CANADIAN LUTHERAN YOUTH GATHERING
Always wanted to see what goes on at a Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering?  Well, here's your chance.  The Local Planning Committee will be holding a Volunteer Fair on Saturday, October 29th at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 7-9 p.m.  We invite adults (young, old and in between) to come and see the opportunities for volunteerism at the "Full Serve" gathering here in Winnipeg, August 17-20, 2005.  We have been a force to be reckoned with at the past three gatherings.  Now let's show them what great hosts we can be too.
If you can't make the Volunteer Fair and would still like to volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Ms Audrey Miller at millhaus@granite.mb.ca

LUTHER VILLAGE

Entertainment books are still available for $25.00.
The cost of the tickets for the Dinner & Dance on Friday, November 18 is $25.00. There is a poster on the bulletin board.
For more information or to purchase a book or tickets please see Betty Gunn.

UPDATE FROM N.E.S.T.
 The North End Sponsorship Team (NEST) is a cooperative ministry of six Lutheran congregations (Trinity, St. John's, St. Luke's Zion, Christ, Grace, and Abundant Life) and two United Church congregations (Atlantic-Garden City and Kildonan), plus individual members.
 The purpose of N.E.S.T. is to sponsor refugees to Canada and advocate on their behalf.  All N.E.S.T. sponsorships are arranged through Canadian Lutheran World Relief, our "Sponsorship Agreement Holder" with the federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration.  N.E.S.T. also works in cooperation with Welcome Place and other groups involved in bringing refugees to Canada.  At present, all our sponsorships are for a period of one year from the date of arrival in Canada.  Of most importance, are the volunteer "care givers", who meet and welcome the new families, taking them to the different government offices for their "papers" (health, etc.); help find housing, establishing the children in schools; enrolling the adults in E.S.L. (English as a Second Language.)  Generally, it's a lot of T.L.C. making our newcomers feel "at home" in a strange new country.
 Two families have just recently arrived.  On September 15th, we welcomed the Jilo family Duba and his wife Rukia, their four children (17, 14, 12 & 5), and Duba's sister Loko.  They are originally from Ethiopia and had been in a refugee camp in Kenya for 4 years.
 The Financial support is being shared by Canada Immigration (through C.L.W.R.).  They will provide the initial "start-up" costs, plus four months financial support.  N.E.S.T. will supply the remainder eight months and the "care givers" from the Kildonan United Church and Atlantic-Garden City Church, and a Lutheran Church member.
 The family has recently moved to an Elmwood town house and the children attend the local schools.  Loko has some English (and writing).  Duba also understands some English.  The adults have been registered with E.S.L. and will be attending "reception seminars" to acquaint them with their new homeland.
The second family is from Kosovo.  Father (58), mother (55), and 2 sons (26 & 21).  The elder son is neuro. handicapped - having been beaten during the civil war.  They arrived on October 4th, and are currently staying with relatives.  This is a joint sponsorship - financial resources for start-up and 1-year support.  The "care givers" are from Christ Lutheran Church.
 The members of N.E.S.T. are most gratified for the continuing prayerful and financial support from St. Luke's Zion, and the caring extended to the refugee families, as they look for peaceful, fulfilling lives in their new adopted homes and country.
 "Thank you"!
 Dorothy Handkamer

MITTEN TREE
Wool is available in the narthex.  Please help yourself.  Items should be completed by the first week of December.
Thank you to all our knitters.  Your gift is truly appreciated!
PRAYER & PRAISE
Prayer & Praise will be held on Sunday November 28th at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome. 

Poet's Corner

PATIENCE AND COURAGE

Patience and courage are virtues we need
As we travel through life's valleys and hills.
We watch and we walk with patience giving heed
For courage is needed to subdue all our ills.

Steadfast patience with hope in the future
Brings peace of mind and contentment within.
Events may hurt, harm, humble or nourish,
Until we can say we have the patience of Job within.

Tenaciously, with courage, we will hold fast
Until the truth in all its adversity is yours and mine
Resolute and strong we will stand to the last
So with great courage we will let our light shine.

Patience and courage, these virtues we will uphold
In quiet acquiescence for all to behold.

By Anna McDonald

GOOD HUMOUR

"Somebody has well said there are only two kinds of people in the world.
There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."
 

METRO CONFERENCE CONVENTION

 On Saturday October 1st, I had the opportunity to attend the Metro Conference at First English Lutheran Church with Pastor Lynne and Dianne Stark.  Since this was my first conference ever, you will realize this report comes from a "rookie".
 The day began with an opening worship and Bishop Smith delivering a message about how we were born to be a service to others just as Christ served in His life on earth.
 After the Dean's report by Pastor Michael Kurtz and Bishop Smith's address, we assembled in groups to leave at about 10 minute intervals on a walk-about of the immediate area and to visit the Urban Mission which is located on Sherbrook.  Pastor David Lowe oversees the Mission part-time and so it is in need of volunteers for many areas, as well as a need for baking (cookies) and making sandwiches for those who come to the mission for food or just a cup of coffee and to talk to someone.
 The Mission, though quite small, also has an altar for worship on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and a small area for their thrift store items.
 After lunch, there was a panel discussion entitled Partners In Mission.  The two guests were Barb Shoomski, who is an ordained Anglican Minister, but who chooses to run a drop-in centre on Osborne and Broadway; and Jeanet Sybenga who is associated with the Christian Reformed Church and runs the Indian Family Centre on Selkirk Avenue.
 Both women commented on several interesting ideas such as:
1) Would it be possible to combine Christian and Aboriginal teachings?
2) Is religious programming necessary in order to be a Spiritual Being every day?
3) Is a structured Church a necessity for us to be spiritual people in the world?
4) Is it not possible to minister to others in any way we can without necessary structure and "How To Kits"?
5) Do denominational structures work for the good of the poor?
6) Would it be better to look away from the mentality of "handouts" and focus on the poor's ability to be part of "earning" their requirements in using their talents and time?
7) Could more of the local churches be involved and offer financial support, so these missions could grow out of the people themselves instead of structured programs set up by a few members who are designated to set up programs?
8) Are most people only committed for an hour or so on Sunday mornings to offer their support to the needy?
This touches on a small portion of the need in our community and the world.  Could we as Christians realize that we don't have to be specially educated or instructed to be of great value to others every day and that we might be more than willing to share what we have and know?

. . ./2
 It was a moving experience for me to see first hand the sacrifices that some are willing to make for the good of others, no matter what their heritage or custom may be.  There are many disciples in our midst and some can be recognized here at St. Luke's Zion by those who are associated with The Food Bank, Rockwood Prison Ministries, N.E.S.T., and the Nursing Homes Sing-a-longs, just to name a few.
 God and others notice every small detail of our Christian actions.  We CAN make a difference . . . LET'S!
Sincerely in Christ,
Sharon Sebastyanko