October 1 is the deadline for submitting entries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) design competition. The ELCIC is seeking submissions for gifts that may be presented on behalf of the ELCIC to global and ecumenical guests. The gifts may be of any kind but must be inexpensive to replicate. Since the gifts may be packaged for overseas distribution, artists are encouraged to be mindful of weight and fragility. Options include, but are not limited to, crosses, calligraphy, icons, and lithographs.

Specifications: Designs may not be larger than 12 inches in height or width and 1 inch thick.

Eligibility: Artists must be members of the ELCIC and may submit only one entry.

Deadline: Participants must submit a photo (digital photos are acceptable) or slide of the entry by October 1, 2008. Finalists will be asked to submit original works of art at a later date.

Submit your entry to: ELCIC Design Contest, 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6.

If you have any questions about the contest, please email info@elcic.ca.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

Students and staff returned to classes on Wednesday following a situation Tuesday morning at Luther College high school in Regina which forced its closure.

At approximately 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Regina Police Service reports they received a 9-1-1 call from a staff-member reporting a male youth in possession of a firearm at the school. Police attended to the scene and at approximately 10:58 a.m. a 16 year-old male was taken into custody. No students or staff were injured in the incident.

Following the incident, students and staff from Luther College high school were evacuated into nearby Christ Lutheran Church auditorium where parents were notified they could pick up their children. Police continued their investigate at the high school and recovered a CO2 pellet pistol at the scene.

Luther College high school reopened Wednesday morning and counsellors were on-hand to provide care for students and staff.

"At times of crisis it is important we come together as community of faith to support one another as we process what has taken place and start on the path to healing and reconciliation," says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were involved in Tuesday’s incident, including the young man, who is now in police custody, and his family."

Luther College High School is an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) is issuing a churchwide appeal for donations to assist with recovery efforts in Haiti following devastation in the region by a series of hurricanes and tropical storms. As many as 700 Haitians have died and more deaths are expected due to significant flooding of the area’s agricultural region in what is already the poorest country in the Americas. At least 800,000 Haitians are in urgent need, nearly half of them children.

Over a three-week period starting in August, Haiti has been devastated by four storms – Tropical Storm Fay, Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike – damaging homes, livelihoods, and crops, as well as entire road systems including seven of the country’s key bridges which have been rendered unstable.

To assist with immediate needs, GDHA’s Emergency Disaster Response Fund* is forwarding $5,000 to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), GHDA’s partner in international relief and development. CLWR is working through Action By Churches Together (ACT) International to assist with the critical need for water purification tablets and food buckets, as well as hygiene kits, blankets, medicine and other urgently needed items.

"As people In Mission for Others, God calls us to do justice and love kindness. How can we help but respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in Haiti?" says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. "Our National Church has committed funds through the GHDA Emergency Disaster Response Fund, but I hope and pray our members can give generously at this time."

Food shortages caused by the storms have many Haitians fearing a repeat of the violent food riots which occurred in spring 2008. Reports estimate that as much as 80 percent of the country’s entire rice crop has been destroyed. In a region where many live on less than $2 a day, food shortages will likely put the price of rice beyond the means of most Haitian families.

To support relief efforts in Haiti, donations can be made to GHDA – Haiti Appeal as follows:

– Via the ELCIC Website: www.elcic.ca (click on the Donate Now link)
– By mail: GHDA, 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 (please indicate "GHDA – Haiti Appeal" in the memo portion of the cheque)
– Through all ELCIC Congregations

The ELCIC has chosen to concentrate the current appeal on relief efforts in Haiti but also recognizes that in the wake of Hurricane Ike, the state of Texas was significantly impacted, especially in areas around Galveston. Current reports put the death toll at 30 as of Tuesday and officials are warning of a growing health threat in Galveston. ELCIC members wishing to contribute to relief efforts in those affected regions can forward donations to the ELCIC office. Funds designated for these efforts will be sent to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Disaster Response which is actively working in the region.

Further information about the work of ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal can be viewed online at www.elcic.ca/ghda.

*GHDA’s Emergency Disaster Response Fund, established by an anonymous gift, allows GHDA to allocate funds immediately when an emergency occurs and then replenish the Fund with donations to the churchwide appeal.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

A joint letter from National Bishop Susan C. Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) encourages congregations and members of the two churches to pray and take action on September 25 to raise continued awareness of the urgent need to eliminate world poverty and remind our government of its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Together on that day, Canadian Anglicans and Lutherans will lead an ecumenical event in Ottawa called Walk of Witness – Bringing it Home which will include a public walk and an act of witness through a joint statement at the United Nation’s Association Office.

"The Walk of Witness – Bringing it Home event and action are part of a larger initiative to mobilize churches around the ongoing scandal of global and national poverty," says Bishop Johnson and Primate Hiltz in the joint letter which encourages continued awareness of the issues around poverty and notes, "the following month, KAIROS will engage churches in Week to End Poverty, October 12-19."

Walk of Witness – Bringing it Home coincides with a gathering of world leaders, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the United Nations in New York to re-energize the world’s commitment to the MDGs. Walk of Witness was inspired by a July 24 walk in London, England when 1,500 bishops and others marched in support of the MDGs as part of the 2008 Lambeth Conference.

Congregations are invited to join in prayer and action by raising awareness of the urgent need to eliminate world poverty within their own community. Various resources are available for use including: bulletin announcements, a fact sheet, liturgical resources and guidelines for questioning candidates in the federal election. Resources are available online at: www.anglican.ca/walkofwitness .

View the full text of the letter here: https://elcic.ca/Documents/08WalkofWitnessLetter.pdf

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Church Council (NCC) met in Winnipeg from September 11-13. The following is an overview of highlights from the second and third day of meetings.

Both mornings began with Bible study. On Friday, council members spent time in small groups reflecting on Biblical passages demonstrating the ELCIC’s call to be actively engaged in the five visioning pillars (Compassionate Justice, Effective Partnerships, Focused Framework, Diverse Faces, and Spirited Discipleship) developed at the March 2008 NCC meeting. Discussions focused on how council members feel God is calling them and the ELCIC through the text. Saturday morning’s Bible study provided an opportunity for council members to share with one another personal reflections on their faith journey.

The business session commenced with a report from the Conference of Bishops and then individually from each Synod Bishop. The purpose of reports from the Synod Bishops at council meetings is to provide council members with an environmental scan of the synods, including highlights, challenges and key information. Synod Bishops reported on the outcomes of their synod conventions which took place this year and noted with appreciation the presence of National Bishop Susan C. Johnson at all five synod conventions. Several Bishops expressed concerns regarding congregations voting to leave the ELCIC, vacancies within congregations, and the challenge of identifying pastors with an interest towards being called to rural and northern vacancies. Several new programs and initiatives coming out of individual or collaborative Synod work were also highlighted.

The Right Rev. Colin Johnson, council representative for the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC), shared his report on the Council of General Synod (COGS), noting the visioning work being done by NCC was also being done at COGS. Bishop Colin Johnson said it was exciting that both the ELCIC and ACC were with new leadership who brought to the table, "fresh vision, fresh energy and new priorities."

Rev. Teresita Valeriano, Regional Officer for Lutheran World Federation North America (LWF-NA), shared highlights from her first six months in the position. LWF-NA is comprised of three church bodies – ELCIC, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Estonian Lutheran Church Abroad – and works to foster relationships between member churches. Rev. Valeriano highlighted a new resource from the LWF titled Food for Life: Recipes and Stories on the Right to Food which shares stories of people throughout the world as they cope with scarcity and adapt to climate change, and includes recipes from LWF member churches.

Greetings were shared from David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA. Swartling highlighted a number of areas the ELCA is currently working on such as becoming a Book of Faith church which invites members of the ELCA to become more fluent in the first language of faith – the language of Scripture, and is a five-year initiative of the church.

Hildy Thiessen, Executive Director of Group Services Inc. (GSI), provided council with an update on the pension plan for the ELCIC. Thiessen noted that the markets, "continue to be volatile right now," and GSI continues to closely monitor the performance of its investment managers along with reviewing the structure of the portfolio. Thiessen provided an update on the pension deficit, noting GSI is on track, and estimates the pension deficit will be eliminated in eight years, which is ahead of the 15-year projection strategy that was put in place in 2004.

A report of the Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW) was presented by Ruth Vince, Executive Director, who shared highlights from the 2008 Biennial ELW Convention in July. ELW’s board will meet September 18-21 in Winnipeg and deal with motions from the convention. Following the Convention, the National ELW Board met via conference call to discuss issues around the Esprit magazine and determined that it will be continued through 2009. ELW’s board voted to raise the price of the magazine by $8.00 to deal with budget concerns but Vince noted that more conversation needs to take place about the role of the magazine and how it fits with the vision of the ELW. Vince also noted that ELW continues its work in the areas of social justice and living out faith in our daily lives. Through ELW’s commitment to raising the awareness of human trafficking, ELW was able to name two individuals for appointment on the Vancouver Olympic Committee dealing with human trafficking and the 2010 Olympics.

Time was allotted on Friday evening for committees of the council to meet; committees began with their reports after Bible study on Saturday morning. The Constitution Committee addressed a willingness to develop a plan for reviewing the ELCIC’s Constitutional documentation which no longer adequately addressed the current structure of the church. ELCIC Secretary Donald Storch noted there is, "lots of energy and enthusiasm for this (work)".

Council also reviewed correspondence received since its last meeting. Following up on two letters from the co-chairs of the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission, council members passed motions to support a joint meeting of NCC with COGS in 2010 and also to pursue the opportunity for a joint meeting of the two national bodies of the ELCIC and ACC in 2013 which is the next time both the ELCIC’s National Convention and the ACC’s General Synod will take place in the same year.

Two items were added as part of new business for council. A call to special service was issued for Rev. Pamela Peterson to Victoria Correctional Services Canada at the Kent Institution in Agassiz, BC and council members asked National Bishop Susan C. Johnson to issue a response to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regarding an application for a new pornography channel and voice the ELCIC’s opposition of the application.

The next meeting of NCC will take place March 5-7, 2009 in Winnipeg. NCC meetings are also scheduled for June 24-25, 2009 (prior to the 2009 Convention) and September 10-12, 2009. The meeting concluded with Closing Worship Service. Bishop Johnson presided and Rev. Doug Reble delivered the sermon.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Church Council (NCC) is meeting in Winnipeg from September 11-13. The following is an overview of highlights from the first day of meetings.

The September meeting of NCC commenced with Opening Worship Service at Laureate’s Landing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson delivered the sermon. A copy of Bishop Johnson’s sermon is available on the Bishop’s page of the ELCIC website: https://elcic.ca/From-the-Bishop/documents/NCC200809Serving.pdf

Several new faces around the table were welcomed as the council meeting commenced. David Swartling, Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is in attendance and will bring greetings from the ELCA during Friday’s agenda. Rev. Teresita Valeriano, joins NCC at this meeting and is the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Regional Officer for North America. New council member Barb Stolee, from the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, was also introduced and welcomed.

Council also received the Report of the Bishop. "It is a honour and privilege to serve as National Bishop as this church," said Bishop Johnson in her open remarks. Bishop Johnson reflected on her participation at all five Synod Conventions, the Lutheran World Federation Council Meeting and the Lambeth Conference, and told council the opportunities have, "fed my energy, renewed my spirit, and lifted my hope."

The session adjourned for the evening with closing prayers. Friday’s agenda includes reports from the Synod Bishops, the Council of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, Group Services Inc. (GSI), Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW), and the LWF North American Regional Officer.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

"How can we put some meat on the bones of this relationship?" This question propelled a Sept. 3 and 4 meeting between staff from the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). Since 2001, the two denominations have been in "full communion," a relationship that allows for interchangeability of clergy, and other commitments outlined in the Waterloo Declaration.

But in many parts of the churches the rubber needs to hit the road. "The first six years of full communion have been nice," said the Rev. Paul Johnson, assistant to ELCIC’s national bishop. "But we need to work harder at making it more real for more people in the churches."

Energy for this work came last year when both churches elected new leaders. Archbishop Fred Hiltz (ACC) and National Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC) already knew each other, and were already passionate about Anglican-Lutheran relations. They decided the next step was joint program consultation on the broad "mission and justice" subjects of relief, development, advocacy, justice, and public policy.

"I think both of our churches have put the work of compassionate justice really high on our agendas," explained Bishop Johnson. "That’s probably the easiest thing to go deeper on together, because it’s really practical."

The meetings, held at Anglican Church House in Toronto, gathered 19 Anglicans and Lutherans: program staff (also from the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund), the Primate and National Bishop (who co-convened), and a facilitator. The structure varied throughout the two days, from larger group meetings to explain the history of full communion, to smaller groups that discussed specific program collaboration.

Among many topics, staff discussed how the biennial Lutheran youth gathering could be reorganized to include Anglican youth, and how both denominations could use their existing partnerships (with development agencies, etc.) to greater effect.

"It was incredibly energizing," said Jill Cruse, the Anglican coordinator for mission education and personnel. She said she learned a lot, including how the Anglican partnership with Lutherans is different from ecumenical relationships with other denominations.

"In some ways an ecumenical relationship is not integral to who I am," said Ms. Cruse. "But we are partners with the Lutherans like we’re partners with our international partners. They’re part of us." 

