May 10, 2026

Dear congregations and rostered ministers of the MNO Synod,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Christ our Saviour.

2026 is an important year for the ELCIC. This year marks the 40th anniversary of our common life, ministry, and witness. We have an exciting opportunity for your congregation to be part of this year’s observation of this anniversary.

Our National Office is asking us to participate in the ELCIC Day of Action, to be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026. On this day, congregations across the church are invited to step beyond their church walls and engage in tangible acts of service within their local communities.

The ELCIC Day of Action will offer a visible, collective expression of our shared identity as a church shaped by grace and called to serve. Rather than a single event or activity, this day empowers congregations and communities of the ELCIC to respond to local needs in meaningful ways, while joining together in this national moment of shared purpose and witness.

Your congregation may want to take part through:

  • Community clean ups, environmental stewardship
  • Volunteering at local food banks, community meals, or preparing meals for existing programs
  • Visiting seniors, shut-ins, or care facilities
  • Working with local community organizations or schools
  • Hosting a community BBQ or public gathering

Whatever you do, we want to help make it happen.

The MNO Synod Office wants to give every congregation up to $500 for the costs associated with the ELCIC Day of Action. Use it for garbage bags and gardening gloves, advertising, hot dogs, or whatever will help you take part. At this link (https://form.jotform.com/260895015205252) is a form asking for some information about what you are planning and how the money will be spent. After the event, we do need your story about how it went and how the funds helped you take part in the day of action. While we encourage congregations to plan an event for May 31, we understand that this may not be possible. The funds received through the Day of Action Grant must be used by the end of this calendar year.

We hope that this grant will help your congregation get out into your community and live your faith by serving those around you – in whatever way makes sense in your community.

If you want more information about the ELCIC Day of Action go the website here: https://elcic.ca/dayofaction/

We also want to make sure that your community knows that your congregation, the MNO Synod, and the ELCIC are working together and Living out God’s grace and unconditional love. So, your congregation can order t-shirts for your people to wear on the day. For information on ordering t-shirts, please follow this link: https://elcic.ca/dayofaction/t-shirts/. Please note that t-shirt orders require 14 days for shipping.

You are also free to download the logos from the ELCIC and create and print your own t-shirt.

I hope that your congregation will take part in marking this milestone for our church. And I look forward to hearing the stories of how you have reached out to your neighbourhoods with grace and love.

Thank you for all that you do to share the Gospel of Christ in the world. Blessings in your ministry.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Jason Zinko

Bishop

Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada