Embedded Files
The Ambassador
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
Summer 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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We have Fellowship Hour each Sunday following worship, in Immanuel Hall. Birthday Sunday is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
To help, volunteer in the kitchen! Gifts of food to share are also welcome – please bring down before the worship service. For those wishing to make a gift toward the purchase of food, beverages, and supplies, there is a white coffee pot on the table at the entrance to the hall. Thank you for your gifts of every kind, including the wonderful conversations shared!
The platform lift is available for those who have trouble with the stairs to the basement.
Summer Get-together
All are welcome Sunday, July 27, starting at 2:00 p.m., to the home of Brian Phillips on Summit Ave. Bring some food to share, if you desire! Maps and parking details available soon.
‘Eternity for Today’
Copies of our national church’s daily devotions’ booklet, the July-Sept. issue, are now available in the front hall. They can also be dropped off: call the office.
Pr. David Hunter, former Associate Pastor at Our Saviour’s, has written the devotions for July 29-Aug.4.
From Salem – Pass Lake
“The gifted banner is hanging on our wall. Thank you so much for your generous gift.”
Salem Church Congregation
Being planned:
-visit to the new sanctuary at Salem Lutheran – Pass Lake, with a bring-your-own picnic
Worship
We gather Sundays at 10:30 a.m. During the summer, we will celebrate Holy Communion on July 6 and 20, Aug. 3, possible Aug. 17, and Sept. 7. On the rest of the Sundays we will have Service of the Word. Worship with the Band will return on Sept. 28.
Pr. Chris (sister of Philip Kouhi) will preach Aug. 3, as gift to Pastor Matthew and the congregation. Pastor Matthew will preside.
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: www.oursaviourstbay.org .
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.
Worship Assistants
Thanks to those who helped in June.
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.
Worship Leaders in August
We need lay leaders for our worship services on August 17, 24, and 31. You can lead the assembly through the liturgy (Service of the Word), preach the sermon (provided), or do both! See Pastor Matthew by the end of July to sign up. Thank you!
Children’s Ministry
Copies of the seasonal Activity packet for Summer are available. Pick up a copy, or call for a drop-off.
Activity sheets for each Sunday are in the front hall and also are emailed Thursday: osimm@tbaytel.net .
Adventure activity bags are under the mailboxes inside the sanctuary, for children to enjoy during worship.
During each summer service, there will be a children’s message for children present (federal law prevents it from being included on our recording.)
Sunday School resumes on Sept. 21. The sessions for children in JK – Gr. 6 begin in Immanuel Hall at 10:30 a.m. for Bible stories, crafts, and other activities. We come up to share Holy Communion. See Karen Bishop, co-ordinator, for information, or to be an assistant in the fall.
Making Space for Something New
Summer 2025
‘Meeting people where they’re at’
Edtior’s note: We are including the summer issue of ‘Making Space’ in the ‘Ambassador’, since, well we have space! In September, it will resume as a separate publication of Our Saviour’s. As with each issue, Eldon Oja and Pastor Matthew welcome comments.
“Back in March, Pastor Matthew introduced you to this newsletter where he wrote “We hope it helps conversation in the congregation about shaping our vision for moving forward in ministry”. Pastor Matthew reminded you of the five pillars of the Lutheran Church in Canada - Worship, Learning, Witness, Service, and Support. I wrote articles under the headings – Why do we stop believing?; Change – Let the Light get in; Feeling the Presence of God; Seeds of Hope and New Life; and now: ‘Meeting people where they’re at”. Witnessing one’s faith in God and sharing the stories and words of Jesus is a challenge for most of us. Pastor Matthew addressed this challenge at great length in his article last month ‘Called to Witness”.
In the ELCIC’s Eternity for Today daily devotion booklet, Rev. Dennis Hendricksen of Christ Lutheran Church in Regina, Saskatchewan wrote an article titled ‘Meeting people where they’re at’. Rev Dennis writes “We cannot expect people to come to our church buildings simply because they are there. We need to meet people where they are, not just physically, but also culturally, emotionally, and intellectually. We are called to carry the good news, through word and action, into a world that needs hope.”
So, as you take your vacations and meet someone, introduce yourself and ask them their name. You will learn very quickly whether or not they want to talk or need help. Just be open. You have the tools, the faith and God by your side. Have a wonderful summer and keep in touch.”
Eldon Oja
Sunday Readings
July 6 – Time after Pentecost
Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-9; Galatians 6:7-16; Lk 10:1-11,16-20.
July 13 – Time after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Jnn 10:25-37.
July 20 – Time after Pentecost
Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42.
July 27 -Time after Pentecost
Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13.
August 3-Time after Pentecost
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Ps 49:1-12; Col 3:1-11; Lk 12:13-21.
August 10 – Time after Pentecost
Gen15:1-6; Ps 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Jn 6:35, 41-51.
August 17 – Time after Pentecost
Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; LK 12:49-56.
August 24 – Time after Pentecost
Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103:1-8; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17.
August 31 – Time after Pentecost
Proverbs 25:6-7; Plsam 112; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14.
September 7 – Time after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33.
