A New Year, and new challenges to keep healthy and safe during the pandemic. I wish to thank our church council for all the work they have done to keep us that way.
We are ready to change moment by moment how we do the services and live out our mission with others according to the public health protocols, and have been able to stay connected with newsletters, email, phone, and Facebook live during Sunday services as well. I want to thank Jayme McManus and Benita Nylen for doing the filming in order to reach those that aren’t able to attend in person.
I will be starting a Bible study/discussion evening probably via Zoom once a month on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm CST to 8 pm January 19th. If health protocols allow, we will definitely have them in person for between 6 to 8 people at the church. The topics will relate to what does the Bible tell us about social justice, faith and the Holy Spirit. We will look at certain bible passages and start by sharing whether the passage teaches us about God/the Spirit/faith, or teaches about your neighbor, teaches about yourself, or if a lightbulb goes off in your head meaning it’s something you didn’t know before, or if you don’t understand it.
The goal is to see how we can learn about God, our neighbor and ourselves by sharing how the confessions of faith in the Bible speaks to each of us. Then, how can we live out what we learn?(/p>
I will leave you with another of the Ten Commandments. The eighth petition or request is that we are not to bear false witness against our neighbor, we are to speak highly of our neighbor. If someone has offended me, I will share how I felt. And if I have offended you, please share with me how you felt as well. Christ calls us to a new life that includes the ministry of reconciliation with each other, one of the new challenges to grasp asking for God’s help in this New Year.
I pray for all those hurting by the telling of true or false tales, and also for us to continue to support one another in our vocations/roles. I pray for those who work in the news media that they will use accurate and fair reporting, in social media to be done in ways that respect others, and for our leaders that they will work in ways of truth and justice. Amen
Heather Parrott-Howdle
Student Pastor
Erickson Lutheran Church
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There were two council meetings to report on. One was on November 28, 2021 dealing specifically with the Elsie Hall Fund and the other was on December 16, 2021. The issues of the Elsie Hall Fund arising from both these meetings will be dealt with together for purposes of this report.
As of December 13, 2021 the assets of the ELC Church consisted of $25,965.90 in our chequing, And $369,101.21 in investments. These investments are broken into two categories: Church Investments of $201,000.00 and the Elsie Hall Fund of $168,101.21. In terms of the 2021 budget in terms of expenses, as of December 13, 2021 expenses were $61,179.65 as opposed to the budgeted amount of $86,050.00.
Discussions ensued around the budget for 2022 and a budget was set for approval at the annual meeting of the congregation on March 6, 2022. Some changes were made to the categories within the budget to streamline the report. Out of this discussion came the feeling that work is needed to build up our congregation within and throughout our community. This will entail additional work on behalf of the administrative assistant and it was agreed that she would now be paid for three (3) days a week. Please note that the administrative assistant currently has been working three days a week but has been donating one day a work. She will continue to donate one day a week to the church which means we will now have someone in our offices 4 days a week.
As well, a discussion ensured around having too many special fund accounts and a decision was made that the only special fund accounts would be the Memorial Gift account and the Scandinavia Cemetery Account. The Memorial Gift Fund’s purpose statement will be written such that each year the Council will determine the needs of the congregation and all gifts will be directed towards those needs. The written purpose statements for the Memorial Gift Fund and Scandinavia Cemetery Fund will be brought to the annual meeting for approval.
This has been a busy month. She has completed her Systematic Theology II course from Nov 29 to Dec 10th online with her final paper due Dec 31,2021. Besides all the services provided, she has also continued her work with the Southquill Health Area Foodbank and the Interfaith Committee to arrange the Blue Christmas Service and discuss next year’s projects. She continues as well with phone and personal visits.
It has also been a busy time as well for the administrative assistant. Highlights from her report (except for the Elsie Hall Fund) are as follows:
As noted above, the Elsie Hall Fund has a balance of $168,101.21. This fund was endowed by Elsie Hall at the time of her death in 2005 and has been used for the repair and maintenance of our church. The treasurer and the administrative assistant attended a workshop via zoom given by the MNO Synod and one of the major take-aways from that seminar is that all special funds must have a written “purpose statement”. A meeting was held by the Council with the Trustee for the late Elsie Hall’s will to review and discuss such a purpose statement. This matter was again discussed in the December 2021 council meeting as to the purpose and use of the Elsie Hall Fund. As a result of all these discussions the following steps were taken:
There is a need for a new vacuum for the church and the Council approved the purchase of same. The new back door should be in shortly. Discussions took place in terms of safety for our front steps and the council approved the purchase of a rubber mat for the front door. In terms of the future work that may be required, it was agreed that the issue of proper sump pumps needs to be addressed and the Council approved obtaining quotes for the work that needs to be done. As well the suggestion was made that it may be time for new carpet in the Youth room once the new sump pumps have been put into place.
Finally, out of the December 2021 meeting came the unanimous feeling that 2022 was the year to begin to work to rebuild our congregation and extend our presence in our community. Some of the ideas raised for review were:
Any suggestions or ideas from you would be appreciated and can be relayed to either our Student Pastor Heather Parrott-Howdle ( hhowdle84@gmail.com ); our chairperson Dolores Hall (lauriepng@gmail.com) or our administrative assistant Sylvia-Linda Kaktins (elcoffice.slk@gmail.com).
We have a YouTube Channel - Erickson Lutheran Church -
where you may access online services.
ELC Service links will be posted on our Facebook page.
We pray for healthcare providers, vaccine suppliers, those who are ill and those who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
REMEMBER... GOD IS WITH US; WE ARE NOT ALONE.
Click here to access a Manitoba/NWOntario Lutheran service on the internet.
To receive more updates, please go to the ELC Facebook Page or sign-up for MNO Synod Newsletter for virtual services that are available at www.mnosynod.org.
Thank you for your help in reducing the risk of spreading this virus. We pray for those afflicted or quarantined. God is with us, do not fear. Please continue to pray. Then pray again. Then pray some more.
Click here for information from the MNO Synod and ELCIC regarding regulations surrounding Covid-19.
Thank you for donations to our ministry and others
If you would like to support our outreach, you can make a donation or an online offering through Canada Helps by clicking the link below.
If you wish to donate to The Bethel Society, please do not use Canada Helps but forward said donation by way of cheque c/o Erickson Lutheran Church. All donations using the Donate Button will go directly to Erickson Lutheran Church.
Sunday worship is conducted with the Lutheran Order of Worship. On the third Sunday of the month, a Hymn Sing is held before worship. On the second Sunday of the month there is a Communion Service.
Located just south of beautiful Riding Mountain National Park on Highway 10, Erickson Lutheran Church holds services every Sunday at 10:00am from May to September, and 11:00am from October to April.
For service times and information on hosting, ushering, readings, and upcoming special events, please see our Calendar.
All are welcome to the worship services.
We will be using the newsletter as our primary way of communicating with members and want everyone to be informed in a timely manner.
We worship on Treaty 2 territory and desire to work together in truth and reconciliation, and continue to build our friendships and relationships with one another.
The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s love and grace. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who creates us,
redeems us,
and calls us by name.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
and your beloved children.
We have turned our faces away from your glory
when it did not appear as we expected.
We have rejected your word
when it made us confront ourselves.
We have failed to show hospitality
to those you called us to welcome.
Accept our repentance for the things we have done
and the things we have left undone.
For the sake of Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive us and lead us, that we may bathe
in the glory of your Son born among us,
and reflect your love for all creation.
Amen.
Rejoice in this good news:
In ☩ Christ Jesus, your sins are forgiven.
You are descendants of the Most High,
adopted into the household of Christ,
and inheritors of eternal life.
Live as freed and forgiven children of God.
Amen.
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came from heaven and I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me
,
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John,
They came with me and the dance went on.
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and that we may be open to receive your grace. Help us love one another, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Where true charity and love abide,
God is dwelling there. God is dwelling there.
God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet and consecrates him in the womb. Jeremiah’s task is to preach God’s word amid the difficult political realities of his time, before the Babylonian exile. He is to make God known not only to Judah, but also to the nations.
4Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” 7But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” 9Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
From my mother’s womb you have been my strength. (Ps. 71:6),
1In you, O Lord, have I | taken refuge;
let me never be | put to shame.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and | set me free;
incline your ear to | me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to | keep me safe;
you are my crag | and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand | of the wicked,
from the clutches of the evildoer and | the oppressor. R
5For you are my hope, | O Lord God,
my confidence since | I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my
mother’s womb you have | been my strength; my praise shall
be al- | ways of you. R
Christians in Corinth prided themselves on their spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them that God gives us many gifts through the Holy Spirit, but the purpose behind all of them is love, the kind of love that God showed us in Jesus Christ
. 1If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Although I speak with angel's tongue, my faith, my knowledge all surpass,
but have no love, my gifts are vain as clanging gong or blaring brass.
For love is patient, love is kind, and never vain with boasting pride;
love bears all things, all things endures. All things must end; love will abide.
For now we peer at darkened glass; our visions end; our tongues all cease.
In part we know, in part now see:then we will see love face to face.
The gifts are many, the Body one, and into one are all baptized.
Beloved, share one heart, one mind, one hope, one faith, one love in Christ
People in Jesus’ hometown are initially pleased when he says that God will free the oppressed. Their pleasure turns to rage when he reminds them that God’s prophetic mission typically pushes beyond human boundaries so that mercy and healing are extended to those regarded as outsiders.
21Then [Jesus] began to say to [all in the synagogue in Nazareth,] “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’ ” 24And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. 25But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
The grace of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s love and grace. Don’t let the grace of God slip by unnoticed. God shows up and is with us during times or division, of helping ‘others’, which is good news for all of us, wherever we are, and whatever our situation. And let’s remember “Do not be afraid” God is with us.
