July conventions tackle issues and change

Two Lutheran Church–Canada auxiliary organizations will hold conventions back-to-back in July. Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWMLC) meets in Ottawa July 9-12 and the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) holds its annual convention in Greensboro, North Carolina July 15-19. Lutheran Church–Canada’s president, Rev. Robert Bugbee will bring greetings to each convention and preach the sermon during the LWMLC’s opening worship service.

The theme for LWMLC’s triennial event is Shine Like Stars which comes from the biblical reference in Phillipians 2: 15 “…shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” More than 200 delegates, members, guest and visitors are expected to attend.

At previous conventions the women have not shied away from keynote speakers addressing important issues including cancer and depression. The Ottawa convention is no exception. This time the topic is abuse. Dr. David Ludwig, pastor, university professor, author and psychologist presents the keynote address “Shine Like Stars in a culture of abuse” Friday morning at 10 a.m. (ET).

The four-day event includes business sessions, elections, Bible studies, interest sessions, service events and inspirational speakers. The organization is also placing before convention delegates significant changes to its 16-year-old constitution.

For the first time, business sessions and major events will be available online through LCC VideoNet at www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/video.

A week later in Greensboro, North Carolina more than 600 members, guest and visitors are expected to attend the annual convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. From July 15-19, the convention, with the theme Share His Story, will highlight the work of the international outreach organization as well as elect regional governors and some members of the Board of Governors executive. Of special interest will be discussion surrounding a proposal to move from an annual to a biennial convention. Two LCC communicators, Ian and Evan Adnams will present a workshop on how to Share His Story using the latest Internet social media applications.

This convention is the first since Lutheran Hour Ministries (operated by the league) introduced its Men’s Network. More than 1500 churches in the US and Canada are part of the Bible-based support and outreach for men.

In addition to the LWMLC and Int’l LLL, Lutheran Church–Canada recognizes a third auxiliary organization, Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. These organizations are constituted to support the church body in word and deed as LCC proclaims the Gospel in Canada and around the world.

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