BAPTISMS FOR NOVEMBER:  

Inspired by the congregational pledge made in the service of Holy Baptism (see page 228, EvLW), we will be including names of those baptized at St. Luke's Zion in our monthly newsletters. We hope this will be a reminder to lift them up in prayer, wherever they may be in their faith-walk. The following were baptized in the month of November in previous years: 

Nicole A. L. W.              Tammy D. S.              Jason W. S.   
Ryan J. F.                     Jaxson Z. S.               Jericho R. W.
Allaiya T. F. M. B.          Alyssa R. A.
Michael J. T.                 Trinity R. I. P.
Kayleigh A.D. A.           Dominic R. C.
Lauren A. A.                 Cash S. D. C.
Caitlyn E. K.                 Cammy C.

IN OUR PRAYERS: 

Please remember in your prayers our shut-ins in long term care:                            

Phyllis A. - Concordia Place  

Laura G. - Red River Place, Selkirk 

Doreen S. - Luther Home 

Alfred T. - Red River Place, Selkirk  

Melita T. - Luther Home  

Alice V. - Middlechurch Home   

WORSHIPING IN PERSON:

While we do continue to livestream our Sunday worship, here are a few things you might want to know about coming in person:

-The first time you come, you will be asked for proof of vaccination if you are 12 or older.

-Our Covid Covenant is in effect, available in the previous newsletter or on the St. Luke’s Zion website.

-Every other pew is roped off so that nobody is sitting directly behind you.

-You may wish to bring your own elements for communion, especially if you

a) have allergies, or

b) are concerned about plastic waste. 

Otherwise, prefilled cups containing a wafer and red grape juice are available.

-Most of the service can be followed on the screen, but a small number of printed bulletins are available for those who require them.

CONFIRMATION:

Confirmation classes will resume in January 2022.

SUNDAY SCHOOL: we will be collecting non-perishable food items for LUM from Nov. 7th until Dec. 5th inclusive. You can drop your items off in the bin marked ‘Food for LUM – SLZ Sunday School’

ONLINE WORSHIP:

For those who would like to join in our online worship, here's how to do it:

1. If you have a Facebook account, sign into Facebook and search for @stlukeszion.  The video will not appear until the live stream begins, which is usually a few minutes before 10:30 am.  You can also view it any time after that.

2. With no Facebook account, go to Facebook.com/stlukeszion.  Click on "Not now" when it asks you to sign in or to sign up.  You should be able to view the service any time after 10:30 on the same day as it is recorded.

OPTIONS FOR OFFERINGS DURING COVID:

1. Sign up for PAR.  This is an automatic debit on the 

    20th of each month.  It costs 50 cents a month. 

2. Give through the MNO synod website    

    (mnosynod.org).  However, Canada Helps

    receives 4% of each donation.

3. E-transfers are now available by contacting  

    Sharon Appler.

4. Send in the mail.

5. Drop them off at the church.  Thank you!

BIBLE CONVERSATIONS:

We will be meeting on Wednesdays at noon. 

Bring your own bag lunch – coffee and tea provided.  We will wear masks and practice physical distancing except when eating and drinking and reading.  As at a restaurant, please ensure that you have been vaccinated.  All are welcome!

YOUTH:

SLAW junior youth schedule (grades 3-6)

For more details about events please contact Lisa

Sun. Nov. 21st Flying squirrel Trampoline Park

*Event with SLAW youth

Sun. Dec. 19th Sleigh ride at Bird’s Hill Park Ranch

SLAW youth schedule (grades 7-up)

For more details about events please contact Lisa

Sun. Nov. 7th Prairie Fire youth worship service

Sun. Nov. 21st Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park

*Event with SLAW junior (grades 3-6)

Sun. Dec. 5th MNO Paint night and supper

Fri. Dec. 17th Sleigh ride at Bird’s Hill Park Ranch

SLAW youth and SLAW junior youth support The Urban:  We are collecting items for The Urban to help them fill their Christmas bags.

We will collect until Sunday December 5th

If you would like to donate, please contact Lisa

Needed: 75 full size bags of chips / 75 full size packages of cookies / 75 NEW decks of cards /

40 pencil sharpeners (that hold the shaving) / New or gently used BeyBlades toys / New or gently used DVD movies  (no horror or too violent please)

CLAY Gathering 2021: 

     In the summer of 2018, we left the CLAY gathering in Thunder Bay with excitement for the next gathering in Calgary in 2020. The plans were made, the fundraising done, and registration was underway. When Covid hit in March of 2020 no one really understood the magnitude of what was happening and that not only would the gathering in 2020 be cancelled but the 2021 gathering would not be in person but on-line only.

     As time drew closer to the online CLAY gathering this August, we started to imagine what that might look like, what things did we think were important and how would we be able to form some connections among the youth and leaders who had for the most part been apart for a year and a half. I looked at past gatherings and what things held a lot of value to the youth, what things made the most significant impact, and how might we create some of those events and feelings in the parking lot at Abundant Life. One of the priorities was to meet in person as allowed and to include other youth groups with us if possible. This was a very slow waiting game, waiting for Covid cases to go down and vaccination numbers to go up, to finally feel comfortable meeting with a group of about 50 youth and leaders. (SLAW, St. Mark’s and Grace youth)

     We started Friday with a delivery of coffee and muffins. We planned for the event to be outdoors as much as possible, we knew that was a safer way to gather, so we rented a tent. In a summer that we experienced virtually no rain (they were calling it a draught) it starting raining. We gathered together for morning prayer and headed off to our SERVANT events, including help at Siloam Mission where we took the tons of cases of bottled water we had collected, other groups were able to meet in church kitchens and bake cookies for The Urban.

     In the pouring rain the youth headed out to Silver Springs Park and participated in a park wide scavenger hunt.  Though they were soaking wet, fun was had by all. Thanks to Wayne our amazing tech guy we were able to pivot our plans a bit and were able to safely watch the CLAY “En route” online content in the sanctuary instead of in the tent that was slowly flooding due to the massive amounts rain. We heard from our keynote speaker about the theme bible passage from Luke 24 the story of the Road to Emmaus. This is the passage just after Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary mother of James go to the tomb and find the body is missing. Two apostles are heading to the town of Emmaus just outside of Jerusalem and they are talking about everything that has been going on, when Jesus himself joins them, but they don’t realize who he is. We were asked to think of things that they might have been feeling, scared, lonely, unsure, mad, upset, feeling like everything has been ripped away. Later, the youth were asked to think of how the pandemic has made them feel, so many of the answers were the same things the apostles felt that day. We were reminded that even though the pandemic has left us feeling lost, scared, alone, mad, and frustrated that Jesus is still with us, just like he was with the apostles on the road to Emmaus.

     Our afternoon worship activity was led by Emma -sponsored by CLWR – Forced to Flee, was an opportunity to work as a “family”, to try to make decisions about what we would do if we were forced to flee our home, and what decisions we might need to make along the way. It reminded us how grateful we are to live in this country. Friday evening, we joined together via Zoom with Bishop Jason and Deacon Michelle to connect with other youth groups across MNO synod and worship together virtually with Prairie Fire.

     Saturday, after morning prayer lead by Grace youth, with the sun desperately trying to emerge, we headed to Bird’s Hill Park for a game of bucketball, a hike on the Chickadee trail and a BBQ lunch. Saturday evening was a Hawaiian themed party, everyone dressed up, we decorated, there was an amazing Photobooth, gourmet cupcakes and a cotton candy machine. The highlight of the evening definitely was the Karaoke. After the party, we quieted down with evening prayer and candle lighting led by St. Mark’s youth.

     Sunday, the rain was back but we were able to worship in the tent led by Pastor Jeremy and share communion together, which was something many had not done in a very long time.

     One of the things that we felt was important was food, we had several food trucks like Extreme fry’s poutine (butter chicken, cheeseburger, buffalo chicken poutine) and fired up – individual wood fired pizzas, delivery by little bones Wings (so many choices how to pick a favorite) and brunch at Jonsey’s restaurant. At the end of CLAY, we shared our experiences of this and past CLAY’s, we acknowledged our youth who are aging out, that this was their last youth gathering and the younger youth to think towards the future and what that might look like.

     We eagerly awaited the announcement of the next CLAY gathering.  Waterloo 2022 Ashes and Embers. Right now, we just wait, hope and pray that this will be able to happen and get started on some fundraising just in case.

     I want to thank everyone from the congregations Sherwood Park and Abundant life and St. Luke’s Zion who has supported youth ministry especially over the past three years, you have helped make this event possible- Special thank you to Prince of Peace for the awesome smores bar and the poutine truck lunch. Huge thank you to all the Secret CLAY pals from– we are so blessed for all you did.  Huge thank you to the youth and leaders for their willingness to embrace this crazy gathering and having such positive attitudes and made the most of the experience.

Lisa van Dijk
Youth Ministry Coordinator 
Abundant Life -Sherwood Park -St. Luke's Zion
(204) 293-6357
splc-youth@live.ca

LADIES GROUP:

This past year has seen most of our activities modified or cancelled or postponed.
Such adjustments have been made to World Day of Prayer, Luther Home Birthday Party, Volunteer Recognition.

Let us use Sunday, November 28, the First Sunday in Advent, our usual day to celebrate the joining of St Luke’s and Zion Churches.  This is a very momentous day for us that have for many years have enjoyed a Soup and Pie Luncheon.  Again this year perhaps we can all warm up a bowl of soup at home that day and in a virtual way celebrate not only our congregation but begin the Christmas Season.  Also on that day we will be serving a bag lunch at The Urban. 

If you are interested in participating by helping hands with The Meal Team or making a financial contribution, please join in. 

To join up on The Meal Team call or text, or email Beverley Holmes.

Take Good Care and Be Safe.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP DAY:

Please join us for a day of fellowship, food, drinks and some laughs.  Our Blue Bombers are currently in 1st place in the CFL Standings and will be in Montreal to play the Alouettes at noon.  Followed by our Winnipeg Jets who are hosting the LA Kings at 6:00 p.m.  The additions the Jets have made in the offseason are sure to ice an exciting season this year!

When: Saturday, November 13th from 11:30 a.m.

Where: Jeff Johnson’s Place

             1009 Willis Road, West St. Paul

 More details to follow closer to the date; the plan will be to order some pizza’s and everyone contribute towards the cost.

 R.S.V.P jeffjoanne1973@gmail.com phone or text:  204.477.8734

THE URBAN:

Annual Meeting:
A bit of background - The Urban consists of Winnipeg Lutheran Churches as well as de facto member churches within 100 km radius. There are three types of members of the Urban...Regular, Director and Honourary.
A review of the business meeting - Donations are received from congregations and individuals, and government pandemic relief offers. Grants are received from, United Way, Winnipeg Foundation, MNO Anti Poverty, Women of Faith and Cosmopolitan Club. Income from MNO Monthly and Individual Donations, Canada Helps and Ride for Refuge. The Urban has been able to hold on.
The Urban has received bales of quilts, school/hygiene/baby kits as well as miscellaneous donations.
-The Ministry Manager and Board are in the process of updating policies.
-In lieu of in person worship, weekly readings and devotions are provided by Pastor Barry Bence and are included in the weekly bag lunch on Sundays.
Give-Aways in the parking lot offer all kinds of donated household, clothing, and miscellaneous items.
-Board meetings have been held via ZOOM as well as the annual meeting.
-All indoor worship and programming at The Urban remains in hiatus. Men’s, Women’s, Co-ed Groups, Sharing Circles, Women’s Drop in with children and grandchildren.
Over the years The Urban has evolved and changed. Pastor David Lowe - First English Lutheran
Denise Warren - Sherbrook Street
Sandy Belisle - Ellice Ave (that’s when we joined in) Deb Kerr - St Matthews Anglican on Maryland Rhonda Gorham - Lutheran Church of the Cross
This year is the first year of the Honourary Member, Pastor Bob Jacob who has given extensive support over many years.
St Luke’s Zion has been a supporter of The Urban for many years. It is my hope that you find this information helpful. May we continue our support for this organization through our Lutheran faith.
Sincerely, Beverley Holmes

October 2021 News from your Ministry Manager:

· Canada celebrated the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. The Urban is committed to understanding and following the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It is essential that Canadians view reconciliation as ongoing. Approximately 80% of our attendees are Indigenous (we live on the land of the Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples from time immemorial, and the homeland of the Métis Nation). Many of our attendees have grown up in Winnipeg, some from rural areas or towns, and many have moved here from reserves/or have family ties to a reserve. Within our Urban community are also immigrants from many countries.

· The TRC definition of reconciliation: “. . . Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”

· This new National Day is a time for education of past history, reflection, truly listening and understanding the scope of the inter-generational trauma, grief and loss, and recognizing the necessity of our individual commitment as Canadians to making this country truly a “just society” for all. With this ongoing process of healing – as a country we should never forget what has happened and work toward real change. This day is also a huge celebration of the strength, resiliency, and rich culture of the First Nations of Canada.

