Sept. 21-22 Bible Survey- Introduction to Old Testament
Friday, 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9-4 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Paul Sodtke, instructor
Grace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg
Registration deadline Sept. 14th.
** Registration form **

Rev. Dr. Paul Sodtke's bio
Paul was born and received his basic education in Port Colborne, Ontario. He graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1973 from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier U.), then M.Div. and S.T.M. from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, in 1977 and 1984. After serving Lutheran Church - Canada parishes in Melfort, Saskatchewan and Whitecourt, Alberta, Paul and family moved to Toronto; there he completed course work for a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies, but did not complete the thesis. While living in London, Ontario, he taught part-time at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and Wilfrid Laurier University, and did interim parish work.

Is dignity most visible in the invisible?

A number of years ago, The Salvation Army (Canada) asked me to participate in research into Trafficking in Persons. I went from ignorance to indignation and to rising anger. Why? The facts shook me. Here's a very brief sampling of the horrifying realities:

It is estimated that 27 million persons are currently enslaved;
Often those who don't cooperate are beaten mercilessly, raped, gang raped, murdered, etc.
In some cases parents give away or sell their children - or worse, abuse them.
It is estimated that an additional 600,000 to 4 million persons are enslaved every year.

Taken from the Riverton-Hnausa September newsletter.

I shared this in a newsletter a few years ago, I think it is worth repeating. Once again, they are not my words.

How can you tell the difference between a job and a ministry? Some Christians merely have a job(s) in the church. Others are involved in a ministry. There’s all the difference in the world! How can you tell the difference between a job and a ministry?

… If you are doing it because no one else will, it’s a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry.

… If you’re doing it just well enough to get by, it’s a job. If you’re doing it to the best of your ability, it’s a ministry.

… If you’re doing it only so long as it doesn’t interfere with other activities, it’s a job. If your committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry.

… If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a job. If you stay with it even though no one seems to notice, it’s a ministry.

… If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done, it’s a job. If you are doing it because you are convinced it needs to be done, it’s a ministry.

… It’s hard to get excited about a job. It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry.

… If your concern is success, it’s a job. If your concern is faithfulness, it’s a ministry.

… People may say “well done” when you do your job. The Lord will say “well done” when you complete your ministry.

… An average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great church is filled with people involved with ministry.

If God calls you to a ministry, for heaven’s sake (literally), don’t treat it like a job. If you have a job in the church, give it up and find a ministry.

Pastor Trudy Thorarinson

Christmas and Easter Plays for Sunday Schools
  
Morning Session:  Sunday School Music

1. Learn how to incorporate simple songs and instruments into your Sunday School
2. Understand copyright issues related to the music you use

Afternoon Session: Christmas and Easter Play Ideas

1. Share play ideas
2. Learn how to use and adapt play ideas (for different sizes of Sunday Schools, for children with developmental disabilities)
3. Hear how others have developed their own drama pieces

If you have a Christmas or Easter play that has worked well in your congregation, please bring it with you to share with the group.  There will be time for sharing and discussion in the afternoon.

WHEN:  Saturday, September 22, 2007
TIME:  10:00 am – 2:00 pm - Lunch will be provided
WHERE:  Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Dr.
Call Margie Kvern to register at 487-7659

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) invites applications for the position of Regional Officer for North America. Reporting to the LWF Director for the Department of Mission and Development, this position is based in Chicago and is responsible for the coordination of regional and sub-regional activities initiated by member churches and the LWF departments and offices, processing of mission and communication projects from member churches and LWF representation in the region. View the full description online: http://elcic.ca/Leadership/Employment-Opportunities/Job-Postings.cfm

Note: the deadline for applications is October 15, 2007.

Christ Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, MB is seeking the services of an organist/choir director. For more information regarding this job position please call the church office (204) 339-8119 or email clchurch@mts.net.

LutherCare Communities in Saskatoon, SK.
is recruiting for a Chief Executive Officer.