Rejoicing in the work of Christ in the lives of faithful young people in Lutheran Church–Canada. Through Word and Sacrament, He calls, gathers, and feeds His people—young and old—as one Body. Scroll down to read more.
Submission: August 2022
Albert Ho (Age 22)
Grace Lutheran Church (Calgary, AB)
“Although I grew up in a Lutheran church and household, I would consider my upbringing marked by American Evangelicalism, having attended a non-denominational Christian school and with most of my childhood friends belonging to these traditions.
Great trials and suffering in my undergraduate years drove me firmly into Confessional Lutheranism. While I treasure my experiences with my non-Lutheran peers and while many popular preachers I was exposed to could raise good insights here and there, they lacked a real ability to confront suffering. Answers ranged from claiming God would give me power to overcome challenges like a cheerleader to downplaying suffering as not so bad. The problem of sin was reduced to a problem of mere distance from God, making sinners estranged and missing out, not lost and condemned.
Lutheranism acknowledges a real problem. It offers a real Saviour, bringing real comfort through real means. Lutheranism confesses Scripture whole in its truth and purity, not clever catchphrases and empty promises. We have sound Biblical doctrine, and I wouldn’t give this up for larger congregations, flashy outreach programs, or popular acclaim. Our church may have a humble outward form, but it is a great privilege and honour to be Lutheran.”
Submission: August 2022
Shegitu Asefa Aredo (Age 23)
Shalom Oromo Lutheran Church (Winnipeg, MB)
“As I grew up I really had a desire to know God and to become closer to Him. I was raised by incredible parents who did their best to keep my siblings and me in the church. Despite their best efforts, the church I belonged to never was able to answer my questions. In reality it left me with more questions than answers. I was told many times by many people the ‘steps to becoming closer to God’ or ‘how to hear God’s voice’. I was looking for more and needing more because I was so unhappy with where I was.
Since joining a Lutheran congregation I realize the true unity of believers that transcends ethnicity, culture, language, and race. I hear the Word of God and I know the love of God which has nothing to do with me and what I do. I understand forgiveness and absolution and receive it through the means of grace. In unison with members of my congregation, I am able to proclaim the Apostles’ Creed in our language. This is something we have never been able to do before. Above all else, I am a poor and miserable sinner who so desperately needs Christ in my life—and, in Christ, I am a forgiven child of God!”
Submission: September 2022
Luc Lefebvre (Age 36)
St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Stony Plain, AB)
“I became a Lutheran because of the pure Gospel that is proclaimed and confessed in our liturgy, hymns, and the Book of Concord. I used to belong to other denominations of Christianity, but when they had me focusing too much on myself instead of Christ, I was led to a place of despair. I had Lutheran heritage in my family though, and when my grandmother was passing away from cancer with a bold faith, I decided to give Lutheranism a second chance.
I began reading the Book of Concord, listening to Issues Etc., and reading the Gottesdienst Journal of Lutheran Liturgy. My despair crumbled in the face of God’s work and promises through our risen Saviour that are taught and confessed so boldly in our Confessions and liturgy. I have eagerly been trying to tell people of the gems we have in our Lutheran heritage ever since!”
Submission: September 2022
Leslie Dunlop (Age 33)
Grace Lutheran Church (Oshawa, ON)
“I wasn’t raised in a religious household and my family didn’t attend church. For most of my life I considered myself ‘spiritual’ but definitely not Christian.
A friend would talk about Christianity with me but I never took her seriously. I thought Christianity was only for good people and was a life of strict rules; I knew I could never live up to that standard. Yet for the first time in my life I was given a desire to read Scripture, and the more I read, the stronger that desire became. Eventually I knew I needed to find a church to help strengthen my faith.
I spent a lot of time researching denominations, trying to find one I believed to be biblically sound while also upholding traditional liturgy and values. When I discovered Lutheranism, it stood out to me because the doctrine is so firmly rooted in Scripture.
Lutheranism taught me that my previous understanding of Christianity was purely from the Law; and further, taught me the mercy and freedom of Christ and the Gospel.
I was given the honour of being baptized this past June, and becoming a baptized child of God has been the greatest gift I could ever receive.”
Submission: October 2022
Kevin Lee (Age 26)
Redeemer Lutheran Church (Waterloo, ON)
“Being a ‘cradle Lutheran’ and given my lifelong love of music, I have always appreciated the church’s historic liturgy and Lutheran hymnody. However, it wasn’t until I was attending University that I came to realize what a treasure these are.
In many denominations, weak theology has led to the replacing of hymns which proclaim the truths of Scripture with songs in the ‘Jesus is my boyfriend’ genre and sentimentalized holiday songs with little substance. The historic liturgy is often deemed irrelevant, and worship has more in common with a pop concert than worshiping the awe-full God who made heaven and earth.
Orthodox Lutheranism holds God’s Word above all else. In the Divine Service, God comes to us in Word and Sacrament, bringing us life and salvation in the forgiveness of our sins. We worship in reverence Him who became man and died on a cross for the sins of the world. We join with the saints of all time and places, praising Him with hymns that proclaim His work of salvation, call on our heavenly Father as dear children, and give us comfort in times of trouble. Soli Deo Gloria!”
