The Canadian Lutheran March/April 2026

A Matter of Death & Life

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A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

EDITOR | MATHEW BLOCK

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars….” (Matthew 24:6,7). You don’t have to look very far to see the kind of instability that Jesus warned His disciples about in this passage. The Middle East. Ukraine. Sudan. Myanmar. Somalia. Haiti. It seems every time you turn on the news, you’re confronted with a new conflict—or the threat of conflict—breaking out.

A growing number of people today believe that the global security we have long enjoyed in the West is on the wane. International relations are increasingly strained, and doubts are raised publicly about the health of defence-alliances. Western nations, Canada included, are scrambling to scale-up their military capabilities. Is it any surprise that many feel the world is more dangerous today than it was just a few years ago?

Nor is war the only cause of the anxiety many are feeling. Our world is reeling from trade battles and economic upheaval. Canadians are paying more for less when it comes to basics like groceries. Add in the exacerbation of long-standing regional grievances within our own country, and you begin to understand why the world feels a little less stable to many.

At a moment of global instability like this, we can begin to understand the feeling that W.B. Yeats captures so vividly in his poem “The Second Coming.” “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold,” he writes. “Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” Yeats wrote in the aftermath of World War I, and his words convey a sense of horror and despair at a world careening rapidly out of control.

Perhaps you feel that way too: that the world stands on the edge of a precipice. That one wrong move could send everything crashing down. That global politics today are a matter of life and death. What good news it is then, that we have a God who is intimately familiar with both! For Jesus is both the giver of life and the one who conquered death!

The story of Jesus is not the simple tragedy of some rural preacher who angered the local leaders and ended up dead. There is, however, a political element involved. Scripture is clear that the chief priests and Pharisees opposed Jesus not only for His teaching but also because they feared the political ramifications of His popularity. They worried this Jesusmovement would lead to civil unrest, and that the Romans would respond by destroying Judea entirely (John 11:48). Dealing with Jesus, it seems, was a matter of life and death!

Thus the High Priest concludes: “It is better... that one Man should die for the people” than “that the whole nation

should perish” (John 11:50). Little did he know, such a death was God’s own plan! For the High Priest “did not say this of his own accord,” St. John writes, “but being High Priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:51-52).

At the cross, the Son of God folded the drama of world events into His own story, co-opting them to achieve victory in a battle far more important than any other in world history. For ever since the fall into sin, humanity had been at war with God. Indeed, all people, as sinners, are by nature enemies of God (Colossians 1:21) and deserving of death (Romans 6:23). Jesus came to end this war. But He did not do so by crushing His enemies—by crushing us. Instead, He offered Himself to be crushed in our place (Isaiah 53:10).

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus declared peace between us and God. He took the sin which had alienated us from Him and nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). In so doing, He freed us from death and the devil, so that we need no longer live in fear (Hebrews 2:14-15). Now all who believe in Jesus receive the gift of eternal life (John 6:40).

You have already been saved! Remember that good news when you hear of “wars and rumours of wars” and any other instance of instability in this world. Yes, war, natural disasters, persecution, false teaching… all of these trials and more may come. But Jesus has already won the victory. The end is assured. He will come again on the clouds and gather the faithful—gather you—to Himself (Matthew 24:31).

This promise comforts us in the midst of our anxieties over this present age, just as it also comforted those who went before us. They too faced times of war and instability, but they trusted, as we also must trust, that every crisis, every matter of life and death we might face, has already been answered in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His death, He defeated death for us. Through his resurrection, He won for us eternal life. Our source of hope in this world, then, is a matter of Jesus’ death and life!

O God, we rejoice in the salvation won for us by Your Son, Jesus Christ. When anxiety over the cares and tribulations of this world overtakes us, send Your Spirit to comfort us, drawing our attention ever back to Jesus our Saviour. Assure us of Your love and our salvation. And when our time on earth is ended, O Lord, gather us home to Yourself. Amen.

Words from the Cross

by Daryl Solie

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

– 1 Corinthians 1:18 –

On Good Friday our Lord spoke seven brief statements—words we often call the “Seven Words from the Cross.” Drawn from the four Gospels, these Words aren’t simply the final words of a dying man but are words from the voice of the Saviour Himself, revealing the meaning of His suffering and death, and pointing us toward the central truth of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ died in the place of sinners to win forgiveness and eternal life.

The First Word: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

The soldiers gambled for His clothes. Religious leaders mocked Him. Nails pierced His hands and feet. Yet instead of speaking in anger or revenge, what does Jesus do? As our Great High Priest, even on the cross (Hebrews 4), He prays for the forgiveness of the ones calling for His death. And Jesus isn’t just setting an example of forgiveness; He is actually accomplishing it, taking humanity’s place under God’s judgement for sin—suffering and dying as our substitute (substitutionary atonement). He bears the punishment we deserved so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. Paul writes: “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Through the Church, the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross continues to be delivered to us through the means He has established in the preaching of the Gospel, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. Our ascended Lord also continues to intercede for us. John writes that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:10). As our Advocate and Great High Priest, He represents us before the Father, bringing our prayers, praises, and sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Father and making us acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God for His sake (1 Timothy 2:5).

The Second Word: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus. One mocks Him, demanding that Jesus prove Himself by escaping the cross and saving him too. The other repents and confesses his guilt. The penitent thief knows he has nothing to offer— no works, no reform, no future obedience. He simply clings to Jesus and begs: “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus answers with a promise: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Salvation is based on Jesus’ Word and promise, not our worthiness. Our Lord’s use of the word “today” teaches us that, at death, the soul of the believer is immediately in Christ’s presence. The word “paradise” expresses the blessed condition of believers between death and the resurrection. For the believer, at death, the soul is with Christ until the final resurrection when body and soul are reunited at Christ’s return.

The thief’s body would be buried. But that very day, his soul would be in the joyful presence of Christ, until the Last Day when his body would be raised imperishable (see John 5:28-29, Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:42-43, and Philippians 3:21).

In this Word we see clearly the biblical teaching of justification by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28; and Galatians 2:16). The thief is saved not by his works but by trusting in Christ’s mercy. His story is our story—empty hands, full promise.

The Third Word: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26–27).

Even in agony, Jesus shows compassion, caring for His mother. Entrusting her to John’s care, He ensures that she would be provided for (it is believed that Joseph had died

by this point). But in His Third Word, we not only witness our Lord’s deep compassion toward His mother but also His perfect obedience.

To be the acceptable sacrifice for the sins of the world Jesus had to accomplish what we could not do: keep God’s Law perfectly. As one who “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), He perfectly keeps the Fourth Commandment to “Honour your father and your mother.” He saves us not only by dying in our place (passive obedience) but by fulfilling the Law (active obedience). And His obedience is credited to us.

At the foot of the cross, we also see the beginnings of a new family—the family of believers, as well as the sanctifying (“making holy”) of ordinary vocations, demonstrating that the Christian life is lived out in service to others.

The Fourth Word: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).

Tradition has it that Martin Luther, reflecting on this Word from the Cross, said: “God forsaken by God—who can understand it?” Indeed, apart from faith it is hard to understand, for here we see the depth of our Lord’s suffering for sin. Fulfilling the messianic prophecy of Psalm 22:1, He experiences the full weight of God’s judgment against human sin, suffering in our place with our sin placed on Him and His righteousness given to us. This is the Great Exchange. The Father turns His face away—not in hatred of the Son but in judgment against sin. The Son is forsaken so that we never will be. As Paul writes: “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Sixth Word: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

The exclamation “It is finished” doesn’t simply express that our Lord’s life has ended, but that His work of salvation has been fully accomplished. The Greek word here—tetelestai means “paid in full” or “accomplished.” Nothing remains for us to add; Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient. The demands of the Law and the penalty of sin have been paid in full by His death on the cross—not by force but willingly out of love for us. John writes that Jesus is the “propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2; see also 1 John 4:10 and Romans 3:23-25).

For believers, these words bring certainty and comfort. Nothing more is needed for our forgiveness. We receive it freely through faith, resting in the finished work of Christ, who has conquered sin, death, and the devil. God’s plan is completed and our eternal life is assured.

The Fifth Word: “I thirst” (John 19:28).

The statement “I thirst” demonstrates our Lord’s real human suffering as true man as well as true God. He experiences physical pain, exhaustion, and thirst. The eternal Son of God took on real human flesh and endured the full weight of human suffering (Hebrews 4:15).

John notes that this statement also fulfilled Scripture, as the suffering described in Psalm 69—including the offering of sour wine—is fulfilled, reminding us that our Saviour is not distant from human suffering. He knows our weakness and pain because He entered fully into our human condition.

The One who cried, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink,” now thirsts Himself that He may later give the Water of Life freely in Holy Baptism, quenching thirst eternally for all who believe.

The Seventh Word: “Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit” (Luke 23:46).

In His final Word, fulfilling Psalm 31:5, Jesus entrusts Himself completely to the Father, resting in the Father’s care, even in death. His life was lived in perfect obedience, and His death is the final act of that obedience.

In the face of death, these last words of our Lord also become a prayer of faith for believers. Christ rose again from the dead. Because Christ has conquered sin and death, Christians can die in hope. Death, painful as it is, becomes an act of trust; we commend ourselves into the hands of the same faithful Father until the resurrection.

For centuries, reflection on the Seven Last Words has been a treasured Good Friday and Lenten tradition. But they are more than mere tradition. They proclaim essential truths of the faith like accomplished atonement, justification by grace alone, the true humanity and true divinity of Christ, fulfillment of Scripture, the completion of redemption, and the certainty of eternal life.

Above all, they direct faith away from the self and toward Christ alone who gave His life for us that we might live forever with Him. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

ope esurrection H R

by Robin Dalloo

During my high school years, my parents often took my brothers and me on road trips from our home in Winnipeg to various places in Canada and the United States. One of the wonderful stops we made was in South Bend, Indiana, where my Uncle Harold lived with my aunt Alfrieda and their children.

Among many other things, Uncle Harold was a professor of biblical studies at the University of Notre Dame. I vividly remember the first time we visited Uncle Harold at his home in South Bend. On the way there, I was sitting in the back of our minivan. The lights on the highway shone in the darkness. “Who is this Uncle Harold, the professor of biblical studies?” I wondered. “What sort of things do they talk about in biblical studies?”

I remember flipping to the back of my Study Bible to find something with which to impress him. In the glossary, I found two strange words: “Pentateuch” and “Septuagint.” The Pentateuch is a name for the first five books of Moses. The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament. At the dinner table that night, with the smell of Aunt Alfrieda’s baking wafting from the kitchen, I asked him to tell me more about the Pentateuch. He appreciated my curiosity and validated my love of learning. Thus began the first of many discussions about theology.

Our relationship deepened in other ways too. I recall one day chatting while playing catch together in my uncle’s backyard. Cardinals—cute little red birds I had not seen before at home in Winnipeg—chirped in the background while we threw the baseball back and forth.

When I was 29, Uncle Harold and his family moved to Winnipeg. By then I was deeper into my academic study of theology in university, and I enjoyed our ongoing conversations. My family enjoyed many visits with Uncle Harold, Aunt Alfrieda, and my cousin Geoff. We would watch the Superbowl, have singsongs with piano and guitar, and share great meals together.

My cousin Geoff suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—something which leads to severe muscle degeneration. Uncle Harold and Aunt Alfrieda looked after Geoff his whole life. Sadly, Geoff passed away in December of 2024. And my Uncle Harold passed away this past January.

Because of the hope we have in Christ, I am confident that death does not mean the end of the interactions we enjoy with loved ones. No, they will continue in glory. And this won’t be just something spiritual or ethereal—the resurrection of Christ at Easter promises us that we will be raised bodily one day too.

Paul the Apostle writes about the resurrection of the body in 1 Corinthians 15, noting that some in Corinth were claiming

there is no resurrection of the body. But Paul responds: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” (v. 13). But of course, Jesus has been raised (v. 20). So, what does that imply about our own resurrection?

In verse 22, the Apostle explains that “as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Christ’s resurrection and our resurrection, then, are wholly united. The two go hand in hand. Paul says that Christ’s resurrection is a kind of “firstfruits” (vv. 20, 23). That might sound confusing, but it simply means the first instance or example in a series of related things. Jesus’ resurrection is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20). Our resurrection, which will occur “when He comes” again, will be the later fruits (v. 23).

going for coffee, going bowling, and having many great conversations about faith.

