A House of Prayer March/April 2024

of Prayer

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ACROSS

4.

Decorative paper used as a place setting.

6.

7.

Narratives about people and events. Exploration of the stories in the Bible.

8. 9.

Creative activities where you make things with your hands.

Where church announcements can be found.

A way to keep track of the date.

10. A way to communicate with God. A sheet of outlined art which you fill in with colours. Recording of moving images with sound.

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1. 2. 3. 5.

Crosswords, word scrambles and word searches.

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A HOUSE OF PRAYER

by mathew block

In his Gospel, St. Matthew tells us that the death of Christ was accompanied by a series of miracles: unnatural darkness (27:45); an earthquake (27:51); and even a number of dead people who were brought back to life (27:52). But amidst these great signs, there is one that on the surface seems much less impressive: a curtain torn in two (27:51).

Of course, there is more going on here than just the tearing of fabric. The Temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled in a powerful way, from the rest of the building. Only the high priest could enter into this place, and then only once a year to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16). But through Jesus’ death, this dividing curtain is torn down. Through Christ, we may enter in to the presence of God directly. He no longer restricts His presence to the Temple, but comes out to be with us where we are.

This fulfills Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman, when He told her that a time was coming when the worship of God would no longer be restricted to Jerusalem but that the people of God would instead worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:2124). Indeed, the Temple in Jerusalem would soon be destroyed—and not for the first time.

But this “house of prayer for all nations”—as Jesus and the prophets called the Temple (e.g., Matthew 21:13)—was not destroyed. It was transfigured. No longer restricted to Jerusalem, this house of prayer is erected anew every time Christians gather together in Jesus’ name. “For where two or three are gathered in my

name,” Jesus promised, “there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).

That promise gives us courage to sing and pray to God in all circumstances, trusting that He is always with us. Remember the trials Paul and Silas faced in Philippi: they were beaten and thrown into prison. And yet even there they spent their time “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). Even there—with bruises fresh and their feet fastened in stocks—they entered into the house of prayer and found God very much at home.

That mobile home of prayer is with us too, wherever we may go. Like the Tabernacle, which accompanied the Israelites through the wilderness, the house of prayer goes with God’s people everywhere—into our homes when we spend time in devotions, into coffee shops when Christian friends talk and pray together, into cars and buses and streets as we pray for the people we meet in daily life.

And this house of prayer is with us most clearly and powerfully in the corporate life of the Church—when Christians across the world gather together in their local congregations to receive God’s good gifts in Word and Sacrament, pouring out their worship and praise in return. Though separated by distance, language, and culture, Christians throughout the world are all made one in Christ (Galatians 3:28), and through Him we truly become “a house of prayer for all nations.”

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has freed us from sin and made us members of His own household. “For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father,” St. Paul

explains, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18-22).

St. Peter says the same. Together, we “like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). With great and undeserved love, Jesus saves us and builds us up into an everlasting temple of the Lord. And we in thanks freely offer back our prayer and praise to the God of our salvation.

In this issue, we meditate on the prayer and praise which spring forth in Christ’s Church. Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser invites us to look at the Lord’s Prayer from a new perspective (page six). We meditate on a classic examination of prayer written by the great Lutheran theologian Johann Gerhard (page nine). And Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger reflects on the 500th anniversary of the publication of the first Lutheran hymnal (page twelve).

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us all one through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Establish Him as our solid foundation, and send Your Holy Spirit to build us up ever more into Your holy temple. And teach us to “pray, praise, and give thanks” in all circumstances, in thanks for Your great mercy. Amen.

Looking at The Lord's Prayer Another Way

by John Kreutzwieser

“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘When you pray, say:…” (Luke 11:1-2)

It was typical during the time of Jesus for rabbis to develop short statements and poetic psalms that would be memorised by their students for daily prayer and reflection.

As a first century Jewish child, Jesus grew up with Hebrew poetry and prayers, learned from Scripture (e.g., in the Psalms) and from local rabbis. Hebrew and Aramaic poetry employ a different structure from many English poems. “Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow; And everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to ____.” Most can fill in the blank without much thought. We are familiar with poems and prayers which are governed by rhyme and metre. Many of our church hymns make use of rhyming words and have a specific metre. (Just have a look at any hymnal.)

Hebrew poetry is dissimilar. It is structured most often by couplets. A couplet is two successive lines of verse forming a unit. The basic Hebrew poetic unit is thoughtbased. Thought-based couplets introduce the concept in the first line, then the second line completes the thought, repeats the thought in different words, or contrasts the thought. Many of the Psalms and sayings in Proverbs are written this way.

“Lord, teach us to pray,” was a request by the disciples for a prayer that could be easily memorised, used each day, and passed on to others who would be followers of the rabbi. For

these purposes, Jesus taught them a short prayer which reflects the pattern of Hebrew poetry, using four couplets. These couplets gave a summary of His teachings and supported faith in God. We know these poetic verses as the Lord’s Prayer.

The English translation of the Lord’s Prayer is not arranged in the way many English poems rhyme, so it is easy to miss the poetic form of the prayer Jesus gave to His disciples. Many Lutherans are so acquainted with Martin Luther’s catechetical way of thinking of the Lord’s Prayer that one may not recognize the couplet units. The Small Catechism gives an excellent way of understanding the prayer Jesus taught His disciples from a theological perspective. Martin Luther offered an outline composed of an Introduction, seven Petitions (things asked for), and a Conclusion. But there are other useful ways of looking at the Lord’s Prayer; so let’s take a look at its poetic structure.

THE FIRST COUPLET

Our Father who art in heaven / Hallowed be Thy name

The first line introduces the God who dwells in the spiritual realm and desires to be known as a Father to us. The second line completes the thought that this Father may be known by all in the world.

From the Bible we know this Father, to whom we pray, is the holy, almighty, merciful God. Jesus often addressed prayers to His Father in heaven. It is a prayer of the Church that all people in the world would come to hallow the name of the Holy Trinity and worship Him as Lord. We recognize that

Study of an Old Man with Clasped Hands: Jacob Jordaens, c. 1621.

our heavenly Father delights in giving gifts to His children. The Father, with the Son, sends the Spirit into the hearts of people to create faith, keeps us connected with Christ, and guides lives by his precious Word and Sacrament. It is our goal that all on earth would also recognize this credo.

God, may You always be known in my life, and the life of all Your children, and eventually by all people in the world.

THE SECOND COUPLET

Thy kingdom come / Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

The first line introduces the kingdom of God in which His will is done. The second line finishes the couplet with the prayer that God’s will be done by all people.

We learn from the Scriptures that God’s kingdom is His loving rule over people, centred in Word and Sacrament. The kingdom comes when God’s gifts, primarily received in the Divine Service, encounter our lives. We pray that all people would have the craving to gather around Word and Sacrament, for only by the coming of the kingdom of God can His will be done.

God, may Your Word and Sacrament, Your kingdom, continually enter my life, and may all people desire Your gifts, so that Your will may be done by all on earth.

God, provide me with all I need for this life so that I may share forgiveness with my family, my neighbours, and my world.

THE FINAL COUPLET

Lead us not into temptation / But deliver us from evil

The first line introduces the thought that the ‘stuff of life’ can lure us away from God. The second line completes the couplet, acknowledging that we need help against the evil forces that would lead us to despondency by having too little or be tempted away from God by having too much.

The Bible informs us that the Devil and all evil forces lie behind the powers which lead us away from living as God’s people. Temptation by evil and the world can easily draw us away from God. We have misery when we seem to lack the stuff we desire, and we are often drawn away from God when there is an abundance of things. In one sense, then, we are here praying that the Father does not give too little, nor too much, because either extreme can affect our relationship with God in a negative way.

We believe that the King of Heaven has the power to accomplish our petitions. And for that, we give Him all glory.

THE THIRD COUPLET

Give us this day our daily bread / And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

The first line introduces the request for daily sustenance from God. The second line completes the thought that we need these things for a life filled with forgiveness from God leading us to be people of forgiveness.

From the Word of God, we discover that our Father in heaven is the provider of all things in creation. These daily gifts of God are given for life to exist in God’s ways. This life on earth is to be centred around forgiveness to one another. We first need God’s forgiveness to be people of forgiveness. The Father provides the things of daily life, so people of forgiveness can live out lives of mercy and compassion in a meaningful existence.

God, help me keep a right perspective on Your blessings in life so that I do not despair of life nor be consumed by things.

These four couplets were given to be memorised and used every day by the followers of the Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth. As priests of the Holy One, we are also called to daily pray these poetic verses for ourselves and for the people of this world.

I have found great benefit in praying the Lord’s Prayer with the four couplets in mind. It presents an interesting way to reflect on the poem Jesus delivered to His disciples for their daily use.

We believe that the King of Heaven has the power to accomplish our petitions. And for that, we give Him all glory. Amen.

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is pastor emeritus of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. In the next months, The Canadian Lutheran will be publishing online articles that go into greater detail on each of the four couplets of the Lord’s Prayer and which can be used for personal or congregational study.

It is a mark of great favour on the part of God that He desires the godly to approach Him in prayer in a spirit of familiar friendship. He gives us the desire to pray, and likewise makes our prayers effective. Great indeed is the power of prayer, which though it is offered upon earth is effective in heaven. The prayer of a righteous man is the key to the treasury of heaven; the request ascends to heaven, and the answer of pardon and peace descends from God.

Prayer is like a shield of safety for believers, quenching all the darts of the adversary (Ephesians 6:16). When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:11); and if you hold up your hands towards heaven in prayer, Satan shall not prevail against you. As a massive wall resists and opposes the advance of an enemy, so is the holy wrath of God averted by the prayers of His saints.

The Power of Prayer

by Johann Gerhard

God, unasked, has given us the most excellent gift He had to bestow, even His own Son! What then will He not give us when we beg at His throne?

Our Saviour Himself prayed, not for the supply of His own needs but to teach us the worth and dignity of prayer. Prayer is a mark of subjugation, because God bids us offer prayers to Him daily as a sort of spiritual tribute to Him. It is a ladder by which we ascend to heaven, for prayer is nothing else than the drawing near of our minds to God. It is a shield of defence, because the soul that lives daily in a spirit of prayer is secure from the insults of devils.

Prayer is a faithful messenger we send to the throne of God, to call Him to our aid in time of need. This messenger is never thwarted in His mission, for God always hears us when we pray—if not always according to our desires yet still according to our profit and salvation. We may without doubt hope for one of two things: either that God will give us just what we ask for, or that He will grant us that which He knows is more profitable for us. God, unasked,

Engraving of Johann Gerhard, printed by Peter Troschel, c. 1650, alt.

has given us the most excellent gift He had to bestow, even His own Son! What then will He not give us when we beg at His throne?

We must not doubt either God’s readiness to hear our prayers nor our Saviour’s active intercession on our behalf. Under any and all circumstances, you may, like Moses, enter the tabernacle to take counsel with the Lord in prayer—and quickly will you hear the divine response. When Christ prayed, He was transfigured; and so prayer transforms and transfigures our souls. For prayer is as a light to the soul, and very frequently leaves it exulting with joy which it first found cast down in despair.

How can you look upon the sun unless you have first adored Him who gives you its beneficial light? How can you enjoy the bounties of your table unless you have first given thanks to Him who so abundantly supplies the good things of life? With what hope can you resign yourself to the slumbers of night if you have not first fortified yourself with prayer? What fruit can you expect from your labours if you do not first invoke the blessing of God upon them, without whom all labour must be fruitless?

If, therefore, you desire spiritual or temporal gifts, ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). If you desire Christ, seek Him in prayer and you shall find Him. If you desire the door of divine grace and eternal salvation be opened, knock through prayer, and it shall be opened to you. If in your pilgrimage through this wild world you are afflicted with spiritual thirst through temptation and a lack of spiritual blessings, come in devotion to the spiritual Rock—that is, Christ—and strike it with the rod of prayer. Streams of divine grace shall flow forth to quench your thirst and supply your need.

Do you wish to offer a pleasing sacrifice to God? Offer prayer. The Lord will perceive the sweet odor of your sacrifice and His wrath shall recede. Would you hold constant dialogue with God? Take delight in prayer, for this is spiritual conversation between God and the devout soul. Would you

pray wisely, ardently, perseveringly, and

taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:9)? Then urge the Lord by prayer to take up His abode in your heart.

Prayer is pleasing to God but only when offered in His appointed way. If, therefore, you would be heard in prayer, pray wisely, ardently, humbly, faithfully, perseveringly, and confidently. Pray wisely, that is, for those things that may be for the glory of God and for the salvation of your fellow men. God is almighty; therefore, do not strive in your prayer to limit or restrict His power. He is all-wise; do not then prescribe any set way by which your prayer should be answered. Do not be rash or presumptuous in your prayers but let them issue from a heart full of faith. Faith, however, has due regard for the Divine Word. What God promises absolutely in His Word, that you may pray for absolutely. But what He promises conditionally— for example, temporal blessings—these you should pray for conditionally. And what He has not promised at all you should in no way pray for you; often God gives us in holy anger what in mercy He denies us.

Pray humbly, in your own merit in the grace one can do that pleasing to God Christ. And no acceptably except name of Christ upon His

Pray ardently. For how can you ask God to hear you, when you do not even listen to yourself? Would you have God be mindful of you when you are not even mindful of yourself? When you would pray, then, enter your room and close the door (Matthew 6:6). Your heart is that room, into which you should enter if you would pray rightly. You

humbly, faithfully, and confidently...

must close the door so that distracting thoughts of worldly affairs do not enter in to disturb you.

There are no voices that will reach the ears of God except the deep emotions of the soul; the mind ought to be so stirred by the passion of our meditations, that it far exceeds what the tongue expresses. This is to pray in spirit and in truth (John 4:23) as our Lord requires. Christ prayed on a mountain (Luke 6:12), and lifted up His eyes to heaven (John 17:1), and so we ought to turn our minds away from created things and direct them to God. You do God an injury if you ask Him to pay attention to your prayers when you do not even pay attention yourself.

trusting not merit but only of God.... No that which is God except in no one can pray except in the Christ and relying His merit.

We can pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) if we pray in the spirit, so that at least our mind is always watchful to God in holy desires. It is not necessary that we should supplicate God with loud cries, because as He dwells in the hearts of the godly, He hears the very sighs of our hearts. Nor do we need to multiply words in our prayers; for He knows our thoughts. Sometimes a single groan under the impulse of the Spirit of God offered up in the power of that Spirit is more pleasing to God than a long and tedious repetition of prayers, where the tongue speaks but the heart is altogether silent.

Pray humbly, trusting not in your own merit but only in the grace of God. If our prayers are offered

relying on our own worthiness, they are condemned in God’s sight—even if in the passion of devotion our hearts were to sweat blood! No one can do that which is pleasing to God except in Christ. And no one can pray acceptably except in the name of Christ and relying upon His merit. No sacrifices were acceptable to God except those offered on the altar of God’s appointed tabernacle alone (Deuteronomy 12:5). And no prayer can be acceptable to God except on the altar which He appointed: Jesus Christ.

The Lord promised to hear the prayers of Israel if they prayed with their faces turned toward Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:44). So in our prayers, let us turn ourselves towards Christ, who is indeed the temple of the Godhead (John 2:19,21). When Christ prayed in Gethsemane, He cast Himself down upon the ground (Mark 14:35); behold how that most holy soul humbles Himself in the presence of the divine majesty!

Pray faithfully, so that you may rightly bear deprivation of every joy and patiently endure every chastisement. The sooner we pray, the better for us. The more frequently we offer up our devotions, the more profitable will it be. The more fervently we approach God, the more acceptable shall our prayers be to Him.

Pray perseveringly, because when God delays the answer, He is not always denying us but sometimes simply commending His gifts; and those gifts that we have desired for a long time we relish more keenly when we finally obtain them. Pray confidently, asking truly in faith and not wavering.

O most merciful, indulgent God, who has bidden us to come to You in prayer, help us to pray acceptably unto You!

Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) was a prominent Lutheran theologian who in 1606 published a popular devotional book entitled Sacred Meditations. The article above is Meditation 24, and is lightly updated from C.W. Heisler’s 1896 translation.

Engraving of praying hands (after Albrecht Dürer, c. 1508), alt.

Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice!

Celebrating the Birth of Lutheran Hymnals

by Thomas M. Winger

The genius of Lutheranism is our clear teaching of justification by grace through faith in Christ alone. But the joy of Lutheranism is our hymns! This year, as part of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation celebrations, we remember the first Lutheran hymnals, published in 1524.

Hymn-singing has been part of God’s worship since the Old Testament. The book of Psalms is a hymnal within the Bible. The Psalms were used in Temple and Synagogue services, and naturally remained part of early Christian worship. St. Paul called for Christians to “be filled up in the Spirit, speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and songs of the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18-19). These “hymns and songs” may have included biblical canticles, such as we find in Luke 1-2 and sing in Matins and Vespers. But

it’s likely that the early Christians also expressed their faith in hymns of their own making.

Hymnody flourished for centuries, particularly in monasteries; but, sadly, there was little congregational hymn-singing in the chief Sunday service by the high Middle Ages. German hymns existed but were usually sung in processions and festivals rather than in church. Early Lutherans saw an opportunity to spread the Gospel by reviving congregational song. Luther seems to have got the idea from the popular practice of news ballads. Singers would put the news into rhyme and sing it to the people in town squares and inns, then print up the song on a broadsheet to post. In 1523, Luther imitated them by writing a sober tribute to two followers who had been martyred in Brussels. His ballad, “A New Song We Now

Begin”, wasn’t really a hymn, but it sparked the brilliant idea of spreading the good news of the Gospel through song. In the preface to an early hymnal, he wrote: “I… have with the help of others compiled several hymns, so that the holy Gospel which now by the grace of God has risen anew may be set forth and given free course” (LW 53:316).

In the years 1523-26, Luther threw all his energy into reforming worship. In his revision of the Latin mass (1523), he called for vernacular songs for the people to sing between the Epistle and Gospel (the Hymn of the Day) and during Communion distribution. He encouraged poets and musicians to find a unique German way to match words to music. Luther accepted his own challenge and wrote 24 of his lifetime output of 36 hymns in just one year! In his German Mass (1526), he added the idea of singing the major texts of the liturgy in hymn paraphrases; see, for example, his creed hymn, “We All Believe in One True God” (LSB 954). But we’re getting ahead of the story.

In January 1524, an enterprising printer gathered together eight hymns that had been recently printed on broadsheets and published the first Lutheran hymnal. Known popularly as the Achtliederbuch (“Eight Hymn Book”), it contained four hymns by Luther, three by his colleague Paul Speratus, and one anonymous. Remarkably, three of these hymns are still in use:

• “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee” (LSB 607), by Luther

The first two tell the epic tale of our salvation, from the tragedy and helplessness of our sinful condition to God’s sending forth His Son in the flesh to redeem us. They teach the distinction between Law and Gospel, and are spectacular illustrations of how the reformers sang the pure Gospel into people’s hearts. The little hymnal included music for both hymns—the same joyful and sturdy tunes to which we sing them today. Luther probably wrote the music for his hymn. The tune for the second hymn is mediaeval. The third hymn is Luther’s paraphrase of Psalm 130. Putting the Psalms into rhyming verse was a Lutheran innovation that would later be copied by Calvinists and which also lies at the heart of Anglican hymnody. What was unique about the Lutheran approach was how they wove the Psalm’s deeper Christological meaning into the paraphrase. The hymnal provided two other Psalm paraphrases by Luther and set all three to the familiar tune of “Salvation Unto Us Has Come,” making it easy for the congregation to learn and use them.

• “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” (LSB 556), by Luther

• “Salvation Unto Us Has Come” (LSB 555), by Speratus

Getting even a tiny booklet of hymns into the hands of the people was revolutionary. But the larger collections published later that year more deservedly bear the title of “hymnal.” The Erfurt Enchiridion included the eight hymns in the Achtliederbuch, and added 14 more by Luther and two by his colleagues—including by the talented pastor’s wife, Elisabeth Cruciger (“The Only Son from Heaven”,

Page from the Achtliederbuch showing the hymn "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice."

LSB 402). Among the new Luther hymns were the Advent favourite, “Saviour of the Nations, Come” (LSB, 332); the Easter masterpiece, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands” (LSB 458); the Communion hymn, “O Lord, We Praise Thee” (LSB 617); and a translation of the mediaeval Pentecost hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” (LSB 497). These examples illustrate the Lutheran desire to integrate hymn singing into the liturgy—hymns weren’t just entertainment or diversions but served the overall message of the divine service that day. From then on, all Lutheran hymnals would be organised according to the church year.

Luther’s call for poets to produce new hymns sparked a veritable explosion (though he did most of the work himself!). Another hymnal probably published later in 1524 in Wittenberg included a remarkable 32 hymns (18 of them are found in LSB). But what appeared with it was even more remarkable. Luther’s musical adviser, the court composer Johann Walter, produced a companion choir book ( Chorgesangbuch ) containing fourand five-part choral settings so the choir could teach the new hymns to the people. This new role for the choir—to guide and gild the congregation’s song—would be the hallmark of Lutheran worship up to its pinnacle in the cantatas of J. S. Bach, almost all of which were based on these great early Lutheran hymns.

with professionals. Together they developed a pattern of music suited to the German text by simplifying Gregorian chant tunes and borrowing just a bit from folk music and the art song of the master singers. Their music was rhythmic, robust, attractive, and singable by average people. But they most certainly did not borrow drinking songs—that’s an old myth that deserves to die!

The titles of many early Lutheran hymnals emphasised the twin themes of “teaching” and “comfort” in their contents. Hymns were part of the overall programme of reforming the church through God’s Word. As hymns distilled biblical teaching, early hymnals also included lists of important Bible passages and served as a digest for people who perhaps couldn’t afford or even read the full Bible. Lutheran hymns could be

Hymns were part of the overall programme of reforming the church through God’s Word.

strongly doctrinal (teaching). Luther systematically wrote a hymn for each chief part of the Catechism. But the reformers also drew the congregation into the liturgy by letting them sing parts that previously were sung only by choirs made up of clergy (or schoolboys). Hymns served the liturgy by highlighting and expounding the season of the church year. Countless Psalm paraphrases gave voice to Christian piety and faith by bringing the ancient texts into contemporary Christian lives; ”A Mighty Fortress” (LSB 656), which turned Psalm 46 into a battle cry against their devilish foes, is the most famous example.

In addition to writing texts from scratch, Luther and his colleagues drew on a rich tradition of mediaeval hymns: thousands of Latin hymns sung by monks in the daily offices, festive processional hymns, choir songs in the liturgy (e.g., LSB 459/460), and popular carols from the town square. Luther was a talented musician and surrounded himself

Perhaps hymns were part of the Reformation’s genius , too!

Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger is President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Pages from the Lutheran Service Book showing "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice."

The state of Christian persecution globally

WORLD – In January, Open Doors released its annual World Watch List, which ranks the fifty countries where it is most dangerous to practice Christianity.

“Worldwide, more than 360 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,” the report states, further noting that “approximately 1 in every 7 Christians around the world is persecuted because of their faith.” According to Open Doors, 2023 saw 5,621 Christians killed because of their faith; 2,110 churches and other Christian buildings attacked; 4,542 Christians arrested and imprisoned; and 5,259 Christians abducted. These figures, of course, represent only reported incidents, with the real totals likely to be significantly higher.

North Korea remains the most dangerous country on earth to be a Christian, a position it has held for more than twenty years. In this communist nation, those discovered to be Christian “are either sent to labour camps” in brutal conditions “or killed on the spot”—with their families sharing the same fate. Christians face persecution in other communist nations as well. In China (number 14 on the watch list), for example, Open Doors reports “tightening restrictions and increasing surveillance are putting Christians... under intensifying pressure.”

Christians also continue to face severe oppression and limited freedoms in a number of majority-Muslim countries (14 of the top 20 countries on this year’s watch list are there at least in part because of “Islamic oppression”). In Somalia (number 2), for example, “imams in mosques and madrassas state publicly that there is no room for Christianity, Christians, or churches.” Christians who have converted from Islam “may be killed on the spot if discovered.” Likewise in Yemen (number 3), “strict Islamic laws and the presence of militant Islamic groups”

make it dangerous to be discovered as Christians. Indeed, “it is illegal to convert from Islam to Christianity.”

Minority Christians face increasing persecution in countries with other religious majorities too— for example, from extremist Hindus in India (number 11) and extremist Buddhists in Myanmar (number 14). In other countries, like Eritrea (number 4), only certain Christian denominations are protected while those belonging to other groups face government persecution including “house-to-house raids” and indefinite imprisonment.

The year’s report from Open Doors marks the 30th anniversary since the publication of the first World Watch List. Despite the severe persecution facing many Christians around the world, Open Doors writes, “the persecuted church is not merely surviving, it is active and alive. In these 50 countries— and many more—Christians are daring to demonstrate the life-changing reality of the Kingdom of God. But the challenges faced by these believers are increasing day by day—and they need the support of the wider body of Christ to help them stand firm and be a light to their nations.”

Ghana elects new church president

GHANA – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) held its Delegates Conference in Bunkpurugu during the second weekend of March 2024, during which time the church elected Rev. Daniel Kofi Akoh to serve as its new President. Prior to his election, Rev. Akoh served the ELCG as Regional Pastor for Volta. An installation service is scheduled for early July in Accra.

President Elect Akoh succeeds President John Shadrack Donkoh, who has served two terms as head of the church in Ghana. President Donkoh was first elected in 2018 and then reelected in 2021. In addition to serving the ELCG, President Donkoh has further served the global Lutheran community as Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)—a position to which he was elected in 2022.

ILC News

20 Years for the Mission Province in Sweden

SWEDEN – On October 28, 2023, the Mission Province (Missionsprovinsen – MP) in Sweden celebrated its 20th anniversary at an event in Tuve, Gothenburg. The event came at the conclusion of 2023’s Provincial Convention, which brought together clergy and lay representatives from congregations across the country.

MP Bishop Bengt Ådahl opened the convention on October 27, and business sessions took place that evening and the next morning. Among other business, the Mission Province discussed work in Israel; clarified the role of the diocesan priest; and conducted elections for the MP’s Mission Council.

Anniversary celebrations followed the conclusion of business sessions, with Bishop Emeritus Risto Soramies of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) giving a guest lecture. Bishop Soramies spoke on the nature of confession and the characteristics of the Church. A lecture by Bishop Thor Henrik With of the EvangelicalLutheran Diocese in Norway (DELSIN) followed. Bishop With spoke on “Una Sancta: Gift and Task in the Tension between Multiculturalism and Individualism.”

Greetings from other church leaders were also received, including from Bishop Hans Jönsson on behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (Latvijas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca – LELB). Bishop Jönsson is originally from Sweden.

The anniversary celebrations drew to a close with a communion service led by Bishop Ådahl.

The Mission Province was founded in 2003 as a confessional movement within the state Church of Sweden. Its first bishop was Arne Olsson, who was consecrated by Bishop Walter Obare of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK) in 2005. In 2010, Bishop Arne was succeeded by Bishop Roland Gustafsson. The Mission Province would go on to play an important role in the establishment of the ELMDF in Finland and DELSIN in Norway, with the three dioceses enjoying close relations to this day. Bishop Gustaffson was succeeded in 2019 by Bishop Ådahl.

After many years of friendly relations, the Mission Province in Sweden was accepted into membership in the International Lutheran Council (ILC) in 2018.

ILC News

Bishop Bameka reelected in Uganda

UGANDA – Delegates from across the Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU) gathered for the church’s 7th National Synod Conference from December 7-10, 2023, during which time they reelected Bishop Charles Bameka to another term as National Presiding Bishop.

Bishop Bameka was consecrated as the first bishop of the LCU in 2022, prior to which he had served the church body as its president. He previously served as Director of Lutheran Media Ministry Uganda. Bishop Bameka attended seminary in Accra, Ghana, and was ordained in 2001.

ILC News

Bishop Bengt Ådahl of the Mission Province in Sweden.

African Lutheran leaders hold regional conference

KENYA – From February 6-8, Lutheran church leaders from across Africa gathered in Nairobi for the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) 2024 Africa Regional Conference. The bishops and presidents of 22 different African church bodies were in attendance, hailing from the nations of Benin, Burundi, Cöte d’Ivoire, Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda.

Archbishop Joseph Omolo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK), the Africa Region representative on the ILC’s Board of Directors, welcomed participants to Kenya and formally opened the conference. The gathering featured a number of presenters. Archbishop Christian Ekong of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) spoke on the Lord’s Supper and practice in the Lutheran Church. Bishop Modise Maragelo of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA) discussed experiences of ecumenism in the African context. The ILC’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, addressed church relations and altar and pulpit fellowship. ELCK Archbishop Emeritus Walter Obare

shared his reflections on relationships with the ILC and other world church organizations. Finally, Rev. Dr. Tom Omolo, Principle of the ELCK’s Neema Lutheran College, addressed the call to the public ministry and the issue of women’s ordination in the African context.

“It was wonderful to gather with African church leaders to discuss these important issues,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz. “God has raised up strong leaders for the African church, and their faithfulness to Christ and His Word is a strong witness to Christians the world over. May God continue to bless the work He is doing through the member churches of the ILC in Africa.”

In addition to worship and lectures, participants at the conference also held regional meetings and conducted visits to various sites in Nairobi, including the offices of the Evangelical Lutheran of Kenya as well as Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Participants also discussed the confusion that has arisen in the African context as a result of a recent doctrinal pronouncement in the Roman Catholic Church, which authorized its clergy to bless same-sex couples. In response, the

ILC’s Africa Region adopted the following statement reaffirming their own adherence to historic Christian teaching in matters of human sexuality.

ILC Africa: Statement on the Blessing of Same-Sex Marriage

In response to the recent pronouncement by the Pope allowing Roman Catholic clergy to bless same-sex couples, and the support of same-sex marriage by civil authorities (including some African countries), we the International Lutheran Council (ILC)’s African Region, meeting in Nairobi from February 5-8, 2024, at Corat Africa, hereby affirm the ILC’s position that marriage is “the life-long union of one man and one woman and for the procreation and nurture of children.”

In this regard, sanctioning any other form of union, especially a same-sex union, is an affront to the authority of the Holy Scriptures and a direct opposition to the Law of God in the Sixth Commandment. It is our prayer that those who are falling into this vice may turn to the Word of God for guidance.

Participants in the ILC's 2024 Africa Regional Conference.

Rev. Quast accepts call as Director of Domestic Missions

WINNIPEG – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is pleased to announce that Rev. Jacob Quast has accepted the call to serve as Director of Domestic Missions. LCC’s Board extended the call on behalf of the Member Congregations of LCC in January.

As Director of Domestic Missions, Rev. Quast will be primarily responsible for providing oversight and coordination of current mission and works of mercy programs of LCC within Canada alongside LCC’s Regional Mission and Ministry

Councils (RMMCs), exploring new mission opportunities and strategies in the country, and encouraging the Members of Synod in our collective mission work in Canada.

Rev Quast has a B.A. from Concordia University and a B.Ed. (Indigenous focus) from Queens University. He received his MDiv. from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton in 2003. After his vicarage at Redeemer, Kitimat, B.C., he was placed at Prince of Peace (Peace River, Alberta) where he served

for five years before accepting the call to his current congregation, Church of the Lutheran Hour (Fort Frances, Ontario). In 2012, the Fort Frances congregation entered into a dual-parish arrangement with St. Paul Lutheran Church (International Falls, Minnesota).

Rev. Quast will serve alongside Rev. Mark L. Smith, LCC’s Director of International Missions, who has also served as Interim Director of Domestic Missions since 2019. Rev. Smith will now return to a focus on international work, which was his original focus when he began service with LCC in 2018. The two Directors will collaborate with each other, acknowledging the interconnectedness of domestic and international work in our church and world, where local and global cultures interact more than ever before.

The timing of Rev. Quast’s transition into this new role has yet to be determined. Please keep him, his wife Jolene, and the people of the Church of the Lutheran Hour and St. Paul Lutheran Church in your prayers.

Date set for LCC’s Annual General Meeting

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) will hold its Annual General Meeting online on June 13, 2024.

Additional information on registration and meeting documents will be emailed to individual Members and voting delegates, and will also be included in LCC’s weekly e-newsletter, InfoDigest. To subscribe, visit LCC’s website under News>InfoDigest.

Retirement celebration in Kelowna

KELOWNA, B.C. – On Sunday, November 5, 2023, the congregation of First Lutheran Church (FLC) and the community of Kelowna, came together to celebrate Gary Brucker’s retirement from FLC. After 29 years of being on staff holding many titles, most recently Director of Worship, Gary was lovingly promoted to “fulltime volunteer”!

The 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service was transformed into a praisefilled celebration of special music and rich relationship. A tribute video,

comprised of submissions from some congregation members and his loved ones, had the crowd reliving history, laughing, and crying tears of joy. Almost 200 family, friends, and coworkers, from the past and present, came out to honour Gary and all he has contributed to build a community of faith that practises “belonging before believing.”

Following the worship service, a lunch was served, which offered further opportunity for fellowship over fine food. The celebration lunch

Cozy Tree for the unhoused

DELTA, B.C. – Each Advent at Saviour Lutheran Church, the LWMLC society organizes a Cozy Tree to benefit charities—an idea first shared by the ladies of Grace Lutheran (Brandon, Manitoba) in the summer 2016 issue of Tapestry magazine.

At Saviour, this LWMLC mission project includes congregational participation. For the first four years, donations were given to Food on the Corner Ministry in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. There was no collection in 2020, but for the last three years, the Ladner Extreme Weather Shelter at Ladner United Church has been happy to accept donations collected by Saviour. They open their doors for the unhoused when the weather is extreme, and this year they

welcomed anyone in need of help. The charity shares their wish list with the congregation, and members pick what they would like to donate. There is a daycare at the Saviour premises during the week and they also participate in collecting donations.

At first, the Cozy Tree collection mostly featured toques, mitts, scarves, socks, and underwear. Now it also includes food, as well as gift cards to local fast food restaurants so that recipients can stay inside longer when the weather is extreme. During the 2023 Advent season, Saviour collected and donated a large amount of socks, scarves, toques, underwear, hotshot warmers, food, gift cards, hygiene supplies, and other clothes. Anything that couldn’t be used by the

included table centrepieces with photos of Gary and his adventures over the years, a multi-tiered cake and cupcakes for guest to enjoy, and a rotating slideshow of photos in the background. The afternoon saw a very comedic Retirement Trivia Contest, and several of his closest friends and his three grown daughters reminisced, roasted, and toasted their beloved friend and father. The church thanks God for the gifts given to His church through Gary!

Amanda Kovatch

Extreme Weather Shelter was passed on to the Salvation Army.

Saviour LWMLC

RecentlyI found myself living not the dream but rather the parables of Jesus. Particularly the “lost and found” parables of Luke 15. I had just got off the bus from Edmonton and discovered that my keys (and there are a lot of them) were not where they should be in my pocket.

In that moment, the parable of the lost coin took on a whole new meaning. The bus terminal, located in the warehouse district, was closed, offering no respite from the cold (-25°) and no plug-in for a dying phone.

Until then I had not understood the importance of keys. That night I realized that no key meant no access to my car to get home. And, right after that reality sank in, came the crushing truth that even if I did get home, I didn’t have the key to get in the house.

It was amid my trying to figure out how I could get myself into the house—a locksmith, perhaps?—that my son reminded me I had given a key to one of his trusted friends. Despite the late hour, my son’s friend traveled across town to open the door. I still haven’t found my bundle of keys yet, but thanks to the kindness of someone else who had the house key, I am happy to say I have possession of the one key I needed.

Since then, I frequently check to see if I still am in possession of that key. But something else has changed: I am free from carrying the weight of all those other keys which I had accumulated over time, and which I no longer need.

THE ONE KEY NEEDFUL

from the regional pastor | rev. robert mohns

In the opening of his first letter to the Corinthian congregation— which was divided among groups contending that they were the holders of the “right key”—Paul proclaims this God-given truth: there is only one true key. “We preach Christ crucified” for the salvation of sinners (1 Corinthians 1:23).

To this day there are many who would seek to empty the cross of Christ of its power. Some point to signs and wonders, others point to knowledge or wisdom, as if locksmiths can pick the locks of heaven’s gates and serve up a salvation to their own liking.

And what of us? The festival season of the church is coming to an end. There is a temptation to lay aside the one key necessary for us and for our salvation. Both self and devil conspire against us. With doubting Thomas, we find ourselves locked out in the darkness of our unbelief—our unbelief that we are truly sinners; our unbelief that Christ, the only beloved Son of God came down from heaven to die, and that His death counts for us; and our unbelief that He also rose from the dead that we might be justified and through Him have eternal life.

How easily we lose the one key needful. Instead, we accumulate useless keys on our earthly journey that weigh us down—keys that keep us away from Christ, and keys that unloose all sorts of sin, death, and hell on earth and in our lives.

