July 2025 Newsletter
PEACE NEWS
Rooted in Grace; Free to Serve
The City of Leduc is situated on Treaty 6 territory, the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux as well as the Métis people.
SPRING PICNIC
The spring picnic was held on Sunday, June 22nd at Gary Wedman’s acreage. After watching the skies pour down the days before the picnic and reading the forecast everyday, it turned out to be a bright, sunny, crisp morning.
The service was light and entertaining with the kids and Pastor Matt leading us in a fun rendition of He’s My Rock, My Shield, My Sword.
Thank you to Gary and his family for hosting and barbecuing. Thank you to everyone who took food. There was so much to choose from. Finally, thank you to council for organizing this event.
The Father’s Day service and luncheon was well attended. The dads were treated to “Dad’s Cookies” as they exited the sanctuary. Special thanks to the Dorcas Circle for making sandwiches and desserts!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY
July 4 Terry Kennedy
July 6 Jake Kopperud
July 9 Darlene Knie
July 10 Ray McCubbing
July 11 Brenden Tym
July 14 Macy McCubbing
July 16 Loy Gross
July 25 Jack McCubbing
July 31 Dhiya Samuel-Lyseng
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
Shirley and Terry Kennedy
July 14
NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
The summer months will be much quieter in the office with Pastor Matt spending much of his week at Mulhurst Camp. Should you need to reach him, he is still available via phone or texts.
Office hours are generally Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 10 am and 2 pm, however, with the quieter days, those hours might be slightly reduced. Also, I will be on holidays July 10 – 21st. Susan has graciously agreed to take over for that week and a half.
NEWS FROM MULHURST
It is the 80th anniversary year for the camp. There will be a number of events happening this year.
Pioneer Day, July 3rd from 10:30 to 3:30 will be hosted by the summer staff and will include coffee and tea, lawn games, a short program and a sit-down lunch. This day typically caters to the pioneers of Mulhurst Camp, but all are welcome!
Summer 2025 Programming. Summer programs have been happening for the last 80 years! Programs are suited for everyone including slip n’ sliding, canoeing and kayaking, collaborative team-based games, skits, songs, nature exploration, sports, crafting, campfires and more!
JUNE FINANCIALS
Funds needed to run the church (per Budget) $15,840.00
Receipts for June $17,434.16
Disbursements for June ($12,369.50)
Receipts vs. Disbursements for June 5,064.66
Chequing Account Balance as at June 30, 2025 $28,633.48
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP TRISH:
July/August 2025
Dear beloved,
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
My Life Flows on in Endless Song, EvLW #769, refrain
This was the sending song at the Biker Blessing held at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olds on June 8. Those “bad” bikers in the church stomped their boots to the strong rhythm as a powerful affirmation of faith. Moments like this I am bolstered in my belief (yes, songs and music can have such an impact!) and I trust that all will be okay.
But will it? I write this mid-June coming out of a weekend with all kinds of grievous news. Israel and Iran are locked in a deadly conflict. The US National Guard has been deployed on home soil in California. Escalating tensions in US politics emboldened murderous attacks on public servants. And those are just the headlines. In the background, the oceans and forests are crumbling, people are literally starving, education and science are undermined, once hard-fought-for-rights are being stripped away. If you are unsure what this means to us in the church, then you are right in line with most people, especially Canadians who watch from a relatively safe distance.
But is it? I mean are we safe? Of course not. We ought to be paying close attention to the world’s health these days, because the unease, violence, upheaval, and confusion that occurs (even in a far-off land) does affect us right here at home. And while we might not be sure how to respond, we can begin by remembering that people of faith are called to stand up for justice and equity - the welfare of all humanity (including Creation) not because someone else is a Christian or Lutheran, but because we are. When danger lurks, we light a light. When misinformation is spread, we share the truth. When hope is frail we sing from the bottom of our hearts. When we hunger for peace we nourish one another with bread, wine and encouragement.
I commend to you a sermon[1] I recently watched by Rev. Dr Lori Walke of Mayflower Congregationalist Congregation in Oklahoma, Texas (June 15, 2025.) She is calling her people to stand firm in the present storm, to remember who they are and what the good news is all about, to protect the vulnerable of every colour and shape. If there ever was a time to cling to the Rock of Christ, it is always today, this day.
Keep singing,
Bishop Trish