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“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” — Luke 18:13 —
So ends one of the most beautiful parables told by Jesus. Two men—one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector—go up to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee approaches God in a spirit of selfrighteousness; he expects God to look upon him favourably because of the godly life he has led. But the tax collector is deeply conscious of his sin. He stands far off, his eyes cast down, and prays for mercy—not because he deserves it but because God is merciful. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified,” Jesus concludes, “rather than the other” (18:14).
For anyone who has ever felt the sting of conscience, anyone who has ever been overwhelmed with horror at their own sin, this parable is deeply consoling. Christ is merciful. He knows you are a sinner, and yet He comes to you anyway. “I have not come to call the righteous,” Jesus says, “but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He comes for sinners. He comes for you.
As Christians, we need to hear this good news again and again. As St. Paul says: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). Yes, we are all of us sinners. And we are saved only through the mercy of Christ—
mercy which He has in great love and compassion won for us through His death on the cross and resurrection. This is truly the heart of the Gospel. And yet even this good news can be twisted out of shape by Satan, the world, and our own sinful nature. An insidious thought arises: If we are saved by grace alone—through God’s mercy alone—then does it really matter how we live? The question is seldom put so bluntly, but it underlies the actions of many people in our world today including, sadly, many people even in churches. And it has devastating spiritual consequences.
The error can manifest in different ways. In one case, people simply throw up their hands and say, “Sin cannot truly be resisted. So why try? God will forgive in the end because of grace alone!” There is a presumption here on the mercy of God that can be dangerous to our souls. Another case occurs when people begin to deny that sin is really sin at all. “All the stuff about sin in the Bible is irrelevant and dated or simply wrong,” people say. “Just focus on the love and mercy of Christ. He loves you no matter what you choose to do or how you choose to live.”
In these instances, God’s mercy becomes not salvation and the power to live a new life but instead an excuse or even license to go on sinning. St. Jude writes that people like this “pervert the grace of our God into sensuality” (Jude 4). And St. Paul makes it clear that such presumption on God’s mercy is itself sin. “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” he asks. “By
no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). St. John concurs: “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9).
We ought to recognize the seriousness of our sin by seeking to turn away from it, God helping us. But when we fail, as we all do this side of heaven, we must not despair. Our Jesus is still the God who came to seek sinners. He is seeking you now. He comes with mercy, beautiful mercy, for you—for He is Mercy in the flesh.
We look to that mercy our entire lives. In this issue, we seek the love and mercy of Christ in different ways. We learn how Martin Luther shared the mercy of Christ through his care of souls (page six). We see how a parent grieving the death of their children looks with hope to the mercy of Christ in the midst of the sorrows of this world (page nine). And we ask what it means to show mercy to the church workers at work in our congregations (page 12).
O Christ, bless us with Your mercy all the days of our lives. Help us to recognize the severity of our sin, and lead us back to Your love and forgiveness. Be merciful to us, O God, for You are Mercy. Amen.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” — Jude 20-21 —
Martin Luther and the Care of Souls
The most important thing to know about the reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) regarding the care of souls is that Luther was above all a pastor—that is, a shepherd of Christ’s sheep. Yet his pastoral care was conducted mostly through public preaching and teaching in the university, and through his writings as a reformer. Beyond his published writings and extensive letter-writing, Luther’s understanding of the care of souls is mostly known for his insights and comments on receiving pastoral care, from his spiritual mentors in the Augustinian convent and especially from his own pastor, Johannes Bugenhagen, who was called in 1523 to be the head pastor in the Wittenberg town church (where Luther was also called as a pastor).
an Augustinian friar (brother), by his service in the priesthood, by his calling to be preacher at the town church in Wittenberg as well as professor of theology at the university, and finally by his activity as a reformer that led to and shaped the Protestant Reformation.
Luther was above all a pastor—that is, a shepherd of Christ’s sheep.
Luther’s pastoral ministry was shaped by his spiritual experience in the monastery (from 1505) as
As a friar in the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt and later in Wittenberg, Luther learned by personal experience to care for his own soul as well as for the spiritual life of his brothers in the convent, especially by private devotions and corporate worship. The Psalms played a central role in this devotion, as the psalms were recited aloud continually throughout the days in private prayer (often alone in the friar’s cell), at mealtimes as the friars ate while listening to a brother reading aloud the psalms, and at worship together in the monastery chapel. All 150 psalms would have been recited each week, spiritually forming the brothers through God’s
Luther the Souls
by John A. Maxfield
Word as expressed in these age-old prayers of God’s people Israel and of the Church of the New Testament.
In Martin Luther’s writings, the Word of God flows from his memory onto the page as the rich experience expressed in the psalms—from confession of sin to expressions of praise and confidence in God—is lived out in the daily rhythm of Christian life. This personal experience of God’s Word is evident throughout Luther’s career as seen in personal correspondence, his sermons, his lectures on the Bible at the university, and his pastoral writings as a reformer.
Luther is primarily remembered for his work as a reformer of the church, and he engaged the spiritual life of Christians as well as topics of reform through his lectures at the University
of Wittenberg. Each of his series of lectures at the university—throughout his career, from 1513 to 1545 (his last lectures, on Genesis 50, given just a couple months before his death)—were devoted to the Bible. Luther used the text of Holy Scripture to teach his students about their spiritual life from God’s own Word. His lectures were more like sermons, using God’s Word in Scripture to form his students spiritually as they were prepared to serve as pastors in churches now being changed dramatically by the Reformation.
Luther was also called to preach in the town church in Wittenberg, and from this pulpit as well as through his published sermons, Luther was continually active in the care of souls. From his very first published writing in early 1517 (a brief commentary in the German language on the seven penitential psalms) to his bursting onto the scene of public life in November 1517 after the circulation of his 95 Theses on the subject of indulgences, Luther used written texts—often printed sermons—to care for souls. While the 95 Theses were prepared for an academic disputation—a highly professional and difficult form for debating theological topics as a university professor—Luther was engaging a subject of pastoral care, raising questions about the message being conveyed by preachers who promised, “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.”
Luther used the text of Holy Scripture to teach his students about their spiritual life from God’s own Word.
Sometime early in 1518, Luther followed up his Theses (written in Latin) with a simple, twentyparagraph pamphlet written in German and titled: “A Sermon on the Indulgence and Grace.” Here the pastor and professor taught people in a simple way about the problems he recognized in the way the Sacrament of Penance (private confession to one’s priest) was being practiced at the time. As a caretaker of souls (the German word is Seelsorger ), Luther was concerned that people were being misled by a very popular practice associated with Penance— namely, that by giving a contribution to the church they could make up for their sins and gain an early (or at least earlier) release from the sufferings or “purgation” of sinful guilt that they (or their deceased loved ones) still owed to a holy God in Purgatory. Out of
Luther’s pastoral concerns for the care of souls—largely because those concerns were dismissed and condemned as heresy—Luther’s Reformation developed into a division of the Catholic Church and the Reformation of Christianity.
Luther was the most-published author in his day and, indeed, in history. And of his many writings, his short book Freedom of a Christian best expresses Luther’s concerns for the way the Gospel can bring spiritual comfort to souls troubled by sin and by the various burdens in life experienced by Christians. Luther opens this treatise—which was published in November 1520 before the Reformation really became a movement to change the very character of Christianity—by acknowledging: “Many people have considered Christian faith an easy thing, and not a few have given it a place among the virtues. They do this because they have not experienced it and have never tasted the great strength there is in faith. It is impossible to write well about it or to understand what has been written about it unless one has at one time or another experienced the courage which faith gives a man when trials oppress him.”
Through this one short book, the Reformer cared for the souls of thousands of Christians in his own time and millions since, unveiling the meaning of Christian faith and life. Luther shows that faith in Christ frees the Christian
Luther shows that faith in Christ frees the Christian believer from the attacks of his or her own conscience because of sin.
believer from the attacks of his or her own conscience because of sin; from false views about salvation (taught in the church of Luther’s day and still today) that make it seem that God’s love and forgiveness is conditioned on our good works; and, finally, from the burdens placed upon us in this world to earn the acceptance and esteem of others by means of our efforts and successes in life. Toward the end of the booklet, Luther concludes with a brief description of what a true Christian is: “A Christian lives not in himself, but in Christ and in his neighbour. Otherwise he is not a Christian. He lives in Christ through faith, and in his neighbour through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he descends beneath himself into his neighbour. Yet he always remains in God and in his love.”
Five hundred years later, Christians today can still receive Martin Luther’s pastoral care of souls by reading his writings, especially his catechisms, sermons, and lectures on the Bible.
Rev. Dr. John A. Maxfield is Professor of History and Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton, and also serves as an assistant pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church, Edmonton.
The Death of a Child
by Terry Zibin
T“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Romans 6: 23 -
he death of a child is one of the most painful, difficult, and sorrowful events a parent can experience. It goes against our natural reason for a parent to outlive their child—and it is especially traumatic when a child suffers before his or her death.
I write this from first-hand experience. In 1990, our daughter Hannah was born two months prematurely, and her lungs did not function as they should. Each breath Hannah took was a struggle, and it was obvious she was in distress. Hannah lived one day and then died. As parents, we watched the neonatal unit work to help Hannah by providing respiratory support and medication
to open up her airway. But after these interventions, Hannah just became worse. She died as a baptized child of God.
More recently, our daughter Elizabeth died in Christ. She had been battling cancer off and on for more than nine years. Two and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The cancer had spread into her lungs, liver, bones and other areas. The diagnosis was incurable. Throughout her battle with cancer, Elizabeth suffered immensely from surgeries, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, pain in her back, and an inflamed liver. In the last week of her life, her immediate family was with
Photo: Jne Valokuvaus, Adobe Stock. Crucifix silhouette: Sky, Adobe Stock.
her and witnessed her decline, brought on by fluid in her lungs and pain in her back and stomach area.
In moments like this, it is natural to ask: Why would God allow Christians to suffer this way? Why do children have to die? And why do adult children who have children of their own have to die? The reality is death is inevitable. As the book of Ecclesiastes says, there is “a time to be born and a time to die” (3:2). Upon the death of Elizabeth, the grief was tremendous. It is still ongoing. And it also triggered memories of Hannah’s death. When Hannah died, we had two other young children. Because of this, our focus was also on them, and this allowed us to move forward. But with Elizabeth’s passing—having been with her at her last moment—the memories of holding Hannah as an infant and holding her as she died came back too.
