Lutheran Women of Australia

Birthing kits for PNG

2012-01-19T17:41:00.002+11:00

For many years, LWA in collaboration with the LCA Board for Mission has been providing “birthing kits” to bring the gift of hope and life to new born babies and their mothers in PNG. Babies are often born in huts, on dirt floors, or at best on a bed with wooden slats– certainly not on a sterile delivery table in a hospital. The kits are distributed to health workers for use in the remote villages.

To date, thousands of these kits have been sent to PNG, but (as you can imagine) the need is ongoing! (See this post for more information). Perhaps your women's group would like to be involved in putting some kits together? Getting together to pack them can be a fun time of fellowship and may give you an opportunity to invite or involve women who aren't normally part of your group.The requirements for each kit are listed below:

What’s in a PNG village birthing kit?
• 1 metre square of plastic (no particular thickness or quality is required, since it is used to provide a clean area for the delivery and then discarded)
• 1 metre square of old linen (make sure it is clean)
• 2 cloth nappies (no disposable ones, may be second hand)
• 2 safety/nappy pins (useful but not essential)
• 5-10 squares of gauze available from the chemist, or 3-4 inch (75-100 mm) squares of soft cloth/linen to be used as wipes
• 2 x 20-25cm (8-10ins) pieces of ½ inch cotton tape (similar to bias binding) for tying the cord
• 2 disposable gloves
• 1 cake of soap
• 1 baby size singlet (newborn size - may be second hand)
• Pack the above items in a press seal or zip lock plastic bag
A small text card/tract from LLL can be added (someone in the village can usually read some English)

Please note that razor blades are no longer required. They were found to rust too quickly in the tropical conditions. A surgical scalpel blade (size 21) can be added to each kit (you can sometimes purchase these from pharmacies) but if you cannot obtain them readily, they will be supplied by LCA Board for Mission before being sent to PNG.

Completed kits and/or surplus items should be sent to LCA Board for Mission, 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006. Monetary donations to cover the cost of freight are also gratefully accepted. LWA groups please send your monetary donations (only) to your state treasurer or you can send money (only) to the LWA treasurer Janette Neumann, PO Box 200, Balaklava, SA 5461. Please mark all monetary donations "Birth Kit Shipping".

God bless you in this valuable service!

The 'wonder'of it all

2011-12-21T13:15:00.000+11:00

If you have ever watched the face of a young child as it watches something new and amazing for the first time, you will understand the meaning of ‘wonder’.

Imagine the experience of those lowly shepherds – the ‘wonder’ they experienced on those quiet, wintry hillsides just outside Bethlehem. First, the angel and the heavenly choir bursting with light and magnificence onto that quiet scene. Then the message and the song of all songs: a baby born to be their saviour, and the invitation to go and see this remarkable occurrence. Imagine the ‘wonder’ of these humble people.

Imagine the ‘wonder’ of those eastern sages when they discovered a new star and consulted together about what this meant. A new king born to rule in Judea! They must hurry to see this new king and be among the first to offer their loyal devotion and treasure!

Imagine the phenomenal experience of Mary and Joseph – the ‘wonder’ at this child born to such lowly people. This God, but still a child who had been entrusted to their care, but would later die, and rise to life again as Saviour of the world.

Imagine the ‘wonder’ of this first Christmas!

May you also experience this ‘wonder’ as you worship again at the manger, and may you be truly blessed.

A knitted Christmas

2011-11-30T11:45:00.001+11:00

For all you avid knitters out there with odds and ends of yarn in your stash, here are some FREE Christmas knitting patterns to get your fingers itching for some stitching! These adorable bears can be knitted up in no time- click here for the pattern.

These sweet mini stockings are by the same designer. The pattern can be found here.

If you prefer crochet, here are some heart ornaments to try.

A little Christmas tree for the table or mantle piece- would make an lovely gift for someone in a nursing home. The pattern can be downloaded here.

This pudding looks good enough to eat! The pattern can be found here.

Here's a great gift for the tea connoisseur in your life!

Last, but not least, a cute little jumper to hang on the tree. This pattern can be found here.
Get those needles clicking!

Time for reflection and preparation

2011-11-17T16:45:00.001+11:00

Murchison River, WA.

November: a month where many of our women’s groups hold their final meeting for the year, maybe hold an Annual General Meeting and prepare for Christmas.

What has your group achieved during this year? Have you recruited any new people to attend your group? Perhaps this year has seen the passing into eternal life for one (or more) of your elderly members. Perhaps your group is struggling as your numbers decline. Maybe you are frustrated that some women don’t seem interested.

Just maybe your group has managed to attract some new members and you are rejoicing in their new ideas and enthusiasm. Maybe your group has achieved some goal that you set yourselves at the beginning of the year or achieved a target set years ago.

As we once again approach the celebration of our Saviour’s birth and give thanks for his coming into our world may we all take time to reflect on this act of loving salvation for us, and may we be inspired to continue on in our groups as we love and serve God, each other and the community and world around us.

‘This is, in one sense,
    the real purpose for our salvation,
    that we might serve God and all people
    and thus fulfil that destiny
    for which we were created.’ Epistles/Now

Christmas Quiltagrams

2011-10-03T11:51:00.000+11:00

We are now into October...daylight savings has taken effect in many states and it's less than 12 weeks until Christmas! Time to start your Christmas crafting if you're the type of person who likes to give handmade gifts.

Instead of sending a store-bought card, why not make a "Christmas Quiltagram" for that special someone? If you are a quilter familiar with foundation piecing and with lots of little scraps of Christmas print fabrics on hand, then this project is for you!

To make the Candle quiltagram, click on the image above. A larger image will be displayed- right click on the larger image and save it to your computer. Then just print it out and follow the instructions. To make the Christmas Tree quiltagram, click on the image below and follow the same procedure.