Recently, Brent passed away. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if we would have had that moment of golf together. I wonder a lot of things. I wonder what it would have been like if Brent had not suffered the after-effects of a brain tumour. I wonder what it would be like if my cousin Geoff had not suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

But what will that resurrection be like? In verse 42, Paul says that the body is sown in corruption (or “perishable”) but will be raised incorruptible (or “imperishable”). All that is broken in our bodies in this world, all that has been corrupted by sin and death, will be no more. We will receive new bodies. “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (v. 53).

Near the end of Paul’s discussion of the resurrection, he asks two famous rhetorical questions—questions often included in funeral liturgies: “Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?” (v. 55). The answer of course is that Christ’s resurrection has removed the sting of death. The only victory belongs to Christ and not to death. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 56).

Scripture tells us then that all who believe in Christ will be joined together with Him in the life of the world to come. We will see our loved ones again, and enjoy a deeper relationship both with each other and with God than we ever did before.

In college, I had a dear friend named Brent whom I met in a theology class. Prior to us meeting, Brent had suffered a brain tumour, and while he was very intelligent, he sometimes struggled with confusion and memory loss. One day Brent called me, quite excited but very confused. He wanted me to participate in a golf tournament with him. Brent didn’t golf, but he had heard I played occasionally and somehow had gotten the impression I must be a competitive golfer. He wanted to be my caddy. I had to decline Brent’s offer, since I didn’t feel confident enough to compete.

Brent was very disappointed, but we went bowling instead. Over the years, we would visit many times,

One day, the physical limitations which prevented Brent and I from enjoying golf together will be gone. So will those which kept Geoff from enjoying a game of catch with Uncle Harold and me. All the limits we feel while on this earth will one day be removed, and we will be raised with new and imperishable bodies. Gone will be sickness. Gone will be death. Gone will be sin and every kind of suffering. And in their place will be perfect fellowship—perfect joy—with each other and with the God who made and redeemed us.

In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis says that our suffering in this world only makes sense when considered in light of eternity, since in heaven the crosses and disappointments of this world will finally find their remedy. There true joy will become a reality. “Scripture and tradition habitually put the joys of heaven into the scale against the sufferings of earth,” he explains, “and no solution of the problem of pain which does not do so can be called a Christian one.”

Pain and suffering are real, but so is the promise of new life and new bodies in the life to come. If you’re questioning the problem of pain and injustice in this earthly life, the resurrection is your answer. Jesus’ resurrection makes certain your resurrection. That’s the promise of Easter!

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed…”

– 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 –

ROBIN DALLOO is a writer with a Master of Divinity degree living in Winnipeg, where he is a member of Saint James Lutheran Church.

A Statement from LCC’s Leadership

Faith, Government, and the Challenge of Bill C-9

NOTE: The federal government is attempting to remove the religious exemption from Canada’s hate-speech legislation—something many worry could be weaponized to target religious expression in Canada (see page 13 for an example of how such legislation can be weaponized). In light of these concerns, Lutheran Church–Canada’ s Vice-President Michael Schutz prepared the following statement, which was released online by LCC in March. Since then, the House of Commons has voted to approve the change in legislation, and it has moved on to the Senate for consideration.

Introduction: A Biblical Reflection on Civil Authority and Faith

Throughout history, there have been times when God’s design for the world and the prevailing laws of the land have stood opposed to one another. In the Old Testament, we hear of men like Daniel, and Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (perhaps better known by their Persian names: Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego) who were confronted with a civil call to idolatry and refused to bow. In the New Testament, Christians faced not only opposition but persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom as they carried the Gospel into a world around them that opposed Christ and His Word of truth.

From those biblical times up to ours today, the relationship between the Christian Church and civil governments has waxed and waned, and it can be tempting to believe that this relationship is adversarial by its very

nature. But it’s our Lord Himself who has given civil government for His purposes, as the Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 13. All civil authority is given by God so that good would be rewarded and evil restrained and punished. Being that these civil authorities (which include parents in the home as well as governments of all levels) are given by God for these purposes, Christians are to honour them, serve them, obey them, and hold them in love and esteem.

The Tension Between Faith and Civil Law: The Challenge of Bill C–9

And yet, we’re faced with a tension: in our day and country, there are so many examples of civil authorities opposing God’s Word and limiting—either by ignorance or design—the proclamation of truth in accordance with it. One recent high-profile example is Bill C-9, currently before the House of Commons and, as of this writing, soon

to make its way to third reading. This bill seeks to articulate a legal definition of hatred and more clearly protect people from hatred. How well it accomplishes that is a matter of great debate and concern. There has been much criticism as the bill continues to be developed, centred primarily around the proposed removal of a long-standing legal defense in section 319 of the Criminal Code known as the “good faith religious defense,” which explicitly protects people from being charged with a crime simply for making a statement from a religious text or expressing an opinion based on it.

It’s always of concern to us Christians when government officials purport to know more about our doctrine, practices, and motives than we do and therefore attempt to define faithful biblical teaching in a way that might even be considered a crime under Canadian law. Assurances are being given by legislators that this is not happening, and it’s understandable that these may not be well-received by citizens. There is also no small amount of fear that should Bill C-9 become law as currently worded, the ministry of the Christian Church may be hindered and our freedom to teach God’s Word faithfully may be infringed.

Responding in Faith: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

It may be tempting to either despair on the one hand or to aggressively fight for our rights on the other. However, as in all situations, we are compelled to hear God’s Word and pray that He would guide and direct our hearts, words, and actions according to it.

Firstly, our Lord teaches us that “it is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:9). There is no salvation in the rulers of this world but only in Jesus Christ crucified for sinners. Our true hope and comfort come to us not in any civil law (or lack thereof) but in the precious Gospel that we have the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life in Christ. And whether or not any civil government seeks to curtail the proclamation of that Word, it will still accomplish the purposes for which He sends it (Isaiah 55:10-11). Therefore we will take our refuge in the pure proclamation of God’s Word and the right administration of the Sacraments, as pastors continue to deliver these gifts of God and people continue to gather to receive them with thanksgiving and praise.

Timothy 2:1b-2). Since civil governments are rightly God’s servants whether they acknowledge it or not, we uphold the Fourth Commandment and keep their members in prayer.

Engaging Politically: Fulfilling Our Vocations as Citizens

Thirdly, we seek to fulfill our vocations as citizens and serve our neighbours by engaging in our civil processes in a godly way. For those concerned about Bill C-9, become educated on the bill and its potential impacts, and then reach out to your MP’s office to let your voice be heard within your vocation. Offer them specific feedback that gives witness to the truth of God’s Word. Though time is short for feedback on this particular bill, there is still opportunity. Once again, though, it must be said: “trust not in princes… in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 146:3).

Our true hope and comfort come to us not in any civil law (or lack thereof) but in the precious Gospel that we have the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life in Christ.

Final Encouragement: Trusting God’s Protection and Care

Finally, our Lord comforts us that we need not fear “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). When Jesus sent out His Apostles, He prepared them for the difficulties that would come as a result of their work in His name and also comforted them with His provision for them (read all of Matthew 10). We also hear in John 17 of His prayer for them who are not of this world and for us who have believed through their testimony. We know that the Father has given Him authority over all flesh, and has given us eternal life in Him. Though the world around us does not know Him, He knows us and does not forsake us.

And so, as in all things, we continue to call out to our almighty and gracious God in faith: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. As you continue to call out, you may wish to have this petition included within the public Prayer of the Church:

Secondly, our Lord urges “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1

Almighty God, all authority in heaven and on earth is Yours. Guide our federal representatives in their vocation as Your servants for the common good of all and for the free reign of Your Word to be proclaimed. Strengthen us to fulfill our own vocations of service as citizens so that we may act with wisdom and live godly and dignified lives that bear faithful witness to Your authority and power in all things. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bishop and politician convicted in Finland’s “Bible Trial”

FINLAND – On March 26, the Supreme Court of Finland narrowly convicted Bishop Juhana Pohjola and Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen of hate speech in a 3-2 decision. The two are now considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

“This court decision is a defeat not only for us and those who adhere to traditional Christian teaching, but also for those who think differently, because the issue of freedom of speech and religion is common to all,” said Bishop Pohjola. “We continue to teach that every person is equal in the image of God but that, in light of the revelation of the Bible, practicing homosexuality as a way of life deviates from God’s order of creation. This teaching of the Bible must be allowed to be taught publicly in Finland without fear.”

“My conscience is pure, and I will continue to teach the Christian faith publicly,” Bishop Pohjola continued, “both regarding the grace of God in Christ Jesus as well as what constitutes sin and deviation from God’s good plan for humanity, including in matters of sexuality.”

The decision is the latest twist in Finland’s infamous “Bible Trial,” which has seen Dr. Räsänen (Finland’s former Minister of the Interior) and Bishop Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) endure almost seven years of investigation and prosecution for their articulation of historic Christian teaching on human sexuality. Two previous courts—the Helsinki District Court in 2022 and the Helsinki Court of Appeal in 2023—unanimously acquitted the pair on all charges.

Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola were charged with hate speech in 2021 over the publication of a 2004 booklet which presents a historic Christian understanding of human sexuality. Dr. Räsänen was charged as author of the work and Bishop Pohjola as publisher. The booklet, which was published long

before the legalization of same-sex marriage in Finland, was one entry in a series of booklets published on various theological topics that were later published online. In its majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled that some statements in the booklet were insulting to homosexual people and that continuing to keep the publication online was therefore illegal.

By contrast, the dissenting judges said—accepting the court rapporteur’s report—that a restriction on freedom of speech and religion was not justified in this case, and that the charges against Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola should be dismissed.

In addition to ruling on the booklet, the Supreme Court unanimously acquitted Dr. Räsänen on a separate charge related to a 2019 tweet which included a picture of a Bible verse. Prosecutors had not appealed a third charge about comments made during a 2019 radio program, accepting Dr. Räsänen’s 2023 acquittal at the Helsinki Court of Appeals on that charge.

“While I am happy that the Court unanimously confirmed my acquittal regarding the Bible-tweet, I am deeply concerned that it has nonetheless found me guilty in relation to the church booklet I authored twenty years ago,” Dr. Räsänen said. “This

outcome sends a troubling and contradictory message about the state of fundamental freedoms in Finland. On the one hand, the Court has affirmed that expressing one’s beliefs—even on matters that may be considered controversial—is not a crime…. The final acquittal on this charge is a key victory in protecting free speech. On the other hand, by convicting me for expressing beliefs in a different context, the Court has drawn an unclear and, I believe, dangerous line.”

The Supreme Court has fined Dr. Räsänen €1,800 and Bishop Pohjola €1,100. The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland’s corporate agency has also been fined €5,000. The Court has further ordered the defendants to remove from online the text in the booklet that it ruled was offensive.

“We are shocked by the decision of the Supreme Court of Finland to convict Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen for their articulation of historic Christian teaching,” said Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “We consider this ruling unjust and an infringement on the defendants’ fundamental freedoms.”

An extended version of this article is available at www.ilcouncil.org.

ILC News

New bishop for Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland

NORWAY – The Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland (Den Lutherske Kirke i Norge og Island / Lúterska kirkjan í Noregi og á Íslandi - LKNI)

has elected Rev. Markus Snellman to serve as the church’s new bishop. The election came during the LKNI’s church council on March 14.

Bishop Elect Snellman’s consecration will take place on October 24 in Oslo. In the intervening months, Rev. Snellman will gradually be instructed in and take on many of the bishop’s responsibilities.

Bishop Elect Snellman holds masters degrees in theology from Fjellhaug International University College (Oslo) and from Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana). A Swedish-speaking Finn, Rev. Snellman is currently serving as a parish pastor in Narvik and Svolvær. Bishop Elect Snellman will work with the new pastor appointed to Narvik before transitioning to the Oslo region with his family later in the year.

Bishop Elect Snellman succeeds Bishop Torkild Masvie, who turns 70

years old this October, at which time he will reach the age limit for service as bishop under the LKNI’s bylaws.

Bishop Masvie was consecrated as bishop of the LKNI in 2017, after previously serving the young church as provisional bishop for many years. Bishop Masvie led the LKNI into membership in the International Lutheran Council (ILC) in 2015. In 2022, the LKNI and Lutheran Church–Canada entered into fellowship.

The Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

ILC News

CPH makes popular translation of Book of Concord freely available online

USA – Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has launched a new website making its popular English edition of the Book of Concord available to read for free online: bookofconcord.cph.org.

CPH’s newly-developed website makes the historic documents of the Book of Concord—the confessional foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church—available to pastors, teachers, students, and laypeople through a modern, user-friendly platform. Designed for clarity, accessibility, and study, the site allows users to seamlessly navigate all the texts of the Book of Concord.

The text featured on the website is from the second edition of Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, published by CPH. It is a revised and updated version of the translation originally prepared by William H. T. Dau and G. Friedrich Bente for the Concordia Triglotta to ensure both theological fidelity and readability for today’s readers. CPH’s updated edition (published 2005, 2006) has helped to usher in greater confessional awareness among Englishspeaking Lutherans worldwide.

ILC News

Anticipation builds for LCC’s 13th Regular Convention

CANADA – Excitement is building across the country as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 13th Regular Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada, set to take place in Winnipeg from June 12-15 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.

Held every four years, the national convention is one of the most significant gatherings in the life of the church. Clergy and lay delegates from congregations across Canada will come together to worship, learn, and carry out the important work of guiding the church’s ministry in the years ahead.

For many participants, convention is much more than a business meeting. “It’s like a mountaintop experience of faith,” Iris Barta, Convention Manager, explains. “You come together with fellow believers from across the country, you worship together, receive Holy Communion together, and you’re reminded that you are part of something much larger than your local congregation.”

Faith will be at the heart of the convention’s programming. Attendees will gather for worship services and Bible study, grounding the work of the church in Scripture and prayer.

As LCC congregants stream in from all across synod, coming together as one, this year’s essayist, Rev. Dr. James Kellermann will lead a Bible study based on Ephesians 2:13-22, reflecting on the unity of God’s people and the church’s shared life in Christ.

This year’s other essayist, Rev. Dr. Alexandre Vieira, pulls attendees

together for a time of Koinonia —the New Testament concept of ‘fellowship.’Additional presentations and breakout sessions will explore the church’s mission and outreach, highlighting the work of the church both locally and globally, and pointing the way forward.

In addition to worship and teaching, delegates will take part in the business of the church—electing leaders, considering resolutions, and discussing priorities that will guide Lutheran Church–Canada’s work for the next four years.

Resolutions brought to the convention floor will reflect input from across the church, ensuring that grassroots voices help shape the direction of national ministry.

Leaders will also share reports on the work of the church, including mission initiatives, financial stewardship, and ongoing efforts to strengthen congregations and outreach across Canada.

This year’s convention will also welcome guests from international partner churches, including representatives from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ÉÉLH) and the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP).

One of the anticipated highlights of the convention will be the recognition of new fellowship

relationships with international Lutheran partners—an encouraging sign of the church’s growing connections around the world.

While convention includes important decision-making, it is also a time for fellowship and celebration. Attendees will have opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet new ministry partners, and share stories of how God is at work in congregations across the country.

Special events—including social gatherings and creative programming—will help foster relationships and create memorable moments throughout the week.

For many, these connections are one of the most meaningful aspects of convention. “You realize you’re not alone,” Barta notes. “You see how God is working in different places, and that encouragement carries you back to your congregation.”

LCC announces nominees for President, Vice-President, and Regional Pastors

CANADA – The Commission on Nominations and Elections of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) has published the nominees for president, vice president, and regional pastors, with elections to take place during the synodical convention in June 2026.

Nominees for President

Current LCC President Timothy Teuscher announced in 2025 that he would not stand for reelection in 2026. Synodical bylaws specify that the slate of candidates for president shall be the five nominees receiving the highest number of votes in nominating ballots (in the event of a tie for fifth place, all tied candidates shall be listed, provided they were named on at least two nominating ballots). The following have all been nominated to serve as LCC President and have consented to have their names appear on the ballot. This list constitutes the slate

for President for the 2026 convention:

• Rev. David Haberstock –32 nominations

• Rev. Ted Giese – 11 nominations

• Rev. Michael Schutz – 11 nominations

• Rev. Joel Kuhl – 3 nominations

The following declined to let their name stand:

• Rev. Michael Keith – 8 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Mark Smith – 5 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Alex Klages – 4 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Nolan Astley –3 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Paul Roggow – 2 nominations (declined)

The following each received one nomination: Rev. Richard Beinert,

Rev. David Bode, Rev. Marvin Bublitz, Rev. Stephen Chambers, Rev. Fraser Coltman, Rev. Mark Dressler, Rev. Kenneth Edel, Rev. Arron Gust, Rev. Keith Haberstock, Rev. Jack Hetzel, Rev. Gregory Johnson, Rev. John Kreutzwieser, Rev. Kurt Lantz, Rev. Clint Magnus, Rev. Vishal Paul, Rev. Keith Reisdorf, Rev. Harold Ristau, Rev. Darren Siegle, and Rev. Thomas Winger.

Nominees for Vice-President

Synodical bylaws specify that the slate of candidates for Vice-President shall be the five nominees receiving the highest number of votes in nominating ballots (in the event of a tie for fifth place, all tied candidates shall be listed, provided they were named on at least two nominating ballots). The following have all been nominated to serve as Vice-President and have consented to have their names appear on the ballot.

Nominees for Synodical President

This list constitutes the slate for VicePresident for the 2026 convention:

• Rev. Michael Schutz – 19 nominations

• Rev. Ted Giese – 13 nominations

• Rev. Joel Kuhl – 8 nominations

• Rev. Kurt Lantz – 3 nominations

• Rev. David Zakel – 3 nominations

The following declined to let their name stand or were ineligible for nomination:

• Rev. David Haberstock –4 nominations (ineligible per SB 11.01)

• Rev. Arron Gust – 3 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Michael Keith – 3 nominations (declined)

The following received two nominations: Rev. Dan Abraham, Rev. Aaron Astley, Rev. Nolan Astley, Rev. Jeffery Dul, Rev. Brian Falkenholt, Rev. James Keller, Rev. Alex Klages, Rev. Kurt Reinhardt, Rev. Cameron Schnarr, and Rev. James Vosper.

The following received one nomination: Rev. Saulo Bledoff, Rev. Fraser Coltman, Rev. Brian Dunlop, Rev. Ken Eifert, Rev. Randy Heide, Rev. Jack Hetzel, Rev. Gregory Johnson, Rev. Richard Juritsch, Rev. Lee Loveridge, Rev. Scott Lyons, Rev. Robert Mohns (ineligible), Rev. Rudy Pastucha, Rev. Vishal Paul, Rev. Paul Schallhorn, Rev. Darren Siegle, and Rev. Mark Smith (ineligible).

Nominees for Regional Pastors

West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns announced in 2025 that he would not stand for reelection in 2026.

Synodical bylaws specify that the slate of candidates for Regional Pastor in each region shall be the three nominees receiving the highest number of votes in nominating ballots

CONVENTION NEWS

(in the event of a tie for third place, all tied candidates shall be listed, provided they were named on at least two nominating ballots).

Central Region

The following have consented to stand for election and constitute the slate of nominees for Central Regional Pastor:

• Rev. David Haberstock –8 nominations

The following declined to let their name stand for Central Regional Pastor:

• Rev. Arron Gust – 5 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Michael Keith – 2 nominations (declined)

• Rev. James Vosper – 2 nominations (declined)

East Region

The following have consented to stand for election and constitute the slate of nominees for East Regional Pastor:

• Rev. Marvin Bublitz –29 nominations

• Rev. Vishal Paul – 2 nominations

• Rev. Kurt Reinhardt – 2 nominations

The following declined to let their name stand for East Regional Pastor:

• Rev. Andre Schroth – 4 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Aaron Astley – 2 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Kurt Lantz – 2 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Paul Schallhorn – 2 nominations (declined)

West Region

The following have consented to stand for election and constitute the

slate of nominees for West Regional Pastor:

• Rev. Jan Pastucha – 8 nominations

• Rev. Michael Schutz – 4 nominations

The following declined to let their name stand for West Regional Pastor:

• Rev. Fraser Coltman – 5 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Michael Keith – 4 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Keith Haberstock –2 nominations (declined)

• Rev. Phil Washeim – 2 nominations (declined)

• Rev. David Dressler – 2 nominations (declined)

The following received one nomination: Rev. Rod Buck, Rev. Ted Giese, Rev. Don Hennig, Rev. Greg Johnson, Rev. Alex Klages, Rev. Joel Kuhl, Rev. Lee Loveridge, Rev. Scott Lyons, Rev. Cameron Schnarr, Rev. Jason Schultz, Rev. Darren Siegle, Rev. David Smilek, Rev. Neil Stern, Rev. Kevin Walrath, and Rev. Nicholas Wasylowich.

For further details on the nominations above, and for nominees for LCC’s board of directors, circuit counsellors, commissions, regional mission and ministry councils, and seminary boards of regents, please refer to the official reports of the Commission on Nominations and Elections in the 2026 Synodical Workbook.

Biographical information on all candidates can also be found in the Synodical Workbook.

CONVENTION

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2026 Convention Workbook now available

CANADA – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) released online on April 2 the Workbook for its upcoming Synodical Convention. The Convention Workbook can be downloaded from the convention website at: www.lutheranchurchcanada. ca/synod-convention-2026/.

Whether you are a voting or advisory delegate, advisory representative, official visitor, or guest, the 2026 Convention Workbook is an important resource for the Thirteenth Regular Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada, which is scheduled to meet from June 12-15 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg. In addition to reports from

Synod’s officers, board, commissions, regions, affiliated seminaries, auxiliaries, and other organizations, this workbook contains profiles of candidates who have been nominated for the various positions that will be elected (including President, VicePresident, and Regional Pastors), and, of course, overtures.

Resolutions Committees, consisting of convention delegates, are appointed by the Synod President to consider the submitted overtures and prepare resolutions based on the various matters the overtures address. While performing a helpful service, these Resolutions Committees do not

have the final word. Voting delegates may accept their proposed resolutions, decline them, amend them, or even go back to one of the original overtures if the assembly so desires. In the final weeks before the convention, the proposed resolutions from the Resolutions Committees will be sent as a separate publication to all delegates.

Per the LCC Handbook, “Any Member and any lay delegate to the Convention wishing to express comments on reports and overtures appearing in the Convention workbook may submit these at least seven (7) weeks prior to the Convention to the secretary, who shall transmit them to the appropriate convention committee for consideration.” Responses and comments to reports and overtures can be directed to the secretary at convention@lutheranchurch.ca. The deadline for responses is April 24, 2026.

While the secretary of the Board of Directors of LCC has the ultimate responsibility for the publication of this Convention Workbook, this task is carried out with the valuable assistance of our staff at the Synod’s office in Winnipeg: Iris Barta (who is serving as the 2026 convention manager), Angela Honey, Vira Askin, and Ingrid Willey.

The theme for this 2026 convention is “Together One: One Lord, One Faith, One Body.” Drawn from our Lord’s word to us in Ephesians 4:4-6, it also builds on the theme of the work we have done together over the last four years. There is one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and no other. He has called us into the one Christian faith and has graciously given us the gift of faith that clings to Christ alone for salvation. We are indeed one body as His people as we gather around His Holy Word and Sacraments which nourish and sustain us in this one faith in the one Lord.

Adapted from a Forward by LCC Vice-President Michael Schutz, on behalf of President Timothy Teuscher

LCC’ spending budget for 2026-27

CANADA – As we share the 2026-27 spending budget, we draw your attention to the story of the shared purpose, faithful stewardship, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church that these numbers tell. Through prayerful discernment and collaboration across Lutheran Church–Canada, the finance team prepared this budget that reflects a collective desire to move forward together in service to the Gospel.

This year’s budget also reflects wisdom gained through experience. While recent financial results have been strengthened by extraordinary one-time contributions, leadership has approached planning with care and humility, ensuring that resources are stewarded responsibly for long-term sustainability.

The process itself speaks volumes. Through thoughtful engagement, detailed review, and shared discernment, leaders across the Synod have contributed to a budget that is both grounded and forward-looking.

At a total of approximately $5.2 million, the budget directs the majority of resources toward frontline ministry. As illustrated in the accompanying chart, the largest allocations support International Missions (22%) and Domestic Missions (22%), underscoring a clear commitment to sharing the Gospel both abroad and within Canada. These investments reflect ongoing discernment around emerging opportunities, including urban, Indigenous, and new mission contexts, as well as the need to sustain congregational life in isolated, underserved communities.

