I love the season of Epiphany
|
|
|
Rev. Robert Mohns, Lutheran Church–Canada’s West Regional Pastor, confesses that he is an "Epiphany Person" in his latest piece.
|
|
It is in the midst of the harshest and darkest days of winter that Epiphany announces God’s light, Christ Jesus, this world’s Saviour has come and His glory has been revealed.
|
|
Communications Director, here! Some updates:
Synod Convention FAQ: Soon to be released, both in The Canadian Lutheran as well as digitally.
Missions Media: Planning continues for the video on the Nicaragua Mission sites. Thank you to the team members who have submitted any photos or footage for use in this video. It is much appreciated! I continue to welcome any additional photos, videos, or comments from team members who have spent time in Nicaragua.
National Youth Gathering Video: A promotional video of sorts is in the works to share a brief history on the NYG and to welcome newcomers to NYG 2021. The first round of revisions are currently being done. Stay tuned!
InfoDigest: LCC's InfoDigest has undergone some visual changes! In the transition, which happened last Thursday, some items were missed or had missing elements. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and I have remedied any issues in this week's edition. As usual, I welcome your feedback at communications@lutheranchurch.ca to ensure that I understand what's working and what is not working!
In Christ,
Alex Steinke
|
|
Remember Lutheran Church–Canada's mission and ministry partners in prayer each week. Consider including the picture and biography of each missionary in your bulletins the same week you name them during General Prayers.
|
|
Rev. Suchart Chujit is Lutheran Church –Canada’s missionary at large in south Thailand and serves the Parish of Khok Kloi, consisting of 5 worshipping communities.
 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, we pray that You would sustain Rev. Suchart Chujit in Khok Kloi Parish in Thailand, by His Spirit and bless his labours for the sake of the Gospel, that Christ’s Kingdom might be extended further into the world; let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy.
|
|
- Rev. Todd Hoeffs - Currently serving Redeemer Lutheran Church (Winnipeg, MB)
Considering a call to Christ Lutheran Church (St. Catharines, ON)
- Rev. Michael Montague - Currently serving Christ Lutheran Church (Red Lake, ON)
Considering a call to Trinity Lutheran Church (Fisherville, ON)
- Rev. Jefrey Koenig - Candidate
Accepted a call to St. John’s Lutheran Church (Summerland, B.C.)
- Rev. Curtis Boehm - Currently serving Grace Lutheran Church (Edmonton, AB)
Considering a call to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Warman, SK)
|
|
|
SHARE INFODIGEST BY FORWARDING TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF YOUR CONGREGATION
Stories may be used in church bulletins, newsletters and announcements.
Please credit LCC InfoDigest.
You don’t have to wait for the InfoDigest e-mail. News is posted regularly on our website (Click the button below to check it out!)
|
|
|
NATIONAL: Looking to contact part-time/bivocational pastors in LCC
Rev. David Milette serves Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Moncton, NB) part time and also teaches ESL and FSL at local colleges. He would like to connect with other part-time or bivocational pastors across the synod, as well as those interested in supporting and connecting with pastors who can't always participate in circuit and other pastors' conferences. Please contact him at: d.milette.moncton@gmail.com.
-
NATIONAL: Moving Assistance Fund
A reminder that the initial deadline for LCC's new Synod-Wide Moving Assistance Fund is February 28, 2020. The MAF assists congregations in paying moving expenses when calling rostered church workers. For more information, and to apply, click HERE.
-
NATIONAL: Statistics for 2019
The new Annual Statistic Information Form has been sent out to congregations. The collection of this data keeps current the information found in the LCC Annual and provides a snapshot of activities across the Synod. Congregations are reminded that statistical information for 2019 will be due March 31, 2020. Direct any questions to Marlene Mohr mmohr@lutheranchurch.ca or call 204-895-3433 ext 224.