But what is the significance for parish ministry? Mr. Johnson acknowledges that Anglican-Lutheran cooperation may still seem distant, particularly if one denomination is under-represented in an area. However, he noted that these meetings are about "using resources more efficiently, and being better stewards of our gifts from God" something of interest to all Anglicans and Lutherans.

Both Archbishop Hiltz and Bishop Johnson say they are energized to make this relationship relevant. Bishop Johnson said there is a possibility of developing a five-year joint program plan up to 2013 when the Anglican and Lutheran national gatherings overlap. She said she looks forward to Anglicans and Lutherans not just working cooperatively, but as one unit.

"The most fun thing is that I might have hopes and dreams, but the Spirit is going to take us in totally different directions that I have no clue about," said Bishop Johnson with a big smile. "I’m just glad to be along for the ride."

(Written by Ali Symons, General Synod Web Writer, Anglican Church of Canada.)

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

In a letter from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s Conference of Bishops, congregations are being encouraged to, "consider opportunities for partnership and intergenerational engagement in meaningful ministry" that is offered by the 2008-2010 ELCIC National Youth Project (NYP) which calls on the youth of the church to be leaders in their congregation’s efforts to become a greener church and to create greener communities.

NYPs run for a two-year duration in-between Canadian Lutheran Youth Gatherings. It is because of the efforts of youth within the ELCIC on the 2006-2008 NYP that Lutheran youth in Bolivia will be able to gathering nationally. Funds raised for "Project Reunion" (pronounced "ray-youn-YON", Spanish for gathering) were donated to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia and will be used to bring together youth for fellowship and solidarity.

The 2008-2010 Stewardship of Creation NYP was announced at the 2008 Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering which took place in Whitehorse August 14-17, 2008.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Friends in Christ:

In 2007, the ELCIC in convention declared that we commit ourselves as a church to answer the call to respect the integrity of God’s creation through an environmental stewardship initiative engaging our National, Synodical, congregational and individual member expressions. (motion #NC-07-11)

We are writing today to share with you that, as an expression of this Stewardship of Creation Initiative, the 2008-2010 ELCIC National Youth Project calls on the youth of the church to be leaders in their congregation’s efforts to become a greener church and to create greener communities. Youth are challenging each other to work with congregations and community partners in caring for the earth. In various contexts, this may mean bringing ideas to church council, to a committee such as church in society or property, to the local ELW, to the Sunday School, and/or to environmentally active groups in your neighbourhood.

We are asking you to consider carefully the opportunities for partnership and for inter-generational engagement in meaningful ministry that are being offered by this initiative.

The intention of this National Youth Project is not to raise funds for a nationally chosen ministry. As such, success will not be measured in dollars tracked by the national office. Rather, success will be local groups discerning God’s mission to care for the earth in their area.

Every three months, the ELCIC will be providing devotions and possibilities for living out this project. These are intended to stimulate creativity rather than limit possibilities. Ultimately, local groups discern and name their own goals. Information will be distributed on the ELCIC youth website: www.youth.elcic.ca. This will also be the place to share your story.

When approached by the youth of our church, we encourage you to be receptive to their ideas, and open to the possibility of being partners in this project. Prayerfully consider how God is calling you to participate with your young people in this National Youth Project. In discerning and working together, the action of convention and the action of our youth will truly be an action of the whole church.

Please share this letter at your September Council meeting. Recognize that you are not being asked to make a financial commitment. You are being asked to be open to the calling of the Spirit and to help find fertile soil for seeds that are sown. Please listen to the youth as leaders and disciples in your midst, please share your wisdom, experience, enthusiasm and faith, and please be partners in telling the story of Christ in word and in deed.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership in helping the ELCIC to be, and to become, a church In Mission for Others.

[Jesus] said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Mark 4:30-32 (NRSV)

Yours in Christ.

The Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Rev. Gerhard Preibisch, Bishop
British Columbia Synod

The Rev. Ronald B. Mayan, Bishop
Synod of Alberta and the Territories

The Rev. Cynthia Halmarson, Bishop
Saskatchewan Synod

The Rev. Elaine Sauer, Bishop
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod

The Rev. Michael J. Pryse, Bishop
Eastern Synod

A pdf version of the letter, which can be posted in your congregation or printed for distribution is available online at: https://elcic.ca/Documents/documents/2008NationalYouthProject.pdf

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

As 1000-plus youth joined together singing the poignant words to “Holy Moment”, the 2008 Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLYG) concluded its four days among the picturesque backdrop of the mountains in Whitehorse, Yukon. During the gathering, youth from across the country came together for fellowship and a time of reflection and left the gathering with a call to action to be leaders in their communities and a light of Christ in the world.