Enjoy! Take a photo of your creation and email it to us so we can share it with everyone!

Quilts for Kids (and Seniors too)

2011-09-29T15:27:00.000+10:00

At the LWA Council meeting in July, it was decided that we launch a service project that will culminate in the dedication and display of Quilts at our Convention in 2013.

This is a project for all you handy craftswomen and we ask you to make one (or more if you wish) quilt or throw, either cot-quilt or lap-size (actually it may be any size you wish, but we are suggesting smaller for convenience), and bring or send it along to the Convention where the quilts will be dedicated and displayed before going to Lutheran Community Care in Adelaide, who will act as distributors of these gifts to the needy Australia-wide.

So whether you sew, knit or crochet, get your thinking caps on and your materials ready. Watch this space (and Lutheran Women magazine) for more information.

May you be inspired and may God bless your service.

Our LWA Council

2011-08-25T17:06:00.000+10:00

The Council of Lutheran Women of Australia (LWA) is made up of the presidents and one representative of the various district women’s groups (NSW, Qld, SA/NT, Vic/Tas, and WA), the LWA Executive and two pastor Counsellors. The Council meets mid-term during the three years between national conventions, and immediately before and after Convention to organise and plan the business of the LWA and to ratify decisions made and actions taken by the LWA Executive, who meet on a more regular basis.

Our Council held its current mid-term meeting a few weeks ago. We set a date and planned for our next National Convention during this time, as well as examining our financial position, having an overall look at our various projects that we support, and reviewing our magazine, Lutheran Women.

We are happy to announce that our next LWA Convention will be held at Immanuel College, Adelaide, SA on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April, 2013. These dates have been set to coincide with the Convention of Synod of the Lutheran Church of Australia.

More announcements will be made over the time preceding the convention, but we ask you to start planning now to attend. Our Executive Committee hopes that it will be a great time of worship, information and celebration.

Women of Prayer

2011-07-08T11:03:00.000+10:00

"More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of."

These wise words from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem Morte D'Arthur apply today as much as when they were written by the famous English poet who lived from 1809 to 1892.

One of the greatest services we can render to others is to pray for them, using the example of Christ who prayed for humankind when he was on this earth and continues to pray with and for us to our heavenly Father.

In your prayer life we suggest some prayer thoughts for your consideration.
•   All those who are battling natural disasters, especially our neighbours in Thailand who have experienced devastating floods;
•   Those who are suffering ill health whether physical or mental;
•   The new committee members elected at recent District women’s conventions and those who have served in the past and have retired;
•   The Lutheran Women of Australia Council members who meet this month;
•   Our women’s groups across the nation as they meet together and serve in their local communities;
•   All people everywhere no matter who they are and whatever their situation.

May God bless you all in your prayer lives.

It’s happened – and we are grateful!

2011-06-10T08:00:00.001+10:00

You may remember a recent blog where we advertised the fact that Lutheran Women of Australia had launched a new brochure that explains who we are and what we do.

Praise God! The response has been so great that we have run out of copies, and they haven’t yet been released in Queensland! We had hoped for a positive response to this resource, but we did not dream that we would require a reprint so quickly!

If you would like some brochures, please contact us at lwa@lca.org.au and we will forward them to you. A generous supporter of LWA has offered to cover the costs of a reprint, so we now have a good supply. By the way, you are welcome to add your women’s group or congregation details on the back of the brochure when giving them out. It would be a great idea to add a local contact and a date, time and place where you meet.

Thanks for your interest, love, and support. We pray that God will be glorified and his kingdom extended as together we serve him.

Lutheran Women helping Students

2011-05-27T17:57:00.000+10:00

Altar cloths in the ALC Chapel were made and donated by LWA Auxiliary

With the generous help of Lutheran Women of Australia (LWA) students at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) can enjoy a few added comforts to make life easier while studying for their degrees.

LWA has elected an auxiliary, who on our behalf attend to these needs and work in conjunction with and on the advice of ALC. Some of the recent improvements for the student body have included refurbishment of the married student accommodation, security upgrades, a playground for children of students with nearby seating for the adults, and the upgrading of the boarding facility for single students.

The students and staff have expressed their appreciation and thanks to our generous women who have made these improvements possible by donations to this LWA Project.

Another project that LWA supports is a fund which is available to offer financial assistance to students of Pastoral Theology at ALC who may find themselves unable to meet unexpected expenses during their time of studying.

Convention Times

2011-05-18T15:05:00.000+10:00

Community singing at the 2009 LWA Convention, held at Luther College, Croydon, Vic.

During the last weekend of April and the first week in May the Lutheran women of New South Wales, Victoria/Tasmania, South Australia/Northern Territory and Western Australia had their annual Conventions.

These are great times of getting together for worship, Bible Study, information sharing and fellowship. The lunch times, and before and after the sessions are great times for reunions, a chance to visit the various displays, and chats. This year was no exception. Convention times also give women the opportunity to look at their past project support and to discuss new ways in which serve.

As your President, I try to get to as many Conventions as possible, but as they are all so close together this is not always possible. However, this year after attending the Convention in South Australia I was able to visit the wonderful women of the West to share in their Convention on May 7.

The members of Ocean Keys Lutheran Fellowship, in Perth’s northern suburbs, were the hosts, and they not only made everyone most welcome, the food they provided for lunch and tea-breaks was a truly remarkable effort! Under the theme for the day, ‘Unveiling God’s Love’, the women explored God revealing himself to us in worship, Bible study and song.

Although many women are relatively isolated from each other in this large country of ours, it is good to see that their common bond of faith and service draws them close together as sisters in Christ.

I trust that all who attended a Convention, no matter where in Australia, felt as blessed as I did. I am looking forward, God willing, to visiting the Lutheran women in Queensland for their Convention in August.

