Adam Snook

Second Sunday of Advent

Posted: December 4, 2020 | Filed Under: Uncategorised

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent.

Many of us across the Eastern Synod are unable to gather in our usual ways to mark this season of hope-filled anticipation.

But we are united, in the one body of Christ. No matter where we find ourselves this morning – God is with us!

And so, whether you’re gathering for in-person or mediated worship – we invite you to pause with your siblings in ministry across the Synod (the church, and the world) as we join our hearts together and we continue our Advent journey!

+ Response (Rev. Dr. Elaine Boone)

Today we light the candle of peace. This year we have prayed for peace. This year we have prayed in peace: That people will find common ground. That nations will stop harming their citizens. That the doomsday clock will go backward, not forward. Today we pray with peace! We know God is with us in moments of peace and unrest. We know God is with us.

+ Advent Candle Lighting (Advent 2)

Lead Us Towards Christ was composed by Trevor Hicks Compositions, and is recorded and shared with permission.

+ Readings (Advent 2)

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

+ Prayer (Rev. Doug Reble)

Eternal God, who comes to us again and again through the marvels of nature, in the person of Jesus, through the voice of conscience, and through your Spirit that dwells within us. Make us receptive during these days of Advent to your still, small voice that calls us from childishness to childlikeness, from fear to faith, from greed to generosity, and from a life that is self-centered to one that is centered in you, the Ground of our Being. For we want our lives to reflect the spirit of the one whose birth will soon be celebrated. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Guidelines to Hold Congregational Annual E-Meetings

Posted: December 2, 2020 | Filed Under: COVID

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced congregations to consider alternatives to in person meetings when holding annual and congregational meetings. Whether holding an in person meeting, an electronic meeting, or no meeting at all, this document outlines a number of guidelines and things to consider as congregations plan for those events. At the same time, it also does not pretend to be a “how-to” process of holding a congregational meeting; as each congregation has its own traditions and practices, there is no “one size fits all.”

An electronic meeting may also be referred to as an online, virtual, or e-meeting. A meeting that is held where members are present both in person and by electronic means is known as a hybrid meeting.

Our congregations exist in four provinces, and include those incorporated federally or provincially, and those not incorporated. In addition, each province has its own public health and governmental authorities related to pandemic and emergency situations. Each congregation needs to keep abreast of the pandemic regulations in its own region, so that, for example, it knows the limits for how many people may gather indoors/outdoors for a meeting, while at the same time keeping in mind the space needed for physical distancing (among a number of other factors to consider).

Continue Reading…

What is BOX? A Resource Introduction

Posted: December 2, 2020 | Filed Under: Uncategorised

During the very earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly realized the pressing need to share a vast number of resources in the most timely and efficient way possible. In consultation with the National Church, and through their generosity, we started to use a program called ‘BOX’. It’s been tested!! The ELCIC has been using BOX for a number of years, as have most of the other Synods.

But what is BOX?

This page will provide a Q&A style introduction to BOX.

WHAT IS BOX?

Box is a web-based application that allows users to securely store and access resources from any device (laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone) with a WIFI or data signal.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

BOX operates similar to the hard drive of your computer. Anything saved, or uploaded to BOX will be stored ‘in the cloud’. Anyone who has been granted permission may access the shared resources as though they are sharing a single computer!

WHY USE BOX?

Box allows us to meet the demands of a digital age! By choosing to share resources through BOX, we are able to make documents and resources available instantly to congregations across our Synod. Likewise, we are able to share, collaborate, and amend resources without bogging down everyone’s inbox with notifications or large files! Additional benefits include the assurance of secure file sharing, the ability to work remotely, unlimited cloud storage, and the ability for multi-user content management.

I’VE BEEN ADDED TO ‘BOX’, NOW WHAT DO I DO?

When you click the link in the email you received from the Synod office, you should be transferred to a file sharing site on your web browser. Inside, you should see a number of files such as ‘Resumption of In-Person Worship’, ‘Bishop’s Communications’ and others.

WHAT NEXT?

