Here’s a distressing fact. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the whitest denomination in the United States. The 2014 Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study found that 96% of the denomination’s members were white, 2% black and 2% mixed race or Latino.
We don’t have similar demographic data for Canadian religious groups, but I suspect that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada would show similar numbers. This should be a matter of significant concern. Increasingly, over time, our demographic profile is becoming less and less representative of the general population as a whole.
Here’s another fact. Jesus was a poor, often homeless, brown-skinned, one time refugee; an indigenous man who lived under colonial occupation. Truthfully, there is not much about that profile that is typically represented in the composition of our worshipping assemblies.
Why is that? Is it merely the result of a few accidents of history and dominant immigration patterns? That’s certainly part of it. But that’s not all of it, not by a long shot.
At our 2018 Synod Assembly, we stated a commitment to “the vital and urgent work of confronting the sin of racism and to the dismantling of racist and colonial attitudes present in ourselves, our church, and our society.”
We further committed ourselves to
1. in-depth self-reflection and learning with respect to the issues of racism, privilege, diversity, and right relationships,
2. individual and corporate confession of racism as a structural sin which exists in our churches and communities,
3. after the process of confession, repentance, self-learning, and reflection to humbly respond to invitations from communities that experience the debilitating effects of racism and with communities that live with privilege, to find ways to journey together, confronting the reality of racism.”
To help us in this work we have created a Racial Justice Advisory Committee to lead our Synod in the work of racial justice awareness, learning, and advocacy.
One of their goals is to create safer spaces for conversations about race, in our Synod, Ministry Areas and congregations. They would like to provide a point of contact for those who could use some support, advocacy, and/or a listening circle for those who have had painful experiences related to issues of race and privilege.
You can find a helpful resource to use in your congregation at the following link https://www.easternsynod.org/resource/working-toward-racial-justice and contact the committee through their chair, Rev. Joanna Miller (mailto:joanna.e.miller@gmail.com)
I wish these colleagues well in their work. Some of the conversations they hope to encourage will be difficult. The intent, however, is not to shame or belittle, but to challenge and motivate.
The hope is that our synod, in all its expressions, would become more inspired and better equipped to experience and express anew the liberating power of God’s grace to grow and bless human community beyond the lines of kinship, race, ethnicity and class by which we have typically defined ourselves.
I believe that most of us long to be a part of a church whose corporate complexion more closely resembles the reign of God in all of its rich fullness and diversity. I know that I do. But I also know that we have some very challenging and difficult work to do before that vision can become a reality. I know that I need to change and that we need to change.
Can we do it? Absolutely! Will we do it? That, of course, remains to be seen.
Search Results for: ministry areas
Mission Committee
Is God calling you to “Do A New Thing”?
Have you been dreaming about new ways to build relationships, address challenges, establish and strengthen partnerships, and further the mission of God’s church?
Once again we are writing to let you know that we are looking for creative missional initiatives!
What are we seeking?
We are looking for project proposals from congregations, specialized ministries and Ministry Areas. We would like to support initiatives that are about increasing the vitality of your congregations, strengthening discipleship in Jesus Christ, building relationships, are experimental or exploratory in nature, and are aimed at engaging those outside your walls.
Potential recipients can apply for grants in three categories:
- Compassionate Justice Initiatives (addressing hunger and poverty related issues in the wider community, through CLWR Funds)
- Mission Partnership Support – Long Term (Programming taking place over the course of two or more years, support by Synodical and National Endowment Funds)
- Mission Partnership Support – Short Term (Programming for projects to be completed in a single calendar year, support by Synodical and National Endowment Funds)
**PLEASE NOTE**
In a continued effort to encourage missional creativity, experimentation and engagement across the Eastern Synod, the Mission Committee will be reviewing applications twice yearly. Application deadlines will be April 30, 2024 or September 30, 2024.
Mission Partnership grants can support applications that:
- are exploratory and experimental in nature;
- seek to address a challenge you are facing in your context in relation to the Church’s mission for which a way forward is not easily discernible;
- seek to develop relationships with others in local communities and neighbourhoods;
- encourage participation in God’s mission in local communities and neighbourhoods.
