November is a time of reflection. In part, I think the autumn season lends itself to this as leaves fall from the trees and the weather turns brisk. But for us in the Church it is also reflective as it contains two unique commemorations.
The first is All Saints Day. Some will tell you that it was created to “sanctify” a Celtic pagan feast. However, it was celebrated in the Eastern Church as long ago as 373 AD and subsequently in Rome at the dedication of the Pantheon as a church in 609. It became broadly celebrated in the 800s AD. Today it is a day in which we remember those who have gone to glory in the past year and as a reminder of the “great cloud of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. As we reflect on those we have lost, we are also reminded of our hope.
The second day is a secular one: Remembrance Day. On this day we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. This year we are being told that prayers may not be said at cenotaphs across our country another sign of encroaching secularism. Yet prayers remind us of the greater realities and hope which we have found in our faith. Perhaps prayers will be said anyway in your local communities.
So, reflect and remember. As the seasons change, our hope in Christ never changes!
Be strong in the Lord!
Pastor Jim
"Why you might have lost your Jewish friends this week and didn't even know it."
Written by Josh Gilman on October 13, 2023
I do not want to be writing this article. I’ve been waiting for someone else to write it. But, nobody else has, and somebody needs to say this.
You might have lost every last one of your Jewish friends this week, and you have no idea why. Please be patient with me as I try to explain. I’m going to be explaining things that are totally foreign to you. I didn’t even know I felt and thought this way until a couple of days ago myself.
When you are Jewish, you are always aware that there is a large population in the world that wants to kill you.
Even if they aren’t trying now, you read history and you see that every few generations, at the very least, some group tries to kill all or at least a lot of Jewish people.
We may like your posts that say “never again,” but we never fully believe it. On Saturday, October 7th, we were reminded that we were right not to. More Jews died in one day than any day since the Holocaust. And the reality is that while we felt shock, we didn’t necessarily feel surprise.
When my sisters were quite young, they used to play “hiding from the Nazis.” This wasn’t hide and seek; they would just pick a place to hide, under a couch, behind a freezer, and just lie still for hours. Once, they hid in our van for way too long, and my parents couldn’t find them, and they got in a lot of trouble.
They were genuinely “playing”; it was truly a game to them. But it’s just to hammer home the point that Jewish children grow up with the Holocaust being a part of our history and an intrinsic understanding that at some point, we may need to hide again.
Over the past few years, as the world in general has just gotten crazier than ever, it has become popular to post things like “If you think you would have been one of the ones who hid Jews in WWII but are afraid of speaking up about _____, you wouldn’t have been.”
It’s honestly a generally fair assessment because if you aren’t the kind of person who can handle criticism for a non-conventional belief of any sort, you surely aren’t the kind of person who would risk the Gestapo knocking on your door for hiding people. I’ve seen so many posts like this over the past 2 years.
But… here is what your Jewish friends are wondering right now. So, why didn’t you post… this time?
And that’s not an accusatory, WHY DIDN’T YOU POST!? It’s a genuine question. Because they need to know the answer.
Maybe you didn’t post something because you are ignorant about what took place.
Maybe you didn’t say something to your Jewish friends because you truly don’t understand that they consider every slaughtered baby, raped girl, and murdered man to be their own family.
Maybe you are so horrified by it all that you truly don’t know what words to say.
Maybe you are still wondering what to say.
Well, it breaks my heart to tell you what your Jewish friends are wondering.
They are wondering if you are safe.
They are seeing many others cave to the propaganda, the vitriol from the Hamas apologists; they are seeing the pro-Hamas protests and the threats to the world, and they are wondering if you are too afraid to speak.
And they know that if you are too afraid to speak, then you would be too afraid to hide them.
Did you know that that is a category of friend that every Jewish person has in their mind? Who would I run to? Who would hide me?
We don’t wonder if; we wonder when. Because we know that whether it is indeed us, or whether it is our brothers and sisters in Israel, or in France, or in Pittsburgh, it will happen again somewhere.
It wasn’t until this last weekend that I realized that I have lived my whole life treating the world as guilty until proven innocent. That until you are proven safe to me, I hold you in mild suspicion. I didn’t even realize that I’ve always done this.
When an Arabic barber is trimming my beard with a sharp blade and comments on my complexion and says “are you Arabic?” I don’t answer truthfully. I say that my grandfather was from Lithuania. (He was; it’s not a lie, it’s just not the truth.)
When a stranger says “what is your family background,” I almost always change the subject.
Dear friends who may feel this blog is written to you. I am not saying I fear you or that I don’t love you. I’m just trying to let you know that unless you have proven that you will stand with me, I will not run to your home if they come for me and my family.
I am also not saying that silence is support. I do not believe that everyone who hasn’t posted support for the Jewish people and for Israel is complicit. But… I am not totally sure if you are safe. And none of your other Jewish friends are sure either.
I’m sure this offends you. How unfair to fail an audition you didn’t know you were having.
And yes, it is unfair.
But I’m sorry to say your Jewish friends aren’t wondering about fairness right now. They are only wondering about safety.
This post might seem angry; I’m not. I’m just sad. Sad for everything that has happened, sad for the friends I’ve heard from who haven’t heard from a single non-Jewish friend with a message of love and support.
But here’s the other thing: it just takes one. One message, one post. The greatest soothing to my soul this past week has been seeing friends and old colleagues post notes of support. It truly means the world. It’s not too late.
But consider this carefully, because it is not a game. If you read this and choose to reach out, choose to take a stand publicly. Choose to put your own reputation on the line and maybe even take some of the hatred toward the Jewish people and Israel for yourself. If you do this, we may believe you.
Do not take this lightly. The history of the Jewish people is not a light one. But it is filled with joy. Our victories have always risen above our tragedies. It is a history of suffering but overcoming suffering.
And throughout history, there have always been those who stand with us. From the Egyptians who joined the Israelites, following the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud, to the hundreds of thousands of gentiles who put their lives on the line to hide Jews in Europe during the Second World War.
There is a song we like to sing: Am Y’Israel Chai. “The people of Israel live.”
We always will. Many have tried to wipe us out. And yet we live.
I started this article explaining our pain, but I end it with a simple invitation to join us in our life. It means the world when you do.
Anglicans and Lutherans
Co-host a Bible Study in
Kitchener, 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 Kitchener area.
Wednesdays at 1:30 -3:30 PM
Sessions in November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Location Hope Lutheran Church 30 Shaftsbury Drive Kitchener, ON, N2A 1N6
All are welcome! Any questions? You can contact Glenn Kahle (519) 616-3536 or Kahle123@rogers.com with any questions
GOAL: BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
Resurrection Lutheran Church is a small congregation nestled in the Ottawa Valley of Ontario about an hour and a half from the Nation’s Capital. Surrounded by farmland and forest, rivers and lakes, it is an area blessed by God’s beauty. Due to our size, everyone has a role to play in bringing together our Sunday Divine Service; from getting together the music, reading and running the liturgy on the slides to setting up for Communion, writing congregational prayers and making sure the paraments are changed as needed. It is in this service, through Word and Sacrament, that our Lord brings to us His gifts of healing and forgiveness that sustain us throughout the week. One privilege we had over the last few years was the ability to still gather and pray on behalf of the community of God when others were locked down or limited during the COVID lockdowns.
Through Sunday Christian Education, both the youth and the adults learn how to apply God’s Word in our daily lives and discover the support He brings us through the Spirit. Through the last year we have looked at studies talking about the theology of discipleship, the 10 Commandments from the Small Catechism as well as using a modified Matins service to facilitate study on 1 ,2 and 3 John. Due to the mature and experienced Christian makeup of the Congregation, with many being Lutherans from birth, our discussions often go much deeper (and longer) than the study guides as we seek to follow Jesus through all the trials of life. Like most Lutherans, our fellowship after the service revolves around a substantial snack (sometimes bordering on a lunch) with the occasional potluck for good measure. Monthly we get together for activities such as bowling, paint nights, games nights and more.
Pembroke, Ontario and the other communities that surround us provide us with great opportunities to view the beauty of God’s Creation, but the rural and post-logging/post-industrial economy brings with it much despair, struggle and hardship amongst our neighbors. Because of this, we support many local care ministries and food banks as well as pray for more doctors and nurses to move to our area to care for the aging population. Our most visible community support is our Annual Public Bible Reading.
For over 20 years, Resurrection has brought together the area Christian Community to read through the entire Bible. Originally done 24 hours a day for over 3 days, we now bring everyone together on the first Sunday in June to read the whole Bible all at once; like instruments in a symphony. We firmly believe that the public reading of God’s Word blesses our community and strengthens the ties of the Christians who attend.
On a global scale, last year we were blessed to be able to support a pastor in the Reformed Lutheran Church of Rwanda with the purchase of a motorbike, registration, insurance and safety gear so he no longer had to walk to his congregation. Our Christmas donations also go out to various ministries that care for the most vulnerable while bringing the Gospel to the corners of the earth.
Our Mission Statement is Reclaiming Lives for Christ through Healing and Growth Ministries and we pray that God would do just that within our congregation and all congregations where Jesus Christ is found as Lord and Saviour.
Pastor John Lofstedt
To access Resurrection Lutheran's website click here.
INSTITUTE of LUTHERAN THEOLOGY
NEWS & EVENTS
Reflections on Matthew 5:1-12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
All Saints Sunday A,
November 5, 2023
Matthew 5:1-12
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”(Matthew 5:6)
The desire and the quest for righteousness—that is, justification for our life—never ceases. As long as it continues, we have no contentment and no satisfaction in our lives. Those in sales… Those in advertising… Those in politics… and, even those in the pulpit… use this lack of contentment and dissatisfaction to exhort and motivate us. They set before us a vision of the righteous life… a justified life… which could be ours if we would only buy their products, succumb to their marketing… vote for them and their agendas… or, if from the pulpit, adopt the preacher’s program for living righteously. The human hunger and thirst for righteousness is preyed upon and manipulated by those benefiting from human dissatisfaction and lack of contentment. When heard in this context, Jesus’ words deliver a blessing indeed. They are a blessing spoken into the misery of human dissatisfaction and discontent… a blessing of promise… a blessing of satisfaction as the end of human dissatisfaction… a blessing of contentment in all circumstances ending the human discontent. The blessing is delivered only in the person of Jesus Christ who fulfills our desire and quest for righteousness. His righteousness and not our own… His justification and not our own… In him and him alone, we receive satisfaction and contentment. Jesus and only Jesus, provides us with the Apostle Paul’s confession, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11).
Prayers from one long dissatisfied and discontent…
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Grant me to rest and be satisfied, content to be wholly a creature and not striving after divinity. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Protect my creaturely wholly-ness by silencing the lies of Satan, putting your Word into my ears so that your Holy Spirit would have its way with me. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. As my ears are filled with your Word and I am delivered into contentment, grant that my hunger be sated, and my thirst be quenched. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Keep me from establishing my supposedly righteous agendas upon my neighbors but open my ears to opportunities that prove useful to them. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Protect me from the imposition of my neighbors’ agendas upon me and do not let me be caught up in their quests for righteousness and justification. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Grant that the Institute of Lutheran Theology be held in its place as a creaturely institution and not succumb to blandishments tempting it to pretensions of holiness. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Holy Father, the person of your Son Jesus Christ delivers me into a creaturely wholly-ness. Re-establish me in this creaturely wholly-ness day after day for the Father of Lies never ceases to coax me into desiring some other righteousness than that provided by Jesus Christ who is my life. Lord Jesus Christ be my life. Amen
Reflections on the Reformation
John 8:31-36
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
The Reformation Sunday A,
October 29, 2023
John 8:31-36
“They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free?’’” (John 8:33).
In the scriptures, both the psalmist and the Apostle Paul decry the falsehoods of humanity: “All people are liars” (cf. Ps. 116:11 & Ro. 3:4). Everybody lies, especially these Jews who had believed in Jesus. These Jews were deep in the practice of self-deception and had been for generations. Because of the lies they have been telling themselves about themselves, Jesus eventually names them sons of Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44). In this old creation broken by sin and passing away, we cannot tell ourselves the truth about ourselves. No, we cannot. Instead, we have to be told the truth about ourselves and God. The telling of such truth comes from only one source—that is, the one who claimed himself to be the truth. This exclusive truth-teller is Jesus Christ, him crucified and him alone. When your preacher speaks for Jesus (Luke 10:16), your preacher speaks truth to you, handing the Word of God over to you in the person of Christ himself. While you are in the flesh, you have been, are now, and will continue to be an inveterate liar. Your preacher comes, however, to put the truth in your ears, to pour it upon your head, and to lay it upon your lips and tongue… the one and only truth… the exclusive of all others truth… that singular and unique Son of God come for you.
Prayers from liars who need the truth told to them…
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. So put the truth that is Jesus Christ in his person to my ears that the Holy Spirit would deliver the truth to be my life and drive out the death of my lies. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. Break me free from my bondage to Satan, the Father of Lies, by binding me to Jesus Christ and, in this bondage to your Son, grant me enjoyment of his true freedom. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. As I enjoy the freedom of being bound to your Son, do not let me fall again beneath the yoke of bondage… bondage to lies. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. I confess that I have placed lies in my neighbors’ ears, forgive me for those falsehoods that I might start afresh. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. As I can be confident that you have forgiven me my lies, grant too that my neighbors forgive me as I and they suffer the consequences of my falsehoods. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. Keep the Institute of Lutheran Theology in the narrow way as it teaches and preaches the singular and unique truth which is your Son, Jesus Christ, him crucified and him alone, handed over to be the life of dead sinners. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
Heavenly Father, your Son is the one truth-teller in a world of liars. Hold me in such faith that I can endure the falsehoods and lies which swirl around me day after day. Grant to me the bright lamp that is your Word and your Word alone so that I walk the way of the one truth until Jesus comes in all his glory. Father in heaven, work your truth upon me.
By reason of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza the the trip to the Holy Land from May 11-20, 2024, led by ILT Professor Mark Mattes, has been cancelled.
A Message from ILT's President and Chancellor
As President of the Institute of Lutheran Theology and Chancellor of its Christ School of Theology, I condemn the violent Hamas attacks on Jewish citizens and their illegal holding of hostages for not only from Israel, but from America and many other countries as well.
There is no moral equivalency in this fight between those who use extreme terrorist tactics against innocent civilians and the response by the IDF to root out and neutralize those who have planned and perpetrated these crimes.
The ignorance of the young on our college campuses about the history of anti-Judaism and antisemitism in the West is lamentable, for they cannot see the patterns of hatred arising yet again in the West. Since they know very little history, they cannot understand those events that precipitated the formation of Israel in 1948. Whatever might be thought about the ultimate legitimacy of the Jewish state -- or any other country that like ours was formed through the displacement of indigenous people -- these opinions are irrelevant to the moral evaluation of the acts of murder done by Hamas and the growing hatred and violence toward Jews around the world.
It happened once and can happen again. 90 years ago, good German citizens started to understand that there was a "Jewish problem," and began to dream of ways to deal with it. The trajectory of that solution was unthinkable. However, many of us today in the North Atlantic countries and Russia, no longer recognize the horrors of the unthinkable because we simply don't think about it. We are beginning to see the results of this ignorance (or targeted amnesia).
We must as Christians stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and condemn the hatred that is now marshaled against them. This is the time to be bold. Perhaps German citizens of the thirties could excuse themselves by saying, "but that can't happen here." We no longer have that excuse because it did happen. We can't let it happen again. It is time for people who know things to say what is obvious.
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.
Members from Faith Lutheran, North York, Resurrection Lutheran, Pembroke, Goodwood Lutheran, Uxbridge; and St. Matthew’s, Cornwall, met on the shores of Lake Scugog for a cluster meeting. The cluster featured three guest speakers, Pastor Ed Skutshek, former president of CALC, Michael Clark, and Derek Sloan, former Member of Parliament.
Michael Clark believes that Christians are called not only to pray that God bless our land, our people and those who have authority over us, but also to enter into public life and into elected office. He believes that Christians should meet together to discuss the tough issues which face our nation and be inspired to work together to ensure that religious freedom is upheld useful knowledge is nourished in in our schools and wholesome fruits of life abound. His presentation spurred a passionate discussion.
Derek Sloan’s presentation reminded all of us of the preeminence of the Christian faith in Canada’s development as a nation. He opened our eyes to the erosion of our rights as Christians to express our faith. His presentation also led to a passionate discussion.
Pastor Skutshek’s presentation focused on congregational life and the call of Christian congregations and pastors to be entrepreneurial in their approach to missions and outreach to their communities and beyond. God has given gifts to each member of a congregation. We are called to use these gifts in the proclamation and the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He reiterated Paul’s call in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not quench the Spirit.” We are called to examine ourselves as pastors and congregations and ask whether we might be quenching the spirit as wrestle with the challenges which face our congregations.
We enjoyed excellent food and refreshments. Hymns and praise songs were accompanied and led by Pastor Sherland Chhangur and Hilton Arnajallum, with some assistance from Deni Skutshek. Many thanks to Pastor Sherland and Mrs. Shanta Chhangur for organizing the cluster and for opening the doors to their home on Lake Scugog for our cluster.
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.
We are pleased to announce our speakers for the 2024 Annual General Convention and annual pastors' retreat. We look forward to presentations from Rev. Dr. Dan Lioy, pictured on the left above and Dr. Leon Miles, pictured on the right above. Information on our presenters is found below. Details on their presentations will be provided.
Professor Dan Lioy (PhD, North-West University), holds several faculty appointments. He is the Senior Research Manager at South African Theological Seminary (in South Africa). Also, he is a professor of biblical theology at the Institute of Lutheran Theology (in South Dakota). Moreover, he is a dissertation advisor in the Leadership and Global Perspectives DMIN program at Portland Seminary (part of George Fox University in Oregon). Finally, he is a professor in the School of Continuing Theological Studies at North-West University (in South Africa). Professor Lioy is active in local church ministry, being dual rostered with the Evangelical Church Alliance and the North American Lutheran Church. He is widely published, including a number of academic monographs, peer-reviewed journal articles, and church resource products.
Dr. Leon Miles (EdD, Dr. of Education, South Dakota State University), pictured on the right above, is the Executive Vice President and a member of the faculty of the Institute of Lutheran Theology. His responsibilities center around business management, including, finances, reports, analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and the yearly audit. In addition to teaching, he also works on institutional assessment, vendor relationships, human resources, and financial aid for students. Recently earned a Doctor of Education degree. Dr. Miles has often attended CALC conventions and pastors' retreats as a representative of the Institute of Lutheran Theology.
Contact information for CALC
All general correspondenceaddressed 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
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
