Commemoration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession
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Video devotional by Rev. Timothy Teuscher, LCC President [Length: 12:35]
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Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church (Edmonton, AB), takes a look at how we look at parables in his latest feature.
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Rev. Robert Mohns, in his latest column, discusses suffering and God's actions for the sake and saving of His servant Job. Even when you have found yourself in Job’s ash pile, sitting between God’s declaration of your justification and Satan’s accusation, it is the Lord who enters into your life.
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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 Fourth Sunday After Pentecost entitled: ‘Sorting Out A Domestic Disturbance’
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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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In recent months, our congregations have been thrust into a digital world that, for many, is unfamiliar territory. All of our congregations have wrestled with how to continue to proclaim God’s Word to our people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of government restrictions put in place for the safety of our communities. This has led to both struggle and to creativity. We have even seen some unexpected benefits, like former members tuning into livestreams and engaging again with their congregations.
Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s Communications Team will be holding an online event to facilitate discussion and offer guidance as we consider: Where do we go from here? More information including an event link will be released soon.
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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. Pich Chandeth is the pastor of Garuna Lutheran Church in Kampong, Cambodia. He also serves as the education coordinator for Garuna Christian School.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, since Your Son has saved the world through His holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death and sent forth His Church to proclaim the Good News of this salvation to the ends of the earth and to distribute His saving gifts of grace, we pray that You would sustain Rev. Chandeth by Your Spirit and richly bless his labours for the sake of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen
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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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Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
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| Travis Heide |
Candidate |
Mt. Calvary (Swift Current, SK) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation July 19
Ordination June 14
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| Vishal Paul |
Candidate |
Risen Christ (Mississauga, ON) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination TBD |
| Adam Chandler |
Candidate |
Hope (Victoria, BC) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation June 21
Ordination July 16
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| Peter Knelson |
Candidate |
St. John’s Evangelical (Warman, SK) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination August 2 |
| Joshua Kurtenbach |
Candidate |
Our Saviour (Fort Qu’Appelle, SK) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination TBD |
| Wendel Ritz |
Candidate |
Trinity Evangelical (Pincher Creek, AB) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination August 9 |
| Kenneth Stadnick |
Candidate |
Cross of Christ LC of the Deaf (Edmonton, AB) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination September 20 |
| Mark Rekken |
Candidate |
Prince of Peace
(Calgary, AB) |
ACCEPTED |
Installation/Ordination August 2 |
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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.
NATIONAL - JULY 8 2020
Lutheran Church–Canada’s Communications Team will be holding a webinar to facilitate discussion and offer guidance as congregations consider whether to maintain some level of online ministry after we are able to return to in-person gatherings. More information including an event link will be released soon. A Save-The-Date with select details is available Here.
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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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The Great Harvest
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”
- Acts 2:1
Pentecost is the Old Testament harvest festival – it happens around the time when the wheat and oats are ready to be brought in. Those of us on the prairies can relate to what a harvest looks like. Of course, this was a picture and foreshadowing of the great harvest of humankind that God means to bring in through the preaching of His Word. God gives the seed, and God brings about the harvest. From first to last, in things temporal and things eternal, we stand only by His grace.
Sometimes we need to be reminded about what God has done for us using simple worldly examples. Like a farmer gathers his harvest with care and purpose, so too God has plans for all of His creation to be with Him for eternity. This message of salvation is not just a by-product of the work of the church, it is its primary function! And there is no shortage of ears that need to hear.
How wonderful that we can contribute to this work through our weekly tithes and offerings. Let us not forget our opportunity to give at the end of our lives as well. The impact of a gift in your Will to support the work of your church is incredible. Please consider adding a charitable gift in your plans as a way of saying Thank You to God for all the blessings you have received, including the great harvest. To learn more about developing 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.
The Lord Jesus Brings Division on Earth for the Sake of Peace with God in Heaven
False prophets preach what their hearers want to hear, promising peace even when the Lord has spoken “war, famine, and pestilence” (Jer. 28:8). But if “the Lord has truly sent the prophet,” he speaks what the Lord has spoken, and “the word of that prophet comes to pass” (Jer. 28:9). The preaching of God’s Law is hard, because it confronts sin, brings it to light and makes it worse, “sinful beyond measure,” thereby “producing death” in the sinner (Rom. 7:13). But through our Baptism into Christ, “we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive” (Rom. 7:6). Now we belong “to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God” (Rom. 7:4). Belonging to Him puts us at odds with the world and divides us from all earthly ties, not only from our human family, but each person from his own life. For Christ does not come “to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). Yet, whoever takes up his cross to follow Christ, and “loses his life” for Christ’s sake, finds new life in Him (Matt. 10:38–39).
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