So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
Philemon 1:17
Every year I like to see if God has a verse or a theme for me. Most years it is a Scripture. This year I believe it is a phrase: "2024 will be a spiritual adventure of eternal significance." Our convention will elaborate on this theme as we consider the fact that we’ve never been this way before.
But to go into new territory, unbroken wild country, it is always best to take someone with you. Paul wrote Philemon about Philemon’s slave Onesimus. He said, “So if you consider me a partner.”
We in CALC have celebrated our independence and Congregationalism. But we live in dangerous times and in an increasingly hostile world. It is time we also remember our partnership: what we owe to one another. We belong to a wider church that reaches 2/3 of the way across this remarkable and huge land. We have an impact beyond into other countries and continents. We are looked to for leadership on issues of importance to believing Canadians.
This impact, this eternal significance, is possible only when we work together in partnership.
Be strong in the Lord!
Pastor Jim
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 Daniel. 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 December 10, 17, 24, & 31
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
INSTITUTE of LUTHERAN THEOLOGY
NEWS & EVENTS
EPAPHRAS PRAYER LETTER
The Baptism of Our Lord
January 7, 2024
Matthew 3:13-17 “But Jesus answered him, Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15)
These words hold a fearsome promise. This promise brings fear and great anxiety to the practitioners of religion but is the very bedrock for those who are possessed of faith. Religious practitioners, for whom life consists of one goal of spiritual striving after another on the path to divine glory, fear the promise of all righteousness being fulfilled by something as meager as baptism. Those possessed of faith, however, rest in this promise. They live lives confident that they’ve received all the righteousness they’ll ever need in their baptism…. That God-worked event where the old sinner—that Old Adam or the Old Eve—was put to death and a new person, complete with the life of Christ and all his righteousness, was brought forth to walk in newness of life. To that new person, for whatever reason God intends, the flesh still adheres and, before that new person can even step away from the baptismal font, the sinning begins again. The Old Adam or the Old Eve reaches out of baptism’s watery grave, contending over the newness of life. Luther described this struggle. He taught, especially in his Large Catechism, the Christian life consisted simply of returning to the promises, the righteousness, of baptism through daily repentance and the forgiveness of sins. In this way, the old sinner who would contend with Christ as our life, is drowned daily so that the life of Christ would come forth anew.
Prayers from those whose old sinner contends daily with the life of Christ within them…
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead to contend with my Old Adam or my Old Eve who still believes the lies of Satan. Grant me to confess and repent… Grant me to hear my sins absolved… Grant me to return to the promises of my baptism. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead into the life of Christ within me so that I receive his victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil. Grant me the joy of his triumph… Grant me to bask in his glory… Grant me to find his triumph and glory only on the cross. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead as the Holy Spirit works faith within me so that I am possessed of faith and trust in a God who does not lie. Grant me to walk by such faith as opposed to walking by what I can see… Grant me your Word to reveal the truth about myself and about my God. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead to me as I walk among the things of this world. Grant me freedom from the oppression of religious striving… Grant me freedom from coveting those things that are yours alone… Grant me freedom from coveting the things of my neighbors. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead to me as I live among my neighbors—those as close to me as the ones of my household and those as far as on distant shores—so that in them I see a person like me… a sinner for whom Jesus Christ died. Grant me the humility of a common humanity. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead to bless the work and labors of the Institute of Lutheran Theology that it may be fruitful in delivering forth preachers that go out to baptize and teach in the name of Jesus Christ. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
Heavenly Father, bring the fullness of the Godhead to the days of my baptism so that I would not be bereft of hope as the signs of the end accumulate around me—wars, pestilence, disasters, and cosmic disruptions. Hold me fast in that baptismal faith that came to possess me. For you have commanded, Lord, that I be baptized.
TABLE TALK II
The Baptism of our Lord
Here, at the baptism of Jesus, we are given witness to the presence of all three persons of the Holy Trinity. Jesus, the Son, comes up out of the baptismal waters. The Holy Spirit descends from the heavens like a dove. God, the Father, speaks with both love and satisfaction. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-the Holy Trinity, the fullness of the Godhead-there with John the baptizer at the river Jordon. Here is an incident you can recall and give witness if anyone should question the presence of the Holy Trinity in scripture.
When you were brought to your own personal river Jordon-that is, the baptismal font, there your own personal John the baptizer-that is, your preacher, combined water with the Word of God and baptized you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You came up out of that baptismal water having received the life of Jesus Christ, the Son. The Holy Spirit descended upon you, giving you the gift of faith. God, the Father, bears witness in love for you, his new child, and in satisfaction that all righteousness has been fulfilled (vs. 15). The entirety of the Holy Trinity is there, present and working, at your baptism and at every baptism done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
For the rest of your mortal days, you will be a child of God, a brother or sister to Jesus Christ. You hold membership in the family of God. And, when your mortal days shall end, Jesus will take you to that place he has prepared for you (Jn. 14:3). There, you will have the run of the household. Until that day, your flesh-the body of sin and death-obscures and hides your membership in God's family. During these days-the days of your baptism-your only guarantee of righteousness is this promise that all righteousness was fulfilled in your baptism and maintained by the ongoing proclamation that puts the forgiveness of sins into your ears and the bread and wine on your tongue.
Table Talk: Discuss your grasp of the Holy Trinity
Pray: Father, hold me in the fulfillment of all righteousness. Amen
By Rev. Timothy J. Swenson, Dean of ILT Chapel
TABLE TALK II
The Feast of Epiphany
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:9-12)
When confronted with the Christ child, those wise men-esteemed and honored in their own country- fell on their faces. They prostrated themselves. Throughout the Old Testament this expression is commonly used to denote worship or the posture of worship. The picture can be as simple as kneeling and bowing forward until the forehead touches the floor or it can be as radical as stretching out prone on the floor, face pressed into the dirt. Either way, the position assumes an extreme vulnerability: the eyes all attention are taken off the person of worship, the back of the neck is bared, and the life is placed in the person of worship's control. Essentially, the worshipper is saying, "My life is in your hands. Take it if you will." The one worshipped had only to give the order ... make the signal. .. and attendants would easily behead the prostrate one.
Those wise men from the east recognized in the baby Jesus what Simeon -would prophesy: that in this child lay the salvation of the world. Their lives, indeed, were in that child's hands. Once they had recognized the authority of the Christ child and presented themselves as vulnerable to him, then they presented their gifts of obeisance-the gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts represented the emptying of themselves in humility before he honor and greatness of the one to whom they had just presented their lives.
So now, you. We have come to the end of the twelve days of Christmas and all their times of gift-giving, family feasting, going and coming, and celebratory worship. This humble account of the Wise men ... the magi... the travelers ... who recognized in the baby Jesus the salvation of the World ... who fell down before him and gave him their lives ... who in humility emptied themselves of their treasures... this humble account, when held up against the extravagance of our own self-gratifying celebrations cannot help but judge such celebration; ... and judge them poorly.
Table Talk: Discuss whether Christmas extravagance honors ourselves or the Christ
child.
Pray: Father, forgive me my self-indulgence. Amen
By Rev. Timothy J. Swenson, Dean of ILT Chapel
Peace to you, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, from Saskatoon.
Reflection International Ministries – Saskatoon & Beyond
It was Good Friday, 2020, just entering into the challenges of Covid-19, when a little online Worship Service sowed small seeds that have blossomed, by God’s Grace, into a Ministry that serves Saskatoon and reaches people far beyond the city limits. It is wonderful to see some connections we’ve made through the years, across Canada and Internationally through my previous career, tuning in now, experiencing in some cases, the Gospel Message for the first time!
Having been welcomed as a Mission Congregation, we thank God for the fellowship, support and family we have found in CALC. We are so pleased to be part of an association with such a commitment to God’s Word, Authority and Sovereignty, and with such a determined, humble and sincere desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
If you know of any Seekers, Displaced Christians or Lutheran Orphans in or around Saskatoon, please introduce them to Reflection Ministries or help us connect and invite them to explore their CALC option for Church, Worship, Fellowship and Service. My Wife and Partner in Ministry, Carol Ann and I would love to welcome new sheep into the fold we hold so dear.
St. Olaf Lutheran Church – Kindersley, Sask., Restored & Renewed
April 2023 marked the completion of an arduous journey for St. Olaf as we became a Full Congregational Member of CALC at the Annual Convention! We praise God for His leading, always, and especially beginning three years ago, through the very difficult and trying process of leaving an organization that had lost its way.
This past year, in contrast however, and after a cleansing restructuring of St. Olaf, has been delightful and filled, by God’s Mercy, with fruitful ministry; Worship, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Fellowship, Pot-Lucks and Special Events. Best of all, St. Olaf is marked by a Humble Submission and Devotion to God’s Holy Word; an Inexpressible Joy-Filled Understanding of Jesus Christ’s completed Work on the Cross; and an Infilling of the Holy Spirit promised to All Believers!
In His Service,
Rev. Scott L. Kopperud
PH/Text: 306-227-5590 Click here to visit St. Olaf's Facebook page. Click here to access Reflection Ministries website
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.
Our speakers for the 2024 Annual General Convention are Rev. Dr. Dan Lioy, pictured on the left above and Dr. Leon Miles, pictured on the right above. Information on our presenters and their presentations are found below.
Professor Dan Lioy's presentation analyzes two of Carl Trueman's recent works explaining how the concept of an autonomous, normative self arose and catalyzed the sexual revolution. It traces the evolution and cultural domination of this myth of the autonomous self and explores the consequences of its hegemony in the West. Lastly, it critiques this self-centric view through the lens of Paul’s teachings in Romans 1:18–32, especially highlighting its contrast with Christian doctrine.
Dr. Lioy (PhD, North-West University), pictured on the left above, 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' presentation posits that the world around us seems to be going the wrong direction in many ways. This may lead us to wonder where God is in the middle of all these things which seem to be getting worse each day. God does have a plan for these things, however. As the world seems to get worse, the message of God’s love and forgiveness shines even more brightly. In this presentation, we are going to discuss how the ways in which the world is turning away from God right now are going to give us the opportunity to speak the gospel in new and distinct ways to a new generation of people who do not know the love that God has for them. Through the inevitable hardships and suffering coming into the world through the evils we see all around us, we can share the love of God with them. We are going to look at the opportunities we have and what it will mean for us to take them.
Dr. 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.
With gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Ronald David Hobden on Wednesday, December 12th. Born on February 29th, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario to Russell and Mary Hobden, Ronald was the eldest of six children. Surrounded by the love of his family, Dad left this world, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond Hobden and sister Francis Goyetche and brother-in-law Raymond Goyetche. He was a devoted husband to Elaine, his beloved wife of 65 years, and a dedicated father to Julie Ann (Robert), David (Carolyn), Glenn (Shirley), Brent (Deborah), Krista (Mark), Dennis (Andrea), and Lara (Jeff). His memory will also be cherished by his sisters and brother: Ellen (Dave), Robert (Claire), Judy (Bill), as well as sister-in-law Pauline.
Dad’s legacy extends to a large and loving family, including 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. His influence and love will continue to resonate through the generations, a testament to a life well-lived and a heart well-loved.
Dad is remembered as a risk-taker, adventurer, dreamer and man of faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Reflection Ministries and the Canadian Cancer Society, organizations that were close to Dad’s heart.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We miss him deeply but know that Dad has finished the race and is ready to celebrate his first Christmas with His Lord.
A service to celebrate Dad’s life was held at Cornerstone Church on Tuesday, December 19th at 10am. A video of the service is available. Click here to view.
Rev. Ron & Rev. Elaine Hobden served the people of the Sharon Lutheran and Peace Lutheran Parish (Irma & Wainwright, AB) for many years. Rev. Ron served as supervisor for CALC Pastors Kevin Nelson and Ed Parke as they completed parts of their pastor-in-training program.
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
From the Editors' Desk
On behalf of our Editorial team and CALC's National Council we wish each and every one of our subscribers a Happy New Year. It is our prayer that the Lord will bless you with an abundance of faith, grace, love, peace, joy and hope.
As always, 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
