Together One: LCC’s 2026 Convention Begins

WINNIPEG – Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) 13th Synodical Convention began on Friday, June 12. The theme for this year’s convention is: “Together One: One Lord, One Faith, One Body,” based on Ephesians 4:4-6.

Welcoming New Members 

Photographed by Sara Tulu

A highlight of the first session of business was the unanimous acceptance of a new member congregation: St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Cornwall, Ontario).

The congregation’s pastor, Rev. Connor Longaphie, and a lay delegate signed LCC’s constitution. President Teuscher welcomed them saying, “May your membership in our synod serve to support and strengthen you in preservation, promotion, and extension of the pure Word of Christ in your community.” Attendees warmly welcomed the synod’s newest member with a standing ovation, followed by spontaneous singing of the Doxology.

Since the last convention, 27 pastors and one deacon have received calls within LCC. Those new church workers were also invited to sign LCC’s constitution. It was a joyous start to the convention, celebrating congregations, pastors, and deacons coming together as one. And, as President Teuscher quipped: “Better than bylaws!”

Opening Service 

An opening Divine Service was held at the end of the first day, with President Teuscher presiding and preaching. President Teuscher reflected on the convention theme with a sermon drawing on John 17, where Jesus prays that we may “become perfectly one” in Him.

“There is one unmistakable reality running through this world… and that is the fact that the church is not unified,” President Teuscher observed. In his sermon, he noted the reality of division within the Christian Church, but he also emphasised the unity that we find in Christ. The unity and preservation of “the Christian Church, Lutheran Church–Canada, your congregation, is not something up to us,” he explained. Rather, “it is a miracle, a work of God in this world.”

Photographed by Sara Tulu

“It is only as we are united in Christ and with Christ and to Christ that we can truly be united with one another,” he continued.

That unity in Christ was also highlighted in readings from Acts 4 (which describes the unity of the early church) and Ephesians 4 (which reminds us that there is “one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism”). Hymns like “We Are Called to Stand Together” and “The Church’s One Foundation” also highlighted our unity in Christ.

LCC Vice President Michael Schutz and Regional Pastors Robert Mohns (West), David Haberstock (Central), and Marvin Bublitz (East) served as assisting ministers, along with Revs. Asefa Aredo, Shaun Manning, Oboya Ochalla, James Vosper, and Glenn Worcester.

Many talented LCC members came together to provide music for the service. Members of the Red River Circuit made up the choir, with Dana Bubenko serving as choir director and accompanist, Katrusia Chabluk as soloist, and Olga Kuldoshina as flautist, singing several pieces. Beautiful Saviour organist Keven Scott acted as pianist (other members of the congregation served as Crucifer, Altar Guild, and Ushers). And a pre-recorded audio presentation of “Father, We Thank Thee” by the pastor’s wives choir was also played during the distribution of Holy Communion, in addition to congregational hymns.

Watch the Convention Online 

Those unable to attend the convention in person are still able to follow along at home. Register to watch the livestream at the Convention website here. You can also read the Convention Workbook, Today’s Business, and the convention’s daily newsletter on the same website.

You can also visit CanadianLutheran.ca for additional news from the convention.

Print this article