Ukraine Update: Day 26 of Russian invasion
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This March 21, 2022 update is provided by Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy, LCC Missionary to the Ukraine:
"It is 26th day of Russian aggression against Ukraine. More than 3 million Ukrainians (mostly women and children) have had to flee the country. Another 6 million+ have had to leave their cities, houses, and churches searching for shelter. Many citizens of Mariupol, Kyiv, Kharkiv can never return back home because their homes don’t exist anymore.
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Last week another group of SELCU refugees was taken to Romania. Twenty-two women with children were met by Romanian Lutherans, hosted at a local hotel, and, the next morning, sent by bus to Germany. The trip to Germany from Romania takes at least 29 hours. Over the last three weeks, we have been able to help more than 200 people to safety."
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A Cure for the Winter Doldrums
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Rev. Robert Mohns, LCC West Regional Pastor, in his latest column, reflects on what Psalm 119 outlines as the way of Christian life—as one of Oratio (Prayer), Meditatio (Meditation on the Word of God), and Tentatio (Trials).
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Death On the Nile: Poirot A-Woken
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 Rev. Ted Giese, in his latest movie review, takes on Branagh’s Death on the Nile.
"Readers of Christie’s 1937 novel and fans of previous adaptations will recognize the many changes and additions made by screenwriter Michael Green—changes that reflect Hollywood’s current obsession with race, gender, and sexuality." |
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Director of Communications, here! Navigating COPYRIGHT got you down?? The Lutheran Witness recently talked with Norma Muench, intellectual property assistant and data protection officer at Concordia Publishing House (CPH), who offered some tips.
"A pastor finds a comic strip on the internet and displays it during his sermon. A congregational leader purchases a children’s Christmas program and then reuses it the following year. A church livestreams worship on YouTube, during which the congregation sings “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” (Lutheran Service Book 806) without having a license. These situations may seem harmless, but they are possibly all violations of copyright law."
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Looking to get involved with LCC Missions but not sure where to start?
There are many ways to get involved with domestic and international mission opportunities. Here's one idea: Revisit LCC's Together, One special publication which highlights the people and organizations collectively serving as the body of Christ across the Lutheran landscape in Canada. This publication, which was sent out in print in 2021, contains a list of LCC's Listed Service Organizations, Auxiliaries, as well as Committees and Commissions. It was designed not as a report describing the work of a corporate entity but, rather, as an LCC family album to remind our members of the various services available across the country, and beyond.
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Remember Lutheran Church–Canada's mission and ministry partners in prayer.
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 MISSIONS IN NICARAGUA!
Deaconess Cristina Xiomara López currently serves as a with her husband Pastor Hector Morales at the Luterna Church The Resurrection in the city of Sebaco. 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 and to distribute His saving gifts of grace, we pray that You would sustain Deaconess López by Your Spirit and richly bless her labours for the sake of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now forever. C: Amen
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 These weekly sermons, written by various LCC pastors, are primarily intended for congregations without a pastor and for those unable to provide online services during exceptional circumstances. Each written sermon is accompanied by the Collect of the Day, appointed Scripture Readings, suggested hymns, and prayers. The Scripture Readings are from the Three-Year Lectionary Series of the Lutheran Service Book (LSB). The suggested hymns are taken from Lutheran Service Book: Hymn Selection Guide – (OT) are hymns that fit with the Old Testament Reading, (E) the Epistle, and (G) the Gospel . |
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THIS SUNDAY: Fourth Sunday in Lent – ‘Two Lost Sons’
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CONVENTION TO PROCEED
IN-PERSON!
In light of the lifting of COVID-related restrictions across Canada, the BOD, at their recent meeting on February 10th, concurred that we will go ahead with the in-person LCC convention to be held in Edmonton, AB from June 10-13, 2022. Congregations/parishes are reminded that the names of their pastor and lay delegates are be forwarded to the synod office in Winnipeg by March 11th on the Appointment Form.
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Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
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Rev. Vince Moore · Christ (Fort Saskatchewan, AB) · La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship (La Ronge, SK) · CONSIDERING · March 14, 2022
Rev. Aaron Astley · Christ Our Saviour/Redeemer (Grimsby/Hamilton, ON) · Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Winnipeg, MB) · CONSIDERING · March 14, 2022
Rev. Jakob Valsson · Trinity (Abbotsford, BC) · Faith (Middle Lake, SK) · CONSIDERING · March 14, 2022
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Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, war, and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end the current conflict that now rages in Ukraine. Protect those who are suffering and being displaced from their homes. Bring a restoration of calm and security, and heal the wounds that have been inflicted.
We especially commend to Your care and keeping our Lutheran Church–Canada missionary in Ukraine, Rev. Oleksiy Navrotskyy and his family; Bishop Alexander Yurchenko; and all the pastors and members of the congregations of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine. Preserve them from all harm and danger. Grant them an extra measure of Your Holy Spirit at this time that they would remain steadfast in the one true faith in Him who is Lord and Saviour of all. In the midst of this conflict, empower them to reach out to others with the precious Gospel of God’s peace and love in Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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NATIONAL - LWMLC looking for Seminar Committee Members
Do you enjoy searching God’s Word, discussing, and applying it to your circumstances? Do you like collaborating with women of similar interests? Is God challenging you to step out in faith to share the Word of God? Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWMLC) would like to hear from you as they search for women to produce a seminar planned for 2023. Work with other Lutheran women from across Canada to develop a theme, Bible studies and other resources. No experience is needed, just a desire to expand on God’s Word and share it with other women. Some travel could be involved. If this interests you, please contact Vice-President Member Development, Annette Borchardt at vpmemberdevelopment@lutheranwomen.ca.
NATIONAL - CLWR is hiring a Church Relations Manager
CLWR is searching for a dynamic and motivated Church Relations Manager to join our team. Reporting directly to the Director - Communications and Marketing, the Church Relations Manager plays a critical role in increasing the involvement of Lutheran and other congregations in Canada in the mission of CLWR, and making CLWR an integral part of the ongoing ministry of the congregations. The work of this role should lead to measurable increases in the engagement of church congregations with CLWR's mission, and in their support for CLWR. The ideal candidate for this role will have a passion for the work of Canadian Lutheran World Relief and a desire to help congregations engage in the issues CLWR works to address. Download the full job posting here for key responsibilities, qualifications and how to apply.
WEST - Walnut Grove Lutheran Church is hiring!
WGLC is seeking a Manager of Youth & Young Adult Ministry (MYYAM). The MYYAM will provide support and resources for Youth & Young Adult Ministries withing the church with the goal of helping people develop toward full Christian maturity and training them for effective discipleship. This position would be 16 hours per week (approximately 50% for Young Adult Ministry and 50% for Youth Ministry) including 6 to 10 pm on Tuesdays for Young Adults and 5:30 to 9:30 pm on Thursdays for Youth. Compensation is $18.75/hr. For more information, email admin@wglc.org and we can send you a link with the full relationship description.
CENTRAL - Lutheran Foundation Canada Hiring a Planned Giving Gift Coordinator
If you are passionate about mission and ministry and looking to serve the Lord, consider this exciting and rewarding opportunity by applying to Lutheran Foundation Canada. If not for you, please consider those who might be suited to such a career, and let them know. For a detailed job description, Click Here.
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WEST - June 2-4, 2022
The LWMLC ABC District Hybrid Convention will be held June 2-4, 2022. We encourage anyone interested to register. Information including registration details can be viewed Here.
NATIONAL - July 15-19, 2022
The 2022 National Youth Gathering will be in Winnipeg from July 15-19, and registration is available now until April 15, 2022. The theme is “In Not Of,” based on Philippians 3:20. If you are a youth leader or a youth (between grades 7 to 12 in June 2022), please plan to join us! As well, anyone who has been out of high school for a period of one year prior to the NYG is able to volunteer as an iBod, and we welcome exhibitors, too. For more info, visit https://lccnyg.ca/registration/.
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Using life insurance is a great way to leverage small payments into a substantial gift. Once the funds are paid out, the Foundation will then distribute the funds as designated by the donor in their signed Gift Allocation Agreement. Donors find this a particularly appealing way to create a gift for several reasons. For some, they feel the insurance has served its initial purpose (perhaps covering a mortgage), and can now serve a greater purpose, funding mission and ministry. For others, since insurance policies pay out directly to the named charitable organization, they feel the proceeds were never actually a part of their estate and therefore won’t be as greatly “missed” by potential heirs. Many are surprised to learn that if they transfer the policy ownership to the Foundation, a charitable receipt may be issued for all future premium payments, as they are considered a charitable gift. Basically, they are leveraging a charitable monthly or annual premium into a much larger gift upon their passing. Lastly, as a gift of life insurance is external to the will, changes to the allocations may be made at any time prior to death. For further information on donating insurance policies, call 877-711-4438.
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Jesus Christ Has Reconciled Us to the Father
God the Father has opened His heart to us in love. While we were “still a long way off,” He saw us and “felt compassion” (Luke 15:20). Therefore, He gave His only begotten Son for us, making “him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). By the ministry of reconciliation, He runs to us, embraces us in mercy and clothes us with His glory as beloved sons in Christ Jesus. And so we give thanks unto the Lord our God, who has taken away our sins and turned His anger from us (Is. 12:1). Because He has become our salvation, our strength and our song, we “will trust, and will not be afraid” (Is. 12:2).
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