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 Wednesday's Word must be received by noon Tuesday the day before publication. 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.
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Click here to begin: “Wednesday’s Word” and then choose the current edition from the list.
Announcements and Prayers for Weekly Worship - June 9 and 16
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. June 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 Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the ELCIC, and for the National Church staff
for Bishop Larry Kochendorfer as he attends the Lutheran World Federation council meeting, June 13-18
for Rev. Jeff Decelle, Dean, and the Southern Area Ministry Team, Rostered Ministers, and people
for the pastor and/or diaconal minister of [your congregation]
for Grace Lutheran, Hinton
for all in our church who work for ecumenical cooperation, seeking the unity of the church
for rostered members and people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
for The Right Rev. Jane Alexander, Anglican bishop of Edmonton, and the staff, priests, and people of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton
for the officers and people of the Salvation Army of Canada
ELCIC The dean, council, and congregations of the Weyburn Conference of the Saskatchewan Synod
ACC The theological colleges and training programs within the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario: Canterbury College, Huron College, Renison College, the Anglican Studies Program at Saint Paul University, Thorneloe University, Trinity College, Wycliffe College
_____
June 16, 2019: The Holy Trinity
for Bishop Greg Mohr of the BC Synod, and for the synod staff, rostered ministers and people
for all Area council members and [your congregation] council members
for the pastors and chaplains of health care institutions, correctional institutions, and other special ministries
for Bethany, Hughenden, and Peace Lutheran, Innisfail
for the pastors, pilots and staff of the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots
for the bishops, priests and people of the Church of Iceland
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 pastors and people of the Mennonite Churches of Canada
ELCIC The dean, council, and congregations of the Regina Conference of the Saskatchewan Synod
ACC Archbishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, clergy, and people of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land
1. Prayer for Fires in Alberta. This prayer is adapted from a prayer the United Church of Canada posted for all those impacted by fires in BC in June 2018.
God of Creation,
We live in a world where both beauty and danger surround us.
Receive our prayers for those impacted by, and living in fear of, the wildfires in Alberta: for all who cannot find adequate food, safety, or shelter…
for all who have lost their homes, churches, community centers, and workplaces…
for all your glorious natural Creation that has been destroyed and is in harm’s way…
for all things, places, and place that are in need of healing. We pray and ask that you help heal the pain of all affected.
Strengthen with your presence all who are numb with fear and distress.
Guide those who anxiously search or wait for loved ones.
Be near those who are grieving and bless them with your peace.
In the midst of disaster, we give thanks for moments of generosity and human-kindness.
Grant tenderness, strength, and wisdom…
to doctors and nurses, police and military, fire-fighters and emergency responders;
to the wildlife conservationists and stewards of the earth;
to all who minister to human need in our time of distress.
We gather these prayers with the assurance that you already know our needs,
And are always with us.
Amen.
2. In Memoriam: Bishop Marlin Aadland (BC Synod)
Bishop Marlin died very peacefully May 30 at 11:30 pm. Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Let us remember Jeanette, Jeff, Jill and their families in our prayers. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 7, at 11:00 am, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Surrey, BC (2350 - 148th Street).
May the following guide our prayer:
"Eternal God, you gave Marlin a new birth in baptism and entrusted him to us to know and to love. As we thank you for the life we shared, help us now to release him to your mighty keeping. Bring us all to that day when we shall stand in your presence with all your saints in light eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen." (Pastoral Care, p. 224)
"O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (Pastoral Care, p. 230)
3. Prayer for ELCIC as they prepare for their Convention July 10-13
The 2019 ELCIC National Convention will lift up some of the key strategic priorities in the 2017-2022 ELCIC National Office Strategic Plan, including Reconciled Relationships which speaks to a vision of an inclusive church, Indigenous justice and reconciliation, ecumenical and interfaith partnerships, challenging racism and privilege, working with diverse allies, healthy relationships with the earth, and striving for peace.
Gracious God, prepare the hearts and minds of all those who will attend our national convention, provide safe travel, and give all delegates wisdom as they seek your direction with regard to reconciling relationships and building new partnerships.
