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Celebrations
http://www.software995.com/
A publication of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories
http://www.software995.com/
Spring 2015
In this issue:
Bishop’s Report: Is this not why we sing praise?
page 2
Around the Synod:
Four things to consider
Ecumenical Action:
Edmonton - Church Choir Sing! page 5
Building Right Relationships page 6
A Legacy of Faith in Manyberries
page 4
page 8
New Faces in the Synod: Ravelojaona and Boyd
Walking, Water, Wilderness and the Word
Ladies “Mountain” Retreat at Mulhurst
page 10
page 12
page 13
El Salvador: Hosanna Lutheran delegation
Brian Rude – Q & A at Grace – part 2
Where did the Bishop Go This Time?
page 15
page 18
What Else is Happening at ABT Synod Camps?
page 19
A special thanks to
the Canada Lutheran
editorial staff for any of
their edits used in articles
that also appeared in the
ABT synod section of
Canada Lutheran.
Header photo of stainedglass courtesy of Faith
Lutheran, Calgary. Window
design by Geoff Jamieson.
All photos in Celebrations
by Colleen McGinnis, unless
otherwise stated.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Is This Not Why We Sing Praise?
When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving;
When the thirsty pass the cup, water to share;
When the wounded offer others strength and healing:
We see God, here by our side, walking our way;
We see God, here by our side, walking our way.
(EvLW 725)
It was Saturday evening. It was our first in El Salvador and we were late for worship at
Apostles of Christ Lutheran Church in San Salvador. The sanctuary was filled and
overflowing. The hot, humid, stagnant air left me wondering if I would be able to breathe.
Clergy couple, Norma and Rafael, were gracious hosts … welcoming us, motioning for
us to come and to sit in the front where seats were hastily moved in to place.
We had been invited to celebrate three baptisms. Three children dressed in spotless
white. I wasn’t sure if they were from one family or from three and I noticed, even before
the baptism, that the man holding the little boy was very emotional. He was crying …
struggling it seemed, to hold himself together.
Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer
As the boy was baptized, as water was poured over his
head and the Word spoken, the father’s tears flowed
unstopped ... freely running down his face. I was
incredibly moved. This is an unusual scene in El
Salvador … a man crying. And like Moses who could
not turn away from the burning bush that was not
consumed, I couldn’t turn my eyes away from this man.
After worship an elderly woman came and took the boy
from him. She had a bottle of milk and she carried the
boy outside, sat down next to the dirt road and fed him.
Others came to the man and gave him plastic bags filled
with what looked like diapers, bottles, food, and
clothing.
I asked Pastor Norma about this man and this boy. He
was crying, she said, because his wife had died in labor.
He was crying for the love of his wife. He was crying
because he could not afford to care for his son.
Father and son at Apostles of
Christ Lutheran Church in
San Salvador.
I went to him, and in faltering Spanish shared that it was an honor to be at the baptism of
his son, and that I would remember them. We embraced.
When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving;
We see God, here by our side, walking our way.
Many other stories might be shared which testify to the truth of this hymn that expresses
beautifully the strange paradox of the poor ones giving to others, the thirsty sharing
water, and the weak strengthening the weaker. When this happens: God is present, by
our side, walking our way.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
We hear in this hymn text the blending of two stories from the gospels. The verses recall
Matthew 25 where Jesus says, “I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, in prison,
and you ministered to me.” Those who hear Jesus say, “We never fed you or gave you
water.” “Ah,” says Jesus, “but when you gave to one of the least of these you gave it to
me.”
The refrain remembers the two walking to Emmaus (Luke 24) whose eyes were opened
and who recognized the risen Christ present with them when the bread was shared.
My eyes were opened in the giving of milk and the care of an elderly woman ... in
diapers, bottles, food, clothing, compassion ... care.
Is this not the ministry seen, given, received … indeed, our calling?
Is this not the kingdom of God … the reign of God born among us?
Is this not why we sing praise today?
By Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop, Synod of Alberta and the Territories
On April 25 in Nepal
an earthquake destroyed what
will take years to rebuild.
But the human loss was greater. LWF staff members began delivering aid immediately,
distributing tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-made food to families in Kathmandu,
despite some staff being displaced from their homes themselves. The work goes on,
and CLWR thanks all of you who have already given to help the survivors. Remember
that Canadian Government will match all donations given until May 25 … a wonderful
opportunity to boost your support.
To donate, you may:
1. Give online: http://clwr.donorshops.com/product/231A84F/nepalearthquakerelief.php
2. Make a designated offering donation through any Lutheran congregation in
Canada.
