Jul2020
Tributes for Madagascan church leader
The leaders of two global Lutheran bodies have paid tribute to Rev Dr David Rakotonirina, President of Madagascar’s Malagasy Lutheran Church, who died earlier this month from COVID-19.
Jul2020
Malaysian Lutheran bishop consecrated
Rev Steven Lawrence was consecrated as the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM), a partner church of the LCA/NZ, on 4 July. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service of consecration was re-designed, as the church sought to meet the new requirement of local authorities.
Jul2020
Antidote for Isolation
“I’m sending you home.” My manager stated to me that I was too old to continue my volunteer work. Really? How long will this last? How can I fill in my days on my own having no interaction with my clients? I cried! Now what? Lots of time to do what I want, what I… Read more
Jul2020
Staying in touch with grandchildren during COVID-19
by Judith Smyth
Staying in touch with her 15 grandchildren has always been very important for Judith Smyth. ‘They are always in my thoughts and prayers’, she says. ‘During the recent time of isolation … as I couldn’t see them in person, I decided to write a letter to each of them.’
Jun2020
Remote community undeterred by COVID-19
by Larry Kenny and Martin Bennett
Singalongs at the remote Amunturrngu community and neighbouring outstations in the Northern Territory have become cultural celebrations observing anti-viral protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jun2020
‘Campers’ to experience Christian life online
High school-aged Lutherans and their friends will gather at an internet ‘camp’ this winter school holidays. Organised by the LCA SA–NT District’s Blueprint Ministries, the camp.online program has been developed in response to COVID-19.
Jun2020
‘Our exile is an act of God’
by Pastor Matt Anker
When the president of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, Rev Antonio Reyes, and his wife Arlene were unable to return home due to travel bans, they believed their exile was an act of God.
Jun2020
Going social with gospel truth
by Rikki Lambert
A bewildering social media and internet-connected revolution is reshaping the world and relationships, even how we think and act. This Information Revolution has gathered a socially transformative pace. How should we 21st-century Christians engage with social media and the internet?
Jun2020
Pandemic sees new generation step up
by Pastor David Spanagel
Like many others during COVID-19 church closures, St Johns Hope Vale in Far North Queensland has had to seek creative and technological ways to reach people. With shaky internet and very basic equipment, it was a huge challenge. But a new generation of people has stepped up.
May2020
A great chance to show love
by Craig Heidenreich
Imagine how you’d feel if you were stranded in another country with all the current health concerns – and you couldn’t speak the language. Many of our LCA/NZ congregations engaged in Cross-Cultural Ministry are responding to these needs, and being innovative in how they minister to people.
