ELCIC Congregations Urged to Mark World AIDS DAY; Appeal Issued to Support HIV/AIDS Prevention Work

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) has issued an appeal to help support HIV/AIDS prevention work.

Congregations within the ELCIC are urged to mark World AIDS Day during worship services on December 2. Worship and advocacy resources are available on the GHDA website at www.elcic.ca/GHDA .

HIV/AIDS can be stopped and it can be prevented. GHDA is working to address this crisis with its partners, Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. Together we can "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."

To support HIV/AIDS prevention work, donations can be made to GHDA 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-HIV/AIDS Appeal" in the memo portion of the cheque)
Through all ELCIC congregations

GHDA has developed a bulletin insert (www.elcic.ca/GHDA/documents/WorldAIDSDay.pdf) that can be downloaded and copied to assist congregations in sharing this information during worship.

The ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal works in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief to carry out development and emergency response work internationally along with refugee resettlement 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, Manager of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

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Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission Meets in Toronto; Much to Rejoice as Churches Work Collaboratively in Mission and Ministry

From Nov. 22 to 25, the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission met in Toronto to review the Full Communion relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The two churches have shared this unique relationship since the Waterloo Declaration of 2001, and now, six years later, they are assessing what they’ve accomplished and where they can go.

The recent communiqué (available below) gives the broad strokes of a new, exciting vision, which includes shared congregational ministries and training for lay and ordained ministry.

Communiqué from the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission

The Joint Commission of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada meeting at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bloor Street, Toronto, greets the members of our two churches and sends this message to all.

We have spent three days reviewing the work of the past six years of full communion and planning the work that lies before us during the next six years. We have heard from the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, and the National Bishop, Bishop Susan Johnson, of their hopes for the future as our two churches continue to grow into the full communion established in Waterloo in 2001. From all these conversations has emerged the realization that we are living into ‘the hope set before us’ when we embarked on this journey in faith. At a time when much of our attention is focused on divisions within the Christian communions we represent, we share with Anglicans and Lutherans in Canada that there is much in which to rejoice and many reasons to look forward to our churches working collaboratively in many areas of mission and ministry:

the public face of our churches, especially in addressing together matters of human need and global concerns
shared congregational ministries
growth in our understanding of diaconal ministry
formation for ministry, lay and ordained

We encourage the congregations of our churches to be imaginative in discovering ways to celebrate and work together. As a Joint Commission we look forward to working with the Primate and National Bishop, the Bishops of both churches, our national councils and with the people of our churches as we ‘build one another up into the fullness of the stature of Christ’ and into the unity for which our Lord prayed.

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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.

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Christ Meets Humanity Where People Struggle for Justice and Peace

In his 2007 Christmas message, the president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Bishop Mark S. Hanson emphasizes Christ’s meeting with humanity where people struggle for justice, mercy and peace.

"Christ meets us where the creation groans in travail under the weight of our consumptive living. Christ meets us where the Word is read, the gospel proclaimed, and the sacraments shared," says the LWF president in the message addressed to members of the global Lutheran communion. Hanson is presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Affirming God’s presence in the world and unconditional offer for justice, he adds, "Because God is present in the world, there is no person so lowly, no place so forsaken, no enemy so despised, no conflict so intense, no sin so grievous, no relationship so severed that God cannot offer forgiveness and faith, reconciliation and resurrection, justice and mercy, healing and hope."

The full text of Bishop Hanson’s Christmas message follows. It is available on the LWF Web site in PDF version at: http://www.lutheranworld.org/LWF_Documents/LWF_Christmas_2007.pdf

2007 Christmas Message from the LWF President

Dear sisters and brothers within our Lutheran communion:

Holy Child within the manger, long ago yet ever near,
Come as friend to every stranger, come as hope for every fear.
As you lived to heal the broken, greet the outcast, free the bound,
As you taught us love unspoken, teach us now where you are found. *

"Holy Child within the manger, long ago yet ever near…"
The Holy Child, born of Mary in a manger, is an image that is both familiar and heartwarming. Yet Jesus cannot be confined to a long-ago time and place, for Jesus is alive in the world and present for us, with us, and through us.

"Come as friend to every stranger, come as hope for every fear…"
The Holy Child, born of Mary in a manger, is also the crucified one, now risen. The manger is shadowed by the cross and illumined by the power and promise of Christ’s resurrection. In this Holy Child, God is entwined forever in the mystery and brokenness of our humanity, drawing us graciously and mercifully into the wonder of God’s divinity.

"As you lived to heal the broken, greet the outcast, free the bound…"
The Holy Child, born of Mary in a manger, is the Good News. Because God is present in the world, there is no person so lowly, no place so forsaken, no enemy so despised, no conflict so intense, no sin so grievous, no relationship so severed that God cannot offer forgiveness and faith, reconciliation and resurrection, justice and mercy, healing and hope.

"As you taught us love unspoken, teach us now where you are found."
Christ meets us where humanity struggles for justice, mercy, and peace. Christ meets us where the creation groans in travail under the weight of our consumptive living. Christ meets us where the Word is read, the gospel proclaimed, and the sacraments shared.

May the wonder and joy of Christ’s presence fill you with hope in believing.

In God’s grace,

Bishop Mark S. Hanson
President, The Lutheran World Federation

November 2007

* Quote from "Holy Child Within the Manger" by Marty Haugen.
Copyright, GIA Publications, Inc.

* * *
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 including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, with a total membership of nearly 66.7 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.

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ELCIC Accepting Donations to Assist with Relief Efforts in Bangladesh

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) will be accepting donations to support victims of a devastating cyclone that hit Bangladesh late last week.

Cyclone Sidr struck the country of Bangladesh on November 15, with winds of up to 240 km/h (150 mph) and a tidal surge of several metres. Recent reports confirm 3,000 deaths, but Bangladesh’s Red Crescent Society says up to 10,000 may have died. The devastation along the southern coast comes only a few months after floods in the north of the country.

Donations received through the ELCIC’s GHDA will be forwarded on to Canadian Lutheran World Relief who will channel the funds through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, which has several local members in Bangladesh working in the affected areas. Over 35,000 people will be targeted through ACT International efforts.

To support relief efforts in Bangladesh, donations can be made to GHDA 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-Bangladesh" in the memo portion of the cheque)
-Through all ELCIC congregations

The ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal works in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief to carry out development and emergency response work internationally along with refugee resettlement in Canada.
—————————————————————-
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.

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New ACC Primate makes traditional visit to Lambeth; Full Communion Relationship with ELCIC on Agenda

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, paid a traditional call on Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on Oct. 16. It is a tradition for new Anglican leaders of provinces to visit the archbishop, the titular head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, at his home in Lambeth Palace.

During their two-hour meeting, Archbishop Hiltz described the current state of the Anglican Church of Canada, particularly after the national meeting, General Synod, this past June. He spoke about the issue of human sexuality, and explained the diocese of Ottawa’s decision to approve blessings of same-sex unions. (The diocese of Montreal, which later passed a similar motion, had not yet met).

Archbishop Williams appeared receptive to the Canadian church’s actions. "He described our approach to handling the whole matter as ‘coherent,’" said Archbishop Hiltz. "We also, in that conversation, focused on the pastoral statement of the bishops and the kind of value that has for the church."

The two also discussed ecumenical relations, and the Archbishop of Canterbury was interested to hear about the continued development of the Full Communion relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Archbishop Hiltz made several other stops during his five-day trip. He visited the Anglican Communion Office, where he spoke with Deputy General Secretary Gregory Cameron, and Philip Groves, facilitator of the listening process around the human sexuality issue for the Anglican Communion. He shared a meal with the Primate of Ireland, Archbishop Alan Harper, and even gave a spontaneous presentation to Norwegian Lutheran students about Anglican-Lutheran relations in Canada.

Throughout these visits, Archbishop Hiltz heard encouraging feedback about how the Anglican Church of Canada is dealing with the issue of same-sex blessings.

"It’s always nice to hear someone like the Archbishop of Canterbury or from the Anglican Communion Office say you’re handling this coherently, cautiously, judiciously, and you’ve got some things I would hold up as a model for others to consider as they grapple with the issue," said Archbishop Hiltz. "Of course that’s very encouraging and I’m looking forward to sharing those kinds of reflections at the Council of General Synod and the House of Bishops. Because we need to hear that."

(Forwarded from ACC Web News.)
—————————————————————–
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.

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GHDA Issues Appeal to Assist with Relief Efforts Following Flooding in Uganda

The ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) is collecting donations to assist with relief efforts in Uganda. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people in the region have been displaced by floods that have submerged whole villages.

Heavy torrential rains that started in mid-July have resulted in severe flooding throughout northern and eastern Uganda, specifically in the Amuria and Katakwi districts.

Designated funds received by GHDA will be sent on to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) who is partnering with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.

Staff from CLWR are in Uganda and currently assessing how Canadians can best aid in relief efforts being coordinated by ACT.

Immediate needs being addressed include supplying tarpaulins or plastic sheeting for shelter and for drying the few harvested food crops, blankets to provide warmth and mosquito nets to reduce the prevalence of malaria, relief food for the immediate food needs of especially vulnerable individuals and sanitation interventions in communities.

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

The ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) works in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) to carry out development and emergency response work internationally along with refugee resettlement in Canada.

—————————————————————–
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.

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On Turning 60, WCC Invites New Perspectives on the Future of the Ecumenical Movement

Students of theology and young theologians are being invited by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to bring new perspectives and contributions to the debate about the future of the ecumenical movement by participating in an essay competition to mark the Council’s 60th anniversary.
Participants in the contest, both clergy and lay persons, are invited to address the theme “Making a Difference Together – Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century”. The WCC expects to receive a significant number of quality essays reflecting on the theme from different church traditions, contexts and perspectives. The best six essays will be presented by their authors at an international consultation on the same theme to be held in Bossey, Switzerland, in late 2008. Other selected essays will be published by the WCC.

“There can be nothing better than fresh eyes when it comes to looking to the future,” says WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, commenting on the contest. “We hope young theologians and theology students from all over the world will grab this opportunity to bring some new, challenging perspectives to the attention of leading figures within the ecumenical movement,” he adds.

Essays should be written in English. However, they will be judged for the quality of their contribution and not their English language proficiency. With a length of between 5000 and 6000 words, the essays should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere. More details and a number of resource documents are available on the WCC website. The deadline is 28 February 2008.

The contest is part of the programme to commemorate the Council’s 60th anniversary in 2008. It will include a celebration at the 13-20 February 2008 meeting of the WCC central committee and the promotion of local celebrations through visits to member churches. Resources for common prayer, Bible study and celebration will be made available to congregations and groups on the WCC website in early 2008.

Formally inaugurated in Amsterdam in 1948, the World Council of Churches has been the churches’ primary instrument to promote the search for Christian unity and to foster common witness and service for sixty years. The Council enters the year of its 60th anniversary with a membership of 347 churches in more than 110 countries and territories. It represents some 560 million Christians.

More information (in English): http://www.oikoumene.org/contest

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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.

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Ordination, Consecration and Installation of New ELCIC National Bishop a Joyous Celebration

Amid the roar of thunderous applause filling the sanctuary of Lutheran Church of the Cross, Winnipeg, Rev. Susan C. Johnson was acclaimed as the fourth National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) on September 29, 2007.

"Receive Susan as a messenger of God, pray for her, stand with her in witness to Christ," said retiring Bishop Raymond L. Schultz, presiding at the service. "Receive her as a messenger of Christ," he continued, "a fellow servant in God’s everlasting household of peace. Thanks be to God!"

Over 300 people filled the church which is located in downtown Winnipeg’s. The service began with a lengthy and brightly coloured procession of vested clergy who were greeted with the hymn, Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty.

"This is the day the Lord has made," declared Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) as he delivered the sermon. "Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

The newly installed Primate, who was also elected to his position in June at the ACC General Synod said he was, "humbled and honoured by the opportunity," to preach at the ordination and consecration service for Bishop Johnson. "I hope this marks the beginning of a long and happy relationship as partners in ministry. Called… not only to provide leadership in our respective churches but to call them, by our example, into yet Fuller Communion in the service of the Gospel and in the Spirit of Jesus who prays we all may be one, as he and the Father are one."

As part of the service, Bishop Johnson was presented with four signs of ministry.

Don and Lois Johnson, parents of Bishop Johnson, presented a Bible and asked her to, "remember to learn and live the Holy Scripture as a trustworthy steward of God’s holy mysteries."

Bishop Michael Pryse of the Eastern Synod, place a pectoral cross around the new bishop’s neck and called on her to remember her service to Christ, "crucified, risen and passionate for the life of the world."