3. Call CLWR at 1.800.661.2597 to donate by credit card.
4. Send a cheque made payable to CLWR - address it to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard
Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to
“Nepal earthquake relief.”
2015 National Convention of the ELCIC
“Liberated by God’s Grace”
will be held July 9 – 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre in
Edmonton 400 with Lutheran church leaders from across
Canada attending. Peace and joy be with you all.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Around the
Synod
Coming Events
Can you believe it? It’s May already!
That means being outside and having fun in the sun. School
holidays will soon be here, and the camps/outdoor ministries
within the Synod of Alberta and the Territories will be swinging
into high gear …Braeburn Lake, where the sun never really sets;
Kuriakos on the shores of Sylvan Lake; Hastings Lake south-east
of Edmonton; Mulhurst, a “Place in the Son” at Pigeon Lake, and
more. Visit the synod website to read all about them:
albertasynod.ca/ministries/outdoor-ministry.
Something for Alberta Pastors
and Denominational Leaders
Join in one of 6 events in May for Alberta
pastors of rural churches. The day runs
from 10 am – 2:30 pm (coffee is on at 9:30!!) and is designed to
offer rural pastors a day to meet together to share their ministry
experiences, learn from each other, enjoy laughter, great food, in
an atmosphere of encouragement. $20 covers the costs associated with the day
including a great new ministry book by Cameron Harder. You are encouraged to drive
with another rural pastor to share the experience of the day together!!
Events are planned for rural pastors by the Rural Church Pastors Network, offering
hope, encouragement and support to those pastoring in rural communities.
LOCATIONS & DATES: Sylvan Lake (formerly Millet) May 19; LaGlace (formerly Debolt)
May 20; Lamont May 26; Three Hills May 26; Fort Macleod May 27
Register for the event closest to you at www.ruralchurchpastorsnetwork.com.
Advance Notice: Good Samaritan Society Annual Workshops
Internationally renowned Dr. Stephen Post will visit Edmonton on September 11 and
Lethbridge October 5 with a presentation entitled “The Good Samaritan and the Giver’s
Glow: Give and Live Better”. Post says, “Let’s celebrate being Good Samaritans! Life
isn’t easy and no one gets out of life alive. It has as many valleys as it does peaks. But
even in hard times, we can give and live better”. Call 780 431-3600 for more details.
Come have a “berry” good time at
On Eagle’s Wings’ Northern Picnic!
2015 Annual General Meeting and Banquet featuring
unique northern recipes on May 30, 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
11223 – 51 Avenue Edmonton, AB
Don’t delay … you must RSVP to 866-441-6594 by May 15
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Ecumenical Action:
First Baptist Church, Edmonton, is hosting a one-day gathering for as many church
choirs as they can find. This is an invitation for you and your church choir to come to
First Baptist Church, Edmonton, on Saturday, May 23 for a day of encouragement
and celebration of what it is musicians do in their churches - minister, sing, lead, etc.
Evelyn Grieger, First’s music minister, says: “In my travels around the city, and in
conversations with many church musicians, I hear a variety of stories about the state of
church choirs - from those that meet occasionally, to those who meet regularly; from
those who are struggling to those who are steady. In every story, I also hear, ‘I wish we
could improve in the area of …’. So, we decided that we would facilitate a day of
encouragement and celebration for church choirs of all shapes and sizes – at no cost.”
Here’s how it will work. From 10:00-12:00 you will sing, and learn about improving your
singing (warm-ups, physical movement, breathing, etc). All required music will be
provided - no preparation is necessary. There will also be a refreshment break.
12:00-1:30 Bring a bag lunch and stay in the church, or visit one of the nearby
restaurants. You are encouraged to meet someone from a different choir, and spend this
time dialoguing with them.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
1:30-4:00 Join in a dialogue about your experiences as church choirs. What are your
strengths? What can be improved? What resources are available, and how can they be
shared? The "sing" from the morning session will also be continued.
All shapes and sizes of choirs are welcome. If your choir has finished for the year,
gather a few singers and come anyway. If you are a church musician, but don't have a
church choir, come on your own. First is hoping for representation from as many
churches as possible. All singing times will be as a massed choir.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 19 to: Evelyn Grieger, [email protected] or 780-217-4436
with the number of singers. Your comments and questions are welcomed.
Building Right Relationships … Our Synod’s Journey
The Doctrine of Discovery. Colonialism. Residential
Schools. These are some of the things that have
jeopardized right relationships between Canada’s
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. The United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(2007). Canada’s Apology for Residential Schools (2008).
