The Canadian Lutheran welcomes new editor for regional news

Michelle Heumann

CANADA – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is welcoming Michelle Heumann as the new editor of regional news for The Canadian Lutheran magazine. At the same time, the magazine is giving thanks for the long-service of its outgoing district news editors and layout designer.

“I’m excited to take on this role,” said Heumann. “I’ve always enjoyed reading about what other parts of the body are doing throughout Canada, and it’s a privilege and a blessing to be a part of the important work of communicating with each other. I look forward to connecting with new people and reconnecting with those I already know as we share the events that happen throughout our regions with the readers of The Canadian Lutheran, and celebrate the gift of community that we have in our Synod.”

Heumann is currently pursuing a M.A. in Canadian History through the University of Calgary, where she also received her B.A. in English and History. She has worked as a freelance copyeditor since 2012, and served from 2016 to 2019 as Acquisitions Editor for EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing. Heumann has long volunteer service in Lutheran Church–Canada, and currently serves on the Mission and Ministry Council of LCC’s West Region.

“Michelle brings significant editorial experience to her new role, as well as a deep knowledge of our Lutheran family,” noted Mathew Block, editor of The Canadian Lutheran. “I’m looking forward to working with her on the magazine as we continue to share the stories of Lutherans across the country.”

Heumann begins her work with the May-June 2019 issue.

As LCC welcomes Heumann, it also says thank you for the faithful service of the three former regional news editors: Elaine Stanfel, Ilene Fortin, and Laura Goerz. Stanfel has served as a district news editor for most of the years that The Canadian Lutheran has included such sections. She was the magazine’s first East News editor beginning with the January-February 2002 issue, and served in that position until July-August 2003. Fortin began serving as East News editor the following issue in September 2003, and has served in that position uninterrupted until now. In June 2005, Stanfel returned to the magazine, now as editor of the Central News section. Stanfel and Fortin were joined in September-October 2016 by Goerz, who with that issue became editor of the Alberta-British Columbia news section. Ilene continues in her role as part of the LCC team of administrators.

“I have worked with Laura, Ilene, and Elaine for many years, and I deeply value the service they have given to the church throughout their editorships,” said Mathew Block. “It goes without saying that the strength of the magazine has been due in large part to their diligence and quality work. It’s been a great privilege to work alongside these dedicated editors, and I wish them every blessing in the future.”

Stanfel, Fortin, and Goerz completed their service as editors of their respective news sections with the March-April 2019 issue. Goerz has returned to full-time teaching, Fortin continues to serve as Administrative Support for the East region, and Stanfel looks forward to continuing to serve the church in other ways.

The magazine is also saying thank you to Marion Hollinger, who has provided layout design for the district news sections since 1999. “I have learned a lot from Marion over the years regarding layout work and will miss working with her,” said Mathew Block. “She’s been a wonderful colleague as together we’ve prepared regional news for press.”

Hollinger also served as editor of the Central District News section of The Canadian Lutheran from January-February 2003 until June 2005, when Elaine Stanfel took over as editor of that section. Hollinger continues to serve as editor of Tapestry, the national magazine of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada.