| Give Gifts from the Heart this Christmas! Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s new Gifts from the Heart catalogue has something to inspire and delight anyone on your list this year. It’s full of meaningful, tangible gifts that will touch your loved ones and share God’s love with the world! In order to beat any delays due to possible postal strikes, we encourage everyone to get their gift orders in immediately and, if possible, to make their donations online at clwr.org/gfth or over the phone at 1-800-661-2597 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm CST). And don’t forget to enter our colouring contest open to all ages, details can be found at clwr.org/colourcontest! To view the full catalogue of gifts CLICK HERE |
You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People
The Circle for Reconciliation and Justice would like to celebrate National Indigenous Education Month by sharing a review of a new Indigenous book each week, and encourage you and your congregation to get to know some new Indigenous authors and illustrators.
For me, this book begins with the beautiful cover illustration by my friend Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. His mom, Leigh, is so proud of her son and his many gifts.
Editors Stefanie and Sara begin by introducing their German-Jewish grandmother and their Neyhiyaw-Anishinaabe grandfather. The book is an entry point to conversations they hope to have with their own children and they hope the words and images might also move us toward conversations about Indigenous history, strength and life, conversations many of us struggle to begin.
Murray Sinclair has written a beautiful and heartfelt forward about a story that touched him deeply – the story of the Ugly Duckling.
The book is structured as a medicine bundle, with each section representing a traditional medicine – water, tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass or sage.
In each section are uplifting, encouraging, nourishing stories written by Indigenous authors , paired with beautiful illustrations by Indigenous artists, demonstrating the gifts of collaboration and relationship.
“Bringing together forty Indigenous writers, artists, activists, athletes, scholars and thinkers from across Turtle Island, this joyful, proud and groundbreaking collection celebrates the potential of young people, who they are, and what they dream of.”
Reviewed by Beverly McNabb, October 2025.
2025/2026 Scholarship Recipients
It brings us great pleasure to introduce the Eastern Synod Scholarship recipients for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Along with maintaining excellent school marks, each recipient has been busy giving their time and spreading joy to worthy causes within their church and community.
We congratulate you and wish you all the best in your future studies and career endeavours!
Letter to Mark Carney P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada
Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC) and Archbishop Anne Germond (ACC) wrote a letter to the Prime Minister regarding Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people. Both leaders are calling on the Canadian government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance
Leaders speak out on Al Ahli Hospital attack
April 15, 2025
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Your solidarity, prayers, heartfelt thoughts, and kind words are a source of strength for all of us here. — Suhaila Tarazi, Director, Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Diocese of Jerusalem, Gaza.
Dear friends in Christ,
On Palm Sunday, the world awakened to the shattering news that the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, an institution operated in Gaza City by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, had, once again, been struck by Israeli missile attacks. Al Ahli was the sole remaining fully functional hospital in Gaza City. The twin strikes demolished the two-story Genetic Laboratory and damaged the Pharmacy and Emergency Department Buildings. The attack also resulted in collateral damage to surrounding buildings, including St. Philip’s Anglican Church. While no casualties resulted from the attack, a child died from pre-existing head injuries during the disruption to care.
We join faith leaders around the world in condemning this appalling act. We again call for an end to the horrific war that, since October 7th, 2023, has resulted in the suffering of so many.
This Holy Week, we urge all Canadian Lutherans and Anglicans to join our partners, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, in praying for the staff of Al Ahli Hospital, its displaced patients, their families, and communities. In the words of Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Al Ahli, “the hospital remains a vital lifeline for Gaza City and the northern region, and we are committed to maintaining our operations to the best of our ability…. We deeply appreciate your concern and support.”
Our churches continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and just peace, the release of all captives, the immediate and fulsome flow of humanitarian aid, and an end to the occupation. We join with Primate Hosam Naoum and Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar in calling upon all governments and people of good will to intervene to stop all attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions so that hope and life may be sustained and strengthened.
In the peace of the Risen Christ,
![[signed] +Susan C Johnson](https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/Susan-Johnson-Signature.jpg)
Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
![[signed] +Anne Germond](https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/Anne-Germond.png)
The Most Rev. Anne Germond
Acting Primate, Anglican Church of Canada
Climate Advocacy Resources
The Climate Justice Task Force of the Eastern Synod has prepared a variety of materials that are meant to assist individuals and congregations to take part in climate justice advocacy. Here you will find: a sample letter to use as inspiration to write to your MPs, a guide on how to have climate conversations in your own congregations, and a customizable poster inviting congregations to a weekend of climate action. You can find those materials below: