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VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
Comfort & Joy?
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CONTENTS
FEATURES W W W.C A N A D I A N L U T H E R A N . C A Volume 38 Number 6 November/December 2023
Christmas Peace in a Land of War: Reflections from Ukraine Who Are You Bowing To? Advent Blues
6 9 12
DEPARTMENTS table talk
Comfort and Joy?
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regional pastors West: Christ in the Manger Central: Dead Tradition East: Tell Ev’ryone What He Has Done
president’s PONDERINGS Sound Theology
22 26 30 42
NEWS SECTIONS 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 Christian Communicators Association Editor: Mathew Block Advertising: Angela Honey Subscriptions: $30/yr Or Buy-One-Gift-One: $50/yr Email: a.honey@lutheranchurch.ca All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request. The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-897-4319 Email: editor@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2023 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 quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
International news
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Finnish Bishop and M.P. acquitted in “Bible Trial” • New ILC General Secretary Installed • ILC Anniversary • Elections in Philippines and Venezuela
national news
19 CHI Awards for Canadian Lutherans • Lutherans for Life Canada holds Annual General Meeting
west region
A break-in, arson, and God’s mercy • Vacation Bible School news • Block party • From Here 2 There
central region
21
25
NW Ontario Circuit retreat • Church of the Lutheran Hour holds special events • Vacation Bible School news • Installation of pastors
east region
29
Double celebration at Windsor • Zion in Dashwood celebrates 150 years • Ordination anniversary and more • Vacation Bible School news
mission news
33
Sharing the hope of Advent in many languages
education news
34
CLS installs academic dean and professor • CLTS professor contributes to theological encyclopaedia
In Memorium
39
Transitions
41
supplemenT
35
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TABLE TALK
COMFORT AND JOY? by mathew block
D
ecember can be a confusing time, as far as church seasons go. We begin the month in the season of Advent—looking forward to the coming of Christ—and yet we can’t seem to help but anticipate the next season on the church calendar: Christmas. In church, we sing, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”—and then we turn around to find Him already lying in nativity scenes, on Christmas cards, and just about everywhere else you can imagine. Advent and Christmas have important (and different) lessons to teach us, so it’s appropriate that the Church takes time to consider them in turn. And yet, there are also lessons to be learned in considering them together. For we as Christians live in the now and not-yet of Christmas and Advent all at once. We live in the light of Christmas past even as we long for Christmas future. We rejoice in the first coming of our Lord—His birth, His death, and His resurrection to save us from sin, death, and the devil—even as we endure this present age of pain and suffering while we await His second and final coming. We live always in Advent and Christmas, always in the twin worlds of promise and fulfillment—of comfort in the meantime and joy in the future. O tidings of comfort and joy! God knows we have need enough of such comfort. With the fall of our first parents in Eden, we exchanged paradise for a world of pain and hardship and death. It is in this fallen world—this world of thorns and thistles, sin and
sorrow—that we find ourselves today. The old carol prays for us that God would “rest [us] merry”—that is, grant us peace—and that we would “let nothing [us] dismay.” But the reality is we are continually dismayed by the world in which we find ourselves. You need only read the news headlines for the latest reason to fear. Wars and rumours of war! Terror on every side! Closer to home, we have our own reasons for dismay. Accidents and illness and death abound; if they’re not afflicting your family, they’re afflicting your neighbour’s. Add in inflation, housing challenges, rising crime, and societal division, and you’ll find plenty of reasons this Christmas to be afraid. And yet, concerning as these things may be, there remains an even more fundamental reason for dismay: sin. At the heart of it all lies our own hearts— yours and mine—and the sin with which they are infected. Take away all the conflict, the sickness, the discord out there, and we still would not have paradise regained—not so long as our hearts lie festering with sin, separating us from God and from each other. That is why the message of Christmas is such good news: Christ was born to rescue us from sin and every other evil in this world. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God,” the prophet Isaiah wrote centuries before the birth of Jesus. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double
for all her sins” (Isaiah 40:1-2). Your sin and mine have been paid for; that is indeed comfort for us now even as we still experience pain and suffering in this world. Blessed indeed are those who now mourn, for they shall be comforted (Mathew 5:4)! Blessed are they who now weep, for they shall one day laugh (Luke 6:21)! Comfort and joy! In this issue, we remember some of the sorrows which makes the comfort of God’s promises so necessary, especially in these mixed days of Advent and Christmas. Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy writes from Ukraine, explaining how the celebration of Jesus’ birth takes on new meaning in the middle of the horrors of war (page six). Bishop Juhana Pohjola invites us to emulate the magi and bow to Jesus only, even if we should face persecution for doing so—a lesson he has learned the hard way over the past four years as he faced criminal prosecution in Finland for his witness to Christ (page nine). Finally, Michelle Heumann and Scott Gamble encourage us to remember with greater compassion those who grieve over infertility, especially during this time of year when the church fixates on the birth of a child (page twelve). Whatever struggle you yourself face in this season of life, I pray that God would bless you with comfort and joy this blessed season—comfort to bide you through hard times now, trusting that He will one day grant you endless joy with Him in His eternal Kingdom. God rest ye merry, dear friends. O tidings of comfort and joy!
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Destruction in Ukraine: Adobe Stock, 2022.
Christmas Peace in a
Land of War Reflections from Ukraine
S
by Oleksiy Navrotskyy
ince the ancient world, humanity has measured time by counting days from major events. The birthday of the emperor or the day of his enthronement, the day of a volcanic eruption, or the year of a plague could all serve as the starting point for a new calendar. The modern world we live in counts its time from the birth of Jesus Christ, which took place about 2023 years ago in a small town named Bethlehem. It is a remarkable fact that, since then, the world at large has never agreed on an event worthy of replacing Christmas and beginning a new universal calendar. Few people know this, but in my own country of Ukraine, there now exists an additional calendar. As I write this article, it is currently Day 631. Regardless of their location, Ukrainians scattered around the world have kept a personal calendar beginning on February 24, 2022—the day of full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine. This is a bitter enumeration for every Ukrainian and for many others around the world. None of us could imagine that the war in Ukraine would rise into hundreds of days nor that the death toll would pass into the hundreds of thousands. It once seemed almost unimaginable that a full-fledged war could take place in our modern, enlightened world. We believed that there were no longer compelling reasons for
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nations living peacefully adjacent to one another to suddenly take up arms and begin exterminating each other. At the end of World War II, humanity adopted the slogan of “never again.” But just 80 years later we are again experiencing a terrible war in the centre of Europe. We watch in horror as new regional wars emerge, and are terrified of the possibility of another world war. What have I, a Ukrainian pastor, learned about war? Many things. War is a terrible, irrational, animalistic, unjust, and mad condition. War brings unending feelings of despair, danger, vulnerability, and uncertainty. War ruins the childhood of thousands, and separates spouses from one another and parents (and grandparents) from their crying children. War is broken men, disabled and shell-shocked veterans, and kids growing up without fathers. War is the destruction of cities, the pollution of fertile fields, the poisoning of rivers and air, and the devastation of the animal world. War is a bitter mixture of fear, despair, rage. Reflecting on this war, I have come to believe that war is demonic in nature, transforming people into a state worse than animals. It’s scary to admit, but this war has once again shown us the real but hidden nature of humankind. Humanity has never been able to overcome the virus of war which sleeps in the blood of man. Education, culture and art, law and state, and
international diplomacy turn out to be powerless against the baser instincts of man. The ancient diagnosis of humanity written in God’s Word is confirmed again and again: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless…. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-12, 14-18). The Bible is right again. Human beings are incorrigible. The tragedy that happened in the Garden of Eden has consequences even in the 21st century. The ancient demonic sabotage directed against God and His creation—against His children, Adam and Eve—became the trigger and root cause of all subsequent human conflict and bloodshed. Modern war, as I see it from the window of my home in Ukraine, is just the tip of a huge iceberg. It is nothing less than the continuation of the thousands of other micro-wars in which we are daily involved. I'm talking about those battles that take place in our homes between spouses, between children, between friends. It’s not hard to remember the numerous battles that happen in our offices, kitchens, bedrooms, gyms, streets, and even churches. Yes, they are sometimes replaced by brief truces, temporary freezes, protracted negotiations, or momentary capitulations. But it is not long after things quiet down that we are involved again in the next micro-war. Some researchers have suggested that the average person is involved in three to seven protracted years-long conflicts at any given time. Isn’t it so? We wage these micro-wars not out of any great passion but simply, it seems, because we are unable to do otherwise. Attack and defense, a short-term truce, and then new confrontation is our natural cycle. Peace, quiet, and safety are only temporary pauses in the midst of our habitual conflicts. But because this temptation to warfare lives in the blood of us all, we understand why even a short and fragile peace is so dear to our hearts; the war in Ukraine has put a mirror in front of all of us. And the reflection we see scares us. At the same time, however, the war in Ukraine has taught us some very precious lessons—lessons we could never obtain at seminary. Against the background of the Russian-Ukrainian war, we have suddenly realized how beautiful and precious God’s everyday gifts are. Blessings like a peaceful life, safety, time with family, the ability to go to work or a park or a gym, the ability to sleep at night, to enjoy holidays with children
or grandchildren, to share breakfast with loved one, to go on summer vacation, and, of course, Christmas. God generously and unconditionally provided all this to those of us in Ukraine over the course of many peaceful decades. How fragile that peace turned out to be. These blessings disappeared in one moment on February 24, 2022. How good God was for us. How good He remains for you, my friend! I believe that the Lord has not turned away from Ukraine and Ukrainians. While we do not now enjoy the routine gifts God once gave, in their place He has sent into the hearts of many an amazing hunger for the Word of God and for the Church. Since the outbreak of war, huge numbers of Ukrainians have turned back to church, to prayer, and to worship. Old prejudices against religion have receded, and many who were once dismissive of Christianity have now crossed the threshold of the church. These new Christians, like little children experiencing it all for the first time, sit in the sanctuary with their eyes wide open, eagerly absorbing everything the pastor says, learning how to sing hymns, confessing the faith in the words of the Creed, and praying the Lord’s Prayer. Watching this miracle, I remember the words from the book of Amos: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (8:11). In the first few weeks of the war, we successfully evacuated out of the country more than 40 members— mostly women and children—from the Lutheran congregation in Nikolaev. Only six men and three women of the church remained. Now, after 18 months of war, the sanctuary of the church in Nikolaev is 105 percent full. The weekly confirmation group consists of more than twenty new adults. We often have trouble providing enough seating for all those present during Sunday morning worship. And there are days when I am powerless to dismiss churchgoers after service; they want to stay longer singing hymns, drinking coffee, and just being present in the church. For 18 months of war, our Nikolaev Lutheran church has been the spiritual shelter (or even rehab) for hundreds of people seeking comfort and hope for their souls; a way to understand the meaning of their suffering; and love and forgiveness. Moreover, thanks to the support of the Ukraine Aid Fund generously provided by the members of Lutheran Church–Canada, we have been able to meet many of the material and health needs of people who have found themselves in despair because of war, unemployment, and illness.
the war in Ukraine has put a mirror in front of all of us. And the reflection we see scares us.
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2023 Christmas Eve service in Nikolaev, Ukraine. One of my brightest memories of new life in the Lutheran congregation in Nikolaev was our Christmas celebration in 2022. Despite frequent air raids and dark streets due to blackouts, people came to church that night to celebrate the birth of Christ the King, the Prince of Peace. Seeing these people come through the doors, I was reminded of the wise men—those pilgrims who came to Jerusalem from distant lands to see and worship the newborn King. Surprised, awkward, not knowing a single Christmas carol, the new believers of Nikolaev Lutheran Church held candles in their hands and listened intently as they heard the hymn “Silent Night” be sung for the first time. The Christmas Gospel tells us of the Eternal Son of God, the Prince of Peace, who entered into a world full of war, fear, rage, and death. That message is perceived differently when it is heard in a country at war. But this is exactly what the Gospel is about. Long ago, Satan, sin, and death entered into this world of humanity, and infected us with fear, disbelief, war, and rage. But Christ the King has come into this broken world of chaos, injustice, and lies. He came to us as a Suffering Servant, Divine Redeemer, and Heavenly Peacemaker. And He brings us even now forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given… His name shall be called Prince of Peace. And of the increase
of His government and of peace there will be no end”—so proclaims the ancient prophet (Isaiah 9:6-7). And the heavenly heralds sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). And the Apostle declares: “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). How sweet those promises are to us all, people stuck in a world of micro- and macro-wars! How comforting and uplifting this Christmas message is for our homes, offices, parliaments, hospitals, churches, and trenches. This December 25, we celebrate 2024 years of the Incarnation of the Divine Peace Maker, Jesus Christ. His birthday was the foundation of our world calendar. We must by no means seek to replace that Christmas chronology! For it is His birthday which marked the beginning of our salvation—the moment in history when our Divine Redeemer stepped into the world, bringing with Him the precious gifts of forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.
