Over 325 delegates, visitors and volunteers are gathering at the London, Ontario Convention Centre July 9-13 for the 12th Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

The assembly focuses on the theme, "In Mission for Others: A People Called". The agenda for July 9 included the Report of the Bishop, the Report of the Treasurer, as well as a presentation from National Bishop Susan C. Johnson.

Delegates also heard that through the "It’s Your Call" program 48 new candidates have been identified within the synod for ministry since the program began in 2003, with five new candidates identified this year alone. The recruitment committee’s major emphasis for the 2007 program was creating a culture of call within the congregations of the Eastern Synod.

Full highlights from the assembly are available on the website of the Eastern Synod at: http://www.easternsynod.org/index.php

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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.

On the eve of the scheduled presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe on June 27, the Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has called for the urgent establishment of a peace building process in the country, incorporating all national actors, regional organizations and the international community.

In a June 26 Public Statement, the Council urged the international community to exercise its legitimate role in addressing the crisis in the country.

“The world must not stand idly by, as it did during the genocide in Rwanda, and watch the unfolding of a human catastrophe,” stated the Council. The LWF governing body is meeting June 25-30 in Arusha, northern Tanzania, hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

The Council pointed out that the result of any presidential run-off election conducted under the current circumstances should not be recognized by the international community.

It especially denounced the systematic, organized, politically-motivated intimidation and violence whereby the current government has sought to retain power.

The LWF Council members said attacks on Zimbabweans for exercising their right of democratic choice were directly contrary to the purpose of the country’s struggle for liberation from colonial rule.

They noted that the conditions under which the March 29 first round of elections were conducted were far from ideal and had already demonstrated that the current government had lost the trust and support of Zimbabweans.

The Council members especially welcomed the rising expression of concern from African political, religious and community leaders. They however called on the Southern African Development Community, African Union, and all African leaders, to take a more active role in promoting human security in Zimbabwe and encouraging a political transition back to the democracy.

The LWF governing body called upon all LWF member churches to pray on Sunday, July 6 for peace with justice for all Zimbabweans.

The full text of the Council’s Public Statement on Zimbabwe follows:

LWF Council Public Statement on Zimbabwe

1. The Council of the Lutheran World Federation, meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, on the eve of the scheduled presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe on June 27, calls for an immediate end to political violence and repression in that country, and the restoration of the democracy for which so many Zimbabweans have struggled and died.

2. The Lutheran World Federation has long been gravely concerned by the disastrous economic, humanitarian and political situation in Zimbabwe. Today, we join former South African President Nelson Mandela in declaring that there has been a “tragic failure of leadership” in Zimbabwe. Indeed, the policies and practices of the current government have undermined the most basic political, economic and social rights of Zimbabweans.

3. We especially denounce the systematic, organized, politically-motivated intimidation and violence whereby the current government has sought to retain power. We note that the perpetrators of that intimidation and violence have not hesitated to target church leaders and clergy, as well as opposition party leaders and members, media representatives, academics, specific groups within Zimbabwean society, and anyone thought to have voted for the opposition in the March 29 elections. The attacks on Zimbabweans for exercising their right of democratic choice are directly contrary to the purpose of the struggle for Zimbabwe’s liberation from colonial rule.

4. All governments have a responsibility to ensure the safety, security and welfare of their citizens. Therefore, the government of Zimbabwe must act to prevent political violence by whoever committed it. Its failure to do so, and its apparent complicity in the violent repression, calls into question this government’s legitimacy.

5. The outcome of the March elections – themselves conducted in far from ideal conditions – has already demonstrated that this government has lost the trust and support of Zimbabweans. The result of any presidential run-off election conducted under the current circumstances should not be recognized by the international community. We deeply regret the government of Zimbabwe to postpone the election and to take effective measures to ensure minimum conditions for a free and fair democratic process.

6. The international community has a legitimate interest and role to play in addressing the crisis in Zimbabwe. The world must not stand idly by, as it did during the genocide in Rwanda, and watch the unfolding of a human catastrophe. We welcome the fact that the United Nations Security Council has finally begun to address this matter by issuing a statement.