-
WEST: Bethel Lutheran Church seeks Youth Ministry Assistant
Bethel Lutheran Church (Sherwood Park, AB) is currently looking for a Youth Ministry Assistant to serve in a part-time contracted position. Applicants should be committed Lutheran Christians with a heart for young people. Coursework in youth ministry and prior experience would be an asset. Submission deadline is January 29, 2020. For more information or to apply, please contact: Michael Gillingham at: mgilingham@bethelchurch.com.
-
EAST: St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Colborne, Ontario, has sold their church building and parsonage. They will continue to receive our Lord's grace and mercy through Word and Sacrament at another location beginning Ash Wednesday. The final service and rite of Disposition of a Church Building will be Sunday February 23rd at 3:00 p.m., at 200 Erie St. in Port Colborne. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Everyone is invited.
Many items are available from St. Peter's as a donation to churches and service organizations, and for a small fee to individuals according to CRA rules. Please email stpeterslutheranchurch@cogeco.net for details and pictures. Items include: Stained glass windows 18" visible width and heights from 74.5" to 148", chairs and tables of various styles and sizes, AV equipment of various kinds and filmstrips, hundreds of bible pictures in a 1960s style and others, framed pictures of Last Supper and others, children's choir gowns, pianos, TLH and LW hymnals, Hymnal Supplement '98, bibles, and more. NOTE: The email link for St. Peter's has been updated. If you previously sent an email and it did not work, please try again.
-
EAST: Available from Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Kitchener, Ontario)
Please contact Historic St. Paul's Lutheran Church, located at 137 Queen Street, Kitchener, ON, at 519-745-4891 if you would like any of the items available. Please call during office hours, which are Monday-Thursday 9-1 p.m. First come, first served for all items listed.
- 4 swivel office chairs (Orange, brown, black, buff)
- 1 large swivel office chair (Black)
- 2 five drawer file cabinets 12-14” wide
- 2 two drawer file cabinets
- 2 computer tables triangular and square
- 1 small table 2’x3’x2’ (Brown)
- Several book cases
- 2 7’ wall units
- 2 computer keyboards
- 2 metal shelves
- 2 Board Room tables 8’ (Sturdy)
- 4 red board room chairs
- 5 orange cloth board room chairs
-
INTERNATIONAL: Bem-vindos ao Canada !
For decades lay people and pastors from Brazil have been part of Lutheran Church–Canada. They have participated in church life at the congregational and synodical levels. In fact, several pastors from the Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (IELB) have served in Canada. In the past three years the number of Brazilian Lutherans coming to Canada has accelerated.
In Montreal, for example, there have usually been 1 or 2 Brazilian students at a time attending de l'Ascension, Montréal since the 1990's. Three yeas ago, in addition to single students, young families started coming and participating in congregational life as well. Though some return to Brazil after their studies, many are staying in Quebec (4 families to date). They are a welcome and appreciated part of the diverse membership in Quebec's Lutheran churches, and are only part of the increasing Brazilan Lutheran immigration that has joined LCC.
-
WEST: Bus Option for the IMPACT Gathering
If you're interested in joining a bus from either Calgary or Vancouver to the youth gathering in Grand Forks, July 2-5, 2020, contact cochairs@impactyg.ca as soon as possible.
-
CENTRAL: Sign Letters available!
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (Winnipeg, MB) has recently converted to an electronic lawn sign. The previous sign letters are available to anyone who could use them (Description: Clear plastic with black writing; each letter/character is 19 cm x 25 cm). For more information, please contact: bslc@mts.net.
|
|
NATIONAL - ONGOING
Lutheran Foundation Canada, Christian Estate Planning - Call 877-711-4438 to book a free seminar at your congregation. Visit: lutheranfoundation.ca/seminars-and-webinars/
-
CENTRAL - FEBRUARY 20-21, 2020
Higher Things Retreat - Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina will host a Higher Things Retreat entitled "Watching With Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding" from February 20-21, 2020. Rev. Ted Giese will lead participants through a study of film from a Christian perspective. With the God-given wisdom found in the Bible, the Small Catechism, and the Confessions, anyone can gain knowledge and understanding when learning how to approach what they are viewing on the screens that surround us every day. Download an information packet here. Cost is $45USD/$60CAD per person. Register online here, or contact Rev. Ted Giese at (306) 543-9744/mountolive@sasktel.net or Tana McKenna at (888) 482-6630/retreats@higherthings.org.