2021 Ride for Refuge, Oct. 2 – our yearly fundraiser for the Urban. We are so grateful to the teams from Lutheran Church of the Cross, Abundant Life, Gloria Dei, the Urban Board, and First Lutheran - and to all those who donated! 2021 Going the Distance,

Sept. 11 – the 2nd annual fundraiser for the Urban organized by Epiphany Lutheran and joined by two bike riders from Faith Lutheran. We are so grateful for this event and to all who donated to the walkers and riders!

Pandemic Notes: Until Further Notice: the Urban is continuing the suspension of all regular programming (coffee hours, sharing circles, men’s group, worship services, etc.) in the lower level of Lutheran Church of the Cross, due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Struggling and vulnerable single people and families (in the same numbers as pre-pandemic times when we were open downstairs) are continuing to come to the Urban - bagged lunches 4x/week are distributed outside (Wednesday men’s lunch, Wednesday & Thursday supper times and Sunday lunch). Our meal teams are happy to help us in this way and we are so very grateful for this.

Our website calendar shows available dates for meal teams. Fellowship is happening briefly in the parking lot as long as weather permits! Worship services and sharing circles will resume when the pandemic is over.

· We have changed our pre-pandemic emergency food bags to an equitable “one food item” (if enough in our pantry) per person (two items if a family) once or twice each week during the distribution of bagged lunches. Gloves, socks, seasonal jackets etc. (and weekly bread/pastries) are also distributed outside.

· Masks and 2 m social distancing continue to be mandatory on the church sidewalk and parking lot. The line sometimes overflows to the city sidewalk if necessary and all current gathering sizes are enforced as per provincial regulations. The Urban provides a disposable mask if needed. The Lutheran Urban Ministry has so much gratitude for our volunteers and the meal teams; for the pantry donations, for the prayers; and for all those who donate financial support toward our operating expenses. Our website: www.theurban.ca. Please keep our vulnerable Lutheran Urban Ministry community in your prayers.

Please contact me: rhonda@theurban.ca for additional information, or to have your meal team added to the calendar.

Kind regards

Rhonda Gorham

Ministry Manager, Lutheran Urban Ministry Corp.

LUTHER VILLAGE:  Do you love the great outdoors, working with people of all ages, and guiding others to appreciate creation in all its beauty? Do you love the idea of living, working and being a leader in an intentional Christian community? Are you visionary, highly organized, and a strong leader with a passion for outdoor ministry? If you keep answering YES, we might just have the dream opportunity for you!

   Luther Village is a vibrant Christian community, nestled on the shores of beautiful Dogtooth Lake about 30 minutes from Kenora, Ontario, or 3 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Luther Village is affiliated with the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and welcomes campers from all different faiths and backgrounds. We provide Christian ministry in a harmonious outdoor setting to give all individuals the opportunity for growth and renewal of mind, body and soul.

   Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Camp’s operations and activities align with the strategic direction set out by the Board. Using your strong leadership skills, as Executive Director you will:

*Oversee operational (including financial, personnel and program) planning and management.

*Implement the vision and strategic plan set by the Board  *Lead fundraising, develop relationships with donors, establish partnerships, provide opportunities to build the Luther Village community during the off-season  *Implement board policies and support board governance  *Be the public face of Luther Village

*Ensure the physical and emotional safety of campers and staff

   As the successful candidate, you will be a Christian (ordained or lay) and have post-secondary training (theology, recreation management, hospitality, business, education) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You will be enthusiastic about serving Luther Village as a ministry of our Synod. You will have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills and be highly organized and resourceful in solving problems. At least 5 years of supervisory and leadership experience, preferably in a camp ministry, church or non-profit environment is preferred.

   If this opportunity excites you, we would like to hear from you! Please send your resume and cover letter to the Luther Village Board of Directors at: board@luthervillage.ca. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

   The Executive Director is required to live on site during the peak season from approximately May - September, and work in Winnipeg the remainder of the year. Room and board is provided on site. Luther Village offers a compensation package that includes salary, health benefits and pension.

Please note that references, criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and child abuse registry check will be required.

Additional information about Luther Village and a full description of the Executive Director position are available at www.luthervillage.ca