The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2023

THANK YOU!

In a year of great need, your gifts have changed lives!

Your partnership was vital in 2022. As the world faced a challenging year, you did not forget those who are in need of nutritious food, clean water and their basic rights.

Your generosity is saving lives.

To learn more about how you made a difference in 2022, visit clwr.org

THE CHURCH

Cover designs by Alex Steinke. Front cover features photos of LCC congregations by Anna Kraemer. Back cover features photos of LCC congregations by David Friesen and Alex Steinke.

WALK IN THE LIGHT

BY MATHEW BLOCK

So writes St. John in his rst epistle (1 John 2:6). We follow a er Jesus on the way because He is the Way (John 14:6). As we do so, we pray that God will transform us ever more into the image of His Son in whose steps we tread. We learn to reject alternate paths—“the old self with its practices”—and strive a er Christ, putting on the “new self, which is being renewed in knowledge a er the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:9-10).

we have fellowship with one another,

and and

(page six)

(page nine)

(page twelve)

“Whoever says he abides in [Jesus] ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.”

The Church is the Body of Christ: we are the Body of Christ

by Edward Kettner

What do we mean when we refer to the Church as “the body of Christ”?

To be the body of Christ means that we partake of His life and are actua y Christ’s means by which He now serves the world.

Those who have b n brought into the Church, into Christ’s one body, are people of a places and a times, wherever the Word of grace has b n preached.

Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner

SEEKING RECONCILIATION

YOUR ROLE IN RESOLVING CHURCH CONFLICT

by thomas prachar

I am convinced that the key to resolving most conflicts is for everyone involved to take that first, difficult step: to humbly and critically undergo self-examination.

"

Rev. Thomas Prachar

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. — 1 John 1:8

"

ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE —WHY BOTHER?

one, even as We are one.

"

LCC’s Ecumenical Dialogues

Celebrating Christmas in War-Torn Ukraine

First graduates for LLDP program

USA

President/Bishop John Donkoh

Bishop Emmanuel Makala

Deputy Bishop Helmut Paul

General Secretary Teshome Amenu

Popular Articles of 2022 from The Canadian Lutheran

ONLINE

Honourable Wound: What’s the difference between a hero and a warrior?

Decline and Growth: A Look at the Lutheran World Today

The most powerful weapon is not nuclear: Jesus and the War in Ukraine

Lutherans and the Sacraments

of Fire

The Paschal Pillar

Advancing the Mission & Ministry of LCC: Progress update

1.DISCIPLE-MAKING CULTURE:

2. MISSION OUTREACH:

The graph included in this article provides a visual representation of all the responses in these areas.

3. EQUIP LEADERS:

4. ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS:

5. FISCAL RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITY:

6.STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS:

DISCIPLE-MAKING CULTURE

FISCAL RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITY

MISSION OUTREACH

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

These outcomes include:

EQUIP LEADERS

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

dfriesen@ lutheranchurch.ca

(204) 791-9949

Gertrude Pollex Bursary accepted applications for 2023

2022 LLL Annual General Meeting

Calling a CANDIDATE or VICAR?

REMINDER!

Reminder that all requests from congregations for Candidates and Vicars are to be submitted to their Regional Pastor by February 27, 2023. The request forms are on LCC’s website under Congregational Resources.

Check the website subtitle have the correct documents for calling a candidate or a vicar. Congregations are encouraged to use website fillable forms as scanned, handwritten forms can be

REQUESTS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 27, 2023

“Angels Reminiscing”: A Christmas celebration

EDMONTON, Alta.

WHERE TO START THE NEW YEAR?

from the regional pastor | rev. robert mohns

Rev. Kronen celebrates 85th birthday

Perogie bee in Calgary

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta.

CALGARY, Alta.

What is Regional News?

Regional News can include a or other landmark occasion, a mission or outreach event, a retreat or special event hosted by an LCC organization or by the circuit, or other church involvement in the community. Regional News can ALSO be something unique that your congregation is doing for its members, like hosting a hiking club, mentoring younger members into leadership positions, or preserving a heritage church building. Sharing our news is one way our geographically widespread Synod can stay connected, as news, please ask!

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.

St. Paul’s Bergheim holds children’s Christmas pageant

BERGHEIM, Sask.

Ministry Wives’ Retreat

Rev. Daniel Moeller retires

ASSINIBOINE CIRCUIT

SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO - MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR

shishliki

DEMOGRAPHICS IS DESTINY?

from the regional pastor | rev. david haberstock

SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO - MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR

Lutheran minstrels go to jail

100 Years of Faithful Service

THUNDER BAY, Ont.

ATIKOKAN, Ont.

Rev. Keith Blom was recognized for his 40 years of service at a luncheon with a special cake, and Janice Splawski was presented with a stained-glass picture depicting her 60 years of service.

Rev. Joe Das installed

ELMIRA, Ont.

LWMLC Toronto holds Fall Rally

COBOURG, Ont

HERE WE GO AGAIN

from the regional pastor | rev. marvin bublitz

Walking together

BURLINGTON, Ont.

Stephanie Zakel

Photo: Rev. David Zakel

Members from Waterloo, Mississauga, Tillsonburg, Dunnville, Fort Erie, Hamilton, and Niagara Region all enjoy fellowship at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (Photo: Rev. A Cottrell) (

Photo: Rev. A Cottrell

Photo: Rev. David Zakel

Rev. Orland Welke marks 50 years of ministry

What is Regional News?

Regional News can include a or other landmark occasion, a mission or outreach event, a retreat or special event hosted by an LCC organization or by the circuit, or other church involvement in the community. Regional News can ALSO be something unique that your congregation is doing for its members, like hosting a hiking club, mentoring younger members into leadership positions, or preserving a heritage church building. Sharing our news is one way our geographically widespread Synod can stay connected, as news, please ask!

Confessional Liturgical Institute in

What is the ILLF?

What’s New?

lutheranchurchcanada. ca/institut-liturgique-lutherienfrancophone

Upcoming Eventsafricaine

The role of a Missionary-at-Large

Rev.

CLS President Gimbel to retire; call for nominations for Interim President

EDMONTON

concordia.ab.ca

Continuing Education and Enrichment Opportunities

concordia-seminary.ca/admissions/ audit/

Courses this semester include:

• New Testament Studies

• Old Testament Studies

• Pericope

• Preaching in the Parish

• Worship in the Parish

• Church and Sacraments

ST. CATHARINES

• Confessions I

• Theological Ethics

New translation of Löhe’s Aphorisms published

Old and New.

Gottesdiesnt

(reprinted with

which confessional in the series, the

its three appendices. The title of gottesdienst.org

concordia-seminary.ca/ publications

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Fourwomen from across Canada gathered online to write a program to encourage their sisters in Christ in Lutheran Church–Canada on their walk of faith. Filled with fun, song and fellowship as together you dig into God’s words to you, this retreat or seminar or whatever you want to call it, will upli and inspire.

Women will gather in each of the districts of LWMLC this spring.

More details will be available via the LWMLC website (lutheranwomen.

Miranda Heidecker grew up on a farm near Middle Lake, Sask. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Applied Plant Ecology from the University of Saskachewan. She worked for three years as an agronomist but had always found working on the farm the most purposeful and ful lling job. Last year she returned to the family farm, farming full-time with her parents. Miranda believes farming has unique opportunities to praise God, both in the struggles and in the joys. She also enjoys attending Bible studies and singing with her sisters and the St. Peter’s Chorus in Humboldt.

as a Christian has increased over time as she took on the challenges of teaching children in Sunday school, VBS and youth groups as well as serving in various church positions and being active in LWMLC.

ca) and the league’s online news bulletin, LWML–Canada Update To receive the “Update” twice monthly sign up at lutheranwomen.ca.

husband have two daughters studying biochemistry at Western University. In her spare time Jane likes to study Hebrew, make jam and spend time with her family.