-
EAST - FEBRUARY 21-23, 2020
"Living Faith in the Real World" Youth Retreat will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church (30 Erie Avenue North, Fisherville, Ontario) on February 21-23, 2020. This Retreat is for youth enrolled in Confirmation Classes as well as those who are already Confirmed (up to Grade 12). Cost is $35 for the entire weekend. Youth Leaders attend at no cost. Brochure and registration form will be available soon. Questions can be directed to Rita Rickus at trinityfisherville@gmail.com.
-
EAST - FEBRUARY 23, 2020
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Colborne, Ontario has sold their church building and parsonage. They will continue to receive our Lord's grace and mercy through Word and Sacrament at another location beginning Ash Wednesday. The final service and rite of Disposition of a Church Building will be Sunday February 23rd at 3:00 p.m., at 200 Erie St. in Port Colborne. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Everyone is invited.
-
WEST - FEBRUARY 23, 2020
125th Anniversary Service & proceeding Heritage Potluck - St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Stony Plain, Alberta) celebrates their 125th Anniversary on February 23, 2020, with a worship service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Heritage Potluck at SML Christian Academy gymnasium. All are welcome to join!
-
NATIONAL - FEBRUARY 28, 2020
Moving Assistance Fund - A reminder that the initial deadline for LCC's new Synod-Wide Moving Assistance Fund is February 28, 2020. The MAF assists congregations in paying moving expenses when calling rostered church workers. For more information, and to apply, click HERE.
-
CENTRAL - FEBRUARY 28-29 2020
New Lutheran Prayer Retreat - Most of us feel like our prayer life should be better than it is. Jesus' own disciples came to Him and said, "Lord, teach us to pray." We want to learn how to have quiet moments with You - how to be still, how to rest, how to listen. The LCC congregations of our Red River Circuit have created a retreat for just that. If only for a short time, we're going to leave life, create stillness, be present and let God act on us in His Word. The retreat is being held at St. Benedict's Retreat Centre on the Red River, just north of the perimeter, overnight from February 28-29, 2020. Arrive after work on Friday between 6:30-7:00 p.m. and stay until Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Pastor Beinert and Pastor Schnarr from our local congregations will facilitate entering into retreat with the Lord under the title: "Lord, teach us to pray." All meals, snacks and accommodations are included for a reasonable cost of $80 per person. But there are only 20 spaces available which will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis, so register quickly. Registration deadline is Monday, February 24, 2020. To register, email Pastor Schnarr at pastor@beautifulsavior.ca or call 204 997-7392.
-
EAST - FEBRUARY 28-29, 2020
MEN'S RETREAT - Holy Cross (Guelph, Ontario) will hold its annual Men's Retreat Weekend February 28-29, 2020 at the Guelph Bible Conference Centre. Registration is open to all men, including those who are not members of Holy Cross. Registration deadline is February 23, 2020. For more information and the registration form, visit: http://www.holycrosskitchener.org/mens-retreat
-
WEST - MARCH 4-6, 2020
SABBATH 2020 Conference - Sabbath 2020, a conference for deacons, non-rostered workers, and others who serve in similar ways, will be held March 4-6, 2020, at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta. The theme for 2020 is Vocation and the Future of Church Work, with Rev. Curtis Boehm as the main speaker. The conference fee is $150 for in-person (includes program and meals) and $30 for online participation. A very important business meeting will be held March 6 to discuss the future of our conference. If you are part of the Sabbath community, please plan to attend the online business meeting even if you can't attend the conference. Registration deadline is February 1, 2020. Register here: https://forms.gle/WShad8vnyfR7gf1r9. Please contact Jenn Frim at jfrim@concordiasem.ab.ca for more details.
