CrossWord

Letter to the Church from ELCIC Bishop Johnson
Dear Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada: Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I want to share with you some of the recent work of National Church Council (NCC). This past March, NCC spent time together visioning – worshiping, doing bible study, and asking ourselves, “What is the future to which God is calling the national expression of the ELCIC?” Through this process five organizing pillars emerged which we believe will guide and support us in our work as a national church as we continue to strive to be a church In Mission For Others. Those organizing pillars are: Effective Partnerships, Diverse Faces, Compassionate Justice, Focused Framework, and Spirited Discipleship. I will be describing these pillars a little more fully in my presentations to Synod Conventions, but let me share with you some thumbnail sketches. For years the ELCIC has worked in a variety of partnerships – so what do we mean when we start talking about Effective Partnerships? It’s a realization that we no longer have the resources to be able to do everything by ourselves, it’s a challenge to encourage us not to do things on our own, and it’s a change in mindset where we want to always ask the question, “Do we need to do this on our own?” If the answer is no, then the next question is... “who is the best partner or partners to work with in this area.” It’s good stewardship but even more so it’s a stronger witness to the rest of the world! Diverse Faces means that we want to reach out into the communities where we find ourselves and invite people to participate in life in the gospel and life in the church. Diverse Faces says something about ethnicity for sure, but it also says something about being a place where people of every age are welcome and have a voice. Where women and men, young and old, play key roles in leadership and service. A place for people of all socioeconomic background, of all kinds of ability. It has something to do with being a place where all people can discover and share their gifts as together we strive to be In Mission for Others. This is going to say something about the way we do evangelism for sure. However, it is also going to push us to share leadership and we have to be prepared to accept that it will change us, just as our families change when we add new faces to the table! Compassionate Justice means reaching out with compassion, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for those who do not have a voice including our creation. Some of the ways we’ve done this recently is through our Stewardship of Creation initiative and our partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada to launch a national campaign against homelessness. Much of the work of the Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) is done in partnership with other organizations. One of GHDA’s most important partnerships is with Canadian Lutheran World Relief and it is through that partnership that we as a church are able to respond to humanitarian emergencies, carry out international development, assist refugees and support alternative trade. Focused Framework is not always the most exciting aspect of the mission of the church, but the reality is that addressing a number of structural and relational matters within our church will help us focus on being a church In Mission for Others. This is again partly to do with responding responsibly to decreasing resources, but it is mostly about clarifying relationships and responsibilities so that we can focus on becoming the church God is calling us to be. Some of the areas we think we need to look at include the size of NCC, the size and focus of convention, the number and sizes of committees, maybe even the number of synods. We have also had to look at the size and focus of the National Office. This has involved the very difficult decision to reduce the size of our staff and has necessitated letting go a very bright and talented member of our national staff, the Rev. Ryan Andersen. It is not an easy or a pleasant thing to do, but it is part of what we are called to do to be good stewards of the resources you entrust to us. I want to clarify that while making this difficult decision we are still committed to ensuring that the important work of justice and stewardship continue in the life of our church. Even as we attempt to face the realities and challenges of decreasing membership and resources, we know that God is calling us on a different trajectory. The reality is that there is a huge mission field at our doorsteps, sometimes starting within our own families. The final organizing pillar that NCC has adopted is Spirited Discipleship. We feel that God is calling us deeper into discipleship. We think God wants us to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and to be able to show that to those around us. We think that God wants us to feel positive about our faith and our church. We think that our spirited discipleship needs to play out in all the ways we come together as church – in our worship, in our bible study, in the way we share our faith, in our compassionate justice – in all of the ways we are called to be In Mission For Others. For the next period of time we in the National Office are going to be going through a lot of transition as we explore new partnerships and make decisions about what ministry areas we need to continue and what ministry we need to stop. There may be some bumps on the road – but we move ahead in confidence, hopeful for the future of our church, because we know that in the end it is God’s church. We may not know for sure how things are going to turn out, but we do know that with God they will be good. We will be blessed and God will help us to be a blessing to others. Yours in Christ, Due to changes in staffing please note that: Individuals with questions regarding particular areas of ministry within the National Office are asked to direct their inquires as follows: Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA): Rev. Paul Johnson (204-98-9175 / pnjohnson@elcic.ca) Public Policy, Human Sexuality Task Force: Rev. Paul Gehrs (204-984-9156 / pgehrs@elcic.ca) Stewardship, Lutheran Planned Giving: Trina Gallop (204-984-9172 / tgallop@elcic.ca)