I write this as I grieve the death of two daughters. A lot of tears have been shed and a lot of memories shared
with family and friends. The grieving process is different for everyone. I thank God for Elizabeth and Hannah, and I know that through faith in Jesus I will be reunited with them in heaven. So how do you get through the grief, sorrow, heartache, numbness, and trauma when your child dies? Everyone will handle death differently. But our faith as Lutheran Christians helps. I believe that the souls of those who have faith in Jesus go to heaven to live with God for eternity. And I believe that one day Jesus will return to resurrect those who have died in the faith— to reunite our souls with our bodies. In his book On Eternal Life , Johann Gerhard once summarized eternal life as “that most blissful and blessed state with which God, out of His limitless mercy, for the sake of Christ, the Mediator who is apprehended by persevering faith, will bless the godly after this life so that their souls, first separated from their bodies but
“I believe that the souls of those who have faith in Jesus go to heaven to live with God for eternity. ”
then reunited with their glorified bodies on the day or resurrection, should be freed from all miseries, sorrows, and evils to live with Christ, the holy angels, and all the elect in eternal happiness, glory, and bliss, and, clothed with the perfect knowledge of God, perfect holiness and righteousness, forever see God face to face so that they may love Him without tiring and glorify Him without wearying.” Elizabeth is in heaven because of Christ in whom she had faith. She is freed from all the troubles of this world. Hannah is in heaven too, because she was baptized into Christ. God’s word in Genesis 17:7 states: “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” All Christians share in that promise. In his book, On the Resurrection of the Dead , Gerhard writes:
“Christ not only wanted to be born but also wanted to be conceived and carried in the Virgin’s womb to show that He is the Saviour even of infants still enclosed in their mother’s womb and offered to Him by devout prayers.” Knowing Elizabeth and Hannah are in heaven brings great consolation, knowing they are experiencing bliss, happiness, and joy in being with the Lord. That doesn’t mean I don’t grieve. I will continue to grieve. It is hard for me to accept they had to die so young. But I know God is in control, and His wisdom far exceeds my comprehension. Elizabeth and Hannah are safe in the arms of Jesus. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57.).
Terry Zibin is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Port Alberni, B.C.
“And I believe that one day Jesus will return to resurrect those who have died in the faith—to reunite our souls with our bodies.”
Image: Fariha's Design, Adobe Stock.
The pastor steps into the pulpit and notices the person who argued at the last few voters’ meeting that pastor wasn’t doing enough to support the church’s boards—even though the pastor was at church every night last week, missing his anniversary and his kids’ soccer games. Weariness slumps his shoulders and he wonders how to get through the sermon, how to preach Gospel to this person who offers him only Law.
The director of parish services hangs up the phone and sighs. Her two-year-old is sick and needs to be picked up from daycare. But her husband is working out of town and she’s teaching the seniors’ Bible study this afternoon. Her husband needs his higherpaying job more than she needs hers, and they can barely afford daycare as it is. And forget trying to have another child—not with her salary and long, inflexible hours.
“Maybe I should leave church work. God can use my gifts in other fields, where money, loneliness, and church politics wouldn’t cause me so much stress, anxiety, and depression...”
Photo: kelifamily, Adobe Stock.
Detail on facing page from Dante's Inferno, Gustave Dore, 1857.
The Office of Discouragement
by Scott Gamble and Michelle Heumann
Church workers are a precious resource and there are too few of them, and many pastors and deacons are no longer serving because of parish situations that drove them away. The following article, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, imagines what an elder demon might write to a junior tempter who has been charged with sowing discord in a congregation. We hope that this imaginary discussion from the wrong perspective will help readers consider the issue from a new viewpoint, leading us all to pray more diligently for our church workers and to consider how we can foster a culture of mutual encouragement and forgiveness.
My dear Gloomthorn,
Your new assignment may seem puzzling but be assured: this particular office is of vital importance to our cause and has been for centuries. You see, when Christians gather, they are strengthened in their faith. By dividing Christians from each other—separating them to fade like coals spread across a hearth—we will weaken them all the more quickly.
This task is best begun by undermining their strong leaders. Do not waste time on lukewarm leaders or on ones who aid our cause by mistreating their flock, but focus on leaders who most effectively teach, preach, and demonstrate the Gospel. When a leader is brought down, their followers will either scatter in fear or mill about in confusion, forgetting to stand firm.
An effective method of undermining a leader is to distract them with the cares and concerns of day-to-day life. A disease in the family, a quarrel with a spouse or children—or even lack of a spouse or children—can be sufficient distractions for some.
For the strongest leaders, a more cunning strategy will be required. Dividing a church through conflict within itself can be quite effective, resulting in not only the undermining of the pastor but also an entire congregation, disbanding it and scattering the flock on the wind.
Modern churches are often proud of their buildings, investments, and tax deductions, so encouraging leaders to unhealthy hope or despair over their finances can destroy a
church—especially if they spend more time in meetings than in Bible study and prayer. Even if this strategy takes years to bear fruit, it is still a small amount of time compared to centuries. So bide your time and slowly increase the pressure.
As you take up your position in this office of discouragement, do not allow them to remember love: instead, beat them with law, tempt them with gold and bigger barns, trip them with pride, and sow disdain for each other’s struggles. We know that our former Master intended the world to know Christians by their love for each other… but we also know they are frail and easily led to hatred.
Your affectionate uncle, Grimshade
Dear Gloomthorn,
You appear well suited to this assignment, as your observations of this church are quite keen. You have rightly identified their greatest defense against our assaults, and that is the despicable Book of our former Master—a Book which is not just stories or poems, but is in fact Himself speaking and being present in their midst, which we must certainly stop.
But if this church is as devoted as you say, it would not do to make a frontal assault on their trust in the Book; you will have to undermine their trust in their leader’s
teaching on the Book, or disrupt them with strife that creates mistrust and shame.
Give these time-tested steps a try: beset the congregation with an unending chain of hardships—not all at once and not of any great magnitude, just a constant stream, so the pastor is worn down by the needs of his people.
Then, stir up a slight annoyance within one of the church members. Not anything important but something they are unwilling to see reason about: an unanswered visitation request, perhaps, or a sermon illustration they found distasteful. I trust you to select an appropriately insignificant grievance.
If you are strategic, the pastor will have little awareness of his scars from past conflicts, and will require minimal prompting to either lash out in pain or cower and retreat into despair and anguish. These poor stupid wretches almost never recognize these attacks as from us, and instead fight amongst themselves, causing lovely chaos.
We can, of course, twist even the slightest perturbation to our advantage. A simple hesitancy when the phone rings or a flinch at each text notification is an anxiety that even the most well-guarded pastor can struggle with. You must work hard to cultivate a growing unease and paranoia about when the other shoe will drop.
However, avoid any battlegrounds that have been given over to our former Master. Remembering previous relationships restored by confession and forgiveness will almost certainly give the pastor resolve to—Satan forbid— reconcile with those who wounded him.
I must admit, I am envious of the mayhem you’re about to unleash. I look forward to your next letter.
All my best, your uncle, Grimshade
up such an awkward situation, there will be some who truly believe in that disgusting practice of reconciliation. You must not allow these faithful few to participate in this act for we have no defenses against such an attack.
As long as no one brings the pastor and the people together to confess their sin and partake in forgiveness, then you will have freedom to distort their memories and feelings of the event, compounding the damage even further.
As to your question, applying these techniques of division, silence, and festering to the deacon could be just as effective as applying them to the pastor. Deacons have their own work, but they experience similar emotions, and so there is opportunity to sow discord between the members of the ministry staff as well as between them and the congregation.
I look forward to a report about the techniques you choose and their effect on the pastor and deacon—and subsequently on the congregation. If you succeed here, I will recommend you for a more important assignment, as we attempt to thwart an upcoming gathering of church leaders.
With pride, your uncle, Grimshade
DDear Gloomthorn,
I relished every detail of your letter; I never imagined you would so quickly arrive at such a deliciously poisonous situation. This public conflict will surely lead to opportunities for embarrassed silence from the majority of parishioners. You’ve no doubt found that some people use our former Master’s gift for peace as an excuse to avoid conflict. They foolishly convince themselves that “peace” means not discussing subjects wherein people disagree or by which people have been hurt. But such silence is a false peace which leads to festering resentment.
Did you realize the pastor was already on the brink when you set him against the board member who was dissatisfied with his perceived weak stance on this important topic?
Your chief weapons now will be fear and secrecy—and shame. Although most church members will avoid bringing
ear Father in Heaven: We, Your Church, pray for those who have been called in Your stead and serve in Your name, recognizing that all too often the Church’s actions have caused them to be wounded and discouraged servants of Your Word. You brought forth the Church from the wounds of Your beloved Son, Jesus—let not the wounds we inflict on one another threaten to staunch the life-giving flow from our Saviour's side. Instead, cause all members of Your body to be courageous and repentant, as we examine the ways we have contributed to the hardships of church workers.
Give us discerning eyes to see the flaming darts placed in our hands by our old evil foe, and vest us with faith and grace to extinguish those weapons of discord and strife.
Cast us at the foot of Your life-giving cross, using our wounded leaders to humble us yet again, pointing Your people to the only thing of value the Church ever had: Your loving forgiveness, wrought from the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Lord have mercy on Your church workers. Christ have mercy on Your Church. Lord have mercy on us all. Amen.
Scott Gamble is a writer and pastor with a B.A. in English and an M.Div. Michelle Heumann is a writer and editor with a B.A. in English and History and a M.A. in History.
PRAYER
Mexican church president safe following kidnapping
MEXICO – Lutherans in Mexico are thanking God for the safe return of President Isaac Garcia of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico (Sínodo Luterano de México – SLM) and five other church workers after they were recently kidnapped.
On September 5, SLM President Garcia was travelling with another pastor and four deaconesses from Mexico City to Cacahoatán, Chiapas in the south of Mexico. “Our intention was to share a workshop with the brothers and sisters on Lutheran identity, to hold a class with the children, to conduct a medical and service brigade, and to finish with Divine Service,” President Garcia explains. “Unfortunately, about 750 kms from Mexico City and five hours from our destination, we were intercepted by two trucks with armed men. We quickly identified ourselves as pastors and told them the purpose of our trip, but they did not care.”
were in God’s hands, literally living what St. Paul says: ‘For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.’”
What followed was a harrowing experience. After stripping President Garcia and the others of their money, phones, and other belongings— including their rented van and items that were intended for distribution in Cacahoatán—they were taken off the road to a place where about 24 other people had also been kidnaped. “We were held there for approximately six hours, kneeling, with our eyes closed and some of us blindfolded,” President Garcia says.
“Despite all this, God was with us,” President Garcia continues, “and we were able to feel peace in the midst of the situation, knowing that our lives
After about six hours, they were finally released. “At that moment, I was able to lead a prayer with all those who had been kidnapped,” President Garcia recalls. “Our intention was to share God’s love in one way” that day, he says, but ultimately “we were able to do so in a different way.” The group eventually made their way safely home to Mexico City.
“After reflecting on the situation, we simply ask God to continue being with us as we know He is,” President Garcia says, “and to keep leading us to those who need to hear, repent, and come to Christ. We pray for all missionaries around the world, that God may watch over and protect them at all times.”
“We are deeply grateful that God safely delivered our brothers and
sisters in Mexico from this serious situation,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “May God comfort them with His presence as they recover from this frightening ordeal and encourage them with the knowledge of His love and care for each of them. And may He continue to raise up courageous witnesses for Christ both in Mexico and throughout the entire world.”
The Lutheran Synod in Mexico is a member church of the ILC, a worldwide association of confessional Lutheran churches which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
ILC News
SLM President Isaac Garcia (second from left) and the other five church workers who were kidnapped after returning safely to Mexico City.
NYG committee visits Waterloo
WATERLOO, Ont. – From August 23-25, members of the 2025 National Youth Gathering (NYG) committee visited the Kitchener-Waterloo area to meet in person and visit the site of next summer’s NYG.
The committee visited Wilfrid Laurier University, where most of the gathering’s events will take place, as well as Bingemans, where the youth will have a choice between visiting the waterpark or spending time bowling and playing minigolf. Committee members also worshiped at three different local congregations
and asked for prayers and other support for the gathering.
Gathering in person for the first time during the planning process also gave the committee the opportunity for devotions, prayer, fellowship, and productive meetings in a way that Zoom (while useful in many ways) does not. The committee is looking forward to their next inperson meeting in Waterloo from July 4-8, 2025, and hopes that you will join them!
NYG registration packages are available as of late September, and
all youth (and their friends), leaders, and organizations connected to LCC are welcome. Adult volunteers are also welcome; the volunteers who have been known as iBods since 2007 will now be called Minions, but they will still be wearing the same bright yellow shirts. Part-time local volunteers are also welcome to help with small jobs and errands. Please contact the committee if you are interested in serving in some way!
The 2025 NYG Committee
Most of the members of the NYG committee on the Laurier campus: Tony Marchand, Gail Haeussler, Dcn. Amanda Hastings, Rhonda Kelman, Rev. Glenn Worcester, Kayla Moffett, Michelle Heumann, and Rev. Eric Moffett. (Not pictured: Nathan Vaughn and Rev. Paul Roggow).
LCC SIX MONTH FINANCIAL UPDATE
LCC SIX MONTH FINANCIAL UPDATE
Serve, strengthen, and equip congregations for bold, faithful, Christ-centred witness.
Each of the pie pieces represents a unique part of LCC’s mission and ministry. The two inner circles represent those services that share their costs across all mission and ministry areas. Common Services include administration, human resources, office fixed costs, Board of Directors, investment fees, governance, and miscellaneous costs. Advancement Services reflect all costs associated with the development of financial resources across all areas and congregation services related to LCC’s support of Lutheran Foundation Canada.
Each of the pie pieces represents a unique part of LCC’s mission and ministry. The two inner circles represent those services that share their costs across all mission and ministry areas. Common Services include administration, human resources, office fixed costs, Board of Directors, investment fees, governance, and miscellaneous costs. Advancement Services reflect all costs associated with the development of financial resources across all areas and congregation services related to LCC’s support of Lutheran Foundation Canada.
The church in convention, through the adoption of LCC’s Strategic Priorities and resolutions that were put forward, expressed overwhelming support to expand LCC’s mission and ministry of spreading God’s Word and supporting members. Based on the LCC Workplan for Fiscal Year 2025 (part of the Quadrennial Workplan) presented and adopted at the Synodical Convention in 2022, the following chart and table show the actual FY2025 budget approved by LCC’s Board of Directors earlier this year.
The church in convention, through the adoption of LCC’s Strategic Priorities and resolutions that were put forward, expressed overwhelming support to expand LCC’s mission and ministry of spreading God’s Word and supporting members. Based on the LCC Workplan for Fiscal Year 2025 (part of the Quadrennial Workplan) presented and adopted at the Synodical Convention in 2022, the following chart and table show the actual FY2025 budget approved by LCC’s Board of Directors earlier this year.
FY2025 runs from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. This budget covers all aspects of the work of Lutheran Church–Canada. The FY2025 LCC Budget has a total mission and ministry expenditure of $4.152 million dollars.
FY2025 runs from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. This budget covers all aspects of the work of Lutheran Church–Canada. The FY2025 LCC Budget has a total mission and ministry expenditure of $4.152 million dollars.
SUSTAINING AND EXPANDING OUR MISSION & MINISTRY
As Synod, LCC members are blessed to work together to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the proclamation of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments. The church also works together in acts of mercy to show the love of Christ to those in need. This work is done across Canada and around the world in every place God has called us to serve.
“A Christian lives not in himself.... He lives in Christ by faith, in his neighbour through love.”
Martin Luther
Sustaining and expanding this work is accomplished through the faithful stewardship of LCC members and congregations. In conjunction with LCC’s synodical objectives, the following three goals were highlighted by members as most important to the future of our synod. Each of these goals has a human resource requirement and a financial requirement to fulfill.
DISCIPLE MAKING CULTURE
Serve, support, and equip congregations and partner ministries for mission and discipleship
MISSION OUTREACH
Pursue bold domestic and international outreach and ministry
Recruit, educate, and support ecclesiastical, diaconal, and lay leaders for the Church EQUIP LEADERS
Two decisions of the church in convention were the need for a full-time Director of Domestic Missions as well as an Associate Director - Family Ministry. Our synod has also long recognized the importance of supporting Word and Sacrament ministry, especially in our smaller, remote communities. In addition, we are being presented with new opportunities for mission outreach in our most populous cities and First Nations communities, all for the glory of God and His saving name! All of these are focused on the above three goals.
The greatest source of financial support to accomplish our work comes from congregation remittances. The table below provides an overview of congregation remittances over the past five years.
The actual remittances in our current fiscal year FY2025 (February 2024 – January 2025) include amounts received in the first six months up to the end of July 2024. The budget amount for FY2025 also reflects the six month budgeted amount needed.
HOW YOUR CONGREGATION CAN HELP
In order to accomplish this, the congregation remittances budgeted for FY2025 are $2.45 million, which represents about 59 percent of the total revenue needed. LCC encourages congregations to prayerfully consider increasing their remittance to accomplish this. If every congregation were to increase their remittance by 15 percent, using some of the savings realized through the reduction in pension plan expenses, this would assist synod in reaching its budgeted goal.
WEST REGION NEWS
Ordination in Stony Plain
STONY PLAIN, Alta. – Rev. Connor Buck was ordained at his home congregation of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Stony Plain on June 26, 2024. The service was led by Revs. Robert Mohns and Rod Buck, and the Word was preached by Rev. Sye Van Mannen. The service included Revs. Sye Van Mannen, Mark Hennig, Roland Kubke, Mark Dressler, Keith
Hoveland, Rod Buck, Jonathan Kraemer, Rob Mohns, Connor Buck, Don Schiemann, Michael Keith, James Heinbuch, Dr. Joel Heck, Dr. Jim Gimbel, and Jan Pastucha.
A special presentation of the late Rev. Linden Dressler’s stoles was made to Rev. Buck by Rev. Dressler and his mother, Gloria Dressler. The Dressler family gifted them as they
Annual barn dance in Dickson
DICKSON, Alta. – On July 1, King of Kings Lutheran Church in Dickson hosted their annual free barn dance at the Spruce View Hall, happy to celebrate Canada Day with friends and neighbours. More than 200 people of all ages joined in the fun, listening to a live band composed of congregation members and friends, including the
are long time friends of the Buck family and were thrilled that they will continue to be used.
The congregation of St. Matthew prays that God will continue to bless Rev. Buck, Bethany, Delilah, and Bennett in Creston, B.C., where he will serve Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Rhonda Buck
Photos by Christine Keith
pastor, Rev. Russ Howard. The dance included something for everyone: waltzes, two-steps, line dances, and called dances.
King of Kings supplied complimentary bottled water and fresh popcorn for the evening. The congregation is thankful for the collaboration of the Dickson Store
Museum, which provided a selection of ice cream for purchase.
The church had lots of fun serving and celebrating. The evening ended with a bang, as the dance was followed by the community’s fireworks.
Elaine Kure
This summer has seen the continued outpouring of God’s grace upon His Church, especially upon the congregations and workers, both lay and rostered, of Lutheran Church–Canada.
In the midst of worker shortages, the Lord has provided newly ordained pastors and sent vicars to learn under the care of mentor pastors. Men are still enrolling in first-year seminary training as are candidates training to be deacons.
The Lord has provided newborns for our families and for His Church. He has raised up people to serve His Church as servants in their communities. He has provided opportunities for VBS and other children and youth ministries.
He has provided for women to gather at the LWMLC convention to study His Word, to worship, to nurture one another in godly conversations, and to consider how they could use their mites to support the mission and ministry of the Church.
He has provided new opportunities to support congregations in remote locations and in situations where there is no resident pastor. The Lord has been creating new communities of faith from the inflow of immigrants, and He has provided faithful pastors from other lands to meet the need. He has been at work through seminaries, training workers for service to God’s people in a variety of languages and cultures.
