May/June 2009 - Lutheran Church

Transcription

The
CANADIAN
LUTHERAN
www.canadianlutheran.ca
May/June 200
Your right to serve
INSIDE
• Demonstrating your rights
• God’s grace in Southeast Asia
• Church worker placements
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contents
www.lutheranchurch.ca/canluth
Volume 24 Number 4
May/June 200
Features
Demonstrating your rights
6
Hope in Southeast Asia
8
Rights, faith and being Christian in a secular world
A report on Thailand’s tsunami relief and Cambodian outreach
Rights demonstration
See page 6
Departments
4
5
Letters to the Editor
As I see it
Hand wringing
If you don’t like change, you’ll like irrelevance even less
Transitions, Classifieds
Presidential Perspective
Come, Holy Spirit!
33
34
When you are at a loss for words, remember this prayer
News Section
National News
10
ABC District
13
Central District
16
East District
20
LCC pension plan hit by stock market downturn • Seminary task
force on track • Workshop introduces new French hymnal
t H e c A n A d I A n l u t H e r A n is the national
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March, April, May/June, July/August, September,
October, November and December under the
auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee for
Communication and Technology).
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Editor: Ian Adnams
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Double victory for St. Matthew’s • Singing spring Showdown
attracts 500 • Another Rev. Zeuch comes to Alberta • Pastor
celebrates 30 years of missions and ministry.
Lenten series explores hunger • Experiencing discipleship •
“Time and talents” contribute to missions • First-time mission
project yields success • Turning a hobby into a help
Holy Cross supports ‘away’ and ‘home’ mission teams • Christ Our
Hope tweets with Twitter • 30-Hour Famine supports Ukrainian
mission work • Bethel celebrates 60 years of amazing grace
Mission Update
Education Report
26
Supplement
29
Placements of pastoral candidates and deacons; assignments for
vicars and DPS interns.
NEWS
©2009 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction
of a single article or column for parish use does not
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by
permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
24
Medical clinic opens in Chinandega • First Costa Rican pastor
Spring 2009
Cover photograph by Chris Bruer. 2008 LCC convention servant event
OUR MISSION |
John
Pub
285 Benjamin Roa
Building on our Christian heritage, Lutherwood reaches out and supports peop
build and sustainTbetter
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futures.
HE CANADIAN
UTHERAN
May/June 2009 3
letters to tHe edItor
Baptism lite
Reading Hide & Seek – Where Did
Everyone Go?” (As I see it, March
2009) encouraged me to express my
concern with the baptismal service
in Lutheran Service Book. The
service has taken away any public
commitment by the parent and the
church to the spiritual life of the
baptized infant.
In the Lutheran Book of Worship,
parents presented their children for
Holy Baptism. Parents committed to
faithfully bring their baptized children
to the services of God’s house, and to
teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the
Creed and the Ten Commandments.
Parents committed to placing in
their children’s hands the Holy
S c r i p t u re s a n d p rov i d i n g f o r
their instruction in the Christian
faith. Parents were admonished
to be teachers and examples of
righteousness for their children.
Where is our commitment to
our infant-baptized children if we
no longer require parents and the
church to obligate themselves to the
spiritual growth of that child?
Children receive a free gift from
God through baptism. The Holy Spirit
dwells in the child, who subsequently
has a living faith, which must be
nourished continually by hearing
God’s Word, just as a baby, once born,
must still be fed or it will die.
All too often we see strangers
come to have their children baptized
in our churches and the vast majority
are never seen again. The names
of these baptized infants sit on our
membership roster, and are likely
never followed up with again.
As Adnams reported, there are
400,000 lost Lutheran sheep in
Canada today—baptized but not
connected to the Church. We’re
creating more all the time!
M.D. Schimke
Edmonton, Alta.
Address signed letters to:
The Canadian Lutheran
3074 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2
Fax: 204-832-3018
E-mail: [email protected].
Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
4
THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2009
Which part of the Bible is right?
I was very disturbed when I read
in the April edition of The Canadian
Lutheran (Sidebar: Evolution and
evolution, pg 7) where LCMS and
LCC “affirms God’s creativity as
recorded in the Bible. However, the
writers note ‘the Biblical teaching
concerning creation does not rule out
ongoing changes within the world of
creatures, some of them sudden and
others gradual . . .’”.
What the world proclaims
as ‘evolution,’ is not evolution,
but natural selection, which God
programmed into each “kind.”
Natural selection is God’s way to
diversify things. From two dogs
on Noah’s Ark we now have more
than 500 “species” of dogs because
of God’s planned natural selection
(changes within kinds). There is
not one shred of evidence to show
that any of those dogs changed into
a cat, or small pony. They are all
dogs, as God had planned. This is
not upward evolution, but simply
natural selection.
Our Synod’s should proclaim that
God created this world 6,000 years
ago and it was perfect and that the
theory of evolution of ‘pond scum to
man’ has no evidence to back it up.
If God’s revealed Word in Genesis
is not correct, where does the Bible
start becoming correct? Can miracles,
virgin birth, resurrection as found
in the Bible be correct if the Bible is
supposed to be incorrect?
We must, through our churches,
proclaim these things regularly to
counteract what the world teaches,
and to cause our young people
(who are deserting the church in
droves) to know there is something
different than the billions of years
and molecules-to-man evolution
they are taught, but rather that God’s
Word is true and correct.
Paul Rockel
Waterloo, Ontario
Looking for news
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“I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want
is for you to be thankful and to keep your word.
Pray to me in time of trouble.
I will rescue you and you will honour me.
Psalm 50: 14-15
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Thank the Lord and Sing His Praise
As I See It
Hand wringing
by Ian Adnams
If you don’t like change, you’ll like irrelevance even less
Almost everyday something will
come across my Twitter feed that
gives me something to think about.
This time, the topic was social
media—Facebook, Twitter, etc—and
how anyone can and should use
these tools. The quote that caught my
attention was “If you don’t like change,
you’ll like irrelevance even less.”
LCC is currently undertaking
a couple of surveys to help us
understand ourselves and provide
some grassroots input into planning
discussions we will hold in the fall.
As I scanned some of the survey
responses, the idea of change kept
surfacing, usually coupled with the
word growth. The idea was if the
church changes, it will grow. What
that change entails was not always
specific. From other responses on the
same survey, the change definitely
has nothing to do with our doctrine
or confession. “Changeless Christ for
a changing world” sums it up.
The relevance issue in the Tweet
is reflected in a book I am reading
UnChristian by David Kinnaman
and Gabe Lyons, and my own
conversations with those who
are not part of the church. For
many people, the church has no
relevance to their lives. I know
that’s not easy for church people to
understand. Interestingly however,
faith or spirituality is not viewed
as irrelevant. That small speck of
spiritual hunger God has placed
in human hearts is still recognized
but may not find its fulfillment in
“organized religion.”
Change is always difficult. And
there are no guarantees that any
change will bring about a desired
outcome. I remember when Coke
changed its formula and introduced
New Coke. Do you see it on the
shelves any more? The change was
not good. The company had to bring
back the old formula under the name
Coca-Cola Classic—a name it still
uses. Maybe it’s a reminder to the
company of a bad change.
But change can also be positive.
Martin Luther proved that. His
changes weren’t without opposition
and subsequent war, but the
Scripture-driven reformation is
a major milestone in western
civilization and culture. Not only
did Luther bring change to the
understanding of grace, salvation
and faith, he also made the church
relevant. He conducted services in
German, not Latin. He brought the
Scriptures to the people in their
own language. Even music became
the domain of the congregation as the
reformers introduced new hymns in a
style which non-musicians could sing.
Reading Luther’s sermons you
understand his remarkable gift for
communication. Although he was
a theologian and biblical scholar
and taught at the university, his
sermon language and illustrations
were forthright and at times graphic.
But people understood what he was
talking about.
The western Church, and not
just Lutheran Church–Canada,
is facing a huge dilemma. At our
recent district conventions you
heard a lot of discussion about
aging congregational members and
declining numbers. Both statistical
and anecdotal research shows we
are missing a huge segment of the
population in our congregations.
Where are the young adults? Very
often in bed on a Sunday morning
recuperating from Saturday night!
And where are their parents? It’s
likely they aren’t in church either.
Do we need to change? Are you
willing to be involved?
In his report to the district
conventions, President Bugbee
outlined three changes that have
nothing to do with ‘congregations’
but with the people who comprise
congregations. Effective change
happens one person at a time.
The first change is devoting more
time to Bible study. A vibrant, growing
relationship with God through His
Son Jesus Christ requires an intimate
knowledge of His gracious actions
toward His people—the children of
Israel and us. As our relationship
to God grows, so the second change
will flow.
We need to build stronger, caring,
nurturing relationships within our
congregations. We are brothers and
sisters in Christ. If we can’t get along
with each other or care for one another,
what does that say to the visitor or new
member who come to church?
The third change the president
noted was for pastors to immerse
themselves in God’s Word and preach
that Word. As we hear God’s Word,
the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith
empowering us to embrace the first
two changes!
Will these changes make us grow?
Yes, in all kinds of ways as the Spirit
moves in our lives. Does that mean
numerical growth for congregations?
Again, the Spirit is the one who
‘calls, gathers and enlightens.’ We
just need to be available.
These changes will make our faith
relevant to who we are and what we
do daily as we serve our neighbour
and each other.
Forget the former things; do not dwell
on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it
springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
(Isaiah 43:18-19)
Demonstrating your rights
Rights, faith, and being Christian in a secular world
by Garry Dombrosky
T
he news seems filled with people wanting their
rights—rights for this or that, this particular action
or that particular perversion. It’s not just about
rights—it’s about being able to express those rights,
having society put a stamp of approval on them, and
litigating into submission those who would challenge their
validity. Christians seem ill at ease with such a discussion.
It seems somehow foreign to our nature—which it is.
Let’s reflect on how discussion about rights has become
distorted and how Christians should approach the issues
the secular world speaks of as “rights.”
The problem with rights is simply: what are they?
Historically we assumed that certain actions, certain
givens, were due everyone. Life was one right; freedom,
another. Other freedoms seemed to make sense: freedom
from unfair prosecution, or hunger—things that would
raise the level of human life and, in a former era, reflect
the value placed on human life consistent with a society
influenced by Christianity.
It is not that way any more. Rights—once conceived
of in the context of a universe where God would judge
the evil, and spoke to protect His most precious creation,
humanity—have succumbed to several hundred years of
clear and pernicious atheistic thought. The philosopher
Thomas Hobbes, like many who try to make sense of
existence without God, started the ball rolling—or at least
gave it a great kick—when he spoke of rights simply as
an equivalent to what we desire. The reasoning is simple:
Life is about increasing pleasure and reducing pain so it
is my right to do what makes me happy. After all, in a
world without God, what else is there?
As we approach the end of the 21st century’s first
decade, it is not surprising that society defines rights in
subjective terms. I have a right to do what I want. I have a
right to be happy. What I think is proper to do, I will do—even
if it goes against what others call common sense. After long
6
exposure to atheistic worldviews which reduce humans to
no more than higher-order animals, no wonder we reach
the conclusion that “I am the centre of the universe” and
“what is most important is having my way in the end;
that I survive,” even at the expense of others, who may
get in the way or disagree.
Is this what rights are all about? A great tragedy
for Canada was omitting the word obligations from the
title of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that shapes
Canadian life. Rights are the flipside of the coin on
which we find obligations.
Obligations are those things we owe our fellow human
beings, our neighbour. In this light, rights are not so much
what I want, but how I am obligated or, to be less legalistic,
moved to act toward my neighbour. My neighbour might
love his life, but that is not why, as a Christian, I am moved
to protect it. God has called me to see value in the life of
others, regardless of how little anyone else may value that
same life. Thus we arrive at the central issue of rights for
the Christian and the problem we face in secular society.
Society, moved by an ideology or faith in atheism,
shifts the focus of rights away from others, or God, to
the constantly changing, sin-shaped self and “my own
feelings.” When I define my rights, I set myself up as
central, and see in my actions as the highest good. This
sounds a lot like original sin and picking fruit in the
Garden of Eden. We are created in community and
when we are self-centred in sin, we cave in on ourselves,
distorting our humanity. We should not be surprised at
the situations in which we find ourselves today, whether
battling abortion “rights,” or the myriad of other “rights”
promoted as special and real.
Rights and the Christian faith
For Christians, discussing rights starts outside
ourselves, understanding who we are as a creation of God,
and how God has called us to serve, with other servants,
in His creation. Rights, in the most basic sense, are not
foreign to Christians. In Scripture, we have the oldest
charter of rights: the Ten Commandments. In them God
our Creator declares what constitutes the good life, and
defines our relationship to our neighbour. When Jesus
summarized the commandments in one word, love, He
simplified the discussion into one question. In Matthew
22 the Pharisees ask, “Teacher, which is the greatest
commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang
on these two commandments.”
That question is not “What are my rights?” or even
“What are my obligations?” but “What does it mean to
love my neighbour after the pattern of Christ?” To love
our neighbours ultimately means enabling them to come
to know their Creator, to have their name, life, property,
family and sexuality protected and kept pure from
things that would destroy it. The Ten Commandments
also illustrate—with the two commandments that use
the word covet—how disastrous it is when we place our
personal selfishness or ideas of happiness above those of
our neighbour and, ultimately, God.
Losing an awareness of the treasure found in the Ten
Commandments is a significant result of growing secularism
in society and the church. Yet the commandments call
us to see rights in their proper setting. In moving the
discussion of rights from selfishness to servanthood, they
create a society where all souls are considered valuable
and are objects of concern. God’s power and grace calls us
to set aside our sinful nature and serve our neighbour. In
serving, we too will have our lives respected and honoured
as valuable. When people seek rights based on their own
desires, they win only for a time—and it is a personal
victory. When we recognize God’s plan for humanity and
creation, everyone is renewed and restored.
Finally, when it comes to rights, which is the greatest?
“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His
name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John
1:12). This may not necessarily be the best definition of
rights, but this is where we start—our basic right is a gift,
given to us by our Lord in faith, to be and to live, now
and forever, as a dearly loved child of God. For Christians,
here is where the call for rights strikes home.
Consequences
A tragic result of the shifting sense of “rights”
(those defined by God vs. those defined by sinful
desires) is the loss of things once held most sacred—
significantly, the right to life itself. How has the right
to life been eroded?
As rights shift to self, life is placed at risk. As many
predicted, the right to an abortion has led to a general
degrading of the value of life in all its stages. This
opens the door to eugenics, euthanasia, and unlimited
research on human subjects (including embryos). All
this is done for the sake of a few who feel their right
to a specific “quality of life” is worth sacrificing the
lives of others. The right to express one’s sexuality,
no matter how perverse, has led to the breakdown of
morality, the family, and the value of children—who are
often no longer seen as a gift of God, but as a product
we can produce in the form we want, when we want,
with the help of science.
More and more Christians are awakening to the new
reality, as Benjamin Wiker presented in his 10 Books
That Screwed Up the World: And 5 Others That Didn’t
Help. He studies how atheism has unabashedly shaped
modern society—reducing the value of human life to that
of a glorified animal, or at the very least a machine. For
Christians, our 21st century challenges will be less about
rights and more about selfhood. The future’s fundamental
question will be: What is a person? A selfish animal bent
on survival, or a being created in the image of God? The
answer shapes how one deals with personal rights and
relationships to other beings and to nature itself.
Our neighbour and rights
It is no surprise that Scripture focuses on servanthood
rather than rights. Philippians clearly shows that Jesus chose
another path to dealing with the issues of life and liberty.
Paul points this out when he reminds us “Your attitude
should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very
nature God, did not consider equality with God something to
be grasped, but made himself nothing” (Philippians 2:5-6).
When dealing with the Corinthians, who clearly expressed
the general attitude we see today, he called new Christians
to follow his example of responsible Christian freedom (1
Corinthians 10) by being willing to sacrifice what others
would consider their rights and freedoms for the greater good
so that others might come to know their Saviour. Verse 33,
“For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many,”
serves as a strong reminder of how Christians need to
look at all discussion of rights and freedoms in light of
the great scheme of God’s plan for humanity.
How do we get the discussion of rights back on a
godly path? When do we begin dealing with the real
issue behind the quest for rights? That will happen
when Christians speak clearly and honestly about the
problem of human selfishness in our modern age and
the radical individualism that destroys community and
society, including the church. It will happen as Christians
realize that the body of Christ, expressed in the church,
is the very means to deal with those problems of human
brokenness that force people, in their isolation, to fight
for their rights. It will come about as we witness to the
world the power of God’s transforming love, and His call
to care for all of humanity and creation. Believing and
feeling we are valuable and worthwhile human beings,
worthy of protection and love, is a gift discovered in faith,
not a commodity delivered on demand.
Rev. Dr. Garry L. Dombrosky is campus chaplain and associate
professor of Applied Religion at Concordia University College of
Alberta in Edmonton.
7
Hope in Southeast Asia
by Ian Adnams
Part One
Bangkok, Thailand and Cambodia
Beginning in Bangkok
As expected, the jump from Canadian winter to
Southeast Asia’s tropical humidity was a shock. With
the intense humidity, even the Thai people wipe the
perspiration from their brows.
Bangkok is a large, sprawling port city intersected by
rivers and waterways, concrete raised highway, and city
streets clogged with cars, trucks and motorcycles. There
are people everywhere. Along most streets, permanent
and temporary venders line the sidewalks. Every so
often white plastic chairs and tables mark an eatery
of some kind. The combination of colour, sounds, and
smells gives the city of more than 15 million a unique
sensory experience.
In front of homes and businesses, you see small spirit
houses which look like miniature Buddhist temples. Every
morning someone lights incense and presents an offering
to keep the spirits happy.
In a courtyard just off a busy street in Bangkok,
various Lutheran agencies share office and worship space.
To the right is the office where Dr. Len Harms works as
executive director of Lutheran Institute Southeast Asia.
This regional organization currently provides theological
education for pastors and deaconesses in Thailand and
Cambodia. The second floor of the building is classroom
space. Before my visit was over, Dr. Norman Threinen,
professor emeritus at Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
Edmonton (CLS) arrived to teach. Many of the professors
involved in the education program come from Canada.
Dr. Stephen Chambers, also from CLS taught here in
January.
On the left is a building where The Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod holds English classes. The
instructor, a lay person from St. Louis, uses the classes
to build relationships with her students and constantly
seeks opportunities to share her faith. Upstairs, a church
meets for worship. Lutheran Heritage Foundation,
which publishes and supports the publishing of books
and magazines in many languages, has its regional office
on the same floor. Just a few steps down the street is the
Thailand office of Lutheran Hour Ministries known here
as Journey Into Light.
Sunset sees fishermen begin their evening routine, casting for fish in the Andaman Sea which
four years ago took the lives of thousands in a tsunami.
8
Photograph by Ian Adnams
S
ix weeks after the December 26, 2004 Southeast
Asia tsunami, I travelled Thailand to survey the
damage and recommend long-term relief efforts.
Four years later, in February 2009 I returned to see how
the Lord had used the gifts of His people in Canada to
touch the lives of those who had experienced so much
trauma. But that wasn’t all. I also saw how His Spirit is
at work in Cambodia—a country still recovering from its
own tragedies. Dr. Leonard Harms, former LCC mission
executive was my tour guide. He is now LCC’s volunteer
missionary and serves as executive director of Lutheran
Institute Southeast Asia, an organization responsible for
theological education in the area.
Photograph by Ian Adnams
Women in Kampong Cham, Cambodia gather for Bible study
Sunday’s service had a familiar ring, but not for the
reasons you would expect. Confession and absolution,
the sermon, offering, the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s
Prayer were all there. But when it came to congregational
song, I found myself humming along to tunes drawn from
contemporary Christian music and other sources. The
Hymn of Praise was a delightful
medley of tunes including the
refrain from “How Great Thou
Art.” At another point in the
service, the two dozen gathered
for worship sang Keith Green’s
setting of “Create in me a
clean heart” — Psalm 51. The
congregations sang the hymns
heartily, following the words
either on the projection screen or
from a hymnal, and accompanied
by two guitars.
Attending a service in another country helps one
understand the worldwide Body of Christ. Our language
and cultures are different, yet we are united by the love
of God shown in the suffering, death and resurrection of
His son, Jesus. As the worship service ended I wanted to
hear some of the indigenous Thai hymns. But that would
have to wait. Within hours I was on my way to Phnom
Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
Lutheran Church–Canada has no official relationship
with Lutherans in Cambodia except through Concordia
Lutheran Mission Society, which supports theological
education and the work of three deaconesses. Reporting
in The Canadian Lutheran how the Lord is bringing about
the formation of an indigenous Lutheran church body had
piqued my curiosity, so I was excited about my visit.
nearly three decades of chaos. As for traffic, motorcycles
outnumber cars ten to one…maybe more. Traffic rules
are whatever works as long as you don’t hit anything or
anyone—hard. It is internal combustion anarchy that
plays out like a ballet.
We spent our first day, Monday, in the rural area of
Kampong Cham, about two hours northeast of Phnom
Penh. We drove along increasingly narrow and dusty
roads until we stopped where about a dozen women were
gathered under a tree and some 30 children were involved
in activities in another shady area. Each woman had a Bible
and a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism (or photocopy).
Deaconess-in-training Lee Sim was conducting the study.
Her daughter was leading the children. The catechism is
so popular with both believers and not-yet-believers that
the churches need more. The initial run of 5000 is gone!
Again and again we heard how much they appreciate the
catechism because it is a readable, simple explanation of
the Bible and the Christian faith.
Afterward, as I interviewed Lee Sim, I learned how
she had been threatened with death because of her faith.
Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist and to renounce
Buddhism is to turn your back on your country and
culture. But despite the cultural
persecution, Lee Sim and the
other deaconesses-in-training
continue reaching out with the
love of Christ.
Before we left, the pastor,
Vanarith Chhim who works with
Lutheran Heritage Foundation
and Lutheran Institute Southeast
Asia, presented the women and
children with a newly-translated
book of Bible stories. Everyone
was thrilled and immediately began turning the pages
and reading the stories.
continued on page 25
Traffic in Phnom Penh
is internal combustion
anarchy that plays out
like a ballet
Photograph by Carol Harms
A country rebuilding
Phnom Penh is a city under construction. New buildings
funded by offshore non-government organizations
(NGOs) are helping the Cambodians find their way after
RIght: Cambodian children gather under the shade of a tree to hear
Bible stories.
National News
Seminary task force on track
WINNIPEG - LCC’s Task Force on
Cost-efficient, Sustainable Seminary
Education completed site visits at both
Lutheran Church–Canada seminaries
and at Concordia University College
on schedule. At each seminary, the
task force met with the president,
faculty and staff to learn the history
of each institution and hear ideas
about the direction for seminary
education in LCC.
The discussions were candid, and
task force members gained many
insights into the operations of schools.
“We commend both seminaries for
making time available for the task
force during the hectic last weeks of
the academic year and for the spirit
of cooperation which prevailed in
the discussions,” noted task force
chairman, Rev. Nolan Astley.
The task force has also received
a number of submissions and, where
necessary, will schedule further
discussion with those who have
taken time to make a submission.
Each district convention has provided
the task force an opportunity to talk
about its work with the goal of
generating greater grassroots input
to the process.
To allow the fullest participation
of Synod members as possible in this
important matter, the task force has
extended the deadline for written
submissions to September 15, 2009.
All members of LCC congregations
are encouraged to participate by
placing comments or questions on
the discussion board for the Seminary
Task Force at www.lutheranchurch.
ca/forums
As a result of the discussions held
so far, the task force is preparing
an interim report to the Board of
Directors of Lutheran Church–
Canada for discussion at its June 25
meeting.
Market downturn impacts LCC pension plan
VANCOUVER - The state of the
economy and the decline in investment
returns was top of the agenda for the
team of men and women who manage
Lutheran Church–Canada’s
Worker Benefit Plans (WBP).
Like most other pension plans,
the WBP pension fund suffered
a net loss in 2008. “All pension
plans are now experiencing
significant funding challenges,”
explained board chair Lois
Griffin. “Were it not for the economic
collapse, LCC’s pension plan would
be on track.”
The Board of Managers heard
reports from its advisors on market
outlooks as well as options for
handling the funding decline.
The board concluded that while
markets will slowly rebound, action
is required now to ensure the
ongoing strength of the plan and
therefore it will need to increase the
contributions from employers as of
July 1. “For most congregations, this
will mean about $75-$100 extra per
month,” Mrs. Griffin noted.
10
The board will continue looking
at ways to rebuild the fund, Mrs.
Griffin said, adding that no decisions
about the pension plan are easy. “We
want to ensure the pensions
for our workers are secure.,
yet we don’t want to cause
undue financial hardship for
our employers.”
Details of the contribution
increase will be mailed to
employers. As well, WBP
staff will be available at the three
district conventions to provide
information and answer questions.
LCC’s Board of Directors appoints
the managers. Current members
include Lois Griffin, chair, Steve
Raine, Jerry Reglin, Rev. Jef Koenig
and Dwayne Cleave, LCC’s treasurer.
Director of Worker Benefit Plans,
Inge Schroeder, is an advisor to the
managers.
The Board of Managers also
oversees the health benefits of LCC
church workers and employees. The
market situation has not affected this
part of the Worker Benefit Plans.
Spring convocation
honours
During spring convocations, LCC’s
two seminaries and Concordia
University College in Edmonton
presented awards in recognition of
service to God and His people.
CLTS, St. Catharines presented its
Servant of Christ award to Dorothea
Korcok giving thanks to God for her
service to the seminary, the churchat-large and Lutheran Women’s
Missionary League–Canada. She
served as president of LWMLC from
1997- 2001.
Rev. Dr. Richard Kraemer, former
president of Concordia University
College received an honorary Doctor
of Divinity from Concordia Lutheran
Seminary, Edmonton.
CUCA recognized the service
of LCC President Emeritus Ralph
Mayan with its Cristo et Ecclesia
(Christ and the Church) award.
Dr. Mayan served as president
of Lutheran Church–Canada for
12 years and chairman of the
International Lutheran Council for
eight years. Over 34 years of ministry
he also served in various circuit,
district and national roles.
Also honoured was Margaret
Becker, a member of Bethlehem
Lutheran Church in Edmonton.
She received the Distinguished
Service award in recognition of her
contributions to ‘others’—to the
Church, to Concordia, and/or to
society in general.
Receiving the Distinguished
Alumni award was Jean Greer
McCarthy of Lethbridge, Alta. A
1989 graduate, she is a successful
business woman and leader in her
community. CUCA awarded The
Judith C. Meier Excellence in Teaching
Award to Dr. John Woollard, who
has taught there since 1991. John is
described as a masterful chemistry
lecturer and a wise and engaging
colleague.
The convocations were held
Friday, May 8 (CLS) and Saturday,
May 9; CLTS in St Catharines and
the university college in Edmonton.
National News
Montreal workshop introduces new French hymnal
MONTREAL - A group of 40
Lutherans from five countries
gathered in Montreal April 27-29
for an introductory workshop for
Liturgies et Cantiques Luthériens,
the first French-language hymnal
for Lutherans in almost 60 years.
A project of Lutheran Church–
Canada pastors Dr. David Somers
of Montreal and Dr. David Saar
(Mt. Forest, Ontario), the 863-page
hymnal includes three liturgies and
more than 400 hymns, some neverbefore published.
“In addition to our Lutheran
communities, we have become aware
of other francophone Christian
denominations that experience a
similar lack of appropriate Frenchlanguage liturgy and hymnody and
have expressed an interest in our
project,” explained Pastor Somers.
“This service book and hymnal which
reflects our confessional Lutheran
theology is proving to be a wonderful
blessing to build up the francophone
Christian community.” The pastor
reports that five new francophone
Lutheran USA congregations were
‘discovered’ through the course of
conversations at the workshop.
Liturgies et Cantiques Luthériens
is based on Lutheran Service Book,
a 2006 hymnal from The Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod. The
American publisher, Concordia
Publishing House has cooperated
on the French project, providing
guidance with copyrights and
technical support.
Rev. Jon Vieker, assistant director
of the LCMS Commission on Worship
and the Lutheran Service Book project,
was guest speaker. He made three
presentations on the proclamative
nature of Lutheran hymnody.
Currently, Lutheran Church–
Canada is planning to print 3500
copies of the hymnal and has received
either orders or serious interest for
more than 1000 as a result of the
workshop.
Samples of the new hymnal are
available at www.lutheranchurch.
ca/worship.
In the chancel of St. Georges Anglican Church, Rev. Dr. David Somers leads participants in
worship.
Rev. Dr. David Saar (above) was accompanist
for the workshop and worship. Rev. Jon
Vieker, (right) was guest speaker and made
three presentations.
Photos by Rev. Dr. Tom Winger
dAtes to rememBer
Concordia University
College of Alberta
April 26
Give thanks to God for those who
prepare LCC’s church workers and
for those studying to serve God’s
people.
Lutherans from five countries gathered for the introductory workshop
11
A message from President Robert Bugbee
The holy writer sang, “In Your light we see
light” (Psalm 36:9). It’s a fancy way of saying that
the Lord alone can show you what light really is.
Only He can teach the difference between light and
darkness, between crooked and straight, between
abundant life and self-destruction. The psalmist also
proclaims, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a
light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
In His Word God not only gives information
about His light. He brings it to where you are and
plants it into your life! Then you see Him in His glory
and you see yourself for what you are! Then you can
have guidance —and the fuel—to move forward in a
world that seems more bewildering by the day.
As we move toward the end of all things, our
congregations and families will need men and
women immersed in God’s Word; people who will
invest blocks of time in it. I call on all of you to revive
and practice the discipline of substantial and daily
Bible reading.
12
I ask all our pastors to invest solid, prayerful time
in the Word so that it forms the backbone and the
depth of your preaching and teaching.
We also need to help our congregations become
more and more nurturing places. Enter into other
people’s lives. Take an interest in them. Listen to
them. It’s one of the fruits that can grow when
we are immersed in God’s Holy Word. He starts
shaping in us the mind of Christ. Then we begin
functioning like a body. We become more of a
family all the time.
I thank you for the honour of serving Him
and you as President of Synod, and for every way
you support the work we do together by your
encouragement, your prayers, and the gifts you lay
on the Lord’s altar week by week.
“Give Jesus Glory!”
ABC District News
Alberta and British Columbia Evan Adnams, editor
Double victory for St. Matthew’s
STONY PLAIN, Alta. - “This year
was the first time since I started
at St. Matthew Lutheran School
that our girls’ volleyball team
won first place!” says principal
Glen Schmitke. The team took
the Edmonton and Area Christian
School League championship, held
at Parkland Immanuel Christian
School, November 27.
But that wasn’t all. Next came the
league’s basketball championship—
which St. Matthew also won. Several
girls played on both winning teams.
About the volleyball win, team
captain Kelsie Baron said, “The
many tournaments we participated in
brought our skills to the next level.”
Others agreed it took lots of practice
and the special contributions of four
Grade 9 players to pull it off.
(Besides the ninth-graders, three
Grade 6s and four Grade 7s complete
the team.)
Winning volleyball team (back, l-r): Kelly Neufeld, Antonia Breitkreutz,
Mackenzie Charlet, Marion Kubke, Kelsie Baron, Ms. Otterman; (front,
l-r): Breanna Ware, Taneea Haugen, Amy Hutchings, Janine Schmitke,
Ellen Homeniuk, Kelsey Paczkoski.
Everyone loved the game and
had a great time playing. Amy
Hutchings (who participates in
both sports) added, “It’s the fastest,
most spectacular game—other than
basketball, that is!”
The basketball team, coached by
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, consists of
two Grade 9, four Grade 7 and three
Grade 6 players.
Marion Kubke
Winning basketball team (back, l-r): Mr. Hamilton, Kelly Neufeld,
Silvian Gervais, Kelsey Paczkoski, Breanna Ware, Ellen Homeniuk, Mrs.
Hamilton (and Logan); front, l-r: Antonia Breitkreutz, Kelsie Baron,
Amy Hutchings, Janine Schmitke, Taneea Haugen.
Singing spring Showdown attracts 500
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. - In
May, students and staff at Hope
Lutheran Christian School spent
countless hours putting together
their spring musical, Showdown
at Dry Gulch. Hardly your average
Western, the show took as its
“book” the Old Testament account
of Baal worshippers clashing with
the Israelites and their one true
God—which turns into a literal
showdown at Mount Carmel.
Four performances of Showdown
at Dry Gulch drew more than 500
people. One woman attended a
performance just to see what
the school was all about. After
watching, she picked up her two
children from their school, brought
them to Hope and enrolled them.
She said it was “so neat to see
that Christ is at the heart of what
is done here” and wanted to be
part of the community. What a
great reassurance of why Lutheran
schools do what they do!
The students enjoyed putting
this production together. From
costumes to set design to after-
school and lunch-hour rehearsals,
the dedication of staff and students
was amazing. In the end it was
worth every minute and every
dollar invested.
More performances of Showdown
are planned for next year.
13
ABC District News
Another Rev. Zeuch comes to Alberta
CALGARY - St. Matthew Lutheran
Church members rejoiced at the
installation of
their new pastor,
Re v. M a r k u s
Zeuch. District
president, Rev.
Don Schiemann
performed the
installation
a n d Rev. D r.
Manfred Zeuch
( t h e n ew p a s t o r ’ s b ro t h e r )
preached. Rev. Orlin Anderson,
St. Matthew’s vacancy pastor,
served as liturgist
Rev. Zeuch comes to the district
from Ottawa, where he served
as East District missionary-atlarge. His fluency in Portuguese,
Spanish and German (as well as
English) will be put to good use
at St. Matthew, which still holds
weekly German services.
From the President
In reaction to proposed legislation
in Alberta, one of our local Edmonton
newspapers recently received a number of letters to
the editor on the subject of evolution. Many proevolution letter writers characterized anyone who
disagreed with their position as knuckle-dragging,
Bible-thumping rednecks.
One particularly sharp letter suggested Christians
who accepted Scripture as God’s Word had lost their
ability to think and had basically “checked their brains
at the door.”
So here was the argument: It’s impossible for God
to have no beginning and no end. Everything has to be
created or made. Therefore, there is no such thing as
God. And if there is no such thing as God, then the only
explanation for how we got here is evolution—which,
the letter writer stated, science had clearly proven.
Sadly, the editor agreed, but (ironically) cautioned the
writer not to throw out the great moral teachings of
Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount.
So let’s take a quick look at the writer’s arguments.
First of all he (or she) couldn’t accept the concept
of infinity. Yet in basic geometry we are taught that
a circle has no beginning and no end; that parallel
lines meet only in infinity; and that pi will be resolved
in infinity. So we live and work with the concept of
infinity all the time.
Second, the writer couldn’t accept the notion of
an uncreated God and so rejected God altogether.
The problem is that if you reject the Creator, then you
have to accept that the universe is uncreated and has
no beginning and no end.
14
Third, contrary to the claims of people like British
atheist Richard Dawkins, science has not definitively
proven evolution as incontrovertible fact. Evolution
does not and cannot explain our origins.
Fourth, the editor’s notion—that while there is
no God, we should still pay attention to important
moral teachings—is astounding. If, according to the
rock band Kansas, we are nothing more than “dust
in the wind,” who cares what we believe as morality?
Why should mankind—supposedly an evolving
cosmic accident—care anything about morals, ethics,
relationships, law, peace and so on? Sadly, neither
the letter writer nor the editor exhibited the ability to
think through these matters, and have bought into
pop philosophy.
The Bible identifies Satan as the father of lies (John
8:44) and the great deceiver of the whole world
(Rev. 12:9). God’s people are warned that Satan is
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1
Peter 5:8). So we are told to be sober and vigilant. It
is important to recognize the lies and deception and
give witness to the truth.
Now consider Jesus, who is “...the way and
the truth and the life” (John 14:6). It’s not just that
Jesus sets our thinking straight on the origins of the
universe or the existence of God. Rather, He brings
us, the crowning glory of God’s creation, into a right
relationship with our heavenly Father by His atoning
life, death and resurrection. Thanks be to God that He
has revealed Himself in His Word and comes to us in
His Sacraments to set our hearts and minds aright!
Rev. Don Schiemann
ABC District News
Pastor celebrates 30 years of missions and ministry
VANCOUVER - On March 22,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church joyously
celebrated the 30th anniversary
of Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel’s
ordination. He was ordained February
25, 1979 at Alto Sto. Antonio, Itueta
Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the same
church where he had been baptized
and confirmed.
He has been Bethlehem’s pastor
since 2003.
Rev. Neitzel started his first
congregation, Esperança (Hope),
with Rev. Eiter Schneider in the city
of Fortaleza on Brazil’s northeast
coast. Before Esperança, Fortaleza
had no Lutheran church, so many
of the 15-20 original members were
Lutheran Hour listeners, including
Rev. Neitzel’s future wife, Maria.
While in Fortaleza, he started a
Rev. Dr. Leonardo and Maria Neitzel.
Retreat, reflect, refresh…and learn
DELTA, B.C. - Former LCC president
a n d c u r re n t i n t e r i m m i s s i o n
executive, Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan
and his wife, Linda, who spent three
months working with the Lutheran
church in Nicaragua, spoke at a
one-day retreat organized by LWML–
Canada’s Vancouver/Fraser Valley
Zones. Held at Saviour Lutheran
Church April 18, the “Retreat,
Reflect, Refresh” spa day attracted
47 women.
second congregation, Jesus Senhor
(Jesus Is Lord), as well as several
preaching stations in the city and
surrounding communities.
Rev. Neitzel earned a scholarship
to Concordia Theological Seminary in
Fort Wayne, Indiana and received his
master’s degree in missiology in 1988.
A doctorate followed in 2000.
