Celebrations http://www.software995.com/ A publication of the Synod of and the Territories http://www.software995.com/ Spring 2015

In this issue:

Bishop’s Report: Is this not why we sing praise? page 2

Around the Synod: Four things to consider page 4

Ecumenical Action: - Church Choir Sing! page 5

Building Right Relationships page 6

A Legacy of Faith in page 8

New Faces in the Synod: Ravelojaona and Boyd page 10

Walking, Water, Wilderness and the Word page 12

Ladies “Mountain” Retreat at Mulhurst page 13

El Salvador: Hosanna Lutheran delegation

Brian Rude – Q & A at Grace – part 2 page 15

Where did the Bishop Go This Time? page 18

What Else is Happening at ABT Synod Camps? page 19

A special thanks to the Lutheran editorial staff for any of their edits used in articles that also appeared in the ABT synod section of Canada Lutheran.

Header photo of stained- glass courtesy of Faith Lutheran, . Window design by Geoff Jamieson. All photos in Celebrations by Colleen McGinnis, unless otherwise stated.

1 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Is This Not Why We Sing Praise?

When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving; When the thirsty pass the cup, water to share; When the wounded offer others strength and healing: We see God, here by our side, walking our way; We see God, here by our side, walking our way. (EvLW 725)

It was Saturday evening. It was our first in El Salvador and we were late for worship at Apostles of Christ Lutheran Church in San Salvador. The sanctuary was filled and overflowing. The hot, humid, stagnant air left me wondering if I would be able to breathe. Clergy couple, Norma and Rafael, were gracious hosts … welcoming us, motioning for us to come and to sit in the front where seats were hastily moved in to place.

We had been invited to celebrate three baptisms. Three children dressed in spotless white. I wasn’t sure if they were from one family or from three and I noticed, even before the baptism, that the man holding the little boy was very emotional. He was crying … struggling it seemed, to hold himself together.

As the boy was baptized, as water was poured over his head and the Word spoken, the father’s tears flowed unstopped ... freely running down his face. I was Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer incredibly moved. This is an unusual scene in El Salvador … a man crying. And like Moses who could not turn away from the burning bush that was not consumed, I couldn’t turn my eyes away from this man.

After worship an elderly woman came and took the boy from him. She had a bottle of milk and she carried the boy outside, sat down next to the dirt road and fed him. Others came to the man and gave him plastic bags filled with what looked like diapers, bottles, food, and clothing.

I asked Pastor Norma about this man and this boy. He was crying, she said, because his wife had died in labor. Father and son at Apostles of Christ Lutheran Church in He was crying for the love of his wife. He was crying San Salvador. because he could not afford to care for his son.

I went to him, and in faltering Spanish shared that it was an honor to be at the baptism of his son, and that I would remember them. We embraced.

When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving; We see God, here by our side, walking our way.

Many other stories might be shared which testify to the truth of this hymn that expresses beautifully the strange paradox of the poor ones giving to others, the thirsty sharing water, and the weak strengthening the weaker. When this happens: God is present, by our side, walking our way.

2 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 We hear in this hymn text the blending of two stories from the gospels. The verses recall Matthew 25 where Jesus says, “I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, in prison, and you ministered to me.” Those who hear Jesus say, “We never fed you or gave you water.” “Ah,” says Jesus, “but when you gave to one of the least of these you gave it to me.”

The refrain remembers the two walking to Emmaus (Luke 24) whose eyes were opened and who recognized the risen Christ present with them when the bread was shared.

My eyes were opened in the giving of milk and the care of an elderly woman ... in diapers, bottles, food, clothing, compassion ... care.

Is this not the ministry seen, given, received … indeed, our calling?

Is this not the kingdom of God … the reign of God born among us?

Is this not why we sing praise today?

By Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop, Synod of Alberta and the Territories

On April 25 in Nepal an earthquake destroyed what will take years to rebuild.

But the human loss was greater. LWF staff members began delivering aid immediately, distributing tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-made food to families in Kathmandu, despite some staff being displaced from their homes themselves. The work goes on, and CLWR thanks all of you who have already given to help the survivors. Remember that Canadian Government will match all donations given until May 25 … a wonderful opportunity to boost your support.

To donate, you may:

1. Give online: http://clwr.donorshops.com/product/231A84F/nepalearthquakerelief.php

2. Make a designated offering donation through any Lutheran congregation in Canada.

3. Call CLWR at 1.800.661.2597 to donate by credit card.

4. Send a cheque made payable to CLWR - address it to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to “Nepal earthquake relief.”

2015 National Convention of the ELCIC “Liberated by God’s Grace”

will be held July 9 – 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton 400 with Lutheran church leaders from across Canada attending. Peace and joy be with you all.

3 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Can you believe it? It’s May already! Around the

Synod That means being outside and having fun in the sun. School

holidays will soon be here, and the camps/outdoor ministries within the Synod of Alberta and the Territories will be swinging into high gear …Braeburn Lake, where the sun never really sets; Kuriakos on the shores of Sylvan Lake; south-east of Edmonton; Mulhurst, a “Place in the Son” at Pigeon Lake, and more. Visit the synod website to read all about them: albertasynod.ca/ministries/outdoor-ministry.

Something for Alberta Pastors Coming Events and Denominational Leaders

Join in one of 6 events in May for Alberta pastors of rural churches. The day runs from 10 am – 2:30 pm (coffee is on at 9:30!!) and is designed to offer rural pastors a day to meet together to share their ministry experiences, learn from each other, enjoy laughter, great food, in an atmosphere of encouragement. $20 covers the costs associated with the day including a great new ministry book by Cameron Harder. You are encouraged to drive with another rural pastor to share the experience of the day together!!

Events are planned for rural pastors by the Rural Church Pastors Network, offering hope, encouragement and support to those pastoring in rural communities.

LOCATIONS & DATES: Sylvan Lake (formerly Millet) May 19; LaGlace (formerly Debolt) May 20; Lamont May 26; Three Hills May 26; Fort Macleod May 27

Register for the event closest to you at www.ruralchurchpastorsnetwork.com.

Advance Notice: Good Samaritan Society Annual Workshops

Internationally renowned Dr. Stephen Post will visit Edmonton on September 11 and October 5 with a presentation entitled “The Good Samaritan and the Giver’s Glow: Give and Live Better”. Post says, “Let’s celebrate being Good Samaritans! Life isn’t easy and no one gets out of life alive. It has as many valleys as it does peaks. But even in hard times, we can give and live better”. Call 780 431-3600 for more details.

Come have a “berry” good time at On Eagle’s Wings’ Northern Picnic! 2015 Annual General Meeting and Banquet featuring unique northern recipes on May 30, 2:00 pm Holy Spirit Lutheran Church 11223 – 51 Avenue Edmonton, AB

Don’t delay … you must RSVP to 866-441-6594 by May 15

4 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Ecumenical Action:

First Baptist Church, Edmonton, is hosting a one-day gathering for as many church choirs as they can find. This is an invitation for you and your church choir to come to First Baptist Church, Edmonton, on Saturday, May 23 for a day of encouragement and celebration of what it is musicians do in their churches - minister, sing, lead, etc.

Evelyn Grieger, First’s music minister, says: “In my travels around the city, and in conversations with many church musicians, I hear a variety of stories about the state of church choirs - from those that meet occasionally, to those who meet regularly; from those who are struggling to those who are steady. In every story, I also hear, ‘I wish we could improve in the area of …’. So, we decided that we would facilitate a day of encouragement and celebration for church choirs of all shapes and sizes – at no cost.”

Here’s how it will work. From 10:00-12:00 you will sing, and learn about improving your singing (warm-ups, physical movement, breathing, etc). All required music will be provided - no preparation is necessary. There will also be a refreshment break.

12:00-1:30 Bring a bag lunch and stay in the church, or visit one of the nearby restaurants. You are encouraged to meet someone from a different choir, and spend this time dialoguing with them.

5 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 1:30-4:00 Join in a dialogue about your experiences as church choirs. What are your strengths? What can be improved? What resources are available, and how can they be shared? The "sing" from the morning session will also be continued.

All shapes and sizes of choirs are welcome. If your choir has finished for the year, gather a few singers and come anyway. If you are a church musician, but don't have a church choir, come on your own. First is hoping for representation from as many churches as possible. All singing times will be as a massed choir.

RSVP by Tuesday, May 19 to: Evelyn Grieger, [email protected] or 780-217-4436 with the number of singers. Your comments and questions are welcomed.

