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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

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

—————————————————————–
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 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) announces that Frances (Fran) Schmidt has been called to serve as the new long-term missionary in Peru. All are invited to the combined ordination and commissioning service on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Winnipeg.

ELCIC Mission in the World (MW) received a request from the Peruvian Evangelical Lutheran Church (ILEP) to send a missionary to serve with ILEP and provide training in Lutheran liturgy and church music, in addition to serving part-time as pastor of an ILEP congregation in Lima.

Schmidt’s seminary training and experience as a parish worker and church musician have prepared her for this position but it was her participation in global experiences in Peru and India for Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) Saskatoon students which stirred her motivation for cross-cultural international ministry. “I felt very at home in Peru and was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Peruvian people. I find the sharing of ideas, beliefs and mutual exchange between different cultures to be very rewarding. While in India, I learned how important it is to offer education and training in other cultures that honours their context.”

Fran Schmidt was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She obtained a Honours Bachelor of Music degree from Lakehead University in 1993. Following graduation, she taught private voice lessons. In recognition of her gift for music, Schmidt has received awards for voice performances at music festivals in Ontario and Saskatchewan. From 2001-2003, Schmidt was the Parish Assistant at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, and, while attending LTS, she worked part-time as the Music Coordinator for Zion Lutheran Church in Saskatoon, 2003-2006. For her seminary internship, 2006-2007, Schmidt served with Tri-County Ministry, a cooperative rural ministry of ten congregations in the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She is graduating this year with a Master of Divinity with Honours degree.

Following Schmidt’s participation in the ecumenical orientation program for mission personnel in July, she will travel to Bolivia for full-time Spanish language training for a few months. Schmidt will move to Lima, Peru to begin her placement with ILEP by the end of 2008.

ILEP is a small but growing church with 13 congregations and two mission areas. ELCIC MW provides support for the ILEP pastor in the Iquitos mission area through Amazon Mission Sponsorship. Retired ELCIC missionary Rev. Katharine Bergbusch was the previous pastor in Iquitos for three years as she concluded her thirteen years of service in Peru in 2007. ELCIC MW provides opportunities for individuals and congregations to engage in world mission through the Mission and Missionary Sponsorship Program. For more information, go to www.elcic.ca/mission/world.

—————————————————————–
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 Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) are contributing $632,000 to improve access to essential health care in the Palestinian Territories. The much-needed funding will be directed to the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem, the only institution offering specialized medical services like cancer treatment and dialysis to Palestinians.

CLWR in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) initiated this call for aid following the health care crisis created by the international embargo blocking funds to Palestinian authorities after the election of Hamas in January 2006. In April 2006, the ELCIC and CLWR provided $60,000 USD to AVH for immediate relief and together they have encouraged both provincial and federal governments as well as members of the church and the general public to provide financial support for the provision of medical treatment among the Palestinian population.

“This support is very timely for the AVH,” says Robert Granke, CLWR executive director. “The improvements and expansion will enhance the capacity of the hospital to provide valuable services to Palestinians, including elderly patients and their families. The ELCIC and CLWR are pleased to receive this tangible support from the Government of Canada in response to the ongoing health care needs in the region.”

“We are very pleased with this development,” says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. “This contribution will help provide much needed assistance to the region. We are grateful for our partnership with CLWR and, through them, with CIDA, for helping make this possible.”

Funding will be used to increase access to quality health services for elderly Palestinians in need by enlarging the capacity of Augusta Victoria Hospital’s geriatric care ward from a 16-bed unit into a 28-bed unit. Since its inception in 1998 the demand for a bed is overwhelming, and at any given time there are no fewer than five people on a waiting list. In 2006, 29 patients were admitted to the sub-acute care unit – 12 men and 17 women. The average length of stay was 184.41 days. Construction will commence immediately and is expected to be completed by December 2008.

—————————————————————–
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
www.elcic.ca

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While many may think that with the warming weather and longer days, the season of spring is now upon us, but every second year these signs also signal the beginning of Synod Convention season within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). The British Columbia (BC) Synod opened the season this year on Thursday, April 17 with their convention situated in among the mountain-views of Kelowna, BC at Christ Lutheran.

The Synod Bishop’s report was one of the first items of business on the agenda. Bishop Gerhard Preibisch noted, "there have been some significant changes in the BC Synod Office," during the past year. Rev. Dr. Gregory Mohr is now serving as Assistant to the Bishop; "a welcome addition to the office," said the Bishop.

Bishop Preibisch thanked congregations, lay people and pastors within the BC Synod who responded to the call to be In Mission for Others within the synod and their communities. "God has blessed many of us richly," said the Bishop, calling on delegates to the convention to consider doing more as, "we are a people rich in resources" and recommended that individuals and congregations review their proportional giving to the church and that all members of the BC Synod consider giving a planned gift to the church.

Elections for Secretary and Vice-Chair of the Synod were spread throughout the business agenda. On the fifth and final ballot, Rev. Cliff Reinhardt was elected to the position of Secretary and on the second ballot, John Boucher was elected to the position of Vice-Chair.

National Bishop Susan C. Johnson addressed delegates on Saturday afternoon thanking them for the opportunity to meet, talk and worship with them. Bishop Johnson shared an overview of National Church Council’s visioning work that took place in March 2008 and called on delegates to consider the, "huge mission field at our doorsteps, sometimes starting within our own families," indicating a call into deeper discipleship, "filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and [sharing that with] those around us."

In closing, Bishop Johnson thanked delegates for the support and encouragement received since being called to the National Office and noted the hope she sees for the future of the church, "we may not know for sure how things are going to turn out," she concluded, "but we do know that with God they will be good."

After significant discussion, a motion forwarded from the Synod’s Faith and Society Committee "to affirm that people of all sexual orientations and gender identities share the worth that comes from being persons created by God and are welcomed into the full life of the synod, in accordance with its constitution and by-laws, and its polices" was carried.

Motions to encourage congregations within the synod to review giving to the church, along with considering a planned gift to the church, were also discussed and carried.

Synod Conventions are held in the years between National Conventions. All five ELCIC Synods will hold their conventions or assemblies this year. Further details and dates are available on the ELCIC website: www.elcic.ca . The Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod will be the next synod to hold their convention which will start on Thursday, April 24 and takes place in Dauphin, MB.

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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.

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302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
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