According to the abundant grace and mercy He has for us, the

Keyholder, Jesus Christ, stands waiting and watching at the door for His prodigals’ return. Just as He invited Thomas to grab hold of Him and His wounds, and empowered him by His Word and Spirit to stop doubting and believe, so His invitation stands for all time for all people, including you and me. This Keyholder has power to do what He promises. He holds the keys to death and hades (Revelation 1:17-18). He has the power to open heaven to those who believe. He exercised that power through the cross and the empty tomb. And He hasn’t stopped. Our God is at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, exercising this power to save sinners—to save you and me.

Christ also exercises that power through His Church on earth in the Office of the Keys. This is the special authority that Christ has given the Church to forgive the sins of repentant sinners and to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Dear redeemed, how precious are these keys that our Lord has provided for His Church and the pastors who publicly exercise them! I give thanks to God that He knows how easily we lose the one key needful and has provides us with faithful and loving servants who bring Christ Crucified to us. God grant that He would empower us to cling to Christ, our only key. And God grant that He would raise up more pastors among us.

Rev. Albrecht celebrates 25th ordination anniversary

PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. –

Rev. Lucas Albrecht, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church and School, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination on January 3, 2024.

Rev. Lucas graduated from Concordia Seminary (Sao Leopoldo, Brazil) in 1998, and was ordained by his father, Rev. Curt Albrecht, in Curitiba, Brazil. His first Call was to serve Peace Lutheran Church in Campo Bom, Brazil, from 1999-2004. In 2004, he began ministry at The Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), where he served in different calls: Campus Pastor and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church outpost planting (2004-2007); Campus Pastor, Communications Ministry (2008-2011); Head Chaplain – Canoas and nationwide (2012-2015); and Campus Pastor and Professor.

In 2017, Rev. Lucas moved to Canada after accepting a call as Associate Pastor at Mount Olive in Regina. In August 2023, he accepted a call to Hope Lutheran Church and School in Port Coquitlam.

Rev. Lucas also holds a Social Communications Bachelor’s degree

from ULBRA and a Master of Sacred Theology from The Concordia Seminary in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. He is currently a student of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri). Rev. Albrecht’s special ministry focuses include preaching, teaching, leadership, music, visitation, and multimedia ministry.

Rev. Albrecht is married to Djenane Hans Albrecht, and together they have two children, Charles and Rachel Sophie. In January 2023, Rev. Albrecht, Djenane, and Charles became Canadian citizens, which now makes the family a Canadian-Brazilian one.

The 1998 class motto is: “The Lord is with you wherever you will go” (Joshua 1:9). Over the past 25 years of ministry, this verse has become increasingly significant and encouraging for Rev. Albrecht and his family. Accepting the call to Hope Lutheran made it his 14th place of ministry, as well as the ninth city and second country of residence in his life, all of them under the grace and guidance of the Good Shepherd,

50th ordination anniversary for Rev. Ziprick

SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. – March 10, 2024 marked the 50th anniversary since Rev. Dr. Marvin Ziprick’s ordination service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Inglis, Manitoba.

Rev. Ziprick thanks God for the honour to have served in the communities of rural Waverly, Iowa (at St. Paul’s Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran, March 1974-August 1977); in Lake Charles, Louisiana (at St. John Lutheran, September 1977-April 1987); and in Sherwood Park/Edmonton, Alberta (at Bethel Lutheran, May 1987-present).

“It is a privilege to serve with God’s people in mission and ministry, sharing the love of Jesus

with a hurting world,” Rev. Ziprick says. “It has been awe-inspiring to see God’s grace and mercy working through Jesus: healing and freeing, restoring relationships and encouraging, changing hearts and drawing people to Himself. It has been a joy to serve alongside a team of dedicated servants, lay and professional, who all have the goal of glorifying God while sharing the good news of Jesus.”

It is with gratitude and in humility that Rev. Ziprick prays with David, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?” (2 Samuel 7:18).

Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Ziprick

who blessed him with the privilege of serving Him as under-shepherd.

Rev. Lucas Andre Albrecht

Celebration at Trinity in Pincher Creek

PINCHER CREEK, Alta. – Festive and happy, joyful, and hopeful: that is how the year ended at Trinity Lutheran Church. God has blessed the congregation with attendance that has been trending higher each year, and the church has grown as a supporting and welcoming environment.

On Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2023, the congregation was delighted to hold what has been halfseriously titled “Everything Sunday.” It is a Sunday to not only celebrate the Reformation, but also to celebrate “Giving Thanks Sunday” and “Volunteer Sunday.” There are many amazing and generous volunteers in Pincher Creek. The month-end “Birthday Sunday” with cake and celebrations was also held October 29, along with the weekly Sunday luncheon. It was also a Confirmation Sunday, and the

congregation welcomed two youth and one adult (baptized earlier this year) into the church by confirmation. The church also welcomed two new members by transfer (adding to two other transfers earlier this year) and three more new members by affirmation of faith.

The service was fun, and while extended was kept to under two hours. Despite the length, there were no complaints from the forty members in attendance. Praise be to God, who is growing the Church in Pincher Creek and providing for one of the oldest Lutheran Church–Canada churches in Alberta. Pincher Creek has had a Lutheran presence since the 19 th century, with Rev. Rehwinkel being called early in the 20th century as the first pastor.

The congregation has a unique approach to youth confirmation. While

year one was more-or-less typical, the second year of confirmation class was primarily a Catechism role-playing game developed locally to help with memorization. The portions memorized become passwords, keys to puzzles, and so on in the game. Students play as court pages to Duke Frederick the Wise, and experience the development of Luther's theology and Reformation history through play, making decisions in the Reformation setting related to the portion of the Catechism memorized weekly, going in-depth to explore what this means practically. For example, as part of learning about the fifth commandment, they rescued an enemy messenger carrying a copy of Exsurge Domine from an angry mob and helped him to recover.

Rev. Wendel Ritz

Grace in Regina celebrates 100th anniversary

REGINA – Grace Lutheran is marking its 100th anniversary with a series of celebrations, marking a century since March 11, 1924, when the saints who have gone on before gathered to sign the first constitution of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rev. Arron Gust delivered the anniversary sermon in thankfulness to God. “Friends, Grace has had good times, great times, exceptional times, and she has had her struggles,” he said. “In times of adversity, and in times of prosperity, the Word of the Lord has endured over her. That is the enduring power of God’s Word. That, whether we are struggling or flourishing, God’s promise of salvation is rock solid and certain. And not the devil, this world, or our sinful flesh can rob us of its eternal promise.”

“May we as pastor and people return our thanks in lives freely given

into service of His Kingdom,” he continued, “and may He bless our work and keep us in the one true faith until at last we join with all the saints, who have been touched through this congregation and join in with all the saints, who make up the One Holy Christian Church.”

A joyous ending to the March celebration was a German-themed meal, including fresh-baked German pretzels and apple strudel, as hearts were stirred by an entertaining song performance by the German Harmony Choir.

The big event will be held on June 23, 2024, when Regional Pastor David Haberstock will preach at the 9:30 a.m. Divine Service, followed by complimentary sandwich luncheon, a 3:00 p.m. Worship Service with Rev. Jeremy Swem as guest preacher, and a 6:00 p.m. roast beef banquet.

The theme for the 100th anniversary is VDMA, the acronym for the Reformation slogan in Latin: “Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum,” which means: “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever. The theme is based on 1 Peter 1:24-25, and is a confident expression of the enduring power and authority of God’s Word.

If you have roots in this congregation, consider joining the celebration on June 23, and contact the church to reserve dinner tickets.

How do you identify the true Church? Where can it be found? These are important questions for the sake of a peaceful conscience and assurance in faith. For if you do not know that your congregation is really the “Church” then everything else, including your salvation, comes into question.

Our Lutheran Confessions say this about how to identify the Church: “[The Church] has outward marks so that it can be recognized. These marks are the pure doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments in accordance with the Gospel of Christ” (Ap.VII.5).

That beautiful word “sacrament” comes into English from Latin where the term was used by the Church to denote “a mystery; a sacrament; something to be kept sacred.” “Mystery,” as in when St. Paul said of holders of the Office of Ministry: “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

Many Christian churches in North America have their own distinguishing marks. In his book, Has American Christianity Failed?, Bryan Wolfmueller identifies four marks in particular: revivalism, pietism, mysticism, and enthusiasm. These alternate “marks of the Church” surround us in North American culture, and can creep into our own thinking and faith, robbing us of peace.

In my last column, I addressed enthusiasm. Today we’re considering mysticism. Mysticism is the idea

MYSTERY VS. MYSTICISM

from the regional pastor | rev. DAVID HABERSTOCK

that you can have direct, unmediated contact with God inside of yourself. In mysticism, God speaks to you internally—in your heart—rather than in His Word and Sacraments, the places where He has promised to be.

Mysticism affects what you expect spiritually, especially during worship. Lutheran worship can seem “boring” compared to the emotional highs of our entertainment culture because it rejects mysticism. Lutheran worship and liturgy is built on the foundation of what Christ commands and institutes: His Word and Sacraments—the true marks of the Church. It does not promise an emotional experience but does offer Christ’s presence and gifts.

Christ and His gifts come through Word and Sacrament, not emotional experience. This is, therefore, an indirect or mediated experience of our Lord Jesus. He is where He promises to be: where two or three are gathered (Matthew 18:20), in His Sacraments (Matthew 26:26-28; 28:19-20), and in His proclaimed Word (Romans 10:14-17). And this all comes to you from outside, instead of happening inside you.

By contrast, mystical experience is inside you—in your feelings. This means you have to be into it, enjoy it, and feel intensely emotional. The worship of much of North American Christianity is intentionally emotional because it is built on mysticism. It desires to “experience” God in places other than where He says He can be found. It seeks an “experience” of the presence of God internally.

In Lutheran worship, you can have wonderful experiences as you hear His Word and receive His Sacraments, as you confess your sins and have them absolved, and even in prayer as you pour out your complaints and the Holy Spirit reminds you of God’s promises to you in His Word. The Gospel is good news of great joy, after all! But emotional experience is not the aim. Assurance of the forgiveness of sins and fellowship with God is, and they come objectively through Christ’s Word and Sacraments regardless of our emotions.

Martin Luther, dealing with charismatic abuses in his own day, put it this way: “We must constantly maintain this point: God does not want to deal with us in any other way than through the spoken Word and the Sacraments. Whatever is praised as from the Spirit— without the Word and Sacraments—is the devil himself” (SA 3.VIII.10).

God does not promise to give you an “experience” of His presence. And what happens if you have the “experience” one week but not the next? Where is God if you don’t continually “experience” Him? Has He abandoned you? Have you displeased Him if you don’t “experience” Him every week? Many people have had their faith shipwrecked through such “mysticism,” mistaking emotional highs for “real” evidence of God at work in their lives.

May God help us learn to be pleased and satisfied with “boring” old liturgical worship, free of mysticism—for this worship bears the true marks of the Church (Word and Sacrament), and Jesus is truly found there!

Carol sing in Grandview

GRANDVIEW, Man. – Hope Lutheran Church in Grandview held a Christmas carol sing-along on December 15, 2023, and invited the community for singing and

readings with coffee, cookies, and fellowship. The congregation was overjoyed when nearly 40 friends and neighbours joined them for the event.

There was an ingathering of food for a hamper, which was given to a family in need in the community.

Bonnie Kasper

Pastor installed in La Ronge

LA RONGE, Sask. - Saturday, September 23, 2023, was a beautiful fall day to celebrate the long-awaited installation of Rev. John Blum at La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship Church. Attending pastors included Regional Pastor David Haberstock, Rev. Clint Magnus (Humboldt, Northland Circuit Counsellor), Rev. Jacob

Valsson (Middle Lake), Rev. Chris McLean (Nipawin), and Rev. Wayne Olson (Turtle Lake).

Many members of Zion Lutheran Church in Nipawin attended to greet and renew friendships with Rev. Blum and his wife Pat, who had served at Zion for 12 years. Following the service, a meal was

enjoyed, and joyful voices were heard visiting and thanking God for his wonderful blessings.

The prayers of His people had been answered as Pastor John and Pat quickly settled into life and the community of La Ronge, Air Ronge, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Honouring 30 years of pastoral service in Kitchener

KITCHENER, Ont. – Rev. Warren Hamp and his thirty years of pastoral service to the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church (FLC) in Kitchener were honoured on September 24, 2023.

It is a privilege for any congregation to commemorate an anniversary with its pastor. Treasured senior members recalled Rev. Hamp’s installation service in 1993, and a committee was set up early in 2023 to mark this new milestone for their dear pastor.

Guest speaker and friend Rev. Robert Bugbee and liturgist Rev. Perry Hart officiated a worship service on September 24, which included a Recognition of Faithful Service. A celebration of music featured hymns and two choir selections. Following the service, a coffee hour was arranged.

Later in the evening, 130 guests attended a catered banquet to honour Rev. Hamp and his family. Special stories were offered and a Book of Appreciation was presented to Rev. Hamp. The book includes a collection of personal thank-you letters and pictures from over 60

members and friends.

In lieu of gifts, FLC Council and individual members made financial gifts to Rev. Hamp’s favourite endowment, the Nicaragua Pastor and Deacon Stipend Fund. The endowment

New Kloria book from LCC artist

CANADA – In December 2023, Kloria Publishing released two new books in its popular line of children’s books based on beloved hymns. One of these was illustrated by Harrison Avery Prozenko, a member of Lutheran Church–Canada

Prozenko’s new book—The Sanctus: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth—is an illustrated version of the Sanctus from the Lutheran liturgy. The illustrations follow the same style as an earlier book Prozenko illustrated for Kloria entitled Create in Me: Psalm 51 for Children. That book also brought to life a familiar portion of the liturgy.

Canadians can order Prozenko’s new book and other Kloria books from Kloria’s website at www.kloria.com or via the website of Concordia Publishing House at www.cph.org.

supports Nicaraguan pastors as they continue seminary-related courses. Lutheran Church–Canada uses regular funding from the endowment for its designated mission.

Jane Ford

Rev. Warren Hamp (fifth from right) celebrates 30 years of service to Faith Lutheran in Kitchener with family and friends.

Thirty-seven years ago, my wife and I spent our honeymoon in the Calgary, Banff, and Jasper area. From the Stampede to Lake Louise to the Columbia Icefields, I have many memories from that trip, including a boat trip.

Our guide pointed out the different trees on the shore. She explained that, many years earlier, there had been a forest fire. After a fire, certain types of trees are the first to grow back. Consider the lodgepole pine; their cones need intense heat to open. Only then do the seeds emerge and new growth begins. They also require ample sunlight to grow—something which only happens when a fire reduces the canopy, allowing life-nourishing light through.

After many years of ministry, I have seen this all firsthand—not in trees but in the people of God. Trials come upon the God’s people and out of the heat comes new growth. St. Paul reminds us how, though the trials of this life, the Lord works to create endurance, character, and hope: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the

FAITH BORN OF FIRE

from the regional pastor | rev. marvin bublitz

right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:1-6).

St. Peter explains how the Lord uses the heat of these trials to refine our faith: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).

In these texts, we see that our Lord’s focus is the salvation of His people. He uses the trials of this life to purify faith. Through the heat of tribulation, He cracks our hard, sin-filled shell, that new growth may occur by the power of His Spirit. In the forest when the canopy is burned away, that which hid the sunlight and hindered growth is removed. Likewise, trials refocus our viewpoint upwards so the Son’s light can shine upon us.

When you undergo trials, remember what God has spoken: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us… And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified” (Romans 8:18, 28-30).

He who in love died and rose again to save you is faithful, and He will keep you through the heat of this life. In Christ, you will escape the heat of eternal condemnation and rejoice in the Light filled glory of His heaven.

Jesus, grant that balm and healing In Your holy wounds I find, Ev’ry hour that I am feeling Pains of body and of mind. Should some evil thought within Tempt my treach’rous heart to sin, Show the peril, and from sinning Keep me from its first beginning.

Ev’ry wound that pains or grieves me By Your wounds, Lord, is made whole; When I’m faint, Your cross revives me, Granting new life to my soul. Yes, Your comfort renders sweet Ev’ry bitter cup I meet; For Your all-atoning passion Has procured my soul’s salvation.

- LSB 421:1, 4 -

EDLYA holds retreat and AGM

WATERLOO, Ont. – On November 18, 2023, East District Lutheran Young Adults (EDLYA) met in Waterloo for their first post-COVID Annual General Meeting, during which time they elected a new president and discussed the future of EDLYA. Former president Josh Gajdos and his wife Erika flew in from the far reaches of Florida to guide the election, and Patric Laub of St. Luke’s in Ottawa was elected to the presidency.

The EDLYA’ites also discussed perplexing issues such as approaching LGBTQ people with love while keeping a Scriptural view, and catering to young folk curious about Christianity while keeping EDLYA unabashedly Lutheran.

The retreat featured an invited talk from guest speaker Dr. Daniel Smilek, a renowned Lutheran professor of psychology teaching at the University of Waterloo. In his talk, Dr. Smilek described how people process external

information and how it has a profound impact on their beliefs and how they think. Dr. Smilek discussed the value of self-restraint, the dangers of instant gratification, and the ways in which external information shape peoples’ deepest opinions. It is very important that God’s Word remain Christians’ source of truth against the barrage of conflicting information which we encounter in the outside world.

followed by board games. In one game— Telestrations! —a person writes a prompt, the next person draws a picture, the next puzzles out what the original prompt was, and so on. Misinterpretation leads to great laughs.

After supper, EDLYA joined in Grace Lutheran’s quarterly evening square dancing. Next came a service of compline and worship songs,

Christmas outreach in Windsor

WINDSOR, Ont. – WECLO (Windsor Essex County Lutheran Outreach) held its annual Christmas dinner on December 2, 2023. As has become customary, the date of the dinner was coordinated by lay missionary Javed Kahn, but all arrangements and details— including food, decorations, table arrangement, and the program of hymn singing—was organized by students. The dinner was a resounding success, thanks to the leadership of Chinese students Miya (in charge of carol singing), Flora (emcee), Paul (guitarist), and a host of helpers from the English as a Second Language program. More than 85 people—students and their families—participated in the event.

Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee opened the event with a devotion, translated

into Chinese by Emily Gu. This was followed by Bible readings in Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. The group especially enjoyed singing carols with Paul on guitar. Several individual performances on traditional Chinese instruments was also appreciated by the crowd. This was all followed by a sumptuous dinner comprised of Chinese, Arabic, Pakistani, Canadian, and Spanish dishes.

At the end of the night, the choir sang Feliz Navidad with the whole

If you are a Lutheran aged 18 to 35, you are invited to attend EDLYA’s next quarterly retreat! Information about retreats can be found at www.edlya.ca.

crowd joining in. Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson concluded the dinner with blessings and a prayer for safe journeys.

Grace Lutheran celebrates 150 years

PEMBROKE, Ont. – One hundred and fifty years ago, thirteen families living near Locksley Station, south of Pembroke, met to form a new Lutheran congregation under the name Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The congregation celebrated that anniversary with a year of festivities, concluding with two services and a dinner on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The day started with a service at 10:30 a.m., where the guest preacher was Rev. Wayne Schroeder, the greatgrandson of one of the first pastors who served at Grace from 1874-1879, Rev. H. W. Schroeder.

An afternoon service of thanksgiving was held, with six pastors taking part. Lutheran Church–Canada President

Timothy Teuscher, who had served Grace as a vacancy pastor, was the guest preacher. The choir, led by organist Kim Blais, sang “It was Grace that Moved the Father,” which had been written for the church’s 125th anniversary by a former pastor, Rev. Thomas Korcok, who served at Grace from 1994-2006. President Teuscher was also the keynote speaker at the anniversary banquet after the service, where guests enjoyed a dinner and desserts with a German flair served by Schmidt’s catering. A beautiful 150th anniversary banner was made by ladies in the church, created in two parts as a reminder that many different people are brought together by the Lord. A cedar arch was erected in front of the church with information about the services and the celebration of 150 years of God’s amazing grace.

and the Canada Synod over matters of conscience and doctrine, joining The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Upon leaving, they met first in the home of Gustav Meitz, and then built their first place of worship, which was replaced in 1901 by the present beautiful sanctuary that seats more than 260 people.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran had its roots at old St. Paul’s, the first Lutheran church in the Ottawa Valley, which started in 1861. In 1873, a group of thirteen families followed Rev. F. W. Franke and left St. Paul’s

The present pastor, Rev. Paul Williams, has been serving Grace since July 2014. Grace is a congregation with a deep love for the pure Word of God and a commitment to proclaim that Word to the world. The congregation has grown from the original thirteen German families to 289 baptized members from all kinds of backgrounds, with an active Sunday School of 25 children, all gathered around the preaching of the Word and the Holy Sacraments, confessing the faith and drawing life and hope at Grace from God’s amazing grace.

LCC congregations hold VBS, workshops in Nicaragua

NICARAGUA – In November 2023, 248 children at Vacation Bible School events and 60 women at Advent workshops from six Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) churches greeted a 2023 Nicaragua mission team that included five members of Faith Lutheran in Kitchener, Ontario, along with two members from Messiah Lutheran in Waterloo and Concordia Lutheran in Fonthill. VBS events in Rivas and La Pita began after the weekly worship service. Children and adults enjoyed an opening with their pastor and deaconess followed by guest speaker Deaconess Carmen Martinez, who presented a lesson on the child king Josiah. Then the children rotated through four 20-minute sessions including Music; Craft 1 with a snack; Games; and Craft 2. The event concluded with fellowship featuring pizza, a drink, and a pinata. The three VBS events in Granada used the same format and were mid-week, after-school events.

Rain proved to be a problem, with the event in La Pita partially postponed by two weeks. Nightfall at 6:00 p.m. and impending safety concerns shortened the VBS events in Granada. But, thanks to God, these setbacks did not affect the overall purpose for the events—nor did they prevent children from having fun!

cake, fruit, and a drink before they constructed Advent wreaths. A kit of four weekly devotions and a nativity craft for moms to make with their children equipped families for a new and fun Advent season.

Since God blessed the 2023 Nicaragua Mission with funding which exceeded the cost for the seven events, the team was further able to gift ILSN congregations with 240 food hampers and eight sound systems.

During the second week, the Canadian group travelled to two communities north of Chinandega to run test events called Advent workshops. Pastors in La Joya and Villa Quinze de Julio delved into the history and background of Advent with their thirty participants. The women were served

Events like these in Nicaragua are only possible because of the coordinated efforts of ILSN pastors, deaconesses, and Mission Centre staff working alongside Canadian teammates. Organizers thank all those who supported the 2023 November team. At all levels, Lutheran Church–Canada’s international and domestic missions depend on God’s plan for His children— participants, prayer partners, and financial supporters—working together.

Jane Ford

Left: Food hampers are delivered to local residents. Centre: Women from two northern ILSN churches construct wreaths for home devotions. Right: Constructing crafts at VBS.

Sound systems for local congregations.

Canadians assist seminary education in Haiti

HAITI – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) members are assisting Haitian Lutherans with seminary education—and through them, with other Christians around the world.

LCC’s current involvement with seminary education in Haiti began through contacts with Rev. Walta Clercius, who became a LCC Missionary at Large for French Ministries in 2022. Rev. Clercius and

other Haitian pastors had earlier set up emergency seminary training in that country after the church’s established seminary had ceased to function. The problem was compounded by the church’s continued rapid expansion, a situation which left more and more new congregations without trained pastors.

Continuing discussions with LCC’s Mission Executive, Rev. Mark Smith and LCC French Ministries Missionary at Large, Rev. Dr. David Somers, led to Dr. Somers assisting the seminary as professor in January 2023, and serving as a recruiter for additional instructors going forward.

Sessions began in late 2022 led by Rev. Clercius and his associate, Rev. Dieudonne, and included 45 students

ILC urges continued prayer for Haiti

HAITI – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (Église Évangélique Luthérienne d’Haiti – ELCH) is requesting prayer as the situation in their country continues to deteriorate.

The nation of Haiti is in crisis as a result of political instability, widespread gang violence, and a collapsed economy. Well-organized gang attacks in February further destabilized the country, with thousands of prisoners set free from prisons and Haiti’s prime minister blocked from returning to the country. The prime minister eventually resigned, and attempts to form a transitional government continue to face armed opposition from organized gangs.

In the midst of this situation, the church in Haiti is calling on Christians around the world to remember Haitians in prayer. “For months, our country has faced gang violence,” ELCH President

Bernard Eliona explained. “This situation affects all, including churches and schools. No one is spared.”

“In such a situation,” he continued, “we greatly appreciate your prayers.”

In 2023, the International Lutheran Council (ILC)—of which the ELCH is a member—reported on the devastating situation facing their country. The situation has gotten progressively worse since then.

“We grieve for the people of Haiti as they struggle in this terrible crisis,” said ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz. “We grieve for those whose families have been torn apart by violence; for the thousands who have been forced from their homes; and for all who are struggling to access the necessities of life.”

“In the face of such terrible suffering, I encourage Lutherans around the world to remember the

(mostly in a schoolroom in Haiti with some online). By July 2023, enrollment had expanded to more than 90 students in eight countries. By February 2024, that number has risen to more than 130 individuals, and even includes the student population of an African Pentecostal church which has chosen the program to teach its own students.

The seminary operates on a small budget, and the program is supported by donations of funds and resources from a congregation in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod; LCC’s Institut liturgique luthérien francophone; the Haiti Lutheran Mission Society; and Lutheran Heritage Foundation. The main physical meeting site, as well as other locations, have also been provided free of charge.

From a report by Rev. Dr. David Somers

people of Haiti in prayer,” Dr. Schulz continued. “Pray that God will bless the efforts of those trying to bring stability back to the streets of Haiti; pray that God would restrain evil doers from violence; and pray that the Gospel would continue to be proclaimed in the midst of this dreadful darkness—that it would bring comfort to a people suffering terrible tragedy.”

The ILC is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies including Lutheran Church–Canada. ILC News

PMC and boards of LCC seminaries meet

EDMONTON – The President’s Ministry Council (PMC) and the Boards of Regents (BOR) of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) two seminaries met on January 30 in Edmonton to continue the work that began at their initial meeting in February of 2023, and to evaluate progress made on the five challenges and six commitments that were previously identified.

This year’s meeting was hosted by Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) at Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton in conjunction with the regular meetings of the BOR of each seminary. As host of this year’s joint meeting, CLS Board Chair Rev. Scott Lyons guided the group through a review of the 2023 document. While many challenges remain, some of the commitments have seen progress. It is important to recognize that these areas of commitment are not mutually exclusive; work in one area must involve work in others as well. The PMC and BOR of the two seminaries will continue to work closely together on them.

1. Increase Prayer: Group members have been fervent in prayer that the Lord of the Church would continue to provide workers for His harvest, and the PMC renews the call for all members in our synodical family to continue to pray fervently for this. To assist in this matter, the two seminaries will be working together to provide prayers for the church based on the liturgical calendar.

2. Strengthen Alignment: The seminaries reported that they are working together as much as is feasible, given constraints such as time zones, different academic calendars, and so forth. They share a number of courses, and the faculties meet together regularly.

3. Acknowledge

Reality: In connection with the following commitments, this occupied much of the discussion time. It is critical that we recognize that our traditional expectation of ‘one congregation, one full-time pastor’ has not been the recent reality; nor is it likely to move in that direction in the future. The seminaries are evaluating new approaches to pastoral and diaconal formation that may better serve our congregations in the complex contexts we face in 21 st -century Canada. Work will also begin in April on concretely defining more ways to assist congregations in receiving the gifts of our Lord in situations where full-time pastoral and diaconal care is not a possibility.

4. Enhance PAT: Although the Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) program has been in place for a number of years, significant roadblocks have prevented it from being well-used. A redefinition is in order based on our current reality. To that end, the PMC and seminary presidents will spend two days together in late April to begin developing an expanded and revised program. This new program is intended to strengthen assistance to congregations without full-time pastoral or diaconal care. An example of this is the training of lay leaders to conduct devotional services in situations where a called pastor is not available.

5. Use Online Tools: Use of online tools has been growing, and the PMC and seminaries will seek further appropriate uses for them (e.g., sharing courses between seminaries, CLS’ Quest courses, auditing CLTS courses, PMC training videos, etc.)

6. Apply our Strategic Framework: LCC has a Strategic Plan that has guided much of our work since it was formalized in 2021, and includes the work of recruitment, formation, and continuing education for pastors and deacons in our synod. This work is always ongoing; we have seen an increase in partnership efforts (e.g., use of seminary professors as presenters at conferences, convocations, and other events). One area that has not received as much concrete attention is recruitment. One hope is that recruitment will be strengthened with the broadening of some programs like PAT and lay leader training. In addition, it continues to be true that one of the strongest ways that recruitment happens is within the local congregation. Members of our congregations are especially encouraged to identify and speak to those in their midst who may be suited for the pastoral and diaconal offices.

The PMC and Board of Regents of our seminaries are grateful for the prayerful and financial support of so many across our synod, and implore the members of LCC to continue this support. The work of training and forming pastors, deacons, and laity is essential to the life of the church now and in the future; for through such service we, our neighbours, and generations to come will continue to be able to receive the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation that have been won for us by the Head of the Church, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

CLTS to host preaching retreat

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. –

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario has announced it is holding an inaugural preaching retreat, from June 17-19.

“Drawing from the groundbreaking work of our seminary’s homiletic professors, this retreat is designed to empower pastors, both experienced and new, to refine their preaching skills,” the seminary writes in an announcement. “The retreat will delve into the use of classical rhetoric in the pulpit, the art of crafting dynamic sermons, the exploration of virtue ethics in

preaching, and the refinement of linguistic precision.”

“We recognize that preaching is hard work,” the release continues. “For that reason, we’ve also organized enjoyable activities including a tour of one of Canada’s oldest theological libraries, a winery tour, and a delightful barbeque in the vineyards.”

Those who register before April 30 will receive a discounted cost. For further details on the program, to register, or for information on helping to sponsor the event, visit CLTS’ website at: https:// concordia-seminary.ca/2024/02/28/ clts-announces-preaching-retreat/.

“Saturday at the Sem” to take place at CLS in May

EDMONTON

– Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton will host “Saturday at the Sem” on May 4, a special event for people interested in exploring the possibility of serving in ministry.

“Curious about a career in ministry?” the seminary asks in an announcement. “Join us for an open house and experience seminary life firsthand!” The seminary has a number of activities planned for the event, which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Tour our facilities, attend a chapel service, get a taste of our pastoral and diaconal programs through sample classes, connect with faculty and students, ask your questions, and enjoy a complementary lunch.”

Those who plan to attend should RSVP by May 1. For further information, or to register, contact the seminary at avieira@concordiasem.ab.ca.

Praying for seminary education in LCC

CANADA – Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) two seminaries are providing congregations with new prayers focused on seminary education.

The Boards of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS – Edmonton) and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS – St. Catharines, Ontario) held joint meetings in January 2024, during which time they decided to produce prayers on seminary education for every Sunday in the church year. The prayers, which will be regularly issued in LCC’s electronic newsletter, InfoDigest , encourage congregations to remember the seminaries in prayer.

A joint meeting of LCC’s President’s Ministry Council and the Boards of Regents of the two seminaries in 2023 encouraged the church to more diligently keep seminary education in prayer, asking all members of synod to “fervently pray to the Lord of the Church to send workers into the harvest and provide resources to support them.”

While congregations in particular are invited to use the new prayers in worship, individual Christians are also encouraged to remember CLS and CLTS in prayer as well. To sign up for LCC’s weekly InfoDigest, visit LCC’s website.

Lutheran Women Today

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

COME SING WITH US – JOYFULLY GATHERING IN MISSION

COME SING WITH US – JOYFULLY GATHERING IN MISSION

COME SING WITH US – JOYFULLY GATHERING IN MISSION

COME SING WITH US – JOYFULLY GATHERING IN MISSION

How do you picture a convention?

How do you picture a convention?

How do you picture a convention? Boring business meetings? Too much sitting? If that’s the picture you see, you haven’t attended an LWML–Canada convention. Beyond selecting mission projects to receive grants and members of the board of directors for the coming triennium, the days are filled with so much else—singing and laughter, fellowship and action, worship and digging into God’s Word; meeting and talking with special speakers.

Boring business meetings? Too much sitting? If that’s the picture you see, you haven’t attended an LWML–Canada convention. Beyond selecting mission projects to receive grants and members of the board of directors for the coming triennium, the days are filled with so much else—singing and laughter, fellowship and action, worship and digging into God’s Word; meeting and talking with special speakers.

How do you picture a convention?

Boring business meetings? Too much sitting? If that’s the picture you see, you haven’t attended an LWML–Canada convention. Beyond selecting mission projects to receive grants and members of the board of directors for the coming triennium, the days are filled with so much else—singing and laughter, fellowship and action, worship and digging into God’s Word; meeting and talking with special speakers.

Boring business meetings? Too much sitting? If that’s the picture you see, you haven’t attended an LWML–Canada convention. Beyond selecting mission projects to receive grants and members of the board of directors for the coming triennium, the days are filled with so much else—singing and laughter, fellowship and action, worship and digging into God’s Word; meeting and talking with special speakers.

Thursday afternoon, before the official opening, there’s participating in servant events for area charities. And

Thursday afternoon, before the official opening, there’s participating in servant events for area charities. And

Thursday afternoon, before the official opening, there’s participating in servant events for area charities. And

Thursday afternoon, before the official opening, there’s participating in servant events for area charities. And

then there’s plenty of action moving the body (walking, dancing, chair exercises, etc.) to raise money through pledges .

then there’s plenty of action moving the body (walking, dancing, chair exercises, etc.) to raise money through pledges .

In advance, many local societies invite their congregation to participate

in either/both of these events supporting local community needs and LWMLC’s mission.

in either/both of these events supporting local community needs and LWMLC’s mission.

in either/both of these events supporting local community needs and LWMLC’s mission.

in either/both of these events supporting local community needs and LWMLC’s mission.

More details are available via the LWMLC website (lutheranwomen.ca) and the league’s online news bulletin, LWML–Canada Update. To receive the twice-monthly “Update” sign up at lutheranwomen.ca.

More details are available via the LWMLC website (lutheranwomen.ca) and the league’s online news bulletin, LWML–Canada Update. To receive the twice-monthly “Update” sign up at lutheranwomen.ca.

More details are available via the LWMLC website (lutheranwomen.ca) and the league’s online news bulletin, LWML–Canada Update. To receive the twice-monthly “Update” sign up at lutheranwomen.ca.

More details are available via the LWMLC website (lutheranwomen.ca) and the league’s online news bulletin, LWML–Canada Update. To receive the twice-monthly “Update” sign up at lutheranwomen.ca.

12th REGULAR CONVENTION

12th REGULAR CONVENTION

12th REGULAR CONVENTION

then there’s plenty of action moving the body (walking, dancing, chair exercises, etc.) to raise money through pledges . In advance, many local societies invite their congregation to participate

In advance, many local societies invite their congregation to participate

then there’s plenty of action moving the body (walking, dancing, chair exercises, etc.) to raise money through pledges . In advance, many local societies invite their congregation to participate

MEET THE SPEAKERS – KEYNOTE AND INTEREST SESSIONS TO INSPIRE

MEET THE SPEAKERS – KEYNOTE AND INTEREST SESSIONS TO INSPIRE

MEET THE SPEAKERS – KEYNOTE AND INTEREST SESSIONS TO INSPIRE

MEET THE SPEAKERS – KEYNOTE AND INTEREST SESSIONS TO INSPIRE

Deb

Deb Burma will be keynote speaker. A member of LWMLC’s sister organization, LWML in the U.S., Deb is a sought-after speaker whose ministry has taken her to many places including three Canadian provinces. She has also written an assortment of books, devotionals, Bible studies and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur.

Deb Burma will be keynote speaker. A member of LWMLC’s sister organization, LWML in the U.S., Deb is a sought-after speaker whose ministry has taken her to many places including three Canadian provinces. She has also written an assortment of books, devotionals, Bible studies and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur.

Deb Burma will be keynote speaker. A member of LWMLC’s sister organization, LWML in the U.S., Deb is a sought-after speaker whose ministry has taken her to many places including three Canadian provinces. She has also written an assortment of books, devotionals, Bible studies and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur.

Burma will be keynote speaker. A member of LWMLC’s sister organization, LWML in the U.S., Deb is a sought-after speaker whose ministry has taken her to many places including three Canadian provinces. She has also written an assortment of books, devotionals, Bible studies and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur.

Rev. Paulo Brum hails from Brazil.

Rev. Paulo Brum hails from Brazil. He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology and music. In 2019 he accepted the call to New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Regina, Sask., following a number of years in ministry in Brazil. In his presentation the group will remember traditional hymns, work with current songs and talk about creating new songs in different ways and with a variety of instruments.

Rev. Paulo Brum hails from Brazil.

He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology and music. In 2019 he accepted the call to New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Regina, Sask., following a number of years in ministry in Brazil. In his presentation the group will remember traditional hymns, work with current songs and talk about creating new songs in different ways and with a variety of instruments.

He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology and music. In 2019 he accepted the call to New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Regina, Sask., following a number of years in ministry in Brazil. In his presentation the group will remember traditional hymns, work with current songs and talk about creating new songs in different ways and with a variety of instruments.

Rev. Paulo Brum hails from Brazil. He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology and music. In 2019 he accepted the call to New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Regina, Sask., following a number of years in ministry in Brazil. In his presentation the group will remember traditional hymns, work with current songs and talk about creating new songs in different ways and with a variety of instruments.

RRRRChristian home with daily

Christian home with daily

Christian home with daily

Christian home with daily

ev. Walta Clercius was raised in a devotions from a young age. At age 25 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Haiti. Rev. Clercius established First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Haiti. Today twelve churches and twelve Lutheran schools reaching more than 5,000 children, have been planted. A seminary was established with the courses online. The more than 140 students come from nine countries including Canada. This program has also trained Lutheran deaconesses. Rev. Clercius also serves as

LONDON, ONTARIO

LONDON, ONTARIO

12th REGULAR CONVENTION

JULY 11 - 14, 2024

LONDON, ONTARIO

JULY 11 - 14, 2024

LONDON, ONTARIO

Register to attend in person or virtually.

Register to attend in person or virtually.

JULY 11 - 14, 2024

JULY 11 - 14, 2024

Register to attend in person or virtually.

Register to attend in person or virtually.

ev. Walta Clercius was raised in a devotions from a young age. At age 25 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Haiti. Rev. Clercius established First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Haiti. Today twelve churches and twelve Lutheran schools reaching more than 5,000 children, have been planted. A seminary was established with the courses online. The more than 140 students come from nine countries including Canada. This program has also trained Lutheran deaconesses. Rev. Clercius also serves as

ev. Walta Clercius was raised in a devotions from a young age. At age 25 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Haiti. Rev. Clercius established First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Haiti. Today twelve churches and twelve Lutheran schools reaching more than 5,000 children, have been planted. A seminary was established with the courses online. The more than 140 students come from nine countries including Canada. This program has also trained Lutheran deaconesses.

ev. Walta Clercius was raised in a devotions from a young age. At age 25 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Haiti. Rev. Clercius established First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Haiti. Today twelve churches and twelve Lutheran schools reaching more than 5,000 children, have been planted. A seminary was established with the courses online. The more than 140 students come from nine countries including Canada. This program has also trained Lutheran deaconesses. Rev. Clercius also serves as

Rev. Clercius also serves as

Assistant Missionary-at-Large for LCC French ministries as well as assisting LCC congregations in Quebec City on a part-time basis.

Assistant Missionary-at-Large for LCC French ministries as well as assisting LCC congregations in Quebec City on a part-time basis.

Assistant Missionary-at-Large for LCC French ministries as well as assisting LCC congregations in Quebec City on a part-time basis.

Assistant Missionary-at-Large for LCC French ministries as well as assisting LCC congregations in Quebec City on a part-time basis.

Rev. Peter Gatluak came to Canada through Ethiopia in 1999. He is a graduate of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ont., and was called in 2020 to Sudanese Lutheran mission work at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ont., as an associate pastor. Rev. Gatluak’s presentation will focus on mission work, “Becoming All Things to All Men to Save Some,” based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Rev. Peter Gatluak came to Canada through Ethiopia in 1999. He is a graduate of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ont., and was called in 2020 to Sudanese Lutheran mission work at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ont., as an associate pastor. Rev. Gatluak’s presentation will focus on mission work, “Becoming All Things to All Men to Save Some,” based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Rev. Peter Gatluak came to Canada through Ethiopia in 1999. He is a graduate of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ont., and was called in 2020 to Sudanese Lutheran mission work at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ont., as an associate pastor. Rev. Gatluak’s presentation will focus on mission work, “Becoming All Things to All Men to Save Some,” based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Rev. Peter Gatluak came to Canada through Ethiopia in 1999. He is a graduate of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ont., and was called in 2020 to Sudanese Lutheran mission work at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ont., as an associate pastor. Rev. Gatluak’s presentation will focus on mission work, “Becoming All Things to All Men to Save Some,” based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

L to r: Rev. Peter Gatluak, Rev. Walta Clercius, Rev. Paulo Brum, Deb Burma

L to r: Rev. Peter Gatluak, Rev. Walta Clercius, Rev. Paulo Brum, Deb Burma

L to r: Rev. Peter Gatluak, Rev. Walta Clercius, Rev. Paulo Brum, Deb Burma

L to r: Rev. Peter Gatluak, Rev. Walta Clercius, Rev. Paulo Brum, Deb Burma

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Someone recently said, “We (LWMLC) are cutting edge and nothing is going to stop these ‘old ladies.’” For example, the league has embraced the use of Go-to-Meeting and Go-to-Webinar technology to connect members and do the work of the organization (saving many thousands of dollars in travel and lodging costs).

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

The 2024 convention will again see women gather in person but there will also be a virtual registration for those unable to travel to London.

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

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

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

LWML–Canada Resources

resourcecentre@lutheranwomen.ca

dod@lutheranwomen.ca

SUPPORTING OUR WALK WITH JESUS

Would you consider yourself an “outdoor enthusiast?” Perhaps many of us, especially after the winter, are experiencing the desire to escape and take in God’s great creation during the wonderful summer months. But may we be so bold as to encourage you to also be an “indoor enthusiast” and take advantage of the Divine Service. If it isn’t at home, before you hit the road to relish in the wonders of God’s handiwork in nature, search out and plan to be refreshed within the walls of a church sanctuary where you travel. Check websites for service times and maybe call the church office just to confirm that the information is up to date. You might find after you experience “the great indoors,” that you have a greater appreciation of “the great outdoors.”

The Christian Growth comittee of LWML–Canada aims to make a difference in the lives of the women of LCC and LCMS within Canada so you can make a difference in the world.

How do we support your faith walk? We invite you to go to our “Growing” web page (https:// lutheranwomen.ca/growing/) for links to several resources.

The Christian Growth committee frequently features ALLI (A Little Loving Idea) sent out to subscribers. A sample is shown above. Sign up on the Publications page (scroll down to subscribe) at lutheranwomen.ca and postings will come directly to your email account. ALLI and the LWML–Canada Update come as a package,

with separate mailings. Please share ALLI with anyone who is looking for A Little Loving Idea. On the same web page you will find links to two other resources:

•A prayer calendar, new each month

•Monthly devotions written by committee members. Read online, download to print, or listen to a five-minute devotion to encourage and enlighten you in your relationship with our loving Lord. Share them with others in your congregation.

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

LWML–Canada

President Linda Long president@lutheranwomen.ca

1-519-666-3915

LWML–Canada

www.lutheranwomen.ca

www.facebook.com/LWMLC

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

MISSIONS MATTER MISSION GRANTS SUPPORT PROJECTS ACROSS CANADA

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

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

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

For more information about mission grants and how you can support them visit our website https:// lutheranwomen.

ca/ or contact our Vice-President, Christian Mission at vpchristian@ lutheranwomen.ca

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

BC Mission Boat Society $15,000

Youth Worker, B.C. $37,800

Bethel Lutheran Sports Ministry, Alta. $7,050

Street Reach, Regina, Sask. $12,000

Oromo Ministry & Outreach. $6,000

Aurora Lutheran Camp $10,000

Camp Lutherland $4,000

Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School, staff development $400

AND AROUND THE WORLD

Mission

Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School, education materials $600

Seminary, Edmonton $15,000

Jackfish Lake Lutheran Camp $8,500

South Sudanese Lutheran Mission, Ont. $12,000

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

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

Windsor Essex County (WECLO)

outreach, downtown Windsor, Ont. $5,500

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

French Sunday school materials $14,000

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

National Youth Gathering $5,000 tapestry

“God has not promised us a life without pain. When trials come our way, and they will, we must remember to turn to Him and seek the advice He has given us in His Word.”

~Ruth Ann Misener, Fall 2023

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

Land purchase for church, Costa Rica $10,000

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

“These words show that our wish for peace is not a new concept. We are not an enlightened generation. Throughout history there has been a desire for peace.”

~Patricia Lach Kreutzwieser, Spring 2024

Consider being a contributor. Guidelines and information are found on the same web page.

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

A MOST JOYFUL EXPERIENCE – OXBOW, SASKATCHEWAN AND GRISE FIORD, NUNAVUT CONNECT

Grise Fiord is an Inuit hamlet of approximately 140 residents, located on Ellesmere Island, about 1,500 kms from the North Pole and as the crow flies, just over 3, 000 kms from Oxbow Saskatchewan. What are the chances of these two communities connecting?

It all began September 7, 2023, when a small group of LWMLC women at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Oxbow, first heard of Grise Fiord in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada. Sharon told of her daughter Jessica’s dream of collecting Christmas gifts for the children of this small northern community where she had spent some time on a work rotation. The idea of connecting with these particular children at Christmas grabbed the hearts of those present and the decision was made to try and make Jessica’s dream a reality.

And then came the questions! How many gifts? How many boys? Girls? Ages? How should the gifts be packaged and shipped? Stockings or bags? Would we have a local contact person to arrange personal delivery to the children? When and where? How would we get enough gifts for everyone? What kinds of gifts would be enjoyed? Would we have enough money to cover the cost of shipping and any extra expenses that might occur? Did we have enough time to get gifts there before Christmas?

By Thanksgiving most of the

questions had been answered and a timeline established for a preChristmas gift delivery. A list of the ages of the boys and girls was posted. Promotion began, and the result was astonishing. An abundance of ageappropriate gifts plus cash to cover the cost of shipping and extra expenses was donated. A box of Christmas bags was found and freely given— exactly what was wanted, just waiting to be used. Word spread beyond the congregation and the extended community response was amazing. Donations came from Estevan, Carlyle, Alameda, Carnduff and included several games and a special cash offering from one congregation. The staff at the local Canada Post office were helpful and supportive, giving options for the best way to pack the gifts and recommending the most economical shipping.

The first week of November arrived. Tables in the church fellowship hall were filled with gifts. It was time to sort the gifts and fill the bags—the piles of books, games, toys, candy and other gifts disappeared as 35 Christmas bags, easily identifiable by age and gender, were packed into large boxes for shipping. A letter of introduction, along with Christmas greetings to the community was written. Also included were 170 quilted pocket cross pillows accompanied by the Bible verse “…

HOW YOU, TOO, CAN SUPPORT THE MISSION OF LWML–CANADA

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

Monetary donations in honour of or in memory of someone, go into the Gifts for Growth fund unless

designated otherwise by the donor. Find more information about the Gifts for Growth fund on the LWMLC website at www.lutheranwomen.ca.

Detailed information can be found by clicking the GIVING tab or the DONATE button.

Donations to LWML–Canada may be sent by cheque, e-transfer, credit card or online through Canada

the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

The boxes, weighing 44.1 kg, were shipped November 16. The ability to track the boxes was limited and Canada Post could not be sure when they would arrive at Grise Fiord. The exact shipping route is unknown but we know the boxes arrived safe and sound on December 13 and were delivered to the local school where they were given to the children by Santa’s helpers on December 20. Pictures reflect the joyful reality of their experience.

Looking back, it’s difficult to believe how it all came together so smoothly. Jessica’s dream became a reality. And the outcome was a most joyful Christmas experience for all!

Helps. Please complete a remittance voucher (also on the website) giving the financial secretary direction and contact information for the donor.

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

Questions? Send by email to financialsec@lutheranwomen.ca.

From ready to pack (above) to ready to open.

by Ted Giese

Focusing on the second half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction novel, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two chronicles the rise to power of a young prince thought dead. This occurs after the tragic extermination of his father and people by their sworn enemies, House Harkonnen. The extermination took place shortly after House Atreides arrived to replace them as stewards on Arrakis, the planet that oversees the most lucrative and vital resource in the universe, the spice melange. The spice, found only on this desolate planet where it never rains, facilitates space travel, and extends consciousness and longevity.

At the end of the first film, young Paul Atreides, the rightful heir to his father’s fiefdom, becomes embedded with his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica, among the indigenous Fremen—a semi-nomadic people in the planet’s harsh desert wilderness. Protected by his training in hand-to-hand combat and statecraft, Paul discovers his true protection rests more on a series of Bene Gesserit-crafted prophecies sown on Arrakis over the centuries, intended to appeal to the superstitions of credulous Fremen prone to fanaticism. Paul’s mother uses these prophecies as a weapon to protect her son. Paul knows it’s a pious lie but eventually uses it himself. The key prophesy is of a messianic figure, the “Lisan al Gaib”—the Voice of the Outer World—who will lead the Fremen out of the desert into a green paradise. The presumed death of Paul and his mother is leveraged for surprise as Paul rises to power within the Fremen and seeks revenge on House Harkonnen and their secret benefactor, Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV.

