Meet Pastor Aaron Schnell (he/him/his)

Pastor Aaron Schnell is a rostered minister serving Advent Lutheran Church, Calgary AB (www.adventlutheran.ca) in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). He began his call at Advent in January 2021, having previously served congregations in Spruce Grove, AB (www.sprucegrovelutheran.ca) and Calgary AB (www.makingfaithmatter.ca). He was born and raised in Calgary, is a graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, and lives with his spouse Juanita, and children Isabelle, Toby and Talitha. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of signs to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19). Jesus proclaimed these words from the Isaiah scroll, and, I believe, proclaimed what Christ’s ministry is all about. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled this scripture and we are invited to join and continue this ministry today. We do so as the baptized: followers of Christ who are forgiven and forever connected with our God. There is nothing in this life and nothing beyond it that can ever separate us from God’s love poured out in Christ Jesus. Abundant life is yours in Jesus name – so let us take up our cross together and follow Christ. 

Weddings: Our God intends the gift of marriage to be a source of comfort and joy for you and your spouse, and a blessing to all you encounter. Your promises bear witness to God’s faithfulness. Your love and care for one another, though human, finite, and flawed, reflect God’s enduring mercy and steadfast love. We love because God first loved us. (Taken from the ELCA Supplemental Resources for use with Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service of Marriage).

Baptism: Our God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world. (Taken from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service for Holy Baptism, P. 227)

Funerals: At a persons death, the church shares the grief of those who mourn and remembers the brevity of life on earth. At the funeral we give voice to sorrow, thank God for our loved one, and entrust this companion of ours into the hands of God. Trusting in God’s promise in baptism that we are claimed by Christ forever, we rest in the sure hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting. (Taken from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship p. 279).

Please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Aaron for more information or to discuss your upcoming wedding, baptism or to make funeral arrangements.