The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(2009-2015). These are some of the foundations upon
which Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada
are seeking to build right relationships.
But where do Lutherans fit in to this? Why, as Lutherans,
are we called to care about building right relationships
with Indigenous Peoples? The Catholic, Anglican, United,
and Presbyterian Churches ran Residential Schools. Not
the Lutheran Church. When Lutherans came to Canada,
they did so as immigrants, not with an eye to colonization,
but just to find a place, any place, to live. And as far as
the Doctrine of Discovery goes it seems highly unlikely
that anybody with the last name of Anderson or Olson,
Schultz or Schmidt were with Columbus in 1492 when “he
sailed the ocean blue,” or with John Cabot in 1497 when
he tried to repeat the journey and landed on the shores of
Newfoundland. How easy it is to say, “Thank heavens
this whole “Indigenous thing” isn’t about us!”
But it is about us, because the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, Colonialism and
Residential Schools (just to name a few), still affect, and will continue to affect
Indigenous Peoples. These things (and so many more) have caused continuing
imbalances of power and created huge social divides. These things (and so many more)
continue to skew the community of creation that God intends.
So, Lutherans in our synod are learning. We are learning about the rich and important
past, present, and future of the Indigenous Peoples we live with on the lands, territories
and resources we share. We are learning that Talking Circles often have more value
than ranks of pews all lined up so we can hear the pastor preach at us. We are learning
that walking beside Indigenous Peoples isn’t good enough, but only walking with them
will do. We have so much to learn.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by Pastor Mike Wellman
Following his participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Alberta National Event in
Edmonton March 27-30, 2014, the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop of the Synod of
Alberta and the Territories, made building right relationships between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Peoples a ministry priority for the synod. An initial meeting of thirteen
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Lutheran Peoples (rostered and non-rostered) serving
God in Treaty 6 and 8 areas met at the synod office on December 2, 2014. On February
2, 2015, a group of four
Indigenous and nonIndigenous Lutheran Peoples
serving God in the Treaty 7
area, met in Canmore before
the start of the annual Study
Conference. On Wednesday
night of the Study Conference,
21 people gathered with
Anglican Indigenous Bishop,
Mark McDonald (conference
keynote speaker) for a working
dinner to discuss ways to
move this important ministry
priority forward in our synod.
Subsequent to the Study
Conference, Bishop
Kochendorfer endorsed the
Bishops: Larry Kochendorfer and Mark McDonald
formation of a Coordinating
Committee made up of
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples who are serving God in Treaty Areas 6, 7, and
8. This group met for the first time on March 2, 2015 and met again, face to face, in April
and May. The development of a protocol process has been prepared and endorsed by
Bishop Kochendorfer and shared with Bishop McDonald. This protocol process will
define the synod’s work as being ecumenical (working, especially, with the Anglican
Council of Indigenous Peoples and its related National Indigenous Bishop’s Office) and
in accord with the principals of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples. The committee will work across the synod to encourage education,
advocacy, and service so that all of the synod’s members and congregations can be
involved in the process.
In just a short time, right relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples
are growing. On March 20-22, 2015, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Edmonton and the
Synod sponsored a series called “Walking Together in the Spirit of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission.” As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission prepares to
release its final report on June 2, many congregations of all denominations from across
the country have already accepted the invitation to listen and join the conversation
(http://www.kairoscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/5-things-you-can-doanywhere.pdf). As Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in the Synod of Alberta and
the Territories, we are beginning to learn from each other as we take first steps toward
building right relationships.
By Pastor Ann Salmon, Edson, AB
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by Esther Krause, Medicine Hat, AB
A Legacy of Faith at Christ Lutheran, Manyberries
For 56 years a little church
stood on the open prairie in
southern Alberta. It was a
church born to serve an
amalgamation of German,
Norwegian and Finnish
Lutherans. Pastors and
parishioners came when they
could, in good weather and
bad, to worship and sing
praises to the Lord. They set
about supporting missions
such as the Lutheran Bible
Translators, On Eagle’s
Wings, and the Good
Samaritan Society. Over time,
upgrades were made to the
building ... new doors,
windows, a shiny metal roof
and a beautiful new organ.
Children came to Sunday
school and older students to
confirmation classes.
Christmas dinners were
prepared for seniors in the
area. All of those years a
pastor was present, but never
Always an open door at Christ Lutheran
a resident pastor. For a full
half of those years, Pastor
Emil Krause drove 75 km south from Medicine Hat to serve the congregation of Christ
Lutheran Church in Manyberries.
