I believe that thanksgiving is not only an act of worship but also a declaration of hope. In giving thanks for what we have received we also look forward in faith to what God will give us.
We in the church have a precious commodity—something more valuable than gold or silver. We have the message of hope in Jesus Christ. This hope encourages us through difficult times and gives us direction through dark times. It is confirmed and celebrated during times of plenty.
Years ago we lived in an inner city neighbourhood in a small American city. This city had been wracked by riots in the 1960s and had seen tanks roll down its streets. One could blame all sorts of social ills for the state of the neighbourhood: poverty, lack of education, dysfunctional families, and so on. But at the root was hopelessness. If there is no hope why bother.
Paul advises the Thessalonians about how to cope with death. He says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14)
Our hope is based in Jesus who died and has risen from the dead. Resurrection power is the ultimate hope.
This is why we as Christians can be filled with a true sense of thanksgiving. Not only have we been given a cornucopia of material and physical blessings, we have also been given HOPE.
Be strong in the Lord!
Pastor Jim
Anglicans and Lutherans
Co-host a Bible Study in
Cambridge, Ontario
CALC and the Anglican Network in Canada (ANIC) are co-hosting a weekly Bible Study in Cambridge, Ontario. The study is led by Pastor Zena of ANIC. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays. The group is studying the Book of Colossians. If you can't be there - tell a friend you may know in the Cambridge area.
Wednesdays at 1:30 -3:30 PM
Sessions in October 4, 11, 18, & 25
Location
Langs Village Community Health Centre
1145 Concession Road
Cambridge, ON N3H 4L5
GOAL: BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
INSTITUTE of LUTHERAN THEOLOGY
NEWS & EVENTS
Reflections on Matthew 21:23-27 23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
“By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)
Those who assumed their own authority challenged Jesus’ authority and put a question to him. Jesus turned the situation around—that is, he put the question to them. In their failure to answer, Jesus delegitimated their challenge to his authority. Isn’t that just like Jesus! Down through the generations, whenever those who think they have authority (especially authority over their own lives) attempt to challenge Jesus’ authority by putting the question to him, Jesus turns the situation around and puts the question back onto them. The question Jesus puts to those who would challenge him and his authority can be summed up by the question which God put to Job, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). “Who are you?” Jesus demands, “You who come with your puny human reason, your deficient wisdom, and your mere finite knowledge. Don’t you know that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways, not your ways?” (cf. Is. 55:8 & 9). Jesus Christ, the Word of God who brought creation into existence and rules it still, this creator Lord delegitimates all challenges to his authority by exposing you who would challenge him in your lack of authority.
Prayers from one whose lack of authority must be revealed to him time and time again.
Father in heaven, you have given all authority in heaven and on earth to your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that the authority of your Son preached to me by my pastor reveal to me my lack of authority and keep me in humility as I am brought to stand under your Word. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven, you have given all authority in heaven and on earth to your Son, Jesus Christ. As I come to stand under your Word, bring me to daily repentance—that is, take me from death to life and from unbelief to belief—so that I would walk in newness of life. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven, you have given all authority in heaven and on earth to your Son, Jesus Christ. As I walk in this newness of life, hold me in the confidence that your mercies are fresh every morning, ready to restore that newness of life should I become prideful of it or despair having it. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Father in heaven, you have given all authority in heaven and on earth to your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that my walk in the newness of life not become an occasion for my pride or my arrogance over and against my neighbors but keep my entire life to be one of repentance. For Jesus’ sake. Amen
Join ILT Professor Mark Mattes on a transformative expedition to the Holy Land from May 11-20, 2024
This exceptional opportunity allows you to explore the Holy Land if it's always been a dream of yours! The cost is $4,695 per person (double occupancy), with air from Chicago and airport transfers from Des Moines, Iowa. This price includes travel, entrance fees, food, and the tour bus.
Discover the wonders of Jerusalem, including the Church of the Redeemer, Israel Museum, Temple Mount, Western Wall, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and the Pool of Siloam. We'll also visit Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, St. Anne’s Church, the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Masada, and Qumran.
