church workers

The General Synod of the LCANZ has elected Pastor Neville Otto, senior pastor at St Paul Box Hill in suburban Melbourne and former Secretary of the Church, as assistant bishop of the LCANZ.

Jamie Davies, Executive Director of Australian Lutheran World Service, says it has been a privilege to shepherd the organisation through some exciting changes for more than three years. She will be leaving ALWS early next year.

Rev Dr Michael Lockwood has answered the call to serve as a missionary with the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), a partner church of the LCANZ. His move is in response to a request last year from LCP President Rev Antonio Reyes for assistance with the training of pastors and deaconesses.

In partnership with the LCA SA–NT District’s mission department, Australian Lutheran College (ALC) is conducting a research/training project in worship design and leadership, supported by an LLL mission grant.

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.

by Craig Heidenreich

LCA/NZ Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator Craig Heidenreich says Jesus is establishing God’s kingdom among the nations and calls us to participate with him. ‘When we fish for souls, it’s a corporate endeavour’, he says. ‘Our net is made up of all of us, with our different gifts and callings.’