Luther Village
Brochures for the 2025 season of outdoor ministry at Luther Village are in the front hall, and online at www.luthervillage.ca . This is the 61st year of our synod’s camp on Dogtooth Lake, southeast of Kenora on Hwy. 71. LV includes Youth camps, Family Camps, and individual camping plans (cabins, and trailer and tent sites).
Sad News
A message from the Luther Village Board: “ It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Co-Executive Director Ad van Dijk. Ad passed peacefully surrounded by family June 28. Ad was an important part of the Luther Village community and will be greatly missed. He was Head Cook for part of summer '98 and his love of LV grew over his 20+ years as a volunteer on work weekends. Some of his most notable contributions have been construction of the pontoon boat, helping design the kitchen expansion & new dining hall, supporting the electrical expansion and the most recent project being the office renovation. In addition to these larger projects, he led the maintenance & kitchen staff teams. He was always making sure our campers left with a positive experience. He was also well known for his skills in the kitchen.
Please keep Lisa, Byron (Alyvia Flanjak), Cody (Julie Sprague) and the rest of the extended van Dijk family (Popke and Northcliffe) in your thoughts and prayers. A Celebration of Life to be held in the fall at Luther Village, details will be shared at a later date.”
Presbyterian Summer Camp
The Presbyterian congregations in Thunder Bay and area are are looking forward to once again having a great summer at Pres -B-Camp, July 20-26. Pres-B-Camp is for campers entering Grades 3 to 8 this fall. They are inviting all to join them for a week of fun and leaning in nature, at Duncan Memorial Church Camp, located on Loon Lake, East of Thunder Bay. For more details: linda.mccutcheon.lm@gmail.com
Our Life Together:
-Baptisms:
-June 4: Edward and Benjamin Beese
Funeral/Memorial Services:
-Hannah Deley, June 10
-Keith Broman, June 21
-Memorial Gifts:
-in memory of Pat Kaukola, Freda Karioja, and Keith Broman; in honour of Bob Person’s 90th birthday.
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. Clergy do not have access to patient lists: contact him with info about who desires such care.
Council Comments
Notes from the June council meeting not mentioned elsewhere:
-The meeting started with Pastor Matthew offering prayer.
-Progress continues on the Northwest Exit project. Jim Symington has prepared a cost estimate and circulated it to the council members. An architect is preparing the necessary drawings for the city permit. The timeline for the replacement of the canopy is now tentatively mid-summer, if all goes according to plan. The Lakehead Conservation Authority has given approval to the project (the church property sits on the flood plain of McVicar’s Creek.)
- Synod Council is still in the process of ratifiying our new constitution and bylaws. When this is complete, Pastor Matthew will work with Kim Koivukoski and Marie Hynna to update our Policies and Procedures Handbook.
-Kim Karioja has offered to work on the archival material of the congregation, as part of her Senior year B.A. Honours History degree at LU. Pastor Matthew will work with Kim and with her supervisors to make this possible.
-The Neighbourhood Action group has posted signs along McVicar’s Creek behind the church, indicating what is private property (where camping is not allowed). Council approved paying $30 for the cost of the sign at the edge of our property.
-Property matters: Thank you to Ken Boegh and volunteers cutting the grass this summer. Thank you to Jim Symington and Marie Hynna for starting the trimming of the cherry trees along the parking lot. The landscaping company is replacing some of the small shrubs that did not survive the winter (under warranty). It will also plant the lilac beside the parking lot doors that wasn’t available last year. The next phase of the landscaping project – renewing the front bed – is deferred until after the Northwest Exit project is complete.
-Council’s next monthly meeting is Tues. September 9
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
Pride March and Festival Support
The Thunder Pride Association’s annual ‘Thunder Pride March and Festival’ was postponed on July 5, due to bad weather, and is being rescheduled.
Our congregation had been invited to send a message of support by donating funds needed for the event. Our council made this possible by placing a special container in the front hall on the Sundays between May 25 and June 22. Thank you to those who donated $ 250, making us a Community Support Partner.
Lutheran Community Care
Here is a list of donation possibilities needed by LCC clients who are in need. There is a basket in the front hall for those able to contribute. Karen Bishop will make sure the items get to the LCC.
- Bankers box or file organizers. (to organize their important files).
- Hygiene items: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant
- New T-shirts (L-XL, men and women); Baseball hats; New socks and underwear; Sunglasses; Umbrellas.
Our Saviour’s hosted the Annual General Meeting of the LCC on June 25. Pastor Matthew offered opening devotions and received a gift for his years of service. As Chair of the Board, Karen Bishop presided at the meeting. Thank you to all our delegates and visitors for taking part.
Gathering Table Anglican
Food donations received in the basket in the front hall are being given to the Gathering Table’s food bank and to those in need. The most needed items are:
-Kraft Dinner
-cold and hot cereal
-tuna; Flakes of Ham/Chicken/Turkey
-fruit cups
-Soup: Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Tomato, and Vegetable
-Pork and Beans
-pasta sauce
Friends of Creation Challenge
This emphasis raises awareness of the crisis being caused on Lake Chad by climate change. Each Sunday from Sept. 21-Oct 12, our worship will include one theme of this campaign.
