Bishop Michael Pryse officially welcomed the Eastern Synod’s first Synodically Recognized Ministry and Authorized Lay Minister into the Eastern Synod family of faith in the shared sanctuary of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ottawa, on Sat. Dec. 3, 2022.
Jesus Only Way Arabic Evangelical Mission, also known as JOWAEM, has gathered for worship in Ottawa since 2014. An emerging demographic of Arabic speaking persons from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, JOWAEM has established itself as a thriving, vibrant faith community committed to social outreach, youth, families, as well as Christian education.
JOWAEM, shepherded by their Authorized Lay Minister John Sourial, has a passion for the gospel which continues to evolve just as it has throughout the course of this ministry’s history. A vibrant music ministry of Arabic and English songs of faith, a growing youth expression that meets regularly for study and service, a strong Scripture Study program, and a deep-rooted sense of community lived out through shared meals and conversation over coffee.
But JOWAEM’s story hasn’t been without its hiccups. For many years, JOWAEM struggled to find a physical space to call home. They explored a variety of options until finally putting down roots at Resurrection Lutheran Church, just outside of Ottawa in the suburb of Orleans.
This relationship, as expressed by those who offered formal words of welcome during the Dec. 3 worship service, is life-giving in a number of ways. Not only does it provide the opportunity for a strengthened relationship, but it also offers the possibility of a continued viable expression of Lutheranism in the Orleans area.
Bishop Michael Pryse takes it one step further. Reflecting on this new relationship, Pryse said, “As Lutherans, we have not always done our best to support new Canadians as they seek to build new lives amongst us. This partnership is an opportunity for us to live more fully into our call to love and serve our neighbour, new and old. As a synod, we recognize that we have gifts which can bless this new ministry. Even more so, we celebrate the many varied gifts which JOWAEM brings to the life of our church. We are blessed by their presence.”
This milestone marks, what synodical leadership hopes, will be the first of many new communities with whom new partnership are established. It is a living out of the belief that we truly are stronger when we work together, and are strengthened through diversity.
Such was also the tone struck by the Synod Council when they made the forward looking decision to step beyond the “usual,” and explore how God’s Spirit may be calling God’s Church to live, love and grow in new ways.
And as always, God has done a wonderful new thing!
On behalf of the whole Eastern Synod family, we welcome our new dear siblings in ministry into our family. We are blessed by your presence. Please continue to pray for JOWAEM as they proclaim the love of God with, and amongst us. Thanks be to God. — Rev Adam Snook, assistant to the bishop
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