I am delighted to join Gloria Dei Lutheran Church as an administrative staff member. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, I have had the privilege of studying and working in diverse cities around the world, including Sydney, Australia, as well as Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. With experience in both teaching and administration, I am eager to contribute significantly to Gloria Dei's community and support its mission. I look forward to being part of the team starting June 4th.  

~ HaNa

(Pictured with HaNa is her daughter LaElle)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is excited to announce its new logo and tagline, inspired by a new vision statement which was developed through extensive consultation with members across the church.

With input from members across the church, a dedicated task force spent several years crafting a vision statement that embodies the collective hopes and dreams of ELCIC members: God’s grace and unconditional love call us to be a diverse, inclusive community that celebrates all and upholds life-giving relationships.

You can read more about it and the new vision statement that inspired it here. 

As relentless as the rising sun, 
may we, steadfast God, 
pray relentlessly, 
until the violence, war, and bloodshed in Gaza ends. 
Give us the fortitude to pray, without ceasing, 
          until the safety, well-being, and dignity of all people is cherished and held as sacred; and
          until elected officials and those in positions of power safeguard the most vulnerable and protect the human rights and dignity of people in Palestine and Israel.
Give us the courage to pray boldly with 
          our hearts, our words, our actions, and our resources
until all people in Palestine and Israel can enjoy freedom, justice, and peace in abundance.
May it be so,
Amen

—Alydia Smith (United Church prayers) 

Image: Mike Labrum on Unsplash