The Canadian Lutheran January/February 2020

CANADIAN

The

LUTHERAN www.canadianlutheran.ca

Volume 35 Number 1 - January/February 2020

Brave New World

CANADIAN

LUTHERAN.ca More than a magazine.

www.canadianlutheran.ca

Contents Features www.canadianlutheran.ca Volume 35 Number 1

January/February 2020

Canada Today: Understanding the Times Misguided Mercy: Understanding Canada’s End of Life Legislation Online Churches, Robot Priests: Contemporary Technology and the Church Today

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Departments Table Talk

Singing in a Strange Land

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In Review

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

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Presidential Perspective

You Are Now Entering the Mission Field Cover Art by Alex Steinke

The Canadian Lutheran 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 Design: Alex Steinke Advertising: Marlene Mohr Subscriptions: $20/yr E-mail: editor@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: 204-897-4319 E-mail: editor@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. ©2020 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.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

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News Section International News

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Prominent Christian rapper becomes Lutheran • Unity talks begin between South African Lutherans • Finnish Lutherans under investigation for upholding biblical teachings on sexuality • LCC, LCMS, and NALC continue dialogue

National News

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Synod Convention FAQ • Online consultation on expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying • LCC Military Chaplains participate in Exercise Faithful Warrior in Edmonton

West Region Church building moved to museum • Congregation’s 60 anniversary • B.C. Ministry Wives Retreat • LWMLC Fall Rally

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Central Region

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Christmas mini-VBS • Faith Lutheran Food Bank feeds body and soul • Regional News submission guidelines • Celebrating 90 years

East Region

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Church workers conference • Ottawa circuit forum • Celebrating 75 years • Taking a spin at Proclaiming Christ • Gerhardt Hymnfest

Mission News

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French Ministry: Hymns, Translation, and Welcoming Immigrants

Education News

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Quest Course on Lutheran Liturgy • CLTS welcomes visiting scholar • Boards of Regents meet in Edmonton

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Classifieds and Transitions

Supplement

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Charitable Bequests “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1 These are important words to remember as good stewards in Christ’s Church on earth. He has blessed us with everything we have, and we should remember His Church when he calls us home.

Bequests are an amount or percentage of your estate residual that can be left as a gift outlined in your will, (usually second to die) to your Church or any “Synodical Family” organizations affiliated with LCC. Leaving a percentage is optimum as it allows for flexibility as the value of your estate changes. It also renders a tax credit back to your estate lowering the amount owed on taxes.

This method of giving has no impact on your current income or lifestyle since the gift only happens after our Father in Heaven has called us home.

Imagine how a gift by Bequest in your Will would leave a legacy to the continuation of the Great Commission.

Contact your Regional Gift Coordinator today for more information on this wonderful act of Stewardship.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

Table Talk

Singing in a Strange Land

by Mathew Block

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bout six centuries before the birth of Christ, Jerusalem was conquered

by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

The subsequent destruction of the Kingdom of Judah saw the palace sacked, the temple plundered, and 10,000 people taken prisoner to Babylon, including the young king Jehoiachin. “None remained,” we read, “except the poorest people of the land” (see 2 Kings 24:8-17).

What followed is a period known as the Babylonian Captivity, six decades in which the Jewish people were prevented from returning home to Jerusalem. The promised land once given to their ancestors was lost. They were left strangers and exiles in a foreign land.

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion,” writes the Psalmist. And in the midst of their sorrow, their captors pressed them, cajoled them to “sing us one of the songs of Zion.” But how could they sing songs of joy in Babylon? “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:1,3-4 KJV).

How shall we sing the L ORD ’s song in a strange land? For many Christians today, Canada seems nothing if not a “strange land”— one becoming stranger all the time.

As society rapidly secularizes, it increasingly feels like we are exiles within our own country. How then should the Church respond?

This issue of The Canadian Lutheran highlights some of the challenges we face in this changing country. Rev. Michael Schutz updates us on the current state of religion in Canada on page six. Dr. Leah Koetting Block, meanwhile, discusses current

legislation on physician assisted suicide and euthanasia on page nine.

And I, reflecting on a country of shrinking congregations, ask what help—and what hindrance—modern technology can be to the Church in times such as these (page twelve).

Our country has become indeed a strange land for Christians. But while the circumstances of our exile might be new, Christians being sidelined to the outskirts of society is not. No matter what nation we might find ourselves in, no matter what people we might find ourselves among, we will always be “sojourners and exiles” in the land (1 Peter 2:11). For Christians are not, in the end, of this world, just as Christ is not of this world (John 17:14). Instead, we have been given a new citizenship which is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

St. Peter tells us: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). No wonder we feel out of place in this world; God has made us citizens of another.

That change in citizenship is precisely what gives us hope to “sing in a strange land.” For we know that once we were exiled not merely from society, but from God Himself. We were slaves to sin, separated from the God who created us. But Christ broke into our darkness, light blazing, to rescue us. He illumined the way— for He is the Way—back home.

Through Christ, God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we

have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

In this world, we still dwell in darkness—but we are citizens of the domain of darkness no longer.

We belong to the Kingdom of the Son. This world is not our home, but we are promised a home in the world to come.

So let us raise our song again in this strange land. Let us sing forever of the God who opens the doors of His Kingdom to the lost. Let us sing of Christ, the crucified and risen One, and pray that His light would shine through our song into the lives of those still captive to the domain of darkness.

Embracing our heavenly citizenship will make us appear alien to the world around us. It may lead wider society to shun us and put us “outside the walls,” as it were. But the author of Hebrews encourages us to remember that our Lord “also suffered outside the gate.”

“Therefore,” he says, “let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Hebrews 13:14-15).

Amen. May the people of God sing His song in every place and in every time as we await the revelation of the world to come—a restored world, a redeemed world, a world in which our long exile will at last be ended.

Thy Kingdom come, O Lord.

Amen.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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CANADA TODAY Understanding the Times

by Michael Schutz

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n our circles, we’re pretty good at dealing with God’s Word. We rightly focus on doing sound biblical exegesis, which is the task of interpreting the Bible based on what the Bible actually says. To do good biblical exegesis, we need to start with what God says in His Word and allow that Word to lead us into proper interpretation. As a pastor, it’s critical that I do good biblical exegesis so that I can rightly handle the word of truth and communicate it to people.

Over the past few years I’ve become convinced that we need to get better at doing a different kind of interpretation: cultural exegesis. This I what I would call “the task of understanding the world around us, based on the reality of our world.” In the same way that we need to allow God’s Word to speak to us and not impose our own desires or thoughts on the text, we need to do the same thing with our culture. We cannot approach the culture around us based on what we wish it was or what we think it should be; we need to understand our culture for what it truly is.

The Apostle Paul was doing cultural exegesis in Acts 17 while waiting for Timothy and Silas to join him in Athens. He saw that the city was full of idols, and he used what he saw there— including their poetry and art—to proclaim the true God to the people.

But while he used this method with Greeks, he took a different tack with Jews: visiting the synagogue and proclaiming the crucified and risen Christ from the Old Testament.

In a similar way, we are told in Scripture of the men of Issachar, men who “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). This task of cultural exegesis is important because it allows us to proclaim God’s Word in a way that addresses the reality

of the world in which we live. Proclaiming God’s Word isn’t a theoretical exercise; it’s proclaimed to real people in real places in real history. So we need to understand the real world—the culture—around us.

The meaning of “culture” is a topic that deserves its own discussion, but for our purposes let‘s use Seth Godin’s simple definition: “People like us do things like this.”

So who do Canadians believe are “people like us”? And what do they think those people ought to believe and do?

The Reality of our Culture One of the tools that can help with cultural exegesis is statistics. Sure, there are varying opinions about statistics— it’s been joked that 68.7 percent of all statistics are made up—but observing what people say and do, and compiling those observations, can help us better understand the culture in which we live, and thus how to engage people in our culture according to God’s Word.

What do recent statistics say about the culture of 21 st-century Canada, then, especially regarding religion and spirituality? There are a lot of numbers and opinions to wade through, but there’s one overwhelming theme: Canadians are continuing to move away from biblical Christianity in both belief and action. A 2018 Pew Research survey found that 55 percent of Canadians self-identify as Christians, down from 67 percent in 2011. As of 2018, just 29 percent believe religion is very important in their lives. Two-thirds say it’s not necessary to believe in God to have good values.

Much has also been made of the rise of the “nones.”

According to Statistics Canada, those claiming no religious

Canadians are continuing t o m ove away f ro m biblical Christianity in both belief and action.

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affiliation at all rose from four percent in 1971 to 24 percent in 2011. It’s this rise that gets the most media attention, and causes the most hand-wringing among Christians. But there’s another demographic that warrants greater attention: those whom the Agnus Reid Institute describes as “Spiritually Uncertain” and “Privately Faithful,” which according to their 2017 poll make up 60 percent of Canadians. These are groups of people who exhibit few to no behaviours typically associated with traditional Christianity such as attending weekly religious services, praying, or reading sacred texts.

The news gets worse.

The 2017 Angus Reid poll found that only 21 percent of Canadians are “Religiously Committed.” And within that small group, an even smaller percentage weekly attend religious services (just 69 percent of the 21 percent) or read the Bible or another sacred text (just 58 percent of the 21 percent). Curiously, 97 percent of these Religiously Committed people said they “pray to God or some higher power,” and 89 percent said they feel they “experience God’s presence.”

It’s important to note that in this poll, there was no distinction made between Christians and members of other religions; the “Religiously Committed” category was Canadians of all religions, not just Christians. So as Christians look around at our culture, we quickly see that the number of “people like us” is rapidly diminishing, as is the notion of “doing things like this.” The behaviours

that we’ve long marked as the regular behaviours of Christians—prayer, gathering for worship, reading the Bible, and concern for others, as examples—are all diminishing in 21st-century Canada.

Along with diminished numbers, we also see a marked diminishing of the influence of Christianity within the public sphere. It’s this loss of influence that is perhaps most concerning to many Christians. Anecdotally, there is growing worry and even fear over the future of Christianity in Canada, especially among older generations.

It’s not difficult to find examples of this loss of influence. The so-called “blue laws” that prevented stores from opening on Sundays were enshrined in the Lord’s Day Act until 1982 in Canada. Many lament that such laws no longer exist. Many think that if we could do things like “get prayer back in public schools,” our nation would be better off.

Or how about a more controversial example? In defending the federal government’s restrictions on what organizations qualify for the Canada Summer Jobs grants, our Prime Minister said that those who focus on “restricting women’s rights by removing rights to abortion” are “not in line with where we are as a government and quite frankly where we are as a society.”

Ignore for a moment that Canada has no declaration of such rights; focus on the idea that those who treasure God’s gift of life from the moment of conception are “not in line” with Canadian society.

In that, our Prime Minister isn’t wrong; he’s simply describing the culture. “People like us (don’t) do things like this.”

What about our own context in Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)?

There is one overwhelming theme when we look at our numbers: decline. The numbers across LCC are down: baptized membership (down 21 percent over the last ten years), communicant membership (down 19 percent), and average weekly attendance (down 29 percent). When we measure these trends against Canada’s population, the rate of decline grows: between the 2011 and 2016 census, Canada’s population increased by five percent. Over the same period, LCC’s baptized

As Christians look around at our culture, we quickly see that the number of “people like us” is rapidly diminishing...

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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membership dropped by 12 percent and average attendance at Divine Service dropped by 20 percent.

So how should we exegete—properly interpret—this data? Firstly, it’s critical to be honest about where we find ourselves. We can’t engage our culture by treating it the way we wish it was, or view it with a lens that distorts our picture of it. As ugly as the world can be, it’s important to allow ourselves to see it clearly. This is an important part of life under the cross of Jesus Christ: we need to call a thing what it is.

S e c o n d l y, i t ’ s important to recognize that numbers aren’t the primary metric to use.

Christians have always been set apart from the surrounding culture in many ways. Some might wish to call Canada a “Christian country,” but the reality is that only ancient Israel could be rightly called that. This world, so broken by sin, is not our home; this culture of 21st-century Canada is not the Church. Jesus knew that His disciples were in the world but not of it, because His kingdom is not of this world. While the Christian Church may have had a cozier relationship with wider society in the mid-20th century, it is simply reality that Canada today is increasingly hostile to Christian faith and practice.

struggle for many Christians; they want to influence culture so that the Church and the world are closer to being in harmony. They want Christianity to have influence on the culture, which in itself isn’t a bad thing.

But they also expect the wider culture to support at least the morality we confess, if not the Gospel. But this strays into a desire for a life of earthly glory, not a life under the cross of Christ.

