August 30, 2023
Flowers are placed on the altar in thankfulness for the joyous VBS week that we shared with the children among us, the creative leadership of our volunteers that made it possible, and for the faithful fellowship shared throughout the week with our siblings in Christ – as we gathered together as one family united by Christ’s love.
Today: VBS-Themed Service followed by Church Picnic: As has become our tradition on the Sunday that follows the end of VBS, we will be worshipping with a VB-themed service, after which, we will gather for a potluck lunch. Hotdogs will be provided, and you are invited to stay as you are able. All are welcome!
Friends of Creation – Lake Chad Fundraising Page: In advance of the Season of Creation that begins next month for 5 weeks, our church has initiated an online CLWR Friends of Creation – Lake Chad fundraising initiative. CLWR has kindly set up a specific on-line fundraising page for our church, which launches our goal to raise $5,000 (100 acres at $50 each) to help remediate the area that was formerly the Lake Chad lake basin, which has severely diminished in size due to global warming. Our GSLC online donation page is accessible by clicking here, or via the QR code on the poster that follows. If your preference would be to donate cash or a cheque towards this initiative, we have special envelopes available for that purpose as well. Donations can be anonymous or else you can opt to show your name next to your donation amount – the choice is up to you! As the Season of Creation is almost here, we welcome your support through the launch our “CLWR – Friends of Creation” fundraising page. Donate once or donate as often as the Spirit moves you. See the bulletin board for more info. If using envelopes, please make your cheques payable to CLWR.
Summer Foodbank Drive: As the summer months and summer holidays are coming to a close, so too is our Summer Foodbank Drive. Thank you to all who contributed food or financial donations to SHARE to help restocktheir shelves over the summer months. Your donations are so very much appreciated, as we continue trying toactively help others and care for our neighbours.
Our Next Big Community Event!: Plans are taking shape for our next big fall community celebration. It will be a music festival on our parking lot featuring folk, jazz and rock music acts. There will be free food and ice cream, kids activities, contributions from the Kwikwetlem First Nation and some quieter indoor activities. We are looking for volunteers to help out with various tasks, and you can sign up on the sign-up sheet on the Ushers Table. As well, please see the poster that follows and plan to attend.
Favourite Hymn Sing: As is our usual practice over the summer months, we gather ten minutes before the service starts (at 10:20 am) to sing a couple of our favourite hymns before our regular service begins. The songs sung are selected by those attending, so come early and nominate your favourite hymn!
Job Opportunity – Youth Minister: ignyte, the joint youth ministry of Good Shepherd and St. Laurence Anglican, is looking to hire a new leader. This is a role for someone who loves working with young people, thrives on genuine relationships, and is ready to build something meaningful in partnership with a community poised for growth. To see more details, click on the ignYte page on our website here.
Next Conversation Across the Church: All are invited to join Bishop Larry and members of the ELCIC for the third Conversation Across the Church on Sunday, September 13th at 3 pm PST. The focus will be on the Season of Creation and why this is a priority for our church. Register here to register for the Zoom link to participate.
Advocacy for Natalie Abudayyeh and the ELCJHL: See the letter that follows from Bishop Larry Kochendorfer.
Liberating Lutherans: Theology & Organizing for the Church Today: Spirit of Life and Church of the Cross (2 churches in our Synod) are collaborating on an on-line education offering consisting of 1 hour classes on Thursdays, from September 17 to November 5. This is brief survey of Liberation Theology and its application to ministry today in our context. This is not an academic course, but a reading group open to anyone who wants to join. For more information, contact either of the church offices who will forward your email on.
spiritoflifelutheranoffice@gmail.com lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca
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 in the summer months with the final one next month on Friday evening, September 11th, 7:30 pm – 9 pm. See the poster that follows for all the 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
‘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.
ignYte Return it Express Account: You’re invited to support our ignYte Youth Ministry with your recyclables. See the instructions on the bulletin board.
GREATER CHURCH NEWS
• WCC Wants to Hear From You!: WCC invites all members of the church to complete a short survey that will
help the WCC team shape their news, stories, resources and more. The survey can be found here.
• Thursdays in Black ambassadors reviewed framework for global activities: Read more here.
• Monthly Reflections on Climate Justice: The Task Force on Carbon Neutrality provides monthly reflections
on climate justice to encourage engagement, share resources and call for prayer, reflection and
learning. Biblical Passages Related to Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality and Community Focused
Environmental Stewardship are monthly reflections that you can read today by clicking here.
• Messages and Statements from the National Bishop: Stay informed and connection when you click here.
JUSTICE UPDATES
Please watch this space for future justice updates.