The Canadian Lutheran - January/February 2017

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 32 Number 1

Opening the Doors of Mercy

Global Encounter to Jordan and the Holy Land january 18 to february 1, 2018

Join Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) and experience first-hand the religious, cultural, social and political context of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian West Bank. itinerary highlights

registration details

• For the first time a Global Encounter will go to Jordan to witness first-hand the life changing work of CLWR among Syrian refugees. A visit to historical Petra will be a highlight of the Jordan itinerary.

A deposit of $1000 is required by June 30, 2017 to secure your position. Tour costs are all inclusive, including flights from your region, all hotels and meals, site entries and transfers. Itinerary and final costs will be available soon.

• Experience the religious sites of Jerusalem, West Bank and Galilee and enjoy the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

For more information, or to register, please contact: Tom Brook, CLWR Community Relations Director 1.800.661.2597 or tbrook@clwr.mb.ca.

• See the quality care provided by the Lutheran World Federation’s Augusta Victoria Hospital, as well as the educational opportunities offered to students in the LWF Vocational Training Program and the schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land.

Participants must be capable of walking medium distances over uneven ground, flights of stone steps and steep elevation changes.

600-177 Lombard Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5 1.800.661.2597 • www.clwr.org

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 32 Number 1 January/February 2017

Mental Illness in the Church Back to the Catechism: The Ten Commandments Why the Law Matters About the Cover Art

6 8 9 40

Departments Table Talk

Look to Christ

5

History of the Reformation

The 95 Theses

39

In Review

Silence

35

Presidential Perspective

Christ Alone, Christ Forever

42

News Section International News

15

Iranian and Afghan converts to Christianity face deportation from Germany • Cambodian Lutherans plan to re-launch church body

National News

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2017 Convention • A Fun Reformation • Book of Concord available again in French • Restructuring Update - Circuit Convocations T h e C a n a d i a n L u t h e r a n is the Martin national Weber writes: during the rainy season. The herders try to bu publication of Lutheran Church–Canada, Mr. Yuare Jerome (above) has been one of influence with Kwanja chiefs and other ABC District 15 officials s published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, two Kwanja BibleSchool Translators working full time they can keep cows down on the plains longe impacting the world for Christ • A Star Wars youth retreat September/ October, November/December under in the Kwanja project since 1990.

Four things One year Jerome was a leader of a group of youn the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee • Congregation anniversaries • Didsbury live nativity for Communication and Technology). make him stand out: people which physically drove herders off the Central District 19 had bee ISSN #0383-42471. VISION: More than 15 years ago, as I was revising land in late May, because the officials Member: Canadian Church Press the Beatitudes with the Kwanjabee translation the Prayer cattle were still there o Card-making • Boardteam, meets incompromised Winnipeg • and Lord’s Editor: Mathew Block Jerome said “Stop. prime planting land. Jerome was put in prison fo retreat I• have something to Advertising: Iris Barta say.” “These words from God tell us Kwanja several months, but came back to his people see District News Layout: Marion Hollinger Subscriptions: $20/yr East District 23 right, the people clearly how we must think and live.

Now as a “hero” who had defended their E-mail: bcs@lutheranchurch.ca Reformation 500 •weThe Spirit that they are in our heart language, must pay at work need,through to have ESL land ministry for fields.• All material and advertising should be in the office of A mission-focused Christmas • 3.

New edition of French hymnal more attention to them.

If we do not, we the ACCURACY: Martin is “bullish” for the accurac The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to of the Scriptures as they are translated into oth publication date. Advertising rate cardKwanja available people will cease to exist as a people – we Mission Update

27 upon request. languages. Jerome is one of my rare colleagues will become merely history!”

Prison ministry in Ukraine • LWMLC mentors Nicaraguan women The Canadian Lutheran Cameroon who has the gift of seeing what is no 2. COMMITMENT: Jerome cares about the future of 3074 Portage Ave. • Small changes make big difference for Kenyan farmers accurate to the Biblical text, and he cares enoug his people.

The Kwanjas are farmers who grow Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 crops to feed their families, and sometimes have to stop the translation team to correct th Education Report

30 FAX: 204-832-3018 passage to ensure that it does come out tru small cash crops for other needs.

There is E-mail: communications@lutheranchurch.ca 500 Years of Reformation conference • Is seminary for you? • CLS reflecting what was written in the origin another people group which uses the same land Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, seeks partners for Give25 program • Youth Reformation party language. as the with the exception of Letters to the Editor, newsKwanjas during the dry season. They are reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review herders. Cameroon law requires the 4. ECUMENICAL: Jerome wants ALL groups o cattle and approval before publication. Contents th Classifieds 37their moth herders Kwanjas to have God’s Word in of supplements are the responsibility of the to be OFF the land by April 30 (early organization purchasing the space. growing season) so the farmers can grow tongue, know and put into practice Book of Concord Readings 41what it say ©2017 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction crops. They are required to take the herds to the and work together to evangelize those who d of a single article or column for parish use does regions where grass is sufficient not yet know Jesus. Support the Kwanjas at: not require the permission of The Cmountainous anadian Supplement

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Lutheran. Such reproductions, however, should credit The Canadian Lutheran as the source.

S c r i pt u r e t a ke n f ro m t h e H O LY B I B L E , N E W INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2 Toll Free: 1-866-518-7071 info@lbtc.ca

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

3

In 1517, a young professor posted a list of concerns about abuses in the church.

And the world changed.

Rediscover the heart of the Reformation. www.reformation2017.ca

Table Talk

Look to Christ

by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran

“I

had no love for this righteous and angry God, but secretly hated Him, and thought to myself: ‘Isn’t it enough that God has condemned us to everlasting death because of Adam’s sin and that we must suffer so much trouble and misery in this life? Over and above the terror of the law, must He increase our misery and anguish by the gospel? And by preaching the same, thunder against us His justice and fierce wrath?’”

That cry of despair is one with which many people down through the ages can sympathize. People weary of the pain and sinfulness of this world, and searching for peace, purpose, value, and acceptance. People desperate to know that God loves them. People who fear in their heart of hearts that God hates them.

These particular words were spoken by a young Augustinian monk terrified of the wrath of God. One might think that a monk of all people would be confident of God’s love. But this man was too aware of his own sin. Confronted by the enormity of God’s law and its demands, he saw only his sin. “Thou shalt not,” the Scriptures warned. But he had. He had sinned, again and again. He lived in fear that God would damn him to everlasting hell.

Thankfully, this young monk had a wiser man than he for his confessor, with whom he shared some of his fears. “You are being foolish,” the elder monk said to Martin Luther—for the young monk was indeed Luther. “God is not angry with you; you are angry with God.” When you doubt God’s love, he counseled Luther, you must look to Christ. “Look to the wounds of Jesus Christ,” he encouraged. “It

is there that you will discover the grace of God. Cast yourself into your Redeemer’s arms.”

Look to Christ. For the woman or man who doubts the love of God, there is no greater advice. For Christ is literally love incarnate. God is love, the Scriptures tell us (1 John 4:8). And Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). In Christ, therefore, we see God’s love enfleshed, come down to dwell among us (John 1:14).

In Christ, we see God’s will for us clearly. And it is not hate. It is not disinterest. It is love, demonstrated at the greatest of costs—the death of the Son of God Himself. It is mercy. It is Gospel, a Gospel that brings comfort for souls weary of sin and sorrow.

It took Luther time to learn this lesson aright. In fact, while we often point to the publication of the 95 Theses in 1517 as the beginning of the Reformation, Luther did not yet grasp the Gospel in its fullness at that time (see the article on the 95 Theses on page 39.) But as Luther continued his study of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit would reveal to him just how deep and rich the love of God really is. In Christ—dying and rising again for him—Luther would finally find the love and mercy he was seeking.

Christ remains the answer to those seeking God’s love in our own day too. For those struggling under the demands of the law and the weight of sin, Christ is your mercy. Christ is the proof that God loves you.

We all need reminding of that sometimes. And we all have the opportunity to share the same Good News with others. Look to Christ, the confessor said to Luther, holding out the love of God to a broken man.

It is the same gift we must offer to others suffering in the ruins of this broken world.

In this issue, we consider one such group of people in particular need of the love of God: those suffering from mental illness. Such people are often ignored or shunned by today’s society—even, we must say to our shame, in the Church. We must hold out to them the mercy of Christ, even as we offer support to them in practical ways too (see page 6). We must say to them, as Luther’s mentor said to him, “Look to Christ.” When you doubt that God loves you, when you doubt that He cares about you in the midst of your pain, look to the One who suffered and died for you at Golgotha—the One who rose again and promises you new life in the midst of this broken one.

Look to Christ. At its core, this was the deep and abiding call of the Reformation. LCC President Robert Bugbee unpacks that message for us in his column this issue, “Christ Alone, Christ Forever” (page 42). That message—Christ alone—isn’t just the historic rallying cry of the reformers, he reminds us: it’s the eternal calling of every Christian in every time. For in Christ alone we find answers to our fears, comfort for our suffering, and assurance of the great and enveloping love of God. Do you doubt? Look to Christ.

Reformation 2017 For news, information, events, and resources on the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation, visit www.reformation2017.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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Mental Illness in the Church

by Todd Guggenmos

T

hey are all around us. They may live in our neighbourhood, or they may live in our homes.

They are members of our churches; they are our Christian brothers and sisters. They might be our children, our parents, grandparents, or spouses. They are of all colours and races. They are those whom we can see outwardly that something is affecting them, and those whom we would never know. Who are they?

They are those who suffer with mental illness.

Few would fit the caricature of the “mental patient” that we might have in our minds. No strait jackets, no outbursts, or deficiency. Whether or not their illness is outwardly manifested, and regardless of severity, they are children of God, known by Him. They are just like you and me, except they experience great difficulties when it comes to their mental wellness.

This is a serious issue for the Church. Those with mental wellness issues are all around us. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reports that “20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.” If this holds true in our Synod, that could mean up to 12,000 members of Lutheran Church–Canada have or will battle a mental wellness issue in their lifetime. The CMHA also reports that “it is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder—the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.”

I am not an expert in this field. I have no medical training. What I have is practical experience from

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

supporting a child who battled serious mental illness, from supporting those who battle mental illness in my parish and beyond, and from suffering from grief induced anxiety and panic attacks myself.

Despite awareness efforts and events like “Let’s Talk Day”, a stigma around mental illness still exists.

Mental illness is still the infirmity that people will get mad at you for having. It is still the illness that people will tell those suffering from it to just “suck it up”—or the kinder but no more helpful “pray it away.”

Mental illness is an umbrella term which includes many different aspects. It covers those issues that we most likely think of when we think of mental illness: schizophrenia, for example, and bi-polar disorder. But it also includes such issues as post-partum depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One aspect they have in common is the stigma that surrounds them. Unlike ailments that are strictly physical, there is still the idea that those who battle physiological ailments need to hide this fact, or that they should be embarrassed.

This stigma also exists in the Church. As a gathered group of sinning saints, we are not immune to perpetuating the stigma of mental illness. This might include casting a judgemental look at someone who needs to leave the sanctuary in the middle of the Divine Service, assuming that someone who can’t be in crowds and so cannot attend any church activities has done so for selfish reasons, or by trying to diminish someone’s

symptoms by saying things such as “Well, we all feel down sometimes.”

We are—as Luther wrote in his explanation of the eighth commandment —to “defend, speak well of, and explain everything in the kindest way.” That command extends to our relationships with neighbours with mental health issues.

Working to eliminate the stigma that exists around mental health begins with the acknowledgement that these are serious health issues, not behavioral issues.

No one chooses to suffer with mental health issues, and no one should be blamed for experiencing them. People experiencing mental health issues are not “acting,” and have not chosen to have the symptoms they experience.

Too often we treat people with “invisible” illnesses differently than those with easily recognizable physical ailments. We would not think of telling someone with cancer or diabetes, for example, to just “suck it up and get over it” or to just “trust G o d m o re. ” O u r G o d does perform miracles, and sometimes specific miracles to specific people by curing them of their ailments, but we cannot then make the judgment that those who do not receive a miracle have been cursed or forgotten

by God. We should never trivialize or diminish another person’s illness, whether physical or psychological. The crucial first step in reducing the stigma of mental illness in our churches is to recognize that mental illness and physiological issues are illnesses, and not the result of personalities or choices.

As Lutheran Christians we have so much to offer to those experiencing mental health issues. The proper distinction and application of God’s Law and Jesus’ saving Gospel is crucial when dealing with and ministering to those with any illness. That’s especially true when it comes to mental illness. Imagine you are at a loss to explain or understand why you are suddenly thinking differently than before, and feel trapped in thoughts that are not normal to you. Then someone tells you that you need to do more, maybe serve God better, just sin less, and then, maybe then, things will get better for you.

Imagine you can barely do anything—getting out of bed

is a struggle—and when you need a message of hope the most, a well-meaning brother or sister in Christ just tells you what you must do, what God demands of you.

As Lutherans, we love the Law of God as it is His Word. But we also know that the Gospel is what brings hope, gives peace beyond understanding, and changes lives. We can free those suffering with mental illness from labouring under the weight of the law by speaking the Good News of Christ’s saving work for them.

Knowing that Christ is for them, has washed them clean in the saving waters of their baptisms, and comes to them in His Holy Supper, they are free to trust that He is with them also in whatever they might go through in this broken world. Some may battle illness all their lives, but they can know and trust that God is there in that suffering. They can know that, while it may not always seem like it, mental illness has been defeated through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Reducing the stigma and loving our neighbour who is suffering of course involves more than just not doing negative things.

There are practical ways to help and care. We can pray for those who we know are suffering. If we k n ow s o m e o n e i s suffering, ask if you can pray for them, and then do it. And not just in your private prayers, but ask— if the context is right—if you can pray with them immediately.

Ask yourself what help you would want if you were battling a mental illness, and then offer to come alongside someone with compassionate care and genuine concern.

Remember their family and friends. On top of the weight that having a loved one suffering any illness can put on family and friends, mental illness can have the extra dimension of affecting personality and behaviour. Come alongside them and ask what you can do for them.

Remember, those in our churches battling mental illness are fellow redeemed saints, who may need a little extra compassion, a genuine prayer, and a loving helping hand.

We can free those suffering with mental illness from labouring under the weight of the law by speaking the Good News of Christ’s saving work for them.... They can know that, while it may not always seem like it, mental illness has been defeated through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Rev. Todd Guggenmos is pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church (Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan). Rev. Guggenmos supported his teenage son with his mental illness until he lost his battle in November 2015.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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Back to the Catechism

The Ten Commandments

by Martin Luther

A

s the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.

or harm our neighbour in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

The First Commandment You shall have no other gods.

The Sixth Commandment You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honour each other.

The Second Commandment You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive

by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

The Third Commandment Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

The Fourth Commandment Honour your father and your mother.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honour them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

The Fifth Commandment You shall not murder.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt

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The Seventh Commandment You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbour’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

The Eighth Commandment You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbour, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

The Tenth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbour’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

[The text of the commandments is from Exodus 20:3, 7, 8, 12-17.]

The Close of the Commandments What does God say about all these commandments?

He says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments” (Exodus 20: 5-6).

The Ninth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbour’s house.

What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments.

Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbour’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

Adapted from Luther’s Small Catechism © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. All rights reserved. To purchase Luther’s Small Catechism, please visit CPH at www.cph.org.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

Why the Law Matters

by Edward G. Kettner

N

ot long after Luther When we look at the law of God, follow when the first is kept. “We rediscovered the Gospel of we see that it functions for us in should fear and love God so that...” free grace, he realized how three ways: first, as a curb, or a shows that our avoidance of sinful terribly ignorant both the people and leash, restraining us from external behavior and performance of Godthe clergy were of the basics of the wrongdoing by fear of punishment pleasing works come from faith. The Christian faith. Beginning already in and thus keeping order in the world; word “we” indicates that as partakers 1518, Luther preached frequently on second, as a mirror, showing us our of a common humanity, rebels who the basics of faith. After conducting a sin and our inbred inclination toward are nevertheless redeemed and loved visitation of congregations in Saxony rebellion against God; and third, as a

by God, these commandments apply in 1527 and 1528, Luther lamented rule, or guide, showing us what God to everyone. Luther notes that “fear this lack of knowledge and determined desires us to do for the sake of service of God” includes fearing His wrath, to provide a means by which people but for the Christian this fear is could be educated in the faith and not to be understood as the type of in the Christian life. Consequently, fear that a slave has for his master. he wrote the catechisms to explain Instead, it is rather the healthy the content of the faith and a respect that a child has for one’s pattern for living out one’s faith parent—a respect that recognizes in the world in simple form—one that disobedience will result in that could be used by heads of discipline and correction. household as well as by clergy and Luther explains clearly that school teachers. the law itself is good. The problem The idea of a catechism, or a lies in our disobedience. In his handbook to the Christian faith, suggestions for devotions in the was not something new. Instruction morning, after praying the morning in the Creed and Lord’s Prayer, and prayer Luther suggests going to later also the Ten Commandments, one’s daily tasks “singing a hymn had been common in the Middle to the Ten Commandments” or Ages, though such instruction had some other such hymn appropriate fallen into disuse. Prayer books had to one’s devotion. (Luther’s own also been common, but they tended hymn on the Ten Commandments to be very moralistic rather than can be found in hymn 581 of the Gospel-centered.

Lutheran Service Book.) Then at In his catechisms, Luther night, per Luther’s instruction, began his teaching with the Ten we pray for and receive God’s Commandments, to show the Moses receives the Ten Commandments. Woodcut forgiveness, and can fall asleep student what a person should do from the 1558 edition of Luther’s Small Catechism. with a clear conscience. and leave undone in one’s life, The law of God is good and showing both what God forbids and to Him (the “first table” of the law) and wise. As Christians, we desire to act desires, and how one continually falls to our neighbor (the “second table”). in accord with this law, though we short of doing God’s will. The Creed As Luther lays out the law in the daily fall short in doing so. By daily then follows, providing God’s answer catechism, all three of these functions repentance we are assured that we and remedy for our shortcomings— are in place. remain God’s children, trusting His namely, God’s work for us in Christ.

Since the catechism is designed promise to forgive us. Thanks be to After this comes the Lord’s Prayer, to teach Christians, Luther begins God for His instruction to us, and for which teaches Christians to lay hold his explanations of each of the His forgiveness in Christ! of the promises of God. Finally come commandments with the words “We the Sacraments, the means by which should fear and love God.” The first Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor God provides his grace to us to create commandment shows that God comes Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia and sustain faith. first, and that obedience of the others Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Refugee converts to Christianity face deportation from Germany GERMANY - One German pastor is raising the situation of Iranian and Afghan converts to Christianity living in Germany, who are facing mass deportation despite the dangers they will certainly face if they are returned to their homelands.

Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Berlin-Steglitz, a member congregation of Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK). This congregation, along with several other SELK churches, have welcomed hundreds of converts to Christianity in recent years, mostly Iranian and Afghan refugees living in Germany.

Dr. Martens and his congregation were widely covered in international media in early 2016 for their work among refugees. But the German government has recently begun to deny en masse the refugee claims of many of these converts, following what Dr. Martens calls deeply flawed refugee hearings.

“Desperate reports have been reaching me from members of our congregation,” he writes in a letter released December 23. “At this time, the Federal Ministry for Immigration and Refugees is rejecting almost all applications for asylum from our Iranian members, and in many cases also from our Afghan congregational members and candidates for baptism, and is sending them deportation notices.”

Germany has recently increased the number of personnel responsible for hearing asylum applications—a necessary change, given many refugees have been waiting three years for their first hearing. “Yet not even in our worst nightmares could we have pictured what this change would entail,” Dr. Martens says. “Many [of those hearing the cases] are manifestly clueless about the situation of Christians in Iran and Afghanistan, and worse yet they are utterly clueless concerning questions relating to the Christian faith. But all of this does not prevent them from assuming the role of self-appointed experts, whose questions ‘unmask’ the supposedly deceitful Iranian asylum

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applicants one after another, even when those hearing the cases don’t even know the difference between the [Apostle’s] Creed, and the Our Father [Lord’s Prayer].”

Instead, refugees are being tasked with obscure or even irrelevant questions to determine the “authenticity” of their conversions.

“Questions are put such as the names of the two sons in the parable of the Prodigal Son, or what Martin Luther died of, or the occasion of Queen Margarethe of Denmark’s recent visit to Wittenberg,” Dr. Martens reports. “In this way, Christians who learned the first elements of the Christian faith in their house church in Iran are well and truly hung out to dry. Many hearings are more like kangaroo courts in which our congregational members and candidates for baptism have absolutely no chance of presenting what is important to them.”

Dr. Martens further reports that those hearing the cases are dismissing or even mocking the refugees when they express their faith in the importance of Christ dying on the cross for their sins.

“What the applicant says here makes absolutely no sense,” one official is said to write in his official reports. Those tasked with translating for the court— mostly Muslims with little knowledge of the Christian faith, and in some cases reportedly hostile to it—are also accused of incorrectly or even falsely translating what the refugees say during their hearings. Such improper questioning and translating seriously damages the applicants’ claims for refugee status, as the final decision is made on the basis of these reports.

Dr. Martens says the flaws in the system are so great that the situation must inevitably be raised to a higher court. “Orders have obviously been given from above no longer to recognize Iranian converts as having the right to asylum in our country,” Dr. Martens suggests. “The systematic failure of the Federal Ministry in hundreds of cases must come to the light of day through the efforts of the superior courts.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

The challenges come after a year of other difficulties, as converts to Christianity have faced increasing persecution from Muslim refugees angry at their conversions from Islam. “This year many of them suffered violent attacks from Muslim residents of their institutional homes and from Muslim watchmen once they learned of their conversion.

Time and time again... we have had to collect people from residences, in order to prevent worse from befalling them,” he notes. The attacks even led SELKS’ bishop earlier this year to call on the government to give Christian refugees separate accommodations from Muslim refugees. “But our congregational members and candidates for baptism are continually finding that those who attack them and threaten them with death have no problem securing the right of abode here in Germany, while they themselves—the ones under attack—are ‘exposed’ by the Federal Ministry as not entitled to asylum.”

As an example, Dr. Martens notes the case of six Christian converts who were beaten by a group of nearly 100 radical Muslim asylum applicants in February 2016. Police dogs had to be released in order to protect the Christians.

And yet the police investigation was eventually dropped. Now, the six Christians are among those receiving deportation notices.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Martens reports good news too for his congregation. In his letter he goes on to explain the process by which refugees are instructed in the Christian faith prior to baptism—or excluded, if a genuine conversion is not evident.

Currently baptisms sit at between 30 and 40 a month. And renovations to the building to accommodate more refugees continue apace.

He also expresses thanks for the support of members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). The LCMS and LCC are partner churches of SELK.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Cambodian Lutherans plan to re-launch church body CA M B O D I A - Cambodian Lutherans have applied with the government to register a new church body under the name Cambodia Lutheran Church. Final registration documents were submitted to the Kompot authorities for approval on January 23, 2017.

C a m b o d i a n L u t h e ra n s h a d previously been registered under the name Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cambodia (ELCC), but the church’s registration with the government had been allowed to lapse during former President Vannarith Chhim’s tenure.

The move to register a new church body follows a trying year for Cambodian Lutherans. President Chhim resigned from office on June 13, 2016, after public evidence of marital misconduct came to light. In his place, the church’s Board of Directors struck an ad hoc committee and unanimously elected Rev. Phanna Bun (Pastor Peter) as the committee’s chairperson to lead a thorough reorganization of the church.

Despite resigning, Chhim declined to transfer legal authority to the newly appointed interim chairperson.

Because of this impediment, and since the church’s government registration had lapsed anyway, the ELCC Board of Directors chose to dissolve the current structure and constitute a new church body—work that is still in process.

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) has long been involved in supporting Lutheran outreach in Cambodia, and is providing assistance to Cambodian Lutherans during this period of transition. Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms, in his role as LCC’s Mission Advisor for Southeast Asia, has traveled to Cambodia twice at the request of the Cambodian church since the situation became public. He continues to be in regular contact with the ad hoc committee for the new Cambodian synod, serving as LCC President Robert Bugbee’s liaison in the process.

“Thank you for keeping the Lutherans of Cambodia in prayer,” said Rev. Bun in a recent email.

“We hope that all things will go smoothly according to His will, so that the church might stand strong in His grace.”

Lutheran Church–Canada is providing financial support to Cambodian Lutherans as the reorganization process continues.

Once the new church registration receives approval from the government, they will hold a constituting convention.

The history of Lutheran outreach in Cambodia goes back for a number of years, with the ELCC’s official founding having taken place in 2009.

2017 World Watch List ranks most dangerous countries for Christians WO R L D - O p e n D o o r s , a n international ministry that attends to the needs of persecuted Christians has published the latest edition of its World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where being a believer in Jesus Christ is most dangerous.

North Korea remains at the top of the list, a position it has held for 15 years. Christians there cannot show any public expression of their faith; doing so will find them imprisoned or executed. Somalia is in second place due to continued Islamic radicalism and political dysfunction. The same situation applies to Afghanistan, which ranks number three.

Syria and Iraq slipped down to sixth and seventh place respectively.

According to a report in Britain’s The Guardian, the slight drop is not due to any real improvement in conditions

for Christians in those two countries, but is instead due to the fact so many of the Christians who did live there have fled. Both countries have been plagued by civil war and insurgency from the Islamic State.

Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, and Iran are the other nations among the top ten others where being a Christian is most hazardous. All of these countries have a common trend of militant Islam and restricted civil liberties blending together. Iran is a theocratic state controlled by Muslim clerics. Governments in Eritrea and Yemen are unstable and have struggled to maintain order over the past year.

India has surprisingly rose to fifteenth place on the list. According to The Guardian, the reason for this is a sharp rise in Hindu nationalism and resulting mistreatment of the

Christian minority. Just two percent of Indians are Christian, and many of them are from the lower castes, including the Dalits. Open Doors estimates that a church was burned down or a pastor beaten by militants on an average of 10 times per week in India during 2016—a threefold increase over 2015. The organization also claims that many local and regional governments in India not only do not prevent such attacks but even quietly condone them.

Open Doors develops the annual World Watch List based on various methodologies that determine the level of persecution Christians in various countries face. Government repression, corruption, and ethnic tensions are just some of the issues that are examined in the development of the rankings.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Christ Alone, Christ Forever: 2017 Convention Convention Deadlines March 15, 2017 – Ballots for president and vice-president to congregations March 23, 2017 – Delegate lists to District Secretary April 13, 2017 – Delegates lists to Synod Secretary

CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) will hold its eleventh synodical convention October 13-16, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kitchener, Ontario.

The theme for this year’s synodical convention is “Christ Alone, Christ Forever,” words which tie the event to 2017’s commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The phrase “Christ alone” was a rallying cry of the Reformation, along with the related expressions “grace alone,” “faith alone,” and “Scripture alone.” “‘Christ alone’ is the heart of the Reformation, which Luther touched off with his 95 Theses in October 1517,” explains LCC President Robert Bugbee. “‘Christ forever’ stresses that this is where the church’s mission and your personal faith must be centered, even now. As long as the world

endures, this is what Christians must be all about.”

Reflecting this connection to commemorations of the Reformation, the logo for the 2017 synodical convention is derived from LCC’s Reformation anniversary logo, designed by Philip Prozenko. The primary change is the inclusion of the theme: “Christ Alone, Christ Forever.”

The convention will begin with an orientation session on Friday, October 13 at 4:00 p.m. and conclude at lunchtime on Monday, October 16.

An Opening Service will take place Friday evening and a Reformation anniversary event will take place on Saturday evening. Additional information on the convention will be made available online at www. lcc2017.ca as time goes on.

June 13, 2017 – Ballots for president and vice-president returned to Synod office June 15, 2017 – Online registration opens June 15, 2017 – Workbook reports (committees, boards, commissions LSO’s, and auxiliaries) June 15, 2017 – Overtures deadline August 1, 2017 – Workbook published August 7, 2017 – Registration deadline August 25, 2017 – Responses and comments regarding reports and overtures September 8-9, 2017 – Resolution Committee Meetings

Ambassadors for Reconciliation training seminars CALGARY - St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Calgary will play host to two Ambassadors of Reconciliation seminars in April, helping attendees to cultivate lifestyles of reconciliation.

The three-day Coaching People through Conflict Practicum seminar (April 24-26) prepares leaders— pastors, elders, other lay leaders, teachers, administrators, and parents—to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one.

In addition, business owners, executive and mid-level managers,

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counselors, social workers, and human resource managers all benefit from this training. In fact, anyone can benefit from this training, since all people at times give advice to others on responding to conflict.

A five-day Church Reconciler Training seminar (April 23-28) will also be available, helping attendees integrate reconciliation ministries into their own congregations.

Appointing reconcilers and training them to serve congregation members through Reconciliation

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

Ministries is an effective way to foster lifestyles of reconciliation in the local congregation.

Church reconcilers teach t h r o u g h B i b l e s t u d y, c o a c h individuals in conflict, mediate parties in dispute, and decide issues for parties in arbitration.

This course equips leaders and appointed reconcilers to serve in reconciliation ministries.

For more information on these Ambassadors of Reconciliation seminars or to register, visit www. hisaor.org or call 1-406-698-6107.

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

A fun Reformation

Luther plushy from ReformationGear.

Playmobil’s Luther figurine.

CANADA - With 2017 well underway, Lutherans across the world are preparing to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. That can be a lot of work. But that does not mean Lutherans should not have fun doing it! Here are a few items to help you keep the fun in your own Reformation observances.

In 2015, German toy company Playmobil introduced a figurine of Martin Luther. The toy, which comes with a quill and a Bible, quickly became the fastest selling Playmobil toy ever, selling out its first 34,000 production run in less than 72 hours.

That popularity caught Playmobil off guard, but it should not surprise the millions of Lutherans around the world. After all, who wouldn’t want a little Luther taking a stand on their own book shelf?

The Bible Society of Montreal currently carries the item for $9.95 CAD (with free shipping on orders of 20 or more). You can also order the Playmobil Luther from Concordia Publishing House in the United States.

If you’re looking for something a little more cuddly, you might be interested in the Martin Luther plushy.

Recently released by Reformation Gear, the 10-inch plushy can stand on his own, and comes with a Bible, as well as Luther’s Morning and Evening

Prayers. Reformation Gear is affiliated with Lutheran Hour Ministries, and a portion of proceeds goes to support global Gospel proclamation and humanitarian efforts.

The plush figure is now available for shipping to Canada. It is $25 USD direct from ReformationGear.com (plus shipping).

But maybe you are looking for something that more directly fosters group fun. In that case, you might want to try your hand at building a Lego mosaic of Luther’s Rose.

Engage your whole church family and community in a fun Reformation event. “This could even be made into a community outreach event,” notes Rev. Ron Mohr, Mission Encourager of Lutheran Church–Canada’s East District. “ Get permission to set up the project in a local mall. Invite passersby to put a square of the mosaic together. Have handouts available that explain Luther’s Seal, its message of Law and Gospel, sin and grace, and that give information about your congregation.”

The design was developed by Mike Ripley and Suzanne Eaton of Massachusetts, and they have made instructions and template files a free download (visit baseplate.com/ mosaics/luther/). Those interested in helping to put together a loanable Canadian kit of lego for building the

Lego Luther Rose mosaic.

Luther Rose paper snowflake.

mosaic are encouraged to contact Rev. Ron Mohr at rmohr@lcceast.ca.

If Lego is not your thing though, you can always make a Luther Rose paper snowflake. Designed by Kelly Klages of Morden, Manitoba, the Luther snowflake is a fun way to commemorate the Reformation at home. All you need is paper, a pencil, and a pair of scissors. Get the instructions at www.kellyklages.com/ lutherrose.pdf.

The project is provided free of charge for individual use. If you’d like to use the project for a large group, class, Vacation Bible School, contact Kelly for permission at kellyklages@ mymts.net.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Book of Concord available again in French

CANADA - For the first 400 years after its publication, the complete Book of Concord was unavailable in French. Finally in 1980 it was

released not by or even necessarily for the Lutheran Church, but primarily as a document of academic and historical interest under the title La foi des Églises luthériennes: confessions et catéchismes.

By the time it was published, most of Lutheranism in France was already well adrift towards a more generic expression of Protestantism than that defined by the confessional documents. The relatively few hardcover copies were eventually sold. By 2001 the book was no longer available. In 2003, the publishers printed a paperback edition, partially in response to the need of the thenyoung Lutheran churches in Haiti.

By 2015, the book was again out-of-stock and out-of-print with no plans for another edition. Then, responding to Lutherans’ requests,

(primarily for Africa’s growing number of francophone Lutheran churches), the publishers agreed to reprint this foundational theological work on the condition of pre-order and pre-payment.

Now in 2017, 500 years after the beginning of the Reformation, the Book of Concord will once again be available in French as a living witness to the Scriptures. The congregation of Sainte-Trinité in Quebec City has released $4,000 to allow for the printing of 200 copies for future use in Canada—which goes part of the way to reaching the necessary minimum run for a reprint. Sister churches in the United States of America, France, and Haiti, along with the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, are also participating in the effort.

Restructuring Update - Circuit Convocation Reports released CANADA - In December 2016, the Commission for Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) released new recommendations for the restructuring of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), noting that these recommendations are still in “soft clay” and that further input from LCC members is encouraged.

The recommendations were f o r m u l a t e d f o l l ow i n g c i rc u i t convocations held all across the country in October and November.

Reports from those gatherings are now available to download in a 96page summary document.

The meetings themselves debated earlier recommendations for the restructuring of synod that were released in August 2016’s Discussion Guide. The new circuit convocation report summarizes discussion according to the order found in the Discussion Guide, with answers arranged by District and Circuit. In total, 676 lay people, pastors, and deacons gathered at circuit convocations to discuss the restructuring of synod.

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The creators of the summary note that different convocations had different facilitators and recorders, so the style of writing varies; the documents have not been edited from their original state. Moreover, not all convocations had the same length of time available to them, meaning not every group discussed every part of the Discussion Guide.

The Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure

met on November 28-30 to make 36 more recommendations to LCC’s October 2017 convention. The revised Bylaws that include these recommendations in full will be available for review and additional comment soon after Easter 2017.

Download the Circuit C o n v o c a t i o n s a t w w w. canadianlutheran.ca/restructuringupdate-circuit-convocationsummaries-released/.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

ABC District News

Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor Alberta

A century of blessings at Peace SPRUCE GROVE, Alta. - October 2, 2016 was a lovely fall day as Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th anniversary under the theme “A Century of Blessings at Peace.” The theme verse, John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you” also reflected the church’s name. The elevator dedication and ribbon cutting, part of the 100th anniversary project, was led by Rev. Rojar Singh before the service. The Building Committee was dedicated to getting an elevator installed in the church just in time for the celebration—a blessing as Peace has an aging congregation. Members and guests used the elevator to view artifacts from the first and present church buildings on display in the basement.

Rev. Singh served as liturgist for the afternoon worship service with Holy Communion. The congregation was privileged to have Lutheran Church–Canada President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee as guest preacher.

He wove the events theme-verse John 14:27 into his sermon titled “Whoever Confesses Me” based on the text from Matthew 10:32-39.

Alberta–British Columbia District President Rev. Glenn Schaeffer was the reader. Under the direction of Kaeli Weir, the Sunday school children performed “Banner Over Me” and the choir, accompanied on piano by Kaeli, sang “Just as I Am.” Rev. Kenneth Rodeman sang a solo during the offering.

Teresa Miller played the organ for the service and the last hymn “I’m But a Stranger Here,” was played on the original 1917 pump organ.

Around 170 guests, including those from surrounding area churches, the wider community, and former pastors Rev. Raymond Conant and Rev. and Mrs. Lowell Eckert, joined in celebrating this joyous occasion.

Following the church service, a program and banquet took place at Visit the ABC District website at www.lccabc.ca

the Elks Social Hall in Spruce Grove.

Rev. Singh said the meal blessing and closing prayer at the hall. On display just inside the entrance to the hall were photo albums, a collage, and artifacts entitled “Walk Down Memory Lane.”

These past memories were arranged

by Isabel Huber, Kaeli Weir, Elsie Rodeman, and Marjorie Sewell.

Peace congregational president, George Sewell, the master of ceremonies, acknowledged the hard-working 100 th Anniversary Committee and Building Committee.

H e a t h e r Ad a m s , t h e c h u rc h secretary, was recognized for all of her assistance with the bulletin and 100 th anniversary history book. Jane Huber spoke on how she chose the anniversary theme and Bible verse, and Ted and Mary Schuman were thanked for designing the anniversary banner. Several other members of the congregation were instrumental in making the anniversary an unforgettable day. Revs. Bugbee, Schaeffer and Rodeman delivered speeches on the 100-year history of Peace. Letters of

The choir: (l-r) Ted Schuman, Mary Schuman, Hilda Huber, Rosy Singh, Melisa Randolph, Joy Elbrey, Brad Lutz.

congratulations from Rev. Gilbert Mueller and Rev. James Heinbuch were read. Heather Adams also graced the program with music on her harp. The evening came to a close with an enjoyable monologue titled “A Classmate of Luther,” read

by Rev. Lester Stahlke. It was a day filled with great fellowship and fond memories. History books were made available at the banquet for those who desired a copy. Tyler Randolph was photographer for the event.

Thanks go to all who joined in celebrating this notable milestone in the church’s history.

Jane Huber (referenced by Isabel Huber)

District church workers meet in Sherwood Park SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. - Deacons and pastors of the Alberta–British Columbia District gathered at Bethel Lutheran Church from October 1719, 2016 to be fed and nourished

by God’s Word and the mutual encouragement of one another for service as the King’s emissaries.

Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton), led the gathering through a discussion of the seven churches in Asia Minor in a threepart Bible study on Revelation 2-3.

“But, not only are we citizens in His kingdom, we are emissaries of the King!” proclaimed President Glenn Schaeffer at the opening service of the ABC District Church Workers Conference. “We demonstrate His reign through our acts of mercy and love. We are sent to announce His reign. Of all the people in this world,

our King picks us and sends us to harvest the ripe fields!”

Each pastor in attendance received a book, Mercy in Action: A Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster, and two guest speakers (Staff Sergeant Todd Leatherdale of the RCMP and Scott Cameron, Manager of the Emergency Social Services Network of Alberta) encouraged church leaders and congregations to be prepared for when man-made and natural disasters happen. There was much time designated for church workers to informally visit with one another, something extremely important in that a conference involving the church workers from Alberta and British Columbia only occurs every three years.

A special word of thanks is in order for those who donated continued next page

The Canadian Lutheran 201715 1 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February January/February 2017

ABC District News

Alberta Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor

Church workers, continued time, energy, and resources for the conference. The pastors and office staff at Bethel helped organize not only the opening worship service, but paid much attention to countless odd jobs. Bethel members served as the set crew who assembled the tables, the audio-visual equipment and sound system. Bethel’s worship team

led the singing at the opening service and their men’s group provided a delicious meal. LAMP provided one of the suppers and other area congregations (All Saints, Christ the King, and Redeemer) provided food, refreshments, as well as eating and drinking utensils. Local church members served as billets for church workers who requested housing.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary, the Good Samaritan Society, and Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries provided funding for social events. A local Sherwood Park pizzeria, Nitza’s Pizza, donated pizzas with a freewill collection raising $1000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.

Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer

From the President Grace for resolution breakers ow’s it going with your New Year’s resolutions? Are you still on that diet? Are you faithfully going to the gym? Are you spending more time with family and less time at work? Are you getting your spending habits under control? Are you reading your Bible daily? Attending worship more often? Gossiping less? Acting more charitable to others? And, those of you, who resolved to make no resolutions, how’s that going for you? If you are like most people, you make resolutions weekly, if not daily.

Resolutions are promises. Resolutions we make often involve our relationship with God and other people. Unfortunately, we are habitual resolution/ promise breakers. Let me give you some examples of resolutions we make and break.

In the Divine Service, we resolve, “I am heartily sorry for them [our sins] and sincerely repent of them …” but are we heartily sorry for them or do we find ourselves often rationalizing away our sins or justifying our sin? Again, in the Divine Service, we resolve, “Blessed Lord, since you have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and take them to heart,” but do we read God’s Word, memorize it, commit ourselves to the study of it, and prioritize our lives according to it? Again, in the Divine Service, we resolve, “to live in fervent love toward one another,” but do we continue to hold grudges, seek revenge, propagate gossip, live blissfully unaware (and unconcerned) for the well-being of the members in our congregation? I confess, I can’t even begin to recount the number of resolutions I have made over the course of my life that ended up in the trashcan.

Unlike us, our Lord keeps His resolutions. Here are a few examples. Even before the creation of the world, our Lord resolved to make us His own (Ephesians 1:4-5). The Old Testament is a testimony

H

2 The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2017 16 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

of our Lord’s resolve to send a Saviour into this world just as He promised Adam and Eve. Our Lord entered our world and was resolved to die for our sins despite the fact that Satan was constantly trying to derail this resolution (Luke 19:10; Luke 4:1-13). When we were baptized in the name of the triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—our Lord resolved to adopt us as His children (John 1:12-14; Romans 8:14-16) and to assign an eternal inheritance to us (1 Peter 1:3-9). That’s a resolution our Lord keeps to this very day! When we fail to keep our resolutions to God, our Lord resolves to love and forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ, just as the pastor announces during the Divine Service, “Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins.”

So, if we are habitual resolution/promise breakers, what’s the purpose of making resolutions? Well, for one thing, some aspects of our life are so important that they require resolve—intentional focus on our part—like our health, our relationships with family and congregational members, and of course our relationship with our Lord.

As we continue our journey through 2017, may I suggest that we adopt St. Paul’s resolution as our own? St. Paul writes, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This means living each day with the repentant awareness that we are resolution breakers, but it also means living each day in our Lord’s boundless Christ-centered grace, forgiveness and mercy. It means spending time with our Lord in the study of His Word, prayer, and worship.

