Mar2018
Harmony Day 2018 (Australia)
by Bishop John Henderson
Australia first observed ‘Harmony Day’ on 21 March 1999. Carrying the message ‘Everyone belongs’, Harmony Day encourages Australians of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds to participate in their community, get to know one other, and understand and trust each other, respecting our cultural and religious differences. Acknowledging each other and our diversity helps us… Read more
Mar2018
A season of growth
by Rev John Henderson
When you read this Heartland it is likely to be the season of Lent. While most Christian seasons and festivals feature less in our lives than they once did, Lent has managed to hang on.
Feb2018
It’s all about Jesus
by Rev John Henderson
The church introduced me to Jesus when I was quite young. I didn’t live in a particularly Christian society, but on Sundays I was there when believers gathered to be forgiven, listened to the word and joined in prayer.
Jan2018
Australia Day
An Australia Day message for Australian members of the LCA/NZ This Friday our political and community leaders are encouraging Australians to think of more than just taking a day off work. They tell us it is a day for reflecting on what it means to be Australian thinking about the values we want to shape… Read more
Dec2017
Christmas 2017
‘And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out (John 1:3–5 CEV).’ A star shining in the night sky is… Read more
Dec2017
Same-sex marriage – what does it mean for the Lutheran Church of Australia?
Today, Thursday 7 December 2017, the Australian House of Representatives passed unamended the Marriage Amendment (Definitions and Religious Freedoms) Bill, which the Senate passed just over a week ago. The Governor-General will soon ratify the law and marriage between ‘two people’ will then become legal in the Commonwealth of Australia. This significant change will create… Read more
Dec2017
Our future is in God’s hands
What are your hopes and prayers for the future of our church and the preaching of the gospel? Whatever they are, I am sure they involve faith in Jesus Christ and our freedom in the gospel. That’s how the Lutheran church began, and that’s what brought it to this part of the world. Faith and… Read more
Nov2017
Same Sex Marriage Postal Vote Announcement
by Bishop John Henderson
By now nearly all Australians will know the result of the Marriage Law Postal Survey published by the Bureau of Statistics this morning, ‘Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’ The participation rate in the voluntary survey was quite high. 79.5% of eligible Australians voted. 61.6% of those said ‘yes’, and… Read more
Nov2017
Remembrance Day 2017
by Bishop John Henderson
November 11 is Remembrance Day. On Remembrance Day, citizens of Australia and New Zealand pause for a minute’s silence at 11am to remember members of our armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Remembrance Day has its origins in World War 1. It was originally called Armistice Day after the armistice (the… Read more
Nov2017
End of the school year
by Bishop John Henderson
Dear pastors and caring members of the LCA, The end of the school year signifies a time of change for many young people in our communities through transition to further education, part time or full time work and or change of living arrangements. It is a time when they will be tested in terms safety… Read more
