Dear Friends in the MNO Synod,

Grace and peace to all! I must admit I have been resistant to creating a response to the situation in Eastern Synod in which a local pastor “ordained” a married gay man to be “pastor” in the congregation at Newmarket, ON.

My resistance to writing a letter is that ANY letters that are written by ELCIC bishops in regards to any issue around homosexuality are taken and “interpreted” by groups on each side of the issue. Interpretations and assumptions are often made without further personal dialogue with the bishop to create clarity. What makes this particularly destructive is that these assumptions and interpretations are taken as “gospel truth”, communicated “around the world” as such. There is a further assumption that the interpreter knows best on which side of the debate the bishop is on and therefore can clearly speak on behalf of the bishop.

At a recent meeting of Metro congregations it was suggested that the synod office promote a “Congregational Studies Guide” (adapted from the local “Leisure Guide” which promotes leisure activities in the community). Is your congregation hosting a study- bible, cell group, ELW, small group, youth, video/DVD study this coming year?

If you would like to open your studies to the wider community, we would be happy to promote and list your study in our MNO Synod Study Guide, which will be available in late August on our synod website mnosynod.org.

Just send your information to Rick Scherger rscherger@elcic.ca by August 29 for inclusion in the fall guide. You will need to provide the name, dates, times of study and facilitator as well as where the written materials for the study are available for purchase and whether pre-registration is required. This is the minimum information that will go on the website. You might be surprised at who will show up in your neighbourhood, your town, or community!

TRAVEL LIGHTLY MNO SYNOD SENDING SERVICE, August 10 at 7:00 pm at Messiah Lutheran, 400 Rouge Rd. Winnipeg, hosted by the MNO Synod Youth Committee and Prairie Fire. The MNO t-shirts will be handed out at this time. If your group will not be at this service, please contact the Synod office to make other arrangements for your t-shirts for the Gathering.

CLYG updates
Want to keep in touch with what is happening at the National Youth Gathering this summer? Photos and stories will be posted daily during the Gathering, August 14-17 at www.youth.elcic.ca

Junior and Senior High Fall Retreat Information is available
(Yikes! We 've barely gotten to summer)

Begin making plans to attend A Behind the Scenes Look at.... OUT OF AFRICA. Last October, four young people from our MNO Synod traveled to Africa (Global Encounters - Canadian Lutheran World Relief) to experience firsthand how God is at work. From their experiences in Rwanda, Uganda, and Mozambique, they will assist young people in MNO to explore how people and communities coming together can create positive change, working for peace and reconciliation, working for dignity and justice for all, answering the call to live out our faith. See attached poster, leader information, youth and parent information, and registration forms.

Download and print poster here
Letter to leaders
Junior High Youth and Parent info
Junior High Retreat registration form
Senior High Youth and Parent info
Senior High Retreat registration form

Fundraising Update
In last Youth Loops, it was reported that some congregations were tithing their fundraising to put toward the Bolivia Youth Project. Here are some other stories to further inspire:

Sherwood Park Youth, Winnipeg have sent a cheque for $1200.00 to the National Youth Project in Bolivia. This was raised with two fall kick-off BBQ's for the congregation, with a 30/30/30 idea ( like a 50/50), with 30 going to the youth for the Winter Pre-Gathering event/ 30 going to the youth Whitehorse trip and 30 going to Bolivia. Also, half of all monies raised at coffee fellowship after services from Sept-May for the last two years went to the Bolivia Project.

Click here for the Urban summer schedule

Applications are being invited for the position of Director of Music for First Lutheran Church, Winnipeg.

We seek someone who is dedicated to both traditional and contemporary hymnody and song and who is committed to the weekly sung liturgy of holy communion. Proficient skills in both organ and piano are required as well as in choir conducting. We are looking for a team player who can work closely with the pastor and congregation while being supported by the Worship Committee.
Our primary worship resource is the newly published Evangelical Lutheran Worship which requires musical leadership in a variety of styles. If you are musically adventurous and have a desire to nurture congregational singing and encourage individuals’ musical skills this is the position for you. Responsibilities include leading the music for the weekly Sunday service and occasional other services, conducting mid-week rehearsals for the adult choir, and being available for funerals and weddings.

We have a well-maintained Canadian Pipe Organ Company three-manual pipe organ and a new small Kawai grand piano. Instruments are available for teaching purposes.

Time requirements are approximately 8-10 hours per week. Salary will be commensurate with RCCO scale. Starting date to be negotiated.
Deadline for applications is June 30, 2008. Applications should include a current C.V. with names and contact information of two references. Send to the Worship Committee, First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 1R2

Grace Lutheran Church is seeking a half time Coordinator of Music with duties to commence on August 15, 2008.  The successful candidate will have;

• Keyboard Skills
• Conducting Skills and Experience in a Choral setting
• Previous Vocal Training
• The ability to work as a member of our ministry team
• Good understanding of Christian theology and the Lutheran Church

Your responsibilities include; coordination, leadership, recruitment and planning to further develop the music program at Grace. A complete list of duties is available by contacting.
Grace Lutheran Church
211 Kimberly Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2K 0X3
Email: glchurch@mts.net
Grace Lutheran Church offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The deadline for applications has been extended to June 23, 2008. Applications may be sent to the above address and should include a resumé and names of two references. Although we thank all applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN AND ST. BEDE
             2008 Summer Student Employment Opportunity

Funded by the Government of Canada, the Parish of St. Stephen and St. Bede is receiving applications for a Canada Summer Jobs Position.

