CONGREGATION AND PARISH SERVICES DIRECTORY LUTHERAN
CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA
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CONTENTS Office of the Bishop
Page 4
Bishop’s Office & Secretary’s Office
Page 4
LCA International Mission
Page 6
Reconciliation Ministry
Page 8
Local Mission
Page 10
Cross-Cultural Ministry
Page 10
Grow Ministries
Page 12
Lutheran Media
Page 14
New & Renewing Churches
Page 16
Ministry with the Ageing
Page 18
Ministry Support
Page 20
Church Worker Support
Page 20
Communications
Page 22
Finance & Administration
Page 24
The LCA acknowledges the financial support
Lutheran Archives
Page 26
from LLL Australia (p30). The LLL is able to
Professional Standards
Page 28
provide this assistance only because of the
Agencies
Page 30
LLL
Page 30
Lutheran Education Australia
Page 32
account holders: International Mission (p6),
Lutheran Church in Central Australia
Page 34
Reconciliation Ministry (p8), Cross-Cultural Ministry
Australia Lutheran College
Page 36
(p10), Grow Ministries (p12), Lutheran Media
Australia Lutheran World Service
Page 38
loyal support of its deposit account holders. We thank and praise God for each and every one of you. The following LCA departments and agencies are supported through LLL deposit
(p14), New & Renewing Churches (p16), Church Worker Support (p20), Communications (including The Lutheran) (p22), Finance & Administration (p24), Australian Lutheran World Service (p38) and Lutheran Education Australia (p32).
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Welcome to the LCA Congregation and Parish Services Directory. The General Convention of Synod 2015 approved a trial restructure of the LCA’s churchwide functions. Over the last three years, as we have implemented the trial restructure, we have endeavoured to increase the services the LCA offers churchwide to congregations and members. We have also sought to improve the way they are grouped together. This directory is a handbook of the services provided today by LCA mission, ministry support, and agencies. These services are provided by diligent, faithful and highly skilled people. God has drawn this team together to support you and our congregations and communities as we ‘go as God’s people’ and ‘grow as God’s people’. As you read through this Congregation and Parish Services Directory, you might discover some new services provided by our churchwide team. Please use the Contact Us information to get in touch: to ask a question, to seek advice, to let us know how we can do better. We are co-workers with you in God’s kingdom. We want to serve you, as God serves us. Please pray for our church and its workers, as we also pray for all those whom we serve. Bishop John Henderson on behalf of the LCA churchwide team
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).
By working together more intentionally as the body of Christ, serving through education, aged care, local ministry and support for our overseas partners in mission, we can more effectively bring the good news of God’s love to a world that needs hope as much as it ever has. (LCA Strategic Direction 2013–2018, p.6)
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OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Bishop’s Office and Secretary’s Office Bishop’s Office The LCA Constitution defines the role of the Bishop of the Church as ‘[to] exercise oversight of the Church, promote its spiritual welfare and strive to preserve peace and order’ (Bylaws VIII.B. 1b). The Bishop’s Office manages functions particularly to do with the oversight of the church; in essence, the office exists to serve the pastors and people of the LCA/NZ. More particularly, it oversees, promotes and supports the services provided by departments of the church to the wider LCA/NZ in a coordinated fashion. Together with the District Bishops, the LCA Bishop works with congregations in Australia and New Zealand and Lutheran churches around the world, and engages in and responds to social issues within the wider community.
Secretary’s Office The Secretary’s Office supports the LCA Bishop and the College of Bishops (LCA Bishop, District Bishops and the LCA Assistant Bishop) overseeing the mission and ministry of the LCA/NZ. He undertakes projects as directed by the Bishop, the College of Bishops and the General Church Council. In particular, he oversees Reconciliation Ministry, COMMISSION ON WORSHIP worship@lca.org.au as well as Interim Ministry and Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy. The Secretary’s Office also has responsibilities COMMISSION ON SOCIAL AND BIOETHICAL QUESTIONS in relation to the General Convention of Synod.
Commissions
csbq@lca.org.au
COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND INTER-CHURCH RELATIONS cticr@lca.org.au
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Contact us
REV JOHN HENDERSON LCA Bishop bishop@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
Commissions Commission on Worship www.lca.org.au/worship The Commission on Worship provides guidance in all aspects of Christian worship to its congregations, schools and agencies in conformity with sound Lutheran principles. It also produces material to enrich the worship life of the church, including liturgical resources, service orders, music, drama and visual arts (visualarts.lca.org.au). The Worship Planning Page (www.lca.org.au/wpp) is one of the most popular pages on the LCA website. If you plan or lead worship, this page has all the resources you need: seasonal liturgical responses, Bible readings and sermons. Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions www.lca.org.au/csbq The Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions provides guidance on contemporary issues, such as terrorism, poverty, refugees, domestic violence, euthanasia, abortion and the environment. The commission also links with Lutherans for Life (www.lca.org.au/lfl). Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations www.lca.org.au/cticr The Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR) advises the church on matters of theology and doctrine, and studies the theological implications of our relationships with other churches, at home and overseas. It also sponsors our formal bilateral dialogues, currently with the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Uniting churches in Australia. At the request of the church the CTICR also studies current theological issues and trends, and provides advice to the church in the form of papers and statements.
REV NEVILLE OTTO
Secretary of the Church neville.otto@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
PETER SCHIRMER Executive Officer of the Church peter.schirmer@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
DR TANIA NELSON Executive Officer – Local Mission tania.nelson@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
www.lca.org.au/office-bishop
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OFFICE OF THE BISHOP International Mission What we do together The LCA has two different arms reaching out across the borders of our country to share Jesus’ love – LCA International Mission and Australian Lutheran World Service. LCA International Mission is responsible for mission and evangelism so that, through the work of the Holy Spirit and in partnership with others, we can bring the life-changing news of the gospel to people. Through LCA International Mission, you are enabling Jesus’ love to come to life cross-culturally in Australia and across the borders of our country, particularly in South-East Asia and the Pacific.
