rare Book Room houses close to 300 volumes f ro m t h e 1 6 t h , 1 7 t h , a n d 1 8 t h centuries. It was opened in the fall of 2017 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Among the collection are several e d i t i o n s o f L u t h e r ’ s Wo r k s , including the oldest book owned by
the library, a Jena edition volume dated 1562. You can visit the Rare Book Room’s website at: concordiaseminary.ca/library/rare/. Adapted from a CLTS report
K-W Lutheran School Society becomes K-W Foundation for Lutheran Education KITCHENER, Ont. - The K-W Lutheran School Society has now become the K-W Foundation for Lutheran Education. Following the closure of Christ Lutheran School, members of the society decided to apply for revised Supplementary Letters Patent. That application has now been approved by the Government of Ontario, and revised Supplementary Letters
Patent have now been officially registered. In addition to the name change, the mission of the organization has also changed, from an operational role to a supportive role. Sandy Hill, Chair of the K-W Foundation for Lutheran Education, expresses thanks to Ted Claxton, who first alerted the organization to the need to update its information and provided
advice on the various options for a path forward. Contact information for the foundation is: The K-W Foundation for Lutheran Education c/o Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 137 Queen Street South Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2
Fisherville quilting group supports Canadian Lutheran World Relief FISHERVILLE, Ont. – During the summer, the ladies at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisherville took a rest from their mission work. Over the winter and spring, they made and tied sixty quilts that will be sent to different people in need around the world through Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). The quilts were made with new and gently used fabrics that were generously donated to the church, and Selkirk Home Hardware kindly delivered them to CLWR in Waterloo. Tricia Miller The ladies from Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisherville (l -r): Donna Schweyer, Lynn Otterman, Donna Reid, Peggy Gee, Louise Schaeffer, Tricia Miller THE 2019 THECANADIAN CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 201929 3
East Region News
Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia
Pastor installed in Halifax during Hurricane Dorian
Celebrating the installation of Rev. Johannes pastor of St. Andrew’s Parish.
HALIFAX, N.S. - After a year of patient waiting and praying that the Lord would send a worker into His harvest, the parish of St. Andrew’s was overjoyed and relieved that Rev. Johannes Nieminen was moved to take the call. Throughout the year of vacancy, they were blessed with countless pastors from across Canada who came to serve Word and Sacrament until the call was answered. The seamless coverage was a sure reminder that the Lord does not forsake His flock, but will, in time, send shepherds to feed His sheep. The installation service took place on September 7, 2019. However, because of Hurricane Dorian members of St. Andrew’s from the Annapolis Valley and from Prince Edward Island were unable to attend the service and potluck. Nonetheless, the Lord still provided that the Halifax members of the three-point parish were able to welcome Rev. Nieminen amid the storm that made a mess of the east coast. This just may be the first ever Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) installation service to take place in the middle of a hurricane. Pastors that were in attendance were LCC’s East Regional Pastor
Marvin Bublitz, Rev. D r. W i l h e l m To r g e r s o n , Re v. Daniel Bonato, Rev. Ku r t Re i n h a r d t , whose spiritual care as vacancy pastor gave much relief to the harassed flock, and Rev. David Smilek, who presided over the call meetings and helped guide St. Nieminen as Andrew’s when it was a newly chartered congregation. The service was filled with hymns about God working through the office of the ministry, and prayers that the Holy Spirit be sent upon His servant, Rev. Nieminen. Regional Pastor Bublitz’s sermon was a reminder that God provides the pastor you need, not the one you want. Emphasis was placed on how God works His forgiveness through the means of grace by the mouth and hands of His shepherds, to the end that it is all about Christ. Re v. N i e m i n e n , w i t h h i s wife Lydia, and children Ethan, Summerlee, and Jacob made their way across several provinces in the weeks leading to the installation. Thankfully, the move went well, and they were as settled as they could be, given the speed at which they were able to make it out to the east coast. St. Andrew’s is thankful to God for providing Rev. Nieminen to point them to the Great Shepherd, whose Word is Life, and whose body and blood strengthen and preserve them in the one true faith to life everlasting.
Send news, photos, articles, and announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca
30 ANADIANLL UTHERAN September/October September/October2019 2019 4 TTHEHECCANADIAN UTHERAN
Aidan Cyr
Lutheran Foundation announces new Gift Coordinator
E A S T R E G I O N - L u t h e ra n Foundation Canada has announced that James Krestick will join the organization as their newest Gift Coordinator, serving congregations within the East Region of Lutheran Church–Canada. “ J a m e s h a s ex p re s s e d h i s excitement regarding this new opportunity, and we look forward to him working for the Foundation,” notes a release announcing his new position. Krestick is a life-long member of First Lutheran Church (Windsor, Ontario), where he serves as an Elder, and a member of First Lutheran Christian Academy’s Board of Directors (Kindergarten to grade 8). He has also had significant involvement with youth ministry and service in various capacities within the East Region, leading to his election as a lay member of the East Regional Mission and Ministry Council. Krestick began working with Lutheran Foundation Canada on September 3, 2019.
