Our Four vicars introduce themselves

They are in the Ecumenical Internship program 2019-2020 which we host together with Redeemer Lutheran Church in the High Park area.

With the generous support of the Evangelical Church in Germany and the Mission Committee of the Eastern Synod, both churches together will be able to invite a total of four vicars, working with us over a period of 18 months.

What is the program about?
Martin Luther Church and Redeemer Church are both located in hot spots of urban development in Toronto. The context and people around us are changing at a pace we haven’t experienced before. How can we respond to these changes? How can we be church for the people around us? How can we even reach out to people who live in condominium buildings in which we would never get access to mailboxes or door bells? Presumably the number of people who are un- or de-churched is much bigger than the number of people who are looking for a (new) church. How can we find ways to engage these people in Christian faith?

Inspired by the Fresh Expressions of Church movement, we want to experiment boldly with new forms of being church. Embracing the principle that God is already at work in our neighborhood and that we are called to join this mission as we “go to where people are, listen carefully to the context, and through service form new communities of faith ….” (Bishop Steve Croft, Sheffield)

Both congregations have already begun this missional journey by listening carefully to their context, practising loving service and trying small initiatives to engage people who are not (yet) members of our congregations. To continue this journey and to raise our initiatives to the next level, more effort is needed. Our vicars will look at the opportunities with fresh eyes and ideas. Together with them we will try out new ideas to reach more people and we will learn better how to be church in the 21st century.

Vicar Silke Fahl
installed during the English service in June 2019

My name is Silke Fahl and I will be starting my overseas vicariate at MLC on June 1. I’m a so-called “waschechtes Nordlicht” (a dyed-in-the-wool North-German). I was born in Hamburg and grew up in Hanover; with holidays and many weekends spent by the sea. Hence, it was clear to me that after studying in Göttingen I should head further north again. So I did my vicariate in two villages in Ostfriesland (East Frisia).

Jordan Smith
installed during the English service on September 8, 2019

Hello Martin Luther community,
I’m Jordan Smith, a third year student at Martin Luther University College, and I will be completing my one-year internship at your congregation in partnership with Redeemer Lutheran. I began my seminary studies at Wycliffe College in Toronto before transferring to Luther in Waterloo last year and this summer I completed a twelve week chaplaincy placement at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. I’m looking forward to being a part of this church for the next year while working with Pastor Christian and Pastor Steve at Redeemer.

I moved to Toronto in 2009 after finishing my undergrad in Television Production and worked for over twelve years in the sports television industry. I have been married to Carmen since 2010 and we have two young daughters, Anitta and Eileen. Our family are members at St. Ansgar in Toronto and I have already completed field education placements at First Lutheran in downtown Toronto and St. Philip’s in Etobicoke. I am passionate about our national youth gatherings and am currently serving on the planning team for the next two gatherings. When I get some time off between studying and work I enjoy spending time at the park and on the trails with my children, reading, and trying to learn the guitar. I can’t wait to meet you all in the coming weeks and both get to know you and let you know more about me. Blessings for the start of your fall.

Adam McComb
installed during the English service on September 8, 2019

Hello Friends!
I am already very excited to join this new adventure with MLC and Redeemer in Toronto. My name is Adam and I have come to Toronto from Egypt for my Masters of Divinity program at Trinity College. I was raised in Egypt and spent years of my early childhood in Pakistan, and have just spent the last 11 years working on ships. Needless to say, I am generally lost in the city and will depend on each of you for great restaurant recommendations and clear directions.

I am in the second year of my pastoral training and am so thankful to be involved in this ecumenical/experimental program that recognizes the role we each play in taking “church” outside and everywhere. I hope to get to know each of you and understand how you live and grow your faith and how we can help others to do the same. I am sure God has some big adventures in store for all of us. Blessings!

Caroline Raddatz
installed during the English service on January 5, 2020

Dear MLC Church, I am pleased to be able to work as a vicar in your congregation starting January 2020. After my theology studies in Hamburg and Vienna, I headed an exchange project enabling others to gain experience abroad. Now I am looking forward to the change of scene from the rural ambience of Berkenthin (near Lübeck) to the cosmopolitan metropolis of Toronto. For the last two and a half years, as a vicar, I have grown into the practical work of a pastor with great enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. After completing the 2nd exam I am now looking for further new challenges. And for me, there is no better place to go to than Canada with my curiosity and excitement for all that such a change entails.
Becoming a pastor is —and remains— an exciting journey for me. It is a search for God together with other mortals. On the way there I experience a lot of openness and loving exchange — for that I am grateful! It is most appealing to be able to continue my quest in faith now in Toronto together with you. I am partial to hands-on faith, celebrated in an open community, and to good food. That‘s why I‘m especially looking forward to the Dinner Church project. I am looking forward to an intense time of collaborating together; of joint conversations, prayers, moments of silence, worship services; and to simply celebrate life with you…

Vicar Raddatz is looking for a host starting January 2020. Please contact the office if you can help with
accommodation.