<This is a special month in the church calendar starting with the Holy Trinity Sunday and continuing with Pentecost throughout the month. The theme of Unity and the Holy Spirit are here to remind us that we are one body in Christ with many (diverse) members each with our own gifts. I recently attended the Brandon School Division (BSD) meeting on May 23rd (a 6-hr meeting) to address a request to form a committee to review LGBTQ+ (their acronym) and transgender books and have them banned from the school libraries. That presentation on May 8th was filled with hate and misinformation detrimental to this community’s life and well-being.
There was much support saying DON’T ban these books as representation matters, human rights matters for the 2SLGBTTQQIA+ people, families, and allies. Bishop Jason Zinko and I wrote letters to the BSD in response to this issue and the false narratives that were presented. We also emphasized that not all Christians believe the same about this issue. Also, I was joined by Kathy Paxon, Pam Norberg and Jan Cuggy from Brandon Redeemer Lutheran (see photo below). I recommend watching the first presenter from May 23rd, Jason Foster a transgender male from his perspective as a student and how media/books have shaped that. It is a very powerful and moving testimony as the meeting was recorded.
Let us use our gifts to love and support one another as Jesus loves us.
On June 3rd I have been asked by Rev. Tyler Gingrich of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Wpg to participate in their Reconciling in Christ service (becoming a publicly affirming church), and been asked to march with them Sunday morning with their congregation and the MNO Synod in the Winnipeg Pride Parade to show support for the diversity of God’s grace.
It is also a month to learn about Indigenous History and National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21st the summer solstice. Please continue learning and growing in relationship with our Indigenous friends and neighbors.
It also is special in our church’s journey as a faith community.
My ordination as a Pastor is the first one since Bishop Don Sjoberg in the spring of 1954. I am happy that he is able to be in attendance as well as many of my clergy colleagues from Winnipeg and surrounding area. They have all helped with my faith formation and especially I could not have completed this part of the journey without God’s help, and without my spouse Sue, my children and their partners, my friends and all of you my church family! Thank you!
I invite all who can attend this special occasion on June 11th at 4:30 pm followed by a light reception. I have asked the offering go towards the local food bank in Erickson (Southquill Health Area Foodbank Inc.) to help prevent hunger in our communities.
I am now more available since graduating for prayer, visits, going for a walk with you and talking about your faith, any troubles, questions, and your joys! I will now be in the office Mondays to Thursdays, typically 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Sundays are for services and any additional visiting as well.
Please call the church and we can arrange a time and place to meet or go for a walk. I need to walk off some of the calories from sitting during all the classes
!
I close with this motivational scripture for you from Isaiah 40:31:
“But those that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV 2010
Please continue to reach out to others and ask how we can help be a good neighbor and ally. In faith and Service,
Pastor Heather
Cell 1-204-294-9212
office: 1-204-636-2259
Links related links to my message are
BSD Board of Trustees Response to Delegations - read the full May 23rd motion here: https://bit.ly/3oudsS8
https://serc.mb.ca/
https://pridewinnipeg.com/
https://twitter.com/bdnpride/status/1624080445808775178 June 11th to 17th
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
COUNCIL NEWS May 2023
Council Meeting was held on May 18th 2023 at 19:00 hours at ELC boardroom
Present: Cathy Hackenschmidt, Benita Nylen, Shaun Oakley, Raymond Rossnagel, Earl Wickdahl, Pastor Heather Parrott-Howdle
Devotions lead by Shaun
The minutes of the April 23rd meeting were approved as distributed by Benita, seconded by Earl. Carried.
OLD BUSINESS
-
Sump Pump on west side will be upgraded and extension of hoses away from the building foundation will be done by Gord’s Plumbing.
-
Sound system upgrade: installation is 3/4 done. Dustin will finish next week.
-
Scandinavia Cemetery ditch improvement & Fence installation: completed. Invoice from J&M Industries received but changes made to the plan – Earl will move the existing archway sign and the 50 feet of galvanized fencing on both north and south sides was not done. Concern was that galvanized would not look right with the black fencing on the roadside. Also clearing of roots and trees was not done for 50 feet on the north of the south side. The galvanized fencing and moving the existing sign were paid for last December. The existing gate was replaced with a two-panel gate and latch system to match the black fence. Concern voiced about product and service not required but paid for last year.
- -Land Titles changes: Appointment to be made for the signing of the Scandinavia Cemetery title changes. Working on the draft Notice and Order for the Bethania Cemetery. .