Contact Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz at: mbublitz@lutheranchurch.ca 1-855-893-1466
Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca
The Value of the Kingdom of Heaven by Brad Schollenberg
T
he Kingdom of Heaven is priceless! Jesus says in Matthew 13 that it’s like treasure hidden in a field, so valuable that you buy the whole field—or like a fine pearl where you sell everything you own to buy it. Of course, we know we can’t buy eternal life, but we know of One who did! Jesus bought and paid for our salvation with His own perfect life and His substitutionary death on the cross. Priceless! It’s the best news ever, and that’s why we call it the Gospel. How valuable is the Gospel, this message of what Jesus Christ has done for us? Super valuable. We can’t be saved without it (Roman 10:14-17)! Do we live like it is as valuable as the Bible says, though? And if we believe the Gospel is priceless and the only ticket to the kingdom of heaven, how much are we willing to spend to get it to the people who so desperately need to hear it? The answer to that question speaks volumes as to how much we really value that pearl of great price, that precious Gospel. It also speaks volumes about how much we value the people who need to hear it. I am so glad to be part of a community of believers, a Christian church that sees the great value of the Gospel, not only for ourselves, but also for others. I am so glad to be part of a community of faith, some of whom sacrifice a week of their summer holiday to go to a remote part of our country to teach the Gospel, while others who stay back cook meals, prepar crafts, gift travel money, and pray for them. This year, I was reminded again of the value of the Gospel. We had to charter two planes to get one of our Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) teams to a remote community to bring them the pearl of great price, the treasure hidden in the field. Two planes! Each can carry about 1,500 pounds, and there are only nine of us. It seems like an enormous amount of money to spend, but, when you
consider the cargo—the priceless ticket to eternal life delivered in person by the witness of those who have been touched by it— it’s not much at all. The planes might be expensive but the cargo Some of those blessed by the mission work of LAMP. is even more I are a part. How valuable is the work precious! The cargo is the Gospel. And of the Church? Invaluable—because it the Gospel is life-giving, sin-forgiving, carries the pearl of great price and the salvation-assuring, and hope-fulfilling. promise of eternal life to the young and It’s priceless. And it’s free! But we old of our hurting and troubled world must deliver it. wherever they are. God has spent an immeasurable At the beginning of my ministry amount getting me to faith and giving more than thirty years ago, if you had me salvation. Immeasurable. First told me that I would be chartering and foremost, through what Jesus has two planes to get the Gospel where it done for me with His life, death, and needed to go, I would have laughed, resurrection. Second, by what the Holy and said “That’s crazy!” Now? I Spirit has done for me throughout just shake my head and lower it in history in sending those already saved shameful disbelief and awe. out with the Good News. Third, by the “What is impossible with men is Christian witness of others in my life possible with God” (Luke 18:27). God who gave me the privilege of hearing, has made the impossible possible. He believing, and receiving the pearl of saved you. He saved me. He will save great price. them—those to whom we go with the The story doesn’t end there. If you Gospel of Jesus Christ. have been loved and blessed as I have, then God has called you to salvation and given you the priceless ticket to Rev. Brad Schollenberg is Pastor of eternal life. Yes, you should be jumping Peace Lutheran Church in Winnipeg and up and down and giving thanks. He’s a LAMP Volunteer Missionary to Sachigo spent a lot on you, too! Lake, Ontario. God knows what He is doing—He calls you and gives you salvation. He then gives you a mission, just like LCC’s Mission Work every one of your brothers and sisters Support LCC’s missions in the faith before you. He has given through online giving at the Church a mission to go and give www.lutheranchurch.ca that life-saving message to others. It’s or by mail at: not optional; this is how valuable the message is. You either go or you send, LUTHERAN CHURCHor do both, depending on what season CANADA in life you are in. 3074 PORTAGE AVENUE This is how God ordained that His WINNIPEG MANITOBA heavenly banquet gets filled. This is the R3K 0Y2 work of the Church of which you and THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca
CLS calls for Award nominations EDMONTON - Do you know someone who has given greatly of themselves in service to the Church? This could be a dedicated pastor, deacon, or layperson who has done much for the Kingdom of God. In order to honor those who have been such dedicated servants for Jesus’ sake, the faculty and Board of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) invite individuals, congregations, and Boards of Lutheran Church– Canada to submit the names of persons to be considered for one
