In Mission for Others: - BC Synod

‣ Courtney Reedman, a 2010 LTS graduate, has accepted the Call to serve Benediction Lutheranin Delta BC, and will be ordained later this summer.‣ The Western four synods have established a “First Call” program. This is an intentional three yearcontinuing educational program to strengthen the ministry of pastors who are serving their firstcall.‣ Spirit of Life, Vancouver officially came into being on January 1, 2010. This was a result of amerger between Augustana Lutheran and Christ Lutheran.‣ Grace Lutheran in Burnaby and their pastor Nathan Fong have committed themselves to anintentional out reach ministry to 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Canadians.‣ Emmanuel Lutheran and their pastor, Henry Guo. together with King of Life Lutheran and GoodShepherd Lutheran are developing a ministry with young Chinese families in the Coquitlam area.‣ Ascension Lutheran in Nelson is in the midst of developing a strategic plan for mission andministry in the Nelson area. Their plan includes discussion with the Anglican Diocese ofKootenay.‣ A widow of one of our deceased pastors has donated $10, 000 to support of the ministry of oursynod.‣ LUMS after 18 months in ‘exile’ has found a new home at 360 Jackson Avenue .‣ SUMS, with our volunteer Executive Director, Jonquil Hallgate, continues to offer a variety ofministries to people living in poverty and those who are homeless in Surrey. Recently SUMSreceived a grant of $50,000 from the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society for new program“ Building Bridges for Life.”‣ First Lutheran in Vancouver provides sanctuary for one of their members, Mikhail Lennikov, whothe government is trying to deport back to Russia.‣ Our Synodical and local ELWs continue their faithful programs of Bible study, advocacy,stewardship and service.‣ The Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLYG) has morphed into CLAY - the CanadianLutheran and Anglican Youth Gathering. This represents a significant step forward in our fullcommunion relationship with the Anglican Church. I trust congregation have already made plansfor their youth to attend this year’s Youth Gathering - “Hands On” - in London, Ontario August19-22. National Youth Gatherings are a wonderful and unique opportunity for youth to getenthused and strengthened in their faith.‣ Over 50 BC youth and adults gathered at Camp Owaissi, Kelowna in April 2009 for an intergenerationalyouth leadership event which helped foster relationships and engaged leaders inthinking more broadly about youth leadership.‣ Discussions are ongoing with the Anglican and United church foe a shared ministry project inBarriere, BC. A service of organization is scheduled for May 23.‣ St. Paul's Lutheran in Prince Rupert with assistance from the ELCIC Church Extension fund, hasonce again received an intern this year. Pastor Jim Whaley with the intern Fleming Blishen - aswell as serving St Paul’s is also serving Mount Zion in Smithers; and Lord of Life in Sandspit.‣ Last August the assistant to the Bishop, Rev Dr Greg Mohr, accompanied six BC synod pastorsto a Mission Development Training Conference sponsored by the ELCA. This conference equipsBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 2