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North Shore Streamkeepers Projects' PresentationWe are pleased to welcome Dave from the North Shore Streamkeepers Society (NSSK) to our Forum and Discussion series following our morning worship on Nov. 9. Dave will present on some of the stream restoration projects the NSSK are working on, as well as provide us with an overview of the impact of climate change on storm and sewage water. The NSSK is a registered charity and if you would like to support their work, you can make a cheque payable to Gloria Dei and we will ensure your donation flows through to the NSSK.
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Welcome to Rev. Dr. Ray AldredWe are thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred as guest preacher at our Service of Holy Communion. Reverend Doctor Ray Aldred is a husband, father, and grandfather. He was first ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada and is now ordained with the Anglican Church of Canada. He is status Cree from Swan River Band, Treaty 8. Born in Northern Alberta, he now resides with his wife in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Ray is the director of the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology whose mission is to partner with the Indigenous Church around theological education.
Ray and his wife, Elaine have also been involved in ministry to help train people to facilitate support groups for people who have suffered abuse. Also, Elaine and Ray have coordinated Marriage Encounter. Ray and Elaine have four adult children, Jenny, who has graduated from the University of Regina and the Alliance University College, a school teacher, is married and lives in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada; Raymond, who is pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at McGill University; Catherine, has earned an MA in Religions Studies at McGill University; and Rueben who works in the Oil Field in Northern Alberta. Ray will have copies of his book, Our Home and Treaty Land available for purchase. Ray's daughter, Jen will also be with us, and her artwork on display. |
Formerly Ray served as the Assistant Professor of Theology at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He is a former chairperson and board member for Indigenous Pathways. He is former Director for the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada, now a committee member, where he works to encourage Indigenous churches. Ray also has had the privilege of addressing several college conferences and meetings. Ray’s passion is to help as many as possible hear the gospel in their heart language.
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Ukrainian Friendship Potluck Lunch and SocialFor the past three years, our English Conversation Circle has been a place of laughter, learning, and friendship for Ukrainian women in our community. Though we’re taking a short break this fall, we’re delighted to invite all past participants to a special Potluck Lunch and Social Gathering! Come reconnect with friends, share food and stories, and enjoy a few Ukrainian folk songs together. Pastor Vida will also offer a short reflection on a contemporary Ukrainian icon of the Annunciation. Let’s celebrate the beautiful connections that continue to grow among us! All are welcome, bring a friend — and don’t forget to bring a favourite dish to share! Click the Read More button to access the poster. |
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Conversations Across our ChurchJoin us for Conversations Across the Church on November 30, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST for what we hope will become a regular churchwide online gathering. [please note the event will air 3:00pm - 4:00pm Pacific Time] You can register here. |
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Brainstorming Session Celebrating 65 Years Together!Next October, our church will mark 65 years of ministry, worship, and community — a time to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and to celebrate all who have helped make this congregation a place of welcome, prayer, and hope. Before we start planning, we’d love to hear your ideas! How might we mark this special anniversary — with stories, music, outreach, memories, or something entirely new? Join us for a Brainstorming Session after worship on Sunday, December 7, as we begin dreaming together about how to honour our past and look with joy toward the future. Come with memories, ideas, and a grateful heart — let’s make this a celebration that reflects who we are and the God who has brought us this far. |
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A Letter from CLWR on Canada's BudgetA letter from Rev. Dr. Michael Pryse on Canada's budget:
Dear friends,
We don’t speak often on political issues, but I need to share my concern with you after yesterday’s federal budget announcement. The budget sees Canada stepping back significantly from its long-held commitments to providing international assistance — the kind of work CLWR does. This work represents a fraction of Canada’s spending — less than 0.3% — but to people in places like Ethiopia, Haiti and Gaza, that support is life-saving.
Yesterday, I joined the leaders of more than 100 Canadian organizations in expressing concern about these cuts. But I wanted to say a bit more to you directly.
I don’t envy the job of political leaders who must make difficult decisions about important and competing priorities, but I will say two things:
First, budgets are moral documents, and they shape the world in dramatic ways. They reveal what — and who — will matter to us, and sometimes, who lives and dies while others maintain their comfort. When the U.S. government slashed its own spending on aid earlier this year, humanitarian organizations around the world — including our partners in The Lutheran World Federation — laid off staff, cancelled programs, and watched people die. Canada’s shirking of its commitments (which have been made as recently as this year) will mean more of the same.
Second, budgets are political documents, which probably seems obvious, but here’s what I mean. A budget like this one sets the bar for what Canadians will accept. When the government proposes a cut and nobody objects, it tells them that issue isn't a priority for Canadians. Big business will have its lobby in full gear, as will the mining sector, oil and gas, the tech sector, the defense industry and more. If the axe comes anywhere near those interests — they will hear from people who care. But the people we serve have no one to speak for them unless it is you and me. I’m thinking of people like Akoi Riak Akech in South Sudan, who told us the support he received has kept his five kids alive since his wife passed away.
The Church’s call is steady and simple: love God, and love your neighbour. Or as the Epistle of James put it, “look after orphans and widows in their distress, and keep yourself from being polluted by the world.”
I want to ask you to pray for our partners, and to pray for our leaders. And I encourage you to do one step more than that — perhaps you’d consider writing or calling your local MP to let them know: if they thought nobody would care, they’re wrong. Canadian Lutherans care. Deeply. You can find your MP by postal code here: ourcommons.ca/members/en.
Thank you for standing with us in this work. Rest assured that CLWR is strong and with your support, we will be there for our global neighbours, sharing tangible hope in the name of Christ.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Michael Pryse
Interim Executive Director
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
P. S. If you’d like to help ensure vital support still reaches families, our Gifts from the Heart catalogue launched this week. Browse and give here: clwr.org/gfth
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Canada Lutheran Magazine RenewalIt’s time to renew your Canada Lutheran subscription! We invite you to continue being part of this meaningful connection across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. If you would like to subscripbe for 2026, please contact Ha Na. |
