Dear Partners in Ministry,

As I drive across our vast synod, the canola is coming into full bloom, and grain is heading out. It is good to see green growth in roadside ditches and water in sloughs all across the synod, after a few years of drought. I have seen green growth in southern Alberta where I have never seen it before. Unfortunately, some areas have had more water than they need, and we need to keep in our prayers those who have been affected by floods.

We are all very much connected to and dependent upon those who grow our food. The BSE crisis which has kept the US border closed to live Canadian cattle now for a long time has made it very difficult for our cattle producers. Market forces make it hard to sell the crops for a reasonable price. With fewer and fewer people living on farms in Canada, it is easy to forget those who still make their living from farming. Canadian farmers are some of the most efficient and productive producers of food in the world. Watching the maturing crops, and knowing how susceptible they are to violent weather, drought, and flood, we are reminded how dependent we are upon God for all things. As harvest nears, please keep our farmers and our rural communities in your prayers.

In Christ,

+Stephen P. Kristenson, Bishop

Synod of Alberta and the Territories

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

10014 - 81 Ave.

Edmonton, AB T6E 1W8

Phone 780-439-2636 Fax 780-433-6623

Email: SKristenson@elcic.ca

http://www.albertasynod.ca