-
Parsonage: Council discussed the possible sale of the parsonage further. A Special Congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, June 18th after the service for further discussion on the future of the parsonage. Earl has reattached the front step railings. Thank you Earl! .
-
Antique film projector: Viola & Benita met. The projector light up but could not get it to project an image. The film strips included some Bible scripture lessons and Stewardship information. The projector was the property of Bethlehem and Bethel congregations in the 1960’s. It would be a shame to send it to the garbage. Suggestion made to give this piece of history to the Bethel Lutheran Society.
-
Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Checks for all paid employees and volunteers have been done.
-
Ordination June 11th small block ad in SMP June 2nd and 9th editions: Erickson Lutheran Church invites you to the Ordination Service of Pastor Heather Parrott-Howdle on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Sacrament of Holy Communion included. Refreshments to follow. All are welcome.
-
Pastor’s pay scale: Pastor Heather is ¾ time, and a salary, housing allowance and benefits have been negotiated. Pastor Heather will be in the office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week plus 3 Sundays or 15 days per month with some flexibility.
-
Guidelines for Cemeteries: Plot (5’ x 9’ lot) is $200.00. Two caskets may be buried – the first at a depth of at least 8 feet allowing room for the second casket. In the case of cremations, a maximum of three urns per plot buried at depth of 3 feet and location clearly marked. A plot may have one casket and one urn of cremains. .
REPORTS
-
Financial: Cathy presented the month’s financial reports for review. Reports were accepted as presented. Reg Nylen will do the Church’s Annual Charities Return.
-
Worship: Service schedule is complete to the end of August with Cathy serving as pulpit supply. Dolores is willing to continue as lay leader when required.
-
Maintenance:
Burton’s Electric have fixed the cross light and replaced the plug-in in the kitchen.
-
Cathy painted the watermarked ceiling tiles at front entrance. Thank you Cathy!
-
The sign at Scandinavia Cemetery will be converted: South side for the map which is as large as the sign. North side for the Record Sheet and Roles
.
Pastor’s Report:
Since April 23rd meeting: In the office: 2 days (April 20th – 28th ), 3 days May 1st – 3rd, May 15 - attending a webinar on canadianlutheranhistory.ca (past, present and future) and where God’s grace meets the gospel in our times, May 16th (from home – basement flooding),and May 17th. Services: None but had hands full with studying for Colloquy April 23 & 24 in Saskatoon and final assignments; very appreciative of the rest from service preparation to study, travel to Saskatoon and ‘recharge’ after completion of exams. Graduation ceremonies at LTS on May 4th & 5th and being the recipient of three awards: The Scribner Award for promise in ministry, The Ruccius Award is for general promise in ministry, The LTS award for the student who demonstrated the most growth and maturity during their time at seminary. Pastor Heather has graduated with an 80% average with a certificate for the Alternate Route to Ministry with call to the Erickson Lutheran Church. Clinical Pastoral Experience: Application received, interview completed and awaiting acceptance for 2 days a week for 8 months starting September 2023. Upcoming commitments: May 28th Pastor Heather will receive an award for women in ministry from the Order of the Eastern Star at the Canad Inns Winnipeg at 7:00 p.m. having been nominated by Doreen Stapleton; June 4th invitation to participate in Gloria Dei’s Reconciling in Christ (affirming) service; June 5th in Winnipeg Pride Parade with MNO Synod and Gloria Dei’s congregation. Visits: 3 in person, 3 by phone. Palliative Care Committee will be hosting Death Café (PMH concept of grief counselling) on Monday, June 12th 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Comfort Spot.
Outreach Activities: Parklands Youth Hub - May 9th 1 1/2 hour meeting with Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline, the director. He makes separate report to council. Housing: attended Erickson Housing Committee inaugural meeting. Southquill Health Area Foodbank: Sylvia-Linda Kaktins is the Treasurer and can be our contact from the church. Food Security Hub: Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline is the main contact now at 1(403)335-1710 as part of our goal of food security. Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce: personal member attended May 9th meeting. Pastor Heather to contact the Clear Lake Music Festival about ELC hosting a concert as done pre-Covid.
Education: Bible Study for ELW next meeting is a potluck on Thursday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Dolores’s and led by Dolores. Sunday School Programming: we need to look at more formal curriculum and teachers to cover each other when one is away.
Annual Clergy Conference at Gimli June 7 – 9 (costs of mileage, registration and hotel covered by ELC). ..
Administrative Report: .
-
Financial: Report of actual costs vs the annual budget is done in Excel since QuickBooks has no relationship to the budget. Also includes report on operating funds available for use by the church. RBC has implemented a secondary security protocol using a cell phone which we do not have so security code was obtained by attending the branch in person.
