Bishop’s Office Message March 2006

Dear Partners in Ministry,

As we come down the Mount of Transfiguration into the Valley of Lent, we are reminded that we live in a very needy world. We are confronted by violence, illness, death, poverty, and a host of human disasters at almost every turn. As we journey with Jesus and his disciples through Lent, we will hear once again that we are sent out into this world with the Gospel: the Good News that Jesus offered his life that human beings might live. We will be invited to follow Jesus by offering ourselves, our time, and our possessions for the sake of those who suffer under the oppression of sin and death.

These are wonderful times to be Christian. There has never been a greater need for the Gospel than now. We have been given all that we need to follow Jesus in his life-giving mission to the world. Against all logic, he entrusts to us, frail as we are, the ministry of hope and reconciliation

in our crazy, mixed-up world. God grant us joy and excitement as we see the opportunities for ministry at our own doorsteps and around the world. We are moving toward the cross during Lent, but with the sure knowledge that by that cross, Jesus destroyed the power of sin and death, so we have nothing to fear. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

+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