| Installation of Sarah Gelhorn |
| Sarah, recently appointed as the MNO Synod - Young Adult Ministry Facilitator, will be installed at the Youth & Campus Service on Sunday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Winnipeg. Please join us.
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| PB Jam at the University of Manitoba |
| The 14th Annual PB(Peanut Butter) Jam successfully took place at the University of Manitoba this past Wednesday, March 23. Students, chaplains, and university support staff worked together to make 2100 sandwiches (between 8:30 and 11:30 am) which were distributed to the Boy's and Girl's clubs of Winnipeg schools and to other Winnipeg Harvest feeding programs. Thanks to the city congregations (Church of the Cross, Abundant Life, Grace, Epiphany, Faith, Gloria Dei, St. Mark's, Messiah) who made contributions toward the purchase of bread, peanut butter and jam.
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| 2011 Confirmation Camp |
August 28-31, 2011
Luther Village, ON
This is an invitation to consider joining several Metro Conference congregations at this year’s Confirmation Camp. The theme is on baptism and the program is built around the promises parents/sponsors are asked to make on behalf of their children:
- Intro to baptism and promises
- Scripture
- Prayer
- Worship/Holy Communion
- Justice & Peace
- Peace vigil
- Earthkeeping (care of creation)
- Affirmation of Baptism
Participating pastors/leaders share responsibility for theme sessions, evening campfire devotions and the peace vigil, as well as general supervision.
Camp staff feed us, does morning jam and evening campfire, and plans and leads recreational activities.
Camp begins with supper on Sunday and ends with lunch on Wednesday.
Last year’s cost per person (youth and adults) was $157. It could be a bit higher this year.
If you are interested in participating with your confirmation class(es), please be in touch with Annemarie MacIntosh, 204.255.5433 (o) or at allifepastor@mts.net
More detailed guidelines, schedule, registration forms, etc. will be forwarded at a later date. |
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Youth Leader's Appreciation Supper
Come for supper. Meet some other youth leaders from other denominations. Hear Rev. Robert Polz talk about what it means to work ecumenically. But most importantly, come to be appreciated for the work you do with the youth of your congregation.
When: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
Where: St. Peter's Lutheran, 65 Walnut Street, Winnipeg
RSVP to lulrich@elcic.ca by March 31, 2011, to reserve your place.
The EYML (Ecumenical Youth Ministry Leaders) which plans training events 4 times a year, is the sponsor of this event.
At this time, you will also get the dates and the schedule for next year's training events. |
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April MNO Youth and Campus Service, April 3, 6:30 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 815 Inkster Blvd., Winnipeg
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Exceptional Leader Training Opportunity
Common Ground 2011, London, Ontario is an exciting opportunity for anyone whose work and ministry connects with youth – Youth leaders (paid and volunteer), chaplains, clergy, camp staff, Gathering leaders or Home Team Leaders, confirmation leaders, parents and more.
Anyone 18 or over who is involved in ministry with youth in any kind of leadership role is encouraged to consider attending. (Church councils were asked to consider putting this into the 2011 budget, but the MNO Synod Youth Committee is also making some "grants" available to five people to pay the cost of registration, with the congregation asked to pay for the travel (between $400-500). Two of these grants have already been committed, so now there are three left. To apply, contact Larry before March 25, 2011 at lulrich@elcic.ca
Dates for Common Ground are May 31 – June 5, 2011 (Tuesday evening through Sunday noon). Weekend option available.
Visit http://www.commonground2011.ca for details and registration. |
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| The Urban Update |
from Sandy Belisle
It has been a bit of time since I have been able to sit and provide news about the Urban. I apologize for the delay but it has been very busy. In February, the Urban hosted a small conference on poverty. The question that we sought to answer was “How Can We End Poverty?”. There was good community participation as well as attendance by others interested in the issues of poverty. This conference was held in conjunction with the Four Directions Walk Planning Committee. This committee provided some guest speakers and there were some very valid concerns raised. Participants moved into small groups and came up with some actions that may begin to end this cycle for so many families. One of our local community members drew an eagle on a large cloth and then participants were asked to write down thoughts and ideas on paper cut to represent feathers. These are now being transferred onto cloth and will be sewn to the eagle. This will make the whole thing more permanent and it can be used at the Four Directions Walk in October.
