Bishop's Office Message for November 2005

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Every year we pause briefly in November to remember those who have given their lives in the great wars of the past century. We used to speak of the world wars as "the war to end all wars", but as the years go by, it is clear that war is still very much with us. Nations still rise against nations, and the suffering and anguish of civilians caught in the midst of conflict still haunt us as images flash on our television screens. Added to that misery, we see the devastation caused by hurricanes and other tropical storms, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

It is to this world of pain and suffering that our Lord Jesus was sent to give his life, and it is into this same world that Jesus sends us. We are joined with Christians around the world through the Lutheran World Federation and its relief and development arm. We can participate in Christ's mission to the world's suffering by giving through GHDA/CLWR, and
personally through Volunteers in Mission of the ELCIC. We can reach out to our neighbours through our own congregations and other churches in our communities. No matter how great the challenge, we have a word of hope, love, and peace to share through our Lord Jesus Christ. God grant us the courage to steer toward the storm centres of our world, secure in the knowledge that Jesus is already there ahead of us.

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