West Regional Mission and Ministry Committee meets

Opening Service (Photo: Samantha Neeb)

VANCOUVER, B.C. – From February 24-25, 2023, members of the West Regional Mission and Ministry Council (RMMC) met for worship, relationship-building, orientation, decision-making, and planning for future work, graciously hosted by Killarney Community Lutheran Church. This was the first in-person meeting since new members were elected to the West RMMC at the synodical convention in June 2022. 

Rev. Wayne Lunderby led the opening worship service, at which Rev. Roland Syens preached a sermon of encouragement for the group as Christ’s witnesses. Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) President Timothy Teuscher gave a report that included a call to unity for members of the synod. David Friesen, LCC’s Director of Advancement, presented a report on the progress of LCC Strategic Plans to date. Friday evening ended with some community-building fun led by Sonja Bland, the RMMC’s Secretary. 

On Saturday morning, Rev. Jaime Ventura brought God’s Word, and the rest of the morning focused on orientation. Regional Pastor Mohns reviewed the responsibilities of the RMMC, and LCC’s Vice President Michael Schutz demonstrated uses of the synodical communication tool, the Servant Leaders Network. 

In the afternoon, Rev. Mark Smith, LCC’s Missions Executive, reported on Synod’s approach to mission as a guide for the RMMC’s decision-making. The group also heard from mission leaders of the West Region, including Rev. David Nielsen, who heads up Deaf ministry on the Lower Mainland; Rev. Magarsa and Kasa, leaders of the Oromo community that is sharing the Gospel and sponsoring immigrants from Africa; Rev. Rodriguez, who, with his family, is reaching out through Facebook to Hispanic temporary workers in the Fraser Valley; and Rhonda Kelman, Executive Director of the BC Mission Boat Society, who described its service during and since the pandemic. There was also a presentation from Dwight Schettler on the work of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, whose training resources the RMMC may access in the future. 

To facilitate future work in key areas of regional support, the RMMC formed working groups tasked with the following responsibilities: Social Ministry, Missions, and Outreach; Finances and Stewardship; Prayer Ministry, Equipping Leadership, and Reconciliation; Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry; and Communication and Convocations. 

Rev. Fraser Coltman

———————

Print this article