4. A Call to Prayer for Election of The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) Primate:
Five Bishops Nominated. The ACC General Synod will choose a new Primate, to replace the retiring Archbishop Fred Hiltz in Vancouver this July. The nominated Bishops are: The Right Rev. Jane Alexander (Edmonton), The Most Rev. Ron Cutler (Nova Scotia & PEI, and Metropolitan of Canada), The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson (Calgary, and Metropolitan of Rupert's Land), The Right Rev. Linda Nicholls (Huron), and The Right Rev. Michael Oulton (Ontario).
Almighty God,giver of all good gifts, look on your Church with grace, and guide the minds of those who shall choose a Primate for The Anglican Church of Canada, that a faithful servant will be elected who will care for your people and support all in their ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. Prayer for those facing difficulties: The Rev. Greg and Jocelyn Smith (Interim-Nazareth Lutheran, Standard) request prayers for their son Seth and Jocelyn's sister Maureen.
Seth is now at home following diagnosis with severe ADHD at the Children's Hospital in Calgary and has begun at a new school which has a program to meet his needs.
Maureen, from Yellowknife, was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and is continuing treatment in Edmonton.
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)
6. Prayer for Illness: Rev. Scott Brown (retired – Edmonton) has recently been diagnosed with rectal cancer and will be beginning treatment the week of May 13. The treatment will be followed by several weeks of rest and then surgery. Pr. Scott and Pamela welcome your 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)
7. Prayer for Illness UPDATE:Karen Goldstone, Faith Life Coordinator at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmonton and spouse of Pastor George Friedrich and mother to Gina, has been given an updated prognosis that includes several years or more, and is currently undergoing an aggressive chemotherapy regime which will last six months. Prayers for healing, minimal side effects from chemo, 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)
8. 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)
SYNODICAL NEWS and EVENTS
Bishop Larry Kochendorfer's Summer 2019 Message will be available in the June 19 edition of WW
For previous messages look on the Synod website under: Bishop's Letters
Marg Daly, administrative assistant, will be taking vacation time June 17-24 and be back in the office June 25
For general inquiries please contact Synod office at: mdaly@elcic.ca; 780-439-2636; toll-free at 1-866-430-2636. Synod Office Staffing Schedule: June 5 - North Edmonton Cluster - +Larry and Pr. Prema June 6 - Trinity, Whitehorse - Rostered Ministers (ZOOM) +Larry
June 7 - Synod Candidacy Committee - Edmonton +Larry and Pr. Prema
June 9 - Pentecost Sunday - Shepherd of the Hills and Abundant Life Chinese, Calgary +Larry
June 10 - East Central Rostered Ministers Retreat - +Larry June 11-20 - LWF Council - Geneva +Larry
June 26 - Synod Executive - +Larry and Pr. Prema
June 30 - Ordination and Installation for AnnE Zimmerman, Cold Lake - +Larry
July 2-5 - +Larry holiday
July 10 - NCC, Regina - +Larry
July 11-13 - ELCIC National Convention, Regina +Larry and Pr. Prema (& 28 delegates from ABT Synod)
July 16-August 6 - +Larry away from the office
August 16-23 - Women's Ministry Retreat, Lutheran Church of Colombia: ABT Synod participants - Pastor Barbara Groote and Cathy Kochendorfer
August 28 - Advent Lutheran Church Council - +Larry
Rev. Prema Samuel
Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life
Reflections on day one in the office: June 3, 2019
"Beautifully quiet with warm welcomes,
support and encouragement"
Advance Notice for our ABT Synod Churches: National Bishop Susan C. Johnson will prepare a sermon for use in congregations on the Sunday following convention, July 14. While traditionally prepared for use by a lay leader in the absence of a Rostered Minister who has been selected as a delegate for convention, all congregations are encouraged to use this message from our National Bishop.
September 21 – Southwest
October 5 – North
October 19 – West & East Central
October 26 - Southern
Curious?
Stay tuned for more information!
ABT Synod Annual All Ministry Team Gathering
together with Synod Treasurer, Paul Ellison, and Congregational treasurers.
Good Shepherd, Red Deer. May 25.
A day of learning, sharing, worship and food!
ABT Synod National Convention 2019 Delegates Gathering
June 1...a great day!
See you in Regina!
CLAY 2020...thanks for the invite and conversation Team.
See you at SAIT, Calgary 2020.
