Convention Moments Beyond the Votes

Photographed by Sura Tulu

Convention gatherings go beyond receiving reports and making decisions concerning future directions for the church. There are less captured moments with unmistakable allures, serving as fervent reminders that each of us—individuals and congregations—are members of a larger body.

“I am home” says 87-year-old Jutta Storey who traveled from Vancouver Island to be at the convention. “I love being among the pastors—and oh the singing—that is just righteous!”

Others reflect on the organizational restructuring and what this provides when synod assembles, Together One.

Dr. Thomas Winger, President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary and a volunteered convention photographer had this to say: “I have been enjoying the convention. What I like about the new format is all the pastors are together; I get to see people I’ve never met!”

L-R: Pastor McDonald, Pastor Chandler, Pastor Prozenko, Pastor Klages, Pastor Lam, Pastor Mauricio

This blessed gathering of pastors from across regions created other unique opportunities. Rev. Alex Klages and his former vicars now serving in LCC—Rev. Milton Lam, Rev. Andrew McDonald, Rev. Sheikh Lief Mauricio, Rev. Adam Chandler, and Rev. Nigel Prozenko could get together for a quick group photo at lunch time on Sunday June 14 at the convention.

Trinity and Zion Ev. Lutheran Churches in Winkler and Morden, Manitoba have been blessed since 2010 to take part in the vicarage program administered by Lutheran Church–Canada through her two seminaries, after receiving a sizeable financial gift at Trinity. During this time, they have had 9 vicars, with a 10th due to start later this summer, all supervised by Rev. Klages. 5 of those vicars are currently serving in LCC parishes, 2 in the LCMS, and one begins his ministry later this summer. This reunion is a tangible reminder that the mission goals of LCC are still valuable, are within reach, and are being attained.

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