|
In President Teuscher's latest column, he shares how the saints of old call out to us through the commemorations in our Church Year, saying: “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
|
|
Our Saviour Lutheran Church holds Drive-In Worship Service
|
|
 FORT QU'APPELLE - More than 30 vehicles with 40-50 people had gathered to hear Vacancy Pastor Bryan Rosnau deliver the first drive-in worship service from atop a flat deck trailer. The organist, Ruth Erickson, played the keyboard, member Sheila Casper led the hymns, and special guest Gail Breti sang “Let it Be” during the offering. Community member Dennis Regel provided the technology to broadcast the service over an FM station. A resounding chorus of honking horns followed the benediction, a sure sign of thanks and joy from being together once again to hear the Word. |
|
LCC seminaries announce dates for opening service livestreams
|
|
|
ONLINE – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s two seminaries have announced dates for their opening services as they enter into a new school year. These services will be livestreamed on the seminaries’ distinctive YouTube Channels.
|
|
|
 FRENCH MINISTRY – After a decade of being out of print, BONNE NOUVELLE, GOOD NEWS magazine’s French version, has seen the publication of Issue 36 ‘Épreuves et afflictions’ (Trials and Afflictions).
Since the 1990s, the French version was translated by a team from Lutheran Church–Canada and l’Église Évangélique Luthérienne – Synode de France. When the 2008 financial crisis caused budget cuts for GOOD NEWS magazine, the printing of most non-English issues came to a halt.
The magazine is translated into 18 languages. This recently-printed issue represents one of two issues that had been translated into French, but was not previously available in print. Because of the limited number of Lutheran resources in French, the magazine has been a key tool in French language outreach and Christian education in Canada, Haiti, and Africa.
|
|
Written Sermon of the Week
|
|
 Sermons for each remaining Sunday of the Church Year 2020 will be continually updated on our website. 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, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Each written sermon is accompanied by the Collect of the Day, appointed Scripture Readings, suggested hymns, and prayers. We hope that this resource will be a blessing to our small, isolated, and vacant congregations. |
|
THIS SUNDAY: 14th Sunday After Pentecost Sermon – ‘The Neediest is the Greatest’
|
|
 In March of 2020 we began offering recorded services intended to assist congregations that were unable to provide ministry online amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June, we have opted to provide shorter devotional videos and services on the commemorations and minor festivals of the church calendar. We offer these videos not as a replacement to the ministry provided by your home congregation, but as a supplemental resource. |
|
Latest Video – The Commemoration of Moses (September 4, 2020)
|
|
|
2020 Special Convention News
A Resolution Committee has been appointed to review the convention overture and comments received. The members of the committee are:
Rev. David Bode (chair), Calgary Circuit, West Region; Susan Trithardt, Fraser Valley Circuit (now Greater Vancouver Circuit), West Region; Rev. Barry Wood, Assiniboine Circuit, Central Region; Merv Rocheleau, Northland Circuit, Central Region; Rev. Don Schieman, London Circuit, East Region; Reg Tiegs, Toronto Circuit, East Region.
They plan to meet electronically on September 10, 2020.
|
|
|
|
To our pastors and congregational leaders, please encourage the members of your congregation to subscribe to InfoDigest. Although some of you forward your copy of InfoDigest to your membership, it is helpful for LCC Communications to know the actual circulation of this publication – a critical consideration for those using InfoDigest to post congregational job opportunities or free items/resources that can be used for ministry.
It is our hope that these weekly InfoDigest updates will serve to better connect our LCC brothers and sisters in Christ, while also keeping you informed as to the many ways your own congregation’s contribution is used to support the mission work of LCC.
By forwarding this email, members can easily subscribe by clicking the orange button below:
|
|
CONGREGATION SURVEY
In an effort to gain a better understanding and clearer picture as to how the COVID-19 pandemic has and is affecting the congregations of our Synod; a survey was sent to all congregations and pastors on Monday, August 24.
The information collected in the survey will assist Regional Pastors and Circuit Counsellors in providing care and support for the congregations and pastors in their region and circuit and in identifying areas of concern (and reasons for great thanksgiving!)
In addition, the information will enable us to get a more concrete picture of the status of present and future mission and ministry work that we have undertaken together as members of Lutheran Church–Canada.
If you have already completed the survey, THANK YOU!
|
|
|
GOV'T EXTENDS/EXPANDS WAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM (CEWS)
The government has made a number of significant changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS) to make it available to more employers along with changes to the amount of support that is available to a employer from July 5, 2020 onwards. The revised program has also been extended to December 31, 2020 , however, the new rules have only been outlined on the government website to November 21, 2020. The CEWS is intended to help employers who have lost revenue during COVID-19, to retain their employees.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
The calculation of the wage subsidy has changed allowing eligible employers with any level of revenue decline, for qualifying periods from July 5, 2020 forward, to qualify for a subsidy proportional to the percentage of revenue decline. In addition, a “top-up” subsidy of up to 25% is also available if an employer has a decline in revenue of 50% or more. Revenue drop can be calculated in a number of different ways and you can choose the way that works best for you. Please note that the calculation of the wage subsidy amounts for periods before July 5, 2020 has not changed.
