Our Newsletter
The Ambassador
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
March 2025
10 Farrand Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3H5
Offices: 807-344-1926; Immanuel Hall/FAX: 807-343-4857
E-mail: osimm@tbaytel.net
Facebook: ‘Our Saviour’s Thunder Bay’
YouTube: ‘Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay’
Instagram: ‘OSLCTBay’
Pastor: Matthew H. Diegel (Parsonage: 807-344-6822)
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
All are invited to our annual Pancake Supper in Immanuel Hall, 5:00 p.m., March 4. To help out, sign up in the front hall, or see Peter Hinz. Council has designated the freewill offering at the door to Salem Lutheran Church in Pass Lake, as it begins worshipping in its new sanctuary.
Ash Wednesday
The season of Lent begins March 5. We are having two opportunities for Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes. There will be a short, informal, spoken service at 12:15 p.m. We will also have a service at 7:00 p.m., with the Choir singing. Start this season of reflection and renewal in the shadow of the cross, being fed by the Word and sacrament.
Lenten Midweek Series
We are having a 3-week devotion and discussion series, Weds. Mar. 26, Apr. 2, and 9, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Speakers will be announced shortly. Come to all or as many as you are able. Bring a friend! Together, we grow in faith.
Daylight Saving Time
Move your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Sat. Mar. 8! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sun. Mar. 9.
Lenten Devotional Booklet
‘There in God’s Garden’ is a daily series of devotions, prepared by Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. The writings go from Ash Wednesday, March 5, until Easter Sunday, April 20. Paper copies are in the front hall. You can also download both large print and regular ones from
https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/lenten-devotional/.
Please note: we are out of ‘Eternity for Today’ booklets until the next quarter, April-June.
Children’s Ministry
Our Sunday School classes meet twice monthly, on the first and third Sundays: March 2 and 16.
The sessions, for children in JK – Gr. 6, begin in Immanuel Hall at 10:30 a.m. for Bible stories, crafts, and other activities. Then we come up to share Holy Communion. See Karen Bishop, co-ordinator, for information.
Activity sheets for each Sunday are available in the front hall and are also emailed on Thursday. To sign up for these: osimm@tbaytel.net .
Adventure activity bags are under the mailboxes inside the sanctuary, for children to enjoy during worship.
The next seasonal Activity packet, for Easter/Spring, will be available at the beginning of April.
Confirmation
This ministry of the church helps youth to continue in the promises made at Baptism. All youth Grade 7 and older are welcome. We meet twice monthly, Mondays, 6:30-7:15 p.m: March 17 and 31.
Sunday Worship
We gather Sundays at 10:30 a.m. We will celebrate Holy Communion on March 2 and 16. March 9 and 30 both will be Service of the Word. Worship with the Band returns on Mar. 23.
As we meet we record the services. They are uploaded later to our YouTube channel, ‘Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Thunder Bay’. Thank you, John Stadtlander and Brian Phillips.
The bulletin, with links to videos of the songs, and with the text of the sermon, are e-mailed Saturday. Sign up: osimm@tbaytel.net. They also are posted on our website each Saturday:
For Holy Communion, all are invited to come up the centre aisle to the foot of the chancel steps to receive the bread (gluten-free wafers available) and then the wine/juice. After taking a glass, please go to the side and drink. There is a receptacle for used glasses as we go back to our seats via the side aisles.
If you are unable to come to the front, please tell the usher and the elements will be brought to you. Those who do not receive Communion are welcome to come forward for a blessing.
If watching online, when the presiding minister says, ‘The body and blood of Christ given and shed for you’, we welcome all to take and eat a piece of bread, and then to take a glass of wine or other beverage, remembering and giving thanks for the promises of grace, forgiveness, love, new life, and community given us in Christ Jesus.
We have Fellowship Hour each Sunday following worship, in Immanuel Hall. Birthdays are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month! To help, volunteer in the kitchen. The platform lift is available for those who have trouble with the stairs to the basement.
