ACT

Pastors, lay workers and congregational leaders from the LCA’s NSW and ACT District last month gathered for three days of worship, learning and encouragement in ministry at the District’s Mission and Ministry Conference.

by Reid Matthias

While it stalked the coastline of South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales, Cyclone Alfred gave rise to an amazing story of God’s providence, one that Pastor Reid Matthias says is ‘about the very best parts of being connected to the body of Christ’.

Rather than waiting for members of their local community to come to their churches over Easter, Lutherans in Canberra have brought Holy Week to life for those they live and work alongside – in a local park.

Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre near Canberra has run a volunteer internship program for young people from around Australia for more than 30 years. But in 2023, the Lutheran camping ministry program became cross-cultural, welcoming its first participants from Papua New Guinea.

by Helen Beringen

They started young. When Rex and Meryl Packer were courting, their volunteer services focused on transporting a whole cricket team to matches – in one Holden ute.

‘Terrible things happen – but we can still feel supported and loved’ (Helen Wurst, Kangaroo Island). LCA members have been at the forefront of community efforts to serve, minister to and offer relief.