Letter from LCC Administrator, Dwayne Cleave, with more information can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking the button below:
|
|
|
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Regional News stories can be about a congregation’s significant anniversary or other landmark occasion; a mission or outreach event; a retreat or special gathering hosted by an LCC organization, or other church involvement in the community! Before you submit, check out The Submission Guidelines. Email Michelle Heumann, Regional News Editor, with your submission.
|
|
|
|
LUTHERAN FOUNDATION CANADA PROVIDES DONATION PAGE FOR CONGREGATIONAL WEBSITES
For many congregations, cancellation of their church services due to COVID-19, has caused a significant drop in offerings usually collected during the Sunday service. Yet maintaining a steady flow of offerings is still necessary, as congregational costs have either remained the same, or dropped very little. Providing various options for your members to maintain their offering during this time is one way to minimize COVID-19’s impact to your ministry. Regrettably, many of LCC’s congregational websites have no information on other ways to donate, usually found via a DONATE ‘button’ on the home page. Selecting this option would show the offering options available, with a brief explanation, and allow the congregational member to pick a solution best suited for them.
If your congregation’s website is lacking such information and the leadership thinks it would be beneficial to have such a page, Lutheran Foundation Canada (LFC) can provide this AT NO CHARGE. Using the services of an experienced web developer, whose fee we will cover, the ‘DONATE’ button and a donation page will be added to your congregation’s website. The webpage would show the options available, which could include e-transfers, EFT’s, and LCC’s donor portal “SUPPORT MY HOME CONGREGATION”. With many congregational members using the church’s website to access online services, having the DONATION button on the home page would also share your congregation’s preferred method on how offerings can be maintained.
For more information regarding this offer, contact Lutheran Foundation Canada at 877-711-4438.
|
|
|
|
Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
|
|
| Rev. Aaron Astley |
Christ Our Saviour (Grimsby, ON) |
Emmanuel (Southey, SK)
St. Paul's (Cupar, SK) |
CONSIDERING |
August 5 2020 |
| Rev. Tim Graff |
Candidate |
Redeemer (Didsbury, AB) |
CONSIDERING |
August 24 2020 |
| Rev. Tim Graff |
Candidate |
Zion (Prince George, B.C.) Vanderhoof (Vanderhoof, B.C.) |
CONSIDERING |
August 24 2020 |
| Rev. Jason Schultz |
St. Peter (Oxbow, SK)
St. John (Frobisher, SK) |
Emmanuel
(Moose Jaw, SK) |
ACCEPTED |
August 30 2020 |
|
|
|
NEWS & VIEWS BEYOND THE PEWS
InfoDigest is Lutheran Church–Canada's official weekly e-newsletter – and it's not just for clergy! We encourage LCC members of any and many vocations to subscribe!
You're welcome to share these stories by forwarding this email to your friends and family, or by including these stories in church bulletins, newsletters, and announcements. Please credit LCC InfoDigest.
Let's strive to better connect our LCC brothers and sisters in Christ! InfoDigest is just a start!
|
|
|
|
Pastor emeritus, Rev. Ron Tabbert was called home to glory on August 19th. A graveside funeral was conducted last Wednesday, August 26th, at the Golden Cemetery. Rev. Tabbert served Golden many years and continued to provide Word and Sacrament ministry to congregations in his retirement. In fact, he was in the midst of planning a confirmation service for one young man he had catechized over the last year. Please remember the loved ones of Rev. Tabbert in prayer during this time.
|
|
|
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be unto you from the great physician of body and soul.
The Lord tells us through St. Paul that we are the body of Christ and “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). I am writing to you on behalf of one of our suffering brothers. Our esteemed colleague and brother, the Revd. Dr. Roger Winger has been diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive brain tumour. He intends to undergo chemotherapy. While this will not offer any cure, it will help mitigate the effects in the short term for him.
He has expressed to me how overwhelmed and humbled he is at the number of individuals who have reached out to him. He is very much at peace content to remain in the care of our Good Shepherd. Ever the pastor, he indeed bears witness to St. Paul’s admonitions in 2 Corinthians 4 16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
That is his attitude as he looks forward to the unseen joys that await the faithful in our Father’s Kingdom.
He is currently in Westmount Retirement Residence in Kitchener. Because of COVID-19, visiting restrictions are extremely limited. He does, however, welcome and enjoy your calls and emails. His cell number is 519-807-4478 and his email is rogerwinger@gmail.com.
Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.
Blessings to you in the name of the One Whom we serve,
Pr. Marvin Bublitz
LCC, East Regional Pastor
|
|
|
NATIONAL - NYG & IMPACT CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR ONLINE YOUTH EVENT!
