Feb2021
Ordination joy despite lockdown
Despite a COVID-19 lockdown forcing a last-minute change, Stanley Roberts was ordained in unique circumstances as a Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) at Papunya in the NT. With LCA/NZ Bishop John Henderson unable to travel due to the snap lockdown, Stanley was ordained by another SMP.
Dec2020
God’s creation is blooming marvellous
by Helen Beringen
When the first flush of spring and summer flowers bloom, who doesn’t want to stop and smell the roses? And so a rose garden planted as a heartwarming invitation to a suburban church has become a chance to witness to the beauty of God’s creation among its local community.
Dec2020
Christmas without all the trimmings
For many churches around the LCA/NZ, COVID-19 gathering and health restrictions may mean they are unable to host the large Christmas services or be involved in the big community events they usually do. Instead, faith communities have come up with new and innovative ways to worship.
Dec2020
Giving 10,000 children the gift of school
Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), has launched the ‘10,000 children … 100 days’ campaign to support children in refugee camps and other crisis situations to return to school when COVID-19 allows. ‘Our mission is to seek out those who might otherwise be forgotten’, says Jonathan Krause.
Dec2020
The gifts of a simple lift
by Christine Matthias
Many people have had to adjust to changes in work, home and church life due to COVID-19. But while many things have changed in 2020, Christine Matthias believes a focus on Christ’s birth and traditions built on enjoying simple things together, means Christmas won’t be all that different for her.
Nov2020
Blessed beyond belief
When Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church, Western Australia, began a church-planting journey more than four years ago, they knew they couldn’t source all the necessary funding from within their community. But the Holy Spirit had things in hand.
Nov2020
Stawell stalwarts get choppin’
by Helen Beringen
Chopping firewood at the foot of the Grampians range in Victoria is a regular winter pastime for hardy members of St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Stawell, as a fundraiser for their 26-member congregation. Since 2014 woodcutting has become a major fundraiser for the fellowship.
Nov2020
Discover God’s call – no matter who you are
by Pastor James Winderlich
The only attribute defining a ‘typical’ student in Australian Lutheran College’s Discover program is a willingness to complete theological study while engaging in a local ministry to explore God’s call. The first student cohort includes women and men, young and old, and full-time and part-time.
Nov2020
Embracing change for his kingdom
Like many churches, Mawson Lakes Community Church in Adelaide’s north has undergone dramatic shifts in its ministries during COVID-19. But rather than looking to return to ‘normal’, members are embracing sustainable change.
Oct2020
Christ’s love knows no borders
by Faye Schmidt
With COVID-19 having closed some state borders, Faye Schmidt applied to relocate from Melbourne to Adelaide to be near her daughter. This stressful ordeal highlighted for Faye what it means to live under God’s grace.
