May 24, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar in celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit – God’s presence within & among us – that unifies and equips God’s people with gifts to share expressing God’s redeeming love for all.
Welcome Heidi Sommerfeld!: It is with joy that we welcome our sister Heidi into the family of God today through baptism. May you continue to be nurtured and grow in your faith, Heidi, and may you find God’s presence among us here and along the path to which he calls you.
Sip With the Spirit: Our next Sip with the Spirit is this Wednesday, May 27th . Location TBA. As usual, bring your favourite beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and meet up at 7:30 for some socializing and spirit-led conversation.
Pastor Eric Away: Pastor Eric is away next Sunday chairing the Synod Council Meeting so note that next Sunday’s Morning Bible Study has been cancelled. Pastor Marlys Moen will be our guest Pastor on May 31st. Please contact the office should pastoral need arise in Pastor Eric’s absence.
Outreach Toiletry Drive: We will be collecting toiletry items during the month of May until Sunday, May 31st. These items will then be distributed to the unhoused and precariously housed through various agencies. Items to consider donating: combs, deodorant, bar soap, feminine products, adult diapers {high need}, new men’s and women’s socks…think hygiene & items for personal cleanliness. There is a bin in the narthex for your donations. Thank you for your consideration to, this worthwhile endeavor.
Save the Date: June 7th Potluck: The Good Shepherd Women’s Group together with the Fellowship Team are organizing another yummy potluck for Sunday, June 7th. Dessert is taken care of, but you’ll be asked to bring either a main dish or a side dish (think appetizer or salad) to share. Start pulling out those recipes and save the date and plan on coming. 😊
Conversations Across the Church: The next Conversation Across the Church hosted by Bishop Larry will be on Sunday, May 24, including time to worship, listen, learn and reflect together on how God is work with and among us. Register now at the following link.
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.
ELCIC Day of Action: Sunday, May 31st is the ELCIC Day of Action to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Year of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Churches have been encouraged to ‘show up’ through an act of kindness; to live out God’s Grace in the community. To that end, we will be collecting items for the toiletry drive, all sale proceeds from our garage sale will go to charity, and members of our property team helped an elderly neighbour remove green waste from his property a few weeks ago. We will also be celebrating with a cake after the service that day. If you’d like to order a special ELCIC T-Shirt, please click here. Please note that the online webstore requires at least 10 business days for T-Shirt orders to be delivered.
CLWR Emergency Appeal- Sudan: As the crisis in Sudan enters its fourth year, it remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The conflict has forced an estimated 14 million people from their homes. Approximately 4.4 million have fled to neighbouring countries, particularly Chad and South Sudan — countries already grappling with hunger and insecurity. The Government of Canada has announced funding for a joint humanitarian response in partnership with CARE Canada and Oxfam Canada. You can contribute to this important cause by donating here.
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.
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.
We are One Body – Part 2: Our BC Synod is continuing a journey that began last year, of connecting, reflecting and growing together as a community of congregations. All congregations are invited to send a team of 4 individuals (including their Pastor) for a weekend gathering led by an outside facilitator. It will happen at King of Life Lutheran Church from June 5-7.
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 “A Quiet Practice of Care” 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.
- Practical Climate Action for Church Buildings Workshop: Check out a summary of the workshop 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.
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. If you have an idea for such a project, please speak to any member of council before May 15th.
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
- Webinar Focusing on the Untold Stories of Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem: Catholics for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land (CJPHL) is hosting this webinar featuring Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)on May 30, 2026 at 9 am PST.To register click here.
- Webinar on Education in Times Of War: Join us for a powerful webinar to hear directly from ELCJHL students and staff about the effects of war on education in Palestine on May 23, 11:00 a.m. EDT. Register now by scanning the QR code or by clicking here. See the poster that follows.
- ELCJHL Newsletter: The April Newsletter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan & the Holy Land (ELCJHL) is available now. Read it when you click here.