Adam Snook

What happens when a congregation reflects on the question “Who is welcome?”

The congregation of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leamington, ON did just that and in doing so have changed their very identity.

   Rev Sylvia Swiatoschik used to hear “Oh, you are from the German church on the corner”, now when she introduces herself, the reply is “Oh! You are from the church with the cross!”

   In autumn of 2018, a simple wooden cross was erected outside St. Paul’s. This warming cross had many hooks on it so warm things could be attached; scarves, hats, gloves and especially work socks were very popular. Neighbours were invited to add items as well. At least twice a week open hooks were filled with new or gently used items.

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“I am looking forward to this weekend,” I said to my husband back in late May. Before he got a chance to ask the question I read on his face – or at least I thought I did – I answered: “These events are well planned, I want to be with other women, and I like the theme of the retreat.” 

   He needed this explanation because most of the time I procrastinate when travelling; putting off packing, checking every room in the house too many times before leaving, and needing that one more cup of coffee when I should be backing out of my driveway. And I never forget to mention that I would rather stay at home. 

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On a sunny Sunday morning in August, Grace church on Green Lake Road hosted an outdoor service and picnic.  Notices had been placed in mail boxes across the community to invite families in the neighbourhood to join in on a special gathering.

Arrangements were made to have “The Intermittents”, a Pembroke area men’s choir on hand who opened the event with songs from memory lane and to lead with hymns during the service.

Pastor Leena led the service with communion under a tent that offered welcomed shade on the side lawn of the church yard.  There was an abundance of positive energy as the group, young and old, grandchildren and grandparents and those in the middle, shared the fellowship.  It was a God sent moment.

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The Eastern Synod Mission committee meets twice a year under the leadership of Bishop Michael Pryse. At their fall meeting, the committee reviews grant applications and decides which ministries will get financial support for the following year. This year over $300,000. has been granted to support 52 missions and projects. The spring meeting is generally more educational and the agenda often includes a visit to learn more about the projects that are funded. 

This year, the committee was invited by Deacon Scott Knarr and the Six Nations Anglican Parish to visit Six Nations of the Grand River Territory to not only strengthen the relationship within our communities but also to learn more about the Music for the Spirit program, a ministry that Eastern Synod has been supporting since 2016.

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“We have new people almost every Sunday in the worship service. Some of them start coming regularly, some occasionally and some may come only once,” says Hilla Lahtinen, who serves the congregation together with her husband Ronnie Smith as a ministry team. 

   One of our growing congregations, if not in membership but in worship attendance, at the moment is Peace Lutheran in Pickering On.

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Eastern Synod Council member Bonnie Weppler took these pictures of the baby sweaters that the women of St. Peter’s Lutheran in Ottawa made for the baby bundles which will be packed up on Mothers’ Day for CLWR distribution.

“This is the first time that I have seen the women hang the sweaters on the windows and I thought it was a great – and brightening – idea in what has been a very long and hard winter in Ottawa.”

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