In between, he accepted a call to
Recife, a large state capital in northeast
Brazil, where his parish consisted of
two congregations, a preaching station
and a school for deaf children. In 1990
he became a full-time professor at
the Igreja Evangélica Luterana do
Brasil (Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Brazil) seminary in São Paulo. He
filled many other roles there, including
academic dean, until 2003.
Besides wife Maria, the Neitzel
family includes daughter Ana Paula
and her husband, Rev. Iromar
Schreiber (missionaries in the north
of Brazil); sons Leo and Otto (who
graduates from the Brazil seminary
this June); as well as two young
grandchildren.
Leonardo Neitzel loves doing the
work of the Lord, and says being
totally absorbed in it has always
been his greatest reward. His 30
years of ministry can be summed
up in the verse that’s long served
as a family motto: “Not to us, O
Lord, not to us, but to Your name be
the glory, because of Your love and
faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).
Visit the ABC District website at
www.lccabc.ca
As a result of the retreat, several societies from
the Vancouver Zone put together 20 “Starter
Sewing Kits” for the new students at the
sewing school. The kit includes a measuring
tape, scissors, pins and needles, pin cushion,
seam ripper, tracing wheel and thread.
Left: Linda Mayan, wearing a traditional
Nicaraguan peasant apron, Rev. Dr. Ralph
Mayan and Donna Hill, president of LCMLC
Vancouver Zone.
Send news, photos, articles
and announcements six
weeks prior to publication
month.
Evan Adnams, district editor
7100 Ada Boulevard,
Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4
phone: 780-474-0063
[email protected]
Next deadline:
July 17, 200
1
Central District News
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NW Ontario Elaine Stanfel, editor
Lenten series explores hunger
SASKATOON - During the Lenten
season the people of St. Paul’s Lutheran
embarked on a journey that took them
to the other side of the world without
leaving the comfort of the pew, thanks
to a sermon series based on a piece of
art known as a “hunger cloth.”
St. Paul’s commissioned a Chinese
artist to create the work. His task
was to give the congregation a
glimpse into poverty in his culture,
and show how Christ continues
to come to the people of China
despite their desperate conditions.
Those interested can visit www.
stpaulslutheran.ca (click God’s Word
for You, then Sermons) to read or
listen to the six Lenten sermons
inspired by this hunger cloth.
The history of the hunger cloth
is ancient but its original meaning
quite different. Used in European
churches as early as 1000 A.D., it
began as a huge piece of material
hung across the church like a curtain
during Lent—separating the people
(in the nave) from the altar in the
sanctuary and creating a symbolic
separation between God and His
people. As a result, the congregation
would begin hungering and thirsting
for righteousness.
(l-r) Vicar Cameron Schnarr and Rev. Mark Dressler stand before the hunger cloth used during
Lent as a reminder of China’s physical and spiritual hunger
As decades and centuries passed,
the hunger cloth became more ornate.
Often it was embroidered or woven
with Biblical images. It also began
shrinking in size, from a massive
drapery to an altar-covering cloth.
Later, smaller pieces covered crosses
and church artwork. What remained
constant throughout the changes was
the concept: hungering for whatever
was hidden by the cloth.
M i s e r e o r, a G e r m a n a i d
organization, resurrected the
concept of the hunger cloth with
a modern approach. Instead of
hiding something, the new hunger
cloth reveals something. Instead of
creating hunger, it shows hunger—
hunger in parts of the world people
may not think about outside the
Lenten season.
St. Paul’s enjoyed exploring a
distant culture through the use of this
artwork, and members look forward
to the possibility of commissioning a
new hunger cloth next year.
Experiencing discipleship
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - One of
the best ways to learn something is
experiencing it first hand. On March
27 the youngest members of Calvary
Lutheran Church learned about
becoming disciples—by reenacting
the Last Supper, children’s style. More
than 40 children, ages 3 through 12,
arrived for the special Friday night
event that helped them prepare their
hearts for Easter.
Divided in two groups (according
to age, 3–7 and 8–12) the children
rotated through different events
leading up to a Passover dinner.
In the kitchen, participants made
unleavened bread from scratch, each
child making his or her own piece to
eat during dinner. At another station
children learned about the disciples
16
and their individual symbols. Each
chose one disciple and created a
laminated mat as a place setting.
In the education
wing, the children
donned robes, each
pretending to be a
disciple, and took
their places at a
long table set for
the Passover meal,
to experience a
shortened version
of the traditional
celebration.
The children had
the opportunity to
see, touch, taste and
live what the Last
Supper meant to the disciples, and
came away with a new perspective
of what Jesus did for all of us.
Laurie Carlson
“Time and talents” contribute to missions
money raised (more than
REGINA - What would you
$5000) will keep the house
pay to spend a day in sub-zero
running for a year.
weather sitting on a frozen lake?
In 2007 auction funds
Each year members of Good
stocked a library at Chinandega,
Shepherd Lutheran Church
Nicaragua’s Lutheran seminary
spend an enjoyable evening
and church office. The auction,
dining on ethnic food, listening
combined with personal
to ethnic music, and bidding
donations from congregation
for fun items at a “Time and
members and Wascana Circuit
Talents” auction stocked with
Lutheran Laymen’s League,
imaginative gifts supplied by
gathered more than $10,000 for
their fellow parishioners.
the project.
One special item auctioned
The Lord has blessed Good
every year is a day of ice fishing
Shepherd with an awareness
with Rev. Bryan Rosnau. Past
of stewardship and a mind for
years’ specialties have included
missions. When the members
tax preparation, yard clean-up,
of Redeemer Lutheran sold
musical entertainment, gourmet
Bertha Gulka, winner of a day of ice fishing.
their church building
meals (including turkey
and joined with
dinner for 20 or more
Good Shepherd, the
people), paintings,
combined congregation
goodie baskets and
immediately gave
homemade pies.
$50,000 to missions. Of
The theme for last
the remaining funds,
October’s evening, Deem
they designated $20,000
Boha, means “place
p e r ye a r t o s p e c i a l
w h e re G o d d we l l s , ”
mission projects. Last
loosely translated
year the congregation
from Ukrainian. Good
voted to send $10,000
Shepherd’s Stewardship
to a Haiti relief project
Board chose to endow
and $10,000 to enable
a project suggested by
Rev. Douglas Aguilar of
Con cordia Lutheran
Honduras to carry on his
Mission Society: a safe
ministry there.
home in Ukraine for
Lloyd and Yaneth Dressler serve a special stew, sancocho, at the “Jesus
street children. The
Loves Me” supper for Nicaragua.
First-time mission project yields success
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The
children of Lappe Lutheran Sunday
school completed their first hands-on
mission project this spring. Twelve
knapsacks filled with supplies went
to the B.C. Mission Boat Society
through the Lutheran Laymen’s
League-Canada program By Kids...
For Kids Across Canada.
After working hard baking cookies,
the children hosted a festive lunch for
the congregation on Palm Sunday,
April 5. The endeavour brought
together children and parents, along
with aunts, uncles and grandparents,
who shared in the work and fun
fellowship. Rev. Neil Otke, chaplain
of LCC’s Street Reach Ministries in
Thunder Bay, guided the project.
Mary-Anne Barton
Pastor called home
ROBLIN, Man. - Rev. James Bork
died Saturday, May 9. The funeral
service took place May 16 at St.
Matthew’s Lutheran Church,
following interment in Tummel,
Manitoba. An obituary will appear
in the November edition of The
Canadian Lutheran.
17
50th anniversary of ordination
(front, l-r) Revs. Tom Prachar and Eric Weisberg, Linda Weisberg; (back, l-r) Donald Kirsch,
Delbert Kirsch, Valerie Kirsch.
MIDDLE LAKE, Sask. - Rev. Eric
Weisberg received a plaque honouring
the 50th anniversary of his ordination
from District President Tom Prachar,
at Bethany Pioneer Village, April
29. Rev. Weisberg’s wife, Linda,
attended the presentation, along with
nephews Donald Kirsch (chairman
of Faith Lutheran Church, Middle
Lake) and Delbert Kirsch (MLA for
Batoche, Sask.), and Delbert’s wife,
Valerie, both also members of Faith.
Rev. Weisberg graduated from
Lutheran Theological Seminary
Saskatoon in 1959 and was ordained
May 31, 1959. He served several
congregations in the Evangelical
L u t h e ra n C h u rc h i n C a n a d a
throughout Saskatchewan. After
joining The Lutheran Church–
Missouri Synod, he served Nipawin
and Choiceland, Sask. from 1977 to
1989, when he retired.
Ponderings from the president
The power of the Word
hen was the last time you
heard a great speech? Have
you heard an address recently—
long or short, on any subject—that truly moved
you, either to tears or to action? Oratory seems to
be a vanishing art. The use of words alone has been
replaced today with visual media like television and
YouTube. We are so used to a seven-second “sound
bite” that it becomes a challenge to listen to a speech
of any length. And as the speaker, it can be a daunting
task to use only one’s voice to get a point across,
choosing the appropriate inflection, intonation,
enunciation, diction and phrasing.
Great speeches have been acclaimed throughout
history. Greek philosophers attracted disciples with
their rhetoric. Generals inspired their armies to fight
for just causes or for wealth and power. Politicians have
crafted their words so they might receive your vote.
Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers have
inspired their people, giving hope when the future of
their country looked bleakest.
W
18
Sir Winston Churchill, in his first speech to the
British House of Commons as prime minister in 1940,
assured the people: “I have nothing to offer but blood,
toil, tears and sweat.” Later, as war raged and victory
hung in the balance, Churchill gave hope to millions
with these words: “We shall fight on the beaches, we
shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills.
We shall never surrender.” On the other side of the
war, according to the newsreels of the day, Adolf Hitler
also seemed to have the ability to inspire people with
his fiery speeches.
The work of a pastor relies heavily on words spoken
in the hospital room, the classroom, the pulpit, and at
the grave. He may or may not be an eloquent orator,
but God still uses him to get His message across. Better
still, the pastor doesn’t rely on his abilities alone, for
it is God’s Word that has the power to convict and
comfort, inspire and educate, kill and make alive.
God grant us all the ears to hear (understand and
take to heart) His holy Word as it is spoken to us!
Rev. Thomas Prachar
Winnipeg couple presents music award
Turning a hobby into
a help
(l-r) Justin Strand, Shirley Wildeman and Herb Wildeman.
EDMONTON - Herb and Shirley
Wildeman, members of Saint James
Lutheran Church (Winnipeg),
presented the Wildeman Scholarship
in Music to this year’s recipient,
Justin Strand. The presentation took
place at Concordia University College
of Alberta Saturday, April 4.
The $1000 award goes annually
to a student enrolled in a bachelor’s
degree program with a declared
major/concentration in music. Justin
has sung with Concordia Concert
Choir, and in various church and
community groups.
God’s family grows
INDIAN HEAD, Sask. - Our gracious
God enlarged His family Sunday,
March 29, at St. Paul Lutheran
Church. Through the blessed waters
of Holy Baptism, He reached down
and claimed twin sisters Teagan and
Tia Palmer as His beloved children.
With joy the members of the small
congregation received Teagan and
Tia as fellow members of Christ and
heirs of the treasures of heaven.
ESTEVAN, Sask. - For many years
St. Peter’s member Alma Vicary has
made quilts for family, friends and
people in need.
This past fall, with a generous
supply of fabric and materials from
Marie Ritchie, Edna Irwin and the
members of St. Peter’s congregation,
Alma cut, sewed, assembled and tied
25 quilts for Canadian Lutheran
World Relief.
Quilting is a hobby Alma finds
relaxing, and she considers the time
well spent serving our Risen Lord.
She also makes beautiful banners
and altar paraments for use in the
church.
Edna Irwin
Coming events
June 7 – 75th Anniversary
Emmanuel (Moose Jaw, Sask.)
June 21 – 100th Anniversary St. Paul (Cupar, Sask.)
June 22-24 – Preaching Retreat
(Lumsden, Sask.)
July 12-16 – Children’s session,
Camp Lutherland
July 19-23 – Youth session, Camp Lutherland
Visit the Central District website
at www.lcccentral.ca
and announcements six weeks
prior to publication month.
Elaine Stanfel, district editor
Box 471, Nipawin, SK
S0E 1E0
306-862-3723
E-mail:
billandelainestanfel@
sasktel.net
(l-r) Sponsors Armand and Charity Palmer (holding Tia), St. Paul’s vacancy pastor Rev. Mike
Keith (Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle), parents Angelina Palmer (holding Tia’s twin sister,
Teagan) and Anthony Palmer.
Next deadline:
July 17, 2009
19
East District News
Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor
Holy Cross supports ‘away’ mission team
CHINANDEGA, Nicaragua
- The Holy Cross (Kitchener,
Ont.) “Away” Mission
Team took a March break
for mission work (March
1 2 - 2 2 ) i n a n d a ro u n d
Chinandega, Nicaragua.
Its vacation Bible school
program found 400-500
children hearing the Word of
the Lord in the community
of Santa Patricia and the
villages of Rancheria, La Villa and El
Piloto. The team, which included a
veterinarian, also cared for more than
200 animals while in Rancheria.
Members included Craig Burek;
Andrew Dolson; Jeremy Drung; Claire
Gibney; Rev. Warren Hamp (Faith,
Kitchener); John Nesbitt; Natalie
Pahl; Caitlin and Debbie
Pritchard; seminarian Oleg
Schewtschenko; Katherine
and Nathan Schmidt;
Victoria Seip; and Jeff
Sommer. The team received
an unexpected blessing as
Martin Bender, a member
of Faith (Kitchener) helped
out, and it is grateful for
time spent with former LCC
president Rev. Dr. Ralph
Mayan and his wife Linda, who were
volunteering in Nicaragua.
From “April Notes,” Holy Cross, Kitchener
Holy Cross supports ‘home’ mission team
TORONTO - Holy Cross’s
(Kitchener, Ont.) “Home”
Mission Team spent March
16-20 running a day camp
at Trinity Lutheran Church
in downtown Toronto.
During the course of
their stay, team members
Merrin Manser, Kim Nesbitt,
Connie Priester, Katie
Priester and Emily Pritchard
had a wonderful time ministering to
Each day the number grew,
including several children
w h o h a d n eve r h e a rd
about Jesus and were “like
sponges, just soaking up
the messages,” said a team
member. Three to six youth
from Trinity helped, as well
as congregation ladies who
prepared lunch and snacks
each day.
the 10-15 children that attended daily.
Christ Our Hope tweets with Twitter
COLLINGWOOD, Ont.
- Twitter, a free webmessaging service that
enables its users to send
and read other users’ updates—
known as tweets—has caught on in
a huge way lately.
Tweets are text-based posts, up
to 140 characters long, displayed
on the user’s profile page and
delivered to other users (known as
followers) who have subscribed to
them. Twitter answers one simple
question, “What are you doing (or
thinking) right now?”
Rev. Ken Maher at Christ Our
Hope is using Twitter to transmit
notifications of daily congregational
activities and short, meaningful
Bible verses or lines from hymns.
Find out more, read tweets or sign
20
up as a follower at
http://twitter.com/
christourhope.
Users can send
and receive tweets via the Twitter
website, Short Message Service
(SMS) or external applications. It’s
free to use over the Internet, but
using SMS may incur phone-service
provider fees.
From Christ Our Hope webpage, www.
christourhopelcc.org
From “April Notes,” Holy Cross, Kitchener
Intercultural conference
Based on previously successful
Intercultural Conferences, the East
District will host this year’s conference
at Our Saviour Lutheran in Etobicoke
between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. June 20,
2009. Following an introduction
to the Sikh religion by Missionary
Joseph Singh of Our Saviour,
Etobicoke, Rev. Josh Hollmann from
Ascension, Montreal, will speak about
“sharing your faith with Sikhs” and
developing a “hospitality mentality”
for intercultural ministry. Rev. Mark
Hartburg from Historic St. Paul’s,
Kitchener, will speak from some of
his extensive experience with East
District missions and intercultural
ministry. Registration and lunch are
free. Some resources will be available
for purchase.For more information
contact Rev. Gerhard Wilch at 416972-9554 or [email protected].
East District News
30-Hour Famine supports Ukrainian mission work
WELLESLEY, Ont. - First St. Paul’s
youth group and friends, supervised
by Rev. Andy Schroth, gathered
for another 30-Hour Famine lockin at the church. The event raised
close to $800 for one of Concordia
Lutheran Mission Society’s 2009
projects: a summer camp in Ukraine
for Christian education. Seminarian
Oleg Schewtschenko joined the
group Friday evening and gave an
overview of life in Ukraine as well
as an excellent presentation about
the summer camp.
Fasting began Friday, March 6 at 7
a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. Saturday.
The group sang hymns, prayed, had
a Bible study/scavenger hunt based
on Christian symbols within the
church, watched a presentation from
a past LCC national youth gathering,
and played games including regular
Saturday-morning hockey. It was a time to grow together in
God’s Word, enjoy Christian fellowship,
and gain a deeper appreciation of one
of our church’s missions. Easter carolling?
From a report by Rev. Andy Schroth,
First St. Paul’s, Wellesley
CREW’s Redefined visits Christ LutheranSchool
Katarina Nieminen eagerly sings along as her
mother, Claudia, lends a helping hand.
Kitchener, Ontario - On Friday May 8, ‘Redefined’, this year’s Crew Ministries Team,
performed a concert at Christ Lutheran School. This was a special event for the school as Eric
Moffett, a member of the team, is a graduate of Christ Lutheran.
Submitted by Gail Haeussler, Christ Lutheran School.
Older Adult Ministry event planned
This year the Older Adult
Ministry will hold another gathering.
The spring edition of Seasoned
Adults has more information (www.
lcceastdistrict.ca/seasoned.htm). It
will be held Wednesday, September
2 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Stratford. The day begins
at 9:30 a.m. with fellowship and
refreshments followed by Matins
and a Community Care & Access
presentation. A roast beef lunch
follows the morning program. In the
afternoon, we’re off to the Festival
Theatre to see West Side Story. For
more information contact Ron Fisher
at 519-271-9577 or fischer.40@
rogers.com
KITCHENER, Ont. - On the Saturday
after Easter, young adults from five
area churches brought the news of
Christ’s resurrection to residents and
staff of Trinity Village Care Centre.
Many were overjoyed to see and
hear the young people, who gathered
outside bedrooms singing favourite
hymns. “I can’t tell you how much
this means,” said one appreciative
resident. The choristers thoroughly
enjoyed the afternoon and plan
return visits.
The Kitchener Circuit Young Adults
organize monthly Bible studies, social
activities and service projects. To
connect with young adults in your area,
or to learn about quarterly East District
Lutheran Young Adult (EDLYA)
retreats, visit www.edlya.ca.
Sarah Walrath, EDLYA
21
East District News
Program to train pastors for unique ministry
MONTREAL - Three Malagasy
students will join the Pastors
with Alternative Training (PAT)
program. LCC’s Council of Presidents
approved Christian Kelly, Onilaloa
Ra m a m o n j i s o a a n d M a n i t r a
Andriaharifara. Under the tutorship
of Rev. Dr. David Somers the students,
immigrants from Madagascar, will
focus their work and studies on
Montreal’s Malagasy community.
In normal situations candidates
for the office of holy ministry study
full-time on a seminary campus;
PAT learning is more flexible. The
program is designed to deliver a
basic theological education using
a variety of learning strategies
and environments. Its purpose is
to train LCC laymen for pastoral
ministry in unique ethnic, cultural
or geographical situations where
Word and Sacrament ministry is not
readily available.
From the President
“I
t takes a village to raise
a child.” Ever since U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
cited that popular African proverb—
and titled a book after it—the
phrase It takes a village has become
controversial in itself.
Among many conservatives it has fallen into
disfavour, and their complaint has merit. If the proverb
means the community should take over for parents,
or if it means the community is to blame for parental
failures, the proverb is deeply flawed and should
be criticized, if not condemned, for its misleading
assertions.
And if those who quote the proverb intend to
minimize parenting and maximize social action, I
would also reject much of what they say.
Even so, there is serious wisdom in the proverb and
we ignore it at our peril.
It is first and foremost the parents’ responsibility to
raise the child, to surround the child with a protective
environment that will suppress the sinful nature
and encourage the function of the Holy Spirit in the
child’s heart.
That means church, Sunday school and, ideally,
a Lutheran day school as active parts of family life. It
means table prayers and bedtime prayers, and Bible
stories on Mommy or Daddy’s lap. It means giving
love, attention and praise in appropriate measure at the
appropriate time, all of which happens best if there is a
full-time parent to make these things happen. A child
who has all of this has most of what he or she needs, no
matter what the “village” does. But not always.
It is also true that forces outside the home affect
children deeply, where they see and hear about
lifestyles different from their own. Television expands
the “village” influence; the Internet introduces them
to a kind of morality that’s usually much worse than
what’s seen in their neighbourhood.
Even if parents do everything right, negative
influences of the “village” can destroy parents’ best
work, leaving them to grieve for a lifetime over the
child they have lost.
Let’s face it! The “village” in which we live is hostile
to families. Fornication has become “making love.”
Adultery has become “having an affair.” Divorce is so
common it is no longer condemned. Consumerism is
ramming materialism down our throats, so that even
innocent bystanders feel deprived if they don’t have
the best of everything.
The family today is a ship sailing through waters
strewn with mines, planted there intentionally by
those who profit from promoting behaviours that are
destructive to families—whose greed even refuses to
recognize the damage they are doing to their own
families in the process. These desperate circumstances
require drastic remedies:
1. In the first place, slow down—don’t ignore
the ships that are sinking all around you. Yours could
be next. Slow down so you can spot the mines and
change course before disaster happens.
2. Protect your children from this hostile village.
Watch what they’re watching on TV and on the
Internet. Don’t let them see the scenes that easily grab
your attention with violence and sex. Make time for
family fun so they won’t go looking for another kind
of fun someone else may provide.
3. Maximize the resources of your church. This
is one part of the “village” that wants your children
safe as much as you do. And the church has the best
resources—the Bible, the Word of God, and the
Sacraments. We need to find better ways of applying
those tools. We need to be on the cutting edge of
finding out what works.
It does take a whole village to raise a child, but
our village seems intent on destroying children. That
may be changing. There are some hopeful signs, since
even the village can see the seeds of self-destruction
in the plight of our children. But we can’t wait for the
village to change. That may help our grandchildren,
but not our children. What we need are families and
church, applying the wisdom of God’s Word as if our
future depended on it. For, in fact, it does.
Rev. Al Maleske
22
East District News
Schnitzel dinner exceeds expectations
WATERLOO, Ont. - Redeemer
Lutheran’s 17 th annual schnitzel
dinner on Saturday, February 21 was
a great success. Attendance reached
record heights: 132 people at the
4:45 p.m. sitting and 105 at the 6:45
p.m. meal.
Co-sponsored by the church’s lay
ministers and FaithLife Financial,
the dinner saw proceeds divided
between Christ Lutheran School
i n K i t c h e n e r a n d C o n c o rd i a
Lutheran Theological Seminary in
St. Catharines. After expenses the
church raised approximated $2500
(including $500 from FaithLife
Financial).
A special thanks go to chefs Mark
Armbruster and Sean Montgomery
and to all helpers, including youth
from Christ Lutheran School and
seminarians, who helped serve the
meals and clean up.
From a report by
Wayne Weiberg,
Redeemer, Waterloo
Bethel celebrates 60 years of amazing grace
KITCHENER, Ont. - The
congregation of Bethel Lutheran
Church celebrated its 60th anniversary
with a multitude of voices raised in
praise. Singing at the English and
German morning services on February
8 were Bethel’s Chamber Choir, Brass
Choir and Friends, German Choir
and Sunday School Choir. Finally
came the special 86-voice-strong
Anniversary Choir, which performed
the Hallelujah Chorus in both English
and German and included past and
present members.
Former Bethel pastor and current
Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
St. Catharines professor, Rev.
Dr. William Mundt preached on
“Forgotten Unforgettables.” His
sermon drew from the anniversary
year’s theme text: “Praise the Lord,
O my soul, and forget not all His
benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Current
Bethel pastors, Rev. Walter Hambrock
and Rev. William Gillissie, served as
liturgist and lector respectively.
A 60th anniversary banner—made
from damask that had originally hung
behind the altar cross until a stainedglass cross replaced it—will hang in
the nave all year. The anniversary
committee has year-round events
planned for this special year.
Following the services, more than
300 members and guests gathered
at Kitchener’s Schwaben Club for a
celebration dinner—a joyful time of
fellowship and reminiscing. During
the afternoon program, two sons of
the congregation spoke about their
fathers and what Bethel meant to
them: Erwin Pruefer, son of the late
Several Bethel
choirs sang praises,
including the
Hallelujah Chorus
in both English and
German.
Rev. Helmut Pruefer (who served
1956-82), and Markus Bischoff, son
of the late Rev. Dr. Otto Bischoff
(1981-98).
Presenting their congratulations
in person were former Bethel pastor
Rev. Richard Orlowski and circuit
pastors Revs. Kevin Walrath and
Mark Hartburg. Written greetings
came from East District president,
Rev. Al Maleske, and former pastors
Revs. Fred Rink and Leander
Arndt.
The German Canadian Congress
presented a letter of recognition and
congratulatory plaque. A rotation of
Bethel choirs, including the Praise
Choir, led in hymn-singing.
Doris Etienne, Bethel, Kitchener
Visit the East District website at
www.lcceastdistrict.ca
and announcements six weeks
prior to publication month.
Ilene Fortin, district editor
East District Office
275 Lawrence Avenue,
Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3
E-mail:
[email protected]
Fax: 519-578-3369
Next deadline:
July 17, 2009
23
Mission Update
Medical clinic opens new doors for outreach in Nicaragua
CHINANDEGA, Nicaragua With
Easter and spring celebrating hope
and renewal, it’s appropriate that
LCC’s Mission Centre opened its new
medical clinic in Nicaragua in April,
on Easter Monday.
Interim LCC mission executive
Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan was present at
the April 13 dedication ceremony as
he wrapped up three months helping
the year-old Iglesia Luterana Sínodo
de Nicaragua (ILSN) establish itself
in the historically Catholic country.
“It is our desire to provide care to
those who reside in our community,
especially those who are not able to
afford many of the costs associated
with visiting a regular clinic,” said
Rev. Dr. Mayan. “It is our prayer that
God will bless this venture.”
Finding patients for the clinic will
not be a problem. The World Health
Organization reports that “Only 6.3
percent of Nicaragua’s population is
insured... Out-of-pocket expenditures
constitute a serious barrier for the
poor and ethnic minorities, over
and above the lack of access in
rural areas.” According to the U.S.
State Department, “medical care is
very limited, particularly outside
Managua.”
The clinic in Chinandega, staffed
by both a doctor and a dentist,
will provide medical and dental
care one day a week for locals, in
addition to providing services for
the ILSN’s pastors, deaconesses and
their families. The dental portion of
the clinic is equipped with a dental
chair, an x-ray unit and a machine to
properly clean the tools.
The presence of a clinic will
allow for longer-term treatments for
Chinandegans, as opposed to hitand-run visits by visiting doctors.
“An onsite clinic is a necessary
component for medical teams
visiting from Canada or the U.S.,”
said Claudia Hanson, an American
medical team co-ordinator who
attends Immanuel Lutheran Church
in St. Clair, Michigan.
“Without a clinic and the potential
for ongoing testing, doctors are
24
hesitant to prescribe
for longer than one
month. This is
not sufficient for
those people who
are suffering from
diabetes, cardiac
problems, thyroid
disease, etc.”
“A l s o , ” s a y s
Hanson, “it may
become just one
more way that
people will view the
church in a positive
light and may turn
toward their Lord
to seek salvation.”
Rev. Dr. Mayan
hopes Canadian
physicians, nurses Dr. Benjamin, the clinic’s physician,
and dentists will serves part-time and works with
accept the challenge visiting medical teams.
of supporting the
clinic both with their time and
money. “I believe health professionals
The medical clinic’s dentist is
Dr. Maria Andrea.
i n L u t h e ra n C h u rc h – C a n a d a
congregations will see this clinic as
a way to extend their own vocation
Partner In
by serving their Nicaraguan brothers
and sisters in Christ.” He envisions
health teams from Canada spending
time in Nicaragua and has enlisted
with
the help of Liz Krestick, a registered
nurse in Waterloo, Ontario, to help
organize health-related overseas
mission trips.
Until then, the mission clinic is
seeking patrons willing to give $500
or more annually to ensure the clinic
is kept stocked with medical and
dental supplies.
Canadians can give on line at
www.lutheranchurch.ca/donate or
send a cheque to Lutheran Church–
(An Auxiliary of LCC)
Canada, 3074 Portage Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB. R3K 0Y2. You will
receive a tax deductable receipt. US
residents can receive a tax receipt by
giving through your local congregation
CLMS
or through Immanuel Lutheran
3074 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB, R3K 0Y2
Church, 415 N.9th Street St. Clair,
Toll Free: 1-866-799-2567
Michigan 48079. Please designate
concordiamissions.org
your gift, Nicaragua Medical Clinic.
Concordia
Lutheran
Mission
Society
by Jim Chliboyko
No mission-designated funds were used to pay for this ad.
moved it around. Three boys were enjoying a swim in
a pond of questionable water nearby. When they saw
the pastors they yelled and waved. Often these children
become involved with gangs which supply them with
glue to sniff to help them stay awake as they work nights
in the dump.
Every Sunday, Pastor Vanarith sees 250 of these
children in his Sunday school. There, they hear how God
loves and cares for them.
A group of the children met us at a local church and
they too received the Bible story books with the same
enthusiasm we’d seen the day before. One boy began
reading it out loud as soon as it was in his hands!
The Lord places so many opportunities before us
to touch lives with His love. All we have to do is look
around us. I wonder how many “garbage dumps” we
would rather ignore?
You can’t leave a place like Cambodia without being
impressed by the passion of the Christians for reaching
out and touching the lives of those around them.
Cambodia continued from page 9
Ian Adnams is editor of The Canadian Lutheran and director of
communications for Lutheran Church–Canada
Part two: New life after the tsunami
July/August edition
A Bible storybook gift is treasured by children living near Phnom
Penh’s garbage dump.
Tuesday we spent in Phnom Penh. It was both a
troubling and inspiring day. Troubling because I visited
the former high school where beginning in September
1975 the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot tortured and
executed thousands. Then I visited “The Killing Fields”
where those who didn’t die during torture came for
execution along with people from around the countryside.
Estimates say almost 2 million people (20 percent of the
population) died as Pol Pot tried to turn Cambodia back
into an agrarian society. The genocide targeted anyone
with an education, with any ties to the US or who was
turned in by neighbours simply because they were
‘suspicious.’
As I saw the mass graves, instruments of torture,
hundreds of photos of victims, and blood stained floors of
torture chambers, I wondered how anyone can truthfully
say that humankind is basically good. How soon we forget
the Holocaust, Rwanda, and Darfur. It was a sobering
morning.
Inspiration came that afternoon at the garbage dump
of all places. Here Pastor Vanarith and another pastor
have befriended children who spend their afternoons
and evenings sifting through garbage to find reusable
plastic sacks they can sell to recyclers. Smoke from the
burning garbage filled the air. Dump trucks added to
the heaped garbage and front-end loaders continually
A boy equipped to salvage reusable sacks from the Phnom Penh
garbage dump (in background). A local church provided the hooked
tool over his shoulder, and rubber boots so he would not have to go
about his task barefoot.
25
Education Report
Candidates receive placements to serve the Lord and His people in
the pastoral ministry.
Will Cole (CLTS)
St. John Lutheran Church,
Pittstown, Penn.
Will Cole was baptized and
confirmed at St. John Lutheran
Church in Hamlin, N.Y. which
is about a half hour west of
Rochester. After high school he
enrolled at Concordia College–
New York in Bronxville, N.Y.
majoring in Religious Studies to
prepare for seminary study. He graduated in December
2004 and began seminary in January, 2005 at Concordia
Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines.
Peter Gatluak (CLTS)
Sudanese Mission,
Hamilton, Ontario
Originally from Sudan, Peter
Gatluak arrived in Canada about
nine years ago. He worked
for six years with Médecins
S a n s F ro n t i è re s B e l g i u m
and the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, after graduating
from laboratory Technician/technologist and auxiliary
nurse studies begun in 1993. He and his wife, Mary,
married since 1994, have five children: four sons and a
daughter (Gatluak, Samuel, Mark, Buok and Sunday).
After enrolling at Concordia Lutheran Theological
Seminary, St. Catharines, Peter spent his deferred vicarage
year working with Rev. Larry Gajdos at Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church (Burlington, Ontario), where he helped
establish a Sudanese Lutheran ministry in Hamilton,
Ontario and beyond.
James Luke (CLTS)
Placement Pending
An aeronautical engineer,
James Luke served in Pakistan’s
air force for 27 years. Since
2006 he has been employed as
a POBLO (People of the Book
Lutheran Outreach) missionary
by Lutheran Church–Canada.
Having received an MDiv from
a non-Lutheran seminary in Pakistan, he was accepted
into the colloquy program at Concordia Lutheran
Theological Seminary, St. Catharines. James has served
in many ethnic churches in Toronto as a preacher and
teacher over the past 16 years, and has a great passion for
spreading the Good News, especially to non-Christians
and the unchurched.
26
Scott Lyons (CLS)
Hope Lutheran Church,
Victoria, B.C.
Born and raised in Edmonton,
Scott Lyons calls Bethlehem
Lutheran Church his home
congregation. A product of the
Lutheran educational system,
he attended Faith Lutheran
School, Concordia High School
and Concordia University College of Alberta—all in
Edmonton—before starting Concordia Lutheran Seminary.
While at university he met his wife, Linnea, and married
her in 2005. Linnea, a certified Lutheran teacher, currently
teaches at Faith Lutheran School, Edmonton.
Clint Magnus (CLS)
Redeemer Lutheran
Church, Kitimat, B.C.
Clint Magnus owned a
construction business in the
Calgary area for almost 20 years.
He, his wife and six children
found a church home at Redeemer
Lutheran in Didsbury, Alberta,
where they were baptized as a
family and began to grow in faith.
“One day I woke up with this idea in my head that I should
be in the ministry,” he recalls. Dubious that his wife would
agree, he hesitantly broached the subject. When she agreed
to sell their business and acreage and move to Edmonton for
seminary, he realized “God had been preparing Joyce at the
same time he was preparing me.” After Clint began the long
road of finishing pre-sem coursework (including Greek and
Hebrew studies), he felt affirmed “that we are doing what
God wants us to do,” and found “there is no better feeling
than being smack-dab in the middle of God’s will.”
Steve Naylor (CLTS)
Placement pending
Steven Naylor was born in
Tampa, Florida. He has three
siblings: an older brother, younger
sister and younger brother. He
was a baptized member of Christ
Lutheran Church (Brooksville,
Florida) since 1982. Steve has
degrees in general arts (AA),
psychology (BA) and theology (a
second BA); he will leave Concordia Lutheran Theological
Seminary, St. Catharines with his MDiv. Steve completed
perhaps the most unusual vicarage: three months in rural
Manitoba, and nine months in South Australia.
Education Report
Mark L. Smith (CLTS)
Placement pending
Born April 20, 1979 to
Calvin and Dixie Smith of Ida,
Michigan, Mark Lawrence
Smith was baptized at East Ida
Immanuel Lutheran Church and
later confirmed there, on May
20, 1993. Mark spent two years
as a boarding counsellor and
teacher at Highland Lutheran
International School in Papua, New Guinea, working for
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s World Missions.
He went on to study at Luther Seminary in Adelaide,
Australia, and in 2005 completed a degree in historical
theology at Canisius College (Buffalo, New York). Mark
spent his second year of seminary (St. Catharines) at
Westfield House in Cambridge, England. He served his
vicarage year in Alberta under the supervision of Rev.
William Ney at Zion (Golden Spike) and St. Matthew
Lutheran Church (Stony Plain).
Matt Sorenson (CLTS)
Grace Lutheran Church,
Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Born November 5, 1964, to
Rev. Robert and Shirley Sorenson,
Matthew Sorenson was baptized
at Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran
Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
and confirmed on May 20, 1979,
at Our Savior Lutheran Church
in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He
graduated from Lutheran High School East in Cleveland
Heights, Ohio in 1983. After attending the United States
Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland) and earning a
degree in aerospace engineering in 1987, he served on
two different nuclear submarines and the staff of the
Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet. In 1994 he
began working for a large global company, Mallinckrodt
Baker (a manufacturer of high-purity chemicals) in
sales and marketing. Matthew has been married to Beth
(Alkire) for 20 years and they have been blessed with
three children: Jeremy, Joshua and Kaitlyn.
LCC Placements from Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Nathan Fuehrer
associate pastor,
Immanuel Lutheran
Church
Lethbridge, Alta.
Matthew
Habermas
Immanuel
Lutheran Church,
Georgetown, Ont.
Mark. D. Smith Trinity Lutheran
Church, Fort
McMurray, Alta.
Doug Taylor
U n i t y / Tr i n i t y
Lutheran Churches,
Unity/Wilke, Sask.
Ward Yunker
associate pastor
Peace Lutheran
Church, Winnipeg
Vicarage Placements
Oscar Castillo
(CLTS) Redeemer
Lutheran Church,
Waterloo, Ont.
Rod Parker (CLS)
Airdrie Mission/
Redeemer Lutheran
Airdrie/Didsbur y,
Alta.
Lorne Reddmann
( C L S ) S t . P a u l ’s
Lutheran Church,
Saskatoon, Sask.
Jeremy Swem
(CFW)Trinity
Lutheran Church
Abbotsford, B.C.
Ian Wemyss (CLS)
Shepherd of The
Valley/St. John’s,
Salmon Arm/Vernon,
B.C.
Doug Zahner
(CLTS) Zion, Yorkton,
Sask.
