July 4, 2019

The latest news and views from CanadianLutheran.ca

HEADLINES

Anyuak pastor installed in Winnipeg
On June 22, 2019, Rev. Oboya Ochalla was ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Winnipeg where he will focus on outreach to the Anyuak and Amharic communities. Rev. Ochalla is a graduate of LCC's Pastors with Alternate Training program. READ MORE

Former ABC District Youth Gathering reveals new name, logo
The planning committee for the former ABC District Youth Gathering has announced that it will now be called the IMPACT Youth Gathering. READ MORE

Ministry wives meet in Alberta
The Alberta Ministry Wives Retreat was held May 3-5, 2019, at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute in Camrose, Alberta. READ MORE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOUNDATION ANNOUNCEMENT - Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries, operating as Lutheran Foundation Canada, has announced the departure of David Faerber as Gift Coordinator serving the East Region of Lutheran Church – Canada, as of June 28, 2019. “We wish David God’s blessings as he pursues other opportunities,” stated Allen Schellenberg, the Foundation’s Executive Director. Lutheran Foundation Canada will immediately undertake a search for a new Gift Coordinator. In the meantime, Allen Schellenberg will ensure gift planning services within the East Region continues and existing commitments are met, until a new Gift Coordinator is in place.

CALLS / CHANGES

• Rev. Timothy Barone - Currently serving Calvary Lutheran (Thunder Bay, ON).
  Declined a call to Christ Lutheran (St. Catharines, ON).
  Declined a call to Prince of Peace Lutheran (Burlington, ON.)
• Rev. Brian Falkenholt - Currently serving Christ Lutheran (Thunder Bay, ON).
  Declined a call to Trinity Lutheran (Fisherville, ON).
• Rev. John Nieminen - Currently serving Trinity/Zion Lutheran (Neudorf/Melville, SK).
  Considering a call to St. Andrews Lutheran (Halifax, NS).
• Rev. Fred Rink - Currently serving Bethlehem Lutheran (Vancouver, BC).
  Declined a call to Zion/Vanderhoof (Prince George/Vanderhoof, BC).
  Considering a call to Hope Lutheran (Victoria, BC).
• Rev. Will Rose - Currently serving Redeemer Lutheran, Portage la Praire, MB.
  Considering a call to Cypress Parish (Swift Current, Maple Creek, Pontiex, SK).
• Rev. Michael Schutz - Currently serving Concordia Lutheran (Penticton, BC).
  Considering a call to Hope Lutheran (Port Coquitlam, BC).
• Rev. Mark Schultz - Currently serving Zion Lutheran (Rimbey, AB).
  Considering a call to Our Saviour Lutheran (Fort Qu'Appelle, SK).

COMING EVENTS

• NATIONAL - Ongoing
  Lutheran Foundation Canada, Christian Estate Planning - Call 877-711-4438 to book a free seminar at your congregation. lutheranfoundation.ca/seminars-and-webinars/
• WEST - July-August, 2019
  CAMP Luther - Space is filling up fast Camp Luther on Hatzic Island in Hatzic Lake (Mission, B.C.). There are about 20 spaces still available for the last two weeks of August. For more information, visit: http://campluther.ca/.
• NATIONAL - July 5-9, 2019
  LCC National Youth Gathering - Registration for the LCC National Youth Gathering on July 5-9, 2019 at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC closed on April 30. If you have any questions please email the co-chair, Tony Marchand, at tfmarchand@gmail.com.
• CENTRAL - July 7, 2019
  Holy Cross Closing Service -  You are invited to attend the closing service of Holy Cross Lutheran Church (1405 31 St. W, Saskatoon, SK) on July 7, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. There will be a meal following worship. Although the closing is in some ways a sad time, it is also a time of rejoicing in the faithful service of all members, past and present, of Holy Cross. If you plan to attend the meal, please let the Holy Cross church office know at holycrosslutheran.sktn@gmail.com or call 306-382-0544.
• CENTRAL - July 7, 2019
  Zion Lutheran Closing Service -  You are invited to attend the closing service of Zion Lutheran Church (Windthorst, Saskatchewan) on July 7 at 2:00 p.m. A period of fellowship will follow the service. Following this, some items will be transported from the church to the town museum.
• CENTRAL - July 7, 2019
  100th Anniversary -  St. Paul's Lutheran (McCrearry, Manitoba) will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, July 7 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. W. Rose officiating.
• CENTRAL - July 7-11, July 14-18, 2019
  Camp Lutherland - "Where faith grows in fun in God's creation" Join us at Camp this summer! Kids Camp - July 7-11, 2019, Ages 8-10, $185. Youth Camp - July 14-18, 2019, Ages 11-14, $200. Registration forms available at www.camplutherland.com. Camp Lutherland is located near Fort Qu'Appelle, on Pasqua Lake, SK.
• CENTRAL - July 14, 2019
  Installation of Rev. Todd Guggenmos - Rev. Todd Guggenmos will be installed as pastor of the Triune Lutheran Parish (Christ, Langenburg, SK; Christ, MacNutt, SK; Immanuel, Landestreu, SK) on Sunday, July 14 at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. A fellowship meal will follow the service. You are cordially invited to attend this service of celebration.
• EAST - July 14, 2019
  Installation of Rev. Matthew Fenn - Rev. Matthew Fenn will be installed as pastor at St. Peter's Lutheran (115 Cambria Street, Stratford, Ontario) on Sunday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m.. All church workers and laypeople are cordially invited to join us for this special Worship Service of Installation and Celebration, as well as for Supper following the Service. Clergy are invited to participate in the Installation, with the laying on of hands and blessing. Please bring your green stole according to the Pentecost 5/Trinity 4 Sunday rubrics. If you will be joining us, we would appreciate hearing from you so we can plan am appropriate amount of food for the supper. Contact our Office Manager/Church Secretary, Marcella Cahill, any weekday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. by email at:  office@stpeterstratford.ca or by phone at (519) 271-4721. As it is a catered supper we would ask that you RSVP as soon as possible. Deadline date is July 5^th
• EAST - July 29-August 2, 2019
  Lutheran Catechetic Family Camp - If the theme, “What is Worship?” appeals to you, then this camp is a perfect summer vacation at Camp Pioneer in Angola, NY. With two daily plenary sessions, age-specific Bible studies, and a session directed to Young Adults led by Pastors and Seminary Professors (CLTS), this camp is not only open to families but singles and couples of all ages. Just make sure to bring your Bibles and hymnals! For more information please email info@pioneercamp.org.
• WEST - August 9-11, 2019
  32nd District Ball Tournament - Reserve your team  or individual registration for the 32nd annual LCC Alberta-British Columbia slo-pitch tournament now. The tournament will take place in Golden, B.C. at the ball diamonds in Keith King Memorial Park (#104-1600 Maple Drive). The tournament format will include three games on Saturday and two games on Sunday. A maximum of 16 teams will be accepted. Players must be a minimum of 13 years old. Early bird registration is July 7 ($390 per team - includes 10 tickets for the Saturday evening dinner). For more information or to register, contact Tracy Simons with Bethel Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park   (tsimons@shaw.ca  or 780-974-2369).
  Weekend activities include: Friday - Skills competition at the diamonds, Coach meeting at the ball fields following competitions. Saturday - Ball games commence at the diamonds, Children’s skills competition (ages 3-5; 6-9; 10-12). Dinner at the ball diamonds. Sunday: Ball games continue, Church service (location to be confirmed ball field or church), Final ball games, Award ceremony .
• EAST - September 27-28, 2019
  East Region Pastors' Wives Retreat - Guelph Bible Conference Centre.  The topic for this year's retreat is "Faith Under Pressure: Discovering Strength and Courage in Adversity," led by Rev. Greg Johnson. Take a break from your routine and come enjoy a wonderful weekend of relaxation and fellowship at this annual retreat. If you can't stay for the night, just come for the day. In the interests of saving money and trees, the retreat will be foregoing paper invitations this year in favour of electronic invitations to be sent in June. For more information, or if you do not receive your invitation by June 15, please contact eliseristau@gmail.com. 
• WEST - November 1-3, 2019
  Fall Youth Retreat - The Calgary circuit youth retreat committee is pleased to announce that Rev. Mike Kuhn will be the speaker at this year’s fall youth retreat, Jars of Clay (2 Corinthians 4:6 7), at Foothills Lutheran Church, on November 1-3, 2019. All LCC youth and leaders are invited! Visit the website (www.lutheranyouthretreat.ca) to download the registration forms. The deadline is October 16, 2019.
• WEST - July 2-5, 2020
  IMPACT Youth Gathering - It's just one year away! All LCC youth and leaders are invited to the IMPACT Youth Gathering on July 2-5, 2020 at Pines Bible Camp in Grad Forks, B.C. Watch for registration info coming later this year, and join us for a weekend of community, growth, and equipping centered on Christ. Visit www.impactyg.ca for more information.