God bless you all,

Grace.

New LWA Resource launched

2011-05-06T09:51:00.000+10:00

An exciting new resource designed to help our members tell others about Lutheran Women of Australia was launched at our recent District Conventions.

This bright, colourful information brochure contains information about us, such as who we are, why we meet together and what we do.

How can you use our brochures?

Hand them out to other women’s groups to encourage them to join with us
Have copies available at the front of the church for visitors
Include one in each new member’s kit in your congregation.

If you would like to receive a brochure for yourself or would like some to give out to others, please email us at lwa@lca.org.au and we will be happy to post them to you.

For Holy Week

2011-04-17T18:10:00.001+10:00

This week is known throughout Christianity as Holy Week. Beginning with Palm or Passion Sunday and Christ’s kingly procession into Jerusalem, the week culminates in the Triduum or the Three Days of Easter: Maundy Thursday when we celebrate the Eucharist on the Passover evening on which Christ was betrayed, Good Friday when we observe his suffering and death on the cross for our sins and the glorious, triumphant celebration of Easter Sunday, the day Christ defeated death by his resurrection.

There is an abundance of ideas and sites to visit for worship ideas, prayers, and devotions for this high season in the Christian calendar. Visit here, here , here and here for Lutheran Church of Australia resources.

Some ideas for Holy Week.
•    Strip the altar bare as part of the close of the service on Maundy Thursday in readiness for worship on Good Friday, shroud the crucifix with a black cloth.
•    On Good Friday all adornment is absent. No flowers are needed but a simple crown of thorns, or large nails or a spear could be used in a visual presentation in the narthex. The traditional colour is black for Good Friday.
•    Make or buy hot cross buns for serving during the weekend. Don’t forget to explain the reason for the cross when serving.
•    If the adoration of the cross has been part of the service on Good Friday and a cross placed in the sanctuary, it could remain and be adorned with flowers and butterflies to signify Christ’s resurrection, and could be lit with a spotlight, especially at the dawn service. A paschal candle may also be lit.
•    Take advantage of the colours of white and gold, the colours of Easter when decorating the church for Easter. Flowers and butterflies can be used. Special banners (such as an ‘Alleluia’ banner) could be hung or used in a special Easter Day procession at the beginning of worship.
•    A depiction of an Easter garden with an empty tomb could be a good visual aid in the narthex.
•    Have a celebratory Easter breakfast after a dawn service.

May the God of peace, who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, provide us with every good thing we need in order to do his will.

Fasting, Abstinence and Works of Love

2011-03-30T19:38:00.001+11:00

Since ancient times the entire season of Lent has been marked by fasting and abstinence. Fridays in particular have been special days of fasting because of Jesus’ death on this day.

Fasting does not mean that we need to stop eating, or cause health issues through this practice. Rather it is an opportunity to give up a particular food or indulgence and assist this denial with prayer and meditation.

Abstinence can be refraining from eating or drinking certain foods (foregoing that coffee and cake treat), but it can also mean giving up or restricting some other activity such as television, movies, and special entertainment to leave more time to focus on the Lenten season and what it means for us.

‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). Love is why Christ came to earth, lived, died and rose again – for us. Love is the story of our salvation and love should be the purpose for our lives here on earth.

What better time than Lent to show God’s love in doing something special for others? Many opportunities are available for us all to make an extra effort as part of our Lenten discipline.

Will you own the gift I bring?
All my penitence I give you;
you are my exalted king,
in your matchless love forgive me:
you have given yourself for me;
I am yours eternally.

John Brownlie 1859-1925, alt.
Based on Greek.

Ideas and resources for Lent

2011-03-18T11:37:00.001+11:00

During the season of Lent, Christians are called to focus on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and follow his final journey to Jerusalem where he took on the punishment sin, suffering and dying on the cross – for us.
To assist them in this focus Christians can choose a discipline of:

repentance
prayer
fasting, and
works of love.

Let’s look at repentance and prayer.
Repentance is turning our back on sin and walking towards God. We can do this by daily remembering what our Baptism means for us, attending worship services for confession and absolution, strengthening our faith through regular Bible reading, and asking God to help lead us to ways of loving him and our fellow human beings more deeply.

Prayer is generally thought of our communicating, or speaking with God, but it can also include listening. Make time each day for a period of quiet in which you can read the Bible, or meditate on a suitable devotional article, bring your requests to God for his forgiveness and blessing, intercede on behalf of your family, friends, and the whole community, and offer thanks and praise for God’s goodness to you and all the earth.

Some resources to help you with your Lenten journey are:

God’s word in the Bible
Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, in particular The Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Creed
Suitable devotional material (you can go to the LCA website and click on ‘Today’s Devotion’ under ‘Your daily Bread’)
Listening to Lenten music (hint: do a Google search for ‘O Sacred Head’ and click on one of the Youtube sites)

Stay tuned for more about Lent.

The Church season of Lent

2011-03-09T14:36:00.000+11:00

Lent is the period of preparation for Easter, the central season of the Christian year. It begins on Ash Wednesday (today) and lasts for 40 days, and excludes the Sundays in Lent. Because Jesus rose on the first day of the week, every Sunday commemorates Easter- thus the Sundays during Lent are referred to as being "in Lent" rather than "of Lent". Lent is a period of repentance and abstinence (in the ancient church it was a period of fasting, study and meditation in preparation for baptism at the Easter Vigil).

Lent begins at a different time each year, as the date of the festival of Easter in the Western Church is determined by the lunar calendar. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or next after 21 March. The liturgical colour for Lent is violet, its dark shade standing for sorrow and repentance, which reflects a time of reflection and subdued activity.