Ecclesiastical Services (14%) and Higher Education (10%) further highlight the importance of supporting church workers and theological

2026-27 Budget Dollar Allocation

formation, including emphasis on vicarage placement and leadership development. Communication and Advancement functions, together with Common Services, accounting collectively for the remaining portion of the budget, ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to sustain and expand ministry impact.

Approved by the Board of Directors at its March 28, 2026,

meeting, this budget stands as an expression of unity and trust—an invitation to move forward together, confident that God continues to guide and bless the work entrusted to His Church.

Dwayne Cleave

Chief Administrative Officer Lutheran Church–Canada

In Quiet Strength: The life and witness of Paula Teuscher

CANADA – It is with deep sadness that Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) announces the passing of Paula Teuscher, beloved wife of LCC President Timothy Teuscher. Paula fell asleep in the Lord on March 17 in Winnipeg, following a brief illness.

There are some whose lives are marked not by prominence, but by presence—steady, attentive, and deeply rooted in faith. Paula Beth Teuscher was one such person.

Those who knew her will not remember her as one who sought the spotlight. Instead, they will recall a woman who listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully, and served faithfully. Her life was not loud, but it was full—full of quiet conviction, gentle strength, and a deep trust in the promises of Christ.

“I first met Paula when she came to Winnipeg,” recalls Rev. Cameron Schnarr. “It was a privilege to serve as her pastor.” What stood out immediately was not only her faithfulness, but the manner in which she lived it out.

Each week, she was present at the Wednesday morning Bible study. It was a simple rhythm, but one she kept with consistency—gathering with others

around the Word, in prayer, in reflection, and in shared life. She was not one to dominate conversations. Often, she listened more than she spoke. But when she did speak, others listened.

“She had a way of storing things up,” her pastor reflects. “And then, at just the right moment, she would offer something that was deeply insightful.” Her words were never rushed or casual. They were considered— formed by reflection, shaped by Scripture, and offered with care.

Born on September 1, 1951, in Calcutta, India, Paula was baptized later that same year, on October 28, at Salem Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, by her grandfather, Rev. Clarence Granlund. In 1965, she publicly confessed her faith through confirmation at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. That confession would remain the steady foundation of her life.

She later attended St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, before completing her studies at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, graduating in 1974. It was there that she met President Teuscher. The two were married on October 12 of that same year—a union that would become a shared life of service to the Church.

Following President Teuscher’s ordination in 1980, the Teuschers moved to Canada, where they would serve congregations in Mississauga, Petawawa, Stratford, and eventually Winnipeg. In each place, Paula’s role was not defined by title, but by presence. She understood, in a way that few can without experience, the demands and rhythms of pastoral ministry, and as such was an invaluable support—not only to her husband, but to many pastors and their families.

Her support was rarely public. It was expressed in listening, in encouragement, in prayer, and in a steady willingness to be present. “She had a unique ability to listen,” one

reflection notes. “To really hear what people were saying.” In a world often marked by noise and haste, this was no small gift.

Within the congregation, her service was similarly quiet but meaningful. She attended Bible study regularly, occasionally played the organ for worship, and served faithfully on the altar guild. These were not roles that drew attention, but they were essential—part of the fabric of congregational life.

Outside of her formal involvement in church life, Paula found joy in the ordinary and the creative. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, and especially cross-stitch. There was a patience to these pursuits—a careful, attentive engagement—that mirrored the way she lived more broadly. Even small details—an occasional glass of amaretto, time spent with family, the quiet satisfaction of a finished piece of needlework—spoke to a life that received God’s gifts with gratitude.

Paula is survived by her husband, Timothy; their children Joshua, Amanda, Jennifer, and Kimberly; grandchildren Isaac, Roman, and Chloe; her brothers Nathan (Patty), Curtiss (Randi), Kenneth (Kari), and other extended family.

In a world that often measures significance by visibility and influence, Paula Teuscher’s life offers a different witness. She positioned herself not at the centre, but alongside others—listening, supporting, and serving. She understood that faithfulness is not always found in what is seen, but often in what is quietly, consistently given.

A funeral service for Paula was held at Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Church in Winnipeg on March 23.

The family invites donations in Paula’s memory to be made to Lutheran Church–Canada for domestic missions and the vicarage support fund, or to a charity of your choice.

Thank you from President Teuscher

On behalf of my children and grandchildren, I extend my sincerest thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all the members of our Lutheran Church–Canada family – my fellow pastors, deacons, and members of various congregations; as well as to representatives of our auxiliaries and listed service organizations, and to my brothers in the International Lutheran Council for your prayers and words of condolence and hope upon the recent death of my beloved wife Paula.

As I was recently reading in my now empty apartment, I came across these comforting words from Martin Luther in a sermon for all who, like myself, experience the death of a loved one: “Surely, when Christians die, nothing evil happens to them. For when they fall asleep and pass on, just that blessed hour has come for which they have prayed throughout their lives when they said: Deliver us from all evil. This cannot happen unless we depart from this world in the name of Jesus Christ. Then we are really freed from all evil, and with all Christians we shall finally be raised to eternal life through Christ. Then we shall be reunited and shall find those who have been dear to us on earth. Indeed, together with the dear angels and the holy patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, we shall form one household,

shall have all joy in God and in our joy thank and praise Him throughout eternity. . . The dead lie in their graves as on soft beds and in a gentle sleep, waiting for our Lord Christ to come, tap on their beds and call them forth to live throughout eternity with all the godly, with God and His dear angels. Who wants to mourn for such

President Teuscher receives a framed graphic collecting words of love and comfort expressed by members from across synod.

when we should rejoice for them? We should sincerely thank God that they have come so close to the realization of their hope, whereas we who remain on earth still have so far to go to attain it and must first endure many dangers.”

President Timothy Teuscher Lutheran Church–Canada

Lynn Gergens, prominent youth ministry leader, called home

LANGLEY, B.C. – Dr. Lynn R. Gergens—founding chair of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) National Youth Gathering (NYG) and a former member of LCC’s Board of Directors— entered into glory on the morning of February 17. She was 62 years old.

Dr. Gergens was known fondly throughout LCC for her service to the church, especially in the area of youth ministry. Born on April 10, 1959, she grew up in Ontario. She served eight years with the LCMS’ Board of Youth Services, and then went on to serve from 1987-1990 on the Youth Committee of the Alberta-British Columbia (ABC) District at the invitation of then-District President Ed Lehman.

Dr. Gergens worked at Concordia College (Edmonton) from 1983-1993, serving as Director of Communications and Alumni Affairs, Director of Church Recruitment, and Dean of Admissions. She subsequently served the college as a sessional instructor in the Director of Parish Services program, teaching “Youth Ministry Practicum” (19931995) and “Principles of Youth and Young Adult Ministry” (1993-2004). She also founded Footsteps Ministry in the 1990s and began work as a parish ministry consultant. In 1998, she began working also with Walnut Grove Lutheran (Langley, B.C.), serving as Director of Youth and Family for nearly three decades until her health declined.

Following LCC’s move to autonomy, Dr. Gergens played an instrumental role in the establishment and development of the National Youth Gathering (NYG), serving as chair for the first such gathering in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1989. She would continue as chair for the next three NYGs. For decades afterwards she continued to assist with gatherings while mentoring other leaders who carried on her legacy. She regularly served as a speaker and breakout session leader at gatherings through 2013, often addressing some of the most complex and difficult questions that arise in youth ministry.

For the NYG’s first gathering, Dr. Gergens encouraged several young men to form a band to sing at the event. Thus was born the CREW, a musical group which became a fixture in LCC and led to the birth of CREW Ministries. CREW Ministries sent numerous touring groups throughout LCC over many years, and also provided shortterm summer groups which assisted congregations with Vacation Bible Schools. Along the way, Dr. Gergens continued to serve, helping to provide training for these music-ministry teams.

Dr. Gergens served two six-year terms on LCC’s Board of Directors from 1999-2011, and subsequently served on the ABC District Board of Directors thereafter. “Lynn was most generous with her time and while overseeing the whole always kept her eye on the needs of the individual,” reflected LCC President Emeritus Ralph Mayan. “She had a heart for Christ and a heart for youth!”

Dr. Gergens served on various other synodical and district committees as well, notably LCC’s Parish Services Committee and Board from 19861999. She also oversaw training for the BC Mission Boat Society, and served as chairperson for Ambassadors of Reconciliation Canada. Dr. Gergens was a regular speaker at LCC events across the country, including

regional conferences, lay education workshops, pastors’ wives retreats, and more. Alongside Dcn. Michael Gillingham, she helped to found the Sabbath Conference (then the National Professional Church Worker Conference) to encourage deacons and other church workers and volunteers in LCC. She also served further afield, leading short-term mission trips to places like Ukraine and Nicaragua, as well as to Kingcome, B.C.

And of course, she was involved in youth ministry, helping to train leaders for youth ministry and assisting with youth gatherings on the local, regional, and national level. She even assisted LCC’s daughter church, the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua with the launch of its first youth gathering in 2008.

Dr. Gergens received her B.A. from Wilfred Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario) in 1978, and her M.A. from the University of Alberta (Edmonton) in 1986 with a thesis focused on catechetical literature. In 2013, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) for “her joyous love of Christian young people, and her commitment to forming them as servants for Jesus’ sake” and for her “steady service to the people of Lutheran Church–Canada on boards, committees, and special projects,” among other reasons.

In 1998, Gary Brucker of the CREW wrote a tribute article for The Canadian Lutheran reflecting on Dr. Gergens’ service to LCC. In it, Gergens reflected: “I want to be remembered as a person who pointed to Jesus, and I want to be remembered as a person who loved people with His love.” “By God’s grace,” Brucker wrote, “I believe this will be her lasting legacy.”

A memorial service for Dr. Gergens is being planned for later this year. An extended version of this article appears online at www.CanadianLutheran.ca.

Rev. Warren Hamp, former CTCR chair, enters into glory

KITCHENER, Ont. – Rev. Warren “Woody” William Hamp, a former member of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Board of Directors and former chair of LCC’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), entered into glory on February 27. He was 62 years old.

Rev. Hamp was born on October 30, 1963. He served as the pastor of Faith Lutheran (Kitchener, Ontario) from 1993-2025, and as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran (Beamsville, Ontario) from 1990-1993. He received his pastoral training through Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario), graduating in 1990.

Rev. Hamp served also on LCC’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations from 2007-2016. In 2011, the CTCR elected him chairman—a position he held through 2016. Rev. Hamp was subsequently elected to serve as a member of LCC’s Board of Directors from 2017-2021.

In 2022, Rev. Hamp returned to service as a member of the CTCR. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, he still managed to participate in the commission’s most recent meeting in October 2025, attending online by video conferencing.

In 2023, Rev. Hamp was awarded the Delta Chi (Servant of Christ) award by Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary—the seminary’s highest award. The award was given to Rev. Hamp in recognition of his “quiet theological leadership as chairman of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, for ongoing work in ecumenical dialogue, and for many years of adjunct teaching at the seminary.”

Rev. Hamp was also deeply involved with missions. That work included service on the board of Haiti Lutheran Mission Society (HLMS), as well as significant involvement with LCC’s daughter church in Nicaragua, the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua - ILSN). In Nicaragua, Rev. Hamp assisted with theological training for pastors and deaconesses, as well as with shortterm building projects and Vacation Bible Schools.

Rev. Hamp was preceded in death by his wife, Annettee, in 2021, as well as by his father, Arthur, in 2018. He is survived by his children Kaitlyn, Isaac (Eva), Rebekah, Noah, and Luke (Carly); by his much-loved Lori

Kalbfleisch; by his mother, Helen; by his siblings Barbara (Ross Pearson), David (Susan), Lorne (Sandy) and Brian (Juanita); and by his parents-inlaw and siblings-in-law in Michigan, as well many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Rev. Hamp took place at Grace Lutheran in Kitchener on March 7.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rev. Hamp have been requested to be made to LCC’s “Nicaragua Pastors and Deaconesses Stipend Fund.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Those words of St. Paul came to mind upon being informed of the death of Rev. Warren Hamp following a lengthy illness. On behalf of the congregations, pastors, and deacons of Lutheran Church–Canada, I extend my deepest sympathies to the members of his family and to the members of Faith Lutheran Church (Kitchener Ontario) whom he served faithfully for over thirty years. His service extended also to the church-at-large: on our synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations, member of the Board of Directors, and teaching on many an occasion in our synod’s mission field in Nicaragua.