It means loving, forgiving, serving, and edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ. It means passionately and personally sharing our Lord’s love with those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

God’s grace and peace is yours in Christ Jesus!

Rev. Dr. Glenn E. Schaeffer

ABC District News News ABC District

Alberta Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor

Port Coquitlam schools on a mission to impact the world for Christ PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. Hope Lutheran Christian School is a community that actively demonstrates its mission to impact the world for Christ in many different ways. From its Terry Fox run to caring for the environment and reaching out to the needy, its students are developing a heart to love and serve others.

This year the elementary school presented a musical called “Angel Alert” to tell the message of Christ’s birth. The school and church community and many neighbours of their families were invited to the three shows on which staff and students worked so hard. Christmas has always been a time for members of the school to share Jesus with others. Every alternate year the school puts on an experiential spectacle for visitors called “Bethlehem Walk” that families from all around the area enjoy.

Recently the middle school and high school have found a new home in Pitt Meadows just ten minutes away from the main Port Coquitlam campus. With God’s blessing the students there have begun to impact

Students of Hope Lutheran Christian School present “Angel Alert.”

that district as well. The students are supporting Youth Unlimited (Youth for Christ) in creating a breakfast program for high schools in Pitt Meadows. It runs two days a week where volunteers are given the opportunity to not only make and hand out food but to connect with the students around them as well.

Conversations usually start off small and simple, growing into something deeper, slowly getting into sharing

God’s love amongst the young teens.

To support this project students have created a coin bottle weightcomparison scale. It is a simple competition between the boys and girls attending Hope High. Offerings that are collected during chapel services on Wednesday also go towards the cause. The students look forward to seeing God grow great things in and out of their new campus.

Chanel Chursinoff and John Lok

Didsbury live nativity welcomes all to Redeemer DIDSBURY, Alta. - Members of Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted their annual live outdoor nativity, complete with animals, angels, wise men, and, the Holy family. From December 17-18 crowds huddled on the bleachers outside the church, looking over a manger scene complete with straw and bleating goats, soon to be full with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.

Live sheep and members dressed as shepherds tended their fields on one side of the audience. Wise men came from the East, meeting with Caesar and his soldiers before venturing to the stable. An angel on the roof of the church announced the birth of the Christ child and angels filled the scene surrounding the manger.

T h e t we n t y - m i n u t e s c e n e immersed the crowd in the Christmas spirit as it has for more than 25 years.

It yearly tells the story of the birth of Christ, aiming to share the Christ child with the whole community.

More than 130 people from Didsbury and the surrounding area joined the congregation to experience the story and to share in hot chocolate and

cider afterwards. The event helped to welcome the community into the congregation and everyone seemed to truly enjoy themselves (despite the chilly weather).

Vicar Scott Brayall

Participants in the live nativity.

The Canadian Lutheran 201717 3 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February January/February 2017

ABC District News News ABC District

Alberta and and British British Columbia Columbia Laura Laura Goerz, Goerz, editor editor Alberta

2016 Calgary YOUTH RETREAT checks out Star Wars saga

CALGARY - Youth and leaders from nine Alberta congregations gathered at Foothills Lutheran Church November 4-6, 2016, for what has become an annual youth retreat. In past years the event has sported various flashy names, but this year it was simply known as YOUTH RETREAT. Rev. Ted Giese (Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina) led participants through four sessions connecting the Fourth Commandment with the Star Wars saga. As youth and leaders looked at the Star Wars family saga, they looked also at their own family sagas as laid out in Scripture.

In keeping with the Fourth Commandment theme, youth and leaders honoured their elders as they went out in small groups to visit homebound members of Foothills Lutheran and bring them some treats. A larger group worked with the Foothills Lutheran LWMLC society to serve tea and goodies at the seniors’ manor just around the corner from the church. Youth brought back

Youth and leaders gather for a group photo.

tales of singing, television-repairing, and sharing of life stories following these adventures.

There were times for fellowship, games, singing, and prayer, both as large groups and as individual youth groups. And, as usual, the food was great. Thanks to organizers, leaders,

cooks, musicians, and most of all, to the participants, for another great year.

Organizers invite you to mark November 3-5, 2017 on your calendars for the next retreat, with Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, as the guest speaker!

Miriam Winstanley, DPs, Foothills Lutheran

Surrey congregation celebrates 60 years SURREY, B.C. - On October 16, 2016 Faith Lutheran Church celebrated 60 years of serving the Lord in Surrey, under the theme, “The Faithfulness of the Lord endures Forever” (Psalm 117:2). Preparation and planning began several months before the event, including many repair and maintenance projects which were completed in time for the special day, thanks to the hard work and contributions of many people. More than 220 were in attendance, including

many former members.

The congregation was privileged to have Lutheran Church–Canada President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee as guest preacher. His sermon, “Pictures for your Anniversary,” was based on the text from Ephesians 2:19-22.

Greetings came from Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, ABC District President Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, and Rev. Mark Lobitz.

It was wonderful to hear so many voices raised in song led by Michael Dirk on the organ and Joshua Kim on piano. Especially enjoyed was the Ladies’ Chorus singing “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman, as well as an inspiring (l-r) Revs. Gerhard Wilch, Robert Bugbee, Eduardo Rodriguez version of “Hear

4 The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2017 18 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

the Voice and Prayer” by Thomas Tallis, sung by a guest group, the SJS Singers. The ladies of Faith did a fine job organizing the refreshments in the gym after the service and all shared great fellowship.

The congregation is grateful that the Lord has blessed the ministry at Faith Lutheran Church over the past 60 years and prays to be able to continue serving its members and the community in that place.

Jo-Anne MacAdam

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Laura Goerz, District Editor editor@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: March 25, 2017

Central District News News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

PA Christmas Outreach

Morden group organizes card-making bee

(front, l-r) MaryAnn Brunn, Celine Titchkosky, Arlene Link; (back) Lydia Pfaffenrot, Shirley Titchkosky, Mary Demke, Kelly Klages, Beverly Link, Ida Kube.

The children worked hard perfecting their telling of the Christmas story.

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. - Each Advent, Redeemer Lutheran Church offers a Saturday afternoon when parents can drop off their children, allowing them an opportunity to do shopping without the kids in tow.

While at the church, the children do a craft, enjoy some singing, and have a snack. Most importantly they get to know the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

The main focus is a Nativity play which they work on. When the parents return there is a short carol service with the children performing the Christmas story, and Rev. Mensch delivers a short homily.

This was the first year organizers used Facebook for advertising and it proved beneficial. A mother came, not only with her own child but with a few of her friends’ children.

It was a small group of children who participated, but the mother who came was thrilled to have seen the church Facebook page, to share it with friends, and lead their children to know why Christmas is celebrated.

MORDEN, Man. - Nine ladies spent about four hours on January 23 working on a mission project at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, creating greeting cards from new materials as well as recycled cards.

The group made 40 get well cards, encouragement cards, sympathy cards, and Christmas cards.

MaryAnn Brunn is the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League– Canada member in charge of sending the cards to shut-ins from the congregation, as well as to those who are admitted to hospital, and sympathy cards to those members who have lost loved ones.

Although dollar stores have reasonably-priced cards, the group

uses this as a fellowship project as well. They chat and laugh as they create the cards, bring a bag lunch and leave when other responsibilities call. The people who receive the cards know the time and effort put into them.

The project is announced at church for anyone interested in joining in. Participants are simply asked to bring card-making materials, and it is always amazing to see the variety of materials and ideas that everyone brings from card stock, scrapbooking paper, stickers, stamps, special scissors, and hole punches to ribbons, bows, buttons, and more.

Celine Titchkosky

Community Christmas witness

LA RONGE, Sask.

- The Sunday school kids from La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship did a fantastic job per forming the Nativity and also singing “Away in a Manager” at the Community Christmas Concert.

The 201719 1 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN January/February January/February 2017

Central District News News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

Board business discussed in Winnipeg WINNIPEG - The Central District Board of Directors met November 21-22, 2016 at the District Office.

A committee will be established in Regina to advocate for and oversee the ministry of Rev. D.J. Kim. This s m a l l g ro u p wo u l d report directly to the Central District Board of Directors board. Since they would was set at $982,659 including some be geographically closer to Rev. Kim, new expenditures. In order to keep they would be a better source of a presence in the community of encouragement to him, as well as Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, the a flow of relevant information to Plumas/Neepawa/McCreary parish the board. will be offered $10,000 a year for The board will send a letter to three years in order to integrate the Commission on Constitutional Redeemer, Portage into their parish Matters and Structure confirming and call a second pastor. In an effort that it is in favour of synodical to encourage more work among restructuring that would do away our district’s youth, $15,000 was with the districts and form one put in the budget, $5,000 for each national corporate identity in province that could be accessed by Lutheran Church–Canada. congregations or circuits in those An operating budget for 2017

three regions planning to host a youth event, or to help defray costs for attending events outside of their region. The sum of $17,440 was allocated to LCC over-and-above our contribution for 2016.

Funds were allocated for one clergy and one lay person (first come, first served) to attend the Ambassadors of Reconciliation– Canada training that will be held April 23-28 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Calgary.

Ponderings from the president Rooted in Scripture ne of my earliest memories from childhood is being tucked in my bed with my mother sitting next to me reading a Bible story before I went off to sleep. I know that those stories made an impression on me. I distinctly remember that when my brother was born, I wanted to name him “Moses.” (For some strange reason, my parents chose “Bob” instead!)

From that time, I have always had a love for reading the Bible. In my pre-seminary days, I was thrilled to learn to read the Holy Scriptures in the original languages of Hebrew and Greek. Yes, there were the frustrations and sweat of learning syntax and grammar. But it all seemed to be worth it as I began to appreciate the meaning and nuances of the language of Holy Scripture. To this day, my Bible is my close friend, telling me on the one hand that I am a sinner, but also assuring me on the other hand that God has forgiven my sin for Jesus’ sake.

In this year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the Latin phrase, “sola Scriptura”—Scripture alone—

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comes to mind. Our Lutheran Confessions say this about God’s Word: “We receive and embrace with our whole heart, the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the pure, clear fountain of Israel.

They are the only true standard or norm by which all teachers and doctrines are to be judged” (FC SD Rule and Norm 3).

God’s Word is the rock upon which our faith in Jesus as our Saviour is securely anchored. The apostle Paul’s words to Timothy are just as meaningful for us today: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District District News Central News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

Growing in the Lord’s Prayer CHRISTOPHER LAKE, Sask. Each year in November, youth and leaders from across the northern part of the province gather at Camp Kinasao for the North Saskatchewan Youth Retreat.

This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning seven of our fun-loving, energetic (and thankfully wellbehaved) youth for the weekend.

At the camp we were reunited with friends we had met at previous youth events, and made friends from other churches in Saskatoon, Warman, Middle Lake, Humboldt, and La Ronge. We played games outside, stayed up late, worshiped, enjoyed some free time, and participated in learning sessions about the

Lord’s Prayer.

We learned that prayer is both a command from God and a privilege, and that He teaches us to pray and promises to hear us.

When I asked about the best part of t h e we e ke n d , the resounding answer was the The annual photo op. food. (What other answer could to be able to spend the weekend at there be? I was asking a bunch of Camp Kinasao, and look forward to teenagers, after all.) We are thankful next year!

Natalie Keith

Lappe anniversary events continue Celebrating 30 years in La Ronge

(l-r) Revs. Tom Prachar, Wayne Olsen, Cody Cooper

(l-r) Revs. Jorma Tuomisto and Neil Otke dedicate Viola Luoma’s Finnish family Bible and reading stand, gifted to Lappe Lutheran Church in honour of their 100th Anniversary by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission.

THUNDER BAY - Welcome/ Tervetuloa!

January 1 marked the beginning of a year of 100 th anniversary celebrations at Lappe Lutheran Church with an English/Finnish Divine Service with Holy Communion. The service was filled with praise and worship through song, Scripture and sermons in both languages. In this way the congregation honoured the Finnish immigrants whose faith began what exists today. They knew that “the Lord is God, it is He who made us,

and we are His. We are His people the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3), which is the anniversary theme.

Lunch and fellowship followed the service.

Congregation members give thanks to God for their past, the present, and whatever the future holds. All are invited to join them on April 8 for a Celebration Dinner and April 9 at 3 p.m. for a 100th Anniversary Celebration Service with District President Tom Prachar as guest preacher.

LA RONGE, Sask. - In 2016, Rev. Wayne Olson celebrated 30 years since his ordination in July 1986.

After everyone involved coordinated their schedules, the congregation of La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship and the Central District finally honoured him at the morning Divine Service on November 27 followed by a delicious potluck lunch.

Rev. Olson’s ministry is unique in that he served his entire ministry at that congregation, retiring in June 2015. He and his wife Karen continue to reside in La Ronge.

100th Anniversary Committee

The 201721 3 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN January/February January/February 2017

Central District District News Central News

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Manitoba, NW NW Ontario Ontario Elaine Elaine Stanfel, Stanfel, editor editor

City-wide Reformation party

90th birthday celebration

Rev. Lowell Guebert

SASKATOON - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church hosted a Reformation Party on October 21 as a citywide youth event. Regardless of the low numbers in attendance, the youth had a blast as they learned about the Reformation and played Bible Jeopardy and Pin the 95 Theses on the Door.

Annual fundraiser adds silent auction REGINA - The doors opened at 5:30 p.m. as Mount Olive Lutheran church hosted the Friends of Camp Lutherland a n n u a l Fa l l Fundraising Dinner on October 28, 2016.

The 90 diners in attendance e n j oye d ro a s t b e e f , c a b b a g e Friends of Camp Lutherland at the annual fundraising banquet. rolls and all the fixings. the organizers thanked everyone who This year introduced a silent came out to the dinner and supported auction at the dinner. Proceeds from the silent auction. The event was a the dinner and the silent auction great success and organizers look totaled $3,413. forward to hosting everyone again.

On behalf of Camp Lutherland,

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SASKATOON - In October 2016 Rev. Lowell Guebert had his 90th birthday. His family organized a celebration, both for the family and for his fellow members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Rev. Guebert served St. Paul’s as pastor from 1959 to 1985. Following that he served as chaplain of the Lutheran Care Society of Saskatoon and then accepted a call to Middle Lake, serving Faith Lutheran Church and Bethany Pioneer Village. On his retirement, he and Phyllis returned to Saskatoon and St. Paul’s where he often visited the sick and shut-ins and, when needed, led in worship. from The Spirit newsletter

Visit the Central District website at www.lcccentral.ca Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Elaine Stanfel, district editor, 509 Airport Road, Pembroke, ON K8A6W7 613-687-6620 elaine.stanfel@gmail.com

Next deadline March 25, 2017

East District News News East District

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

Desboro congregation kicks off Reformation 500 celebration DESBORO, Ont. - The Reformation 500th anniversary kick-off on January 8 revealed a significant addition—the Reformation logo—to Faith’s church sign and the appearance of a special guest. Martin Luther (portrayed

by Eric Weatherall) spoke about “How I Came to See the Light.”

Wearing his Augustinian monk’s robe and cap, “Martin Luther” based his commentary on Habakkuk 2:4, “…but the righteous will live by his faith...,” and Romans 1:17, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written. ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” Members enjoyed the message and Luther’s greetings given in German.

Schedules for reading both the Bible and the Book of Concord in a year were introduced and explained by Rev. Brian Dunlop.

Martin Luther quotes are featured weekly in the church bulletin for member education. Events are being developed using information and ideas from several sources including those available at www. reformation2017.ca (LLL, LWML, LCMS links) and original committee and member submissions.

As the anniversary year

Faith Lutheran Church declares the 500th anniversary of Reformation for all to see.

continues, new information and invitations will provide opportunities for Christ’s people to grow in their faith as they grow in their knowledge of what the Reformation and Martin Luther gave to Christians. Special public sessions and outreach in our community will also be used to share our joy in the knowledge of our salvation and forgiveness in Christ alone. The congregation will continue in faithfulness and prayer, as encouraged by Lutheran Church– Canada President Robert Bugbee, as they move toward Reformation 500.

Bill King Martin Luther as portrayed by Eric Weatherall.

Five Hundred Years EAST DISTRICT - In this special anniversary year, many “Reformation 500” events, projects, and worship services will take place across the district. We encourage all congregations to promote your event in our weekly enews (EN3) and on the District’s web calendar.

Follow that up by submitting a short write-up and photo of your event for The Canadian Lutheran. Email your event promotion blurb and follow-up stories to ilene@lcceast.ca.

Need some ideas for your congregation, download a list of 52 “Reformation 500” ideas from www. lcceast.ca (click on the Reformation 500 logo).

You are invited to EvangelFest 2017 S T. CAT H A R I N E S , O n t . EvangelFest 2017 will be held on April 28 & 29 at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, with Rev. Dr. John Stephenson as the main speaker. The theme for this year’s event is “Reformation: 500 Years Later.” More information will be forthcoming. $30 per person, $50 per family. Dr. Stephenson will apply aspects of the Reformation to outreach in our current Canadian context. Breakout sessions being considered include: • Rev. Dr. Torgerson applying aspects of the Reformation to today in a world-wide context, with a

special emphasis on mission work in Europe.

• Re v. M o h r e x p l o r i n g Luther’s writings about missions, applying them to our East District outreach work.

• Rev. Williams comparing the Church in Mission in the first 300 years with the Church in Mission in today’s context.

Ac c o m m o d a t i o n s m a y b e arranged through Linda at lantz@ cogeco.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERANJanuary/February January/February 2017 The Canadian Lutheran 2017 23 1

East East District News

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

The Spirit at work through ESL ministry different countries. For KITCHENER, Ont. - On program leaders Roslyn Sunday, November 27, Zehr, Donna Sauder, and 2016, the congregation at Georgina Green, it has Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran been amazing to witness Church welcomed into the Holy Spirit at work membership two Korean through a simple outreach families—three adults and plan: provide a place where four children—through newcomers to Canada can baptism and confirmation meet with English-speaking of faith. It was about one volunteers; develop year prior to this special day that the Choi and Lee Celebrating with the Choi and Lee families on their baptism and friendships through English families began attending confirmation day are Rev. Larry Gajdos (centre) and ESL program practice; and share the love leaders Donna Sauder and Roslyn Zehr (back l-r). and hope of Christ when the Monday morning and of Rev. Larry Gajdos, ESL volunteers, opportunities arise in conversation.

Tuesday evening English as a Second and other parishioners.

It is an inexpensive ministry Language (ESL) sessions that were The ESL Community Outreach program that allows church members being offered through the church’s program was founded by members to carry out the Great Commission ESL Community Outreach program. of Holy Cross Lutheran Church w i t h o u t l e av i n g h o m e. W i t h They were seeking not only an (Kitchener) and Historic St. Paul’s thousands of refugees, immigrants, opportunity to practise English with in the fall of 2013. It has seen students, and visiting professionals friendly native speakers but also a significant growth over the past coming to Canada each year, the Lord Christian church family away from three years, welcoming more than has brought an international mission home. They found both at Historic 200 individuals from at least 30 field right to our doorstep!

St. Paul’s through the caring support Roslyn Zehr

From the president God’s special care n one of the spare bedrooms of my parents’ home hangs a very beautiful and thought-provoking picture: an image of a guardian angel walking beside and hovering over a little boy and girl as they are crossing a footbridge over a ravine. The angel has his hand extended to give the boy and girl special care, for on the wooden footbridge there is a slat in the bridge missing both behind them and just ahead of where they are to step next.

What a fine reminder for our life this picture is—an image that can be imprinted indelibly on our minds and hearts as something that we can all take with us throughout our journey in this life! God does take care of His children in all circumstances. He sees and knows the pitfalls that we have passed over already in our lives as well as the pitfalls that still lie ahead—those places where the slats are missing. He knows how deep the precipice is below.

God also does not just sit by as an idle spectator. His loving heart impels Him to do something to help His children avoid misfortune and harm. To fall into evil is disastrous to the soul and often leaves an awful imprint on the body, too. God speaks to us through His means of grace, His Word and the Sacraments. Through these

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means He tries to help us know which way to go, and also to lift us up when we stumble and fall. For this is His promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you shall go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8). What strength to know that He who keeps us neither slumbers nor sleeps. He is always near!

Just as there is a peaceful watchfulness on the part of God, so there can be a peaceful reception of the counselling of God on our part. God sees what can befall us and He does something about it. He warns us through His wise counsel of the pitfalls that still lay ahead of us. Then it is up to us whether we step over that place in the bridge where the slat is out or step into it. If we step into it, then we cannot blame God for the consequences. But if we heed His guidance and use the strength that God gives us to surmount the stumbling point of sin, it is victory for the soul.

Our sin is just as real as that barbed word we spoke to some friend or loved one today. It is just as real as the breaking of a promise. May each of us be willing to receive the instruction of our God and also be aware of His love, His care and His eye ever watching over us!

Rev. Paul Zabel

East District News News East District

Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Ilene Fortin, editor

Celebrating a mission-focused Christmas KITCHENER, Ont. - Thanks to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, the East District office received a large wooden nativity scene that was not adopted by another congregation when the New Hamburg church building was sold in 2016. The plan was to display the nativity scene over the Christmas season but the question was asked, “Is there more we could do to reach out to our nearneighbours and passers-by?”

In the November-December edition of The EDen Report which was mailed to every East District congregation and is also available on the district website, Rev. Ron Mohr included a story entitled, “Celebrate a mission-focused Christmas.” In that story, Rev. Mohr offered six ideas for thinking outside the box at Christmas to spread the seeds of God’s Gospel Word as far as possible.

Idea #5 reads, “Do you have a nativity scene on your church’s lawn? Why not develop a brochure that offers a ‘self-guided tour’ explaining each figure and how it fits with the events of Christ’s birth? Include a response card on the brochure and a place to drop the card at the end of the ‘tour.’”

The response cards encouraged people to check off if they would like to receive a Bible or if they would like information about the Christian faith. The intent was to pass names and contact information to the pastor of the nearest LCC church so a connection could be made with the person. The cards also had a place to make a prayer request. Those who returned cards were entered into a draw for a nativity set.

At East District President Paul Zabel’s suggestion, a decorated mailbox was setup near the sidewalk and a path to the camel, sporting a waterproof pouch around its neck, was kept shoveled throughout the season. The mailbox contained several self-directed guide brochures explaining each segment of the nativity scene. Twenty-one of the brochures were picked up this season.

Five response cards were returned to

The 2016 District Nativity Scene is shown, with a waterproof pouch around the camel’s neck for response cards and a decorated mailbox for the self-guided tour brochures. See the brochure and response cards at http://lcceast.ca/evangelism.

the camel’s pouch. District Office staff thank Sperling’s Church Supply in Waterloo for donating a small nativity set for the winner of the response card draw.

After Christmas all respondents were contacted via email to assure them that the church was indeed

praying for them and anyone else for whom they requested prayer. They were also thanked for participating in the nativity scene self-guided tour and wished peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Rev. Ron Mohr, Mission Encourager

West Lorne ladies support community members in need

WEST LORNE, Ont. - Shown are six of the eight LWMLC members at Grace Lutheran Church, with an average age of seventy-five, who have worked to support those in need in their community. Each year for the last three years they have donated supplies to the St. Thomas Women’s Shelter (a portion of the donation is shown here) and made a monetary donation to the Rodney food bank.

Julia R. Griffore THE CANADIAN LUTHERANJanuary/February January/February 2017 The Canadian Lutheran 2017 25 3

East East District News

Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Quebec, New New Brunswick, Brunswick, Nova Nova Scotia Scotia Ilene Ilene Fortin, Fortin, editor editor

Orangeville receives new shepherd ORANGEVILLE, Ont. - The congregation of Living Faith Lutheran Church gathered to welcome a new shepherd into their church home following a lengthy vacancy. Rev. James Luke will continue his call as an East District Missionary-at-Large, overseeing the Greater Toronto Area Intercultural Ministry but will add to that his ministry at Living Faith.

Raised in Pakistan, Rev. Luke acquired extensive experience and education in the military and in the aeronautics industry, in addition to his theological training. Coming to Canada, he connected with the Lutheran church in the GTA through POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach). Rev. Luke came to Lutheran Church–Canada through colloquy and was ordained in 2009. Since then, his broadranging connections in the South Asian community have provided him many opportunities to proclaim the Gospel and to draw people to know Jesus through His Word.

(l-r) Revs. Joseph Singh, Paul Zabel, James Luke, Ron Mohr participate in the installation service for Rev. Luke at Living Faith, Orangeville.

Comité liturgique francophone releases third edition of French hymnal MONTREAL - Lutheran Church– Canada’s French hymnal, Liturgies et cantiques luthériens (LCL), third edition was published in November 2 01 6 , w i t h t h e hy m n a l n ow surpassing 10,000 copies printed. The third edition includes minor textual corrections and some updated hymn translations.Thanks to a generous donor, 2,000 copies of the hymnal are on their way to several burgeoning francophone Lutheran church bodies in West Africa. Previously, 2,000 copies of the second edition had been sent to East Africa. Financing for production of the third edition was contributed in part by the East District, allowing a stock to be readily available for the coming years.

Since first being released in December, 2009, the hymnal has become the standard Lutheran service book and hymnal of many

Rev. James Luke and wife Rehana

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca

church bodies throughout the francophone world. When a graduate student from Haiti first visited Lutheran Church–Canada’s SainteTrinité congregation in Quebec City, she exclaimed, “It is the same hymnal we use in Haiti!” not realizing it was an LCC publication. LCL is also used by two Anglican communities in Montreal.

4 The January/February 2017 26 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN January/February 2017

Rev. Dr. David Somers

Send news, photos, articles and announcements six weeks prior to publication month.

Ilene Fortin, district editor East District Office 275 Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1Y3 E-mail: ilene@lcceast.ca Fax: 519-578-3369

Next deadline: March 25, 2017

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Prison ministry in Ukraine changes lives UKRAINE - Beginning in January 2016, Bishop Alexander Urchenko of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) and other Ukrainian pastors began making regular visits to inmates of the prison in Nikolaev. That outreach has made a significant impact, with more than 27 people confessing faith in Jesus Christ and 19 of them baptized by October 2016.

From January through October, pastors made more than 30 visits to the prison, leading 24 worship services for converts to Christianity.

The group also held three outreach events for the entire prison, including prison staff, on the major festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, with up to 80 people participating in each event. “I was pleased to see that such hard people who suffer from human rejection could enjoy the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” writes Bishop Urchenko.

The ministry doesn’t end at the prison, however. Following release from prison, SELCU encourages former prisoners to participate in Christian rehabilitation programs.

The work is particularly important, as many Ukrainian prisoners find themselves back in prison within months of release. Through SELCU’s work, a number of former prisoners were able to engage in churches, restore family ties, and participate in ministering to those who are still prisoners. “Currently, I know of seven men who became Christians in prison

A SELCU prison ministry event in September, 2016.

before being released, and now visit the prison along with me to serve others,” notes Bishop Urchenko.

In addition to spiritual care, SELCU delivers humanitarian aid to the prison and rehabilitation centre. “We help them obtain clothes, bed sheets, towels, and shoes from Christians in Germany,” Bishop Urchenko explains. “In winter time, we provide medical treatments for the prisoners, as well as offering them worship supplies, Bibles, Christian wall-calendars, and literature.”

“We are eager for you to pray for our ministry to prisoners and rehabilitants,” Bishop Urchenko writes. “Now we are praying for the opportunity to extend our ministry and to purchase another facility for Lutheran rehabilitation.”

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) has long supported mission outreach

in Ukraine, with special emphasis on social ministry, missionary support, and theological education. Thanks to the prayers and financial support of LCC members across the country, Lutheran Church–Canada remains a strong partner to SELCU in its ongoing ministry throughout Ukraine.