Lent is a season when we can focus on Christ’s sacrifice for us, and a time for Bible study, prayer and serving others in love. Watch this space for some Lenten resources that you might like to use in your homes during Lent.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

2011-02-23T17:10:00.001+11:00

freedigitalphotos.net

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Romans 8:35a

Our hearts go out once more to yet other people suffering tragedy. We join with the President of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand, Pastor Robert Erickson, whose reaction to the horrific earthquake in that country’s south island was to pray ‘Loving Lord, have mercy’, and we invite you to join fellow Lutherans in New Zealand in a special day of prayer this coming Sunday.

For information on the disaster as it affects our Lutheran church in that country, go to the LCA website and look under the Latest News.

5 minutes with Pastor A

2011-02-22T09:16:00.000+11:00

Today's interview is with Pastor Adrian Kitson (aka Pastor A) from Ocean Forest Lutheran Church, Dalyellup, WA. He is a gifted musician and songwriter as well as being a blogger- you can visit his blog here.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in various places in the South West corner of the continent along the coast of Western Australia – from Geraldton in the Mid North to Busselton in the South West of WA.

When did you hear God’s calling to be a minister?
I wondered about it in the late teens when people would suggest, “You should go to Sem’” quite a bit, but then finally as a full-time paid youth worker serving at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, I finally started to listen! I entered preparation for ordination in 1995.

Why did you start blogging?
It was the best way I as Pastor to a school/church community could help our local people who are not regular weekly worshippers to still get something of God’s Word in their week.

How are you involved in ministry to women?
Many of our Pastoral Assistants, paid and volunteer church and congregation leaders and helpers are women. We work together in the gospel in our community.

Favourite hymn?
In Thee is gladness (LHS 386)

What would be on the menu for a special meal?
Poached whole Pink Snapper

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the church today?
Putting away our many gods and listening and following the only living God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so that we can treat each other with respect, forgiveness and genuine love.

Won't you join us?

2011-02-11T17:06:00.001+11:00

Image from iStock

Are you looking for:
•    a chance to grow in your faith as you study God’s Word?
•    stimulation through being with other Christian women of all ages from many walks of life?
•    opportunities to share your Christian journey with others with similar objects and ideals?
•    friendship in a non-threatening group situation?
•    a chance to put your faith into action through service?
•    being part of a group whose head is Christ, and whose ideal is his love and service?

If you can answer YES to at least one of these questions then why not find a group of Lutheran women who meet on a regular basis near you.

Contact your church office, ask a woman at your church, or your pastor about joining a group and find out what Lutheran Women of Australia can do for you.
We would love to have you join us.
If it is not possible to join a group, why not subscribe to our very own magazine and learn more about what we do as part of this very special women’s network of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Don’t miss the opportunity to grow in your faith with other Christian women who meet, study and serve together – under God.

In the wake of the cyclone

2011-02-05T11:02:00.001+11:00

While we thank God for his protection through cyclone Yasi, we extend our Christian love and sympathy to all those in northern Queensland who have experienced devastating losses of homes and livelihoods.
We pray for you all with hearts full of love and aching for your hurt.
We remember and acknowledge all those who are helping in the work of clearing up and restoration.
May our heavenly Father draw you close to him and grant you healing and peace.

Australia- land of contrasts

2011-01-16T14:17:00.002+11:00

Australia is a land of contrasts. A fortunate few have been reaping crops that are yielding the best harvest ever, but during the last weeks many more in our nation have endured death and destruction due to fire and flood. To the countless people who are suffering: we assure you that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you come to terms with your loss. We remember too, those who are working to restore and heal. May God be with you all.

The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens;
he rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is near to those who are discouraged;
He saves those who have lost all hope.
Psalm 34:17,18

If you would like to help members of our church family who have been impacted by these disasters, please go here to make an online donation. Alternatively, you can send your donation to:

LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

Reply Paid 45

North Adelaide SA 5006

or call 1800 556 457

Many congregations across the country will be launching a special appeal next Sunday (23rd) so you may wish to make your donation through this appeal. Regular updates will be available on the LCA website.

5 minutes with Pr Simon Mackenzie

2011-01-05T19:24:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year! Our next "5 Minutes with...." interview is with Pr Simon Mackenzie from Thailand. His blog can be found here.

Where did you grow up?

A child was born to Ron and Barbara Mackenzie in the small mining town of Yallourn, Latrobe Valley, Gippsland, Victoria in the year of '62. It was a rough and tough town with heavy industry and huge open cut brown coal mines set in a valley that is picture postcard kinda stuff, backed by a mountain range to the north which stretches all the way to Queensland.

When did you hear God’s calling to be a minister?

Always been there from my earliest memories (3-4 years of age). Not so much a call but rather a more persistent prodding through the Word and the Spirit of God. No bells and whistles, no Luther bolt of lightening on a stormy night. Just a constant, steady, faithful call of the Lord to a greater purpose beyond and yet so much closer to the everyday heartbeat of humanity.

Why did you start blogging?

Vain attempt to keep people informed about what is happening in my life as a servant of the Word. Time constraints keep pushing this attempt onto the low priority list.

How are you involved in ministry to women?

My question to you is, how are you involved in ministry to men? Membership statistics show us how ministry to men is vital for the health and vibrancy of any congregation. In many Thai churches men are an endangered species and I get the feeling this is also the case for many Australian Churches. My observation over the years has been that where men's issues are appropriately addressed women are also present in greater numbers. We are one body, yet many parts and all need to be attended in their right order for the whole body to function as it should and yet one part is no more or less than any other part of the body.

In answer to your question, constantly. Women seem to be much more willing to come forward whereas men seem to hold back. So now I make a point of going to the men as well.

Favourite place where you feel close to God?

No place and every place since the new covenant is about a person. Generally Sunday services are the high point for me, seeing how the Lua' people hunger for a word of encouragement and hope which Christ alone can truly give is very special. God gives us our humanity back in a way which no other religion can even approach because only through Christ can we truly experience the love and grace of God and true identity.