Pat

Howitt is a retired rancher’s wife living in Southern Alberta. She and her husband raised three daughters and enjoy the delights of their families, especially when the grandchildren come home for their “country x.” Pat was born and raised in a loving Christian family living in the Airdrie/Calgary area. She worked as o ce manager in a medical clinic for over 35 years. She says her growth

Jane Jacob did not grow up Lutheran but married someone who did. Attending Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in London, Ont., with her husband Jim led to an interest in theology. is, in turn, directed her to the seminary in St. Catharines where Jane studied online and has recently graduated with her Masters of eological Studies. As of late, Jane has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada. She and her

Jill Munoz grew up in Michigan where she went through the Lutheran school system from kindergarten to college. As she and her pastor husband served parishes in Ontario and New York, Jill wore many hats including church secretary and Sunday school teacher. ey have ve adult children who worked alongside them in ministry through theatre and lm. She currently likes to snuggle down with her grandchildren and watch Snoopy videos. Jill is an assistant editor for Tapestry

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Someone recently said, “We (LWMLC) are cutting edge and nothing is going to stop these ‘old ladies.’” If you envision LWMLC as a group of white-haired women sitting around knitting or quilting, you might want to take a closer look.

For example, the league has embraced the use of Go-to-Meeting and Go-to-Webinar technology to connect members and do the work of the organization (saving many thousands of dollars in travel and lodging costs).

Even a pandemic could not keep the women of LWMLC from meeting together to carry out the work of the league and build up the faith of their sisters, they just moved online for meetings and a nationwide Bible study. Go-to-Webinar technology allowed the league to hold a national convention with over 250 attending online and allowing delegates to vote on business decisions. Speakers from around the world participated and provided many insights enjoyed by those attending virtually.

LWMLC has an active social media which is new and fresh every few days. A news bulletin goes out twice a month to keep everyone up to date. A blog posting twice a month provides encouragement.

Webinars have allowed us to connect mission grant recipients with those who contribute mites. What a great way to be part of the mission work being done.

Use your phone, use a tablet or use a computer…LWMLC is there, just waiting for you at lutheranwomen.ca.

Here is a question for you: Have you had opportunity to SING today?

Oh, SING in this case does not refer to making musical sound with one’s voice set to a tune so don’t panic if you would rather eat nails than sing. is is an acronym for Serve In Never-ending Grace. We are called to SING because as baptized children we have the promise of eternity with our Lord through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. is is so exciting. So, get out there and SING. Please share ALLI with anyone who is looking for A Little Loving Idea

e Christian Growth comittee of LWML–Canada aims to make a di erence in the lives of the women of LCC and LCMS within Canada so you can make a di erence in the world. How do we support your faith walk? We invite you to go to our “Growing” web page (https:// lutheranwomen.ca/growing/) and there nd links to several resources.

e Christian Growth committee frequently features ALLI (A Little Loving Idea) sent out to subscribers. A sample is shown above. Sign up on the Publications page at lutheranwomen. ca and the next posting will come directly to your email account. Scroll down and ll out the subscribe form at the bottom. ALLI and the LWML–Canada Update come as a package, with separate mailings. Please share ALLI with anyone who is looking for A Little Loving Idea.

On the same web page you will nd links to two other resources.

A prayer calendar, new each month, including prayer thoughts and “Mission Support Wednesdays.”

Monthly devotions written by committee members. You have the option to read on-line, download to print, or listen to a ve-minute devotion to encourage and enlighten you in your relationship with our loving Lord. Share them with others in your congregation.

LWMLC has always been known for its faith-supporting resources. To obtain them is as simple as looking through the catalogue found on our website, nding what may interest you for your personal or group faith walk, and making your request to dod@lutheranwomen.ca. Within 48 hours your order will be sent, at no cost, to your email address. We pray that God will bless your devotional time through these resources.

