LCC’s 12th Regular Convention begins, welcomes new congregations into membership

EDMONTON – Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) 12^th Regular Convention began on June 10, 2022, gathering under the theme “Stand Firm in the Faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). The convention runs until June 13, 2022.

The first session began with the induction of voting delegates and of special advisory delegates. After an opening prayer by Rev. Terry Goerz, LCC President Timothy Teuscher acknowledged those serving behind the scenes, and encouraged attendees to participate in information sessions and visit exhibits. President Teuscher then led the group through a brief orientation of convention procedure.

This is the first convention since LCC restructured in 2017, and sees a larger number of eligible delegates from across Canada than in previous years. Given the size of the voting body, electronic voting has been introduced to expedite the process.

Welcoming New Members

One of the first acts of the convention was to welcome new congregations and pastors into membership in LCC. First, two congregations were unanimously received into membership: Shalom Oromo Lutheran Church in Winnipeg and Église Évangélique Luthérienne de la Réconciliation in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Rev. Asefa Aredo, pastor of Shalom Oromo Lutheran Church, signed LCC’s constitution, accompanied by members of the congregation, including Shegitu Aredo, an administrative assistant at LCC’s synodical office in Winnipeg. After the signing of the constitution, the assembly joined in singing the Doxology. Due to travel delays, the lay delegate from Sherbrooke had not yet arrived, and so will sign the constitution at a later time.

The first session of convention also saw new pastors of LCC welcomed into membership. Since the last convention, fifteen new pastors have been ordained in LCC, one was received by colloquy, and nine were received by transfer from other Lutheran synods around the world. While the new pastors who were present signed the constitution, the assembly joined in singing “Thy Strong Word” accompanied by Rev. Mark Lobitz on the organ—who, by the way, played organ at the close of LCC’s founding Convention!

Reminder! The livestream for Convention is available on our YouTube Channel: