Aug2020
A revolution! Learning to be church in a pandemic
by Lisa McIntosh
Amid all the suffering from COVID-19, God has given us precious and rare gifts – among them less busyness and the chance to reflect on what it means to be his church in the world. Some LCA/NZ mission leaders believe these gifts present our church with an opportunity too good to miss.
Aug2020
What I’ve learnt from home
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.
Jul2020
Ten things I’ve learnt during COVID–19
by Adrian Kitson
We can learn new things quickly when we have to. We can adapt and help others do the same. We have adapted well to the online world and have finally found the fertile digital mission field!
Jul2020
Faith-ful grandparents
by Jodi Brook
Grandparents play a vital role in a child’s faith formation. Of course, COVID-19 isolation and restrictions have kept many grandparents separated from their grandchildren. While this can be heartbreaking, there are many ways you can stay connected.
Jul2020
Tributes for Madagascan church leader
The leaders of two global Lutheran bodies have paid tribute to Rev Dr David Rakotonirina, President of Madagascar’s Malagasy Lutheran Church, who died earlier this month from COVID-19.
Jul2020
Malaysian Lutheran bishop consecrated
Rev Steven Lawrence was consecrated as the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM), a partner church of the LCA/NZ, on 4 July. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service of consecration was re-designed, as the church sought to meet the new requirement of local authorities.
Jul2020
Antidote for Isolation
“I’m sending you home.” My manager stated to me that I was too old to continue my volunteer work. Really? How long will this last? How can I fill in my days on my own having no interaction with my clients? I cried! Now what? Lots of time to do what I want, what I… Read more
Jul2020
Staying in touch with grandchildren during COVID-19
by Judith Smyth
Staying in touch with her 15 grandchildren has always been very important for Judith Smyth. ‘They are always in my thoughts and prayers’, she says. ‘During the recent time of isolation … as I couldn’t see them in person, I decided to write a letter to each of them.’
Jun2020
Remote community undeterred by COVID-19
by Larry Kenny and Martin Bennett
Singalongs at the remote Amunturrngu community and neighbouring outstations in the Northern Territory have become cultural celebrations observing anti-viral protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jun2020
‘Campers’ to experience Christian life online
High school-aged Lutherans and their friends will gather at an internet ‘camp’ this winter school holidays. Organised by the LCA SA–NT District’s Blueprint Ministries, the camp.online program has been developed in response to COVID-19.
