Lutheran Military Chaplains gather in Ontario

President Timothy Teuscher joins LCC chaplains during their 2019 retreat in Cornwall, Ontario. Pictures (l-r): Capt. Rev. Min Kim, Capt. Rev. David Gallas, Capt. Rev. Victor Morris, President Teuscher, Capt. Rev. Gerson Flor, Lt. Rev. David Jackson, and Capt. Rev. David Godkin.

CORNWALL, ONTARIO – Chaplains in the Canadian Armed Forces gathered together the week of June 2 for “Called to Serve” in Cornwall, Ontario. This exercise is an opportunity for chaplains to gather together for mutual support, to hear from their leaders in the chaplaincy, and to gain some knowledge from specialists that may prove useful in their service as military chaplains.

For two days during that time ten members of the Lutheran Caucus of chaplains—which includes LCC, ELCIC, and LCMS members—were joined by Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) President Timothy Teuscher. President Teuscher presented a paper and led a discussion on the Catechism and Pastoral Care. This provided an opportunity for the chaplains to discuss their ministry and how they care for souls.  It was a safe place for them to tell their personal stories and share their experiences.

President Teuscher also met for discussions with LCC chaplains to listen to concerns or issues that they might be having, and to discuss LCC’s proposed new Military Deanery. The deanery would include a Dean of Military Chaplains who, as representative of the Synod President, will provide oversight and support of all the military chaplains on the roster of Lutheran Church-Canada.

LCC chaplains present were: Capt. Rev. Gerson Flor (Naples, Italy); Capt. Rev. David Gallas (Petawawa, Ontario); Capt. Rev. David Godkin (Esquimalt, B.C.) who is moving to Winnipeg this summer; Lt. Rev. David Jackson (Edmonton, Alberta); Capt. Rev. Min Kim (Edmonton) who will be moving to a new field of service next year as professor at CLTS in St. Catharines; Capt. Rev. Victor Morris (Wainwright, Alberta( who is moving to Ottawa this summer. Capt. Rev. Sean Smallwood (Shilo, Manitoba) was unable to attend.

Please remember those in prayer who minister to the armed forces: “O Lord, almighty God, as You have always granted special gifts of the Holy Spirit to Your Church on earth, grant Your continual blessing to all who minister in Your name in the armed forces, that by Your gracious working they may honor Christ and advance the good of those committed to their care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord” (LSB p. 306).

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