What is your biggest challenge in your ministry in Thailand?

Thai culture is a wonderful window view into the heart of a secular shame based system of existence. This is what we are moving towards in the west as western countries become increasingly secular. Thailand is one of the lowest Christian represented countries in the world. Even lower than many Islamic countries. This really says something about the enormity of the challenges the Protestant and Catholic Churches are facing over here in Thailand. Shame orientated, ego centric, hedonistic cultures just aren't interested on God or God orientated questions.

What is your greatest joy in your ministry?

Seeing the hope and peace which God brings into peoples lives and how God's love and forgiveness is changing people's lives for the better amongst the Lua' people. One true God. One true identity. It doesn't get better than this!

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining

2010-12-20T22:04:00.000+11:00

How do you decorate your Christmas tree at home or in your church? Is it decorated to a theme or is it covered in a variety of ornaments made by your children or collected over the years? Decorating the tree each year can be a trip down memory lane as you pull each ornament from its wrapping. This Christmas tree in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, South Australia, is decorated with a wide variety of handmade stars.

Each type of star has a different symbolic meaning which makes the tree not only beautiful but it also tells a story. In amongst the stars are red baubles symbolising the drops of blood that Christ shed on the cross which was the purpose of his coming at the first Christmas.

The five pointed star is the Epiphany star representing Jesus birth and his coming for all people and the story of the wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem.

The six pointed star is the Star of Creation- its six points stand for the six days of creation. It also represents the six attributes of God; power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy and justice. It is also the Star of David.

The eight pointed star is the Star of Redemption or Regeneration and represents baptism. Eight is traditionally the number of regeneration and many baptismal fonts have an octagonal base. Eight persons were also saved in Noah's ark which is another Old Testament parallel of baptism (1 Peter 3:18-22).

We wish you a Christmas filled with wonder and light.

Advent flowers for you

2010-12-13T11:41:00.001+11:00

Christmas where the gum trees grow
There is no frost and there is no snow
Christmas in Australia's hot
Cold and frosty is what its not
When the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here
Christmas time is near

This scene could be typical in many Australian towns and cities during November and December. The beautiful Jacaranda mimosifolia or Blue Jacaranda is a sub tropical tree, native to South America, is planted widely where there is no danger of frosts and makes an excellent street tree.
Because of its flowering season a Christmas song has been written about the Jacaranda (see here).However Christians like to remember the Advent colour of this beautiful tree as it heralds the coming season of Christmas and the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.

Many blessings to you during this time of anticipation and wonder.

Free Christmas craft idea

2010-12-01T16:44:00.000+11:00

Image used with permission

Here's something for those of you looking for crafty ideas in the lead up to Christmas.

This "Angel of Peace" collage is a free pattern over on Trudi's Craft Room. Please go and visit!

Get ready!

2010-11-24T16:32:00.010+11:00

Get ready, get ready, get ready, get ready, Jesus is coming soon! (All Together Whatever, 420)

This Sunday marks the start of Advent - a time of preparation, rejoicing and waiting, not only for Christmas but for Jesus' second coming. Advent wreaths are a wonderful visual and symbolic tool to help us remember the true meaning of this special time and you can make one very easily for use in your own home.
Step 1: Gather your supplies! You will need something to put your wreath on (a dinner plate is good as you will be able to replenish the moisture as the weeks go by), some florist's foam (the "wet" variety if you want your greenery to stay green in our summer heat), 4 purple, blue or white candles, 1 larger white candle for the centre (optional). One of the 4 candles can be pink/rose- this is the candle for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.
Step 2: Cut your block of florist's foam in half. A bread knife is good for this job.

Step 3: Lay the 2 halves side-by-side and cut around a small plate (eg. a side plate) to form a circle. Use a glass as a guide to cut a circle from the middle.
Step 4: Use some toothpicks to secure the 2 halves together. Put some water in the kitchen sink and allow the foam to soak it up. While it's soaking, go out in your garden, your neighbour's garden, your Mum's garden or even out onto the nature strip to see what greenery you can find. As long as it is from an evergreen tree or shrub and is attractive, it will be fine. How about some Eucalyptus foliage, bottlebrush, Melaleuca, Westringia, ivy, or holly? I used Hebe foliage for the wreath pictured.
Step 5: Start poking the foliage into the wet foam, starting at the bottom. You really only need just the tips.
Step 6: Work out where you want your candles. Because I was using tea lights, I decided to elevate them on little platforms made out of the foam off cuts and secured to the base with toothpicks. If the foliage you are using is potentially flammable, you will need to use taller candles, making sure they clear the foliage or consider using little glass tea light holders if you use tea lights. Carefully fill in the gaps with more foliage.
Step 7: My central candle wasn't tall enough so I placed it on top of an upturned lid! For extra bling and to echo the purple theme, I used some glittery purple chenille sticks which I made into spirals by winding them around a pencil. You could also make bows out of purple (or blue) ribbon which you can wire and insert into the foam or how about some beautiful gum nuts? Be creative!

For more information about Advent, visit here and here. You will be inspired!

Appreciation from Thailand

2010-11-08T18:26:00.000+11:00

One of the current projects of LWA is the support of the Home of Praise in one of the largest slums in Bangkok, Thailand. We thank you for your continued support for this project and would like to share this letter with you.

We in the Home of Praise want to thank you for your support. We really appreciate it. The parents only pay 10 baht (33 cents Aus) each to send their children to the nursery so we need a lot of support from outside to be able to keep it running. At the moment, 35 children from 6 months to 2.5 years are attending the nursery. Five full-time local teachers, and I (a missionary from Norway) work in the nursery, which is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 3.30pm. All the children who attend our nursery come from the slums; most from troubled homes. There are lots of problems in the slum with drugs, alcohol, broken families, parents in prison, parents abandoning children etc. We really believe that Home of Praise is making a change for the children here.
Thanks again for helping us. God bless you all.