7. We especially welcome the rising chorus of concern from African political, religious and community leaders. We call on the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, and all African leaders, to take a more active role in promoting human security in Zimbabwe and encouraging a political transition back to the democracy that Zimbabweans have a right to expect.

8. Therefore, we call for the urgent establishment of a process for building peace in Zimbabwe in which all national actors, regional organizations and the international community are engaged.

9. For its part, the Lutheran World Federation stands ready to support the people of Zimbabwe in rebuilding their nation, and in restoring their betrayed hopes of a life in dignity and justice.

10. We call upon all LWF member churches to pray on Sunday, July 6 for peace with justice for all Zimbabweans.

* * *

There are around 170 participants in this year’s Council meeting including church leaders, officials from LWF partner organizations, invited guests, stewards, interpreters and translators, LWF staff and co-opted staff and accredited media.

The Council is the LWF’s governing body meeting between Assemblies held every six years. The current Council was appointed at the July 2003 Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada. It comprises the President, Treasurer and 48 persons elected by the Assembly. Other members include advisors, lay and ordained persons, representing the different LWF regions.

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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.

View the ELCIC/ACC Worship Conference Blog at http://2008worshipconference.wordpress.com/.

Gathering around a fountain in Wallenberg Square, part of Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Montreal, Quebec, to remember and give thanks for the gift of baptism, the 2008 National Worship Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) began with Opening Eucharist on the evening of Wednesday, June 25.

Fast becoming a tradition in partnership, the ELCIC/ACC National Worship Conference for 2008 is organized around the theme, "Order and Chaos". Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, liturgical theologian, and Rev. Karen Ward, a leader in the emerging church movement, are keynote presenters at the conference.

Several attendees at the conference will be posting daily highlights from the event. Visit the ELCIC/ACC 2008 National Worship Conference Blog to read their posts – http://2008worshipconference.wordpress.com/

—————————————————————–
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, Manager 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.rticle, replace this text with your own content and images and press submit.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko has welcomed the Canadian government public apology to the First Nations, as a significant indication of the willingness to confront painful legacies of injustice against Indigenous Peoples.

On June 11, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered a public apology to former students of residential schools run by the government and religious groups from the 1870s to 1970s, describing the ‘aggressive assimilation’ policy as a sad chapter in Canada’s history.

In a statement released today, the LWF general secretary expressed the hope that Canada’s apology and a similar one in February by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, would serve to provoke recognition of Indigenous Peoples and their sufferings in other parts of the world.

"Honest examination of past wounds is a necessary step to the healing of memories. I pray that these apologies represent the beginnings of an open process of deeper reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-indigenous peoples," said Noko.

He expressed gratitude to the Lutheran church leadership in Australia and Canada for publicly declaring support for the official apologies issued by their respective governments, saying it was an indication of the churches’ engagement in the search for reconciliation.

"In this process, churches must confront their own responsibilities openly and honestly, in order to heal and be healed," stressed Noko.

The full text of Dr Noko’s statement follows:

Statement from LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko on Canadian Government Apology to First Nations

I welcome the apology issued on 11 June 2008 by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for the abuses committed against children of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in federally-financed residential schools in Canada. This important acknowledgement of responsibility follows a similar apology issued in February this year by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for policies that had inflicted profound suffering on Australia’s Aboriginal people.

I believe that such formal expressions of responsibility and remorse are not only of historical and symbolic significance. They begin to address past injustices and attitudes which, if not
addressed, perpetuate the suffering and discrimination. These statements indicate a growing maturity and willingness in both countries to confront painful legacies of injustice against
Indigenous Peoples.

Honest examination of past wounds is a necessary step to the healing of memories. I pray that these apologies represent the beginnings of an open process of deeper reconciliation between
Aboriginal and non-indigenous peoples in Canada and Australia. I am grateful that Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and Rev. Michael Semmler, President of the Lutheran Church of Australia, both declared their support for the official apologies issued by their respective Heads of Government, indicating the engagement of the Lutheran churches in Canada and Australia in the search for reconciliation. In this process, churches must confront their own responsibilities openly and honestly, in order to heal and be healed.

I pray that these initiatives will also serve to provoke recognition of Indigenous Peoples and their sufferings in other parts of the world in which injustices against them – and even their existence as peoples – are not yet acknowledged.

The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world, with a total membership of over 68.3 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

—————————————————————–
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, Manager 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 Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is meeting in convention June 12-15 in Assiniboia, SK. The following are daily convention highlights from the synod office.

Day 1 – Saskatchewan Synod Meets in Convention

With prayer and song, Bishop Cindy Halmarson and the convention ­chaplain, Rev. Chad Moir led the opening for the Twelfth Biennial Convention of the Saskatchewan Synod.

Plenary One included official welcomings and introductions, an orientation to the rules and procedures of the convention, and the approval of the agenda and the minutes of the last convention.

The first plenary concluded almost 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Following supper, Bishop Cindy led those gathered in opening worship and communion. The convention also heard from a number of special guests representing our partners in mission and our hosts.

In her sermon, Bishop Cindy reminded delegates and visitors that God calls us to life that is created by God’s word and life that is sustained by the breath of the spirit. She challenged our community to lay down our differences for the sake of communion in Christ and to be part of God’s mission to love and renew the world.

“We are here at this convention to listen to the word of the Lord,” Bishop Cindy said. “To God’s word that calls us to life; to God’s word that calls us to community; to God’s word that calls us to mission.”

Day Two – Saskatchewan Synod Convention

Day Two at the Saskatchewan Synod Biennial Convention began with breakfast hosted by Messiah Lutheran of Assiniboia. The opening devotions were prayerfully led by convention chaplain, Rev. Chad Moir, followed by the second plenary or business session. In addition to Bishop Cindy’s written report, she outlined hopes for the future. These hopes include refining of the vision for the future, a desire to facilitate conversation around the diverse opinions in our synod and increased involvement in shared ministry and with partnerships with other denominations. The Secretary’s report and the Treasurer’s report were also presented.

During the third plenary session in the latter part of the morning, the Dialogue Task Force presented their report, exploring the issue of same-sex blessing and the ordination of gay, lesbian, transsexual and queer (GLBTQ) individuals. A motion to direct the Synod Council in conjunction with the bishop’s office to develop means to address the questions asked by the Dialogue Task Force was overwhelmingly approved by delegates.

Lunch was sponsored by CLWR, where their initiatives and programs were presented.

The afternoon was spent in workshops, a new feature to the synod convention. They were a unique opportunity for delegates and visitors to share their experiences and learn from presenters and each other. The subjects ranged from Natural Church Development to a Sacred Circle worship experience led by Saskatoon Native Ministries.

A delicious buffet supper was enjoyed by all, but was not the end of the day. In the evening all were invited to an “Enrichment Experience” examining the many facets of the relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. One of the presenters used the phrase “no one goes home the same person.” After hearing many powerful stories, many participants at the convention found that to be deeply true.

Day Three – Saskatchewan Synod Convention

Saskatchewan Synod is leading the way in streamlining its model of governance. A resolution passed at the Assinibioa Convention call for appropriate constitutional amendments to clearly define a style of management that sees Synod Council making policy decisions and mandating the bishop to execute those decisions.

In essence, the new governance model streamlines the management process and sees the Synod Council giving the bishop responsibility to delegate management authority and making the bishop the only one responsible directly to Synod Council.

Similar models are now being studied or considered by the Alberta and MNO Synods as well as the National Church.

In his report to the Convention, Rev Kevin Ogilvie cited a drop in the number of students at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon as a matter of great concern. There are only four students registered for next year and only three are from the ELCIC. Ogilvie says, “that’s not enough to keep us going” and predicts a 60-thousand-dollar deficit next year. His challenge to the Convention was to raise the profile of both ordained and diaconal ministry amongst the young people. Suggestions from the Convention floor included a Church presence at schools’ career day events. In a closely-contested vote, Rev Pat Simonson won a seat on the Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of governors.