Check often! We are regularly updating the resources in our library, and adding new. Additionally, if you would like to share resources which you have created in your own congregational context, we would be happy to make them available to the wider Synod community!

I DON’T HAVE ACCESS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you do not currently have access to our Eastern Synod BOX Resource Library, please contact Liz (ezehr@elcic.ca) or Cindy (cstubbs@elcic.ca) and they will be happy to grant you access.

I STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND!

We understand that technology can be confusing! Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions about this resource, or need assistance accessing the BOX library. We would be happy to help!

This is a introductory video provided by BOX

First Sunday of Advent

Posted: November 27, 2020 | Filed Under: Uncategorised

Today we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent.

Many of us across the Eastern Synod are unable to gather in our usual ways to mark this season of hope-filled anticipation.

But we are united, in the one body of Christ. No matter where we find ourselves this morning – God is with us!

+ Response (by Rev. Dr. Elaine Boone)

Today we light the candle of hope. This year we have prayed for hope. This year we have prayer in hope: That wildfires would cease. That racial injustice would stop. That COVID-19 would go away. Today we pray with hope! We know God is with us in moments of hope and hopelessness. We know God is with us.

+ Advent Candle Lighting (Advent 1)

Lead Us Towards Christ was composed by Trevor Hicks Compositions, and is recorded and shared with permission.

+ Readings (Advent 1)

Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37

+ Prayer (Deacon Sherry Coman)

Gracious God, creation awaits the coming of your son in wonder. Abide with us in our anticipation and longing. And help us to embrace your mystery. Teach us to open our hearts to you in preparation for new life. Help us to look for you, like the long streaks of light across an early dawn sea. And guide us always toward the knowledge and love of you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Bill 226 (Schedule 6)

Posted: November 26, 2020 | Filed Under: COVID

Dear Friends,

Buried in Bill 229, the Ontario Government’s Protect, Support and Recover from Covid-19 Act (Budget Measures), is a clause which seeks to limit the control Conservation Authorities have to protect wetlands, forests and other natural spaces. By doing so would give more control to developers to encroach on and develop these sensitive lands disrupting wildlife, the ability to manage flood control and limit the use of enjoyment for recreational endeavors such as hiking, fishing and simply enjoying nature.

You can read the content of Bill 229, Schedule 6 here:https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-229

As people of God, we are called and entrusted to be careful stewards of the earth. Please consider adding your name to the growing chorus of voices seeking to protect that which has been entrusted to us. Simply click on the link below and follow the steps. Letters will be forwarded to MPPs across Ontario.

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/71104/action/1?ea.tracking.id=webaction

Worship Resources for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas

Posted: November 13, 2020 | Filed Under: Spotlight

Over the past number of weeks, the Task Force for the Resumption of In-Person Worship has been working with leaders across the Eastern Synod to develop a new series of worship resources to support congregations during the seasons of Advent & Christmas.

Today, we are pleased to share this robust collection with you!

Worship Resources for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas Download

Worship Resources for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas features a number of new original worship texts crafted by Rostered and Lay Leaders across the Eastern Synod.

In addition to these liturgical texts, we are also pleased to share a number of musical resources for use during in-person or mediated worship:

+ Trevor Hicks has composed and recorded a new musical resource entitled, Lead Us Towards Christ, to enhance Advent Candle liturgies.

+ Rev. Mark Ehlebracht will be sharing musical recordings from St. Peter’s TV Ministry as they become available. St. Peter’s will also be sharing a complete service for use on the first Sunday of Christmas (Dec 27, 2020).

+ Tim McNabb, Director of Music at Resurrection, Halifax will be sharing a number of creative re-imaginings of beloved Advent hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

In addition to the PDF document attached above, all liturgical and musical resources are available for download through our BOX Resource Library. If you are not currently connected with this growing resource library, please contact Liz Zehr (ezehr@elcic.ca) or Cindy Stubbs (cstubbs@elcic.ca) to obtain access.

Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who participated in this project. Thank you for your gift of time and creativity!

Peace to you, as you plan and prepare!
Rev. Adam Snook
Assistant to the Bishop