Lutheran Media celebrates 80 years with ‘Thank You Lunch’

On 21 June, Lutheran Media marked 80 years of ministry with a thank you lunch attended by nearly 100 people at Kies Family Wines in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.

The event featured speeches, interviews and reflections that highlighted Lutheran Media’s history, challenges and ongoing mission. Guests included former directors, past interviewees from media programs, donors and supporters.

Former Lutheran Media directors Richard Mau and Richard Fox were interviewed by former board chair Des Kalisch, sharing insights into the organisation’s development, innovations in media and financial challenges faced over the decades. Both spoke about how the ministry had relied on God’s provision and the commitment of supporters to continue producing Christian content.

Michael Kies, representing the host venue, spoke about his personal faith journey and how God had sustained his family and business through difficult seasons. He used the metaphor of ‘frost-covered ground’ still producing fruit to describe how challenges can lead to growth.

Lutheran Media Manager Tania Nelson said a highlight of the event was hearing from people who had contributed to or been impacted by the organisation’s work.

‘It was good to hear about innovations in media and how difficulties were overcome thanks to the financial support of passionate and faithful supporters,’ she said.

‘A special thank you to those who attended the lunch and to our sponsors. Our supporters are certainly media missionaries in God’s mission.’

Brenton Kupke, who attended the lunch and was featured in a Lutheran Media interview titled ‘Susannah’s Miracle’ around 2010, said the event gave him a new understanding of the organisation’s reach and impact.

‘The interwoven thread that is revealed is Lutheran Media’s ongoing trust that [it has] had in the Lord in practicalities of funding through to engaging new technologies,’ he said.

‘I hadn’t realised how much [Lutheran Media does] and the impact it has had,’ he said. ‘There are so many stories of hope.’

The event raised around $7,000 to support Lutheran Media’s ongoing work. It also highlighted stories of hope through adversity, with many attendees having been interviewed for podcasts and programs aired across more than 1,200 radio programs around Australia and New Zealand. Lutheran Media is funded entirely through donations and sponsorship.

Next 80th anniversary event – High Tea in Toowoomba

Lutheran Media will continue its anniversary celebrations with a high tea event in Toowoomba, Queensland, on Sunday 31 August at Concordia College.

Tickets are selling fast! Guests will enjoy bubbles on arrival, live music from a Concordia musician, and a delightful high tea selection of petit fours. The event will also include inspiring stories of hope through media and exclusive Lutheran Media merchandise.

Book a ticket or table with friends, family or colleagues and help continue the legacy of Lutheran Media for future generations. Book now.