Submission: September 2022
Jacob Kitsch (Age 19)
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Saskatoon, SK)
“I grew up at St. Paul’s, as my family has been members of the congregation for my whole life. My environment growing up was one of devotion in the Lutheran faith; however, it didn’t always get through to me. It wasn’t until the last 3-5 years that I began to engage in the church and theology beyond what we would do as a family. The most significant action of engagement in the church that I have done is attending the Twelfth Regular Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada this past June in Edmonton, Alberta.
Our Lutheran theology has been one of the most critical pieces in my life as I have engaged with different people that have different points of view. It has kept me grounded in my faith and the teachings of scripture as I began my undergraduate degree in 2021.
One of the main elements of Lutheranism that I have been very passionate about is the liturgy and hymnody. The Lutheran liturgy is one of the biggest blessings that we have as Lutherans. It’s intellectually engaging, spiritually nourishing, and the historical way Christians have worshipped back to the early church. The hymns have been perhaps the greatest blessing for me and offer comfort, words of encouragement, sound doctrine, and scripture in a format that can be learned and sung practically in daily devotional life.”
Submission: March 2023
Abbie (Age 29)
Trinity Lutheran Church (Fort McMurray, AB)
“I had been an atheist for a very long time. I despised every kind of religion out of ignorance. But God’s grace has found me. I remember hearing about the idea of sin for the first time. It was like an epiphany. I started to understand why at times I would feel so sick about myself. I once promised myself to be a good person but I kept failing. I saw all kinds of evil inside me. This concept of sin helped me understand my struggles. When I heard about the Gospel, it made sense to me as to why I need salvation. I had visited other churches before the Lutheran Church. They preached the Gospel with no mention of sin. To an extent, I didn’t understand why the Gospel mattered to me. I am grateful that God led me to the Lutheran Church to hear about both the Law and the Gospel all the time so that I can see clearly who I am and who Christ is.”
Submission: March 2023
Mikayla Kuehn (Age 26)
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Cobourg, ON)
“I was brought up in the Lutheran Church since I was born, and have been a member at St. Paul’s in Cobourg my whole life. My parents raised me to attend church every Sunday, and Lutheranism is all I’ve ever known and believed in. I sang in the choir, went to Sunday school, participated in annual Christmas plays, and volunteered at various church events throughout my life. I also recently attended my first EDLYA (East District Lutheran Young Adults) retreat!
Back in 2015, I moved out on my own to Toronto to attend fashion school and pursue my marketing career. I ended up finding out about Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church downtown Toronto, and this is where I started attending church while living alone in the city. It was the first time in my life that I was going to church on my own and choosing to go versus being told to go by my family members. I realized how important my Lutheran faith was to me during this time and that I wanted to explore it more as an independent young adult.
I really enjoy getting to know other young adults in the Lutheran faith at Trinity in Toronto and when I go back home to visit family and attend my hometown church, St. Paul’s. It’s always very comforting when talking to others who believe the same things I do. I look forward to continuing to grow in my faith and learn more about Lutheranism as a young adult!”
Submission: April 2023
Jude (Age 16)
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (Roblin, MB)
“I am 16 years old and have been a member of St. Matthew’s in Roblin since August 2021. I love the structure and musicality of the Divine Service, especially Setting Three. During catechism classes, I was struck by the enormous comfort of knowing that Jesus was not only really present in the Lord’s Supper, but that in it, I receive the forgiveness of sins. What a great reason to get dressed up and go to church each Sunday!
I love music, especially violin. After graduation, I plan to study music at university, and then go to seminary.”
Submission: April 2023
Ari (Age 17)
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (Roblin, MB)
“I am 17 years old and I have been a member at St. Matthew’s in Roblin since August 2021. One of my favourite things about being Lutheran is the rich hymnody. Each hymn is a sermon in a nutshell. I often find myself humming them throughout the week. My favourite hymns are usually the older ones with medieval harmonies (like “We All Believe in One True God”).
As you can guess, I love music, especially accordion, which is a little uncommon for someone my age. After high school, I want to study music with my brother at university. After that, we plan to attend seminary together.”
Submission: August 2023
Joshua Muszik (Age 26)
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Simcoe, ON)
“Growing up I knew about God as a child but had no one in my immediate social circle that could understand His Word. I latched onto atheism during my high school years as that was the dominant opinion being taught. Years later during the Covid-19 lockdowns I had plenty of time to expand my knowledge. I learned that our modern day laws are based on the Ten Commandments. I learned that the family unit is necessary for life to exist and that a good father is essential for leadership. I also learned that many great inventors, scientists, and explorers were Christians. A lot of other worldly accounts kept adding up the more I searched.
I had read parts of the Bible in the past but I could not understand them. I kept researching and there came a moment for me where I can only describe it as a light switch in my mind being flipped on. I suddenly knew then that God existed and that I must learn more about His Word. I read more and came to believe that Jesus Christ was our Lord and Saviour.