Where you serve
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we join hands with international partners to take the good news of Jesus to people of every culture and language.
Through LCA International Mission, you join with other Lutheran Churches and mission agencies in Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia (East and West), Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Burundi to share the message of God’s love and forgiveness. Your partnership in the gospel has eternal consequences as people come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and are baptised into the family of God.
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Contact us REV MATT ANKER Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission
What you do LCA International Mission works collaboratively with other LCA departments to build the theological and educational capacity of our partner churches. These international partnerships are diverse. A key area of support in many of the partnerships is the provision of scholarships, both at Australian Lutheran College and in-country. Other partnership support includes: educational consultancy; teaching at seminaries and workshops; youth work; youth leadership development; prison ministry; Indigenous ministry; training in reconciliation ministry; translation and publication of ‘Lutheran identity’ material; ministry workers (pastors, teachers, evangelists and ministry coordinators) in their own countries; and medical mission work.
How you can become more involved Through LCA International Mission you are encouraged to pray, give, connect and go in God’s mission in the world. Building on the long-standing partnerships and relationships which the LCA has shared in over many decades, we are able to help facilitate sustainable partnerships for you. We provide you with key information, introductions to specific people in the partner churches and ongoing support for you as you participate in the partnership. The stories of God at work in and through your support for the LCA’s international mission partnerships are shared through the Border Crossings magazine (three times per annum), LCA International Mission website, eNews and, most powerfully, through face-to-face speaking engagements.
How we can serve you If you would like us to visit your congregation, school, meeting or fellowship group, or if you require further information on what is possible in international mission for you, please phone 08 8267 7300 or email lcaim@lca.org.au
lcaim@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
www.lca.org.au/international-mission
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OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Reconciliation Ministry Called to serving Biblical Reconciliation Ministry serves members and pastors of the LCA/NZ by encouraging and equipping brothers and sisters in Christ to dwell in and share the forgiveness of Jesus Christ in all relationships. As God’s people we live in relationship with him and experience his love and forgiveness in the divine service, and yet from time to time we experience strained relationships with others in our family, the congregation and the wider community. Biblical Reconciliation provides understanding, tools and resources that equip God’s people to respond in conflict in ways that are restorative and healing, bringing forgiveness, peace and joy in Christ. Biblical Reconciliation grows out of and supports word and sacrament ministry, refocussing and affirming God’s people, and whole Christian communities, in their identity in Christ and how they live their faith with others as people of the gospel.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we are reconciled to God and with each other, for the sake of Christ.
As Christians, the freedom to be peacemakers, to seek reconciliation with our neighbour, is grounded in the forgiveness that is ours through Christ’s saving work on the cross. We are reconciled to our heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus who takes away the sin of the world (Romans 5:6–11) and are called to share God’s love and mercy by serving our neighbour as we work through conflict, reconciling our relationships and bringing glory to God (Ephesians 4:32, 5:1).
Biblical Peacemaking workshops Our Biblical Peacemaking workshops teach how to apply God’s word of law and gospel and provide practical skills to equip you to live out your baptismal faith in all your
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Contact us REV PAUL KERBER
Assistant to the Bishop – Reconciliation Ministry rm@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
relationships. Understanding conflict and the benefits of practising confession and forgiveness will encourage and equip you to bring blessing to your marriage, family, church and community. Find information about our workshops and Bible studies on our webpage www.lca.org.au/reconciliation-ministry
Serving People in Conflict workshops Serving others working through personal or professional conflict requires God’s wisdom and strength. This workshops provides training tailored to equip you with practical skills so that you can walk alongside people working through conflict.
Biblical training for leaders All Christians are called to a lifestyle of biblical peacemaking, but some are called to also lead a congregation/community and cultivate Biblical Reconciliation within their community. This training serves church and school leaders as they lead people though decisions to reach a God-pleasing, mutually agreeable solution. Consider organising P.A.U.S.E. Principle training for your church or community leadership team.
Congregational journeys We tailor congregational journeys to suit your congregation’s story. We work with pastors and people to provide teaching, resources and support as you grow and embed godly ways of communicating and working together as people of the gospel.
Serving in ‘downstream’ situations As ‘church serving church’ we also serve by providing Biblical Reconciliation in situations where people and congregations have been deeply damaged by internal conflict. Specific processes and assisted conversations provide opportunity for healing of relationships and rebuilding of community with renewed hope in being witnesses of the gospel.
www.lca.org.au/reconciliation-ministry
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LOCAL MISSION Cross-Cultural Ministry Who we are •
Cross-Cultural Ministry exists to nurture an inclusive missional culture, where new and existing cross-cultural communities are developed, strengthened and integrated into the life of the church.
•
We support LCA districts in ministering to and with new arrivals in Australia and New Zealand, and we encourage the celebration of cultural expressions of the one faith and the development of culturally intelligent mission-oriented leadership.
• The Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry supports the work of Tania Nelson (Executive Officer – Local Mission) and Brian Shek (Asian Ministry Coordinator).
What we do • We assist churches to minister across cultures. • We work with church leaders and pastors to build cross-cultural understanding. • We provide training and mentoring for multicultural communities.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when people of all nations reach out to each other across cultural borders and grow together as sons and daughters of God.
• In doing so, we aim to further the growth and development of cross-cultural mission and ministry. • We also provide cross-cultural grants to congregations who require financial support to begin local cross-cultural ministry.
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Contact us DR TANIA NELSON Executive Officer – Local Mission
Why we do it •
We are motivated by Deuteronomy 10:17–19 (MSG): ‘God, your God, is the God of all gods … He makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing. You must treat foreigners with the same loving care – remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt’.
• We seek to ‘go as God’s people’. It is simply about mission, building relationships and seeing all people come to faith in Jesus. • We do this because we have been called by the church to ‘support the development and growth of new mission fields which God has already opened to us’ (LCA Strategic Priority 2.5). • We also aim to develop culturally intelligent mission-oriented leadership.
How we do it • We provide funds that assist communities to develop self-sustaining cross-cultural ministries. • We walk with cross-cultural communities and church leaders to develop their ministry in our multicultural society.
crosscultural@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7366
www.lca.org.au/cross-cultural-ministry
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LOCAL MISSION Grow Ministries About us Grow Ministries is the national child, youth and family ministry (CYFM) department of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). The Grow Ministries team is passionate about providing innovative and creative resources, workshops and leadership training. Our focus is to equip and encourage congregations with effective practices for intergenerational faith formation.
Grow coaching Grow Coaching is a two-year journey that consists of six cluster training events and intensive congregational follow-up. It is through these events that our coaching congregations learn about the Grow Ministries’ ‘Ten Guiding Principles’ and how they relate to intergenerational ministry through relationships, lifelong faith formation and participation in mission. Through Grow Coaching we aim to support and equip these communities to use new, innovative and collaborative mission-orientated approaches in their changed and changing mission fields.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when all of us – no matter what our age or family situation – commit to lifelong growing together in God’s grace.
Grow resources Grow Ministries continues to develop new and up-to-date resources that help congregations develop a passionate faith in individuals, families and communities shaped by a growing understanding of God’s word, nurtured and sustained in prayer and worship. Our resources include: • GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) – an intergenerational ministry resource • Mentoring toolkit
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Contact us
JODI BROOK Director
• Growing Faith at Home – resources to help families share their faith • Growing Faith Moments – resources for marking faith and life moments at home or in small groups • Faith Trail Ministry – congregational resources for celebrating faith and life milestones • Talking Points – Bible study resources for youth and young adults • Confirmation resources – best practice, discipleship resources and digital engagement
Grow leadership The Grow Leadership program provides opportunities for leadership development and mentoring for youth and young adults of the LCA. The aim is to encourage future leadership in congregations, LCA agencies, local church and church-wide committees and boards. Activities of Grow Leadership include an 11-month leadership program and a national youth forum.
Grow training and communication Grow Ministries provide a variety of communication and training options for districts, congregations, pastors, lay workers, ministry practitioners, parents and schools to access. These include: • On Your Hearts – regular eNews • Grow Together – quarterly family publication • Digital communications including: Grow Ministries website, Facebook, Pinterest and an online journal • Regional training – Re-thinking CYFM in the 21st century • District training – partnering with district-run events to lead workshops. Grow Ministries is also keen to offer support to individual congregations in the area of child, youth and family ministry by phone, email or in person.
growministries@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
GROW MINISTRIES www.growministries.org.au
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LOCAL MISSION Lutheran Media Who we are With only 8 per cent of Australians attending church on any Sunday, media gives us the opportunity to reach the other 92 per cent. ‘Messages of Hope’ are played on over 800 radio stations across Australia and New Zealand and reaches more than 5 million people a week. Add the reach through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and many more people have the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and believe in him. Brock is one of hundreds of people who respond to Jesus’ message of hope. Brock was a separated young dad who picked up his son every second weekend. He’d turn on the radio in the car and listen with his son. One day he heard ‘Messages of Hope’. He kept listening weekly. Then, one day, Brock and his sister walked into their local Lutheran church and were baptised.
What we do
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when 5 million people each week hear the gospel through God’s gift of media.
Brock responded to the weekly messages that Lutheran Media produces on topics such as relationships, forgiveness, parenting, anger, guilt, pain, grief, miscarriage, mental health, addiction, loneliness, prayer, stress, dementia and ageing. Messages are being shared every week through radio interviews and discussions, along with videos and free booklets. There are over 75 different articles and booklets to read and share with family, friends and neighbours. Brock’s son could enjoy www.happyland.com.au and discover that there is a God who loves him. He could safely play games, enjoy activities and have stories read to him.
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Contact us
REV RICHARD FOX Director
www.lutheranmedia.org.au Over 35,000 people enjoy Happyland, along with the online Advent and Easter calendars, DVDs, showbags, Christmas cards, and the colouring-in and activity pages. Follow Happyland at www.facebook.com/Happyland4Kids. An app is coming soon. Brock could also see what a Lutheran worship service was like– at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/worship. You can also invite people to watch online or order a free weekly worship DVD.
How we do it You can listen to ‘Messages of Hope’ at www.messagesofhope.org.au and www.messagesofhope.org.nz and watch the videos and read the free articles and booklets. You can see what radio networks and stations are playing ‘Messages of Hope’, including New Zealand’s number one radio station Newstalk ZB in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Palmerston North. Reach out with us on social media. Enjoy inspiring images, videos, quotes and Bible verses and share them with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Support us Lutheran Media is not on the budget of the LCA and needs donations to reach out to people with Jesus’ message of hope. We thank God for the prayers and generosity of supporters who make all of this possible. You can donate (tax deductible) at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/donate or call us on 1800 353 350.
luthmedia@lca.org.au Free-call 1800 353 350 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006
Lutheran Media facebook.com/luthmedia
twitter.com/lutheranmedia instagram.com/luthmedia YouTube (search for Lutheran Media)
Messages of Hope Australia facebook.com/messageshope twitter.com/messagesofhope1 instagram.com/messagesofhope1 youtube.com/messagesofhope
Messages of Hope New Zealand facebook.com/messagesofhopenz twitter.com/messageshopenz YouTube (search for Messages of Hope NZ)
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LOCAL MISSION New & Renewing Churches Who we are New and Renewing Churches exists to serve the kingdom of God by facilitating church planting and renewal. We have the very modest goal (by interdenominational standards) of seeing the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) plant 30 new churches in 10 years. While this vision is too small by itself, it sets the tone for a change of culture across the church, so that mission and evangelism are centre stage in all aspects of our life and worship. The Committee for New and Renewing Churches supports the work of the team in the field: Tania Nelson (Executive Officer – Local Mission); Dean Eaton (Church Planting Mentor and Mission Facilitator); Noel Due (Pastor for New and Renewing Churches); Nathan Hedt (New Church Catalyst); and Chris Podlich (New Church Catalyst).
What we do
LOVE COMES TO LIFE as we are refreshed through God’s word, worship and prayer – and new and renewing communities grow in grace, following Jesus.
We assist churches to begin, evaluate or progress their journey in church planting. We work with church leaders and pastors to build church planting capacity. We provide resources, training opportunities, conferences and a supportive network for church planters and missional communities. By so doing we aim to mobilise the whole church to participate in the work of seeing new believers come to Christ. The aim is to see mature churches that plant churches as the norm.
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Contact us DR TANIA NELSON Executive Officer – Local Mission
Why we do it We do all of this simply because we are called to do so, as part of the complete mission of God. We focus on the ‘go’ space. It is all about mission, relational evangelism and seeing people come to faith in Jesus. We also do it because we have been commissioned by the church to lead this work forward. Mission and missional renewal are core features of the LCA’s Strategic Direction. This is as it should be: the church exists for mission and by mission.
How we do it We work with local congregations and agencies of the church to help them assess opportunities for church planting and we provide mentorship for church leaders and pastors as they embark on this journey. We walk with missional communities and church planters as they establish new groups of believers. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and it is definitely not another program. We aim to help local congregations and agencies discern what the Spirit is saying to them as they seek to follow him into the world which he has already claimed as his own and in which he is already at work.
newandrenewing@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
www.lca.org.au/new-and-renewing-churches
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LOCAL MISSION Ministry with the Ageing Who we are Australians and New Zealanders are living longer and working later in life. The number of older people is also increasing. In Australia, nearly one in every six people is aged 65 years and older (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016). Ministry with the Ageing seeks to support you as you minister in our communities to this growing group. We aim to see the care of the ageing as a significant and flourishing ministry of the church. The Committee for Ministry with the Ageing supports the work of Tania Nelson (Executive Officer – Local Mission).
What we do
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we see the image of God in every person – no matter how much age has wearied their body and mind – and honour them with patient care, dignity and respect.
Ministry with the Ageing is a department that supports congregations as they minister with and to the ageing. The Committee for Ministry with the Ageing is producing discussion papers on a range of issues and is ensuring that resources on ministering with the ageing are readily available. We’ve also teamed up with Lutheran Media to produce a video series on dementia. We provide scholarships which are available to anyone ministering to and with the ageing. We also advocate nationally on ageing issues on behalf of the LCA and represent the LCA on a national aged care network.
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Contact us DR TANIA NELSON Executive Officer – Local Mission
Why we do it We care for the ageing because God is a fundamentally merciful, loving and caring God. We are motivated by God’s goodness and mercy. And we know that every person, no matter how age has wearied them, has dignity and value because we are all created in the image of God. We seek to develop a culture of ministry with and to the ageing in individuals and communities as a natural outworking of an active faith. We also value the wonderful contributions our elders make in our communities.
How we do it We provide funds that assist individuals to develop in their ministry with the ageing. Check out the Ministry with the Ageing webpage: www.lca.org.au/ministry-with-ageing for discussion papers, resources and scholarship details. And go to www.messagesofhope.org.au/dementia for videos and a booklet on dementia. You can also subscribe to our Ministry with the Ageing eNews via www.lca.org.au/enews
cma@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
www.lca.org.au/ministry-with-ageing
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MINISTRY SUPPORT Church Worker Support Our church needs workers who are equipped, knowledgeable and supported as they undertake mission and ministry across Australia and New Zealand. The Church Worker Support Department serves the church by assisting employing and calling bodies to work towards seeing that their church workers can start well, stay well and finish well. We are doing this by developing policies and procedures, in consultation with church entities, to establish good service management practices. We can help parishes and congregations contextualise these in their unique mission and ministry settings. We can best support parishes and congregations by visiting and getting to know them. It is wonderful to support and encourage them to continue the practices that are working well. As we serve your church, we can provide resources, and we are happy to work together with you to develop other resources that will enable church workers to grow and go as God’s people. We are adding to these resources all the time, so please ask us how we can help you.
Starting well
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when church workers are encouraged and equipped to serve together in God’s kingdom, and supported and cared for, from the beginning to the end of their service.
Getting off to a good start is important in any ministry context. While it can seem like an additional burden, good commencement practices can establish shared understandings and enable people serving your church to feel confident in their new environment. With our resources, we assist you with: • things to consider before employing someone • recruitment and selection processes
• developing position or role descriptions – including for volunteer positions
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Contact us
DR CHRIS MATERNE Manager
• induction processes • employment and onboarding-related documentation
churchworkersupport@lca.org.au 08 8267 7300
• making the most of the LCA Human Resource System (HRS).
Staying well Once people are off to a good start, it is equally important to support them throughout their ministry and service. Staying well involves things like ensuring safe workplaces, facilitating good interpersonal relationships between teams, and providing opportunities for growth and development, through to supporting people in challenging times. We are continuing to develop additional resources, and we can assist you with: • vocational development planning and recording • performance development reviews • Continuing Education for Pastors (CEP) program • ministry reviews • establishing and supporting team ministry • managing unsatisfactory performance • finding your unique SHAPE (spiritual gifts and other measures) • pastoral care support practices for church workers.
