The following notification is being sent from the Synod office on behalf of Bishop Larry .
Together, with the Northern Area of our Synod, we welcome Pr. Anna Thede as Synod Council's newly appointed Area Dean. We give thanks to Hosanna Lutheran, Edmonton, for their support and affirmation as Pr. Thede takes on this new role within the Northern Area. Synod Council, at their retreat, September 23-25, also appointed Pr. AnnE Zimmerman to serve on the Northern Area Leadership Team. We give thanks to Lakeland Lutheran, Cold Lake, for their support and affirmation as Pr. Zimmerman joins the Area Leadership Team.
We give thanks to Pr. Trish Schmermund who has served as Northern Area Dean for seven years, and express our thanks to Holy Spirit Lutheran, Edmonton, for their constant support and affirmation for Pr. Schmermund in this role.
During the 2023 Annual Study Conference we will recognize Pr. Schmermund's ministry as Area Dean, as well as express our thanks to those currently serving as Area Deans: Pr. Jeff Decelle (Southern), Pr. Kevin Powell (South West), Pr. Matt Lyseng (West Central) and Pr. Julianna Wehrfritz-Hanson (East Central). Pr. Thede and Pr. Zimmerman will be installed at the Wednesday evening Eucharist and Healing Service during the 2023 Annual Study Conference.
Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have knit your people into the one body of your Son, Jesus Christ. Look with favor upon our Area Deans and all members of the Area Leadership Teams in their commitment to serve in Christ's name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen(adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Affirmation of Christian Vocation, page. 84).
We give you thanks, O God, for all who respond to the call to serve in your name. Give them joy and fulfillment, care and guidance in their tasks. Help us all to give willingly and to receive thankfully the gifts of ministry, that your name may be glorified, your people live in peace, and your will be done: through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen. (EvLW: Occasional Services for the Assembly, page 96)
Blessings,
Marla Berg
Office Administrator
Synod of Alberta and the Territories