The Urban has been very blessed by many donations and the grants that we have been able to access. We had one company that donated sufficient funds to purchase a commercial fridge. This arrived on Thursday at the Urban and it is beautiful and roomier. Thanks to Paul W. from the Board who went out and found us this dream fridge. We received five large round tables from Faith Lutheran and these are a blessing. We can comfortably seat eight people around each table. They are heavy, but they are an asset to the Urban. This past Saturday we held a Safe Food Handlers workshop and we had excellent turnout for this. We had excellent representation from our various meal teams and so now this will sit well with the city Health department. We have also purchased a projector for the laptop so that we can now make our services more inclusive of the deaf community.
There have been many questions as to when the construction will start at St. Matthews. The latest information indicates that we will be moving upstairs at the beginning of May. Once we are upstairs, we will continue to provide meals but we are hoping that we can do more easily served meals as we will not have access to the kitchen for any time from six to eight weeks. I keep praying that the weather will be nice enough for BBQ’s and such. We have an upcoming meeting this month and I should have more information after that.
Read more |
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| Worship and the Arts Gallery |
The School of Writing at CMU: space still available in five-day Preaching course
May 9 to 13, 2011 – The School of Writing at CMU offers writers of all kinds the opportunity to receive creative support and guidance. Writers gain confidence and experience while working with experienced and helpful instructors. This year’s application deadline has now passed, but there are still a few spots left in one of our courses, WRITING OUT LOUD: THE ART OF THE SERMON, with Allan Rudy-Froese.
Allan Rudy-Froese of Kitchener has been a pastor and preacher for over 25 years in Manitoba and Ontario. He has written a few pieces which are in print -- dramas and stories for children hidden in Sunday school curricula, his regular column “This Preacher Has 22 Minutes” in the Canadian Mennonite, and his soon to be completed PhD dissertation in homiletics (the art and theology of preaching) at the Toronto School of Theology, but the bulk of his passion for writing has gone into that which is not read but heard: the weekly sermon. In addition to his addiction to writing and listening to sermons, Allan's interest in the sound of writing makes him a fan, student, and sometimes actor in local theatre.
A sermon is an event of sound for the listening congregation but often the preacher writes the sermon in the stone cold silence of the church office. Many preachers write the sermon as though it is something like an essay, where a silent writer expresses herself to a silent reader. In this class we will explore and experiment with writing for the ear not for the eye. We will pay attention to William Shakespeare, Martin Luther King Jr., the Apostle Paul, Emily Dickinson, Barbara Brown Taylor, Bob Dylan, Fanny Crosby, and others who write for the ear. This stimulating course is for anyone who preaches, lay or ordained.
This is an excellent use of professional development time for pastors. Bursary support is available – check off the appropriate box on the application form.
Visit http://www.cmu.ca/schoolofwriting for an application form or write schoolofwriting@cmu.ca.
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Luther Village 2011 Promo – here it is!
A taste of summertime fun...glimpsed in the snow at Luther Village! Take a peek, pass it on to your family and friends then register for one of our many exciting programs for youth and families at LV! Be there in 2011!
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Special Upcoming Events
o Bud Spud & Steak, Thursday April 14, 2011 at Tijuana Yacht Club, CanadInns, Polo Park; 6-9 PM. Tickets $20. More info on our website.
o 25th Anniversary Bikeathon: Tour de Ville! Join us for this amazing adventure in cycling fundraising! Details on our website. |
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| Easter Vigil 2011 |
An amazing and dramatic service for the whole family
Come and hear through story, song, and prayer, God’s deliverance of God’s people
First Lutheran Church 580 Victor Street
April 23rd 8:30 pm
A joint service by First Lutheran, Lutheran Church of the Cross, St. Mark’s Lutheran, Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Gloria Dei Lutheran, The Urban Mission, St. John’s, and our ecumenical partners.
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| Celebrate with
Sherwood Park Lutheran Church |
50th Anniversary
1961 - 2011
May 7 and 8, 2011
May 7 – Banquet and Entertainment
May 8 – Special Anniversary Service
For more information contact:
Sherwood Park Lutheran Church
7 Tudor Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R2K 2A5
661- 3947 or sherpark@mts.net |
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| Peru Night |
Come & learn about Peru
Friday April 1st 7 – 9 p.m.