Want help with your online youth event? The National Youth Gathering and the IMPACT Youth Gathering are working together to provide virtual guest speakers to attend online LCC youth group events this summer and fall. Contact cochairs@impactyg.ca with details about your group, and they will help support your local youth ministry with a guest speaker from a team of pastors and church workers.
|
|
|
NATIONAL - The national office of Lutheran Church-Canada, in Winnipeg, MB, is looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant (35 hours a week Monday-Friday). This paid position requires someone who is well-organized, proficient in working with Microsoft applications and has excellent telephone and communication skills. In many ways the Administrative Assistant is the face and voice of Synod to those who call or visit the office. Due to travel schedules and meetings, LCC Executives are often not available. The administrative assistant will need to provide informed responses to enquiries in the absence of an Executive. Does this sound like you, or someone you know?
Application Deadline is September 15, 2020. To apply, please contact: Iris Barta, LCC Office Manager at officemanager@lutheranchurch.ca or 204-895-3433 ext. 253.
|
|
|
Executive Director for (LAMP) – Edmonton, AB.
WEST JOB OPPORTUNITY - The Executive Director opening for Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots Inc. (LAMP) is a result of an upcoming retirement. With the head office located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and a satellite office in New Haven, MI, US, the Executive Director reports to two volunteer Boards of Directors (one Canadian and one US Board) that act as a single entity on matters related to the operations of L.A.M.P (Canada) and LAMP Ministry Inc. (US). The Executive Director is the Board’s single official link to the operating organization. S/he is accountable for all organizational performance and exercises all authority transmitted into the organization by the Board.
The ideal candidate will have a strong Christian faith, a belief in the triune God and that the Bible is God’s inspired word in its entirety, possess a heart and passion for missions, significant experience in a leadership capacity, previously worked with Boards and volunteers, and have a track record in fundraising and development as it pertains to a not-for-profit organization. Experience working with the underprivileged, as well as Indigenous communities, would be an asset. A preference may be shown to practicing Lutheran candidates.
As the Executive Director, you will be accountable for:
• Advising the Board of Directors on all matters relating to the Operations of LAMP.
• Fundraising and Resource Development.
• Marketing and Promoting of LAMP and its Mission.
• Leadership, Management, and Administrative Duties.
• Building and Furthering Relationships with Indigenous Northern Communities.
• Financial Management and Strategic Planning.
For further information please visit www.lampministry.org, or www.daviescg.com for the complete job profile.
James Davies, Managing Director | DCG Executive Search Services Ltd. | (780) 758-9796 | james@daviescg.com. |
|
|
|
NATIONAL - ONGOING
Lutheran Foundation Canada continues to provide "seminars" on Estate Stewardship, however, in light of the various COVID-19 restrictions placed on public gatherings, all in-person seminars have been temporarily put on hold. The Foundation continues to work with members and congregations virtually, to encourage the support of their church through planned giving and the development of gifts in Wills and through other means. We can also deliver our presentations online through webinars. Please contact us for further information. As restrictions are lifted, we expect to begin in-person seminars once again.
WEST - July 1-4, 2021
IMPACT Youth Gathering - The registration package and poster for the IMPACT Youth Gathering are available for download at www.impactyg.ca. All LCC youth and leaders are invited for a weekend of community, growth, and equipping centered on Christ at Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, BC. If it’s still not possible to gather in person by then, there will be a virtual youth gathering on those dates instead.
|
|
The Top 10 Percent
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”
- Matthew 16:26
Here’s a staggering thing: If you live in one of the advanced capitalist countries, like Canada, and you own your house and have some savings, you are likely among the top 10% of all wealth holders on the planet. In fact, if your net worth, that is the value of everything you own, is greater than $140,000, you are wealthier than 90% of the people in the world. Who would have thought? Yet he who dies with the most toys … is still dead. But the one who trusts in the Lord, even though he dies, yet shall he live.
We live out our trust in the Lord by faithfully fulfilling the roles God has given us in the home, church, and society as loving, generous people. We can do this because our Father was first generous to us. Those who don’t know the Lord are afraid to be generous because they think that what they give away is lost to them. But we who know the Lord know that the things of this world become true blessings when they are used for God’s kingdom.
One way you can share what God has graciously given you is through a legacy gift in your Will. Setting aside a portion of your estate to support the work of your church is an amazing way to thank God for all He has done in your life. A gift in your Will has zero impact on your life today but becomes a true blessing to the organization receiving it when you die. To learn more about developing your gift, please visit www.lutheranfoundation.ca for more information, or contact your regional Foundation Gift Coordinator.
|
|
|
LECTIONARY SUMMARY FROM THE LCMS
3-year and 1-year Series available Here.
Living as Humble Little Children of the Father
True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of childlike faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God. The Lord sends His watchman to warn us with a word from His mouth, in order that we may not die in our iniquity but be turned from our pride and selfishness to live (Ezek. 33:7–9). Thus, we live in humility and faith before God as well as in love for our neighbor, which “is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). In the reverent fear of God, we do no harm to our neighbor, but we “pay to all what is owed to them” (Rom. 13:7) and we “owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Rom. 13:8).
|
|
|
SHARE YOUR NEWS
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
If applicable, please include:
- Location (Full Address), date, and time.
- Link to your church's website, social media, or contact information.
- Please, no attachments.
NOTE: Submissions are due by 9 a.m. EDT on Wednesday prior to publication. Please contact us, by clicking the button below, if you have any questions about InfoDigest, or if you have found any errors or omissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