The Christmas Gospel tells us of the Eternal Son of God, the Prince of Peace, who entered into a world full of war, fear, rage, and death.
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Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy is pastor of Nikolaev Lutheran Church in Ukraine and a Lutheran Church–Canada-supported missionary.
The Adoration of the Magi: Stanisław Samoshootnik, c. 1535.
Who Are You Bowing To? by Juhana Pohjola
T
he story of Jesus’ birth may appear to the reader of the Gospels as a beautiful but random event— something which took place a long time ago in the remote town of Bethlehem. But on closer inspection, we see how this story reveals that everyone—even the adversaries of Jesus, albeit unwittingly—has to serve this Child in the manger. The Emperor, Caesar Augustus, through his Governor Quirinius, carries out the taxation of Judea which leads Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. King Herod announces in his palace to the Magi that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. Even the movement of a star in space helps to serve the coming of the King by announcing the time and place of His birth.
But it is the Wise Men of the East—not the Emperor, not the Governor, not the King—who are the first to adopt a posture of worship before the Child of Christmas. They say: “We have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2). The word “worship” here literally means “to bow one’s face to the ground.” Bowing is an outward way of expressing respect or even divine worship. Ultimately, it indicates whom a person fears and loves—in whom one put his trust and hope. This is a theme Matthew carries throughout his Gospel. First, Herod cleverly and murderously replies that he also intends to “bow down to” this newborn King (2:8)—even though in reality he bowed only to his own THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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power and desires. Likewise, the devil offered Jesus the riches and pleasures of the world if He would only “fall down and worship me” (4:8). A synagogue ruler also “came and bowed down before [Jesus]” (9:18), not for Jesus’ own sake, but rather out of fear for his daughter who was ill and in danger of death. Many others bowed to Jesus for various reasons, but Matthew’s Gospel ends with a picture of the disciples, who had denied their Lord, now worshipping with fear and joy the Risen One: “And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him” (28:17)—that is, they bowed before Him. Matthew’s repeated references to bowing reminds us: everyone bows down to something. Some do it consciously, others unknowingly. Some worship the living God, others idols. Who are you bowing to? This is the most important question of your Christmas. All other topics are trivial in the face of this one question, and its answer has eternal consequences. The Child in the manger asks you: Have you pinned your hopes on Me or on ideologies and idols that will soon disappear? Do you put your trust in My Holy Words or in human promises and opportunities? Will you join Me or the worshippers of the god of this world? Who do you bow to? The question runs through the history of the whole world, every place, every time, and confronts every man. Do we join Sunday after Sunday the eschatological community of the company of heaven worshipping the Lamb on the throne (Revelation 4:10)? Or do we bow before the might and power of darkness (Revelation 13:4), which directs us to lust after the things of this world—“the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions” (1 John 2:16)? Who you bow to is not an abstract question but something that affects our everyday life. During the past number of years, I have been tempted from without by the pressures of the media and even by state prosecutors in courtrooms to bow down to the spirit of this age (see page 15). I have been told: Give up your biblical confession! Give up your Christian understanding of humanity and marriage, and nod your head in acceptance to tolerance, equality, and progress! But even when we are not asked to deny biblical truth and the order of creation, there remains a great temptation to remain silent about the truth out of fear—to consent, effectively, to the lies. Who will speak boldly for life, goodness, and truth if we as the Christian Church remain mute? There is also another temptation when we see the growing darkness around us. We can turn our back on the Lord from within, by bowing down to fear, despair, and bitterness. We curve in upon ourselves, and start counting how few and weak we are and all the wrongs done to us. We focus more on the darkness and ugliness of our time, and not on the light and hope we have in Christ. Our hope in Christ lies not only in the fact this small Child in the manger has the power to give renewal to
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His Church and change the direction of our culture of death for the better. Nor is our hope in Christ something merely eschatological—the knowledge that in the end there will come a time when everything is in perfect order and whole, beautiful and pure. Our hope in Christ is that already now—in the midst of hostility and cultural pressure, apostasy and sufferings—He is graciously present among us. Our hope is not only for the future but
Who are you bowing important question of yo topics are trivial in the f and its answer has et
is a blessed reality here and now. Our hope understands how He carries us in His Church, nurturing us by His Holy Spirit at the altar and the pulpit. Our hope sees with the eyes of faith how He does not abandon us but encourages us through brotherly love and shared life together. Our hope remembers that everything must ultimately bow down to His good will and plan for us. He can turn evil for the good of His disciples. That is
The Adoration of the Magi: Hans Thoman, c. 1520.
why Christians remember the words of the apostle Paul: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Roman 12:12). Today, more and more Christians in our postChristian culture are paying a high price for not bowing down to lies. How could it be otherwise, since the servant is not greater than the Master (John 15:20)? But what is the price we might have to pay compared to the price which the Son of God was willing to pay for us? He who, as the King of Kings, asks you this question is also Christ crucified for our sins—the King who came not to be worshipped but to bow down to you in humiliation: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Before Him, we do not bow out of slavish fear nor merely for the sake of obedience. Neither do we bow down to Him in order to get something from Him, as payment for our adoration. The Christian Church bows down to the manger and the altar of her Lord out of love for Him who first loved us—Him who still loves us, bearing us up with His grace and filling us with His gifts. Our hope is not in our personal feeling of hope, but in Christ Jesus Himself and His promises! In Him is our hope and joy, and no one can take them away from us. We receive Him in His Words, in the water, in the wine and the bread, so that we rejoice and confess together with St. Paul: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)! Therefore, on Christmas night, Christendom joins in the joyful hymn that echoes through the darkness of death, fear, and despair: O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
g to? This is the most our Christmas. All other face of this one question, Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola is Bishop of the Evangelical ternal consequences. Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland and Chairman - LSB 379 -
of the International Lutheran Council.
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Advent Blues I had conceived a dream – A lit Advent wreath Pink and blue candles A baptismal font And a baby Thanking God for the blessing of family With godparents and grandparents Baptism photos with matching shoes Looking forward to Sunday school, VBS, confirmation And baby’s first youth gathering Instead – Surgery Painful, expensive procedures Invasive tests Medications and needles Every month for years a heartbreaking cycle of hope and grief Facing thoughtless questions, comments, and assumptions While each Advent wreath is a reminder of the death of a dream unborn
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by Michelle Heumann with Scott Gamble
A
dvent anticipates the fulfillment of long-awaited promises, which, surely as the sun will rise, surely as Christmas follows Advent, will come to pass. The promised child has been born, the long-awaited Saviour has come, but we enter into a four-week suspension of reality to remember that we still wait for the final fulfillment of all promises, and to rediscover the wonder of the miracle child, born for our salvation.
But what about those waiting for their own child? What about those whose dreams of being a parent never come to pass? The waiting never ends. The fulfillment never comes. Always Advent, never Christmas. Those trying with great difficulty to have children and those who have exhausted every possible avenue without success grieve an unseen loss throughout Advent, as well as every other day of the Church Year. As the Church once again rests her hope on the many miraculous births in our Saviour’s storied line, let us take time to hear and see the cries and tears of those whose longed-for children never arrived.
C
hurch has not been a sanctuary on this journey. Prayers and sermons all seem to be written with happy nuclear families in mind, and on Mother’s Day I don’t want to go to church, but I’m on the music team and singing is the only thing that brings any kind of joy these days—and where else can I go? Thankfully the pastors don’t say much about it, and it doesn’t even get a mention in the sermon. Usually, I linger in the sanctuary until the ladies are done handing flowers to the moms on their way out. Often I get offered a pity flower, so I’d rather avoid the whole exercise entirely. “That wasn’t so bad,” I say to my husband later, feeling pleased I got through a Mother’s Day without crying. So I’m totally unprepared for Father’s Day. The sermon focuses on fatherhood, and the grief hits me like a brick wall. My husband will never get to be a dad, and he would have been a good one. He’ll never get to teach his kids how to play guitar or baseball, or how to say the Lord’s Prayer. And I miss my dad, who died so suddenly that I never got the chance to tell him we were trying to have a family. But where’s the outlet for my grief? The only form of mourning the church has is for death—funerals, All Saints’ Sunday—and those are for people who once lived, not for the people who you hoped would live. I suddenly realize that I’ve passed most of the service in a haze of grief, and I throw myself into the communion liturgy. I’m too choked up to sing, but I cling to the familiar words with desperation. Kneeling at the rail, I wordlessly beg God with all my heart to be there, to comfort me. I know He can, but why can’t I feel anything other than pain? Why can I not “depart in peace and with great joy”? I’d settle even for some peace and a little bit of joy.
Afterwards, I shake my pastor’s hand and smile and say good morning, but what I really want to do is throw myself on his shoulder and cry and mourn and beg for answers and comfort. Instead, I tuck away all the hurt and slink home to bed, too exhausted to do anything else. How can it be, Lord, that some of Your children celebrate Jesus’ joyous resurrection each Sunday while others feel stuck in the shadow of Your Friday crucifix? They come to receive the fruits of Your pain and suffering, but instead they find flowers in bloom and candles bright, windows shining and songs of glory —things that offer no comfort in the face of hardship and sorrow. As Jesus healed a withered hand in Your house on the Sabbath, continue to set right the twisted forms of all who feel withered in ways deeper and unseen, beyond mere bone and flesh. For those experiencing agony, waiting for the final restoration of Your coming kingdom, make their Sunday worship a place of comfort instead of sorrow, a place of release instead of withdrawal, a home for honesty instead of masks. Grant other faithful saints eyes to see and ears to hear the tears and cries of Your hurting children, and hands to reach out with Your love and comfort. Provide all believers, but especially pastors, with the tender compassion that Jesus showed to the most broken and hopeless. May the hurting among us be our greatest blessing —the site where inordinate amounts of God’s love and comfort flow, passing through the Church and her pastors, filling His Body with life and vitality, like a vine to its branch. It’s hard to tell people when I’m struggling because not everyone responds thoughtfully. Not everyone recognizes THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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how vulnerable I feel. The best response was from a friend who didn’t say anything and just hugged me. Some responses feel like a slap in the face. Telling me that it worked out for Abraham and Sarah at an old age isn’t comforting because I don’t have a promise from God to bless the nations of the earth through my descendants. Telling me that if I can’t have kids of my own at least I have lots of time for youth ministry is especially hard—being a youth leader is its own important vocation with its own joys and sorrows, but it’s no substitute for being a mom. Some days the knowledge that I will only ever teach other people’s children about God, never my own, weighs me down. A particularly upsetting assumption is that adoption is a cure for infertility. It’s not. Adoption is its own very special vocation, requiring a lot of money, time, patience, and emotional stamina. Even if someone is successful in adopting a healthy baby, I’ve read accounts from people who say they still grieve the lack of a biological child, no matter how much they love their adopted child, and that they continue to feel trauma from the failed medical procedures. And adopting older children who’ve been through trauma of their own is an even more specific vocation that few people are equipped for. It would be better for children if there were more supports to help birth parents provide for and raise them themselves, rather than to have abortion or adoption be the only options. Remind us, Lord, that all who have faith have been adopted into Your family, beloved children to be welcomed into our eternal home. Provide an extra measure of strength and wisdom to those who choose to adopt. May it be a vocation that brings more joy than sorrow, more fulfillment than grief. Be present with those who have chosen not to adopt, discerning that the vocation of adoptive parent may not be theirs, even if it means they may remain childless. Give them grace to meet mistaken comments with peace. Give grace also to those for whom an unexpected pregnancy brings fear and uncertainty. Send everyday saints to love and serve women in difficult situations, without judgment or condemnation, but with the grace and unconditional love that You would offer. I love my friends’ kids and want them to be part of my life, but baby announcements are very hard. I’ve been back home for a few days after visiting a friend and her family when I get a message from her. That’s not unusual, but the content is. “We’re expecting another baby,” she writes. “I know it’s hard news for you to hear, so I’m telling you when you have the space to process it. You’re in my prayers.” Her thoughtfulness overwhelms me. There’s no perfect way to share this kind of news with someone in my position, but this is the most caring way I’ve experienced. I feel so loved, so seen.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
But I also feel angry and sad because my grief is such a powerful force that it’s disrupted something that should be a happy moment, that it’s robbed us of this chance for me to rejoice with her. Lord Jesus, You drew unto Yourself the chosen twelve, and from those twelve an inner three, knowing that, in the fullness of Your humanity, You too would need companions. What joy and sorrow were mingled as You ministered, as You journeyed to Jerusalem and the cross? Thank You, Lord, for the saintly presence of friends who know our pains and sorrows intimately, even when that knowledge dampens joyful occasions. Bathe those relationships in an abundance of gratitude, understanding, and peace, knowing that even good things bear some taint of sin in this life. Let the goodness of these relationships stir the embers of hope for a kingdom unsullied by woe. Jesus Christ, Lord of the Church, we draw near to the annual celebration of Your birth, and we once again marvel at Your willingness to join Yourself to our frail humanity. We give thanks that all members of Your Church are equally members of Your body, and that You raise up the less honoured, the unpresentable, and the suffering to places of honour. Teach us how best to honour those who suffer infertility, childlessness, miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions, and all manner of painful plights. Use us, many members of the body, to provide comfort and companionship, understanding and insight, presence and prayer, and service and hospitality to those in need. Regardless of the state of our homes and our hearts this season, abide with us, Lord, and remind us that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, just as Your love was made manifest in Your holy suffering. Be the light of the world in times of darkness for all believers, and shine the light of Your salvation on every circumstance they find themselves in. Amen.
Michelle Heumann is a writer and editor with a B.A. in English and History and a M.A. in History. Scott Gamble is a writer with a B.A. in English and a M.Div. They’ve been friends for close to a decade, and share a conviction that burdens are lighter when shared with friends—especially when shared with friends who will pray with you. Michelle has written about her experiences in order to encourage others who struggle with the grief of infertility, and Scott has written the prayers in the hope that the friends, families, and pastors of those who are struggling will be better equipped to support them.
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Finnish Bishop and M.P. acquitted in “Bible Trial” FINLAND – Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Finnish Member of Parliament, have been acquitted on all charges in a unanimous decision by the Helsinki Court of Appeals. The two had been charged with hate crimes for their expression of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. “For me, this has been not only a legal but also a spiritual battle,” Bishop Pohjola said. “It is important for our church to be able to teach publicly what we understand to be the Word of God, Dr. Päivi Räsänen (left) and Bishop Juhana Pohjola (right) in the Helsinki Court of the created order, and natural law. Appeals. Photo: ELMDF. I have a calling as a Christian, as a pastor, to guard the faith and to teach it and around the world. No one should be “We give thanks to God for the publicly—and then to carry the cross. punished for peacefully expressing their news that Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Carrying the cross is the price we pay beliefs, and we are grateful that the court Räsänen have been acquitted,” said in this age to be witnesses for Christ.” has upheld this core freedom.” Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General “We were united all the time with Dr. “There have been some difficult Secretary of the International Lutheran Räsänen,” Bishop Pohjola continued. moments,” Dr. Räsänen continued, Council (ILC). “Lutherans across the “There was no discussion that we step reflecting on the toll more than four globe have watched the unfolding back but instead wholeheartedly stand years of investigation and prosecution situation with grave concern since together for the Word of God, for the have taken. But, she said, “I decided authorities first began investigating Gospel of Christ.” that whatever comes—whatever the the pair in 2019. We are grateful for The charges stemmed from a consequences will be—I will not give Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen’s 2004 booklet written by Dr. Räsänen up. Because I felt that this is not only bold witness to Christ in the face and published by Bishop Pohjola my opinion, it is the Word of God.” of government pressure. May God which articulates the historic Christian Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen continue to bless and strengthen understanding of sexuality. Dr. initially faced trial in 2022, during them as they wait to see whether the Räsänen was also charged for two which time the Prosecutor General prosecution will again appeal the other statements, one of which was a repeatedly questioned their religious decision to a higher court.” tweet with an image of a Bible verse. beliefs about Scripture, hermeneutics, The International Lutheran Council The decision to prosecute the prominent and sin. A panel of three judges has expressed strong support for Finnish politician and a Lutheran cleric ultimately ruled that they be acquitted Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen drew widespread international concern on all charges, stating that “it is not throughout the past four years as over the state of religious freedom and the role of the district court to interpret they endured investigation and trial. free speech in Finland. biblical concepts.” But the prosecution That support was notably seen in “While I celebrate this victory appealed, leading to hearings at the a 2021 public letter from the ILC wholeheartedly, I’m also saddened Helsinki Court of Appeals from August signed by the leaders of 45 Lutheran at the thought of the enormous state 31 to September 1, 2023. church bodies from around the world. resources expended over the last four The decision from the Helsinki Representatives to the ILC’s 2022 years to prosecute us for nothing more Court of Appeals to uphold the district World Conference in Kenya made than the peaceful expression of our court’s decision may not be the end of another show of support for Bishop Christian faith,” said Dr. Räsänen. the story either. The prosecution has Pohjola when they elected him to serve “The basic human right to free speech indicated it may seek permission to as the new Chairman of the ILC. remains under serious threat in Finland appeal to the Supreme Court of Finland. ILC News THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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New ILC General Secretary installed
Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz is installed as General Secretary by ILC Chairman Juhana Pohjola. Photo: LCMS Communications/ Erik M. Lunsford. GERMANY – On the morning of October 14, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz was installed as General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), during a festive service of Matins at St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg marking the ILC’s 30th anniversary as a council. “I want to thank you for your confidence,” Dr. Schulz said in an address to attendees later in the day. “Being Book of Concord Lutherans, we all need to know the Book of Concord. That is something it is my ambition to promote as much as possible in our churches: Book of Concord Lutheranism, that unites us all around this foundation that has been laid, Jesus Christ. I want to promote— to proclaim—our Lutheranism and preserve it, but also to protect it.” “To accomplish this task, I ask for your support, and I ask especially for
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your prayers,” Dr. Schulz continued. “Thank you very much, and God bless you.” Serving as liturgist and officiating over the installation of Dr. Schulz was ILC Chairman Juhana Pohjola, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland. The ILC’s outgoing General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Timothy C.J. Quill, preached for the anniversary service, reflecting on John 10:1-18. Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee of Lutheran Church– Canada served as an assisting minister, and Archbishop Joseph Ochola Omolo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya and Chairman George Samiec of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England served as lectors. President Alceu Alton Figur of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay bore the processional cross, with other members of the ILC’s board of directors also participating in the procession.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
Special music—including choral music and a brass ensemble—were provided by cantor and organist Georg Mogwitz and the choir of St. Lukas church in Leipzig. The service also saw the installation of Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber of South Africa as pastor of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (ILSW), which operates the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School in Wittenberg. The ILC is a full partner in the society, alongside The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK). LCMS President Matthew Harrison officiated over the installation of Dr. Weber. While the ILC is celebrating 30 years since its reorganization as a “council,” the full history of the organization goes back to 1952. ILC News
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ILC Anniversary: Looking backward, looking forward GERMANY – Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, Past President of Lutheran Church– Canada and a current member of the ILC’s Board of Directors, gave the keynote address during the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) anniversary celebrations on October 14. Dr. Bugbee’s lecture was entitled: “Treasuring the Treasure: Reflections on the 30 th Anniversary of the International Lutheran Council.” He began by considering the motivation that drove Martin Luther and the early reformers—namely, “that the Church must be devoted to the eternal salvation of people and must, above all, hold out the biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ as the One who brings God’s righteousness to us.” “‘The true treasure of the church is the most holy Gospel of the glory and grace of God,’” Dr. Bugbee reflected, quoting the 95 Theses. “That is really the heartbeat of Lutheran proclamation and church life. It needs to remain the heartbeat of what we preach and how we believe and live. It needs to remain the heartbeat, even though more than 500 years have passed since Luther’s Reformation uncovered the treasure anew. It needs to remain the heartbeat among those who come after us for long as the world endures.” It was this same “foundational conviction which brought representatives of confessional Lutheran churches together in the North German city of Uelzen in 1952,” he continued, “to initiate a series of theological conferences that decades later morphed into the formal creation of the International Lutheran Council.” Dr. Bugbee went on to trace the evolution of the ILC over the decades, leading to the eventual reorganization of the International Lutheran Theological Conference—as it was first known—as the International Lutheran Council in Antigua, Guatemala in 1993. It is this the anniversary of this reorganization that the ILC is celebrating in 2023.
Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee gives the keynote address during the ILC’s anniversary celebrations. Photo: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford. Since then, Dr. Bugbee noted, the ILC has grown to be an important voice for confessional Lutherans around the world—providing news, information, and resources; developing public statements; supporting theological education; and engaging in biblically faithful ecumenical dialogue, among other important work. But in everything it does, the ILC is and must remain motivated by the same thing that motivated Luther and the early Reformers: the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners. “It will not do for us simply to make passing reference to ‘Gospel” in our church life, or to redefine it as some general form of acceptance which has the effect of saying ‘Yes’ to anything and everything people wish to believe and do,” Dr. Bugbee said. “Nor can it be our way to set aside the apostolic proclamation of repentance and forgiveness through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ in favour of focusing instead on climate change, on obscuring the biblical distinctions between man- and womanhood, or on conforming the church’s primary
message to ever-changing political and social agendas.” “Something has gone wrong in a Lutheran church,” he noted, “where there is seemingly endless talk of concepts like love and acceptance and inclusivity, but where God’s people are not called to repent of their sin and to find their joy in the Christ who gave His life to win their pardon and bring them to God.” Instead, he argued, Lutherans must commit themselves ever more deeply to Scripture and draw their life from it; and to the Lutheran Confessions as well, as a true and faithful witness to that Word of God. In conclusion, Dr. Bugbee prayed: “May God in His mercy bless our Council, all its member churches and leaders, all its affiliated seminaries and their teachers, with an enduring commitment to His Christ, His Gospel, His written Word in Scripture, and the Lutheran Confessions which reflect the heartbeat of the Scriptures! This commitment will always be the most precious contribution we could ever make to the life of the neighbourhoods, towns, cities, and countries into which the God of salvation has placed us.” ILC News
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Lutherans in the Philippines reelect president
LCP President Antonio Reyes addresses the convention in Manila. PHILIPPINES – The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) met for its 25th General Convention from October 23-27 in Manila, during which time the church reelected Rev. Antonio Reyes to a fourth term as president. The convention theme was: “Proclaiming Christ in Season
and Out of Season,” drawing on 2 Timothy 4:2. President Reyes was first elected as president of the LCP in 2014. Prior to that, he served as President of the church’s Visayas-Mindanao District, and further served as the LCP’s Disaster Response Leader.
Since his election as president, he has also served the global church as a member of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors, representing the Asia World Region. The General Convention in Manila also saw Rev. Felipe Ehican Jr. reelected as vice president of the LCP, as well as elections for other positions. Like President Reyes, Vice President Ehican was first elected to the position in 2014. In other business, the convention honoured former president, Rev. Dr. Jose Babao Fuliga, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Fuliga, who is also served as dean of the LCP’s seminary, and his family were recognized “for selfless dedication and consistent zeal, as empowered by the Holy Spirit, in supporting the ministry of the church for 62 years.” Dr. Fuliga was ordained in 1961, and has worked tirelessly to “encourage pastors to continue serving the Lord” and “contribute to the advancement of the LCP.” ILC News
Venezuelan Lutherans reelect president
ILV President Eduardo Flores (centre) and other members of the church’s Administrative Council.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
VENEZUELA – In November, the Lutheran Church of Venezuela (Iglesia Luterana de Venezuela – ILV) held its 60th plenary assembly in Puerto Ordaz, Guayana City, during which time the church reelected Eduardo Flores to another term as president. “‘Here I am.’ That’s the only thing I can say after God, speaking through His church, has made me pastor-president,” said President Flores. “I am completely sure that, just as God has
previously defended His Church and this servant from the darkness and traps of the evil one, He will continue to do so over the next four years. Now we have to work, and let us do it according to our national motto: ‘In Christ united to serve.’ May God bless His church.” President Flores was first elected to serve as president of the ILV during the church’s 59th plenary assembly in 2019. Prior to that, he served as vice president of the church. President Flores further serves as pastor of Iglesia La Santa Trinidad in Caracas. He was first ordained in 2008. The plenary assembly also saw the election of Rev. Abel Garcia as vice president of the ILV, as well as elections for other positions on the church’s Administrative Council. ILC News
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CHI Awards for Canadian Lutherans USA – Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) has announced its awards for works published in 2022, and two books by Canadian Lutherans are among the recipients. Rev. Dr. John Stephenson has received an award for his 2022 translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s Aphorisms on Church and Office Old and New. The book includes Löhe’s 1849 volume Aphorisms on the New Testament Ministry and their Relationship to the Congregation (of which a translation by Dr. Stephenson was previously published in 2008), as well as Löhe’s second 1851 volume Church and Office: New Aphorisms (which is newly translated in this book for the first time). “Dr. Stephenson has provided an attractive English translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s 1849 and 1851 publications on the doctrine of the Office of the Holy Ministry,” CHI notes. “These writings provide important background to the 19th century debates about this doctrine among confessional Lutherans and to the relationship between Löhe and American Lutherans, including the Missouri Synod and C.F.W. Walther.” Dr. Stephenson’s book is published by Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary and is available for purchase through Lulu.com. CHI has also recognized the publication of Missouri North: The History of Lutheran Church–Canada with an honourable mention. The first half of the book sees noted historian Rev. Dr. Norman J. Threinen chart
the development of Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) from its earliest days until autonomy. Dr. Threinen’s work has received multiple awards from CHI over the years. The second half of Missouri North sees LCC’s first three presidents—Rev. Drs. Edwin Lehman, Ralph Mayan, and Robert Bugbee—continue the story, recounting the development of the church during their tenures. An additional chapter by Rev. Dr. David H. Somers examines the story of LCC’s French-language ministry. Missouri North is published by Lutheran Church–Canada, and is available for purchase through Amazon. In addition to the above two books, CHI also recognized a third work with a Canadian author and focus. An honourable mention has been awarded to Dr. Benjamin Bryce’s book, The Boundaries of Ethnicity: German Immigration and the Language of Belonging in Ontario (McGill-Queen’s University Press). The book explores “what it meant to
be German in Ontario between 1880 and 1930,” including the impact of Lutheranism during this period. Concordia Historical Institute is the historical institute and archives of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. CHI’s awards program serves to recognize “significant contributions to literature and research in the field of Lutheran archives and history in North America.” The full list of this year’s winners is available at CHI’s website at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org.