The Lord has provided missionaries to share the Gospel across our land with groups of people whom the Lord has sent to us, and He continues to open ever more fields for planting His Word.
WEST REGION NEWS
GRATEFUL WHATEVER THE SEASON
from the regional pastor | rev. robert mohns
He continues to sustain His congregations with the Word and Sacraments. This summer there have been many congregational anniversary celebrations acknowledging God’s grace and mercy to His people.
This summer we have recognized many years of faithful service given by church workers, both lay and rostered. We rejoice that the Lord has provided health and energy for them to continue to serve the church in various capacities, even unto the day that the Lord calls them to His nearer presence.
This summer we have had occasion, even in the midst of death, to rejoice that the Lord has sustained His people in faith even unto death and have brought them to His side to await the resurrection. Even in death the Lord has made it possible for members to support the work of His Church.
That support comes also from congregations that have disbanded. They have blessed their brothers and sisters by adding to the numbers of the nearest congregation, and they have contributed financially and materially to the shared work of the church.
In many ways, then, God has spent the summer pouring out His grace upon the Church. Those blessings are even clearer when we consider the context of this past summer, which has been a season of armed conflict, violence, and death. Countries are preparing to address food scarcity. In Calgary, we experienced a season of severe potable water scarcity. Geo-physical catastrophes compete daily for headline news: flood, earthquakes, fires, extreme
heat, and more rounds of pandemics— all leading to mass migrations.
This summer has also been a season of social upheaval, which increasingly divides us. We have ever greater economic challenges. We have churches shrinking or closing. And we have new challenges and increasing levels of persecution. Yet God continues to pour out His grace and mercy upon us.
Given this context of our season, what kind of people ought we to be? Grateful. The Holy Spirit leads us to praise and give thanks, both in season and out of season. For God has been at work this summer, fulfilling His promise that His Word and Church will endure to the end of time. And by His grace, He has made us partakers in it.
Much of our thanksgiving at the end of summer focuses on temporal things—the bane and blessings of this world. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that these things are shakeable and will disappear at the Lord’s coming. He bids us look instead to the unshakable kingdom that God has prepared for His people, writing: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).
All seasons race toward the fulfillment of the end of time and the revelation of that eternal kingdom. It is a kingdom we have now by grace, through faith, and will receive when the Lord returns to gather all the faithful. May God keep our eyes focused on Christ, the true giver and fulfiller of our thanksgiving.
ALBERTA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR
Lower Mainland youth retreat
MISSION, B.C. – The Lower Mainland circuit held its third annual youth retreat from May 3-5 at beautiful Camp Luther on Hatzic Lake. God blessed the event with 55 campers and 22 leaders in attendance this year. Participating churches included Walnut Grove Lutheran (Langley), Hillside Christian (Cloverdale), Trinity Lutheran (Richmond), Killarney Community Lutheran (Vancouver), St. Paul’s Lutheran (Chilliwack), and Hope Lutheran (Port Coquitlam).
This year’s theme was “Fruit of the Spirit,” taken from Galatians 5:22-23. Chapel times dug deep into what the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness really mean and how Jesus possessed all of these as perfect God and perfect man.
There were lots of fun activities, outdoor sports, and crafts at camp this year. A highlight craft was when campers got to tie-dye their camp shirts. The fruit theme was incorporated into games such as “Fruit Basket,” a fruit smoothie tastetesting guessing game, and a Price is Right game where campers guessed the cost of different fruit.
Shipwrecked VBS
Many friendships and connections were made at camp between the youth and leaders, and the group is seeing increased value in working together and pooling resources within the Lutheran community to strengthen and build youth programs in B.C. If your church would like to attend or
DICKSON, Alta. - In July of this year, King of Kings Lutheran Church invited the children of the community to Vacation Bible School at the church in Dickson. Many accepted the invitation and joined the fun for five days of song,
stories, snacks, and crafts.
The theme this year was Shipwrecked , and the planning and organizing for this event started back in March with a joint venture with another local church. Working in conjunction with another church and sharing resources and manpower was a huge time and cost savings.
Approximately 75 children attended each day, along with 30
be involved in the spring 2025 youth retreat, please email Walnut Grove Lutheran at admin@wglc.org. Amanda Gervais St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chilliwack
youth and adult volunteers. The church was vibrant and lively! Some of the stations were held outdoors, as prayers were answered and the sun shone for the entirety of the week.
The families who attended VBS were asked to bring donations of nonperishable food for the Spruce View and District Food Bank. A boatload (literally) of food was collected! The week concluded with a free barbeque for all those who attended, their families, and all the volunteers.
God’s Word and love was spread that week, and the church prays that it will continue to shine in the hearts of all the children!
Karen MacKenzie
WEST REGION NEWS
Paradise Meadows picnic and hike
VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C. – The Vancouver Island Circuit gathered at Strathcona Provincial Park for a hike and picnic through Paradise Meadows on July 6. More than 40 members
representing six congregations on Vancouver Island met at the trailhead in the morning for fellowship and a picnic lunch, after which they headed to the trail to walk the Paradise Meadows
Diving into VBS in Port Coquitlam
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. –
From July 2-5, 2024, 58 children, 14 youth junior volunteers, 28 adult volunteers, Rev. Lucas Albrecht, and staff at Hope Lutheran Church made Vacation Bible School fun with a SCUBA theme. The theme was “Diving into Friendship with God,” from Group VBS Canada. Michele Malmberg
loop, a beautiful valley meadow near the top of Mt. Washington with trails and boardwalks over meandering creeks. The trail is fully accessible and mostly level, making it wheelchairand stroller-friendly.
The fellowship walk had the group admiring the wildflowers and whisky jacks while strolling through meadow and shady forest for about 45 to 60 minutes. Some were very adventurous and hiked up to Battleship Lake, enjoying a nice swim in glacier melt! The group met back at the tent for refreshments, and games of corn hole and ladder ball. Fellowship stretched into the late afternoon hot summer sun.
Sonja Bland
CENTRAL REGION NEWS
Moose Jaw celebrates 90th anniversary
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – On June 9, Emmanuel Lutheran Church celebrated its 90th anniversary. Lutheran Church–Canada’s Central Regional Pastor David Haberstock preached the sermon, while previous pastor, Rev. Dr. John Kreutzweiser, and current pastor, Rev. Jason Schultz, served as liturgists.
A special anniversary choir blessed the celebration as they led the congregation in singing God’s praise. The theme verse for the event was Psalm 90:1—“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”
A mission offering was collected for children’s education in Nicaragua. A catered fellowship meal followed the service. Hearts were filled with joy and
thanksgiving as the church celebrated 90 years of God’s faithfulness, and the congregation looks forward to a bright
Good Shepherd VBS cruises along
REGINA – This summer from July 29 to August 1, Good Shepherd Lutheran held a cruise ship-themed Vacation Bible School called “Set Sail.” Children were invited to set sail on the SS Good Shepherd as they traveled from the port city of Regina to far away places like Galatia, Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi. The four-day cruise helped the children to discover more about their role in the body of Christ and how God is with them always in their life as a Christian.
This year marks the congregation’s second in-person VBS since the pandemic. As a result of the forced pause, there was an opportunity to
re-evaluate the way this ministry had been done traditionally and to try something new. As a result, Good Shepherd now offers VBS in the evening, and the congregation also provides a meal beforehand to feed the children physically before feeding them spiritually. This change has provided the opportunity for increased outreach into the community as well as development
of relationships with the young families and volunteers who participate.
Dcn. Amanda Hastings
future of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Moose Jaw and beyond. Rev. Jason Schultz
CENTRAL REGION NEWS
Thanks be to God, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Winnipeg finally has a pastor! Her last pastor accepted and moved to a new call in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic that shut the world down. Finally, after four long years, at the end of August 2024, their new pastor, Rev. Shaun Manning, has arrived, and was installed September 8.
You can imagine the struggles and trials of the call process during those years of lockdowns and restrictions. Life was challenging for all of us, but to weather those days without a pastor! What a burden!
Thankfully, due to travel restrictions curtailing their travels, Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) President Timothy Teuscher and International Missions Director Mark Smith, were able to serve Redeemer with Divine Service and Bible Study throughout most of those first two years of vacancy. Due to the increasing pastoral shortage (and God’s own purposes), Redeemer was not provided with her own called pastor for two more years after the pandemic. Then, about a year ago, the Lord dropped into my lap a pastor from an unlikely source: Australia!
LCC has for some decades had a confessional relationship with Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) and as a result there have been many short-term exchanges of pastors and seminary professors between our two church bodies. However, I’m not aware that we had ever had an Australian-trained pastor
AN AUSTRALIAN INVASION!
from the regional pastor | rev. DAVID HABERSTOCK
called indefinitely to an LCC parish until Rev. Adrian Kramer—who had vicared in LCC and met his wife, Rebecca Klages, at the end of vicarage—accepted a call to Canada and was installed in 2021 in St. Peter, Oxbow, and St. John, Frobisher, Saskatchewan.
As you well know, our Lord chooses to work through the people of His Church. And thus, out of the blue, Rev. Kramer contacted me to let me know of a young pastor in Australia who might be interested in serving in Canada. This young man and his wife had recently been blessed with a child, and he was pondering the future of Lutheranism in Australia. LCA has been wrestling with the topic of women’s ordination—and the undergirding doctrine of the authority and inspiration of Holy Scripture—for some time. As of this writing, they were scheduled to vote on the issue again in early October. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Australia, that they stand steadfastly on the Word of God and not lose hope.
Closer to home, Redeemer Winnipeg is blessed to have Rev. Manning, his wife Jacqui, and their darling 16-month-old daughter join us here in LCC. Just when we are experiencing a pastoral shortage, we are excited to welcome a faithful, confessional, young pastor into our midst. It took them months of preparations, dozens of hours of flights, courage, and faith to accept a call to a totally different country,
continent, and culture some 14.5 hours of time zones away!
Rev. Manning brings not only the fresh eyes of a different viewpoint from a sister Synod—not about doctrine but about church culture—and also the zeal and experience of someone who did not grow up as Lutheran or even a Christian. Meanwhile, Jacqui is a third generation Pastor’s Kid (PK). So, you can imagine for them the great sadness in leaving the cradle which has nurtured and nourished their faith. Please pray for them, for their new parish of Redeemer, and for their ongoing adjustment to a new country and culture. Rejoice that LCC still seeks to be a Scripturally-faithful church body, which is recognized throughout the world, and pray that God give us the strength to confess His Word.