Please note the following:
- Preference will be given to applications which demonstrate a significant partnership commitment on the part of the applicant.
- Due to the high volume of applications, most grant awards are for a portion of total project costs.
- No money will be granted for church signs or non-essential electronic equipment purchases.
- Low priority is given to flow-through funding. (e.g. purchasing of groceries for a food bank)
Criteria for ranking of applications:
In order to assist you in preparing your application, applications will be ranked on a scale of 1-6 in the following areas:
- What is the anticipated impact of this project on those outside the church building?
- What is the anticipated impact of this project on those inside the church building?
- How will this project benefit the wider church?
- How has this project worked to encourage partnership with other congregations or community agencies?
A reminder to those who are applying for on-going funding to a currently funded project: Interim Reports are due with this application.
We are unable to review applications for additional funding (CJI, Long Term or Short Term) if previous years’ reporting forms have not been received.
Now What?
- Start dreaming…praying…and discerning.
- Consult with member of your congregation, council and wider community. What opportunities for partnership and collaboration exist?
- Reach out to us if we can support you as you discern how God is calling you to “Do A New Thing.” We’re here to help!
- Prepare Your Application and submit by the deadline.
Effective March 20, 2024, please use the update form above to apply for grants.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Rev Adam Snook, asnook@elcic.ca, Liz Zehr, ezehr@elcic.ca or your local committee representative.
A Church In Mission For Others
Vision
God calls the whole church through the Gospel to be engaged in mission in response to the needs of others, celebrating what God has done and continues to do through us. Relying on the gifts of the Spirit, we will develop ministries that will inspire and equip us to care for others through the mission work of the synod, ministry areas, congregations, synodically recognized ministries and specialized ministries. As members of the Eastern Synod, we will help one another to embrace our vocations as ministers of the Gospel.
2023 Strategic Priorities
Provide Vision, Leadership and Support to the Synod Community
- Develop a future state vision of the Synod and what it may/could look like in 5 years
- Identify, encourage and support new forms of ministry
- Assist congregations in strengthening viability and asking the hard questions, and encourage them to act decisively
Develop Capable Leaders
- Identify and prepare candidates for missional (rostered and lay) leadership specific to new forms of ministry
- Develop a succession plan for key leaders, ensuring transparency in the process
Connect the Synod Community with the Wider Church through Effective Partnerships
Live as a Healthy Synod
- To provide synodical leadership and resources in support of social justice initiatives, such as racial justice and reconciliation with increased emphasis on climate change
About Us
The Eastern Synod is one of five synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, consisting of 182 member congregations and 50,000 baptized members. Eastern Synod is made up of seventeen Ministry Areas. The territory of the Eastern Synod runs from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lutherans are found throughout the world. The Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada is a member church of the Lutheran World Federation.