-
WEST - APRIL 24-26, 2020
LWMLC Spring Retreat - The LWMLC Parkland Zone's Spring Retreat "Unquenchable Joy" will be held on April 24-26, 2020, at the 4H Centre, Westerose in Alberta, with guest speaker, Grace Fox. For more information, click Here.
-
WEST - JULY 2-5, 2020
IMPACT Youth Gathering - Online registration for the IMPACT Youth Gathering registration package is now open. All LCC youth and leaders are invited for a weekend of community, growth, and equipping centered on Christ from July 2-5, 2020, at Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, B.C. For more information, visit: www.impactyg.ca
-
EAST - JULY 26-31, 2020
Lutheran Catechetic Family Camp - Taking place July 26-31, 2020 at Camp Pioneer (Angola, NY), this event can be described as a confirmation camp for all ages! It will include liturgical worship, solid preaching, and lots of outdoor and indoor activities. Registration is open to families, singles and couples of all ages. This year the theme is “Life in Christ” and the teaching will be led by attending pastors and seminary professors (CLTS), as well as Lutherans in Africa (LST). To register, visit: www.pioneercamp.org (Select Summer Camps/Family Camp). Contact info@pioneercamp.org with any questions.
|
|
Rev. Robert Bauer (Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Edmonton) is currently in Good Samaritan Nursing Home, where he is very ill and may be approaching death. Please keep him in prayer.
Rev. Peter Gatluak (Outreach Ministry, Hamilton, Ontario) would like to share the following update, in gratitude:
Psalm 9:1 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." I would like to inform you that Mary, my wife, who suffered with colon cancer since October of 2018 and completed treatment in September of 2019, has been retested. It showed that there is no cancer anymore and all is clear. We thank God for He answered our prayer.
|
|
An Offering of Thanksgiving
But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ - Matthew 3:15
God sent His Son into the world to fulfill all righteousness for us, to do what we could not do. Jesus plunges Himself into our sins and soaks them up in His Baptism, so that in our Baptism we might be cleansed and renewed. The whole of Jesus’ life, everything He did and said, was one great offering to the Father in our stead to fulfill all righteousness for us. All our offerings back to our Lord are in thanksgiving for this one great, true offering.
When you support your church through your offerings, your act of thanksgiving provides resources to share the gospel. At some point your offerings will stop, yet you still have an opportunity when you die, to be a great benefactor and steward. Giving thanks through a charitable gift in your will might be the most significant offering you will ever create.
To learn how you can develop a charitable gift either in life or in death, please speak with a Foundation representative or visit our website at www.lutheranfoundation.ca.
|
|
|
3-year and 1-year Series available HERE.
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY AND THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD
(February 2, 2020)
1 Samuel 1:21–28
Hebrews 2:14–18
Luke 2:22–32 (33–40)
God Gives the Gift of a Child to Destroy Death
The Lord opened the barren womb of Hannah and gave her the gift of the son for whom she prayed, and in grateful response she presented and gave the child, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. “As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:28). So, too, did Mary and Joseph present the Child promised from the fall, born of a virgin’s womb. The true offering wasn’t the turtledoves or young pigeons. It was the Child they carried. This Child has come to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:14b–15). Set free by His advent in our flesh and the promise of what He would do “in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17b), Simeon and Anna rejoiced, and we with them, for we know that we, too, can face death unafraid and “depart in peace” (Luke 2:29) when our time comes.
|
|
|
SHARE YOUR NEWS!
Submission Guidelines
Submissions should include the following (if applicable):
- Location (including full address), Date, Time.
- Link to your church or community's website (where readers can find more information).
- Link to your church or community's social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
- Please, no attachments.
- Provide link to web page for more information, attachments, etc.
NOTE: Announcements will be printed for up to two weeks upon receipt; please submit accordingly. Please submit by 9:00 am CDT on Wednesday prior to publication.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the InfoDigest or if you have found any errors or omissions. You can reach us by clicking the button below!
|
|
|
|
|
|