Finishing well Finishing well is also important, regardless of the reason, whether people are are leaving a role or leaving the church. We can assist you with: • exit interviews • considerations during a pastoral vacancy • making positions redundant • terminations of employment • employment transfers.
www.lca.org.au/church-worker-support
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MINISTRY SUPPORT Communications About us The LCA Communications team is working hard to create and support effective communication channels across the LCA/NZ and provide opportunities for you to engage with your national and district agencies, with each other and with your communities. We support you by providing and constantly improving communication methods (websites, eNews, social media, video) and, of course, our beloved magazine The Lutheran. No matter what method or new technology we might use, we’ll always have at the centre of our communications the heart of God who reaches out with love and grace to every person in their need. eNews www.lca.org.au/enews This is our fastest-growing media across the LCA/NZ. Through our overarching LCA eNews and the 20-plus district and agency eNews, you’ll keep up to date with what’s going on in your church, including events, services and ministries. As well as informing you, eNews will inspire and encourage you. It’s easy to sign up; visit the eNews page.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we use God’s gift of communication with wisdom, integrity and kindness, always seeking to build up, not to tear down.
The Lutheran www.thelutheran.com.au The Lutheran tells the stories of our people with profound honesty and frankness – no glossing over the tough issues – and it has become known for its unique way of communicating how the grace of God touches the lives of ordinary people, in good times and in bad. Visit The Lutheran website for some sneak previews of the next edition or to subscribe. Gift subscriptions are available too.
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Contact us
LINDA MACQUEEN Manager lca.comms@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
Websites www.lca.org.au/websites You might know that LCA Communications builds and manages a fleet of district and agency websites, including the ‘mothership’ www.lca.org.au, but you might not know that we also build websites for congregations. We offer affordable websites with the features congregations are most likely to use. We can build them stage by stage, even page by page, to suit your budget. Social Media www.lca.org.au/social-media The LCA has an official Facebook page and we’re also helping congregations navigate the world of social media. The LCA has a Social Media Policy (www.lca.org.au/policies) and at the time of writing this, we are developing supporting documents that you can use to shape your congregation’s own social media procedures, including where children and young adults are involved. Keep a lookout on the Communications and Policies pages of the LCA website for updates and resources. Stationery and Signage www.lca.org.au/stationery The LCA logo (www.lca.org.au/logo) is like our family crest. It tells the world who we are and whose we are, and it unites us all under one banner. We have developed logos and stationery templates for congregations, as well as approved layouts for signage and bulletins. Copyright www.lca.org.au/copyright You have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure you are using copyright-protected works with permission, and are aware of what works over which your congregation, agency or members could hold copyright. LCA congregations and agencies do not receive any special provisions under the Australian Copyright Act 1968; breaches can cost thousands of dollars. LCA Communications has curated the copyright information you are most likely to need in your congregations and agencies. It is regularly revised and updated.
www.lca.org.au/communications
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MINISTRY SUPPORT Finance & Administration About us Finance and administration is one of those behind-thescenes support functions that is needed in all areas of our church. Many congregations have competent members who navigate the changing world of accounting practice, payroll and taxation, information technology and data management. Many, however, do not have people with this sort of expertise among them. The LCA Finance & Administration team is here to help you in all these areas. We want to lighten the load on congregations so that you do not have to do everything by yourself, or know every new piece of compliance or legislation. The following sections outline some of the ways we are supporting and protecting your congregation’s mission and ministry. Please contact us; we’re here to support you.
Information technology
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we receive God’s gift of finance with gratitude, invest it wisely in his kingdom, and trust that he will bless and multiply it.
We are committed to developing systems and processes to support rapid, reliable and effective sharing of information across our church. Wherever you are in Australia or N ew Zealand, we want you to have access to the wide range of LCA resources in order to support your own local mission and ministry. Increasingly we are also providing IT advice and support for congregations. Visit the IT page (www.lca.org.au/it) for more information about the services we can provide for you.
Pastors Transfer and Support Fund The Finance & Administration team supports the church by administering the Transfer Fund. This covers locum pastor payments, transit insurance and transit management. The LCA is transitioning to invoicing Transfer Fund services direct to parishes.
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Contact us
DEBBIE VENZ Manager
Human Resource System The LCA Human Resource System (HRS) helps you manage these ministry support functions: payroll, recruitment (including pastor calls), leave entitlements, training and safety records, professional development, performance management and LCA email boxes. HRS helps us to serve you better. We’re happy to take some of this load off your back, so you can get on with the things that matter most. Please email if you need more information: hrs@lca.org.au
LAMP2 LAMP2 (www.lca.org.au/lamp2) records details about our people, entities, worship services and statistics. It uses data from HRS and is accessed via the LCA Portal (login is at the top right of the LCA website). If you need access, please complete the form (www.lca.org.au/forms) and email it to LAMP2@lca.org.au
Business partners Our business partners help us to make our resources go further. By combining the buying power of our congregations, schools and aged-care services with that of other churches and not-for-profit organisations, we can secure savings on products and services that would otherwise be beyond us. These savings help us to support the ministry and mission activities of our church. We encourage you to use these providers whenever possible. The more of us that get on board with these providers, the greater the benefits for our whole church. For more information, visit www.lca.org.au/business-partners
Scholarships Members of the Lutheran Church are able to access study grants of up to $5000 for short-term courses that enable people to better serve the church. There are two application periods every year: March and July. Visit www.lca.org.au/forms and select ‘Study Assistance’ for application forms and guidelines.
admin@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
www.lca.org.au/finance-&-administration
LCA PARTNERS
Lutheran Super www.lca.org.au/lutheran-super
LCA Insurance www.lcainsurance.org.au Lutheran Winemakers (fundraising) www.lca.org.au/lutheran-winemakers
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MINISTRY SUPPORT Lutheran Archives Preserving our story Lutheran Archives holds a harvest of stories that show God’s love coming to life – the stories of the congregations, departments and the people of the church. Lutheran Archives gathers and preserves these stories from all over Australia and the Pacific – wherever the church is involved. We share the stories of the LCA/NZ across the church and in the wider public. We enable others to encounter these stories through research, so they can share their stories and experiences of love coming to life.
What we can do for you As a ministry support department, Lutheran Archives is here to support you in your ministries. We can assist you with: • advice on managing your records • caring for your permanent records that you no longer regularly access. Managing your records appropriately enables you to focus on carrying out your current ministries – beginning with records in your possession and continuing into the future when they are deposited at Lutheran Archives.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when Lutheran Archives identifies records to be deposited. We we recognise God’s faithfulness make those records accessible through arrangement and indexing, translation and digitisation, and we to generations past, and carefully description, provide contextual understanding for researchers to interpret those records. lay foundations of faith for Through presentations, exhibitions, publications, seminars those who will follow us. and events, we disseminate the harvest of stories throughout the Lutheran community and beyond. Join Friends of Lutheran Archives (www.lca.org.au/fola) to feast on these stories.
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Contact us
RACHEL KUCHEL Director
Telling your story In the creation story, God reflected each day upon what he created, and he saw that it was good. This is our instruction: to be still, look to the past, and remember and reflect – to see our journey, give thanks, and take heart that the seeds God has watered have turned into a bountiful harvest. Our ministry is to provide access to the stories of your ministry and to tell those stories. A wide variety of people access these records: congregations, family historians, academic researchers, creative artists and filmmakers. These records help people to write congregation histories, fill gaps in family trees, understand our cultural diversity, further Aboriginal language research, and restore identity. The power of these records cannot be overestimated. By depositing records at Lutheran Archives, the stories of your ministries can be encountered by members of the church and public, told and disseminated to a myriad of audiences. We are able to turn your records deposited at Lutheran Archives into new ministries by providing and enabling access to them.
Partner with us You and your ministries are the foundation of our ministry. 1. Ensure you create records within your congregation, mission, auxiliary or department, and of your personal experiences in the church. 2. Manage those records appropriately while you are using them. 3. Deposit those records (minutes, correspondence, artefacts, films, photographs) when they are no longer being regularly used. The fact that people in the past took the trouble to preserve their story means that we are blessed today with their harvest. Take the time today to preserve this generation’s fruit, so that there will be a harvest of stories for our children and grandchildren.
lutheran.archives@lca.org.au | 08 8340 4009
www.lca.org.au/lutheran-archives
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MINISTRY SUPPORT Professional Standards Standards of Ethical Behaviour The LCA has adopted Standards of Ethical Behaviour that express in simple and clear language how we can demonstrate and declare God’s love to one another by how we conduct ourselves in our: personal behaviour, pastoral care, caring for children, communications, and in financial and administrative matters.
Training The Professional Standards Department (PSD) assists congregations and other bodies to promote high standards of ethical behaviour and care for children and vulnerable people by providing a comprehensive training program. Our training is part of the LCA’s commitment to reflect God’s love through the way we treat each other and those who come into contact with our church. It is also designed to meet our commitments under the Safe Church Training Agreement.
LOVE COMES TO LIFE when we treat each other with courtesy and respect, and when the way we behave towards each other reflects the way God loves us.
We understand that training requires a significant commitment of time for the participants. Your Professional Standards Officer (PSO) in your district is there to work with you in meeting your training requirements and will endeavour to respond as flexibly as is possible to accommodate your local situation. Please do not hesitate to contact your local PSO with any questions you may have about the training: what it involves; who is required to do it; and to organise your participation in a training workshop. You can find their contact details in the column at the right.
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Contact us psd@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
Advice PSD helps congregations and other bodies to work through difficult situations that may place people at risk. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse reminded us that our church is not immune from the scandal of child abuse and so it is essential that we apply policies and practice that protect children and the vulnerable members of our community. If you have any concerns about inappropriate conduct or behaviour, please contact your PSO immediately. PSD is there to assist congregations and other bodies work through such situations using the church’s established policies and procedures.
Complaints handling PSD supports the handling of some types of complaints. The church actively encourages people to make complaints when they encounter actual abuse or potentially concerning behaviours, and supports them in doing so. If you would like to have a confidential conversation about lodging a complaint, please call 1800 644 628 in Australia or 0800 356 887 in New Zealand. You can also send an email to complaints@lca.org.au
District Professional Standards Officers
NEW SOUTH WALES CAROLYN KISS
carolyn.kiss@lca.org.au | 02 6021 3816
NEW ZEALAND JILL HAGEN pso@lutheran.org.nz | + 64 4 3852540
QUEENSLAND ELIZABETH KLOEDEN elizabeth.kloeden@lca.org.au | 07 3512 7284
SOUTH AUSTRALIA–NORTHERN TERRITORY DAVE BIAR dave.biar@lca.org.au | 08 8267 5211
VICTORIA–TASMANIA DENISE MUSCHAMP denise.muschamp@lca.org.au | 03 9236 1200
WESTERN AUSTRALIA MONIKA TROPIANO
monika.tropiano@lca.org.au | 0457 774 003
Support The LCA has developed a number of policies and procedures (www.lca.org.au/policies) that aim to protect everyone involved in the life of the church. PSD is there to help you understand what these policies are and to assist your congregation or body implement them, as well as respond to any other questions you may have about keeping you and your community safe. Please feel free to get in touch with the PSO in your district at any time.
www.lca.org.au/professional-standards
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AGENCIES LLL About us LLL Australia is a charitable financial institution that serves the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Established in 1921, the LLL provides Savings Accounts to members of the Lutheran community, with deposits enabling the LLL to provide low-interest loans to approved LCA projects, such as upgrades to Lutheran schools, churches and care facilities around Australia. The LLL is not a bank and does not offer loans to individuals or non-LCA entities. It exists to provide safe and secure savings to members of the Lutheran community while continuing to support the mission of the LCA. For a more detailed explanation of how we operate, refer to the Terms and Conditions on the LLL website.
