June 7, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar by the Berry family today in celebration of Linda’s birthday, and Bob and Linda’s 58thWedding Anniversary! Happy Birthday, Linda!
And continued Blessings to both Bob &Linda on your 58th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow.
Correction: June 7th’s service will not be lay-led as previously announced. Pastor Eric will be in attendance and communion will be served.
Bible Study Cancelled: Due to Pastor Eric’s participation with the Synod event “We are One Body – Part 2” in the early morning, the Sunday Morning Bible Study will be cancelled this week but returning again next week on Sunday, June 14th.
TODAY: June 7 – “Thanks For All You Do” Potluck: The Good Shepherd Women’s Group and the Fellowship Team are inviting you to join them in a family-style potluck dinner this evening on Sunday, June 7th at 6 pm (food drop off between 5:30 and 5:45 pm) in honor of YOU!! The theme chosen is “Thanks For All You Do” and YOU are invited! We’d like to silently recognize all those who live out the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and whose deeds manifest good works in their families, in our community and in our church. We won’t be naming names or holding up people in praise. But we do want to make a silent gesture of our thankfulness for you, and for all you do to the glory of God. See the poster that follows for all the details. A sign-up sheet is available for noting your attendance plus the # coming with you, so adequate tables can be pre-set-up. We hope to see you there!
National Bishop Calls for Prayer Following Detention of ELCJHL Youth: National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer is inviting the church to join in prayer and advocacy following concerns regarding Natalie Abuddayeh, a youth member of the ELCJHL, who was detained alongside three other women from her student apartment in Birzeit. Abuddayeh is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala, a graduate of Talitha Kumi Lutheran School and a media and journalism student at Birzeit University. Read more about this in Bishop Larry’s letter to the church here, as well as his letter Foreign Affairs Minister here.
JUNE is National Indigenous History Month: National Indigenous History Month is a time to honour the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the celebration. We are invited to
take time to reflect on reconciliation and commit to truth, justice and healing, and to learn from Indigenous voices – through books, films, conversations and events. Attend a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on or around Sunday, June 21, visit a local friendship centre, or explore whose land you live on and the treaties that shape it. This month, let us listen, learn and walk together in respect and relationship. You can find additional resources below:
The Anglican Church of Canada The Presbyterian Church in Canada The United Church of Canada
JUNE Celebrations: June is traditionally recognized as Pride Month. On the ELCIC website, you’ll find tools and resources for faith communities for further engagement as we journey together, Living out God’s grace and unconditional love. Learn more and view those resources here. Here in the Lower Mainland, Pride celebrations will be taking place later in the summer. We will be celebrating a pride themed service at some point. Please take note of the following opportunities and resources:
- Invitation to Participate: You are invited to get involved in a Synod-wide collaborative piece. What are your thoughts on God and Gender? If the Spirit moves you, please send a short meditation to Tressa, of Ascension Lutheran Church in Nelson, at tresstf@gmail.com. The meditations will be published together at the end of Pride Month. Please send all meditations before June 17th!
- Prayer: Our BC Synod DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group (DEI) offers the following prayer for us all to pray:
Oh God, thank you for the gift of diversity within our church and community. For all the ways that LGBTQ+ people have and continue to contribute to the work and life of the church. Open our eyes to see the human-set limitations that hinder our ability to effectively love all people and your creation well. Grant strength and peace to all who are in need of it
Amen
World Refugee Day and Webinar Event: Saturday, June 20 is World Refugee Day, a time to bear witness to the needs of people forced to flee their homes, and a time to ask ourselves how we are to respond. What does a Christian response to hunger look like for those forced to flee? A webinar titled Food Security and Forced Migration: A World Refugee Day Webinar is going to be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 4:00 p.m. PST. To register, please click here.
The Art of Belonging: Mount Zion Lutheran Church is hosting an event on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 3 pm with and uplifting afternoon of fashion, delicious food, storytelling and togetherness as we celebrate the beauty of diversity and the strength of our community. See the poster that follows.
