mnobishop, Author at MNO Synod

MNO Young Adult Prepares for a Year of Service

mnobishop2026-07-31T13:38:40-05:00

Lainie Nichols is a young adult member of Erickson Lutheran Church in Erickson, MB. She will be spending a year in service through the ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) program. From August 2026 to July 2027, Lainie will be living and serving in London, UK, where she will accompany global companions, build relationships, and gain new perspectives by sharing life with others. Here is how Lainie introduces what this year means for her: Starting in August 2025, I will be serving in the United Kingdom to accompany a local partner, build relationships, and gain new perspectives by sharing life [...]

MNO Young Adult Prepares for a Year of Servicemnobishop2026-07-31T13:38:40-05:00

ELCIC Day of Action Grants

mnobishop2026-05-15T13:36:10-05:00

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 [...]

ELCIC Day of Action Grantsmnobishop2026-05-15T13:36:10-05:00

From Burden to Calling: Faithful Leadership, Church Buildings and Discernment

mnobishop2026-04-14T10:48:34-05:00

The MNO Synod invites council members, pastors, and church administrators to an evening of conversation and learning with Katja Brittain, a consultant who works with congregations to reimagine how their buildings can serve as vital resources for mission. Monday, June 8 at 6:00 PM Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota St, Winnipeg Supper will be served As congregations navigate changing realities, church buildings present both challenges and opportunities. Katja will offer a few foundational insights to spark imagination and discussion, followed by a facilitated conversation where leaders can share experiences, questions, and ideas. Whether your congregation is exploring new possibilities or feeling [...]

From Burden to Calling: Faithful Leadership, Church Buildings and Discernmentmnobishop2026-04-14T10:48:34-05:00

Easter Message from Bishop Jason Zinko

mnobishop2026-04-01T10:01:33-05:00

Download this message here: 2026 Bishops Easter Message As the MNO Synod, we are walking through a time of change, but also a time of possibility. I continue to see signs of resurrection everywhere: congregations trying new forms of ministry, leaders supporting one another with honesty and grace, communities welcoming newcomers, young people raising their voices for justice, and faithful people showing up—week after week—to pray, serve, sing, witness, and hope together. That togetherness is important. It reminds us that we are not alone. Easter Message to the Congregations and Leaders of the MNO Synod April 5, 2026 Dear friends [...]

Easter Message from Bishop Jason Zinkomnobishop2026-04-01T10:01:33-05:00

Holy Week Schedules

mnobishop2026-04-01T13:54:34-05:00

Watch this post for Holy Week Schedules for congregations in the MNO Synod: St. Mark's, Winnipeg Spirit of Life Parish (Abundant Life & Prince of Peace) Stations of the Cross & Holy Week at SSSB The Church of St. Stephen and St. Bede (3830 Roblin) welcomes you all to share the experience as we journey through the last hours of Christ before his crucifixion. It is a very moving evening of Scripture and Devotions by candlelight. Join us on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Holy Week at SSSB starts with Palm Sunday service, March 29 at 11:45 am., [...]

Holy Week Schedulesmnobishop2026-04-01T13:54:34-05:00

Ash Wednesday Services and Lent Service Options

mnobishop2026-02-12T09:37:26-06:00

Ash Wednesday and Lent Service Opportunities* *as of Feb. 12, based on responses to requests and information available online. Subject to change. Congregations not listed did not provide information. Contact congregations specifically with questions. WINNIPEG Epiphany: joint Ash Wednesday service at Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican (933 Summerside Ave, Winnipeg) at 7:00 pm Faith: Ash Wednesday, 7:00 pm. Wednesday (Feb. 25-March 25) soup & bread supper (5:30), study (6:30), Holden Evening Prayer (7:00), young adult small group (7:30) First: Ash Wednesday, 7:00 pm Gloria Dei: Ash Wednesday, 7pm Evening Prayer with Imposition of Ashes and Communion. Wednesdays, Feb 25 [...]

Ash Wednesday Services and Lent Service Optionsmnobishop2026-02-12T09:37:26-06:00

Obituary and Funeral Notice–Elisabeth Kunkel

mnobishop2026-01-30T12:30:04-06:00

Elisabeth Margaret Kunkel (née Bergbusch) January 19, 1932 – November 4, 2025 Elisabeth Margaret Kunkel was born in New Sarepta, Alberta, the third of ten children of Rev. Dr. Julius and Maria Bergbusch. Raised in a close Lutheran family of first- and second-generation German immigrants to Canada, she learned responsibility early and developed a lifelong love of reading, music, and learning. She educated as a registered nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, graduating in 1953, and married Rev. Johann Kunkel the same year. Together they served Lutheran parishes across the Prairies (Meadow Lake, SK; Golden Spike, AB; Rosenfeld, MB). From [...]

Obituary and Funeral Notice–Elisabeth Kunkelmnobishop2026-01-30T12:30:04-06:00

Christmas Greeting from Bishop Jason

mnobishop2025-12-17T15:19:28-06:00

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we give thanks for the light that shines in the darkness and for the hope that renews us each day. This holy season reminds us that God’s love came into the world in the most unexpected way—through a child born in Bethlehem—bringing joy, peace, and salvation to all. We also give thanks for you, our partners in ministry. Your faithfulness, creativity, and commitment to living out the Gospel in your communities are a blessing to the MNO Synod and the ELCIC. [...]

Christmas Greeting from Bishop Jasonmnobishop2025-12-17T15:19:28-06:00

Synod Council Goes on Retreat for Planning and Prayer

mnobishop2025-10-01T10:20:37-05:00

submitted by Martin Kruse, Synod Council member On September 19 to 21, the MNO Synod Council were at Luther Village for our fall retreat. For the last number of years, almost all of council’s meetings have been online. Given that our two most distant members live almost 1000 kilometres apart, gathering online is a very efficient way to run a business meeting. Unfortunately, online meetings are an inefficient way to build relationships and community. To try and remedy this situation, it was decided following convention that Council would meet in-person twice a year, and hold the rest of our meetings online. [...]

Synod Council Goes on Retreat for Planning and Prayermnobishop2025-10-01T10:20:37-05:00

From Bricks to Mission and Ministry: A Blog for Congregations

mnobishop2025-09-26T09:59:39-05:00

Katja Brittain has both an MDiv and an MBA, with over ten years of experience helping congregations navigate the often-complex questions around church building management. In her current role, she serves the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC on a half-time basis, while the other half of her work is supported by a generous donation from Charitus. This allows her to offer workshops and a monthly blog across all Synods, sharing insights and practical tools to help congregations align their buildings with their mission. Each month, she will produce a short blog for congregations across the ELCIC on how we can see our church buildings not only [...]

From Bricks to Mission and Ministry: A Blog for Congregationsmnobishop2025-09-26T09:59:39-05:00