As we journey in these Great Three Days from the upper room - to the cross - to the empty tomb, may we be inspired anew by the powerful truth that we worship a God who brings life out of death, a God who has the will and the power to make all things new among us. Thank you for your partnership in proclaiming and living this truth. Have a Blessed Easter.
mno
Note: Change of Location
When plans were made last summer for locations for the MNO Youth and Campus Services for 2010-11, a flood was not on our radar screen. Since there are now major flood concerns for the town of Brunkild with the crest of the Red due right on the weekend of the service, it has seemed advisable to change the venue to make certain the service can happen.
Trinity Lutheran, Starbuck has graciously agreed to host the service on May 1. Starbuck is on the #2 highway, 20 minutes west of the west Perimeter. Service time is 6:30 pm on Sunday, May 1. Bishop Elaine will be present for this service.
Ask and Imagine, a high school theology/leadership program run by the Anglican Church in Canada, will be held from August 13-24, 2011. Each year up to twenty Lutheran and Anglican youth are brought to Huron College in London, Ontario, for ten days of leadership and theology training. Travel costs are covered by Ask and Imagine, no matter where you live in Canada.
For more information, check out www.askandimagine.org.
Application deadline is June 1st.
mno
ELCIC/ACC Holy Week Message
mno
2011 Flood Plan
Bishop Elaine met with ecumenical leaders at the end of March. One of the topics discussed was flood plans for the coming weeks here in Manitoba. It was suggested that rather than create a flood plan for faith groups, each faith community do the following: Read the flood plan here
mno
Commit to Kids
Be Committed to Kids!
If you’re an organization that works with children, then this program is for you.
The first step is to ask yourself what your organization does to ensure your environment is a safe one for kids.
Do you have a child protection code of conduct that outlines the expectations between adults and children?
Do you have a screening and hiring process for staff and volunteers that goes beyond criminal record and child abuse registry checks?
What is your organization’s policy for reporting inappropriate staff behaviour?
We know you’re committed to providing safe and nurturing environments, but because you work with children, you are vulnerable to attracting employees/volunteers who want to access and sexually abuse kids. Organizations typically do criminal record and child abuse registry checks, but considering the vast majority of sex offenders DO NOT have a criminal record, it is clear that organizations have to do far more than rely on these checks.
REALITY CHECK. If you haven’t viewed it already, please click here to view our 30-second PSA.
The MNO Synod office has this resource available to synod organizations that manage children. The resource includes a step-by-step program guide and a training CD. Contact the office to borrow.
mno
Upcoming Young Adult Events
May 18 -Young Adult Event at Tavern Downtown 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Come see old friends and make new friends
The Training Event for the "Back to Church" program, which has had amazing results worldwide in bringing people back to church, will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 9:00 a.m at St. Stephen/St. Bede's, 99 Turner Ave. Winnipeg.
Each congregation is strongly encouraged to send a representative, so that planning can occur for this significant event in the life of your congregation this September. Travel subsidies are available for representatives from Thunder Bay/Pass Lake, Thompson, Flin Flon and Fort Frances who need to stay over on the Friday evening before the event. Please contact Bishop Elaine.
The "Back to Church" program was developed by Michael Harvey of the United Kingdom, and the ELCIC has committed to participating in this program this year. Click here for more information on the program and the results. Mr. Harvey will be on hand for this training event in Winnipeg.
mno
Worship and the Arts Gallery
Surfing the Divine: McLuhan looks at Religion looks at McLuhan: The Internet and Prayer
The seminar that asks if the
Internet is killing prayer or giving it new life, will be held at St. Paul's College on Saturday, May 7,
2011. Contributors from around the world include Nora Young, host and creator of CBC Radio's
Spark, Rev. Mario Gaulin, a Baptist chaplain who encourages use of the Internet for prayer, and Eric McLuhan, who co‐authored Laws of Media with Marshall McLuhan and explains his father's
devout Christian faith. The seminar is open to everyone, including practitioners in ministry,
pastoral work and theology.