Invitation to Leave Taking Service at Peace Lutheran, Abbotsford on Monday, June 22:See poster that follows.
Campfire in the City: You are invited to come and join us at Dunbar Lutheran’s garden (3491 West 31st Ave) for evenings of family-friendly campfire fun – songs, stories, and s’mores. Stop by for the evening, or just for a while. Bring a lawn chair if you have one – if not, we’ll find a seat for you. Light drizzle won’t stop us, but in case of heavy rain, the event will be cancelled. We gather on Friday evenings June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, and September 11th, 7:30 pm – 9 pm. See the poster that follows for all the details.
Local Rose Show: Looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend a few hours on a weekend in June? All are invited to come to the Annual Rose Show put on by the Fraser Pacific Rose Society on Saturday, June 20 (1pm – 4:30 pm) and Sunday, June 21 (9 am to 3 pm) at Dogwood Centennial Pavilion (1655 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam). See the bulletin board or the poster that follows for all the details.
Rainbow Chorus Concert: On Sunday, June 21st the Rainbow Chorus will be performing a concert at 7 pm at Sanctuary on 6th, (Queens Ave at 6th St.) in New Westminster. See the poster that follows for all the details.
Vacation Bible School 2026: Plans are well underway for VBS Summer 2026. It will be held at our church August 24-28, 9:00-12:00, hosted by Saint Laurence and Good Shepherd Lutheran. VBS is for kids ages 4-11 and this year’s program “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God ” is filled with learning and fun through games, crafts, storytelling, science experiments and music. See the poster that follows for all the details and to register. If you would like to help out in any way, please contact Amy MacLeod our VBS co-coordinator, or Pastor Eric.
Cross Border Friendship Gathering: Our BC Synod and the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA have planned a gathering to share fellowship and food with our Lutheran siblings beyond our border. We will meet at Old Orchard Picnic Area in Canada on Sunday, June 14. If you are interested in joining Pastor Eric, please register here. See the poster that follows for details, and check out a short video about the original idea here.
Seeking Accommodation: Yvon Malenfant and Michelle Ryu are seeking temporary housing. If you have any, or know of any, please let them know. Yvon writes:
We are looking for temporary housing for the interim. 1 bedroom with a bathroom would be great! Something not too expensive. Let us know if you have anything. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Yvon & Michelle: 778-862-5240 Y / 778-863-5240 M
Youth Camp: BC Synod is hosting a Youth Camp later this year from August 10-14 at Loon Lake Lodge in Maple Ridge. It is open to all youth ages 11 to 18. If you are interested in helping in any capacity with this event, please contact the synod office at bcsynod@elcic.ca.
‘Every Square Foot Counts’ – Educational Opportunities for Congregations:
- This month’s blog post is “What the Quiet Season Is Asking of Us” which invites congregations to reflect on how their buildings and land they sit on are seen and understood by their neighbourhoods. Read the full blog here.
- Open Conversation about your Church Building Workshop: Join us Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 pm ET for an open conversation — no set agenda, just the questions you are carrying. For more information and to register follow this link.
ignYte Return it Express Account: You’re invited to support our ignYte Youth Ministry with your recyclables. See the instructions on the bulletin board.
Lutheran Manor Society of Vancouver BC – Notice of Rescheduling of AGM and Call for Nominations: View the new rescheduling notice to Tuesday, June 23rd here, and on the Church bulletin boards.
Greater Church News
- “Conversations Across the Church” recording now available: Event held on May 24th. View it here.
Justice Updates
- LCIC GHG Inventory Calculator & User Manual: If you would like to learn more about the GHG Inventory Calculator, contact Rev. Paul Gehrs, Assistant to the Bishop at pgehrs@elcic.ca .
- WCC Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action: The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites you to join the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025-2034): Moving Together in Ecological Metanoia for Transformation. This movement supports people in answering the prophetic call to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with those who suffer most from climate injustice.