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Lutherans for Life Canada holds Annual General Meeting
Rev. Ken Maher speaks during LFLC's 2023 AGM. TILLSONBURG, Ontario – Lutherans for Life – Canada (LFL-C) held its Annual General Meeting on November 18 at Peace Lutheran Church in Tillsonburg, Ontario, with those who could not be present in person invited to attend online. The day began with worship, followed by a presentation by this year ’s guest speaker, Rev. Ken Maher of Christ our Hope Lutheran Church (Collingwood, Ontario). Rev. Maher spoke on the subject of “Dignity and Compassion: Hospice Care vs Euthanasia.” “Hospice recognizes that the dying process is not a failure of the medical system, but is a part of the normal process of living,” Rev. Maher explained to the gathering. “It focuses, therefore, on enhancing the quality of remaining life…. At the end of life, care is emphasized over cure, and being a servant over being a saviour.” “A well-rounded approach” to hospice, Rev. Maher continued, must focus on “comfort, spirituality, relationships, and personal development right up until the final moments. It isn’t about a proper death but a meaningful life.”
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Rev. Maher went on to outline the current state of euthanasia in Canada, noting how governments are increasingly pushing hospices to allow the practice on their premises— in one instance in B.C., for example, terminating the lease of one hospice in order to take over and enforce the change. And the expansion of euthanasia continues to accelerate in Canada. In Quebec, Rev. Maher noted, euthanasia has already reached seven percent of all deaths—“the highest in the world.”
As his talk continued, Rev. Maher contrasted Christian ethics surrounding death and dying with euthanasia. “Death is not a friend to be embraced,” he explained of the Christian position. “It is the final enemy. But death is also not something to run from, for it is defeated. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” That knowledge gives Christians an opportunity to care for the dying with compassion. Euthanasia, by contrast, may be expedient but it hurts the most vulnerable in society, and erodes trust between people and their families, government, and healthcare workers. Rev. Maher’s full presentation is available to watch online at: www. youtube.com/watch?v=2xV9idyKdGg. The business meeting followed lunch, during which time participants heard reports, planned for the future, and filled positions on the board which had come to term. Judy Obelnycki, Alan Schmitt, and Ian Stewart were all acclaimed to serve another three-year term as directors on LFL-C’s board. Lutherans for Life Canada is a listed service organization of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC).
New poem from LCC poet ONLINE – Rev. Kurt Reinhardt, a poet and pastor in Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC), has released a new poem which addresses the heartache facing parents whose children have wandered away from the faith. In the poem, “For Our Lost Children, Lord, We Pray,” Rev. Reinhardt encourages parents concerned for their children to take them to God in prayer, trusting that He who gave His Son for us cares for our children too. You can read the full poem on CanadianLutheran.ca. The first stanza appears below: For our lost children, Lord, we pray Who’ve wandered from the narrow way, They’ve headed off into the night And left behind Your guiding light.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
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A break-in, arson, and God’s mercy
Members of Riverbend Lutheran gather to worship in the rain outside their damaged church building. EDMONTON – The middle of June 2023 saw the people of Riverbend Lutheran eagerly anticipating the return of their pastor from service as a military chaplain in Latvia. That welcome was marred by a break-in and fire. Fortunately, neighbours saw flames and called the fire department. Mercifully, the fire was out by the time the fire truck arrived and not a drop of water was needed. A cross had been taken down from the narthex wall and placed on the carpet along with a hymnal, possibly mistaken for a Bible. A fire was started there, and the perpetrators left.
Extensive smoke damage throughout the building remained. Since then, two adults have been charged with hate crimes and the long process of restoration has commenced. Worship on the first Sunday after the fire was set to take place on the lawn outside the church but the weather did not cooperate. A call for pop-up tents went out and about fifty soggy souls gathered in the rain. The resourceful tech team and music team provided sound, livestreaming, and music. Those who attended will never forget how good it was to worship despite the circumstances. God is good.
Since then, the congregation has worshiped across the street in the gym of a Catholic school. Attendance is growing and the various challenges have been met with quick responses and determined service. The preschool opened as scheduled in September, as the basement was not seriously affected. God’s Word continues to be proclaimed and the sacraments offered. With God’s help, the congregation hopes to be back in the sanctuary by Christmas. Barbara Darrah
Stellar VBS shines Jesus’ light DICKSON, Alta. – Vacation Bible School was a huge success at King of Kings Lutheran Church on July 17-21, with an average attendance of 80-85 children every day. Each day featured experiments relating to the theme “Stellar,” games, a new Bible verse, and plenty of snacks. Families who attended were asked to bring donations of school supplies for the “Tools for School” program. The week ended with a free barbecue for all who attended, their families, and the volunteers. Lona Fawcett THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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CHRIST IN THE MANGER from the regional pastor | rev. robert mohns “And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7
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n my inaugural year of serving a two-point parish in southern Saskatchewan, a dearly-loved Norwegian grandmother gave my wife and me the gift of a porcelain nativity set that she had made. All the figures, Mary, Joseph, the animals, shepherds, and angels, were cast in a posture of worship. What is more, the figures were cast in such a way that the most natural way to set them up was with the eyes of all centred on the Christ-child. Martin Luther has referred to Scripture as the manger which holds the Christ-child. Our sainted Norwegian grandmother had blessed our little family with a helpful image of the Christ-child inseparably mangered in the Word. John writes of the inseparable nature of Christ and the Word of God: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). As the years passed and the Lord blessed our little family with children, Advent and Christmas were marked with the appearance of that nativity set on the table that served as our family altar. Advent and Christmas in our household not only marked the appearance of the creche; it was often also marked with seasonal ailments. During those trying and tiring days
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it was a common thing for the child in the manger to disappear from the creche only to appear in the grasp of a sleeping little one. Hopeless parents, sick child, mangered Christ... Perhaps this is a helpful image of the Christian and also the Church in the world today. Christ in the manger: the significance of this has not been missed by Christians. Jesus, born in BethLechem—the “House of Bread”—is made secure in strips of linen by His mother, who places Him in a manger, a place where animals feed. Luther, in his Christmas Eve sermon on St. Luke’s nativity Gospel, preached: “What else is the manger than the gathering of the Christian people in church to listen to the sermon? We are the animals that go with this manger. There Christ is placed before us, and with this food we are to feed our souls, that is, lead them to the sermon. He who goes to listen to a sermon, goes to this manger, but the sermons must deal with Christ. For not all mangers hold Christ and not all sermons teach the faith” (LW 52). As God’s rebellious people, we desire to have a Christ without the manger of His Word. The world is filled with Christ-less sermons that come from the mouth of Satan, who continues to entice us to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil—to be like God. Has there ever been a human who, having eaten this food, became like God? No, not one! It has always resulted in the loss of true humanity, spiritual starvation, and
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death. All around us—and even within us, if we are brave and honest enough to look at ourselves—we find nothing but loss, famine, poverty, and death that has resulted from this eating. “This will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). With these words, the angels directed the starving shepherds to the bread of life, Jesus Christ, placed in a manger, for them. I don’t know if the shepherds were feeling particularly hungry that night, but I do know that they heard and believed the Gospel preached to them by angels. Feeling now their spiritual hunger, they went to Jesus in the manger, and then, filled to overflowing, they went out and told others the words that had been told to them. In this world of spiritual famine, God still causes His Gospel to be preached to spiritually starving people. You too will find the Christchild mangered for you in the Christcentred sermon preached to you and in the body and blood of Jesus for you at the altar. He alone is able to satisfy your hunger. This is the promise that Advent and Christmas proclaim and deliver to you: Christ laid in the manger as the bread of life for you. May God, by His Spirit, bring us to the creche of His Word, that, by child-like faith we might receive Christ, the bread of life, cling to Him throughout our life’s journey, and, together as Christ’s Church, make known all the words that have been told us concerning Jesus.
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Abbotsford welcomes pastor ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – On August 27, Trinity Lutheran Church in Abbotsford welcomed their new pastor and his family: Rev. Henock Teklemariam, his wife Fedi, and their three children. Rev. Teklemariam and his wife are originally from Eritrea in East Africa. He received his M.Div. from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, and served his vicarage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden, B.C. and St. Peter’s Lutheran in Invermere, B.C. His ordination took place at Trinity Lutheran in Golden on July 30.
From Here 2 There
Block party at King of Kings
OSOYOOS, B.C. – Rev. Darren and Karin Siegle were pleasantly surprised on July 6 when a call came from an old acquaintance in ministry, Rev. James Vosper. He and his son Joshua had arrived in Osoyoos on a very hot day on their bicycles! The Vospers are from Plumas, Manitoba, and had come to Vancouver on the train with their bikes, planning to ride back to the Manitoba-Ontario border! Having made it through some steep passes, they thought it best not to continue in the heat, and asked if they could camp in the Siegles’ backyard. Though they were offered beds, they chose to camp outside, planning to tackle Anarchist Summit east of Osoyoos early in the morning to beat the heat. After a bit of bike-tuning in the garage, safely locking the bikes away, and a refreshing night’s sleep, the Vospers departed the next morning as planned. Rev. Vosper always commented how he was still “riding on Osoyoos air” all the way to their destination. You can watch videos of their travels on their YouTube channel: “From here 2 there.” Father and son plan to pick up next summer where they left off, this time Central meeting East! Rev. Darren Siegle
SPRUCE VIEW, Alta. – On Saturday, August 26, 2023, King of Kings Lutheran Church hosted their annual block party with more than 200 people in attendance. It was the perfect day for a party. Activities included two bouncy castles, wood-shed axe-throwing, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, a dunk tank, and lots of food and snacks, including hot dogs, hamburgers, coffee, water, juice, popcorn, and candy floss. The Red Deer County peace officer was one of several good sports to brave the cold water of the dunk tank. The event was entirely free. Lona Fawcett THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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WEST REGION NEWS
ALBERTA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
Safari Adventure in Rocky Mountain House
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. – Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church held a Bible Adventure Camp this summer from July 17-20 with the theme “Safari Adventure, Discovering Jesus the King!” Through the four-day program, participants found the King, followed the King, believed the King, and shared the King. Te a c h i n g f o c u s e d o n connecting, encountering, and building relationship with Jesus— not just learning about Him, but experiencing Him directly and through connection with others. Changing the vocabulary created a space for this to flourish; calling it camp instead of school, family instead of class, leader instead of teacher, and worship instead of music. The groups consisted of
mixed ages from six years old to grade six, with a separate class for four- and five-year-olds. It was wonderful to see multi-age groups interact, with the older leading by example and the younger bringing out the playfulness in the older ones. The leaders and helpers encouraged relationship and connection through conversation, questions, and interactions with the children, showing their own love of the Lord. Time was spent in the “family tent” at the beginning and end of the day to allow for a quieter time of connecting, sharing, and reflecting. The children moved through story time, worship, crafts, science, food, and games. Bible story time ended with a guided time in prayer. This prepared them for worship, in which they experienced the day’s lesson
in a physical way with light wands, scarves, and a parachute. Children were also led in guided worship dance and given time to express themselves through movement. The closing program began with the children following the Bethlehem star as helpers dressed as wisemen led them into the sanctuary, which was filled with projected stars. Each group then shared a Scripture verse, followed by the theme song and guided worship dances. Friends and family sang “Go My Children, With My Blessing” as the children did a simple dance with scarves while being led out of the sanctuary by the Lion of Judah. Singing a blessing over the children as they left the sanctuary was a powerful ending to the camp. Deanna Friesen
SHARE YOUR STORIES Contact Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor | regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca |
WEST REGION Contact Rev. Robert Mohns, Regional Pastor | rmohns@lutheranchurch.ca | 1. 855. 826. 9950 |
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
CENTRAL REGION NEWS
SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
NW Ontario Circuit retreat THUNDER BAY, Ont. – From September 11-13, seven pastors from the northwest Ontario Circuit (five active and two retired) gathered at Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp, just outside of Thunder Bay, for a time of reflection and renewal in God’s Word. They studied St. Paul’s first epistle to Timothy and enjoyed time in worship and fellowship with each other. A gathering of this sort is no easy task for a circuit that is so geographically large, with congregations ranging from Thunder Bay and Nipigon in the east to Kenora in the west, and from Red Lake in the north to Fort Frances in the south. The circuit stretches some 600 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south. The group was blessed to have Lutheran Church–Canada’s Central Regional Pastor, Rev. David Haberstock,
join this time of retreat. It served to strengthen the pastors further for the Lord’s service as many fall programs started up in their congregations. Many thanks to the camp and congregational members who
helped support this event through food and accommodations. The pastors are deeply grateful for the love and support. Rev. J. Quast
Church of the Lutheran Hour holds special events FORT FRANCES, Ont. – On July 9, the saints gathered at The Church of the Lutheran Hour were blessed to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev. Paul Graff (emeritus). He faithfully served God’s people in Fort Frances from July 10, 1966, to 1976, and was the first pastor to live in the parsonage after it was purchased by the congregation. Rev. Graff has a cabin in the area, and so is often able to enjoy a portion of the summer months in the Fort Frances area. Family and friends were blessed to gather and rejoice in God’s work in and through His servant, as Rev. Graff celebrated the 57th anniversary of his installation. On October 1, the saints of The Church of the Lutheran Hour, as well as St. Paul Lutheran in International Falls, Minnesota, were very blessed to have LAMP (Lutheran Association
of Missionary Pilots) p i l o t R e v. R a n d y Heide preach as they rejoiced in God’s gift of both LAMP and the L u t h e r a n Wo m e n ’s Missionary League (LWML). He even got to enjoy a delicious potluck lunch before sharing a presentation about LAMP with the congregation. Rev. Heide was accompanied by Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot Andrew Anstey. It was a joy to host them and to hear of the good work that LAMP is accomplishing in northern communities with the support of the LWML.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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CENTRAL REGION NEWS
SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
DEAD TRADITION from the regional pastor | rev. DAVID HABERSTOCK “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name.”