On May 4, 2014 Christ Lutheran held their final service. Pastor Emil Krause delivered
the sermon. The Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow, Assistant for Mission, Synod of Alberta and
the Territories spoke and brought greetings from Bishop Larry Kochendorfer. Rev Mac
de Waal, Forty Mile Lutheran Parish of the NALC, Bow Island and Foremost, AB
officiated in the Rite of De-Consecration.
Reflections:
Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow: As people filled the church, each holding a blanket to fend
off the cold in the unheated building, I experienced the lively energy of a community
gathered together to recall and celebrate the blessings of Christ Lutheran Church. Men
huddled in the foyer pointing to confirmation pictures with guffaws and broad smiles.
Families spoke fondly of grandparents and great-grandparents who shared in the life of
the congregation. Heart-warming gratitude was everywhere: for pastors, musicians,
teachers, visionaries, leaders and families, for food and celebration at the Lord’s table
and after worship as community, but most of all for the gift of new life in Jesus, the
Saviour.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by Esther Krause, Medicine Hat, AB
Bishop Larry
Kochendorfer’s
greeting spoke of
counting blessings:
“Years of Word,
Sacrament, service
and ministry attests to
the faithfulness of
member families from
generation to
generation, and their
love and care for their
church, but even more
so, to the faithfulness
of our gracious and
merciful God!”
Rev. Mac de Waal:
As I reflect on the
closing service for
Christ, Manyberries, I am both amazed and saddened. Saddened to see another
congregation close its doors for regular worship, sad to see a community lose another
visible sign of God’s presence in their midst. But I am amazed to see, or rather hear of
the members of Christ and their plans for ensuring the legacy of the congregation
continues. Through the process of disbursing the assets of the congregation they have
been a blessing to several other vibrant ministries in the area and around the world.
They have learned from their shepherd that things do continue in the Kingdom of God
even if their own organized structure is diminished. I understand that most of the
members are planning to or already are worshiping their Lord in other congregations.
They won’t give up, but keep on going with the grace that has been afforded them in
Jesus. I say well done to the people of Christ, Manyberries and to the shepherd who
brought them the Spirit that inspired them to such a legacy of faith and hope in a time
that could bring despair. Blessings to the members of Christ and to Pastor Krause, their
long time faithful servant and shepherd.
Rev. Mac de Waal, Rev. Emil Krause, Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow
Pastor Emil Krause: Upon closing, Christ, Manyberries donated 10 pews to the flood
damaged High River Lutheran Church, and the altar ware and communion set to the
Good Samaritan Senior Home in Taber. Hymnbooks were sent home with anyone who
wished to take one. The building has been sold, the money to be distributed among
church organizations.
Losing something precious is never easy, but the future is filled with hope. As stated in a
congregational prayer, “We praise the Lord for this gracious feeding and strengthening
of our faith. When there is an ending, there is also a beginning.” Christ Lutheran knows
this. They are following their hearts.
By Colleen McGinnis
God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes what God purposes,
and prospers in the thing for which God sent it. Isaiah 55:11
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
New Faces in the Alberta Synod
There are several people who have recently taken up positions of ministry in Alberta. In
this issue of you will be introduced to Pastors Olivier Ravelojaona and John Boyd
Photo by Dr. Pamela Giles, Lutheran Theological Seminary, SK
Meet Rev. Olivier Ravelojaona
I was born in Madagascar and grew up
there within a Christian family. My
father was an evangelist; therefore, my
childhood was immersed in Christian
faith and education. When I was seven
years I wished to be given the name
Lazarus for he was the friend whom
Jesus loved. God has worked through
many events in my life to remind me of
my desire to be Jesus’ friend, to
strengthen my faith and give me the
resolution to dedicate my life to
sharing God’s love with others.
From 1975 to 1991, I was a teacher,
part time in Lutheran Schools, full time
in public High Schools, and mentored
intern-high school teachers from the
University. Then I spent eleven years
working for the government. In 2002 I
started to consecrate my life to serve
God. After two years of biblical studies
In traditional Malagasy garb at graduation party
and spiritual care training, my wife
Holy and I became consecrated
“shepherds” within the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Until 2009, we served as volunteers
through preaching, sustaining, reconciling, guiding and healing ministries within the
awakening movement of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. At the same time, we were
seeking a place for theological studies.
Though admitted to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon in 2005, I was only
able to come with my family and start my studies in January 2009. Then my wife, our
three kids Andy, Noah, Anaëlle and I began a new journey strewn with unexpected
events and challenges. But we have always felt the loving and caring hands of God
holding and leading us.
