Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

06/10/2026

Eastern Synod of the ELCIC Announces New Manager of Operations

KITCHENER, ON — Bishop Carla Blakley and the Officers of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Saeed Ahmed as the new Manager of Operations.

Saeed is a highly accomplished senior finance and administration leader who brings extensive experience navigating mission-driven and not-for-profit environments. Notably, his professional background includes impactful leadership roles within United Nations organizations. His diverse areas of expertise span finance, administration, compliance, operational support, governance, and organizational improvement. Saeed has a proven track record of driving operational excellence within complex, multicultural settings.

Beyond his technical capabilities, Saeed is deeply motivated by a desire to strengthen systems and support people. He is well known for fostering communities that are respectful, inclusive, and service-focused.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Saeed to our leadership team," said Bishop Carla Blakley. "Saeed’s wealth of experience in complex, mission-oriented environments paired with his dedication to building inclusive, respectful communities makes him an exceptional fit for our Synod. His leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to steward our resources faithfully and support our ministries across the region. We look forward to the collaborative spirit and expertise he will bring to our office and our congregations."

Saeed expressed great enthusiasm about stepping into this critical role for the Synod.

“I look forward to serving the Eastern Synod with collaboration and a spirit of service, helping build strong and supportive communities grounded in compassion, inclusion, and faithful stewardship,” said Ahmed.

Please join Bishop Carla Blakley, the Synod Officers, and the Synod staff in extending a warm welcome to Saeed Ahmed as he begins this new chapter of ministry with the Eastern Synod on July 2.

06/08/2026

Hey...we have some good news to share with you!

Our 2026 Pride Message features voices from across our Synod committed to sharing the same important message: God's Love Belongs To EVERYONE!

Please feel free to share this video!

Happy Pride!

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

The Eastern Synod Office invites you to immerse yourself in National Indigenous History Month! From now until September 30th, we will be doing our best to fill out Feather and Cross' Bingo Card, and we highly encourage you to do the same. The first 15 congregations to register will receive a copy of 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A. Robertson. Additionally, congregations and individuals who provide proof of completing their bingo card will be entered into a raffle to win one of five prizes! Keep an eye on the Feather and Cross page for more info on prizes and bingo updates.

Let's make the most of National Indigenous History Month!

Find the Link to Register for a Bingo Card Here: https://form.jotform.com/261535135687059

Find the Bingo Card and Resources Here: https://easternsynod.org/event/feather-cross-bingo-is-almost-here/

Find the Feather and Cross page Here: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFriendshipBuilding

06/03/2026

National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer is inviting the church to join in prayer and advocacy following an urgent request from Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), an ELCIC partner church.  In a June 3 letter to the church, Bishop Kochendorfer s...

06/01/2026

Yay! Way to go, ZION!!

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

Did you know that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is celebrating their 40th on Sunday, May 31, 2026!!??

To celebrate this exciting milestone, the Eastern Synod Office Staff joined with the Canadian Lutheran World Relief Eastern Team and spent an afternoon volunteering at the Food Distro program which operates at Martin Luther University College.

Distro has been a long-time partner of the Eastern Synod through the Mission Grant program - but the provided an opportunity to deepen that partnership. Together we stocked shelves, planted, watered, and learned.

We would LOVE to know what you and/or your congregation has planned for the Day of Action! Please share your stories and picture in the comments.

Happy 40th ELCIC!