Celebrations a Publication of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories Spring 2015
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Celebrations http://www.software995.com/ A publication of the Synod of Alberta 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: Edmonton - Church Choir Sing! page 5 Building Right Relationships page 6 A Legacy of Faith in Manyberries 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 Canada 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, Calgary. 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; Hastings 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 Lethbridge 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.