Story of the Week

If you have been involved with Lutheran youth groups or organisations in Australia or New Zealand in the past 70-plus years, then FoLA wants to hear from you. As part of a new oral history project, FoLA is seeking audio recordings of people’s reflections about youth days.

Many health workers have been struggling to obtain enough personal protective equipment during the pandemic. But when a request came for masks for Noosa Hospital, Queensland, a local Lutheran church member and her neighbours set to work and have since supplied more than 1500 masks as far as PNG.

by Amy Dahlenburg

When COVID-19 restrictions closed offices around Australia and New Zealand, Amy Dahlenburg began working from home, along with her family. But while the pandemic has caused stress, anxiety and grief, she says the upheaval has also brought important lessons – and blessings – home for her.

Visitors and locals in Hervey Bay in southern Queensland are being greeted by a gospel message of reassurance written by the road into town. Members of St James Lutheran Church have posted the sign which reads: ‘Stay calm. I will get you through this, love God’ on a 6 metre x 3 metre billboard.

by Jodi Brook

Grandparents play a vital role in a child’s faith formation. Of course, COVID-19 isolation and restrictions have kept many grandparents separated from their grandchildren. While this can be heartbreaking, there are many ways you can stay connected.

by Pastor Matt Huckel

Trinity Lutheran Church Pasadena in South Australia is blessed with a multiethnic community, with members of European, Indonesian, Persian and African heritages. The challenge and gift from God is to synthesise all these ‘cultural colours’ together to better equip them for cross-cultural mission.