Woody was a close colleague and a dear, personal friend who I will miss greatly. In the midst of our sorrow, tears, and loss may, this be his legacy to us: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

President Timothy Teuscher Lutheran Church–Canada

Throughout my years of service as the West Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church–Canada, I have witnessed the Lord’s hand guiding His Church, sustaining His people, nurturing them in faith, and welcoming the lost or those who have strayed into His kingdom. Many members have expressed a desire for greater awareness of the developments and events occurring among the congregations of LCC.

Jesus once told the story of a sower sowing seeds. He did it not in the patterned way of us moderns, but seemingly indiscriminately, randomly, all over the place (Matthew 13). Jesus used stories like this to help His disciples understand His work, so I want to share a few stories too to highlight the Lord’s ongoing work in our regions.

After nine years of pastoral formation through the Pastors with Alternate Training program, and under the guidance of Rev. Mark Ruf alongside host congregation Grace Lutheran Church, Joseph Nhial was ordained and installed to serve the Nuer language people in Calgary. The Word of the Lord and the working of the spirit in Word and Sacrament has yielded both numerical growth and spiritual maturity, with more than three hundred Nuer-speaking people from the community attended Rev. Nhial’s ordination and installation. Today, this community is nearing the final stages of establishing the South Sudanese Nuer Lutheran Church Fellowship of Calgary as part of LCC. Remarkably, despite limited resources, this young faith community also supports two Nuer-speaking

GOD AT WORK IN THE WEST REGION

FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR | REV. ROBERT MOHNS ALBERTA

congregations overseas. Efforts are underway to obtain and develop Nuer language resources to support both worship and ongoing catechesis within the congregation.

Rev. Jean Luc Damas and his family settled in northern B.C.’s Dawson Creek after he was certified to teach in Canada, joining the French language school programme there. Rev. Damas, originally trained as a Roman Catholic priest in Haiti, became acquainted with LCC through Rev. David Somers, missionary-at-large for French ministries. Rev. Damas undertook courses at the Francophone Lutheran Liturgical Institute and later entered the colloquy programme, becoming certified for a call in LCC. Rev. Damas continues to support the Haitian diaspora in Canada and has developed numerous connections. Recently, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dawson Creek applied to the President’s Ministry Council for Rev. Damas to serve as Assistant Pastor alongside Rev. Ken Eifert. His addition will greatly benefit the Peace River Circuit, which faces the challenge of providing Word and Sacrament ministry across a vast area with a shortage of pastors.

Faith Lutheran Church in Surrey, B.C., supports numerous language communities, enabling worship in each group’s prayer language. The congregation has begun a new mission project called, “Overcoming Babel,” which will make use of an AI service to bridge the gap between the many language groups of this multi-ethnic congregation. Faith also hosts a growing Oromo language community. Several years ago, Rev. Mark Smith,

then LCC’s Mission Executive, connected with Rev. Magarsa Danu, who moved to Vancouver to serve the Oromo language community. Rev. Danu, who trained for ministry at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus’ seminary, entered our colloquy programme and was certified for ministry within LCC, receiving a call to serve as missionary-at-large to the Oromo community. This ministry has flourished, and steps are now being taken to formally establish a LCC congregation in the lower mainland for the Oromo community.

In northern Alberta’s Fort McMurray, Trinity Lutheran Church and the Oromo worshipping community received pastoral care from Rev. Keith Haberstock for nine years. Rev. Haberstock has now accepted a call to serve at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chilliwack, B.C. As Trinity can no longer support a resident pastor, LCC pastors from the Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary have offered to provide the English-speaking community with Word and Sacrament as they are able when visiting Fort McMurray to serve the Oromo community.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Calgary, the mother church of the city, remains one of the last bilingual German/English-speaking congregations. In recent years, a group of Eritrean Christians began worshipping with them and have joined the congregation. The once elderly congregation has revitalized its Sunday School and Eritrean young people have joined the confirmation class. This new involvement has revitalised the congregation’s ministry.

WEST REGION NEWS

ALBERTA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA • MICHELLE HEUMANN, EDITOR

Seminary wives gather for fellowship

The Sower continues to sow the seed randomly, all over. Even on this sin-hardened country and this thorninfested heart of mine, the fruit of faith and life are born and sustained. Sin and death are conquered, and the Life of the world brings new life into the world. I am constantly surprised and amazed. And if you pay attention, perhaps you too will see it hiding in the rocky crags and under the weedinfested fields.

At a baptismal font in a hotel conference room, or with a congregation gathering in a meeting room at a hockey arena, parents submit their children to death to sin in Holy Baptism and receive back to themselves a new creation, a child of God. There can be no greater joy in this world than that!

At an overcrowded hallway in a hospital, with alarms going off, a pastor crouches over his parishioner, providing the medicine of immortality—perhaps for the last time this side of eternity. And he witnesses those dry bones taste the fulfilment and peace of God.

At a lowly cemetery in the dead of winter, parishioners and pastor cluster together to bury their beloved, awaiting the joyous resurrection where all the saints will be raised pure and holy to behold their Lord as He welcomes all to the wedding feast that has no end. What a day that will be!

There are countless stories yet to be told of God’s activity through His Church; for the Sower continues to goes forth to sow. I am grateful to have travelled for a time as LCC’s West Regional Pastor and to have been shown the hand of God at work.

EDMONTON – On Saturday, March 7, the wives of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) students and faculty gathered for a lunch and time of fellowship in Edmonton.

Hosted by Janice, wife of CLS President Jonathan Kraemer, along with faculty wives Shana, Kara, and Cely, the gathering offered an opportunity to connect in an informal and welcoming setting.

Over a meal and conversation, the women shared encouragement and began discussing ways they might support one another in the unique joys and challenges that come with seminary and pastoral family life. For many, it was a meaningful opportunity to meet others walking a similar path and to build relationships within the seminary community.

Events like this help foster the sense of care and encouragement reflected in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” The seminary is grateful for the time and effort put into organizing this gathering and looks forward to continued opportunities for connection among seminary families.

Share your story

CANADA – Has your congregation recently celebrated an installation, an anniversary, or another important event? Share your story with the readers of The Canadian Lutheran.

Articles should include the date the event occurred and be approximately 100 to 400 words long. Please send articles as a Word document attached to your email, or in the body of the email itself, with credit to the author. Attach to an email one to four high-quality photos in their original format.

Submit your stories to the regional news editor, Michelle Heumann, at regionaleditor@lutheranchurch.ca.

WEST REGION NEWS

25th anniversary of the Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary

CALGARY, Alta. – The Oromo Evangelical Church of Calgary (OECC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It started as a Christian fellowship in the basement of a Christian family, Adde Belayinesh Teshome and Obbo Ballis, around 2001. Later, the group began holding Sunday afternoon services at Foothills Lutheran Church, with permission from its leaders. By 2004, the fellowship was officially

organized as a charitable institution.

In 2016, OECC became a registered charitable organization, creating a constitution that follows the doctrine and constitution of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). OECC follows Lutheran teachings and is committed to the authority of the Bible. The church is currently growing in both the size of its holistic ministry and membership.

The Assembly of Believers is the governing and high decision-making body in the structure of the OECC. This Assembly elects five elders to handle church administration. The Senior

Pastor and an Assistant Pastor focus on the church’s spiritual activities.

OECC offers a variety of services and ministries, including Bible teaching, worship, prayer, hospitality and generosity, women’s ministry, youth and young adult ministry, children’s ministry, and family ministry. The church also helps children learn Christian values to raise them as responsible citizens. It manages several ministries, such as Family Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Youth and Children’s Ministry, and Outreach Ministry, as well as programs supporting refugees from different countries as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder institution, and other assistance services (services intended to address both spiritual and physical needs of a person).

OECC is celebrating its 25 th anniversary grateful for the abundance of God’s grace and the support of LCC. Dawit Biftu, OECC President

CENTRAL REGION NEWS

Zion in Plumas marking 125th anniversary

PLUMAS, Man. – The congregation of Zion Lutheran Church thanks and praises God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ who established Zion Lutheran first in Tupper, Manitoba, and then in the village of Plumas some 125 years ago.

The foundation laid by the first settlers is still felt here to this day. Their faith in Christ Jesus was passed on from one generation to another, allowing this humble congregation to endure for 125 years. Although Zion has faced many trials over the years, she has also been very blessed with times of joy.

For 125 years the Word of God has been taught and proclaimed and the Sacraments administered according to the command and promise of

Jesus Christ. For all of God’s richest blessings, the members of Zion “shout and sing for joy”—their anniversary theme verse from Isaiah 12:6.

Whatever the next 125 years bring, the church is still teaching the next generation the same thing their parents were taught: the Word of God. They hope their humble efforts for Zion’s upcoming anniversary this summer will show God’s grace at work in the hearts of the people and pastors associated with Zion Lutheran.

Over the last number of decades, church member Bernice Walker has recorded, photographed, and catalogued Zion’s events and history. All the precious memories of Zion’s history were published in photo albums for family and friends to enjoy.

In preparation for Zion’s 125 th anniversary, Walker and Rev. James Vosper were commissioned by Zion’s Anniversary Committee to write

Rev. Christi installed in Regina

LEFT: Pastors emeriti Terry Defoe and Irwin Pudrycki bring greetings.

RIGHT: Back left to right: Revs. Robert Grout, Jason Schultz, Dr. John Kreutzwieser, Dan Barr, Airton Glitz, Daryl Solie, Arron Gust, Nigel Prozenko, Laverne Hautz, Paulo Brum, James Chimirri-Russell, and Joshua Kurtenbach. Front left to right: Dcn. Amanda Hastings, Revs. Howard Ulmer, Ted Giese, David Haberstock, Basil Christi, Terry Defoe, and Lowell Dennis.

A Narrative History of Zion’s last 25 years. After a first draft, Rev. Vosper suggested offering the history booklet as an audio book, with Walker narrating. They hope to have hard copies of the booklet available soon, along with the audio book that will be released on Zion’s YouTube channel before the anniversary in July.

Rev. James Vosper and Bernice Walker

REGINA – On February 15, Rev. Basil Christi (Vasilios Christoforidis) formerly of Christ our King Lutheran in Mississauga was installed as Associate Pastor at Mount Olive Lutheran. An exciting new chapter unfolds for the congregation as Rev. Christi joins Lead Pastor Rev. Ted Giese in serving the members of Mount Olive while reaching out to the wider community with the love of Jesus. Pastors emeriti of the congregation, Rev. Irwin Pudrycki (1980-2002) and Rev. Terry Defoe (2003-2016), were present for the event to bring greetings to Rev. Christi. Rev. Ted Giese

The Latin phrase “Memento mori” means “Remember that you will die.” Lent starts on Ash Wednesday with this same reminder: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Remember, in other words, that you will die.

Death is all around us. From the moment Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they were spiritually dead. Cut off from the source of life, they began to die physically. The Lord had given them the tree of life that they might eat of it and live. But now, to live apart from Christ is to live in death.

An eternal life of death was unfathomable for our merciful Lord, so He banished Adam and Eve from the Garden—for paradise is no longer paradise if you cannot walk with our Lord face-to-face. What good is it to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul?

Remembering that we shall die is repentance: dying to self daily in baptism, dying to sin, turning away from that which leads to death, turning again to the Lord in faith. But even this turning in faith to the Lord is His gift! The Lord works it by the preaching and working of His Law in the hearts, minds, and lives of mankind, allowing the wages of sin to work on this world, so that all men are without excuse.

Then the Gospel works faith to return people to the Lord our God. This is called contrition, which is godly sorrow over sin. Despair, by contrast, is demonic sorrow over sin which causes one to despair of the goodness of God. Despair is contrition

CENTRAL REGION NEWS

MEMENTO MORI

FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR | REV. DAVID HABERSTOCK

twisted by demons and separated from the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in Jesus Christ.

Repentance. This is life. Life here below. We must always repent. We must be bold to do so. This is why it is good, right, and lifegiving to have a general confession (repentance) and absolution at the beginning of the Divine Service. It is also why individual confession and absolution is such a blessing, so that your own specific sins which you know and feel in your heart can be nailed to the cross, and die, removed from you and buried in the wounds of Christ Jesus.

