Adam Snook

In his 2023 Christmas Greeting, ‘The Hopes and Fears of All the Years’, Bishop Michael reflects on the changed Nativity Scene at Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, as well as a God who loves creation so intensely, that God chose to enter into the very heart of our creaturely existence.

‘O Little Town Of Bethlehem’ by user markbodino on Audio Jungle. Used with permission.

Photographs of ‘Christ Child In The Rubble’ from Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem as shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

For more information about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land please visit www.elcjhl.org

To donate to the ELCJHL Emergency Appeal please visit www.secure.elcic.ca.

Download PDF & Video Versions of this resource HERE

ELCIC national, synod bishops write to members of the church “with heavy hearts, full of concern for the war between Israel and Hamas.”

As we come to the conclusion of #pridemonth2023, Bishop Michael Pryse has shared the following video.

How does God feel about Queer People?We asked ministers from denominations all over Canada to find out. Here’s what they said: God loves Queer People. The idea that all Canadian churches are hostile to the queer community is simply false, as these ministers and Moderators of the major denominations make clear. So what can you do? Contact your local politicians and let them know you do not condone hatred against queer people. Share it on social media and post this video to your church website. Let the world know that God is love, and God loves people of all sexualities and genders. 

This video was produced after a Unity Statement was signed by over 800 Christian Leaders from every province, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, in support of our 2SLGBTQI community members. You can read the statement here: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/equity/affirming/ecumenical-christian-unity-statement/

Bishop Pryse is delighted to announce that Rafael Rodriguez will serve as our next Director of Public Policy and Service Ministries effective July 1, 2023. Rafael is a member of Redeemer, London, and is passionate about the work of racial justice, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship! He will be working in a 25% time position and providing staff support to social justice ministries previously overseen by Rev. Christie Morrow-Wolfe, Assistant to the Bishop.  

In accepting this position, Rafael remarked, “As a young adult, I have grown up in relatively tumultuous times, and that in turn created a passion for studying issues related to social justice and the policy options available to remedy them. To be able to transition from merely understanding these issues to being in a position to work with the Eastern Synod to support its member congregations in tackling these challenges we all face is a dream come true for myself, and I cannot wait to get to work. My hope is to bring a fresh set of eyes and ideas to this position, and to support all congregations in taking the Synod to the forefront of the fight for justice. I am sure our community of faith is capable of this task and can be a part of the change that is needed right now.”

Of this new appointment, Bishop Michael said, “I am so very pleased to welcome Rafael Rodriguez to the Eastern Synod staff team. Rafael is deeply committed to advancing our church’s social justice initiatives and encouraging us to be more engaged in ministries that can impact our broader communities. As a young adult lay leader, I am hoping he will give voice to new perspectives that have not been given enough attention in the past. Rafael’s leadership within the life of our synod is a refreshing sign of hope!”

Please join us in welcoming Rafael to this new role. He can be reached at rrodriguez@elcic.ca.