WHAT’S A CIRCUIT FORUM? and WHY WOULD I WANT TO GO?
3,000 kms is an enormous size for a circuit in LCC. Circuits are normally a distance that can be driven in 1-3 hours from end to end, and people can get to know other people, pastors and churches fairly easily. Our Ottawa Circuit is by far the most spread out in LCC, with 16 congregations serving in both official languages at 22+ preaching points in 6 provinces over three time-zones… whew!
Despite all that, we are bound together in part exactly because we have these great distances in common; yet we have been bound together even more strongly by a common confession of faith given to us by the Spirit through the Word, that is stronger than mere human ties. So we continue to work together as God gives us opportunity and to gather and rejoice in our unity and fellowship at these Circuit Forums twice a year, in person as we can and thankful for the ability to join together online when in person is not possible.
This Saturday May 11th, 2024, come join us to hear God’s Word, sing and pray together, to learn more about the ongoing and new work of the churches and missions (and chaplains!) of the circuit, learn about and discuss current needs and opportunities to work together, and receive encouragement in the faith and for reaching out in Word and Deed with the love God has for us all.
Last Fall 2023, we met at St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ottawa, and we are so thankful for their hospitality.
This Spring 2024, our gracious hosts are the people and pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Petawawa, ON. There are always changes in our circuit, including some you may not have heard about – and there may be ways we together can help, support and encourage each other in word and in deed. You can help even just by joining the conversation, and you never know when what is going on somewhere else may turn out to help what is happening at your end of the circuit, or vice-versa!
Come in person if you can, but encourage everyone from your church to join us online too even if they can’t travel to Petawawa. We will provide as good an online participation as possible. Our Guest Speaker, Rev. Mark L Smith, Director of LCC International Missions, will be joining us to talk about to help us learn about the International Mission work of LCC and lead us in Bible Study in person, but the conversation will take place across the circuit!
SCHEDULE
(though our circuit spans 3 time zones – Eastern, Atlantic and Newfoundland – all times below are in the Eastern time zone; for Atlantic, please add one hour, and for Newfoundland, add 1.5 hours)
LCC’s Ottawa Circuit
2024 Spring Circuit Forum and Convocatgion
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Petawawa Ont9:30 – Arrive, coffee, fellowship
10:00 – Opening worship – Preacher: Rev. Matthew Habermas, pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Petawawa
10:45 – 12:15 – Session 1 – Rev. Mark L Smith, Director of LCC International Missions, on the work we pray for and support as the Body of Christ through the International Mission Work of Lutheran Church-Canada – Presentation and Bible Study
12:15 pm – 1pm – Lunch and fellowship time together
1pm – 2pm – Session 2 – Our Life and Work together (“Reports” and “Business”)
2pm – 3pm – Session 3 – Discussion on “An Open Letter to the Pastor in a Post-Christian world by Gene Veith” — Don’t loose hope: times are changing – but can you see the new opportunities?
3pm – Closing prayer and benediction
3:15pm – Tidy up and head home!
ARE YOU A…
… member, deaconal worker or pastor of an LCC congregation in the Ottawa Circuit?
- You are invited to the 2024 Spring Circuit Forum!
- Please indicate if you will be attending in person (if so, stay for lunch?) or online. If possible, please register for in person or online by end of day, Sunday May 4th. If you miss the deadline, register as soon as possible and please come anyway!
- Each congregation of our Circuit is asked to send at least one lay delegate and one pastoral delegate (whether in person or online) as they are your ears and your voice in case any decisions need to be made and to bring news and opportunities back to those who could not attend.
- Did you know? These Official Congregational Delegates may be entitled to have their transportation costs covered if needed through a circuit-wide cost-sharing assessment program. (Please ask if you are unsure or have questions.)
- Please let us know in the comment box below if you know you will arrive late or need to leave early to help us plan the day.
… member, deaconal worker or pastor of an LCC or LCMS church NOT part of the Ottawa Circuit?
- You are invited to the 2024 Spring Circuit Forum too!
- Please register below and indicate your home church’s name in the comment box.
- We would be glad to have you with us (in person or online) and will get back to you with additional details if needed!
- Please indicate if you will be attending in person (if so, stay for lunch?) or online. If possible, please register for in person or online by end of day, Sunday May 4th. If you miss the deadline, register as soon as possible and please come anyway!
To register to attend in person or online, please complete the form below.
For online attendees, we will send out a link to join before the day of the Forum.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
A big huge thank you to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church and to Pastor Habermas for being willing to host this Circuit Forum and to the ladies and other supporters who are helping provide refreshments and a lunch!
If you have any questions, suggestions, RSVPs, already know you will not be able to make it, or would like to offer to help, etc – please let us know in the comments box on the registration form below.God grant His blessings on our congregations and missions, people and pastors, missionaries, deaconal workers and chaplains, on our life together as His Church, and on our plans for our Forum!
All Glory be to God Alone!
— the Ottawa Circuit Ministry and Mission Support Committee
REGISTRATION
Registration is now closed. The Forum was fantastic! Great sermon (Pr Habermas), great speaker and Bible Study (Pr Smith), and great reports and updates shared from across the circuit and beyond!
Next Forum will be at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Ottawa, Oct 19 2024 – see you there!
