April 19, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar in celebration of the resurrection and the gifts of new life, hope and joy freely given. Halleluia! Christ is risen!
Flowers last week were placed on the altar by Jack and Elaine Sinton in thankfulness to God, and in celebration of Sinton family birthdays in April and Jack and Elaine’s 27th Wedding Anniversary.
Belated congratulations and blessings to you, Jack & Elaine!
2026 Church Directory Proof Pages – One Final Look: New Proof Pages for the 2026 church directory are on the tables in the fellowship hall. Please find your family name to ensure all information has been updated and is now showing accurate information. This will be your last chance to make changes before we publish our new directory. Thank you for your patience with this process.
Holy Joy Sunday: We have reimagined our tradition of Holy Hilarity Sunday, and are now calling it “Holy Joy Sunday”. It will be on Sunday, April 26th. Come prepared to worship with a little bit of extra fun and frivolity. Dressing up is welcome.
Earth Week 2026: During Earth Week (April 19-26), faith communities annually have been invited to join together in a shared week of prayer, learning, and action for climate justice. Our church will participate by way of prayers, educational displays and fun hands-on stuff for the kids. And yes, there will be cake – CARROT CAKE to be in keeping with and commemorate the occasion. Please plan on staying for the fun on Sunday, April 26th and avail yourself to that has been prepared for the day.
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.
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.
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. If you are interested in joining our team, or would like more information, please speak to Pastor Eric, and see the article in our latest newsletter.
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.
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.
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: A $1,500 bursary, is being offered by Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria for Lutherans and Anglicans attending post-secondary education leading to a vocation of service. Apply by April 30th by clicking 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. 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. See poster that follows for details.
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.
Greater Church News
- LTS Course on Queer Theologies: Our Lutheran Seminary in Saskatoon is offering a course in Queer Theologies. This course offers space to engage voices that have reshaped theology over the last forty years and continue to call the church toward deeper compassion and truth. Classes are hosted online. Email colleen.walker@saskatoontheologicalunion.ca if you would like to enroll.