of the seminary’s honorary degrees and awards. The purpose of these honorary degrees and awards is to acknowledge outstanding service to the Church, Lutheran Church-Canada, the seminary, and the community. Available degrees are: Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.), Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). Available awards are: Faith in Life, Friend of the Seminary, and Doulos Dia Iesoun. These degrees and awards are intended to honor church workers and laity who have served the church in particularly meaningful ways. If you know of someone who you think deserves an honorary degree or award, please contact Dcn. Dr. Jennifer Frim for a listing of the
descriptions of the awards and nomination forms. Completed forms must be received by January 1, 2020 for consideration. Degrees and awards will be presented at the seminary’s Sacred Convocation in May 2020. Contact: Dr. Jennifer Frim, faculty secretary Concordia Lutheran Seminary 7040 Ada Blvd. Edmonton, AB T5B 4E3 Phone: (780) 474-1468 ext. 223 Fax: (780) 479-3067 Email: jfrim@concordiasem. ab.ca
CLTS calls for Award nominations ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Each May at the annual Call Service, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) has the opportunity to confer two major awards on worthy pastors or lay members of Lutheran Church–Canada. The recipient of the Friend of the Seminary award is nominated by the faculty or Board of Regents for making a significant contribution to the well-being of the seminary. The Delta Chi Medal, by contrast, is awarded by the seminary on behalf of the wider church. This “highest
and most distinguished award” is “presented to an individual, either clergy or lay, whose life exemplifies service to Christ in his/her everyday living and vocation.” In nominating, one should consider the person's service to the local congregation, the community, the synodical district, the church at large, church service organisations, and educational institutions. Delta Chi refers to the initials of the Greek expression διάκονος χριστοῦ “servant of Christ”. Anyone in Lutheran Church– Canada may nominate a candidate
for the Delta Chi award. No current faculty or board member is eligible. Please submit your nomination in writing to the seminary or via e-mail to concordia@brocku.ca. The deadline for nominations is January 10, 2020.
are encouraged to use the propers appointed for the day, but you may also choose to make use of the seminaries’ joint theme verse: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). The seminaries have produced a package of liturgical resource materials for congregations wishing to hold a Seminaries Sunday, including suggested hymns and
prayers. You can also download a bulletin insert highlighting the work of the seminaries. For more information on LCC’s two seminaries, visit their websites: Concordia Lutheran Seminary i n E d m o n t o n ( h t t p : / / w w w. concordiasem.ab.ca) and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario (https:// concordia-seminary.ca).
Seminaries Sunday 2019 CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) no longer designates a specific day “Seminaries Sunday,” but encourages her congregations to remember the two seminaries with prayers and offerings. You may wish to observe Seminaries Sunday in conjunction with an Education Sunday in the autumn, remembering the opening of the academic year. Congregations
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca
LCC seminaries launch new school year
Left: Rev. Dr. John Hellwege speaks with faculty and staff during CLS’ retreat in Edmonton. Centre: CLTS students and faculty stand in the mist of Niagara Falls. Right: CLTS President Timothy Winger (right) presents Central District President Emeritus Thomas Prachar with the Emeritus Crucis award.
CANADA - Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS - Edmonton) and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS - St. Catharines, Ontario) are already well into the new school year. Their joint theme verse for the year is “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). CLS was the first to kick off the new year, holding its Opening Service for the 2019-2020 school year in the seminary chapel on August 28, 2019. The seminary then held its annual retreat for faculty and
students August 29-30 at Province Renewal Centre. Participants did an intensive study of the year’s theme verse in its context. In addition to regular devotions together, students and faculty also discussed an overview of the coming academic calendar, the student handbook, and changes for the upcoming academic year. In the lead up to CLTS’ opening service, faculty and staff retreated at Mt. Carmel Spiritual Retreat Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario where they likewise studied this year’s joint verse.
A highlight of the retreat is always singing Matins and Compline in the neo-gothic chapel on site, as well as a visit to the Falls. A barbeque for faculty, students, and their families preceded the event. The opening service for the 44 th academic year of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary was held in the seminary’s Martin Luther Chapel on September 8. During the service, Rev. Thomas Prachar, the recently retired president of the Central District, was honoured with the Emeritus Crucis award.
CLS professor to return to parish ministry EDMONTON - Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) has announced that Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, Professor of Exegetical Theology, will be stepping down at the end of the Fall Semester in order to return to parish ministry. Dr. Chambers has accepted a call to serve Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton as Associate Pastor after 17 years at the seminary. He will take up his new role in January 2020. “It’s been a difficult decision, particularly because of the important, meaningful, and fulfilling ministry that I’ve had at the seminary for the last 17 years,” said Dr. Chambers. “It’s been a wonderful privilege participating in Christ’s mission in this way, and I’m glad to have been able to serve at CLS.” “For a number of reasons, though, I feel at this time that my ministry there has been ‘fulfilled’ (Colossians
4:17, 2 Timothy 4:5),” he continued. “Even more, I’m excited about the prospect of returning to my first love, parish ministry. Brenda and I have a deep sense that Grace’s call is an open door, a compelling call of God.” During his time with Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Dr. Chambers held several roles in addition to that of professor, including Academic Dean and Director of Library. He previously served as Dean of Students, Field Education, and Vicarage Supervisor, as well as Chaplain. “We are thankful for Dr. Chambers’ 17 years of faithful service,” the seminary noted in a release. “Any good faculty member should have a deep love for the parish which motivates them to share their gifts, for a time, in service of preparing fellow labourers in God’s vineyard.” “We also rejoice with our faithful sister/partner in ministry, Grace Lutheran in Edmonton, as they
prepare to receive a very gifted additional pastor to come serve in their midst.”
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History of the Reformation
Qutations from Luther’s Works, Vol. 54.
Luther discovers the doctrine of justification by faith. “Dawn: Luther at Erfurt.” Joseph Noel Paton, 1861.
1519: The Gospel Breakthrough and the Leipzig Debate
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t was, perhaps, the year 1519 that was most important to the ultimate direction of the Reformation—for it was only in this year that Martin Luther truly came to understand the good news of the Gospel, according to his own reckoning. Luther writes that early in this year he was struggling over the idea of the “righteousness of God” as spelled out in St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans. At this point, Luther understood the term to mean the righteousness “with which God is righteous and punishes the unrighteous sinner.” The “righteousness of God,” then, was the threat of God’s wrath. For Luther, the Gospel itself was sorrow, because he believed it promised only punishment for the unrighteous. And Luther was far too aware of his own sin to find joy in such “good news.” For this reason, in both the 95 Theses and the Heidelberg Disputation, Luther had counselled an attitude of total self-abasement—“self-hatred” and “humility and fear” are his own words—as necessary to “merit” God’s mercy. If we can’t be sinless, he suggests, then we must learn to view ourselves the same way God views sin—with loathing. But in trying to invoke such self-hatred, Luther inevitably found himself angry at God. “I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners,” he writes. And yet, as he struggled day and night to understand the words of St. Paul in the book of Romans, God at last opened his eyes. “In the Gospel the righteousness of God is
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revealed,” he read, “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). And suddenly he began to understand that the “righteousness of God” here is not the justice by which He condemns sinners but instead “the
passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith.” “All at once I felt that I had been born again and entered into paradise itself through open gates,” he writes. The righteousness of God wasn’t condemnation; it was mercy for sinners bought through the death and resurrection of Christ. Luther had long understood the Law; now he understood the Gospel. “There a totally other face of the entire Scripture showed itself to me,”
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
he writes. As he ran through the Scriptures anew, he saw again and again that it was true: the Gospel was something given to sinful humankind as a gift, undeserved and unearned. It was grace alone, received by faith alone. It was love. Even as Luther was finding new peace through knowledge of the Gospel, external events were leading to an ever deeper confrontation with Rome. Andreas Karlstadt, Luther’s colleague at the University of Wittenberg, had challenged one of Luther’s critics, Johann Eck, to a public debate, and Luther had likewise been drawn in. Throughout July 1519, Luther would participate in this debate in Leipzig, drawing the lines between the Wittenberg party and the Roman church ever more clearly. He strengthened his rejection of the sale of indulgences and disputed the existence of purgatory. But more than any of this, he questioned the authority o f t h e Po p e, ex p l i c i t l y stating that neither Pope nor Councils could invent articles of faith if they were not first found in Scripture. It was Scripture alone, he argued, that had authority over the faith. In one year, Luther had stumbled across the major tenets of the Reformation: grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone. These threads would continue to weave their way through the decades and difficulties yet to come. Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine.
