A Christmas Letter from LCC's Board of Directors
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ONLINE – A letter was sent out today, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), extending prayers and Christmas greetings to all the members of our congregations and to all our pastors, deacons, and church workers.
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A LAMP TO MY FEET: Reading the Word of God Daily
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Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel discusses the blessing of reading the Bible, and provides helpful steps you may wish to follow as you dig deeper into God’s Word.
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Deaf Ministry Pioneer called to rest
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Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Bauer, a well-known advocate for the Deaf, passed away peacefully into the arms of His Lord on September 3, 2020 at the age of 90. This article includes many of the highlights from his sixty years in ministry.
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It's Good To Be In A Rut!
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Rev. Robert Mohns, LCC West Regional Pastor provides this reflection for the Advent Season, beginning with: What is the difference between a rut and a ditch? About six feet.
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Online Advent Celebration
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KITCHENER, Ont. – Bethel Lutheran Church, unable to hold their traditional Adventsfeier (Advent program), which usually includes music, children’s presentations, readings, skits, and singing, is instead offering a recorded Advent program available to everyone.
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Looking ahead... What's New at CLS?
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EDMONTON – Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) eagerly anticipates the arrival of their new professor, Rev. Dr. Sam Thompson, whose travel from India has been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This and other news from the seminary...
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 Communications Director, here! Today I wanted to highlight a new resource that came from a recent feature article in The Canadian Lutheran entitled: A LAMP TO MY FEET: Reading the Word of God Daily. In the resource, Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel breaks down some helpful steps to take as you read your Bible. This resource is a one-page PDF that can be printed or viewed online. In the article, Neitzel calls us to be ever-mindful that tools are just tools, and that they are "useful as long as they bring us into God’s Word."
In keeping with that theme, here are some ideas for using this resource (or tool) in your own life:
- Print out a copy for a 'Newtheran' (New Lutheran) and include your phone number, an elder's phone number, and your pastor's phone number if they ever have questions or are looking for more resources!
- Print it out and gift it to a confirmand or young Lutheran along with Luther's Small Catechism or a study Bible!
- Shrink it down slightly before printing, laminate it, and use it as a bookmark in your Bible!
- Email a copy to a brother or sister in Christ, and ask them if they would like to read a chapter of the Bible each week with you over a phone or Zoom call. You can go through the numbered points together as you go!
Do you have other ideas? Let us know! Email me with your suggestions.
Your sister in Christ,
Alex Steinke, LCC Communications Director |
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The Latest Sermon from Rev. Randy Heide, Missionary Pastor of LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots)
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Remember Lutheran Church–Canada's mission and ministry partners in prayer.
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 MISSIONS IN NICARAGUA!Deaconess Fernanda Mendoza serves as an instructor of the faith at Cresito Resucitado Lutheran Church.
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 Mendoza 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.
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 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. |
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THIS SUNDAY: Third Sunday in Advent Sermon – ‘The One Person To Get It All Done’
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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.
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Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
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| Rev. Alex Klages |
Winkler/Morden (Winkler/Morden, MB) |
Trinity (Churchbridge, SK) |
DECLINED |
December 6, 2020 |
| Rev. Michael Schutz |
Concordia (Penticton, B.C.) |
Our Saviour (Parksville, B.C.) |
CONSIDERING |
December 6, 2020 |
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Please remember in prayer the lonely and isolated, especially during these uncertain times of restricted gatherings and social distancing.
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REQUEST - If any parishes have copies of the early 1990's educational series "Come and See Jesus" made by the Australian Lutheran Church, please contact Rev. Dr. David Somers by email.
ONLINE - LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES' ADVENT DEVOTIONS - "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: Lutheran Hour Ministries Canada or Lutheran Laymen's League of Canada! Now available in FRENCH at Lutheran Hour Ministries Canada - FR! Download your copy at www.lll.ca/.
ONLINE - LAMP'S 2020 ADVENT DEVOTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE
LAMP's 2020 Advent devotions can be read online at www.lampministry.org or click on the "subscribe to daily Advent devotion" button under News & Devotions to receive them in your inbox every day until Christmas. Read more about how the love of Christ has been shared in the North!
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 email.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.
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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:
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ONLINE - Advent Celebrations! German/English Pre-Recorded Online Services!
Bethel Lutheran Church (Kitchener, ON) has recorded an online bilingual German and English Advent program. The texts of the congregational songs will be scrolled up on your screen so that you can sing along heartily if you choose to, all from the safety and comfort of your home. May the viewing of this program be a blessed time for you, helping to focus on Advent, the time of preparing your hearts and minds for the coming of our Saviour. It is my hope that you will also share this program with family and friends and especially with the elderly, or those who may not have access to the Internet. To access this online Advent celebration program, visit: www.bethelkitchener.ca. Click on Video Services and find Adventsfeier/Advent Program.
ONLINE - December 13, 2020
Some details in the promo below. Additional details and Zoom Webinar registration links are posted on our circuit website Here.
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ONLINE/EAST - December 2020
LCC Cultes-Études en français! Parcours Méditatif - de 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. Pour les liens, écrivez-nous: ascensionqc@gmail.com.
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.
ONLINE - January 2021 dates available now on the LFC website!
Lutheran Foundation Canada will be offering webinars on Estate Stewardship. Learn how your estate can be a blessing to your family and the ministries you love. Beginning in January. Dates and details available at: www.lutheranfoundation.ca/webinars
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.
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God's Faithfulness
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” - 1 Corinthians 1:9
The faithfulness of God is our great comfort. He has made promises to us, and He will keep them. He is kind and loving toward us, and He will not break faith with us. This gives us the confidence to step out in faith, to leave fear behind. When it comes to following the Lord’s commandments for our daily lives, we know His will is best for us because our God is faithful.
In His faithfulness to us, He has also secured an eternal place for us with Him in heaven through His son Jesus Christ. This inheritance is certainly more precious than any worldly treasure we may ever give or receive. The news of this inheritance needs to be shared for the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.
Your church plays a crucial role in this work. Supporting your church through a faithful gift in your Will helps to continue to spread the message of salvation. Please consider what meaningful way you can leave a portion of your earthly blessings so that your church can continue to share the message of heavenly treasure. 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.
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Whenever you take money out of your RIF or RSP, the government gets their share in taxes. However, did you know that if you use your registered funds as a charitable gift, you won’t have to pay any withholding tax? For those wanting to reduce amounts in their RSP/RIF, you may be able to use that money to fund your congregation tithes and offerings. CRA Form T1213 enables you to reduce deductions at source and enables 100% of the proceeds to go to charity. Talk to a Foundation representative or visit www.lutheranfoundation.ca/gifts-of-retirement-funds/ to learn more.
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The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness
When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church with “the garments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoice always” in the Lord, “pray without ceasing” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “the God of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24).
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