-
Scandinavia Cemetery: Map is ready with some recent updates entered after a trip to the cemetery to confirm. Map will be the size of the sign. Map will be laminated by Leech Printing for about $275.00. Record Sheets and Roles will be posted on the other side of the sign. Discovered that ashes have been deposited without any sort of marker.
-
Elevator: Service call revealed that the emergency battery was not working (emergency light was not illuminated) and was replaced to ensure that if the elevator stops it can be brought back down to the basement for emergency release. Advised the Province that service was done and recorded on the log. Next service is September-October.
-
Parklands Youth Hub: Sylvia-Linda spent time at the Youth Drop-in and open gym from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. while Heather is away. The Better Sustainable Communities Matching Grant application was not successful.
-
Scandinavia Cemetery Information Pamphlet: includes brief history, location, directions to the location, plot information and cost, requirement that no ashes or remains are to be buried in the Cemetery without a burial permit and or cremation certificate being submitted to the ELC and the appropriate identifying marker are placed on the gravesite and contact information by phone and e-mail. A section on funeral arrangements will also be included with Pastoral and Office administrator’s contact information, service costs, church rental costs and after service refreshment contact person. .
-
Usual monthly duties in office, Newsletter, calendar, bulletin printing, webpage updating, cleaning and garbage collection completed. THANK YOU, Sylvia-Linda! .
NEW BUSINESS:
Shaun brought in a small slide for the Sunday School children. Thank you Shaun!
Sunday School will continue during the summer when children are in attendance – Shaun will notify when they are attending. Sunday School will resume on the first Sunday in September
Wawanesa Insurance (for ELC) $1,162.00 to be paid
Pastor Heather’s Graduation weekend expenses of $617.36 to be paid
Information on “Decolonizing Our Churches, Renewing our Lives June 20-22 – no one attending
Cathy reported on the Congregational Leadership Toolkit and Chairperson Leadership Toolkit Zoom meetings.
Website needs to be updated removing the old information from 2021. Newsletter digital edition needs to be formatted properly to get rid of the overlapping texts. On ELCIC website, Find A Church page for Erickson Lutheran needs to be updated with current information
The east side of the church is a mix of gravel and grass but the parking area is still a muddy mess when it rains. Need to put more gravel near the street for a parking area.
Church Cleaning Bee on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Everything will be cleared off the floors. Everyone available is encouraged to come and help with the clean up prior to the next weekend and a multitude of visitors for the Swedish Heritage Day and the Ordination. Our sign in front of the church needs some TLC – white tape covering “Worshipping with OUC” is disintegrating.
Rental fees of $110 for the Sanctuary and $65 for the basement have been in effect since 2011. Motion to increase rental fees to $150 for the sanctuary and $100 for the basement by Shaun, seconded by Benita. Carried.
Janitor’s closet and furnace room doors should be secured at all times.
Supporting human rights for children (queer and transgender kids in particular right now) in light of the request made of the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees to ban books that depict queer and trans families. If the reality of examples of the diversity of gender identity and expression are not available for the kids in books and if they don’t see themselves reflected in society in a healthy way, the ban will have a negative impact on the health and welfare of the children. We have had an affirming policy in place since 2014. Motion to send a letter to the BSD showing our support for the human rights of these children to have a safe space to learn and grow which includes age-appropriate books that represent them as a part of society by Shaun, seconded by Earl. Carried. Pastor Heather penned and signed the letter. Cathy signed the letter on behalf of the congregation of ELC (an affirming church of the ELCIC and the MNO Synod).
Krisjanis has requested a telephone extension dedicated to PYH so he does not have to use his personal cellphone. Sylvia-Linda will check how much this will cost.
Krisjanis brought forward a request from Linda that the church purchase two recycling containers (one for the kitchen and one for the office) to set a good example for the youth regarding recycling and a proper garbage can to put bags of garbage at the curb on garbage pick up days to prevent magpies and cats spreading garbage to maintain a clean community. Cathy will purchase two recycling bins and a smaller garbage can for the kitchen. The large garbage can in the kitchen can be used curb side. Thanks for the great suggestions Linda
Closing: Lord’s Prayer in unison.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 19, 2023, at 7 p.m. at ELC Board Room.
Submitted by Benita Nylen, Secretary
PARKLANDS YOUTH HUB QUARTERLY REPORT- A NON-DENOMINATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE MNO SYNOD
PARKLAND LAND YOUTH HUB REPORT - May 18th, 2023
After-School Drop-In
It’s nice to see that spring is here. The warm weather is beginning to open up some new possibilities for the Youth Hub.