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Every three years women of LWMLC select a wide variety of mission projects to receive grants. During the 2021-24 triennium “mites” are being donated to fund $251,000 in approved grants. Support for these projects is open to anyone.

e gi s received are called mites based on the biblical story of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4) in the King James Version (more recent versions refer to a small coin worth less than a penny).

Contributions amount to thousands of dollars. ey allow the contributors, through the national body of LWML–Canada, to provide mission grants which assist others in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to implement the LWMLC program.

For more information about mission grants and how you can support them visit our website https:// lutheranwomen.ca/ or contact our Vice-President, Christian Mission at vpchristian@ lutheranwomen.ca

Concordia Lutheran School, B.C. $7,050

BC Mission Boat Society $15,000

Youth Worker, B.C. $37,800

Bethel Lutheran Sports Ministry, Alta.

$7,050

Street Reach, Regina, Sask. $12,000 Oromo Ministry & Outreach. $6,000

Aurora Lutheran Camp $10,000

Camp Lutherland $4,000

Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School, sta development $400

Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School, education materials $600

Seminary, Edmonton $15,000

Jack sh Lake Lutheran Camp $8,500

South Sudanese Lutheran Mission, Ont. $12,000

Recent Immigrants, Sudbury & Timmins, Ont., Outreach & Support $4,000

Christian radio to South Asians in GTA & world via internet $5,000

Windsor Essex County (WECLO) outreach, downtown Windsor, Ont. $5,500

First Lutheran Christian Academy, Windsor, Ont., Bibles & hymnals $3,500

French Sunday school materials $14,000

St. Andrews, Atlantic Canada ministry support $5,000

National Youth Gathering $5,000

Spanish hymnals for congregations in Nicaragua & Costa Rica $5,000

Land purchase for church, Costa Rica

$10,000

Diaconal support, Nicaragua $8,600 New mission, Lviv, Ukraine $12,000

Mission Opportunity Grant — $38,000

TOTAL 2021-24 Mission Grants $251,000

TOTAL PAID to January 31, 2023 $120,361.03

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Many children who grow up in Christian homes have the opportunity to learn about our faith in the Triune God at home and in Sunday school. For Sunday school in English, we have published curricula available to use in our churches from multiple publishers. is is not the case in French for Lutherans. Prior to this translation project, francophone Lutherans adapted non-Lutheran Protestant and Roman Catholic catechetical materials or, when possible, adapted English sources. Rev. Dr. David Somers and Rev. Mark Smith contacted the Lutheran Church of Australia for permission to translate their curriculum, Come and See Jesus. As there is no pro t to be made by the translation and distribution, they were given permission to use it at no cost.

e project is focused on translating the middle level of the massive Australian curriculum, as it can be adapted to be used for older or younger students. Lyne Schmidt is doing the translation work, which began in November 2021. Avery Prozenko did the section

heading illustrations and Julia Flor is doing the worksheets as a parallel project to the lessons. Church lectionary years A and C and part of year B are completed. As use of the materials spreads and feedback is received, adjustments to the materials will be made.

Dr. Somers is the main editor. He ensures the needed content is available without too many options to overwhelm users, as the Lutheran Church Australia curriculum was developed for use in a day school or Sunday school setting. e primary focus of the materials is presenting Bible stories from a Christ-centric Lutheran perspective.

Due to COVID-19 challenges, these materials have not been used in an in-person setting in Canada, but they are being distributed and used. In Canada, the materials are

sent out weekly by email and are available on the LCC website. ese materials have also been shared in France with our sister church in Belgium through a contact with an independent Confessional Malagasy francophone parish; in the CongoRDC through another contact, with a confessional Lutheran Synod; with a new Burundi church now planning a Christian education teachers’ workshop using the French version; and through Lutherans in Africa. In North America these materials are also being shared through two francophone LCMS missions in Milwaukee and New York, as well as an ELCA-related mission in Minnesota. In addition, they are also being shared with the LCMS sister church in Haiti.