Pastors Don Bolstad and Louis Morin
with Bishop Larry
at
Vang Lutheran
for the 120th Anniversary, June 2, 2019
Synod Council Talking Points
ABT Synod Council met in retreat March 28-30
at Camp Kuriakos, Sylvan Lake
Talking Points #5 and Final:
Dates have been set for the next Area gatherings. The dates for fall 2019 Area Gatherings are: Southwestern – September 21, Northern – October 5, East and West Central – October 19, and Southern – October 26. Dates for 2020, the first year into the new cycle of conventions, will be as follows: Northern/East and West Central – May 2, Southern – May 9, and Southwestern – May 23.
Bishop Larry informed Council of the tour arranged throughout the Synod with Dr. Bill Harrison, President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon. The seminary is in the process of planning many changes as they transition to a new way to be the seminary which reflects changes in the ways of delivering education to students. Dr. Harrison will speak at various venues throughout the Synod.
The 2018 Synod Convention Manager, Wendy Christiansen-Grosfield forward her report of the Synod Convention. The convention came in under budget and the comments received were all very positive, especially regarding the noon break out sessions. A revised Convention Manual was approved by Synod Council.
Three Synod members have been trained in the process called Healthy Boundaries. Two pastors and one lay member were sent to Toronto to take the training. They are now certified to train other pastors and members here in ABT Synod. There will be a Healthy Boundaries session Edmonton on Oct.9 and a session in Calgary on Oct. 10. Watch Wednesday’s Word for more information and details on these.
The JDDJ was signed twenty years ago, on Reformation Day – October 31, 1999. The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was initially signed by the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church. It was this document that paved the way for the development of the document From Conflict toCommunion (2013) and the joint commemoration of the Reformation in 2016 at Lund, Sweden. The Lutheran World Federation will be creating a liturgy based on this document for an ecumenical worship service on June 16, 2019 in Geneva. This document may well serve as a springboard for local ecumenical church groups to study and reflect on the document and perhaps use the liturgy at their local level.
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
ELCIC Global Missions Consultation
May 21-23, 2019
in Edmonton, AB
Held at Providence Renewal Centre
Pictured here are Cynthia Zamora and Paulina Dasse from ELCA Global Missions with ABT Synod Participants Patricia Hoeppner and Bishop Larry
Excerpt from the May ELCIC E-Communique:
With Passion for the Church and the World: LWF Strategy 2019-2024
The Lutheran World Federation recently released With Passion for the Church and the World which sets out the strategic priorities for the coming years. The priorities are (1) supporting churches' presence and vibrant witness in the world and (2) promoting human dignity, justice and peace. The full text is available for download here. The Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, LWF General Secretary, will be with us at our 2019 National Convention.
The theme of the 2019 National Convention is, Called to Journey Together: The Ministry of Reconciliation. It is based around 2 Corinthians 5:18, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation."
This convention theme lifts up our priority of Reconciled Relationships. Each day of the gathering will look more deeply at different areas/aspects of this overall theme.
ABT Synod Youth Gathering Follow-Up:
Our Church Our Story Our World
Forty-Seven people including youth, home team leaders and speakers participated at the youth retreat at Hastings Lake Lutheran Bible Camp May 3-5.
Keynote: Pastor Heidi Wachowiak
Storytellers: Kristen Kirkwood and Seth Perry
Quote from Pr. Heidi: “Jesus loved without caution”
Mental Health Moment # 4 Mental Health Video Discussion Resources Available
Bulletin Inserts on Mental Health Issues is a good way to provide your congregation with information about mental health issues. One in four families sitting in our pews has a family member dealing with a mental illness. Unfortunately, many are suffering in silence. Congregational members need information and examples of how they can be supportive and provide care to persons suffering with mental illness. Mental Health Ministries www.mentalhealthministries.net has a few examples of bulletin inserts you can download free to begin with.
CONGREGATION NEWS and EVENTS
Vacation Bible School
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
11223-51 Ave NW
July 22-26, 9am-noon
Ages 4 - Grade 6
Who is My Neighbor?” invites children and youth to re-imagine what it means to be neighbors in Christ. Based on the Good Samaritan story, this five-day program contains skits, games, crafts, snacks and intentional activities for children to enjoy and learn how our faith calls us out into the world to love and serve our neighbors. All are welcome!
