Árdís - 01.01.1955, Page 37

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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Church in America. Pioneer pastor of the Synod, the Rev. Dr.
Runolfur Marteinsson, ordained over 55 years ago, recalled pioneer
days in the Gimli parish, and he concluded his remarks by con-
gratulating the Gimli congregation and its pastor, H. S. Sigmar,
in the wonderful accomplishment of their new church edifice.
Sunday evening Dr. Harkins, official representative of the ULCA,
presented in a stirring message the whole program of our United
Lutheran Church. Choral music was presented by the Gimli choir.
The president’s report had revealed advancement in the work
of Synod and its congregations. Dr. Eylands announced the recep-
tion into Synod of two new pastors, Olafur Skulason, now called
to the Mountain parish, and the Rev. Russel Weberg, called to
Calvary Church, Seattle, Wash. It was further announced that a
new field is being developed in Silver Heights, a suburban area of
St. James, Winnipeg, by the Rev. Eric H. Sigmar. Three young
men are now preparing themselves for the ministry from our Synod,
Dr. Eylands announced. But he reported that despite advancement
in our work, that all was not well with the Synod. Apportionment
payments (for Missions) to the ULCA lagged far behind most other
Synods, and congregations “would soon have to awaken to their
responsibility in this important part of their stewardship,” He
stressed. Other matters coming up for discussion and action were:
stewardship, evangelism, Lutheran World Action, parish education,
etc. The Lutheran Women’s League report revealed continued
growth in their important program of activity, especially their con-
tinuing development and betterment of Sunrise Lutheran Camp.
Synodical discussions of the camp and its program drew attention
to the fact that its blessed ministry can never even be measured,
but that it has a big part in building young lives for Christ and His
Church. It was to Sunrise Camp that the convention delegates
travelled on Monday afternoon after having been graciously enter-
tained and feasted by the Gimli congregation up to that time. In
the spacious dining hall of the camp the Husavick Ladies Aid
served a delicious dinner on Monday afternoon. Synod sessions
were conducted in Memorial Hall, Sunrise Camp, till coffee time,
and then the convention met in the lovely little Husavick church
for the presentation of the stewardship secretary’s report, effect-
ively given by Pastor Stefan Guttormsson.