Registration fees include a free subscription to an online version of the seminar:
$149.00 for all day participation, and $99.00 for only the morning. 10% discount for registering by
April 23.
We Are Moving Out to Luther Village Now!
This week, we are in the process of moving the office and staff out to our Luther Village site in North western Ontario, for this upcoming 47th season of outdoor ministry at camp! If you need to contact us, please call us there at 807.543.4052 or mail to our Kenora address. You can continue to use our email addresses – they don’t change: kim@luthervillage.ca; megan@luthervillage.ca and info@luthervillage.ca.
If you haven’t yet registered or booked for a youth or family camp program, women’s retreat, bikeathon, eco challenge adventure race, work weekend, May long weekend or another time cabin or campground rental or Open House/Bus day trip, you can do so now! Check out these and other things on our website: www.luthervillage.ca
Please pray for the ministry of Luther Village, including the staff, campers and for safety as we begin this new season’s adventure! If ever in the area this summer, please do stop by to say hello and/or join us for a Sunday morning service On The Beach, at 10:30 AM, from July 3 – September 4. See you at camp!
April’s Special Promotion for Youth Registration ends soon!
Read the e Newsletter: http://www.luthervillage.ca/villagevoice.html and find the special bonus offer for registering by April 30 for a youth camp!
mno
Event with CLWR Peru Director, Elena on May 4
Canadian Lutheran World Relief presents Development as Mission
in Peru
Conversation and Questions with
Elena Cedillo
Executive Director of Diakonia, the relief and development arm of the Peruvian Lutheran Church
The youth group at Faith Lutheran, Winnipeg is having its Annual Dinner Theatre on May 6th and 7th. The show is called Rock & Roll is Here to Play. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $20, Children (12 and under) $10
All funds raised will go toward the youth national gathering in Saskatoon 2012
Election resource assists members in engaging in personal and public reflection on important federal election issues
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is making available a new election resource to assist members in becoming actively involved in the May 2 Federal Election.
The new resource, titled 2011 ELCIC Compassionate Justice Election Resource, helps members engage in the federal election as responsible citizens and spirited disciples by providing questions that might be asked of candidates and their policies on topics such as poverty, climate change, human trafficking and international development.
“It is a right, responsibility and a privilege to be able to choose our leaders through a democratic process,” says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. “I encourage all members of the ELCIC to consider prayerfully what it means to be In Mission for Others around important election issues.”
The resource, which also provides background information on the work of the ELCIC and its partners, encourages members “as people of faith,” to reflect on the values of “compassion and justice” to inform consideration when casting a vote.
The ELCIC’s Constitution (Article IV, section 2.g.) identifies that one expression of the church’s mission is to, “study issues in contemporary society in the light of the Word of God and respond publicly to social and moral issues as an advocate for justice and as an agent of reconciliation.”
ELCIC members are encouraged to use the 2011 ELCIC Compassionate Justice Resource to assist in pubic discussion, personal reflection and prayerful consideration on how to create a society that is rich in compassion and justice.
The prevailing wisdom among mainstream journalists and political pundits is that Canadian voters don’t care about politics or the federal election. It may be true that some Canadians have tuned out and others may never have tuned in, but it’s also safe to say that in cities and towns across this country there are people who care deeply about Canada’s democracy and about where the federal parties stand on issues that affect their families, communities and the world at large. The women, men and youth who make up KAIROS’ constituency are among them. This election kit offers questions that can assist KAIROS companions and communities as they engage with candidates seeking to secure their vote on the critical issues that will affect our common future.
The 2011 election campaign has been framed for voters as a choice between a stable economy on the one hand and ethics on the other. As a nonpartisan, charitable organization, KAIROS does not give its support to any political party; nor does it advise its constituency about how to vote. KAIROS does take the position that economic stability and an ethical approach to meeting the needs of humanity and the Earth through social and ecological justice are not mutually exclusive. Our position is rooted in our commitment as people of faith to care for our neighbor and the earth.
