| An Update from Edgewood Farm: Camp Edgewood is now home to ecologically grown produce! Jones Family Greens, the new owners, (www.jonesfamilygreens.ca/) are farming approximately 2 acres of what once was the sports field (area near the pool and cabins). Matt Jones is lead farmer, and is generously sharing the farm’s news with the Eastern Synod, but is also asking that people not visit the farm directly unless they have made arrangements in advance with him (email jones_matt@rogers.com). Produce is currently available on Wednesdays at the Rockwood Farmers’ Market (4-7pm) and Saturday at Waterdown Farmers’ Market (8am-1pm). Crops include many different organic/heritage varieties of lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, fennel, tomatoes, beets, winter squash, cucumbers, parsley, onions, and cilantro. Future plans include a wash station at the in-line Cabin, a large greenhouse in the center of the old sports field, and a Farm Store in Berner Hall. Currently the family uses the old Chapel for COVID safe family gatherings and drying of garlic. In addition to the 12 acre farm property including the majority of the camp buildings, the Director’s house & picnic shelter are home to a lovely family of five. Cedar Lodge is being demolished to make room for a new home for a family of four from Guelph. The 38 acres of wetlands, woods, creek and trails transferred to rare Charitable Research Reserve and are under their stewardship. Parking for the trails is at Memorial Park and access is near the end of Park Street. All three families tapped the maple trees this spring for maple syrup. Keeping some traditions alive! The Jones’ are offering two crosses from the Chapel at Edgewood. If someone would like one please contact Matt at jones_matt@rogers.com. |
Newsletters
Centre for Spirituality and Media
Martin Luther University College (Luther) and the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are pleased to announce the launch of the Centre for Spirituality and Media.
The joint project is being led by founding director Sherry Coman, associate professional faculty at Luther and the Eastern Synod’s deacon for spirituality and internet outreach.
Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund, Luther’s principal-dean, said the pandemic has driven many more of our activities online, including individual and communal spiritual practices.
“The centre’s work will help us discern how we might explore personal spirituality and group worship as we move through and beyond this pandemic,” she said.
Rev. Michael Pryse, bishop of the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC, said the past year has challenged us immensely and we have all learned so much.
“But in many ways, I think we are facing an even bigger challenge when we try to imagine how worship will be engaged moving forward when we are gathering both online and in person,” he added. “I look forward to addressing that challenge, and welcome a forum such as so we might do so together with colleagues and partners!”
Coman teaches courses at Luther exploring the relationship between spirituality and faith and media. She has been the creator and curator of the online devotional project Lutherans Connect for more than a decade.
“I am very excited to be starting on this adventure,” Coman said. “A primary goal of the Centre for Spirituality and Media is to create programming that will enrich personal spirituality while also broadening our vision for doing mission online.”
Coman added that the centre’s activities will bring together the community of Luther with the wider church and its partners in the ecumenical and justice communities.
The centre’s first public event — Back to the Future: Prophetically Imagining the Online Church — takes place online on Tuesday, May 25, from 2-3 p.m. All are welcome.
The centre is also co-hosting OK…What’s Next? for the Eastern Synod’s rostered and lay leaders on June 1.
For further details, please visit the centre’s new web page.
Media inquiries
Mirko Petricevic, mpetricevic@luther.wlu.ca
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Martin Luther University College
Rev. Adam Snook, asnook@elcic.ca
Assistant to the Bishop (Communications)
Eastern Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Bill C-15
Dear Friends,
On May 4, 2021, the Canadian Council of Churches hosted a panel discussion with Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners, Dr. Marie Wilson, the Honourable Murray Sinclair and Chief Wilton Littlechild. The Commissioners were addressing Bill C-15 which received second reading in the Senate on April 11, 2021. Bill C-15 is an Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and states that “the Government of Canada must take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and must prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the declaration.”(i) Bill C-15 is now in the pre-study stage with the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples.(ii)
Dr. Marie Wilson, Hon. Murray Sinclair and Chief Wilton Littlechild are asking communities of faith and / or individuals to write to the Senators studying this bill, and to voice support for its passing into law and its implementation. Doing so would help to ensure that Canadian law aligns with the UNDRIP.(iii)
The link to a letter template can be found here:
https://www.faithinthedeclaration.ca/take-action-1, along with instructions for writing and submitting your letter. We encourage individuals, Faith Leaders and congregations to take action as soon as possible.
To watch the panel discussion from May 4th, 2021, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=941420149733230&ref=watch_permalink
For more information, please visit the website for Faith in the Declaration (a sub-group of the Canadian Council of Churches):
https://www.faithinthedeclaration.ca/take-action-1
For Bill C-15 in its entirety, please visit:
https://parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/bill/C-15/second-reading
And for an opinion piece on Bill C-15, please visit:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/opinion-andre-bear-bill-c-15-1.6009060
Together, let’s make our voices heard so we can continue to live into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action; that we may also learn what it means to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and so that as allies we may be part of the movement to put an end to the assimilation and colonization of our Indigenous neighbours.
Peace to you,
Bishop Michael Pryse
The Eastern Synod Circle for Reconciliation and Justice
(i) https://parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/bill/C-15/second-reading
(ii) https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Language=E&billId=11007812
(iii) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/opinion-andre-bear-bill-c-15-1.6009060
India Emergency Appeal (CLWR)
India’s total number of COVID-19 cases has dramatically risen to over 18 million as of April 29, with more than 300,000 cases reported for seven straight days and with no immediate signs of slowing down — and medical experts believe that the numbers are even higher with many cases not reported from rural areas. The reported national fatality rate is at 1.11%, with an acute shortage of medical supplies including oxygen. Hospitals and crematoriums alike are overwhelmed, and hotels and railway coaches are being converted into critical care facilities to make up for the shortage of hospital beds.
You can make a difference — your donation will help provide emergency medical support to those forced to be sick at home, and help support critical advocacy and public awareness efforts to keep as many people safe as possible.
Newsletter April 2021
Easter Pictures…St. Peter’s Redevelopment News…Ministry Opportunities…Organ Shoes…and MUCH more! Read all about our April 2021 News!
Worship Resources for Holy Week & Easter
Friends in Christ,
Once again, the Task Force for the Resumption of In-Person Worship has been collaborating with worship leaders across the Eastern Synod to develop resources to support your ministry during Holy Week and the Season of Easter.
Today, we are pleased to share another robust collection with you!
Read more →