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Flight to Edmonton St. Mark's, Winnipeg has done a group booking from Winnipeg to Edmonton, and now has had a couple of cancellations, which means that they have two extra flights available. On a group booking, you pay $50 initially and then the remainder of the flight costs later. The flights are at really good times, so if you are still needing this for someone, it can be arranged by contacting Verle-Ann Irvine. Here are the particulars: Cost: $447.47 with West Jet Leave Winnipeg: Monday August 11th flight 615 at 3:00 p.m. arriving Edmonton 3:58 p.m. Leave Edmonton: Wednesday August 20th flight 614 at 11:30 a.m. arriving in Winnipeg at 2:15 p.m. We would need the $50 deposit as soon as someone wants to guarantee taking the flight. Final payment is due one month prior to departure with the names to be provided a week prior to departure. You can contact Verle- Ann Irvine at 489-3782 or virvine@mts.net As well, if there were more than two people that need flights,Verle-Ann could check with West Jet to see if she can add extra flights to their group booking. However, likely the price for the additional seats would be at least $100 more now.
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Cameroon Update
Pastor Jack and Val Fredrick left for the Cameroon right after Easter and will be there for the next two months, assisting to administer some of the projects that the Companion Synod Committee has given approval to proceed, thanks to the nearly $80,000 of contributions that have received thus far. Below is their first communique, which tells us about the eventful trip getting there. Please include the Fredricks and the EELC, Cameroon in your prayers. We are finally safe and sound on the mission station in Ngaoundere. We departed Montreal at 8pm and arrive in Casablanca at 6:30am. Our flight to Douala did not depart until 5pm (1 hour late). It was a long stopover, but Royal Air Maroq has a transit area, where one can lay down and catch up on lost sleep. Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport is very nice place. Our arrival in Douala was not as nice, as our prearranged transport did not arrive and we were subject to harassment from many dubious characters: some even claiming to be custom officials. We finally crawled into bed at the Ibis Hotel at 3am and were up at 9am to catch a bus to Yaounde at 11am. We had ordered a taxi to take us to the LeCar Bus to Yaounde, when a more serious incident occurred. Two taxis vied for our business which resulted in a small riot among taxi drivers (others joined in). Our luggage was being used as weapons, which resulted in a handle being torn from one suitcase. The hotel manager finally intervened and the Hotel Bus conveyed us to safety and our bus ride to Yaounde. A wheel was yanked off of the other!!! In the future I will suggest avoiding Douala, if possible, and fly directly to Yaounde. When we had booked our flight initially there had been a possibility of flying to Ngaoundere, which is now not possible. (Airline financial problems). We arrived in Yaounde with just enough time to buy our tickets and be on our way at 6pm for a 17 hour train ride. Jim Noss met us at the train station, brought us to our home for the next two months, and then Karen Noss prepared lunch. The language problem here became an issue when I (Jack) inadvertently bought 10 kilos of pomme de terre. Valerie is not too happy as she says we have enough spuds for a year. Val decided with friends Mary Ann & Karen that we would have a 'potato party' - all different recipes ---- Jack says lots of potato pancakes!! We have said many prayers thankful for a safe arrival. We also brought the first good rain as the dry season was still here. The EELC Hospital internet system is in limbo and we must ravel into town to forward messages. We are making arrangements for a cell phone. We are with Etienne in a small cyber cafe in a 'hole in the wall' place within the Petit Marché. God’s blessings, Val and Jack. PS. It is HOT - Etienne returned yesterday from Maroua up north, the temp was 45C. I, Val, am not complaining yet, but I see by our opening CBC that the 'peg' will be 13C tomorrow. Shalom... with God Blessings --- Val & Jack Frederick PLEASE... while in Cameroon - only plain text messages EELC Mission Station BP 111 N’gaoundéré, CAMEROON, West Africa javafrca@mts.net OR javafrcan@yahoo.ca this is the preferred address
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To Our ‘Faith’ Community Near and Far
It is six months now that we have been supported by your prayers and messages and food and ‘surprises’. You have been incredibly persistent with your love and we want you to know it helps! Brett, who is slowly improving, has enjoyed every message you sent and each was read to him several times by his ‘regulars’ who were blessed by them too. We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness and thank you from the bottom of our leaky hearts! - The Adam and Dojack Family
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Job Opps
KAIROS KAIROS is recruiting for the position of Program Coordinator - Canadian Social Development. This is a 10 month contract position from May 2008 to February 2009, to replace a permanent full time staff person on a leave of absence. We would be grateful if you could circulate the attached posting as widely as possible through your networks. The closing date for applications is Friday, April 18th 2008, at 12 noon. Therese Dineen Executive Assistant KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives/ Initiatives oecuméniques canadiennes pour la justice 129 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, ON M4V 1N5 tel: 416.463.5312 ext. 243 email: tdineen@kairoscanada.org View full job description here
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As is our practice in the MNO Synod, the Bishop provides a sermon for lay people to read on the Sunday of our Synod Conventions. A downloadable sermon will be available on the MNO Synod Website beginning April 16th, for SUNDAY, APRIL 27. Please feel free to use it as necessary.
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Ordination of Fran Schmidt
Everyone is invited to attend the ORDINATION of FRAN SCHMIDT Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Epiphany Lutheran Church 200 Dalhousie Drive Winnipeg, MB *Rostered Ministers are to vest in* *red.*
Download and print the poster here
Epiphany Lutheran	Index

