The Canadian Lutheran September/October 2017

The

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 32 Number 5

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Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 32 Number 5 September/October 2017

Reformation 500: Heart and Sola 6 Back to the Catechism: Confession 8 The Word of Absolution 9 Restructuring Update: Revisions to the LCC Handbook 10 About the Cover Art 40

Departments Table Talk

The Good Confession

5

History of the Reformation

The Augsburg Confession

39

In Review

It

37

Presidential Perspective

All the Time in the World

42

News Section International News

11

200 Years: The Prussian Union and the Persecution of the Old Lutherans

National News T h e C a n a d i a n L u t h e r a n is the national publication of Lutheran Church–Canada, published in Winnipeg six times per year: January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ October, November/December under the auspices of the Board of Directors (Committee for Communication and Technology).

ISSN #0383-4247 Member: Canadian Church Press Editor: Mathew Block Advertising: Iris Barta District News Layout: Marion Hollinger Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: bcs@lutheranchurch.ca

All material and advertising should be in the office of The Canadian Lutheran five weeks prior to publication date. Advertising rate card available upon request.

The Canadian Lutheran 3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Telephone: 204-895-3433 FAX: 204-832-3018 E-mail: communications@lutheranchurch.ca Materials published in The Canadian Lutheran, with the exception of Letters to the Editor, news reports, and advertising, receive doctrinal review and approval before publication. Contents of supplements are the responsibility of the organization purchasing the space. ©2017 Lutheran Church–Canada. Reproduction of a single article or column for parish use does not require the permission of The Canadian Lutheran. Such reproductions, however, should credit The Canadian Lutheran as the source.

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LCC releases new book to celebrate Reformation anniversary • CTCR considers clergy divorce and remarriage • Planning for 2019 NYG

ABC District

17

Stampede Breakfast feeds body and soul • Congregation celebrates new home • LCC Lutherans and Catholics in dialogue

Central District

21

Refugee sponsorship in Winnipeg • Gospel shared at Queen City Ex • VBS Roundup • Pastors ordained and installed

East District

25

VBS grant a huge success across district • Seminarian vists adoptive congregation • New shepherd for Sarnia

Mission Update

29

PAT Program celebrates first regionally remote pastor • 2017 Mission Newsletter released

Education Report

31

CLTS unveils new Reformation Rare Book Room • CLTS installs new professor, holds Reformation conference • CLS’ Reformation Minute Classifieds

41

Supplement

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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.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Table Talk

The Good Confession

J

esus had withdrawn from the crowds to pray, and His disciples were with Him. He turned to them and asked a simple question: “Who do the crowds say I am?”

The answers were varied: John the Baptist, Elijah, or some other prophet risen from the dead.

He turned the question then f ro m o t h e r s t o t h e d i s c i p l e s themselves. “But who do you say that I am?” And here it is that St. Peter made his great confession: “The Christ of God” (read the story in Luke 9:18-20).

It is a confession that would ultimately cost St. Peter his life: tradition states he was eventually crucified upside down because of his faith in Christ. And yet he made the confession anyway. The truth is, he had known such a death might await him. Right after his great confession, after all, Jesus had told the disciples that “whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). That promise made martyrdom worth it.

St. Peter confessed Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. In a very real way, that’s exactly what the German princes were called to do at the Diet of Augsburg so many centuries later. Summoned by the emperor to present their Lutheran faith, they made a clear confession to Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer of the world.

They would not deny Christ and His work. They would not give His glory to another. They would not suggest their own efforts contributed to their salvation; that would be to say Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient, to

by Mathew Block Editor, The Canadian Lutheran imply that He had lied in His Word.

Both the church and the state were demanding the princes abandon the truth of the Gospel as they had come to know it through the work of the Reformation. Instead, they confessed boldly that Christ was Saviour alone, whatever else other men might say.

Their actions demonstrate their faith in the words of St. Paul: “Let God be true and every other man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

Having had access to the Bible in German thanks to Luther’s landmark translation several years earlier, the German princes knew very well Christ’s warning that “the one who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God” (Luke 12:9). On the other hand, they also knew Christ’s promise: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God” (12:8). Just a few verses further, they would read additional words of peace: “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (12:11-12).

That Scripture must have been a comfort to Philip Melanchthon as he toiled away in the writing of the Augsburg Confession. It was important to make a good confession before the emperor, he knew. But in the end, God was in control even of this situation. Whatever skill Melanchthon and his co-workers might lend to the task, it was the Holy Spirit who would ensure the clarity

and power of the princes’ confession before the Diet of Augsburg.

The impact of that confession continues to be felt down to our own day. Their confession becomes ours, as we make their words—their faith—our own. Against the sneers of an unbelieving world, we join the German princes in declaring Christ to be God and the only Saviour of sinful humanity. Against the errors of a broken church, we join them in declaring God’s Word to be the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

In this way, we make a good confession for Christ in our time.

But you are also called to make confession in smaller, everyday matters too. You might not be hauled up before the civil authorities, but you too are called to give witness to Christ as circumstances allow.

St. Peter writes that you should “be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). That might come in times of opposition, when people mock you and your “backwards” faith. But it might also come in unexpected conversations with family, friends, neighbours, or even strangers— moments when God is tugging at the hearts of those who do not yet know Him, moments when He is using you to bring the Gospel to someone desperately in need of it.

We don’t always get to see the results of these conversations, of course. But then, we don’t need to: it is the Holy Spirit’s job to kindle faith through these kinds of interactions, not ours. It is our job simply to be ready to speak. God help us all make a good confession.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Reformation 500: Heart & Sola

by James Gimbel

T

he Latin word sola (solus, soli) means “alone.” Luther and the Reformation theologians used this term to modify some important points of Reformation theology that ran counter to popular and church opinion.

How many solas are there in the Lutheran Reformation? If you are familiar with Luther’s writing, three are prominently used together: sola gratia (“grace alone”), sola fide (“faith alone”), and sola Scriptura (“Scripture/God’s Word alone”).

In Luther’s writing, he is very clear about the pre-eminence of another sola: solus Christus (“ Christ alone”). If you do a Google search, you will likely see a fifth, soli deo gloria (“to the glory of God alone”), which emerged from later Calvinist theology and for various theological reasons is generally not included with the Lutheran four.

SOLA GRATIA we are saved by grace alone

Luther learned his theology in the Augustinian tradition of the one universal Christian Church in Western civilization: Roman Catholicism. The church of Luther’s day had drifted from early Christianity; the church of Luther’s day was “stingy” with God’s forgiveness and even sold it for a price.

The roots of Christianity for the first four centuries emphasized a message which is also clear in Lutheran theology today: although God is just, He is also merciful and gracious. God’s justice comes through His laws and decrees and expectations for all humanity, including believers. God’s mercy was shown through the pages of biblical history when He chose not to completely and immediately destroy sinners—and every person is a sinner through Original Sin and Actual Sin. God’s grace was shown as a free gift from God—forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation—for humanity.

Grace is, above all, a gift. It is not earned or bought.

Grace is not something that is attached to lineage or to a nominal association with a group (like the chosen nation or the church) or to anything a person could use to attract God’s attention and favour. Instead, grace is God’s gift of Jesus and His righteousness to give us forgiveness, reflecting

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

God and His graciousness. Human salvation originates in God’s amazing, unexplainable love for a fallen world—for sinners. St. Paul writes in Romans 5:8: “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

And St. John echoes in 1 John 4:10: “This is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation [appeasing of wrath] for our sins.”

Luther’s message was revolutionary, and eventually reforming. He didn’t believe that God wanted the Church to withhold forgiveness from the penitent sinner, peace from the anxious and fearful, strength from the weak, or hope from the doubting. Luther didn’t barter God’s grace for human effort or action; he gave God’s gifts freely, as he himself had been freed from guilt and shame and fear by the Bible’s message of a loving and forgiving God. Although there is an element of Lutheran thinking that posits sola fide against a person’s good works, at the core, it is sola gratia, God’s gracious gift, that puts a person’s efforts at bay.

Forgiveness, life, and salvation are given by God (a gift, gratia), not earned by human effort of any kind. God wants to give this gift to every human; God goes to tremendous sacrifice to make this a reality. Justice is appeased by God’s gift of Jesus as a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (John 3:16).

Sola gratia—grace alone, not human action or effort or attraction, brings salvation.

SOLA FIDE we are saved through faith alone

Luther lived in a world where the church and culture taught that God was not only demanding and angry, but also distant, unapproachable, and inaccessible. The pope was the vicar (substitute representative) of Christ until Christ would return; those who served the pope and the church held that they were closer to God (and thus received more of God’s favour). Pilgrimages that took one closer to Rome and the pope were an opportunity to “get closer” to God. Attending

If and when there were questions about what was to be the local cathedrals or churches brought a person closer to believed and practiced by the Church, Luther insisted that God, but the whole of God’s grace (like the blood of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion) was kept back for the the Word of God was to be the guide. Luther hoped in this local priest and not given to the ordinary person. Attendance regard to correct and redirect the Roman Catholic Church. at church was expected as a step toward God, whether or not After being excommunicated by the pope, however, he the Scriptures, liturgy, hymns, or sermon were understood instead exerted his influence in shaping how the heirs of or meant anything to the worshiper. the reformation would practice the Christian faith. Scripture Luther radically changed two things. First, he alone was to guide all doctrine and belief, even if human articulated that faith itself is the work of God’s grace, by reason, tradition, and practice suggested otherwise. the Holy Spirit through Word and the Sacraments. These Although the direct quote is a bit uncertain, Luther’s Means of Grace initiate and maintain a relationship with famous “Here I Stand” statement was backed by an God. Luther emphasized God’s promise of grace to create equally important confession of faith: “Unless I am faith. God’s Word, the liturgy, the message, and prayers convicted by Scripture and plain reason, I cannot and were meant to be in the vernacular of the day. Luther will not recant.” Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone, guided translated the Bible into a profoundly beautiful German and empowered his stance. language. He retained many components of the historic liturgy but translated it into German and accompanied it SOLUS CHRISTUS with vigorous new, sing-able hymns. Music was used to we are saved by Christ alone teach, encourage, and unify the people in worship.

Second, Luther focused on faith as a relationship. He In this sola, we see Luther’s greatest passion: Jesus marveled at the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as a tiny baby, Christ. Whatever else we may read and hear about Luther, born on earth to be among us and live and die as one of us.

Jesus was his most priceless treasure. He never wanted Luther proclaimed the “Great Exchange” of Christ living to stand in the way of Jesus Christ at work in his life and with and for us so that we might live with and for Him. through his writing.

Luther envisioned the Sacraments as real interactions of God Luther marveled at Jesus’ incarnation, the creator of coming to us, entering into the universe becoming a relationship with us, subject to the created If anyone would knock at my heart beginning and sustaining forces and people—for and say, ‘Who lives here?’ I would a living and vibrant our salvation. Luther relationship of faith. In respond ‘Not Martin Luther, but the m a r v e l e d a t J e s u s ’ miracles, often imagining the meaning to the First Lord Jesus Christ.’ what others might be Commandment, this thinking or saying as the relationship is described miracles occurred. Luther marveled at the transfiguration, as one that fears, but also loves and trusts in God above all was thrilled by the resurrection of Jesus, and expected things. God was not detached from the world, but came to to see Jesus return for him before he died. Luther was the world to save sinners. absolutely humbled by the sacrificial atonement for Luther offered that real, living, loving, caring God for the the salvation of humanity, but ultimately, Luther was hurts and needs and sins and strengthening of the world, astounded that Jesus could live in love and save him. through faith: sola fide—faith alone.

Luther was always in awe that Jesus the Christ would know and care for a sinner like him.

SOLA SCRIPTURA Luther said, “If anyone would knock at my heart we are guided by Scripture alone and say, ‘Who lives here?’ I would respond ‘Not Martin Luther, but the Lord Jesus Christ.’” Solus Christus—Christ In this sola, Luther was seen as a rebellious heretic alone, for us and in us. challenging the authority and power of the pope and all things Catholic, but also upsetting the structure of IN CONCLUSION… society. His main premise was that the Word of God must remain as the authority and source of life and belief. He At the heart of the matter, Holy Scripture (alone) says, believed that the Bible was God’s Word and the ultimate we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ guide for the Church, even the pope. He also believed alone. As St. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace civil authority rightly proceeded from God’s will for the common good. you have been saved through faith. And this not of your Whereas the ordinary laymen and even priests had been own doing, it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so forbidden from studying the Scriptures (for fear that they that no one may boast.” might not understand or might misapply what was written), Luther encouraged and expected clergy and laity to read, Rev. Dr. James Gimbel is President of Concordia Lutheran learn, study, mark, and inwardly digest the Word of God. Seminary (Edmonton).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Back to the Catechism

Confession

by Martin Luther

H

ow Christians should be taught to confess.

the lady of the house and cursed her.

I am sorry for all of this and I ask for grace. I want to do better.

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace.

What is Confession?

Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.