Church of St. Stephen & St. Bede
99 Turner Avenue
Bring friends Beverages & dessert provided
Guest Speaker: Missionary Katherine Bergbusch
MUSIC & FUN
FREE WILL OFFERING |
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| Rev. Dr. Kristine Ruffatto Appointed as Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew |
The Board of Governors and Faculty of Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Kristine Ruffatto as Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew.
Dr. Ruffatto has long experience as a parish pastor and new mission developer in Wisconsin and Minnesota, currently serving as co-pastor with her husband, the Rev. Scot Ruffatto, at St. John's Lutheran, Brookfield, Wisconsin. She has also served as a missionary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to the Central African Republic where she taught Biblical and Systematic Theology at a seminary. Dr. Ruffatto has taught at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and at Marquette University in Wisconsin. Her training includes certification in Pre-marital, Marital and Family Therapy. She earned her Ph.D. at Marquette in Biblical Theology. Her thesis is entitled, "Visionary Ascents of Moses in Pseudo-Philo's Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum: Apocalyptic Motifs and the Growth of Visionary Moses Tradition." Dr. Ruffatto's academic and pastoral record and her commitment to a global perspective on mission and ministry make her an ideal fit for Lutheran Theological Seminary. She will begin her service on July 1, 2011. |
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| Sisters of the Holy Rock are the Answer to Your Fundraising Prayers |
If your church is looking for a sure-fire way to raise money and have some fun, contact Sisters of the Holy Rock. The Sisters are Winnipeg's number one novelty choir who have been rocking rural and urban audiences for almost 20 years - and we're still going strong.
We have helped schools, charities and community organizations across Manitoba and northern Ontario raise $3 million. The sisters have a hilarious line up of fresh new material, mixed with old favourites and we can promise your audience an evening (or afternoon) of exceptional music, comedy and just plain wholesome fun.
Our 50-member volunteer choir appeals to all ages. Dressed in traditional nuns habits, we sing a wide variety of comic and serious songs, interspersed with lots of choreography and plenty of jokes. Let us help you make your next fundraiser a financial success. All you have to do is pick a date and sell tickets - we'll do the rest.
For information and bookings:
Call Carole Stone at 204.669.6770 (bookings@sistersoftheholyrock.org)
or check out our website at www.sistersoftheholyrock.org |
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| Job Opps |
Ministry Opportunity in the Diocese of Rupert's Land
The Parish of All Saints, Winnipeg
Full Time Parish Priest
The Anglican Parish of All Saints' Winnipeg has rich and deep historical roots. In the late 1880's a group
of devout Anglican, desirous of a "high" Anglican service, developed plans for an English Gothic building
to be located in the heart of the City. This building served the parish until 1926, when a new (and
current) church building was erected at a different location -- the corner of Broadway and Osborne -- a
major intersection in downtown Winnipeg. With a large collection of stained glass windows, a
magnificent pipe organ and ornate fretwork, this building is outstanding in its beauty and rich heritage.
Read the entire job description |
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| MCC Canada has a position vacancy in Haiti, the successful candidate will be stationed in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and travel back and forth to Haiti. Please toggle this link http://mcc.org/serve/positions/haiti-cida-project-coordinator.
Feel free to circulate this among your friends, networks and coalitions. Candidates who have the requisite qualifications, should contact hrinfo@mennonitecc.ca for more information or to apply.
Blessings,
Doreen Hoogvliets
www.crwrc.org |
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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.
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| Book of Faith Jubilee! |
Inspiring Everyday People to Engage the Bible
April 29-May 1, 2011 at Luther Seminary
"It was very evident that the Spirit was at work at this event, and I came away blessed and excited to go back to our congregation and get them excited." -2009 Participant
Do you read the Bible? Do you support others in reading the Bible? Do you want to learn how to engage others in your congregation in Bible conversations?
The Jubilee is for you! You’ll be inspired through renewing ideas processes, strategies and relationships. Get equipped, inspired and prepared to read the Bible in new ways—and lead your congregation to do the same.
Whether you’re a lay person, teacher, pastor or church staff member, the Jubilee will inspire and excite you as a leader. Ecumenical plenary speakers and a breadth of workshop topics will provide practical takeaways for your ministry.
Plenary Speakers
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Nadia Bolz-Weber
Pastor, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, Colo. |
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Jessicah Duckworth
Associate Professor of Christian Formation and Teaching, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. |
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Craig Koester
Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary |
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John Roberto
President and Founder, Lifelong Faith Associates |
Worship Leader
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Kelly Chatman
Senior Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis |
Special Music by Dakota Road
Back by popular demand!
