May 3, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar in praise to the risen Christ, who prepares a place in his Father’s house for his followers, and to the Holy Spirit who stirs us to bear witness through our words and deeds to the risen Christ – our way, our truth and our life. Halleluia! Christ is risen!
Pastor Eric Away: Pastor Eric is taking a weekend off for vacation. May God bless you with rest and relaxation while you visit with your friends from out-of-town.
Today: Sunday Morning Bible Study cancelled: But it will resume again on Pastor Eric’s return the following week.
Thank you: We extend our sincere thanks to Kris Mathiasen for leading us in worship today in Pastor Eric’s absence.
Choir Rehearsal: Calling all singers! Our next choir rehearsal is Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 pm. All are welcome – newbies included. If you have a love of singing, come and check us out. Your are welcome to join us as we endeavour to make a joyous noise unto the Lord together! 😊
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 endeavour.
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 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: combs, deodorant, bar soap, feminine products, adult diapers {high need}, new men’s and women’s socks…think hygiene and items for personal cleanliness. Also, our Annual Garage Sale profits all go to charities that GSLC supports. We consider this day as a Day of Action as well. Thankyou faithful servants. From the Outreach Team (P.S. There will be cake to celebrate the 40th anniversary)
VBS Meeting at the Church: There will be a VBS volunteers meeting on May 7 at 7:30 PM at the church. We’ll be looking at our curriculum and discussing various volunteer roles. Anyone who has an interest in helping out this year is welcome to attend.
Communion Assistants Workshop: Your Worship Team is sponsoring a Communion Assistant’s Worshop, scheduled for after the service on Sunday, May 17th. It is open to everyone who may be curious about possibly getting involved in volunteering as a Communion Assistant, and will be a quick refresher for those already volunteering in this capacity. All are welcome, so please plan on staying.
Tuesday, May 5 is Red Dress Day: May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), also known as “Red Dress Day”. It’s a day to honour lives lost, hold space for grieving families and stand alongside Indigenous communities who continue to call for justice, safety and recognition. Please take note of the following available resources:
The Anglican Church of Canada / The United Church of Canada / Moose Hide Campaign / KAIROS Canada
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.
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.
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.
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
- Peace and Healing in a Time of Conflict: A Call for Reconciliation: The World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing has issued a Pastoral message on Peace and Healing in a Time of Conflict. To read this resource, please click here.
- A Message of Hope from ELCJHL Schools: In a recent Easter video message, students from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) schools share a powerful witness of hope – lifting their voices in faith amid ongoing uncertainty. To watch this Easter video, please click here.
- 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