Be careful of barbecue conversations – because you never know where they might take you. Especially if you are newly retired and have an open mind about where God might be leading you. That was certainly true for Warren and Marianne Schirmer, who have followed God’s call in their retirement.

This week’s National Carers Week, from 10 to 16 October, is a time to recognise and celebrate the 2.65 million Australians and 430,000 New Zealanders who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.

There are myriad stories contained in Lutheran Archives records – stories that have impacted many lives. One such story is that of the historic 1982 handover of five land titles for the former Hermannsburg Mission lease to five Aboriginal clans.

Are planned church programs or congregational community outreach efforts essential to effective cross-cultural ministry? Or can we work for the Lord’s harvest with people of all nations in everyday life? LCANZ member Beverley Heidenreich thinks God often provides opportunities for evangelism.

Hundreds of members of the LCANZ family – from small children to the elderly –shared their creative talents through the Living Water Churchwide Simultaneous Art Exhibition last month. There have been 15 exhibitions staged across Australia.

Every LCANZ congregation is being encouraged to recognise and give thanks for the Christian care provided by congregational ministries, individuals, and Lutheran aged-care and community services. A suite of resources to support a Sunday celebration of care was launched recently.