A master or lady of the house may say: In particular I confess before you that I have not faithfully guided my children, servants, and wife to the glory of God. I have cursed. I have set a bad example by indecent words and deeds. I have hurt my neighbour and spoken evil of him. I have overcharged, sold inferior merchandise, and given less than was paid for.

A confessor will know additional passages with which to comfort and to strengthen the faith of those who have great burdens of conscience or are sorrowful and distressed. This is intended only as a general form of confession.

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by your words or deeds?

Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?

A SHORT FORM OF CONFESSION The penitent says: Dear confessor, I ask you please to hear my confession and to pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.

I, a poor sinner, plead guilty before God of all sins. In particular I confess before you that as a servant, maid, etc., I, sad to say, serve my master unfaithfully, for in this and that I have not done what I was told to do. I have made him angry and caused him to curse. I have been negligent and allowed damage to be done. I have also been offensive in words and deeds. I have quarreled with my peers. I have grumbled about

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[Let the penitent confess whatever else he has done against God’s commandments and his own position.]

If, however, someone does not find himself burdened with these or greater sins, he should not trouble himself or search for or invent other sins, and thereby make confession a torture. Instead, he should mention one or two that he knows: In particular I confess that I have cursed; I have used improper words; I have neglected this or that, etc. Let that be enough.

What is the Office of the Keys?* The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Where is this written?* This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:22–23).

Then the confessor shall say: God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Amen.

What do you believe according to these words?* I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.

Furthermore: Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness? Yes, dear confessor.

*This question may not have been composed

by Luther himself but reflects his teaching and was included in editions of the catechism during his lifetime.

Then let him say: Let it be done for you as you believe.

And I, by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive you your sins

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.

But if you know of none at all (which hardly seems possible), then mention none in particular, but receive the forgiveness upon the general confession which you make to God before the confessor.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

The Word of Absolution

by Edward G. Kettner

U

sually when Lutherans think about “confession” they think of the general order of confession as it occurs in our orders of Holy Communion. When thinking of private confession, their thoughts might gravitate to the Roman Catholic idea, perhaps even calling to mind the image of the confessional booth. Tied with the Roman idea is the concept of “doing penance,” that is, performing “works of satisfaction” which are deemed necessary to complete the work of setting us right with God. For Luther, confession exists for the sake of the absolution. Luther recognized the importance of giving God’s people the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, since life and salvation are founded on the gift of the forgiveness of sins. He saw that Jesus Himself wanted people to have that assurance. Therefore the spoken word of forgiveness actually gives Christ’s forgiveness to His people.

When Christ gives His Church the power to forgive sins on earth, the word of absolution unlocks the gates of heaven for the sinner. When it is necessary to tell people that because of their impenitence their sins have been retained, the gates of heaven remain locked to them until they repent and then receive absolution. This is known as the Office of the Keys. The keys are given to Peter (on the basis of his confession, and by extension then to all of the apostles) in Matthew 16:19, to all of the disciples present in the Upper Room on Easter evening in John 20:21-23, and to the Church as a whole in Matthew 18:18.

Since the Office of the Keys was given to the entire Church, all Christians can bring the Gospel to troubled consciences and can let people know that Christ died for them and that their sins are forgiven. At the same time, Christ also created the office of public ministry to administer Word and Sacrament, to announce

forgiveness to the people of the Church in Christ’s place. The Office of Ministry exists for the sake of the people of God. Thus the Office of the Keys is given to the Church and exercised publicly by the called ministers of the Church.

Luther knew that repentance and forgiveness must be tied together.

Confession exists for the sake of the absolution. Luther recognized that sins could be confessed directly to God (as he instructs us to do in his evening prayer), and also to one’s fellow Christians. Yet he also knew the human conscience, and knew that

Confession and Absolution. Woodcut from the 1558 edition of Luther’s Small Catechism.

many times particular sins may trouble us, even if they have been confessed in the heart to God. Thus it helps us to hear the word of absolution come to us from outside of us, to strike our ears, and to assure us that Christ’s promise us indeed for us.

This happens in the general absolution on Sunday morning. Our confession includes an expression of sorrow for the sins we have committed and includes a plea for mercy from God and an expression of faith that God will be merciful to us for the sake of Christ. Then upon that confession,

the pastor—standing in the place of Christ and acting according to His command—forgives the sins of those who repent and confess.

Since sins are confessed based on contrition and faith, absolution is pronounced unconditionally; there is no need to add words like “if you truly repent,” since the penitent has already stated that. To add such a condition could create uncertainty in the mind of the penitent, causing them to ask, for example, if they are penitent enough.

Absolution is meant to give assurance, not to raise doubts.

It is particularly beneficial, when troubled by sins, to go to your pastor and confess your sins in private, so that you may hear the word of absolution pronounced regarding the specific sins that trouble you. Examine your life, especially according to your station in life, that is, your vocation, and you will discover much to confess!

What if the sinner in the midst of the congregation recites the words but is not truly penitent? What if they prefer their sin to Christ’s forgiveness?

The absolution is still valid, since Christ died for the sinner and atoned for the sin. Lack of penitence and faith, however, means that they have not received what was won for them.

This brings us to the second part of the office of the keys. Christ tells His disciples that whosever sins they retain, they are retained. If one refuses to repent of their sins, it is the duty of the pastor to declare to the impenitent that their sins remain, and that unless they repent of them they will perish.

These are hard words, but for the sake of the sinner they must be spoken.

The word of absolution is the word of Good News spoken to the troubled heart. Hear those words, and be assured that you are hearing Christ speaking to you!

Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton).

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Re-Forming Our Church

Restructuring Update Revisions to the LCC Handbook Editor’s Note: This issue of the magazine went to press in advance of the 2017 synodical convention, where restructuring was to be voted on. Current news on this topic will be available online at www.canadianlutheran.ca.

I

n keeping with Article XXI, 21.01 of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Statutory Bylaws, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) served notice on September 12 to congregations, pastors, and deacons on the LCC roster of its unanimous decision to submit an overture to amend the Statutory Bylaws at the 11th LCC Convention.

Other portions of the LCC Handbook are amended differently. Changes to the Constitution do not require the 30-day notice. They do, however, require a two-thirds majority vote at the Convention and then a two-thirds affirmative vote of LCC congregations who participate in that ratification phase during the six months following the Convention. Overtures to amend these portions of the Handbook were also unanimously passed and submitted by the CCMS. The Synodical Bylaws portion of the LCC Handbook may be amended by a simple majority vote of the Convention. Overtures to amend these portions of the Handbook, were, like the others unanimously passed and then submitted by the CCMS. The CCMS action to submit these overtures followed the Commission’s unanimous adoption of proposals made by the “Working Group,” made up of representatives of CCMS and the LCC Board of Directors (BOD). Those representatives include Rev. William Ney and Rev. Paul Schallhorn (for the CCMS), as well as Rev. Nolan Astley and Mrs. Cindy Sholdice (for the BOD).

The overtures were subsequently turned over to Resolutions Committee #1, under the chairmanship of Central District President Thomas Prachar, which met in Winnipeg on September 8-9 to consider all overtures which had been submitted related to the area of restructuring.

The finalized overtures were then released in a special supplement to the Convention Workbook.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

To ensure better understanding of the proposed changes, Lutheran Church–Canada hosted two webinars on September 28 to unpack the details of the proposed new structure for Synod. The webinars were a joint production of the CCMS and the BOD, who in July agreed to work together to prepare a final restructuring proposal for the consideration of the convention.

LCC’s First Vice President Nolan Astley served as presenter for the webinars, with CCMS Chairman William R.A. Ney helping to lead discussion. “The new structure we are recommending Lutheran Church–Canada adopt takes into account two years of consultation at the grassroots level,” explained Rev. Ney. “We hope that this presentation will help convention delegates and LCC members more widely to get a clearer understanding of the structure we are proposing, and how it will better serve the needs of our church body moving into the future.”

Vice President Astley agreed. “Our focus with these webinars is to help delegates better understand the restructuring plan before them—to make sure everyone understands clearly what they are being asked to vote upon,” he said. “For that reason, the sessions will be focused primarily on unpacking the details of the proposed structure, with debate and decision-making on the proposal reserved for the convention itself.”

More than fifty people participated in the webinars, representing a good portion of delegates who would later attend the convention in Kitchener. Vice President Astley paused throughout his presentation to welcome questions of clarification in relation to the proposed changes to LCC’s handbook.

A recording of the presentation was made available online following the event for those unable to attend the webinars live. The audio is a composite from both webinars, and has been condensed to focus on the presentation made by Vice President Astley. It also includes introductory remarks by Rev. Ney, and an opening prayer from LCC President Robert Bugbee. The audio is available here: www.canadianlutheran.ca/audiofrom-restructuring-webinars-now-online/.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

200 Years: The Prussian Union and the persecution of the Old Lutherans GERMANY - September 27, 2017 marked the 200 th anniversary of Prussian King Fredrick William III’s Order-in-Council, which marked the beginning of a distressing journey towards the formation of autonomous Evangelical Lutheran Churches in the former Prussian territories. Beginning in 1817, Frederick William III issued a series of decrees which pushed Lutheran and Reformed churches to merge.

Later decrees required churches to give up the name “Lutheran” or “Reformed” in favour of the name “Evangelical,” and to adopt a new liturgy which privileged Reformed theology in the area of Holy Communion at the expense of Lutheran beliefs.

Many Lutherans protested and their pastors refused to use the new rite. When caught using historic Lutheran liturgies, these pastors were suspended from ministry. If they were further caught continuing to practice pastoral care, they were then imprisoned. The persecution of these “Old Lutherans” led eventually to the formation of independent confessional Lutheran church bodies throughout German territories.

The Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) in Germany traces its origins to this movement, as do confessional Lutheran churches in other German territories. Some Old Lutherans emigrated from Germany to other nations in pursuit of religious freedom. The Lutheran Church of Australia grew out of this exodus, as did The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and its daughter churches, including Lutheran Church–Canada.

To mark the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Prussian Union and the persecution of the Old Lutherans, Rev. Dr. Hans-Jörg Voigt (Chairman of the International Lutheran Council and Bishop of the SELK) released an open letter reflecting on the date’s significance. Selections from the letter follow, as translated by Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson.

Remarks on the 200th anniversary of Frederick William III’s “Union Decree” “I would not want to let this date pass without pointing out its significance. We have no cause to celebrate, because September 27, 1817 is the beginning of the suppression of Lutheran congregations and their pastors by Prussian authorities.

And this is the cause for Lutheran families to become refugees, feeling compelled to flee to North America and to Australia, where they founded Lutheran churches that are now sister churches of the SELK. No one less than Dr. Martin Luther himself, at the conclusion of the attempted union discussion at the Marburg Colloquy in 1529, with great regret felt it necessary to say: “You have a different spirit!” In his order-in-council released September 27, 1817, Frederick William III called this “an unfortunate sectarian spirit,” which evidenced “insurmountable difficulties” in Martin Luther’s person. To the King’s mind, the Lutheran and Reformed Churches 300 years after the Reformation were “separated protestant churches merely by certain external differences.” Thus begun the attempt to marginalize the Lutheran Church in Prussia.

On September 27, 1817, the King still claimed: “This union will only be of real value when it is effected neither by persuasion nor by indifferentism, rather that it should arise out of the free conviction of those involved, so that it is not only a union in mere external form but indeed has its roots and vital strength in a unity of the heart, according to genuine Biblical principles.” Some time later Frederick William III dissociated himself from this position, and ordered the acceptance of a union agenda which he had authored, in which Reformed and Lutheran worship was amalgamated.

I t wa s a t t h i s p o i n t t h a t real persecution commenced.

Frederick William III.

The congregations in Silesia still remembered the persecution that was visited upon them during the rule of the Habsburgs, less than 100 years earlier. And so most of them were still aware of what they had to do. They held their worship services in the forests. Congregations in Pomerania and in the provinces along the Rhine followed their example. At times, every Lutheran pastor was in jail.

I want to remind all of us of this willingness on the part of the mothers and fathers of our church to suffer and of their courageous faith. They were ready to consider questions of their faith; Holy Communion was for them so important that under no circumstances were they willing to question the certainty of the body and blood of Christ under bread and wine...”

Dr. Voigt goes on to note that, while it is important to remember the history of the Old Lutherans, it is not wise to “maintain the role of a victim.”

To that end, SELK has engaged in dialogue with the Union of Evangelical Churches (UEK) in recent years, with plans to release a series of joint documents in November exploring their common history.

Read the full letter at www.ilconline.org.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Exploring the Reformation’s impact on Church and Culture ONLINE - Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Reformation anniversary website has published a series of essays exploring the Reformation’s impact on church and culture.

Essays published so far touch on issues of literacy, visual art, music, and liturgy. Rev. Ted Giese explores the creation of church art in relation to Martin Luther’s theology. Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, discusses the conservative approach Lutherans took to the reform of worship. Marion Timm details the impact Luther had on the evolution of music, touching on his own hymns as well as his influence on later composers. And Rev. Dr. David Somers explores how Luther’s translation of the Bible into German dramatically changed literacy and literature in Europe.

The series of essays complements numerous other resources available

Martin Luther sings and makes music with his family, with friend Philip Melanchthon joining them.

on www.reformation2017.ca. Other essays on the website explore the significance of each book in the Lutheran Confessions, the six chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism, a n d p ro m i n e n t f i g u re s f ro m Reformation history. You can also explore an interactive timeline of Reformation history and download

various personal and congregational resources, including posters, reading plans, worship resources, video studies, and more.

Those interested in the teachings of the Reformation and who want to learn more can also use the website to find a Lutheran Church–Canada congregation near them.

Experience the Reformation anew with free video study from LHM ONLINE - Delve deeper into the story of the Reformation with A Man Named Martin, a free video-based Bible study series from Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM).

“In this Bible study, Luther’s life and times are examined through the lens of history, religion, and theology,” notes promotional material for the series. “Expanding on commentary from Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, numerous scholars add their expertise and perspective to render an illuminating portrait of the life of this extraordinary human being… A Man named Martin is a fresh and explorative look at an individual who, down through the centuries, has increased in importance and vitality to the Christian church.”

There are three segments in the video series: Part 1: The Man, Part 2: The Moment, and Part 3: The Movement. Part 1: The Man introduces viewers to the person of Martin Luther, a 15th century religious

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reformer from Germany who broke ranks with the Catholic Church. Part 2: The Moment examines the errant teachings and wayward traditions of the late medieval Church which sparked the Protestant Reformation, a theological overhaul set in motion by the publication of Luther’s 95 Theses.

Part 3: The Movement traces how the Reformation transformed European society and eventually left a profound impression around the globe.

The three Parts are subsequently broken down into smaller sessions, providing enough video material for several weeks of group study in each Part. Alternately, viewers can enjoy each of the three Parts as a self-contained film.

You can watch the entire study of A Man Named Martin online for free on LHM’s website. (Find links at www. canadianlutheran.ca/experience-thestory-of-the-reformation-anew-withfree-video-series-from-lhm/). LHM’s website also includes additional

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

resources and links to complement each session.

You can also buy the series on DVD through the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada (www.lll.ca/ reformation/). Each DVD comes with a discussion guide to help groups gain even more from these well-received documentary studies. Congregations looking for ways to share the story of the Reformation with the community around them can also purchase the LHM booklet A Treasure Revealed: Martin Luther and the Events of the Reformation (in English, French, and Spanish) as well as the booklet What Lutherans Believe (in English, French, and Chinese).

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC releases new book to celebrate Reformation anniversary CANADA - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) is celebrating the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation with a new book entitled Saints of the Reformation, which reflects on the lives of several key figures in the Reformation.

“The great Reformation of the church was not merely about events, ideas, and movements,” notes LCC President Robert Bugbee in a preface to the book. “It is also the story of people, individuals made of the same flesh and blood as we are. It is the story of their faith, their witness, their way of handling conflict, and the way in which their personal habits—even apart from their words—have left behind a message for us.”

The book collects nine b i o g r a p h i e s o n Re f o r m a t i o n figures, earlier versions of which were published by The Canadian Lutheran from 20132016. Included are biographies of Martin Luther, Katie Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Johann von Staupitz, Johann Esch and Heinrich Voes, Ursula von Münsterberg, Johannes Bugenhagen, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. Two of these biographies—the ones on Martin Luther and Katie Luther—received national awards from the Canadian Church Press.

Mathew Block served as editor of the volume and provides an introduction reflecting on the reformers’ understanding of the word “saint” in relation to the biblical mandate to remember our forebears in the faith. “Just as we look back to the Scriptures and find lives worthy of honour and emulation, so too we find encouragement in the lives of other Christians throughout the church’s history,” he writes. “In this book, we look at a few of the saints from the period of the Reformation—people whom God used in important ways to draw attention back to the Gospel of Christ when it was in danger of being obscured.”

“Some of these saints you may have heard of before,” he continues.

“Others are little known. But in the lives of all—men and women, royals and commoners, clergy and laypeople—the work of God is evident. They are our forebears in the faith, and their witness to Christ and His mercy remains a powerful testimony to this day.”

The book also presents commemoration dates, suggested prayers to God thanking Him for the work of each Reformation servant, and a further reading list for those wanting to learn more about them.

Churches are encouraged to use the new book as they celebrate

the Reformation locally, for both in-house education and as an outreach tool. The book is available in print at the low cost of $4.62 each (plus shipping). Bulk orders may also be eligible for a discount, so congregation members may wish to order together for further savings on shipping and the cost of the book.

The book is also available as a free e-book for use on e-readers, mobile devices, and computers.

Fo r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n , including details on where to purchase the book, visit www. reformation2017.ca/tell-me-more/ saints-of-the-reformation/book/.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Partnering with you in HIS mission

What is Christmas?

Christmas is not always the bright and cheery affair found in songs and movies. Can it be for those struggling with unemployment, alienation or terminal illness? It can be a complicated and difficult time of year. Where do you find yourself this Christmas? Wherever that place might be – God’s gift of love in Jesus Christ can heal your wounds and repair relationships.

(6BE133). Also in French (6BF133).

CTCR considers clergy divorce and remarriage CANADA - The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) of Lutheran Church– Canada has been studying and discussing questions surrounding the divorce and remarriage of clergy. They have just released three documents on this topic to the members of synod for study and response, hoping to help the church develop a clear biblical understanding of the matter.

The first is an exhaustive exegetical and historical study of St. Paul’s phrase “husband of one wife,” researched and written by Rev. Dr. Tom Winger, president of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. The second is a Study Document of the CTCR from 2015 entitled “Theses on Clergy Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.”

The third is a set of Discussion Questions on Clergy Divorce, also

c o m p o s e d by the CTCR. “It is our prayer that the study of these documents will help our Lutheran Church–Canada to come to a true, faithful, and evangelical understanding on these matters,” w r i t e s Re v. Wa r r e n H a m p , Chairman of the CTCR. The CTCR welcomes responses from members of LCC on any or all of the study documents in question.

Responses can be forwarded to BOD@lutheranchurch.ca.

The documents can be d o w n l o a d e d h e r e : w w w. canadianlutheran.ca/ctcrc o n s i d e r s - c l e rg y - d i vo rc e - a n d remarriage-in-new-studydocuments/.

Discussion Guide resource for Luther film The Christmas Journey In ten pages this little booklet tells young children about God’s expedition to earth as the Babe of Bethlehem – rhyming its way through the Nativity story of Jesus’ birth. Great to put in Christmas cards or to give to Sunday school classes and family members.

10 pages, 9 x 13 cm. $.40 each.

(6BE146) Booklets may be in your congregation’s tract rack – if not, request a free copy.

Listen to The Lutheran Hour www.lutheranhour.ca Also available as an App Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada 270 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4 1-800-555-6236 info@LLL.ca www.LLL.ca LutheranHourMinistriesCanada

O N L I N E - A s c o n g re g a t i o n s observe the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, some will no doubt be watching a film adaption of Luther’s life. Many such congregations will turn to the 2003 film Luther starring Joseph Fiennes. Lutheran Church–Canada is pleased to provide a study guide that can be used to introduce the film and lead discussion following it. It can also be used for private reflection on the film.

The study guide was developed

by Rev. Ted Giese, the awardwinning film reviewer for The Canadian Lutheran, as well as Issues Etc. and KFUO. The guide comes in two parts: a presentation introducing the film to the audience as well as a guide for after the film has been shown. A participant’s guide to follow along during the initial presentation is also available.

Congregations are reminded of the importance of respecting copyright law when it comes to

the public presentation of movies.

Licensing for the 2003 film Luther is available in Canada from Audio Cine Films Inc. Churches have the option of purchasing annual licenses to show films, or they can submit a quote request for a single presentation license.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Thanksgiving edition of The Lutheran Hour features LCC President CANADA - On Sunday, October 8, The Lutheran Hour featured a special Thanksgiving edition in which Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, President of Lutheran Church–Canada, served as guest speaker. President Bugbee presented a message entitled “Thanksgiving is Today,” based on Psalm 95:1-7.

“Why is it that Thanksgiving is always in place?” asks promotional material for the event. “How could this possibly be, since your life right

now may not look anything like that old Norman Rockwell picture with a big happy family glad to be gathered around a huge feast?”

If you missed the inspirational message during broadcast, you can listen in anytime with streaming a u d i o a n d p o d c a s t s a t w w w. lutheranhour.ca. The same website also lists Canadian radio broadcast stations that carry The Lutheran Hour.

Preparations underway for 2019 National Youth Gathering

CA N A DA - Preparations are already well underway for Lutheran Church–Canada’s 2019 National Youth Gathering (NYG). Youth from across the country will gather at Trinity Western University (Langley, British Columbia) from July 5-9, 2019 under the theme “Worthless: There is Nothing You Are Worth Less Than.”

“Are we actually worthless? Well, that depends on your perspective,” explains promotional material for the event. “If you look at it from your own perspective, there are two questions to ponder: What do you have to offer God? and What you can do to make yourself worthy before God? The answer is nothing.

There is nothing you can do to make yourself worthy before God, and nothing you have to offer God that makes you valuable. The only thing you bring to the table is your sin. You cannot save yourself from that sin. So, from that perspective, you could see that, in fact, you are worthless in God’s presence as you stand before him a poor, miserable sinner (1 Timothy 1:15).”

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The explanation continues: “If you look at it from God’s point of view, you will see that He created you (Psalm 139:13-14), and He redeemed you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus paid the price for your sins on the cross, that price being His life. In the logo, you see the cross within the word ‘worthless,’ and we’re reminded of the blood He shed for us with the use of red lettering.

Our theme verse is Romans 5:8

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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because it tells you that you are not worthless ‘but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ The King of Kings died for you, while you stood there in your sin, proving that ‘there is nothing you are worth less than!’”

Scheduled presenters for the event so far include Rev. Glenn Worcester, Rev. Dr. John W. Oberdeck, Fall7, and These Guys. Serving on the NYG’s Planning Committee are Deacon Lisa Olding, Rev. Glenn Worcester, Madison Bouwman, Deacon Kaitlin Schmitz, Rev. Scott Gamble, Cameron Olding, Deacon Stephanie Mayer, Rita Rickus, and Tony Marchand. The logo was designed by Monica Draper.

Further details will be made available at www.nyg19.ca.

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

Stampede breakfast feeds body and soul

Rev. Eric Moffett playing the role of preacher/ cowboy.

(Photo: Anni Adams)

CALGARY - In its 16th year, the Foothills Lutheran Sunday morning Stampede breakfast and outdoor worship service fed pancakes to 635 people, and then offered spiritual food to the about 375 who stayed for the church service. Those figures represented all-time high totals in both categories.

Church members invited friends, neighbours, relatives, and co-workers to the long-running event, held in the church’s parking lot. The response was so great, organizers scrambled to keep up with food and drink.

Rev. Eric Moffett spoke on the

theme “Planted with a Purpose,” citing the Parable of the Sower. He noted how often we are reluctant to plant the seed, but the reward can be so great (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).

Following the sermon, in Stampede fashion, ushers collected the offering in cowboy hats.

The outreach event also featured door prize quizzes, cowboy poetry (with a Christian angle), and music in the great outdoors.

Cliff Stangland, a retired school teacher, had been invited by a friend. “The food was good,” he commented, citing the baked beans and hashbrowns. “And young Eric preached a great sermon. He didn’t even use notes.”

N ew l y - m i n t e d M e m b e r o f Parliament Bob Benzen (CalgaryHeritage) attended for the second year in a row. “I have friends here,” he commented. Foothills member Harold Ziprick, retired Lutheran Church Minister to the Deaf, translated the service into sign language for a deaf attendee.

The good Lord blessed the Foothills effort in many ways, including great summer sunshine throughout the morning.

Quilting group cares for the needy

Prayer shawl crocheter Elsie Roeder

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - The Empty Spools quilting group consists of 12 members and they have been busy quilting wall hangings, sewing adult clothing protectors, and making catheter bag covers for the Good Samaritan Park Meadows Village in Lethbridge. Quilts made by the group have been distributed to victims of the Fort McMurray fire, the Pregnancy Care Center in Lethbridge, and Streets Alive and Homeless shelters in their city. An additional six quilts will be sent this fall to support their Puerto Penasco mission in Mexico.

Elsie Roeder also keeps Immanuel Lutheran Church supplied with crocheted prayer shawls which are given to grieving members.

Mark Kihn

Beverley Dunn

Food ministry to students LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - In conjunction with the University of Lethbridge Ecumenical Campus Ministry, University Food Services, and various churches in Lethbridge and surrounding communities, Immanuel Lutheran Church collected 375 food hampers to help university students during their stressful exam time in April.

U n i ve r s i t y exa m s r u n f o r two weeks in December and at the end of April. Congregation members (families, youth, singles) collect nonperishable food items and the bags are put together six weeks ahead of when they are handed out.

Any student is welcome to take a bag (especially those students

Food hamper bags ready to distribute to needy university students.

with children). Immanuel Lutheran stores all the collected bags, which are then delivered to the university.

Staff and students hand out the bags and it takes less than half an hour to

distribute them.

This is an annual, ongoing event and a way of members helping their community.

Beverley Dunn

The September/October2017 201717 1 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN September/October

ABC District News

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

From the President

“You are the light of the world!” ho wrote the following words?

“We live on earth for no other purpose than to be helpful to others. Otherwise it would be best for God to take away our breath and let us die as soon as we are baptized and have begun to believe. But He lets us live here in order that we may lead other people to believe, doing for them what He has done for us.”

If you answered “Martin Luther” then you are “smarter than a fifth grader!”

Luther’s name is not usually listed among the great Christian missionaries. He never traveled to another country as a missionary nor did he start a mission society. Yet, his contributions to God’s missionary enterprise are immeasurable! How so?

• Luther “rediscovered” the Gospel message that we are saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus.

• Luther wrote the Small Catechism so that “the heathen who want to be Christians are taught and guided in what they should believe, know, do, and leave undone according to the Christian faith.”

• Luther published 350 works and 3,000 letters, and directly or indirectly taught approximately 16,000 theological students enrolled at the University of Wittenberg. Luther’s literary work and students proclaimed the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

• Luther wrote more than 35 hymns that planted the Gospel in the hearts of people. In Luther’s hymn: “May God Embrace Us With His Grace” we find the mission message: “Let Jesus’ healing power be revealed in richest measure, converting every nation,” and “May people everywhere be won to love and praise you truly” (LW 288:1, 3).

• Luther’s German translation of the Bible did much to evangelize unbelievers. Thanks to Luther’s translation, St. Paul’s longing, as expressed in 2 Thessalonians 3:1, “that the Word of the Lord might spread quickly and become known in its splendour,” became a reality not only in Germany but throughout Europe where Bible translations were made with reference to Luther’s German translation.

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2 The Canadian Lutheran September/October 2017 18 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

Still, Luther was tempted to hide his light under a bushel. In a letter Luther sent to his Father-confessor, Staupitz, in 1519, Luther admitted, “I long to be quiet but am driven into the middle of the storm.”

Martin Luther was also often tormented by his sin and ashamed of his life. “What kind of light of Christ am I?” he wondered.

But what propelled him “into the middle of the storm” when he was tempted to “hide his light under a bushel” was the fact that Luther daily stood at the foot of Christ’s cross and basked in the light of Christ’s grace where he experienced peace, joy, and hope. He wanted the people of the world to have these Godgiven treasures and experiences. So, he who lived in the Light couldn’t help but reflect that Light in his own life.

No light was shining in our hearts when we were conceived and born in sin. And yet Jesus says to us, “You are the light of the world!” This is a statement of fact. We are the light of the Christ to the world by virtue of the Lord’s calling. It was Jesus Christ “who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Paul writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Christ’s love and forgiveness shine in our lives.

As his baptized people, we live with the assurance that, even as we have those moments and days when our light is hidden under a bushel, we are forgiven!

Eternal life is ours. When we close our eyes and enter the darkness called death, we will see the Light, Jesus Christ, shining in all His heavenly glory and majesty.

What a glorious day that will be! But, until then, we who continue to bask in the light of Christ’s love “remain His lights in the world.”

Join me in praying a slightly adapted prayer of Martin Luther: “Dear Father, we pray thee, give us Thy Word, that the Gospel may be sincerely preached throughout the world and that it may be received by faith and may work and live in us that we may be your light in this world.” Amen.

President Glenn E. Schaeffer

ABC ABC District News

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

Congregation celebrates new home LANGFORD, B.C. - In January 2012 Redeemer Lutheran Church (Victoria) held a de-consecration service and closed the doors of its then aging building. It was an emotional day as many members past and present watched Rev. Phillip Washeim lock the doors behind them as they exited the church following the service. Redeemer had been working for three years with Micky Fleming of Cherish Living to get to this point. It would take another four years before the people of Redeemer would begin to see the construction of the new building.

The members of Redeemer are excited to receive the keys to their new home in November of this year (2017). The church will be a part

Redeemer’s new location

of a larger building that will house 160 units geared towards seniors living. The congregation is thankful to God for His grace during this time of anticipation and members

look forward to celebrating their 60th year in the community with renewed service to their neighbours.

Rev. Phillip Washeim

LCC Lutherans and Roman Catholics in dialogue EDMONTON - Since 2014, a group of four LCC pastors in the Edmonton area have been in dialogue with members of the Roman Catholic community. Rev. Dr. Adrian Leske, Rev. Michael Keith, Rev. Dr. John Hellwege, and Rev. Dr. John Maxfield are currently representing LCC in these theological discussions.

Co-chair Rev. Michael Keith said it has been a good learning experience to gain understanding of where the Roman Catholics are coming from in their church body. The Roman Catholics have learned that Lutherans, unlike many other denominations, are not radicals who wanted to start a whole new church but those who wanted to improve the existing church.

The goal is to bring the Church back to what it always was.

While significant differences in areas such as communion and the Mass do remain, on many societal issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage LCC Lutherans and Roman Catholics agree. Rev. Keith commented that participants have realized they are closer on some things than they had previously thought, and that the two church bodies want to build on that

relationship and support one another in these common areas.

The Edmonton group complements additional dialogue between LCC and Roman Catholics

on the national level. The Edmonton group will continue to meet for 2017, with plans to evaluate its continuation thereafter.

Laura Goerz

Installation in Fort McMurray and then fellowship together with all present.

The congregation has called Rev. Haberstock to be a Missionary Pastor to the church and the people of Fort McMurray and area. They have asked Rev. Haberstock to assist them in breaking out of a bunker mentality and to equip them to boldly speak of Jesus to many friends, coworkers, (l-r) District President Glenn Schaeffer, Dr. Edwin and neighbours who are yet Lehman, Rev. Keith Haberstock, Rev. Garry Dombrosky lost to the truth that their Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth, has FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - On the already paid in full for their souls. evening of July 16, 2017, members Congregation members ask and friends of Trinity Lutheran readers to please pray for the Trinity Church in Fort McMurray welcomed family as they move out to be the their newly-called Missionary Pastor, hands and feet of Jesus, as they speak Rev. Keith Haberstock, and his the Gospel to those to whom the family. It was a blessing to worship Spirit will lead them. the Lord in the Installation Service The September/October2017 201719 3 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN September/October

ABC District News News ABC District

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

Dual parish installation in southern Alberta TABER, Alta. - Rev. Andreas (Andy) Kahle was installed as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church (Taber) and Duchess Lutheran Church (Duchess) on June 18, 2017.

Participating were Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer, ABC District President (guest preacher); Rev. Carl Bogda, emeritus, Duchess (Officiant); and Revs. Ken Edel, Rob Mohns, Nathan Fuehrer, and David Dressler.

Rev. Kahle attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, serving his vicarage at Hope Lutheran in Port Coquitlam, B.C. In 1989, he graduated and accepted his first call as assistant pastor at Faith Lutheran (Grande Prairie, Alberta) and Emmaus Lutheran (North Kleskun, Alberta). By 1991, he was senior pastor at both churches. In May 2000, he accepted the call to serve as pastor of St. John Lutheran in Williams Lake, B.C. In 2015 he began serving half-time at Christ the King Lutheran (100 Mile House, B.C.) and half-time with Lutheran

(l-r) Revs. Nathan Fuehrer, Rob Mohns, Glenn Schaeffer, Andy Kahle, David Dressler, Ken Edel, Carl Bogda

Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) as Partner in Missions in North-Western B.C., organizing the summer VBS mission teams.

Raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Rev. Kahle now returns closer to home and family. His favourite pastimes

are fishing, golfing, sports trivia, and trying to master the 12-string guitar.

The congregations, honoured guests, and visitors enjoyed a roast beef dinner and celebratory cake following the Installation Service in Taber.

Jane Pollock

Edmonton hosts ecumenical concert EDMONTON - On Sunday, June 11 the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Alberta-British Columbia District of Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) cosponsored a concert to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. This joint endeavour was held at beautiful St. Joseph’s Basilica in downtown Edmonton. The concert, entitled “With One Voice,” focused on hymns and choral works of the Reformation era.

Choral numbers featured St. Joseph’s Basilica Schola Cantorum, a twelve-member group of outstanding young voices under the direction of Roderick Bryce. Guest organist was Martha Feculak of Grace

L u t h e ra n C h u rc h in Edmonton. The Basilica’s spectacular 1963 organ consists of 4 keyboards and 40 stops controlling 3,154 pipes, and Martha’s expert playing brought the Reformation music to life. The congregation was invited to join in on four hymns, including Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” This concert also celebrated 50 years of dialogue between Roman Catholics and Lutherans. Thanks to this dialogue, today Lutherans and Catholics enjoy exceptional cooperation, mutual understanding, and respect. Organizers worked on this afternoon of music and reflection for months, with artistic

4 The Canadian Lutheran September/October 2017 20 THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

direction and writing from both Lutheran and Roman Catholic sides.

The event was an initiative of the Edmonton Lutheran (LCC)-Roman Catholic Dialogue Group.

Admission was by donation, with proceeds going to Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

Laura Goerz

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

Laura Goerz, District Editor editor@lccabc.ca

Next deadline: November 16, 2017

Central District News News

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

Refugee sponsorship demonstrates Christian charity WINNIPEG - It began with a p re s e n t a t i o n f ro m C a n a d i a n Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) on October 24, 2015—a heartbreaking presentation that included a film about a day in a Syrian refugee camp, and a talk by two Syrian refugees now living in Winnipeg. Six members of Saint James Lutheran Church attended the presentation and knew at once here was an opportunity to be a Good Samaritan like Christ.

The first step was gauging the congregation’s commitment to time and treasure in sponsoring a Muslim refugee family from Syria.

The president of the congregation gave a talk covering several topics: the United Nation’s definition of refugee; the recognition that no one is a refugee by choice; that there are 400,000 refugees on the continent of Africa alone; that some refugees have lived in the refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya for thirty years and know nothing else; that CLWR provides aid to 149,450 refugees; and finally the plight of Syrian refugees.

The talk included the options and responsibilities of any group who sponsor a refugee family. It is inaccurate to say 100 percent of the congregation were in favour of the mission, but most were. We do not sponsor refugees because they are Christian; we sponsor them because we are Christian. After all, many Lutherans are themselves refugees from the Second World War or have parents or grandparents who were. Jesus was a refugee in Egypt when He and His parents fled from Herod’s wrath.

We struck a committee of twenty, relying heavily on a report completed

by Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCIC) in New Hamburg, Ontario. Their report outlined tasks to be done and sub-committees required to complete those tasks. There were many questions refugees might ask that we might never have thought of: how does the bus system work, how do you get a health card, where’s

The refugee family met with the committee at Saint James Lutheran Church a few days after their arrival.

the library, how does it work, and how do you get there? What about English as a second language classes and, of course, how do you shop for groceries? Trinity’s comprehensive report was invaluable in this preparatory work.

After determining sufficient support from the congregation, C LW R ’ s To m B r o o k g a v e a presentation on the refugee process, the options and responsibilities of a sponsoring group, and the cost of sponsoring a family of four (approximately $20,000). We also learned of an anonymous Winnipeg donor willing to provide an apartment rent-free for a year.

It took a couple of months but the congregation came through with the required financial support.

The congregation submitted an application to sponsor one family in particular: Hassan, Samia and Amal Alkhatab. Part of the Alkhatab family were already in Winnipeg, sponsored jointly by LCC Synod office staff, CLWR office staff, and ELCIC Synod office staff. St. James asked to sponsor the brother, his wife, and their daughter to join them.

While waiting for approval, the congregation began collecting furniture, clothes, and household items. Donations poured in and soon nearly everything needed had been collected. The months went by.

The refugee committee chair kept reporting no news. And then, word finally came: the family would arrive in three weeks!

On March 22, after 26 hours of travel, the mom, dad, and two-yearold daughter arrived. A small group from the congregation (in order to not overwhelm them) met them at the airport along with their family, and after all the hugs, kisses, and tears, they were driven to their brother’s home where they spent the night in anticipation of their own residence.

The family loves their new home.

Planning is underway for a lunch where the family will be introduced to the congregation. Members of the committee are thankful to the Lord for giving them the will and the wherewithal to see this mission through. The first hurdle is cleared, and they look forward to the challenges and joys of the year ahead.

John Robins Sr.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

- Psalm 136:1 -

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Central District News News

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

Gospel shared at Queen City Ex REGINA - Children’s booklets proved to be the most in demand at the Lutheran Laymen’s League booth for fairgoers August 2-6, with close to 500 given away.

These booklets were perfect for the witness of a mother and her enthusiastic six-year-old daughter who gather up neighbourhood children in their front yard to play, sing, and teach Bible verses. The daughter had questions her mother couldn’t answer so the adult Project Connect booklets will be an excellent resource as well.

Grandparents took booklets for their grandchildren. An eightyear-old boy walked by and said

he still has books from last year.

Many people stopped to talk and say “hello” commenting this ministry is “doing worthwhile work.” One visitor stated the Lutheran Hour Ministries booth was the best booth at the Queen City Ex. Some of the volunteers were pleasantly surprised at the number of midway workers who stopped and picked up booklets.

