ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson
Dear Friends,
Welcome to London, Ontario and to Hands On, the 2010 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) Gathering. I have been waiting impatiently for this day to arrive for a long time!!
I don’t want to tell you how many youth gatherings I’ve attended, but I will say the first one was before most of you were born! I have always found them enriching, exciting, enlivening and exhausting (but in a good way!) and I hope and pray that Hands On will be all of these things for you as well.
Whether you are a youth participant, a home-team leader, a planning team member or a volunteer, whether you are an Anglican or Lutheran, I look forward to our time together as we get Hands On – clapping, praying, breaking bread, greeting, serving and supporting one another.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Susan C. Johnson National Bishop
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Anglican Primate Fred Hiltz
Greetings Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth,
Thank you for the invitation to come to CLAY, 2010. This event is one of the largest and most exciting gatherings in the spirit of Full Communion between our Churches.
I like the theme – “Hands On”. It reminds me of how “hands on” God is in the work of renewing creation day by day and season by season; how “hands on” God is in the work of Jesus loving, healing, reconciling and bringing peace to our world; how “hands on” God is in the ways in which the Holy Spirit touches our lives and calls us to work together in extending the reign of God’s love and justice for all people.
“Hands on” is a great image for ministry. Praying, singing, studying The Word, being reconciled, exchanging peace, receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion, reaching out to help others, healing, blessing we use our hands. We are gathered and welcomed by hands. We are sent and commissioned by hands. We go to our work in the world with the teaching of St. Theresa of Avila in mind “yours are the hands through whom Christ blesses people, even now”.
I look forward to being with you, your leaders and all the bishops present. I hope we will meet lots of our friends and make many new ones. I pray God will bless us with new understandings of what it means to be a people of “hands on” faith and good work in the world.
Your friend in Christ,
Fred Hiltz
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Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald
Dear Friends,
This is a very important gathering. I am excited about and guess that you are also looking forward to it, also. There are very few gatherings that are like it or as important as it is, in the life of the Church.
The ancient prophet Joel, who was quoted by Peter, the friend of Jesus, in the book of Acts, said that there would come a time when the Holy Spirit would come upon young people and bring in a new day of peace and hope. I think it is that day and that you may be those young people. Get ready for something powerful. God is getting ready to bless us all.
With hope and blessings,
The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald National Indigenous Anglican Bishop
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ELCIC Eastern Synod Bishop Michael Pryse
Dear friends:
Welcome to the territory of the Eastern Synod!
On behalf of our synod’s 200 congregations located between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia, I bid you welcome as you come together in London, Ontario for this special and historic gathering of Lutheran and Anglican youth.
Events such as this provide important opportunities for the rekindling of our shared faith, and I look forward to being with you in these special days of learning, worship and fellowship!
As we gather, it is my prayer that the Holy Spirit would use this time to further equip us in fulfilling the ministries to which we have been called. Each of you are valued partners in the life of our churches and have been blessed with countless gifts to share in support of our common ministry; a ministry that is truly “hands on!”
Here’s wishing each of you a fun-filled and inspired week! Remember, God has a special role for each of you to play in our life together. Claim it and embrace it with all of the courage and enthusiasm you can muster!
With all best wishes,
The Rev. Michael J. Pryse, Bishop Eastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
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The Right Reverend Robert F. Bennett, 12th Bishop of Huron
To the Clay conference participants,
It is my delight to welcome you the City of London, the Diocese of Huron.
We are thrilled to have you amongst us at this first Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering drawing together youth from across our great country.
I look forward to the opportunity to formally welcome you to Huron. May you find the time together one of building friendships, renewing friendships and sustaining your love of Christ.
Most importantly have fun! May you be richly blessed by the great opportunity to hear the stories of fellow participants at “Hands On” from across Canada.
I am really looking forward to meeting you, to talking with you and to worshiping with you.
Yours in Christian faith,
The Right Reverend Robert F. Bennett Bishop of Huron