The Eastern Synod Office is located at 74 Weber St W, Kitchener, Ontario. Office hours Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
National Church
Sister Synods
- British Columbia Synod
- Alberta and the Territories Synod
- Saskatchewan Synod
- Manitoba – Northern Ontario Synod
Ministry Partners
- The Anglican Church of Canada
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
- Evangelical Lutheran Foundation of Eastern Canada
- The Lutheran World Federation
- The Canadian Council of Churches
- The World Council of Churches
- KAIROS
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief
- Eastern Synod Youth & Young Adult Ministry
- Martin Luther University College
- Project Ploughshares
- ISARC (The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition)
- The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre
- Anishnabeg Outreach Employment and Training
- Trinity Village
Camps
Bishop Nominee Profile – Rev Carla Blakely
Name
Rev Carla Blakley (she/her)
Current Position
Senior Pastor
Previous Position(s)
2021- now Senior Pastor Lakeveiw United Lutheran Partnership
2017-2021 Director of Community Engagement and Fundraising and Communication. Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Winnipeg
2008- 2017 Senior Pastor, Bread of Life Lutheran Church Regina, Saskatchewan
2010– 2013 Appointment as Assistant to the National Bishop in Global Relations Winnipeg, ELCIC
1999-2008 Assistant Pastor Christ Lutheran Church Regina, Saskatchewan
1995-1999 Associate Pastor Central Lutheran Church Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Congregational Membership
Lakeview, Yellow Grass United Lutheran Partnership
Date & Year of Ordination
Friday, June 9, 1995
Education & Earned Degrees (with institutions and years, most recent first)
2023-2024 Certificate in Grief Education and counselling University of Toronto
2017-21 CFRE – Certified Fundraising Professional
2013-14 Clinical Pastoral Education – Level 2 Palliative care
2013 Suicide Prevention training – Certificate
2012 Stephen Ministry Leader Training Certificate– Dallas, Texas July 2012
2004-2007 Master of Arts Religious Studies, University of Regina (Thesis “Que(e)r(y)ing the Image of God”)
2007 Mission Developers/Community Organizing Certificate – ELCA Chicago
1990-1995 Master of Divinity, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Waterloo Ontario (Thesis “The Tension between Interreligious Dialogue and Christian Mission”)
1996-2012 Annual Training – Evaluation of High Risk Sex Offenders – Winnipeg, Community Notification
Conference – Federal Dept. of Justice.
1987-1990 Bachelor of Arts Religious Studies, University of Regina
1988-1989 Study Abroad – University of Copenhagen, Denmark
1986-1987 Study Abroad – Jambi, Indonesia with Canadian International Development Agency – Water well development
1977-1982 Grade 8-12, Campbell Colligate High School, Regina
List up to three (3) current or past synod or churchwide experiences that would inform your service as bishop of this Synod.
Appointment as Assistant to the National Bishop in Global Relations Winnipeg, ELCIC
Director of Community Engagement, Fundraising, and Communication Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Winnipeg
Board Member of the ELCIC, GSI Board, currently
List up to three (3) current or past community activities that would inform your service as bishop of this Synod.
I have extensive experience on Boards as the municipal, provincial and federal levels.
Chair – Board of management and fundraising of the Humanitarian Coalition, Ottawa
Chair – Transition House, Regina, Saskatchewan
Chair – Public Disclosure Committee Ministry of Justice – recommending disclosure of high risk sex offenders released into communities.
Saskatchewan Synod Same Sex Dialogue Task Force
Director – Board of Regents, Luther College, University of Regina
What gifts would you bring to the office of Bishop of this Synod? (250 word maximum)
I am a compassionate, passionate and empathetic leader.
I appreciate governance and policies.
I work effectively in multifaith and ecumenical environments. I have worked with the ELCIC’s international partners in many countries.
I appreciate the work of Reconciliation, and decolonization, in Canada. Respecting First Nations and deepening relationships is important work.
I am not afraid of hard conversations and challenging decisions.
When I was the Assistant to the National Bishop, we worked to decolonize the Missionary program and recall the missionaries.
When I was the Director at CLWR, we closed down the material commodities program. I listened to our international partners to hear what they needed, how our commodities was actually damaging to their local economies. Although quilt making was deeply meaningful to churches, it was no longer appropriate.
Taking time to hold space and listen, have focus groups, we successfully transformed this program. The work around 2SLGBTI folks is also close to my heart. I am an advocate and ally and work in the community to promote God’s expansive love to all people.
Civil discourse has changed in our country but I believe the church can model compassionate, empathetic and deep conversations.
I understand fundraising, and deeply appreciate the conversations around finances and stewardship.
I love my ELCIC, deeply in its diversity. I am a strong Biblical preacher.
I believe God’s love is transformation.
I love to inspire, invigorate and encourage our Churches. I love to mentor and hold space for our pastors, lay leaders, deacons, councils.
Describe your leadership style. (250 word maximum)
I have deep faith in God and Jesus Christ, this informs my leadership style. Love is powerful and transformative.