For those who are curious, on LCC’s pastoral roster (including emeritus pastors) about 64 percent were trained in Canada, 31 percent in the United States (most of whom are now retired), and five percent abroad. Of that five percent trained abroad, two were trained in Australia, 11 in Brazil, two in Ethiopia, and one each in Argentina, Haiti, India, and Korea.
CENTRAL REGION NEWS
70 years at St. John Lutheran Church in Frobisher
FROBISHER, Sask. – On June 23, St. John Lutheran Church celebrated 70 years in its current building. The congregation invited several of their previous pastors to attend, and were blessed to have Rev. David Ramsey’s wife, Dianne, and Rev. Bill Kronen attend. Rev. Greig Heidorn and Rev. Jason Schultz joined the congregation’s current pastor, Rev. Adrian Kramer, and led the worship service.
After the service, an outdoor lunch was held, and a short program and treeplanting rounded out the celebrations. The Lord blessed the event with beautiful weather for the day.
St. John Lutheran Church was dedicated to the glory of God on August 22, 1954, with three services held that day. A service was conducted in German in the morning by liturgist Rev. E. A. Biberdorf and preacher Rev. W. Dressler. In the afternoon, Rev. Dressler, the local pastor,
conducted a service in which Rev. Biberdorf preached the dedicatory sermon. In the evening, Rev. Herman
VBS train bound for glory
WINNIPEG – When you have talented volunteers and a railroadthemed VBS, you ask them to build a train—and build a train they did!
From July 29 to August 2, Peace Lutheran Church welcomed kids (ages 5-12) from their church, from neighbouring churches, and from the neighbourhood to come aboard the Rocky Railway where they learned about Jesus’ power working in their lives, whatever journey they are on.
Kids learned that Jesus is always with them whether the road is smooth with no issues or the road is rocky and full of detours, twists, and turns. They learned that Jesus’ power helps them to be bold witnesses of the Gospel to their family, friends, and anyone else in their life. Finally, they learned that Jesus’ power lets them live forever, thanks to His death and resurrection, and the gift of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bickel, the former pastor, preached another service.
Glenys Neuman
Thanks to an amazing group of youth and adult volunteers, Rocky Railway was able to keep kids moving and engaged with many activities, including opening the day with Sing & Play Express, then heading out for some Bible Adventures, to the Imagination Station, Loco Motion Games, enjoying Chew Chew Snacks, and ending the day with a high energy Rocky Wrap-Up.
The congregation knows that, as the Spirit moves in Christians and in their faith, they can help kids in the church and community build their life, rail by rail, on the solid rock of Jesus—in whom hope is found, and who promises to be with us until the very last stop. And that makes VBS Kids Camp a worthwhile, lifechanging adventure for all!
Rev. Glenn Worcester
Rev. Adrian Kramer, Dianne Ramsey, Rev. Greg Heidorn, Rev. Bill Kronen, and Rev. Jason Schultz pose with an anniversary cake.
Jesus gives joy at VBS
REGINA – At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the 2024 VBS theme was “Celebrate the Saviour: Jesus Gives Us Joy,” where children explored the Bible and discovered that Jesus offers the joy of eternal life with Him. Many blessings from a loving God were celebrated: family, friends, food, and especially forgiveness through faith in Jesus, the Saviour.
More than 50 children, aged 4-11, took part in the program, and the church was blessed to have more than 40 volunteers who served with joy and enthusiasm. The music was lively, fun, and full of energetic actions. Dedicated pastor, Rev. Nigel Prozenko, site leaders, and helpers did an exceptional job teaching the children with passion, humour, gentleness, and loving care.
The children and volunteers experienced showing the love and mercy of Christ through their generous donations, with the mission project, Nicaragua Lutheran Synod:
Team Zion, receiving an offering of nearly $300.
Sandy Timm
EAST REGION NEWS
“What God Has Joined Together” conference
KITCHENER, Ont. – The 2024 Conference on Biblical Marriage, held May 3-5 at Grace Lutheran Church, brought together 125 guests from Southern Ontario, Ohio, Illinois, and as far away as California. Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz delivered two insightful lectures, preached God’s Word twice, and answered what seemed like an unending stream of questions. The content of the lectures was biblical advice on preparing oneself for marriage, what Christians should be looking for, the history of marriage, the gifts it brings, and so forth.
Grace’s pastor, Rev. Rob Korsch, led an engaging Bible study and conducted both Divine Services as well as a Vespers service. Mark Veenman collaborated with Heidi Gallas and local singers to form a beautiful choir that uplifted the worship. Volunteers at Grace made
everything possible, including the huge amounts of food required to feed 125 people. There were also food trucks, a barn dance, and games.
A pleasant surprise was the number of young families that
attended. There is a real hunger out there for this type of thing and given the positive feedback it seems that hosting another conference next year is inevitable.
Paul Gyger
100th anniversary of Redeemer in Hamilton
HAMILTON, Ont. – 2023
marked Redeemer’s 100th year as a congregation, and the congregation marked the anniversary with a luncheon cruise down the Grand River in Caledonia. On a sunny Saturday, August 19, the group boarded a boat and were served a delicious lunch while cruising the Grand River, with the captain giving them highlights along the way. Rev. Kevin Walrath took the guests on a walk down memory lane through the ten decades of Redeemer with his handy assistant “Vanna White” (Carol Walrath).
What a history it is indeed: from a small storefront on Ottawa St. N to its present location, though many pastors and many vacancies, Redeemer has persisted to the glory of God.
Celebrations culminated on October 15 with an anniversary service. Rev. Aaron Astley, Redeemer’s former pastor, was the guest preacher. Carole Pink led a talented choir to accompany the service, and a delicious meal and fellowship followed the service.
Many other anniversary events occurred throughout the year, including Halloween Outreach, pumpkin carving, caroling, skating, an Easter egg hunt, and a board games day. A beautiful crucifix was gifted to Redeemer by former members, sainted Rev. Darryl Stefanik and his wife Cornelia.
The theme verse chosen for the anniversary was Job 19:25, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the
earth.” This is a wonderful reminder of the work of Christ through the congregation for 100 years. The congregation gives glory to God for the past 36,525 days—and still counting! Redeemer Lutheran Church
One day as I sat in the church office an elderly lady came in. She said she had been a member of that congregation years before, and she reminisced for a while as she walked through the church. She spoke of who was pastor when she was there. She talked about Sunday School and confirmation classes.
It was clear she was deeply moved, and she told me she had moved away many years before. As we chatted, she shared that she joined a different church. It was church that made her feel happy and good. They were full of love, she said. I asked if there was a Lutheran church in that area. She said yes, but this one made her feel good about herself. I wondered in my head what her confirmation instruction might have been like.
After touring the church and chatting for a while, I walked her out to her car. As she was getting into it, she asked me, “Do you guys still say that ‘poor miserable sinner’ stuff?” I said, “The confession at the start of the service? Yes, we do.” She said, “Oh, that’s terrible. I am not a sinner. My church has showed me that I am not a sinner, but good. You should stop that talk.”
Before I could respond, she quickly closed the door and sped off. I said a prayer for her and pondered what type of church she had joined. That was more than 30 years ago, yet I cannot get her face out of my mind. I know she has died long ago; still, she haunts my thoughts.
MISERABLE SINNERS
from the regional pastor | rev. marvin bublitz
I wish I had time to say more to her. I wish I stopped her from leaving so we could chat more. But none of that was to be.
As I look back, I remember the encounter Jesus had with the rich young man where he went away sad. This woman went away happy. She was happy because she was told by her church what she wanted to hear. She wanted to hear that she was fine and good. But in truth it was sad. Sad that her church lied to her. Sad that she believed it.
Imagine going to the doctor when you are sick. The doctor, in an effort to make you feel good, tells you that you are fine. Nothing to worry about here. Smile and be happy. Would that be a loving thing for the doctor to do? It might make you feel better. But it would not be the truth, nor would it change your life circumstances.
What about spiritual life? What about your eternal life? Many people today don’t want to hear that they are sinners; better to tell them they are nice and fine, and there’s nothing to worry about. Smile and go home—all is good.
Isaiah 5:20 tells us: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Many in our day are calling evil good and good evil. Sadly, even many churches do this. People like their lifestyle, and their church says it’s okay as long as you feel good about yourself.
That might make you feel good for a time—but not for eternity. People like to hear they are okay. They like to hear that whatever they want to do is fine. They can ignore whatever commandments they want, so long as they feel good.
But any church that tells you that is not the Church of the Lord. It is the father of lies spreading lies— something he’s been doing since the Garden of Eden. Remember what happened to Adam and Eve when they listened to him? They were expelled from paradise. I would rather tell people they are poor miserable sinners than see them expelled from the paradise of God.
But the good news is that we are not poor miserable sinners for eternity. As promised in the Garden, God sent us a Saviour: Jesus Christ.
Scripture says: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). So yes, we will continue that ‘poor miserable sinner’ stuff. We will continue to speak the truth and confess our sins. The Lord will be true to His promise and forgive the repentant. In Him, we have not only forgiveness, but life everlasting—the paradise of God.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates” (Revelation 22:14).
Rev. Krestick marks 50th ordination anniversary
WATERLOO, Ont. – A great celebration was held June 23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, marking 50 years of Rev. Robert Krestick’s service in the Lord’s Church.
Rev. Krestick’s ministry began with ordination at First Lutheran Church in Windsor, Ontario, where he had been baptized and confirmed. On November 26, 1971, Rev. Krestick was united in Holy Marriage to Mary Elizabeth (McCallum) at Peace Lutheran in Windsor.
Rev. Krestick earned a B.A. from Michigan Lutheran College in Detroit, and in May 1974 a M.Div. from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. Rev. Krestick’s vicarage was served at Peace Lutheran in Spruce Grove and St. John’s Lutheran in Beach Corner, Alberta.
The dual parish of Trinity Lutheran Kurtzville/Gowanstown and St. John’s in Mt. Forest, Ontario, was Rev. Krestick’s first assignment. In 1978, he accepted the call to St. Peter’s Lutheran in Port Colborne, serving there until 1990, during which time he worked with several vicars and field workers.
Following this, Rev. Krestick became Chaplain at Lutherwood Child and Family Services in Waterloo from 1990-2000. Entrusted with this unique calling, he remained steadfast in carrying the message of Christ’s love to the children and staff.
Rev. Krestick retired in 2014, after 14 years at Redeemer Lutheran in Waterloo, where he is honoured to be Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Krestick continued to serve vacancies at Historic St. Paul’s in Kitchener and Prince of
Peace in Burlington. In Burlington, he oversaw a nineteenth vicar in their current pastor, Rev. David Zakel. These days, Rev. Krestick may be found in the pulpit of various area congregations.
Rev. Krestick was honoured to serve the wider church on The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Ontario District Board of Directors; as 2nd Vice President of the East District of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC); as a Lutheran Laymen’s League District Pastoral Adviser; as First Board of Managers of LCC Worker Benefit Plans; as Chairman of K/W Lutheran School Society; and as a Vice President of LCC.
In recent years, Rev. Krestick served as chair of the Board of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catherines. He remains an active member of LCC’s (Team Zion) ongoing mission outreach in Nicaragua.
Robert and Elizabeth are the parents of three: Lisa Jackson (Andrew), Andrew Krestick (Jennifer), and Lydia Fischer (Steve); and grandparents of five.
The Krestick family
Third picture book from Canadian Lutheran artist
EAST REGION – In May, Kloria Publishing released its third board book by Canadian Lutheran artist Harrison Avery Prozenko.
Prozenko’s new book— Depart in Peace—brings to life the “Nunc Dimittis” from the Lutheran liturgy. The illustrations follow the same style as Prozenko’s two other books from Kloria also based on the liturgy: Create in Me and The Sanctus
Other recent books from Kloria illustrating hymns and liturgical songs include: “Who Trusts in God a Strong Abode”; “Christ the Life of All the Living” with “Like the Golden Sun Ascending”; and the Te Deum.
Canadians can order Prozenko’s new book from www.kloria.com (free shipping to Canada on orders over $50
CAD). Kloria books are also available from Concordia Publishing House at www.cph.org.
EAST REGION NEWS
The ordination of Rev. Cunningham
OSHAWA, Ont. – On July 14, Daniel Cunningham was ordained at Grace Lutheran Church, beside the baptismal font from which he was baptized thirty-one years ago. In a Facebook post, Rev. Cunningham shared: “I approached the same altar at which I received God’s Body and Blood for the first time at Confirmation. But, as I approached this same font and altar on Sunday, our gracious Lord of the Harvest called me, His humble servant, into the office of holy ministry.”
Sixteen pastors participated in the ordination service, including Rev. Allen Maleske (preacher), who baptized Cunningham as an infant; and Rev. Jack Hetzel (liturgist), the pastor who confirmed him.
“As so many pastors, who had played a significant role in my spiritual life, placed their hands on my head and spoke God’s Word and a word of blessing, I realized how unworthy I was,” Cunningham said. “These men had taught me from childhood, counselled and cared for me during spiritually dark times. They can construct meaningful sermons and some can chant like the heavenly choirs. However, I remembered that this office is not built upon man’s effort alone. For if it was, how could anyone ever succeed? Rather, the office of holy ministry is built upon God’s Word, the Sacraments, and Christ crucified.”
Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz
and West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns participated in the ordination service. Rev. Cunningham will be installed as a pastor in LCC’s West Region, serving Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kitimat. He and his wife, Alexandria, will be making their new home in B.C. in August.
A recent graduate of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Cunningham’s ordination also included professor Rev. Dr. James Kellerman; field work supervisor Rev. David Hamp; and a few recently graduated classmates now serving as pastors of LCC congregations.
“Resting upon Christ, then, God has called me to be a watchman and to care for His people with Law and Gospel,” Cunningham said. “Christ has instituted this office to deliver His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. And I have been called to declare the forgiveness of sins, won through the cross, to the troubled and grieving soul. All of this rests on Christ, not on man.”
The occasion concluded with a lively meal at the church, surrounded by family and friends, and birthday cake—since it was also Cunningham’s birthday!
Alex Steinke
Canada
New LCC missionary pastor to serve Oromo Christians in B.C.
SURREY,
B.C. - In early September 2024, the Oromo Lutheran Fellowship—which currently worships at Faith Lutheran Church in Surrey— celebrated its third anniversary. After beginning with just a couple of families, this group of believers has grown to more than 80, including many children.
Not much later, on September 15, the Oromo community celebrated the installation of Rev. Megersa Denu—who recently completed Lutheran Church – Canada’s (LCC) colloquy program— as a Missionary at Large to the Oromo community in lowermainland B.C.
Rev. Denu is married and has three children. He is eager to take up his new post, and both he and his congregation are overjoyed at the welcome and support they have received from LCC. Indeed, there are hopes that this Oromo Lutheran Fellowship will be able to become a rostered congregation of LCC, to be received into full membership at the next Synodical Convention in Winnipeg in 2026. Under Rev. Denu’s leadership, this group of devout and faithful Christians regularly share the Gospel with Muslims and other people on the streets of greater Vancouver. The Lord is blessing their work.
Many pastors took part in the September 15 installation service. LCC’s West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns served as liturgist, and
Rev. Jacob Quast, LCC’s Director of Domestic Missions, served as preacher. Revs. Greg Johnson (Mt. Calvary, New Westminster), Ephram Gemta (Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary), and Gizaw Chuta (Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary) served as lectors. Also participating in the rite of installation were: Revs. Wayne Zhang (Trinity/Faith Lutheran Churches, Richmond/Surrey), James Paulgaard (Walnut Grove, Langley), Dr. Leonardo Neitzel (vacancy pastor of Faith, Surrey), Brian Falkenholt (Trinity, Richmond), and Mark Chiang (Killarney Community, Vancouver).
Following the service, refreshments were served and enjoyed by all. It was a tremendous time of rejoicing in the Lord, who has provided a worker for the harvest field. Due to immigration, the opportunity for outreach to
Oromo people in Canada has increased dramatically. There are Oromo groups all across Canada: in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, and beyond.
LCC’s outreach to Oromo Christians is leading to new opportunities for mission work abroad too. LCC is currently exploring opportunities to expand mission work into Israel where more than 300,000 Oromo migrants have settled.
“God continues to create opportunities for LCC to extend the proclamation of the Gospel here in Canada as well as internationally,” said Rev. Quast, LCC’s Director of Domestic Missions. “Let us give thanks and praise to God for His manifold blessing that is bearing such abundant fruit!”
Left to right: Revs. Wayne Zhang, James Paulgaard, Greg Johnson, Jacob Quast, Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Megersa Denu, Robert Mohns, Brian Falkenholt, Gizaw Chuta, Mark Chiang, and Ephram Gemta.
Nominees for CLS president announced
EDMONTON – Concordia Lutheran Seminary has announced two nominees for president of the seminary: Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha and Rev. Jonathan Kraemer.
“The Board of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary give thanks to God for the church’s work in submitting nominations for the position of President, and for those who allowed their name to move forward in the search process,” the seminary said in an announcement. “Please pray for these men, and for the Board of Regents, that God would grant wisdom and discernment as we move through the next steps of the search.”
Dr. Kloha served as chief curatorial officer with the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. He previously served as provost and professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
Rev. Kraemer is pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Edmonton. He previously served as assistant professor of exegetical theology at CLS in Edmonton.
CLS is currently being served by Rev. Dr. Joel D. Heck, who agreed to serve as Interim President of the seminary following President James Gimbel’s decision to step down.
Becoming Lutheran: New book from LCC professor
EDMONTON – Rev. Dr. John Maxfield, professor of history and religious studies at Concordia University of Edmonton, is the author of a new book from Concordia Publishing House:
Becoming Lutheran: The Community of Brunswick from Evangelical Reform to Lutheran Culture
“This book is about how one particular community in north central Germany took up evangelical reform very early and during the course of two decades become a Lutheran community,” Dr. Maxfield writes in the introduction to the book. “The town of Brunswick… provides a fascinating lens through which we can observe how a particular community became Lutheran in its beliefs, in its practices (especially is ways of worship and organizing church life), and in its mentality or broader worldview.”
“My focus is… on how the Reformation, in particular the Lutheran Reformation, stimulated a process of cultural change which shaped the Christian religion and European society in an era when Christianity as a faith was more
intensely believed and more broadly practiced than it had been throughout the era of medieval Catholicism,” Dr. Maxfield continues. “I am even more hopeful that the armchair historian and casual reader will take up this book and read it as an analysis of how people living five hundred years ago first became captivated by Martin Luther’s ideas and vision for the reformation of Christianity and over time became Lutheran.”
In addition to serving as a professor at Concordia University of Edmonton, Dr. Maxfield is the editor of the 2017 book Defending Luther’s Reformation and the author of the 2008 book Luther’s Lectures on Genesis and the Formation of Evangelical Identity.
Dr. Maxfield’s new book was released by Concordia Publishing House in September 2024. You can order it, as well as Dr. Maxfield’s 2017 book, from CPH’s website at www.cph.org.
New school year begins at LCC seminaries
CANADA – September marked the beginning of a new school year at Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries.
Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS - Edmonton) held its opening service September 4 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In addition to marking the opening of the new school year (short-term classes began September 3 and regular classes on September 16), the event also included a recognition of service for Rev. Dr. James Gimbel and his wife Jill, in honour of their years of service at the seminary.
CLS also held a student retreat August 29-30, allowing students an opportunity to learn about campus life and get to know each other and their professors. The seminary is welcoming three new students this year: one student in the M.Div program and two part-time students in the diaconal (GDPS) program.
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS – St. Catharines, Ontario) meanwhile marked the beginning of its new academic year on September 4, with a student-faculty retreat taking place September 1213. CLTS is welcoming nine new students this year: four studying for the pastoral ministry, three in the Master of Theological Studies program, and two in pre-seminary studies.
CLTS held its opening service September 22 in the seminary chapel, during which time the school awarded its Emeritus Crucis Award to Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, pastor of First Lutheran Church and Christian Academy (Windsor, Ontario) and Past President of Lutheran Church–Canada. The award is presented on behalf of LCC regions “to a pastor who has served for more than 30 years in order to thank God and to hold up to the church and the seminary students a pattern of faithful service.”
