Erickson Lutheran Church

All are welcome.

MNO Young Adult Heads to the UK through YAGM

Lainie Nichols, a young adult from Erickson Lutheran Church, is heading to the UK for a year of service through the ELCA’s Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) program. We are invited to pray for and support Lainie during her time away. Here are ways you can do that:

  • Pray for Lainie in your personal and congregational prayers this year.
  • Get to know Lainie through the information on her Peer-to-Peer page: https://give.elca.org/p2p/site/PZSdn/page/4xSvNR#/
  • Sign up to receive Lainie’s newsletter to get updates from her throughout her time in the UK: SIGN UP HERE
  • Make a financial donation to support Lainie and other young adults in this transformative experience of spending a year working and walking alongside our global neighbours. Information about financially supporting YAGM is available here: https://mnosynod.org/yagm/

A prayer for Lainie and for young people growing in their awareness and experience of their faith (from ELW, p. 83):

Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with our young people. Walk with them in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their path. You see all; you know where the water is deep. Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their feet while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Outreach

The ELC’s outreach initiatives are based on our 4 mission priorities: Food Security, Youth, Seniors, and Housing

Food Security

The ELC was a key player in the establishment of the Erickson’s local food bank, which opened in 2017. Prior to becoming our Pastor, Pastor Heather was a founding member and President of the food bank. She helped the organization in receiving a government grant that enabled the food bank to build a new building and community garden.

Our church and its members continue to support what is now the Erickson & Area Food Bank. Please go to ericksonfoodbank.com to see the great work they are doing now and how to get involved.

Youth

Summer Outdoor Youth Program – This program was started in 2024 and will be a 5 day program in the summer of 2025. The goal is to have youth, through outdoor and wilderness activities, connect with their spirituality.

The Parklands Youth Hub (PYH) was an initiative launched, in partnership with the MNO Synod, by the Erickson Lutheran Church (ELC) in 2022. The mandate of this initiative was to address the lack of youth-based programming in our community. We createe safe spaces for youth to socialize and enrich their lives through common interests and activities. We developed programs based on the input of our participants and community. PYH is a platform for youth to develop their curiosity, learning, self-expression, self-worth and culture on their own terms, in a safe and supportive environment.  The church incubated this project in order to address the palpable need for this type of project in our community.

PYH worked with youth between the ages of 12-17. We work in an area that includes Erickson, Rolling River, Onanole, Wasagaming, Sandy Lake, Elphinstone and Keeseekoowenin.  Currently we are awaiting word of continued funding in order to continue with this program.

Personal Care Home Communion Services

Every Second Thursday of the Month, we attend at the Erickson Personal Care Home at 10:00 a.m. and the Sandy Lake Personal Care Home at 2:30 p.m. to provide communion services to their residents.

Healthy Baby Program Sponsored by Prairie Mountain Health

For pregnant people and parents with babies under one year of age. Sessions held every third Monday of the month from 10:00 – Noon. (except for those Mondays which are part of long weekend, which moves the session to the 4th Monday from 10-Noon).

At Healthy Baby you can ask questions about your pregnancy, learn about your baby’s growth and development, meet other parents, enjoy a healthy snack, do activities wit your baby and receive milk coupons (if eligible). Support people are welcome. A virtual session is offered for all PMH communities on the 4th Monday of each month. To register or for program information contact : Healthy Baby Facilitator – 204-276-7554 or alozadagobea@pmh-mb.ca

Housing

Pastor Heather is the Chair of the Erickson Housing Committee. This volunteer based committee operates with a mandate of providing guidance to our municipality and seeking out opportunities for housing development on Municipal land.

Seniors

Services to Seniors Exercise Class – Sponsored by Service to Seniors

Every Wednesday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm. The goal is to promote activity and wellness as well as provide an opportunity for fellowship.