Minutes before the LTS vote, the Convention elected members to the Synod Council. Four-year lay terms will be served by Kathy Buckingham of the Prince Albert Conference and Kathy Brig of the Saskatoon Conference and Barbara Weiss of Swift Current Conference. Elected to a two-year lay term is Neil Kemp of the Heyburn Conference. Reverend Kathleen Schmitt of the Heyburn Conference and Rev Lori James of the Yorkton Conference were elected to four-year clergy terms while Rev Amber Hoffman of the Swift Current Conference will serve a two-year clergy term.

The Saskatchewan Synod is one of five synods of the ELCIC. Further information and highlights from the Saskatchewan Synod Convention are available at: www.sasksynod.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, Manager 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.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson asks that Canadians remember in their prayers all those who endured abuse in federally-financed residential schools. At 3:00 p.m. EST today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to deliver a long-awaited formal apology from the Canadian Government to all former Aboriginal students.

"I ask that Canadians listen and pray for a process of reconciliation," says Bishop Johnson. "This apology is necessary to the ongoing process of healing for survivors of residential school abuses. We are all being invited to honestly admit the mistakes of history, and to commit to more respectful and fair practice in the future."

A number of events, organized by KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiates, are taking place today throughout the country. These public events will consist of a viewing of the apology, speeches from the Leadership Council and moderated discussions. As this list is being updated throughout the day, please use the contact information below to confirm details as some events may shift.

KAIROS unites churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to "do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The ELCIC is one of eleven member churches of KAIROS.

Watch the apology online:

CPAC: http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&act=view3&section_id=21&template_id=1148&lang=e

APTN: http://www.aptn.ca/

CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/

Public Events By Region:

British Columbia

The events will be hosted by Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society, First Nations Summit and partnering agencies.

Campbell River – Inter-Tribal Health Authority – 534 Centre Street Nanaimo, BC
Contact: Tammy (250) 713-5038

Nanoose – Tsow Tun Le Lum Healing Society – 699 Capilano Road, P. O. Box 370
Lantzville, BC
Contact: Yvonne Rigsby- Jones (250) 390-3123

Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center Society – 1607 Hastings Street East
Vancouver, BC
Contact: Sherry Small (778) 238-8117

Cranbrook – Prestige Inn – 209 Vanhorne St., Cranbrook BC
Contact: Dawn Maki or Pauline Eugene, (250) 417-4001

North Vancouver – First Nations Summit – Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road, Vancouver BC
Contact: Colin Braker or Michael Watts, (604) 926-9903

Victoria – Victoria Friendship Centre – 231 Regina Avenue, Victoria, BC
Contact: Bruce Persan, (250) 384-3211

Kamloops – Coast Canadian Inn, Grand Ball Room – 339 St. Paul St. Kamloops BC
Contact: Londea Riffel (250) 851-7394

Prince George – Carrier Sekani Tribal Council – Suite 200 – 1460 6th Avenue
Prince George, B.C
Contact: Benna Rathburn, (250) 562-3591

Terrace – North West College – 5331 McConnell Avenue, Terrace, BC
Contact: Dianne Collins, (250) 635-4906

Alberta

“Healing Through Laughter” – Enoch, Alberta – Marriot River Cree Resort
300 East Lapotac Blvd Enoch, Alberta
Contact: Carrie Avveduti, (780) 939-5887 carrieavveduti@yahoo.ca

Health Canada Partner Events – Ft. McMurray Athabasca Tribal Council
9206 McCormick Drive, Fort McMurray, AB

Health Canada Partner Events – North Peace Tribal Council
High Level, AB

Health Canada Partner Events – Boyle Street Community Services
Televise the Apology for those living in the inner-city in a supportive environment.
10116 – 105 Ave., Edmonton, AB
Contact: Jane Slessor, (780) 424-4106

Acknowledgement of Government Apology – Calgary Friendship Center in Partnership with Aspen
Bowness Park, Site #1, Calgary, AB (east end of the park)
Contact: Diane Fiddler, (403) 270-7379

Health Canada Partner Events – Telus Live-Feed to Alberta First Nations Health Centers
Contact: Holli-Anne Passmore, (780) 495-4949

Saskatchewan

Viewing the Statement of Apology and Dignitary Remarks – Treaty Four Governance Centre
740 Sioux Ave S Fort Qu’Appelle, SK

Viewing the Statement of Apology, Guest Speakers and Drummers – Friendship Park, Saskatoon
Contact : Kim Quinney or Lorna Arcand,
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
(306) 665-1215

Manitoba

Televised viewing of Prime Minister’s apology to Residential Schools Survivors
288 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB – Radisson Hotel, Provincial Ballroom
Contact:
Jennifer Wood jwood@manitobachiefs.com
1-888-324-5483
(204) 794-9584

Jerilyn Beepath jbeepath@manitobachiefs.com
1-888-324-5483
(204) 987-4130

Televised Viewing of the Prime Minister’s Apology to Residential Schools Survivors
MKIO Boardroom, 200-701 Thompson Dr., Thompson, MB
Contact: Brandee Albert (204) 677-1600

Ontario

A Step Towards Healing: The Apology From the Prime Minister of Canada
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Tungasuvvingat Inuit
301 Savard Ave., Ottawa ON
Contact: (613) 747-2225

Viewing of Prime Minister Harper’s Apology – Live Broadcast at Algoma University, in participation with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) and the National Residential School Survivors’ Society (NRSSS)
Great West Life Amphitheater (NW200)

Viewing of the Apology and Community Feast – Chippewas of Sarnia
Contact: Janice Rising (519) 383-0404

A Gathering of Residential School Survivors: “Reflection and Thoughts of the Apology to Residential School Survivors – Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and Dennis Franklin Cromarty Highschool
Dennis Franklin Cromarty Highschool
315 Edward St. North, Thunderbay ON
Contact: Public Enquiries – Sandra Brown (807) 625-4918;

Assembly of First Nations – Events
June 10, 2008: Reception at the Westin Ballroom and Condolence Ceremony at Victoria Island; and
June 11, 2008: Sunrise Ceremony at Victoria Island, Breakfast at AFN Office, Attendance at the Apology at the House of Commons, and Post-Apology Reception at Railway Room, House of Commons
Contact: www.afn.ca

Quebec

Chief Ghislain Picard’s Response to the Apology – will be available online at the FNEC website (www.cepn-fnec.com).
Contact: Eric Duchesneau, (418) 564-1334

Atlantic

“An Experience of Spirit” – Ceremony Honouring the Survivors
Shubenacidie Indian Residential School followed by a walk (4.5km) to Indian Brook First Nation Community Hall
Contact : Paula General, 1-877-667-4007

Yukon

To be confirmed

Northwest Territories

Viewing the Statement of Apology by the Prime Minister
Tree of Peace Friendship Center
5011- 51 St, Yellowknife, NT
Contact: Paula Harker (867) 669-2572

Live Viewing of the Prime Minister’s Apology to Indian Residential Schools Survivors – Fort Providence Residential School Society
PO Box 298, Fort Providence NWT
Contact: (867) 699-3091

Nunavut

Viewing the statement of Apology by the Prime Minister
Cadet Hall, Iqaluit, NU
Contact: INAC Regional Office (867) 975-4743

** To add events to this list, please contact Andy Garrow at garrowa@irsr-rqpi.gc.ca or Chandeep Bajaj at bajajc@irsr-rqpi.gc.ca.

—————————————————————–
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, Manager 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 the setting of Grant MacEwan College in downtown Edmonton, the Synod of Alberta and the Territories (ABT) commenced the twelfth biennial convention of the synod. Delegates, visitors and guests gather together under the theme LOL: In Mission for Others.

The convention produces Convention Moments with daily highlights. These can be viewed at: http://www.albertasynod.ca/convention/convention_moments

For personal highlights from the ABT Synod Convention, log on to the convention blog at: www.abt2008.blogspot.com

—————————————————————–
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, Manager 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.

Contributions to the ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) designated for the Burma Appeal and received by June 13 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Government of Canada announced on May 23.

GHDA issued an appeal for donations to assist with relief effort in the storm-ravaged areas of the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta in Burma (also known as Myanmar) following Tropical Cyclone Nargis on May 2-3. To assist with immediate needs in the affected area, $10,000 from the GHDA Disaster Relief Fund has been forwarded to GHDA partner, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), who will ensure the funds get to those in most critical need by working with Action By Churches Together (ACT) International.

An ACT International update notes that, "working since the day the cyclone hit, ACT members have provided assistance to more than 100,000 people thus far," in the affected region. United Nations (UN) figures estimate up to 2.5 million people are in extreme need of aid and official figures for the human toll have increased sharply to 77,738 dead, 55,917 missing and 19,359 injured. Four weeks after the cyclone it is likely many of those missing are, in fact, dead, although that will not be known with certainty for a long time.

While ACT International and its member-supported local organizations are currently focusing on getting life-saving assistance out to those in need, ACT also foresees significant rehabilitation challenges including food security and livelihood recovery. Donations to the GHDA-Burma Appeal will be forwarded on to assist with both immediate and long-term relief efforts.

To support relief efforts in Burma, donations can be made as follows:

– Via the ELCIC Website: www.elcic.ca (click on the Donate Now link)
– By mail: GHDA, 302-303 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 (please indicate "GHDA-Burma Appeal" in the memo portion of the cheque).
– Through all ELCIC Congregations

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

—————————————————————–
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, Manager 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.

Head Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Wesley Kigasung, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG), passed away Wednesday, May 14 at Angau Memorial Hospital. He was 58 at the time of his death.

News sources from Papua New Guinea (PNG) report Bishop Kigasung suffered chest pains on May 14 and collapsed at his Ampo home and rushed to Eriku Medical Centre and later Agnau.

Upon receiving the news, ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson wrote to the Office of the General Secretary at ELC-PNG Headoffice to extend to the church deepest sympathy at the death of Bishop Kigasung. "Our hearts go out to your church, and in particular to the Kigasung family as [they] mourn the death of a bishop, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a colleague and a friend." said Bishop Johnson.

ELCIC Long-term Missionary Bonnie Weppler, who is leaving this week to pursue graduate studies in Canada after serving in PNG since 1997, worked closely with Bishop Kigasung in the ELC-PNG Headoffice at Ampo. In an email to the ELCIC National Office, Weppler said, "He was an inspiration to me – in his dealings with people, in how he lived his faith, in how strong his faith was. He was a mentor. He told me just last week that he wanted to attend my graduation."

Church and national flags in PNG were at half-mast out in respect for the passing of the bishop. According to information from the church office, a state funeral for Bishop Kigasung took place Tuesday in Port Moresby, followed by a church funeral service on May 24 in Lae and burial on May 25 at his home village in Aluki, Bukawa.

Bishop Kigasung was elected Head Bishop in January 1998. He is survived by his wife Susie Manempen Kigasung, two daughters and two granddaughters.

The ELCIC has long-standing partner church relationship with the ELC-PNG which has 900,000 members.

—————————————————————–
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, Manager of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) is accepting donations to support relief efforts in the storm-ravaged areas of the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta in Burma (also known as Myanmar) following Tropical Cyclone Nargis on May 2-3. To assist with the immediate needs in the affected area, $10,000 from the GHDA Disaster Relief Fund has been forwarded to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), a partner of GHDA, which will be passed on to those in most critical need through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.

While news reports from the region vary and assessment of the devastation continues, it is estimated that the cyclone has killed tens of thousands of people and left up to one million homeless. ACT reports that Cyclone Nargis, the worst Asian cyclone since 1991, hit Myanmar triggering a storm surge and flooding in the five worst hit states, where more than half of Myanmar’s 53 million people live. Almost 5,000 square kilometres are under water in low-lying areas. Priority needs are for water purification tablets, plastic sheeting, basic medical kits, bed nets and food.

"Now is the time for us to act," says the Rev. Paul Johnson, GHDA coordinator. "We are a church In Mission for Others, a people called to respond to our Lord’s invitation to help the least of God’s children, those most in need of what we have in abundance. Your gift can make a huge difference."

To support relief efforts in Burma, donations can be made to GHDA – Burma 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 – Burma Appeal" in the memo portion of the cheque)
– Through all ELCIC Congregations

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

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

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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, Manager 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.