CLYG, organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) took place August 14-17. Speakers, vignettes, music and forums throughout the gathering built on the CLYG theme “Travel Light”.

Keynote speaker Rev. Fred Ludolph shared personal stores and reflections during all six of the large group gatherings. Ludolph offered Biblical and environmental reasons for youth to be more conscious of the burden being imposed by unsustainable lifestyles. “Why do I do weird things?” he asked rhetorically to participants. “I do it because I feel a call that there must be change.” Quoting Mahatma Ghandi, Ludolph challenged youth to be the change they wish to see in the world.

For many youth this was far from their first youth gathering. Many attend gathering after gathering moving on to become Home Team Leaders in Training after they pass the age limit for attendees. For Freya Martin, 22, from Winnipeg, this was her fourth time at CLYG. “It keeps getting better year after year,” she noted. Honouring the true meaning of the gathering theme “Travel Light”, Martin left her iPod and cell phone at home as a test.

“I feel like I have no baggage,” she remarked on the absence of the electronics. “I will definitely be rethinking my usage when I get back home.”

Synodical Bishops were involved at many points throughout the gathering. Bishop Michael Pryse of the Eastern Synod thanked youth during his presentation, “for including us. You guys have given us hope. Hope for the church. Hope for the world.”

National Bishop Susan Johnson preached during the closing worship service, which was also the final large group gathering, and asked participants to do a little homework on their journey back home, “I want you to go with a mandate and with great joy to take a new path,” she said. “Keep your eyes open to make sure what you are doing on the path is indeed bringing great healing. I see in you great hope. Hope that comes from your passion in your faith.”

CLYG is a national gathering which takes place every two years and is aimed at youth ages 14-19 and includes Lutherans and Anglicans from across Canada.

Photos and highlights from the gathering are available on the ELCIC youth website: youth.elcic.ca

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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.

They travelled by bus, car and plane to get here, some logging over 5,000 km in their journey. Even 10 hour travel days didn’t dampen their spirits as 12 buses arrived enroute from Edmonton (the meeting place for youth flying in from across the country) to Whitehorse for the 2008 Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLYG) taking place August 14-17.

Their arrival was quickly noticed by many in this city of 24,000 (now 25,000 for the next four days). Clusters of CLYG youth are easily spotted in downtown Whitehorse during free time in the gathering agenda. And two non-profit organizations in the community will directly benefit from youth servant events; participants have brought with them donations for Kaushee’s Place, a transition house for women and their children, and Mary House, a centre that assists primarily men on the street.

The community of Whitehorse, including local congregation Trinity Lutheran, have been very generous in their support of the gathering. The worship space, which is set up in one of several arenas in the Canada Games Centre, features many items donated by local businesses including a cross, altar and baptismal font donated by a log-house builder who measured and carved the items to specification.

High on the hill overlooking downtown Whitehorse at the Canada Games Centre, the gathering commenced late Thursday afternoon with the first of six large group gatherings.

First Nations groups from the community brought greetings and prayers to the youth noting, “it is good to know people are alive for God. It is good to see so many people lifting up God.”

Keynote speaker Rev. Fred Ludolph, executive director of Edgewood Camp and Conference Centre, spoke on the various interpretations of the gathering theme, Travel Light. The theme calls on participants to think about the role they have in being good stewards of all of God’s creation and challenges youth to imagine how they can be a light for the world as they make their way back home from the gathering and share their stories with others.

Bishop Ron Mayan of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories shared his personal reflections on what it means to be a light of God and to Travel Light. Reflecting on his own personal calling and his struggles to accept that call, Bishop Mayan told youth, “God will provide you with the tools you need. God will take out the barriers. Travel Light – anticipate side trips, navigate detours by God’s grace and hold onto your map lightly.”

In addition to the large group gathering times, participants will attend forums which will allow them to meet as smaller groups and discuss topics such as leadership in the Lutheran community, the significance of our northern climate and environment, and project Reunion – the 2006-08 National Youth Project which raised funds for the youth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bolivia.

The gathering takes place every two years and involves youth between the ages of 14-19. The gathering is planned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) but involves both Lutheran and Anglican youth.

Further information on the gathering, along with daily highlights are available on the ELCIC youth website: http://youth.elcic.ca/travellight/home.php

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 174,555 baptized members in 620 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

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