I spent most of the four years of seminary in the classrooms and libraries of the
Saskatoon Theological Union, days and evenings, even weekends. In addition to the
experience I had already acquired as “shepherd” in Madagascar, God gave me the
opportunity to do an extended CPE, providing spiritual care to the elderly people at
Luther Special Care Home. I believe that through the mission-themed internship at
Resurrection Lutheran Church of Saskatoon in collaboration with the pastors from Trinity
and King of Glory Lutheran churches, the prison ministry at Saskatoon Correctional
Centre, and the experience at the Surrey Urban Ministry Society in BC, God has
prepared and shaped me for this pastoral care and mission oriented congregation that is
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Christ Trinity Lutheran Church in Lethbridge. We trust in God’s amazing faithfulness and
the strengthening work of the Holy Spirit to guide us through this journey.
Photo by Dr. Pamela Giles, LTS
Meet Rev. John Boyd
When I returned to
Saskatoon in 2008
from Guilford, a
Quaker affiliated
college in
Greensboro, NC, my
goal was to earn a
master’s degree in
theological studies. I
intended to explore
the relationship
between fine art and
Ordination day at Lakeland Lutheran
the liturgy. It
seemed a natural continuation of my bachelor’s degree in fine arts. The wonderful
experiences I had at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon – the dialogue with
other students, faculty, coursework, worship – stirred my interest in the public ministry of
Word and Sacrament. I began to discern a call and found the responses of faculty and
students to be most helpful. I found the cross-cultural immersion trip to Ethiopia – and a
four-day stop in Cairo – opened my eyes to the rich deposit of Christianity in Orthodoxy.
I had minimal experience of this before the trip, but began to study Luther’s sources in
the writings of the early church soon after.
Through serendipitous events and the support of seminary faculty, I was able to
complete my CPE in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and my internship in Prince Rupert,
British Columbia. I consider these opportunities to be a blessing. These experiences
have helped form my understanding of ministry and to learn more about the diversity of
our cultures in Canada, as well as what we share in common. The Reverend James
Whaley was an excellent internship supervisor and the people of St Paul’s Lutheran in
Prince Rupert, Lord of Life Community Church in Sandspit, and Mt. Zion, Smithers
helped me learn to respond to the challenges of ministry and take delight in its joys.
After graduation, I took a year of further study at St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological
Seminary to continue exploring their understanding of the Christian faith. The Very
Reverend John Behr pushed the limits of my understanding and encouraged me to
immerse myself in worship, iconography, hermeneutics, the history of the church, early
Christian writers, canon law and other texts. The faculty, staff and students had a
massive impact on my sense of self in the presence of God, especially my experiences
with friends from the Coptic and Antiochian Orthodox jurisdictions. I continue to work on
my thesis and broaden my understanding of the church.
When I returned to Saskatoon in 2013, I was informed that there were no calls currently
available in Saskatchewan, but I received notice from Bishop Kochendorfer that there
was an opening in Cold Lake. I was ordained and installed on November 30, 2013 and I
continue to serve at Lakeland Lutheran Church. There is an interest in discipleship and
education in the congregation that leads them to a longing for the preached Word and a
celebration of the Sacraments. Every day I see signs of hope and the urgings of the Holy
Spirit among the baptized, calling them to new life in Christ.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Walking, Water, Wilderness and the Word
Jack Beck Promotional Photo
Dr. Jack Beck, sometimes referred to as
the “Indiana Jones of Israel,” is an explorer
of the Bible and the land of the Bible. He
recently gave an insightful and delightful
presentation on the Holy Land at Lutheran
Church of Our Saviour in Calgary. Dr.
Beck is an independent scholar, freelance
writer and adjunct professor at Jerusalem
University College, who has led three of
our congregation’s study tours in Israel. He
has a deep passion and heart for the land
as a way of “putting the Bible in its place.”
By understanding the lay of the land,
weather, and strategic locations of cities,
for example, one can end up reading the
Scriptures in a whole new light.
On January 24th, Dr. Beck shared a
seminar on “Walking, Water, Wilderness
and the Word.” He has written a number of
Dr. Jack Beck
books which underscore the importance of
knowing the role of physical geography,
human geography (culture) and natural history in the biblical world. Here are a few
reflections from Dr. Beck’s presentation.
In Bible times, walking was literally the only means of transportation. As believers,
people walked the land which prompted memories of past events and grouped these
events geographically.
Water in Israel was and continues to be an ongoing challenge. While the hydrology of
Egypt is river-based, in Israel it is rain-based. So springs, wells, aqueducts, tunnels, and
cisterns are vital, life-sustaining sources, since rainfall virtually ceases for seven months!
82% of rainfall occurs between December and February and 75% of it falls on only 25%
of the land. For the people of Israel, then and now, water is absolutely precious, never
taken for granted and never wasted. This is another reason why the Gospel writer, John,
speaks of a “spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The wilderness is mentioned 316 times in Scripture. In Israel, the wilderness is a
desert, deserted place or a remote spot. It can be a space to escape from others or a
place to reflect on what it means to trust in the Lord without reservation. When Jesus
was in the wilderness, Satan’s first temptation was basically “will you trust me?”
In 2016, our congregation is inviting anyone who is interested to be a part of the
Pastor/Parishoner Study Tour to Israel. This unique tour is through Jerusalem University
College and Dr. Jack Beck will be our leader. You can receive more information by emailing: [email protected]. This will be our congregation’s fifth journey to the
Holy Land. An interview with Dr. Beck can be accessed on You Tube: Exploring the
Land of the Story: Unlocking Biblical Geography.
By Rev. Lee Woolery, Our Saviour, Calgary
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by Marg Daly
Ladies “Mountain” Retreat at Mulhurst Lutheran Camp
Over the weekend of April 24-26 a group of 28 ladies experienced mountains and
valleys through crafts, scriptures, puzzles, stories, Bible study and song.
Theme: In the Bible, Mountains and hills are mentioned more than 500 times. While
mountains have a significant symbolic value, they first and foremost are part of the
Bible’s physical reality. Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for biblical cultures
since they are “closer to God” who was believed to dwell in the heavens (the sky). Psalm
121 talks about looking to the hills from where our help comes. God often reveals
himself on the mountaintop: transfiguration, the 10 commandments; and Jesus often
went to the mountain to pray (Matt 14:23). Then there are the Beatitudes (Matt 5), the
‘sermon on the mount’, and more! While we all like mountaintops, we can’t live there …
they are always in the light with no shadows, and nothing grows there. There is no
shelter from the heat or the cold.
There are a total of 5 different Hebrew words that translate as valley in English, and they
have different landscapes of depth and breadth. Valleys are the fertile areas of the holy
land and they usually have the refreshing rivers and streams. However there are also
negative valleys such as Psalm 23: the valley of the shadow of death, but God carries us
through.
God is not only the God of the mountain. He is God of every valley that you will face in
your life. We need mountaintop experiences, but we also need chances to grow. Some
mountains are higher and some valleys are deeper but God travels with us on the
journey.
Activities: Following opening worship on Friday we launched into a wine tasting of ten
BC wines with hills, mountains and valleys in their names … we do need to prepare for
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by Dr. Helen Bowden
the future based on the
readings in Psalm 25: 6-8:
On this mountain the
LORD Almighty will
prepare a feast of rich food
for all peoples, a banquet
of aged wine-- the best of
meats and the finest of
wines. On this mountain
he will destroy the shroud
that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all
nations; he will swallow up
death forever. The
Sovereign LORD will wipe
away the tears from all
faces; he will remove the
disgrace of his people
from all the earth. The
LORD has spoken.
Mulhurst mountain art project
Kathy Goertz, through her own personal stories, spoke on helping others through the
valleys and how to take care of ourselves. Dr. Helen Bowden sponsored the wine
tasting, ran craft sessions and led an open “Ask the Doc” session. Marg Daly led in
worship, Bible study and music. Cathy Kochendorfer, created culinary masterpieces in
the kitchen along with our camp director Marg.
The major craft project this year was the creation of mountain pictures that were set into
Mulhurst Camp tree frames built with pruned trees from the previous fall.
We left the retreat with the great hope that we read from Isaiah 54:10: “Though the
mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be
shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed.”
Photo by Marg Daly
By Marg Daly, Camp Director, Mulhurst
Speaking of retreats … this little
gem is from the last men’s retreat
at Mulhurst. So gentlemen, mark
your calendars for the upcoming
event on November 13 & 14, 2015.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Photo by: Cathy Kochendorfer
Synod Delegation Blessed before Leaving for El Salvador
March 15 the Synod delegation to El Salvador was blessed at Hosanna in Edmonton.
They began their journey on March 17, returning March 31. The participants were:
Nancy Neumann, Helen Bowden, Nordahl Flakstad, Ray Janke, Pr. James Hendricksen
and Bishop Larry Kochendorfer.
Brian Rude: Questions and Answers at Grace Lutheran
In January 2015, Brian Rude, Synod of Alberta and the Territories sponsored missionary
to El Salvador, visited a number of churches during a visit “home” to Camrose. Grace
Lutheran, Wetaskiwin was one of them. He gave an overview of the past 26 years of his
life and work in El Salvador and then opened his presentation to questions from the
floor. There were many. An hour and a half later, people were shrugging into their coats
and hats as they prepared to leave ... still asking questions on the way out the door.