Like most Canadians, members of KAIROS’ cross-Canada network rely on their Members of Parliament to represent their concerns in Ottawa. What are those concerns? Among them is a sense of urgency about addressing the global climate crisis, concern for the rights of Indigenous peoples and commitment to democracy and human rights in Canada and around the globe.
We offer this short kit to help KAIROS companions and communities find out where their political candidates stand on issues of concern to them. When your candidates come calling or come to a public meeting, you’ll be ready.
Resources for New ELCIC Praise Appeal Now Available
For Everything There is a Time is the theme of the inaugural ELCIC Praise Appeal which this year will give thanks for the ministry of women in the church, looking back on the ministry of Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc. (ELW) and looking forward to the new forms this ministry may take.
Congregations throughout the ELCIC are asked to designate one Sunday this year, and in coming years, at a time that works best within their own context to highlight the ELCIC Praise Appeal.
Resources for holding an ELCIC Praise Appeal Sunday are available online at www.elcic.ca/praiseappeal. These resources include: worship, prayer and liturgy suggestions, a sermon prepared by National Bishop Susan Johnson, and a bulletin insert.
The ELCIC Praise Appeal is being launched as an opportunity to highlight different aspects of the ministry of the wider church. ELCIC congregations are encouraged participate in this partnership and support the ministry of the wider church by participating in the Praise Appeal.
mno
Church as Wikipedia
by Landon Whitsitt
At some level, the notion of a "Wikipedia church"--or "Wikicclesia"-- makes a lot of sense, even if we have never thought of it before.
Wikipedia: The encyclopedia that anyone can edit Wikicclesia: The church that anyone can edit
It kind of brings a smile to your face doesn't it? More important, it touches on a reality facing the church today: Wikipedia is a part of our everyday lives.
According to the Internet statistics aggregator Alexa Internet, every day 13 percent of the world's Internet users visit Wikipedia for some reason. At the time of this writing, Wikipedia was listed as the sixth most popular website in the United States and seventh worldwide. Thirteen million people worldwide are listed as registered users, and in the past thirty days, 135,000 of those users, on average, have edited an article on the site.
Help Wanted: Part-time Youth Leader
Grace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, is looking for a responsible, organized, creative person to work with youth and young adults to promote youth activities and church involvement. This position is quarter time (approx. 10 hrs/wk) and is being offered as a one-year renewable term. If you are a spiritual individual with a love for youth, this is the job for you.
Send resume before May 2nd to:
Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberly Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 0X3
Fax: (204) 661-2564
Grace Lutheran Church is seeking a Contemporary Music Leader.
The Contemporary Music Leader will:
- Work in a team environment, meeting regularly with the Music Team
- Possess excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work independently
- Select music in keeping with Lutheran traditions, theology and seasons
- Lead rehearsals
- Identify, encourage and mentor musicians
A combination of education and experience in music is required. Previous experience leading a contemporary music group is an asset. Preference will be given to candidates willing to attend Sunday morning worship services regularly. This position is a 1-year renewable term from August to May, which requires 7 hours per week.
Temporary Employment Opportunity Ministry Assistant St. George’s Anglican Church 321 Pandora Ave. Winnipeg MB R2C 1M6 204-222-1942
When: 07 May to 13 Aug, 2011. Hours: 40 hours per week Salary: $12.50/hr.
Employment opportunity is open to a student returning to a post secondary recognized learning institution, preference will be given to students majoring in theology and/or social work.
Responsibilities include: Ø Assist the Minister in the following church activities: Christian education, worship, music, pastoral care and community outreach. Ø Assist in the operation of the Parish Garden Centre from 07 May to 18 June. Ø Assist in the organization and running of the Vacation Bible School program for youth in the Transcona Community, this is run in conjunction with the Transcona United Church. Ø Help prepare promotional material for St George’s 100th Anniversary activities. Ø Provide administrative support for St George’s Church, including updating information, photocopying etc.
St. George’s Anglican Church is committed to a diverse work-force.
Applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are from the following groups: women, Aboriginal and visible minorities.
Interested applicants can send their resumes electronically to the attention of:
Director of Donor Relations
Family Life Network Inc. is a team of multicultural creative storytellers sharing Jesus Christ and His teachings around the world through media production inviting everyone to a lasting relationship with God that results in authentic life transformation. FLN invites applications for its newly established position of Director of Donor Relations. Responsibilities will be in individual and corporate fundraising (including prospect research and review, visitation and documentation, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of people and churches interested in investing in FLN’s mission), and collaborating in the planning of special events, in direct mail campaigns and in donor-related communications.
Visitwww.fln.cafor a full job description and application details.
mno
Church Council on Justice and Corrections Newsletter
The Well -
A gathering place for the Church Council on Justice and Corrections community
Interdenominational Conference to Equip Clergy and Lay Leaders for Mission & Ministry Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Date: May 26 to 29, 2011 Cost: $100 Includes: 5 Theme addresses,
4 Workshops,
3 lunches & 2 dinners Accommodation: Grande Prairie Regional College Cost: $45/night/person + GST
Single rooms with linens and shared bath and kitchen. Rooms can be booked on our web site or by calling the college directly: 1-888-539-GPRC. Getting There: Grande Prairie is accessible by West Jet, Air Canada, Greyhound and by driving along highway 43.
The church is located at
9635 – 76th Ave.
The college is located at
10726 – 106th Ave
2011 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the ministry
in Canada for both the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada. To celebrate this, the Diocese of Nova Scotia
and PEI is hosting a gathering!
Attached is a letter of introduction with registration information. We hope
you would consider making this information available to Ordained Women
Priests in your Diocese through your Diocesan Website, Diocesan News, and/or
personal invitation.
Can You Hear the Drum?: Aboriginal Spiritualities and Theological Education
There are two conferences: The Churches’ Council on Theological Education Conference May 16–18, includes keynote addresses, smaller group workshops, worship and artistic expression as well as learning in the community to enrich our experience together. Participants from a wide range of interest in theological education further enrich our learning together. CCTE Conference Agenda
The Canadian Theological Students’ Conference, May 14–20, has always sought to bring our theological reflection out of experiential learning in the location of the conference. In addition to the content of the CCTE conference student participants will travel to the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Centre and have opportunity to be involved in local faith communities and programs. This year, participants may also register to take the conference for credit through the Faculty of Theology at the University of Winnipeg. CTS Conference Agenda
July 31 - August 3, 2011 Seattle University, Seattle, Washington Abundance of music, style, and presentation. Challenge of discernment, breadth, and quality. Joy in resources, abilities, and opportunities.
Have music leaders in the church ever before faced the sheer quantity of options? Is this a new challenge? The incorporation of music into the song of God's people is as old as time and as new as tomorrow. Questions abound - but, so do answers - which in turn raise new questions.
Come to Seattle and join in the discerning dialog, discussion, music and worship.
Major presenters include: Teacher Christian Scharen (Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN) Pastor Pam Fickenscher (Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina, MN) Musicians John Ferguson (St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN) Anton Armstrong (St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN) Download the brochure here
If you are interested in being added to the notification list, please send an email to Rick Scherger with
CrossWordSubscription in the subject line. rscherger @elcic.ca
Canada Lutheran
The deadline for submissions for the next issue of Canada Lutheran is June 10, 2011.
Please send submissions to
Rick Scherger at the MNO office at 204.889.3760 or by email at rscherger@elcic.ca.
Buy a copy
$20.00 plus shipping.
Call 204.889.3760 or
email dbeyer@elcic.ca
Click on a link above to go to the ELCIC or MNO website's.
Empowered by God!
Shepherding the church!
Serving the world!
CrossWord is a bi-weekly publication of the MNO Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
- We encourage congregations and committees to use the information printed here.
- Feel free to share the information or copy and paste to include in your weekly bulletins.
- Please forward the link to members on your congregational distribution lists.
- If you have an idea for a story to be included in the next issue of CrossWord, contact Rick Scherger: 204.889.3760 or email rscherger@elcic.ca
- Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon.
