June 5, 2007
Volume 1, Issue 16

Editor: Rick Scherger

The cool and rainy weekend of May 24-26 was not a problem as 25 rostered leaders and 56 lay leaders, representing just under a half of MNO Synod congregations, and a couple of Anglican congregations, came together to talk about “Turning the Church Right Side Up.” 
Dr. Bill Avery, professor of Stewardship and Field Studies at Gettysburg Seminary, gave us a lot to think about in terms of being stewards of God’s mission to love and bless the world.  Bishop Elaine reminded us in worship on Saturday morning that we are called in the church to a “stewardship of efficiency”, a phrase that Dr. Avery then referred to a number of times.
Some of the gems that I gleaned from Dr. Avery’s presentations:

The potential of an influenza pandemic is among the greatest threats to public health, community life and societal well-being in Canada. Are faith communities prepared to address this threat? As a faith leader, are you prepared?

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is accepting applications for the position of Music Coordinator. See link below for detailed job description. Applications can be sent via e-mail to gdeiwpg@mts.net , by mail to: 637 Buckingham Road, Winnipeg R3R 1B9, or dropped off at the church.

Pastor Jack and Val have identified a series of projects in partnership with the Cameroon Lutheran Church. Our goal at Cameroon Companions is to make these projects known to the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Synod providing the opportunity for Canadians to provide their spiritual and financial support. After achieving our target of $150,000 our plan is to return to the Cameroon in 2008 to utilize these funds in completing the targeted projects. Ultimately we believe that we will make a positive difference in the lives of our companions in the Cameroon who do not have the opportunities we have in the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Synod.

Working through a network of Canadian Lutheran's working in the Cameroon we, the MNO synod members, have the opportunity to provide financial and spiritual assistance to a country with a poverty rate of 50%, a HIV infection rate of over 7% and the resulting large numbers of orphans, a need for schools, nutrition and medical support and a desire for our spiritual and economic assistance.

Perfect weather amidst the rainy past few weeks aided in the enjoyable ride for the 18 cyclists, 4 volunteers and staff who made our bikeathon a success! Special thanks to our corporate sponsors (listed on website) who raised $2500!!! Total raised from pledges and sponsorship was $6000.00! Thank you cyclists for having fun whilst riding for Luther Village!

Upcoming June events...
please post and lead people to joining us for one of our weekend/day long retreats/events.
Links for details on our website (www.luthervillage.ca)

Women's Retreat June 8-10, theme "The Cookie Never Crumbles"...bring out or send the women in your life for a weekend of pampering!
Father/Son Canoe Fishing Weekend - July 15-17 - a special bonding time for fathers and sons - make it a priority for your relationship. No canoeing experience required.
Bus Road Trip for a day! June 16 - You've been putting it off long enough...come and experience what Luther Village is all about! Geared to first time visitors - or bring along a newcomer for the day of camp. Only $25 for the bus, 2 meals at camp and as much camp activity as we can immerse you in 7 1/2 hours!

Volunteer Needs
Coffee room monitors are required Sunday from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
Duties include: monitoring the coffee and gathering area at the front of the ministry during worship time to ensure that respect of persons and location is maintained.
Skills required: people skills, non-judgmental, able to gain respect and control of a group, good intervention skills and a letter of recommendation from home church pastor.

Yoga instructors needed to lead yoga classes at Lutheran Urban Ministry. Time to be mutually determined.
Skill sets: accredited yoga instructor or student and a letter of recommendation from home church pastor.

Contact: Pastor David Lowe 204.774.3143