We celebrate and give thanks for the following members who have birthdays in April.

May God bless each of you with health, joy, and peace throughout this spring and the months ahead!

April

4 – Heather Haughn

9 – Max Kotsireas

13 – Riita Wrede

17 – Lois Grierson

22 – George Haughn

25 – Isabelle Kotsireas

25 – Lin Parkinson

25 – Louis Kennedy (Melora’s Son)

30 – Noah Assam

O B I T U A R Y 

Ronald (Ron) passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in North Vancouver. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Patricia (Pat); his former wife Grace; sons David (Lori Ann) and Timothy; daughter Kristin (David); grandsons Ryan and Eric; stepdaughter Lisa; step-grandchildren Joshua (Brianna) and Katrina; stepson Paul (Angie); step-grandchildren Sarah, Jenna, Alyssa, and Tristan. Ron is also survived by his younger brother Terrance (Heather); niece Dawn (Michael), and nephews Micah (Misty) and Jeremy.

Ron was born in Rossland, BC, the eldest son of David and Elsie Shaw. After secondary school, he moved to Vancouver, where he studied at UBC, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree. He enjoyed an exceptional career as a computer software engineer working for companies such as IBM, Motorola, and Mobile Data International.

Ron was proud of his Scottish heritage and played the bagpipes in the 44 Field Squadron RCE Pipe Band in Trail, BC, the Seaforth Highlanders Pipe Band in Vancouver, and the JP Fell Pipe Band in North Vancouver.

Ron enjoyed travel, classical music, aviation, military history, and fishing. 
The family extends their appreciation to the staff at Berkley Care Centre for Ron’ s excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1110 Gladwin Drive, North Vancouver, on Saturday, April 11, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’ s name to a charity of your choice

ELCIC National Bishop Shares Easter Message

ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer has shared an Easter message with the church ahead of Easter Sunday, offering a reflection rooted in hope, grief and the promise of new life.

Kochendorfer acknowledged the weight many are carrying, inviting the church into a more reflective understanding of the resurrection. “Maybe this year we are being invited into a quieter kind of rising - a slower hope,” he said.

Reflecting on a hurting world, he spoke on the ongoing challenges overseas, while pointing toward a faithful response in difficult times. “Grief is not weakness. Grief is what love feels like when life is threatened…So this Easter, I’m not reaching for certainty. I’m reaching for courage.”

You can watch Bishop Kochendorfer's  2026 Easter Message on the ELCIC Youtube channel here. 

The ELCIC joins with partner Canadian Lutheran World Relief in responding to urgent humanitarian needs across the Middle East.

“No place feels safe. Families are fleeing with little notice. Schools are sheltering displaced families. Children are sleeping in classrooms. Others remain in their homes, hearing bombs fall nearby.” This is what we’re hearing from our partners on the ground.

In Lebanon air strikes have forced families from their homes, taking shelter in schools and community centres. In Syria tens of thousands of people are returning from Lebanon, adding pressure to already fragile communities. And in Palestine, the current conflict is making the severe humanitarian needs even worse. 

Your support can make a meaningful difference. Gifts to this appeal will help provide emergency assistance—such as food, shelter, and essential supplies—to families who have been forced from their homes.

You can make a donation through the church by etransfer or cheque, marking your donation Middle East Appeal or directly to CLWR online 

Our church - the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada - is celebrating its 40th Birthday this year. To help celebrate our bishops are inviting us to a Day of Action on May 31.  The idea is for congregations across all of our Synods to  step out beyond our church walls and engage in acts of service in our communities.  They've created a nifty video to tell us all about it. You can watch it here. You can also Sign up for more information and to connect with other congregations and learn about what they are doing.