Rev. Dr. James and Jill Gimbel were honoured for their years of service to Concordia Lutheran Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee received the Emeritus Crucis Award from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary.
CLS held a student retreat August 29-30.
Three of CLTS' new students: Andrew Hayes, Hyunsoo Lee, and Tim Bayha.
CLTS receives gift of original-printing writings by Luther
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) has received an extraordinary gift of six original-printing writings by Martin Luther.
The six pamphlets, which are bound together in a small volume, were a gift from Gavin Freeman of Calgary. Decades ago, his father had purchased the collection from
an antiquarian bookseller. After they were passed down to him, Freeman decided to donate the collection to a Lutheran organization.
While looking online, he came across LCC Financial Ministries. (LCCFM). Reaching out, he sent the following email: “Hello, I have a collection of Luther’s tracts that were published at Wittenberg in the early
1500s. They have been bound (not professionally) into a small book and are in remarkably good condition. Anyways this note is to just see if there is any interest in your having these? I am not really looking to sell them, but a donation receipt would be nice. Thanks, Gavin.”
Allen Schellenberg, LCCFM Executive Director, was wary but intrigued. After a few conversations with Gavin, supplied photos of the collection were forwarded to a few trusted advisers, including Rev. Dr. John Maxfield, Professor of History and Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton, and Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger, President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines. The initial impression was positive— and evaluation by a professional appraiser confirmed that they were genuine. Lutheran Church–Canada’s archive committee were excited and delighted by the news, and agreed that the Reformation Rare Book Room at CLTS was the most suitable location to house the gift.
The six pamphlets date from 1520 to 1539 and are now the oldest documents in the rare book room. They will provide a remarkable opportunity for seminarians to experience the thrill that Luther’s printed writings produced among their first readers, and to understand how the Reformation spread. They are somewhat fragile and cannot bear repeated handling, but the seminary intends to make a high-resolution scan available to anyone who would like to study the text in the future.
CLTS extends heartfelt thanks to Gavin Freeman on behalf of Lutherans everywhere for sharing his family treasure. The seminary also thanks Allen Schellenberg and LCC Financial Ministries for the work he did to facilitate this remarkable gift.
From a CLTS report
Luther pamphlets in the Rare Book Room at CLTS. Photo: Thomas M. Winger.
Sharing Jesus Christ in remote areas of Canada
LAMP lighter
Tell Others About Jesus
by Cat Luetje, volunteer serving Cross Lake, Manitoba
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:6-8).
We had a great opportunity to serve on a LAMP mission trip this summer. My three teens and I first heard about LAMP from someone who came to speak at our church. Originally, our pastor was going to go, but he was unable to so and it ended up just my kids and me. We joined a new team from Mt. Calvary serving in Cross Lake. It was amazing to be part of this team. We had challenges, but the Lord helped with each one. On our way to the community, we ran into a hail storm. When we arrived safely at Cross Lake, we had no electricity or water. How were we going to keep our food cold?
Everyone on the team stayed calm and didn’t get upset. We just looked for another way to do things. The lights came on the next day by noon, and our food had stayed cold. Praise the Lord!
The building we were to use for our Vacation Bible School (VBS) was not available. But the Lord provided a different one. On our first day, we had 23 children. Our team prayed that night for more children to come to VBS. We had 104 children attend the following day! God surely blessed us. Overall, a total of 192 different children attended during our week of VBS.
It was wonderful to see how many adults and children we got to meet and have become a part of our lives. For
myself, it was incredible to see my three teenagers telling little children about Jesus. It certainly made this mom happy!
Laughing, playing games, and swimming with the children were some of the extra-curricular activities enjoyed. One night, we sat and listened to a man named Bob talk about his people. My teens emphasized that they could have listened to him all night. We learned so much.
My teens have been on mission trips to South Dakota, but this one was different for them. They were taken aback by how many struggles the young people at Cross Lake had, how many things they could do that the young people there couldn’t, and how the young people were on their own a lot.
My daughter met a young lady who at 11 years old lost her mom to drugs. She had three younger siblings at the time.This impacted my daughter so much and opened her eyes to how much she takes for granted.
VBS craft table, always a favorite spot.
Tell others, continued
It was a long drive. Things can go wrong, and they did! But it all was worth being there. My teens shared that it was important to be present because the kids there needed love, support, and someone they could trust. We have changed in the way that having things isn’t important, but telling others about Jesus and developing a relationship with them is.
Our family hasn’t gone a day since that trip without praying for LAMP, Cross Lake, and our team.
I Thank God
Asa little boy, I remember being very afraid of fire. Once, I plugged in a lamp in the living room of our house. The plug sparked in the socket, and a small flame with some smoke appeared. I quickly vacated the house, shouting to my family that there was a fire, and they should get out. Thankfully, it was just a short in the wiring, and no fire occurred. We were safe! My early aversion to fire was revisited this past July in a close encounter with a forest fire. Read more if you are interested in Michael’s Mission Scribbles and Scratches at https://michaelegillingham.blogspot. com/
I have to tell you about the great times I spent with LAMP VBS teams in various locations. Where I could, I helped out in the background,
This trip surely reminded us how much we need to share Jesus. Just because we can go to church, have friends, and family support doesn’t mean others do. It was amazing to see the children and adults in the community doing their best with the little they had. I hope many of you will go on a LAMP trip. We can’t wait for next year!
Editor’s note: We understand that some of you are unable to physically go on a mission trip, but you can still tell others about Jesus through our ministry. Ask us how at 1-800-307-4036.
by Michael Gillingham, Deacon, Staff Missionary
cheering on the team leaders and their teams. Here are some highlights.
My first week of summer ministry began in Easterville, Manitoba. The team and I had a great week teaching the kids about some of Jesus’ parables. We also enjoyed singing, crafts, games, and snacks.
After my time there, I made a few stops and had a layover in Manitoba before traveling to Prince Albert and Southend, Saskatchewan. Despite its name, Southend is quite north.
My rental vehicle ended up getting two flat tires, including the spare, so the Southend team had to rescue me. I was able to get my tire fixed and joined the team at the school where they stayed and also where they hosted VBS. Their VBS theme was the “Armour of God” based on Ephesians 6:1018. A colourful “Welcome Back” sign was made by the community for the team.
I met my next LAMP VBS team in Grandmother’s Bay, Saskatchewan. These good friends of mine from Bethel did a great job continued next page
Michael and new friend Vincent.
Cat’s daughter gives away a quilt.
I thank God, continued
of hosting programs for the children and the women in Grandmother’s Bay. We stayed at the school and hosted our events there. I helped out where I could and also hosted a men’s night while I was there. The VBS was Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light, which included a space theme in the decorations and the skits. Fun stuff!
One of our friends from Grandmother’s Bay showed us something special when we were there. He brought in a photo album filled with pictures of past LAMP VBS team members and the kids they worked with in Grandmother’s Bay. This community has a long history of LAMP volunteers visiting. It was great to see the photos and learn more about this.
My schedule had to be adjusted, so I couldn’t visit the LAMP team at Sucker River, Saskatchewan. Instead, I flew with Andrew to meet the LAMP team in Brochet, northern Manitoba. They were also using the “Armour of God” VBS theme. From Brochet, we flew to Lynn Lake, where the LAMP VBS team had some relatives from the Brochet team. It was fun to meet more people
from that family. We stayed in the youth hall for the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre and also hosted our VBS there. We had planned to visit the local Marcel Colomb Reserve that week, but it was evacuated due to forest fire concerns. The team made a late-night trip to see the Northern Lights one night, and it was beautiful!
Thanks again for your prayers and support. I feel them when I’m driving down the road, fixing a flat tire, facing a forest fire, helping with VBS crafts, and even trying to keep the peace between some grumpy VBS attendees!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Isaiah 43:2
The seeds sown are a blessing to the sower
by Rev. Randy Heide, Director of Ministry, LAMP
Some will bring a harvest, some will wither, others will never take root, others will be choked out, (Matt.13:3-9) yet our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, tells us in the Bible that we are to go on and spread the seed.
He is of course talking about sharing the Good News of His love, mercy, grace, and sacrifice for all the world. This is the seed planted. And the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit is the plant grown from that seed. The plant produces the crop of hope, comfort, and purpose.
We often talk about the fruits of the Spirit as continued next page
Rev. Randy Heide spends time with the brothers at VBS.
Southend welcomes the VBS team back to the community.
Seeds sown, continued
peace, joy, and love. However, the more basic fruits of faith include having hope beyond the struggles of the day, finding comfort amid trials, pain, and heartbreak, and having a purpose to stay grounded in this world and not give in to hedonism, addictions, or even the finality of suicide.
I hope that all our teams, in building relationships in the communities they serve, are planting those seeds of the gospel (Romans 10:17); seeds that, through faith lead to hope, comfort, and purpose.
There is joy in the eyes of the children we serve as they find acceptance from these strangers coming into their community. These strangers become friends who share the love and gift of acceptance they know. These friends share about Jesus, who gives purpose for their sacrifice of time to come to this Northern Canadian community.
Can you imagine the feeling that loving acceptance gives to these new friends? Have you ever heard a child say, “I don’t know why I’m here?” Have you ever heard a child say, “Why does no one hold me?” Have you ever heard a child say, “I think God made a mistake?” Me neither, but I have seen in the eyes of some, those feelings of hopelessness, lack of purpose, and loneliness.
It is always hard to leave at the end of a visit. I praise God because I know that the relationships will continue to evolve as the children grow and begin to trust the volunteers who keep coming back. We can see the seeds of faith taking root and growing into something more. Over time, we witness the pursuit of hope, comfort, and purpose, as well as the gracious blessings of peace, joy, and love.
One boy I’ve met is a perfect example of this growing relationship. The team that serves his community recalls when it was his older sister who brought him to Bible School, and now he’s the one who brings his younger brother. This boy has faith that leads to hope, comfort, and purpose. His older brother, who lives with them, has twin babies only months old, and this boy, along with his younger brother, is proud to be there. I understand how very busy their home must be and could sense a struggle in the boy’s eyes over the three days I spent with him and his brother at Bible Camp. There were times when he appeared lost.
