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1. Canadian Mission Consultation
The Canadian Mission Consultation met February 26-28, 2009 in Winnipeg. The Consultation meets annually to share ideas and challenges regarding effective witness in Canada. This year, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) national staff person Pastor Keith Zeh joined Consultation members to discuss “churches starting churches.” The ELCA has discovered that (generally speaking) local congregations are more effective at starting new congregations than synods are and there was a lot of honest discussion about:
- How many of our congregations are worried about their own survival, let alone starting another one. Yet, the great commission to make disciples commands us to share the Jesus story.
- Facing fears and dreaming/praying about where the Gospel might go can be a path to vitally.
- Local congregations offer primary leadership, with synods offering much partnership and encouragement.
Learn more at:
http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship/StewardshipNow/May-2008-3.aspx
2. Recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
April 22 is one of 365 days this year when members of the ELCIC are called to be stewards of creation, and it is a day when the wider community is also focused on the environment. Look for events in your area that you and your congregation can participate in and contribute to. Earth Day is another reason to pray for God’s world.
Currently there are four ELCIC congregations accredited as Greening Congregations. How many will there be by next Earth Day? Find out how your congregation can become accredited, visit: www.elcic.ca/Stewardship/Stewardship-of-Creation
3. Highlights from the ELW Board Meeting
At the March 19-22 meeting of the National Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW) board, decisions were made providing some hopeful revitalization to the organization. Throughout the decision-making process the board acknowledge the joy of former ways of operating and at the same time knew it needed to make bold decisions to be relevant to today’s operating realities which include realities of fiscal responsibility and program development that meets the needs and interests of a diverse demographic of women. Read full highlights from the meeting online at: www.elw.ca/cms.news_events.aspx
4. CLAY 2010
The next youth gathering will be August 19-22, 2010 at the Convention Centre in London, Ontario. It will be a joint youth gathering with the ELCIC and the Anglican Church of Canada. CLAY stands for Canadian Lutheran-Anglican Youth gathering.
5. ELCIC and CLWR Strengthen Partnership
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada's (ELCIC) National Church Council and Canadian Lutheran World Relief's (CLWR) Board of Directors approved a new Memorandum of Understanding at their respective meetings this March. The strengthened partnership will see the ELCIC and CLWR working together in new and exciting ways to enhance cooperation and effective programming between the two organizations. Read more...
6. Justgeneration.ca
Justgeneration.ca is a youth initiative of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) of the Anglican Church of Canada. Two of many resources you will find there are
- OFF-THE-GRID, a 24 hour action event for youth that focuses on using less energy.
- Youth Handbook, which features resources, prayers, theology, stories and more.
7. Canadian Centre for Ecumenism Art Contest
The Canadian Centre for Ecumenism is once again inviting submissions for its Annual Nationwide Art Contest to illustrate the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010. Canadians of all ages are encouraged to submit their own artistic interpretation on the worldwide theme selected by Scotland: "You are witnesses of these things" (Luke 24.48). Please see attached file for details.
8. Online Resources
Faith and Wisdom is a cooperative project of seven North American Christian denominations with the purpose to serve leaders in church and society by assembling information about the best learning opportunities available. Seminaries, colleges, lifelong learning centres, retreat centres and para-church organizations through the world offer these learning opportunities.
Looking for more continuing education opportunities? In addition to the wonderful opportunities offered throughout the ELCIC, our full communion partner - the Anglican Church of Canada - also has a website that allows you to search further continuing education opportunities. Visit www.cep.anglican.ca/search_courses.php for further information.
Lutheran Theological Seminary Study Conference will take place May 5-9 in Saskatoon and will explore the theme Reading the Bible with Luther - featuring guest presenter Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert of Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia. Visit their website for further information. Additional spring courses are also available online.
Luther Hostel at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary will take place June 8-12. The 2009 theme is Scripture, Spirit and Being a Missional Church featuring guest presenter Patrick Keifert, president of Church Innovations Institute. Visit their website for further information.
9. Tell your story!
Do you have a story to share about the work of your congregation In Mission for Others that you would like to see in a future issue of E-Communique? Send your brief story and a picture to communique@elcic.ca and be featured in an upcoming issue!
10. Share these resources.
Is there someone you know of that you feel would benefit from receiving these resources? Consider forwarding them a copy of this email. Subscribing to E-Communique is easy - just send an email to communique@elcic.ca with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
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