My leadership style is collaborative, I am a bridge builder and a people gatherer. Community organizing is a model I use effectively, I listen, ask questions, seek to understand. I am not afraid of hard decisions, the right thing is not always the easy thing. I have proudly been the first woman in all of my calls over the last 29 years. I am adaptable, I am able to challenge my privilege, my biases and will always be learning. Integrity, compassion, love and empathy in leadership is necessary. This is my key to strong, passionate leadership in all areas of my work and community life. I just completed a certificate in Grief education and counseling. We live in a death averse, grief illiterate society. I am fascinated how a grief lens can be applied to so many situations. Churches are changing in their demographics, church buildings are closing, a conversation about grief helps us move forward. Grief conversations in management helps deal with the fear around change. The church has been and will always be in a state of transformation. This is exciting as God’s love will always find a way forward. Our job is sometimes to open
the channels.
What do you see as the principal challenge to this Synod in the next six (6) years, and how would you address it? (250 word maximum)
Church demographics are changing. Churches are in decline. Church buildings will have to be transformed. Ecumenical partnerships, like the one I currently serve in are important models in moving forward.
Church leadership is strained and church leaders are under tremendous pressure, they will need support. Grief management will be key, but God’s church will be transformed.
What would be your top three (3) priorities for your first three (3) years of service? (250 word maximum)
Every time I have started a new call, I have become a lover and a historian. This has served me well. I would visit Congregations, listen to councils, and begin community organizing. I have taking time to listen, and learn to love the people and the congregations. I would listen deeply to hear the concerns, the challenges, seek to understand and then trust that God is at work. Inspire people to see God at work even within challenging time. Sometimes it is in the challenges, in the Lenten wilderness that we can most clearly see and hear God.
The Table
In June 2024, the Eastern Synod will be electing a new bishop. As we engage in this time of discernment, Bishop Pryse offers some reflections on where and how the bishop’s ministry is exercised.
Our synod’s constitutional documents tell us that the bishop is called to “provide pastoral leadership and counsel to ordained and diaconal ministers, congregations, synodically recognized ministries and areas of this synod.” Eastern Synod Bylaws Part VII, Section 1. In my experience, the primary locus of that work is the table, the Lord’s table, the meeting table, and the dining table.
The Lord’s Table
The bishop exercises a full Word and Sacrament ministry, presiding at the altar and proclaiming God’s Word in congregations and regional gatherings of our synod. Congregational visits have been the beating heart of what has sustained me during my term of service in this office. The discipline of regularly preparing and delivering sermons at services across the territory of the synod is a spiritually grounding exercise that provides a frame within which the day-to-day work of the bishop is held and supported. Presiding at the table reminds me of the church’s calling to provide good food to hungry people, to help fill whatever part of them feels most empty.
The Meeting Table
The bishop convenes gatherings of people around a myriad of meeting tables. Meetings of the Synod Council, Officers and staff. Meetings of the Synod Assembly. Congregational Council meetings and meetings of pastors and deacons. The bishop participates in the meetings of the National Church Council and the Conference of Bishops. The bishop will be called upon to sit at the table of other committees and working groups, some ecumenical, national or international. They will sometimes engage with government officials and secular media. They will be called upon to arbitrate conflicts, resolve disputes and administer discipline. They are called upon to be wise counsellors and prudent mediators, always honouring their promises to uphold and abide by the constitutions and enactments of our church.
The Dining Table
The bishop is privileged to share food and drink with God’s people in their churches, homes, and communities. At these tables we can establish friendly and mutually supportive relationships with leaders, both lay and ordained, across the territory of the synod. The bishop needs to be genuinely curious about other peoples’ lives, their communities, experiences, and perspectives. This table offers a steady diet of ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, chili, Solomon Gundy, and the widest possible variety of noodle and rice-based casseroles. (Jellied salads are purely discretionary!) More importantly, it offers a steady diet of understanding, mutual support and care. It is an honour to sit at the synod’s dining room tables.
Always eat what is set before you. Always be thankful! And always remember to keep your fork!