Pastoral Care
As we embark on a year of challenges and opportunities, the College of Bishops, in partnership with the Pastoral Care Working Group of the Way Forward project, have carefully considered how we can pastorally care for our people. Our remit included how to determine the most appropriate pastoral care needs of the LCANZ in the lead-up to General Synod 2024 and beyond. As we listened to your greatest concerns, there emerged a need to provide a pastoral care program that can be sustained beyond 2024 to support, encourage and empower members of the LCANZ. We are thrilled to introduce and launch a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing the pastoral care needs within our church.
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A message from the LCANZ bishops
In this video the College of Bishops present a message of hope in times of change, uncertainty and anxiety. We invite you to watch this video and share it with others who are seeking guidance and hope as we prepare for the General Synod and the decision on the Way Forward proposal. Please find a time to show this during or after a worship service.
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And in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
Romans 8:28
What are we hoping to do?
The pastoral care program is working closely with the College of Bishops to:
- equip individuals, groups and congregations for pastoral care
- facilitate access to pastoral carers
- establish a network of pastoral carers with specific training and equipping of existing and new pastoral care providers
- provide a unified approach to prayer, care and support within the LCANZ
- provide pastoral care resources to use and share on specific themes relating to care within the church.
Our next theme of hope is directing our attention to the Lord of the church. Where do we find hope? Recognising that the future is uncertain, we know that God still loves and cares for us, and that our hope is in Jesus and his word. Over the next few weeks, we will be adding videos, study material and resources that encourage us to pray, reflect and be encouraged by hope. We invite you to consider what your prayer needs are, how you will engage, who you will encourage and to notice where God is at work through all our highs and lows.
Please note further details on how to access pastoral care are still to come, but if you need help or have questions, we encourage you to contact pastoralcare@lca.org.au
Questions?
Are you seeking pastoral care?
Pastoral Carers Network – carers available for you to access
As we approach General Convention and beyond, we may experience many emotions, including anticipation, anxiety and distress. During this time, you are encouraged to access pastoral care, through your Pastor or congregation pastoral carers. The LCANZ has another safe place you may go, if these do not meet your needs. Pastoral carers have been trained and are available for you, if you are seeking care for issues around the Way Forward and General Convention. You may make contact through the email address: pastoralcare@lca.org.au, and a pastoral carer will be provided for you.
Prepare and Pray for our Convention of General Synod
Less than three months to Synod now! Are you praying for our church - for hope in God's power to heal and renew us? Check out our Way Forward Pastoral Care Resources on the theme of 'Hope', including resources for worship. Please consider including them in your worship services, other gatherings and mail-outs. (The resources are also integrated into your regular Worship Planning Pages.)
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