In addition to the Project Connect booklets and other smaller materials, Bibles and New Testaments were also given away.

The volunteers feel it is important that Lutheran churches continue to be visible in local communities and continue to reach out with

Materials for children and adults at the LLL fair booth.

the Gospel. Organizers thank all the volunteers and supporters who make this Christ-centered ministry possible. Please continue to pray for the visitors touched by this outreach that they will find comfort in Jesus Christ.

Ed Tiefenbach

Ponderings from the president

Awaiting the end of the world ell, I missed it again—and so did you! David Meade of Wisconsin predicted that our world would end on September 23, 2017 as a rogue planet called Nibiru crashed into Earth. Originally, this planet was to arrive in 2003 but was delayed until 2012. Five years later, the planet Nibiru still poses no threat because it doesn’t exist. NASA issued a statement in 2012: “If Nibiru or Planet X were real and headed for an encounter with the Earth…astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye.”

However, the same conspiracy theorists did correctly predict September 23 as the alignment of several planets, the sun and moon, and the constellations of Virgo and Leo. They were just divided on what that meant. Evangelical Christians argued that according to the Book of Revelation, this alignment of planets and stars would lead up to the Rapture, that time in which they believe Christians will be sucked up into heaven leaving unbelievers behind to fend for themselves.

Many people have tried to predict the exact date and time when our world would come to an end. In modern times, Halley’s Comet was thought to lead to the end of the world as it would suddenly veer off course striking our planet, or its tail would poison the Earth’s atmosphere. An alignment of the planets Mercury,

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Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn on May 5, 2000 was thought to bring about life-ending volcanoes and earthquakes on Earth. On December 21, 2012 the end of the Mayan calendar would mean the end of everything.

The one thing we can say for certain about the heavens is that they declare the glory of God and proclaim His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). On using planetary and stellar alignment to determine the exact date and time of the end of the world, Jesus tells us, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). There will be a rapture for those alive when Jesus returns, but it will happen on Earth’s final day, Judgment Day: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Whenever Jesus will come again, we await His return with readiness, faithfulness and joy, for the apostle Paul reminds us: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:18). “‘Surely, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Rev. Thomas Prachar

Central District District News Central News

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

VBS roundup

GRENFELL, Sask. - Enthusiastic singers at Peace Lutheran Church’s A Mighty Fortress vacation Bible school.

WARMAN, Sask. - A Mighty Fortress at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

WINNIPEG - Story time at St. James Lutheran Church.

FROBISHER, Sask. - VBS took place in Frobisher and Oxbow at St. Peter & St. John Lutheran Parish.

Bach in concert REGINA - Mount Olive Lutheran Church hosted a night of Bach in Concert, July 13, sponsored by the local chapter of FaithLife Financial.

The organ solo c o n c e r t f e a t u re d Rev. Paulo Brum, Chapel Master at the Lutheran University of Brazil with special guest Isabel Brum on cello. The performers presented selected works of Johann Sebastian Bach with a Brazilian flavour.

(Photo: Michelle Giese)

Winnipeg mission team heads to Saskatchewan

WINNIPEG - Peace Lutheran Church sent a second mission team to Pelican Narrows, July 22-30. The team included Rev. Glenn Worcester, Rob and Annegret Layer, Megan Chartrand, Katie Richards, Shaunna Buchholz, Alex Bancroft, and Luke Chartrand. They were pleased to have Lil Kozussek (Central District Administrative Assistant) and David Friesen (Lutheran Foundation Gift Coordinator) on the team as well.

The 201723 3 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN September/October September/October 2017

Central District District News Central News

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

Pastors ordained and installed YORKTON, Sask. - Andrew Cottrill was ordained and installed as pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, July 16.

Central District President Tom Prachar preached on Matthew 13:19, 18-23 and officiated. Two former Zion pastors were in attendance, Revs. Dan Moeller and Tom Prachar, as well as one former vicar, Rev. Randy Kleemola. Rev. Kurt Lantz (Resurrection, St. Catharines),

who confirmed Andrew a few ye a r s b e f o re he decided to begin his studies for the Holy Ministry, was also in attendance.

(l-r) Revs. Arron Gust, Dan Moeller, Kurt Lantz, Andrew Cottrill, Randy Kleemola, Barry Wood, Tom Prachar.

Parish worker acknowledged Rev. Andrew Cottrill and wife Sarah and children Audrey and Bruce (Photos by Al Marshall)

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. William Rose was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was then installed as Associate Pastor of the four-point parish of St. Paul’s, McCreary; Christ, Neepawa; Zion, Plumas; and Redeemer, Portage la Prairie, serving that parish with Rev. James Vosper.

Rev. Edmund Mielke was the preacher (he also has served the last number of years as the vacancy pastor at Redeemer, Portage). Rev. Mielke also served as Rev. Rose’s entrance to LCC as he confirmed Will. District President Tom Prachar officiated for the ordination/installation.

(l-r) Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser, Barb Dick, congregation president Ray Wiman

MOOSE JAW - O n J u n e 1 8 , E m m a n u e l L u t h e ra n C h u rc h presented Barb Dick with a special print from local artist Yvette Moore on the occasion of her retirement from the position of Parish Worker with the congregation. Barb has served as Parish Worker in Moose Jaw since 2004. She retired at the end of June.

Visit the Central District website at www.lcccentral.ca

(front, l-r) Revs. Edmund Mielke, Will Rose, Alex Klages, Alvin Borchardt; (back) Revs.

Tom Prachar, Adrian Toms, Ward Yunker, James Vosper.

4 The 2017 24 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN September/October September/October 2017

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 December 16, 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

VBS grant a huge success across district

EAST DISTRICT - In response to several requests, the Department for Outreach (DFO) made use of a LWMLC grant—that was more than 15 years old—for helping fund vacation Bible school programs in smaller congregations. Nine congregations applied for and were granted $500 each for their VBS programs this summer. These congregations included Our Saviour, Etobicoke; Good Shepherd, Amherstburg; Grace

& Resurrection, St. Catharines; Good Shepherd, Moncton; Pilgrim, Hamilton; Good Shepherd, Barrie; Grace, Oshawa; Christ Our Hope, Collingwood; and First, Logan.

Each participating congregation included an outreach component in their VBS program and each did it a little differently. Some used the grant for advertising; some for Bibles, Arch Books, CDs, and other resources to encourage the use of Christian

materials in the children’s homes.

Others enhanced their VBS programs to creatively include Reformationthemed activities, dramas, snacks, and take-home resources. The DFO hopes to offer the same VBS assistance next year, as there are still funds available.

For additional details about the 2017 Vacation Bible Schools across the District visit http://lcceast.ca/ evangelism.

From left, top row to bottom row: Grace & Resurrection, St. Catharines; Good Shepherd, Barrie; Our Saviour, Etobicoke; Pilgrim, Hamilton; Christ Our Hope, Collingwood; Good Shepherd, Moncton, NB; Grace & Resurrection, St. Catharines; First, Logan; Good Shepherd, Amherstburg; Grace, Oshawa.

CANADIAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 2017 TheTHE Canadian Lutheran 2017 25 1

East East District News

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

Zion builds a Mighty Fortress DASHWOOD, Ont. - Zion Lutheran Church had a most successful Vacation Bible School program based on the theme, “A Mighty Fortress–In Jesus the Victory is Won!” During the week-long program, 99 children heard Bible stories, participated in dramatizations, learned about Martin Luther and the Reformation which began 500 years ago, sang songs, completed amazing crafts and participated in various games and outdoor activities. Approximately 40 volunteers were involved in a variety of ways to deliver this worthwhile community outreach.

Each year we choose a special project to help through our daily VBS offerings. The mission project chosen

for this year was Concordia Lutheran Mission Society: Computer Training for Children and Deaconesses in Nicaragua. The congregation will

From the president A faith to live by! uring a recent trip to visit relatives in St. Louis, we sat down to eat our evening meal in a restaurant with our nephew and his family. Early into the conversation, my grand-nephew noted that he had just begun attending his first year of confirmation class.

Through a number of questions I addressed to him, it became apparent that this announcement was not just “put on” to please Uncle/Pastor Paul, but contained actual excitement for what he was learning. As I sat there listening and taking it all in, I could not help but think how mightily God has blessed me, and how much I have that I need to be thankful for.

I treasure my children, grandchildren, and extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. And no, we are not a perfect family! I pray for all of us, on a daily basis. Just last January my wife and I received the blessing of our ninth grandchild. As I watch her develop and grow, I am experiencing a wide range of emotions. As I look back over the years, on the one hand there are feelings of guilt that I was so wrapped up in my own interests and work that I did not give my children and grandchildren the time and attention that I could have or should have. On the other hand, as my own children and older grandchildren mature, I often see in them the heartfelt love they have for one another, their parents, their grandparents, and even more importantly, the love they have for their Lord and Saviour.

But back to confirmation class. As I page through my own catechism that I learned from and taught from, I come across the words written under the title of each of the Six Chief Parts in the Small Catechism. They read: “As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.” The footnote in the Book of Concord notes that in the Latin text,

D

2 The September/October 2017 26 THECanadian CANADIAN Lutheran LUTHERAN September/October 2017

once again be helping people in Chinandega, Nicaragua with a total donation of $750.

Cindy Hamather

this phrase reads: “How, in a very plain form, schoolmasters should teach the Ten Commandments (or any of the other six chief parts) to their pupils.”

Regardless of who does the teaching, it is generally true that if you train a child in the way that he or she should go, they will not depart from it. Therefore, it is of tremendous importance that we invest wisely in the lives of our children, that their future might be made secure by being brought to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour from sin. And having faith in Him as their Lord and Saviour, they might also have the advantage of knowing the Christian way.

So often the destiny of an entire life is determined by what happens in early years. A consciousness of the presence of God in the journey through this life and the reality of the life to come can even be understood by the faith of a little child.

One summer a minister conducted a camp for his young people. His own thirteen-year-old boy was with him for the entire camping period learning the gospel songs, hearing the messages from the Bible—God’s Word—and being inspired to greater service in the Master’s kingdom. The boy had often complained that his father was not home enough so that he could play ball with him and do the other things youngsters enjoy so much. But when he left camp he handed his father a letter in which he said: “Dear Dad, I want to thank you for the privilege I have had of being at camp this summer. I am going to attempt to keep the promises I have made. I will try to read my Bible every day. I am going to stay in partnership with God and talk to Him often and I am going to try to win a person for Christ. I won’t complain this year about your being gone so much, as long as I know you are preaching the gospel. For though I know that we can’t be together as much as I would like in this world, some day we will be together forever in the ‘house of many mansions.’”

“Train up a child in the way he should go; Even when he is old he will not depart from it!” (Proverbs 22:6).

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

Seminarian visits adoptive congregation

Bestowal of title Emeritus

(l-r) Rev. David Gallas (Chaplain, Garrison Petawawa), Laurin, Isaac & Matthew Fenn, Revs. Bill Stanfel, Deane Detlefsen (emeritus)

PETAWAWA, Ont. - The members of Christ Lutheran Church were excited to meet their adopted seminarian Matthew Fenn and his family while on a visit to the area in July. Seminarian Fenn preached at the morning service, and the congregation members gathered outside for lunch fellowship afterwards.

Elaine Stanfel

(l-r) Rev. Jim Scholz and Deacon Stan Diehl

LONDON, Ont. - On June 11, retired deacon Stan Diehl received the title Emeritus at Faith Lutheran Church, recognizing more than 25 years of faithful service within the East District of Lutheran Church– Canada.

Diehl graduated from Concordia L u t h e r a n C o l l e g e, M e q u o n ,

Homecoming parade float

The St. John’s Lutheran Church float for the Clifford Homecoming parade featured a birthday cake with decorations. The celebration of both Clifford’s and Canada’s 150th anniversary, August 4-7, drew huge crowds for the parade, wonderful dinners every day, and amazing fireworks.

Leone Foerter

Wisconsin in 1985 with an “Associate in Arts” degree as a Lutheran Lay Minister. Urged by the Spirit of God to serve in that capacity and under the supervision of circuit pastors, Diehl served his Lord in numerous congregations including Christ Lutheran, Petawawa; Resurrection Mission, Orangeville; the dual parish of Messiah Lutheran, Stoney Creek and St. Stephen Lutheran, Grimsby; St. Peter’s Lutheran, Port Colborne; Redeemer Lutheran, Bramalea; Grace Lutheran, Mitchell; St. Paul’s Lutheran, Elmira; Trinity Lutheran, Fisherville; dual parish St. Paul Lutheran, Tavistock and St. Matthew Lutheran, Stratford; and Redeemer Lutheran, St. Thomas.

Stan also served out his retirement years as a supply lay minister in numerous congregations, including First St. John’s Lutheran, Seebach’s Hill; Second St. John’s Lutheran, Wartburg; First Lutheran, Logan; Redeemer Lutheran, Monkton; Zion Lutheran, Dashwood; Bereaby-the-Water Lutheran, Goderich; and in Chatham. Stan and his dearly departed wife, Shirley, became members at Faith, London, in 2017.