Have you found what you're looking for? It's time to register for camp! And that's not just for kids! Check out our website and find a program for you, your family, your kids...women's retreat, 55 plus, youth as young as grade 2 up to grade 12, volunteer training, work weekend, couples or parent/child canoe, fitness and fun events, or rent a cabin/camping spot for a break away at the lake! Hope to see you at camp!

Luther Village website	Index
ELW News
The National ELW Board met March 27-30, 2008 in Calgary, Alberta. The following are tidbits of information from that meeting.
Click here to read the entire update	Index
God's Miracle Gro
“God's Miracle Gro” for the Church: Cultivating Your Leadership for Growth What is this? A workshop to inspire and cultivate leadership (clergy and lay) for growing the church in your context Where? Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Drive, Winnipeg When? Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 am–12 noon. Breakfast will be available. Who? Dr. Craig Van Gelder, noted author and professor of Congregational Mission, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN will lead the workshop Why? To make disciples and grow the church is what Jesus invites us to do Cost: $25.00 per person, to a maximum of $100 per congregation (send more than four from your congregation for free) To register: Click on link below. Deadline: May 15, 2008. Make cheques payable to “Diocese of Rupert’s Land” and mail registrations and cheques to: Diocese of Rupert’s Land, 935 Nesbitt Bay, Winnipeg, MB , R3T 1W6. Co-sponsored by the Diocese of Rupert’s Land (Anglican) and by the Committee for Mission of the MNO Synod (Lutheran) Who should come? Church Council Leadership Clergy Anyone with a passion for mission Why should your congregation be represented? This conference is timely, since many of our congregations are facing challenges of diminishment. It can also act as a follow-up to the Renewal Event at the Synod Convention with Kelly Fryer. Your leadership can expect to be reminded of what God is up to and how we are called to help, to hear inspirational stories of possibilities and growth, and be trained and empowered to give missional leadership in your setting.
Letter to pastors and congregations
Registration Form	Index
Bill Horden Golf Tournament
Planning on attending the Spring Study Conference at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon? Then you should plan on staying an extra day for a game of golf. The annual Bill Horden Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday May 8, 2008. Registration is $50 and includes golf and dinner afterwards. Please contact the development office at development.office@usask.ca or see the March edition of ‘Sheaves’ - the seminary newsletter.
LTS website	Index
Inside First Lutheran
Using funds from our 125th anniversary celebration -- as well as sweat equity from members of all ages -- a congregation-led committee oversaw the project, which included painting sanctuary walls in a new, warm colour scheme and refinishing the original fir floors into a beautiful glossy surface. Since the pews had to be removed for the work, the congregation is trying out a new seating plan that features a U-shaped area and brings the "action" down to the floor with the people. Photo: Pastor Michael Kurtz reading the Gospel from a book being held by assisting minister, Nancy Steiman.
First Lutheran	Index
Foundation Grant
MNO SYNOD CONGREGATIONS & ROSTERED MINISTERS Attached is a memorandum from Bishop Elaine inviting congregations or individuals to apply for a grant from the MNO Synod Foundation for Mission and Ministry Inc. Also attached are the grant application guidelines, and application form. The deadline to apply for funds is May 31, 2008
Memo
Guidelines
Application	Index
Never Call Them Jerks Seminar