April was a busy month for us. We were able to take the kids to the Food Security Hub twice to help with the Greenhouse and Garden. The kids helped with plants we will eventually sell at the Food Hub’s plant sale. They were also able to take a plant home with them. A couple of the kids were really excited about that.
The second time we went back we were able to help in the garden. It was still early in the season so we just cleaned up the garden to get it ready for planting. We also helped to line the bedding boxes with plastic. It was a fun outing. >/p>
We also had a Pysanky egg decorating session with local Pysanky specialist Anastasia Fyk. Unfortunately, that day we had low turnout due to bad weather but the handful of kids that showed up had a good time and made some really unique eggs.
Open Gym
The Open Gyms have been great. We have a good group of kids from Onanole that show up every week to play basketball. They play like crazy for two hours straight. I get tired just watching them.
We may be moving the Open Gym Night from Wednesday to another day of the week. Its Soccer and Baseball season so thats interfering with the kid’s ability to attend.
We’ve also begun talking about organizing a 3-on-3 tournament during the summer. We’re hoping to get some local businesses to sponsor teams and raise money to get the kids some new basketballs and help out the program in general.
Workshops
As I’ve discussed in previous reports, we’re going to switch our programing outside of the After-School Drop-In towards a registration model. This way we can offer a variety of workshops that might appeal to a broader range of kids, while at the same time establishing the interest level in each workshop, which will in turn allow us to be more discerning in how we allocate our funding.
A couple of program highlights we have in the works are an Art Therapy Workshop with Ashley Feduniw, Woodworking with Lisa Chemericka, Jiu Jitsu with Drew Towler, Cooking with Wendy Richards, and Gardening with Sarah Yagelniski. I’ve also planted the idea of doing workshops with several other people in town hoping to get them involved.
Over the past month I’ve also begun a conversation with Prairie Mountain Health’s, Mental Health branch to create an ongoing workshop that addresses ADHD. Many of the kids that come to our program have ADHD, and I think creating a space for them to learn skills and coping tools alongside other kids with ADHD could have a really positive impact in their lives.
I’m also talking with them about organizing other more generalized mental health related workshops.
General
It would be great if we could add a dedicated Parklands Youth Hub line to the church phones. As the program moves forward we will need a phone line and it doesn’t seem appropriate that I use my personal phone. We can take money from the PYH budget and commit it to paying for the line.
This next item is an issue that Linda Squance wants me to raise with the board, but that I support. It would be great if the church invested in 2 recycling bins (one for the office and one for the kitchen), and a proper garbage can for out front on garbage day.
It would be great if we could set the right example for the kids coming in, and the community in general, regarding recycling. The garbage can also sets an example of maintaining a clean community. Often Magpies pick open the bags and make a mess, and it just looks better not to have loose garbage bags on the curb every week.
Submitted by Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline, Director
Erickson Lutheran Women (ELW) May 2023
Meeting was held in May at Dolores‘s. It was decided to donate $500.00 to the Vacation Bible School run by LAMP. LAMP is a cross-cultural ministry sharing Jesus Christ with God's people in remote areas of Canada. As well there were continued discussions regarding the June 11th Ordination Service
ELW meetings are held every second Thursday of the Month at 7:00 p.m. Please check the Newsletter and Events noted above for the date and location of the next meeting.
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.
Click here for information from the MNO Synod and ELCIC regarding regulations surrounding Covid-19.
HOW TO CONTINUE YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO OUR CHURCH
To continue your financial support to our church,
click on “Donate Now” button on ELC Website or
Mail cheque to
Erickson Lutheran Church
PO Box 414
Erickson, MB
R0J 0P0
Thank you for donations to our ministry and others
~God’s Peace to All~
If you would like to support our outreach, you can make a donation or an online offering A) via etransfer to tres@ericksonlutheranchurch.ca or B) 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.
Anyone who has difficulty getting out to get supplies or food, please contact us through our Facebook page
or call Mary at
Services to Seniors (204)636-7895.
Please call Cliff Nichols (204)848-0505(Council Chair) or Intern Pastor Heather (204)-294-9212 for
Pastoral needs
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.
All are welcome to the worship services.
Please share this and encourage all members to sign up for the MNO Synod Newsletter.
We will be using Facebook, our website and our newsletter as our primary ways of communicating with members and want everyone to be informed in a timely manner.
Announcements:
While we are back into in-person services, our services will be available online on the church's Facebook site for those who are unable to come to our in-person services
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!
©
2010–2023 Erickson Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.