I
- Jaroslav Pelikan The Vindication of Tradition
n the Disney movie Pinocchio, after the living puppet is turned into a braying ass after his time on Pleasure Island, he comes to his senses and escapes just as the island sinks. Out in the swirling ocean he is swallowed by a whale. There in the belly of the beast he finds his father, who was looking for him. This seems like a bit of a contrived happenstance, but in our own depths of despair, God also seeks us—just like Jonah in the depths of the sea. After being brought low in repentance, we are raised up to new life. And emerging as a new man in faith, we must bring up the dead tradition of our fathers from the depths and revivify what they sought to pass on to us. An example of this was given at our synodical convention in 2022, when Bishop Torkild Masvie of the Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland spoke about how they are trying to replant confessional Lutheranism in what was once a vibrant hotbed of Lutheranism. He described some of their mission strategies, including their intentional use of the historic liturgy in all of their congregations. Not only is this good practice from a branding perspective—you always know
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what to expect when you walk into one of their services—but he said it was efficient and useful in a missionary context where numbers can be inconsistent and can vary wildly. The liturgy, after all, is scalable—it can be used equally well by 2, 20, or 200 people. Part of what it means to revive a tradition handed on to you is to make it your own by putting your own stamp on it. As I discussed in my last column, the historic liturgy changes very slowly and only bit by bit. But leading it and partaking of it with a joyous heart and authenticity can look different from one time and place to another. On a battlefield, the Divine Service is often held a cappella or merely spoken wherever men of faith gather with a padre for the consolation Jesus gives. In Leipzig, Bach sought to give glory to God and fuller expression to the Scriptural texts through grand musical cantatas embedded in the Divine Service based on the hymn of the day. Even the manner of presiding changes from generation to generation. In the 1950s, newscasters, movie characters, and pastors affected an authoritative manner along the lines of “Father Knows Best.” By the 1980s and 90s, the predominant manner, while still reverent, might be compared to Woody Allen’s “sensitive 80s man” stereotype (think of capable but comforting men like Peter Mansbridge or Stuart McLean). Suffice it to say, some of the externals of our tradition change from generation to generation. But
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
the core texts and Christ crucified for sinners remains the same—given to us in His Word and Sacraments, and embedded in the glorious liturgy that has been handed down to us by the saints who went before. As our society circles the drain of atheistic secularism, just as European societies have in the decades before us, we would do well to listen to our brothers there. They are fighting the good fight to replant and revivify the tradition of their fathers in formerly Lutheran lands, formerly Christian lands, which now look anything but. As many of these churches are replanted some similarities emerge: a focus on the historic liturgy; deeply valuing teaching and learning the Christian faith as they pick up steam; and youthful, usually with more young men than women. The traditions of the fathers are indeed being revivified by the sons. Our liturgies are beautiful and simple. And they are an effective tool against Satan. For they embed in our hearts and minds so much Scripture. They saturate us with the Holy Spirit, who comes by His Word. And what else fights Satan than the name of Jesus and the Word He proclaims? Moreover, in a world obsessed with authenticity and expression of one’s true self, this godly heritage, which has been passed to us by our fathers, is truly authentic and eminently practical. I encourage you to bring up the dead traditions of our fathers in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and make them your own in our day.
CENTRAL REGION NEWS
SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
Oxbow hosts stellar VBS
OXBOW, Sask. – St. Peter Lutheran Church provided a Vacation Bible School for the children of Oxbow and area the week of August 28. The theme of the week was “Shine Jesus’ Light” through all situations: happiness, sadness, hardships, disagreements, and helplessness. While VBS is offered free of charge, a free will offering is taken to help others. This year’s offerings were sent to Canadian Lutheran World
Relief (CLWR). Rev. Adrian Kramer talked about different areas where CLWR helps, including Burundi, Nicaragua, and Syria. An offering of $583.07 was collected throughout the week and sent to CLWR. There were 29 children in attendance, ages three and up, plus 14 youth, ages ten and up, including some from Alberta and Manitoba. The youth served as group leaders, helping their groups rotate to the different stations
(opening, singing, games, snacks, crafts, Bible stories, KidVid Cinema, and closing). On August 30, there was a fun evening for the youth including games, food, and a devotion. The final day concluded with a hotdog lunch for the children, parents, caregivers, leaders, and volunteers. The church is grateful for all the dedicated volunteers who organized, decorated, fed, and helped out. Sharon Frith
Camp Lutherland holds annual supper FORT QU’APPELLE, Sask. – Camp Lutherland held its annual Fall Fowl Supper on September 23, with turkey, mashed potatoes, perogies, cabbage rolls, buns, stuffing, veggies, salads, and pie. The camp served 110 people—mostly from the Pasqua Lake area, some from Regina and area LCC churches, and even a couple from Moose Jaw! Thanks to all for the support, especially to Rev. Bryan Rosnau (emeritus), the camp’s pastoral advisor, for leading the table prayers
and camp presentations. The extra proceeds of the evening will fund camps for next year. Kids and youth camps are scheduled for the weeks of July 7 and 14, plus Seniors’ Camp (55+) during midweek in early August. Visit Camp Lutherland’s website at www. camplutherland.com for more information. Diane Dennis, Secretary Camp Lutherland Board of Directors THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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CENTRAL REGION NEWS
SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA, AND NW ONTARIO • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
New pastor in Thunder Bay
Left to right: Rev. Dan Repo, Rev. Dan Barr, Rev. Stephen Bartlett, Rev. David Haberstock, Rev. Edivar Govaski, Rev. Brian Falkenholt, Rev. Keith Blom, and Rev. Neil Otke. THUNDER BAY, Ont. – After an almost four-year vacancy, Calvary
Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay was thrilled to install its new pastor,
Rev. Edivar Govaski, on September 13. Conducting the installation was Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Central Regional Pastor, Rev. David Haberstock. Many pastors and parishioners from other LCC churches in the area were also in attendance for the event. After the service, cake and coffee was enjoyed by all during a wonderful time of fellowship. The congregation is thankful to have Rev. Govaski serving the Lord alongside them, and welcome him and his wife, Cristiane, along with their children William, Sofia, Mauricio, Saskia, and Fernando, to the Calvary family. Carolyn Mol
Regina welcomes Rev. Prozenko REGINA – On August 20, Rev. Nigel Prozenko was installed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Regina. Rev. Prozenko is a recent seminary graduate, and hails from from Halifax. Among the many pastors in attendance, special guests included Lutheran Church–Canada President Timothy Teuscher; Central Regional Pastor David Haberstock; Rev. Prozekno’s uncle, Rev. Kurt E. Reinhardt (Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kurtzville,
Ontario); and Rev. Prozenko’s vicarage supervisor, Rev. Alex Klages
(Trinity and Zion Lutheran Churches, Winkler/Morden, Manitoba).