Support of LCA through loans and grants The LLL provides loans to the LCA for churches, schools, aged-care facilities and other associated organisations. The LLL is not licensed to engage in consumer credit and does not provide credit to non-LCA entities. The LLL maintains a number of Permanent Funds (also referred to as capital or endowment funds) which provide an annual grant of 5% for ministry purposes. Many areas of the LCA benefit from these funds. At the request of the General Church Council (GCC), the LLL Board provides the LCA with financial grants to assist particular mission areas of the church.
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Administrative services We assist the LCA in many areas of business and finance. The LLL manages various funds on behalf of the LCA, namely LCA Pension, Provident and Car Grant Funds. In addition, the LLL administers LCA Insurance and LCA Subscriptions on behalf of the LCA.
Contact us
ALLEN KUPKE CEO lll@lll.org.au | 1800 556 457
Mission outreach through the LTM Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) is an outreach ministry of the LLL. LTM develops Christian leaflets, postcards, smaller ‘text’ cards and bookmarks. Ordered tracts are distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Supporting the LLL We are only able to provide this support because members and supporters of the Lutheran Church deposit funds with the LLL. All LLL Savings Accounts are available at-call and have a great interest rate (for current interest rate, refer to LLL website) with no minimum deposit or balance required. The LLL does not apply any fees or charges to the products and services offered. We offer a variety of accounts – individual, children, joint and business. All LLL accounts can have internet banking access. We also actively encourage members of the LCA to consider leaving a legacy or making donation. Supporters can choose to leave a legacy without conditions or to support a specific LLL Permanent Fund.
Feedback through Together in mission Each year the LLL produces a publication called Together in mission. It details the benefits that have been provided and is full of good news stories and reports. Many areas of the church are recipients of these financial benefits, such as Grow Ministries, Church Worker Support, Local Mission and International Mission (for a full list, refer to Together in mission). We encourage account holders and supporters to read this informative publication. Together in mission is sent to all congregations each year with the calendars and is available on the LLL website.
www.lll.org.au
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AGENCIES Lutheran Education Australia About us Ever since there have been Lutherans in Australia, there has been Lutheran education in Australia. One of the first Lutheran schools began in 1839 at Piltawodli, on the banks of Adelaide’s River Torrens, where German missionaries Teichelmann and Schürmann taught the local Kaurna children. We have been providing quality Christian education for almost 180 years. Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) is committed to the mission and ministry of the LCA through supporting quality, Christ-centred education and care in each of our 80 primary and secondary schools and 57 early childhood services. In 2018, more than 40,000 students were enrolled in our early childhood centres and schools, supported by more than 4000 staff members.
Each school day, more than 40,000 young people (and often their parents or grandparents) walk through the gates of a Lutheran school somewhere in Australia. What a wonderful mission field!
LEA, in conjunction with the three school regions (LEQ, LESNW, LEVNT), is responsible for the leadership, theological formation and accountability of Lutheran education across Australia and for the future of the schools and early childhood services of the LCA.
Strengthening Lutheran identity As leaders and teachers play a vital role in the ministry of the school, the LCA ‘commits itself to the promotion and support of its schools by providing means and opportunity for the professional theological pre-service and in-service education of teachers’ (LCA & Its Schools). LEA meets this commitment through staff formation and professional development resources:
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• ‘Pathways’ provides an opportunity for all staff in Lutheran schools to explore Lutheran theology as they contribute towards the mission of the school and live out their vocation in their specific appointment. • ‘Equip’ provides in-depth understanding of the teaching of Christian Studies in our schools. • The Leadership Development Program, now in its seventh cycle, is a two-year postgraduate program for prospective Lutheran principals.
Contact us
STEPHEN RUDOLPH Executive Director lea@lutheran.edu.au | 08 8267 7318
Enhancing and celebrating thriving learning communities With its positive values, LEA seeks to prepare students for lives of learning, achievement and faith. We want our students to confidently serve others. Central to their mission, Lutheran schools seek to nurture individuals • who are aware of their humanity • open to the influence of the Holy Spirit • grow and live according to a cohesive worldview while living in community and reflecting characteristics of God through core values, especially: • love
• service
• quality
• justice
• humility
• appreciation
• compassion
• courage
• forgiveness
• hope
(A vision for learners and learning in Lutheran schools)
Ensuring long-term system sustainability LEA is committed to safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the Lutheran education system. It aims to: • ensure a long future so that Lutheran education flourishes and thrives for another 180 years • build best-practice governance and risk mitigation and management to strengthen the national system • build a social and ecological vision where social, economic and environmental sustainability are foundations for taking action to serve our people and our planet.
www.lutheran.edu.au
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AGENCIES Lutheran Church in Central Australia Background Finke River Mission (FRM), together with Alice Springs Lutheran Church, Lutheran Community Care, Yirara College and Living Waters Lutheran School, brings God’s saving gospel to Lutherans in Central Australia. The work is focused on ministry among over 6000 Aboriginal Christians who identify as Lutheran in the southern part of the Northern Territory and extending from the Queensland border to just over the Western Australia border. These Aboriginal Lutherans in more than 40 communities are served by 28 pastors (20 Aboriginal) and dozens of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders and trainee pastors.
How we serve With support from Australian Lutheran College, FRM is responsible for the training of Aboriginal pastors and other leaders who proclaim the good news of salvation to their people in six languages. The FRM Board coordinates the work of supporting church leaders, as well as providing Bibles, hymns and other worship resources in language, and promoting appropriate literacy programs. Through Yirara College, FRM provides Christian secondary education to up to 300 Aboriginal boarding students annually from remote Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. Additionally, at the request of the local community, FRM operates a general store and the Old Mission Precinct at Hermannsburg.
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Contact us
WAYNE BEVEN FRM Operations Manager
BRYAN ELLIOTT
How you can serve with us Donate The LCA ministry in Central Australia relies heavily on donations from organisations and individuals within the church and community. Visit the Donate page on our website finkerivermission.lca.org.au to find out ways to support us. Pray We are grateful to everyone who supports our work by their prayers. Please sign up to our regular e-newsletter so we can keep you informed about our work and particular prayer needs. Go to www.lca.org.au/enews, follow the prompts to the list of eNews, and select ‘Finke River Mission’ from the National section. Volunteering and Employment Each year dozens of volunteers give their time and energy to help provide services and maintain places of worship and other buildings. These opportunities are ideal for congregation or interest groups (men, women, youth) – and for grey nomads escaping cold winters! Although the conditions in which you will work might be challenging, the relationships you will build with the local community will more than make up for it. The Lutheran agencies in Central Australia are regularly looking for committed Christian people to fill employment vacancies. These are advertised through LCA eNews and FRM eNews (sign up at www.lca.org.au/enews) or send your resume to frm.office@lca.org.au Service Learning for Schools FRM partners with Lutheran Education Australia in providing service-learning opportunities for students. Contact us if you are looking for ways to connect your students’ faith with practical service.
FRM Finance Secretary frm.office@lca.org.au | 08 8267 7300
finkerivermission.lca.org.au
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AGENCIES Australian Lutheran College Background The history of Lutheran vocational training and formation in Australia dates back to 1838 when Lutherans arrived in Australia. Following the formation of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) in 1966 (when the two former synods – the ELCA and the UELCA – joined) three training institutions emerged: Luther Seminary, Lutheran Teachers College and Lay Training Centre. Eventually these three were merged into Luther Seminary, which became Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in 2003. The college now offers courses in partnership with the University of Divinity and the Australian Centre for Advanced Studies. In 2017, General Church Council approved a new Strategic Direction 2017–2022 for ALC. The college is currently in a period of transition as it seeks to shape its learning programs according to the needs of its students and stakeholders walking sooner through internships, walking more deeply through its formation, academic and research programs and walking longer by providing continuing education/ professional development opportunities for its students to support the mission of the church.
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Contact us
REV JAMES WINDERLICH Principal
How we serve ALC helps to prepare diverse people for equally diverse ministry within the LCA, its kindergartens, pre-schools and schools, and within its congregations, aged- and community-care facilities, and beyond. Its vision as the theological education and research institution of the LCA is to see God’s love in Christ coming to life through preparing God’s servants – pastors, teachers, church workers and volunteers of all kinds – to serve and lead with confident Christian faith, integrity, competence and compassion in a diverse and changing denomination and world. ALC’s mission is to: • offer education built on principles of lifelong adult learning, critical thinking and reflection, and flexibility in delivery options •
deliver theological education and research for vocation and life, with an emphasis on vocational formation of people to meet the needs of church and world in a postmodern society no longer literate in the Christian faith
• provide opportunities for growth, education and training for pre-vocational, vocational and post-vocational needs that include Certificate IV, Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral studies; and • support church life research to inform the LCA and the broader community.
REV DR STEPHEN HAAR Dean alc@alc.edu.au | 1800 625 193
www.alc.edu.au
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AGENCIES Australian Lutheran World Services Background ALWS was born in a refugee camp – of sorts ‌ the Bonegilla Migrant Centre, just outside Albury in NSW. In 1947, local Lutheran pastor, Bruno Muetzelfeldt, began ministry to European migrants coming to Australia after World War 2. The Lutheran World Federation saw the need to support these migrants to settle in Australia, and so established a Lutheran World Service in 1950. The ministry developed through the 1960s, and expanded to become the principal channel for the Lutheran family in Australia to give overseas aid. In 2017, the ALWS family helped more than one million people.
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Contact us
JAMIE DAVIES
Executive Director To take action through ALWS: 1300 763 407 | alws@alws.org.au
How we serve
JONATHAN KRAUSE
Our ALWS privilege is to help you serve. Through ALWS, you can support people in developing communities in countries like Cambodia, Nepal, PNG and Indonesia to build better lives for their families. Clean water, training for farmers, small loans to start businesses, and dozens of other practical actions improve the health of children, increase family income and offer a way out of poverty.
Community Action Manager jonathank@alws.org.au
In Africa, you can welcome refugees fleeing to refugee camps at Kakuma and Dadaab in Kenya, and in Djibouti. A special focus is supporting children, and caring for people with special needs. You also support communities in two of the poorest countries in the world - Burundi and South Sudan.
www.alws.org.au
When disasters happen, through ALWS you can supply critical emergency care. Often this is delivered in partnership with other churches working together through the ACT Alliance. Whether you are a church, school, fellowship group or individual, your practical action through ALWS brings love to life where it’s needed most.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him ‌ No-one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 John 9,12).
Lutheran Church of Australia 197 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006 P 08 8267 7300 F 08 8267 7310 www.lca.org.au V1.0 June 2018