5 minutes with Pr Heath Pukallus

2010-10-08T09:23:00.002+11:00

Today's interview is with Pr Heath Pukallus (aka Friarpuk) from Katanning, Western Australia. His blog contains some thought provoking sermons which are worth reading and can be found here. He and his vast parish were featured in the June 2010 edition of "The Lutheran". We thank him for these insights into his life and ministry.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on two properties near Dalby on the Darling Downs in Queensland.

When did you hear God’s calling to be a minister?
I wanted to be a pastor when I was a child but in teenage years I pursued a career in the television industry as a cameraman. In time that call waned and the call to study for the ministry grew. In 1999 my wife and I moved to Adelaide so I could study for the ministry.

Why did you start blogging?
Ministering to the people in large rural expanses has many difficulties. Many spend time separated from the worshipping community. So one way in which God and his word can be placed in their presence, and they can have a sense of community with others far off in the parish is to give them access to what others take for granted on a Sunday morning - namely, to hear the preaching of God's word. The blog I provide allows parishioners to both read the weekly sermon, and hear it in the week after.

How are you involved in ministry to women?
In regular parish life God gives many opportunities for ministry to women. In our Parish's Ladies Guilds and Fellowships, at the monthly nursing home services, and in visits to both farm and town residences, contact and ministry with women is the norm. Not to mention the weekly involvement with both men, women, and children in church where God serves us with his life giving word and Supper.

Favourite hymn?
163, 222, 347, 152, and 54 all from the LHS. This is as small as the list gets. I can't single out any one hymn!

Name one person who has shaped your life or has been a role model.
I need to name three from different times in my life. My dad, Dale. My vicar father, Pr Greg Pietsch. And my wife, Erica.

How do you see the role of women in the church today and could it be expanded or improved? Women have many gifts from God which allows them to be good carers. They fill a vital roll in the lay ministry of the church having access into areas of other's lives that the ordained just don't have. I believe the Lutheran Church is working towards reintroducing areas of specific service for women which was lost in the latter half of last century.

New way to subscribe!

2010-10-01T16:20:00.000+10:00

Want to receive an email every time this blog is updated? Well, now you can! Simply type your email address into the box on the right. Nothing could be simpler and it saves time.

Hope you are enjoying reading our posts- don't forget to leave a comment if you have something to say!

Solar panel update

2010-10-01T08:24:00.002+10:00

Your fundraising efforts are paying dividends! Here we see a solar panel on the "Doctor Boys" house in a village near Madang. Another will go onto the new Aid Post being built in the village providing much needed light in the Aid Post during the night.

Keep up the good work!

Our beautiful artwork

2010-09-30T13:30:00.002+10:00

Those of you who subscribe to our magazine ‘Lutheran Women’ would have seen the October issue cover which shows a detail from our beautiful painting – a gift from the Aboriginal women of Central Australia and artist Karina Penhall. It was presented to us at our triennial Convention in Melbourne last September.

As we do not have an office in which to hang it we decided to give it a ‘home’ at the Lutheran Community Care Centre in Blair Athol in suburban Adelaide where it hangs on permanent loan, and can be viewed by the many people who go to the centre.

Karina used her artistic talent to not only produce a beautiful artwork but to illustrate her faith and teach stories from the Bible.

The top left hand corner of the painting depicts God’s visit to Mary before Jesus was born; the top right is the story of the good Samaritan; centre left is the prodigal son, who spent all his inheritance then returned to his father saying: ‘Don’t call me son, but a servant’; centre right shows the woman giving Jesus a drink at the well; bottom left is the woman who was saved from stoning by Jesus; second left is the story of Jonah delivered by the whale; third left is when Jesus calmed the water when his disciples were afraid; bottom right is Jesus with Mary Magdalene washing his feet. Central in the painting is the centre of our faith: ‘Christ Jesus dies on the cross’.

We are grateful for this gift and to the women for their faith and generosity, and we trust that the many who see it will enjoy it and learn from it.

Happy mums and bubs!

2010-09-13T16:44:00.006+10:00

A big “thank you” to all those who have been involved in packing village birthing kits for Papua New Guinea. These kits have saved many lives and are a practical way of caring for our fellow sisters. Here’s just one happy mother and baby who are grateful that their village midwife had access to these kits:

Seba, the head of the nursing program in Madang, hands out the kits to the village midwives.

Praise God for Margaret Voigt who continues to play a very active role in serving the people of PNG despite being retired! Here she is pictured with Seba, some of the midwives and a couple of women with recently delivered babies:

Some kits all ready for use:

The need for birthing kits is ongoing so please keep supporting this vital work with your donations of completed kits, items for kits or monetary donations. For more information on what is included in each kit please go to the LWA homepage and scroll down to the list of requirements. Send made-up kits, surplus items and/or donations to the LCA Board for Mission, 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006.

5 minutes with Pastor Stuart Kleinig

2010-09-08T11:39:00.004+10:00

Welcome to the first of a series of interviews with some of our LCA pastors who are also "bloggers". We hope that you will find them interesting and give you a sneak peek at the real person behind the blog site!

Our first guest is Pastor Stuart Kleinig from Dalby, Queensland. His blog can be found here.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Adelaide, raised in country South Australia including Mount Gambier, Snowtown and Murray Bridge, then off to Hermannsburg, Melbourne and Adelaide again before leaving home for marriage.

When did you hear God’s calling to be a minister?

While some had asked me whether I’d think about being a pastor when I was younger, I didn’t seriously consider it until after about 12 years of work in the General Insurance industry when my mum (who was doing a Certificate of Theology at the Seminary at the time) asked me if I’d ever thought about it. I answered her the same way I answered anyone else – I was waiting for some bolt of lightning or writing on the wall so I could be absolutely sure God was calling me. The next day I wondered if God was personally inviting me, but I had been ignoring his invitation. I then talked to my wife (we had two children by this stage) and to many others, did a lot of praying, and then applied to enter the Seminary as a pastoral candidate. I was ordained at the end of 2000 and served the people of Shepparton and Echuca in Victoria between 2001-2006, and now serve the people of Dalby and Macalister in Queensland.

Why did you start blogging?

I suppose I started because I wanted to say some things in a public context I felt I couldn’t elsewhere. Sometimes I reflect on things I come across in daily life, whether it’s a news item, a movie, a book, a quote, or something I thought about while mowing the lawn. Most of these include theological or pastoral thoughts. I’m not very regular with my ‘blogging’ as it’s dependant on my time to reflect and time to write my thoughts down. While I’m cautious about sharing anything private (be they about my family and/or parish), I don’t mind sharing some of my own passions or interests (such as playing fantasy sport).

How are you involved in ministry to women?

Apart from regularly leading bible studies in ladies guilds (and eating a variety of their morning teas!), I care for both females and males in various pastoral encounters. I’m constantly delighted to learn the unique differences between females and males and often share insights when preparing couples for marriage, or in pastoral conversation to help them understand and care for each other. While we are all equally people of God, God has given unique attributes to women and men and I like to encourage all to celebrate and rejoice in our particular giftings. For example, I appreciate the particular empathies women can bring to women in certain situations that men often don’t understand (or aren’t interested in). For this reason, I value the care women can provide within the church.

Favourite place where you feel close to God?

While I feel closer to God when in a natural environment (such as walking in the bush), I also appreciate the ambience some church buildings and chapels can give which aids meditation and prayer. This said, I feel closest to God when I’ve got his Word in my hand (especially when the bible is open!). His Word speaks to me, comforts me, challenges me, forgives me, and reassures me. In this way, the place doesn’t matter.

Tell us 3 things you like about your parish.

The country. While I can live in the city, I prefer the country. I love the friendlier atmosphere and the common concerns of a local community.

The people. Many people have been very supportive and helpful. Some have cared for us in ways that not just show respect for my position, but concern my (and my family’s) physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The opportunities for growth. During my time here, I’ve been given opportunities to grow through challenging situations, unique and diverse pastoral encounters, and education through Clinical Pastoral Education and Ambassadors for Reconciliation.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the church today?

Being a pastor in a geographically large parish that struggles to serve people in isolated communities, I feel one of our greatest challenges is how to serve people where pastors aren’t available. This situation is only made more difficult by a limited number of pastors available because of retirement and fewer new candidates preparing for ministry. Combined with financial constraints, many pastors are not able or willing to serve in country situations, so many parishes have to work through new ways to receive pastoral care and spiritual nurture through the Word and Sacraments.

Spring time

2010-09-03T12:51:00.003+10:00

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It’s September and it’s officially spring in Australia.

In the southern, temperate parts of Australia this year’s winter rainfall has generally been average or above average and the country is clothed in luscious green, with the usually blue hills awash with the yellow of our wattles, the pink of blossom, and the ground smothered in a bright array of wildflowers. On sunny days the sky is an intense blue, something to be savoured before it fades to a much lighter shade in the heat of summer.

The Bible tells us that when God created the world, on the fourth day he commanded ‘lights to appear in the sky to separate day from night and to show the time’ when days, years and seasons begin. (Genesis 1:14) This act of creation was reinforced when God later promised that ‘as long as the world exists, there will be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night’. (Genesis 8:22)

Spring, with its promise of growth and regrowth, provision and nurture, and a reminder of God’s goodness to us is a great season. Enjoy and rejoice in it.

Card Ministry

2010-08-17T20:00:00.005+10:00

There’s nothing nicer than receiving a hand addressed envelope in the mail, especially when that envelope contains a beautiful card with a thoughtful message inside. Sending a card is a great way of showing someone you care and can be a very effective form of ministry to that person.

A “card ministry” can take different forms: for example, in a small congregation, cards could be sent to all members of the congregation (and those under spiritual care) on birthdays or wedding anniversaries. In particular, older members who live alone and perhaps do not have any family close by are very appreciative of cards from someone in their church family – it might be the only one they receive. For example, the Bethlehem Lutheran congregation in Adelaide (SA) send birthday cards to all their members aged over 70.

Cards can be sent to the children who have been baptised in the congregation as a reminder of the anniversary of this special day and as a way of keeping in touch with the family, especially those whose church attendance may be irregular.

At St Mark’s Lutheran Church, Dalby (Qld), talented members of the congregation make cards for all occasions and sell them through their church office. Not only do they provide quality cards to purchase but they also raise money which can be used for other projects.

The KYB group at Outer Eastern Lutheran Church, Croydon (Vic) have a special prayer time each week before they commence their bible study where they pray for anyone they know who is in need and for each other. They then send handmade cards to those outside the group for whom they have prayed. The response from recipients has been very positive and many are very touched that they are being cared for in this way.

Do you have a card ministry in your congregation? Tell us about it! And if you don’t, is this something that your ladies’ fellowship group or some other small group could be involved in? It doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate and you can really brighten someone’s day by sharing the love of Jesus with them.

A beautiful "Thank you"

2010-08-10T14:26:00.005+10:00

Those who attended our triennial Convention in Melbourne last year would remember with great affection our guests from the Lutheran church in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The 14 women who spent this time with us enlivened us all with their Christian witness, outgoing personalities, and ability to entertain. They assured us that they took many happy memories home with them at the end of their stay.

Just recently we received a package from them containing a letter and two beautiful, bright lap-laps that are shown here. One is printed with the map of PNG and the other with the flags of all the provinces.