Council will decide at its Sept. meeting on a goal for the fundraising component of this challenge.
Study and action resources for children, youth, and adults will be available each Sunday. Kim Koivukoski and Judy Comrie wil set up related bulletin boards in Immanuel Hall.
There will be opportunities for follow-up events – see Pastor Matthew.
Thank Yous:
Dear members of Our Saviour’s:
“Again, thank you for opening your hearts and welcoming my dad, Bob Person. His Birthday Lunch, June 22, and all your kindness is greatly appreciated. We are truly blessed to have such a caring and welcoming church!
From the Barrow, Person, and Argus families
From Pastor Matthew:
‘Thank you for the wonderful ‘pre-Birthday’ fellowship hour on June 15, and for the unexpected gifts. Your best wishes and love will be always remembered.”
Peace, Pastor Matthew+
FINANCES
Local and Missions
Thank you for your donations in June, which came closer to our goal than in May. During July and August we continue to need to pool our resources to pay the ongoing costs of our ministry. Please respond in prayer and in giving as you are able. Coming together, sharing our gifts, we serve the world.
June Offerings:
$ 8,870.00
Budgeted Offerings
$ 9,666.67
Monthly Offerings YTD:
$ 53,199.59
Budgeted Offerings YTD:
$ 58,000.02
Forward in Mission
Received in 2025: $ 1,305.00
2025 goal $ 2,500.00
Thank you again for your donations. We remain on target to meet our partnership goals for 2025. One of these is $600 for the Dew Drop Inn. These funds help this soup kitchen to offer daily meals to more than 400 persons.
Cleaning Fund
Received in 2025: $ 1,505.00
Budgeted to date: $ 1,800.00
Thank you for your designated offerings. These enable us to employ a part-time custodian. We continue to be about a month behind our needs. This shortfall in turn lowers our other funds on hand. As you’re able, donations to help erase this shortfall would be much appreciated.
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: $ 1,195.00
Expenditures: In Feb. we paid $2,440 for our annual maintenance agreement for our platform lift. Your gifts help ‘pay back’ this amount, for other uses.
Offerings
Envelopes are in the pews. For a bundle of envelopes for 2025 see Linda Sander or call the office. Our offerings are collected in the pews during worship.
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.
Next ‘Ambassador’:
Please have articles sent to the office by Sept. 2, for the September issue. Thank you!
ELCIC National Convention – Part I
Our church’s triennial Convention took place July 10-13, at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg. 164 voting members met to gather, worship together, and to discern issues affecting the future of our church, under the theme Rejoicing in Hope.
Rejoicing in Hope reminds us that amidst all the change and uncertainty that surrounds us, there is much joy and goodness to be found in our hope—and our church has abundant hope! Hope is a way forward.
Opening worship celebrated the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination as pastors within the ELCIC. All female pastors in attendance were vested for the service. The first woman ordained was the late Rev. Pamela McGee. The second, Rev. Vivian Roberts – the longest-serving Lutheran female pastor in Canada – read a lesson.
Retiring after 18 years, Bishop Susan preached, “It has been an honour to serve you. I love our church and I’m proud of what we do and what we stand for. We pray fervently, we work for justice passionately, we face challenges head on, and we embrace the future with hope. We give thanks to God for the grace we have received and strive to share that grace with the world in great need. Soli Deo Gloria – to God alone the glory!”
Elections took place throughout the convention. Six ballots were necessary for the election of national Bishop. Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, presently pastor at Our Redeemer – Pentiction BC, and formerly Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, was elected with Bishop Carly Blakely of the Eastern Synod coming second. Linda Grainger was acclaimed as Secretary, while Stephen Holmes acclaimed as Treasurer.
The ELCIC Leadership Award was presented to Ben Johnston-Urey. “Tonight, we honour an exceptional leader whose vision, compassion, and deep commitment to the gospel have made a profound impact within their congregation, community, and far beyond. We recognize not only their remarkable leadership, but also their enduring witness to Living out God’s grace and unconditional love.” A member of Trinity, Whitehorse, Yukon, Johnston-Urey has served the church in numerous ways, most notably as a composer and author of liturgies as director of worship and outreach in his lay-led congregation.
A three-year church engagement project officially launched: Facing Today – Dreaming for the Future will explore at what it means to be the church in the years ahead. This will include congregational engagement.
Rev. Vincent Solomon, Indigenous Ministry Developer, from the Diocese of Rupert’s Land (Anglican), delivered the first thematic presentation on Friday afternoon. Solomon discussed the challenges of rejoicing in hope amid our struggles – individual and collective – and affirmed the enduring hope in the good news of Creator and Jesus. He spoke about the resilience of Indigenous Christians, and the richness of the Indigenous church on Turtle Island. He offered insight from lived experience, and lesson from Indigenous perspective on what is means to hope and, and to rejoice in it.
Part II of the report, covering the last 2 days of convention (still in progress at publication time), will be included in the September ‘Ambassador’.
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