He continues to faithfully serve the Lord whenever called upon.

Rev. Jim Scholz

CANADIAN LUTHERANSeptember/October September/October 2017 TheTHE Canadian Lutheran 2017 27 3

East East District News

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

New shepherd arrives for Christ Lutheran Church SARNIA, Ont. - Members, friends, family, and guests gathered to fill Christ Lutheran Church as they marked a joyous day July 30 with the ordination and installation o f Re v. K i r k Radford. Rev. Ra d f o r d i s a (l-r) Revs. Gilvan de Azevedo, Roger Winger, Edward Steeh (emeritus 2017 graduate St. John, Ray Twp., Michigan), Wilhelm Torgerson, Esko Murto, Paul o f C o n c o r d i a Zabel, Joshua Ball (St. John, Ray Twp.), Kirk Radford, Daniel Murray L u t h e r a n (Our Saviour, Chatham, LCMS English), Ron Mohr; Seminarian Zakel; Revs. Eric Majeski (Grace Lutheran Fellowship, Romeo, T h e o l o g i c a l David Michigan), Mike Phillips (Grace, Romeo), Tom Winger, and Les Hohner Seminary in St. (interim pastor at Christ).

Catharines. He CLTS professor, preached; Rev. and his wife Renate are proud Paul Zabel, East District president, parents of three daughters— performed the Rite of Ordination and Gabrielle, Christiane, and Annika.

Installation; Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger, Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson,

Pastor celebrates 25 years in ministry

Pastor Mel and Barb Graham

BOWMANVILLE, Ont. - A celebration marking Rev. Mel Graham’s 25th year in the Holy Ministry was held at Clarington Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 13. LCC East District

President, Rev. Paul Zabel, was guest preacher for the occasion, which was especially fitting as he served as mentor while Rev. Graham was a vicar at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clifford, Ontario. Friends, relatives, guests, and pastors shared reflective memories on Pastor Mel’s journey of faith to the delight of all in attendance. A special luncheon was served and gifts of appreciation were presented to both Rev. Graham and his wife Barb. Also in attendance were the Graham’s sons, Owen, his wife Ashley and their son Oliver, as well as Nathan and his wife Melissa.

Rev. Graham has served congregations at Saviour Lutheran Church, Ladner, B.C.; Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, Grande Cache, Alberta; Christ our Hope, Collingwood, Ontario; and Clarington Lutheran Church, Bowmanville, Ontario.

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Joan Preston

CLTS President, served as liturgist.

Other participants included reader Rev. Ron Mohr, East District Mission Encourager; and crucifer David Zakel, seminarian. Following the service, everyone gathered in fellowship and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared

by Christ Lutheran ladies.

Organ bursary awarded STRATFORD, Ont. - The East District Worship Committee awarded the 2017 Organ Bursary in the amount of $500 to Rachel Huitsing of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Rachel, along with her husband Gary, “have been a blessing to our church and attend regularly and faithfully the divine Service and Bible Class,” writes Rev. Timothy Teuscher of St. Peter’s. “In addition, Rachel has been blessed with musical gifts and talents — both voice and piano or keyboard. She is now in the process of taking organ lessons with the hope and intention of being able to play periodically for our Divine Services.”

The East District Organ Bursaries support the development of church organists. Guidelines for the bursary may be found at www.lcceast.ca (select Resources/ Downloads/Financial, then scroll down to Worship Committee Organ Bursary Guidelines).

Visit the East District website at www.lcceastdistrict.ca 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: November 16, 2017

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

PAT Program celebrates first Regionally Remote pastor HIGH PRAIRIE, Alta.

- On September 12, 2 01 7 , Re d e e m e r Lutheran Church i n H i g h P ra i r i e, Alberta celebrated the ordination and installation of Rev. Terry Goerz, the first graduate with a regionally remote ministry focus from Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) program.

At seventy y e a r s o l d , Re v.

Goerz is not your typical new pastor.

“Some pastors are LCC President Emeritus Edwin Lehman, Rev. Terry Goerz, CLS president James Gimbel, and Rev. Reinhard Dittmer. described as second career pastors,” he notes. “I am a Social Ministry, and overseer of site, and Goerz was named a PAT fifth career pastor.” In 2011, Goerz the PAT program. “His story is an candidate. retired from High Prairie School inspiration to all, and a reminder The PAT program requires Division after 21 years as their that our God continues to raise up candidates to successfully complete Director of Facilities. He is also a shepherds for His flocks in even the 23 courses in various areas of Certified Engineering Technologist most remote locations of Canada.” t h e o l o g i c a l s t u d y, i n c l u d i n g (Aeronautics) and in possession of LCC President Emeritus Edwin Systematics, Historical Theology, trade tickets as a plumber, gasfitter, Lehman conducted the service of Biblical Theology, and Pastoral and steamfitter/pipefitter. ordination and installation, with Theology. After receiving credit Rev. Goerz has been a member Rev. Dr. James Gimbel (President for some courses based on of Redeemer Lutheran in High of CLS) and Rev. Reinhard Dittmer previous church experience, and Prairie since 1990, and has served (Christ Lutheran, Mellowdale, successfully challenging others as chairman and elder for most of Alberta) also present. t h ro u g h exa m i n a t i o n , G o e r z that time. He has further served While Rev. Goerz is the first s p e n t t h e n ex t s eve ra l ye a r s the church at large as president PAT graduate to focus on regionally studying in the PAT program, of the ABC District Lutheran remote ministry, the program is completing courses delivered by Laymen’s League, as a member of also open to candidates serving multiple instructors via Skype, LCC’s Board of Directors, and as non-English cultural communities. email, phone calls, and intensive president of Concordia Lutheran Previous PAT graduates in culturecourses at Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. specific ministry currently serve Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton.

In 2013, Redeemer Lutheran Oromo, Sudanese, Punjabi, and Goerz completed the program in in High Prairie had dwindled Hispanic congregations.

April 2017, and was approved to a point where they could no For more information on the for ordination and placement longer pay their share of the parish PAT program, or to apply for your following interviews with staff budget. Beginning January 2014, congregation to be designated a PAT of the Edmonton seminary and the pastor would only be visiting site, please contact LCC’s Executive ABC District President Glenn E. the community once a month to for Missions and Social Ministry Schaeffer. lead a communion service. So in at missions@lutheranchurch.ca “Terry’s graduation from the September 2013, the congregation or call 1-800-588-4226 (ext. 215).

PAT program is a source of great applied to LCC’s Council of joy,” said Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Presidents to be approved as a PAT LCC’s Executive for Missions and THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

29

Mission Update www.canadianlutheran.ca

2017 Mission Newsletter released ONLINE - Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) has released the 2017 edition of its annual Mission Newsletter.

“The 2017 Mission Newsletter presents just a few snapshots of what the Lord Jesus has accomplished in the lives of people through the missions and social ministry of Lutheran Church–Canada this year—how communities have been graced by His love and mercy,” explains Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel in the introduction to this year’s newsletter. Dr. Neitzel is LCC’s Executive for Missions and Social Ministry.

The format for this year’s publication draws on LCC’s 2017 convention theme—Christ Alone, Christ Forever. “As with previous themes, this is a timely call to us to stand faithful on the firm foundation of the faith we have received,” Dr. Neitzel writes. “It is a call to reach out to a world which is starving and sinking in sin and darkness. And it is a call to confess, proclaim, and provide for our neighbours Christ, the Bread of Life for eternity.”

The 2017 newsletter reflects on LCC’s work afield in Ukraine, East Asia (Thailand and Cambodia), and Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras). Stories and projects explored include: the reorganization of the church in Cambodia following more than a year of internal administrative problems; the training of three new missionary candidates for the Phang Nga Province in Thailand; the provision of relief in Ukraine for refugees fleeing unrest in the eastern part of that country; new ministry outreach opportunities i n H o n d u r a s ; Re f o r m a t i o n celebrations in Costa Rica; the expansion of youth gatherings in Nicaragua; and much more. “ We c o u l d s a y s o m u c h more about the mission work and humanitarian support our Canadian church is privileged to

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be a part of around the world,” notes Dr. Neitzel. “We thank God for His blessings on these mission fields. May our message and work ever proclaim, Christ Alone, Christ Forever!”

To download the newsletter, v i s i t w w w. c a n a d i a n l u t h e ra n . c a / 2 01 7 - m i s s i o n - n e w s l e t t e r re l e a s e d / . T h e n ew s l e t t e r i s available in a high-quality pdf which you can print it off for use in your congregation. (Be sure to select “booklet” in your printing options.) Alternately, if you just want to view the newsletter on your computer, you can download a web-friendly pdf.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

LCC’s Mission Work Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n LCC’s missions, visit L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . c a .

You can support LCC’s missions through online giving, or by sending donations by mail: Lutheran Church– Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2

Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

CLTS unveils new Reformation Rare Book Room

Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki (Concordia, Fort Wayne), Bishop Jobst Schöne (SELK, Germany), Judy Zastrow (Seminary Guild President), Sarah Cavanagh (Library), Rev. Dr. John Stephenson (Director of the Library) join LCC President Robert Bugbee at the opening.

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary has officially opened its new Reformation Rare Book Room.

The special room, built to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, houses the library’s oldest books, dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Lutheran Church–Canada President, Dr. Robert Bugbee, was on hand to cut the ribbon and bless the library’s newest space.

C l o s e t o 3 0 0 vo l u m e s a re featured in the rare book room, most written in old German Fraktur script, some in Latin, and a few in English. Books range from biblical commentaries, lexicons, theological and philosophical tracts, to devotional writings.

Several editions of Martin Luther’s writings appear in the collection, including the oldest

book owned by the library, a 1562 volume from the Jena edition of Luther’s works.

Rev. Dr. John Stephenson, Director of the Library, states: “Material for a goodly number of doctoral treatises is lurking among the contents of our Reformation R a r e B o o k Ro o m . ” H i s t o r y classes from Brock University, the seminary’s affiliated degreegranting institution, h a v e already visited the space.

T h e room was, in part, generously funded by

the Concordia Seminary Guild, an auxiliary group which supports s e m i n a r y o p e ra t i o n s a n d i t s students.

Access to the rare book room is limited and supervised. Visitors are welcome, but encouraged to contact the library in advance.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Education Report www.canadianlutheran.ca

CLTS installs new professors, holds Reformation 500 Conference ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - On September 10, 2017, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary opened its new academic year and held a theological symposium marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The event saw the installation of two new assistant professors: Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau, who has previously served in the chaplaincy of the armed forces, and Rev. Esko Murto, who has already served in the seminary as a visiting scholar since August 2015.

The conference featured Rev. Dr Jobst Schöne, Bishop Emeritus of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) of Germany, as guest speaker. Bishop Schöne took the role of a theological “mythbuster” in his evening lecture, “Luther without Fake News.” He dismantled several common misconceptions about Luther, including the old stories about Luther throwing an inkwell at the devil at the Wartburg Castle, or say he would plant an apple tree if he knew the world were to end tomorrow. Bishop Schöne revealed that the monk-who-

Installation of Rev. Esko Murto and Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau.

left-monastery, Martin Luther, was the last of the brothers to actually leave the Black Cloister in Wittenberg, and in subsequent years sought to bring many good devotional practices from monastic orders to the life of common Christians–such as daily devotions, regular confession and absolution, and the study of Scriptures.

Other speakers in the conference were Dr. Fredrik Sidenvall from Sweden, who discussed Luther’s Christmas sermons from the viewpoint of modern theories of attachment,

Dr. John Stephenson, who examined the impact of the Reformation on our understanding of how man is saved, and Dr. James Keller who explored the ecumenical significance of Luther’s 95 Theses.

Video recordings of the conference presentations are available now on the seminary’s YouTube channel ( w w w. yo u t u b e. c o m / c h a n n e l / UCjM7u8fTj_383UNgRBYLHcw).

Audio recordings are on the seminary website here: https://concordiaseminary.ca/media/.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary unveils the “Reformation Minute” EDMONTON - Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) launched its “Reformation Minute” program on September 18, 2017. The program features CLS faculty presenting on some of the people and ideas that renewed the heart of Christ’s church, starting in earnest in the fall of 1517.

These talks take place every weekday through the fall semester, and are available to view through the CLS website (www.concordiasem. ab.ca) or through CLS’ YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/ ConcordiaLutheranSem). It can also be viewed through the seminary’s app, which is available from Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

Each day has its own theme: Monday: Rev. Dr. John Hellwege talks about a key book about Luther.

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Tuesday: Rev. Dr. Steve Chambers discusses an important portrait of Martin Luther.

Friday: Rev. Dr. John Hellwege talks about an outstanding book on Lutheran theology.

Wednesday: Rev. Dr. Jim Gimbel introduces other “Faces of the Reformation.”

Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , v i ew t h e s e r i e s i n t ro d u c t i o n video here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9PSH49r3fwk.