SHARE YOUR STORIES Contact Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor | regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca |
central REGION Contact Rev. david haberstock, Regional Pastor | dhaberstock@lutheranchurch.ca | 1. 800. 663. 5673 |
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
EAST REGION NEWS
ONTARIO, QUEBEC, AND ATLANTIC CANADA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
A double celebration in Windsor
WINDSOR, Ont. – Members of First Lutheran Church celebrated a special “Double Recognition” Day on June 25. It marked the 50th ordination anniversary of a former pastor, Rev. Gilvan de Azevedo, who served at First from 2000-2016. And the event also honoured Dcn. Suzanne Eberhard on her retirement after 24 years as principal of the congregation’s school, First Lutheran Christian Academy (FLCA). Rev. Azevedo served as preacher at both services that Sunday. Between services, more than 100 people gathered in the parish hall for a continental breakfast with public recognition of the two honourees. The social gathering was marked by marvelous food, a few tears, and tributes lead by congregational P r e s i d e n t , Te r r y S e i f a r t h . Congratulatory messages were read to Rev. Azevedo, and a retirement gift presented to Dcn. Eberhard: a framed picture of the school she faithfully served for decades. Rev. Azevedo, a native of Brazil, served Lutheran congregations
in his homeland and in Germany in addition to First, Windsor, and Bethel, Kitchener. In Canada, he also served the church at large as a circuit counselor, district mission department chairman, and on the governing board of the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. After several years in Kitchener, the Azevedos moved back to Windsor in 2022 and are again faithful members of First Lutheran Church. Suzanne Eberhard, lifelong Windsor resident and member at First, began serving at FLCA when it was first founded in 1995. She became principal four years later. Dcn. Eberhard was instrumental in encouraging several faculty members to join her in the colloquy process and become rostered as deacons with Lutheran Church– Canada. FLCA has survived as the only full Lutheran parochial school in the province of Ontario. In addition to her leadership at the school, Dcn. Eberhard served a term on LCC’s Board of Directors and
continues as the music coordinator at the church. “We couldn’t let this day pass without thanking God for these devoted servants, and taking time to tell them how we treasure their work,” noted Rev. Robert Bugbee, who has served the Windsor congregation since concluding his tenure as LCC president in early 2018. Rev. Robert Bugbee
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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EAST REGION NEWS
ONTARIO, QUEBEC, AND ATLANTIC CANADA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
TELL EV'RYONE WHAT HE HAS DONE from the regional pastor | rev. marvin bublitz
W
hen people endure a difficult situation, they react in different ways. Some become withdrawn and cocoon up, as it were. Others become bitter and lash out. Some learn from the experience and grow, better prepared for the next time. For some, it sets their life on a whole new trajectory. When a new, strange, or joyous event impacts the life of people, it too can change their trajectory. Now, what if you heard the heavenly host singing praises to God and proclaiming the Messiah’s birth? That would no doubt change your perspective on many things. Each year we do hear that message, but, sadly, it can become all too familiar. The shock and wonder of it seems lost over time. We are moved more by the decorations and lights or carols of the season than the angel’s message. Why? Why does the message get lost in the pomp of the decorations? Why does the impact of the Messiah’s birth take a backseat to our earthly celebrations? Well, since the Garden of Eden the ancient foe has done all he can to deny, disrupt, or distract the work of the Lord. It is no surprise he would work to do so at this time of year as well. After all, it’s not like we are in Bethlehem. We are not in the fields with the shepherds. We are not at the manger. But imagine being a shepherd hearing the angels for the first time. Imagine seeing the heavenly host. Imagine hearing their wonderful message. Talk about an event that
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would set your life on a new trajectory. That new path took them with haste to the manger. They heard the message of the Almighty and deeply desired to learn more. Oh, that more would have that desire today. Once the moment has passed, then what? How would it affect those shepherds? Would they leave their flocks and run off to a monastery? How would it have affected you? Now what? “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them” (Luke 2:20). They what? They went back to work? They went back to their vocation? I guess that maybe it didn’t have that big of an impact on them? If you think that, you would be wrong. The Word of God was spoken to them—and the Word of God never leaves us the same. For the shepherds, it meant they would glorify and praise God. It meant that “when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17-18). As shepherds, they would interact with different people than others might. Each one of you who have heard the same message have your own vocations as well. You interact with many different people than your pastor does. As you read of the account of Pentecost in Acts, consider
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
what happened when the people went back home. They had heard the apostles in their own language. The Word of the Lord had been spoken to them, and then they went home. They went back to their fields and farms, family and friends. They took the message they heard and told others. The shepherds did not stay at the manger. The Pentecost Christians did not stay and hope for more tongues of fire. Likewise, each one of us hears the Word of God and then continues in our vocations. Then, as the Lord puts people in our paths, He gives us opportunity to share His Word with them. Remember the Transfiguration of the Lord, when Peter wanted to set up three tents so that they could stay there, but that was not what the Lord intended for them? At times, when we enjoy a Christmas candlelight service, we bask in the music and desire it would never end. Yet we do not remain forever in our churches singing those wonderful carols. Like the shepherds, we return to our vocations, glorifying God and telling everyone what He has done. Thank the Lord and sing His praise; Tell ev’ryone what He has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice And proudly bear His name. He recalls His promises And leads His people forth in joy With shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia. - LSB Post-Communion Canticle
EAST REGION NEWS
ONTARIO, QUEBEC, AND ATLANTIC CANADA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
Zion in Dashwood celebrates 150 years DASHWOOD, Ont. – Zion Lutheran Church celebrated 150 years of service to the community on August 6 with hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God for His great care and support. The congregation included the entire village in the celebration by highlighting the church’s ongoing efforts to be a good neighbour with a small parade through the streets at 11:00 am, the usual worship hour. Perhaps this simple reminder of the congregation’s presence on Sunday mornings will be difficult to forget, especially by those who came out to wave and shout greetings. LCC President Timothy Teuscher delivered a stirring message at the afternoon worship service, touching on the Scripture-based faith taught throughout those 150 years, and urged today’s members to rededicate themselves to teaching that same strong faith going forward. Z i o n ’s p a s t o r, R e v. J o h n Trembulak, introduced visiting pastors, including former pastor Rev. Larry Stojkovic, now serving in at Hope Church in Rochester, New York, and Rev. James Keller of Waterloo, a son of the congregation, serving at Historic St. Paul’s in Kitchener. Attendance for worship, according to the names signed in the guest book, was 182 persons. A dinner served at the Dashwood Community Centre following the service at the church was enjoyed by a full house of hungry, happy guests. From a log building just north of Dashwood in 1873, to a frame structure in the village of Dashwood in 1874, the church grew into a handsome white brick edifice in 1908. In 1979, during an electrical storm, Zion’s much-loved building was destroyed by fire. Just one year later in 1980, the new cornerstone was laid. The church bell was recovered from the ashes, cleaned, and mounted on a tractor to call members to services
Back, left to right: Rev. Bill Ney, Rev. John Trembulak III, Rev. Ted Radke, and Rev. Larry Stojkovic. Front: Rev. Jim Keller, Rev. Timothy Teuscher, and Rev. Gerald Luck.
The celebration dinner at the Dashwood Community centre. until 1982, when a steel tower was built to accommodate it. Perhaps one of the most cherished artifacts of the former building, the bell’s distinctive sound is still heard at every worship service and has tolled at every funeral service. Of special note is the beautiful sesquicentennial banner commissioned by Ruth Anne Merner in memory of her husband Ron.
Featuring pictures of both the former white brick church building and the new church building, it hangs in the sanctuary, where it will remind all comers of Zion’s long history of service to the Triune God, and of the faithful care and support He has continually provided over 150 years. Shirley Keller Photos: Doris Osgood
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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EAST REGION NEWS
ONTARIO, QUEBEC, AND ATLANTIC CANADA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
Ordination anniversary and more
East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz and Rev. Kurt Lantz. ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – On June 25, Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Catharines brought together three significant celebrations: the commemoration of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession in 1530; the anniversary of Rev. Kurt Lantz’ ordination; and the church picnic.
East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz preached about the bold confession of the Lutherans who presented the Augsburg Confession to Emperor Charles V at the German city of Augsburg. Martin Luther had been declared an outlaw and could not attend, but he helped theologian Philipp
Melanchthon prepare articles of faith, which were then signed and presented by the German territorial princes who would rather give up their heads than give up their Lutheran preachers. This confession of faith continues not only to be bold, but also to be the antidote to the fear that seeks to creep into Christian pastors and congregations today—a fear that is refuted by the clear confession of salvation in Christ alone. Rev. Bublitz also conducted the Rite of Anniversary of an Ordination for Rev. Kurt Lantz who was ordained 25 years ago on June 28 by the late Rev. Dr. Roger Winger, then Lutheran Church–Canada’s East District President. Members of the congregation and some guests who had been present at Rev. Lantz’s ordination enjoyed a picnic together with games for young and old. Rev. Kurt Lantz Photo: Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger
The Kingdom Keeper march for God, hurrah! FISHERVILLE, Ont. – Every day we are engaged in a battle between truths and lies, light and darkness, good and evil. Thankfully, God has given us armour to wear! That was the message taught July 24-28 during Trinity Lutheran Church’s three-day Vacation Bible Camp.
Thirty-two kids learned about the armour of God and what it means to stand strong for the truth. The week was filled with Bible lessons, games, crafts, a lot of fun, and music to march to. Organizers thank all the volunteers who helped make it a success! Tricia Miller
SHARE YOUR STORIES Contact Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor | regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca |
EAST REGION Contact Rev. marvin bublitz, Regional Pastor | mbublitz@lutheranchurch.ca | 1. 855. 893. 1466 |
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
MISSION NEWS CANADIANLUTHERAN.CA
in Canada
Sharing the hope of Advent in many languages ONLINE – In advance of Advent, the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada (LLL-Canada) and Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) each released their annual Advent devotionals online. LAMP’s 2023 Advent Devotions was made available via email subscription as well as in pdf format to be downloaded to print at home. The devotions in the booklet were written by LAMP staff and volunteers, and recount stories and reflections arising from the organization’s work providing spiritual care in remote areas of northern Canada. “Our booklet is an invitation for you to slow down, reflect, and connect with Jesus,” the introduction to the booklet notes. “May you find rest and renewal as we anticipate God’s hope, peace, joy, and love during Advent.” LAMP’s Advent devotions were made available at its website here: www.lampministry. org/#/news-devotions/. LLL-Canada released two devotionals this year—one for adults and one for families—in multiple languages. The adult devotional is entitled What Child is This?, and it was made available to download in multiple
formats to read online, print as a booklet, or print in large print. In addition to English, the booklet was available in French, as well as Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. “In Jesus’ birth, God came down to earth for us,” promotional material notes. “In What Child is This? we see how Jesus, foretold by the prophets and confirmed by God as His own Beloved Son, is the Father’s ancient promise fulfilled. Born to save us from our sins, this lowly Child triumphed over sin and death to become our Saviour.” LLL-Canada also developed a weekly family devotional entitled Unusual and Unexpected. This devotional could be used to complement the use of What Child is This? or could be read on its own. Unusual and Unexpected was also made available in Spanish. “In this booklet we talk about the “unusual and unexpected” ways that God prepared His people, announced
invite you to discover 1. Practice Presence
3. Invite Guests to Participate
They work on reducing the amount of time spent looking at screens and spending more intentional time together having interactive and genuine fun!
They have a rhythm of discipleship in their home. They don’t change their family’s norms when others visit their household, but instead, invite others into them.
2. Spiritual Coach Role This is a household member who talks with the others about faith, forgiveness, the Bible, Christian tradition, sets an example about what living the Christian life looks like, and encourages them to attend church.
Jesus’ birth, and shared His Son with us,” the preface explains. In addition to the devotions, Unusual and Unexpected also features colouring pages, word scrambles, and other activities for children. Visit LLL-Canada’s website to access their Advent devotionals: www. lll.ca/advent/. The Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada and the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots are both mission agencies associated with Lutheran Church–Canada, the former as an auxiliary and the latter as a listed service organization.
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KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUALLY VIBRANT HOME!
We, at LLLC, thought the beginning of a new year would be the perfect time to implement the fun and biblical characteristics of a spiritually vibrant home! Where to start? Contact us for resources to help you step into your role as a spiritual coach. Share our resources to equip your friends and family with the tools they need to grow in discipleship. Follow us on social media for daily devotions and to stay up to date on workshops and resources. Visit our website at lll.ca or call us at 1-800-555-6236 to learn more.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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EDUCATION NEWS CANADIANLUTHERAN.CA
CLS installs Academic Dean and Professor
LCC's West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns installs Rev. Dr. James Gimbel as Academic Dean and Professor of Theology. EDMONTON – On November 16, Rev. Dr. James Gimbel was installed as Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton. Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) West Regional Pastor, Rev. Robert Mohns, conducted the installation, while Rev. Scott Lyons, Chair of CLS’ Board of Regents, served as preacher. The seminary’s Interim President,
Rev. Dr. Joel Heck, served as liturgist, and fourth-year seminarian Connor Buck served as lector. Dr. Gimbel previously served as president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary since 2014, but announced his intention in 2022 to step down as president of the institution. The seminary extended a call to Dr. Gimbel to serve as Academic Dean and Professor of Theology during
a September meeting. Dr. Gimbel fills a vacancy left after Dr. John Hellwege accepted a call back into pastoral ministry at the end of the last academic year. Dr. Gimbel is transitioning toward a sabbatical in 2024, one year in advance of retirement.
CLTS prof contributes to theological encylopaedia ONLINE – Rev. Dr. John Stephenson has recently authored a new article for the St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology (SAET). Dr. Stephenson is Professor Emeritus with Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario. The article—“Sacrifice and the Eucharist”— provides an overview of how different Christian traditions have interpreted the Lord’s Supper
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
in relation to the subject of sacrifice. The SAET is a free online theological encyclopedia operated by St. Mary’s College at Scotland’s University of St Andrews, the third oldest English-language university in the world.
MEDIA MEDIA in in mission mission
Partnering with YOU in HIS mission! NEWS from Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada and Lutheran Hour Ministries. Partnering with YOU in HIS mission! NEWS from Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada and Lutheran Hour Ministries.
The beginning of this year helped shape our goals and increase our focus on year families, children, andgoals and The beginning of this helped shape our intergenerational increase our focusrelationships. on families, children, and intergenerational relationships.
Never Too Young Never Too Young To Serve The Lord Tonew Serve The Lord for us to see firsthand Each year provides an opportunity
the exciting things that the Laymen’s in Each new year provides an Lutheran opportunity for us toLeague see firsthand Nicaragua is doing in their communities and how they are the exciting things that the Lutheran Laymen’s League in supporting is thedoing Pastors and Deaconesses thehow more than 30 Nicaragua in their communitiesof and they are Lutheran in that country. of The team in than Nicaragua supportingcongregations the Pastors and Deaconesses the more 30 is called Cristo para todos las naciones (CPTLN) means Lutheran congregations in that country. The teamwhich in Nicaragua Christ forCristo all Nations. Once again, CPTLN (CPTLN) partnered withmeans is called para todos las naciones which Lutheran Church Canada’s Team Zion, visiting 5 of the 7 Christ for all Nations. Once again, CPTLN partnered with communities where Vacation Bible School was being held Lutheran Church - Canada’s Team Zion, visiting 5 of the 7 throughout the León and Chinandega regions. The theme communities where Vacation Bible School was being held of the week was “You never young to regions. serve theThe Lord” and of CPTLN throughout the are León and too Chinandega theme the Project Leader hadtoo theyoung children captivated with herCPTLN joy week was “YouClaren are never to serve the Lord” and and enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel.captivated The staff and volunteers Project Leader Claren had the children with her joy of CPTLN are a beautiful example of service for Jesus’ sake. and enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel. The staff and volunteers CPTLN hasare been workingexample with Team Zion forfor almost years and of CPTLN a beautiful of service Jesus’10sake. have helped CPTLN has been working with Team Zion for almost 10 years and build a strong have helped relationship between build a strong this Layperson led relationship between organization and this Layperson ledthe church workers organization andofthe the Lutheran Church church workers of in Nicaragua. the Lutheran Church in Nicaragua.
Still a Family Still a Family Tradition! Tradition! Early in the new year and with the
help matching grant Earlyof inathe new year and we with the launched a campaign to help help of a matching grant we increase financial of radio broadcasts launched support a campaign to help increase of The Lutheran across Canada. financial supportHour of radio broadcasts The Lutheran Hour the longest of The Lutheran Hourisacross Canada. running Christian radio broadcast The Lutheran Hour is the longest in the world, and it takes of hoursin running Christian radiolots broadcast and many hands to produce, the world, and it takes lots of place hours and it for radio. and program many hands toterrestrial produce, place Many of our listeners tell us that they and program it for terrestrial radio. began listening to the Lutheran Hour Many of our listeners tell us that they because their parent grandparent began listening to theor Lutheran Hour passed on the.parent tradition listening because their or of grandparent and sponsoring passed on the. tradition of listening the broadcast and sponsoring on local thetheir broadcast station. on their local Thanks station. to a supportive Thanks to a response we supportive were ablewe to response double the were able to granted double the amount granted and start theand amount year on start thea positive year on aslope.
positive slope. 1-800-555-6236 www.lll.ca THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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Instagram Instagram @lutheranlaymens leagueca @lutheranlaymens leagueca
Facebook Facebook @LutheranLaymens LeagueCanada @LutheranLaymens LeagueCanada @LutheranHour MinistriesCanada @LutheranHour MinistriesCanada @LHMCanadaFR @LHMCanadaFR
Website Website www.lll.ca www.lll.ca
YouTube YouTube bit.ly/LLLCYouTube bit.ly/LLLCYouTube
LLL Around the Globe LLL Around the Globe Over the last few years, Community Engagement Officer,
Aleta the Abraham has beenCommunity making theEngagement LLL website Officer, more user Over last few years, friendly and increasing our social media reach with heruser Aleta Abraham has been making the LLL website more creative use of the latestour trends and tools.reach Shortly after friendly and increasing social media with herLisa returned from visiting with our partners in Nicaragua creative use of the latest trends and tools. Shortly afterand Lisa the LCC mission in Costa Rica, returned from visiting with our Aleta partners in Nicaragua and flew across the ocean to share the LCC mission in Costa Rica,her Aleta skills and talents with Lutherans flew across the ocean to share herin Africa while her with husband, Pastor in Dan skills and talents Lutherans Abraham was teaching at the Lutheran Africa while her husband, Pastor Dan School of Theology. Aleta Abraham was teaching at did the some Lutheran design work for the Aleta school, creating School of Theology. did some plans for an altar to school, compliment the design work for the creating new and drawings Lutheran Hour Staff and Volunteers planssanctuary for an altar toprovided compliment the for new storage solutions while also new sanctuary and provided drawings Lutheran Hour Staff and Volunteers serving staff solutions and onsite missionaries in their day-to-day tasks. While on that continent, for new the storage while also Aleta also the opportunity to visit theinLutheran Hour Ministries teamon inthat Kenya and serving thehad staff and onsite missionaries their day-to-day tasks. While continent, took them our French translation of the LHM Lenten devotionals and some French Aleta also had the opportunity to visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries team in Kenya and booklets from LLL-Canada office. took them our our French translation of the LHM Lenten devotionals and some French booklets from our LLL-Canada office.
What a blessing and a privilege it was to experience what God is doing across the globe! I was grateful to be able to tag along with my husband Dan as he prepared student pastors to teach the Lutheran faith at LST. What a blessing and a privilege it was to experience what God is doing across the globe! I was grateful to There is a spiritual hunger in Africa and the need is great for solid theological teachers and pastors. We be able to tag along with my husband Dan as he prepared student pastors to teach the Lutheran faith at LST. enjoyed getting to know the students and staff as we did “life together”, meals, worship, devotions, chores, There is a spiritual hunger in Africa and the need is great for solid theological teachers and pastors. We etc. The French speaking students from Burundi were especially thankful for the LLL/LHM French language enjoyed getting to know the students and staff as we did “life together”, meals, worship, devotions, chores, materials that I brought along. On our last day in Kenya we spent some time visiting with our LHM team in etc. The French speaking students from Burundi were especially thankful for the LLL/LHM French language Nairobi. It was a wonderful time with our LHM ministry partners, learning about their specific ministry materials that I brought along. On our last day in Kenya we spent some time visiting with our LHM team in programs and bonding over the challenges and blessings of sharing the Gospel in our respective cultures. Nairobi. It was a wonderful time with our LHM ministry partners, learning about their specific ministry programs and bonding over the challenges and blessings of sharing the Gospel in our respective cultures.
Summer of Hope Summer of Hope LIVE WEBINARS LIVE WEBINARS
Call Call 1-800-555-6236 519-578-7420 1-800-555-6236 519-578-7420 * Group shot of one of our webinars, our neighbourhood map and some of our colouring contest entries * Group shot of one of our webinars, our neighbourhood map and some of our colouring contest entries
Find Usl UslAve 270 Find Lawrence Kitchener, ON N2M 1Y4 270 Lawrence Ave Kitchener, ON N2M 1Y4
Following a very fruitful board meeting in April, the LLL-C board and fruitful staff worked Following a very boardtogether meetingto indesign April, The the Hopeful Neighbourhood Map and got working on the LLL-C board and staff worked together to design The Summer of Hope project. Incorporating resources Hopeful Neighbourhood Map and got working on the from the Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Spiritual Summer of Hope project. Incorporating resources Conversation Curve and Hopeful Neighborhood from the Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Spiritual programs (and adding some purely Canadian flavour) Conversation Curve and Hopeful Neighborhood we offered three interactive learning sessions. There programs (and adding some purely Canadian flavour) wasoffered an open invitation for anyone to join us online, we three interactive learning sessions. There whether they could take part in just one or all three was an open invitation for anyone to join us online, sessions were excited to just connect with whether and theywe could take part in one or all people three from all across Together, we encouraged one sessions and weCanada. were excited to connect with people another through the sharing of ideas as we talked from all across Canada. Together, we encouraged one about how we can pray, care,of and engage another through the sharing ideas as weour talked neighbours in can pray, care, and engage our about how we intentional neighbours in conversations intentional that could lead conversations to faith sharing. that could lead to faith sharing.
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Engaging the Young and the Young at Heart The question we are asked most often is “What are you doing to engage the young people?” and one way we keep this a priority is to always ask ourselves how we can incorporate a youth component into each project and product we work on. For example, part of our Summer of Hope project included a children’s colouring contest that welcomed submissions from as far away as England! The Kid’s Lectionary Learning has continued to spread and is being used across Canada and in several congregations in the U.S. as well. We are told that children are using the activity pages to connect with the readings spoken in Worship Services, while the accompanying Teaching Supplement is providing support for Sunday Schools, parents and grandparents and even plays a role in adult study at some churches. We are so grateful for this opportunity to connect with Pastors, Teachers, Lay leaders, parents and grandparents as it provides us with another avenue for dialogue and understanding the needs of those whom we serve.
It was encouraging and exciting to hear about how Christians are engaging with their communities and finding ways to introduce conversations about faith with people they live with, work with, or spend recreational time with. The Holy Spirit is working in people in ways we could not have imagined, and we are humbled by their quiet, bold, and beautiful ways.
* pictures from LLL’s “We Love Our Neighbourhood” day.
We continue to send out The Illuminated Catechism as a gift for newly confirmed students while some churches choose to use it as a companion study tool during Confirmation classes. The French version of The Illuminated Catechism, which is only available through us at LLL Canada, is reaching French speaking Christians all around the globe. As many French speakers emigrate from their birth countries, they are making their way into churches, looking for hope and connection in different parts of the world, and The Illuminated Catechism is proving to be an approachable way to introduce them to the Lutheran faith. We aren’t the only ones experiencing this kind of opportunity as we recently had an inquiry for our resources from a church in Australia that has also been experiencing an influx of French speaking newcomers to their community.
In May we were able to view the beautiful cherry blossoms of Vancouver while visiting with Young Adults from the lower mainland. Led by church worker Samantha Neeb, twenty- four people attended the retreat with sessions that reflected on the theme of “Walking in the Light” based on Ephesians 5:8. Lisa presented at the retreat on the LHM materials from “Discover Your Gifts.” The materials were then used on Sunday morning, before the worship service, when attendees broke into small groups based on their top gifts as identified by the EveryGift™ Inventory to spend time in conversation with others about how their gifts could be used at work, school, church, and in their communities. Over the July long weekend we saw another part of God's beautiful creation when Lisa drove down the Okonagan valley to Grand Forks BC for the highly anticipated and first ever IMPACT youth gathering. There were youth in attendance from four provinces (including a fellow Ontarian) who were there to learn about how God has made an incredible impact in their lives. The theme paired well with our Hopeful Neighbourhood and Gifted for More resources as they reflected on how they too can impact their congregations, families, friend groups, and communities around them. We are filled with hope about what #youngoldlutherans can do to serve their local church and the mission fields in Canada and throughout the world.
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023PAGE 3
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Multilingual Lutheran Resources
We have been translating Lutheran Hour Ministries resources into French and Chinese for a few decades already and that has prepared us for the changing faces in the pews of churches across Canada. While statistics Canada says that the number of people who self-identify as Christians is dropping, we are hearing stories every week from churches across Canada where people are coming in off the street, looking for a conservative Christian view, and making our Lutheran churches their home. We’ve had requests for resources in languages we have never heard before and some familiar ones too. As we were preparing the Lutheran Hour Ministries Advent Devotions and our LLL Canada Mid-week family devotional for distribution in Canada we were asked by a team that was heading to Bolivia on a returning mission trip for Spanish materials. Normally we leave the Spanish work to our neighbours South of the border, but the team wasn’t finding the right combination of content for a Pastor who was introducing the men in his community to devotional leadership in their families. So, with the help of some friends in Costa Rica we shifted priorities and got to work preparing and translating our Advent Family devotional to Spanish just in time for it to be taken to Bolivia. This allowed us another opportunity to support the Lutheran Church in Nicaragua and our CPTLN partners. Pastor Joel Kuhl and Pastor Brian Dunlop were heading to Nicaragua in early November to teach at the mission center, and they took along the newly produced devotional to distribute to the Pastors, Deaconesses and staff at the mission center as well as the CPTLN team, providing them with a resource for their own devotional life.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you provide to us with your gifts and prayers!
LLL Board at AGM Winnipeg
In November we held our Annual General Meeting at St. James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg MB. We also had a great turnout online and welcomed two newly elected board members: Rev. John Makey of Port Colborne On, and Brenda Reimer of Leduc AB. At the same time, we also had to say goodbye to Joel Haberstock of Vernon BC who had completed the maximum two terms, most recently as Board President. Stephen Braaten of Regina Saskatchewan moved into the role of President by acclamation. We are blessed with a diverse board of directors who guide us in careful stewardship while encouraging brave and bold actions as we work toward our vision of a Canada filled with Christians who are fully equipped to share the hope they have in Jesus. Together with the board we are gearing up for a busy new year, with plans that will open doors for young individuals to explore how they can serve, learn about the different ways churches are reaching out in their communities, and share the Gospel! We are excited to work with you and provide mentoring opportunities that will support the next generation of missional leaders to serve the church both in Canada and internationally.
LLL Canada’s mission is to assist in the proclamation of the Gospel by creating, distributing and promoting resources through various media and equipping Christians for outreach. Board of Directors: President, Stephen Braaten, Regina, SK; Treasurer, Brenda Reimer, Leduc County, AB; Secretary, Helga Danielson, Spruce Grove, AB; Directors: Brian Wardle, Kitchener, ON; Ken Schoepp, Surrey, BC; Rev. Mark Danielson, Spruce Grove, AB; Jane Jacob, London, ON; Rev. John Makey, Port Colborne, ON; Pastor Keith Haberstock (pastoral advisor), Fort MacMurray, AB Staff: Director, Lisa Jackson, Waterloo, ON; Community Engagement Officer, Aleta Abraham, Simcoe, ON; Henrietta Schafer, Gifts Coordinator, Kitchener, ON; Philippe Morel, French Ministry Support, Montreal, QC; Sandy Timm, Bookkeeper, Regina, SK; Andrew Jackson, Volunteer Tech Support, Waterloo, ON; Amelia Hatzitolios, Partner Artist, Barrie, ON Media in Mission is published by Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada, provider of Lutheran Hour Ministries resources.
