Mar2019
Heartland eNews – Annunciation 25th March 2019
Lutherans don’t often celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, which marks the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38). We rightly emphasise Jesus, and so although the Feast of the Annunciation dates back one and a half millennia, we haven’t given it much airplay. For his part, however, Luther advises us… Read more
Mar2019
Heartland eNews – Harmony Day/Race Relations Day, Thursday 21 March 2019
Thursday 21st March 2019 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Australians call it ‘Harmony Day’. New Zealanders know it as ‘Race Relations Day’. The day focusses on ‘building bridges’ with people who are different from us. It’s about committing ourselves to show courtesy and hospitality to people of other racial, cultural,… Read more
Mar2019
Heartland eNews – Christchurch Mosque attacks
In the wake of the ‘appalling act of mass murder’ in Christchurch yesterday, LCNZ Bishop Mark Whitfield and LCA Bishop John Henderson have issued a Heartland eNews, calling for prayers and for peace.
Feb2019
Heartland eNews 27 February 2019
‘Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. Be patient and wait… Read more
Nov2018
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
This year the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women falls on Sunday 25th November. I encourage LCA congregations and members to recognise this day as a contribution to reducing the incidence of violence in all its forms. Acts of violence are widespread across society and they take many forms. It affects both… Read more
Nov2018
Heartland eNews – post-Convention message to the church
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in… Read more
Nov2018
Remembrance Day 2018 – 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4 NRSV) This coming Sunday, 11 November, will be Remembrance Day. 2018 marks 100… Read more
Oct2018
National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
This email follows on from my earlier message issued on 27th September 2018 Next Monday, 22 October 2018, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, will rise in the National Parliament in Canberra to deliver a National Apology to people who as children were sexually abused in religious and non-religious institutions. Hundreds of victims of… Read more
Sep2018
National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse – Monday 22 October 2018
In just over three weeks—Monday 22 October—Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, will rise in the National Parliament in Canberra to deliver a National Apology to people who were sexually abused as children in religious and non-religious institutions. This landmark apology is a major outcome of the 5-year-long Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to… Read more
Sep2018
International Day of Peace, Friday 21 September
In divine service we regularly speak the words, ‘The peace of the Lord be with you’, responding, ‘And also with you.’ Peace is both a comfort and a constant challenge to the people of the world in their spiritual lives, and in their daily lives. It breaks down all too readily. True peace, we know,… Read more
