The Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Commission (LAM-C) held its first in-person gathering November 13-15 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The purpose of this commission is to equip all three denominations – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Moravian Church Northern Province – to live more fully into the tri-lateral full communion agreement approved by our various legislative bodies in 2023. Goals for this gathering were to get to know one another through our various worship expressions, discuss the orderly exchange of clergy, and explore ways we might bless the world through mutual and shared ministries in our communities. We focused specifically on the places where all three denominations are present in Canada – Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto. Goals include reaching out to our siblings in the Labrador Province to invite their participation.
The Moravians hosted a worship service and Holy Communion in celebration of Christ the Chief Elder at the Heimtal Moravian Church, where 41 people filled the sanctuary with the sounds of song and prayer. We also experienced a Smudging Ceremony led by an Indigenous member of the Standing Stone Circle, midday Eucharist in the Anglican tradition, and Holden Evening Prayer in the Lutheran tradition.
Moravian members of the commission are Donna Gordon, Matt Gillard, Blair Couch, and Betsy Miller.
Congregational Resource: A Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Full Communion Cycle of Prayer
One of the gifts of the LAM-C is the development of a Prayer Cycle for use in weekly worship, in which a petition for each of the denominations is lifted up each week. The Moravians have been graciously included in this year’s cycle of prayer. Pastors are encouraged to consider including these prayers throughout the year or on special occasions.
