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 (July 16) the day before publication. Next edition: Wednesday, July 17, 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 - July 7 and 14
Summer Camp updates (Mulhurst, Hastings Lake, and Kuriakos)
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Prayer for those facing difficulties: The Rev. Greg and Jocelyn Smith (Interim-Nazareth Lutheran, Standard) request continued prayers for their son Seth and Jocelyn's sister Maureen that were detailed in previous editions of Wednesday's Word.
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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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 Message"
For summer 2019, the Message from the Bishop's Office has been written by Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life Rev. Prema Samuel.
July 3-5 - +Larry on holiday 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 11 - Final Service at St. Paul's (Mill Creek), Edmonton - +Larry and Pr. Prema August 13 - Synod Council Executive Meeting -+Larry August 16-23 - Women's Ministry Retreat, Lutheran Church of Colombia: ABT Synod participants - Pastor Barbara Groote and Cathy Kochendorfer August 21-25 - +Larry in Whitehorse
August 24 - Consecration/Installation - Lesley Wheeler-Dame, Whitehorse - +Larry August 28 - Advent Lutheran Church Council - +Larry
September 3-5 - National Church Council - +Larry
September 12-14 - Synod Council Meetings at Mulhurst Camp - +Larry
September 14 - Installation of Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Prema Samuel - All synod staff
September 15 - Good Shepherd, Red Deer - +Larry
We often focus on the destination, but life is all about the journey.We are all on a journey. Maybe that sounds cliché, but it’s true. Our stories are unfinished, works in progress – we are En Route! And our journey causes us to ask some big questions along the way: Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? Where do I belong?
Jesus was on a journey too: a journey that led him up mountain passes and down wilderness trails, from the Jordan River to the streets of Jerusalem. En Route together, we’ll explore the paths that Jesus travelled, and perhaps learn more about our own journey along the way. Because Jesus isn’t just waiting around for us to arrive at our final destination. Jesus meets us on the road.
"Weren’t our hearts on fire within us as Jesus was talking with us on the road, and as he was opening the scriptures for us?” (Luke 24:32)
During the ELCIC National Convention to be held July 11-13 in Regina, all delegates and guests are asked to wear black in solidarity with the world-wide movement speaking out against gender based violence for people of all ages and races and in homes, schools, work places, churches and communities.
Remember to wear black on Thursday July 11 - or any Thursday!
National Bishop Susan C. Johnson has prepared 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.
Sermon Intro: "Today’s gospel is a very well known and well loved passage of scripture. It is used to illustrate the greatest commandment—to love God with all your being and to love your neighbour as yourself. It answers the question “who is my neighbour” by demonstrating that the neighbour is the one to provide kindness and assistance to anyone who is in need. It’s a text about justice and compassion. It’s a text about reconciliation."
We welcomed Lorelei Betke to the position of Alberta Insert Editor as of November 2018. She has been accepted into a Masters program at U of A and has therefore given notice that juggling family, a full-time job and studies will more than take up the time she has. We thank her for her work these past eight months. Best wishes Lorelei!
Starting work for the October/November edition of the Alberta Insert of Canada Lutheran is Richard Janzen:
"Richard Janzen has a master’s degree in comparative literature from the University of Alberta. He has worked in a wide variety of jobs, from beekeeping to flight attendant. He has spent the most time, however, working with words. He has written and edited texts ranging from academic books to science fiction, from marketing high-tech products to community grant proposals.
He is mostly a stay-at-home dad who has three kids, ranging in age from 6 to 13. He lives with his wife and kids on an acreage between Calgary and Okotoks, where he is getting back to his farming roots by planting really big gardens and accumulating as many small animals as the county will allow.
Richard was raised in the Mennonite church in Manitoba, and began attending Lutheran campus ministry at the U of A. Outside of a 4½-year sojourn at an Anglican church in Newfoundland (there are no Lutherans on The Rock!), he has attended a Lutheran church ever since. He and his family are members at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Cross in Calgary.
Friendly reminder: all submission requests for Canada Lutheran should go directly to the synod office.
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
Ordination and Installation: Rev. AnnE Zimmerman
June 30, 2019
Lakeland Lutheran, Cold Lake
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
We received information from the Marriage Unity of Vital Statistics Service Alberta regarding issues they are facing with Clergy who are registered to solemnize marriage in Alberta. It came as information to the Synod Office to pass along and request that all those doing weddings are aware of the rules for clergy doing weddings.
"It has come to our attention that there are numerous clergy in Alberta who are soliciting couples and advertising their services outside of their religious organizations by way of personal websites, social media, etc. In some cases, these clergy do not indicate any affiliation with their religious group and/or offer various types of marriage ceremonies that might not have anything to do with the religious body they are registered under. A recent audit has also revealed that there are clergy who are registered under the Marriage Act who do not perform any marriages and may not/no longer meet the legislative requirements.
Under the Marriage Act, registration of clergy is only to be made to meet the needs of the organization for marriage services in connection with a congregation, branch or local unit in Alberta of the religious body. We are attaching a summary of legislation that applies to registering clergy for the purposes of lawfully solemnizing marriages in accordance with the rites and usages of the religious organization they are registered with. (Summary here.)
Clergy registration is not to be used for any other purpose. Registrations that are requested in excess of the need of the organization; or requested contrary to the requirements of the Marriage Act may be rejected or subsequently cancelled."
Thank you for adhering to these provincial rules.
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.
There are many other ways to stay informed with all things convention related including:
New releases. Email info@elcic.ca with "subscribe" in the subject link to receive news releases from the National Convention and National Office.
Facebook - like the ELCIC Facebook page and also post your own updates and highlights from convention using the #ELCICconv and #myELCIC hashtags.
Web streaming - One again the National Convention will be live streamed. Links will be posted via the ELCIC website.
CONGREGATION NEWS and EVENTS
Dedication Service for Addition: St. Paul's Rolly View
"St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rolly View celebrated the dedication of its beautiful new addition on Sunday, June 23rd followed by lunch and fellowship enjoyed by all. This spacious two storey wing, equipped with a lift to accommodate the needs of those with mobility issues, was completed at a cost of $620,000 and is entirely debt free! Guest preacher for this special occasion was the congregation's former Pastor Howard Mastin who shared a challenging message. Pastor Mastin noted that at a time when some churches are closing their doors and others are declining, with the opening of its new facility St. Paul's is announcing: "We're open for business!" St. Paul's is committed to serving the needs of the community in Jesus' name. To God be the glory, great things He has done and will do!" - submitted by Pastor Dennis Aicken
"May this addition be a home for the community and a haven for the stranger; a safe place for laughter, for tears, and for wonder; and a center for acts of service and deeds of love." - excerpt from a letter to St. Paul's written by Bishop Larry.
Summer Evening Worship: Our Savior, Edmonton
18345-62B St NW, Edmonton
"The Shift", Thursdays @ 6pm, continuing through September 5th
For those who are unable to join us on Sunday mornings for whatever reason, here is an opportunity to maintain consistency in worship and fellowship."The Shift" will incorporate elements of the previous Sunday's worship (music, scripture, message) with a fresh twist. So mark your calendars and plan to make "The Shift" a part of your summer plans.
Campfire and Holden Evening Prayer : Edmonton Area
All are invited to join Lutherans from across the greater Edmonton area in sharing a monthly city-wide midweek service at Hawrelak Park (follow the signs!). We will be using the beautiful liturgy of Holden Evening Prayer, booklets will be provided.
July 17 at 9PM: Holden Evening Prayer for Nite Owls, and make smores afterwards.
August 21 at 7PM:Holden Evening Prayer geared towards families. Those who would like to share a meal prior to the service are invited to come at 6PMBYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) and enjoy a relaxing family outing.
In general, please bring a chair, a hat, a water bottle, and join us - the congregations of Ascension, Holy Spirit, Our Savior, and Trinity who are hosting these events.
In the case of unfavorable weather the services will be held at Holy Spirit, 11223 51 Avenue. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Barbara Groote at Ascension. 780 469 2421
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!
Our Savior Lutheran, Edmonton is currently searching for candidates for two part-time, positions:
1) Custodian, 4-6 hours per week. Light duty work. Pay commensurate with experience and training.
2) Office Administrator, 40-45 hours per month. Job sharing with the current Administrator is a possibility for the right candidate. Excellent computer skills a must. Pay commensurate with experience and training.
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
Sept- Dec, 6:30-9:30pm
For a poster link
To register on line
LUTHERANS and ANGLICANS in the WORLD NEWS and EVENTS
“As people of faith, we are called to live in right relationship with creation and not exhaust it.”
LWF Assembly Resolution on Climate Change
The 2019 guide for the annual Season of Creation campaign engaging the global church family in prayer and action on behalf of creation is now available. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) invites its member churches and congregations to join in this year’s initiative and use the ecumenical resource featuring the theme “Web of Life” with a focus on biodiversity.
“Human beings are called to care for creation. Lutherans affirm that our baptismal promises motivate us to protect all creatures and faithfully keep the land from which we live, work and worship,” says Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer, LWF study secretary for Lutheran Theology and Practice.
For more information on the work within LWF please click on the links of here
For info on the work within ELCIC please check this link
Churches pledge support for Colombia’s human rights defenders | The Lutheran World Federation
"Speakers at the 7 June panel discussion in Geneva denounced the widespread violence and human rights violations that continue in Colombia, despite the signing of a 2016 peace agreement between the government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The accords officially ended more than half a century of armed conflict with that guerrilla group, which resulted in over 200,000 deaths, a further 100,000 disappearances and an estimated eight million displaced people."
To read more from the meeting about being a prophetic voice for justice and peace in Colombia today check the following link: June 7 2019 Meeting Report
COMMUNITY NEWS
CPJ welcomes the newly legislated Poverty Reduction Act
Update to an posting in
Wednesday's Word March 13, 2019...
On Friday, June 21, the Poverty Reduction Act, legislating the federal poverty reduction strategy (PRS), was entrenched in law.
For the past decade, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and the Dignity for All campaigns have called for a national anti-poverty strategy for Canada that is comprehensive, rights-based, legislated and fully funded. “It is an important step forward for the federal poverty reduction strategy to see this legislation pass,” states Darlene O’Leary, CPJ’s socio-economic policy analyst. “Legislation of the strategy has been a key demand of our campaign from the very beginning.”
For more information on this and other projects, go to https://cpj.ca/
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
Summer camps at Hastings are filling up according to Andrew Carlson, Camp Manager:
"We'd encourage everyone who's planning to attend to register quickly."
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Staff Alumni Retreat:
September 20-22, 2019
To register for all camps and retreats at Hastings visit the website at:
Programs for all ages include our new Adventure Weeks (with an overnight canoe trip), Skills Camp (sports or Music and Drama), and Family or Adults weeks. We'd love to have you join our community!
