Appointed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada My name is Sharon Machina and I was born and raised on a farm in Grey County, just north of the village of Clifford, ON. I am married to Rheo Machina and we continue to farm and raise beef cattle on the farm previously owned by my… Read more »

Category: We-Connect
World Day of Prayer 2023 Highlights from Canada
There was great joy across Canada as thousands were able to gather in person for World Day of Prayer (WDP) 2023 services featuring the theme – “I have heard about your faith”. For many, it was a chance to not only pray and learn about Taiwan but to meet with ecumenical friends that had not… Read more »
Reconciliation is Community
Kwe’ Pjilasi! Ni’n teluisi Crystal. Tleyawi Ktaqmkuk pasna wiki Winnipeg. (Hi, welcome! My name is Crystal. I am from Newfoundland but I am currently living in Winnipeg.) For a while now, I have been on a journey to learn parts of my culture that were lost. My paternal ancestors travelled from Europe and settled in… Read more »
World Day of Prayer 2023 Important Reminders
February 1, 2023 KIDS, CANADA, GRANTS, TV, PRAY NOW – WE HAVE A LITTLE ABOUT A LOT TO SHARE!!! Coordinators, thank you for taking on a leadership role for WDP! Your commitment is deeply appreciated. Please scroll through our World Day of Prayer news below. There is something for everyone! Exciting NEWS! Our full-length WDP… Read more »
World Day of Prayer 2023 Alternatives to Gathering In-Person
Given that some churches, communities and individuals remain cautious about gathering in person for World Day of Prayer 2023, please consider these options: The 53-minute service video, produced by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, can be watched at home, or via Zoom with others, or via local TV stations. The video can be downloaded… Read more »
Interviews Available! | Meet Taiwan artist Hui-Wen Hsiao and former Taiwan missionary – Rev. Michael Stainton
Want to add some specific, unique knowledge about Taiwan for your World Day of Prayer 2023 services or planning meetings? The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada recorded insightful interviews with both the WDP artist, Hui-Wen Hsiao, and former missionary to Taiwan, Rev. Michael Stainton. Hui-Wen lovingly described the inspiration behind her art as well as… Read more »
Making a Wreath – World Day of Prayer 2023 (Taiwan) – For Kids
Indigenous people in Taiwan are very particular about headwear. It not only represents social status but also has special meanings in their culture. A head wreath is made by twining flowers and leaves into a circle. The circle shows unity and a shared heritage. The meaning of a wreath varies, depending on different occasions. Sometimes… Read more »
What happened to all the Mothers?
Christmas is a dramatic birth story that takes place in the humblest of places-a stable! More than 2000 years later the circumstances for tens of thousands of women around the world have not changed, they are forced to deliver without skilled help, and in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. As a Retired R.N, Midwife (SCM) and… Read more »
WDP 2023 Kids Pray Too!
Attention Parents, Grandparents, Youth Leaders and Children Ministry Coordinators! We are excited to share a special video for kids and kids at heart. It’s a 25-minute service led by, for, and with, young people, and those who love them, across Canada. Content includes songs, a craft, dance, prayers, and stories. To watch, click on this… Read more »
Food Insecurity, Cost of Food and Food Banks
As we entered 2023, I looked back at the media reports for 2022 on food insecurity, rising cost of food and the use of food banks. I found myself saddened to think that a large and increasing number of families could not survive without food banks. Having just celebrated Advent and Christmas when we hear… Read more »