Following is Part 2 of the Q&A portion of Rude’s presentation.
Question 4: Is it a democratic country?
Answer:
Yes. We have elections. A year ago the country re-elected a president
representing rebel fighters, fighting against the ultra-right wing conservative party. The
executive branch of the government is more people oriented, but limited by the economy
and controlled by the corporations. The judicial branch is still controlled by the right wing
and seems to have impunity wrapped up. Now, however, there is one ex-president on
trial for stealing, so there are hopes that we may see some of that corruption addressed.
The legislative assembly is still controlled primarily by the right wing so the legislation
that is passed favours lower taxes, higher security, making life easy for the wealthy and
difficult for the poor. The executive branch can’t do much. We see some improvement
but we have a long way to go.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Question 5: How safe do you feel?
Answer:
Well, in my work in the prisons I feel very safe. On the streets it’s less
safe especially if you ride buses or walk. In El Salvador I don’t feel I can just wander
anywhere freely. During the 90’s I was held up at gunpoint at least once a year, but it
hasn’t happened now since
2000. Maybe they all know I
have nothing worth stealing so
they leave me alone. They don’t
even want my shoes, and
Salvadoran shoes are in great
demand! There are car-jackings,
but that has never happened to
me. Actually the ones that rob
me continuously are the
business people, the banks, the
telephone companies, the
supermarkets. The whole
system is in favour of the
oligarchy and the business
corporate structure. In fact I
think the big problem with the
gangs is that nobody pays
taxes. You need to have a
reasonable tax base to be able
to provide for the youth –
education and employment. The
business sector are experts in
Brian Rude shows the gathering at Grace the t-shirt he
keeping taxes low, the lowest in
got at a Lutheran retreat hosted by the ELCA. In reference
Latin America, and they are not
to illegal aliens, and loosely translated it reads: “Since the
paying even the low taxes they
world is God’s creation, nobody anywhere is illegal.”
are supposed to pay. They are
investing elsewhere and so
there is no revenue to be able to build up an adequate social structure. The youth are
forced to develop their own economy, their own society.
Question 6: What’s agriculture doing?
Answer:
With the previous government it had been pretty much sabotaged and
undermined, but now they are trying to rebuild it. They have had some success but it is a
challenge since there has been 20 years of neglect. Coffee is the main export crop.
Corn, beans and rice are the staple diet, but that is subject to the business sector too.
Last year the price of beans tripled so the poor people couldn’t afford to eat even beans.
Question 7: How does Christianity fit into this?
Answer:
Well, 500 years ago the Spaniards came to convert Latin America to
Catholicism, to Christianity, and over the last 50 years, Evangelicals are converting them
to Pentecostalism and Assemblies of God. Everyone is a Christian in El Salvador. The
humans have been christianized, and now the challenge is to humanize the Christians.
Amid worries of damage to the ecosystem, they see Christian countries like Canada
coming in to mine their gold, and they ask, “Who’s Christian here”? And because of
brutal murders believed to be connected to mining disputes, some people who live
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
nearby or farm the land containing gold deposits have bodyguards. So do
environmentalists and journalists.
In the prisons, the Catholics go in regularly to mass; the evangelicals go in to hold their
worship services. But there is no chaplain for pastoral conversation or pastoral
leadership. In Canada we have one chaplain for every 150 inmates. In El Salvador, if an
inmate wants spiritual or Christian counsel in this “Christian” country, there is none
available. One very positive influence was a pastoral initiative to dialogue with the gang
sector in prison, and in their territories … their turf, to try to reduce the violence and to
encourage them to live the Christian values they perhaps grew up with. They organized
in January – an ecumenical movement, with evangelicals, fundamentalists, conservative
elements as well as Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists. This dedicated group was
set to meet with the attorney general and minister of justice to make sure the prison
gates would be open to them, but the government said no. So we don’t have these
teams of chaplains in each prison like we’ve had in Canada for 150 years. They would
be the natural ones to dialogue and work for peace in the prisons and the nation, but we
don’t have that in El Salvador. It’s hard to see how Christianity can be lived in the day-today economic reality, the reality of violence. You see a lot of “religiosity” with
participation in the religious processions, vigils and masses … but still so much violence
and corruption, and not much respect for one another.
Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer
More Questions and Answers to be continued next issue…
Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, Synod Delegation to El Salvador, March 26:
My old, little friends (Luz, Anthony, Cynthia and Ava) who remembered me from 2013 ... I
remembered them too! We are at Divine Redeemer, San Miguel, celebrating the 25-year
partnership with Hosanna, Edmonton.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
Where did the Bishop Go? He’s on the move again!
This time, he crossed the line … to Saskatchewan that is … and visited the town of
Burstall, situated just minutes from the southern Alberta/Saskatchewan border. On
January 25, 2015, he welcomed St. Paul Lutheran in Burstall as a new congregation in
the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. This congregation does a noodle-making
fundraiser twice a year. We’ll find out about that in a future issue of Celebrations.
Photographer unknown
St. Paul Lutheran, Burstall, SK
Photographer unknown
Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer
Photo by Cathy Kochendorfer
Left: April 10 … the UofC
chaplaincy celebration
(chaplain Margaret Propp)
at Hope Lutheran, Calgary,
where everyone learned to
make their own sushi,
followed by dinner, a
campus ministry review,
celebration and Holden
evening prayer.
Above: April 18-19 …10th
anniversary at Glory,
Sherwood Park
Left: April 12 …the 2nd
Sunday of Easter was
spent visiting Redeemer
Lutheran in Hanna with
Colin and Donna Millang.
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“Celebrations” – Spring 2015
What Else is Happening at Alberta Synod Camps?
Come Celebrate Mulhurst Camp’s 70th Anniversary, June 6 & 7.
Beginning on Saturday at 1:00 pm greet new and old friends, check over the Silent
Auction, join in games for all ages, picture taking and tractor ride. Banquet will feature
Ray Schultz (Bishop and former Camp Chair), and entertainment by Pastor Les Stahlke,
as Martin Luther’s last surviving classmate. $50 covers all events on Saturday, including
banquet. Sunday begins with a pancake breakfast, worship with Pastor Tim Wray, and
closing lunch (breakfast & lunch freewill offering).
Tickets on line at mulhurstcamp.ca, from your congregational rep or from Lorraine Kalis
at 780-490-0882. Cabins and campsites available by reservation. Please get your tickets
by June 1 so we can give the number of guests to the caterer.
Visit Camp Kuriakos and stay awhile. Here’s what’s in store for you.
Prime Time: June 28 – July 1, 2015 Start the summer off right! Join us for three
nights at Camp, and days full of making and retelling memories. 2014 included a visit to
a local permaculture farm, a murder mystery on a Bahamas cruise, coffee shop in the
garden, the passion play, bible study, worship, Canada Day parades and more.
Men’s Retreat (for kids and dads): September 25 – 27, 2015 Want to work on your
camping skills with your kids? You can at Kuriakos … with the comfort of knowing that if
it really rains, you can sleep in the dorm!
Work on your fire building, outdoor
cooking, packing, and shelter building
Celebrations IS A PUBLICATION
skills. Try packing a canoe, identifying
OF THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
forest flora, or navigating your way
OF THE SYNOD OF ALBERTA AND THE
TERRITORIES.
around the wild. Spend as much time as
you can outside, but if someone really
ITS PURPOSE is…
needs a nap inside, that's ok.
...to connect the people and congregations of our synod.
...to provide a forum for celebrating the people, places
and mission of the congregations in our synod.
...to help us learn from each other and encourage each
other in our work for Jesus Christ.
This retreat is designed for families to
learn together, so you can put these skills
to use after camp too. All kids, aged 7-18
are welcome to attend with their dad. If
your son is 42, no problem. All men over
18 are welcome. Some friends are like
family too, so grab a couple for the
weekend and adventure together.
SUBMIT articles and photos about the life, work and
mission of the congregations of our synod to the
Celebrations editor, Colleen McGinnis at:
[email protected]
4728 – 50 Avenue
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0R7
780-352-3519
Please include name, phone number and email or
address with all submissions. All submissions will also
be considered for the ABT Synod section in Canada
Lutheran.
Of course, you can expect campfires,
worship, and integrated bible study
designed to help you use the outdoors to
engage your kids, friends, even your
dads in faithful conversation.
Celebrations
IS COPYRIGHTED to the Synod of Alberta
Territories. However, photocopies of
Celebrations are encouraged for use in the
congregations of our synod.
Celebrations may not be republished in print or
posted to a website outside of the congregations of our
synod, either in whole or in part, without the express
permission of the Synod – [email protected].
and
Hastings Lake Bible Camp offers
Kids, Youth, Family and Adult camps
from June to August. Check their website
for registration information at
www.hastingslake.com
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the
“Celebrations” – Spring 2015