If the first movie focused on world-building and setting the stage with political intrigue, economics, and ecological concerns, Dune: Part Two shifts gears to focus more on the religious themes of Herbert’s novel. The cynical view of the place of religion in personal and political spheres of life undergirds the 1965 novel, and is likewise apparent in Villeneuve’s films. Contrast this with the 1984 film adaptation which portrayed Paul Atreides as a quasi-divine messiah who could kill with a word and literally make it rain on Arrakis—effectively sidestepping Herbert’s central point that people need to be wary of charismatic leaders and not worship them or treat them like gods. While in both Herbert’s books and in Villeneuve’s films, the character of Paul Atreides is an exceptional, superhuman being called the “Kwisatz Haderach,” produced through centuries of genetic manipulation via a complex Bene Gesserit breeding programme, he is not intended to be understood as divine. Like the prophecies sown on Arrakis, the Kwisatz Haderach is a tool intended by the Bene Gesserit to be used as a mechanism of political and societal control.

What can religiously minded viewers make of these themes in Dune? Herbert himself appears to have been agnostic, tending towards atheism. Raised as an observant Catholic, Herbert’s view of his religious upbringing is negative, noting

his disdain for his Jesuit education and the influence of his maternal aunts, who, as nuns, forced their religious views on him as a boy (they serve as his key inspiration for the Bene Gesserit sisterhood). Film director Villeneuve was also raised as a Catholic and considers himself a product of the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s in Quebec. While he maintains a fondness for some aspects of his early exposure to Roman Catholicism, his views on the relationship between church and state are thoroughly secular. In a February 2024 interview with The Montreal Gazette, Villeneuve commented that, “as a French-Canadian Catholic living in Quebec under the pressure of the Church,” he was preoccupied with the mix of religion and politics, stating that “the pressure of religion, the idea that you can use God as a tool to manipulate people, is something I think that’s very relevant today in certain parts of the world, including ours.” These themes in Herbert’s books resonated with Villeneuve, making him a good fit to convey Herbert’s thoughts on the dangers of religion used as a tool of control in politics.

The three main Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—all have prophetic texts involving messianic figures. Jews still await a Messiah, Muslims await the Mahdi, but Christians recognize the prophesied Messiah as having arrived in the person of Jesus the Christ. Christian viewers should remember that Herbert wrote the character of Paul Atreides as a cautionary figure who is not divine, and so should not consider Paul a Christ figure. While some in Jesus’ day likely desired Jesus to set Himself up as their political leader against outside oppressors (like Paul Atreides), this is

not what Jesus did (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19). So too, Paul’s goal of vengeance is very unlike Jesus. Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica, criticizes Paul on this point, saying, “Your father didn’t believe in revenge.” Paul responds “I do”—a sentiment that clearly distinguishes his character from Jesus.

In Dune, Herbert draws a lot on Islamic religion. Muslims consider Jesus a prophet but not divine. They teach that Jesus did not die on the cross but only “swooned” and appeared dead. Christians, on the other hand, consider this teaching heretical and maintain that Jesus died and was resurrected three days later.

The importance of these religious differences becomes relevant in Dune: Part Two. In both the book and film, Paul’s transformation into the Kwisatz Haderach is triggered by consuming “The Water of Life,” a spice rich substance extracted from the bile of young sandworms. Normally, only the exclusively female Bene Gesserit take this water as part of a ritual to become Reverend Mothers; it is considered poisonous to men. When Paul consumes it to induce a metamorphosis, he falls into a deep coma and appears dead. After a Sleeping Beauty-like awakening with the help of Chani’s tears, the fanatical Fremen leader Stilgar sees this as incontrovertible proof that Paul is the Lisan al Gaib—their Messiah. Herbert, and by extension Villeneuve, present this metamorphosis as clever biological manipulation rather than a miracle, reflecting a materialistic view of the universe that dismisses the supernatural out of hand as a superstitious misinterpretation of the natural world. It also reflects the Muslim narrative that Jesus only swooned and didn’t truly die at His crucifixion.

The theme of materialism runs throughout the novel and is also hinted at in Villeneuve’s films. For example, the giant sandworms of Arrakis are worshiped by the Fremen as gods. The Fremen even make knives out of their teeth and incorporate this into their mystery religion. But from a more scientific standpoint, these massive animals, essential for producing the spice and maintaining the desert ecology, are simply biological beings with no supernatural or mystical qualities. Herbert sees mystery and miracles simply as unexplained natural phenomena which can be exploited to enslave the naive.

Paul initially hesitates to deceive the Fremen, knowing that his spice-induced prescience reveals a future filled with bloodshed if they follow him as their Messiah. But the Fremen view every action or a confirmation of his Messiah status. (though not comedic) here to the Monty Python film Brian, in which a man born in the stable next door to Jesus spends his life being mistaken for a Messiah. Herbert and Villeneuve tap into cynical historical critiques of the Messiah figure, challenging the very idea of a chosen one.

Christians confess Jesus to be the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament. Apart from Jesus, though, the Bible

counsels Christians to be wary of charismatic leaders who claim divinity or allow themselves to be treated like gods. Jesus Himself warns His disciples that “many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matthew 24:5). The Psalms likewise teach this bit of wisdom: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146:3–4). The Christian Scriptures, therefore, contain warnings about political leaders and false messiahs—lessons worth considering regardless of one’s religious convictions.

With excellent cinematography, realistic CGI, and an engaging score, Dune: Part 2 is a strong continuation of Villeneuve’s first film. But despite these strengths, the film lacks overall energy, and the pacing is slow, meandering towards an abrupt conclusion—all while some of the most important moments are passed by too quickly.

Those familiar with the book will note some changes in the film when it comes to plot and character. Some of these are positive, like the narratively satisfying confrontation between “The Beast” Rabban Harkonnen and the beleaguered Gurney Halleck. Changes to the character of Chani, meanwhile, are more controversial. In the book she is a true believer, but in the film she is turned into an audience surrogate skeptic. Another change is to the character of Paul’s sister, Alia Atreides. In the book, the character is referred to as an abomination: a small child with the intelligence and mannerisms of an adult (resulting from her exposure to the “water of life” when her mother was pregnant). In the film, though, Villeneuve has condensed the time-frame of the story from a couple of years to about six months. As a result, Lady Jessica is still pregnant. Villeneuve’s solves this narrative dilemma by having Alia communicate as a pre-born telepathic baby (perhaps inadvertently reinforcing the belief that life starts at conception).

Some viewers have compared Villeneuve’s films to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, lauding them as an example of what contemporary film could be, if it took a more mature storytelling approach and respected source material. Audiences recognize that Villeneuve is trying to value viewers’ minds and is encouraging them to dig deeper into Herbert’s ideas—as opposed to churning out vapid content focused on profiting from established intellectual properties. While Villeneuve’s film may simplify elements of Herbert’s Dune: Part Two sets , which is lead pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina, and movie reviewer for

TRANSITIONS

MINISTRY, FOR THE CARE OF SOULS

To learn more about the Lexham Ministry Guides, visit lexhampress.com/lmg

Rev. Robert Grout (Holy Trinity, Luseland, SK), transferred to Emeritus.

Rev. Shaun Manning (Naracoort Lutheran Parish, Naracoort, Australia) accepted a call to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Winnipeg).

Rev. Robert Marshall (Immanuel, Tomahawk / Emmaus, Drayton Valley, AB), transferred to emeritus.

Rev. Jacob Quast (St. Paul, International Falls, MN and The Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances, ON) accepted a call as Director of Domestic Missions (Lutheran Church–Canada, Winnipeg).

Rev. Jan Pastucha (King of Kings, St. Albert, AB) accepted an additional call as Assistant Pastor to Riverbend (Edmonton, AB).

Rev. Neil Stern, Intentional Interim Pastor (Grace, Edmonton), accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Grace (Edmonton).

St. Paul Lutheran Church (Kirkland Lake, ON) merged with Christ (Timmins, ON) on August 5, 2023.

Dcn. Margaret Towriss, Emeritus (Port Moody, BC), called to glory on February 5, 2024.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rev. Megersa Denu has submitted an application to the Pastoral Colloquy Program of Lutheran Church–Canada. Communications regarding this application should be submitted in writing within four weeks to Rev. Michael Schutz, Chair, LCC Pastoral Colloquy Committee, c/o 2800 South Main Street, Penticton, BC or by email to vicepresident@lutheranchurch.ca.

CLASSIFIEDS

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church (Regina, Saskatchewan) is celebrating its 100th Anniversary on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Preaching at 9:30 a.m. Divine Service is Rev. David Haberstock, with Guest Preacher at 3:00 p.m. Worship Service Rev. Jeremy Swem. Tickets for 6:00 p.m. roast beef supper are limited. Call church office early 1-306522-7621 to reserve.

WHAT IS OF FIRST IMPORTANCE?

by president timothy teuscher

When it comes to our personal lives there are many things that are of first importance to us. To the one who is unemployed, what is of first importance is finding a good-paying job. For the person reaching the end of her working days, what is of first importance is getting all her finances in order for those retirement years. For the person lying on a hospital bed, what is of first importance is being restored to health. For the student, what is of first importance is graduating and finding a rewarding and well-paying career. For some, what is of first importance is their favourite hockey team winning the Stanley Cup. In short, to most people what is of first importance are those good things of God’s creation mentioned in the Small Catechism’s explanation of the First Article of the Creed: “clothing, food, drink, house, home, wife, children”; and in the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health… good friends, faithful neighbours, and the like.”

So, too, when it comes to congregations: what is of first importance are often things like a variety of activities and programs for young and old alike; a well-maintained church building and facilities; worship services overflowing with people; socalled relevant and practical sermons; and, of course, a sizeable amount of cash on hand in our congregation’s bank account.

St. Paul, however, says something quite different in one of our appointed readings for Easter Day: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). What is, or should be, of first importance to us? Just this: the message of the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

And why is this so? The apostle answers that simply and clearly in these words: “Christ was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Think about it: all your sins fully and completely paid for by the atoning death of Jesus on the cross… a life with God now and forever because of Jesus’ resurrection from the death… even your own resurrection from the grave on the Last Day. What could be more important than that?

Not only, of course, is this what Holy Week is about: Jesus’ death on the cross on Good Friday and His resurrection from the dead on Easter morning. But since this is “of first importance,” then every Lord’s Day, every time we gather together throughout the year, is, in effect, a mini-Good Friday and a little Easter morning. Every Lord’s Day the central message of the Scriptures is proclaimed again in word and song. Every Lord’s day when the risen Lord Jesus appears to us, just as He did to

the disciples on that first Easter, and shows us His hands and His side in the holy Sacrament of His very body and blood. As St. Paul puts it earlier in First Corinthians: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

What is of first importance? Not the healing of our diseased bodies, but the healing of our diseased souls. Not the momentary joy of victory for our favourite hockey team, but the eternal joy of victory over death and the grave by our Lord Jesus Christ. Not good financial planning to secure our retirement years, but the sure and certain guarantee through Jesus’ death and resurrection that secures our eternal future. Not a job or career that enables us to make a lot of money and buy a home, but heavenly treasures and an eternal home with our Creator. Not spending Easter with family and friends around the dinner table, but receiving heavenly food and drink with the family of God at the Easter dinner that God Himself prepares and sets before us under the bread and wine of His Supper.

“He who has no Good Friday and Easter has no good day throughout the year. On Good Friday, I still clearly see my sin, but on the day of Easter no sin is any longer to be seen.” So Martin Luther put it. And what could be more important than that?

EMPOWERING YOUNG EXPERIENCES!

Helping young adults to see their role in the work of the church can be challenging, especially with everything else competing for their time and attention. We believe that Intergenerational Mentorship is a loving way to foster the next generation of leaders while providing opportunities to gain meaningful life experiences. With the help of experienced elders in the faith to mentor and guide, we are providing a framework for young people to collaborate and engage with the church in a positive way!

To find out more about how you can be part of our Global Mission Field Mentoring projects taking place Summer 2024 and January 2025 go to: www.lll.ca/mentorshipproject to download the pamphlet and application details.

Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada | 270 Lawrence Ave | Kitchener, ON N2M 1Y4 1-800-555-6236 | 519-578-7420 | helpful@lll.ca | www.lll.ca