Our journey continues to the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida, the Jordan River, Korazin, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Nazareth, and Mount Carmel.
This trip will strengthen your faith and bring the Bible to life. Please join us on this incredible adventure!
Reflections on Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.
“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house…”
(Matthew 20:10-11)
There’s a whole lot of coveting going on. Those employed in the fields from the beginning of the day looked upon those who merely labored at the end of the day with a jealous eye. That green-eyed monster reared its head, consumed the satisfaction of those who had put in an honest day’s labor for an honest day’s work, and made them liable for rebuke from their employer. Yet, even as this parable illustrates the destructiveness of jealousy, envy, and coveting, we acknowledge the motivational power present in them. Exhortation and motivation often appeal to the disparity between the present hearers and the objects of their desires. Thereby, jealousy, envy, and covetousness are aroused. The hearers are made dissatisfied with their current situation; their contentment is destroyed. Since we cannot see into our own hearts, let alone the hearts of others, when we seek to exhort and motivate, we simply do not know whether we arouse beneficial affections or the destructive affections of jealousy, envy, or coveting.
Prayers from one who would easily arouse jealousy, envy, or coveting in others if it motivated them to a desired end…
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Grant that I would receive the fullness of Jesus Christ and his life, and so not be lacking in anything. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Grant that as I receive the life of Jesus Christ, I would come to know the secret of contentment because his life is my strength. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Give me ears to hear the promise of my Lord Jesus when he declares, “Come unto me and I will give you rest,” that in such rest I will have contentment. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Forgive me when I motivate my neighbors for my benefit by appealing to their jealousy, envy, or covetousness. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Lead me to forgive my neighbors when their exhortations and motivations stir up jealousy, envy, and covetousness within me. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. Grant that the Institute of Lutheran Theology, even as it strives for growth and excellence, would be kept from arousing jealousy, envy, and covetousness in its participants. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer.
Heavenly Father, you would have us be content in any circumstance. As the days of my baptism continue one after another, hold me in the faith and life of Jesus Christ that I would be content with each day even as I await with longing for that day, the day of Christ’s return in glory. For Jesus’ sake, hear my prayer. Amen
Every year, ILT raises money to support our students. Financial concerns continue to be one of the biggest challenges which students face as they try to complete their education. The money in the financial aid fund goes directly to the students who have the greatest financial need. Money should not be the only reason why students, who have a genuine call from God to serve his church, do not study at ILT.
Currently, financial aid covers about $1,200 for each student, depending on their program. This typically covers the cost of one course for every ministry student who qualifies. We try to keep the tuition cost low and students do not take out loans for their tuition. ILT students graduate with no debt. For us to continue to do this, we need your help. If you gave $1,200, you would be supporting one student this semester. If you gave $25, your money will go directly to students to support them. Please consider giving a gift, knowing that this gift will help provide the future generation of pastors.
“The Metaverse and the Ecclesiology of the Future:
A Lutheran Perspective”
CALC pastor Roland Weisbrot, is the author of "The Metaverse and the Ecclesiology of the Future: A Lutheran Perspective." His publication was well received and sparked interest. In a recent podcast interview found on Issues Etc., he was given an opportunity to discuss his paper. He de described the interview this way in a recent online post:
It was my absolute pleasure (and a fulfillment of a childhood dream) to be interviewed today about my "Ecclesiology of the Metaverse" paper by Pastor Todd Wilken of "Issues Etc.!" Here is a link to the interview: Link to Podcast
Pastor Weisbrot is the the Lead Pastor of Victory Lutheran Church of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Website
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church is a vibrant, warm and growing congregation situated in the Fraser Valley in Mission, BC. We are full of life and we enjoy welcoming people to our church.
Word and Sacrament play an important role in our congregation and the Sunday morning service remains our most important weekly event. We have different groups who lead our music worship and a dedicated group of volunteers who help with a variety of things during services and elsewhere. Our Sunday school is growing and we also have catechism classes for the older children.
