Glynde congregation open almost every day of the week

The team at Glynde Lutheran Church in the inner northeast of Adelaide have found the recipe to get people together. They are now open for business almost every day of the week, demonstrating what a truly multicultural group can look like.

Sunday worship services are in English, Mandarin and Korean, with the various groups sharing life and food together, but the real impact begins during the week from Tuesday through to Saturday. Each morning, they offer an activity to bring the local community together.

Pastor Wayne Boehm and Barb Mattiske point out that it all seemed to start with ‘Mainly Music’, which still attracts about 25 local women and kids each week. As people have streamed into the building, the ministry team has listened and responded with seven other weekly activities that appeal to different cohorts.

Local Aussies are joined by others from China, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Jordan, Iran, and South Sudan. The activities include Alpha courses, craft, exercise and meditation, playgroup, English classes, shared lunches and Bible studies, with a total attendance of 130 each week.

The ministry team is led by Rika Udagawa and Sharyn Schubert (backed by a dedicated group of volunteers), and not surprisingly, they need some extra helpers and resources.

Ways we can get involved:

• Rika mentions that many who come are spiritually searching and keen to ‘talk’, and she would welcome extra volunteers, so those who are run off their feet can linger more with the participants. If you have a spare morning and can volunteer on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday please contact Rika. If you are part of another congregation and want to grow your neighbourhood impact, consider joining the Glynde team for a time to ‘learn the recipe’.
• Sharyn notes how limited the budget is to purchase some better equipment, and they could use donations towards things like a television screen, outdoor shading or new carpet tiles. To make a donation, the Glynde bank details are BSB 704 942 and Account Number 1006 899 81 (stipulate ‘Donation to Glynde Ministry Expenses’).

We commend the Glynde folk for the way you demonstrate love coming to life. May the Lord strengthen and protect you!