27
Education Report
Diaconal Placements
Michelle Gamble
(CUCA) teacher: Faith
Lutheran School, Edmonton
Born and raised in Penticton,
British Columbia, Michelle
Gamble attended public schools
until she came to Concordia
University College of Alberta
for her bachelor’s degree in
mathematics. Active in school sports and church groups,
she thought of becoming an educator early on. When
asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
she always responded: “Someone who helps people.”
Being a teacher seemed to fit the bill. Along the way, she
volunteered for vacation Bible school, Sunday school,
camp counselling, leading mission teams and tutoring
in schools. In Edmonton she ran Monday Night Kids,
a program of The Rock’s Inner City Society. Michelle
hopes her desire to help people, especially children, in
combination with her passion for excellence in teaching
and lifelong learning will enable her to become an effective
educator, whether in the Lutheran education system or as
a strong Christian example in public education.
Today the Christian Church
is under fire from all sides—
spiritually, culturally, politically,
socially, and morally. Are you
up for the challenge? The LHM
Men’s NetWork provides
resources to help men develop
the spiritual muscle and
perspective to take their role in
church, community and most
importantly as the spiritual
leader of their household.
Check it out at
www.lll.ca
Director of Parish Services
internships
Amanda Knodel
(CUCA) B e t h a n y
Lutheran Church
Campbell River, B.C.
Kaitlyn Roller
(CUCA) T r i n i t y
Lutheran Church
Fisherville, Ont.
Miriam Winstanley
(CUC A) Foothills
Lutheran Church,
Calgary, Alta.
www.concordia.ab.ca
Reward yourself
by planning ahead
Luther Place – Unity
Offering care-free independent Christian
community lifestyle with a touch of country.
Adult condominiums in Unity, Saskatchewan from $74,890*
Independent living at Luther Place features a library, hair salon,
garden plots, building security system, underground parking,
community operated courtesy car plus taxi service. A community with
great shopping, all services, fully-staffed hospital and beautiful
grass greens golf course.
Call: 306-228-3884 — Fax: 306-228-3885
or e-mail: [email protected]
*monthly condo fees starting at $352; buy back policy in effect
28
Building Better Futures
NEWS
Spring 2009
OUR MISSION |
John Colangeli
CEO
Marilyn Jacobi
Editor
Published by Lutherwood Foundation
285 Benjamin Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 3Z4 | Phone: 519-884-1470
Building on our Christian heritage, Lutherwood reaches out and supports people of all backgrounds and beliefs with care and compassion to
build and sustain better and more hopeful futures.
Meeting the Challenge
With all the plant closures and
layoffs taking place in Waterloo region,
Kyle Christie of CKCO-TV is searching for a good news story. The main
characters will be individuals who will
choose a career path or secure employment during their job search journey.
He introduced Lutherwood to the
public during his newscast by speaking
with Christie Schellenberger, Program
Supervisor in Employment Services.
The challenge was presented to unemployed people in the region to submit their resume to CKCO-TV. There
seemed to be no end to the overwhelmLQJUHVSRQVHRIUHVXPHV6L[W\DUULYHG
the day after the story aired and many
more were to follow, but only four
would be chosen to participate.
Finally, Tony, Oskar, Amanda and
Patti were ready to embark on their
journeys. Each one had their own
unique situation e.g. older but not
ready or able to retire, a career that was
no longer in demand requiring upgrading and re-training or a student facing
increasing tuition costs and needing
work to achieve a dream. However,
they all had a common goal and that
was to succeed.
Christie and Andrea Hopkins, an
Employment Advisor in our KitchHQHU RIÀFH ZHUH HDJHU WR KHOS Our
participants are learning that it takes
concentrated effort to look for a job
and these efforts may take months before they are successful. One cannot
be happier than when they hear that
their resume is “one of the best that an
employer has seen” and an interview
is granted. The frustrating moments
come with realizing that a present skill
level isn’t enough to compete with
many others applying for the same
Leading in Tough Economic Times
We read and hear news every day about job losses, increasing unemployment rates, falling stock markets and bad investments. If you are like many
people you are thinking about how this recession is impacting your life and
wondering when things will get better or maybe, can they get any worse? Very
few seem to have been left untouched and while Lutherwood is no different,
this newsletter focuses on what we are doing to help others during these tough
times while still committing to the future.
Read about our Employment Development Services’ efforts and the
responses from grateful clients, be encouraged with us at the creation of an
Innovation and Research committee that will take Children’s Mental Health
into the future and be inspired by donors who continue to support us.
Yes, there are tough times but it seems we have met some tough people –
determined to stay positive and succeed with the courage to act instead of react.
~Editor
job. And sometimes, with the changes
to manufacturing in the region, many
people affected by plant closures are
looking at having to choose a completely different career path.
Lutherwood is pleased about this
opportunity to share our programs and
Christie and Andrea are in contact on a
regular basis to coach the participants.
At the time of printing this newsletter,
the story is ongoing and we are happy
to report that the enthusiasm has been
amazing and we are looking forward
to celebrating their successes.
ÀÃÌiÊ>`Ê>`>ÊÌ>iÊ>ÊiÌÊÌÊ«ÃiÊ
vÀÊ>Ê«ÌÊ`ÕÀ}Ê>ÊV>V}ÊÃiÃÃ°
Lutherwood Employment Development Services offers people searching
for work assistance with their resume
and cover letters, job search techniques
involving websites, practice interviews
and how to network with everyone
they meet.
For more information on
employment programs for youth
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&DPEULGJH DQG LQ
Guelph. For those interested in
employment services for adults
FDOO
2
Mobile Crisis to the Rescue
The Mobile Crisis team was called
to assist a family where the father,
who works in the automotive industry,
recently had his hours cut back considerably, and the mother is not
employed. The family is no longer able
to afford the home they are living in
and had to make the decision to sell.
Lutherwood became involved with
the family because their son – who has
a severe mental health diagnosis, is
QRZ GHSUHVVHG DQ[LRXV DQG VXLFLGDO
He is struggling with the idea of having to move out of his neighbourhood
and the stress related to moving to
another school. As well, he is witness to
his parent’s struggles and is obviously
concerned for them.
$ VLJQ RI WKH WLPHV WKLV ÀQDQFLDO
situation has caused a considerable
impact to the family regarding everything from the food they put on the
table to their leisure activities as a
family. Recreation and entertainment
have been coping strategies this family
have used to deal with their sons diagnosis. He is aware that his parents are
under a considerable amount of stress
and worries about their health as well.
$Q H[SHULHQFHG FULVLV ZRUNHU
has been supporting this family in
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;
UÊÊindividually tailored
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services;
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developing coping strategies for the
VRQ :KLOH LW GRHVQ·W SURYLGH ÀQDQcial assistance or secure employment
for the parents, they feel strongly that
the worker has alleviated some of their
stress so they can problem solve their
ÀQDQFLDOVLWXDWLRQ&RQVLGHULQJWKHEH-
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they did not have the mobile staff involved at this time – the outcome could
be far more detrimental to their son.
Mobile staff are often searching for
QHZRUH[LVWLQJVXSSRUWVDQGUHVRXUFHV
in the community to assist families
in need. Their connections will help
establish relationships between this
family and the available community
resources by putting them in touch
with the food bank, employment
services, social assistance programs,
counselling services and community
recreation centres as just a few
H[DPSOHV7KH\DUHFXUUHQWO\ZRUNLQJ
with the son to continue utilizing
strategies to manage his stress, and
as a result the parents are relieved to
KDYH WKLV H[SHUWLVH DYDLODEOH WR WKHP
during this time of instability. Call
the Children’s Mental Health Access
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Lutherwood’s Practice Firm: Who’s Counting on You?
The answer to that question is any job
seeker needing to build skills to compete
with others.7KH3UDFWLFH)LUPLVDZHHN
employment program in a variety of proIHVVLRQV ÀQDQFH LQIRUPDWLRQ WHFKQRORJ\
marketing and administration designed
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Enrique
RQ ZRUN SODFH H[SHULHQFH
and employability skills, and to integrate
them into the labour market.
(QULTXH DUULYLQJ LQ &DQDGD IURP 0H[ico, had been conducting an independent
job search. When he approached staff at the
Practice Firm he was clearly frustrated and
discouraged by the lack of response he had
been receiving from employers over the last
few months. His questions focused on how the Practice Firm
FRXOGKHOSKLPXWLOL]HWKHDFFRXQWLQJHGXFDWLRQDQGH[SHULHQFHKHKDGDFKLHYHGLQ0H[LFRLQD&DQDGLDQZRUNSODFH
Enrique found the Practice Firm through a referral from
the YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo. He joined the Practice
Firm Accounting Department and was able to practice the
DSSOLFDWLRQ RI KLV VNLOOV JDLQLQJ YDOXDEOH H[SHULHQFH LQ D
Canadian workplace culture. Enrique participated in weekly
2
30
employment workshops, and worked individually with the
Employment Consultant to focus on conducting an effective
job search.
In addition to having the opportunity to provide leaderVKLSWRWKHÀQDQFHWHDPE\VXJJHVWLQJDQGRULPSOHPHQWLQJ
QHZ SURFHVVHV WR LPSURYH HIÀFLHQF\ KH ZDV VHOHFWHG WR
travel to the Annual Practice Firm Trade Show in Nova
Scotia. This provided him with a better
understanding of Canadian commerce and
increased his ability to work in a Canadian
business culture.
+H ZDV JDLQLQJ FRQÀGHQFH WKURXJK KLV
H[SHULHQFH DQG WKH VXSSRUW KH UHFHLYHG
from the program staff. He set his goals and
after only a few months of a focused job
search, Enrique was thrilled when he
secured a full time permanent position as a
Senior Accountant at a local high tech company.
I Can… I Will… I Did It… The success rate of the
Practice Firm is 85%. This means that Practice Firm
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UHODWHG ÀHOG RU WKH\ DUH VHOIHPSOR\HG EHIRUH WKH\ ÀQLVK
the program or shortly after they complete it. For more
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A “Sure” Investment Tip for the Future
Along with our staff members, opportunity, she told me the most important thing LutherI spend a considerable amount of ZRRGJDYHKHUZDVWKHFRQÀGHQFHWREHOLHYHLQKHUVHOIDQG
time trying to convince government, that she could change how she reacts to the (unfortunate)
HOHFWHGRIÀFLDOVDQGRWKHUVWKDWLQYHVW- circumstances life had thrown at her. She said, “Even when
ing in children’s mental health should I can’t stand my own company, staff members are always
be a high priority for us in Ontario. there for me. I just don’t understand how they can do this
While everyone’s heart is in the right over and over again.”
place, it is generally a tough sell. It
This special young woman was touched most by our
seems there are so many other impor- VWDII·V NLQGQHVV DQG WKH H[DPSOH WKH\ RIIHUHG LQ UHODWLQJ
tant priorities on the list that children’s WR RWKHUV 6KH ´ZRXOG QHYHU IRUJHW KHU H[SHULHQFH ZLWK
Ê
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"
mental health, which is not easy to us,” along with the stability and love which she had never
describe or underH[SHULHQFHG EHIRUH 7KLV LV D \RXQJ
st
inve
we
stand, falls faster than the stock market to
person who is now on her own, attend“every $1.00
the bottom of the list, especially in these
ing community school and working
in supporting and training
GLIÀFXOWÀQDQFLDOWLPHV
part-time. During her stay with us,
young people results in a
$9.00 return later in
However, helping to support, educate
despite her own issues, she was inspired
their lives”
and bring hope back into a young child’s
to organize a community fundraising
OLIHRQFHWKH\KDYHH[SHULHQFHGDEXVHDQG
event.
neglect and have sometimes lost connections to their family
So, as a society, we did the right thing: we gave her a
in the process makes good sense. It makes good sense from FKDQFH WR JDLQ FRQÀGHQFH WDXJKW KHU KRZ WR GHDO ZLWK
a societal perspective because every young life matters and emotions and anger in a way that will help keep her
can make a contribution. It also adds up in terms of dollars out of trouble and showed her unconditional love and
and cents. I recently read a research report which indicated support. I am willing to bet that society will get back
WKDWHYHU\ZHLQYHVWLQVXSSRUWLQJDQGWUDLQLQJ\RXQJ this “investment” in spades. This young person and
SHRSOHUHVXOWVLQDUHWXUQODWHULQWKHLUOLYHV
WKRXVDQGVRIRWKHUVZHKDYHFDUHGIRURYHUDOPRVW\HDUV
I decided to test this theory by asking a child who had will remember what they learned at Lutherwood and
been in our care for over a year this question. “What has we will all be better off because of it.
\RXUH[SHULHQFHDW/XWKHUZRRGJLYHQ\RXWKDWLVRIYDOXH"µ
a-RKQ&RODQJHOL&KLHI([HFXWLYH2IÀFHU
Without missing a beat, the young girl started speaking
very animatedly about her time with us. Grateful for the
Innovation &
Research Committee
Lutherwood has a strong history
of innovation. Our willingness to research and implement new approaches
has strengthened our mission, led to
several new programs being created,
and resulted in revenue growth
RYHU WKH SDVW ÀYH \HDUV :H DUH
committed to serving the community
in increasingly innovative and effective ways.
The challenge now is to continue
DQG H[SDQG RQ WKH JRRG ZRUN EHLQJ
done. We are pleased to announce
that we are meeting the challenge
with the creation of the Innovation
and Research Committee. This group
will work closely with the CEO,
John Colangeli, to create a department
within Lutherwood to take Children’s
Mental Health into the future.
When agencies are in competiWLRQ IRU ÀQDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV DV ZH DUH
H[SHULHQFLQJ FXUUHQWO\ LQ RXU HFRQR
mic climate, Lutherwood wants to
ensure that we are the leader in the
industry and the organization that
government, service providers and
donors stay connected with.
Another important aspect is to
prove to government and funders
that our programs are effective in
changing people’s lives. We need to
use research not simply to innovate
and create but also to reinforce what
we are doing and to demonstrate to the
community, funders and donors that
our programs truly make a difference.
5HFHQWO\RXUTXDOLÀHGVWDIIRIIHUHG
the “Shh… It’s Mental Health” Speakers Series for the community. Topics included How to Help Children/
Teens with Mental Health Challenges;
Gangs, Violence and Bullying; Teen
Suicide and Self-Harming Behaviour
and Staying in Control When Your
Teen Isn’t.
$V H[FLWLQJ GHYHORSPHQWV KDSSHQ
we will be sharing more good news in
the future.
31
3
Building Better Futures
Great Neighbours &
Great Friends
A Habit of Joyful Giving
We are all witnessing the impact
Fairhead. They give us a monthly gift
of the economic challenges on our
through an electronic fund transfer;
friends, family and community. At
very simple and easy to track.
the Lutherwood Foundation, we
The Fairheads have an impresunderstand that it may be hard for
sive giving strategy that they have
our donors to give at the same level
used for most of their lives. A sepaor increase their gifts. At the same
rate bank account and a plan that
time we are seeing
makes it possible
an increase in defor them to give
mands for our serto numerous charivice that require
ties on a regular
even more charibasis. Their faith
table support.
guides their actions
We hope that
and they believe
our donors will
that philanthropy
stay loyal to us
is critical during
and give what
tough
economic
Donna Buchan and Rev. & Mrs. Fairhead
they can through
times.
this challenging time so that we can
For twenty years, the Fairheads
continue to serve the children and
have chosen Lutherwood as one of
families who are struggling. Our
their favourite charities because of a
commitment to you is that we will
connection in their life with a youth
stay in touch with you, let you know
ZKR ZRXOG KDYH EHQHÀWHG IURP WKH
about the impact Lutherwood is havhelp Lutherwood offers. We are truly
ing in our community and respect
grateful for their planned philanthat it might be a harder time for you
thropy and commitment to help us
right now.
even through turbulent times.
I’d like to share a giving strategy
~Donna Buchan,
that is working for dear friends of
Director
of Development
ours, Reverend Gerry and Eleanor
want to give hope to children, youth and families.
Yes, IPlease
accept my gift of…
RfÓääÊÊÊÊRf£ää
Rfxä
RfÓxÊÊÊ ROther __________
Name ...................................................................................................................................................................................
Address: ..............................................................................................................................................................................
City: .................................................. Province: .............................................. Postal Code...............................................
Telephone: ............................................................... E-mail: ............................................................................................
Paid by:
R
R
Cheque (payable to Lutherwood Foundation)
VISA
R
MasterCard
R
iÀV>ÊÝ«ÀiÃÃ
Card. # ............................................................................................................................... Expiry .......................................
Donations can be made online at www.lutherwood.ca
Thank You for Your Support!
$QRIÀFLDOUHFHLSWZLOOEHLVVXHGIRULQFRPHWD[SXUSRVHVIRUJLIWVRYHU
Lutherwood Child and Family Foundation, 285 Benjamin Road, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4
3KRQH)D[
ChArITAblE rEgISTrATIoN NumbEr 10765 0194 rr0001
We respect your privacy!
Lutherwood Foundation does not share our donor list with any other organization.
4 32 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN May/June 2009
Name on Card ................................................. Signature...................................................................................................
Stantec, located two blocks from the
Betty Thompson Youth Centre in downtown Kitchener, has been a wonderful
neighbour. Not only have they provided us with cash donations to help the
centre with operating costs but staff came
up with a new way of giving to help the
youth – grocery gift cards!
When Stantec staff received grocery
gift cards from the company, many of
them thought of others who were more in
need, and wanted to donate them. Linda
7RPOLQVRQ 2IÀFH $GPLQLVWUDWRU VHFRQG
IURP ULJKW RI WKH .LWFKHQHU RIÀFH FRRUdinated the collection of the gift cards
DQGDORQJZLWK6WHYH9ROO2IÀFH/HDGHU
second from left), presented them to
Donna Buchan (left) for staff to purchase
food for the youth at Betty Thompson
Youth Centre.
Donations of gift cards are also a wonderful way to help families struggling to
buy groceries. Lutherwood is happy to
accept gift cards and will pass them on
to families in need. If you send us a gift
card with the original purchase receipt for
the value of the card we will issue you a
FKDULWDEOHWD[UHFHLSWIRUWKHIXOODPRXQW
For more information call the Foundation
RIÀFHDW
We are extremely grateful for the response from our
donors in these difficult economic times. Every gift enables
us to continue developing skills, strategies and confidence
in people coping with the challenges of mental illness.
We can’t begin to express what your gift means to
a child and their family. At Lutherwood, it’s about caring
for individuals struggling to overcome mental health challenges. Your gift is helping them to discover their potential.
We at Lutherwood thank you and look forward to
continuing a partnership with you in the future. More
importantly, the children and youth thank you. And that’s
really who it’s all about. So, on behalf of all the children
who want to express their gratitude, thanks again for the
gifts of confidence and hope. ~ Editor
Transitions
ABC
Growing in Christ Sunday School
Rev. Jonathan Asmus candidate to
pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church,
Westbank/West Kelowna, B.C.
East
Rev. Gary Kuenzel, pastor, Christ Our
Saviour, Grimsby, Ont. to senior pastor,
Christ, St. Catharines, Ont.
Called to Glory
Rev. James Bork, Roblin, Man. May
9, 2009
Announcements
James Luke, Brampton, Ont. has
successfully completed all requirements
for the Pastoral Colloquy Program
through Lutheran Church–Canada and,
therefore is eligible to receive a call.
Rev. Daryl Solie, Chairman LCC Pastoral
Colloquy Committee, c/o 935 McCarthy
Blvd N, Regina, SK., S4X 3L2.
Serving God’s people
Gary Brucker of Kelowna, B.C. has
submitted application to the Diaconal
Colloquy Committee of Lutheran
Church–Canada. Communications
regarding his application should be
submitted in writing within four weeks
to Rev. Daryl Solie, chairman, Diaconal
Colloquy Committee, c/o Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church, 935 McCarthy
Blvd. North, Regina, SK S4X 3L2.
Engage students of all ages in meaningful
interaction with God’s Word—every week.
Through the Word and Sacraments, we live and
grow in Christ. In Growing in Christ Sunday School
classrooms, students learn the language and shape of
the Lutheran faith and life, focusing on the heart and
center of the Bible: Jesus Christ.
Rev. Angus Schneider of Saskatoon,
SK, has submitted application to the
Pastoral Colloquy Committee of Lutheran
Church–Canada. Communications
regarding his application should be
submitted in writing within four weeks
to Rev. Daryl Solie, chairman, Pastoral
Colloquy Committee, c/o Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church, 935 McCarthy
Blvd. North, Regina, SK S4X 3L2.
Classified
Trinity Lutheran Church, Lacombe,
Alberta invites all friends, former and
current members, pastors, and their
extended families to attend the celebration
of the congregation’s 50th anniversary
celebration on Sunday, September 13,
2009. The celebrations will start with a
Special Service at 3 p.m. featuring guest
speaker Pastor Lou Gehring. A light meal
will be served following the service.
Please contact Pryna Koberstein at the
church office at 403-782-6922 or tlc-lac@
telus.net for further details & tickets. If
unable to attend we would welcome
your letters, etc. which can be emailed or
mailed to 5227 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB
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33
PresIdentIAl PersPectIVe
Come, Holy Spirit!
by President Robert Bugbee
When you are at a loss for words, remember this prayer.
Soon after I was ordained, our
district president, Dr. Albin J.
Stanfel, gathered us newly-arrived
pastors together in Kitchener for a
day’s orientation. He shared details
about the organization of district and
synod, how we fit in, where to go
for help, and how you might make
a contribution to the larger church.
It was a good thing he provided a
printed outline, because many of the
details did not immediately stay with
me. They were more like scrambled
eggs that hadn’t set up in the pan
quite yet!
At the same time, I don’t think I
ever forgot the countless wise things
Dr. Stanfel told us about God’s
priorities for our ministry as pastors.
He spoke like a spiritual father. One
thing he laid on our hearts was the
importance of praying for our work,
and for the people committed to our
care. He concluded by saying, “And
there’s no more relevant thing you’ll
ever do than to pray for the Holy
Spirit.” He quoted St. Luke 11:13,
where the Lord Jesus said, “If you
then, though you are evil, know how
to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in
heaven give the Holy Spirit to those
who ask Him!”
I never forgot it. I did not dream
how much I would need this. This
prayer was a place to flee and find
shelter, especially when I didn’t
know what to ask for or how to
make the words come out right.
It turns out that I was not alone
in that feeling. Even after many
years in the apostolic ministry, St.
Paul admitted, “We do not know
what we ought to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us with
groans that words cannot express”
(Romans 8:26).
34
You can read in the Bible about the
Pharisee’s prayer that was really no
prayer at all (St. Luke 18:11-12). That
guy wasn’t really asking anything!
He was simply making sure God was
properly informed about how great
he was and how much good he did!
I have heard similar prayers where
some well-meaning person recited
his own agenda,
almost giving the
Lord instructions
about what
He ought to be
doing.
Some of the
finest prayers
recorded in
S c r i p t u re a re
quite brief. “God,
have mercy on
me, a sinner”
the tax collector
prayed, while the Pharisee was busy
lecturing the Lord (St. Luke 18:13).
“Lord, help me!” cried the Canaanite
woman in desperation (St. Matthew
15:25). Two blind men blurted out
their unpolished prayer, “Lord, Son
of David, have mercy on us!” (St.
Matthew 20:30). Here’s another brief
prayer that is always in order: “Come,
Holy Spirit.”
Sometimes we can only wonder if
what we want to ask for is in keeping
with God’s holy will. Sometimes we
can only wonder whether our ideas
will really help us and others, or do
more harm than good. But, I repeat,
this prayer is always in order: Come,
Holy Spirit! When the Father answers
this prayer, we receive the One Who
opens our eyes to see and gives us
strength to hang in there. When the
Father answers this prayer, your puny
goals—like mine—can begin fading, as
we gradually start grasping what really
matters. When the Father answers
this prayer in a moment of trouble,
for example, you don’t merely ask,
“How can I make the problem stop?”
You start pondering, “What is my
Father trying to teach me here? How
can I work through this to remain His
faithful child?”
I know the old Luther hymns may
be a challenge
for some to
learn, and to
come to love.
One of them
is well worth
practicing,
“ C o m e, H o l y
Ghost, God
and Lord”
(LSB 497). It’s
a prayer to the
Holy Spirit set
to music. It is a
safe place to run and hide, especially
when you feel like St. Paul, who said
he didn’t know what to pray. Sing it
when there’s trouble at home, and
you don’t know how to fix it! Sing it
when your church family is sleepy
and needs to grab hold of the happy
work Jesus gives us to do! Sing it
when you need a sense of direction
and energy! Sing it, thinking all the
while of our pastors, our deacons, our
seminaries and university college!
Sing it as an intercessory prayer for
our mission partners in Southeast
Asia, Nicaragua, Haiti and Ukraine,
because you know they need the
Lord’s help, but you don’t always
know what sort of help it is.
President Stanfel was so right:
“There’s no more relevant thing
you’ll ever do than to pray for the
Holy Spirit.” It’s wise advice, indeed,
for this season of Pentecost … and
for every other day.
Some of the
finest prayers
recorded in
Scripture are
quite brief
They are counting on you.
God holds the future but He helps us to choose wise plans in the present.
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05-09

May/June 2009 - Lutheran Church

Transcription

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