May2021
Conferences support mission
The LCANZ’s New Horizons local mission conference program is heading to Sydney this month. The conferences are being staged across Australia and New Zealand, as the teams work together to engage with new arrivals and support congregations wanting to be more embracing of newcomers.
Apr2021
Grannies share a ‘mother lode’ of wisdom
by Helen Beringen
Bringing together the educational skills of retired teachers with the learning needs of refugee children has been a match made in heaven for one Adelaide school. The ‘grannies’ have been sharing love and conversational English and literacy learning with 25 primary-aged children through the program.
Apr2021
LCANZ answers Philippines’ mission call
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.
Apr2021
You can’t cancel kindness
When COVID-19 forced ALWS to cancel Walk My Way public events in 2020, there were fears children in refugee camps might miss out on support to go to school. Yet our Lutheran family rallied. And next month’s Walk My Way in SA’s Barossa Valley is another chance to bring love to life.
Apr2021
A final expression of faith
Being with people who are dying can be uncomfortable, daunting and sad. We might worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. But even those with years of experience ministering to people who are dying say that discomfort or anxiety may always be present as we confront our own mortality.
Mar2021
Easter joy in cultural celebrations
by Matt Anker and Basa Hutabarat
Easter is an all-day celebration in the Batak churches of Indonesia. Beginning at around 5.00am, the program of worship, seminars, food and activities, however, does more than celebrate an important faith festival.
Mar2021
Be still and really get to know God
by Kathy Worthing
Christian meditation is not well-known in our Lutheran congregations and schools. But there is much to be gained through practising this form of prayer that draws upon a deep desire to enter into a more intimate relationship with God, and assists us towards being transformed to be more like Christ.
Mar2021
God is at work through his people
by Tania Nelson
Despite any fears we may have about the future of our church, God is at work in our communities. The green shoots of growth in his kingdom include new congregations being planted around the LCANZ. And now you have the chance to play your part in this exciting mission work.
Mar2021
Heeding the call for COVID help
by Jessica Smith
Staff from South Australia’s Lutheran aged-care providers didn’t hesitate to put up their hands when the call went out for personnel to assist in Victoria during the COVID-19 crisis, as part of the National Aged Care Emergency Response program.
Mar2021
Prayer call for Myanmar
Members of the LCA/NZ are being urged to pray for peace in Myanmar, where the military staged a coup d’etat and took control of the country last month. LCA International Mission works closely with churches in Myanmar and Pastor Matt Anker says, ‘Please join us as we pray for a peaceful resolution’.