In December 2016, LCC was blessed with some significant donations designated for ministry in Ukraine. In total, that month saw $25,460 donated to support LCC’s outreach in Ukraine, including missionary support, seminary education, orphan ministry, and prison ministry. Those special gifts will allow LCC to continue its regular support of missions in Ukraine, while allowing other mission funds to be directed to other deserving mission projects around the world.

For more information on LCC’s work and how you can support it, contact Dr. Neitzel at missions@ lutheranchurch.ca or by calling 1-800588-4226 (ext. 215). You can support LCC’s Missions and Social Ministry services through online giving at www. lutheranchurch.ca, or by sending donations by mail to LCC’s office in Winnipeg: Lutheran Church–Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Canada

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Nicaraguan women benefit from LWMLC mentorship

NICARAGUA - In 2014 under the guidance of Lutheran Church– Canada’s (LCC) Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, the Sister to Sister program was conceived. The vision of the Sister to Sister program is that members of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWMLC) mentor and encourage the women of the overseas mission areas of LCC. Since women and children make up a large percentage of the mission churches, Canadian women have a unique opportunity to serve them as encouragers and mentors. In December 2016, six LWMLC members put that into practice for the women of Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua (ILSN), by presenting a seminar entitled “The Life of the Christian Woman” in four locations.

Deaconesses of the ILSN provided suggestions for the program. One deaconess, Maricela Osorio, worked with our team throughout the planning process, joining the Canadian team for online meetings, and traveling with them while in Nicaragua. The program presented was “The Life of the Christian Woman.” Over a day and a half in each of four communities the team explored the lives of women in the Bible. They then discussed their own lives, especially how all are called to serve God no matter what their station in life.

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Each congregation was left with a banner that can be used and expanded on by them in the future. Participants also shared an afternoon of beading while discussing Pearls of Wisdom—a look at some of the characteristics of a Christian woman. Each women received a prayer booklet that included Bible passages and a prayer for each day of the week.

The conferences embraced common Lutheran beliefs between Nicaraguans and Canadians by opening and closing each day with devotions based on Luther’s morning and evening prayers.

Seminars were held at the Mission Centre in Chinandega where about 60 women attended; in Granada, where about 15 women attended; in Matagalpa, where about 15 attended;

and in Cartego, Costa Rica where about 12 women attended. The Canadian team was able to develop relationships with more than 100 women (plus a few children) as sisters in Christ. “We left them with the message that God has a plan for their lives,” said LWMLC President Iris Barta. “They can serve Him boldly knowing that He will not let His plan fail. Each of them has a special part to play in His master plan.

We left them also knowing their sisters in Canada love them, care about them, and will bring them to God in prayer.”

This was the third time LWLMC has been represented in Central America. In 2008 ISLN President Sandor Arguello invited LWMLC to send a team of women to encourage the women in Nicaragua. A servant event was presented by fourteen LWMLC members in several locations in Nicaragua.

In 2014 President Iris Barta was invited by ILSN President Marvin Donair, to Nicaragua to present a seminar to the ILSN deaconesses.

The program was designed with advice from a small team of ILSN deaconesses. Over three days of Bible study, crafts, and devotion, the meaning of the motto of LWMLC, Called to Serve, was explored.

Deaconesses were encouraged to take the materials and concepts back to their home congregations.

Women from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatamala attend the session at the mission centre in Chinandega.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

Jeffrey A.L. Kriwetz

Partner

416.869.7618 jkriwetz@garfinkle.com

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

Small Changes Make a Big Difference for Kenyan Farmers KENYA - “What really struck me was how small changes have made such a big difference in the lives of these farmers.” That was an observation made by Rev. Daryl Solie (pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Regina) as he recounted a trip to Kenya last July as part of a Faith Leaders Study Tour, hosted by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. By invitation of Canadian Lutheran World Relief and at the request of Lutheran Church–Canada President Robert Bugbee, Rev. Solie joined a group of seven faith leaders to learn, first hand, how work being done in developing countries like Kenya is making a real difference in the lives of small scale farmers who, in many cases farm parcels of land one acre or less!

“The purpose of the tour,” notes Rev. Solie, “was to enhance awareness on the importance of aid for smallholder farmers that participants might help voice support for such aid back home.

I was shocked to learn that more than 70% of hungry people in the world today are smallholder farmers! However, some small changes in practice are making a significant difference.”

One such change lies in the area of crop diversification and movement away from planting traditional crops like maize and beans in favour of more drought tolerant crops like pigeon peas, s we e t p o t a t o e s , a n d c a s s ava .

Another seemingly small change that has made a big difference is in the use of large plastic sheets called dam liners which are used to line the bottom of small ponds thus enabling farmers to collect and store water for irrigation.

One farmer visited on the tour who has benefited from both crop diversification and the use of a dam liner is Hiram Thuo, a 42 year old and father of five. For much of his

Small scale Kenyan farmer, Jane Manjiku, demonstrates applying mulch to help maintain soil moisture.

farming career, Hiram struggled to grow enough food to feed his family due to ongoing periods of drought. This meant regular reliance on food aid. After receiving training in vegetable growing, and thanks to the introduction of a dam liner, Hiram has seen his farm flourish. He now grows capsicum, spinach, sweet yellow passion and watermelon on his one acre farm.

Local traders also travel to his farm to buy what is not commonly grown in that area. Whereas before he struggled just to have enough to eat, Hiram now has enough to feed his family as well as earn about $70 extra a month selling to local traders—money which he uses to pay school fees for his children.

He also has a goal. “Someday”, he says, “I will be able to buy a truck!”

A further small change that has made a big difference for small scale farmers lies in the use of plastic crop storage bags, costing a mere $2.50 each. These allow farmers to protect their crop from spoilage and pest infestation. That means they are not forced to sell their crop immediately after harvest when prices are often lower because the market is flooded. Some farmers visited on the tour have found

a significant difference with the purchase of as few as three or four bags, or, in one case, a single bag.

A final small change that has benefitted small scale farmers is found in the use of simple dry grass mulch spread over the soil to aid in moisture retention. For farmers like Jane Manjiku, the use of mulch, coupled with the construction of a small ditch between her house and her field to help collect water, has enabled her to grow more and better quality crops to feed her family year round, plus have a little extra to sell to in order to pay for her children’s school fees and even start a small business.

Rev. Solie concludes: “After hearing for years of the plight of people in developing countries, it was encouraging to witness some good news stories where such great benefit has been accomplished by such small changes in practice.”

For more information on how you can help people like Hiram and Jane contact Canadian Lutheran World Relief at www.clwr.org or the Canadian Foodgrains Bank at www. foodgrainsbank.ca/campaigns/ good-soil.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

500 Years of Reformation Conference EDMONTON - The Canadian Centre for Scholarship and the Christian Faith is encouraging people to sign up soon for their sixth annual conference—“500 Years of Reformation.” The conference will take place March 24-25 at Concordia University of Edmonton.

Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb, one of the world’s foremost scholars on Martin Luther, is keynote speaker for the event. His keynote address is entitled “How Luther’s Reformation Literally Changed the World.” He will also give a plenary lecture on “Luther’s Impact on University Education and Christian Liberal Arts.”

The conference has also issued a call for papers and

Is seminary for you?

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) is inviting all those considering pursuing theological education to visit them at a series of seminaryexperience events this spring.

“Have you ever thought about becoming a pastor—or has someone told you you should think about it?” promotional materials ask. “Do you love Christ and His church, and wonder whether you could serve Him in pastoral ministry or other theological vocations? Are you interested in theology, and desire to learn more about Christian faith, Scriptures, and the hows and whys

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of Lutheran doctrine. Do you want to know more about practicalities of how to become a pastor, and whether this vocation could be for you? Then mark the date!”

CLTS invites students from universities and high schools to come for a visit, to get a taste of what seminary life is like, and hear more about study opportunities. University students (and those who have already graduated) are invited to visit Tuesday, February 21. On Thursday, March 16, the doors swing open for highschoolers.

Visitors will get a chance to sit in classes and experience first-hand how seminary education works. You’ll also have a chance to talk with professors and local pastors, receive information about the practicalities of planning preseminary studies, and ask questions concerning work in the service of the church.

The seminary will arrange room and a board for one night, and even take you out to see the beautiful Niagara area. All you need to do is let us know you’re coming and make your way to St. Catharines. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Professor Esko Murto at emurto@ brocku.ca.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

presentations on the theme “500 Years of Reformation.” Papers and presentations may be approached from a variety of disciplines and subdisciplines in the Humanities and the Social Sciences. Possible topics may include Biblical Studies, Theology, Education, Economics, Politics, Ethics, the Arts, Law, Literature, the Sciences, Modernism, Authority, Philosophy, and others. Original papers may also be submitted for adjudication to the Canadian Journal for Scholarship and the Christian Faith.

Grants for students and pastors attending the conference are also available. To register, and for more information, visit www.ccscf.org.

CLS seeks partners for Give25 program EDMONTON - Every year, 55% of Concordia Lutheran Seminary’s operating budget comes from donations. In an effort to make it easier for donors to make small recurring gifts, the seminary has launched the give25 campaign.

Through the give25 campaign, CLS is seeking $25 a month from 1,000 donors. The seminary is looking for 10 donors from each of 100 Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) congregations to commit in 2017.

“I’m so grateful to be a new partner to Concordia Lutheran Seminary in its ‘Give 25’ effort,” notes LCC President Robert Bugbee.

“The Lord has brought so much blessing to our church through this treasured place, and I hope many of you will get involved—as I have—in this very manageable, ongoing way!”

The seminary invites you to prayerfully consider becoming a partner with them in this special campaign. To sign up, visit www. concordiasem.ab.ca/give25.

LBTC- In the Name of Jesus About this Edition Although it’s not found in the Bible, it is still true what they say: no man is an island. Our Heavenly Father has given us to each other, to help us traverse the landscape and to encourage us toward the goal of life in God that never ends. In other words, we need each other, and our life is made more full when we make our Christian walk together.

The need we have for one another is never so true as in the work of Bible translation, Scripture engagement, and literacy. LBTC translation specialists would be sadly hamstrung if they were to engage in original language work without a guide.

LBTC missionaries are highly educated persons trained to bring Biblical truth to all persons via the translated word. However, they still benefit mightily from the efforts of an expert in the local language who can help guide them to an accurate and elegant translation of the Scriptures that speakers of the target language can read and understand.

In the following pages, we present the biographies of a small sample of the gifted and willing local translators toiling for LBTC and with our missionaries in their various locations. These brothers and sisters in Christ are committed, with the Holy Spirit’s direction and help, to putting the saving Word of God into the hands and hearts of their people. We at LBTC give all thanks and praise to God that He provides such tireless and able servants for this vital labour of Christian love. May God continue to bless His people through their work, and through all those translating the Scriptures for the sake of Christ.

Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2 Office: 519-742-3361 Toll Free: 1-866-518-7071 info@lbtc.ca www.lbtc.ca

Rev. Ousmanou Dieudonné (with his family) is a pastor in the Église Évangélique Luthérienne du Cameroun (EELC) who was assigned to work with Rev. Michael Kuhn on the Nizaa New Testament translation project this past summer.

Rev. Dieudonné has been interested in the work of Bible Translation since a young age.

His father loved the Nizaa language and worked independently to draft translations of biblical texts when Ousmanou was still a boy. His father passed his love for the Nizaa language and interest in translating God's Word into Nizaa on to Ousmanou.

As a member of the Nizaa translation team, Rev. Dieudonné brings skills and a passion that are a great credit to their work together.

His theological training enables him to grasp the meaning of a given text very quickly and he is very interested in plumbing the depths of his language to find just the right word or phrase to communicate the messages of the text in question. However, perhaps the most valuable skill that Rev. Dieudonné brings to the Nizaa team is an aptitude for working with computers and an interest in producing Nizaa audio-visual materials (like tracts) that can be easily distributed and shared on the phones of Nizaa speakers.

Working with the Kuhns in Galim, Cameroon This is Bah Yougouda (right) and his family. Bah is a Nizaa speaking Muslim who is working with Rev. Michael Kuhn on the Nizaa New Testament translation team.

He first became involved in Nizaa language development work when a Norwegian linguist went to Galim to help the population develop a literacy program. At that time, he worked as the lead-trainer for literacy teachers.

Since the Kuhns’ arrival in Galim in 2013, Yougouda has helped Rev. Kuhn to learn Nizaa and is now working with the translation team to produce translations of Old Testament stories that will interest Muslim hearers. He also contributes to the New Testament translation work by reading the drafts produced by other team members and working with them to improve the flow and naturalness of the drafts.

Bah is keenly interested in developing and preserving his language and is an enthusiastic and committed member of the Nizaa team. On top of his efforts with the translation team, he hopes to help the Nizaa language committee to relaunch literacy efforts. He is also working on a producing a dictionary of the Nizaa language.

If you would like to stay informed about the work that LBTC is doing among Nizaa people, please contact Tara Bradley (tara@lbtc.ca; 1-866-518-7071) and ask to be put on the Kuhn's prayer letter distribution list.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

Rev. Mike and Kara Kuhn, along with their children Gideon, Tobias, & Gloria, are in Galim, Cameroon. They work among Nizaa speakers.

For updates on the Kuhns and all things LBTC check out our website, www.lbtc.ca .

Eshinee and Rob Veith

If you would like to stay updated on LBTC’s work among the Wayeyi, you can contact Tara at the LBTC Home Office (tara@lbtc.ca) to be added to the Veith’s newsletter mailing list.

Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 1-866-518-7071 info@lbtc.ca www.lbtc.ca

Meet Keene Moopi, one of the translators in the Wayeyi Bible Translation Project. She and her translation teammates, Motswasele Motswasele and Eshinee Veith (LBTC), have been working on the translation of the New Testament into the Shiyeyi language since 2013.

Keene was born in Ikoga, a village in the Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana. She has been active in Shiyeyi cultural groups and choirs for many years, as both a dancer in the traditional dance groups and singer of both original compositions and traditional pieces in the Shiyeyi language.

Her involvement with Shiyeyi translation work began in 2011 when Eshinee Veith was looking for someone to assist her in learning Shiyeyi as an initial step towards establishing a translation project. For more than a year, she continued working with Eshinee in Shiyeyi language development work, including helping to facilitate a dictionary development workshop in 2012.