Love’s reflection
The
LAMPlighter
Dennis Ouellette, Pastor-pilot, LAMP
VOLUME 51 NO. 2 FALL 2019
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hen you stop and ponder the purpose of LAMP and its mission—“sharing Jesus Christ with God’s people in remote areas of Canada,”—what comes to your mind? A little red plane? Missionaries, perhaps? I think about the Indigenous people in those northern communities desiring to hear about Jesus. With more than half of the population in the North under the age of 15 years, reaching the next generation with our ministry is even more essential. This leads us to an important component of LAMP, which is how the Gospel is taken north. Hundreds of volunteers go to their LAMP community in the summer to hold Vacation Bible School (VBS). More teams are going north to visit in the “off-season” as well. So, what impact does the ministry have on our volunteers? Does going into a community affect the volunteer’s faith and life? The fact that the average number of years a LAMP team returns to their community is eight years speaks volumes! Relationships built on faith and trust go both ways. The love of Jesus freely given to God’s people in the North is reflected back to the volunteers in appreciation, love and friendship. It is difficult to write about one story that stands out above the rest. Honestly, I can’t think of just one because there are enough to fill a book! I’ll share one with you as an example. John and Sue Folger have been going to Red Sucker Lake, Manitoba, for literally decades. This is Sue’s 35th year serving in the North. The children they first taught
John and Sue Folger
in VBS are now bringing their children to VBS. John and Sue also make a winter trip driving into their community on the ice roads and have become such a part of the community that the friends they have made have become their extended family. The Disbrowe family is one of them. Their dear friend, Gordon Disbrowe, was diagnosed with cancer last year. The Folgers visited him on trips to Red Sucker Lake and kept in contact with the family during his year of treatment. When Gordon’s life was approaching the end, his family called John and Sue. The Folgers immediately drove from Minneapolis to Winnipeg and stayed at the hospital with the family. John and Sue stood beside them as Gordon entered eternal life with Jesus and remained with the family until after the funeral service in Winnipeg. They are brother and sister in Christ to the family and to the community by providing encouragement, comfort, and support. continued page 38
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www.lampministry.org
Best retirement ever Judi Luckhardt, Volunteer Missionary, Hall Lake, Sask.
“F
or I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. I am sure every Christian recognizes this verse from Jeremiah 29. I got a glimpse of what His plans for me might be in 2008. That summer, I stepped back from my very busy life to answer God's call to join a LAMP team going to Hall Lake, Saskatchewan. Little did I know what was in store for me! My husband and I had our lives planned which included some lofty retirement goals. When we had enough money saved, we would take early retirement, travel to exotic places, meet some new people, and make a difference in at least one person’s life. Who would have guessed that by the end of the year, I would be leaving my very stressful career and entering a whole new phase of my life. While I was up north that week helping lead VBS, I had time to slow down. Things going on at work began eating away at me. When I got home, I shared them with Brian, and we agreed that it would be best if I resigned from my position. That would leave Brian to take care of the money part of our plan, and he was fine with that. Seven short months after I left my job, Brian "got retired”…definitely not part of our plan! We prayed and told God that we weren’t ready for this. What would He have us do now? Until He provided us with the answer, Brian decided to join me volunteering with LAMP.
Learning indigenous culture.
Since that day in August of 2009, when we did our first VBS together, we have traveled many miles (mainly to the same destination), met a whole community of new people and made hundreds of friends who have become like family to us. We can spend more time in God’s Word and have strengthened our relationship with Him and with each other. On every visit to Hall Lake, God opens more doors for us to share His love with our northern friends. We can give Bibles to people who have never owned one and share our favourite Scripture passages to help them get started on their journey with Christ. This past spring, we were invited to come help conduct community leadership training. The relationships we are building will last us and them into eternity. We are officially retired now and enjoying every minute of it. This year, we have already made three LAMP trips to our little community, and we have our Christmas Bible Camp coming up. God’s plan was definitely better than our plan, and I thank Him daily for preparing us to have the best retirement ever.
Judi skinning a bear at culture days.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2019
Listen, can you hear Him? I believe I hear Him calling you, too… Won’t you join us in taking the love of Jesus to northern Canada?
The
LAMPlighter That’s my wife’s thing, not mine Brian Luckhardt, Volunteer Missionary, Hall Lake, Sask.
T
o be perfectly honest, I’d never thought of going on a mission trip, let alone one that involved teaching at a Vacation Bible School. That’s my wife’s thing, not mine. I’m a journeyman machinist/millwright, and I can teach what apprentices need to know so that they, too, can become journeymen. That’s my thing. Well, God knew something about me that I didn’t know, because I have just returned from my 10th year of teaching. But, it’s not about machining! I am teaching VBS in northern Saskatchewan with my wife and our LAMP team. I guess you might call me a Journeyman Missionary now. When I agreed to go with Judi that first summer in 2009, she somehow neglected to tell me about the five year commitment I was making. Five years, hmmm . . . That first year was a blur—kids everywhere, jumping and tugging at my shirt just to get my attention. That’s when I spotted a little guy in the corner all by himself. Stanley told me no one would sit with him because no one liked him. That really hit a nerve with me. I didn’t say very much that first year, but I was there. Next year, I came back and so did Stanley. Year after year, I could see changes in him and in the community—both within the kids and the adults. It’s amazing the difference knowing Jesus makes in people’s lives. Five years have rolled by. Here I am, finishing year ten. Stanley has moved away, but another little guy came into my life. I have watched Greg grow up, and now he has a son of his own. Our former VBS students, Regan and Roberta, each have a son as well. I feel especially blessed to have these three little guys in my life. They are like great grandsons to me. Judi and I are retired now, and we travel to Hall Lake three to four times a year. It’s like a second home to us. Spending time in this community has brought me closer to Jesus than I could ever
Brian and one of the “grandsons.”
