This issue marks the end of my first full production year working as the editor of Canada Lutheran; a full eight-issue cycle complete. A year ago, the December 2024 issue, was the second issue I helped produce as editor…and now, suddenly, it is almost 2026! In a way, it feels as though the past year has flown by.
So much has stayed the same in my life over the past year…In fact, I am writing this in the same Ottawa café as I was a year ago, writing this page for the December 2024 issue. (Ten Toes: if you’re ever in Ottawa, I recommend checking it out! Great coffee and gorgeous décor—the stained glass and wood accents remind me somewhat of the church building I grew up in, providing a sense of familiarity and peace. Perhaps that is why I always find it to be one of my more productive and inspired workspaces.)
And yet, so much has also changed—through growth. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to and exploring a few new-to-me corners of the world, expanding my own horizons and understanding of our wonderous Earth: Belize, Guatemala, France, and Winnipeg…the latter, to attend my first ELCIC National Convention, which was such an amazing experience full of learning and appreciation. I’ve met and have gotten to know so many wonderful people in our ELCIC community, who inspire me continuously through their own various vocations. I’ve fostered new friendships and have continued to nourish old friendships. I’ve experimented with a few different haircuts, found a new favourite restaurant, and had the honour of supporting women’s sports, through attending my first Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game. All of these experiences, to me, are sacred. Because God was present —God was right there alongside me, encouraging me, inspiring me, reminding me of all the joy, and hope, and life that creation has to offer, manifesting in unassuming or unexpected moments.
And, of course, I have also been reflecting on how the church has grown over the past year. I know we all realize that the work is ongoing, and that we have a way to go still, in our journey embracing change and adapting towards the future, but wow, look at where we are now, compared to a year ago! I would say that there has been so much positive progress that we can rejoice in! For example, the new National Youth and Young Adult Council is well on its way to being formed sometime in the new year. This will be monumental for our church, and I am so excited to see where the Spirit will lead us through the work of this new council!
As the ELCIC continues to grow and change over the next year, Canada Lutheran aspires to reflect this, and grow alongside our National Church, synods, and congregations. We are committed to embracing the re-imagining process, which is why I am happy to announce that next year, starting with the Jan/Feb 2026 issue, you will notice some changes to Canada Lutheran, its content, and structure. We will be introducing new pages, and switching others up to even better reflect who we are as the ELCIC, and our priorities as we head into our 40th anniversary year. I am excited to see where this takes us!
With much change ahead of us, I welcome you to reflect with me, on this past year. How have you grown? How has your congregation grown? What’s something new that you learned, or experienced? How have you felt God’s presence in your life over the past year, in both expected and unexpected ways and places? What inspires you as we move into a new year, and what do you grieve as this year comes to an end? If you feel motivated to do so, I invite you to share your reflections with editor@elcic.ca .
I wish you all a joyous Christmas, and New Year!
Sarah Malina
Editor
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