Christians are called to be salt and light to the people around us, but it isn’t our end goal to make this nation a “Christian” nation. God calls us through His Word to make disciples, not transform the culture.

We have to accept that at this point in our nation’s history, Christians are not cultural insiders; we’re on the outside. In fact, Christianity in 21st-century Canada is in some ways closer to New Testament times than to 1950s North America. The government isn’t supportive of Christian doctrine and practice, nor are most people in Canada. That’s not going to change any time soon. In fact, the enmity will likely intensify.

Some readers will bristle at this message. I have spoken with many people who grieve the loss of Christianity’s influence on society. Many in our congregations grew up in a culture that was supportive of Christianity. For many, this cultural change brings forth feelings of great sadness, confusion, or even despair.

But there is (at least) one more thing we can learn from God’s Word in the midst of these struggles: Jesus has overcome the world. He tells His disciples in John 16 that they will have trouble in this world, but that they can take heart because He has overcome the world. In this culture of shifting sands, we stand on the rock of the Word of God. We are ever more deeply to be engaged in God’s Word. We seek to, as the old prayer says, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God’s Word. We do this because it is only through the truth of God’s Word that we can look beyond the statistics and the despair they threaten to bring. It is Christ, revealed in God’s Word, in whom our hope lies.

Statistics are useful in helping us understand the world.

But they must not draw our attention from the One who has overcome the world. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Let us set our hearts and minds on things above. And let us be bold in believing and confessing the hope we profess to the culture around us, because He who promised is faithful.

God doesn’t call us to transform the culture around us.

What Do We Do? The men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12 didn’t understand the times just for the sake of gaining information for themselves. No, there was a purpose: to know what Israel ought to do. So too with Paul in Acts 17; he didn’t observe the idols in Athens out of sinful fascination, but instead to understand the culture and to proclaim the Word of God to the people. Can we as people of LCC learn something from God’s Word about responding to the culture of our time and place? Absolutely.

We can learn that the starting place for engaging Canadians today isn’t dictated by us; we need to discern it. With the Jews, Paul started with the Old Testament.

With the Greeks, he started with their art. He proclaimed Law and Gospel, yes, but that wasn’t the starting place.

We can learn that even when wider society doesn’t look favourably upon us, God still does His work through the Word. When Paul spoke to the Athenians, some sneered. But some said they’d like to hear more. Paul wasn’t concerned whether he fit into the surrounding culture or not. He was concerned with knowing the culture because it allowed him to point people to Jesus.

We can also learn that God doesn’t call us to transform the culture around us. This is actually a point of great

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Rev. Michael Schutz is Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Penticton, B.C.

Misguided Mercy Understanding Canada’s End of Life Legislation

by Leah Koetting Block

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n 2014, I wrote a feature for The Canadian Lutheran highlighting the imminent legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada. In the years since then, not only have these acts indeed become legal, they are becoming increasingly common as time goes by.

As Christians who believe in the sanctity of life, we know that “choosing death” is never right. But if we are to give a faithful witness to family, to friends, and to neighbours on this subject, it is important that we understand the current legal situation clearly.

In Canada today, both assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia are legal. Assisted suicide takes place when someone ends their life with the assistance of another person—namely by taking lethal drugs provided by a physician. Euthanasia, by contrast, takes place when someone’s life is ended by someone else—again, by the use of lethal drugs, but this time administered by the healthcare worker rather than by the patient themselves.

If you visit the federal government’s website on this issue, however, you will find that the terms “euthanasia”

and “assisted suicide” are conspicuously lacking. Instead you’ll read about “Medical Assistance in Dying,” or MAID. MAID is divided into two subcategories: “selfadministered” (a euphemism for assisted suicide) and “physician or nurse practitioner administered” (a euphemism for voluntary euthanasia). Because the usual drugs for this purpose tend to be easier to obtain in their injectable forms rather than oral, self-administration is generally more difficult. The vast majority of Canadians who have chosen to die as a result have done so by euthanasia. This is beginning to change as acceptance is growing and regulatory bodies are beginning to loosen the restrictions around the oral forms of these lethal drugs.

The numbers of those who die at home or in hospital are about equal, with a smaller number choosing to die in nursing homes. The largest cohort is the elderly, aged seventy and above, although a not insignificant number of younger people are choosing death as well. There are four interim reports from the government available online that provide statistics on THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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those choosing to die, but the website is open about the fact that the data collection varies from province to province, does not include the territories, and is flat out missing from Quebec for a six month span, because legislation requiring specific reporting wasn’t passed until 2018—three years after assisted suicide and euthanasia were legalized. To date, more than 7,000 Canadians are reported to have died with assistance, but this figure will be lower than the reality.

The legalization of MAID has led to any number of difficulties for those who believe in the sanctity of life in recent years, but one of the least discussed is the use of the term “passive euthanasia”—a term which has become more widely used over the past six years.

It means withdrawing medical intervention, and thus allowing someone to die naturally of the already progressing, terminal, underlying condition.

This term has confused many, because it makes it sound like stopping treatment is somehow akin to euthanasia. But the important distinction is that no person is causing death when treatment is ended. The underlying condition is causing death. “Active euthanasia”—the kind of euthanasia legalized by MAID—is instead causing death directly and intentionally by giving or injecting lethal drugs.

The use of the phrase “passive euthanasia” to describe the withdrawal of care at the end of life has caused a great deal of distress and guilt in pro-life families. They wonder if they have “euthanized” their loved one by allowing futile or invasive care to be stopped. The answer is an emphatic no. But, argue some, “Where there’s life, there’s hope, and shouldn’t we do everything possible?” No, not necessarily. That is the art of medicine.

Imagine a Civil War army surgeon examining wounded soldiers in his field hospital. One has a gaping chest wound but still lives. The surgeon examines the wound, but his training and experience tell him that, even if he gives his best effort, this young man will still die—and that the surgeon’s intervention will likely increase the soldier’s suffering in the meantime. The surgeon replaces the bandage, asks the nurse to give the man some laudanum to ease the pain, and takes his limited supply of catgut on to the next patient.

In modern medicine, there comes a time in many cancer journeys when the disease has “learned” to grow in spite of first, second, and even (where they exist) third line therapies. The oncologist examines the scans, but her training and experience tell her that, even if she continues to give this toxic, difficult-to-tolerate chemotherapy, the

cancer will continue to grow unchecked. The medications will not only fail to benefit the patient, but they may shorten the patient’s remaining days and will likely increase his suffering. She sits down with the patient and his family, and proceeds to have a difficult conversation, explaining that there is nothing more that can be done to slow down or stop the cancer, and that now the focus must be on comfort.

Despite antibiotics, transfusions, breathing tubes (often referred to as “life support”), and top-notch intensive care, some infections still overwhelm the body’s defences.

There are signs that this is happening—uncontrolled bleeding and multi-organ failure, for example—and once this process begins, it can’t be reversed. The intensive care doctor, recognizing that prolonged treatment will not change the outcome, may suggest to the family that the breathing tube be removed, the medications be stopped, and the patient be made comfortable while passing away.

What do these cases have in common? They are motivated first by whether or not the treatment will alter the outcome favourably, and second by whether or not the treatment is adding to the patient’s suffering. A further consideration, which is unpopular but still must be mentioned, is that our healthcare resources are not unlimited. Modern medicine still has a “limited supply of catgut,” and we have to be good stewards of our resources.

Now, as long as the physician is motivated in this order, there is no problem. The patient’s life will always come first, and the physician will continue to offer care so long as it will continue to improve the outcome.

But what if physicians turn that list on its head?

What happens if they are motivated first by the scarcity of healthcare resources; second, by the patient’s suffering; and only third, by the futility of treatment? It’s not difficult to extrapolate the outcome. In a world with these priorities, then certainly, some lives will be declared more “deserving” of resources than others. How valuable is the patient to society? Are they aware of what’s happening to them or are they incapacitated by dementia? Do they have a disability? Will they make a “full” or “meaningful” recovery? Or will they continue to be a “drain” on society’s resources? And possibly, moved by their own misguided sense of compassion, physicians may see the patient’s suffering as intolerable and feel that death would be better. They may sincerely feel they are acting in a patient’s “best interests.”

Seen through this framework, atrocities such as the euthanization of elderly demented patients

In a world where doctors kill, how can patients trust their doctors?

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without asking or even telling their families, allowing healthy young people to choose death solely because of psychological suffering, and withholding food and water from people with dementia—situations which regularly occur in Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of the United States—at least make a sort of logical sense, even if they don't make moral sense. (For more information on what is happening all over the world, visit the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of Canada's website at www.epcc. com. Become a member. Spread the word.)

Unfortunately, these things happen in Canada too.

I’ve heard terrible stories from real people in which physicians have allegedly withdrawn or withheld for reasons other than futility of treatment, despite the objections of family members.

This is why it is so dreadful that physicians are made the executioners of “Medical Assistance in Dying.” How can you know what is motivating your physician? How can you know whether you, the patient, top his or her list of priorities? In a world where doctors kill, how can patients trust their doctors?

Even now, there are efforts underway to expand euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. Courts have struck down the requirement that people seeking assisted suicide be terminally ill. Lobbyists want to see the legislation broadened to include minors and the mentally ill, as well as those wishing to make advance requests should they become incapacitated.

So what can you do? You can make your voice heard.

A silent, disapproving majority can effect no change.

Join Lutherans for Life-Canada. Join the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of Canada. Write to your members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly, every time you hear something in the news that shocks and appalls you.

Continue to be the physical hands and feet of Christ.

Studies show that people choose assisted death not because of intractable physical pain, but because of existential suffering: the loss of autonomy, the fear of burdening loved ones, loneliness. We can help with this. Be practical in your help. Sit with shut-ins. Visit the sick. (For more on this, see my article “Hands of Mercy” in the May/June 2014 issue of The Canadian Lutheran or online.)

Finally, engage people on this uncomfortable topic.

It will lead to difficult conversations. Feelings run high.

Many people’s experiences on both sides of the issue involve personal tragedies. We as Christians are called to uphold the sanctity of life—but we are called to do it with gentleness and compassion.

As Christians, we know that death is not the end. Your neighbours may not have the same hope.

Dr. Leah Koetting Block is an award-winning physician practising in rural Manitoba.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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ONLINE CHURCHES,

ROBOT PRIESTS CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHURCH TODAY

by Mathew Block

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n 2017, hundreds of thousands of Protestants (Lutherans included) travelled to Wittenberg, Germany to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For many, it was no doubt a pilgrimage of sorts, with visitors hoping to spend their time connecting more deeply with Christ through the Scriptures which inspired the Reformation. And in that sense, perhaps it is fair to say they came seeking a blessing.

But the blessing some got presumably wasn’t what they were expecting.

During the World Reformation Exhibit in 2017, the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau set up a temporary exhibit with a robot named “BlessU-2.”

BlessU-2 could deliver automated blessings at the push of a button. Curious visitors could choose their preferred language from seven options, whether they wanted the blessing spoken by a male or female voice, and what kind of blessing they desired.

BlessU-2 would then raise its robot hands, the palms of which lit up, and recite a passage from Scripture. The recipients could also choose to have a printout of the verse to take home with them.

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“We wanted people to consider if it is possible to be blessed by a machine,” said Rev. Stephan Krebs, a spokesperson for the state church, in an interview with The Guardian. Not that the church truly envisions robots as a replacement for pastors. “We know robots could never substitute for pastoral care,” they explain. “We don’t want to robotize our church work, but see if we can bring a theological perspective to a machine and a world full of high-technology.”

The project, strange as it was, does succeed in raising questions about the relationship between faith and technology. To what extent can the Church utilize contemporary technology in service of the Gospel? And at what point does this technology become an obstacle to true faith?

The silliness of robot priests aside, these are real questions with practical implications for the church in Canada today. As congregations in many communities continue to shrink or even disband, people ask: does attending church online count? Take it a step further: can I take communion online, listening to the words of consecration from a live Lutheran church service and

trusting that they count for the wine and bread I’m holding in my own home? What about taking communion while listening to an archived service? And what about baptism? Can I be baptized with “virtual water” while wearing a virtual reality headset?

If you’re lucky enough to have a confessional Lutheran congregation in your community, most of these questions will probably sound strange to you. But there is an increasing number of people—especially those isolated from a faithful Lutheran congregation—asking just these sorts of questions.