I attended a few churches out of curiosity. I could not put it into words at the time but I felt like their particular interpretations did not align with mine. While discussing with a coworker that I was on the search for a church to attend, he mentioned a friend of his who was a Lutheran. While I had read a little about Martin Luther and how he protested against the Roman Catholic church in the past I was ignorant to Lutheran doctrine. I started to attend St. Peter’s. I was amazed! Closed communion immediately caught my attention. I always had a gut reaction that communion was an important matter but I could never articulate it. After it was explained that Lutherans believe that the bread and wine are truly Christ’s body and blood I knew God had lead me to this church.
During my catechism classes I had a patient and understanding pastor. Pastor Dan cemented my faith that this church treated the Word of God with the respect and care that it rightly deserves. The creeds, singing hymns, communion, greeting other members, and sermons were all for the benefit of us. This I came to appreciate and love. I was baptised and confirmed on May 28th, 2023. I am currently working toward becoming a pastor one day.”
Submission: September 2023
Joshua Haberstock (Age 17)
Trinity Lutheran Church (Fort McMurray, AB)
“My name is Joshua Haberstock, and I am 17 years old. My congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, and my home, is in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and thus part of the West Region of LCC. I have been in a Lutheran family since I was born, and my Dad is a pastor, so it was kinda natural that I would be a Lutheran. It is the central core of Lutheranism that is meaningful to me: the principal of “sola gratia, sola scriptura, et sola fide” (Grace alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone). I really enjoy our church music as well, as it is both beautiful and especially meaningful.
It is quite interesting to be a “young Lutheran” in an “aging” church body. Lutheranism, as an older denomination, gives us a rich history and leadership with plenty of wisdom. However, our aging demographics should alert us that we need to talk more openly about Jesus and what He has done for us. I think that the aging of our church body has not directly affected me as much as it has others, due to a higher population of young families in my congregation.
Overall, I think that the age of the people in church does not ultimately matter, what really matters is that we “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that [Christ has] commanded [us].””
Submission: October 2023
Bethany Schultz (Age 17)
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (Swift Current, SK)
“I am seventeen years old and have been attending Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Swift Current, Saskatchewan since January 2012 when my family moved to the community. I was baptized as a baby, attended Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was confirmed in 2017. I really enjoyed my confirmation instruction, as I learned so much more about what distinguishes Lutheran traditions from other denominations. It really helped me to learn and understand the importance of the Reformation, especially to Lutherans. I have always loved singing, so being able to sing the hymns at church has been one of my favourite components of worship. The traditional hymns are so gorgeous in my opinion, each one having a meaningful message set to beautiful music. Two of my favourite hymns are: ‘The Church’s One Foundation’ and ‘Away in a Manger’. Being a young Lutheran has given me solid principles to live my life, and I find myself always turning to God when I need comfort.”
Submission: October 2023
Jonas Schultz (Age 15)
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (Swift Current, SK)
“I am Jonas Schultz; I am fifteen years old. I attended Faith Lutheran Church (Grande Prairie, AB) as a young child and have been at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (Swift Current, SK) since age four. Being a member of the Lutheran church is important to me because it follows a more structured way of worship and clearly states what is needed to follow God. Many other churches are slowly going away from classic Christian values. Lutherans believe that we are saved by faith alone, and that is just amazing to know God will save us not depending on how hard we try. I also enjoy that my congregation, and many other Lutheran congregations, still play the older classic hymns, usually with piano or organ and sometimes other instruments too. My involvement in the church is one reason I love music as much as I do now. Hearing the hymns being played every Sunday brings me great joy. I have started to learn to play the liturgical music and some hymns on piano in order to be able to assist with worship service when our other musicians are not available.”
Submission: February 2024
Alex Thielmann (Age 20)
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Pincher Creek, AB)
“Statistics show that one of the primary reasons people leave the church is because they move away and don’t find a new church. However for me, moving led me back to church, and a stronger relationship with God. I grew up in a different Lutheran synod and I always loved going to church, especially the traditional hymns and liturgy. But in more recent years, my childhood church shifted its attention away from what really matters, like many churches these days. This came to a head with the response to COVID-19 when the church became divided. I was devastated when I felt no longer welcome in what I thought was my home. I stopped attending church for a while; after all, my church had accepted a more passive attitude to faith—one that I too had adopted. While I considered finding a different church, the thought of replacing the church I had grown up in hurt too much.
When I moved, my parents had suggested to me to go church hopping and visit all the local churches before I picked one. But when I visited Trinity Lutheran (LCC) I knew I had found home. Trinity is a church that in addition to having the traditional hymns and liturgy is built around a strong community of Christians. I felt welcomed by fellow believers, and immediately took up an active role in my new congregation. It is a good lesson for all churches to not become divided or distracted. Instead we need to remember that we are all sinners and that we need God’s forgiveness. And that we should reach out to the new people in our communities, both who know God and who don’t, and welcome them into our congregations.”
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