Prophets of both past and present have faced resistance for all sorts of reasons. In the readings today Jeremiah worries that he is too young to be taken seriously (Jer. 1:6). Jesus worries that he is too familiar (Luke 4:24) or perhaps that the people will not like what he has to say (4:25-27), and many of them don’t.
Luke’s gospel was likely written to a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience in a time after the Jesus movement had become predominantly Gentile, or the ‘other’. During this time, the relationship between the Judaism groups, and the one represented by the Jesus movement had grown strained.
The account of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth is unique to Luke. The Nazarenes reject Jesus, and Jesus anticipates this rejection (4:24). The scene reflects the political realities of Luke’s day, that such conflicts likely had more to do with external Roman oppressors than with the faithfulness of either community “the Jews” didn’t totally reject the teaching of Jesus, but that he chose to heal ‘outsiders’ or ‘others’ first.
Indeed, throughout his ministry Jesus and all his disciples remained Jewish and taught and healed primarily among the Jewish people.
Paul reminds us though that whoever proclaims the word, it is incomplete if not spoken in love and Jesus does his work showing love, and peace, not violence. And the love which Paul speaks about is agape, which puts the needs of the other ahead of the self.
In today’s readings we meet the God whose love knows no boundaries. This is offensive in Jesus’ hometown. He proclaims his inaugural sermon in the synagogue before folk who “knew him when.” They marvel at his gracious words—until. Until he reminds them that they have no particular claim on the attention and goodness of God and never did. This is contrary to their popular opinion.
Jesus points out that divine generosity was not the private possession of Israel, despite God’s ancient selection of them as the chosen people. Salvation had been offered to those outside Israel long before. The Lord did not send the prophet Elijah to a widow of Israel during a great famine but to an outsider in Zarephath. Nor did Elisha, Elijah’s successor, heal someone in Israel from leprosy but only Naaman, a Syrian.
But prophets of such boundless grace cannot expect easy acceptance. Their words shatter illusions of privilege. They shake us from complacency and challenge us to love beyond our self-imposed limits.
God calls us to have the same disposition toward others as God has toward us: Be patient and kind. Pay back hate with love, even when it is difficult, and it will be, it is.
Still, amid all his troubles, Jeremiah heard something we all want to hear: “Do not be afraid,” God tells him, “I am with you” (1:8). Of course, this means that love— steadfast, and everlasting love—was with him.
You see, God shows up and is with us during times or division, of helping ‘others’, which is good news for all of us, wherever we are, and whatever our situation."I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?"
Refrain
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
"I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain.
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?" R
"I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?" R
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father
, and he will come to judge the living and the dead
. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon us in abundance; so we are bold to pray for the church, the world, and all that God has made.
A brief silence.
Guide your church in the ways of faith, hope, and love. Cultivate ministries and communities of compassion that bear witness to your enduring presence among us. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Teach us to live in humility on the earth. Curb arrogance that leads to destruction of natural resources and disregard for future generations. Inspire the work of scientists who urge us to live in harmony with your creation. God of grace, hear our prayer.You are the refuge of all who seek hope and freedom. Accompany immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who cross borders to find safety and opportunity. Embolden leaders to draft compassionate policies on behalf of migrants and those who assist them. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. Comfort with your love all who are lonely, fearful, or brokenhearted. Sustain the hope of all those who suffer in body or spirit (especially). God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your grace falls upon young and old alike. Bless the gifts of children in this congregation and in this community. Give us humble hearts to follow their leadership. Inspire us with their laughter, their insight, and their curiosity. God of grace, hear our prayer.
(Here other intercessions may be offered)
We praise you for those who have gone before us and now see you face to face (especially). Abide with us in this mortal life until we rest in the arms of your never ending love. God of grace,
hear our prayer. Since we have such great hope in your promises, O God, we lift these and all of our prayers to you in confidence and faith; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen. Blessed are you, O God, Offerings can be made Our Father, who art in heaven,
God, who leads you in pathways of righteousness,
Light dawns on a weary world when eyes begin to see Refrain Love grows in a weary world when hungry hearts find bread Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, Go with Christ into a weary world. All services will be available online on the church YouTube channel until further notice to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible during this pandemic.
Offering Prayer
Sovereign of the universe.
You offer us new beginnings
and guide us on our journey.
Lead us to your table,
nourish us with this heavenly food,
and prepare us to carry your love
to a hungry world,
in the name of Christ our light.
Amen.
Said donations will help support mission with others in need. Many thanks.
The Lord’s Prayer:
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Blessing
who rejoices over you,
and who calls you by name,
☩ bless your going out and your coming in
,
today and forever.
Amen>/p>
.
Sending Hymn: “Light Dawns on a Weary World”
all people's dignity. Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day of justice comes.
The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
and children's dreams are fed. Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes. R
find wilderness reborn. Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes. R
Dismissal
Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
Announcements:
Anyone wishing to be more involved with our faith community and advocacy please call us at 1-204-636-2259. May the Peace of Christ be with you!
©
2010–2022 Erickson Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.