When the Wayeyi advisory committee began the translator hiring process in early 2013, Keene was among the first to apply. To date, Keene has drafted Mark and most of Luke, as well as being involved in testing the drafts produced by her co-translator, Motswasele.

Eshinee Veith serves in Botswana with the Shiyeyi Translation Project.

Her husband, Rob, is a vernacular music specialist and ethnomusicologist.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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during the rainy season. The herders try to buy Martin Weber writes: influence with Kwanja chiefs and other officials so Mr. Yuare Jerome (above) has been one of they can keep cows down on the plains longer. two Kwanja Bible Translators working full time One year Jerome was a leader of a group of young in the Kwanja project since 1990. Four things people which physically drove herders off their make him stand out: land in late May, because the officials had been 1. VISION: More than 15 years ago, as I was revising compromised and the cattle were still there on the Beatitudes with the Kwanja translation team, prime planting land. Jerome was put in prison for Jerome said “Stop. I have something to several months, but came back to his people seen say.” “These words from God tell us Kwanja as a “hero” who had defended their right, their people clearly how we must think and live. Now need, to have land for fields. that they are in our heart language, we must pay more attention to them. If we do not, we the 3. ACCURACY: Martin is “bullish” for the accuracy of the Scriptures as they are translated into other Kwanja people will cease to exist as a people – we languages. Jerome is one of my rare colleagues in will become merely history!”

Cameroon who has the gift of seeing what is not 2. COMMITMENT: Jerome cares about the future of accurate to the Biblical text, and he cares enough his people. The Kwanjas are farmers who grow to stop the translation team to correct the crops to feed their families, and sometimes have passage to ensure that it does come out truly small cash crops for other needs. There is reflecting what was written in the original another people group which uses the same land as the Kwanjas during the dry season. They are language. cattle herders. Cameroon law requires the 4. ECUMENICAL: Jerome wants ALL groups of herders to be OFF the land by April 30th (early Kwanjas to have God’s Word in their mother growing season) so the farmers can grow tongue, know and put into practice what it says, crops. They are required to take the herds to the and work together to evangelize those who do mountainous regions where grass is sufficient not yet know Jesus. Support the Kwanjas at:

Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2 Toll Free: 1-866-518-7071 info@lbtc.ca

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

In Review

by Ted Giese

M

artin Scorsese’s Silence is an adaptation of Shusaku Endo’s 1966 novel of the same name. It is the story of two Portuguese Jesuit priests, Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe, infiltrating Japan nineteen years after the authorities had banned Christianity and enacted brutal persecution meant to snuff out the faith.

The central purpose of Rodrigues’ and Garrpe’s mission is to find their former Father Confessor and mentor, Ferreira, who is rumoured to have publicly apostatized his faith in Christ Jesus. Rodrigues and Garrpe find the rumour of Ferreira’s renunciation and abandonment of Christ impossible to believe. Before entering Japan a Jesuit superior, Father Valignano—who authorizes the continuation of their mission—provides the two priests with an impassioned warning, “The moment you set foot in that country, you step into high danger.”

With their destination closed to Christians, especially missionaries and priests, Rodrigues and Garrpe must covertly enter the country. The man who helps smuggle them into danger is the miserable Kichijiro, an apostate Christian.

As they seek out Ferreira who is believed to be in the city of Nagasaki, Rodrigues and Garrpe spend time with a group of Kakure Kirishitan “hidden Christians” who had been led for decades by the layman Ichizo following the expulsion and martyrdom of the missionaries and Roman Catholic priests who had served their village. Faithful Christian men like Ichizo could baptize but as Roman Catholic converts could not hear confession or celebrate Mass and the Christian community believed firmly that Rodrigues’ and Garrpe’s arrival was an answer to years of prayer.

What follows in the film is an investigation of the genuineness of Christian faith and the genuineness of apostasy—a formal denial of Christ. The fulcrum of this investigation is the perceived silence of God amid extreme suffering and persecution. This comes into sharp focus once the Christians and their Jesuit priests are captured.

What caused their long years of suffering? What is causing their current suffering? The Japanese inquisitor, Inoue, tasked with eradicating Christianity, puts a fine point on these questions when he says to one of the Jesuit priests, “The price for your glory is their suffering.” Essentially this causes theological questions to emerge: is the faith of the Jesuit priests, which is being tested by Inoue, rooted in pride, arrogance, the desire to cling to vain personal reputation, and fear of reprisal from the hierarchy of the Roman Church, or is it rooted in Christ? Is the faith of the hidden Christians genuine or is it misguided? What is the relationship between the faith of the Jesuits and the faith of the hidden Christians?

Add to these the question: is the apostasy of the miserable Kichijiro genuine? Could he still have faith in Christ—a faith that trusts in the forgiveness of God provided in Christ and delivered through confession and absolution?

Christians throughout history have grappled with the question of what to do with those who have apostatized.

Can they return to the Christian faith after their apostasy?

Can they still be Christian? Silence looks at this question from a decidedly Roman Catholic point of view. That said, a further question might be asked: does the film arrive at strictly Roman Catholic answer?

While Endo is Japanese and Scorsese is American, as Roman Catholics they share the same confession of faith.

This is important because it places Silence squarely into the realm of Christian film and a welcome inclusion in the category of “faith-based film.” The quality of the source material and the final product delivered by Scorsese are a cut above other films in the same genre. Movies like God’s Not Dead 2 and Heaven is For Real, while enjoyed by some, are generally panned by critics as one-dimensional and poorly executed. Not so with Silence.

Endo’s book is clearly the work of a skilled writer and the film’s production and direction surpasses even a truly great Christian movie like Roland Joffé’s 1986 film The Mission, which likewise deals with Jesuit mission work of the same era. On a technical level, Silence makes a film like Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ seem rough around the edges. Some may criticize Silence because of its 161-minute runtime and pacing, but Scorsese seems interested in exploring the relationship between “exposure” and “claustrophobia.” The director picks up on this theme from Endo’s book, conceiving of his Jesuit priests almost as rabbits evading a hawk—the hawk being the Japanese inquisitor, Inoue.

Scorsese received Endo’s book from an Episcopalian Bishop, Rev. Paul Moore, following the release of Scorsese’s controversial film The Last Temptation of Christ. About a year after receiving the book he read it while in Japan and was struck by its story. Over nearly 30 years he worked on THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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In Review (cont.) and off to bring Silence to the big screen. It’s clear the film is a labour of love, and it is also clear that this is a carefully considered film.

The focus is on simplicity both in filmmaking and in storytelling and this plays into one of the central themes: what does faith in Christ look like when it is stripped down to its most bare essentials? This question may be unsettling to those viewers who rely on external things—rosaries and images of saints, for example—to help guide their active faith and facilitate making satisfaction to God for their sin.

This film strips away outward trappings of devotion and piety, focusing on the impact of having no regular place of Christian worship and the removal of the celebration of Holy Communion. By doing this Silence asks: what does faith in Christ look like when all a person has is their prayers and their faith?

This causes another question to emerge: is the Christian faith synergistic or monergistic in nature? Silence asks whether the things people do in their daily devotion bring them into, keep them in, and preserve them in the faith “unto the end” or not? Do the trappings and rites of the faith, from the essential to the insignificant, when practised devoutly act as a co-operation in salvation? Are they truly necessary for gaining merit? Are they necessary for Christian faith?

For those unfamiliar with the term, synergism within Roman Catholic theology is the belief that cooperation occurs between an individual and God to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate parts. Basically, it assumes the will of humanity after the fall “has not been totally corrupted” (Catholic Catechism 405), and for this reason, while the will is wounded, it can still participate alongside the will of God. Under such a system the individual’s failure to pull their weight regarding moral and spiritual matters can produce great despair.

The Lutheran position, by contrast, is monergism. In the face of harsh persecution and the temptation to apostatise, the monergist is free to rest their trust on Scriptural promises like the ones provided by St. Peter in 1 Peter 1:3-7, “According to [God’s] great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Here we read it is God who causes faith, gives it life, and guards and keeps it even through trials. This is not the work of the individual acting through their faith but rather God’s steadfast love working in them. Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 1:4-10, St. Paul teaches that the grace of God in Christ Jesus is given as a gift to the individual and that it is God who sustains the individual in a guiltless state unto the end.

If conversion, the Christian life, and eternal perseverance

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

relied on the cooperation of the individual or quality of their faithfulness, then despair becomes a real problem. Silence digs into the despair that can accompany a synergistic confession of faith in a time of great persecution. It asks: why do some of the hidden Christians have the strength to become martyrs while others, like Kichijiro, struggle with weakness in the face of persecution? The dramatic edge of the film is a question of whether the faith of the Jesuit priests will be found wanting under pressure.

All these ideas and questions pose viewers with even larger questions. Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus to the characters of the film? Who is Jesus to the viewer of Silence? What is the nature of the personal faith of the film’s characters? What is the nature of the personal faith of the viewer? As Martin Luther attests in the Large Catechism, “The confidence and faith of the heart alone makes both God and an idol. If your faith and trust is right then your God is also true. On the other hand, if your trust is false and wrong then you do not have the true God. For these two belong together: faith and God.” Leading up to His crucifixion Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 14:27-31, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to Him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to [Peter], “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” But [Peter] said emphatically, “If I must die with You, I will not deny You.” And they all said the same.”

St. Peter’s pre-crucifixion approach to faith is an important element of Silence. Rodrigues and Garrpe frequently express this same kind of flawed conviction. Early in the film the words of Jesus to Judas His betrayer—“What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27)—are presented as a contemplative quandary for one of the priests. The recollection of Jesus’ words become a sort of foil to the brash confidence which is otherwise displayed. This quandary becomes more and more important as the pressure to apostatize increases and the film finally zeroes in on one of the two priests.

At the apex of the film, the priest must confront whether Christ, out of love, would apostatize His faith to save others from suffering? If so should the priest apostatize? Would that be the Christ-like thing to do? The clear Scriptural answer is no. Out of love Christ died for the sins of all people to give them eternal life and He was faithful to His Heavenly Father right to His last moment when He looked up and with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit!”

(Luke 23:46). His lament—“My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34)—is a reference to Psalm 22 which is ultimately a Psalm of trust in God. So, setting aside any notion that the Jesuit in Silence is a Christ character, a subsequent question surfaces: Who is the priest most like in relation to Jesus? Is he a Judas or is he a Peter? All analogies eventually break down when pushed hard enough and viewers will notice that the Scriptural account of the lives of Judas and Peter do not perfectly fit the

central protagonist of this tormented priest. Nevertheless, the question of the nature of his faith towards Christ remains front and centre until the film’s last frame.

Reviewing most Hollywood films from a Christian perspective is often like panning for gold. The prospector ends up with a pan full of gravel, looking—sometimes fruitlessly—for a speck of gold. Silence is like having a pan full of gold with just a few pieces of gravel to pick out. Mature Christians and mature open-minded non-Christians will find a lot to reflect upon. The more a viewer brings to the film, the more he or she will draw out of it. Each person will bring their confession of faith to the movie, even if it’s faith in nothing. Silence asks a lot of its viewers; it is truly a contemplative film. The cinematic storytelling speaks as much about the faith of Scorsese as it asks its audience questions of faith.

The subject matter of Silence is challenging and is not easy to view. While the story is fictional, persecution is still very real and many people are challenged to abandon or renounce their faith even today. In the last two years, an estimated 195,000 Christians were martyred for their faith. How many others apostatized under the pressure of psychological and physical torture? Endo’s book and Scorsese’s film give a voice to Christian martyrs generally and specifically a voice to the Christians who were the target of persecution in 17th century Japan, a voice long ‘silent’ on the stage of history.

Rev. Ted Giese is associate pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church (Regina, Saskatchewan).

He is a contributor to Reformation Rush Hour on KFUO AM Radio, The Canadian Lutheran, and the LCMS Reporter, as well as movie reviewer for the “Issues, Etc.” radio program.

Movie Night!

Take your family’s movie nights to the next level. The Canadian Lutheran publishes regular movie reviews by Rev. Ted Giese at www. canadianlutheran.ca.

Partnering with you in HIS mission

Transitions Rev. Lucas Albrecht (Brazil) to Mount Olive Lutheran Church (Regina).

Installation: Feb. 12, 2017.

Rev. Randy Heide to St. Paul’s Lutheran (Bergheim, Saskatchewan)/St. John’s Lutheran (Warman, Saskatchewan).

Installation: Feb. 12, 2017.

Live The Six

This booklet can change the way we look at our lives and the people around us.

Live the Six is not about dramatic changes in your life, it’s about inviting God into the life you’re already living and finding ways to serve Him by meeting the needs of people around you. Booklet (6BE153) Coming soon as a video-based study!

LHM booklets may be available from your congregation’s tract rack – if not, contact us for a free copy.

Melissa McN eil from LaRonge Lutheran Church Fellowship (La Ronge, Saskatchewan) to Calvary Lutheran (Thunder Bay, Ontario). Installation: TBD. Rev. Esko Murto from visiting professor, CLTS (St. Catharines, Ontario) to Professor of Theology (Systematics), CLTS. Redeemer Lutheran Church (The Past, Manitoba) has closed as of Dec. 1, 2016.

Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau from chaplain, Canadian Forces, Ottawa to CLTS. Rev. Noel Smith from St. Paul’s Lutheran (Dawson Creek, B.C.) to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran (Williams Lake, B.C.). Installation: Jan. 29, 2017.

Classified

The Easter Story

This colourful, 20–page children’s booklet follows a grown-up Jesus as He enters Jerusalem, speaks with His disciples, is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. Thankfully it does not end there – for three days later He rose again. Wonderful images help to tell the young reader of God’s love for us. At 9 x 13 cm it tucks easily into a card or gift. A package of 25 is just $10 (plus shipping).

Lenten & Easter resources: www.lhm.org/easter Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Avenue Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4 www.LLL.ca 1-800-555-6236 or e-mail info@LLL.ca LutheranHourMinistriesCanada

Foothills Lutheran Church, Calgary, will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on the weekend of April 1-2, 2017. We welcome former members, guests, staffers, and friends to join us for Saturday evening banquet (ticket needed), Sunday morning worship, and the Sunday afternoon celebration worship.