Sunday Readings
March 2 – Transfiguration
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43]
March 5 – Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 9 – 1st Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
March 16 – 2nd Sunday in Lent
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
March 23 – 3rd Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
I Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
March 30 – 4th Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 6:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
April 6 – 5th Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Worship Assistants
Please sign up in the front hall to be a Greeter and Usher, Reader, and/or Communion assistant. You can check what needs filling for the coming Sunday in the bulletin. Pastor Matthew is happy to offer an orientation. Thanks to those who helped in February.
World Day of Prayer
The WDP is a global movement that brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them.
The WDP is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of March, though communities can choose other dates. A different participating country writes the service each year. For 2025, it has been prepared by the WDP Committee of Cook Islands.
A 55-minute video of the WDP 2025 service, with participants from across Canada, has been created to view at home. To watch the free video, visit
wdpcanada.ca/world-day-of-prayer/how-to-participate/.
Our Life Together:
-Deaths:
--Lorne Grayson, Jan 31 (Celebration of Life: Feb. 13)
--Elinor Barr, Feb. 16 (Celebration of Life: Feb. 23)
-Memorial Gifts:
--in memory of Helen Dagsvik and Elinor Barr
Gaza Relief
Our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is joining with Canadian Lutheran World Relief in responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While your support has been lifesaving and vital, it's difficult to fully grasp the scale of the need still facing the people of Gaza and the West Bank. The ceasefire in Gaza offers a fragile moment of hope, creating a rare opportunity to reach those in desperate need. Your support will help deliver medical care, trauma support, and essential supplies like food, blankets, and hygiene kits to those in urgent need. Please consider making a gift today. Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to the people of Gaza:
-Make a designated offering for "Gaza Relief" on your envelope
-Call CLWR at 1-800-661-2597 or go online at clwr.org/gaza
-Send a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to CLWR, 400-185 Carlton St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J1. Please indicate "Gaza Relief".
Interim Executive Director
The Board of CLWR announces the departure of CEO Karin Achtelstetter. It wishes her well in her endeavours. It is also happy to announce the hiring of Rev. Dr. Michael Pryse, who will be the Interim Executive Director. In Oct. 2024, Michael retired after serving 26 years as bishop of the Eastern Synod. He previously served on the board of CLWR and has been an ardent supporter of the agency's work for several decades. As a church leader, he has travelled extensively and has witnessed the lifegiving work of CLWR and its partner agencies first-hand. "I am very grateful for this opportunity to support our generously gifted staff team during this time of transition and to assist them in advancing the exceptional work they do to bless and serve our most vulnerable neighbours."
Luther Village
Online registration is now open for the 61st season of our regional synod’s outdoor ministry. It is located on Dogtooth Lake, southeast of Kenora on Hwy. 71. Brochures are available at the church and www.luthervillage.ca . Use LV to help create your family, child, grandchild or individual camping plans from the Women’s Retreat, to youth camps, to the ever popular Family Camps. Cabins are available to rent, as well as trailer and tent spaces.
Staff Applications: LV is accepting online applications for Spring, Summer, and Fall: Head Cook, Kitchen/housekeeping assistants, Program Coordinator, Program leaders, Maintenance assistants, and Office Assistant. Go to www.luthervillage.ca.
Pastoral Visits
Pastor Matthew looks forward to making home visits, and going to Long Term Care homes. This includes sharing Holy Communion. Contact him at 807-344-1926, osimm@tbaytel.net.
Pastor Matthew visits at the Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital. As clergy no longer have access to the patient lists, it is vital that you contact him with info about who is a patient who would benefit from such care.
Council Comments
Notes from the February council meeting not mentioned elsewhere:
-The meeting started with Pastor Matthew offering an Epiphany Prayer.
-Council welcomed its new members: Judy Comrie and Eldon Oja, joining Linda Sander, Artith Francis, Karen Bishop, Kim Koivukoski, Nick Matson, Sharon Scott, and Jim Symington.
-Congregational Officers were elected:
--Chairperson – Linda Sander
--Vice-Chair – Karen Bishop
--Secretary – Artith Francis
--Treasurer – Vi Peternelj
The officers and council members were installed at the Feb. 23 service.