As Rostered Ministers are planning their holidays, perhaps you are looking for a means to provide a sermon to your congregation on Sundays. Look no further! A national resource overseen by the Program Committee for Worship http://www.worship.ca/ called Sermons by Email, is available to your congregation on Sundays when the rostered leader is away. Simply send an email to Pastor Jane Gingrich: jdgingrich11@gmail.com - a minimum of two weeks before the Sunday on which the sermon is required (and up to one year in advance, if you're that kind of planner). This resource is also available on a weekly basis to ELCIC congregations who are without a pastor/rostered leader. If you have any questions, simply contact Pastor Jane Gingrich at the email address above.
Needed... two gently used change tables
If you can help, please call
Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Edmonton
at 780 437-3327.
Thank you.
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A Home Away From Home
Martin Luther House in Edmontonoffers a
“home away from home” and intentional Christian community for five student residents. Ideally located, just steps away from the U of A Campus, the nearby LRT offers quick access to MacEwan and NAIT students. Grocery stores are a few minutes’ walking distance. Rent-for-a-student-budget includes utilities, internet, laundry, furnished bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and kitchen.
Application deadline Extended to June 30 To advertise this on your church bulletin boards, download a printable letter-sized poster here: ML House - Poster
LUTHERANS and ANGLICANS in the WORLD NEWS and EVENTS
Saturday, June 22, 2019
4:30-7:00pm
St. Thomas Anglican Church
4A Raven Dr, Sherwood Park, AB
Movie and Conversation: Doctrine of Discovery
This film is one of the responses of the Anglican Church’s Primate’s Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation and Justice to Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action (2015). The purpose of this film is to respond to the calls to action by helping to provide education and insight into the racist foundations of many of our property and other laws still in existence to this day.
Following the film, we will have time for conversation and reflection over soup and bannock.
Three award-winning Colombian human rights defenders visited the Lutheran World Federation on 27-28 May as part of a European tour to raise awareness of the dangers and difficulties faced by so many people working for justice and peace in the country today.
According to the Somos Defensores [We Are Advocates] network which monitors attacks against human rights defenders, 2018 was one of the worst years ever for these activists and social leaders in Colombia, with over 800 attacks and 155 murders reported.
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
Compassionate Connections: Education through
Hospice Calgary
For over 30 years, Hospice Calgary has offered palliative and hospice care, support during advanced illness, and grief counselling to patients and clients in Calgary and Area.
In March 2019 we began our newmonthlyeducation program:Dying to Know.
This 4-session program is open to anyone interested in the variety of topics that we will be covering related to death and dying. The last session in this series is:
JUNE 11 - Funeral Planning Janine Violini and Jamie Whittaker return for the second part of their Crows in a Row program. In this session we’ll discuss aspects of funeral planning and obituaries. The objective of these conversations is to alleviate stress by helping obtain a sense of empowerment, peace of mind, and completion.
All Dying to Know sessions are at Sage Centre (1245 70 Avenue SE Calgary) with free parking available in front of the building and across the street at Trail Appliances. To register for our seminars, for current information on our education opportunities and to access additional resources, visit our website at: www.hospicecalgary.ca or contact our team ...
By email: info@hospicecalgary.ca By phone: 403-263-4525
CAMP NEWS Mulhurst Camp - Your Place in the Son!
Pioneer Day: June 27, 10am-4pm
Yee-hah! We are looking forward to a great group of Pioneers to again show that they are the "Best in the West."
Join us for coffee, fellowship, devotion, country singing and a hot lunch.
Call Carmen at the Camp to let them know you are coming: 780-389-4355.
Job requirements, contact information, and more can be found here: Mulhurst: Job Posting
On Sunday, June 23, we will be holding our annual Rally Day. As part of this event, we will be holding a "Cut It or Don't Cut It Fundraiser" featuring our long haired Camp Manager, Andrew Carlson. You may donate to the "Cut It Fund" or to the "Don't Cut It Fund" and whichever fund is bigger at the end of the day, decides the fate of Andrew's hair.
You may donate at any time leading up to June 23. Andrew likes his hair, so the reserve is set at combined total (cut it and don't cut it funds) of $5,000. If you can't make it on June 23, you can donate online.
ELCIC Global Missions Consultation
