Copy

April 29, 2021

HEADLINES

Roger Winger, former East District President, passes on to glory

“As they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, ‘My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ And he saw him no more” (2 Kings 2:11-12).  

Those words came to mind when I received news from President Thomas Winger of our seminary in St. Catharines that his father, Rev. Dr. Roger Winger, died in the Lord on Thursday, April 29, after a lengthy illness. On behalf of our Lutheran Church–Canada family, I extend my condolences to his family and assure them of our prayers.

Roger was not only a colleague of mine in the office of the holy ministry, my ecclesiastical supervisor during the time he served as President of the East District of LCC, a friend, mentor, advisor, and golfing partner; but especially a ‘dear father.’ I will miss him greatly.

We thank God for his many years of service to and in our church. And while we mourn over his passing, we also rejoice with his family and take comfort in these words from Holy Scripture: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours” (Rev. 14:13).

- Rev. Timothy Teuscher, Lutheran Church–Canada President

Read More

Just hoping is no hope at all

Rev. Dr. William Mundt discusses one of the most misused and misunderstood words in the Christian vocabulary: Hope.
Read More

Lutheran Leavener: Prairie Pastor Plays Metal Music

WARMAN, Saskatchewan - Many pastors are talented singers and musicians in their own rights, but it’s not everyday that one drops an EP—especially one featuring metal music. Rev. Peter Knelson is pastor of St. John’s Lutheran in Warman, Saskatchewan, but he also releases Christian Metal music under the name “Lutheran Leavener.”

Read More

Lutheran Church–Canada Adopts 2021 Budget

CANADA - Lutheran Church–Canada’s adopted 2021 Budget is available in the March/April issue of The Canadian Lutheran and can be accessed as a printable PDF, Here.

Read More

Call for nominations for LCC’s 2022 National Convention

CANADA - As Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) begins preparations for 2022’s National Convention in Edmonton, A.B., the church is calling on its members to prayerfully consider nominations for synod’s boards and offices. In April, LCC sent a letter to all congregations inviting them to recommend candidates.
Read More

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Director, here! It's that time of year again... To start thinking about VBS!!! If your congregation is interested in hosting or participating in a virtual VBS, I welcome you to get in touch with me:
 

1-877-770-7842
communications@lutheranchurch.ca

-----
To kick things off, our friends at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Winnipeg have some VBS news to share! Their message is included below:

Virtual VBS - Available to All - Two Ways to Participate!

This year Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Winnipeg will be doing another virtual VBS. Our program will be available to anyone and everyone online, which means you can participate at any time.  

Way One - "Congregation"

Contact us by email (pastor@beautifulsavior.ca) and we'll share all our content with you so that you can use it in your own congregation according to your own timing/plan.

Way Two - "Home"

Register with us online (https://vbsmate.com/bslcwinnipeg) to participate from July 5-9th. Or use the program at a time that suits you throughout the summer.

MISSION MINUTE

INTERNATIONAL MISSION MINUTE from Nicaragua!

Did you know? Children in rural Rancheria, Nicaragua look forward to regular healthy meals thanks to nutrition programs supported by Lutheran Church–Canada Missions. LCC has worked with Nicaraguans since 1997, assisting in the areas of Gospel proclamation, church worker training, and humanitarian works of mercy. Today the Nicaraguan church has grown to 28 established congregations—places where the Scriptures are faithfully taught, the sacraments are administered, and Christians reach out with practical care to their neighbours.

MISSION PRAYERS

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

MISSIONS IN CAMBODIA!

Rev. San Ran is a theological instructor at the Garuna Christian School in Siam Reap.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as Your Son sent forth His Church to make disciples in all nations, we lift up before You, Rev. San Ran asking You to sustain him by Your Spirit and bless his labours for the sake of the Gospel; Lord in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

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: Fifth Sunday of Easter – ‘From the Vine to the Branches to Fruit’

Read More
VIDEO DEVOTION OF THE WEEK

New video coming May 1st. Stay tuned!

CONVENTION NEWS

New for the 2022 LCC Convention

For the first time, recommendations for nominations can be submitted online through LCC's 2022 Synod Convention page!

Pastors, deacons and individual communicant members of congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada are invited to visit the 2022 Synod Convention Webpage and click on the SUBMIT YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR NOMINATION ONLINE HERE button to access the electronic version of the form that was recently mailed and emailed to all congregations (You may also choose to click the orange button below to access the form, or the blue button to access the webpage). Descriptions of the positions that are included in this process are available on the convention web page above.

Note:  A different process is used for the positions of President, Vice-President, Regional Pastor and Circuit Counsellor. A separate mailing will be sent to all congregations in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws.