View info and registration form	Index
New Executive Director for Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada
Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, Board Chair of Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada (LBTC) on behalf of the Board, staff and ministry partners is delighted to announce that the call to lead the organization has been accepted by Rev. David Maffett of Halifax.
View poster here	Index
Gloria Dei Garage Sale
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 637 Buckingham Road, in Charleswood, will be holding their Annual Garage Sale on Friday evening, May 9th from 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 10th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out and discover some hidden treasures or find some awesome antiques! There will be something for everyone, from toys to furniture to housewares. A barbecue and refreshments will be available. All proceeds will be matched by our sale sponsors FaithLife Financial and will be used to support the Gloria Dei Youth attending the Youth Gathering in Whitehorse.
Gloria Dei Lutheran	Index
Re-energize
Tired of our oil addiction? Looking for a spiritual response to the climate/ energy crisis? Figure it's time to slow the pace and cool down the planet? Then join us for an evening of creative discussion and action planning AGAINST climate change and FOR carbon reduction locally and globally Sunday April 13, 7:00PM @ Broadway Disciples United Church, 396 Broadway (near the legislative building) with: Neechi Foods Jennifer de Groot and Will Braun (Geez magazine) The River Heights Theatre Co in a stellar production of The Hundred Mile Dinner KAIROS CSI workshops (come out and see if you want to know what it means) and YOU-- your ideas, your (green) energy, and your commitment to creative change hosted by KAIROS Winnipeg groups and KAIROS national: www.kairoscanada.org / www.re-energize.org For more info, contact Audrey McClelland, 204-783-1107 or mcclella@mts.net
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Sauble Beach would like a visit
Spend a week at beautiful Sauble Beach in a fully furnished and outfitted cottage for free! Yes, conduct services on Sunday and enjoy the 7 miles of warm white sand and the lapping waves the rest of the time. Across the road from the chapel you will find a canoe rental depot – enjoy the Sauble and Rankin Rivers and their beauty. Plus, receive 100. towards your travel expense. The Lutheran Association of Sauble Beach is offering this opportunity to pastors who would enjoy a vacation in the Bruce Peninsula of Ontario. Christ the King Lutheran Chapel serves all Lutherans and the board of management is indicative of this. Sauble is located approximately one hour south of Tobermory – the Chichiman ferry destination. It is near the city of Owen Sound and about 2 hours from Waterloo - Kitchener. The beach is serviced by supermarket, drug store, and all the other shops and services one needs. The only thing, besides food, that you need to bring are sheets and pillow cases, towels, and tea towels. The cottage is heated by electric heat. Further information may be obtained from the secretary, Elizabeth Diegel 519-753-5472 or cdiegel@execulink.com First come, first gets it. Don’t delay, call or email today.
www.saublebeach.com	Index

MNO Synod office hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm CST 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm CST
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Christian Education on-line
Training packages now available! These packages have been developed so they can be delivered as a workshop by your own local Sunday School leadership, but can also be read just for its content. View modules here.

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Multiplying Ministries

More information here
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Youth Worship sched
Apr. 20, Trinity, Starbuck All services begin at 7 p.m.

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Everyone is invited to attend the

ORDINATION of FRAN SCHMIDT