There are any number of reasons why a person might end up isolated from a confessional church. You might be a member of a congregation that has closed. Work may have taken you to a community without a Lutheran Church– Canada congregation. You might be a shut in. Or you may have discovered confessional Lutheranism online (an increasing occurrence in our day!) but live somewhere without a solid Lutheran presence.

In these circumstances, it is both natural and beneficial to seek out Lutheran community online. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ,” as St. Paul tells us (Romans 10:17). God can use that “hearing” of His Word in all sorts of contexts—be it in person, in print, or online. He says that His Word “shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). And the thing for which He sends forth His Word is the creation and sustenance of faith in Christ.

hear the Word of God expounded at the click of a mouse or the tap of your phone’s touchscreen. These are blessings available to all of us, whether we are isolated from a local congregation or not.

But there are dangers here too. For those who have a local Lutheran congregation, a steady stream of online resources can sometimes breed dissatisfaction and ungratefulness for your own pastor. “If only we had a preacher like that,” you might mutter, “we could really reach the community around us.” Or again: “If only our church worshipped like that, we would have people breaking down the doors to join us.”

We want a glorious church—articulate, strong, and winsome— and we can often find an approximation of that online. Our local Christian community can seem pale and weak when compared to the idealized church we find online. It can be tempting, as a result, to sometimes withdraw from the Christians around us (Lutheran or otherwise), seeking edification and community primarily online.

These are temptations from the Devil, who twists what God intends for our good into sin. Online media is indeed good; but we must not ignore or abandon the local manifestation of the Church. The author of the epistle to the Hebrews encourages us to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (10:25). The Church is a body of believers living and worshipping together. We are called to live out our life of faith in real community with one another.

We n e e d re a l f l e s h - a n d - b l o o d believers to hold us accountable to one another. Otherwise, we are in danger of refashioning the faith into an image of our own making. Remember the BlessU-2 robot mentioned earlier? Its torso was built from a repurposed ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). There is a symbolism here, though unintentional, that should give us pause: can our faith be so crudely transactional a thing as simply punching in the program you like and having God give you the blessing you desire?

Can we simply plug in our preferences—our preferred preacher, our preferred sermon, our preferred congregation—and assume that these alone will suffice?

There is more than a whiff here of that about which St. Paul warned: “The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will

To what extent can the Church utilize contemporary technology in service of the Gospel?

at what point does this technology become an obstacle to true faith?

Getting into Scripture then is always good, whether it comes from watching a live-streamed church service, listening to recorded sermons or podcasts, watching video series, reading theological and devotional articles online, or participating in an online discussion group (but in all instances, make sure you’re engaging with solid, confessional resources!). There are many blessings that technology brings, and one of them is the opportunity to

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).

A playlist of your favourite preachers—even solid confessional preachers—is no replacement for your local LCC pastor and congregation. There are many people who wish they had easy access to that kind of church.

Thank God for your LCC pastor and congregation, if you’re privileged to have them, and lift them up daily in prayer.

But even if you don’t have access to a confessional Lutheran congregation where you live, you need to seek out other Christians where you are. Get solid Lutheran teaching online, to be sure, but also spend time with faithful Christians of other traditions where you live. Who knows? You might have the opportunity to introduce them to the riches of the Lutheran tradition.

Physical presence is important because God created us to be bodily creatures. We shake hands. We share the peace. Isolating ourselves destroys the opportunity to serve each other in tangible ways—to give a senior member a ride to church, for example. To help a neighbour pack their possessions when planning a move. To help frazzled parents manage their family during worship by holding a baby. To bring a meal when someone is facing tragedy.

In all this and more, we seek fellowship with other Christians to build each other up in the faith. “I long to see you,” writes St. Paul to the Romans, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (1:11-12). He knew, as we know, that there is no replacement for real physical presence.

Just as Christ took on real flesh and real blood in the Incarnation to reach real people, so too His Body, the Church, must reach out today with real hands and real feet—not just digital ones.

This emphasis on the physical nature of the Church is one of the primary reasons Christ instituted the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. God knows we are physical creatures, and so He has instituted physical ways of communicating to us the mercy won by Jesus Christ on the cross.

This, incidentally, is why ideas like online communion or virtual-reality baptism do not work. If they were just symbols, then the digitization of the sacraments wouldn’t matter. And in fact, some churches and pastors who believe the sacraments are mere symbols have taken to “administering” them online. But if the sacraments actually do something—if they actually bestow forgiveness of sins and give us the life of Christ, as we teach and confess in the Lutheran Confessions based

on the witness of Scripture—then that’s not something that you can get from a computer screen.

You can’t “download” the sacramental mercy of Christ online. You need the real stuff. You need the real elements of the Lord’s Supper presided over by a called and ordained pastor. “Take, eat,” the pastor says, reciting the Words of Institution, “This is my body. This is my blood.” And when he says “this,” he means the “this” on the altar in front of him—not the bread and wine you might happen to have in your own home.

In the same way, in baptism you need real water, mixed with the Word of God, and placed onto your real body.

Our rite of baptism in the Lutheran Service Book includes something called the Flood Prayer. It reminds us that Jesus, through His baptism, “sanctified and instituted all waters to be a blessed flood and a lavish washing away of sin.” The waters which Jesus sanctified were real waters—not the poor imitation in virtual reality that leaves you dry as ever.

No, the sacraments cannot be received online. Nor can live-streamed church services or sermon podcasts, valuable as they are, be an adequate substitute to a local pastor and congregation. But what then should we say to those who find themselves unable to attend a confessional Lutheran church?

T h e a n s we r i s not perfect. First, continue in regular prayer and devotion, either on your own or as a family. Second, make use of the online resources you do have: a livestreamed church service is not the same thing as being there, to be sure, but it is still an edifying experience and a source through which you can receive the Word of God. Third, make connections with local Christians, if at all possible, for mutual prayer and encouragement.

If you’re in a remote area or otherwise isolated and don’t have regular access to a Lutheran church, consider also contacting one of Lutheran Church– Canada’s regional pastors (visit www.lutheranchurch. ca/contact/ to do so). These pastors might know of other confessional Lutherans in your area who are seeking fellowship. They may also be able to connect you to a nearby LCC pastor who can provide pastoral support and care. Perhaps, in time, your little phone call or email might lead to the establishment of a Lutheran mission plant in your community!

You can’t “download” the sacramental mercy of Christ online. You need the real stuff.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine and communications manager for the International Lutheran Council.

International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Prominent Christian rapper becomes Lutheran

Flame received a M.A. degree U SA - In January 2020, the in theology in 2018 from Concordia rapper Flame (Marcus Tyrone Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri)—a Gray) publicly announced he had theological institute of The Lutheran become a Lutheran. The prominent Church—Missouri Synod. “I was Christian hip hop artist details his asking a lot of questions of the theological journey from Calvinism Scriptures concerning things that I to Lutheranism in a recently released believed and ways that I thought,” EP entitled “Extra Nos.” he explains in “ ‘ E x t ra a track entitled Nos’ discusses “In particular, it was “Concordia.” my theological It was through Luther’s teaching on journey over the past four years,” justification that I had his encounter with Lutheran t h e G ra m my n o m i n a t e d to grapple with in a way theology at the that I hadn’t before.” s e m i n a r y, h e rapper explains says, that “the in a recent Lord began to tweet. “My hope illuminate my thinking in my heart.” is that sharing these insights will “In particular, it was Luther’s bring you the Godly peace and teaching on justification that I had to freedom that I experienced.”

grapple with in a way that I hadn’t before,” he explains.

“It just really started to soften my heart and bring about this new joy.”

Through his encounter with the school, Flame came to realize the freeing nature of “the sacramental context and application of God’s grace through faith.” “It’s allowed me to place the emphasis outside of myself,” he says, “the emphasis of where do I look for that assurance, that peace, that I’m good with God and rather than just, you know, just this internal focus.”

This last line helps to explain the rational for the EP’s title: the phrase “extra nos” is Latin for “outside of us,” and refers to God’s use of external means (like Word and Sacrament) in applying the blessings of the Gospel to Christians.

“We are to look extra nos, or outside of our ourselves, towards the righteousness of faith—which is our justification—for assurance,” explains Flame in another track called “Good Works.”

The EP contains tracks in a variety of genres, including rap, conversation, and straightforward teaching. Those wishing to unpack the Lutheran theology woven into Flame’s lyrics will benefit from a recent review by Gene Edward Veith, as well as an in-depth video on Youtube entitled “Extra Nos Explained,” in which Flame discusses his Lutheran faith with Jordan Cooper. A. Trevor Sutton has also recently published an article entitled “Hip Hop and the Christian Conversion Narratives,” which provides further insight into the use of rap as a vehicle for explaining one’s Christian journey.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Unity talks begin between South African Lutherans SOUTH AFRICA - On January 14, 2020 representatives of the three confessional Lutheran church bodies in South Africa met for a first round of unity talks in Pretoria.

The Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA) was represented by Bishop Modise Maragelo, Deputy Bishop Mandla Thwala, and Rev. John Nkambule; the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA) by Bishop Dr. Dieter Reinstorf and Deputy Bishop Helmut Paul; and the Confessional Lutheran Church in South Africa (CLCSA) by Bishop Mandla Khumalo and Rev. Geoffrey Skosana.

These initial talks in Pretoria focused on establishing church fellowship between the LCSA and the FELSISA (who are already in declared church fellowship with one another) and the more recently established CLCSA. The foundational articles of the respective churches as well as the central doctrines of the Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord were extensively discussed.

The three churches will now provide feedback to their respective church councils in the hope that church fellowship will be formalized in upcoming church conventions.

These unity talks were largely prompted by discussions held at

LCSA Deputy Bishop Mandla Thwala, FELSISA Deputy Bishop Helmut Paul, FELSISA Bishop Dieter Reinstorf, the CLCSA’s Rev. Geoffrey Skosana, the LCSA’s Rev. John Nkambule, CLCSA Bishop Mandla Khumalo, and LCSA Bishop Modise Maragelo.

a meeting of the Africa Region of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) held in Pretoria from September 17-20, 2019.

At this meeting gratitude was expressed for the number of newly established confessional Lutheran churches in Africa, while also raising concern that many of these Lutheran Churches work independently without establishing formal relationships with other regional churches—something which creates a formal expression of unity in doctrine. As a result, the regional meeting adopted a motion to encourage confessional

Lutheran Churches, especially those within the same country, to make every effort to keep the unity of the church. Part of this process is to formally establish church fellowship where there is agreement in doctrine and to consider amalgamation or the establishment of a federation of confessional churches.

The Lutheran Church in South Africa, the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa, and the Confessional Lutheran Church in South Africa are all members of the International Lutheran Council.

ILC News

Finnish Lutherans under investigation for upholding biblical teachings on sexuality

FINLAND - The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta – ELMDF) is under investigation by Finland’s Prosecutor General for the publication of a booklet upholding historic Christian teachings on human sexuality.

The Luther Foundation Finland (Suomen Luther-säätiö)—the legal entity behind the ELMDF—is being investigated for its 2004 booklet “Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Concept of Humanity.” The Prosecutor General alleges that the booklet incites hatred against homosexual people, despite an earlier decision

by Helsinki Police which concluded no crimes had been committed.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Finland since 2017.

“The decision of the Prosecutor General to conduct a preliminary investigation of our publication is surprising, as I believe the police have already thoroughly investigated and concluded that this is not a criminal offense,” said Rev. Juhana Pohjola, the Dean of the ELMDF. “It is our job to teach the entire Word of the Bible in peace, including on marriage as created by God.” The booklet’s author, Dr. Päivi Räsänen is also under investigation by the Prosecutor General. Dr. Räsänen is a Member of Parliament Continued on Page 17

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International News www.canadianlutheran.ca

LCC, LCMS, and NALC continue dialogue

U S A - Re p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) met for the latest round in their ongoing dialogue November 11-12, 2019 in Columbus Ohio.

The November meetings were hosted by the North American L u t h e ra n C h u rc h . T h ey a l s o represented newly elected NALC Bishop Daniel Selbo’s introduction to the dialogue group. Bishop Selbo was elected as the head of NALC on August 9, 2019.

Among other business during the meetings, church representatives heard three presentations on First Peter as a pillar letter of the New Testament by Rev. Prof. John Pless,

Rev. Dr. Joel Lehebauer, and Rev. Dr. James Nestingen.

Participating in the November 2019 meetings on behalf of the LCMS were Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Secretary, Commission for Theology and Church Relations (CTCR); Rev. Larry Vogel, CTCR Assistant Executive Secretary; and Rev. Professor John Pless, Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana).