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IN MEMORIUM
Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Leonard Brotherton passed away peacefully into the arms of the Heavenly Father on January 20, 2023, at the age of 84. Born on April 5, 1938, Rev. Brotherton grew up in the Riverside community of Calgary. At the age of 15, he left Calgary to attend high school and college at Concordia College in Edmonton. There he met his future wife, Sheila Quigley, whom he married in 1959. They spent 64 years together, raising three children who have gone on to have families of their own. For the first twenty years of his career, Rev. Brotherton worked in banking, finance, and real estate. Towards the end of the 1970s, he began to pursue pastoral ministry, obtaining a Bachelor of Theology from the University of Saskatchewan. He was ordained in 1985. Rev. Brotherton served in Wapella, Saskatchewan, followed by a call to Davidson, Saskatchewan. In the 1990s, he and his wife moved back to Alberta with stops in Standard, Wetaskiwin, and finally Red Deer. Even after his retirement, Rev. Brotherton remained an active and faithful servant of Christ right up until is passing. He acted as an interim pastor for many congregations throughout Central Alberta, most recently Lacombe and Sylvan Lake. Even though he found being a pastor very satisfying, Rev. Brotherton never lost the entrepreneurial spirit
that led him to sell newspapers in downtown Calgary as an eight-year old. He tried his hand at several business ventures over his career and during retirement, including residential construction, a service station, a restaurant and bar, purebred cattle, and stock market investing. R e v. B r o t h e r t o n w a s v e r y interested in sports and excelled in basketball. He was also keenly interested in family genealogy. He is survived by his wife Sheila; son Mark (Rebecca); daughter Kelly and her family; son David (Heather); and many grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother Alvine (Alice), stepfather William (Sammy), brothers Gordon and Leon, and great granddaughter Brooklyn. A memorial service was for Rev. Brotherton was held February 21 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran in Red Deer, Alberta. Those wishing to remember Rev. Brotherton with a gift were encouraged to donate to a local children’s charity of their choice.
Rev. Donald Arthur Koch was blessed with a holy death on April 13, 2023, as he was taken home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead. Rev. Koch was born on February 28, 1934, near Shellmouth, Manitoba. On July 24, 1960, he was ordained a pastor in The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod. As a pastor, he served Zion Lutheran in Melville, Saskatchewan (1960-76); St. Peter’s in Port Colborne, Ontario (1976-78); and Grace in Regina (1978-2001). After a brief time in the Ukraine (2002) where he ministered through an interpreter, he served as vacancy pastor for 13 months at Mount Olive in Regina (2002-03), and then for 17 years at Living Christ in Lipton, Saskatchewan (2004-22), until the congregation became too small to continue and closed. He is predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Maria, and his two brothers, Clarence and Norman. He will be missed dearly by his wife of 59 years, Marguerite, who incorporated into his ministry the gift of music through her love for it; son David; daughter Kim (David) Coleman and their children; and daughter Tracy (Keith) Christman and their children. A funeral service was held for Rev. Koch on May 5, 2023, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina. Those wishing to make a gift in remembrance of Rev. Koch were encouraged to make a donation to Mount Olive’s memorial fund or to Lutheran Church–Canada’s Ukraine Aid Fund.
Rev. Wilbur Leonard Koehler fell asleep in Jesus on November 7, 2023, at the age of 93. Rev. Koehler was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn J. Koehler
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
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(née Tashler); parents, Leonard and Fannie Koehler; and brothers, Frederick, Edward, and Richard. He is survived by his five children, Kathryn (Richard); Mark (Barbara); Joel (Jane); Kristi; and Kelly (Tom); as well as by twenty-three grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Rev. Koehler read his Bible every day, just like he promised his mother. He curled, loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Toronto Blue Jays. As a pastor, Rev. Koehler served Faith Lutheran in Surrey, B.C. (1955-1968) and Prince of Peace in Burlington, Ontario (1968-1995). The family expressed gratefulness for the care of St. Joseph’s Home Care and Bayshore PSWs. A funeral service for Rev. Koehler was held on November 14 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Ontario. Those wishing to make a gift in memory of Rev. Koehler were encouraged to donate to Pilgrim Lutheran Church and Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Rev. Darryl Richard Stefanik was carried to heaven in the arms of God on October 6, 2023. Born on February 19, 1958, Rev. Stefanik was a loving and dedicated husband to Cornelia for 44 years; father to Anastasia (Brett) and FranzPaul (Nechelle); and Pops to Bauer, Beckam, Beau, Jaxon, and Xander.
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Rev. Stefanik faithfully served as pastor and shepherd to the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Snyder, Ontario for 26 years and four months, until his retirement in 2021. His interests and hobbies extended to the arts, theatre, tapdancing, and mastering the culinary arts. He will be remembered by many as “Pastor” or “Darryl” or “Pops,” but above all just for being Darryl, a child of God. A funeral service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Niagara on the Lake on October 15. Those wishing to make a gift in memory of Rev. Stefanik were encouraged to make a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Rev. Cameron Ward Stewart passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, at the age of 80, due to complications from amyloidosis. Born on February 14, 1943, in Upper Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, Ward (as he was known to all) was the second of seven children born to Freda and Owen Stewart. The Stewarts later moved to Lloydminster where their family continued to grow. Rev. Stewart met the love of his life, Darlene, at a nursing school social in January 1963. They began a whirlwind romance in February, before marrying in April of that year.
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN November/December 2023
Rev. Stewart worked in several occupations in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan before following his true calling at the age of 40 years and entering into Lutheran seminary. He attended seminary from 1983-1987, first in Saskatoon and then in Edmonton. He went on to complete a Master of Divinity degree. Rev. Stewart served at First Lutheran Church in Lloydminster (1987-1990) before accepting a call to Holy Lutheran Church in Saskatoon, where he remained for sixteen years until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, Rev. Stewart and Darlene spent ten years travelling across Canada and the United States in their motorhome. Thereafter, they divided their time between their home in Scotch Creek, B.C. and their home in Playa del Carmen, and later Merida, Mexico. After retirement, Rev. Stewart continued to provide counsel and officiate at services in Salmon Arm, B.C. He also worked at a dog rescue in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Rev. Stewart was predeceased by his father Owen and mother Freda. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene; daughter Lindsey (Chris) Escott; son David (Heather) Stewart; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren; as well as by brothers and sisters; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service was held September 9 at Hainstock’s Funeral Home in Edmonton. Those wishing to make a gift in memory of Rev. Stewart were encouraged to make a donation to Canadian Lutheran World relief or the Cross Cancer Institute.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!” - Revelation 14:13
TRANSITIONS
CANADIANLUTHERAN.CA/CALLS-TRANSITIONS
Rev. Jack Hetzel (Grace, Oshawa, ON) accepted a call to St. Peter’s (Stratford, ON).
CLASSIFIEDS
SHARING
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Have you considered sharing a portion of the blessings God has shared with you?
For a f ree seminar on how you can utilize your tax dollars as a gift to the church, contact:
www.lutheranfoundation.ca
Jackfish Lutheran Bible Camp (just outside of Roblin, Manitoba) is searching for a camp director. The position would start July 2, 2024, or earlier if possible and would last until July 27. The position would be to oversee the organization and activities of camp, and supervise the counsellors. For a more detailed job description or for more information, please contact Al Marshall at abmarshall3 @gmail.com or Wendy Lutz at awlutz@sasktel.net.
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advertiSe with us The Canadian Lutheran sells advertising space to offset the cost of printing and shipping the magazine to subscribers. For more information, please contact:
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PRESIDENT’S PONDERINGS
SOUND THEOLOGY by president timothy teuscher
“U
nto you is born a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). That is the good news the shepherds heard from the angel concerning the “baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (2:12)… and what we still hear today in our celebration of Christmas. “You are My beloved Son” (Mark 1:9). That is what the people heard from the voice which came from heaven when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River… and what we also hear today at the beginning of the Epiphany season. This is most significant; for as St. Paul writes: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:14-15, 17). These words led Martin Luther to make an insightful statement: “The ear is the organ of faith.” Now, the dictionary basically has a twofold definition of the word ‘sound.’ First, that which is solid, firm, reliable, true; and second, that which is perceived by the sense of hearing, an auditory impression. For this reason, what is proclaimed and taught and sung in our congregations must not only be sound theology—that is, based on God’s inspired and inerrant Word. But it is also to be that which is orally proclaimed and heard with our “ears” (even if “heard” via sign-language and other means for those who are hearing impaired). Think of the five senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste. Hearing is the most passive of all. While we can close our eyes, withdraw our hand, hold our nose, or keep our mouth closed; the ear is different. It simply receives that which comes its way. And when our other senses come first? Well, then our faith and teaching will not be sound or true. This is what caused Thomas to doubt what he heard from the other disciples concerning Jesus’ resurrection. “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails,” he replied, “and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). And do you remember what Jesus said to him eight days later? “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN | November/December 2023
have believed” (20:29)... believed, that is, through the hearing of the Word of Christ. So, too, when it comes to the Lord’s Supper. What we see and taste and touch and smell are just ordinary wine and common bread. This has led many a person and many a church to conclude and teach that the bread and wine are nothing more than symbols or reminders of Jesus’ body and blood—unsound theology so to speak. But when we first and foremost hear the words of Jesus, “This is my body.... This is my blood” (Matthew 26:26, 28), then we are led to believe and teach: “It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine” (Small Catechism VI.2). Now, to be sure, what we hear is not always sound theology. The world around us is full of noise, what Ambrose Bierce once called ‘a stench in the ear.’ This is especially so when it comes to spiritual matters. The devil, after all, would fill our ears with lies and unsound theology, just as he did in the beginning with our first parents, saying to them: “Did God actually say?” (Genesis 3:1). So, too, God says concerning false teachers: “I am against the prophets... who use their tongues... and lead My people astray by their lies” (Jeremiah 23:31-32). That is why the Scriptures are replete with a constant exhortation and admonition to hear only the Word of the Lord. For instance: “Incline your ear and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3). And again: “Whoever is of God, hears the words of God” (John 8:47). And further: “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). In short, the Bible was written in order to be ‘read’ with our ears. And what better New Year’s resolution for each one of us than the words of the hymn: “Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through Your Word to me draw near; Let me Your Word e’er pure retain; Let me Your child and heir remain” (LSB 908:1). Sound theology to remember.
CONSIDERING CHURCH WORK?
Contact LCC’s seminaries today. Concordia Lutheran Seminary
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary
Edmonton, Alberta
St. Catharines, Ontario
Web: www.concordiasem.ab.ca Email: info@concordiasem.ab.ca Phone: 1-780-474-1468
Web: www.concordia-seminary.ca Email: reception@concordia-seminary.ca Phone: 1-905-688-2362
We've all likely heard the familiar refrain: “We need more young people in the church!” It seems fitting, then, to talk to the young people who are in the pews to learn more about why they're sitting there in the first place. This new project will explore the stories of the faithful young people in Lutheran Church–Canada congregations, and the one true faith that binds us all together— young and old—as one body under Christ! Submissions: communications@lutheranchurch.ca
ARI (AGE 17) ST. MATTHEW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH (ROBLIN, MB)
KEVIN LEE (AGE 26) REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH (WATERLOO, ON)
“I am 17 years old and I have been a member at St. Matthew's in Roblin since August 2021. One of my favourite things about being Lutheran is the rich hymnody. Each hymn is a sermon in a nutshell. I often find myself humming them throughout the week. My favourite hymns are usually the older ones with medieval harmonies (like “We All Believe in One True God”). As you can guess, I love music, especially accordion, which is a little uncommon for someone my age. After high school, I want to study music with my brother at university. After that, we plan to attend seminary together.”
“Being a ‘cradle Lutheran’, and given my lifelong love of music, I have always appreciated the church’s historic liturgy and Lutheran hymnody. However, it wasn’t until I was attending University that I came to realize what a treasure these are. In many denominations, weak theology has led to the replacing of hymns which proclaim the truths of Scripture with songs in the ‘Jesus is my boyfriend’ genre and sentimentalized holiday songs with little substance. The historic liturgy is often deemed irrelevant, and worship has more in common with a pop concert than worshiping the awe-full God who made heaven and earth. Orthodox Lutheranism holds God’s Word above all else. In the Divine Service, God comes to us in Word and Sacrament, bringing us life and salvation in the forgiveness of our sins. We worship in reverence Him who became man and died on a cross for the sins of the world. We join with the saints of all time and places, praising Him with hymns that proclaim His work of salvation, call on our heavenly Father as dear children, and give us comfort in times of trouble. Soli Deo Gloria!”