Building Right Relationships … Our Synod’s Journey

The Doctrine of Discovery. Colonialism. Residential Schools. These are some of the things that have jeopardized right relationships between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007). Canada’s Apology for Residential Schools (2008). The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2009-2015). These are some of the foundations upon which Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada are seeking to build right relationships.

But where do Lutherans fit in to this? Why, as Lutherans, are we called to care about building right relationships with Indigenous Peoples? The Catholic, Anglican, United, and Presbyterian Churches ran Residential Schools. Not the Lutheran Church. When Lutherans came to Canada, they did so as immigrants, not with an eye to colonization, but just to find a place, any place, to live. And as far as the Doctrine of Discovery goes it seems highly unlikely that anybody with the last name of Anderson or Olson, Schultz or Schmidt were with Columbus in 1492 when “he sailed the ocean blue,” or with John Cabot in 1497 when he tried to repeat the journey and landed on the shores of Newfoundland. How easy it is to say, “Thank heavens this whole “Indigenous thing” isn’t about us!”

But it is about us, because the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, Colonialism and Residential Schools (just to name a few), still affect, and will continue to affect Indigenous Peoples. These things (and so many more) have caused continuing imbalances of power and created huge social divides. These things (and so many more) continue to skew the community of creation that God intends.

So, Lutherans in our synod are learning. We are learning about the rich and important past, present, and future of the Indigenous Peoples we live with on the lands, territories and resources we share. We are learning that Talking Circles often have more value than ranks of pews all lined up so we can hear the pastor preach at us. We are learning that walking beside Indigenous Peoples isn’t good enough, but only walking with them will do. We have so much to learn.

6 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015

Following his participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Alberta National Event in Edmonton March 27-30, 2014, the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, made building right relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples a ministry priority for the synod. An initial meeting of thirteen Indigenous and non-Indigenous Lutheran Peoples (rostered and non-rostered) serving God in Treaty 6 and 8 areas met at the synod office on December 2, 2014. On February 2, 2015, a group of four Indigenous and non- Indigenous Lutheran Peoples serving God in the Treaty 7 area, met in Canmore before the start of the annual Study Conference. On Wednesday night of the Study Conference, 21 people gathered with Anglican Indigenous Bishop, Mark McDonald (conference keynote speaker) for a working dinner to discuss ways to move this important ministry Photo by Pastor Mike Wellman priority forward in our synod.

Subsequent to the Study Conference, Bishop Kochendorfer endorsed the Bishops: Larry Kochendorfer and Mark McDonald formation of a Coordinating Committee made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples who are serving God in Treaty Areas 6, 7, and 8. This group met for the first time on March 2, 2015 and met again, face to face, in April and May. The development of a protocol process has been prepared and endorsed by Bishop Kochendorfer and shared with Bishop McDonald. This protocol process will define the synod’s work as being ecumenical (working, especially, with the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples and its related National Indigenous Bishop’s Office) and in accord with the principals of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The committee will work across the synod to encourage education, advocacy, and service so that all of the synod’s members and congregations can be involved in the process.

In just a short time, right relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples are growing. On March 20-22, 2015, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Edmonton and the Synod sponsored a series called “Walking Together in the Spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission prepares to release its final report on June 2, many congregations of all denominations from across the country have already accepted the invitation to listen and join the conversation (http://www.kairoscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/5-things-you-can-do- anywhere.pdf). As Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, we are beginning to learn from each other as we take first steps toward building right relationships.

By Pastor Ann Salmon, Edson, AB

7 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 A Legacy of Faith at Christ Lutheran, Manyberries

For 56 years a little church stood on the open prairie in . It was a church born to serve an amalgamation of German, Norwegian and Finnish Lutherans. Pastors and parishioners came when they could, in good weather and bad, to worship and sing praises to the Lord. They set about supporting missions such as the Lutheran Bible Translators, On Eagle’s Wings, and the Good Samaritan Society. Over time, upgrades were made to the building ... new doors, windows, a shiny metal roof and a beautiful new organ. Children came to Sunday Photo by Esther Krause, , AB school and older students to confirmation classes. Christmas dinners were prepared for seniors in the area. All of those years a pastor was present, but never Always an open door at Christ Lutheran a resident pastor. For a full half of those years, Pastor Emil Krause drove 75 km south from Medicine Hat to serve the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church in Manyberries.

On May 4, 2014 Christ Lutheran held their final service. Pastor Emil Krause delivered the sermon. The Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow, Assistant for Mission, Synod of Alberta and the Territories spoke and brought greetings from Bishop Larry Kochendorfer. Rev Mac de Waal, Forty Mile Lutheran Parish of the NALC, Bow Island and Foremost, AB officiated in the Rite of De-Consecration.

Reflections:

Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow: As people filled the church, each holding a blanket to fend off the cold in the unheated building, I experienced the lively energy of a community gathered together to recall and celebrate the blessings of Christ Lutheran Church. Men huddled in the foyer pointing to confirmation pictures with guffaws and broad smiles. Families spoke fondly of grandparents and great-grandparents who shared in the life of the congregation. Heart-warming gratitude was everywhere: for pastors, musicians, teachers, visionaries, leaders and families, for food and celebration at the Lord’s table and after worship as community, but most of all for the gift of new life in Jesus, the Saviour.

8 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015

Bishop Larry Kochendorfer’s greeting spoke of counting blessings: “Years of Word, Sacrament, service and ministry attests to the faithfulness of member families from generation to generation, and their love and care for their church, but even more so, to the faithfulness of our gracious and

Photo by Esther Krause, Medicine Hat, AB merciful God!”

Rev. Mac de Waal: Rev. Mac de Waal, Rev. Emil Krause, Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow As I reflect on the closing service for Christ, Manyberries, I am both amazed and saddened. Saddened to see another congregation close its doors for regular worship, sad to see a community lose another visible sign of God’s presence in their midst. But I am amazed to see, or rather hear of the members of Christ and their plans for ensuring the legacy of the congregation continues. Through the process of disbursing the assets of the congregation they have been a blessing to several other vibrant ministries in the area and around the world. They have learned from their shepherd that things do continue in the Kingdom of God even if their own organized structure is diminished. I understand that most of the members are planning to or already are worshiping their Lord in other congregations. They won’t give up, but keep on going with the grace that has been afforded them in Jesus. I say well done to the people of Christ, Manyberries and to the shepherd who brought them the Spirit that inspired them to such a legacy of faith and hope in a time that could bring despair. Blessings to the members of Christ and to Pastor Krause, their long time faithful servant and shepherd.

Pastor Emil Krause: Upon closing, Christ, Manyberries donated 10 pews to the flood damaged High River Lutheran Church, and the altar ware and communion set to the Good Samaritan Senior Home in Taber. Hymnbooks were sent home with anyone who wished to take one. The building has been sold, the money to be distributed among church organizations.

Losing something precious is never easy, but the future is filled with hope. As stated in a congregational prayer, “We praise the Lord for this gracious feeding and strengthening of our faith. When there is an ending, there is also a beginning.” Christ Lutheran knows this. They are following their hearts.

By Colleen McGinnis

God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes what God purposes, and prospers in the thing for which God sent it. Isaiah 55:11

9 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 New Faces in the Alberta Synod

There are several people who have recently taken up positions of ministry in Alberta. In this issue of you will be introduced to Pastors Olivier Ravelojaona and John Boyd

Meet Rev. Olivier Ravelojaona

I was born in Madagascar and grew up there within a Christian family. My father was an evangelist; therefore, my childhood was immersed in Christian faith and education. When I was seven years I wished to be given the name Lazarus for he was the friend whom Jesus loved. God has worked through many events in my life to remind me of my desire to be Jesus’ friend, to strengthen my faith and give me the resolution to dedicate my life to sharing God’s love with others.

From 1975 to 1991, I was a teacher, part time in Lutheran Schools, full time in public High Schools, and mentored intern-high school teachers from the University. Then I spent eleven years working for the government. In 2002 I started to consecrate my life to serve Photo by Dr. Pamela Giles, Lutheran Theological Seminary, SK

God. After two years of biblical studies In traditional Malagasy garb at graduation party and spiritual care training, my wife Holy and I became consecrated “shepherds” within the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Until 2009, we served as volunteers through preaching, sustaining, reconciling, guiding and healing ministries within the awakening movement of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. At the same time, we were seeking a place for theological studies.

Though admitted to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon in 2005, I was only able to come with my family and start my studies in January 2009. Then my wife, our three kids Andy, Noah, Anaëlle and I began a new journey strewn with unexpected events and challenges. But we have always felt the loving and caring hands of God holding and leading us.

I spent most of the four years of seminary in the classrooms and libraries of the Saskatoon Theological Union, days and evenings, even weekends. In addition to the experience I had already acquired as “shepherd” in Madagascar, God gave me the opportunity to do an extended CPE, providing spiritual care to the elderly people at Luther Special Care Home. I believe that through the mission-themed internship at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Saskatoon in collaboration with the pastors from Trinity and King of Glory Lutheran churches, the prison ministry at Saskatoon Correctional Centre, and the experience at the Surrey Urban Ministry Society in BC, God has prepared and shaped me for this pastoral care and mission oriented congregation that is

10 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Christ Trinity Lutheran Church in Lethbridge. We trust in God’s amazing faithfulness and the strengthening work of the Holy Spirit to guide us through this journey.

Meet Rev. John Boyd

When I returned to Saskatoon in 2008 from Guilford, a Quaker affiliated college in Greensboro, NC, my goal was to earn a master’s degree in theological studies. I intended to explore the relationship

Photo by Dr. Pamela Giles, LTS Ordination day at Lakeland Lutheran between fine art and the liturgy. It seemed a natural continuation of my bachelor’s degree in fine arts. The wonderful experiences I had at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon – the dialogue with other students, faculty, coursework, worship – stirred my interest in the public ministry of Word and Sacrament. I began to discern a call and found the responses of faculty and students to be most helpful. I found the cross-cultural immersion trip to Ethiopia – and a four-day stop in Cairo – opened my eyes to the rich deposit of Christianity in Orthodoxy. I had minimal experience of this before the trip, but began to study Luther’s sources in the writings of the early church soon after.

Through serendipitous events and the support of seminary faculty, I was able to complete my CPE in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and my internship in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. I consider these opportunities to be a blessing. These experiences have helped form my understanding of ministry and to learn more about the diversity of our cultures in Canada, as well as what we share in common. The Reverend James Whaley was an excellent internship supervisor and the people of St Paul’s Lutheran in Prince Rupert, Lord of Life Community Church in Sandspit, and Mt. Zion, Smithers helped me learn to respond to the challenges of ministry and take delight in its joys.

After graduation, I took a year of further study at St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary to continue exploring their understanding of the Christian faith. The Very Reverend John Behr pushed the limits of my understanding and encouraged me to immerse myself in worship, iconography, hermeneutics, the history of the church, early Christian writers, canon law and other texts. The faculty, staff and students had a massive impact on my sense of self in the presence of God, especially my experiences with friends from the Coptic and Antiochian Orthodox jurisdictions. I continue to work on my thesis and broaden my understanding of the church.

When I returned to Saskatoon in 2013, I was informed that there were no calls currently available in Saskatchewan, but I received notice from Bishop Kochendorfer that there was an opening in Cold Lake. I was ordained and installed on November 30, 2013 and I continue to serve at Lakeland Lutheran Church. There is an interest in discipleship and education in the congregation that leads them to a longing for the preached Word and a celebration of the Sacraments. Every day I see signs of hope and the urgings of the Holy Spirit among the baptized, calling them to new life in Christ.

11 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Walking, Water, Wilderness and the Word

Dr. Jack Beck, sometimes referred to as the “Indiana Jones of Israel,” is an explorer of the Bible and the land of the Bible. He recently gave an insightful and delightful

presentation on the Holy Land at Lutheran Jack Beck Promotional Photo Church of Our Saviour in Calgary. Dr. Beck is an independent scholar, freelance writer and adjunct professor at Jerusalem University College, who has led three of our congregation’s study tours in Israel. He has a deep passion and heart for the land as a way of “putting the Bible in its place.” By understanding the lay of the land, weather, and strategic locations of cities, for example, one can end up reading the Scriptures in a whole new light.

On January 24th, Dr. Beck shared a seminar on “Walking, Water, Wilderness and the Word.” He has written a number of Dr. Jack Beck books which underscore the importance of knowing the role of physical geography, human geography (culture) and natural history in the biblical world. Here are a few reflections from Dr. Beck’s presentation.

In Bible times, walking was literally the only means of transportation. As believers, people walked the land which prompted memories of past events and grouped these events geographically.

Water in Israel was and continues to be an ongoing challenge. While the hydrology of Egypt is river-based, in Israel it is rain-based. So springs, wells, aqueducts, tunnels, and cisterns are vital, life-sustaining sources, since rainfall virtually ceases for seven months! 82% of rainfall occurs between December and February and 75% of it falls on only 25% of the land. For the people of Israel, then and now, water is absolutely precious, never taken for granted and never wasted. This is another reason why the Gospel writer, John, speaks of a “spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The wilderness is mentioned 316 times in Scripture. In Israel, the wilderness is a desert, deserted place or a remote spot. It can be a space to escape from others or a place to reflect on what it means to trust in the Lord without reservation. When Jesus was in the wilderness, Satan’s first temptation was basically “will you trust me?”

In 2016, our congregation is inviting anyone who is interested to be a part of the Pastor/Parishoner Study Tour to Israel. This unique tour is through Jerusalem University College and Dr. Jack Beck will be our leader. You can receive more information by e- mailing: [email protected]. This will be our congregation’s fifth journey to the Holy Land. An interview with Dr. Beck can be accessed on You Tube: Exploring the Land of the Story: Unlocking Biblical Geography.

By Rev. Lee Woolery, Our Saviour, Calgary

12 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Ladies “Mountain” Retreat at Mulhurst Lutheran Camp Photo by Marg Daly Daly Photo by Marg

Over the weekend of April 24-26 a group of 28 ladies experienced mountains and valleys through crafts, scriptures, puzzles, stories, Bible study and song.

Theme: In the Bible, Mountains and hills are mentioned more than 500 times. While mountains have a significant symbolic value, they first and foremost are part of the Bible’s physical reality. Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for biblical cultures since they are “closer to God” who was believed to dwell in the heavens (the sky). Psalm 121 talks about looking to the hills from where our help comes. God often reveals himself on the mountaintop: transfiguration, the 10 commandments; and Jesus often went to the mountain to pray (Matt 14:23). Then there are the Beatitudes (Matt 5), the ‘sermon on the mount’, and more! While we all like mountaintops, we can’t live there … they are always in the light with no shadows, and nothing grows there. There is no shelter from the heat or the cold.

There are a total of 5 different Hebrew words that translate as valley in English, and they have different landscapes of depth and breadth. Valleys are the fertile areas of the holy land and they usually have the refreshing rivers and streams. However there are also negative valleys such as Psalm 23: the valley of the shadow of death, but God carries us through.

God is not only the God of the mountain. He is God of every valley that you will face in your life. We need mountaintop experiences, but we also need chances to grow. Some mountains are higher and some valleys are deeper but God travels with us on the journey.

Activities: Following opening worship on Friday we launched into a wine tasting of ten BC wines with hills, mountains and valleys in their names … we do need to prepare for

13 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 the future based on the readings in Psalm 25: 6-8: On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up

Photo by Dr. Helen Bowden death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the

disgrace of his people

Mulhurst mountain art project from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

Kathy Goertz, through her own personal stories, spoke on helping others through the valleys and how to take care of ourselves. Dr. Helen Bowden sponsored the wine tasting, ran craft sessions and led an open “Ask the Doc” session. Marg Daly led in worship, Bible study and music. Cathy Kochendorfer, created culinary masterpieces in the kitchen along with our camp director Marg.

The major craft project this year was the creation of mountain pictures that were set into Mulhurst Camp tree frames built with pruned trees from the previous fall.

We left the retreat with the great hope that we read from Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed.”

By Marg Daly, Camp Director, Mulhurst

Speaking of retreats … this little

Photo by Marg Daly gem is from the last men’s retreat at Mulhurst. So gentlemen, mark your calendars for the upcoming event on November 13 & 14, 2015.

14 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Synod Delegation Blessed before Leaving for El Salvador

Photo by: Cathy Kochendorfer

March 15 the Synod delegation to El Salvador was blessed at Hosanna in Edmonton. They began their journey on March 17, returning March 31. The participants were: Nancy Neumann, Helen Bowden, Nordahl Flakstad, Ray Janke, Pr. James Hendricksen and Bishop Larry Kochendorfer.

Brian Rude: Questions and Answers at Grace Lutheran

In January 2015, Brian Rude, Synod of Alberta and the Territories sponsored missionary to El Salvador, visited a number of churches during a visit “home” to Camrose. Grace Lutheran, was one of them. He gave an overview of the past 26 years of his life and work in El Salvador and then opened his presentation to questions from the floor. There were many. An hour and a half later, people were shrugging into their coats and hats as they prepared to leave ... still asking questions on the way out the door. Following is Part 2 of the Q&A portion of Rude’s presentation.

Question 4: Is it a democratic country?

Answer: Yes. We have elections. A year ago the country re-elected a president representing rebel fighters, fighting against the ultra-right wing conservative party. The executive branch of the government is more people oriented, but limited by the economy and controlled by the corporations. The judicial branch is still controlled by the right wing and seems to have impunity wrapped up. Now, however, there is one ex-president on trial for stealing, so there are hopes that we may see some of that corruption addressed. The legislative assembly is still controlled primarily by the right wing so the legislation that is passed favours lower taxes, higher security, making life easy for the wealthy and difficult for the poor. The executive branch can’t do much. We see some improvement but we have a long way to go.

15 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Question 5: How safe do you feel?

Answer: Well, in my work in the prisons I feel very safe. On the streets it’s less safe especially if you ride buses or walk. In El Salvador I don’t feel I can just wander anywhere freely. During the 90’s I was held up at gunpoint at least once a year, but it hasn’t happened now since 2000. Maybe they all know I have nothing worth stealing so they leave me alone. They don’t even want my shoes, and Salvadoran shoes are in great demand! There are car-jackings, but that has never happened to me. Actually the ones that rob me continuously are the business people, the banks, the telephone companies, the supermarkets. The whole system is in favour of the oligarchy and the business corporate structure. In fact I think the big problem with the gangs is that nobody pays taxes. You need to have a reasonable tax base to be able to provide for the youth – education and employment. The

business sector are experts in Brian Rude shows the gathering at Grace the t-shirt he keeping taxes low, the lowest in got at a Lutheran retreat hosted by the ELCA. In reference Latin America, and they are not to illegal aliens, and loosely translated it reads: “Since the world is God’s creation, nobody anywhere is illegal.” paying even the low taxes they are supposed to pay. They are investing elsewhere and so there is no revenue to be able to build up an adequate social structure. The youth are forced to develop their own economy, their own society.

Question 6: What’s agriculture doing?

Answer: With the previous government it had been pretty much sabotaged and undermined, but now they are trying to rebuild it. They have had some success but it is a challenge since there has been 20 years of neglect. Coffee is the main export crop. Corn, beans and rice are the staple diet, but that is subject to the business sector too. Last year the price of beans tripled so the poor people couldn’t afford to eat even beans.

Question 7: How does Christianity fit into this?

Answer: Well, 500 years ago the Spaniards came to convert Latin America to Catholicism, to Christianity, and over the last 50 years, Evangelicals are converting them to Pentecostalism and Assemblies of God. Everyone is a Christian in El Salvador. The humans have been christianized, and now the challenge is to humanize the Christians. Amid worries of damage to the ecosystem, they see Christian countries like Canada coming in to mine their gold, and they ask, “Who’s Christian here”? And because of brutal murders believed to be connected to mining disputes, some people who live

16 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 nearby or farm the land containing gold deposits have bodyguards. So do environmentalists and journalists.

In the prisons, the Catholics go in regularly to mass; the evangelicals go in to hold their worship services. But there is no chaplain for pastoral conversation or pastoral leadership. In Canada we have one chaplain for every 150 inmates. In El Salvador, if an inmate wants spiritual or Christian counsel in this “Christian” country, there is none available. One very positive influence was a pastoral initiative to dialogue with the gang sector in prison, and in their territories … their turf, to try to reduce the violence and to encourage them to live the Christian values they perhaps grew up with. They organized in January – an ecumenical movement, with evangelicals, fundamentalists, conservative elements as well as Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists. This dedicated group was set to meet with the attorney general and minister of justice to make sure the prison gates would be open to them, but the government said no. So we don’t have these teams of chaplains in each prison like we’ve had in Canada for 150 years. They would be the natural ones to dialogue and work for peace in the prisons and the nation, but we don’t have that in El Salvador. It’s hard to see how Christianity can be lived in the day-to- day economic reality, the reality of violence. You see a lot of “religiosity” with participation in the religious processions, vigils and masses … but still so much violence and corruption, and not much respect for one another.

More Questions and Answers to be continued next issue…

Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer

Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, Synod Delegation to El Salvador, March 26: My old, little friends (Luz, Anthony, Cynthia and Ava) who remembered me from 2013 ... I remembered them too! We are at Divine Redeemer, San Miguel, celebrating the 25-year partnership with Hosanna, Edmonton.