Representing NALC were Bishop Daniel Selbo; Rev. David Wendel, Church Relations Director; Rev. Mark Chavez, General Secretary; and Rev. Dr. James Nestingen, NALC theological consultant.

LCC was represented in the discussions by Past President Robert Bugbee.

Continued from Page 16 is not the Holy God who condemns in Finland and former Minister of sin as described in the Bible— the Interior. including homosexual The booklet, behaviour—why did the which has recently Son of God have to die?” been made available Dr. Räsänen asks. “If we in English translation deny people the right to online, argues that feel guilt for their sin, we homosexual activity also deprive them of the must be identified joy and assurance of the as sin by the Church Gospel. The certainty of on the basis of the teachings of heaven rests on Christ’s Dr. Päivi Räsänen Scripture. A failure assured atonement for our to recognize sin as very real sins and on His sin undermines the very need for a resurrection from the dead.”

Saviour, Dr. Räsänen writes. “If God Additional information on the

The next round of dialogue will be hosted by the LCMS and will take place May 20-21, 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dialogue between the LCMS and NALC began in 2011, with LCC joining the dialogues shortly thereafter. Since then, Lutheran Church–Canada and the North American Lutheran Church have found several opportunities for cooperation. NALC pastors in Canada participate in LCC’s Worker Benefits Program, for example.

LCC’s seminary in Edmonton (Concordia Lutheran Seminary) also counts one NALC pastoral candidate among its student body.

In Winnipeg, meanwhile, one NALC pastor is a regular participant in the local LCC pastor’s winkel.

case, including links to English reporting on the situation, are available from the website of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland. A pdf of the booklet in English translation can also be found online.

The ELMDF is a partner church of Lutheran Church–Canada and a fellow member of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

ILC News

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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Convention News www.canadianlutheran.ca

CONVENTION UPDATE - In October 2019 congregations received an invoice for the 2021 Lutheran Church–Canada Convention and Assessment.

The “due on receipt” statement that was included on this invoice was a mistake. We sincerely apologize for any frustration this may have caused.

The purpose of the following FAQ is to ensure that our communication surrounding the 2021 Convention and Assessment is clear and informative.

Our hope is that congregations would include in their annual budgets a plan to save and remit a portion of their assessed amount each year between conventions, rather than trying to come up with all the money in the final year. We believe this will make budget planning for the convention more manageable overall.

“Where will the 2021 Synod Convention be held?”

As you will recall, the total budgeted cost for the 2021 Synod Convention is $20 per communicant member and is being assessed and collected from congregations over the next two years. The first half of that assessment ($10 per communicant member) was included on the invoice we sent you in October, and we would very much appreciate receiving your payment

by April 30, 2020. We will send a second invoice in October 2020, for the balance of the assessment, with a due date of April 30, 2021

After assessing a number of potential sites, the Board of Directors decided on Edmonton, Alberta, from June 11-14, 2021.

With the number of people now included in our convention, LCC must choose a convention site two to three years in advance of the convention date; this requires us to put down a substantial deposit in order to secure pricing. That is another reason why receiving a portion of the convention assessment in advance is so necessary. Effective budgeting on the part of both LCC team members and individual congregations is key to ensuring costs are contained and that the convention is successful in accomplishing the business of our Synod. We hope the following FAQ is helpful to understanding the convention and the assessment.

LCC has chosen the Edmonton South Conference Centre (Delta and Radisson Hotels) as the site for the 2021 Convention, based on the following criteria:

2021 SYNOD CONVENTION BUDGET REVENUE Congregation Assessments Other Income TOTAL

800,000.00 25,000.00

$825,000.00

EXPENSES Travel

260,000.00

Food & Meal Allowances (net of recoveries)

220,000.00

Accommodations

195,000.00

Convention Business/Program

120,000.00

Administration

19,500.00

Post Convention (Handbook and Proceedings)

10,500.00

TOTAL

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

825,000.00

“How does LCC decide where to hold its conventions?”

1. Transportation access (e.g., good national air service, potential for car-pooling).

2. Ability to seat nearly 600 people at tables in a single venue.

3. Available smaller rooms for meetings and breakouts.

4. Size of local volunteer base to assist with the event.

5. Reasonable accommodation rates and flexibility with catering costs.

“How big is the 2021 convention?”

We estimate about 580 persons will be officially involved with the business of the convention including more than 500 voting delegates from across Canada. For comparison, in 2017, the Synod convention included 109 voting delegates.

“What is the convention budget?”

The net cost to congregations for funding the 2021 convention is

Convention News www.canadianlutheran.ca

estimated to be $800,000. The greatest portion of the cost is for travel, accommodation, and food. Convention planners are conscientious about ensuring every aspect of the event is cost-effective.

“How was the assessment calculated?”

According to LCC’s Synodical Bylaws, the expense for a Synodical Convention is to be borne by member congregations as part of the work we do together as a Synod. We assist each other to accomplish common goals, such as: 1. Missions 2. Seminary Education 3. Conventions Assessments are based on the number of communicant members congregations last reported in the annual statistical report. LCC staff creates a budget for the convention, and estimates the amount of revenue from other non-congregational sources that can help offset the expense. The balance of the expense is divided by the number of communicant members to calculate a per-communicant member assessment.

“How does LCC determine the number of communicant members on the invoice?”

Every year LCC asks member congregations to submit a statistical report which includes the number of communicant members. The figure on the invoice is based on the most recent report. Unfortunately, about one-third of congregations fail to submit an annual report so some membership numbers may not be current.

“Are there any alternative methods the Synod is considering for financing future conventions?”

The current assessment method

is part of LCC’s Synodical Bylaws agreed to by an overwhelming majority of member congregations.

It is hoped that congregations are following-up regularly with members who are not communing as part of their ongoing mission and ministry.

The annual statistical report provides an opportunity to provide updated information. Any change in the way conventions are funded would require a change to section 2.35 of the Synodical Bylaws.

“Are assessments from congregations the sole funding source for conventions?”

While most funding comes from congregations who are the immediate beneficiaries of convention activities, increasingly planners are seeking sponsors whose gifts offset some of the costs. Additional revenue also comes from exhibitors and delegates who choose not to share a room and personally pay for half the cost of the room. Delegates also have the option of not claiming personal travel expenses but rather donating the amount to LCC and thereby receiving a charitable gift credit receipt.

“What about the savings based on the new Synod structure?”

We are confident that there will be long term savings by reducing the number of conventions (from four down to one) and reducing the frequency (from every three years to every four years). In addition, the amount of staff time involved in planning and executing one event as opposed to four events is greatly reduced.

“Will the annual assessment go down once congregations have four years to pay?”

The goal is to collect the Synod convention assessments over a fouryear period, as opposed to a single amount in the convention year,

to assist congregations with their budget planning and cash-flow. After the 2021 convention, delegates will have the opportunity to provide an evaluation and LCC staff will analyze the costs to identify areas for future cost efficiencies.

“Will there be any consideration of rebating congregations if the actual cost of the Synod Convention is significantly less than the estimated budget?”

In prior years, in the rare case a convention was under the estimated budget, the Board of Directors has reserved the funds to help defray the costs for un-budgeted convention actions such as the creation of task forces or ad hoc committees. If there are still funds remaining, they are placed against the expenses of the next convention thereby possibly reducing the required assessment.

“Our District just held a convention in 2018, so why is there a Synod (National) Convention taking place only three years later, in 2021?”

The new structure established a four-year cycle beginning in 2017 for a single national convention. The new structure also resulted in Synod assuming domestic mission and ecclesiastical service mandates that were formerly done by the Districts.

The Districts still needed to hold their own conventions in 2018–year two of the national cycle—to initiate the process of winding down or amending their corporate activity to facilitate the new structure.

P l e a s e d i r e c t a ny f u r t h e r questions to Christine Bradley, Accounting Manager: accounting@lutheranchurch.ca 1-800-588-4226 ext. 218

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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National News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Online consultation on expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying CANADA - Canadians were given just two weeks to participate in a new online consultation while the federal government considers expansions to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The consultation window closed on January 27, 2020.

In September, a Quebec Superior Court struck down parts of Canada’s laws on physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, arguing that they were too restrictive—namely over parts of the legislation that require those seeking MAID to be facing “foreseeable death.” This aspect of existing legislation acts as a safeguard, protecting vulnerable Canadians like the disabled from

coercion into physician assisted suicide or euthanasia.

The federal government has declined to challenge the Quebec court’s ruling, meaning it has until March 11, 2020 to enact new legislation. The online consultation also suggests that the federal government is considering removing the requirement that forbids advance requests for MAID, which safeguards against involuntary euthanasia without the patient’s consent. “ I t s e e m s l i ke l y t h a t t h e government will introduce a bill to expand access to MAID and to remove certain safeguards,” said the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

(EFC), noting the announcement of the online consultation.

The EFC, of which Lutheran Church–Canada is a member, “opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, and advocates for the strongest possible safeguards and limited eligibility in any government legislation. Further, the EFC shares the deep concern of Canadians with disabilities, that they may become more vulnerable to pressure to end their lives if critical safeguards are removed.

The EFC produced a guide to assist Christians in faithfully responding to the online consultation process, which LCC shared with its members online.

LCC Military Chaplains participate in Exercise Faithful Warrior in Edmonton EDMONTON, Alberta - From N ove m b e r 1 8 - 2 2 , 2 01 9 , f o u r Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) Military Chaplains participated in the 3 rd Canadian Division C h a p l a i n “ E x e r c i s e Fa i t h f u l Warrior” (Ex FW) event held at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.

Ex FW is an annual exercise for all chaplains of both Regular Forces and Reserve Forces in the 3rd Canadian Division of the Canadian Army. The 3rd Canadian Division has the largest area of military command geographically, covering Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Vancouver Island, B.C. While the event is similar to a pastors’ or church workers’ retreat, to a certain degree, it is designed for Military Chaplains for their continuing education and training, and aiding chaplains by ensuring they are equipped to effectively deal with current pastoral issues in the military setting.

Part of the recent training included emergency notification

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LCC military chaplains at the 2019 Exercise Faithful Warrior: Lt.(N) David Jackson, Capt. D.J. Kim, Capt. Min Kim, and Capt. Sye Van Maanen

procedures in cases of mass casualty incidents. From summer 2019, troops of the 3rd Canadian Division have deployed to various countries including Kuwait, Ukraine, and L a t v i a . M i l i t a r y o p e ra t i o n s , international and domestic alike, are often exposed to critical situations of injury and death. Chaplains are mandated to support members in such crises pastorally, and training sessions like Ex FW are an important part of equipping them for that service.

LCC chaplains participating in the November training sessions were: Lt.(N) David Jackson who has just deployed to Latvia in early January 2020 for the next six months; Capt. D.J. Kim, who has been in the

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

military as a Reserve Chaplain for more than a decade, and will retire as a Military Chaplain in April of this year, continuing to serve as a Police Chaplain and as a LCC missionary at large; Capt. Min Kim, who deployed to Ukraine in 2017 over six months and is currently serving at the Protestant Chapel at the Canadian Forces Base Edmonton; and Capt.

Sye Van Maanen, who is currently serving as Acting Brigade Chaplain of 31 Canadian Brigade Group in Edmonton.

For more information about Chaplain Ministry and the Chaplains currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, visit LCC’s website.

West Region News

Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor

Trinity Lutheran Church building moved to museum

FAIRVIEW, Alta. - On October 10, the Trinity Lutheran Church building, which was built in 194849, was moved to the Fairview Pioneer Museum to be preserved for future generations. The building will contain all present furnishings and adornments, along with a display of the area’s Lutheran history.

The building was moved via truck from its original site to the Fairview Pioneer Museum—a process that took all day, as the truck had to detour around the town. The move was accompanied by workers from ATCO to move the utility lines out of

the way. The steeple was removed for the trip, and it and the bell (which was cast at a foundry in Kitchener, Ontario) will be restored and replaced on the building. The newer narthex (the third one to have been on the site) that was attached to the building was not moved, and a replacement structure will be built at the museum. “ We r e a l l y enjoyed—and were sad at the same time—watching our church get cut apart, then hauled away to the museum,” said member Lori Steinke.

“It was quite the thing to see it going down the road.... Ah, well, God had a plan for the church and has a plan for our future. Now we can concentrate on outreach instead of maintenance.”

The first Lutheran service in the Peace River region was held by a Norwegian pastor on November 16, 1919. In 1920, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod sent a pastor to serve the whole area, and services were held once a month in either the Craddock or Red Star schools. The church building was dedicated on May 29, 1949, and its 70th anniversary was marked this past spring.

