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1.    ELCIC
2.    Restorative Justice Week
3.    Youth
4.    National Housing Day
5.    Canadian Lutheran World Relief
6.    Living our Faith
7.    ELCJHL Schools
8.    Reconciled Relationships
9.    Empowered Disciples
10.  One Body Working Together
11.  Worship Resources
12.  Mark Your Calendars
ABT Synod Announcement
November 15-22
Stronger Together 2020, Climate Justice Projects
November 22
2020 Gifts from the Heart Catalogue

Bible Book Club
Supporting Students 

IDPAD, 16 Days of Activism, More
KAIROS Blanket Exercise
Cycle of Prayer, WCC
Live Streaming, Video Downloads, More
Upcoming and Ongoing Events

1. Bishop Ron Mayan, former bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, dies

We uphold in prayer the family and friends who mourn the death of Bishop Ron Mayan, who died November 17, 2020. Bishop Mayan died in hospital in Red Deer, AB following a recent diagnosis of cancer and pneumonia.

As per Bishop Mayan's request, there will be a private family memorial service at a later date. Prayers are much appreciated at this time.  

Bishop Mayan prepared the following obituary:
 
Ronald B. Mayan was born and raised in Edmonton. He was ordained to the pastoral ministry on April 3, 1977, by the Rev. Dr. George Rode, his mentor. He served Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tomahawk, and the Lake Isle Camp Association; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lethbridge; Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute, Camrose; The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Red Deer. He was ordained Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC, on Holy Cross Day, September 14, 2006. He served as Bishop until he resigned and retired in 2013. 

Bishop Ron is survived by two sons and their families: (Jeremy, Jennifer, and Lucas), (Josh, Christine, and Jordyn); one sister, Marla; and his companion, Kathy.  He was predeceased by his parents (Wilfred - 2005) and (Ellen - 2014).

 

"Lord, now let your servant go in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation." (Luke 2:29)



2. Restorative Justice Week - November 15-22


Image Credits: The Church Council on Justice and Corrections (CCJC) website

In observance of Restorative Justice Week, here are resources to provide you information and opportunities to learn and connect.

Interactive Justice Storytelling Quilt
Restorative Justice Week Resources

ELCIC is a member of the Church Council on Justice and Corrections.



3. Youth ministry updates

Stronger Together 2020: youth ministry during a pandemic - Last call to register by November 20
Stronger Together brings together youth and young adult leaders from Dioceses and Synods from across the country to build community, worship and learn about issues facing Youth Ministry. This year, we have moved our gathering online and it will take place from November 24-25. While we know meeting online can't replace an in-person gathering, we hope that more leaders will be able to participate this year because there will be no cost restraints. To find out more, please click here.

Stronger Together is an expression of the Full Communion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. All Youth Leaders and Campus Ministers are welcome.

There is no cost for this event, but you will have to register by November 20, 2020 to participate. All sessions will be held online. Details on how to participate will be sent by email after we receive your registration.

If you can't make the sessions when they go live, they will be recorded and posted at a later time. Email Gretchen Peterson (gpeterson@elcic.ca) or Sheilagh McGlynn (smcglynn@national.anglican.ca) to let them know that you'd like to watch the recorded sessions at a later time or if you have any questions.


Call for youth-led climate justice projects
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) calls for small-scale climate projects initiated and led by youth (persons aged 30 or younger). Proposals are invited until December 6. Each project initiated and led by young people, requires endorsement by an LWF member church. Projects should run from December 2020 to March 2021. Application details can be found on the following link: https://www.lutheranworld.org/content/applications-lwf-climate-justice-projects. Please contact Gretchen Peterson at gpeterson@elcic.ca to request the needed ELCIC application endorsement.



4. National Housing Day - November 22

November 22nd is National Housing Day - a day to acknowledge the work done by various organizations, communities and individuals, ensuring everyone across Canada has the dignity of a home. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to get done. As the day approaches, here are links to resources addressing homelessness and affordable housing.

National Youth Project: Welcome...Home!
Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
Recovery for All - an advocacy campaign to end homelessness in Canada
Dignity for All - the campaign for a poverty-free Canada
KAIROS Canada: A Green and Just Recovery



5. CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas



Canadian Lutheran World Relief's 2020 Gifts from the Heart catalogue is now available! The new catalogue is full of thoughtful and creative gifts that will fight COVID-19 and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Although the holiday season looks a little different this year, you can still bring joy to your loved ones and change the lives of the people around the world this Christmas with a meaningful gift. The new Gifts from the Heart catalogue will be included in the December issue of Canada Lutheran, or you may have already received a copy in the mail. You can also shop online anytime by visiting www.clwr.org/gfth .


6. Living our Faith - Read: Bible Book Club



You are invited to a year of reading the Bible! 
ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson invites you to form a Bible Book Club with members of your church, your friends, family or others from your community, as a way to study scripture and discuss the Bible together.

Each month we focus together on a different book of the Bible. Our first month, September, had us reading the book of Genesis. For the month of October we have moved to reading the book of Deuteronomy. And for the month of November, we have focused our reading on 1 Kings (reading questions for November are available here).

Did you participate in a Bible Book Club this month? We want to hear from you!

Participating in the Living our Faith - Bible Book Club is easy. Form your book club, use the introduction we provide from the Lutheran Study Bible, read the appointed book, download the prepared questions and join in the discussion!

We look forward to hearing about your year of reading the Bible! 




ELCIC congregations go online for Bible Book Club 
Read the latest piece on the Living our Faith - Read: Bible Book Club here, as two congregations detail their monthly online 'gatherings' within the highlighted focus. 

Looking for additional Bible study resources? 
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia is offering weekly Bible studies prepared by the Latin America and Caribbean Women's Network to encourage churches who are going through this time of crisis. View those resources here.



7. Supporting students at schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land



As schools around the world are beginning a new academic year in very challenging circumstances, so too are the students at schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools dealt with closures and lock down periods by embracing digital technology and distance learning. Sadly, the continued lock downs have impacted families served by the schools in many different ways. COVID-19 restrictions have meant further barricade closures and a significant loss of tourism for the region resulting in job loss and substantial reduction in income to household. Many families are now facing signifiant difficulties with paying tuition for the 2020-21 school year, which is on average $1,600/year per student. 

To help support our Global Mission partner, the ELCIC has launched an ELCJHL Scholarship Appeal for the 2020-21 school year. You are invited to consider how you can financially support scholarships for students of the ELCJHL. Donate today and also consider how you can get your congregation and community involved.

Click the photo above to watch a video prepared by Bishop Ibrahim Azar of the ELCJHL.



8. Reconciled Relationships

Online Event: UN's International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD, 2015-2024)
In The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) invites Christians across Canada to Recognition, Justice, and Development: Peoples of African Descent and Canadian Churches, a Cross-Canada Council event that will take place on November 26, 2020 (7-8:30 PM EST). This event will be fully accessible and bilingual in both English and French. The evening will feature a keynote presentation by the esteemed Dr. Afua Cooper on the realities of current systemic anti-Black racism in the Canadian context and challenges to the Canadian church as well as a multi-faceted panel discussion from diverse Christian voices across Canada, small group discussion in breakout sessions, and a time of prayer. Register for this event on Eventbrite. 

16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based violence
Every year from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), people around the world observe 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. The following are resources to provide you more information.


For the Love of Creation fall online forum and new website

Every Monday in November from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (EST) via Zoom, join us to learn more about our collective work for climate justice. Have the opportunity to engage with guest speakers and take action for climate justice together online. English/French translations will be available for all sessions. If you are interested in participating, please register here. Connect with us and be part of the journey on our Facebook page. If you have any questions, please send an email.

New Website
Canadian churches and faith-based organizations have now launched their new For the Love of Creation website. This includes information on hosting local climate conversations, and on a national Fall Online Forum series of hour-long sessions, being offered every Monday this November starting at 7:30 p.m. (EST). The ELCIC participates in For the Love of Creation. Read the press release For the Love of Creation in English or French.


Study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into MMWG
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) has released a study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, entitled Why Work to Decolonize? To access this resource, please click here.



9. Empowered Disciples

KAIROS Blanket Exercise Teaching & Sharing Circles - registration is open
Led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with extensive experience facilitating the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE), these interactive Zoom-based sessions aim to build positive relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through truth, sharing and open dialogue. Based in Indigenous worldviews and using Indigenous teachings and protocols, this new series addresses both historical and contemporary topics in an honest and personal way.

Upcoming sessions:
Social Injustice in the Court System - Nov. 24, 7-9pm EST | $25
Led by Tina Stevens, an Algonquin-Ojibwe woman from Kitigan Zibi, Kettle and Stoney Point
The Impact of Residential Schools in Canada - Dec. 3, 7-9pm EST | $25
Led by Tracey Whiteye, an Oshkaabewis kwe/woman helper

For more information on these upcoming session and to register, please click here.



10. One Body Working Together

Anglican-Lutheran Cycle of Prayer
The following are the prayer petitions for Sunday, November 22.


ACC: The Secretary General and staff of the Anglican Communion Office.
ELCIC: The General Secretary and staff of The Lutheran World Federation.
ACC/ELCIC: The members of the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission.

World Council of Churches: new website
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has revamped its website with a new look. The main goal of the refreshed website is to offer more opportunities for engagement with content produced by WCC and the entire ecumenical environment. To see WCC's new look, please visit: https://www.oikoumene.org/about-the-wcc .



11. Live Stream and Worship Resources

The following are a number of ELCIC online worship services and resources that may be helpful to you during this time of intentional physical distancing. Have something you think we should add to the list? Please email tgallop@elcic.ca with your suggestions!
12. Mark Your Calendars


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