Sep2021
Expressing thanks for Christian care
by Anna Kroehn
Every LCANZ congregation is being encouraged to recognise and give thanks for the Christian care provided by congregational ministries, individuals, and Lutheran aged-care and community services. A suite of resources to support a Sunday celebration of care was launched recently.
Aug2021
Devotions meet rural ministry need
Having noticed the lack of a genuinely rural Australian devotion resource, Pastor Stephen Jaensch encouraged his congregation at Emerald in Queensland to join him in producing something to fill the need.
Aug2021
Change in the local church
by Adrian Kitson
Change is not an option – it is life in God’s kingdom. Pastor Adrian Kitson says that not only is change possible for a local church, but it is also always needed in congregational settings. ‘Change does not need to be feared’, he says.
Aug2021
Warm welcomes build communities
by Helen Beringen
For many years, among the hundreds of folks who volunteer to ensure a warm welcome and hot cuppa for worshippers has been nonagenarian couple Grace and Les Dodt.
Aug2021
Seven youth break confirmation ‘drought’
by Tracey Woidt
After 20 years without a confirmation service, members of St John’s Buccleuch in SA shared the joy as seven youth were confirmed this year. Theirs was not only St John’s first confirmation class for many years but also its first online class, with students attending from a truck to receive a signal.
Aug2021
How can we respond with compassion?
by Craig Heidenreich
Recently International Refugee Week was recognised. Such occasions are a chance to reflect on our response to people in this predicament, says LCANZ Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator Craig Heidenreich.
Jul2021
Blessed by mission connections
Supporting LCANZ members serving in mission overseas is easier than ever, with LCA International Mission offering opportunities to connect with them via internet conferencing.
Jul2021
Spreading the message of reconciliation
‘Reconciliation week’ took on a new meaning for nine members of the LCANZ when they attended a biblical reconciliation intensive recently. Run by the Reconciliation Ministry department, it was part of the Training to Teach Biblical Reconciliation course.
Jul2021
It is in giving that we receive
by Helen Beringen
Without fuss, some people just find a place where they can quietly help out. For Annette Wessling, it has been a case of finding not one but several places to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. Through her volunteer service, she strongly feels she gets more than she gives.
Jul2021
Ethical shopping: How do our choices demonstrate love?
by Nick Schwarz
Advocates for ‘ethical shopping’ say we should consider the environmental and social impact of what we buy. And, taking guidance from the Bible, we can make a good case for Christians to demonstrate love for their neighbours and care for God’s earth in this way. But is it that straightforward?
