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November 26, 2020

HEADLINES

Hurricane Iota impacts Nicaragua

NICARAGUA - Roberto Jose at the Mission Centre in Chinandega provides an update in light of Hurricane Iota, translation and prayer by Rev. Mark Smith.

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Finnish Lutherans enter into fellowship with the LCMS

INTERNATIONAL - The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have entered into altar and pulpit fellowship. Read more from the International Lutheran Council.

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COMMUNICATIONS

Sign Virtual Happy 100th Birthday Card!

A Note from Wendy-Lee and Rev. Thomas Kruesel (LCC Vice-President)

Grandma Dorothy Rif (Mann) was born, baptized, raised, confirmed, and married at St. Paul's Lutheran in Broadview, SK. She was a member there until she moved to Campbell River to be with us, about 6 years ago. Dorothy will be turning 100 years old on THIS SUNDAY, November 29th, and I have set up a virtual card that people can sign, if they'd like. Thanks so much!

Please take a moment and help us wish Grandma Dorothy Rif a Happy 100th Birthday! Click the button below to sign the virtual card:
SIGN THE CARD HERE!

MISSION MINUTE

Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries - God with Us

What better news is there than to know that God is always by our side! In God with Us, we learn again what God the Father has done—He has kept His promise. In so doing, He has announced that grace and forgiveness are available to all, freely given in the birth of Jesus: God’s Son, our Savior. He is Immanuel, “God with us.” 

Sharing Advent devotions can be a way to reach out to family and friends who do not know the Saviour or celebrate Christmas. Read and share these devotions online through our Facebook Pages! Now available in FRENCH!

Download Your Copy Here: www.lll.ca/advent
Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada
Lutheran Hour Ministries Canada Lutheran Hour Ministries Canada

LCC Cultes-Études en français!

NB : désormais il faut réserver vos places pour le dimanche (les cultes du 24 et du 25 et du 27 décembre sont complets)

  • 9h chaque dimanche - à de l'Ascension à Montréal avec communion (et ZOOM)
  • 15h dimanche - à Sainte Trinité à Québec avec communion à l'église 
  • 13h chaque lundi 23 - à de l'Ascension avec communion à l'église
  • 19h chaque mardi - Vêpres - de l'Ascension - Mtl-Bon Berger, Moncton  ZOOM  
  • 19h chaque mercredi -  Vêpres - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu à l'église et ZOOM
  • 18h vendredi : 27 nov... 3,10,17 déc. - Étude biblique : le Christ des Psaumes ZOOM 

Pour les liens, écrivez-nous: ascensionqc@gmail.com

Parcours Méditatif -
l'Avent et du temps de Noël

Du 29 novembre au 7 janvier, nous vous offrons un parcours méditatif pour chaque jour de l’Avent et du temps de Noël, qui permettra aux lecteurs et lectrices de mieux vivre l’attente pleine d'espérance suscitée par l’approche de Noël ainsi que la joie de la naissance du Seigneur.


NOUVEAUTÉ : Lutheran Hour Ministries-Canada FR


Lutheran Hour Ministries-Canada est une oeuvre d’évangélisation par les médias (internet, brochures, cours bibliques par correspondance, méditations quotidiennes).
Lutheran Hour Minsitries Canada FR Lutheran Hour Minsitries Canada FR
LCC Cultes-Études

MISSION PRAYERS

Remember Lutheran Church–Canada's mission and ministry partners in prayer.

MISSIONS IN CAMBODIA!

Deaconess Srey Mom serves the Lutheran Church in Kampot as an instructor of the faith.

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 Mom 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 and forever. C: Amen

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.
Written Sermons

THIS SUNDAY: First Sunday in Advent Sermon – ‘Getting The Full Story’

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VIDEO DEVOTION OF THE WEEK

CONVENTION NEWS

The Board of Directors of LCC, at its meeting on November 21st, adopted the following motion: “That the Synodical Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada take place on the dates of June 10, 11, 12, and 13 in the year 2022, in Edmonton, AB following the theme, “Stand Firm in the Faith,” commemorating the Diet of Worms. In the case that we are not able to convene in Edmonton on those dates, a virtual convention will take place in Fall 2022.” At our synod’s Special Convention on October 17 the decision was made, in view of moving the Regular Convention from 2021 to 2022 as a result of uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, to thus extend the term of office of all elected or appointed positions for an additional year. 

