Wednesday's Word: An e-newsletter publication of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to inform and share notice of events and activities within and around our Synod.
Submissions for inclusion in the next Wednesday's Word must be received by noon Tuesday (September 10) the day before publication. Next edition: Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Urgent notices and prayers meant for immediate release to the subscriber list will continue as needed.
Disclaimer: We seek to provide current information however events and activities shared in Wednesday's Word may change without our notice.
New This Edition of WW: Click on the following coloured links to go directly to new items. If any of the links don’t work in your email, view the newsletter in your browser.
Click here to begin: “Wednesday’s Word” and then choose the current edition from the list.
Announcements and Prayers for Weekly Worship - September 1 and 8
Last chance: Ladies Retreat on Theme of Peace at Mulhurst Camp Sept. 6 and 7
Current Prayers of the ABT Synod
Wednesday’s Word is published every two weeks. We are including the upcoming prayers covering that time-span. Those prayers, which follow under the heading, Prayers for Weekly Worship, can also be found on the synod website. After clicking the website link provided below, scroll down the page and you will find prayers for each Sunday of the Church Year:
1. DIARY OF PUBLIC PRAYER and INTERCESSIONS 2018 - 2019
2. Anglican-Lutheran-Cycle-of-Prayer-2018-2019
You will also find:
3. August 2019 Update of 30 days of prayer for Rostered Ministers: An updated alphabetical prayer list of ABT Rostered Ministers, as well as their partners/spouses. This is a two page document that requires legal-sized (8.5 x 14) paper for printing.
for Bishop Michael Pryse of the Eastern Synod, and for the Synod Staff, Rostered Ministers and people
for Rev. Jeff Decelle, Dean, and the Southern Area Ministry Team, Rostered Ministers and people
for our Lutheran Campus Ministries in Canada and especially for Rev. Richard Reimer, Chaplain University of Alberta
for spouses and families of Ordained and Diaconal Ministers
for Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Rocky Mountain House, and Faith Lutheran, Rolling Hills
for the pastors and people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina
for the World Mission Prayer League and all those serving in this organization
for The Right Rev. Jane Alexander, Anglican bishop of Edmonton, and the staff, priests, and people of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton
for the pastors and people of the Reformed Church of Canada
ELCIC Bishop Greg Mohr, people, and Rostered Ministers of the British Columbia Synod
ACC Bishop Chris Harper clergy, and people of the Diocese of Saskatoon
________
September 8, 2019: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
for the National Church Council and national committee members
for all Area council members and your congregation’s council members
for our Lutheran Campus Ministries in Canada
for those who serve as Interim Ministers, and for parishes who await pastoral leadership
for the synod council as they gather for their fall meeting and retreat, Sept 12-14
for St. Paul Lutheran, Rolly View, and Bethel Lutheran, Ryley
for the pastors and people of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania
for Bishop Sidney Black, Indigenous Bishop of Treaty 7 Territory, for The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Anglican Archbishop of Calgary, and the staff, priests, and people of the Anglican Diocese of Calgary
for the officers and people of the Salvation Army of Canada
ELCIC The staff of the British Columbia Synod
ACC The theological colleges and training programs within the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land: Arthur Turner Training School, the Centre for Christian Studies, the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Henry Budd College for Ministry, Saint John’s College, Dr. William Winter School for Ministry, James Settee College for Ministry, and the Qu’Appelle School for Ministry.
1.Prayer for those facing difficulties: The Rev. Greg and Jocelyn Smith (Interim-Nazareth Lutheran, Standard) have sent prayer updates as we continue to pray for their son Seth and Jocelyn's sister Maureen that were detailed in previous editions of Wednesday's Word. "Seth continues his mental health journey. Three steps forward; two steps back. But progress none the less. Maureen has gone through one round of chemotherapy and radiation. Miraculously her tumor has shrunk by 85%! She is currently in her second round of treatments and feeling strong. We thank all for their prayers! Peace and blessings!" - Pastor Greg
Holy and life-giving God, whose mercy is without end, look with grace upon this family as they face the future. Guide all those who will accompany them in the days to come, so that they will be cared for and comforted. Uphold them all in your abiding love, and sustain them with your peace, which surpasses all understanding; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. (ELW Pastoral Care p. 178)
God our refuge, when human resources fail, you alone remain our sure hope and defense. In the knowledge of your love, grant us courage. We place ourselves in your hands, confident that nothing can separate us from your love, in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care, page 175)
2. Prayer for Illness: Rev. Scott Brown (retired – Edmonton) continues treatment for cancer. Pr. Scott and Pamela welcome your faithful prayers.
Strengthen your servants Scott and Pamela, O God, and then lead them through the journey ahead; that accepting your healing gifts at the hands of physicians, nurses, and medical workers, Scott may be restored to wholeness with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. (EvLW Pastoral Care, page 174)
3. Prayer for Illness:Karen Goldstone, Faith Life Coordinator at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmonton (and spouse of Pastor George Friedrich and mother to Gina) requests continued prayers for healing and for her and family’s emotional and spiritual well-being are appreciated.
Lord Jesus, be with Karen and George and their family in this uncertain moment. Be their strength in times of weakness; be their consolation in times of sadness; be their rock in moments of despair. In all Karen faces, assure her that your unfailing presence is always beside her, behind her, above her, before her, both now and forever. (adapted from EvLW Pastoral Care p.178)
4. Prayer for Those in Need: Prayers are requested for Mieke Bornhuse as she deals with a rare form of epilepsy that is difficult to manage. Please keep her parents, Pr. Wallace (All Saints, Calgary) and Erin, and siblings Kenzie and Ezra in prayer as they walk with Mieke.
God of love, ever caring, ever strong, stand with us in our time of need. Watch over your child, Mieke, look after her in every danger, and grant her your healing and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care: Occasional Services, Readings, and Prayers, p. 171)
God, our refuge and strength, our present help in time of trouble, care for those who tend the needs of Mieke. Strengthen them in body and spirit. Refresh them when weary; console them when anxious; comfort them in grief; and hearten them in discouragement. Be with us all, and give us peace at all times and in every way; through Christ our peace. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care: Occasional Services, Readings, and Prayers, pp. 191-192)
If you have a Rostered Minister prayer request or celebration announcement you wish to share with the Synod, please contact the Synod office with your details. (780-439-2636 / 866-430-2636 / mdaly@elcic.ca)
ABT Synod News and Events
Bishop Larry Kochendorfer's Message
The September 2019 Message from the Bishop's Office is available here: Sept 2019
Synod Office Hours:
August 26 - 29: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 3:00pm September: Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm office hours return
August 28 - Hope Lutheran and Advent Lutheran, Calgary- +Larry
September 3 - Conference of Bishops, Winnipeg - +Larry
September 3-5 - National Church Council, Winnipeg- +Larry
September 12-14 - Synod Council Meetings at Mulhurst Camp - +Larry and Rev. Prema
September 14 - Installation of Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Prema Samuel, Red Deer - All synod staff
September 15 - Good Shepherd, Red Deer - +Larry
September 18 - Synod Council Executive Meeting, Synod Office - +Larry
September 20 - Mutual Ministry, Red Deer - +Larry
September 20 - Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Calgary - +Larry
September 21 - Southwest Area Gathering, Hope Lutheran, Calgary - +Larry
September 24 - LTS Governance Meeting - +Larry
September 26-28 - Candidacy Committee Retreat, Mulhurst - +Larry
October 1 - Collaborative Partnership Gathering, Bethel, Camrose - +Larry and Rev. Prema
October 2 - Collaborative Partnership Gathering, Peace, Leduc - +Larry and Rev. Prema
October 5 - Northern Area Gathering, St Paul's Ellerslie - +Larry, Rev. Prema, and Marg
October 6 - "Partners in Christ" Shared Ministry, Rocky Mountain Ev. Lutheran, Rocky Mountain House - +Larry
October 7 - Collaborative Partnership Gathering, Peace, Innisfail -+Larry and Rev. Prema
October 9 - Healthy Boundary Workshop, Edmonton - All synod staff
October 10 - Healthy Boundary Workshop, Calgary - Rev. Prema
October 17 - Calgary Alliance for the Common Good - +Larry
October 18 - U of C Fundraiser - +Larry
October 19 - East/West Central Area Gathering, Grace Lutheran, Wetaskiwin +Larry and Rev. Prema
October 20 - Bethel, Camrose - +Larry
October 24 - South West Area Rostered Ministers Retreat, Calgary - +Larry and Rev. Prema
October 26 - Southern Area Gathering, Unity Lutheran, Medicine Hat - +Larry and Rev. Prema
October 27 - Nazareth Lutheran, Standard- +Larry
October 27 - St. Peter's, Medicine Hat - Rev. Prema
October 30 - November 1 - Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission, Niagara Falls - +Larry
Weekly Eucharist and Prayer: ABT Synod Office Wednesdays 11:00am
Starting Wednesday September 11 (No session October 9th as all staff attending Healthy Boundaries, Edmonton)
You are welcome to join the Synod Staff
Consecration and Installation of The Ven. Lesley Catherine Wheeler-Dame as Bishop, Diocese of Yukon Saturday August 24, 2019 Christ Church Cathedral, Whitehorse, Yukon Thank you Trinity Whitehorse for a great few days!
Group shot from Colombia 2019
National Women's Ministry with the motto of "From brokenness to hope"
Pastor Barbara Groote, Pastor Angelica Bernate, Bishop Atahualpa, Cathy Kochendorfer Healthy Boundaries 2019
For Rostered and Lay Leaders Edmonton (Hosanna Lutheran) – Wednesday October 9 Calgary (Advent Lutheran) – Thursday October 10
The training will look at the issues that impact those in the role of leadership in faith communities. Founded on a theological and ethical discussion of power and vulnerability, Healthy Boundary training focuses on the particular roles pastoral caregivers fulfill within a spiritual community. The ELCIC Employment Agreement requires Rostered Ministers to provide their employer with a certificate of participation in Healthy Boundaries training every five years.
We will be using resources developed by the FaithTrust Institute with three local area facilitators who were trained in October of 2018. This curriculum was developed to strengthen the understanding of the needs for boundaries, as a method of self-care and community care.
Facilitators: Pastor Daranne Harris, Pastor John Lentz and Barb Stolee
The National Office of the ELCIC has provided funding to support activities in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories which are experimental in spirit and genuinely seek to explore what it means to participate in God’s mission in the world today.
For information and to apply for funding, please see the two links below and thank you for considering ways to join God’s work in our neighborhoods and communities.
September 21 – Hope Lutheran Church, Calgary
October 5 – St. Paul's Lutheran (Ellerslie) Church, Edmonton
October 19 – West & East Central Areas - Grace Lutheran, Wetaskiwin
October 26 - Unity, Medicine Hat
For 2019 Area Gatherings agenda, speaker, full poster and registration
please go to the synod website here
September 14 is Holy Cross Day, and as it coincides with the installation of Rev. Prema Samuel, attendees are invited to bring a processional cross and stand from their representative church to the service.
If you are attending and bringing a processional cross, please RSVP by September 10th to Marg, Administrative Assistant, so we are aware of how many additional crosses to make space for. Thank you in advance.
Constitution & Bylaw Synod Worksheet
From the Synod Council’s Constitution & Bylaws Committee:
A special thank-you to all the congregations who have gone through their Constitution and Bylaws reviews so far.
For those Congregations who are still in process or about to begin the process, just a few notes on making this a more streamlined process for your congregation, the Synod Council’s Congregation Constitutional Review Committee, as well as Synod Council.
1. Please be encouraged to use the New Model Constitution & Bylaws from here onward.
2. Any questions you may have of the New Model can be addressed to the Chairperson of the Synod Council Committee, Rev. John Lentz, stpaulslutheran@oldsnet.ca. The Committee will endeavour to answer questions as best they can.
3. Please make sure you download the Synod Constitution & Bylaws Worksheet for the New Model to use for your process. Any insertions (such as, e.g., voting age), or amendments to Bylaws can easily be done using the worksheet.
4. When sending your copy of the New Model, please send to Rev. John Lentz at stpaulslutheran@oldsnet.ca. When you do, please also send contact information.
5. Once your Constitution & Bylaws have been accepted by the Synod Committee, it will be recommended to the Synod Council for approval.
6. Once approved the Synod Committee will help you through the final steps.
ABT Congregations Seeking Pastors:
Calgary, Emmanuel
Edmonton, Hope Lutheran
Hinton, Grace Lutheran Red Deer, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Thorsby , St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran
Request from Pastor Mike Wellman,
Highwood Lutheran Church, Calgary:
"My briefcase was stolen. In it was a communion kit, books, and a few other bits. Whoohoo good luck pawning that stuff.
I would like to find a replacement green Occasional Services Book, and a compact LBW. Perhaps a request to the our synod associates may help."
Folks can email me directly if they have surplus book inventory looking for a new home.
Available for free to a congregation/individual:
Baldwin organ
around 20 years old
Still in good working condition, foot pedals and 2 keyboards
Need for shared accommodation (Submitted by Pastor Tim Posyluzny)
NEW AND EAGER recently arrived sponsored female refugee is currently seeking shared accommodation in Edmonton. Ideally a woman or couple open to sharing Canadian ways and learning about Eritrean culture. She is being supported by the Northern Area’s “Welcoming the Stranger” working group.
For more information please contact either:
Jason Dayman at jdayman@gmail.com (Our Savior—Edmonton)
Anne Marie Brose at brosean@yahoo.ca (Good Shepherd—Stony Plain)
Employment Opportunity: Hope Lutheran Church
Hope Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta, is looking to hire a part- time to full-time PARISH WORKER for a contract period of up to one year, to start between August 1 and August 31 (negotiable).
Who we are seeking: We are seeking to fill a parish worker posting for a part-time position up to a full-time position to plan, develop and implement both a seniors' outreach ministry and a dynamic and outgoing ministry directed to children and families in our community. Reporting directly to the Council Executive, this would be a contract position lasting up to one full year. For the ideal candidate, some or all of the features of this position may be negotiable.
To read the full job description please click here.
Updates from Worship.ca (the Worship Website of the ELCIC)
Where Two or Three are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies
The Program Committee for Worship of the ELCIC has commissioned Where Two or Three are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies, a series of worship outlines for the seasons of the church year using Evangelical Lutheran Worship as the primary resource. Each week’s worship orders include options for Holy Communion and Service of the Word.
Time of Creation in the Season after Pentecost
Sunday, September 1 – Sunday, September 29, 2019
Highlights from the August newsletter from the ELCIC National office include:
1) Stewardship resources
The ELCIC National Office will be sending out an email in the next few days highlighting the various stewardship resources that are available from the National Office. This email will be sent to all ELCIC congregations but if you would like to ensure you are on the email list, please contact tgallop@elcic.ca.
NEW this year, we will be holding a video session in September to help walk congregations through the stewardship resources that are available and some suggestions for how to use them. If you would like to make sure you receive information about this session, please email tgallop@elcic.ca.
2) Canada Lutheran Updates
Every congregation has special events and special people that Canada Lutheran 's readers would enjoy reading about. Why not take a moment to have someone write about one of them, take some photos to go with the story and send your material to the editor of your synod's section? Or send it to editor@elcic.ca and we'll pass it on for you.
3) Season of Creation
The ELCIC invites members and congregations to join with Christians of various traditions to observe a Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4, 2019 (sometimes called Time for Creation). The invitation is to observe a particular practice of connecting faith, worship, stewardship of creation and healthy relationships with the earth during this season. Begin your search for worship ideas here.
4) Climate Action Month Kairos will promote September as Climate Action Month to explore the climate crisis and highlight the work of their members and networks. On each day in September, an event, blog post, environmental challenge - or some combination of all three - will be posted and noted on a calendar on the KAIROS website. These will include regional, national, and international events and resources. Click here to learn more. To find out how you can become more engaged with KAIROS, contact Shannon Neufeldt at snefeldt@kairoscanada.org or 1-877-403-8933 ext. 222
5) Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts
This film, prepared by the Anglican Church's Primate's Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation and Justice, explores a devastating decision, made over 500 yeas ago, which continues to profoundly impact Indigenous and Settler people worldwide. More information can be found here.
The Larger ABT Synod Community
September 13-15 at Kuriakos
“A Tapestry of Sacred Stories: Yours, Mine, God’s"
This year’s speaker is Dr. Faith Nostbakken, Spiritual Director
and Northern Ecumenical Officer for our Synod.
Dear friends: As many of you may know, youth climate organizers, both globally and nationally, have called for mass participation in a Week of Climate Action in September book-ended by two general strikes on September 20 and 27.
In response to this call to action, and in solidarity with student organizers who have sacrificed so much, Citizens for Public Justice (Edmonton) proposes to hold an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on September 22, 2019. This event will take place from 7-9 PM on the steps of the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, and all faith communities are invited to participate.
Planning meetings for the vigil are currently underway. The next planning meeting is scheduled to take place:
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
7:00-8:30 PM
at the Offices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton (8421 – 101 Avenue)
We would love to see your faith community represented at this event. Please consider attending (or sending a rep) to this planning meeting to ensure your participation on Sept. 22nd and to help us plan a successful event.
To RSVP for the planning meeting, Reply here For more information about the vigil or about CPJ more generally, please contact Gabrielle at g.gelderman@hotmail.com
Oktoberfest in September Saturday, September 21, 6pm
Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, Camrose
Tickets include a German meal, sampling local craft beer and mead, and dancing to the Alumni Polka band.
“Tearing Down Walls to Freedom:
Luther’s Reformation of the Community"
The seminar will be led by Prof. Dr. Gordon Jensen, Saskatoon (Canada),
and Dr. Anupama Hial, Jeypore (India).
Interested pastors can contact the ABT Synod office for a nomination form. When completed it needs to be sent to National Bishop Susan Johnson for her signature. The deadline for application is September 20.
"A lot of pastors of LWF member churches participated in the previous international seminars, also a number of pastors from ELCiC. All of them went home enriched and very much satisfied. Therefore we encourage you to nominate again pastors of your church for the upcoming seminar." - The Rev. Inken Wöhlbrand, Director LWF Center Wittenberg
For more information on the educational opportunity click here
GSS: Spirituality and Wholeness Workshops 2019
For more information of the following two workshops and to register,
please see the following link: info and registration
Exploring Contemporary Christian Spirituality: Origins & Diversity Explore with us some of the diversity of mysterious ways the Spirit is moving to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Instructors: David Goa, Faith Nostbakken, Christopher Peet and guests
Thursdays Sept- Dec, 6:30-9:30pm
Join us for an evening service of prayer as Caretaker’s of God’s Creation.
Cost: by Donation
“Pope Francis wishes to remind us that: ‘Christians are called to an ecological conversion whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them.’ (Laudato Si, 217 & Vatican Resources on World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation.)
Facilitator: Lucie Leduc studied at the University of Alberta, Newman Theological College and Oblate School of Theology. Lucie has been the Executive Director of Star of the North Retreat Center since May 2012. She previously worked fourteen years as Program Coordinator for Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre in Saskatoon, SK.
Christian-Muslim Dialogue
"Heart of hospitality"
October 26
OUR MISSION: As Christians and Muslims, we strive to create spaces for gatherings where our faith communities can engage each other in order to overcome stereotypes and embrace our differences.
CMHA Alberta: Working Stronger - Work/Life Balance: Fact or Fiction? is two days of networking, information exchange and dialogue aimed at advancing workplace mental health in Alberta.
Taking place at Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton, Alberta, this mental health conference is best suited for anyone looking to enhance their workplaces mental health. Anyone actively involved--or wanting to be actively involved--in improving the mental health in any size workplace will find this conference extremely useful.
Early bird goes until August 23, 2019. Limited registrations available. While supplies last. Regular registration is $650 after August 23, 2019. All registration is subject to taxes and fees. For more information, visit the Working Stronger registration page by clicking here: https://www.regonline.com/registration/Checkin.aspx?EventID=2565530
Hastings Camp is holding an online silent auction for 5 original watercolour paintings by Alberta artist Jim Brager.
Bid on each painting in increments of $25.00 by emailing your bid to andrew@hastingslake.com or by calling the camp office at 780-662-2557. Bidding closes at 12pm on Friday, September 20. You may pickup your painting at the camp on Sunday, September 22 between 2:30-6pm or arrange for shipping at your own expense. Actual colour may vary due to computer screen settings.
All proceeds go towards our Trinity Lodge building project.
FAMILY ADVENTURE WEEKEND September 13-15 at Kuriakos
Age 7+
Work on your camping skills with your kids! We’ll cook on the fire, pack a canoe, and sleep outside (if you want to). Try building a shelter, identifying forest flora, or practicing your navigation skills.
If you’re up for it, you’ll also obtain your Paddle Canada Intro Lake Canoe certificate and go on an overnight canoe trip.
This program is designed for families to learn outdoor skills together so you can put these skills to use after camp. Family friends are welcome to join your family for the weekend!
Thanksgiving at the Lake and Fall Service Week October 11-13 and the week before
FREE!
This is our semi-annual service weekend when we will clean up camp and get ready for the winter. We will also join together in worship, campfire, conversation, and games. Volunteers of all abilities are welcome. Instructions and tools are provided. We can find a task to suit any skill set or age group. Check the website and call the camp if you plan to attend.
THANKSgiving Dinner and Volunteer Celebration on October 13 Worship at 3:30pm, dinner at 5pm
Volunteers from throughout the summer or year are invited to join!
Rev. Art Weiss - Executive Director, KURIAKOS
5-39317 Range Road 24 | Lacombe County AB T4E 2R7 Phone: 403 746-2702
Facilitator: Marg Daly
Marg returns for her 7th annual ladies retreat at Mulhurst Camp. Her gifts are teaching, team building, music, and pondering! Marg serves as music director at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Edmonton, administrative assistant at the ABT Synod Office, and teaches music privately.
Things we will do: Crafts, Singing and worship, Bible study, Puzzles, Eating and Being peaceful