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February 11, 2021

HEADLINES

LCC releases special publication: Together, One

CANADA – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is releasing a one-time special publication, entitled “Together, One” which highlights the people and organizations collectively serving as the body of Christ across the Lutheran landscape in Canada. This publication is 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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COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Director, here! Here is the latest topic up for discussion in LCC's Communications Community, submitted by CCT Chair, Pastor Michael Schutz:

Q: What's something you'd like to do but need help with?

All of us are doing things to communicate with our congregations and beyond, and much of what we're doing now isn't anything we would have planned to do at all a year ago! For all of us, some things have come easily and some are more of a challenge. And likely, what you find easy someone else will find more challenging.

So, what's something in the area of communications that you've found challenging and would like to learn more about doing well? Chances are, someone can help directly and/or by pointing you to resources.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Already on SLN? Join LCC's Communications Community!
What is LCC's Servant Leader Network?

MISSION MINUTE

MISSION MINUTE from NICARAGUA!

Here is a photo of the Computer Program in Nicaragua, one of the many LCC-supported programs in Central America.

See more at @lcc_missions on Instagram!

MISSION PRAYERS

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

MISSIONS IN CAMBODIA!

Deaconess Candidate Sopean Da is studying at The Luther Institute Southeast Asia.

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 Da 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

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.
Written Sermons

THIS SUNDAY: The Transfiguration of Our Lord – ‘Up A High Mountain’

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COMING UP: Ash Wednesday – ‘'X' Marks The Spot’

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VIDEO DEVOTION OF THE WEEK

NEW videos coming February 13 & 14, 2021

CONVENTION NEWS

Delegates of the 2020 Special Convention passed a resolution allowing the 2021 Synod Convention to be postponed to 2022. The LCC Board of Directors has set the date and location. The convention will be held June 10 – 13, 2022 at the Edmonton South Conference Centre (Delta and Radisson Hotels). The theme of the convention is Stand Firm in the Faith 1 Corinthians 16:13. Planning is underway and further details will be announced when available.

CALLS & TRANSITIONS

Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/

PRAYERS

During an epidemic or ongoing stress

Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the epidemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all who mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labours, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

[From the Lutheran Service Book: Pastoral Care Companion]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NATIONAL - RIVERBEND CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL IS HIRING!
Riverbend Christian Preschool is looking to hire a Lead Teacher to begin September 2021. Our Lead Teacher must have the ability to design, plan, implement and evaluate a developmentally appropriate preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds. They will demonstrate proficient knowledge, skills and abilities in child development and early education theories and practices. The individual must have a strong Christian faith and can lead children in prayer, Bible stories and lessons. Training will commence in May. Please submit your resume by March 5, 2021 to Program Director Lindsay Salloum, or contact her for more information.

NATIONAL - LBTC TO CELEBRATE ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY IN 2024!
Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024. In preparation for this celebration, we are asking two things: 

  • Artistically-minded people, please submit designs for an anniversary year logo for LBTC to use during that year and perhaps beyond. Submissions can be sent to Pastor Ron Mohr at pastor.r.mohr@lbtc.caDeadline for submissions is September 1, 2021.
  • Please submit any ideas for ways we can celebrate together, engaging young and old in the great mission work God is doing through Bible translation ministry. Send your ideas to Pastor Ron Mohr at the email address noted above.

NATIONAL - STATISTICS FOR 2020
The new Annual Statistic Information Form was sent out to congregations this week. The collection of this data keeps current the information found in the LCC Annual and provides a snapshot of activities across the Synod. The information reported on your statistics form is also used to project budgets and calculate assessments. We understand this has been a very unusual year for congregations, making it a challenge to complete some of the information on the statistics form. The key information needed is communicant and baptized membership and financial information. Do the best you can with other information. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for assistance. The statistical information for 2020 is due March 31, 2021. Direct any questions to LCC’s administration staff at admin@lutheranchurch.ca or call 204-895-3433 ext 224.

ONLINE - CANDIDATE & VICAR APPLICATIONS DUE BY FEBRUARY 28, 2021
All requests from congregations for Candidates and Vicars are to be submitted to their Regional Pastor by February 28, 2021. The request forms are on the LCC website under Resources > Congregational Resources. Check the website subtitle of each form to confirm you have the correct documents for calling a candidate or a vicar. Congregations are encouraged to use website fillable forms as scanned, handwritten forms can be difficult to read. 

UPCOMING EVENTS


ONLINE - REMINDER - February webinar dates available now on the LFC website!
Lutheran Foundation Canada is offering two webinars on Estate Stewardship (February 16 and 18). Learn how your estate can be a blessing to your family and the ministries you love. Register at: www.lutheranfoundation.ca/webinars.

LUTHERAN FOUNDATION CANADA


From Perishable to Imperishable

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable”
- 1 Corinthians 9:25

To all the football fans reading this message, we have just come through Super Bowl weekend, one of the most watched sporting events in the world, broadcast in over 130 countries in more than 30 languages. Around 100 million people tuned in to this year’s game. No doubt, the athletes that participated in this match were, at least in principle, at the top of their game. 

In the verse above, Paul used the image of an athlete to get his point across to the Corinthians. We all understand the mental and physical discipline that is required of each competitor, regardless of the sport they participate in. They need to maintain a strict diet and be prepared to engage in a training schedule that pushes them to the peak of their mental and physical performance. "They do this", Paul reminds us, "to receive a perishable wreath". How very different this is from the imperishable reward given to the Christian who runs the race with patient-endurance. Our reward through Christ’s promise, is an imperishable, incorruptible crown, which will never ever fade away. 

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit – for the desires of the flesh are at war with the desires of the Spirit. Having received the new life in Christ by his grace, He now calls us to follow Him deliberately, with self-control, with intention. 

Like Paul, our church shares this incredible message to equip us in our own lives so that we may be an example to others. This work is valuable not just to us today, but to future generations we don’t yet know. A charitable gift in your Will provides ongoing support to your church so it can continue to teach what Paul started. To learn more about your how you can impact your congregation, visit www.lutheranfoundation.ca.

www.LutheranFoundation.ca

Well intentioned charitable gifts sometimes fail when no provision is made for the gift’s alternate use. Establishing a charitable gift is a wonderful blessing to an organization. However, should the beneficiary organization no longer exist when the gift is realized, it is important to have an alternate beneficiary listed in your Will. A better option might be to use the Foundation’s Gift Allocation Agreement, which already includes an alternate use clause. 

ANSWERS TO YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
(February 14, 2021)
2 Kings 2:1–12 or Exodus 34:29–35
2 Corinthians 3:12–13 (14–18); 4:1–6
Mark 9:2–9

The Face of Jesus Christ Manifests the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God

It was “a hard thing” that Elisha asked, but by his persistence he was able to see the prophet Elijah being taken “by a whirlwind into heaven.” Although “chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them,” Elisha received Elijah’s cloak and a “double portion” of his spirit for preaching the Lord’s Word (2 Kings 2:9–11). It was a hard thing, too, for Israel to see Moses and come near to him, when “the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Ex. 34:29–30). Therefore, after “he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai,” Moses “put a veil over his face” (Ex. 34:32–33). Only the Word of the Gospel lifts the veil, and “only through Christ is it taken away” (2 Cor. 3:14). Thus are we able to behold “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,” who is “the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4–6). For the Law and the prophets are all fulfilled in Him. Therefore, “listen to him,” and fix your sights on “Jesus only” (Mark 9:7–8).

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