As the harsh winter cold rather seamlessly shifts to the joys of spring, we, too, at the ELCIC National Office have begun a period of transition. Although many Canada Lutheran readers from coast-to-coast may not fully comprehend the vast difference in climate from a true Winnipeg winter to that of springtime in the prairies, the tales are well documented, and are of easy access.
After 193 issues as editor, Rev. Kenn Ward has opted to say goodbye to his long-serving pastime. Alongside the friendly smile (and bowties), we also bid farewell to a wealth of knowledge and a breadth of contacts.
For the meantime, I will be taking over as interim editor. Working closely alongside the team of Trina Gallop Blank (editorial director), Catherine Crivici (designer) and Norm Coull (copy editor) I hope to provide a fresh outlook on the important bits and pieces of news and stories within the ELCIC and beyond.
For me, this new role comes at yet another busy point in what has already been a well-stocked cabinet of changes. Having moved to a new neighbourhood over the winter, these longer spring days have provided me with an opportunity to get outside, learn the lay of the land—or slope of the backyard, if you will—and meet a number of the neighbours who have finally crawled out from their winter hibernations.
And as some of you already know, my active lifestyle involves commuting downtown to the office by way of rollerblade. Although the round trip will undoubtedly be longer from my new start and end point, the anticipation of getting back to exercising while in transit couldn’t be higher. But in a city that uses roughly 60,000 tonnes of sand on its streets over the winter months, the virtue of patience has never been put to a greater test than someone eagerly awaiting the day the street cleaners make their full rounds.
Having joined the staff at the National Office back in 2016, my role has been that of communications specialist. Projects such as the Summer Sermon Series, ELCIC News, the Annual Report, the website, social media and photography are typically where you may have seen my work in past years.
Now, in overseeing this publication from start to finish, it has provided me with a new outlook on our production schedule, the importance of communication and teamwork, while learning from some of the many wonderful voices within our church and the incredible undertakings of our partners across the world.
From the new direction in editorial to the three outgoing synod bishops—as highlighted in Rev. Larry Kochendorfer’s In Mission feature (p.6)—to the transition of soon-to-be independent charitable entity KAIROS Canada (p.8), this issue is speckled with change. But it also shines a bright light on the work being done in places where so few are willing to travel. As demonstrated by National Bishop Susan Johnson’s recent trip to the Holy Land amid conflict, we are “striving to be a healthier church, seeking to cultivate effective partnerships, encouraging relationship leadership and leading with compassionate justice,” and that will not change.
Carter Brooks
Interim Editor
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