-Linda summarized the results of the Visioning survey circulated at the annual meeting. 195 responses were received from approximately 30 of those attending. The ‘top 5’ values chosen were Faith, Compassion, Honesty, and (tied) Teamwork, Trust and Accountability. Council’s visioning retreat further will examine these.
-The Women’s Party will be held on Sat. May 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
-The Signing Officers remain Ken Boegh, Vi Peternelj, and Linda Sander.
-Local insurance companies are being contacted to see if there are any alternates to the present policy.
-Council approved a rental fee increase for the Thunder Bay Carvers.
-The January Potluck event was an immense success. 32 persons were present. $112.50 was received in the ‘coffee pot’. It has been given to the Regional Food Distribution Association.
-Page 2 of the approved 2025 Budget had been missing from the annual meeting’s Bulletin of Reports. The full document is now available at church.
-Council gave approval to the Port Arthur Rotary club to use Immanuel Hall between 7:00 and 9:30 p.m., on the last Thursday monthly, Feb. - May.
-Changes to LINC classes: The class in Immanuel Hall has moved to a south-end location in the city. The class using the first classroom is moving to the hall, because of its class size. The class using the second classroom is moving to the first, due to it being warmer. The class using the space under the balcony will remain there but can move downstairs if the sanctuary is needed. The rental agreement signed last Sept. remains in force until the end of June.
-There was consensus that two surplus aluminum individual communion trays, including base and lid, be gifted to Christ Lutheran – Waterloo. 4 communion tray sets remain: 2 brass sets used regularly, a wooden set from Imm., and a large aluminum set.
-Pastor Matthew has sent a list of surplus items to Salem – Pass Lake. If Salem requests any of these, Council will make the decision on donating.
-There will be an Easter Sunday Breakfast on April 20. Planning will take place at the March council meeting.
-A Bible Study will be held after Easter.
-Council’s next monthly meeting is Tues. March 11, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Chair – Linda Sander 622-0604
Vice-Chair – Karen Bishop 344-0052
Secretary – Aritith Francis 345-3617
Treasurer – Vi Peternelj 344-8552
Annual Congregational Meeting
Following a shortened Service of the Word on Sun, Feb. 9, a potluck Fellowship time featured sandwiches supplied by Fellowship Fund proceeds (freewill donations put in the white coffee pot on Sundays). Next, 37 persons gathered at 11:30 a.m. for our Annual Meeting.
- Pastor Matthew began the meeting with a land acknowledgement and prayer. Minutes of last year’s meeting, and the special meeting re our constitution and bylaws received adoption. Reports from the chair, pastor, national church and various ministries received comment and adoption as information. Copies of the Reports package are available at the church or can be digitally sent to you. Please contact the office.
- As part of the Statistical report, Pastor Matthew shared another PowerPoint presentation highlighting parish events from the past year, as well as remembering those members who died in 2024. Again, if you would like to see this presentation, please contact the office.
-The Financial reports were discussed and adopted. The budget this year forecasts a modest surplus of $829.72. Last year, due to our offerings and other income being higher than budgeted, we also realized an unexpected surplus.
After nominations from the floor, the following persons were acclaimed:
--Congregational Council:
-2025 – Judy Comrie (filling the remaining year of the late Helen Dagsvik’s term;
-2025-2027
Returning: Artith Francis and Nick Matson; new: Eldon Oja.
Thank you to Peter Hinz whose term on council ended and who did not seek re-election.
--Nominating Committee
Diane Bruce, Rene Kaukinen, Karen Bishop (council)
--Lutheran Community Care Annual meeting delegates
Shelbey Lorentson, Elaine Main, Don Williamson, Ruth Wolsiffer, Karen Bishop (Board member)
--No elections needed for Memorials Committee, with terms continuing until the end of 2025: Beth Boegh, Marie Hynna, and Don Williamson
-Financial Review committee – no longer needed, as new provincial legislation requires an outside financial review, starting at the end of 2025.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m., after thanks given to Pastor Matthew for his leadership, and to everyone for being together in mission.