POSITION:   Summer Office, Program & Maintenance Assistant.

LOCATION:   Church of St. Stephen & St. Bede, 99 Turner Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
-   Attend to all secretarial duties in the Parish General Office, including:
*   Answering the telephone and taking messages;
*   Providing information on parish activities to the general public;
*   Providing access to the church during weekday mornings for parishioners
and visitors;
*   Receiving and distributing mail;
*   Placing posters/notices on the bulletin boards and removing out-dated notices;
*   Maintaining and updating computer programs; and
*   Developing a computer profile of parish members/households.
-   Develop and assist in leading a Vacation Bible School for neighbourhood children.
-   Assist with repairs and maintenance of church buildings and property.

QUALIFICATIONS & JOB REQUIREMENTS:
-   According to funding provisions, must be between 18 and 24 years of age.
-   Must be either attending, or preparing to attend this fall, a post secondary educational
institution (i.e., university or college).
-   Should have good oral and written communication skills.
-   Must be in good health.
-   Must be punctual for all commitments.
-   Should have the ability to work independently.
-   Must be able to work with word processing software.
-   Active involvement in a faith community would be an asset.
-   According to requirements set down by the Government of Canada, persons from
visible minorities should be given consideration.

STARTING DATE:                         Wednesday, July 2, 2008

DURATION OF JOB:         8 weeks, 30 hours per week
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

REMUNERATION:            $8.50 per hour.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:        
The Rev. Canon Richard Condo
(Including resumes)                                                                           Church of St. Stephen & St. Bede
99 Turner Avenue, Winnipeg, MB  R3J 2S9
Or email:        rickcondo@hotmail.com

Lutheran Book of Worship Hymnals, Anglican Hymnals (small- no music), some Children’s Hymnals are available from Grace St. John’s Church in Carman, MB.

We have too many copies for our congregation and did not want to have them sitting in boxes if there is someone out there who can use them. Please call Alice at 204.822.8525 or Val at 204.745.2101.

Pastor Bill Lehman must continue with cancer treatments this summer as the disease has spread to another location.

He expresses his sincere thanks for your prayers and support over the past months, and welcomes your phone calls. Please continue to keep Bill in your prayers.

Sage Creek and Waverly West - Anglican/Lutheran prayer and discernment groups around both missions continue to meet. Sage Creek is presently working with a consultant to determine their guiding principles and possible timeline. Waverly West is doing some similar planning, but are also monitoring when the actual homes in Waverly West will have some residents in them, and plan to some voluntary doorknocking welcome people to the neighborhood.

Garson/Tyndall - Plans for surveying the neighborhood are well underway.

Companion Synod News - Pastor Jack and Val Fredrick are safely back home in Pinawa and recuperating from jet lag. They have pictures and stories a plenty, which over the summer will be organized in ways that can be shared with the MNO Synod congregations.

Introduction to New Testament, September 12/13, Place TBA. (For lay people) This course is also a core course for those enrolled in the Certificate in Lay Ministry.

The textbook that will be used for the course is 'Introducing the New Testament' by John Drane (2001 edition). Those registering for the course will be asked to read certain portions in advance and it will also be referred to in class time.

Healthy Congregations- Monday evenings for 6 weeks- Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 20,  Nov.3,17 at the Synod Office, with Bishop Elaine. This is a study group of lay people who will look at being proactive about the stewardship of the congregation- how people care for, respond to, and manage their life together as a congregation.

We are planning to set it up as a distance education evening in which individuals will also participate through a conference call technology. There may be some minimal cost for using this technology but I hope congregations will identify people who can participate so that we can grow healthy congregations and move positively forward in our call to do God’s Mission in the world. Our Study guide is the book, “Healthy Congregations, A Systems Approach” by Rev. Peter Steinke, who is a past presenter to our MNO Annual Professional Leaders Conference. Participants will be asked to read chapters ahead of our group time. The book is available from Augsburg Fortress or Alban Institute.

**We are arranging another course for the weekend of Nov. 21-22, 2008. Title and facilitator TBA in the August Crossword.

The MNO Synod Professional Leaders Study Conference will be held at Luther Village September 15-18, 2008. This study event is for rostered leaders (Active and retired), lay professionals serving in congregations, specialized ministries in and out of the church.

Our event begins with supper at 6 p.m., followed by opening worship with communion and a healing service at 7:30 p.m. A full schedule, as well as registration forms will be available on the website. All rostered ministers are required to attend by their letter of call. Retirees and candidates for ministry receive discounts. There is also a late registration fee so submit your registrations early.

Rev. Terry Boggs will be our presenter. He is a consultant for the ELCA and makes presentations on faith in the public life. He has expertise in faith based organizing in communities as well. Terry was recently a presenter at LTS where he taught a two week course on faith based organizing. Please see the attached agenda for information on when he will be presenting to the conference.

Participants are encouraged to carpool as much as possible, in response to our ELCIC Greening Initiative. If you can provide a ride for others, or you need a ride please indicate this on your registration form.

At the present time we have a limited number of people available for supply preaching/presiding. We also have congregations in a pastoral vacancy that require people to assist with funerals, weddings, crisis visitations. Should pastors/diaconal ministers be available to assist in any of these ways, please call Debbie at the synod office so that she can be prepared to give names to those congregations who contact her: dbeyer@elcic.ca.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank cordially invites you to our 25th Anniversary Celebration
at the Hitch n’ Post Ranch
8.8 kms. north of Winnipeg on Highway 6
(see map below)
Date: June 18, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35.00 each
To purchase tickets, call our office at 944.1993
or 1.800.665.0377.
Special performance by The Doug and Jess Band

It used to be a grim existence for the men and women in Kolkata, India, who cannot speak nor hear because of physical disability. At a disadvantage to find work, many fell into begging or prostitution. Life has changed remarkably for some, however, who have found Silence.

Silence is a self-help organization that allows these people to craft goods for sale. These artisans aspire for self-sufficiency and strive for acceptance as contributing members in their society. Silence is a certified fair trade organization and a member of the International Federation of Alternative Trade (IFAT).

“Silence is a perfect compliment to our existing artisan portfolio,” says Bruce Rose, program manager for Four Corners, CLWR’s alternative trade organization. “Our customers have consistently asked for a greater range of candle products, which is what Silence is providing.”

Four Corners sells a range of Silence candles from $1.50 to $30.00. All are natural beeswax or paraffin and are smokeless and drip free. The candles are available with or without fragrance. They are available through regular Four Corners consignment sales.

For more information, to find a sale near you or to host a sale please call Four Corners at 1.800.661.2597.

Be Not Afraid Women's Convention is less than a month away. Unexpected delays were experienced in the compiling and the production of the convention guide. Our printer assures us it will be in the ELW office by Monday, June 16. It will be mailed as soon as possible.

Convention resolutions and a discussion sheet were emailed to most delegates a couple of weeks ago. The convention guide, resolutions, budget and discussion sheet are currently available on the website, www.elw.ca. Click on Convention 2008, Business. Do not print the convention guide. It is lengthy and it will be mailed to all delegates, convention registrants and all Congregational ELWs.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Registrations for the convention are still coming in. Over 200 people will be gathering to be enthralled by stories, art and musical encounters, good food, good speakers and the joy of being a Christ-centered community!

There are some people who have made accommodation reservations and have not actually registered for the convention. Could that be you? Please be sure that you have contacted that University of Calgary to: 1. make accommodation reservations and 2. register for the convention. As well, if you are visitor and have made your own flight bookings, please inform the ELW office of your arrival and departure times so that you can be included in the airport pick ups arranged by the Local Arrangements Committee.

The Jackie Schmitt Leadership Fund Star fund-raiser has been a success. Over 600 stars have been ordered with contributions totaling over $10,000. Due to this wonderful response we will not be having the Synodical fund-raising challenge at the Convention. We will truly enjoy a Starry, Starry Night Banquet.

Ruth Vince
Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc.
302-393 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9163
www.elw.ca

Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots
The June 2008 LAMPPost e-news has just been posted on our website! Click here.

The headlines…
The Armor of God Devotion and Prayer Booklet, written by Kenneth R. Klaus, speaker for the Lutheran Hour, is now available!
VBS and Sunday School children support LAMP through Fueling the Mission summer program
Word from the Mission Field: Al Anderson, Director of Ministry – Manitoba
Pray for summer ministry teams, communities
A Light for your Path - Joshua 1:9

Jeanne Johnson,
Dir. of Communications

LAMP - CDN Address: 4966 - 92nd Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2V4
LAMP - USA Address: P. O. Box 480167, New Haven, MI 48048
800-307-4036
www.lampministry.org

Pastors and congregations may have received a letter from Mr. Bruce Kintz, CEO of the Missouri Synod’s Concordia Publishing Company in the United States.

The company has recently made a change in distribution and communication practices and is now communicating directly to congregations, leaving their partnership with Augsburg Fortress aside. While we cannot assume to direct congregations and leaders away from the CPC resources, I want to encourage you to use Augsburg Fortress as a primary Lutheran resource for your congregations. Augsburg Fortress resources reflect the theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and MNO Synod and they publish resources that help us to make an impact on ministry in Canada.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy and the Correctional Service of Canada, signed on January 11, 2007, the CSC provides for chaplaincy services by entering into contracts with the religious authority of the chaplain.

Contracts for 1,717 hours/year are offered to a chaplain's ecclesiastical authority through a collaborative process involving CSC Chaplaincy management and the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy.