Coming Together:
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogue III

What
Talks, Discussion and Reflection
Relationship among Christian Churches in Canada
Ecumenical Dialogue and Interchurch Work
Theological Education in inter-church environment

When        
Monday Oct. 1, 2007
8:30 welcome and registration
9:30 till 5:00  Forum
Where      
University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology – Convocation Hall

Sponsored by the Faith and Witness Commission of the Canadian Council of Churches and the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg

Speaking to power from divergent understandings of the truth
The Hon. Bill Blaikie, Member of Parliament

and Deputy Speaker of the House
Monday, October 1, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
University of Winnipeg
Convocation Hall
Lecture and Discussion

Admission Free

Sponsored by the Faith and Witness Commission of the Canadian Council of Churches and the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg

KAIROS : Canadian Ecumenical Justice initiatives invites you to  RE-ENERGIZE yourself, your church, your community, and our world!

Our thirst for oil is killing people, and the planet - and it doesn't have to be this way! Are you worried about the reckless over-consumption you see in God's

world? Want to learn about ways
of changing yourself?Want to talk
about ways of changing your church
or community? Want to change the
world?

Start by joining us at
an intergenerational event at:

KNOX UNITED CHURCH
400 Edmonton Street Winnipeg
7:30 PM Saturday October 13

NEWS FLASH - Urgent Request for Sr High Thanksgiving Retreat

Needed : 2 or 3 digital video cameras (and operators). Leaders - do you or one of your youth have access to this equipment? Our presenters would be so happy if you could bring and operate a camera for the creation of a music video. Please let Larry know at the Synod Office (889.3760) or email lulrich@elcic.ca ASAP.

2008 YOUTH GATHERING
Travel Light- Aug. 14-17 in Whitehorse

You've been asking about this AWESOME EVENT at this AWESOME PLACE, and yes, there is a lot of newly posted information on the website (Click here). The National Planning Committee for the Gathering are coordinating a bus trip from Edmonton to Whitehorse, and the details and cost is now available on the website (Click here).

Here are the details in a nutshell:
Who can attend: Young people age 14-19 (you have to turn 14 by December 31, 2008). Please check carefully for the leader requirements.

Cost of Gathering: $495
Registration Opens: January 2, 2008
Registration Limit: 1200 persons, so register early.
National Bus Trip from Edmonton to Whitehorse (and back to Edmonton) $475

Bus trip activities begin on Monday, August 11 at 5:00 pm, and the bus will return to Edmonton on Tuesday, August 19 by 6:00 pm.
Bus trip covers accommodations and all meals, except supper on Monday, August 11 and supper on August 19.

How do we get to Edmonton from MNO: Most leaders/groups are talking about flying to Edmonton. While the airlines have not yet totally set the fares for next year, because it is peak season, group and convention fares are estimated to be between $450-500 (including taxes) from Winnipeg to Edmonton and back. For our friends in Thunder Bay, it's a bit higher. More information on group fares/schedules will be coming out from the MNO Synod office by January 1, 2008. Your group is also free to book flights on their own, perhaps being able to use air miles or trying to capitalize on seat sales.

So what's the total cost per person? In the neighborhood of $1500.

Are there other options to getting there?
1) Flying directly to Whitehorse is an option for those with severe time constraints.
2) ANOTHER BUS from Winnipeg??? That is also a possibility that the MNO Youth Committee are considering. The issue is that it adds 3 days to the trip, leaving August 10, and returning August 20. The savings would be about $200 per person. If this is an option that you want the MNO Youth Committee to plan, we will need at least 45 participants interested in this possibility. Please let Larry Ulrich (lulrich@elcic.ca) know by October 31, 2007 if this is an option that your participants are considering.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS
Why not use YOOTH LOOPS in CrossWord on our MNO website to share what your group is doing? Email your ideas to rscherger@elcic.ca. It will allow us to hear all the ideas that are out there that will help us to TRAVEL LIGHT, Whitehorse.

Forwarded from the Anglican Church of Canada

Winnipeg, 21 September 2007 -- It was an accidental picnic that first got the Anglicans and Lutherans of Carman, Manitoba, together.

Lutheran pastor Jim Halmarson explained how 12 years ago the town double-booked the local park, so members of his congregation had to flip their burgers alongside the Anglicans. The afternoon of forced fellowship started a three-year process of closer relations, from joint worship services to eventually an amalgamated church, Grace St. John's Anglican / Lutheran.

These unions develop gradually. In June, Canadian Anglicans and Lutherans deepened their Full Communion relationship when their two national meetings voted to allow ministers to hold offices in each other's denominations.

"It would now be possible for a Lutheran to be elected an Anglican bishop, which would be interesting," said Alyson Barnett-Cowan, director of Faith, Worship, and Ministry for the Anglican General Synod.

Last chance to register

INSURANCE SEMINAR
FOR MNO SYNOD CONGREGATIONS

When?            Tue, Oct 2, 2007  ---   7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where?          St. Marks Lutheran, 600 Cambridge St., Winnipeg

       Who should attend? 
√     Members of your council / congregation responsible for arranging insurance;
√  Members of your council / congregation responsible for implementing ELCIC Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth and Other Vulnerable People

Many of our MNO Synod congregations are struggling with the insurance implications of the ELCIC Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth & Other Vulnerable People.  To help you with this complicated issue, we have invited Jane Williamson, National Programs Manager, of Ecclesiastical Insurance, the underwriter for the ELCIC Insurance Program to present a seminar for our MNO Synod congregations entitled "Creating Safer Churches - Risk Management for the ELCIC”.

The seminar will focus on the responsibility of congregations in dealing with children, youth and other vulnerable people, the current legal environment and guidelines to prevent abuse.  Ecclesiastical Insurance has been involved in many claims involving various religious organizations and will discuss the claims being seen today.

Denis Brown, of AON Insurance Brokers will also be available to answer questions concerning the ELCIC insurance program.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!   FREE OF CHARGE!

For more information, contact Debbie Beyer, Executive Assistant, MNO Synod, (204) 889-3760.
Please RSVP to dbeyer@elcic.ca

THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE SEPTEMBER 29

This half day workshop is designed for all members of faith communities that have an interest in creating healthier church communities. It is team led by two seasoned facilitators with a combined 35 years of conflict resolution work in faith communities. A respectful, interactive teaching environment will offer you healthy methods adaptable for your congregation.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church would like to invite you to our Fowl Supper on October 27th, 2007.
All details are on the attached poster for you to copy and post on your news board.

Hoping to see you there,
Marlene Herman,
For Gloria Dei Fellowship Committee.

Though Christmas is still three months away, the response to CLWR’s new We Care Christmas kit has been great. Hundreds of people