imagine. Spending time in God’s Word, openly praying for and with people, bringing hope to a community of people who felt they were forgotten, sharing what God has given me with our Hall Lake family—all these things and so much more I would have missed if I hadn’t gone that first time. Is something missing in your life? Is there a purpose you think you are being called to do? Perhaps, God is nudging you to come join me in the North. God has given me gifts I never dreamed of. I am living proof that God can use you here . . . all you need to do is come! Trust me on this. Your life will never be the same. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose..” Romans 8:28 (ESV) THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN July/August 2019 37
www.lampministry.org
Love’s reflection, continued
It truly is the teams of volunteers who are willing to invest themselves in the communities they serve with LAMP that make it possible to carry out this vital ministry. Likewise, you as a supporter of LAMP, make it possible for people like the Folgers, the teams, and the staff missionaries serving the northern communities to keep sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV) The Disbrowe and Folger families
Our volunteers say…
“We saw a young man (aged 18) who we didn't recognize helping at VBS. We found out it was one of the kids we had spent a lot of time with for several years. It was so exciting to see him now as a grown-up and thriving. He had dropped out of school in grade 5, but has since finished high school and is going on to a film college. We asked him if he remembered us. He answered, "Of course. You are imprinted on my life.”
~ Jeanne, volunteer, Big Trout Lake, Ontario
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
Donations can be made at our website
www.lampministry.org
tel 800-307-4036 x fax 780-466-6733 38 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019 4Individual 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: It Chapter Two by Ted Giese
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t Chapter Two continues the story of 2017’s It, based on the 1986 Stephen King novel. In the sequel, a group of adults—Beverly Marsh, Bill Denbrough, Richie Tozier, Mike Hanlon, Ben Hanscom, Eddie Kaspbrak, Stanley Uris—band together to keep a promise and return to the small town of Derry, Maine. There they revisit their adolescent fears and traumas while fighting to defeat an evil entity exploiting and feeding on people’s fears. The previous film focused on these seven characters as young teens, when they formed a group nicknamed The Losers’ Club. While becoming friends, they individually and collectively fight their deepest fears and come to grips with a rash of child abductions—abductions which they discover have been orchestrated by Pennywise the Dancing Clown, a mysterious otherworldly entity who they learn has terrorized the town of Derry every 27 years for centuries. After defeating the murderous Clown in his lair, the kids make a blood pact vowing to return and finish the job if Pennywise should ever return—which he does, right on schedule. King’s book jumps back and forth between the adult and adolescent timelines. In It Chapter Two, director Andy Muschietti makes use of the same formula, including footage of the young cast weaved into the adult storyline. On one hand, this makes sense as the adult story is less about coming of age, discovery, and mystery and much more about memory and facing the past. On the other hand, while the choice to focus exclusively on the younger characters in 2017’s It was the strength of that film, here in It Chapter Two it comes across as Muschietti leaning heavily on the success of the first film. Had Muschietti managed to weave elements of the adult story into the first film, the two films may have ended up more balanced when considered as a whole. The emotional impact and charming nature of the first film, as well as the careful character development of the
adolescent characters, is not matched by the story of their adult counterparts. Ad a p t a t i o n i s a challenging endeavour and Muschietti took on an ambitious project when tackling King’s novel It. Overall, he succeeds. However, there are stretches of this new film where some of the dialogue is overwritten, and more on par with the 1990 It television miniseries. And because the film is juggling so much material, Muschietti at times misses diving deep into his subject matter. It Chapter Two stays in the shallow end of its source material unlike the first film which confidently swims the length of King’s grey-water-clowninfested-pool-of-fear. That said, the performance of Bill Skarsgård as wall-eyed Pennywise is consistent and perhaps even improved upon in It Chapter Two as more is revealed about the evil entity from beyond. Next to Skarsgård, the standout performance in the film goes to comedian Bill Hader as the adult ‘trash mouth’ Richie Tozier who turns in a good dramatic performance with strong comedic elements. A lot of the buzz around this performance is due to a LGBTQ twist on his character which is not present in King’s book. While other kids in The Losers’ Club are dealing with grief, loss, stammers, abusive parents, fat-shaming, teasing and racism, Tozier seemed lumped in with them because he had a big mouth that was always getting him in trouble. This twist on the character gives him an additional reason to be an outsider, but it was not in the 2017 film and frankly feels shoehorned into Chapter Two. Suicide Christian viewers will also want to take note of some of the other themes
in the film. Viewers familiar with King’s book may remember that the reader is first introduced to Stanley Uris, The Losers’ Club member, as an adult who upon receiving a call from Mike Hanlon to return to Derry to again fight Pennywise promptly goes upstairs and commits suicide. Because this is part of the adult story of Uris it was omitted from the first It film and comes up near the beginning of It Chapter Two. The general interpretation of this in King’s novel is that Uris acted out of cowardice because he couldn’t face having to deal with Pennywise again; therefore Uris broke his promise to join his fellow Losers’ Club members, making their work harder than if he had returned. Uris’ suicide also tells the reader that adults are not safe from Pennywise, meaning none of the characters are safe. This is smart writing on King’s part, and it doesn’t soften the tragedy of suicide. In It Chapter Two, however, Muschietti depicts Uris’ suicide as an act of heroism, as a sacrifice. He commits suicide because he sees himself as the weakest link among the
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friends. By removing himself from the feels small but literally become small of wills complete with personal totems game board he hopes to strengthen the enough to kill. Christians are not called imbued with power. In the film, each remaining group—as if his suicide was to fight bullying with bullying. This adult character must go ‘walk about’ in his personal contribution to the defeat may have been a socially acceptable Derry to face their past fears and find of Pennywise. This is the same sort of response when King’s book was their totems. This obviously is not the thinking that some people have used released in 1986, but Scripture advises way in which Christians are to engage historically to justify eugenic choices another way: with personal fears and past traumas. like sterilization of the ‘genetically “Repay no one evil for evil, but On a positive note, one theme that weak,’ abortion of the ‘inconvenient give thought to do what is honourable emerges near the end of the film is how baby,’ and euthanasia of those both in the sight of all. If possible, so far as people are often still ‘losers’ even when young and old who fail to meet a it depends on you, live peaceably with they win. While the film presents minimum standard of ‘quality of life.’ all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, this as a kind of self-acceptance The glorification of Uris’ suicide twists but leave it to the wrath of God, for it necessary for the remaining Loser’s St. Paul’s advice to “let each of you look is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will Club members to move forward in not only to his own interests, but also repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, their lives, the fact remains that Derry to the interests of others” (Philippians ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if is saved from Pennywise without 2:4). Uris’ decision robs his friends he is thirsty, give him something to anyone knowing why or even who of the opportunity to care for him in drink; for by so doing you will heap rescued them. This has lessons for the his need. burning coals on his head.’ Do not be Christian. While the world may look The Christian viewer who reflects overcome by evil, but overcome evil down on Christians as losers, in Christ on this will want to remember what with good” (Romans 12:17–21). and His cross and passion, they have Scripture says: “Bear one another’s While the severity of the bullying already beaten the devil, sin, death, burdens, and so fulfill the the world, and even the self. law of Christ” (Galatians Many are unaware of this While the world may look down on 6:2) For Christians, suicide victory and live their lives is a painful thing not only of why, or even Christians as losers, in Christ and His oblivious because of the needless who it was who rescued loss of human life but also cross and passion, they have already them. But the Christian is because Scripture teaches not unaware. that “if one member It Chapter Two begins beaten the devil, sin, death, the suffers, all suffer together; with a summer carnival world, and even the self. if one member is honored, in Derry (a carnival to all rejoice together” (1 which the film returns Corinthians 12:26). Suicide in a particularly scary removes the opportunity to bear one and physical danger presented by moment). In some ways, this carnival another’s burdens and also removes Pennywise is indeed overwhelming, is a good way to describe the film as the possibility to rejoice together when we should not take the lesson that a whole: full of spills and chills while suffering has passed. Viewers of It it is okay to fight fire with fire. the ride is going but memorable Chapter Two will want to be careful not The Christian is not to engage in only in parts when the ride is over. to take the bait presented in the film; bullying and must repent of this Muschietti certainly delivers hair glorifying suicide as if it were a heroic kind of treatment of others. Viewers raising moments but viewers will act is dangerous. ultimately need not find their life mostly see them coming a long way lessons in films like It Chapter Two off, like the loops in a roller coaster. Bullying or in Stephen King novels. King may Any mounting terror is undercut with It Chapter Two also includes the be a good observer of human nature, a steady stream of laughter. theme of bullying. The repeated and some of that may shine through It Chapter Two feels uneven and terrorizing perpetrated by Pennywise, in these films, but Christian viewers lacks the flow of the first film. Despite along with his affinity to characters will want to remember that human this, some horror fans will enjoy this like Henry Bowers and the gang who nature, especially in its darker aspects, roller-coaster ride. And there will be beat a gay couple, is evidence that the is a fallen nature. others standing at the sidelines who evil at the core of the film thrives on wouldn’t be caught dead on it. controlling and harming others. In Final Thoughts the end, the solution to overcoming Another thing to note is the way Pennywise is revealed as simply in which Pennywise is initially fought Rev. Ted Giese is lead pastor of Mount Olive turning the tables on him—swarming in the film, and in King’s book. This Lutheran Church, Regina; a contributor to and verbally demeaning him, calling involves something called “The Ritual LCMS Reporter; and movie reviewer for the “Issues, Etc.” radio program. him names, until Pennywise not only of Chüd”—a kind of shamanistic battle
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
Transitions Rev. Tim Barone from Calvary (Thunder Bay, Ontario) to Holy Cross (Kearny, Nebraska).
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R e v. D r. S t e p h e n C h a m b e r s from Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) to Associate Pastor, Grace (Edmonon). Rev. Terry Goerz of Redeemer (High Prairie, Alberta) is the new Circuit Counsellor for Peace River Circuit. Rev. James Wood from Our Saviour/ St. Mark (Dryden/Vermillion Bay, Ontario) to Emeritus. Emmaus Lutheran (Sexsmith, Alberta) closed: Sep. 14, 2019. Trinity Lutheran (Fairview, Alberta) decomissioned building: Sep. 8, 2019.
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As Angels Do Above (cont.) (continued from page 42) When songs and hymns are sung in our worship services, we sing only those that are Bible-based and Christ-centered, including songs of the angels themselves in our common liturgy (the Gloria in Excelsis, the Sanctus, or “This Is The Feast”). We sing with them: “Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying..." The Scriptures have much more to say about angels, but the above, it seems to me, is reason enough to pray often the Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
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Presidential Perspective
As Angels Do Above President Timothy Teuscher
O
n the last Sunday in September and October t h i s y e a r, t h e r e a r e two significant days on the church calendar: the festival of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29) and the observance of Reformation Day (transferred to October 27). The First Reading appointed for Reformation Day, Revelation 14:6-7, ties, in a sense, both of these days together: “Then I saw another angel flying over head, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.’” There are two things in particular that we would do well to consider and take to heart in light of these words in connection with these two festivals: namely, the proclamation of the Gospel and the worship of the one true God. Now, the word angel itself literally means “messenger;” more specifically, a messenger of, for, and from the Lord who proclaims His Law and His Gospel. So St. Paul says concerning the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses: “It (the Law) was put in place through angels by an intermediary” (Galatians 3:19). And then, the Gospel—the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-12) and His resurrection (Luke 24:4-7)— was first proclaimed by angels, messengers from heaven.
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But not only heavenly angels. Those who have been called to proclaim that same Word of God are also “angels” or “messengers” (e.g., Revelation 2:1, 8, 12). So Martin Luther says, “This word ‘angel’ is commonly applied in Scripture to all messengers of God, whether they are the holy angels in heaven or prophets and apostles on earth. Therefore all who proclaim His Word are God’s angels or messengers.” And for good reason. After all, there is only one truth, one Word of God, one saving, eternal Gospel, whether it be preached by angelic heavenly messengers or by human earthly ones. On the other hand, any other “Gospel” comes not from God but instead from that fallen angel, the Devil—“a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44), as Jesus calls him. That is why the apostle Paul sounds this word of warning: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). In his final sermon, Luther said: “True preachers must carefully and faithfully teach only God’s Word and must seek its honour and praise alone. In like manner, the hearers must say: We do not believe in our pastor; but he tells us of another Master, One named Christ. To Him he directs us; what His lips say we shall heed. And we shall heed our pastor insofar as he directs us to this true Master and Teacher, the Son of God.” In addition to proclaiming the Gospel, angels also participate with the church on earth during worship. When we join together in
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2019
prayer, as Luther makes the point on the basis of Revelation 8:3-4, the angels present our prayers before the throne of God and augment and amplify our pleas with prayers of their own. When the Gospel is proclaimed in your congregation, angels from heaven are also in attendance. After all, that the “Son of the Father Now in flesh appearing” (LSB 379.2), that “God, the mighty maker, died For His own creatures’ sin” (LSB 437.3) is so amazing that even angels “long to look” into these things (1 Peter 1:12). When a repentant sinner hears and receives and believes the Absolution pronounced by God’s earthly messengers, “there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). When through Holy Baptism little children enter the kingdom of heaven, “their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:11). When we gather together for worship, we do so with proper reverence and decorum and respect “because of the angels” (1 Corinthians 11:10) who are gathered with us. When Holy Communion is celebrated in our congregations, the angels, who are always in the presence of the glorified risen Christ, are also with us as we partake of His body and blood as a foretaste of the feast to come perpetually in heaven. So we sing in the hymn: “The sacrament God gives us Binds us in unity, Joins earth with heav’n beyond us, Time with eternity” (LSB 639.3). (continued on page 41)
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