CALLS & TRANSITIONS

Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
Rev. Mark Ruf Grace (Calgary, AB) Calvary (Thunder Bay, ON) CONSIDERING October 28, 2020
  
Rev. Stephen Preus Trinity (Vinton, Iowa, USA) Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, ON)) DECLINED
November 19, 2020
 
 
Rev. Alex Klages Winkler/Morden (Winkler/Morden, MB) Trinity (Churchbridge, SK) CONSIDERING November 19, 2020

PRAYERS

Heavenly Father, merciful and gracious God, continue to protect Your people in Nicaragua dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Iota. Be with all aid workers as they tend to the physical needs of all people. Guide and direct Your Church that she may bring comfort and aid to those in need. And strengthen the faith of Your people that they may be comforted with the peace that only You can bring at this time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REMINDER - T3010 CHARITABLE RETURNS
Reminder that T3010 Charitable Returns are due December 31, 2020 (extended for Returns normally due between March 18,2020 and December 31, 2020).

REMINDER - CLTS NOMINATIONS FOR HONOURARY AWARDS DUE DECEMBER 15, 2020
The Delta Chi Medal is awarded by the seminary on behalf of the wider church. This “highest and most distinguished award” is “presented to an individual, either clergy or lay, whose life exemplifies service to Christ in his/her everyday living and vocation.” In nominating, one should consider the person’s service to the local congregation, the community, the synodical district, the church at large, church service organizations, and educational institutions. “Delta Chi” refers to the initials of the Greek expression διάκονος χριστοῦ, which means “servant of Christ.” Anyone in LCC may nominate a candidate for the Delta Chi award. No current faculty or board member is eligible. Please submit your nomination in writing to the seminary or via e-mail. The deadline for nominations is December 15, 2020.

REMINDER - CLS NOMINATIONS FOR HONOURARY AWARDS & DEGREES DUE JANUARY 1, 2021

CLS is now accepting nominations for 2021’s honorary awards and degrees to be presented at its Sacred Convocation on May 28, 2021. Nominations close January 1, 2021. Nominations may be made for the honourary degrees of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), Doctor of Letters (Litt.D), and Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). In addition to these degrees, the seminary also invites nominations for the Faith in Life, Friend of the Seminary, and the Doulos Dia Iesoun awards. The specific criteria for each award or degree and nomination forms are available from Dcn. Dr. Jennifer Frim. For more information, contact: Dr. Jennifer Frim via phone at 780.474.1468 ext. 223; fax at 780.479.3067; or via email.

NATIONAL - LUTHERAN PASTOR'S DESK DIARY 2021
The Lutheran Pastor's Desk Diary for 2021 is now ready and available for purchase through Lulu Here. If you wish to print and bind the diary for yourself, the PDF source file is available for free directly from Pastor Alex Klages via email.

EAST - 170 LUTHERAN WORSHIP HYMNALS AVAILABLE TO A GOOD HOME
Grace Lutheran Church (Oshawa, ON) has approximately 170 Lutheran Worship hymnals to donate to any congregation free of charge, except for shipping costs. Please contact  the congregation at 905-728-4381 for more information.

WEST - OLD HYMNALS AVAILABLE TO A GOOD HOME
Trinity Lutheran Church (Lacombe, AB ) have some 19 copies of the Blue Edition hymnal (1941) and 9 copies of the Green Edition that they are no longer using. For more information, contact Sonja Tweit, treasurer at 403-782-2487.

GOVERNMENT EXTENDS CANADA WAGE SUBSIDY (CEWS) UNTIL JUNE 2021

INTRODUCES NEW CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY (CERS)

On October 9, 2020, the Government of Canada announced its intention to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS") until June 2021. This announcement was detailed in a news release that also contained information on a new rent subsidy program (the "Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy"), which is intended to provide rent and mortgage support to qualifying organizations (which includes registered charities) affected by COVID-19. According to the release, the CEWS will remain at "the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020." This announcement extending the current maximum CEWS amount represents a change from the current legislation, which gradually reduces the maximum CEWS amount available in respect of active employees to 45% in Period 9 (October 25, 2020 – November 21, 2020). Details regarding the maximum CEWS amounts for Period 10 were previously unavailable. The Government intends to introduce legislation to implement the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and the CEWS extension in the near future.