Important News from Pastor Matthew
-As part of his report, Pastor Matthew announced: ‘During 2024, I received questions and comments about another special milestone, my 65th birthday in July 2025. Upon reflection and prayer, at the Jan. 2025 council meeting I announced my intention to resign my call as pastor of Our Saviour’s at the end of June 2026, in order to retire.
Our Saviour’s has not been involved in a call process for more than a generation. The timing of my announcement will make it possible for this to start in the fall of 2025, with the process underway by 2026. Our governance documents specify that I am not to be involved. My prayers, however, will be with you.’
FINANCES
Local and Missions
Thank you for your donations in February. As is our pattern, offerings are lower in the first part of the year. However, February income was a bit higher than in January. Help us to continue this trend, as we spring forward in March! Coming together, sharing our gifts, we serve the world.
February Offerings:
$ 7,900.00
Budgeted Offerings
$ 9,666.67
Monthly Offerings YTD:
$ 15,470.00
Budgeted Offerings YTD:
$ 19,333.34
Forward in Mission
Received in 2025: $ 455.00
2025 goal $ 2,500.00
Thanks for your gifts to start the year. The Annual Meeting approved the following partnership goals for 2025:
-Canadian Lutheran World Relief, General Appeal $300
-Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Annual Appeal $200
-Luther Village, Annual Appeal $150
-Dew Drop Inn $600
-Reg. Food Distribution Assoc. $250
-‘Gathering Table’ Food Cupboard $200
-Current River Food Bank $150
-Thunder Bay Food Bank $150
-Lutheran Community Care Pastoral Care/Street Reach $500
Cleaning Fund
Received in 2025: $ 525.00
Budgeted to date: $ 600.00
Thank you for your donations, which let us employ a part-time custodian.
Building Fund
Our gifts help us have a dedicated reserve to maintain our property when the ‘unexpected’ happens. When planning indicates a major project is needed, a Congregational Meeting can set a goal for giving to the fund.
Balance, Jan. 1, 2025: $ 6,791.85
Received in 2025: $ 415.00
Expenditures: In Feb. we paid $2,440 for our annual maintenance agreement for our platform lift. Gifts to replenish the fund are appreciated.
Offerings
One of our last pandemic-generated practices has ended. Instead of collecting our offerings via the plate at the entrance to the sanctuary, we have returned to passing offering plates up and down the pews during the Offering. For this, we need volunteers to be ushers.
Envelopes are in the pews. For a bundle of envelopes for 2025 see Linda Sander or call the office.
Other ways to send your gift:
1.Mail envelopes to the church:
10 Farrand St. Thunder Bay P7A 3H5
2.Drop envelopes off at church
You can drop off envelopes in the mailbox beside the parking lot doors. Calling is appreciated, so that the offering can be brought inside.
3.E-Transfer to:
osimm.office@tbaytel.net
4.Pre-Authorized Withdrawal (PAR)
You are able to have offerings deposited from your financial institution to the church. You can designate it Weekly, Building, and/or Forward in Mission. You can desigate part of ‘Weekly’ for ‘Cleaning’. To sign up, or make updates, call the office.
Gathering Table Food Cupboard 2024 Operations Report
“One of the purposes of the Gathering Table Food Cupboard Ministry since its inception has been to reconcile relations between the gathered body of Christ and the least where Christ is found. Our Cupboard is deliberately scheduled to follow the Sunday Holy Communion and to share fellowship and blessings as reconciliation.
For the year 2024, we distributed food to 2003 clients. This number includes 388 children and is an increase of 33 persons over the year 2023. These figures are a testament that conditions are not improving for people experiencing hunger in Thunder Bay.
Our Saviour’s and Hilldale Lutheran congregations contribute regularly with both food and monetary donations. St. Paul’s Anglican has supported us generously with donations from its Blessing Box and monetarily.
Our most needed items are:
-Kraft Dinner
-cold and hot cereal
-tuna
-Flakes of Ham/Chicken/Turkey
-fruit cups
-Canned soup: especially Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Tomato, and Vegetable
-Pork and Beans
-pasta sauce
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the succesful operations of the Food Cupboard over the past year. All God’s blessings to each and everyone in the year 2025!”
Sharon Sparkes,
Food Cupboard Team Lead
Thank you!
‘Thank you for your donations from your Fall Supper, for the support of the Cultural Kitchens program of our Roots Community Foood Centre. To learn how you can help in other ways, visit www.rootscfc.org. Thanks for being awesome!’ Erin and the Roots Crew
Journeys to the Well
The Commission on Justice and Peace of The Canadian Council of Churches has released a devotional resource entitled Journeys to the Well – An Ecumenical Devotional Towards Anti-Racism. It aims to connect faith with anti-racism action, encouraging readers to engage with scripture and prayer as a foundation for working towards racial justice. The contributors, most of whom are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and from diverse denominations, ages, and locations across Canada, reflect on self-selected scriptures and personal experiences. To download:
Reflections On A Low-Carbon Life
Our national church’s Task Force on Carbon Neutrality is writing monthly reflections on climate justice to encourage engagement, share resources, and call for prayer, reflection and learning: https://elcic.ca
Mission to Seafarers: Thunder Bay
“The Mission cares for seafarers through Chaplain, Canon Ed Swayze, and volunteers. Free transportation ensures seafarers get shore leave, which allows them to shop and see people. Christians are encouraged in their faith and those who are not Christian receive the hospitality of Christ. Thank you to all who generously donated funds and supported our fund-raising, and to those who donated clothing or other items.
In 2024 this ministry included working with 148 ships and transporting 1,938 seafarers. The Seafarers’ Centre at Keefer Terminal was staffed on 201 evenings with 223 sailors visiting. Our Christmas Gift Bags are an important part of our ministry and we appreciate everyone who knitted toques and mitts and donated to our gift bags; 434 bags, including 5 for women, were delivered to 22 ships. 2024 was our busiest year since 2000, 2023 our second busiest, in large part due to potash. We expect to continue this level of activity in 2025.
Our 22 volunteers were active: 11 are Driver/Watch Keepers. To keep our pool of volunteers we look for 3 new Driver/Watch Keepers each year.
Thank you to those who supported the Meat Sale. For this year’s sale, forms will be available after Mar. 1, due on Apr. 30, with pick-up on May 14.
The Mission’s Fund-raising Dinner is on Fri. Apr. 25, Symposium 5:30 pm and Dinner 6:15 pm at the Current River Community Centre. Buffet with Cash Bar (Wine). The theme will be the Battle of the Atlantic.
The Annual General Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Weds, 10:00 am May 21 by Zoom and in-person at the Seafarers’ Centre. The Blessing of the Fleet is tentatively scheduled for 10:30 am Sat. June 28 at Pier 3, Marina Park. Boaters and vessels are invited to take part and spectators are invited.
Please continue to keep seafarers and the Mission in your prayers.”
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew, Board Chair
The Rev’d Canon Ed Swayze, Chaplain
2025 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth gathering (CLAY)
Rooted and Rising will be held in Saskatoon, from Aug. 21-24. All youth aged 14-19 as of Dec. 31, 2025, are welcome. With the endorsement of their Home Team leader and their local congregation. With the permission of the CLAY Registrar, youth who will be 13 years old may be permitted.
From this area, the Anglicans have begun to assemble a Home Team. We are invited to join them, if necessary by helping to form an additional home team. Each home team needs 2 adult leaders, and can include up to 8 youth.
The meeting space will be at St. John’s Cathedral and Knox United Church. Accommodation will be arranged by each team on their own.
The Early Bird price is $350 until Mar. 15. Then the Regular rate is $450. Each participant and their family will be responsible for a portion of the registration cost. Registration will be capped at 350. See Pastor Matthew if you are interested in going, either as a youth or as a leader. More information is on www.claygathering.ca.