SUBMIT YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR NOMINATION ONLINE HERE
VISIT THE CONVENTION WEBPAGE

CALLS & TRANSITIONS

Calls/Transitions updates can be accessed any time at www.canadianlutheran.ca/calls-transitions/
Rev. Dr. Roger Winger Emeritus (Kitchener, ON)      CALLED TO GLORY   April 29, 2021
Rev. Kevin Platz Grace (Port Alberni, B.C.)    La Ronge (La Ronge, SK)  CONSIDERING   April 29, 2021
Rev. Robert Grout Candidate (Wilkie, SK)    Holy Trinity (Luseland, SK)  CONSIDERING   April 12, 2021
Rev. Glenn Worcester Peace (Winnipeg, MB)     Redeemer (Winnipeg, MB)   DECLINED    April 29, 2021

PRAYERS

Rev. Dr. Roger E. Winger, former president of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) East District, was called home to glory early in the morning of April 29, 2021 at the age of 87. Please remember his loved ones in prayer during this especially difficult time. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NATIONAL - NEW FOR THE 2022 CONVENTION: SUBMIT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOMINATION ONLINE!
For the first time, you can submit your recommendations for nominations online through LCC's website! Pastors, deacons and individual communicant members of congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada are invited to go to www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/synod-convention-2022/  and use the SUBMIT YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR NOMINATION ONLINE HERE button to access the electronic version of the form that was recently mailed and emailed to all congregations. Descriptions of the positions that are included in this process are available on the convention web page above. Note: A different process is used for the positions of President, Vice-President, Regional Pastor and Circuit Counsellor. A separate mailing will be sent to all congregations in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws.

NATIONAL - STATISTICS FOR 2020 - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30th!!!
We still have not received many Annual Statistic Information Forms from congregations, so the deadline has been extended to April 30th. It is critical that we receive this information, as the numbers will be used to calculate assessments for the next convention. Thank you for your help on this matter. 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. Direct any questions to LCC’s administration staff at admin@lutheranchurch.ca or call 204-895-3433 ext 224.


NATIONAL - REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 2022
Packages for congregations and ministries requesting financial assistance have been sent out by mail and email. The package includes the application form and timeline for the process. Completed applications are to be returned to the appropriate Regional Pastor and Circuit Counsellor by May 31st, 2021. These documents, along with the package letter from LCC Mission Executive Rev. M.L. Smith are also available on LCC's Congregational Resources page under Financial. Any questions or concerns regarding the request form may be directed to Rev. Smith or your Regional Pastor.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NATIONAL - REMINDER TO CONGREGATIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR T3010 CHARITABLE RETURN BY JUNE 30th!
For congregations with December 31st year ends, your T3010 Charitable Return are due June 30th. You must file your return no later than six months after the end of your fiscal period. You could lose your charitable status if you file your return late. For more information, visit: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/charities/operating-a-registered-charity/t3010-charity-return-overview.html

LUTHERAN FOUNDATION CANADA

My Own Know Me

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”
- John 10:14

What does it mean to know the Lord? It starts with being known by the Lord. He claims us as His own and calls us by name. Then, once we are His, we learn to know Him. In knowing Him, we learn to imitate Him. That is how the Christian life of good works and generosity grows from the Lord’s grace.

It is within us to bless others when we have been blessed. God has instilled this desire in us to help others. Just as he blesses us out of his loving kindness, so we also bless. Our greatest blessing is passing on our faith to future generations through our own efforts and through our church. By supporting your church, you are providing resources to share the Gospel and bring others to Christ decades from now. 

To learn more about how you can be a blessing to your church through a charitable gift in your estate, please speak with a Foundation representative or visit our website at www.lutheranfoundation.ca.  

www.LutheranFoundation.ca

You can carry forward donations for larger charitable tax credits. You do not have to claim all of the donations you made in the year they were made. When you donate over $200, you are automatically eligible to carry them forward and claim them on your tax return for any of the next five years. This flexibility means that the unclaimed carry forward portion may qualify for a larger tax deduction for you in the future, when it might be more useful.

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

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
(May 2, 2021)
Acts 8:26–40
1 John 4:1–11(12–21)
John 15:1–8

Jesus Christ Is the True Vine Who Bears Much Fruit in Us

“God is love,” and He has manifested Himself to us by sending “his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9, 16). By the ministry of the Gospel, “he has given us of his Spirit,” so that we also believe and confess “that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.” In this way, we “abide in him and he in us,” and we “love one another” (1 John 4:2, 7, 13). Such divine love is exemplified in Philip’s preaching of “the good news about Jesus” to the Ethiopian eunuch. And when “they came to some water,” the eunuch was baptized into the very Gospel that Philip had preached (Acts 8:35–38). That Ethiopian was thereby grafted into “the true vine,” Jesus Christ (John 15:1), just as we are. Already we are clean because of the Word that Christ has spoken to us and by the washing of water with His Word. We now abide in Him by faith in His forgiveness. As He abides in us, both body and soul, with His own body and His blood, He “bears much fruit” in us (John 15:3–5).

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.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO INFODIGEST
Contact Us
Lutheran Church–Canada
The Canadian Lutheran
Lutheran Church–Canada
YouTube
Lutheran Church–Canada
Lutheran Church–Canada
Communications Director
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.