Thursday: Rev. Jonathan Kraemer speaks on a major Reformation hymn.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

LAMPlighter

The

VOLUME 49 NO. 2 FALL 2017

Discovering meaning in LAMP’s ministry

by Danielle Frederickson, volunteer missionary

F

rom my experience serving in northern Manitoba, the best times are the quiet ones. When a child gives you a hug, it is a precious sign of trust. When a little one asks, “Why would Jesus die for me?” you know you are making an impact.

the Bible lessons we explore each day of a week-long VBS. It’s demanding work, but LAMP’s volunteers are dedicated to telling the kids that they have been created by God, are loved by Him, and can accept His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

… every child deserves the

When children come back to see you after class is done for the day, you love and forgiveness. know you are a source of joy to them. These children want your attention, they want to feel loved, and LAMP’s volunteers and missionary they need to know about God’s love, staff believe that every child deserves which is ever so much more important. the chance to hear about Christ’s love That is what LAMP’s ministry is about. and forgiveness. That is why LAMP Won’t you join in making a difference holds Vacation Bible Schools for children whether it is as a volunteer, a prayer during the summer and promotes yearpartner, or a donor? round contact between volunteers and northern community members.

Many of you probably have heard of LAMP. After all, it has been in existence almost 50 years.

You may also have heard the phrase “to educate and delight.”

The Indigenous children we teach are filled with energy. They are not used to sitting in church. So, we reach out to them with crafts, games, music, skits, puppet shows, and whatever else can reinforce

chance to hear about Christ’s

www.lampministry.org

Spotlight on Summer Ministry What was the best experience for you? …Sharing our daily experiences as team members while we prayed over the kids daily prayer requests. Lots of laughs and a few tears as God works on our hearts, and we see the kids soaking up God’s good news in word and song.

(Brochet, MB) …Having someone from the community tell us that we were an encouragement to them.

(Deschambault Lake, SK)

…The best experience for me was participating in the games with the kids. (Easterville, MB) …Wednesday night talking with adults and having them share their concerns; and always the children. Seeing and talking with the children that have been coming to VBS for years. It is great to see how they have grown. (South Indian Lake, MB)

…THE KIDS. They just loved being around us and were engaged in hearing the Bible stories and being a part of the VBS. A few ladies really connected with me—one lady in particular who had been struggling with a few things asked for prayers, and we had a good talk about raising kids.

(Hall Lake, SK)

The

LAMPlighter

Spotlight on Summer Ministry What was the best experience for you? …Seeing a new volunteer experience a LAMP trip to Shamattawa for the first time.

Seeing former VBS students who stopped by to see us during VBS. They are now juniors, and one just graduated and is going to college. They seemed happy and healthy— good to see some of the youth making better choices.

(Shamattawa, MB) …Presenting a quilt to the community at Family Days.

We shook Chief Stan’s hand and gave the community a gift.

(Muskrat Dam, ON) …Our Family Dinner Night was a huge success, which gave our team the opportunity to meet and get to know the parents/guardians of the children who attended our VBS. (Old Hazelton, BC) …As a first-time volunteer, seeing the trust that is developing within the

community with the returning volunteers. (Little Grand Rapids, MB) …When I got there and all the kids and teens remembered my name from years previous.

It showed me that my one week makes a small impact in their lives. One of the youth told me that they only attended Youth Night because they loved hanging out with me. (Wollaston Lake, SK)

MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to share Jesus in the North

…God taught me that mission work isn’t about me. The kids didn’t care how good I was at crafts, it was more the demeanor I showed that helped create loving relationships throughout the community...not because of me, but through me. volunteer missionary, Muskrat Dam, ON Call 1-800-307-4036 or visit “Get Involved” at lampministry.org

Enclosed is my gift of $___________ to help share the gift of Jesus with people in the North.

o I want to help support a LAMP missionary

Please send me information on: o serving as a volunteer o sending a mission team o impacting generations through planned giving Name Address E-mail

LAMP Mission Statement

LAMP is a cross-cultural ministry sharing Jesus Christ with God’s people in remote areas of Canada.

4966-92 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2V4 Box 480167, New Haven, MI 48048 tel 800-307-4036 x fax 780-466-6733

Donations can be made at our website

www.lampministry.org

L.A.M.P. - Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots Inc. is a member of

Individual gifts are acknowledged with an official receipt for income tax purposes, and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Each gift designated toward a board-approved program will be used as designated, with the understanding that when any given need has been met, designated gifts will be used where needed most.

In Review: It

by Ted Giese

E

very 27 years the town of Derry, Maine undergoes a series of tragedies often involving children. Lurking beneath the tragedies is an evil entity feeding off the fear of its victims, stalking the weak and defenceless, hunting the put-upon and the outcast. What is this evil force? What is it called? “It.” This is the premise of Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel of the same name which tackles, among other things, the topic of fear. His book was first adapted for a television miniseries for ABC in 1990. Now, it’s the basis for a two-part film series directed by Andy Muschietti.

This first film revolves around a group of seven children from Derry on the cusp of their teenage years: Bill Denbrough; Ben Hanscom; Richie Tozier; Stanley Uris; Mike Hanlon; Eddie Kaspbrak; and Beverly Marsh.

In the novel, King interweaves their storylines switching back and forth between their childhood and adult selves. The new film focuses exclusively on that brief window of time between the world of their childhood and the increasingly adult world lying ahead of them. (A planned sequel will likely deal with their adult lives.)

Muschietti modernizes King’s coming-of-age story, setting It in 1988, not in the 1950s.The second film, consequently, will focus on the adult versions of these characters in the current era.

Muschietti’s child characters use decidedly R-rated language.

Why is this noteworthy? It’s an important reminder that just because a film has seven children as lead characters doesn’t make it a kid’s movie or a movie appropriate for children—even if it shares other deeply nostalgic, more innocent threads of comparison to softer 1980s pophorror-adventure-films involving children. It is legitimately charming and humourous at points—especially in some earlier scenes as the kids are becoming friends. The humor isn’t forced as is the case in many horror films. That humour goes a long way as

the majority of what these characters are dealing with is not funny.

As It unfolds, these young characters deal with various manifestations of the evil plaguing Derry, predominantly appearing in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. In addition to the horror of this creature, these poor souls are likewise dealing with equally horrifying personal troubles— bullying, molestation, physical abuse, and Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), as well as grief and loss. The six boys organically form what they call the Losers’ Club which Beverly Marsh eventually joins. Each kid has increasingly more daunting personal hurdles to overcome. For example: Bill Denbrough stutters; Stanley Uris can’t seem to master his preparations for his Bar Mitzvah even though his dad is the town rabbi; Ben Hanscom is overweight and relentlessly bullied by a gang of young local psychopaths led by the murderous Henry Bowers; and Beverly Marsh is falsely accused by girls in her school of promiscuity— an accusation that isn’t helped by spending all summer hanging out with six boys in the Losers’ Club.

Even without an evil entity feeding off their fears, these young people would still be living—to varying degrees—horrific lives. This is important because in King’s novel these horrors are presented in just as grim and R-rated a fashion as the other worldly frights and horrors. Yet

Muschietti and his writers present them as B-plot character development fodder, minimizing and sanitizing them with a PG/PG-13 rendition of King’s R-rated book. The result is a film that comes across more like a matryoshka Russian nesting doll where there is a PG/PG-13 B-plot tucked into the R-rated A-plot.

Christian viewers will want to contemplate the overarching theme of “fear in the midst of hardship.”

There is a Christian response to fear which the film in one way addresses well and in another way misses the mark on. As in real life, fear is most dangerous when experienced alone.

This is the coming-of-age lesson the children learn. One segment of the film is set in a decrepit house where Pennywise first seems to reside and where members of the Losers’ Club begin to learn that they must face their fears together and avoid facing them alone. From the beginning of the film, where Bill’s younger brother Georgie goes missing along with other kids in the community, straight through the rest of the film, the malevolent Pennywise is depicted as an evil entity seeking out its victims in a way that may remind Christian viewers of St. Peter’s description of the devil: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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In Review (cont.) by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

The idea of resisting the devil’s attacks is picked up by St. James in his epistle and echoes through this film, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Resisting the devil and his attacks and temptations to sin and fear is always easier when the one resisting is not alone. It highlights this biblical truth, even if it does so in an over-the-top manner.

What It misses is that Christians, who are encouraged to gather together regularly (Hebrews 10:25), are never truly alone in the first place. Through baptism they are in Christ, and God has promised to always be with them. Repeatedly, Scripture tackles fear with the promise that God is with His people no matter the circumstances.

In Isaiah, God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous Right Hand” (Isaiah 41:10). In the face of both mundane and supernatural evils, Christians are invited to trust God and to remember they are not alone; God is with them. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9)—even if they go into a dark flooded basement, a city storm drain or sewer, a decrepit abandoned house, or their own family home, school or community. Wherever trouble is lurking, God is also present—and as St. Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Stephen King is a prolific writer of more than 50 novels and 200-plus short stories. Some of his novels, like Carrie and The Shinning, have repeatedly

been made into film and television projects. As It enters into that same repeat company, it is worthwhile to ask why people want to draw again from this particular well. The obvious reason could be the character Pennywise, who again is horrifying in this film adaptation and will no doubt cause another generation of viewers to dislike clowns. Most viewers will find the murderous Pennywise very frightening indeed.

But there may be another reason why people return to this story. King has said the inspiration for writing It was twofold: first he liked the fairly tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and had originally envisioned Pennywise as a

It suffers from a fixation on the supernatural other-worldly frights while shying away from the more mundane grinding natural evils of life.

Had Muschietti’s balance of these two elements of King’s novel been better the film would have more impact.

For viewers plagued by their own fears, anxieties and traumas, It holds no lasting answers apart from the obvious “don’t go it alone.” Scripture however records King David’s prayer and provides the better answer, “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

It is not for everyone. By virtue of their genre, horror films don’t serve a broad audience. That said, It is making a lot of money which indicates that King’s source material and Muschietti’s film have managed to transcend genre and hit a wider audience.

Even if you don’t find a movie like this appealing, its current popularity provides opportunity to talk about fear from a Christian p e r s p e c t i ve a n d point to the trust Christians have in God as they resist the devil and hold fast to Christ Jesus.

What It misses is that Christians, who are encouraged to gather together regularly (Hebrews 10:25), are never truly alone in the first place. Through baptism they are in Christ, and God has promised to always be with them.

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troll living in a sewer system instead of under a bridge; and second, he was so frequently asked about his upbringing and life experiences in relation to his books that he wrote It as a kind of final exam to respond to all those questions. The book, the television miniseries, and this film all tap into the flight instinct that makes children, and sometimes adults, rush up the stairs to get out of a dark basement, the instinct that makes them look twice at the unexpected shadow in their dark closet in the dead of night.

If King’s book was a kind of final exam on fear does Muschietti’s film adaptation make the grade? Overall, It is better than many projects adapted from King’s works but not as good as the best adaptations. Muschietti’s

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

Rev. Ted Giese is lead 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.

History of the Reformation

TheAugsburgConfession

by Mathew Block

R

eformation commemorations after all, not Luther, who wrote was publicly read before the emperor are often tied to October 31, the first systematic theology of the on June 25, 1530. the date when tradition states reformation, The Loci Communes. Of From afar Luther praised the Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses this book, Luther later wrote: “There Au g s b u rg C o n f e s s i o n f o r i t s to that church door in Wittenberg. is no work in which theology is better steadfastness and gentle tone. “I rejoice But in many ways, a better case summarized... After the Scriptures, it beyond measure that I lived to see the could be made for celebrating it on is the most perfect of books.” hour in which Christ publicly glorified June 25, the presentation-date of the This pairing—gentleness by such great confessors, in so great an Augsburg Confession. with theological acumen—made assembly, through this in every respect Emperor Charles V had invited the Melanchthon a natural choice to most beautiful Confession,” he writes. electors of Germany to Augsburg for articulate the faith of the Lutheran “I only regret that I was not able to be an imperial Diet to begin April 1530. movement. So it is that he composed present when this splendid Confession John the Steadfast, elector was made.” of Saxony since the death I n t h e Au g s b u rg of his brother Frederick the Confession, Melanchthon Wise in 1525, saw this as an took pains to articulate opportunity to solidify the the conservative nature of position of the Evangelicals. the Lutheran Reformation.

He therefore instructed For that reason, 21 of the Martin Luther, Philip 28 articles are concerned Melanchthon, Johannes with demonstrating the Bugenhagen, and Justas orthodoxy of the movement Jonas to meet in Torgau to in relation to the Church draw up a statement of faith. throughout history. These F r o m t h e r e, t h e y articles of faith cover travelled with John the various topics, ranging from Steadfast to Augsburg. the Trinity, to justification, Luther, of course, was to the nature of the Church, unable to go the whole way: to the sacraments, and more. the Emperor had declared The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (19th century illustration).

At the conclusion of him an outlaw at the 1521 this section, Melanchthon imperial Diet in Worms. He therefore the Augsburg Confession, drawing summarizes the faith as follows: “As stayed behind in Coburg, while his on articles the reformers had can be seen, there is nothing [here] that coworker Philip Melanchthon took drafted together at Torgau, as well varies from the Scriptures, or from the the lead as theological adviser to the as at earlier conferences. Luther Church universal, or from the Church German princes. provided suggestion and correction of Rome, as known from its writers.”

