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ABC Connect
Keeping the ABC District Connected. |
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Vol. II - Issue #14 |
Dec. 12, 2011 |
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Hello ,
Deadline Roundup:
Please feel free to use any of this information in
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As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and feedback! news@lccabc.ca. |
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THE FORTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Collect:
Stir up Your power, O lord, and come among us with great might; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Readings:
- Isaiah 7:10-17
- Romans 1:1-7
- Matthew 1:18-25
Meditation:
God's Word Is Fulfilled for Us in the Flesh and Blood of Christ Jesus, the Son of Mary
The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With the Blessed Virgin Mary we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Word and Spirit of God. This fulfillment of the sign once given to the House of David, that "the virgin shall conceive and bear a son" (Is. 7:14), is now given to us in the Gospel. It declares that salvation is by His grace alone, entirely His work and a free gift. It is also the way and means by which the Lord our God is "Immanuel," God-with-us. The almighty and eternal Son of God is conceived and born of St. Mary, and is thus "descended from David according to the flesh" (Rom. 1:3-4). He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; wherefore He is called "Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). As St. Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately "did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" (Matt. 1:24), we also live by faith in this Holy Gospel.
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Prayers
For Rev. Sandor Arguello as he prepares to travel to Nicaragua for further cancer treatment.
For Carol Schmitke (Teacher) as she mourns the death of her father.
For Pastor Mark Smith as he deals with health issues.
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Calls
Rev. Todd Hoeffs (Redeemer, Edmonton) has received the call to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, MB
For the most up to date information regarding calls, please visit www.lccabc.ca/calls
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Upcoming News & Events: ( Shortcut - External Link )
- Christmas Office Hours:
- The Office will be closed Dec 26, 27 and Jan 2.
- Normal Hours will Resume on Jan 3, 2012
- Concordia Christmas Concert, Edmonton, AB
- Sunday, Dec 17, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Concordia Community Chorus, Jubiloso! Bells of Concordia (more details)
- Immanuel, Lethbridge, AB - Now Hiring : Parish Coordinator (see posting)
Lutheran Foundation Seminars:- January 14, 2012 - Hope Lutheran - Port Coquitlam, BC (9:30 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
- February 4, 2012 - Mount Calvary Lutheran - Red Deer, AB (9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
- February 4, 2012 - Immanuel Lutheran - Rocky Mountain House, BC (2:00p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Looking Ahead... |
News from Church Extension Fund (CEF)
(http://cef.lccabc.ca)
 Religious Institution Counseling Liability Insurance
Professional and Liability Insurance for all rostered church workers is available through Cherry Insurance Ltd for religious counseling coverage. Cost is $100/worker/year. To ensure coverage from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012, please send payment to the District Office by December 15, 2011. For additional information, please contact Janice Ruf (jruf@lccabc.ca or 1-888-474-0063 ext. 107)
Give a Lasting Gift. Have you had trouble finding just the right gift this Christmas? Consider an investment in Church Extension. For as little as $10.00 you can open a savings account in that special person's name - a gift that increases in value with time. Not only have you given a gift to your loved one, but you have given a gift that will help congregations, Lutheran Schools and other entities of Lutheran Church-Canada needing funds to build and renovate worship facilities, buy land for new development renovate and improve facilities. For more information on how you can participate, speak with your congregation's Church Extension Representative or contact the Church Extension Office at 1-888-474-0063 or email: cef@lccabc.ca.
RRSP season quickly approaches...plan now for your retirement income! And at the same time, support the Alberta-British Columbia's District's mission to provide financial assistance to congregations, schools and other entities for building programs and ministry opportunities.
Contact the ABC District Investments Ltd at 1-888-474-0063 or email: cef@lccabc.ca.
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2012 District Youth Gathering Info!
- Where: Calgary, Alberta (Foothills Lutheran Church and the University of Calgary)
- When: Thursday, July 12 to Sunday, July 15, 2012
- Who: Youth and their leaders (at least 1 leader for every 7 youth)
- Why: To build relationships with God and other Lutherans!
Registration information will be available in early 2012; please make plans to attend! We'll be checking out the Calgary Stampede in addition to games, music, sessions with speakers, servant opportunities, small group discussions, games and fun! Co-Chairs: Tracy Wemyss (St. Paul, Medicine Hat) & Michelle Heumann (Foothills, Calgary) |
Cross Pointe Lutheran Church Looking for Bibles
 Cross Pointe, Calgary, AB are looking for free bibles. These bibles will be used for mission and outreach in their community as they continue to spread the Gospel.
If you can help email Pastor Jay Holdner.
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CLS - Nominations For Honorary Adwards
The faculty and Board of Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, invite individuals, congregations, and Boards of Lutheran Church-Canada to submit the names of persons to be considered for one of the seminary's honorary degrees and awards. The purpose of these honorary degrees and awards is to acknowledge outstanding service to the church, the seminary, and the community. Available degrees are: Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.), Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). Available awards are: Faith in Life, Friend of the Seminary, Doulos Dia Iesoun. All nominations must be submitted on the seminary's nomination forms, which will be provided on request. Desirable qualifications for each position are listed on each nomination form. Completed forms must be received by April 1, 2012, for consideration. Degrees and awards will be presented at the seminary's Sacred Convocation on May 25, 2012. For more information please contact the Prof. Jonathan Kraemer.
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2012 Alberta British Columbia District Convention
Please see abcconvention.lccabc.ca for all things convention! (Deadlines, Notes, Bulletin PDF's etc.) *** Reminder: All Nomination Forms to be returned Jan. 16, 2012 All deadlines can be found on the Convention's website.
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Recent Blog Updates (http://goandmake.ca/)
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Concordia Christmas Concerts
First Presbyterian Church 10025-105 Street, Edmonton, AB
Community Ensembles
Sunday, Dec 17, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Concordia Community Chorus, Jubiloso! Bells of Concordia (more details)
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 Meet our Australian Brothers and Sisters
This week we invite you to meet St. Philip Lutheran in Newcastle, NSW, Australia (map it - street view available) and their Parish Sole Pastor Mark Welke. 
The LCA's profile page lists St. Philip members at 242. They are part of the Newcastle & Hunter District which also includes Anna Bay and Maitland. For more information on this church head on over to their website. (or click the image) Please remember St. Philip and Rev. Welke in your prayers this week. |
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Upcoming 2011 Anniversaries
- 50th - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Calgary, AB - June. 10, 2012
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Feedback Requested
Have you read any of the Resources of the Week? Any ideas for future ones? Please share them with us, and we will look into them! |
Resource of the Week Second Thoughts about Living Togetherby Harrison, Rev. Matthew (President of LCMS)  ...If there is one thing that all parish pastors have in common that proves time and again to be a persistent and vexing problem, it is the challenge of couples who present themselves for marriage but who are already living together. In response to frequent requests for a concise, faithfully biblical resource to help couples reflect on the issues raised by living together, and to help pastors minister in such situations, we have prepared the resource entitled Second Thoughts about Living Together. ...more information.
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Canadian Lutheran Stories Wanted 
Please email any contributions to Sharlene.
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God's Blessings on your week!
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