What a joy to use these materials in Canada and around the world so more children can Come and See Jesus/Viens et vois Jésus and grow in faith! A sample of this curriculum can be seen in the worksheets above or online under the section “Pour les enfants” at: https:// francophones.lutheranchurchcanada. ca/paques/

LWML Canada receives monetary donations, mainly through the Mite program, which are used to support LWML–Canada’s mission program which includes mission grants, production of resources and the operation of the organization.

Monetary donations are also received as a honourarium of an event or special person; or as a memorial of a deceased loved one. ese donations are put into the Gi s for

Growth fund unless the donor has requested/designated for mites. More information on the Gi s for Growth fund can be found on the LWMLC website at www.lutheranwomen.ca.

Donations to LWML–Canada can be sent directly by cheque, e-transfer, and credit card or online through Canada Helps.

Detailed information on why and how to donate can be found on the LWML–Canada website at www. lutheranwomen.ca by clicking the

GIVING tab or the DONATE button.

When donating to LWML–Canada please complete a Remittance Voucher which gives the nancial secretary direction and contact information for the donor. is voucher can also be found on the LWML–Canada website.

LWML–Canada, as a registered charity, can issue donation receipts for income tax purposes.

Any questions on donating to LWML–Canada may be sent by email to nancialsec@lutheranwomen.ca.

Rev. Johannes Nieminen

Rev. Aaron Astley

Charitable Bequests

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1

These are important words to remember as good stewards in Christ’s Church on earth. He has blessed us with everything we have, and we should remember His Church when he calls us home.

Bequests are gifts established either as a designated amount or a percentage of your estate residual, as outlined in your will (usually from the second-to-die), to your Church or to any synodical family organizations of LCC.

Leaving a percentage is optimum, as the gift amount changes as the value of your estate changes. Bequest gifts also provide a tax credit to your estate, effectively lowering the tax amount owed.

This method of giving has no impact on your current income or lifestyle, since the gift only happens after our Father in heaven has called you home.

Imagine how a bequest gift in your Will would benefit ministry, providing needed services or sharing God’s Word in fulfilment of the Great Commission.

Contact your Regional Gift Coordinator today for more information on this wonderful act of stewardship.

Rev. Dr. John Stephenson

Rev. Matthew Fenn

ND ON

lcc social media

LOOKING FOR THE 2022 INDEX FOR THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN?

What is Regional News?

Regional News can include a congregation’s significant anniversary or other landmark occasion, a mission or outreach event, a retreat or special event hosted by an LCC organization or by the circuit, or other church involvement in the community. Regional News can ALSO be something unique that your congregation is doing for its members, like hosting a hiking club, mentoring younger members into leadership positions, or preserving a heritage church building. Sharing our news is one way our geographically widespread Synod can stay connected, and if you're not sure if a story qualifies as news, please ask!

PRESIDENT ’S PONDERINGS

WE VALUE SANCTITY OF LIFE

BY PRESIDENT TIMOTHY TEUSCHER

(evangelicalfellowship.ca).

New LCC Social Media Series!

BACK TO BASICS - Introducing our new social media series on the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine!

1. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

2. THE APOSTLES’ CREED

3. THE LORD’S PRAYER

4. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

5. CONFESSION

6. THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR

For centuries, Christians have used three important texts as a basic summary for teaching the Christian faith and life: the Ten Commandments, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer. Martin Luther helpfully included biblical passages on Baptism, Confession, and the

Lord’s Supper. The Small Catechism, written by Luther in 1529, includes these texts along with brief explanations. The Small Catechism can be a helpful tool in teaching the faith at home in a simple way.

We will post a #BacktoBasics explanation on each chief part of the catechism each week on our Facebook Page and Instagram, but we encourage you to read ahead and in-full the explanations in your own copy of The Small Catechism at home!

Now you are the body of Christ and individua y members of it.