We enjoy decorating our church for special occasions and our office puts in a lot of work to make our bulletins and other printed materials look nice and colourful. We are a fairly busy congregation and there is always something exciting happening or something to look forward to with anticipation. Some of our regular activities include Bible studies and opportunities for devotion, fellowship and prayer.
We enjoy our yearly camping trips during the summer which are very well attended. We also try to involve youth and young people with activities like church picnic, 4x4 days and tubing at a nearby ski hill.
Something that is important to us is to share in meals together. During the time of Lent we share in weekly soup and sandwich suppers followed by a devotion and prayer. We also participate in regular potluck meals. To make it fun we attach a theme to every meal and we decorate and prepare meals according to the theme. Our yearly Advent sing and Sunday school Christmas program is an event not to be missed.
We believe in reaching out in our own community and elsewhere. We have a good relationship with the local Christian school. Their choir sings for us during a service once a year and their yearly awards night is hosted in our building. We started a community garden two years ago and have blessed many people with fresh homegrown vegetables. We plan to expand the garden in the future as it has been very successful so far.
In the past Mt. Calvary was well-known for our yearly mission trips to Mexico. We are currently praying and seeking guidance from the Lord into pursuing some new missions and outreach opportunities.
We also deal with the same circumstances and challenges that other smaller congregations have to face. But instead of losing hope and making peace with decline we keep on going with a positive attitude with the Lord’s help. We try to do our best at everything we do using the talents that the good Lord gave us. Our vision is to “Be Disciples and Make Disciples” and we do our best with God’s help to live up to this.
Pastor Leslie Kern – Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Mission, BC
Breaking News!
The congregation of Hope Lutheran Church of 5104 106 Ave, Edmonton, AB, recently voted to join CALC. We will supply more information as it becomes available. We look forward to receiving and acting on their application for membership. We look forward to their contribution to the faith and life of our association.
CALC's Annual General Convention &
Pastors' Study Retreat
2024
Mark your calendars!
CALC's Annual General Convention and Annual Pastors' Study Retreat for 2024 will held in the same venue: the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Edmonton Airport Conference Centre, 1100 4th Street, Nisku, AB, T9E8E2. Holiday Inn Edmonton Airport hosted our convention for the past two years. They will also be hosting our pastors' retreat for the first time.
The dates for the Pastors' Retreat are: April 17-18, 2024 (Wed. & Thur.)
The dates for the Convention are: April 19-20, 2024 (Fri. & Sat.)
Information concerning registration fees for the convention and retreat, speakers for these events, schedules, agendas, and room rates will be shared as these details become available. Updates will also be found on our website.
Financial Assistance. If your congregation requires financial assistance in order to send a delegate to convention 2024, please make a request for financial assistance to the National Council. Individuals are eligible for up to $750.00. Applications for more assistance will be given special consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please email requests for financial assistance to: sarahdunphy@calc.ca.
1930 ~ REVEREND EMIL KRAUSE ~ 2023
Emil Ferdinand Krause, born January 27, 1930, passed away on September 15, 2023 at the River Ridge Seniors Village at the age of 93 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Esther (nee Kruger); his parents, John and Helene Krause; his sister, Irma (Klebe); brother, Eric, and many other important extended family members. Left to honour his life and legacy are sons, Ricky (Vicky) and their children, Amy and Daniel (Alyssa Fonteyne); Timothy (Elaine) and their children, Andrew (Roxanne Galarneau Leclair) and Emily (Logan Smith); David (Karen) and their children, Keaton, Jayda, and Jenna; and daughter, Lori (Thad) Karwandy and their children, Lois and Cordell.
