Over 800 Lutheran and Anglican youth to attend gathering in Saskatoon

Winnipeg, 16 August 2012 Over 800 youth from across Canada will converge at TCU Place in Saskatoon, SK from August 16-19 to take part in the 2012 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering. Youth from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) will come together to participate in a variety of events, worship, and prayer.

The theme for this years gathering, Hyperlink, explores the various connections youth have in their lives with God, their neighbours and all of creation. CLAY not only brings people and youth together for personal development but also encourages them to experience and learn about the local community, including its history, current issues and culture.

The gathering features six keynote speakers who will address and explore the theme of CLAY during large group gathering sessions. Speakers include: four gifted and creative leaders with expertise in the area of youth ministry (Rev. Tim Wray, pastor at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Millet, AB; Rev. Anne Anderson, pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Hamburg, ON; Jenny Salisbury, assistant program director of Ask & Imagine; and Rev. Dennis Hendricksen, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Regina, SK), Canada’s first National Indigenous Bishop (The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald, Anglican Church of Canada), and an ecumenical partner with expertise in inter-cultural ministry (Adele Halliday, team leader for Transformational Ministries at the United Church of Canada).

Organized by the ELCIC and ACC, this national gathering takes place every two years and is aimed at youth ages 14-19.

In between gatherings, youth work together on a two-year National Youth Project (NYP). The 2010-12 NYP, 12 For 12: Developing Full Communities, called on youth to support the development work of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) and the Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF).

Highlights from the gathering will be available online at www.clay2012.ca, as well as on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/claygathering) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/2012CLAY).

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Eastern Synod Meets in Assembly

Winnipeg, 17 July 2012 — Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canadas (ELCIC) Eastern Synod met in assembly July 5-8 at Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, ON. Over 300 delegates, special guests, visitors and volunteers gathered for worship, business and fellowship on the campus grounds.

The 2012 Eastern Synod Assembly began with a blessing by Six Nations representatives Father Norm Casey and Leona Moses. A service of Holy Communion followed; ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson preached, Synod Bishop Michael Pryse presided.

Synods covenant for mission graded

In his report to delegates, Bishop Pryse reflected on the synods covenant for mission. Reviewing the five principles of the synods Vision for Mission, Bishop Pryse scored each area using an Olympic-style scoring model.

The synods work in the area of Effective Partnerships scored the highest with an 8 out of 10. Bishop Pryse spoke of strengthening partnerships both within the synod among council, conference deans and ministry directors and with the Anglican Church of Canada, and the synods companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana

Scoring the lowest in the Bishops report was the synods work around the area of welcoming diversity.

Ive never visited a Lutheran congregation that didnt claim to be friendly and welcome, said Bishop Pryse. But lets be honest, we really struggle when it comes to breaking out of the rigid constraints of tribe and clan.

A church that doesnt reach out isnt holding up its end of the covenant and this is a challenge we absolutely must address with great urgency, challenged Bishop Pryse.

Synod takes steps forward in structural renewal process

Delegates to the Synod Assembly passed first reading motions for proposed constitution and bylaws of the Synod. These motions were put forward in response to recommendations from the ELCICs Structural Renewal Task Force and affirm the process and intent to enable church structures across all expressions to be more flexible, affordable and sustainable.

Delegates adopted a motion that, should the ELCIC Synods fail to develop realistic and sustainable proposals for restructuring and should the National Church Council be unable to bring forward restructuring proposals to their Fall 2013 meeting to maintain the ministry of the National Church, National Church Council be called upon to develop a proposal for an orderly process to wind down the current national structure, and appoint an interim secretariat or other means to facilitate the cooperation and collaboration of ELCIC synods in national and international organizations and initiatives in the future.

Speaking to the motion, Bishop Pryse indicated his hope that this would send a message to sister synods and bishops of the Eastern Synods desire to be a church from sea to sea to sea and the urgency of the current situation of the church structure.

Following the adoption of the motion, delegates passed a motion, that the Eastern Synod Assembly send a message through our bishop to our sister synods and their bishops that: we recognize since 1619 Lutherans have been seeking and struggling amidst adversity to serve God on the soil and seas we now know as Canada; we desire to continue as a national church from sea to sea to sea, a national church that relates to the world; and inasmuch as we are also anxious and concerned for the future of our common evangelical Lutheran voice and mission in Canada and around the world, we value and respect your intention for Spirit-led discernment; we desire to continue seeking and struggling together with you.

Additional motions pertaining to structural renewal were also passed including, that the synod council of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada be authorized to take any and all necessary action to implement changes as per the constitution and bylaws presented and that the Eastern Synod participate fully in further conversation with the other synods and the ELCIC National Church Council to further develop options for the structure of the church.

The synod in assembly also passed motions that will see it: call on governments to develop and/or expand affordable supportive housing strategies; form a volunteer, ad hoc committee that will invite and help shepherd the synod in engaging in an ongoing learning process around the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and find ways to journey together, confronting the reality of racism; and, direct the synod bishop to write to the Prime Minister to express concern at the cuts in refugee health coverage recently announced by the federal government.

Anglican National Indigenous Bishop calls on delegates to remember baptismal call

Anglican Church of Canada Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald preached at the closing worship service on the afternoon of Saturday, July 7. Delegates were invited to worship at neighbouring congregations on Sunday morning.  

Bishop MacDonald spoke of his recent involvement at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) meetings in Saskatoon. He spoke of sitting through the many days of testimony and of hearing of the way church people treated [those speaking at the TRC] over the years.

It was very difficult, said Bishop MacDonald, as he reflected on his experience listening to the stories of hurt and pain. The whole arsenal that I was offered when I was trained as a pastor seemed so meagre in the face of so much pain.

During the middle of the TRC gathering, Bishop MacDonald was asked to offer prayer.

This amazing thing happened, he said. Hundreds and hundreds of people lined up they came, elders and children. [And] despite the pain, despite all the obstacles in Indigenous Canada, there are literally thousands of people who are putting together a new life on the basis of their faith in the gospel. Its a powerful thing.

As I look at the traditional things I have done to try to respond to both pain and opportunity, I dont really know what to do, he continued. Its not the preachers, the politicians, the physiologists. Its not the pious. It is the baptized. For us to stand in the face of the pain of the past and the present, to stand with the rich opportunities in front of us of what we have to offer, is the baptism that we have received in Jesus Christ.

Synod meets and exceeds ELCIC Praise Appeal goal

Earlier this year, Eastern Synod congregations and members were personally invited to support the 2012 ELCIC Praise Appeal a national appeal for the church. Bishop Pryse encouraged synod members to do what they could to support the National Church in this very worthy effort as he set a goal of $100,000 for the synod. At a celebratory banquet on Saturday night it was announced that the synod had raised $100,414.

All five ELCIC synods held their conventions and assemblies this year. The Eastern Synod was the final synod to hold such a gathering this year.

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ELCIC 2012 Companion of the Worship Arts Recipient Announced

Winnipeg, 18 June 2012 — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canadas (ELCIC) Program Committee for Worship is pleased to announce The Reverend Dr. Jann E. Boyd has been chosen as recipient of the 2012 Companion of the Worship Arts Award.

The Companion of the Worship Arts Award is presented biennially in recognition of significant contributions to the national worship life of the ELCIC.

Rev. Boyd is Professor of Worship and Homiletics and Dean of Chapel at Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon. For 18 years she has taught, mentored, and profoundly influenced and shaped seminary students and others in the sacred arts of worship and preaching, and modelled a gracious presence and evangelical fervour as a presider and preacher. She served on the ELCIC national Program Committee for Worship from 2001 2004, as a participant in the inaugural Renewing Worship Consultation, and as a project consultant, writer, and review committee member for the Renewing Worship project from 2001 -2006. She served as lead author for the rite for the Ordination of Bishops of the ELCIC, presented a paper on The Implications of the New Perspectives on Paul for Homiletics to the Convocation of the Association of Teaching Theologians of the ELCA and ELCIC in 2009 and has made presentations at ELCIC Synod Study Conferences and the National Worship Conference.    

In letters of nomination, Rev. Boyd is recognized by colleagues and students as …one of the ELCICs greatest, although often unsung, influencers of the worship life of the church in the western Canadian context in particular, but also throughout North America. Rev. Boyd inspired us to try new things, to incorporate the arts, and invest ourselves in the worship life of our communities.