I was grateful to watch the team interact with him, and it brought a smile to my face as they gave him a role in the puppet work they were doing for the other kids. They were helping him grow and encouraging his sense of worth.
I ask you to pray for kids, like this boy, that the seed-growing faith continues to be fed and nurtured, leading to the blessings of hope, comfort, purpose, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
Learning to puppeteer.
WONDER-WORK
by Mathew Block
The name Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg is not well-known among Christians today, but a recent book seeks to change that; Wonder-Work, published by CMU Press in 2023, features a large selection of sonnets by this Lutheran poet, providing English readers a new opportunity to meet a writer whom the scholar Lynne Tatlock called “the foremost German woman poet and writer in the seventeenth-century German world.”
This new book—a joint translation project by Winnipeg poets Joanne Epp, Sally Ito, and Sarah Klassen—presents 65 sonnets selected from von Greiffenberg’s 1662 book Spiritual Sonnets, Songs, and Poems . The sonnets are arranged according to the liturgical calendar, with a final section dedicated to reflections on God and nature. The translators “have not attempted to preserve the rhyme scheme” of von Greiffenberg’s sonnets, they note, but the translations do reproduce the traditional 14-line structure and “iambic pulse” of the originals. Readers of German will appreciate seeing von Greiffenberg’s original sonnets facing their English translations.
Reading von Greiffenberg’s poetry makes clear both her astute theological understanding of the faith as well as her warm Lutheran piety. She evinces a deep desire for her readers to draw closer to God, but to do by seeking Him in Christ. “Shepherds! Leave the heavens!” von Greiffenberg urges. “Go now to the stable. / Have you ever heard of such amazing wonder-work? / Weakness has borne strength / and a star, the sun.”
The miracle of the God who humbles Himself for our sake—coming down to embrace us where we are, making it possible for us to embrace Him in return—is a recurring theme in von Greiffenberg’s poetry. She marvels that Jesus is “Eternal godhead wrapped in a little cloud: this child. / Just as, from a great distance, the sun / Seems small enough to grasp, so He as God, / Fills everything, yet will Himself be cradled.”
The sonnets on Jesus’ suffering reveal the same theme: the God who leaves the heights of heaven to embrace our sin and shame. “The crown of all angels, Heaven’s jewel and glory” allows Himself instead to be crowned with thorns, she writes. “He who carries all the heavens without pain” bears instead a cross and human sin. Indeed, “He bears not just His own cross, but also me with mine.”
“Shepherds! Leave the heavens! Go now to the stable. Have you ever heard of such amazing wonder-work?”
There is a great sense of the blessed exchange at work here; Jesus takes our shame and gives us instead His own blessedness. Or, as von Greiffenberg herself put it: “You endure the barbs and win for me the roses.” “My deepest lowliness,” the Saviour says in another poem, “lifts heavenward.”
In the resurrection, of course, Jesus takes up His place and power anew. Not that He shuffles off the human nature He has assumed on our behalf. No, von Greiffenberg correctly asserts, the transformation of His “body’s suffering into the state of power” sees Him also take His “human nature [into] the glory of the Godhead.” She marvels, “Your omnipotence now shines through your humanity.”
It is precisely Jesus’ assumption of our flesh which allows us to share in the benefits of His death and resurrection. And so, in His tomb, we now “find, not death, but life.”
This is all to say that von Greiffenberg has a strong grasp on theological matters. But that doesn’t mean these poems don’t also speak to our emotions. For von Greiffenberg, the miracle of salvation is something felt personally and not merely understood: “I feel my heart’s on fire from your words,” she writes. “You rouse and also satisfy desire. / My heart, closed to all but you, my Lord, / rejoices in your risen might and presence.” Her focus on Jesus’ immanent presence in His Words and in the Sacrament— “sweetness from your wounds,” she calls it—gives evidence of a lively Lutheran piety, one worthy of emulation today.
support von Greiffenberg’s first book was published. [English-speaking Lutherans today will know von Birken especially for his hymns “Jesus I Will Ponder Now” (LSB 440) and “Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus” (LSB 685).]
Von Greiffenberg had a clear sense that lay women like herself, and not only men, were called to give witness to the love of Christ, including through the written word (in addition to poetry, she also published several volumes of spiritual meditations). She reflects, for example, in her poem on “The Revelation, to the Women, of the Resurrection,” that it was not to “the sceptre-bearer on the eagle-throne” nor “proud heroes, “scholarly star-seekers,” “white-haired sages,” or “religious leaders” that Christ first appeared following His resurrection but instead “to simple women.” In the same way that they bore witness to Christ, she prays, “let my mouth echo praise for your victory.”
“O miracle-rich treasure, endless mystery! I cannot fathom, but I can believe.”
It is only sparingly that von Greiffenberg draws attention to herself as a poet; her ultimate goal is to bring praise to Christ and not herself. “I seek no honour of my own, nor do I deserve it,” she writes in the first sonnet of the book. Should anyone find benefit in her writing, she says, “I beg them in God’s name: do not ascribe to me / the goodness in my words. The eternal one alone / pours goodness into pen and spirit.” It’s a noble explanation of the Lutheran understanding of vocation. Whatever good we do is work that God works through us. And so, von Greiffenberg explains, He alone is worthy of praise.
The book includes several sonnets focused on the Lord’s Supper, and here again we see von Greiffenberg’s wonder at the God who comes down to us in humility to meet us where we are. Particularly moving is her sonnet, “The Love- and Wonder-Rich Supper of Our Lord.” “He who made all food now lets Himself be eaten,” von Greiffenberg exclaims. “The one who made both tongue and mouth / descends so low and enters human throats.” “O miracle-rich treasure, endless mystery!” she declares. “I cannot fathom, but I can believe.”
It is of course notable that we are talking about a female poet from the 17th century, a time when not many German woman were writing. But, as the preface to the book makes clear, von Greiffenberg was wellregarded in her day. She was friends, for example, with the prominent poet Sigmund von Birken, through whose
The final poem of the collection says the same: “O God, your honour I will raise above all else.” But while von Greiffenberg might not seek praise for herself, it is right that we, her audience, give thanks to God for her work (and for the work of her translators!). Through her vocation as a writer and poet—joining words together in “wit, wonder, and delight”—von Greiffenberg gives us words by which we too may pray and meditate on the “Wonder-Work” of our Lord and Saviour. To Him be the glory.
Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine and communications manager for the International Lutheran Council.
The Canadian Lutheran sells advertising space to offset the cost of printing and shipping the magazine to subscribers.
For more information, please contact:
Rev. Megersa Denu , Candidate (Surrey, BC), called to Missionary-at-Large (Lower Mainland, BC). Installation: September 15, 2024.
Rev. Scott Gamble, Candidate (Drumheller, AB), called to Concordia (Penticton, ON). Installation: September 15, 2024.
Rev. Les Hohner, Emeritus (Bright’s Grove, ON), called to glory on August 11, 2024.
Rev. Alvin Oberhammer, Emeritus (Red Deer County, AB), called to glory on August 4, 2024.
WHAT IS YOUR HOLY CALLING?
by president timothy teuscher
In the first section of the Small Catechism, which contains the familiar six chief parts of Christian doctrine, we read these words: “Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness from the pastor as from God Himself.”
It then goes on to ask: “What sins should we confess?” To assist us in this regard, it gives this answer: “Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments.” But what, exactly, is your “place in life”—that is, your holy calling? The much-neglected and often-overlooked third section of the catechism entitled ‘Table of Duties’ answers that by setting forth “certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities.”
What are these holy orders to which we have all been called by God, these positions in which we have all been placed? Well, in the Church there are, when all is said and done, just two holy orders: preachers of the Word (which I focused on in a previous column) and hearers of the Word. In the home there are husbands and wives, parents and children. In a nation there are government officials and citizens. In society there are employers and employees, along with young and old and neighbours. Although these might seem rather ordinary, common, and mundane, they are actually holy orders and
divine callings, because they have been established or instituted by God Himself. Let’s consider a few of them.
In the Church we have all been called, by virtue of our baptism into Christ, to be hearers of His Word. Why is this so important and necessary? Why is this, in effect, our highest and most important calling in life? Quite simply, as St. Paul writes: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Or as our Lord Jesus says: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). And again: “Whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life” (John 5:24). Now, this holy calling as hearers of the Word has a number of related duties: for instance, to assemble often and regularly with other hearers of the Word (Hebrews 10:25); to support the preaching and teaching of the Word with our monetary offerings (1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6); to pray for and support the spread of the Word of Christ to others (Colossians 4:3-4; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13); to pray for and provide for more servants of the Word (Matthew 9:38); and to maintain the place where the Word of Christ is preached and taught (Psalm 26:8; Haggai 1:7-8).
In the home husbands have the holy calling to love their wives just “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Wives have the holy calling to “submit to your husbands as to the
Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). Parents have the holy calling not only to provide for the physical welfare of their children, but above all to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
In our nation we all have the holy calling as citizens to pray for government authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2); to honour them as God’s representatives (1 Peter 2:17); to pay taxes (Romans 13:7); and to obey authorities (Romans 13:1), provided that what they command is not contrary to God’s Word (Acts 5:29)— like, for instance, on abortion on demand or same-sex marriage or medical assistance in dying.
And in society in general we all have the holy calling, to use the words from the catechism explanation of the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, to be “good friends and faithful neighbours.”
The Augsburg Confession sums all this up in these words: “The true order of God (is) that everyone, each according to his own calling, manifest Christian love and genuine good works in his station in life” (AC XVI.5). And it is in the midst of faithfully abiding in our various holy callings that St. Peter says this: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Do so in order that others might also become part of that holy order called ‘hearers of the Word.’
Calling Gen X & Millennials: Calling Gen X & Millennials:
The Intergenerational Mentorship Project is growing! Now, we’re inviting Gen X and Millennial church members to step into leadership by mentoring the youth in their faith journey. Help build the future of the church by passing on wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to the next generation.
Practical tools to support you in mentoring youth.
Equipping you to make an impact in young lives. Strengthen your own faith while nurturing others. or email to learn more about becoming a mentor or to schedule an equipping workshop for your congregation!