Whether it was setting a porcupine loose in the cloakroom of his one room school as a teen, blaring ‘O Canada’ on his trumpet early in the morning at family gatherings, or sharing amusing exploits with friends and family, Emil will be remembered as a bright spark who livened many gatherings with his wit and humour. Born in Ponoka, AB, his family then moved to Chilliwack, BC where he completed high school. He went on to the University of Saskatchewan and attained a Bachelor of Arts in 1952 and in 1955, a Certificate of Theology. In 1975, he received his Bachelor of Education and in 1980, his Master of Divinity. He started his ministry as a Lutheran pastor in the Schuler/Hilda area where he met and married his wife, Esther. He also served in Vernon BC, Lemberg, SK and then returned to his roots in Schuler/Hilda. He added the Manyberries congregation while also teaching full-time at Maple Creek, then several Hutterite colonies, then Bindloss, then finally the Elkwater Hutterite colony. He retired from teaching at age 65 but went on ministering until he was 87. He was passionate about preserving small town parishes and wrote several books about pioneers and their experiences with the Lutheran church. Active in so many organizations, he served his community well. He loved singing in choirs, playing his trumpet, serving it up with tennis and table tennis at the Strathcona Centre, fishing, playing chess, and mastering carpentry in his spare time.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB on Friday, September 22nd, 2023 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and at Victory Lutheran Church, 2793 Southview Drive SE Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 12:55 pm, prior to the Funeral Service.
The Funeral Service was held at Victory Lutheran Church, 2793 Southview Drive SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Roland Weisbrot and Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Friends and family are invited to a lunch to be held immediately after the service. Memorial gifts in Emil’s memory may be made to the Victory Lutheran Perpetual Remembrance Fund, 2793 Southview Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 2H1 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Emil Krause. To view the service follow this link to Victory's livestream page and click on the Krause funeral. service.
New contact information for CALC
All general correspondence addressed to CALC should be mailed as follows:
Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations Att: Sarah Dunphy P.O. Box 6295 Manotick, ON K4M 1J4
Telephone: (613) 324-6554
Correspondence to CALC's Treasurer should be addressed as follows:
Helen Zacharias, Treasurer
890 Gilmour Street,
Morden, MB, R6M 1R9
Pastoral Leadership Seminar
The word “seminar” is from the same root for seed or seed bed. PLS is meant to be a productive seed bed for pastoral imagination—a gospel greenhouse! Usually we number around 15-20 people interested in the pastoral vocation, including an active pastor and two vital retired pastors. This year we will read Nathan Hoff's Building Benedict--Benedict Builds: Benedictine Wisdom in Building Leaders who Build Communities in a Seismic Age.
Commitment? Most Tuesdays from Sept 2023-May 2024. We will begin promptly at 7:30-8:30 AM (Pacific time).
Cost?
Donation if you would like to give to Trinity Greenhouse at www.trinitysanpedro.org/giving (Pull down fund memo: Greenhouse)
Schedule: Anyone may join! You can give it a shot, and if it is helpful—stay on. But, this will not be a drop in and out seminar. Out goal is to develop a safe space where we can be vulnerable with each other in the presence of Jesus.
Date Assignment for Discussion Sept 12: Earthquake: then and now
Sept 19: What is God building?
Sept 26: Building Benedict
Oct 10: Excursus: Miracles
Oct 17: Benedict’s Excavation
Oct 24: Utility
Oct 31: Mobility
Nov 14: Excursus: Acedia
Nov 21: Benedict’s Foundation
Nov 28: Rhythm
Dec 5: Rule
Dec 12: Benedict Builds
Dec: 19: Altar
Feb 6: Excursus: Cloister
Feb 13: Table
Feb 20: Excursus: Garden
Feb 27 to May 28 TBA
We hope you were blessed by this month's edition of the e-Connector. Our hope and prayer is that this electronic newsletter will truly keep CALC informed and connected.
If your congregation is celebrating a milestone, such an anniversary, the installation of a new pastor, new construction, a mission activity, and/or the launch of a special new ministry, let us know. We would love to share your joy with the other members of CALC
Contact info for the editorial team: Pastor Ed Skutshek: Tel: (250) 801-3860 Email: skutsheke@gmail.com Sarah Dunphy: Tel: (613) 324-6554 Email: sarahdunphy@calc.ca