Rev. Boyd is not only a fine teacher and scholar, she is also a pastor. She listens. She is open and ready to share advice and engage discussion. This has been invaluable for me and many others. She was a master at nurturing the creative efforts of her students, gently provoking us to explore new ways to proclaim by word, action, sight, sound, and taste the immeasurable grace of Christ.

Rev. Boyd holds a BA with Honours from the University of Pennsylvania, MDiv and STM with Honours from Lutheran Theological Seminary Philadelphia, and a PhD in English from the University of Saskatchewan. She has published numerous articles, book chapters and papers, and served four congregations before beginning her seminary teaching.

Rev. Boyd is married to Rev. Dr. Kevin Ogilvie and together they have four children.    

The 2012 Companion of the Worship Arts Award will be presented to Rev. Boyd by ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson at a public ceremony during the National Anglican Lutheran Worship Conference at St. Johns College, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, on July 1.

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ELCIC Saskatchewan Synod Convention Meets in Convention

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) Saskatchewan (SK) Synod met in convention June 1-3 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Over 200 delegates, visitors, guests and volunteers came together for three days of worship, workshops and business sessions.

Opening worship was held Friday afternoon. ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson preached and Synod Bishop Cindy Halmarson presided.

In her report to delegates, Bishop Halmarson noted that this year marked her 10th year in the office of bishop. "This is a covenant we have made with one another," she said. "It’s a covenant I take very seriously."

Bishop Halmarson commented on the unique landscape of the SK Synod. She noted that the greatest opportunity for the synod was in terms of the growth taking place in communities throughout the synod. "I can’t think of a community [in our synod] that doesn’t have new people coming in," she said.

Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen provided two workshops focused around what it means to be "Lutheran Today".

"[Being Lutheran] is a particular way of being Christian," said Rev. Jensen. "The heart of Lutheranism is the phrase ‘God is at the centre’ – at the centre God is in charge and our lives revolve around God."

"We are justified by God, and that means we are set forth to move out of the church and engage in the whole world," challenged Rev. Jensen. "Instead of being curved in on ourselves, we are curved outward to be all about others. Our Lutheran theology calls us to be ‘shakers and movers’ and engage in justice for others. We are justified and liberated in order to serve."

Convention delegates were presented with motions on structural renewal, which were similar to motions before the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta and the Territories conventions. Motions regarding amalgamation with another synod in the ELCIC were defeated by SK Synod delegates. Delegates did pass a motion that will see "Synod Council initiate a process to review its constitution and by-laws to consider aspects of the structural renewal proposals that may have merit for [the] synod and might result in affordability, sustainability, and flexibility for more effective mission."

The convention’s youth assembly was comprised of five youth from around the province and two youth assembly coordinators. Youth delegates participate fully in the convention proceedings at the SK Synod and have full voice and vote. In their reflections to delegates, youth challenged the church to put appropriate resources towards youth funding as a way of lifting up the voice of youth in the church.

"We are a lot like you," said one youth. "We have concerns for the church just like you. We have passions for the church just like you. We like to share, just like you. As we have come from all over with different ideas and passions, we work for a common goal – sharing the Good News."

All five ELCIC Synods will meet in convention in 2012. Four synods have already held their conventions this year. The Eastern Synod will hold their assembly in Waterloo, ON from July 5-8.

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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.

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Emergency Appeal Issued to Assist those Affected by Flooding in Thunder Bay

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), through its partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), is appealing to its members for financial support to assist Canadians displaced by flooding in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The City of Thunder Bay and neighbouring rural municipalities have declared states of emergency as rains have left homes with flooded basements, some as much as 5-6 feet deep in the worst-hit sections of the city. The city’s sewage treatment plant also flooded and the main sewage pumps remain submerged and are not working. The number of homes affected may now be more than 1,000. The city and partner agencies are now going door-to-door in the affected areas to assess damage. Many of the homes in some areas also contain basement apartments. Businesses have also suffered damage. Although the rain and flooding came on quickly and suddenly, the full recovery will take time – weeks and even months.

On Monday, May 28, the city declared itself a disaster area.

