Dec2019
Heartland eNews – 19 December 2019
by Bishop John Henderson
How is your life right now?
Is it tidy, neat and orderly? Or is unruly, shambolic, and disorderly? Or somewhere in between?
Do you need to be able to slow down and take the time to breathe?
Dec2019
Being right with Christ
by Rev John Henderson
Human beings naturally want to be ‘right’. We will go to great lengths to justify ourselves using all the arguments and force we can muster.
Nov2019
Motivated by love rather than fear
by Rev John Henderson
Our survival as a species is at stake. We seem to be damaging the earth – possibly irreparably – or at least the biosphere, which makes our organic life possible. Its complex and interconnected ecology, atmosphere, oceans and weather systems may be permanently damaged due humans.
Oct2019
A Wake-up Prayer
‘But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, “God, have pity on me, a sinner!” I tell you,’ said Jesus, ‘the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For all… Read more
Oct2019
Heartland eNews 25 October 2019 – post Convention message (3)
by Bishop John Henderson
Dear members and pastors of the LCA, Last week I wrote to you about a special joint meeting of the General Church Board (GCB) and the College of Bishops (CoB). Many responded to that message with offers of prayer, and some with advice – thank you. As I write this message after that meeting I… Read more
Oct2019
Heartland eNews 14 October 2019
by Bishop John Henderson
Dear Pastors, LCA Synod delegates, and wider LCA membership, Since the General Convention of Synod in Sydney last year, the leaders of the LCA at the District and Churchwide levels have been becoming increasingly aware of the complex and seemingly irresolvable dilemmas facing our church, particularly in relation to the question of ordination and the… Read more
Oct2019
We find it reassuring when someone says, ‘I am praying for you’
by Bishop Lester Priebbenow
Struggles in the church and the world around us cause us to say, ‘The church and the world really need our prayer’. In the divine service, we pray ‘for the church, the world and all people according to their needs’.
Sep2019
Religious discrimination draft bill: LCA Acting Bishop urges prayer
LCA Acting Bishop Andrew Pfeiffer has called on congregations and individual members to pray for everyone involved in the revision, debate and voting on the Religious Discrimination Bill, a draft of which was released by federal Attorney General Christian Porter on 29 August.
Sep2019
Attorney General releases draft Religious Discrimination Bill
A Pastoral Message from the LCA Acting Bishop I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1,2). The Lutheran Church of Australia regularly… Read more
Sep2019
God gives us the word to speak
by Rev Mike Fulwood
The deadline is here. I am sitting in front of my computer screen and I am imagining Bishop John enjoying his leave. Right now I am wishing we could swap places. In particular, I am wishing he was here to write his Heartland column.