Register now!
Register today! Questions? Call 651-641-3416 or e-mail kairos@luthersem.edu.
For speaker bios and workshop descriptions, visit www.luthersem.edu/jubilee. |
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| Course Offerings |
Starting Well:
First Years in Ministry
An ecumenical program
to support and encourage professionals
in their first years of ministry.
Choose your location -
Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto
OR
Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver
June 20th – 23rd, 2011
View brochure here |
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Making the Most of Retirement
For clergy and other ministry professionals
who are approaching retirement
(in 10 years or less) or recently retired
(within 5 years) and their spouses/partners.
Facilitated by
Mary Helen Garvin and Rev. Peter Scott |
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| Looking for Story Ideas for Canada Lutheran's 25th Anniversary Edition |
| In June, Canada Lutheran will be producing the 25th Anniversary issue of the magazine. There will be a cover story recounting the top pivotal moments in the short history of the ELCIC.
If there is someone in our synod family that would like to put together a piece for the issue that takes a look at the MNO road through the years, please contact Rick Scherger rscherger@elcic.ca
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| Dim, Dim the Lights |
By Jim Taylor
Turn off your lights on Saturday night!
Although not necessarily for the reasons advanced by the organizers
of Earth Hour.
Earth Hour takes place this Saturday night, between 8:30 and 9:30
p.m., local time. You’re urged to switch off all non-essential electricity.
That doesn’t include refrigerators, traffic lights, or medical equipment.
In just four years, Earth Hour has become a global phenomenon. It
started in 2007, in Sydney, Australia, as an ecological protest. Some two
million people, and 2,000 businesses, turned out electric lights for one
hour.
Last year, 128 countries and around a billion people joined in Earth
Hour.
Earth Hour occurs on the final Saturday of March for a reason. Being
close to the equinox -- spring in the north, autumn in the south -- it’s one
of those rare days when the hours of daylight and darkness are roughly
equal, everywhere. It doesn’t impose northern standards on the south, or
vice versa.
Reducing Energy Demands
Earth Hour is a symbolic demonstration against our spiralling energy
demands. An Earth Hour web page says, “The point of Earth Hour is to show
the world that a solution to the world’s environmental challenges is
possible if we work on them together.”
Turning out unnecessary lights will reduce energy consumption. But only fractionally. Various writers have tried to estimate how much. It looks
to me like little more than two to four per cent.
If everyone turned out all lights for one hour, an observer in the
space station would see a band of darkness sweeping around the globe, time
zone after time zone.
That would indeed be a powerful symbol.
But the observer might also notice that vast areas of the earth didn’t change. They were already dark. They don’t have electricity to turn off.
Discovering the Dark
For me, the symbolic value of Earth Hour has less to do with demonstrating that we in the affluent world can reduce our energy consumption, and more to do with experiencing -- if only for one hour -- the
life of people on half the planet.
It’s an act of solidarity, rather than protest.
We might also discover what author Alyson Huntly called “The Comforting Dark.” It is, after all, in the dark that “sleep knits up the ravelled
sleeve of care.” It’s in the dark that seeds germinate, shoots grow, and
fetuses develop. It’s in the dark that we gather around campfires, tell
stories, hold hands, make love...
An extra-terrestrial observer, watching our habits, might well infer
that we in the industrial world have a phobia about darkness. We install
streetlights, nightlights, headlights, and floodlights to drive back the
darkness. We turn night into artificial day, so that we never have to cease
our endless busy-ness.
We conquer darkness; we don’t welcome it.
Perhaps we have taken too literally the metaphor that equates
darkness with sin, ignorance, and backwardness.
Earth Hour could be an opportunity to rediscover what our benighted
kin around the world already know -- that darkness is a time of closeness,
of community, of renewal.
So turn out your lights on Saturday night.
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Copyright © 2011 by Jim Taylor. Non-profit use in congregations and study
groups welcomed; all other rights reserved.
Please tell your friends about these columns. But if you forward a
column to acquaintances, please identify yourself as the sender,
so that I don’t get accused of sending out spam!
To send comments on this column, to subscribe, or to unsubscribe,
send an e-mail with Soft Edges in the subject line to jimt@quixotic.ca
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