CLWR is issuing an appeal for funds to help homeowners recoup some of the costs of dealing with this emergency and to help provide needed supplies to those affected.
Donations to the "Thunder Bay Flood 2012" appeal may be made in the following ways:

 

  1. ELCIC members are asked to donate to appeals by making a designated offering donation for “Thunder Bay Flood 2012” appeal through their congregation.
  2. Donations may also be made through CLWR.
    • Online at www.clwr.org/donate. Select General Donation. In the process of completing the form, you will come to a pull-down menu that allows you to designate a specific project. Choose “Thunder Bay Flood 2012".
    • Charge to a major credit card by calling CLWR’s tollfree number: 1.800.661.2597 or locally at 204.694.5602.
    • By sending a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to: CLWR, 302393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6. Please indicate in your correspondence that you wish to contribute to the “Thunder Bay Flood 2012” appeal.

      —————————————————————–
      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.

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ELCIC Synod of Alberta and the Territories Meets in Convention

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canadas (ELCIC) Synod of Alberta and the Territories (ABT) met for their biennial convention May 24-27 at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus in Camrose, Alberta. Over 200 lay and rostered delegates, along with visitors, guests and volunteers, came together for four days of worship, business and fellowship.

The convention began with opening worship on Thursday evening. ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson preached and ABT Synod Bishop Ron Mayan presided.

In her sermon, Bishop Johnson challenged delegates to ask themselves whether they are acting like pre- or post- Pentecost disciples. "Are we hiding in the safety of our own buildings, our own churches, talking only to each other?" she raised. "Or are we out in the world trying to communicate with people who dont speak the same language and who need and want to hear the good news of Jesus Christ?"

Bishop Johnson confessed that within the ELCIC we have been far too much like pre-Pentecost disciples and urged delegates to consider the call to spiritual renewal (pray, read, worship, study, serve, give tell) as a way forward to living as post-Pentecost people. "The reality is that community, and church, can sometimes be a challenging place," said Bishop Johnson, "particularly if we tend to believe that everybody ought to understand and see the same way that we do."

Bishop Johnson noted that she felt this was part of the Spirits design, "forcing us to encounter one another not as demanders, but as grateful recipients of the gifts of the Spirit manifest within each one of us."

Special guests at the ABT Synod Convention included Bishop Eduardo Martinez of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Columbia and his spouse Yamile Varon, and the Principal of the Colegio CELCO school in Sogamoso, Zulma Ojeda.

Addressing synod delegates, Bishop Martinez shared his perception that the church in Colombia is like a daughter of the ELCIC through its missionaries.

"As good children we like to give honour to our parents," noted Bishop Martinez as he presented a gift to Bishop Mayan and the synod.

Following the presentation, the two church bodies renewed their covenant agreement. ABT has had a companion synod agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia since 2003.

Throughout the convention, delegates had the opportunity to hear presentations from Turtle Award Nominees. To move forward, turtles need to stick out there necks. They need to emerge from the safety of their shells and become risk takers to live healthy, thriving lives, notes the award materials. The Turtle Award is presented to an individual or ministry for its innovative and creative approach to taking a risk in the Kingdom of God.

This year’s recipient was Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Bowness. Shepherd of the Hills hosts weekly Wednesday night dinners and serves over 65 people a hot homemade meal. The church is in its fifth year of serving the community of Bowness and surrounding areas.

Rev. Hilde Lorenz, pastor at Shepherd of the Hills, accepted the award. "This award is a significant achievement not only for Shepherd of the Hills but also for the whole Bowness community," said Rev. Lorenz. "It is amazing what we can do when we all work together and reach out to those less fortunate."

Turtle Awards were voted on by synod convention delegates. Significant agenda items before convention delegates included motions on structural renewal.

At the ABT Synod Convention, delegates approved motions which will see them develop amendments to the Synod Constitution and Bylaws in order to implement aspects of restructuring, especially in regards to synodically recognized ministries, areas, electoral regions and synod conventions; conduct a test project by provisionally implementing some of the aspects of the Synod Implementation Team’s restructuring plan with regards to areas and area leadership teams, and present a feasibility report to the 2014 Synod Convention; and continue to look for opportunities for ABT to work together with the British Columbia Synod. Delegates did not have a motion before them at this convention to consider amalgamation with the British Columbia Synod.

Also as part of the business of synod convention, Rev. Tim Posyluzny was re-elected as chairperson for the synod and Brenda Visser was re-elected by acclamation as secretary of the synod.

The ABT Synod Convention concluded with a closing worship service on Sunday morning. Bishop Mayan preached at the closing service and National Bishop Johnson presided.

All five ELCIC Synods will meet in convention in 2012. The next Synod Convention taking place will be the Saskatchewan Synod Convention which meets June 1-3 in Yorkton, SK.

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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.

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ELCIC National Bishop calls for prayers for all affected by flooding near Lima, Peru

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson is calling on all members of the church to pray for those affected by flash mud floods near Lima, Peru. Heavy rains in the mountains have triggered flooding which has affected the small cities of Chosica, Ricardo Palma and Chaclacayo, on the east side of Lima, the capital of Peru.

“We ask the members of the ELCIC to pray for the people affected by the flooding near Lima,” says Bishop Johnson. “We pray for their safety, we pray for those who mourn the death and loss of loved ones, and for those who have been affected by losing their homes, land, water supplies and electricity.”

Initial reports from ACT Alliance indicate that two people have died as a result of the floods, 31 injured, 5,478 affected, 1,607 in shelters, 569 houses destroyed and 525 houses semi-destroyed.

Some media reports now indicate that up to 3,000 homes have been destroyed due to the floods.

ACT Alliance says the area where the flooding occurred is “one of the most affected by poverty and desertification.” Due to the erosion on the slopes of the mountains, the strong streams dragged mud and stones, destroying houses, drinking water systems and drainages, roads, and electricity supply. The areas affected are mainly flooded by mud now with “sewages leaking, debris in the houses and stones in the roads and crosswalk.”

ELCIC long-term missionary in Peru Rev. Fran Schmidt notes that clean-up efforts are now underway in Chosica although many people in that region are still without access to clean water.

“The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru [Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana – ILEP] has been responding by coordinating volunteers and the donation of goods to deliver bottled water, dry goods, and clothing to those affected in the area, many of whom lost everything in the recent landslides in early April,” says Rev. Schmidt.   

“The area where the ILEP Community of Faith, Noe, has been gathering has also been affected as well as Lutheran members’ homes to various degrees. ILEP and the disaster response brigade from ILEP, in coordination with ACT, have been working to coordinate the distribution of goods but there will be a need for some time.”

Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), the ELCIC’s partner for international relief and development work, has responded to an appeal from ACT to assist with the relief efforts following the Peru floods by providing $5,000 from CLWR’s international emergency fund. Donations designated by ELCIC members for the relief efforts will go towards replenishing the emergency fund. Any funds received over $5,000 would be an additional contribution to the relief efforts. Diaconia, CLWR’s primary partner in Peru and the Peruvian Lutheran relief and development agency, is the ACT member responding to the situation.

Donations may be made in the following ways:

  1. ELCIC members may donate to the appeal by making a designated offering donation for “Peru Flood 2012” through their ELCIC congregation.
  2. Donations may also be made through CLWR.
    • Online at  https://clwr.encryptedsecure2.com/Donation_System/. Choose the “General Donation” option. On the form’s drop-down menu, chose Peru Flood 2012.
    • By credit card over the phone by calling toll-free: 1.800.661.2597. If you do not need to use a toll-free line or are calling locally from the Winnipeg area, call: 204.694.5602.
    • By sending a cheque made payable to CLWR to 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6. Please indicate in your correspondence that you wish to contribute to Peru Flood 2012.

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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.

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ELCIC British Columbia Synod Meets in Convention

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) British Columbia (BC) Synod met in convention May 10-13 at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, New Westminster, BC. The 2012 BC Synod Convention commenced on Thursday evening with opening worship.

Delegates had full business sessions before them on Friday and Saturday.

Incumbent Rev. Clifford Reinhardt was re-elected synod secretary on the second ballot. And incumbent Darlene Johnson was re-elected as vice-chair of the BC synod, also on the second ballot.

On Friday morning, Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood, BC spoke to delegates about his experience of living for one month on welfare, as part of the MLA Welfare Challenge put on by Raise the Rates, a local organization that advocates on behalf of people living on assistance. Brar lived for an entire month on $610, the amount of government assistance provided to a single male.

During the one month challenge, Brar scrutinized all his expenses to ensure he had enough to cover all his costs for accommodations, transportation, clothing and food. He spoke of losing over 20 pounds during the month because of the significant dietary adjustments he had to make to stay within his financial restrictions.

Brar shared with delegates the immense challenges faced by those on assistance, highlighting in particular the experience he had of going to get a food hamper. Brar noted that just to get a hamper a person has to have at least five dollars for the required transportation to get to and from the facility. Transit transfer tickets are available but they expire in an hour and a half, said Brar, and most of the time the line up for food takes much longer than that.

“We need to do a better job,” said Brar. “Poverty will not go away. The starting point is building a comprehensive poverty reduction plan with clear targets and timelines.”

Friday afternoon, the fiscal 2013 budget (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013) reflecting a $22,700 deficit, was approved by delegates. The BC Synod has been looking at a number of ways to make cuts to expenditures over the past few years to eliminate a significant deficit budget. The synod was able to realize a small surplus recently but that came about at the expense of eliminating the assistant to the bishop position two years ago. In his report, BC Synod Bishop Greg Mohr recognized that while the elimination of the position of the assistant to the bishop has made it possible to post two consecutive surpluses, it has come at a cost in terms of the expectations on his position as well as that of the synod officers.

“It also means that there are many things that cannot be attended to,” Bishop Mohr said in his report, “and that there are things not accomplished as well as they should be. Further, it makes it difficult to focus on our key priorities.”

Delegates received highlights from the Committee on the Report of the Bishop. Members of the committee noted how impressed they were with how much has been accomplished by Bishop Mohr in his two years in office, despite reduced financial and human resources. Committee members noted their appreciation for how Bishop Mohr has focused the synod on the right questions as they consider, “What does it mean to be a church in the 21st century.”

During the report, the committee presented several motions, including two which will see the BC Synod promote the ELCIC’s national Call to Spiritual Renewal initiative and encourage all congregations within the synod to participate in this renewal process.

A significant item on the agenda for convention delegates was the structural renewal proposals that will come before all five ELCIC Synod Conventions this year.

In a very close vote, the motion before BC Synod Convention delegates: “Be it resolved that the council of the British Columbia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada be authorized and directed to take any and all necessary action in collaboration with the council of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to create a new synod, comprising the following geographical area, namely, British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut” was defeated. In a written voting process, out of 84 valid ballots delegates voted 54 in favour and 30 against. The vote received 64.3% in favour but required 66% (2/3rds) in order to pass.

Saturday’s agenda also included a presentation to delegates on a proposed redevelopment of campus space held by the synod at the University of British Columbia. Rev. Don Johnson, known affectionately in the synod as “the grandfather of campus ministry” shared his excitement for the redesign of the space.

“I am so excited about this possibility,” he said. “This proposal means we would be able to function in a new way even though we have changed as a community. This is a transformation for us!”

As one of the last orders on the agenda, a motion, brought forward through the Committee on Reference and Council, calls on the BC Synod Council to seek further engagement with the ELCIC’s National Church Council, and the other western ELCIC Synods, to develop options for the structure of the church “in order to achieve our goals in mission and ministry in the 21st century.”

Delegates also unanimously passed a motion that will see the BC Synod continue to explore ways and look for opportunities to work together with the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.

ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson preached at the closing worship service on Sunday morning. In her sermon Bishop Johnson focused on God’s daily presence in our lives and how we are all called to come together and take strength and support from one another.

Bishop Susan spoke of the call to community, “to encourage each other; to accept each other; to comfort each other; to love one another.”

“Secure in that love we can begin together to reach out and share that love with God, with each other, and with the community,” she said.

“What an amazing privilege!!” she remarked, and encouraged, “Let us help and encourage each other to accept that invitation, to live out God’s love in our world, as a people and a church In Mission for Others.”

Further highlights and photos from the 2012 BC Synod Convention are available on the facebook pages for both the ELCIC (www.facebook.ca/CanadianLutherans) and the BC Synod (www.facebook.com/BCsynod).

All five ELCIC Synods meet in convention this year. Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod met April 26-29. British Columbia Synod met May 10-13. Synod of Alberta and the Territories meets May 24-27. Saskatchewan Synod meets June 1-3. And the Eastern Synod meets for its assembly July 5-8.

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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.

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Lutheran, Anglican leaders visit Jerusalem

National leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) will visit their counterparts in Jerusalem May 15 to 21 to discuss the development of full communion ministry in the Middle East.

National Bishop Susan C. Johnson (ELCIC) and Archbishop Fred Hiltz (ACC) will describe how the Anglican-Lutheran partnership evolved in Canada and encourage Bishop Munib Younan (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land) and Bishop Suheil Dawani (Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem) as they take their own steps towards a similar relationship.

The trip was first suggested by leaders of their respective international bodies, the Lutheran World Federation and the Anglican Communion.

“We know the benefit both personally and as churches of this form of deeper partnership and are excited about sharing our experiences as we have travelled this road together,” said Bishop Johnson.

“It is especially important that in Jerusalem, the birthplace of Christianity, we do all that we can to support and encourage the remaining Christian population."

Christians are a minority in the Jerusalem region. They struggle to work towards peace with justice in Palestine and Israel. They also struggle with declining numbers as Christians emigrate elsewhere.

Joint mission work is one way to respond to their challenges. In Canada, Lutherans and Anglicans have been in a full communion partnership since 2001. This means mutual recognition of baptisms, interchangeability of clergy, and many areas of cooperative mission work, including joint advocacy against homelessness and global poverty.

In 2013 the denominations will hold their first joint national assembly in Ottawa.

Lutherans and Episcopalians (Anglicans) in the Middle East are just starting to explore the potential of such joint work. Bishop Younan and Bishop Dawani worked alongside each other as local ministers in Ramallah, Palestine. Now they have started to chart steps for larger-scale cooperation. Recently they appointed co-chairs of a joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission for their regions: the Rev. Sven Oppegaard (Lutheran) and the Rev. Canon John L. Peterson (Anglican).

Canadian Lutherans and Anglicans have longstanding, deep ties to the Middle East. Bishop Johnson and Archbishop Hiltz have both visited Jerusalem and their denominations have passed national resolutions that pledged to journey with Christians in that region through prayer and other means of support.

Recently Canadian Anglicans have started the Companions of the Diocese of Jerusalem group to raise awareness and funds for the diocese, which extends over Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. A companionship relationship is also emerging between Ottawa and Jerusalem.

Canadian Lutherans are active in the region through their partners, Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which support a hospital and a vocational training centre in East Jerusalem. Bishop Younan has served as president of LWF since 2010.

With such rich and complex histories undergirding the trip, the Canadian delegation hopes that this visit will deepen a sense of joint mission for all involved.

“We’re really going there not to tell them how to do it,” said Archbishop Hiltz. “We want simply to share the Canadian story—the significant moments in our journey, some of the high points, the challenges, and the realities of what it’s like to live in full communion.”

The Canadian delegation also includes the co-chairs of the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission Bishop Michael Pryse (Lutheran) and the Very Rev. Peter Wall (Anglican) as well as the Anglican Church of Canada’s Director of Resources for Mission and Communications and Information Resources Vianney (Sam) Carriere.

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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.

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A Message from ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson on Structural Renewal

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson provides an update on the structural renewal process in her latest message to the church. A video of her message can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/VH3xYi8NCaA. Congregations are encouraged to share this message with their members.

Grace to you and peace in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Many of you have been wondering since the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod Convention what’s going to happen with the future of structural renewal.

Well, I first want to assure you that although MNO did not vote to amalgamate, they are very interested in picking up many of the ideas from structural renewal and moving towards implementation of those items.

In terms of the other synods and moving forward, it is business as usual full steam ahead!

The National Implementation Team and the Synod Implementation Teams think that this is still the best way to help our church move forward and become a structure that is flexible, affordable and sustainable.

The flexibility part may be challenging us a little bit at this time but we think that with all the synods we can work together towards a church that is in renewal both structurally and spiritually.

I ask you to pray for each of the synod conventions as they unfold over the next couple of months, and keep our whole church in prayer.

Thank you and God bless you!

Further information on the ELCIC’s structural renewal process can be found online: https://elcic.ca/Structural-Renewal/default.cfm.

—————————————————————–
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.

Read more