The absolution of Christ through your pastor gives strength for living the Christian life. General absolution from the mouth of your pastor is good. Specific absolution to you over the sin you’ve named out loud before God and your pastor buries that sin in the ears of your pastor, and Christ our Lord, never to be brought up again. It is dead to you. Removed as far as the east is from the west. No more to condemn you. For there is now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Repentance is the focus of the Christian life. It is the focus of Lent. Lent is life! Lent is 40 days, just like the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Just like the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. Lenten fasting is about repentance, for as the Catechism says, “fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training, but that man is worthy and well prepared who has faith in these

words, ‘Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.’”

Fasting is good for your body. Christian fasting is a form of prayer. It is not just dieting, losing weight, beating your body so that it may be in subjection to you, but specifically spiritual discipline for the sake of your prayers. For when our desires run amuck with us, our prayers suffer. When you stare at your phone from morning till night, all sorts of good that the Lord would give you and have you receive is missed—from the pleasure of a tidy, orderly house to actually talking to the loved ones the Lord gives you.

Turning away from sin and death brings a need for the new. New habits. New thought patterns. Repentance and renewal bring new godly desires, and those desires need to be honed, practiced, given form and freedom to move in your life.

This Lent I have been using devotions and a general guide for fasting from a new Lutheran men’s organization called memento70.com. The devotions have been enriching, and teach beautifully on Lenten disciplines, their need and purpose, while properly distinguishing Law and Gospel at the same time.

It has been a great encouragement, and the spiritual discipline, formation, guidance, and nudging I receive makes the joy of our Lord’s bringing life and immortality to light on Easter that much more joyous—for we remember that we will die, but we live in the sure hope of the resurrection in Christ Jesus.

CENTRAL REGION NEWS

25 years of God’s faithfulness at NBLC

REGINA – As New Beginnings Lutheran Church (NBLC) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the congregation is reminded of the joyful invitation of Psalm 100: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving… For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever.” This anniversary year is more than a single event; it is a season to remember God’s faithfulness, to rejoice in His work, and to look ahead with hope and confidence in His promises.

Rooted in Christ and growing in faith (Colossians 2:6-7), NBLC is a grateful member of Lutheran Church–Canada. The congregation’s purpose has always been clear: to hear the Gospel, receive the Sacraments, and be sent into God’s mission. Their calling is both simple and profound: to serve Jesus Christ and to share His love in the community, so that all may know Him as Lord and Redeemer.

NBLC’s story began in 2001, when 46 members, together with

Rev. Bruce Corson from Mount Olive Lutheran Church, stepped out in faith to form a new congregation. The first worship service was held on November 25, 2001, at Canadian Bible College. As God continued to gather His people, NBLC grew and eventually moved into their current home at 1037 Victoria Avenue—a place where the Gospel continues to be proclaimed, lived out, and shared.

From the beginning, NBLC has embraced a contemporary style of worship firmly rooted in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, with a strong emphasis on outreach, particularly to those who are unchurched, dechurched, or new to the Christian faith.

In 2024 alone, the church welcomed 35 new members from many nations, including Brazil, Uganda, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Mexico, and China. Some joined through membership transfers, while others

came through Christianity 101 and Growing in Faith classes. This diversity is a living testimony to Christ at work through Word and Sacrament.

NBLC is guided by Rev. Paulo Brum, officers, elders, committees, and ministry teams, all serving together so that God’s people may be cared for and equipped for faithful service. As part of LCC, the congregation also rejoices in their connection to a larger family of faith rooted in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

During this anniversary year, NBLC warmly encourages members and friends to remain engaged in the life and celebrations of the church.

Special events are being planned throughout the year, with a special highlight to be an anniversary worship service followed by a catered dinner on November 14.

NBLC’s 25th Anniversary Committee

Ihave noticed that when many adults draw, their work looks like something a child would do. We shrug it off because not everyone is good at drawing… but I think there may be more involved. Someone was once asked why adult drawings look like they were done by an eight-yearold child. The response has stayed with me: “Because that is when most of us stopped drawing.”

The drawings of many adults look like they were done by a child because that is when most stop drawing. Their skills never improve.

Others continue to draw; we call them artists. We marvel at their work. We admire their dedication.

When we stop doing something, our skill level often freezes in time. Why can a skilled carpenter drive a nail straight in a few hammer blows, but most others need numerous hits and the result is a bent nail? Simple: the carpenter has honed his skill over the years.

The same rule applies to many trades. A bricklayer can build a beautiful wall while a novice has trouble getting the spacing and lines right. A skilled farmer can plough a straight furrow while beginners plough a curvy line. It takes time and effort to develop skills like these.

So, what does this have to do with us in the Church? Well, have you ever heard someone at a church meeting say something that is not in accord with Holy Scripture? Yes, yes, we are all sinners—but there is often more than that at play in these kind of situations.

Ask yourself: how much Bible study have I done beyond confirmation class? Have I attended congregational

EAST REGION NEWS

STUDY HIS WORD

FROM THE REGIONAL PASTOR | REV. MARVIN BUBLITZ

Bible study? Have I opened my Bible for personal devotions? Have I read or studied any of the Lutheran Confessions?

Hmm. Talk about driving bent nails, ploughing curves, and drawing like a child.

And what about you, pastors? What have you done since seminary days for study? There are many opportunities for continuing education. Do you avail yourself of them?

Hmm. Maybe we all could use some further study and education. We read in the Psalms: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you” (Psalm 32:8-9). And again: “Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).

In Proverbs, we also read: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:2-7).

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” I hope you take this

admonition to heart. Keep learning, that the Lord may increase both your knowledge and understanding. It is His Word that gives us guidance. Therefore, we must study it daily. “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

If we all studied Holy Scripture more, our brotherly love would increase. We would have fewer fights and struggles in meetings if we all turned to God’s Word for our guidance. Imagine what debate at a convention would be like if everyone relied on God’s revealed Word to direct our speaking and actions.

This is a hard thing. So, we pray, “Lord, increase our faith.” And faith comes by hearing the Word of God. We study His Word so the Lord may make us wise unto salvation—and wise for life together here in His Holy Church.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

- 2 Timothy 3:14-17-

EAST REGION NEWS

Closing of St. Matthew’s in Smithville

SMITHVILLE, Ont. – For almost 80 years, God’s Word was proclaimed and the Holy Sacraments were administered at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (also known as St. Matthew’s Slovak Evangelical Church) in Smithville. On January 13, former members, friends, and local clergy gathered to officially close the congregation. With heavy hearts, this handful of people gave thanks to the Lord for the countless blessings God poured out upon the congregation throughout its history. In addition, they gave thanks for the many saints who worshipped there.

The seeds of this congregation go back to the 1940s when the first Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church synod missionary in Canada traveled back and forth from Montreal, ministering to the Slovak community. In 1954, St. Matthew’s received its first pastor, a graduate from the Springfield seminary, and the following year the church structure was built and dedicated. Services were offered in both Slovak and English.

Pastors that served St. Matthew’s include Rev. Joseph Fabry, Rev. Dr. Roger Winger, and Rev. Stewart Marshall. With long vacancies between each pastorate, it eventually became a preaching station for students of nearby Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary.

In 1991, St. Matthew’s joined Lutheran Church–Canada. A tri-parish was formed with Messiah Lutheran in Stoney Creek and St. Stephen’s in Grimsby. That lasted until Messiah and St. Stephens merged to form Christ Our Saviour, Grimsby. Once again, seminary students helped to fill the gap until St. Matthew’s joined Emmanuel in Beamsville in a dualparish situation.

An outstanding achievement from this time was the formation of the “Farm Project,” which raised more than $100,000 for Canadian

Lutheran World Relief. Eventually, St. Matthew’s went back to being a preaching station for the English services, while Rev. Ladislav Kozak traveled back and forth from Toronto offering services in Slovak.

Rev. Kevin Walrath, Hamilton Circuit Counsellor, was asked by Rev. Marvin Bublitz, East Regional Pastor, to close the congregation based on the resolution of closure adopted by St. Matthew’s, and a brief order of service was held.

The records of the congregation were put into the safekeeping of Rev. Jason Gillard of Christ Our Saviour. A sharing of congregational memories was provided by Jill Munoz, wife of former vacancy pastor, the late Rev. Roberto Munoz. Highlights included the production of “Job and the Snake,” celebrating a Passover seder

meal, caroling to the neighbours, and reaching out to the community through movies and soup suppers. The service concluded with the Doxology, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”

St. Matthew’s has blessed the wider church through the donation of its pipe organ to St. John Lutheran Church in Snyder, its altar crucifix to St. John Lutheran Church in Snyder, and its communion ware to Christ Lutheran Church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Property ownership was officially transferred to Lutheran Church–Canada in November 2025.

As this building is officially closed as a place of worship, the church remembers with gratitude all the blessings the Lord gave to those living and those who have gone before. To God be the glory.

EAST REGION NEWS

Grimsby hosts seminar on worldview

GRIMSBY, Ont. – On Saturday, January 10, the Hamilton and Niagara circuits presented another “Under the Influence” seminar at Christ Our Saviour, with Dr. Dan Smilek presenting on his muchanticipated topic, “The Limits of Attention and the Engineering of Our Worldview.” More than 90 guests from fourteen congregations gathered to learn about humans’ attention, how sin, the devil, and the world desire to manipulate it, and

what God and His Holy Scriptures tell Christians about conforming their attention and their souls to the things of Christ.

The presentation included many opportunities for encouraging discussion and participation from those in attendance. The highlight of the day was Dr. Smilek’s presentation, but participants also enjoyed a tasty schnitzel lunch, time for fellowship, and activities for the many children in attendance.

Organizers thank all those who attended the event and those who volunteered to make it a success. Please keep your eyes out for another “Under the Influence” opportunity in the new year.

Nicaragua: International missions with a domestic twist

NICARAGUA – From January 12-16, preparation and formation of future pastors and deaconesses of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) partner church in Nicaragua— the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua—continued.

Seventeen diaconal and seven pastoral students participated in seminary classes focused on the Theology of Worship and sound Proclamation of the Word. The worship class was taught by LCC’s Director of International Missions, Rev. M.L. Smith, while the other was taught by LCC’s Director of Domestic Missions, Rev. Jacob Quast.

These courses lay the foundation for students to better understand the deep significance and gifts God gives to His people gathered in the Divine Service, as well as how to rightly handle God’s Word of truth when leading different activities in the church.

The international and domestic mission directors of LCC work hand in hand with each other to better oversee the broader mission of the church, especially since there is great overlap between LCC’s Domestic and International Missions. This trip presented an opportunity for

Rev. Quast to receive firsthand experience of the mission work LCC undertakes in Nicaragua.

Following the weeklong seminary instruction, Revs. Smith and Quast were able to travel to various mission sites in Nicaragua and visit with pastors and people, encouraging them in the good work they are doing in serving the saints under their care and reaching the lost with the saving hope of Jesus. While desperately poor according to North American standards, these dear ones of God steadfastly serve their neighbours in love, caring for the their physical and spiritual needs. All of this is possible due to the support that is received from Lutheran Church–Canada.

repair. Yet the people gather faithfully, week in and week out, to receive God’s gifts in Word and Sacrament. This small congregation has a thriving youth and young adult ministry that is keen on reaching out to others with the love of Jesus. They are faithfully served by Pastor Pedro and his wife, Deaconess Fatima.

While touring the church in Matagalpa, it was evident that the church building was in dire need of

Please keep all our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua in your prayers as they daily strive to share the goodness and love of God in Christ Jesus with those in their communities. May the Lord bless all that they do in His precious name.

The mission of the Church is one of love—love received by the faithful gathered around the Lord’s Word and Sacrament. This love, however, is not meant to be kept within the confines of the Church; it is to be shared in loving and faithful ministry to the world, drawing people into God’s flock to be tended by the Good Shepherd.

Healthy congregations are nourished by the Shepherd Jesus who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He leads us to feast on the green pastures of His Word, rest beside the still waters of our Baptism, and rejoice in the precious table of His body and blood which strengthens and preserves us in the face of the onslaughts of the world, devil, and our own sinful flesh (Psalm 23). We fear not, because the Lord is our Shepherd; we shall not want.

Christians who have been called and gathered by the voice of our Good Shepherd and nurtured and sustained with His gifts are sent by Him to gather more sheep into the flock of His Church. We do this in our daily vocations, seeking to show similar unconditional love to that which our Lord has shown us—a love expressed in mercy, care, and compassion for our neighbours. Love, then, is both the motive and fruit of the Church’s mission.

These deeds of love can lead to opportunities to share the Gospel with others. For it is through the Word of the Gospel that hearts are changed and lives transformed by the Holy Spirit. As St. Paul writes, “In Him you also, when you heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and believed

MISSION CONTINUES IN LOVE: WITH A BOLD CONFESSION OF FAITH

DIRECTOR OF DOMESTIC MISSIONS | REV. JACOB QUAST

in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).

Moved by love for our neighbour, this confession of the Gospel of Jesus is the primary act in all evangelism. Indeed, there can be no true evangelism without proclamation of the Evangel (Gospel). Jesus Christ crucified for sinners is the most important message we will ever share with anyone. It should always be on our lips, ready to be shared in love with whomever the Lord places before us.

Of course, this is not always easy. Often we are scared to share our faith with others, be they family, friends, coworkers, or strangers. We fear reprisal, mockery, separation, cancelation, being labeled intolerant, and more. We are tempted to be lax in our confession so as to maintain “peace” with those around us.

But can there truly be peace apart from Him who is the Prince of Peace?

Jesus Christ and His merciful love and salvation must be proclaimed for there to be true peace. Peace between us and God. Peace between one another. The foundation of our peace is nothing less than the forgiveness of sins and righteousness received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Jesus Himself declared: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus gave a bold confession of exactly who He is, and that there is no pathway to salvation apart from Him. The most loving thing we can ever do for others is to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus with them. This runs counter to what society teaches regarding tolerance for all

beliefs. Indeed, the devil tempts us to believe that the docrine of salvation in Christ alone is off-putting and detrimental to outreach, as it may offend those whom we are trying to reach. To be sure, Christians ought not be condescending towards others. But we also cannot fail to share the Truth with them in love. To fail to be bold in our confession of Christ is to fail in our vocation to love others by proclaiming God’s Word and love for all people.

The amazing thing is that, as we boldly and lovingly share the confession of our faith in Jesus with others, the Holy Spirit blesses the fruit that is borne. Many people today, especially the young, are longing to be part of a church that stands for something—a church that is unafraid and unabashed in its confession and remains rooted in the truth of God’s Word. They long too for a church that lovingly cares for the needs of others as a natural outgrowth of that confession.

Beloved, we in the Confessional Lutheran Church have this in spades! Our commitment to Scripture as the pure and Holy Word of God is a breath of fresh air to many. In love, therefore, we seek opportunities to share and show God’s love. Our Lord Jesus uses these humble acts to gather people into His flock. As Jesus says: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16).

May we, by our bold confession of Jesus the Good Shepherd, lovingly lead others into the flock of Christ to be fed and nurtured by Him. What a mission!

A tribute to Rev. Suchart Chujit, LCC missionary in Thailand

THAILAND – With deep sorrow, yet with the sure hope of the resurrection, we give thanks to God for the life and faithful service of Rev. Suchart Chujit, LCC’s missionary in Thailand, who was called to his eternal rest on March 16, 2026, after a battle with cancer.

Born and raised in southern Thailand, Rev. Chujit did not begin life within the Christian faith. Rather, his journey to Christ is a powerful testimony to the living and active Word of God and the steadfast love of our Lord working through His Church.

Through the witness of his wife, Aporn—who herself had come to faith through early Lutheran mission work—Rev. Chujit was first invited to hear the Gospel. At the time, he resisted. He was not only reluctant to attend church but was also critical of his wife’s departure from her Buddhist traditions. Yet the Lord, in His mercy, was at work in ways unseen.

During a fishing trip, Rev. Chujit was struck by lightning, leaving him hospitalized and near death. In those long days of recovery, his wife remained faithfully at his side, praying for him and leaving a Bible within his reach. With little else to occupy his time, he began to read— starting in Genesis and continuing through to Revelation.

He later reflected that he could not stop reading. The more he read, the more he was drawn in. The Scriptures took hold of his heart. What had once been resistant began to soften. He described it as a frozen heart slowly melting and warming. By the time he had finished, he turned to his wife and expressed his desire to attend church and learn more of this Word that was so profoundly transforming him.

Rev. Chujit received catechesis from Dr. Herb Gernand, a Lutheran layman who had established a

house church, and later from Rev. Ted NaThalong, who continued the missionary work in Thailand. Through their teaching, the Holy Spirit strengthened him in the faith, and he came to confess with joy Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins.

From that point forward, Rev. Chujit devoted his life to the service of the Gospel. Through theological training provided by LCC’s international mission efforts, he was prepared for pastoral ministry. He was called to serve as a missionaryat-large in the Phang Nga region of southern Thailand, where he laboured faithfully for nearly three decades.

Those who knew Rev. Chujit remember not only his faithfulness in doctrine and practice, but also the spirit in which he carried out his ministry. His joyful disposition and gentle humour often opened doors for conversation and eased hearts, making him not only a preacher of the Gospel, but a pastor who knew his people and was deeply loved by them.

Rev. Chujit was devoted to shepherding the flock entrusted to his care, preaching Christ crucified with clarity and conviction, and administering the sacraments with reverence and joy. Many came to hear the Gospel through his ministry, and new believers were gathered into the life of the Church. Some who sat and listened to him preach were not unlike the man he himself had once been—resistant, distant, perhaps skeptical. He knew

it. And that knowledge shaped his ministry: he proclaimed the Gospel with patience, and with the quiet confidence of a man who had felt a frozen heart thaw by the work of the Holy Spirit.

We give thanks to God for a life of faith marked by an unexpected beginning yet abundantly filled by grace. We thank God for Aporn’s faithful witness, for the teachers who walked alongside him, and for the decades of ministry that flowed from one man’s encounter with our living and life-giving Lord.

Though we mourn his passing, we do not grieve as those without hope. Chujit now rests from his labours in the presence of his Saviour whom he faithfully proclaimed.

CLTS announces 50th anniversary events

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. –

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) is marking its

50 th anniversary during the 20262027 academic year with a series of events under the theme “Forming the Future.” The theme “signals the seminary’s commitment to theological truths of the Evangelical Lutheran Church while equipping future pastors and church leaders for the evolving cultural landscape of the 21 st century.”

“In our seminary’s first 50 years we saw the birth of Lutheran Church–Canada; and CLTS as her first seminary has sent more than 200 graduates into church service,” noted CLTS President Thomas Winger. “The next 50 years will be just as exciting as we build on this foundation to bring Christ’s lifegiving gifts to the next generations.”

The highlight of the anniversary year is a three-day event from October 19-21, 2026. The event will include an alumni runion, a grand festival service, and a theological conference

entitled “Respectful Theological Dialogue in the Internet Age.”

The conference is open to pastors, church workers, and laity. To accommodate an international audience, the event will be held at the Americana Resort & Spa in Niagara Falls, Ontario, providing a beautiful backdrop for study and fellowship.

Founded in 1976 as a daughter seminary of Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne) and originally part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, CLTS has undergone significant growth. Now a seminary of Lutheran Church–Canada, CLTS continues to serve the church across Canada, the United States, and around the world, providing rigorous theological formation for those called to Word and Sacrament ministry.

CLS alumni discuss their paths to ministry

EDMONTON – Concordia Lutheran Seminary has recently begun releasing video interviews featuring alumni reflecting on their path to church work. The seminary is encouraging members of Lutheran Church–Canada to share the videos with people they think might be a good fit for ministry.

The first interview features Rev. Michael Schutz, VicePresident of Lutheran Church–Canada and pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church and School in Penticton, B.C. In the video, Rev. Schutz discusses his path first to the diaconate and then to the pastoral ministry.

The second interview features Rev. Sye Van Maanen discussing both his call to pastoral ministry as well as to chaplaincy in the Canadian Armed Forces. Rev. Van Maanen is a pastor with Riverbend Lutheran Church in Edmonton and a chaplain with the Primary Reserves.

Both interviews were conducted by CLS Professor Michael Kuhn. You can watch both interviews and new ones when they release on the seminary’s YouTube channel. Just visit www. youtube.com/@ConcordiaLutheranSem.

Lutheran Women Today

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Sing to the Lord a New Song — a Song of Joy! FINDING GOD’S GIFT OFJOY THROUGH MISSION AND SERVICE

And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul (Deut. 10:12 NIV).

Many women throughout Lutheran Church–Canada have taken this verse as their motto and in doing so, found true joy...joy that depends on Jesus rather than who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy

Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and finding hope in His Word.

If you have ever gone on a mission trip or participated in an event that serves our Lord, then you have experienced joy. You learned that while happiness usually depends on circumstances, joy does not. Joy comes from getting to know Jesus.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada works with the women of Lutheran Church–Canada to provide opportunities to find joy as they grow in faith

and serve Jesus. The league offers seminars and webinars, retreats and renewals and rallies, giving women of the church more ways to learn and to grow in faith. We dedicate our special offerings of mites to provide grants to mission projects that aid in spreading the gospel in Canada and the world.

We invite all women of Lutheran Church–Canada to join us, to be part of our ministry of mission and service. It will help you get to know Jesus and bring you joy.

Marilyn Witte, President

LWMLC GRANTS A BLESSING TO THE CHURCH

Women, from LWMLC and across Lutheran Church–Canada, have the privilege of providing support for mission projects through the gathering of mites. Many of these grants support mission work carried out by LCC. Recently the following letter of thanks was received.

Dear Beloved Sisters in Christ of the LWMLC,

On behalf of Lutheran Church-Canada, I want to thank all the members of Lutheran Women’s Missionary LeagueCanada for your generous support of our various mission projects, both International and Domestic. At your last national convention, you wholeheartedly committed to supporting various Missions in Canada and around the world. Your financial support, while so very

generous and needful in continuing the work of the church, pales in comparison to the prayers you regularly offer up to our loving God and Father. Therefore, I commend and thank you for your ongoing love and encouragement of all LCC’s Missions and missionaries.

Truly, the impact that the LWMLC support is having

internationally is incredible, as God graciously is bringing much fruit to bear through the ministry of the proclamation of His Gospel Word, as well as the mercy work of the deaconesses in Cambodia. Many lives are being changed as these faithful servants of our Lord bring people to faith. Having recently traveled to Nicaragua to participate in the training of future pastors and deaconesses, I can tell you that the Gospel outreach ministry is ever increasing. This work would not be as fruitful without your support.

Furthermore, the pledges given to assist Ethiopian ministry across Canada continue to mature. Indeed through your generous support, LCC is able to provide increased pastoral care of Word

Continued, next page

Lutheran Women Today

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

Blessing the church, continued

and Sacrament ministry to new groups of Oromo believers in Edmonton and For McMurray. And Pastor Kim’s ongoing outreach to First Responders and vulnerable people on the streets of Regina is a tremendous blessing as people are freely able to confess their sins and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness in Holy Absolution – freedom from bondage to sin and the devil! God be praised!

Indeed, the LWMLC embodies St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 9:7) to give, “Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The joy with which the LWMLC shares the gifts of God entrusted to them is amplified exponentially in the Mission Field where hearts are transformed by the healing power of the Gospel of Jesus. Thank you, dear sisters, for all your joyful sharing of God’s abundant gifts. May our Lord bless and keep you all.

Yours in Christ, Rev. Jacob Quast, Director of Domestic Missions

Rev. M.L. Smith, Director of International Missions Lutheran Church – Canada

This letter and other updates with thanks are posted online at https:// tinyurl.com/MG-Thank-You-Letters

VISITING SISTERS IN CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a Mission in Action webinar will feature Marilyn Witte, Sherley Hearty, Jill Munoz, and Linda Long who travelled to attend the Philippine Lutheran Women’s League (PLWL) convention. Assistance was given to the Philippine women who are creating their own national organization.

To register for this free event, send request to webinar@ lutheranwomen.ca by May 27, 2026.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE NUMBERS

The total approved for Mission Grants at the 2024 convention: $251,000.

The total amount of monies granted to the end of February 2026: $155, 925.11.

Left to pay by March 31, 2027: $95,074.89

Alberta–British Columbia District

• 2 provinces

• 10 zones

Central District

• 3 provinces

• 10 zones

Laurentian District

• 6 provinces

• 3 zones

Ontario District

• 1 province

• 7 zones

Note: LCC is organized into regions. LWMLC chose to remain with the term District. The West and Central Regions of LCC each host an LWMLC District. There are two districts within the East Regiion, Ontario and Laurentian.

Pastors...Parents... Grandparents...Godparents... Friends...

Give the gift of

FROM GOD

~ for confirmands, high school grads, or whoever you think might benefit from this booklet to tuck into their pocket.

Added bonus:

QR code to download to your phone Cost: $10 Code: M-25-01

Order from LWMLC Resource Centre: https://tinyurl.com/Text-with-God

KEEP UP TO DATE

…on programs, materials and opportunities for women throughout the church by signing up to receive the twice-monthly LWML–Canada Update at https:// lutheranwomen.ca/publications/

Or subscribe to the league’s magazine, Tapestry, available in print, large print or PDF via email. Order form at: https:// lutheranwomen.ca/publications/ tapestry/

Lutheran Women Today

HELPING WOMEN GROW, SHARE AND SERVE IN HIS NAME

A QUICK LOOK AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Fellowship Forged Across Long Distances

Central District spans three provinces – Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario with three very distinct regions –agricultural prairies, boreal forest and lakes, and the Canadian shield. Diverse like the district, the women within LWML–Canada have one common thread binding us together – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. How do we build fellowship across such distances? Central District’s ten zones host spring and fall retreats/rallies/renewals from congregations within the zone. Themes are chosen centred around God’s Word, guest speakers invited, and ingatherings for community charities collected. Every three years a seminar, prepared nationally, is another opportunity to bring all our zones together around God’s Word and to forge fellowship amongst our sisters in Christ.

Between now and next summer Central District is busy preparing to host the triennial LWML–Canada national convention in Regina.

Annette Borchardt. Vice-President District Administration, Central District

Uniting Women Across Six Provinces

As the Vice President for District Administration for the Laurentian District, I get to see how societies and zones of LWMLC unite women to sing a song different from the world’s song. Since we know Jesus has made us a new creation, His love is the example that enables us to walk according to a new melody. Now we can learn the Word together, we can physically show Jesus’ love to help someone

who needs it and we can put our resources together to do even bigger projects that help spread His love.

These projects can include singing a bilingual good-bye hymn to a pastor who has received a call to a new congregation. It can be making food and taking it to shut-ins in the congregation. It can be teaching a skill or craft that is less known to the young people in the congregation to share between the generations.

Another bonus of being a VPDA in the Laurentian District is that I get to communicate with women from six provinces about how Christ is active and working in our league and how they can be a part of that action.

In Christ, Rena Detlefsen, VP DA Laurentian District

Making Connections

Despite Geography

I have the privilege of serving the ABC District of LWMLC as Vice-President for District Administration.

Albeit a large geographical area encompassing two provinces, one of my personal goals in my first term was to visit all ten zones. What a blessing to travel, often with the company of my husband, throughout both provinces. My first term carried the theme, where do you, as a unique piece of the puzzle, fit together in the great tapestry God has given us, that we might complete the good work He has begun in us. You are important to God, to the ‘work’ He has placed on your heart. Ladies, young and old are encouraged to respond to His call for workers in the harvest field, pledging our willing service wherever and whenever He has need of us...bringing the lost and erring into eternal

fellowship (from league pledge). Throughout my second term my focus has been on sharing “Feed my Body, Feed my Soul” a recipe devotional booklet available through the LWMLC Resource Centre. As I travel, I am collecting pictures and favourite recipes to be compiled at the end of my term, into a collection to remind us of how the Lord blesses us both in body and soul.

In

Rich in History

The Ontario District of LWMLC Inc. is the oldest district in Canada. In the fall of 2025 the Waterloo Zone celebrated their 75th anniversary reminiscing about the different events that took place within their societies and within their zone. Fifty people attended. This coming year we have one society celebrating their 60th anniversary, four societies celebrating their 65th anniversary, one society celebrating 70 years and another celebrating their 75th anniversary. Societies do not stay active this long without the women who keep attending the meetings and social functions.

Compared to other districts, our zones are all in close proximity. We can easily gather for seminars and retreats as well as in twos for a rally or other activity. Most recently approximately 55 people met in Tillsonburg for a fall retreat. What a wonderful opportunity for women to gather to learn about the Word of God and to meet with friends, both old and new!

In Christ, Sharlene Proknow, VP DA OntarioDistrict

SUPPORTING STUDENTS AT OUR SEMINARIES

Adopting a seminary student is one way many societies connect with and support students attending our seminaries…not so very different from the first formal group of women who gathered to serve students at the St. Louis seminary of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Each spring LWMLC provides a dinner for those going on vicarage... an opportunity to introduce them to LWMLC (if their mothers haven’t already done so).

Besides collecting mites, LWMLC provides financial support ito support the education of students at both seminaries through endowments.

Two endowments, the Henry and Sibyl Redman Fund and the John and Dorothea Korcok Endowment Fund provide payouts to LWMLC each year. A third, the LWMLC Central District Fund pays out earnings to Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton to be used for financial aid to new pastoral, director of parish services and colloquoy students.

JOY-FILLED SERVICE AT HOME

Pictured above are two ways local societies assist their congregations reach out to their local community.

The zones in all four districts gather twice a year to dig into God’s Word, learn from speakers, enjoy fellowship and more. Some zones call these events rallies, others use the term renewal. Either way it’s a great day of fellowship and faith.

You can add to these endowments, by sending funds to the Foundation indicating into which endowment to place the funds. Gifting options include:

• Writing a cheque to Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries;

• Transferring publicly traded securities into LCC Financial Ministries brokerage account using their online form. The shares will be immediately sold and the funds generated allocated as directed

• Leaving a bequest within your will. For more information on bequest language to add to these endowments or creating your own endowment, contact Allen Schellenberg at allen.schellenberg@ lutheranfoundation.ca

LWMLC also provides an annual bursary to a pastoral student at each seminary every year. This year’s recipients are Tim Bayha (CLTS) and Nicholas Goerz (CLS).

TRANSITIONS

Rev. Warren Hamp, serving Faith (Kitchener, ON),was Called to Glory.

Rev. Phil Jorgensen, Emeritus (Lethbridge, AB) was Called to Glory.

Your gift is an investment in the faith of tomorrow.

Help ensure a strong and vibrant future for your church.

Have you established a legacy gift for ministry?

Schedule a seminar to find out how, or contact us directly.

www.lutheranfoundation.ca

Rev. Glenn Worcester, serving Peace (Winnipeg, MB), accepted a call to Foothills (Calgary, AB).

Bethel Lutheran Church (Vulcan, AB) disbanded.

Faith Lutheran Church (Cardston, AB) disbanded.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Smithville, ON) disbanded.

St. Peter Lutheran Church (Castlegar, BC) disbanded.

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Easter is not enough, cont.

Continued from page 42.

...Word. The risen Lord shows us His hands and His side today in the Holy Sacrament. The risen Lord comes into the closed tomb of your heart and mind in order to set you free from the fear of death, to forgive your sins, to assure you of eternal life, to give you peace.

And so, it’s true: Easter is not enough. The peace between sinners and the holy God which was achieved by Jesus’ victory over the grave must also be a peace bestowed on people. And so it indeed is, first by the apostles and now today by pastors who simply speak the words of Jesus Himself to fearful, doubting, guilt-ridden people… speaking with Jesus’ own authority and at His command… speaking to you of the forgiveness and peace won by His death and resurrection… bestowing to you personally and individually forgiveness of your sins and peace with God… and empowering you, thereby, to also share that peace with others. And do you remember what our risen Lord says about that? “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

EEASTER IS NOT ENOUGH

SYNOD PRESIDENT | REV. DR. TIMOTHY TEUSCHER

aster is not enough. That might sound like a radical, even improper, statement. But it’s true. After all, the forgiveness won by Jesus’ death on the cross must also be given to people. Peace with God, achieved by Jesus’ victory over the grave, must also be a peace bestowed on people. Otherwise, what’s the point of it?

And we see this in the disciples on that first Easter evening. For even though Jesus, to use the words of St. Paul, “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25), where were they? Why, behind locked doors in an upper room “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). Coupled with that was the mental torture of the would’ves and could’ves and should’ves of the past few days. They were hopeless, helpless—captive to their fears. That upper room had become their tomb, the doors closed shut by the stone of fear.

But into their tomb appears the risen Lord Jesus who shows “them His hands and His side” (John 20:20). And He does not chastise them for forsaking Him when He was arrested. He does not rebuke Peter for denying Him. He does not criticize them for not believing the message of the women that He had risen from the dead. Instead, Jesus says to them: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). And by that word, they too are raised to life again—their hearts, as the Easter hymn puts it, “awake with gladness” (LSB 467:1). Just as death and the tomb could not keep Jesus in, so He would not let the deathly tomb of fear keep His disciples in. For this is why He died and rose again—that they might have peace and joy and life.

What sealed tombs of fear and sin do we live in? What would’ves and could’ves and should’ves haunt your mind? Maybe you do not live in fear every day. Perhaps you have mastered the art of hiding your guilt, your hurt, your fears, and putting on a happy face. But while you may be able to fool people some of the time, it’s still there, isn’t it? It still worries you, drags you down, and robs you of joy. And the name of this fear is Legion—fear of losing your job, fear of getting sick, fear of your family falling apart, fear of not having enough money for those retirement years, and, ultimately, fear of death and of then having to stand before the one holy God who will pass judgment upon your miserable life. Yes, we all have our own upper rooms with locked doors, our own tombs in which we live, our own “fightings and fears within, without” (LSB 570:3).

But as the risen Lord appeared to the disciples in that upper room on that first Easter evening, so He continues to do the same today. He comes not to chastise you for your fears but to comfort you in the midst of them. He comes not to accuse you but to forgive you. He comes not to demand something from you but to give something to you. He comes so that you may live not in regret and fear but in joy and peace.

How does He do that today? Consider again the upper room on that first Easter evening. The risen Lord first gives peace, forgiveness, life—the blessings of His cross and empty tomb—to His frightened disciples personally and individually. And then, He gives it to them a second time, saying: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). The second is an expansion of the first; for just as Jesus was sent from the Father, so He now sends them as His apostles, His ambassadors, breathing His Holy Spirit upon them, equipping and empowering them to forgive others so that they, too, might have peace with God.

That is why at the beginning of the Divine Service, after we confess our sins and doubts and fears, we hear the words of absolution: “Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins” (LSB 151). That’s Easter. That’s Jesus’ death and resurrection. That’s what the Father sent His Son to do for you. But that’s not all that is said. For then come these words: “As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority...” Yes, the calling, the commissioning, the sending of the apostles, of pastors, in order to give to others the forgiveness and peace earned and won at Calvary’s cross and the empty garden tomb. And so, you then hear the following: “… I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Martin Luther put it this way: “Christ has achieved and won forgiveness of sins once for all on the cross and at the empty tomb, it is true. But He has not distributed or given it there. If now I seek the forgiveness of sins, I do not run to the cross and the empty tomb, for I will not find it given there. But I will find it in the Word of Christ that is preached and in the Sacrament of His body and blood which alone distributes, presents, offers, and gives it to me.”

Yes, the risen Lord appears in our midst through His...

Continued on page 41.

Concordia Lutheran Mission Society

Please help support the work in Ukraine. Despite the war bringing turmoil and heartbreak, the church carries on sharing the Lord’s enduring love.

Pastors serve in cities and towns, prisons, churches, and homes, bringing comfort, humanitarian aid and God’s Word.

Thank you for your prayers and gifts in support of our Ukraine missions.

To donate, please visit our website: www.concordiamissions.org

Note: E-transfer is now available. www.facebook.com/ConcordiaLutheranMissionSociety/CLMS our newsletter

INSIDE:

WORDS FROM THE CROSS

Rev. Daryl Solie discusses the seven words spoken by Jesus upon the cross, explaining what they teach us about our Christian faith.

RESURRECTION HOPE

Robin Dalloo contemplates our Christian hope in the resurrection of the dead, reflecting on the lives of friends and family who have been called home to the Lord.

FAITH, GOVERNMENT, AND THE CHALLENGE OF BILL C-9

LCC Vice-President Michael Schutz reflects on the Christian response to governmental acts like Bill C-9, which aims to strip the religious exemption from Canada’s hate-speech legislation.