National conference to focus deeply on pastoral letter

Pastors and Deacons Conference planning committee: Deacon Miriam Winstanley, Rev. Ken Maher, Rev. Arron Gust, President Robert Bugbee, and Rev. David Bode.

CALGARY – Planning for Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) second national Pastors and Deacons Conference took a major step forward at a day-long meeting of the planning committee February 22 in Calgary. President Robert Bugbee and committee members, Rev. David Bode (Alberta-British Columbia); Rev. Arron Gust (Central); Rev. Ken Maher (East); and Deacon Miriam Winstanley (diaconate) met to establish a theme and work through details of the gathering, scheduled for October 28-31 in Calgary.

The conference theme is rooted in 2 Timothy 2:10: “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” It embraces the Synod’s triennial theme—“In Your Light; we see Light”—by adding the emphasis from 2 Timothy: “for the sake of God’s people.” Through plenary sessions, Bible studies and breakout workshops, LCC’s church workers will explore how Paul’s letter to young pastor Timothy relates to our current mission and ministry.

“In this his final letter, St. Paul speaks to our vocation as workers in Christ’s church and the challenges we face as we proclaim God’s Word in an increasingly secularized country,” explained President Robert Bugbee. “By immersing ourselves in 2 Timothy, we hope to shine God’s light into our lives and provide the strength and encouragement we all need to serve Christ and His precious people.”

The planning committee will survey LCC’s pastors and deacons before deciding on specific breakout session and workshop presentations. While in Calgary, the church workers will have the opportunity to visit Calgary-area parishes and participate in service-oriented activities. “We want to ensure the presence of so many talented and gifted pastors and deacons has an impact on local congregations” the president commented.

LCC’s Board of Directors approved a funding formula for the event which includes a per-member assessment from congregations; gifts from individual members of LCC congregations; corporate sponsorships and, for the first time, a registration fee from the church workers. The national conference replaces similar district events held every fall which congregations already support through a per-member assessment.

This is the second time in LCC’s 25-year history all rostered church workers have met nationally. The first conference was in Winnipeg in 2004. The president explained that these infrequent but vital national gatherings “help build a unity of purpose and vision for our work together.” He noted that since the 2004 conference LCC has added almost 60 new church workers to its roster.

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