The letter read in part: ‘I, as one of the 14 women delegation to Croydon, Victoria in 2009 . . . would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Your contribution to the trip last year was a blessing to me, my family, my church and the community as a whole.’

We have a dilemma. As we have nowhere to hang these lap-laps for display (and they do need to be seen and enjoyed) we are looking for ideas for what purpose we might use them as they belong to all of us. Please send us a comment or email – we would love to have your ideas. We hope to let you (and them) know what we have decided soon.

A free embroidery design for you

2010-08-05T17:34:00.007+10:00

Do you have a special little person in your life or are you expecting one soon? Are you a crafty type of person looking to make a gift that's not only cute but also reminds the recipient that they are loved by God? Well, look no further as we have a free embroidery design just for you.
Here the design has been worked on a bib (a free bib pattern can be downloaded here).
The bib has been backed with some cheery fabric and toweling from an old face washer was sandwiched in between the layers for extra absorbency!
Other ways to use the design:

as a wall hanging in the nursery
as part of a cot quilt
on a little tote bag for a young girl to take to church or Sunday School
just print it out as a colouring page
print it on special iron-on transfer paper and put it on a T-shirt

To download the design just click on the picture above, then right click on the larger image and save it to your computer. Then you just print it out! You are free to enlarge or shrink the image to suit your needs. This design is for personal and non-profit use only.

We would love to see any finished items that use this design, so please email us a photo. Enjoy!

Leaving comments

2010-07-25T14:22:00.003+10:00

Come on now, don't be shy! We love to read your feedback and ideas. If you would like to leave a comment, it's really easy. At the bottom of this post you will see it says "x comments"- just click on that with your mouse and a window will pop up. Type your comment in the box, then type in the letters and/or numbers you see in the box below the comment box. You don't have to be a blogger or have a Google account to leave a message. Click the button next to "Name/URL" to leave your name and your web address if you have one OR just click the button next to "Anonymous" if you don't want to leave your name.

If you would prefer to email LWA, you can do so by clicking on "View complete profile" near the top of the left side bar, then clicking on "email" on the profile page.

Give it a try!

Power to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG)

2010-07-25T13:48:00.005+10:00

You may have noticed from the list of projects on the side bar that LWA are fundraising for solar panels for PNG rural health centres. Most of PNG's population (more than 80%) live in remote or rural villages where there is no reliable electricity supply. This is a major problem for health workers in these areas- try delivering a baby or stitching up a wound by candle or torch light!

Unlike portable generators which require lots of maintenance and increasingly expensive fuel to keep running, solar panel systems cost little to run and need little maintenance, as well as being better for the environment. The panels can supply enough electricity to run lights at night and even small fridges which are necessary for storing vaccines and medicine.

By supporting this project you will be helping PNG health services to save lives and improve the quality of health care in PNG. Find out if your local ladies fellowship group is involved in fundraising for this project and if they're not, perhaps suggest they consider supporting it in the future. If you would like to read more, get hold of the June edition of "Lutheran Women" magazine and if you're not a subscriber, click on the link in the right hand side bar. It's only $8 per year for individual subscriptions and just $6 through your congregation's group subscription- that's less than the cost of 3 cups of coffee for a whole 12 months!

A great fundraiser

2010-07-11T14:49:00.002+10:00

If you are looking at a great way to raise money for one of our state or LWA projects why not have a bulk biscuit stall? You could have a stall after a Sunday worship service, a street stall, or any place where you can get patrons. Everyone loves homemade biscuits so they will sell themselves once you get the people along. It is really easy to organise and run. Ask volunteers to bake one or two batches (or how many they want to do) of their favourite biscuits, label the containers with ingredients and things like nut content warnings and the date baked. Place the containers and some tongs in a long line so that the contents are easy to reach and at the beginning of the line have a stack of freezer bags of suitable sizes at the ready. The idea is for the patrons to help themselves from the various containers. At the other end, have some volunteers with scales to weigh the biscuits, tie up the bags with ties and take the money. The biscuits can be sold by weight: on a board you could display the price per 100 g and then say what 250 g, 500 g etc would cost. Biscuits like Anzacs, chocolate chip, orange creams, yo-yos and melting moments for example, are a few ideas for you. A biscuit stall just before Christmas (remember Honey Biscuits?) Easter (egg or chick shaped biscuits as an alternative to chocolate?) or before school holidays would be popular. In fact biscuits are good any time of the year. One final thing: don't forget to let people know about your upcoming stall!

If you have any other great fundraising ideas or some favourite biscuit recipes to share, please leave a comment or email us- we would love to hear from you!

Welcome!

2010-06-30T18:37:00.001+10:00

Welcome to our informal news and information page! Here we will keep you up to date with what's happening on a national and local level. The above picture is the LWA executive elected at the last LWA Convention in Melbourne in late 2009. From left: Janette Neumann (treasurer), Maureen Turner (secretary), Shirley Teusner (vice president), Debbie Dreckow (extra member) and Grace Bock (president).
The banner (above) portrays the theme of the convention "Teach me Your Way, O Lord" (Psalm 86:11). It was designed by Carey Isaacson and made by Silvie Nagorcka, Lorna Schultz and Beryl Matthews. The creative team explains the symbolism of the banner as follows:
"With the loving instruction of our Heavenly Father (symbolised by the hand), the example and teaching of our Saviour Jesus (the cross), the Word of God (Bible) and the Holy Spirit (dove) guiding us along the way (path) - God teaches His way for us to walk. As we walk in God's truth along His way, those all around us are touched by His love and experience God working through us (lines flowing out from the path towards the people) and our lives and relationships will be in keeping with His will."

We have lots of exciting things to tell you about. Come and visit us often, leave a comment, become a follower, encourage friends and neighbours to visit and join us on our journey in love and service to our Lord.