November 1, 2026
Flowers are placed on the altar in thanksgiving to God for the Saints in our lives, both present and past, who brought us the good news of God’s grace, mercy and love for us. They faithfully planted and nurtured the seeds of our faith, and trusted in God’s promises that all would come to fruition at the right time.
SAVE THE DATE: Presentation by Hope for Freedom Organization: On Tuesday, November 10th at 1 pm the Good Shepherd Women’s Group invited the Hope for Freedom Organization – a non-profit organization serving the Tri-Cities homeless community through outreach services, advocacy and addition recovery – to give a short talk on what they do, and how, and provide a Q&A time as well. This will be followed by refreshments and any congregant who has an interest in hearing about this organization is welcome to attend this informative presentation. At the conclusion of the refreshment period, the Good Shepherd Women’s Group will hold their Annual General Meeting.
Advent Banquet Planning: We are considering the idea of returning to holding a congregational potluck Advent Banquet on Sunday, December 6th as we enter the Seasons of Advent and Christmas. If we can get a sufficient number of people willing to help out with the set-up and clean-up of this event, then we will go ahead with planning this event. If our numbers of helpers are insufficient, we will pivot to our Christmas Sing-Along (which we’ve held over the past couple of years) which requires less helpers.
Thank You: Your generous food donations helped put 152 lbs of food items on the shelves of the food bank.
Well done, good and faithful servants.
Craft Fair at King of Life, Coquitlam: KOL Lutheran Church is hosting a craft fair on Saturday, November 28thfrom 10 am to 3 pm. Table rentals are $25 for anyone is interested for all who wish to participate. Contact the church office at kolchurchoffice@telus.net. Come celebrate the season and find some special handmade gifts.
Langley Christmas Choir: All are invited to join the Langley Christmas Choir, a community choir directed by Gail Suderman, who is the Music Director at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Langley. For more information and to register click here.
BC Synod Youth Connect: The Synod is hosting a Youth Evening on Saturday, November 21st from 4 to 8 pm at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in New Westminster. If you know of youth who attended our Youth Camp this summer, or those who didn’t, please extend an invitation. See Poster that follows.
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 .
CLAY 2027 “Safe Harbour”: The next Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering will take place in Nanaimo from August 19-22, 2027. Help spread the word. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please see Pastor Eric.
ignYte Return it Express Account: You’re invited to support our ignYte Youth Ministry with your recyclables. See the instructions on the bulletin board.
Advent & Lent Book Study: Deacon Brigitte McKenzie will be hosing an Advent and Lenten Book study online based on the book “A Beautiful Year” by Diana Butler Bass. Click here to view a short video by Diana Butler Bass introducing the book. and see poster that follows for more details.
Continuing the work of the Season of Creation: Although our celebration of the Season of Creation has concluded. Our call to care for creation continues. Please keep our friends of creation challenge in mind and continue to contribute by donating here.
Exploring Everyday Relationships: Living Systems Counselling Office is offering three online lunchtime presentations from 12 to 12:50 pm for everyone. Click here for more 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.
Items from the ELCIC National Office:
- Fortieth Anniversary Service: A recording of the service for the 40th Anniversary of the ELCIC which was held last Sunday can be found here.
- Messages and Statements from the National Bishop: Stay informed and connected by clicking here.
- Resources from the National Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA): Click here for resources.
Greater Church News
- New Resource on becoming an Intercultural Church: click here.to download a new resource on Interculteral Ministry by United Church of Canada Minister Hyk Cho.
- Seeding An Economy of Life: A Guide for Dialogue on Just Transitions: KAIROS Canada has released a new study guide to help facilitate conversations about the future beyond Fossil Fuel dependence. You can access the document (Seeding an Economy of Life” by clicking here.
- Kairos Workshop: Kairos is hosting a workshop entitled “Renewing Our Welcome for Migrant Workers” on November 18, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. For more information and to register for this event, please click here.
- Kairos Online Worship Service: Kairos Canada invites you to join the KAIROS Steering Committee and staff for an online worship service to celebrate 25 years of faithful work for justice and peace on November 4 at 4:00 pm. Please register for this event when you click here.
- 16 Days of Activism Webinar: Moose Hide Campaign invites you to join their webinar on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on November 25 at 9 am. For more information and to register for this event, please click here.
- Panel Discussion: Why Should Christians Care about Palestine and Israel?Gloria Dei Lutheran Church together with Lynn Valley United Church is hosting a Panel Discussion on November 14 at 3:00pm – “Why Should Christians Care about Palestine and Israel?” For more information, and to register, please click 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.