Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Member church of the Lutheran World Federation

Adam Snook

First Sunday of Advent

Posted: | 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!

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 begin our Advent journey!

+ 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: | 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: | 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 ChristmasDownload
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

Bishop’s Company 2020 Recap

Posted: | Filed Under: News, Uncategorised

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Bishop’s Company for Mission was convened in an online virtual format! We are pleased to share this video combining a prepared presentation and the Bishop’s remarks (beginning at 18:58).

Together with leaders from across our Synod (and special guests from Martin Luther, Toronto; Resurrection, Halifax; and St. John’s, Ottawa) Bishop Michael Pryse takes this opportunity to reflect on the current realities facing our church – and to dream dreams about the future!

Funds raised through the Bishop’s Company for Mission are used to support vital ministries of the Eastern Synod. Particularly in 2020, funds designated to the Bishop’s Company will allow the Eastern Synod to remain nimble and to quickly pivot to address pandemic-related needs as they arise.

If you would like to support the Bishop’s Company for Mission, you can make a one-time or recurring donation through Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6472

Thank you for your continued support!

Image of Luther Hammering His 95 Theses is credited to: Ferdinand Pauwels / Public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi… Music: “Dreams” from www.bensound.com

Bill C-6

Posted: | Filed Under: From the Bishop's Desk

Below is the text of a letter that Bishop Michael Pryse sent to The Honourable David Lametti Minister of Justice and Attorney General or Canada on November 12, 2020:

Dear Minister Lametti:

On behalf of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), I write to express support for Bill C-6.

In 2011, the ELCIC National Convention adopted a Social Statement on Human Sexuality that commits the church to:

• Upholding the dignity of all people;
• Entering into relationships with a core sense of respect for the value of each person as a unique child of God;
• Engaging in practices that more fully enable all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to live as members of the body of Christ and as co-workers in ministry;
• Ongoing learning and growth in understanding of the diversity of people in our society and churches;
• And forming a truly diverse and inclusive community.

The ELCIC does not support so-called conversion therapies that purport to change a person’s sexual orientation. We sense a deep need to provide safe opportunities to listen to diverse experiences, to learn from each other, and to honour people’s identity. We are called to form families, communities and societies where all are welcome and where all make a meaningful contribution. We are committed to standing with our LGBTQ2SIA+ siblings in Christ, both inside and outside of our church. As such, I thank you for putting forward Bill C-6 and taking this important step in protecting Canadians from the damaging effects of conversion therapy.

With all best wishes,
Rev Dr. Michael J. Pryse
Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

cc: Hon. Rob Moore, Justice Critic for the Official Opposition
Randall Garrison, MP, NDP Justice Critic
Rhéal Fortin, MP, Bloc Québécois Justice Critic
Tara Howse, Green Party Gender Justice Critic
Eastern Synod Council

Lametti-David-re-Bill-C-6Download

Our Ministry Together – Candidacy

Posted: | Filed Under: Spotlight

Grace and peace to you!

As October draws to a close, I am pleased to share the second video in the Our Ministry Together project.

Our Ministry Together is a series of twelve short videos intended to highlight and celebrate areas of our common mission across the Eastern Synod.

Each month we will spend time hearing from, seeing, and learning about our synodical ministries, many of which are funded through congregational benevolence.

In today’s video, we spend time with Rev. Doug Reble, Assistant to the Bishop and Candidate for Ministry, Bethan Riehle-Johns. Together, they explore the work of the Candidacy Committee, and our close relationship with Martin Luther University College.

We encourage you to share these videos on social media, in virtual worship services, and during in-person gatherings. All videos will be featured on our YouTube channel, and alternatively can be downloaded by accessing a shared BOX folder. 

For more information about the Our Ministry Together project, or to submit photos that highlight our Eastern Synod ministries for upcoming videos, please contact Rev. Adam Snook (asnook@elcic.ca).

Thank you for your gifts of prayer and financial support!This is, indeed, Our Ministry Together!

Rev. Adam Snook
Assistant to the Bishop