Apr2019
Faith guards against temptation
by Rev John Henderson
Last month I wrote that my congregation is without an ordained pastor. Either visiting pastors or lay-readers lead our services.
Mar2019
Heartland eNews – Annunciation 25th March 2019
by Bishop John Henderson
Lutherans don’t often celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, which marks the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38). We rightly emphasise Jesus, and so although the Feast of the Annunciation dates back one and a half millennia, we haven’t given it much airplay. For his part, however, Luther advises us… Read more
Mar2019
Heartland eNews – Harmony Day/Race Relations Day, Thursday 21 March 2019
by Bishop John Henderson
Thursday 21st March 2019 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Australians call it ‘Harmony Day’. New Zealanders know it as ‘Race Relations Day’. The day focusses on ‘building bridges’ with people who are different from us. It’s about committing ourselves to show courtesy and hospitality to people of other racial, cultural,… Read more
Mar2019
Called to participate in church life
by Rev John Henderson
My local congregation is currently in a pastoral vacancy. One of our lay leaders is responsible for arranging lay readers and guest pastors.
Feb2019
Heartland eNews 27 February 2019
by Bishop John Henderson
‘Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. Be patient and wait… Read more
Feb2019
Gospel is church’s real treasure
by Rev John Henderson
The best things in life are those we share with others. Nowhere is this truer than with the gospel.
Dec2018
Christ is our mediator and healer
by Rev John Henderson
Since the LCA/NZ’s convention in Sydney in October people have been talking about the vote not to allow women to be pastors.
Nov2018
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
by Bishop John Henderson
This year the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women falls on Sunday 25th November. I encourage LCA congregations and members to recognise this day as a contribution to reducing the incidence of violence in all its forms. Acts of violence are widespread across society and they take many forms. It affects both… Read more
Nov2018
Heartland eNews – post-Convention message to the church
by Bishop John Henderson
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in… Read more
Nov2018
Remembrance Day 2018 – 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I
by Bishop John Henderson
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4 NRSV) This coming Sunday, 11 November, will be Remembrance Day. 2018 marks 100… Read more