Vacation Bible Schools

• ALBERTA - EDMONTON (July 8-12)
  Join All Saints Lutheran (13850-119A St.) from July 8-12 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and lift off for an intergalactic adventure with Miraculous Mission: Jesus Saves the World. Explore God's miraculous mission and learn about His plan of salvation from creation to cross! VBS is free! Phone: 780-456-3688. Open to ages 3-finished 6th grade this year. Full details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2059538441008812/. To register: https://vbsmate.com/allsaintsedmontonab.
• ALBERTA - EDMONTON (July 8-12)
  For the adults: Ever wonder if some texts were intentionally excluded from the Bible and why? If so, this year’s Adult VBS is for you! Pastor Kraemer will be leading the Men’s NetWork study, “Lost Books?” that examines why some ancient writings failed to make the cut for inclusion, while others definitely met the standard, and why some texts, including recently found ‘gospels’ come up short. This Adult VBS will run July 8-12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and there is no cost. Location: All Saints Lutheran Church, 13850-119A St. Edmonton, Alberta  T5X 5B7, phone 780-456-3688. For full details: https://www.facebook.com/events/362770177717015/.
• ALBERTA - SHERWOOD PARK (July 8-12; July 29-Aug. 2; and Aug. 12-16)
  Bethel Lutheran Church (298 Bethel Drive) is hosting 3 "ROAR" VBS events this summer. July 8-12, July 29 - Aug. 2, and Aug. 12 - 16 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. In the afternoons, we are hosting Multi-sports camps. And for the July 29 - Aug. 2 event, we are also offering a Music and Drama camp. More information and registration at www.bethelchurch.com/summer-camps.
• ALBERTA - LETHBRIDGE (July 15-19)
  Immanuel Lutheran Church will host the “Miraculous Mission” VBS for children ages 4-12 from July 15-22 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.). To Register, please visit https://www.immanuellutheran.ca/vbs.html
• BRITISH COLUMBIA - LANGLEY (August 12-18, 2019)
  Walnut Grove Lutheran Church (20530 – 88 Ave.) will host "Roar!" VBS summer camp for ages 4-10 from August 12-18 (5:30-8:00 p.m). This epic African adventure engages the whole herd. At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. Cost: $20/child (max $40/family). To register call 604-888-1004 or email admin@wglc.org or website https://www.wglc.org/.
• BRITISH COLUMBIA - SURREY (August 12-16, 2019)
  Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting the "Miraculous Mission" VBS from August 12-16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. To register, please call 604-594-4033 or visit www.faithlutheran.ca.
• MANITOBA - WINNIPEG (July 15-19, 2019)
  Peace Lutheran (350 Gilmore Avenue) will host the "Miraculous Mission" VBS from July 15-19 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). For more information or to register, visit http://www.peacelc.com/events/vbs-2019.
• MANITOBA - WINNIPEG (August 24, 2019)
  Immanuel Lutheran will host a one-day VBS on August 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a barbecue to follow. The theme is "Fruits of the Spirit" and the theme verse is Galatians 5:22, 23. For more information or to register, call the office at 204-32-6911 or email immanueloffice@mymts.net.
• ONTARIO - KITCHENER (July 8-12, 2019)
  Faith Lutheran will host the "Miraculous Mission" VBS from July 8-12 (9:00-11:30 a.m.). For more information or to register, visit: http://faithlutherankw.com/wordpress/?page_id=310.
• ONTARIO - KITCHENER (July 8-12, 2019)
  Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran will host the "Miraculous Mission" VBS from July 8-12 (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.holycrosskitchener.org/vbs.
• ONTARIO - DESBORO (July 15-19, 2019)
  Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting an exciting “Miraculous Mission” VBS, Monday to Friday, July 15-19 (8:45 - 11:45 a.m.). For ages 4-14. To Register contact church 519-794-3795 or email flc@packetmail.ca. Web site www.flcdesboro.com.
• ONTARIO - ST. CATHARINES (July 22-26, 2019)
  Christ Lutheran Church (140 Russell Ave.) will host the “Miraculous Mission” VBS from July 22—26 (9:00—12:00 p.m.). An extended programme from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for children in grades 1-6 is available, but you must register. For more information or to register, please visit secretary@christlutheransc.ca or parish.assistant@christlutheransc.ca.
• ONTARIO - KITCHENER (July 29-August 2, 2019)
  Bethel Lutheran Church will be hosting "Athens: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth!" VBS from July 29-August 2 (6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) Registration is now available online at: www.bethelkitchener.ca. (Note: People with current police checks (within the last 3 years) are always needed to help with this event.)
   

LECTIONARY SUMMARY FROM THE LCMS

3-year and 1-year Series available HERE.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord Grants Peace and Life to His Church

The Lord restores Jerusalem, His Church, because she is the mother of His children, whom He comforts “as one whom his mother comforts” (Is. 66:13). We are “satisfied from her consoling breast” with the pure milk of the Word, and we “drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance” (Is. 66:11). The messengers of Christ bestow such gifts upon His Church. For He sends them out “as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3), bearing in their bodies the sacrifice of His cross, by which “the kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9, 11). Wherever He enters in with this Gospel, Satan is cast out and falls “like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18). Thus, we do not “boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). Rejoicing in this Gospel, we “bear one another’s burdens” in love, according to “the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

Giving Faithfully to the Lord’s Work