The congregation now meets in the Mall on Main on Sunday afternoons, and the last service in the church building was on September 8, 2019. In his sermon, Rev. David Shin said: “The people of this congregation have shown time and again that the reason they exist is for Gospel proclamation.

The building, the institution of the Church, mean nothing if the Gospel of Jesus is not present. God will continue to motivate his people to reach out from a new location.”

Members hosted a celebration banquet at the Legion Hall following the decommissioning of the church building. The evening included comments by Elder Keith Steinke, who said, “It is a bittersweet moment to say good-bye to a grand old church, but we know how much God used it for the work of supporting the church’s ministry.” Steinke acknowledged the attendance of Ruth Peterson, now living in Sherwood Park, who was a part of the congregation in 1949 as a young adult and sang in the choir at the dedication service.

The parish influenced at least four of its sons to enter the ministry, with Rev. Dr. Richard Beinert and Rev. Philip Washeim currently serving Lutheran Church–Canada parishes.

The congregation encourages those who have photos or documents from the area to forward them so that more of the history of the north Peace River Circuit can be preserved.

With notes from Lori Steinke

100 Mile House celebrates LWML Sunday 100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. - Many of the women at Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church in 100 Mile House participated in a service to celebrate Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) Sunday on October 20, 2019.

Wendy Jalbert THE 2020 THECANADIAN CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202021 1

West Region News

Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor

FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR

I Love The Season Of

REV. ROBERT MOHNS

Epiphany

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Isaiah 60:1-3

I

have to confess: even though I live where winter’s grip can be experienced for a good portion of the year, I am not a winter person.

The bitter cold… the inevitable slips and fall and subsequent muscle aches… the long periods of darkness… the flu and colds that accompany the season… No, I am not a winter person.

However, I confess that I am an Epiphany person. It is in the midst of the harshest and darkest days of winter that Epiphany announces God’s light, Christ Jesus, this world’s Saviour, has come and His glory has been revealed.

In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul joyfully announces that He has been given to reveal what formerly lay hidden in mystery (Ephesians 3:6).

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Growing up in the church, I looked forward to this season because the church celebrated its mission to spread the light of Christ, the Gospel of salvation to all peoples. It is the season of mission fests. It is the season that we often had visits from the church’s missionaries who were on furlough. They would share the work they were doing and, through film and pictures, introduce us to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world.

It is a season that inspires us to consider how we might help support the work of sharing God’s Word. It is the season that challenges us to reflect the light of Christ where God has planted us. It is the season of fervent prayer for the Word of God to continue to shine upon us. It is the season that finds God’s people in fervent prayer for those still

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living in darkness, that He may draw them into the light of Christ.

This Epiphany I am especially excited to see the members of Lutheran Church–Canada united as one people across this vast land, providing support for mission and ministry. Brothers and sisters in Christ from Kitimat in the far west region together with brothers and sisters throughout Canada, as far east as Halifax, joined in prayer and in sacrificial giving to support the work of a chaplain in an urban center on the prairies to serve our first responders who daily run into the midst of danger. Brothers and sisters in Christ living in urban communities in our Eastern regions and throughout Canada joined in prayer and providing generously for the inter-cultural ministry on the B.C. lower mainland, each one supplying for the need of others and in turn having their needs met by others.

Throughout this year, we will be introduced to the many missions and ministry of our brothers and sisters within and outside Canada. They will share their stories with us and invite us to join them in prayer. And all this is happening in the darkest and most challenging days that our Synod has experienced in recent times. I love Epiphany and all the more so this year, because God continues to show us that the darkness of our days cannot overcome His light that has entered into the world.

May our Lord continue to stir up our hearts to join together in support of the mission and ministry that He has provided us in abundance this day.

West Region News

Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor

Trinity Lutheran Lacombe celebrates 60th anniversary

LACOMBE, Alta. - Trinity Lutheran Church in Lacombe celebrated its 60th anniversary on September 22, 2019.

The special event opened with the 10:00 a.m. baptism of Leah Kroetsch in the sanctuary of the church, with Rev. Harold Witte officiating.

Anniversary celebrations continued at the country residence of the Tweit family. Guests came from north of Edmonton to south

of Calgary, with many coming from the central Alberta area. Each guest received a beautiful leather bookmark courtesy of Ron and Wendy Rowe.

An 11:00 a.m. service was held outside in a large white canopy tent.

Rev. Alvin Oberhammer served as liturgist, with Rev. Russ Howard preaching. His sermon stressed the need to “Know Jesus, know yourself, and know your job.” Beautiful music

B.C. Ministry Wives Retreat HOPE, B.C. - The B.C. Ministry Wives Retreat was held October 4-6 at Camp Hope. Fourteen women gathered together to study God’s Word, under the theme “The Shelter of God’s Promises.” They enjoyed each other’s company, and there was laughter, tears, and hugs as they got to know each other better.

Deanna Hautz

Front: Tingyu Wilch (Faith, Surrey), Marilee Schelp (Surrey), Roberta Smith (St. John, Williams Lake), Eva Gainer (Redeemer, West Kelowna), Freda Reisdorf (Langley), Vera Kroeger (Delta), and Ana Zhang (Trinity, Richmond). Back: Deanna Hautz (Hope, Port Coquitlam), Ruth Miller (Abbotsford), Karin Gregory (MW Committee advisor, Abbotsford), Ruth Hilderman (Abbotsford), Diane Vint (Trinity, Abbotsford), Sandra Esperanza (Saviour, Delta), and Rachael Leavitt-McDonald (Lord of Life, Kamloops)

was provided by Lori Nowochin on keyboard, accompanied by Brooklynn Figursky and Laura Wallbank on violins.

A luncheon followed, provided by the Women’s Time Out church group.

Rev. Larry Brotherton said grace for the meal, and a time of fellowship, dining, and viewing photos from Trinity’s sixty years followed.

The official anniversary program began at 2:00 p.m., with Sonja Tweit serving as emcee. Noted guests included MP Blaine Calkins and MLA Ron Orr, who congratulated Trinity on achieving 60 years of service in Lacombe. Revs. Harold W i t t e, Ke n Ro d e m a n , L a r r y Brotherton, Alvin Oberhammer, and Russ Howard shared some of their memories from their time at Trinity. From these remarks came the gentle reminder that the church is not a building but instead a Gemeinde—a community. Rev. Witte and wife Marilyn blessed the celebration with a few special songs during the ceremony.

The honour of cutting the 60th anniversary cake was given to founding member Trudy Hand.

Two door prizes were drawn by former organists, Muriel Nowochin and Pearl Mindersma, and were won by Janice Dyrland and Cheryl Kobluk. Photographers for the event were Joanna Daviduck and Andrea Morgan.

“It was a wonderful day to remember, and we were blessed by God to be able to share fellowship and comradery on a glorious fall day,” Sonja Tweit noted. “We proved that building does not make a church—we were a congregation worshipping in a tent out in the country. Special thanks to all who helped plan, organize, set-up, serve, and clean up.”

Going forward, Trinity Lutheran Church in Lacombe will continue to worship in the same building, but will move to the Luther Room. The building itself has been sold to the Lacombe Performing Arts Council.

THE 2020 THECANADIAN CANADIANLUTHERAN LUTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202023 3

West Region News

Alberta and British Alberta Columbia and British - Michelle Columbia Heumann, editor

LWMLC Fall Rally

LWML meets for fellowship and flowers DRUMHELLER, Alta. - On October 23, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Grace Lutheran Church gathered for a time of fellowship and to create beautiful autumn centrepieces.

The event was held at a local florist, so the creations featured fresh flowers and greens. The evening of fellowship and refreshments proved to be fun and a very creative use of God’s gifts.

Rosalie Nimmo

PARKLAND ZONE, Alta. The Parkland Zone of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC) held their Fall Rally at St. Peter’s Church in Leduc on September 21, 2019. The theme was Thanksgiving, based on Psalm 69:30—“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

A short business meeting was held in the morning, which included the reelection of Crystal Saville as Secretary and Meaghan Maskowitz as Treasurer, the update on the LWMLC Parkland Zone Bursary, and new bylaws being adapted. Parkland Zone will be hosting the LWMLC’s 2022 ABC District Convention.

Two offerings were taken during the day, with proceeds of the first designated for Equalization ($310) and the second for the Leduc Hub Association ($445). Rev. Neil Stern led a Bible Study entitled “Jesus and Our Messy Lives,” which focused on Elijah, Ruth, Naomi, and Paul.

Rev. Stern also led the group in song throughout the day.

Participants enjoyed a lunch which included sausage in a bun, along with various salads, fruit, and goodies.

In the afternoon, guest speaker Susan Perry talked about the Hub and the journey that led her to be the Executive Director. The Hub works with government-funded agencies, and they strive to “fill in the gaps.” The majority of their clients are referred to them by agencies that, because of restrictions and mandates, are unable to meet the needs of their clients. The Hub can help with food, fuel, rent, damage deposits, utilities, medical needs, and transportation. They began another essential service this year, providing temporary housing from November through March, in partnership with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which will have twelve beds open every night for those in need of a place to sleep.

After, some of the ladies interested in learning more visited the Hub’s office for a tour, and made many creative encouragement cards that the Hub would be able to give out to their clients.

The day wrapped up with a Memorial to Faithful Departed, and next year’s Fall Rally will be hosted by Grace Lutheran Church in Camrose.

Melissa Henke-Lambert

Contact Rev. Robert Mohns, Regional Pastor, at: rmohns@lutheranchurch.ca 1-855-826-9950

24TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN January/February January/February2020 2020 4 UTHERAN

SUBMISSIONS Interested in submitting news for the Regional News sections of The Canadian Lutheran?

See submission guidelines on page 27 of this issue for more information!

S e n d n ews , p h o t o s , a r t i c l e s , a n d announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@ lutheranchurch.ca

Central Regional News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and NW Manitoba, OntarioNW - Michelle OntarioHeumann, editor

Oxbow holds a Christmas Mini-VBS OXBOW, Sask. - On December 6, 2019, St. Peter Lutheran Church in Oxbow hosted their annual Christmas miniVacation Bible School, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.

More than sixty children participated, along with a fantastic team of volunteers. Community children learned about the Christmas story through crafts, songs, devotions, and activities.

The program was free with a food donation to the local food bank, and concluded with a pancake supper. It was a great way to reach out to the community and celebrate the birth of Jesus the Saviour.

Rev. Jason Schultz

Swift Current LWML holds fall retreat SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. - On September 28, 2019, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWMLC) chapter of Mount Calvary Lutheran held their annual Fall Renewal, with the theme “Bind Us Together.”

Seven Swift Current ladies were joined by six ladies and Rev. John Kreutzwieser from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moose Jaw. Rev. Kreutzwieser led a devotion,

followed by a business meeting, and then a lunch of perogies, sausage, salads, and dessert.

After lunch, entertainment was provided by a local Christian music band, the Lord’s Chords, and a closing devotion was hosted by the Moose Jaw group.

Swift Current LWML

TTHE ANADIAN UTHERAN 2020 HECC ANADIANLL UTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202025 1

Central Regional Regional News News Central

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, OntarioHeumann, editor Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NW OntarioNW - Michelle

The Times

FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR

REV. DAVID HABERSTOCK

I

In Which We Live

t was once said that the men of Issachar “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). What ought we to do in our times? That’s the big question, isn’t it? But in order to answer it, you have to understand the times.

Gone are the “Happy Days,” the days of the Baby Boom, with churches being built at the same rate as the suburbs. It is increasingly rare in wider Canadian society to see large families, couples marrying young, waiting for marriage to have kids, or even marrying at all. Even if these families were to end up in church, these trends mean that it would take more than twice as many families to fill our pews than in the days of “Leave It to Beaver.” We still expect our churches to be just as full as they were in the past. But we need to adjust our expectations to the times we live in, giving thanks for the faithful believers who come, rather than despairing at the empty pews around us.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada recently published an article called “Not Christian Anymore.”

This reports on their recent survey, which concludes that “half of Canadians are either agnostic, atheist, or unreligious. And only a tenth attend religious services weekly.” They also note that, in all age groups, attendance is down significantly. These are the times in which we live. This is good to know, for you cannot know what to do if you do not understand the times.

St. Paul wrote, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Did you catch that? While we must always preach the Word, and always be ready to preach, yet there may be “out of season” times when nothing grows. You and I are not in control of what “season” we are in. We can only scatter the seed (Luke 8:11). That is why we must always preach the Word, because it will not return to the Lord without accomplishing what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). However, sometimes the Lord grants us understanding so that we might know what to do and what to expect.