It was a wise decision. Luther was, through correspondence. Justas He writes again: “Our churches do not by his own admission, rather severe in Jonas also provided helpful advice. dissent from any article of the faith tone, while Melanchthon was irenic.

Melanchthon even sought feedback held by the Church catholic.”

“I am born to make war upon hordes from representatives of the Roman Only after establishing this and devils, and to take the field, and party: the moderate Bishop of fundamental agreement between the therefore my books are stormy and Augsburg Christoph von Stadion, for historic Church and the Lutheran warlike,” Luther notes. “But Philip example, and the imperial secretary faith does Melanchthon turn to comes quietly and soberly afterwards, Alfonso de Valdés. “newer abuses” that have “crept cultivating and planting, sowing and

By June 23, Melanchthon into the Church without rightful watering the seed joyfully, God having had completed the final text. authority.” The remaining articles given him such gifts in abundance.”

John the Steadfast, along with detail the Lutheran position on seven Melanchthon’s gentleness did not six other German rulers and the issues, arguing, for example, that the mean he was a push-over in matters of representatives of two free German laity should receive both bread and theology though. It was Melanchthon cities, signed the document, and it wine during communion, and that THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

39

History (cont.) priests should be allowed to marry.

It also critiques abuses on the Mass, confession, fasting, monastic vows, and church authority.

“We have mentioned only those things we thought it was necessary to discuss so that it would be understood that in doctrine and ceremonies we have received nothing contrary to Scripture or the Church universal,” Melanchthon writes in conclusion.

By demonstrating common theological ground with their theological opponents, Melanchthon hoped to foster reconciliation. “We... are prepared to discuss, in a friendly manner, all possible ways and means by which we may come together,” he writes in the preface to the confession.

“This can be done honourably, with God’s help, so that we may be brought back to agreement and concord.”

No such reconciliation was forthcoming. The emperor appointed a committee—prominent among them Luther’s old opponent, Johann von Eck—to “confute” the Lutheran confession. The emperor rejected the first attempt for its vitriol, spurious accusations, and failure to actually engage the teachings of the Augsburg Confession. A more restrained version of the Confutation was eventually accepted and read publicly at the Diet on August 3, 1530. In response, Melanchthon composed the Apology to the Augsburg Confession. While it was not read during the Diet, it was nevertheless accepted by Lutherans as a richer explication of the faith first presented at Augsburg. The lines were now more clearly drawn.

As an overture towards healing the breach in the church, the Augsburg Confession failed. But as a clear and winsome expression of the Lutheran faith, the Augsburg Confession remains to this day the most important document of the Reformation period.

It stands first among equals in the Symbols of the Lutheran Church, calling us all to greater allegiance to the truth and teachings of God’s Word.

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

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About the Cover

A

s autumn reaches its pinnacle, Reformation celebrations and tributes are now moving into full gear. Church events are underway, potlucks and community events are humming along, pastors are dressing up as Martin Luther... (I speak from personal observation). Thanks to the spark that was the posting of the 95 Theses, October 31st has been recognized for some time as “Reformation Day.” The irony is that the Lutheran church doesn’t offiically subscribe to the theses.

There is a much more critical date in our history that better sums up who we are— indeed, when the Lutheran church really consolidated and presented itself as a church with a distinct confession of faith. And that date was June 25, 1530, when the Augsburg Confession was presented to Emperor Charles V by princes and representatives of the German people, to explain the teachings of the Lutheran Reformation. Philip Melanchthon, Luther’s close friend and colleague, drafted the 28 articles that remain the gold standard, the most concise definition of Lutheran teaching to this day.

The emperor had political motivation to hear the princes that day. He wanted the Holy Roman Empire to present a united front against the invading Turks. Division meant political and strategical weakness. When a reading was

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

permitted at the Augsburg Diet, attempts were made to minimize the impact—a small space was selected, where few could hear. Nonetheless, the confession was read in German so loudly that those gathered outside could hear it clearly.

This painting, the fifth in the series, is the first to be set in the clear light of day, rather than with the sense of hiddenness or private action.

It depicts a skyline of the city of Augsburg, based on an old woodcut.

From the city, a winding road extends, representing the outward path that the newborn Lutheran church would take as the effects of the Re f o r m a t i o n continued to bear fruit and flourish. As an identifier for the city of Augsburg, its coat of arms, which was regularized in the 16th century in the midst of the events of the Reformation, is included in the image.

Superimposed on the city is a quote from the Psalms: “I will speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and will not be put to shame.”

This quote prefaces the Augsburg Confession and emphasizes the need for boldness and conviction when it comes to speaking in faith. For the faith is not a matter of mere opinion or preference, but God’s own Word and testimonies. It is a reminder for all of us of the importance of standing firm in Christ.

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

Classified

Classified

Announcements

A Peek into the Parsonage is a 343page, one-of-a-kind book. It began as a way for the author, Elaine Wolters, to share memories with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of their 30-year ministry in Canada.

During these thirty years Pastor Mel and Elaine delighted in serving congregations in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan and Fairview-Hines Creek, Alberta, and starting new congregations in Neepawa, Manitoba and Canmore, Alberta.

(cont.) As this book project grew it soon became a unique way to suppor t mission work, something near and dear to the Wolters. Pastor Mel and Elaine are donating all pro f i t f ro m t he sale of A Peek into the Parsonage to Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) where it will be used to print and place Catechisms, The Book of Concord, and A Child’s Garden of Bible Stories into the hands of people around the world who have never heard of Jesus Christ. As Elaine simply stated, “If people don’t know God, they won’t be saved. So that’s the main point—to spread the Gospel as far and wide as we can. Perhaps this one book can help print thousands!”

Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta seeks to call a fulltime faculty member in the M.Div. programme. The curriculum follows the classical model (exegetical, historical, systematic, and practical coursework).

This book also details their travels in all of the Canadian provinces. It takes readers across the Arctic Circle, driving through buffalo herds and going as far as the roads go in the “far north.” Fly with them in a six-seat plane across the vast tundra to Tuktoyaktuk and skim the Artic ocean as they watch white Beluga whales. Stick your head into a 15 meter deep “Community Cave” filled with the winter food supply of fish and whales that keeps Tuk’s 200 families alive during winter months of total darkness. Dip your toes in the warm Arctic ocean, fly over vast herds of reindeer, and see broken pingos. Let the wind blow through your hair as you sail on ferries, walk on glaciers, and follow the Viking Trail. (cont. next column)

L

God has blessed the sale of this book and made it possible to donate (so far) $7,500 to LHF. To order A Peek into the Parsonage and join in this mission project, please send a check for $35.00 to: Mrs. Dorothy Mauthe, Box 1164, Neepawa, MB, Canada ROJ IHO.

Candidates meriting serious consideration will be ordained pastors of Lutheran Church–Canada or one of its partner-churches possessing significant parish experience, an earned terminal degree (Th.D. or Ph.D.), proficiency in one of the four specialty areas but able to teach in a variety of theological disciplines, administrative capabilities, a positive and pastoral personality, and a commitment to excellence in pastoral formation and service to the Church.

A call will be issued in May 2018 for service at CLS beginning in August 2018. Nominations are sought by January 15, 2018.

Transitions Rev. Terry Goerz, PAT graduate, to Redeemer Lutheran Church, High Prairie, AB. Installation: September 17, 2017.

POSITION AVAILABLE: LCC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

utheran Church–Canada’s Synod office in Winnipeg is seeking a Communications Manager. The person in this position is responsible for maintaining the ongoing communication program of synod and developing new strategies for communication with internal and external constituencies. Under the supervision of the President of Synod, the Communications Manager is proactive in identifying issues and current events to which LCC should respond or report upon. The manager is also responsible for online and print publications that share the mission and ministry of Lutheran Church–Canada.

As part of the synodical office team, the Communications Manager provides advice and guidance on communication issues for each area of the Synod’s work.

Duties include: • Editorial supervision of www.canadianlutheran.ca and The Canadian Lutheran magazine • Responsibility for the InfoDigest and DoorPosts e-newsletters • Supervision of LCC’s web and social media presence • Monitoring all aspects of LCC’s communication • Representing LCC to non-church media • Developing new communication strategies and resources

Qualifications: • A strong grasp of and personal commitment to Lutheran theology. Knowledge of the particular structure of Lutheran Church–Canada will be considered an asset.

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to adapt writing to reach various audiences. Degrees in communications, journalism, English, or other writing-heavy programs will be considered an asset, as will previous work experience in communications, editorial, and marketing.

• Knowledge and experience working in public relations.

• Excellent computer skills with an adaptability to learn new programs as necessary.

• Photo-editing knowledge (experience with Adobe Photoshop will be considered an asset).

• Graphic design and layout skills, with a focus on desktop publishing (experience with Adobe InDesign will be considered an asset).

• Website design and content management skills (experience with Wordpress will be considered an asset).

• Social media management skills.

• Photography and videography skills would be an asset.

To apply for this position send a copy of your resume to Iris Barta (officemanager@lutheranchurch.ca).

Deadline for applications is November 30, 2017.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

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Presidential Perspective

All the Time in the World President Robert Bugbee

Y

ou don’t have all the time in the world. I don’t, either. It is not unhealthy to think about that. It’s actually helpful. You may have heard someone say after the death of a loved one, “I wish I had told her sooner how I really feel,” or “If I had a chance to talk to Grandpa again, I’d ask about what it was like during the war,” or whatever you are craving to know. It may seem now that you took time with that person for granted, and that you would have handled things differently if you had been more conscious of the limited time you actually had.

You don’t have all the time in the world. The early Christians were convinced of it. They believed what the angels told the apostles the day Christ ascended: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). They were cheered by Jesus’ last words recorded in the Bible: “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).

To be sure, the strong expectation of the Lord’s second coming went wonky when some believers “jumped the gun” and stopped doing productive work. Work seemed silly to them when they were expecting His return “any minute now,” so to speak. Others got upset because fellow Christians were dying before Jesus’ return. They were afraid these dear ones were missing out on the glories the Coming One would bring. You read how Paul taught in 1 and 2 Thessalonians to dispel their confusion.

As the years went by, Christ’s Church built this into its basic faithstatements: “He [Christ] will come

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again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,” as believers keep confessing week by week in the Nicene Creed. This is not some obscure detail. It is foundational. Let me say it clearly: To deny the truth of the Lord’s Second Coming is to deny Christ, at least if you’re talking about the Christ of the Bible.

The temptation for 21st century followers of Jesus may be the opposite of the one besetting the early Christians. Because human structures have endured for twenty centuries since He ascended, you may be tempted to behave as though His return will never come. Yes, you keep confessing the creeds and repeating the statements. Still, you may not be listening deeply to what you yourself are saying at that moment. In other words, you may neglect to let your confession of Christ’s return truly shape the way you look at life, and direct what you say and do.

About the time these lines reach you, we’ll be finishing up with the worldwide celebration of the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Reformation. Our heritage gives us cause to praise God. Among other things, our ancestors in the faith in Luther’s day held fast to Scripture’s teaching on Christ’s return. Now the celebrations are winding down.

This is a ripe moment for us—and yes, for you personally—to ask, “What difference does it make that Jesus is coming again? How can I see to it that the precious heritage the early Christians and our Lutheran forebears handed down to me isn’t just a matter of something they believed way back when? What is

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN September/October 2017

the Lord teaching me through it for today and for the remaining time He gives me?”

Let’s come full circle to what I wrote at the beginning: You don’t have all the time in the world. Just as it is vital to recognize the time you have with a friend or family member as precious and not to be taken for granted, the time you have to live with and for Christ in this world is precious, too. It can be deadly to put off the need to repent of the sins of your life, or to postpone Jesus’ urgent call to come and take His pardon, still offered to you today in His Word and at His Table. You don’t have all the time in the world to play your part in encouraging other believers in the body of Christ, and to build up your church family as a priority matter. You don’t have all the time in the world to speak of Jesus as God opens the door for you to do, especially if you’ve got a neighbour, a friend, or a co-worker who doesn’t know Him… and whom God has not put there near you by accident.

As we move into November and the end of the church year, Sunday Bible readings at church focus strongly on “end times” teaching: the end of the world as we know it, Christ’s second coming, judgment, and the promise of life everlasting.

Those truths from God can keep you from living an aimless life and from wasting the time He’s gives you today as a precious gift. It’s a great wonder how Jesus’ clear word on what is yet to come can be a powerful force to give meaning to your life right now.

Commemorate Reformation 2017 with Lutheran Church–Canada’s new book

“I’m grateful that our Synod is making this resource available to help with your own personal observance of the Reformation anniversary. May the Lord bless you to remember these saints… to meditate on the wonderful outcome of their lives, which still benefits us centuries later… and to imitate their faith.”

- Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee President, Lutheran Church–Canada

Get the book for just $4.62 (plus shipping) or get the e-book for free. Details at: www.reformation2017.ca/ tell-me-more/saints-of-the-reformation/book/.

Plan. Make a difference, for your loved ones and the ministries you value.

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REFLECTING GOD’S GRACE