Archbishop Hiltz presented the bishop’s staff and asked Bishop Johnson to remember that she shepherds, "Christ’s flock on behalf of God."

The bishop’s ring was presented by Dr. Joy Johnson, Bishop Johnson’s sister, who noted that the ring was a sign of her office and prayed that Bishop Johnson’s love, word and witness to the church would be God’s love, word and life for our time.

A full festival choir, complete with clarinet, oboe, flute, french horn, bassoon, and percussion accompanied the clearly celebratory hymns that were selected for the occasion. The hymns and songs were from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the ELCIC’s new hymnal.

Breaking with the well-structured service, Bishop Johnson addressed those in attendance, thanking all who took part in the service for the joyous celebration as she declared that she will, "do all [she] can to move [the ELCIC] into the future."

The entire service was video-taped and it is hoped that a commemorative DVD (approximately 10 minutes in length) will be available for purchase. Further information will be forwarded once available.

A photo montage of the service is available on the Bishop’s Page on the ELCIC website: https://elcic.ca/From-the-Bishop/Ordination.cfm
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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.

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Highlights from the Third Day of the ELCIC’s National Church Council September Meeting

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s National Church Council (NCC) met in Winnipeg from September 27-29. The following is an overview of highlights from the third day of meetings:

NCC commenced on the third day of meetings at 9:00 a.m. with prayer and devotions.

The first report of the day was from Ruth Vince, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc. (ELW). Vince reported on recent focus groups that both her and Rev. Paul Gehrs, Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Relations, have been conducting across the country. The focus groups encouraged participants to think about a way forward and consider what an organization might look like that is faith-based and the barriers to achieving that organization. Preliminary findings suggest that there is a desire for gatherings, biblical reflection and worship incorporating people of mixed groups and generations. An assessment of the feedback has taken place and Vince notes that the findings require, "further reflection to determine a way forward." Vince advised council that an advisory group will be established to use the assessment to look at models for the future that the ELW and ELCIC might consider feasible.

In addition, Vince noted that several significant budget cuts were made by the ELW board at its recent September meeting. The largest area of reduction is to staff salaries. Vince will be assessing staffing needs for 2008 and determining the appropriate cuts to staff time and salaries. Travel for Vince and the National ELW President, Betty St. Onge, have been immediately eliminated and no travel will be budgeted for these individuals in 2008. In addition, Vince noted that the ELW’s publication, Esprit, is also in a significant deficit position and requires ongoing subscription support.

Carlos Pena, Vice-President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), brought greetings to council on behalf of Bishop Mark Hanson. Pena provided council with a brief synopsis of the ELCA’s 2007 Churchwide Assembly which took place in August in Chicago and resulted in the re-election of Bishop Hanson. In addition, the Assembly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the ELCA, introduced a new initiative titled "Book of Faith – Lutherans Read the Bible"- a five year initiative to promote the study of the Bible, adopted a Social Statement on Education, and called on the church to develop a strategy on HIV/AIDS.

The Rt. Rev. Colin Johnson, Bishop of Toronto of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC), provided his reflections on the NCC meetings. This was his first NCC meeting as the Anglican Representative on council. Referring to a reading for St. Michael and All Angels (September 29), Johnson based his remarks on Revelation 12 reflecting on some the similar ‘dragons’ for the ELCIC and ACC. Johnson noted the importance of, "invest[ing] fear in something that is productive rather than protecting something that is inevitable." Council asked about whether there has been any feedback regarding recent changes at the ACC’s General Synod regarding Lutheran clergy now being eligible for election to Anglican Bishop positions. Johnson indicated that there have been some questions on this and noted that in the spirit of the Full Communion relationship between the two churches, an invitation was recently sent to Bishop Michael Pryse, ELCIC Bishop of the Eastern Synod, to request nominations for an election taking place in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (filling the vacancy which occured due to the Primate’s election).

The next meeting of NCC will take place March 5-8, 2008 in Winnipeg. Council will add on an additional day to the March 2008 meeting to accommodate time for work on visioning from the council level.

NCC meetings are also scheduled as follows:
September 11-13, 2008
March 5-7, 2009

Council adjourned at 12:00 noon.

—————————————————————–
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.

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Highlights from the Second Day of the ELCIC’s National Church Council September Meeting

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s National Church Council (NCC) is meeting in Winnipeg from September 27-29. The following is an overview of highlights from the second day of meetings:

NCC commenced on the second day of meetings at 9:00 a.m. with prayer and devotions on Romans 14:7-8.

The first item on the agenda for the day was a report from Group Services Inc (GSI). John Wolff, chair of the board for GSI, reported on the “slow and steady progress” of the solvency position of GSI. When GSI began their solvency funding strategies in 2003 there was a $16 million deficit; projections for 2007 estimate that number could be reduced to $10.5 million by the end of the year. “We’ve made some strides here,” notes Wolfe.

Council heard reports from the five ELCIC Synod Bishops; Rev. Roger Haugen, Assistant to the Bishop for the Saskatchewan Synod provided a report in Bishop Cindy Halmarson’s absence. Bishops share highlights and concerns for their respective synod and these reports are part of the Council’s environmental scan. Mission renewal is a focus in many synods with programs being developed to train both pastors and lay leaders. New models for ministry are being explored among the synods to address concerns arising from the increasing number of congregations that are holding worship services with an average number of 50 or less members.

The Report from the Office of the Bishop was presented. Since the report is sent to council members prior to the meeting, the time devoted to this item on the agenda is used to ask questions and address recommendations submitted in the report.

Rev. Ryan Andersen, Assistant to the Bishop for Stewardship in Public Life provided an update on the Task Force for Human Sexuality. An update of the Task Force is available on the ELCIC website at https://elcic.ca/Human-Sexuality/default.cfm .

The following appointments were ratified by the council: 

  • Ms. Judy Kochendorfer; to serve on both the Anglican Church of Canada Council of General Synod (COGS) and the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission
  • Rev. Doug Reble; to serve on the Canadian Council of Churches governing board
  • Rev. Dr. Allen Jorgenson; to serve on the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission
  • The re-appointment of Bishop Michael Pryse and Rev. Ilze Kuplens-Ewart; to serve on the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission.

Council recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

Council received and passed a motion to recommend that the ELCIC proceed with the "Meeting our Muslim Neighbours" project to encourage and empower broad leadership, and provide resources that can be used by congregations to engage their Muslim neighbours in conversation.

Council heard reports from the Director of Finance and Administration, the Treasurer and the Audit committee.

Correspondence sent to the National Bishop, Officers of the Church and/or council was reviewed. Letters sent to the attention of council and the officers are distributed to NCC, along with correspondence sent to the National Bishop that is of value to the council.

A number of items regarding the 2007 National Convention were presented to the council. Minutes from the convention were approved with revisions. A report from the convention, including a summary evaluation of the 2007 National Convention was shared with council members. Council also reviewed a number of action items that came forward to council as a result of motions passed at convention.

Kathy Magnus, North American Regional Officer of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), gave her report to council. LWF is currently going through a renewal process; Bishop Raymond Schultz is chair of the renewal committee. While there are only 80 staff in the Geneva head office, with over 5,000 LWF staff deployed in the field the positive impact of LWF is far-reaching.

Earlier this year, Magnus announced that she will be taking an early retirement at the end of 2007. Magnus thanked council members for their "accompaniment in this wonderful experience called The Lutheran World Federation. The ELCIC has been an absolutely critical partner." Magnus noted that a number of key ELCIC individuals are involved in significant positions within the LWF. "Thank you for the leadership you share through these people," Magnus told council.

Magnus also noted the significant financial commitment the ELCIC has made to The LWF. "You aren’t a very big church, [yet] you’ve made a significant, constant contribution to the global Lutheran family. Thank you for always being there and for always making this a priority."

National Bishop Susan C. Johnson noted how Magnus has become, "an integral part of the ELCIC’s life as a church." Of Magnus’ contribution to the ELCIC, Bishop Johnson said that Magnus helped the ELCIC, "claim the work of The LWF as our work and [has] shown us that 66 million Lutherans do make a difference." Council presented Magnus with a small gift of appreciation.

Council adjourned at 4:45 p.m. with devotions and prayer. Saturday’s agenda will include reports from Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc. (ELW) and partner reports from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Anglican Church of Canada. Council will adjourn prior to the Ordination and Installation Service for Bishop Johnson which will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Winnipeg.

—————————————————————–
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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