The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) Faith, Order and Doctrine Committee has been directed by National Church Council (NCC) to develop a churchwide study guide on Word and Sacrament ministry.
You are invited, as individuals and congregations, to offer your input on the development of the study guide.
Conversation around the provision of regular sacramental ministry has been ongoing. While this is not a new issue, it became more focused when the question of lay presiding at Holy Communion was placed before NCC at its September 2012 meeting by request of a synod convention motion.
The Faith, Order and Doctrine Committee is seeking to widen the conversation and will be preparing a study guide for the church. Your feedback will provide input into the formation of the study guide.
"Our world is changing at an ever-quickening pace," describes the opening context of the survey. "…the Holy Spirit is always challenging us to be a church that is reforming, responsive and adaptive."
The survey draws together concerns expressed about the realities of geographical isolation, the lack of available pastors to provide Word and Sacrament ministry in some regions of the church, and how an increasing number of small congregations cannot afford full-time Word and Sacrament ministry. And asks ELCIC members to contribute their thoughts on a wide range of expectations, possibilities and implications regarding changes to our current practices in this area.
Participate in a brief survey before June 1, 2013 and share your feedback on the importance of and the challenges to the regular provision of sacramental ministry. Visit www.elcic.ca/faithorderdoctrine/default.cfm for details and to access the survey.
—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.
For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca
Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.