17 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 Where did the Bishop Go? He’s on the move again!

This time, he crossed the line … to Saskatchewan that is … and visited the town of Burstall, situated just minutes from the southern Alberta/Saskatchewan border. On January 25, 2015, he welcomed St. Paul Lutheran in Burstall as a new congregation in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. This congregation does a noodle-making fundraiser twice a year. We’ll find out about that in a future issue of Celebrations.

St. Paul Lutheran, Burstall, SK wn o unkn ap

Left: April 10 … the UofC chaplaincy celebration (chaplain Margaret Propp) at Hope Lutheran, Calgary, Photogr her r where everyone learned to make their own sushi, dorfe followed by dinner, a campus ministry review, celebration and Holden y Kochen h

evening prayer. Photo by Cathy Koche

Photo by Cat

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wn Above: April 18-19 …10th o anniversary at Glory, her unkn Left: April 12 …the 2nd ap Sunday of Easter was spent visiting Redeemer

Photogr Lutheran in Hanna with Colin and Donna Millang. 18 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015 What Else is Happening at Alberta Synod Camps?

Come Celebrate Mulhurst Camp’s 70th Anniversary, June 6 & 7.

Beginning on Saturday at 1:00 pm greet new and old friends, check over the Silent Auction, join in games for all ages, picture taking and tractor ride. Banquet will feature Ray Schultz (Bishop and former Camp Chair), and entertainment by Pastor Les Stahlke, as Martin Luther’s last surviving classmate. $50 covers all events on Saturday, including banquet. Sunday begins with a pancake breakfast, worship with Pastor Tim Wray, and closing lunch (breakfast & lunch freewill offering).

Tickets on line at mulhurstcamp.ca, from your congregational rep or from Lorraine Kalis at 780-490-0882. Cabins and campsites available by reservation. Please get your tickets by June 1 so we can give the number of guests to the caterer.

Visit Camp Kuriakos and stay awhile. Here’s what’s in store for you.

Prime Time: June 28 – July 1, 2015 Start the summer off right! Join us for three nights at Camp, and days full of making and retelling memories. 2014 included a visit to a local permaculture farm, a murder mystery on a Bahamas cruise, coffee shop in the garden, the passion play, bible study, worship, Canada Day parades and more.

Men’s Retreat (for kids and dads): September 25 – 27, 2015 Want to work on your camping skills with your kids? You can at Kuriakos … with the comfort of knowing that if it really rains, you can sleep in the dorm!

Work on your fire building, outdoor cooking, packing, and shelter building Celebrations IS A PUBLICATION skills. Try packing a canoe, identifying OF THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE forest flora, or navigating your way OF THE SYNOD OF ALBERTA AND THE around the wild. Spend as much time as TERRITORIES. you can outside, but if someone really ITS PURPOSE is… needs a nap inside, that's ok. ...to connect the people and congregations of our synod.

This retreat is designed for families to ...to provide a forum for celebrating the people, places and mission of the congregations in our synod. learn together, so you can put these skills ...to help us learn from each other and encourage each to use after camp too. All kids, aged 7-18 other in our work for Jesus Christ. are welcome to attend with their dad. If SUBMIT articles and photos about the life, work and your son is 42, no problem. All men over mission of the congregations of our synod to the 18 are welcome. Some friends are like Celebrations editor, Colleen McGinnis at: family too, so grab a couple for the [email protected] 4728 – 50 Avenue weekend and adventure together. Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0R7 780-352-3519

Of course, you can expect campfires, Please include name, phone number and email or worship, and integrated bible study address with all submissions. All submissions will also designed to help you use the outdoors to be considered for the ABT Synod section in Canada Lutheran. engage your kids, friends, even your dads in faithful conversation. Celebrations IS COPYRIGHTED to the Synod of Alberta

and the Territories. However, photocopies of

offers Celebrations are encouraged for use in the Hastings Lake Bible Camp congregations of our synod.

Kids, Youth, Family and Adult camps Celebrations may not be republished in print or from June to August. Check their website posted to a website outside of the congregations of our for registration information at synod, either in whole or in part, without the express permission of the Synod – [email protected]. www.hastingslake.com

19 “Celebrations” – Spring 2015