I suggest that our present moment may be an “out of season” time. We must still preach the Word. We must be ready, for the times may change in the twinkling of an eye, and the Gospel is the only power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). God has

26TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN January/February January/February2020 2020 2 UTHERAN

ordained that faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), specifically, the Word about Christ. But this moment may not be when the seeds of the Word sprout.

In many cases we are longing for the “good old days,” when churches were full, rather than honestly grappling with the reasons they are not presently (e.g., increased secularism, the sexual revolution, low birth rates, excess of stuff, etc.). In Matthew 6:23, Jesus tells us that what we look at and focus on gives light to our whole being. If we focus on the wrong thing, our whole life is filled with darkness and confusion. This causes anxiety.

The Holy Spirit fixes the eyes of your faith on Christ Jesus by preaching. This “light” to your eyes fills your life with joy and peace. When your congregation focuses on the worries of tomorrow instead of seeking the Lord and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33-34)—given to you in His Absolution and His Sacraments—how dark is our life together?

But when we seek and desire His righteousness, in Word and Sacrament, that light enlightens our whole body. For His Word is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path (Psalm 119:105), which fills us with comfort and peace.

This does not mean that the current trends are not a challenge, but it does change our perspective and our response. Focusing on empty pews increases our anxiety and causes us to lash out at each other (and our pastors!). Focusing on how the Holy Spirit, despite heavy pressure on us to fall away, still calls, gathers, and enlightens the saints who are there with His gifts increases our joy.

What can we do about the fact that family sizes are smaller, and Sunday School and confirmation classes are smaller? Nothing, unless you are able to have more kids (and if so, do!). What can we do about increasing secularism that robs people of their faith? We must encourage our young families and support them as they raise and catechize their children, stressing the importance of regular church attendance and the faithfulness of parents in passing on the faith.

In short, we need to be bold. Proclaim the truth.

Be Lutheran. Teach the faith. Those my age and younger who are still in church are there not for feelings, but for theology, for content, for God’s Word, and for Jesus Christ, because they receive Him where He promises to be: in Word and Sacrament. So know the times and preach the Word.

Central Regional News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NW OntarioNW - Michelle Saskatchewan, Manitoba, OntarioHeumann, editor

Faith Lutheran Food Bank feeds body and soul ATIKOKAN, Ont. - There are two food banks that operate out of Faith Lutheran Church in Atikokan. A 12x14 basement space, modestly appointed with shelving and tables, is where non-perishables are consolidated, portioned, and repackaged to share with hungry community members who stop in on the second and fourth Monday each month.

But since feeding hungry bodies does not impart forgiveness or eternal life, the Bread of Life is also shared with hungry souls who stop in for the Divine Service.

Faith’s original ministry was established when the two Lutheran congregations in town, Zion and Calvary, merged in the 1970s.

Faith’s food bank that feeds hungry bodies began around 2005, when the congregation sought to assist Atikokan’s unemployed and under-

employed population with groceries.

Faith isn’t alone: there is a community food bank in Atikokan as well. Both food banks are recipients of community support from individuals and local businesses.

The congregation gives praise to God for providing the means to supply food for body and soul.

Rev. Daniel W. Barr

Regional News Submission Guidelines for The Canadian Lutheran

I

n general, stories published i n t h e Re g i o n a l N e w s sections of The Canadian Lutheran magazine tell the story of events that that have already happened, not things that will happen.* They can be about a congregation’s significant anniversary or other landmark occasion, a mission or outreach event, a retreat or special event hosted by a Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC) organization, or other church involvement in the community.

Articles should include the date of the event, and be approximately 100 to 400 words long. Please send articles as a Word document attached to your

email (no pdfs, please), or in the body of the email itself, with credit to the author. Articles will be edited for length, clarity, and to adhere with The Canadian Lutheran’s style guide.

Attach to an email one to four high-quality photos in their original format. Do not shrink photos before sending. Please do not embed the photos in the body of the email, a Word document, or a .pdf file, as this leads to image quality reduction. If the photographer is not the author of the accompanying article, please include his or her name.

Please note that due to timing and volume of submissions received, your article might not

appear in the next issue of The Canadian Lutheran, but in the one after that. All submissions will receive a confirmation of receipt, so if you don’t receive an email within a few days, please resend your submission.

To ask questions about these guidelines or to submit articles and photos, contact the Regional News Editor, Michelle Heumann, at regionaleditor@ lutheranchurch.ca. *To submit information about upcoming events for LCC’s InfoDigest e-newsletter, please contact communications@ lutheranchurch.ca.

TTHE ANADIAN UTHERAN 2020 HECC ANADIANLL UTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202027 3

Central Regional News

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, OntarioHeumann, editor Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NW OntarioNW - Michelle

Mount Calvary in Swift Current celebrates 90 years SWIFT CURRENT, Sask.

- On Reformation Sunday (observed October 27, 2019), Mount Calvary Lutheran C h u rc h , e s t a b l i s h e d i n November 1929, celebrated its 90th anniversary. Sixtye i g h t p e o p l e, i n c l u d i n g members from nearby Lutheran congregations, attended the worship service, officiated by Rev. Bryan Rosnau, the congregation’s vacancy pastor.

Following the service, attendees enjoyed a lunch, i n c l u d i n g t u r key, h a m , scalloped potatoes, salads, desserts. The anniversary cake was cut by Carl Schatkoski and Irene

Christmas Carolling in Neepawa

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”

1 CHRONICLES16:34

N E E P AWA , M a n . Approximately 18 members from Christ Lutheran Church gathered at the church on Saturday, December 21, 2019, for a potluck supper, following which they went carolling at the Country Meadows Personal Care Home.

Boxes of Christmas baking were taken as gifts to distribute among the members there.

The Lutheran residents, other residents, and staff gathered to listen. The group sang carols, including Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”), and visited with the residents, wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Jean Borchardt

Contact Rev. David Haberstock, Regional Pastor at: dhaberstock@lutheranchurch.ca 1-800-663-5673

4 UTHERAN 28TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN January/February January/February2020 2020

Stinson, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Schatkoski, who were two of the founding members of Mount Calvary.

A booklet on Mount Calvary’s history was available, as well as souvenir pins.

Irene Stinson

SUBMISSIONS Send news, photos, articles, and announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@ lutheranchurch.ca

East Region News

Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada Michelle editor Ontario, and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia

Church workers gather for regional conference

ANGOLA, New York - Church workers from across the East Region gathered for their fall conference at picturesque Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center from October 7-9, 2019 for worship, study, and the mutual conversation and consolation of those who serve God’s people.

The conference began with a service of Holy Communion at nearby St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Angola, with East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz preaching.

Tuesday included several opportunities for worship, two sessions presented reports from Regional Pastor

by Rev. Dean Kavouras, Bublitz and Lutheran Foundation currently serving as a representative James Krestick, and Safety Forces chaplain other conference business. and as pastor at Christ Between scheduled events, those Lutheran Church (LCMS) in attendance enjoyed the amenities of in Cleveland, Ohio. An the camp for discussion and relaxation. avid student of liturgical and early church history, Elaine Stanfel Rev. Kavouras spoke Conference photos taken by on his self-guided study Dr. Tom Winger of liturgical and sacramental practice in “Why the Eucharistic Prayer?”

O n We d n e s d a y morning, Rev. Richard J u r i t s c h ( G r a c e, S t .

Catharines) delivered a paper entitled “Responding Pa s t o ra l l y t o t h e Transgender Movement.”

Professional development was supplemented by Rev. Dean Kavouras

Ottawa circuit forum convenes in Petawawa PETAWAWA, Ont. - Some thirty members of the Ottawa circuit gathered at Christ Lutheran Church on October 19, for the Fall Circuit Forum. Since the congregations of the circuit are so widespread, some participants joined via the internet.

Circuit business included reports from Circuit Counsellor, Rev. David Smilek; Regional Mission and Ministry representative Ron Groskleg; and an update from Tim Kuhl on the East District Corporation Church Extension Fund. James Krestick, Lutheran Foundation representative for the East Region, gave an introductory presentation on the work of the foundation. Rev. Paul Williams (Grace, Locksley) led a study on Bible study.

Guest presenters Freda and Bill Klassen shared a slide show of their recent trip to Africa, assisting Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada with the building of a Bible House for translation work in Cameroon.

The Ottawa Circuit meets twice per year, in spring and fall forums, to provide its widespread members with opportunities for worship, fellowship, and edification, and to conduct the business of the circuit.

Elaine Stanfel

Interested in submitting news for the Regional News sections of The Canadian Lutheran?

See submission guidelines on page 27 of this issue for more information!

TTHE ANADIAN UTHERAN 2020 HECC ANADIANLL UTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202029 1

East Region News

Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR

REV. MARVIN BUBLITZ

What Is...

W

e are heading into another Lenten season of the Church Year. Every time I hear Pilate ask Jesus, “What is truth?” the irony strikes me: here is Jesus, standing right in front of him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Jesus could have simply pointed to Himself. But, sadly, so often sinful mankind pays no attention to what is right in front of us—and often, what God says clearly, man ignores, contradicts, or changes.

Lent gives us a time to reflect on that. Like Pilate, we stand before the Lord of heaven and earth. What will we ask? What truth will we seek? What life will we cherish? What message will we hear? What will we see in the One whose kingdom is not of this world?

During Lent, we return to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We return to Him who bore our sin and punishment. We return to the foot of the cross. Instead of standing before the King, we kneel in humility. We kneel in repentance, seeking His forgiveness. We kneel weighed down by our sin and the punishment we deserve. When we consider our sin and His holiness, we see no way out. But the Way shows us that He is the way out. He speaks truth to us. We are poor miserable sinners. We deserve death in hell. But the Truth gives us the way through Him to eternal life.

What is the way? Jesus of Calvary. What is truth?

Jesus of Calvary. What is life? Jesus of Calvary.

This month, beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 26, the Christian Church begins the journey to the cross, the crucifixion, and

30TTHEHECCANADIAN ANADIANLL UTHERAN January/February January/February2020 2020 2 UTHERAN

the empty tomb. The world, however, sees something dif ferent in Februar y. They see Valentine’s Day. The world sees February 14 and asks, “What is love?”

What is love? The world answers that question much differently than we do. The world sees love as getting what you want. To most people, what matters is what you want from love and how you define love.

But what is love, really?

Simply look at Jesus. He shows us what true love is: sacrificing for others and following the will of the Father. In love, the Son of God left His throne in heaven. He humbled Himself to be born of a virgin. He set His face like flint and headed to the cross—to His death—for us. In love, He bore our sins to purify us and make us fit for heaven.

In love, He proclaims the truth of God’s Word to us. In love, He washes us in Baptism. In love, He feeds us His very body and blood. In love, He forgives us.

This is the love the world does not know; this is the Way, the Truth, and the Life they need to hear about.

He who forgives and saves us is not silent to the world. He loves all He has created and desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

As we journey this Lenten season, the Love of God surrounds and guides us. He empowers and equips us to tell everyone what He has done through the cross and empty tomb.

East Region News

Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor

Grace Evangelical Lutheran in Kitchener celebrates 75 years K I T C H E N E R , O n t . - 2 01 9 was a special year for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, as the congregation gave thanks to God for blessing them with 75 years. The theme for the anniversary year was “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and always” (Hebrews 13:8).

Special events throughout the year included a chili cook-off, a concert, and an anniversary service and dinner. The winner of the chili cook-off was Josh Smilek, a youth in the congregation—and while he did eventually share his secret ingredient with some, they have been sworn to secrecy.

The concert featured special entertainment by Tara Lyn Hart,

Ebytown Brass, the congregation’s children’s choir, and many other gifted singers and musicians from the congregation.

The 75 th anniversary service featured Rev. Carl Wagner, pastor e m e r i t u s ; L u t h e ra n C h u rc h – Canada’s East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz as guest preacher; and current minister Rev. Robin Korsch. A special booklet entitled The 75 Year History of Grace Lutheran Church was given to all those in attendance, along with an anniversary pen.

As the congregation looks forward to the years ahead, it rejoices greatly in all the blessings the Lord has sent over the past 75 years.

Josh wins the chili cook-off.

Taking a Spin at Proclaiming Christ NORFOLK, Ont. - For six years now, the Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL) of the (Lake) Erie Zone and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) have partnered together to give seminarians a “spin at proclaiming Christ” at the Norfolk County Fair. The fair is one of the oldest in Ontario, established in 1840, and has averaged over 115,000 visitors annually for the past decade.

During the last forty years, three of the Lutheran congregations in and around Simcoe have worked with the LLL to host a Lutheran booth at the fair.

While the Lutheran booth has taken many shapes during that time, a constant feature has been the spin-the-wheel-game. Fair guests are invited to stop at the booth, check out the LLL resources, make a craft or chat, and play the spin-the-wheelgame. After spinning the wheel, the stopper on the wheel eventually comes to rest on a picture that corresponds to a biblical question. It then becomes the job of the volunteer to engage the contestant in a Q&A discussion about Christ.

With the booth being open twelve hours each day for an entire week, a

lot of volunteers are required to staff game appears as a relic of a bygone it. As the challenge to find volunteers era, it is amazingly effective in the has increased in recent years, the LLL context of the fair. It allows the approached Concordia Seminary for Gospel to be proclaimed and helps help, and students in the Evangelism seminarians learn how to think on class at CLTS now spend at least a their feet in discussing the faith in few hours at the booth taking a spin very simple, everyday language with at proclaiming Christ. those who may or may not know The playful atmosphere of the anything about Christianity. fair and participants’ willingness to play a game combine to create a Rev. Dan Abraham unique opportunity for the Gospel. The game necessitates a question and answer discussion of God. Volunteers learn how to encourage participants to keep spinning the wheel and attempting to answer basic doctrinal questions.

By God’s grace, this Q&A game sometimes even grows into a longer conversation of a more personal nature. Although Scott VanRaes (on left) and Jason Gillard (on right), second-year students at CLTS. the spin the wheel TTHE ANADIAN UTHERAN 2020 HECC ANADIANLL UTHERANJanuary/February January/February 202031 3

East Region News

Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada - Michelle editor Ontario,and Quebec, New Brunswick, NovaHeumann, Scotia

Gerhardt’s hymns highlighted in Hymnfest WATERLOO, Ont. - A Hymnfest for the Commemoration of Paul Gerhardt was held by the Kitchener Circuit and hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church on October 26, the date set aside to commemorate three of the great writers of hymnody of the Lutheran faith: Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt.

T h e l i f e o f Pa u l G e r h a rd t (1607-1676) was truly remarkable.

Attendees heard of many losses and hardships he suffered, yet, with a true pastor’s heart, he directed his parishioners to have joy in Christ’s promises and saving grace, with a view to the heavenly home He prepares. The audience sang or heard eleven of his hymn texts, all of which give comfort, hope, and joy in Christ, despite the struggles of sin, illness, war, dispute, and whatever else this life may bring.

Musicians also performed renditions on two more of the tunes associated with his texts, and there are six more hymns in the Lutheran Service Book that were not played at the Hymnfest.

All together, Gerhardt wrote 133

hymns. These hymns are a true treasure, and hearing them in sequence and in the context of his life was very moving.

The participation of the Lutheran Chamber Singers, five organists from the circuit, two trumpeters, and three pastors who acted as readers was greatly appreciated.

There were seventy-seven people in attendance, with some coming from as far away as Kincardine, St. Catharines, and Burlington, among other areas. A lovely fellowship time followed, hosted by Redeemer.

This event served to edify both through the marvelous hymn texts and by joining fellow Christians from various congregations.

Heidi Gallas Photos: Paul Walrath

Stratford Circuit holds Reformation service GODERICH, Ont. - On October 27, 2019, the Stratford Circuit marked the anniversary of the Reformation with a worship service and a sausage and sauerkraut supper, hosted

by Berea By-The-Water Lutheran Church in Goderich. The guest preacher was Rev. Dr. James Keller and the pastors of the Stratford circuit led the worship service This annual gathering started in October 2014, and each year a different congregation has hosted.

Front Row: Rev. Michael Mayer (First, Logan and Redeemer, Monkton), Rev. Dr. James Keller (Historic St. Paul’s, Kitchener), Rev. Will Kramer (First John, Seebach’s Hill and Second St. John, Wartburg) B a c k R ow: R ev. J o h n Tr e m b u l a k ( Z i o n , Dashwood and Berea, Goderich), Rev. Gerald Luck (Grace, Mitchell LC M S ) , R ev. B i l l N ey (emeritus)

Doris Osgood Send news, photos, articles, and announcements to: Michelle Heumann, Regional Editor regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca

32 ANADIANLL UTHERAN January/February January/February 2020 2020 4 TTHEHECCANADIAN UTHERAN

Contact Rev. Marvin Bublitz, Regional Pastor, at: mbublitz@lutheranchurch.ca 1-855-893-1466

Mission News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Celebrating French Ministry

Brazilian Lutheran Immigration Update: Bem-vindos ao Canada!

French accent on the What About ...? series

MONTREAL - For decades, lay people and pastors from Brazil have been a part of Lutheran Church– Canada (LCC), participating in church life at both the congregational and synodical levels. Several pastors from Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (IELB) have served congregations in Canada.

Over the past three years, the number of Brazilian Lutherans coming to Canada has increased. De l’Ascension in Montreal, for example, has had regular attendance by Brazilian students since the 1990s. In 2017, however, de l’Ascension began to see more young families from Brazil coming not just as students but as immigrants.

The Brazilian Lutheran immigration to Canada continues to be a fruitful and appreciated part of the growing diversity in our congregations, most notably in Quebec and in Saskatchewan. This development has prompted conversation on the use of Lutheran Hour materials from Brazil for the burgeoning Brazilian presence in Canada.

FRENCH MINISTRY RESOURCES - A partnership between The Lutheran Hour - Canada and LCC French ministries is producing a French version of the “What About” articles concerning the Small Catechism. The translation uses the new Small Catechism text from Église évangélique luthérienne - France as well as hymns from the French hymnal Liturgie et cantiques luthériens.

Some of these texts were written especially for the LCC hymnal, including the winning Baptismal hymn in LCC’s REFO 500 French hymn contest.

A Baker’s Dozen (12 + 1) for 2019 MONTREAL - In the twelfth month of 2019, the twelfth new Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) member was received at Église de l’Ascension in Montreal. Among the twelve, l’Ascension celebrated two baptisms, six transfers, and four professions of faith. The thirteenth, a communicant member, was added from within the baptized memberships. Rev. Dr. David Somers, who serves as Missionary at Large for LCC’s French ministries in the province of Quebec, reports that another Brazilian Lutheran family has arrived in this new year.

YouTube Hymn Project, With One Voice FRENCH MINISTRY RESOURCES - A commonlyknown, broad-based hymnody is yet to be established for the francophone LCC faithful. While the hymns are certainly easily accessible in LCC’s Liturgie et cantiques luthériens (LCL), many melodies remain unknown to many members. To familiarize worshippers with the tunes, a list matching LCL hymns with YouTube videos is being prepared by several volunteers and will be posted on the LCC French-language website (egliselutherienne.org). For an example of this work, search “Nous t’amenons cet enfant LCL 495” on YouTube.

Rev. Dr. David Somers serves as Missionary at Large for Lutheran Church–Canada’s French ministries in the province of Quebec.

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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Education News www.canadianlutheran.ca

Quest Course on Lutheran Liturgy Quest Course series in January and February, with Rev. Dr. John Hellwege presenting on “The Lutheran Liturgy: How and Why We Worship As We Do.” The series began on January 28 and ran through February 18, 2020.

The first class was entitled: “First Rev. Dr. John Hellwege speaks during Concordia Lutheran Seminary’s 2020 Quest Course on Liturgy.

Things: What is the Liturgy? And ONLINE - Concordia Lutheran Preparing to Enter God’s Presence.

Seminary (CLS) in Edmonton held The second and the third classes the latest installment in its popular focused on the “The Service of the

Word,” with the first being subtitled “Preparing to Hear from God” and the latter subtitled “God Speaks to Us and We Respond.” The fourth and final class was entitled “The Service of the Sacrament: God Feeds Us and Sends Us Forth.”

As with every Quest course, interested parties were able to attend the course in person or live online for free.

You can watch videos from the series on the liturgy, as well as from previous Quest Courses, at CLS’ YouTube page at www.youtube.com/ user/ConcordiaLutheranSem/.

CLTS welcomes visiting scholar S T. CAT H A R I N E S , O n t . Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) has welcomed Rev. Dr. Werner Klän as a visiting scholar for the 2020 winter semester and spring short semester to teach courses on dogmatic theology.

D r. K l ä n re c e n t l y re t i re d from the faculty of Lutherische Theologische Hochschule (Oberusel, Germany), the seminary of Lutheran Church–Canada’s partner church in Germany, the Independent Evangelical Lutheran

Church (SELK). He has further served as a professor with the Lutheran Theological Seminary in South Africa, and has been a guest lecturer at many other international u n i ve r s i t i e s a n d s e m i n a r i e s , including Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Klän’s service as a visiting scholar at CLTS will help fill the gap between the departure of Professor Esko Murto back to Finland and Rev. Min Kim, who will take up his post at the seminary in July 2020.

Rev. Dr. Werner Klän

Boards of Regents meet in Edmonton

EDMONTON - On February 4-5, 2020 the Boards of Regents from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS), St. Catharines, and Concordia Lutheran Seminary

34

(CLS), Edmonton, held their annual joint meeting at CLS. The two boards met together with reports given on each seminary by presidents Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger (CLTS) and Rev. Dr. Jim Gimbel (CLS).

Most of the day was spent discussing answers to previously prepared questions dealing with matters of mutual interest to both seminaries, such as current challenges facing congregations and options that our seminaries might consider in

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

order to better prepare pastors and other church workers for service in Lutheran Church–Canada.

T h e t wo b o a rd s a l s o m e t separately to conduct the business of each seminary. Members of both boards expressed appreciation for the spirit of collegiality and cooperation that exists between the two seminaries, as each carries out the important work of equipping and training future church workers as servants for Jesus’ sake.

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Lutheran Foundation Canada is a national ministry of Lutheran Church-Canada serving all members of our synod. We assist Lutheran donors in fulfilling their stewardship goals through charitable giving, by providing education, guidance, and support through the complete process of gift development and fulfillment, thereby creating wonderful resources to fund the mission and TTHE HE C CANADIAN ANADIAN LLUTHERAN UTHERAN January/February 2020 ministry of local congregations and other LCC organizations. To learn more, visit lutheranfoundation.ca or contact one of our Gift Coordinators.

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Lutheran Foundation Canada is a national ministry of Lutheran Church-Canada serving all members of our synod. We assist Lutheran donors in fulfilling their stewardship goals through charitable giving, by providing education, guidance, and support through the complete process of gift development and fulfillment, thereby creating wonderful resources to fund the mission and ministry of local congregations and other LCC organizations. To learn more, visit lutheranfoundation.ca or contact one of our Gift Coordinators.

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As you get older, your priorities and your story may take on a new form. Will your legacy speak to the importance of your faith? How will you support your family and be faithful to the ministries you have loved throughout your life? These are important questions.

How will you be remembered?

Does it make a difference what you do with all God has blessed you with? Each year, Lutheran Foundation Canada works with LCC members helping them establish charitable gifts for the Lord’s work. For many, their local congregation and the wider church, is something they want to support.

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Setting aside a portion so others have the opportunity to hear the good news of Christ, just like you have experienced in your life, is an excellent ending to your story!

Generosity is second nature to a Christian since we understand how generous a God we have. He “We have different gifts, For over a stopped at nothing decade, LFC has according to the grace in sending His been assisting given to each of us... son to redeem the Lutheran donors world, ensuring in identifying, if it is giving, then give we can be with establishing and generously.”

Him in glory. carrying out Romans 12:6-8 Understanding their charitable that the greatest wishes towards inheritance we will ever receive congregations and other ministry (and one we pass on through organizations that support LCC. teaching of the faith) is salvation We can help you write your story. through Christ, how do we respond?

Start by asking a profound question, “Why have I been One way is by intentionally entrusted with the resources God establishing a charitable gift in has given me?” This question goes your will or through other means, straight to the heart of the matter: to provide wonderful resources for what is the purpose of my wealth? the Lord’s work. This final act of God has allowed you to acquire, stewardship is an amazing story! use, manage, and dispose of this

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Understanding that needs change over time, determining how much is enough is not so much a formula as it is a guard against excess accumulation.

Finally, consider the future stewards of your estate. Most parents and grandparents give very little thought to this question.

A typical plan simply divides an estate equally among heirs. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon says both wisdom and inheritance are good things we pass on to our children. But only one of them is guaranteed to protect the one who possesses it.

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SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY AND MINISTRY Giving is a personal decision. But did you know that for most of our adult lives, we give out of only 10% of our assets. That’s perfectly logical since the other 90% of our assets are typically non-cash assets or assets being saved up over time for retirement.

But what about that moment when you don’t need those assets anymore. When you are called to glory, all of your earthly possessions (the 10% and the 90%) have to be transferred somewhere, and if married, this usually happens upon the second-to-die. Of course, the easiest transfer is to equally divide up what remains between your heirs. But there is another option available that may be even better.

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find that this option enables you to support your family and the ministries you love in ways you didn’t even imagine.

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For example, if you have an RSP or a RIF when you die, and no spouse to leave it to (second-todie), all of that money will become taxable. As much as you might think your children will get it all, the government gets its share.

Now is the time to consider how a charitable gift can change that picture. Speak to one of Foundation’s Gift Coordinators to learn more.

Lutheran Foundation Canada is a national ministry of Lutheran Church-Canada serving all members of our synod. We assist Lutheran donors in fulfilling their stewardship goals through charitable giving, by providing education, guidance, and support through the complete process of gift development and fulfillment, thereby creating wonderful resources to fund the mission and ministry congregations and other LCC organizations. To learn more, visit 38 Tof HE local CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020 lutheranfoundation.ca or contact one of our Gift Coordinators.

Lutheran Foundation Canada 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 877-711-GIFT (4438) GIFT COORDINATORS West Region Allen Schellenberg, Exec. Dir. cell: 604-817-7673 allen.schellenberg@ lutheranfoundation.ca Central Region David Friesen cell: 204-791-9949 dfriesen@lutheranfoundation.ca East Region James Krestick cell: 519-971-1966 jkrestick@lutheranfoundation.ca

In Review: The Rise of Skywalker

A

by Ted Giese

s The Rise of Skywalker opens, General Leia Organa a n d h e r b e l e a g u e re d Resistance are foiled, attempting to stay alive to fight another day. The First Order grips the universe in a blanket of paralyzing fear as its new Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren—Leia’s estranged son—seeks to eliminate a phantom menace from the past: a long-thought-dead yet mysteriously alive Emperor Palpatine. Tempted by Palpatine’s offer of a new secret fleet of Star Destroyers mounted with Death Starstyle weapons along with the promise of the throne of a new Galactic Empire, Kylo Ren agrees to hunt down Rey who is desperately trying to complete her Jedi training with the help of Leia. News of Palpatine and his secret fleet prompts the Resistance to make a last ditch attempt to stop Palpatine’s Final Order before it can merge with Ren’s First Order. Along the way old and new friends join Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and the rest of the Resistance as questions about Rey’s lineage are answered, storylines are resolved, and Palpatine is confronted one last time.

On one hand, Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi had painted Star Wars into a corner perhaps best epitomized by Kylo Ren when he says, “Let the past die. Kill it, if you have to.” On the other hand, J.J. Abrams reveres Star Wars’ past and is not interested in letting it die. Audiences first saw this in The Force Awakens and they see it again in The Rise of Skywalker. While The Force Awakens borrowed heavily from the first film, this new film borrows heavily from The Return of the Jedi. (Some viewers will see this as an homage full of respect while others will judge it uninspired). Abrams was considered

a safe pair of hands to direct this final episode and while he made some bold story choices many of them are raked back quickly to please competing old and new fan bases.

The death of Leia in The Rise of Skywalker was almost inevitable following the actual death of Carrie Fisher in 2016. Using unused footage from the first two Disney films, Abrams constructed a composite CGI-enhanced performance which looks to be about as good as they could do with what they had to

work with. Leia’s death comes at a critical moment and contributes to the redemption of her son Kylo Ren/ Ben Solo.

Christian viewers were eagerly anticipating that redemption, and Abrams doesn’t disappoint. Han Solo appears to his son as a kind of vivid memory, and Kylo Ren relives the moments and words spoken between them in The Force Awakens.

But now Ben Solo re-emerges. In

an act of repentance, Ben throws his iconic angry crackling red Sith lightsaber into the depths of the sea.

Christians may see in this act an almost biblical description of God’s forgiveness: “[The LORD] will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. [He] will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).

Ben Solo now sees with new eyes his father’s compassion towards him—how Han had originally come to Star Killer Base, treading underfoot the iniquities of Kylo Ren to get to his real son and redeem him. Elements of Han and Ben’s relationship in the Disney trilogy echo biblical elements of King David with his son Absalom. But where David never had the opportunity to reconcile with Absalom, Abrams gives Han this opportunity with Ben. Had Carrie Fisher not died in 2016, Abrams would likely have had this reconciliation happen between mother and son. But the encounter with the memory of his father gives Ben the strength necessary to do the thing he knows is right. While not perfectly executed, this is one of the most satisfying character arcs in the Disney trilogy. Ben Solo then becomes an asset to Rey in the film’s final act as she squares off against Palpatine.

While Ben Solo’s character arc is satisfying, the emotional elements in the rest of the film are uneven. As a result of the previous film’s splitting up of major characters, it is difficult to believe—as this film requires—that they are all close friends, willing to lay down their lives for each other.

This has the effect of flattening much of the emotional landscape of The Rise of Skywalker—especially when characters like C-3PO look at Rey, Fin, and Poe (in the absence of R2D2 and Chewbacca) and say “I’m just taking one last look at my friends.”

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

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Even so, the film does a lot to create original trilogy, failing to outshine signal to the left while knowing a sense of growing camaraderie the true heart and soul of Star Wars. that the irritation it causes social between the characters.

With another solid score from conservatives would generate free The underdeveloped friendships composer John William and some publicity on both sides of the North in the trilogy contribute to an overall spectacular visuals, many will find American cultural spectrum in the lack of tension and urgency in The Rise of Skywalker satisfying. In form of thousands of articles and this film. Abrams raises the stakes some significant ways it’s a return to blogs and YouTube videos. in many places, but it’s hard to form and shows greater respect for Disney sounds like it plans to completely embrace the jeopardy or what came before it. Others will find leave the Skywalker story alone worry about the characters because fault with the film’s sheer goofiness: now for the time being, but the of a seeming hollowness in the from the silly scavenger hunt plot, final scene suggests the possibility friendships. As a result some of to the cascading series of plot of continuing the Skywalker saga. the moments along the way feel conveniences, to the puzzling and Fans and casual viewers may unearned. This is, of course, a campy final confrontation between need some time to process the subjective criticism; but audiences Rey and Palpatine, to the awkwardly Disney Star Wars trilogy and how who think on the relationships of the executed Rey/Ben romantic kiss. At it fits into the bigger story. While characters will see that more could times it was almost like Disney said, enjoyable and a great improvement have been done to develop over Johnson’s The Last Jedi, the friendships between Rey, Abrams’ The Rise of Skywalker At times it was almost like Disney feels like a Cliff Notes Star Fin, and Poe, especially when compared to the friendships of Wars manic fever dream—or said, “People liked Avengers: Luke, Leia and Han from the Endgame, let’s do something like maybe something like a Star original trilogy. Ridley, Boyega, comic slapped onto the that,” forgetting that Star Wars is Wars and Isaac do their best with big screen. its own thing. thinly written characters.

Disney may at times be In an odd way, Abrams a bit ham-fisted with its succeeds at making a film that nostalgia but it is quite adept feels like those outlandish 1930s “People liked Avengers: Endgame, let’s at nostalgia in general. After all, Flash Gordon serials full of whizdo something like that,” forgetting they’ve built a Magic Kingdom bang effects and cliff hangers which that Star Wars is its own thing. The on it. When Disney thinks the were high on intensity and low on Star Wars moments in The Rise of Skywalker saga will be profitable character development and real Skywalker are good, like chocolate again, audiences should be prepared drama. Lucas on the other hand, chips, but they are like chocolate for another ‘Rise of Skywalker.’ while inspired by those early sci-fi chips in a chocolate chip cookie. serials, rose above them because he There is just a lot of additional stuff injected true drama and—by the crammed into this manic madcap end of his trilogy—well-rounded film about which fans will disagree. characters, in effect elevating the Then there is the lesbian kiss. entire genre. With Abrams and The film includes a superfluous, Disney, the closest they come to this yet calculated, lesbian kiss between elevation is with the redemption of two unimportant characters—so Ben Solo, which is positioned as a superfluous it can (and has) been easily B-plot in The Rise of Skywalker. By cut for release in Muslim countries contrast, the redemption of Anakin without harming any aspect of the plot.

Skywalker in The Return of the Jedi Designed as a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it through the persistent hope of his moment in the celebratory conclusion, son Luke overshadows Emperor it comes across as quintessential Palpatine’s continued desire for pandering—evidence that Disney galactic dominion in that film, doesn’t really care about, or has little making his redemption narrative to no actual conviction, concerning the the true A-plot of the original trilogy.

LGBTQ social movement. If it did, the Perhaps the distinction between studio would have suffered the film to the two trilogies is a good thing. be banned in countries opposing sameRev. Ted Giese is lead pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina; a contributor to The Disney trilogy, and Lucas’ own sex relationships rather than cutting LCMS Reporter; and movie reviewer for the prequel trilogy, even with their the scene.

“Issues, Etc.” radio program. For more of his advanced special effects and CGI, Taken cynically, we might suggest movie reviews, check out the Movie Review must respectfully bow to Lucas’ that the kiss is included to virtueIndex at: www.lutheran-church-regina.com.

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THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

Transitions Rev. Jefrey Koenig, a prior candidate, accepted a call to St. John’s Lutheran Church (Summerland, B.C.).

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Presidential Perspective

You Are Now Entering the Mission Field President Timothy Teuscher

S

ome of our congregations have a sign over the exit door of their church with these words inscribed: “You Are Now Entering the Mission Field.” But what exactly does this mean? The Table of Duties— that often overlooked third section of the Small Catechism—helps us better understand what that sign is getting at. This section focuses on “certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities.”

The mission field that we enter is first of all our home: the holy orders and positions of husbands and wives, parents and children. It is in the home where husbands and wives forgive one another as Christ has forgiven them, where they convey by word and deed the same sacrificial love for each other that they have received from Christ. It is in the home where the chief duty of parents (and in our day we could also add grandparents) is to bring up their children and grandchildren “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). In fact, that parental duty is reflected in Luther’s preface to the first section of the catechism: “As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.”

Leaving our home, the mission field that we enter includes our community and place of employment—the duties and responsibilities we have as citizens toward the governing authorities, as workers toward our employers, and vice versa. To be sure, paying taxes, obeying the laws of the land, respecting government officials, and praying for them may not seem to jibe with our common understanding of missions. Nor does simply serving our employer by doing our job faithfully

42

seem to have anything to do with missions. But it does! St. Peter puts it this way: “In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:15-16).

The mission field that we enter also includes, as indicated at the end of the Table of Duties, the homes of our neighbours—praying for them, helping them in their time of need, sharing with them not only some of your daily bread but, if the opportunity presents itself, the very Bread of Heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ. In this regard there are two things cited by various researchers that we would do well to consider. First, around 90 percent of unchurched people are somewhat likely to attend church if invited.

And second, only two percent of church members actually invite an unchurched neighbor, friend, relative, or coworker to attend church with them.

Two accounts from St. John’s Gospel speak to this matter. First, when Nathanael expresses his misgivings that Jesus is the promised Messiah, Philip simply says to him, “Come and see” (John 1:46). And second, after her encounter with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman went and simply said to the people in her town, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (John 4:29).

This leads us into the other mission field to which we have been called

THE CANADIAN LUTHERAN January/February 2020

through baptism. There are some congregations which place that “You Are Now Entering the Mission Field” sign also on the outside of their church building. And fittingly so: after all, the very first two holy orders and positions mentioned in the Table of Duties are preachers of the Word and hearers of the Word. In other words, we ourselves are always the object of the church’s mission, always in need of hearing the Word of Christ, always in need of receiving the blessings of His mission, forgiveness, life, and salvation—always like that doubting Nathaniel and sinful Samaritan woman in need of Jesus’ presence and His life-restoring and life-giving mission.

The Catechism (in the section on Confession) reminds us that this is so because we all fail to keep the duties and responsibilities connected with the “holy orders” or positions in which we have been placed, be they at home, in society, at work, or in our neighbourhood. “In this Christian Church the Holy Spirit daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers,” is how the catechism explanation of the Third Article of the Creed puts it.

And when we “depart in peace” after receiving the Lord’s gifts at His Table, when we leave the Lord’s house after the Benediction is spoken over us by the pastor, where do we go? Yes, “You Are Now Entering the Mission Field.” So the Reformer sums it up: “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.”

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

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Plan today for the ministry of tomorrow.

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