We will keep congregations informed on future period wage subsidy amounts as those details become available. The initial letter from LCC Administrator, Dwayne Cleave, with more information can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking the button below:

Learn more on the gov't website here!
Full Letter from LCC Administrator

UPCOMING EVENTS

WEST - December 12 & 13 2020
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church presents their annual Pageant of Christ's Birth at a Drive-In with show times as follows: Dec 12 – 6pm, 7pm, & 8pm; Dec 13 – 5pm, 6pm, & 7pm. With current AHS regulations this year the pageant will take place at the Home Hardware Parking lot and will be projected on a big screen, with seating in your vehicles (please stay in your vehicles during the showing) and sound through your own radio! We ask that you come no more than 15 minutes prior to each showing, (if you can) arriving East on 48 Ave to ease congestion on the streets. We need to take attendance of all participants and a contact number of those attending in each vehicle. It would be helpful if you could bring a prepared list of all occupants in vehicle with contact number. A parking attendant will come to the drivers window to collect the prepared list or to record occupants and their contact number. Parking will be filled on a first come first serve basis, as we can only fit a limited amount of vehicles due to regulations. For people at a distance, the video, as well as a video clip of Immanuel’s pageant history will be available on Immanuel's website shortly before Christmas.

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.

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. 

LUTHERAN FOUNDATION CANADA



Sheep Works

“Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” - Matthew 25:44

Why does it seem like all the parables hit us square between the eyes? This is another tough one. After all, we want to think that the good works of all people mean something. Yet, without Jesus, good works are no more than filthy rags, not because they can’t produce good earthly results, but rather our salvation does not come from our works. Jesus once again emphasizes that our good works come from who we are, not the other way around. Sheep do sheep works, and goats do goat works. We recognize that even our righteous acts come as a result of God within us, not of ourselves. Through the Holy Spirit, our works are a blessing to our family, our neighbours, and our church. Most importantly, they reflect God’s grace in our lives and, through them, bring the message of salvation to others. 

Faithful stewardship is a great work and one of our greatest opportunities to practice this stewardship is when we die. Setting aside a portion of our estate for the benefit of the church is a wonderful way to say “thanks for the blessings” and support the good work of the church long after we are gone. Lutheran Foundation Canada can help you create plans that are a blessing to your family and your church. For more information, please visit www.lutheranfoundation.ca or speak to one of our regional Gift Coordinators.

www.LutheranFoundation.ca

Publicly traded shares that have increased in value offer an excellent way to create a charitable gift. With stock markets at or close to all-time highs, you may own shares that have appreciated significantly in value. This is a great opportunity to use those shares as a charitable gift. Simply by transferring your shares in-kind to a charity, you eliminate any capital gains tax and get a charitable receipt for the full value of your shares. Now that’s a blessing! Talk to a Foundation representative, or visit http://lutheranfoundation.ca/gifts-of-securities/ to learn more.

ANSWERS TO YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LECTIONARY SUMMARY FROM THE LCMS
3-year and 1-year Series available Here.

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
(November 29, 2020)
Isaiah 64:1–9
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
Mark 11:1–10 or Mark 13:24–37

The Lord Jesus Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us

Although we pray that God “would rend the heavens and come down” (Is. 64:1), that He would take vengeance against our enemies, we ourselves “have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Is. 64:6). We have continued in our sins for “a long time, and shall we be saved?” (Is. 64:5). Yet, the Lord does not punish us in anger. He comes in voluntary meekness and humility to save us by His grace. Just as He once came into Jerusalem to sacrifice Himself for us upon the cross (Mark 11:4–8), He still comes to His Church with the fruits of His Passion. By His ministry of the Gospel, we are “enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge,” and so He will “sustain you to the end” (1 Cor. 1:5, 8). Although “heaven and earth will pass away,” His words “will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). As He sends disciples to call us to Himself in the fellowship of His Church, so will He “send out the angels” to gather us and all of His elect “from the ends of the earth” to Himself in heaven forever (Mark 13:27).

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