March 29, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar as we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. And we remember especially, amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine.
‘Pick Up Your Branches and Lay Down Your Garments’: As Jesus entered Jerusalem, on what we know as Palm Sunday, the people waved leafy branches and lay down their garments before Him. To echo those crowds, we too will “lay down garments”, by acknowledging those who are in need of warm apparel. On Palm Sunday, March 29, are asking you to spread your “garments for Jesus” … the garments being new SOCKS, which will be distributed to those in need of warm, dry footwear. {socks for both men and women}. Please donate only new and unused socks. God Bless.
Tonight: Final Being Lutheran Today: Our final session in our Being Lutheran Today series takes this evening, Sunday, March 29th at the usual time of 5:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. Just let Pastor Eric know you will be attending so we can order enough pizza. Child minding is available.
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday
We will gather at 6 pm for a dinner of soup and bread. During dinner you are invited to participate in the foot- washing. We will then gather for worship at 7 pm including Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar.
Good Friday
We gather at 10:30 am for a service of Tennebrae in which candles are extinguished during a dramatic reading of the passion story.
Easter Sunday Celebration Service
We will begin our morning of celebration of our Lord’s resurrection with an Easter Continental potluck breakfast from 9 to 10 am. All are invited to bring finger-food style items to contribute (like croissants, muffins, cheese, kolbassa, cut up ham, fruits, mini quiche, hot cross buns, veggies… etc.) There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. This will be followed at 10:30 am with a Family Celebration Service. Don’t forget to bring flowers from your garden to decorate the cross.
Next Sunday – 9:30 am Bible Study Cancelled. Come for the Easter Sunday Breakfast and fellowship instead.😉
Save the Date! Vacation Bible School 2026: Planning is underway for VBS Summer 2026. It will be held August 24-28, 9:00-12:00, hosted by Saint Laurence and Good Shepherd. VBS is for kids ages 4-11. Our program is filled with learning and fun through games, crafts, storytelling, science experiments and music. More details and registration information coming soon. Mark your calendars! And If you would like to help out in any way – behind the scenes or “on the scene” – please contact Amy MacLeod our VBS co-coordinator, or Pastor Eric.
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
Middle East Emergency Appeal: In response to the events in the Middle East, the ELCIC and Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has launched an Emergency Appeal for the Middle East to provide emergency relief to children and families that have had to flee their homes. You can donate through your regular offering method designated for “Middle East Appeal” or online at CLWR here.
In Response to the Situation in the Middle East: Please note the following letters and statements written by Church Leaders:
- Our National and Synod Bishops have published a letter to all members of the ELCIC following the recent events in Iran. Read the full letter here. They have also written to Bishop Haddad and members of the ELCJHL, expressing support and solidarity for them. You can read the letter here.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed grave concern over the attack against Iran and subsequent escalation. Read their statement here. They have also launched a campaign calling for Israel to be held accountable for ending the illegal occupation of Palestine. Learn more about the campaign here and watch the video of the launch event here.
2026 Church Directory: A new church directory is in the works, and current information from our database is shown on the printed pages on the tables in the hall. Please find your family name, and update any information on the right side of the page. These pages will be out for three weeks only. We will then make the changes as noted and publish our new directory. Alternately, you are welcome to simply call the office to verify the correctness of the information we have on file for you. Thank you for your time and effort in helping us publish an accurate directory.
Luther Manor Society of Vancouver – Notice of AGM: The Board of Directors of the Lutheran Manor Society of Vancouver BC calls the Annual General Meeting for Thursday, May 12th, 2026, at 7:00 PM. See the poster on the bulletin boards for all the details.
Protect the progress around Lake Chad: Funding for nature-based solutions, including CLWR’s Friends of Creation project around Lake Chad, is at risk with the next federal budget. Use your voice now to let the government know you care about this work and want to see it protected. Use CLWR’s letter-writing tool to send an email to your MP in just three minutes. Find the tool online at clwr.org/advocate.
Lenten Resources:
- Prayer Vigils for Climate Justice: Each Tuesday evening during Lent, 5:00-5:30 pm, , the ELCIC and its synods are hosting a Prayer Vigil for Climate justice. The final vigil will take place this coming Tuesday, March 31. Please register here to join the vigils live and/or to receive a link to the recording. See the poster that follows.
- Lutherans Connect: Lutherans Connect is a seasonal devotional by Deacon Sherry Coman from Eastern Synod Daily devotionals are published on Facebook, or they’re available over email . Contact Deacon Sherry at Lutheransconnect@gmail.com
- Daily prayers: Sent to you by email, created by Rev. Bruce Ehlert (Saskatoon, SK). You can subscribe here.
Youth Justice 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 “From Visibility to Viability: External Communication as Public Stewardship which invites congregations to reflect on how their buildings are seen and understood by their neighbourhoods. Read post here.
ignYte Return it Express Account: You’re invited to support our ignYte Youth Ministry with your recyclables. See the instructions on the bulletin board.
Karren Stinson Bursary: This bursary, offered by Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria, offers financial assistance to Lutherans and Anglicans based in Western Canada who are currently involved in post-secondary education leading to a vocation of service. The bursary amount is $1,500.00. The deadline to apply is April 30th. For more information and to download the application please click here.
Partner Impact Grant Applications: Charitus is offering grants to ELCIC congregations for projects addressing the elimination of poverty, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, or sustainable environmental practices. Grants of up to $3,000 covering up to 75 percent of project costs, are available. If you have an idea for such a project, please speak to any member of council before May 15th.
Blanket Exercise Workshop: Como Lake United Church is once again hosting an opportunity to share in the Blanket Exercise Workshop on Sunday May 3, 2026 at 1:00PM. Register early to ensure a spot!
We highly recommend this workshop, it is very well run, educational, and a personal opportunity to understand and feel the strong need for Truth and Reconciliation in today’s world. The $10 registration fee can be sent, upon registration, by e-transfer as listed in the poster below. To register, please phone the Church at 604-931-8555 or email office@comolakeunited.ca
Save the Date – Installation of Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker: On Saturday, May 23rd Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker will be installed at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in New Westminster at 3:30pm. More details, and an invitation, will be sent out a closer date.
Greater Church News
- Bishop Larry Speaks out: ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer shares a statement to the church following several incidents of Synagogues being attacked in Canada and the United States including several involving gun violence. . Read the full statement here.
Compassionate Justice and Creation Care:
- “The Risks of AI” Webinar recording: The World Council of Churches recently hosted an online panel discussion “The risks of artificial general intelligence: how should faith communities respond?” moderated by ELCIC member Peter Kuhnert. To watch a recording of the webinar click here. click here.