Rev. Jim Chimirri-Russell, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Regina, SK), discusses the 23rd Psalm and what Jesus is saying when He calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
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Rev. David Haberstock comment on the blessing of godly rituals. We are creatures of habit. People who learn by repetition. And how blessed is it when our traditions pass on not merely the comfort of habit but the risen Lord Himself! Jesus gave us the best ritual of all—His Supper—to be oft repeated. Through His institution and promise, this supper imparts to us not merely a habit, but Himself! Imparting Jesus is also why the Church in her wisdom passed on to us a liturgical calendar of weekly Scripture readings, repeated year by year.
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A Letter from LCC’s President to Our Pastors: Concerning the Service of the Sacrament
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President Timothy Teuscher encourages our pastors to use this time as an opportunity for much-needed teaching on the Lord’s Supper to those entrusted to their care. The full letter is also available as a printable PDF.
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Applications sent out for congregations needing financial assistance
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CANADA – Documents regarding application for Financial Assistance (Congregational Subsidies) were sent out to congregations last week. These documents can also be accessed on our website Here, under the Financial heading.
The deadline for applications to be submitted to your Circuit Counsellor is June 30, 2020. The deadline is set to facilitate review at the circuit level, by Regional Ministry and Mission Councils and the President’s Ministry Council, in time to include in Lutheran Church–Canada’s Board of Director’s budgeting discussions in November of this year. Please contact your Circuit Counsellor if your congregation is having difficulty meeting this deadline to discuss accommodation options.
“During all these discussions about funding needs, the real consideration is how best to provide Word and Sacrament ministry to the people of God. We trust the Lord to bless and guide our efforts in this process.” – Rev. M.L. Smith, Lutheran Church–Canada’s International and Domestic Missions Executive.
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Written Sermon for the Third Sunday After Pentecost entitled: ‘Fear is Not a Factor’
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LCC congregations coordinate, offer virtual VBS options Canada-wide, all summer long!
Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) congregations across the country have come together to coordinate free Virtual VBS options for families all summer long – No matter where you live! An email will be sent out to all congregations with details, relevant links, as well as digital marketing material to share on social media and with members in their communities.
REGISTRATION LINKS FOR MULTIPLE WEEKS ARE OPEN NOW!
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LCC 2021 Synod Convention Update
The LCC Convention is scheduled to meet in June of 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions currently in place, the Board of Directors is looking into the possibility of changing the date or having a different convention format in case we are not able to proceed as planned. There are many unknown factors at the present time, but a decision will be made within the next couple of months.
In the meantime, we continue to proceed with the convention process as mandated in the LCC Handbook. Documents from the Commission on Nominations and Elections (CNE) pertaining to recommendations for nominations to various positions that will be elected at the convention have been sent to congregations, pastors, and deacons via email. The documents include a letter from the CNE, a description of board and commission responsibilities, and the recommendation form. The documents are also available on our website HERE. You can also request the forms from Synod Office: convention@lutheranchurch.ca or 1-800-588-4226.
Reminder!
Any of our pastors, deacons, or communicant members of an LCC congregation are encouraged to suggest or recommend individuals for nomination to these various positions. The deadline to send recommendations is October 9, 2020. Any recommendations received in advance of the deadline would give the CNE plenty of time to process the recommendations prior to their convention deadlines.
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Communications Director, here! THREE communications resources are now available and accessible for download below!
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Video Production Hacks for Congregations
No cost (or low-cost) video production hacks to help enhance the quality of your videos and/or livestreams. Topics include: Lighting, audio, framing/composition, and more!
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LCC Branding Guidelines & Visual Identity
These branding guidelines serve to solidify the visual identity of Lutheran Church–Canada, to enhance easy recognition by both its own members and the general public. These guidelines are a tool for Lutheran Church–Canada offices, institutions, congregations, and others associated with the church in maintaining a unified visual identity for our Synod.
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LCC Communications "Cheat Sheet"
Where to find LCC content online & in print, conveniently on one-page! Share with members of your congregation to keep them connected!
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GOV'T EXTENDS 75% WAGE SUBSIDY
Certain employers including Registered Charities who qualify will now be able to receive the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until August 29, 2020. The government indicated that it intends to consult with Canadian businesses to consider further adjustments to eligibility for the subsidy, including possible changes to the 30% revenue decline threshold. Further details on the extension are anticipated to be provided soon, and once they become available, LCC will circulate the information to congregations.
LCC Administrator, Dwayne Cleave, has had contact with several congregations who have already applied for the wage subsidy and was pleased to learn that some had already received their first payment. The congregations which were setup for direct deposit generally reported that they received their payment within 7-10 days of submitting their subsidy application.
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MISSION PRAYERS
Remember Lutheran Church–Canada's mission and ministry partners in prayer.
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 MISSIONS IN CAMBODIA!
Rev. Bun Sopeab is the Chairman of Cambodia Lutheran Church and the pastor of Preach Lutheran Church in Kampot, Cambodia. He is also a part time teacher at Garuna Christian School.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as Your Son sent forth His Church to make disciples of all nations, we lift up before You Rev. Sopeab, asking You to sustain him by Your Spirit and bless their labours for the sake of the Gospel; Lord in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.
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LUTHERAN FOUNDATION CANADA PROVIDES DONATION PAGE FOR CONGREGATIONAL WEBSITES
For many congregations, cancellation of their church services due to COVID-19, has caused a significant drop in offerings usually collected during the Sunday service. Yet maintaining a steady flow of offerings is still necessary, as congregational costs have either remained the same, or dropped very little. Providing various options for your members to maintain their offering during this time is one way to minimize COVID-19’s impact to your ministry. Regrettably, many of LCC’s congregational websites have no information on other ways to donate, usually found via a DONATE ‘button’ on the home page. Selecting this option would show the offering options available, with a brief explanation, and allow the congregational member to pick a solution best suited for them.
If your congregation’s website is lacking such information and the leadership thinks it would be beneficial to have such a page, Lutheran Foundation Canada (LFC) can provide this AT NO CHARGE. Using the services of an experienced web developer, whose fee we will cover, the ‘DONATE’ button and a donation page will be added to your congregation’s website. The webpage would show the options available, which could include e-transfers, EFT’s, and LCC’s donor portal “SUPPORT MY HOME CONGREGATION”. With many congregational members using the church’s website to access online services, having the DONATION button on the home page would also share your congregation’s preferred method on how offerings can be maintained.
For more information regarding this offer, contact Lutheran Foundation Canada at 877-711-4438.
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LCC OFFICE MAINTAINING ESSENTIAL SERVICES
As Manitoba moves into Phase Two of restoring services, LCC is beginning a cautious return to the office. While our office is not open to the public, staff are returning to working in the office either full-time or part-time. We continue to take direction from government leaders to maintain the health and safety of our staff while still providing essential services and support. When not physically in the office we continue to work remotely. Contact the office at 1-800-588-4226 or 204-895-3433. Emails and voice messages will be responded to as soon as possible.
Those working remotely have access to voice messages and emails:
President Timothy Teuscher - Ecclesiastical matters; Content for online resources
- Ext. 212
- Email: president@lutheranchurch.ca
Pastor M.L. Smith - Domestic & International Missions
- Ext. 211
- Email: missions@lutheranchurch.ca
Dwayne Cleave - Financial issues including requests for congregational support & gov't wage subsidies
- Ext. 219
- Email: administratorlcc@lutheranchurch.ca
Alex Steinke - Online resources including technical support; InfoDigest; Social Media Content
- 1-877-770-7842
- Email: communications@lutheranchurch.ca
Christine Bradley - SUB Plans; expense payments; subsidy/mission payments
- Ext. 218
- Email: accounting@lutheranchurch.ca
Iris Barta - Receipt of mail; General administration
- Ext. 253
- Email: officemanager@lutheranchurch.ca
David Friesen - Online contributions for congregations
- 204-791-9949
- Email: dfriesen@lutheranfoundation.ca
Nancy Swerhun - Worker Benefit Services
- 403-278-7506
- Email: nswerhun@telus.net
Domestic Mission (subsidies) and International Missions will be processed as usual.
We appreciate your patience as we all deal with these unusual circumstances. God keep you well in body and spirit.
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 Do you have a Regional News Story?
They can be about a congregation’s significant anniversary or other landmark occasion; a mission or outreach event; a retreat or special event hosted by an LCC organization, or other church involvement in the community! Before you submit, check out The Submission Guidelines.
