Rev. Ed Chell and Rev. Barbara Groote are the Synod Council Communications Team. Our goal is to raise the profile of the council in the synod by communicating highlights from our meetings, other information on the things we are working on, fun bits about ourselves, etc.
Synod Convention – June 24-27, 2027
The theme for the 2027 Synod Convention is: Wondering-Wandering: Wild. We will be gathering on the UBC campus in Vancouver. Elections will take place for positions of Bishop, Synod Executive, Synod Council positions and LTS Board. Registration and information coming out in the New Year. The registration fee has been reduced to $700 to help ensure congregations and leaders are able to participate. We are already getting excited about the plans for an educational component for this year. MORE SOON!
Seminary Update
Lutheran Theological Seminary and St. Andrew's College announce a new chapter in shared ministry and theological education. Rev. Dr. Bill Harrison gave a hope filled update on the continuing developments of the seminary restructuring at the Saskatoon Theological Union. Visit their website for information on plans and search for transitional president: lutherantheological.ca
BC Synod AGM
December 1, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. has been chosen for the BC Synod AGM and will take place virtually on Zoom. The budget has been prepared and was reviewed by Synod Council for approval at the AGM.
Salary Guidelines Updated for 2027
The compensation guidelines for rostered leaders were updated. These provide a reference for annual review as ministry budgets are created. New this year are provisions for some of the unique staffing needs for congregational ministry where leadership is shared by more than one person.
Disaster Relief Policy
The council endorsed a policy for the Bishop or the Synod Executive to respond quickly to disaster situations requiring immediate action and funding assistance through the BC Synod.
First Third of Life Ministry
The council shared thoughts, ideas, reflections and experiences related to ministry with youth, young adults, and families.
Decade of Sermons
For a decade Rev. Jane Gingrich provided sermons to the synod and ELCIC for congregations and pastors. This diligent ministry included gathering and often even writing sermons to distribute to communities with pastoral vacancies/absences. Profound thanks for this heartfelt ministry! We also give thanks for Rev. John Gram for his early leadership for this ministry that began here in the BC Synod. Over the years, many pastors and deacons have contributed to the essential work. Thank you!!!!
Thanks to Peace Lutheran, Vernon
Thanks so much to Karen Lee, BC Synod Council Secretary, and the congregation of Peace for warmly hosting the BC Synod Council meeting, including a preview of the Jazz Vespers. We had a great meeting and their wonderful hospitality set the tone for our time together. Our devotions were centered in a resource from the LWF. “Together We Pray: Women’s Prayer Book”. It includes prayers from several members of the ELCIC.
Each Council member was asked to answer the following question:
"What helps you when hope feels thin?"
"Gathering with others who share the same faith and hope in a God who is passionately committed to the life of this world."
"What helps me when hope feels thin, and my heart is weary, is to look to others to form the words of prayer. Meta Herrick Carlson and her book “Ordinary Blessings,” Sarah Bessey’s book "Rhythm of Prayer,” and “The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief by Jan Richardson."
"When hope feels thin, we choose to carry it together. We choose to remain open, to act with care, and to believe that healing and renewal are still possible. We remember that we are not alone. God is with us."
"My mind knows God is always near. To help my heart I talk to people, journal gratitude, sing, whistle and watch comedy."
"When hope feels thin I turn to family and church community."
Trying to remember that most of it isn’t under my control.
"I think that I finally realize that it's time to start listening."
"When hope feels thin, I step back and have a snack, preferably a muffin. Usually things don't seem so bad at that point."
"I tell myself that God is always doing a new thing."
"When hope feels thin i like to read novels, listen to uplifting music, go for long brisk walks, and sermonize."
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