Please contact Foothills for more details: 3104 - 34 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A3 Ph. 403/284-1342 E-Mail: office@ foothillslutheran.com Communications Coordinator : L u t h e r a n L a y m e n ’s L e a g u e o f Canada (LLL-C) is currently seeking a Communications Coordinator to prepare content for its websites, social media, newsletters, donor communications and promotional campaigns. More details about this part-time position are available at www.lll.ca/HR. LLL-C is an auxiliary of Lutheran Church– Canada and assists in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by creating, promoting and distributing resources through various media and by equipping Christians for outreach.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

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EXPERIENCE OUR WORLD Unique and Enriching Travel Experiences Inclusive Escorted Journeys • Diverse Destinations

A journey celebrating Martin Luther and 500 Years of the Reformation September 17, 2017 Escorted by Rev. David Tin 13 Days

www.craigtravel.com

1-800-387-8890 • journeys@craigtravel.com 1092 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4P 2M6

THE FAITHLIFE FINANCIAL DIFFERENCE

Money, Faith & You

Learn more about blending faith and finances and receive a FREE copy of YOUR NEW MONEY MINDSET. VISIT faithlifefinancial.ca (while quantities last)

You believe faith and finances go together. So do we.

Let’s start a new conversation about being wise with money and how generosity is an expression of your faith.

PROTECTING FINANCIAL FUTURES

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•

LIVING CHRISTIAN VALUES

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2017

•

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

History of the Reformation

The 95 Theses

by Mathew Block

T

he day was July 6, 1415.

The place was Constance, an imperial city in southern Germany. The Czech theologian Jan Huss had arrived here in early November to face charges of heresy.

Despite the promise of safe conduct, he had been imprisoned only a few weeks later. On June 5 he was brought to trial. He was given no chance to defend himself; he was simply asked to recant. Now he stood a condemned man, the flames before him. “Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy upon me,” he prayed fervently.

Tradition says he said something else that day: “You are now going to burn a goose,” he warned his executioners (“Huss” is Czech for “goose”). “But in a century you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.”

The words may just be legend but they are not for that reason any less prescient. A little more than 100 years after the death of Huss, Martin Luther would publish his 95 Theses—an event widely considered the beginning of the Reformation.

Even Luther would come to see himself as the “swan” of which Huss reportedly prophesied.

In many ways, Huss was a forerunner for Martin Luther (and Huss himself was inspired by an even earlier reformer, the English theologian John Wycliffe). Huss and Wycliffe called for greater emphasis to be placed on reading and preaching the Scriptures. They both argued that the pope was fallible and to be resisted when he erred.

And they both condemned the sale of indulgences.

These ideas would be adopted and expanded by Martin Luther, and he would bring even greater reforms to the church in the years to come, especially on the doctrine

of justification. In 1517, however, “Lutheranism” was still in its infancy.

With the publication of the 95 Theses, Luther became just the latest voice to protest abuses in the church.

He would quickly become the loudest. Luther’s 95 Theses set the world aflame with debate over the practice of indulgence selling. In the text, Luther rightly worries that the selling of indulgences impoverished common people without giving them

The inclusion of a swan became a common motif in depictions of Luther after his death.

the forgiveness they sought. “Those indulgence preachers are in error who say that a man is absolved from every penalty and saved by papal indulgences,” he writes. “They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory.”

He goes on to note that the sale of indulgences also led the less pious to believe they could simply buy their way into heaven, without true penitence. Luther denied this strongly. “They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to

buy confessional privileges preach unchristian doctrine,” he writes.

“Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence l e t t e r s . ” I n f a c t , f o r L u t h e r, repentance—true repentance—was key to the Christian life. He writes in the very first thesis: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”

In addition to confusing the theology of repentance and forgiveness, Luther also argued that the sale of indulgences had other effects too: they discouraged acts of mercy like alms-giving to the poor, as people spent their money instead on indulgences.

And the emphasis on indulgences obscured proclamation of God’s Word.

“Injury is done to the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or larger amount of time is devoted to indulgences than to the Word,” Luther notes.

There are glimpses here of later Lutheran belief, but we should not overstate the importance of the 95 Theses. The document is hardly representative of Luther’s mature theology; he still accepts here, for example, the existence of purgatory.

And Luther’s theology of salvation is underdeveloped; he does not yet understand the Gospel of salvation by free grace. Instead, he believes salvation to be dependent upon achieving a state of “true repentance” which, at this time, he equated with “hatred of self.” In other words, God was very angry at us for our sin; the only way to get into God’s good books was to agree with Him that we, are indeed very sinful and worthy of damnation—to hate ourselves just as much as God hates us. Consequently, Luther thought, we must embrace both “inner repentance” and

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History (cont.) “outward mortification of the flesh” to demonstrate this self-hatred.

Clearly lacking in this description of repentance and salvation is the mercy of Christ.

That would come later.

Still, the publication of the 95 Theses was a pivotal moment in Reformation history. It brought Luther to the attention both of the common people in Germany, as well as the hierarchy of the church. The document quickly spread across Europe, generating great controversy as it did so. It did not help that Luther had questioned not only indulgences but also the pope’s own charity in promoting them.

Posing it as a question from the laity, Luther asks: “Why does not the pope empty purgatory for the sake of holy love and the dire need of the souls there,” rather than “for the sake of miserable money with which to build a church?”

Within months, Pope Leo X would ask the head of Luther’s religious order to stop him from speaking about indulgences. Half a year later, Luther would be summoned to Rome (Frederick the Wise intervened, allowing Luther to be questioned in Augsburg by Cardinal Cajetan instead in October 1518). The theologian Johann Eck would begin a longstanding disagreement with Luther on the matter, which culminated in a public debate in Leipzig in July 1519.

There, Eck would accuse Luther of being a “Hussite”—a follower of Huss—and therefore a heretic.

Luther countered that, perhaps, the council of Constance had been wrong in condemning Huss. Popes and councils could err, he suggested; but Scripture could not. Luther would later write: “We are all Hussites without having realized it.”

The swan was beginning to sing his song. And true to the words long attributed to Huss, no one would silence him.

Mathew Block is communications manager of Lutheran Church–Canada and editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine.

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About the Cover

T

he first painting in this series, “The Ninety-Five Theses,” represents the incident that has become most closely associated with the beginning of the Reformation in the eyes of the world.

Alarmed at the unscriptural practices of the local indulgence sellers, and distraught at the enabling of greed and false piety, Luther proposed a debate on the issue. On October 31st, 1517, the theses were issued in an irenic spirit, motivated by devotion to the Church and its reputation, and concern for the spiritual well-being of the faithful.

No one could have predicted that such a small s p a r k wo u l d have such far-reaching consequences.

F o r Lutherans, the posting of the theses was an important beginning, but not the full (or best) picture of what the Re f o r m a t i o n wrought. We do not formally subscribe to the theology of the theses. Yet as the start of a movement that would examine the clear abuses of the Roman church– the promulgation of relics and pilgrimages over the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, the overreach of the pope, and the unbiblical selling of indulgences with false promises of security and pardon attached—it was critical.

Every previous picture on this theme that I have seen has depicted the Castle Church in Wittenberg from the outside, with Luther holding forth at the door. This painting attempts to convey something about

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the impact that the Western Church felt of this action from the inside.

Because the theses represented the shadow of greater things to come, we see light beginning to seep into the dark church interior, a cross spreading subtly across the floor.

Behind the open door is the locked collection box with a lowburning votive above it, symbolizing the souls of purgatory meant to be “saved” by the money provided. (“When a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.”)

On the opposite side of the door hang the keys of the apostolic m i n i s t r y, by which the church is locked from the inside, as are the illgotten profits fleeced from its members.

The keys are also associated with the pope, believed to be the heir of St. Peter and the ultimate arbiter of the forgiveness of sins on earth. A pair of monks look to the open door wonderingly.

Outside, still shadowy and backlit, is a growing crowd of people contemplating the posted document. One of them is, perhaps, Luther, but he is not clearly visible yet. In the distance, the foliage, architecture, and sky of Wittenberg can be seen, the life and growth contrasting with the tomb-like solitude of the immediate church interior.

Kelly Klages is a writer and artist living in Morden, Manitoba. Download this artwork as a poster at www.reformation2017.ca

Book of Concord Readings

A Sure Defense

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he Apology of the Augsburg Confession, from which our readings come this issue, is a detailed explanation and defense of the Augsburg Confession (the word “apology” originally means “defense”) Opponents of the Reformation rejected the confession in the Confutation.

In the Apology, Philip Melanchthon demonstrates why the Confutation was in error—and why the Augsburg Confession should be trusted by all.

You can catch up on previous readings for the Book of Concord online at www.canadianlutheran. ca/book-of-concord-readingp l a n / . To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e Re f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w. reformation2017.ca.

“Disagreement does not delight us, neither are we indifferent to our danger. We readily understand the extent of it when we see how inflamed our adversaries are by bitterness and hatred. Yet we cannot abandon truth that is clear and necessary for the Church.”

- Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Greeting)

WEEK 19 Apology  Mon V 177–94  Tues 195–212  Wed 213–26  Thurs 227–48  Fri 249–56

WEEK 22 Apology  Mon 68–78  Tues 79–90  Wed 91–97  Thurs XIIb 1–15  Fri 16–24

WEEK 25 Apology  Mon 61–XVIII 76  Tues XIX 77–XX 92  Wed XXI 1–16  Thurs 17–30  Fri 31–39

WEEK 20 Apology  Mon 257–79  Tues VII/VIII 1–22  Wed 23–37  Thurs 38–50  Fri IX 51–X 57

WEEK 23 Apology  Mon 25–35  Tues 36–50  Wed 51–64  Thurs 65–81  Fri XIII 1–15

WEEK 26 Apology  Mon 40–XXII 8  Tues 9–XXIII 4  Wed 5–13  Thurs 14–27  Fri 28–42

WEEK 21 Apology  Mon XI 58–67  Tues XIIa 1–27  Wed 28–43  Thurs 44–58  Fri 59–67

WEEK 24 Apology  Mon 16–XIV 28  Tues XV 1–17  Wed 18–28  Thurs 29–48  Fri 49–XVI 60

WEEK 27 Apology  Mon 43–58  Tues 59–71  Wed XXIV 1–12  Thurs 13–24  Fri 25–33

Readings for the above plan are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions - A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord © 2005, 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission. All rights reserved. To purchase this resource or other Lutheran resources, please visit CPH at www.cph.org.

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Presidential Perspective

Christ Alone, Christ Forever President Robert Bugbee

T

he 500th Anniversary Year of Luther’s Reformation is here. If you’re like me, you remember Reformation Sundays when preachers, articles, and bulletin covers recounted what were called the three “solas” of the Reformation: sola gratia (by grace alone), sola fide (by faith alone), and sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone). It was a handy way to bring to mind primary emphases in Luther’s struggle and highlighted teachings which the established church of that time had forgotten.

Though not always included in that line-up of “solas,” there’s another one that gives a beating heart to them all: solus Christus, Christ alone. The other “solas” must be tied to Him, or they lose their meaning. Grace, for example, is not just general niceness on God’s part by which the Lord says “Yes” to everything. God’s grace, His undeserved favour toward you, is only there because of Christ. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:2324). It is in Christ and through Christ that God’s grace works.

Faith is like that, too. Faith is not a God-pleasing trait just because you believe something really strongly, nor because it shows how sincere you are. There is faith that sincerely believes misguided things, and faith that is strongly dedicated to a cause or idea that is destructive. (Think of the kamikaze pilots who destroyed themselves in World War II, or of terrorists who strap explosives to their bodies and blow themselves up.)

Instead, the faith that God counts as

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great is that which lays hold of the great Redeemer He sent: Christ, Who died for the sins of the world and was raised again.

Even Scripture, inspired, inerrant, and full of wisdom as it is, will not reach its goal unless it leads you to Christ. There have been well-meaning religious people in the world who tried to turn the Bible into a book of rules and regulations which they used to justify themselves. Pharisees and law teachers did it years ago, and it’s still happening here and there today.

Jesus said about the Bible, “These are the Scriptures that testify about Me” (John 5:39). After He came back from the dead, the Risen Jesus made clear to two sorrowing men on their walk to Emmaus that the Scriptures ultimately are intended to point people to Him (Luke 24:13-27).

All other Reformation “solas” are aimed at bringing you back to this one: solus Christus. Christ alone. This is the liberating thing about our holy faith and its message of Good News.

It isn’t merely about concepts like “grace,” which modern voices have twisted and turned into some absolute form of “acceptance” that says yes to everything, even apart from Christ.

It isn’t about faith which seems good just because it is sincere, regardless of what that sincerity latches on to. And our Gospel is not about allegiance to Scripture if you’re turning it into nothing but a rule-book that does not drive you to Christ, even though the Bible surely includes commands from God. Our faith is not centered primarily in concepts or principles. It is riveted to God’s Christ, the Rescuer Who came down from heaven and

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gave His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

St. Paul put it like this, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). He wanted to grow closer to this Man, this God-Man, this Jesus. To be sure, it could only happen through grace, the undeserved love of God. It took place through faith, where a child of God puts personal trust in this Saviour. It all happens by means of the Word we have in Scripture. But the focal point is Christ, First and Last, Beginning and End. The 11 th Convention of our Lutheran Church-Canada will meet October 13-16, 2017, within weeks of the 500th Reformation Anniversary.

It was not originally scheduled for that time, but was delayed until then because delegates to all three 2015 District conventions asked us to bring comprehensive proposals to restructure our church. This required additional preparation time. The theme for the convention is the title at the top of this page: Christ Alone, Christ Forever.

“Christ alone” is the heart of the Reformation, which Luther touched off with his 95 Theses in October 1517.

“Christ forever” stresses that this is where the church’s mission and your personal faith must be centered, even now. As long as the world endures, this is what Christians must be all about.

And when St. John lifts the curtain and gives you a little glimpse of heaven, that’s where the focus will be without end: “...to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

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