Email Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor, with your submission.
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Helma Müller, mother of Marli Azevedo and mother-in-law of Rev. Gilvan Azevedo, was called home to glory on June 15, 2020, a few weeks shy of her 91st birthday on June 30th. Helma was a faithful woman and committed Lutheran, and she will be deeply missed by her loved ones. Please remember Helma’s family and friends in your prayers, especially Rev. Azevedo and his wife, Marli.
On June 12, 2020, our Lord Jesus saw fit to call James Barr (eldest son of Rev Daniel and Connie Barr) to rest from his struggles. Now he glimpses his share in eternity while awaiting the resurrection of the dead. Please remember his loved ones in prayer this week, that our Lord and Saviour would sustain and comfort them with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Be still, my soul; though dearest friends depart and all is darkened in this vale of tears;
Then you will better know His love, His heart, Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay from His own fullness all He takes away (LSB 752 v3).
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Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
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There are no new updates this week.
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NEWS & VIEWS BEYOND THE PEWS
InfoDigest is Lutheran Church–Canada's official weekly e-newsletter – and it's not just for clergy! We encourage LCC members of any and many vocations to subscribe!
You're welcome to share these stories by forwarding this email to your friends and family, or by including these stories in church bulletins, newsletters, and announcements. Please credit LCC InfoDigest.
Let's strive to better connect our LCC brothers and sisters in Christ! InfoDigest is just a start!
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NATIONAL - A joint statement from the IMPACT Youth Gathering and the National Youth Gathering Please see this video from the four co-chairs of the two gatherings for an update on our plans for LCC youth gatherings in 2021 and 2022, and for news about special youth event speakers this summer and fall. The IMPACT Youth Gathering will be July 1-4, 2021, at Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, BC. The National Youth Gathering will be in July 2022 in Winnipeg, MB, and the exact dates will be announced soon. For more information, contact cochairs@impactyg.ca, or lccgathering@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more updates at www.lccnyg.ca.
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WEST JOB OPPORTUNITY - Shared Youth/Outreach Worker (Trinity, Richmond & Killarney, Vancouver, B.C.) Please see the attached job posting Here. This is a salary position, with benefits. For additional information or to apply, please contact Rev. Dr. Steven Harold via email at: tlc-pastor@telus.net or by phone at: 604-241-2291.
WEST - Soundcraft 32 Channel GB8 Soundboard FREE
Bethel Lutheran Church (Sherwood Park, AB) has a Soundcraft 32 Channel GB8 Soundboard in good condition that they are no longer using (They have upgraded to a digital board). If interested, please email normay.wiebe@bethelchurch.com or call 780-417-7757.
CENTRAL - Pastors' Wives Support Group
As women, we have many different relationship roles – daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends – but possibly the most unique is being a pastor’s wife. And in that context, you, your marriage, and ministry are as unique as the individuals that God created. Despite that uniqueness, there is a common thread that pastor’s wives share. This is an invitation to explore the concept of a pastors’ wives support group in the Central Region. The idea of the formation of such a group has been suggested by different people, in different ways, over time. It is not a task that can be begun alone. But it seems the time is right, for not only has God provided encouragement, He has also provided a guide and a helper.
West Region has had a Ministry Wives group providing support of many kinds for the past eight years. They have been creating space for pastors’ wives to connect at retreats and online. Recently a virtual retreat (due to COVID-19, the physical retreat was cancelled) was held with 23 women sharing insights into God’s Word and their lives. Is there a way that this type of connection may benefit and bless you and others? Click Here to give us your contact information and answer two questions that will give us an idea of the level of interest you may have, so we can explore ways to connect.
In Christian love,
Bernice Keller (Bruno, SK) & Kirsten Guggenmos (Triune Parish, Langenburg, Landestreau, MacNutt, SK)
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NATIONAL - ONGOING
Lutheran Foundation Canada continues to provide ”seminars” on Estate Stewardship, however, in light of the various COVID-19 restrictions placed on public gatherings, all in-person seminars have been temporarily put on hold. The Foundation continues to work with members and congregations virtually, to encourage the support of their church through planned giving and the development of gifts in Wills and through other means. We can also deliver our presentations online through webinars. Please contact us for further information. As restrictions are lifted, we expect to begin in-person seminars once again.
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NATIONAL - VIRTUAL VBS SUMMER SCHEDULE 2020
Click here to view the full schedule online! The online schedule will be updated regularly as new registration links and information become available. The schedule spans from the last week in June through to the end of August.
WEEK 1: June 29, 2020 – July 3, 2020
REGISTER HERE: vbsmate.com/bslcwinnipeg
Congregation Hosting: Beautiful Savior Lutheran (Winnipeg, MB)
Material: Rainforest Explorers
WEEK 2: July 6, 2020 – July 10, 2020
REGISTER HERE: vbsmate.com/events/drydenlutheran/19558
Congregation Hosting: Our Saviour Lutheran (Dryden, ON)
Material: Rainforest Explorers
WEEK 3: *Two Options Available this week! July 13, 2020 – July 17, 2020
REGISTER HERE: www.foothillslutheran.com/ministries/christian-education/vbs2020/
Congregation Hosting: Foothills Lutheran (Calgary, AB)
Material: God's Promises
WEEK 3: *Two Options Available this week! July 13, 2020 – July 18, 2020
REGISTRATION LINK: COMING SOON!
Congregation Hosting: Concordia Lutheran (Penticton, B.C.)
Material: Rocky Railway
WEEK 4: *Two Options Available this week! July 20, 2020 – July 24, 2020
REGISTRATION HERE: vbsmate.com/ziondashwood
Congregation Hosting: Zion Lutheran (Dashwood, ON)
Material: Rainforest Explorers
WEEK 4: *Two Options Available this week! July 20, 2020 – July 24, 2020
REGISTRATION LINK: COMING SOON!
Congregation Hosting: Christ Lutheran (St. Catharines, ON)
Material: Rocky Railway
WEEK 5: July 27, 2020 – July 31, 2020
REGISTRATION LINK: COMING SOON!
Congregation Hosting: Faith Evangelical Lutheran (Surrey, BC.)
Material: Adventures on Promise Island
For scheduling in August and for any updates to the above, please visit www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/eventscalendar/lcc-virtual-vbs-2020/
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NATIONAL - World Refugee Day June 20, 2020
What does quarantine mean for displaced people around the world, and for churches in Canada who want to help? Join Canadian Lutheran World Relief on World Refugee Day for a virtual event to hear about the big picture facing refugees today, meet a former refugee who is now working on the frontlines of COVID-19 in Canada, and explore how your church can continue walking with refugees in the COVID-19 era. Learn more and register here.
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Go and Make Disciples
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
- Matthew 28:19-20
Behold the threefold Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the Name we are baptized into. We have been made a part of God’s family. Now we are called to live lives that are in harmony with our new family. We are to be godly and live in God’s image. As God is loving, kind, and generous, so are we called to be.
Of course, one of the greatest acts of kindness is to teach the gospel. This is what our church is called to do. Through your generous support, this life-saving work is accomplished in good seasons and bad. Although the current world situation may have interrupted many aspects of your life, one thing you can do is plan how you might establish a charitable gift in your will. This last act of generosity displays incredible stewardship of the gifts God has given you.
If you are not sure how you might develop your gift, please visit www.lutheranfoundation.ca for more information, or contact your regional Foundation Gift Coordinator. Your gift will be a true blessing.
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LECTIONARY SUMMARY FROM THE LCMS
3-year and 1-year Series available Here.
Delivered from Sin and Death, You Now Live before God in the Righteousness of Christ
The outcome of sin is death, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). He has set you free from the slavery of sin and has brought you “from death to life” (Rom. 6:13). No longer are you under the condemnation of the Law, but you live “under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Such is your courage in the face of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). For though “you will be hated by all” and maligned by the world for the name of Christ (Matt. 10:22, 25), you abide in the care of your Father in heaven, who numbers “even the hairs of your head” and values you more “than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:30–31). By the Word of Christ, you have become like Him, your Teacher and Master in whom you endure to the end, and “will be saved” (Matt. 10:22, 25). For He is with you “as a dread warrior,” who has overcome your enemies (Jer. 20:11). By the righteousness of faith, He delivers your heart, mind, body and life “from the hand of evildoers,” and He brings you into the land of the living (Jer. 20:12–13).
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