9 October 2013

Prayer points
• Students and teachers as they begin the new school term
• The College of Bishops and General Church Council as they meet in the coming week
• Thanksgiving for Australian Lutheran College pastoral ministry graduates being prepared for assignment to parishes
• That young men and women will be challenged to consider a call to serve in specialized ministries in the Church

BELLS FOR CONGREGATIONS IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Finke River Mission is looking for bells for congregations in Central Australia. Small hand-rung bells are required for home devotions and other larger bells are required for future church buildings. If you or your congregation are able to help please contact Pastor Robert Borgas to arrange collection and transport on 08 8952 4666 or Robert.borgas@lca.org.au.

IPAD OFFER ENDING SOON
There are only 7 iPads left from our 2012/13 offering.  If you are looking at purchasing the latest 32GB wifi-cellular iPad (including AppleCare program, case and screen protector) for the best price available of $634.00 then now is the time to order. Please click here and place your order http://www.lca.org.au/ipad-offer.html. Next day dispatch from Adelaide or collect from National Office.  Please share this offer with your friends, family, congregation, school or aged care facility. This is the perfect gift for people of all ages especially with Christmas less than 12 weeks away! Hurry before they all run out.

LAY MINISTRY CONFERENCE
One of the recurring highlights in the Lay Ministry world is the National Lay Workers Conference.  This year’s event will be no exception, meeting 4-8 November at Warrambui, NSW under the theme ‘Discovering, Empowering, Releasing’. Guest speakers include John North (Ambassadors for Christ), Pastor Fred Veerhuis, Pastor Bob Kempe and Bishop John Henderson. But of course, the most important part will be the friendship, networking and care between all those who attend.  ‘On behalf of the Board, I encourage everyone to attend and receive the joys and blessings that will go with it’ Kym Wallent, BLM Chair. The 2013 Conference promises to be a time of listening, visioning, planning and being refreshed. Contact the Board for Lay Ministry for further details: erika.mills@lca.org.au.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR LUTHERAN ARCHIVES ARCHIVIST
Due to the impending retirement of the current archivist, applications are invited for the position of archivist. The work of the Archivist is to preserve and make available for research the historical records of the LCA. The role involves working with researchers and volunteers. Competence in research and writing is important. Expressions of interest are invited from persons with archival qualifications and/or experience, and with an interest in the history of the Lutheran Church in Australia. A position description is available on the LCA website or contact the LCA National Office 08 8267 7300 or admin@lca.org.au. Closing date for applications is Friday, 8 November 2013.

AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN COLLEGE SEEKS NEW PRINCIPAL
Australian Lutheran College (ALC) is the post-secondary education provider of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Due to the recent election of the ALC Principal to the position of Bishop of the LCA, the Board of Directors is seeking a new Principal to lead ALC. The final appointment will be made via a call of the church through the LCA General Church Council. It is the role of the Principal to inform and implement the board’s vision, and to guide the various parties within ALC in such a manner as to ensure that there exists a shared and committed energy for the mission, values and aspirations of the college. The Principal will implement a strategy that keeps ALC at the forefront of educational practice and relevance for the LCA, and which maintains the college’s core position within the life and service of the church. For a detailed position description and application form, please visit the ALC website. Expressions of interest will be received via email until Monday 21 October 2013. Address all emails to the Secretary of the Board of Directors, Rev Stephen Schulz: stephen.schultz@lca.org.au, and attach relevant information in MS Word format only.

UPDATE YOUR DETAILS FOR THE 2014 LCA YEARBOOK
The LCA is preparing for the production of the 2014 Yearbook. Please ensure that if you are a pastor, lay worker or member of a board, commission, committee  or department of the LCA or a district or a congregation that your personal details and those of your organisation are up to date in LAMP.  This is your responsibility rather than that of the District of National office.  Unable to remember your password to LAMP?  Use the ‘forgotten password’  message on the website login page.   If you have any problems updating any details please email the LAMP helpline at help@lamp.lca.org.au   The deadline for updated entries in Lamp to be included in the 2014 Yearbook is 16th October 2013.

LSF NATIONAL RETREAT 2014
For many years, LSF (Lutheran Students and Friends) has run a national camp for young adults over summer, where those who have finished high school can gather, connect, have fun, and grow in faith.
The LSF National Retreat gathers young adults (post high school, generally 18-30) from all around Australia for a week of fun, fellowship, study, and a chance to explore the big questions in an important transitional time in life. The retreat for 2014 will be held in Victoria at Tandara Lutheran Camp, Halls Gap, from 20-24 January 2014 under the theme 'Camp Q&A.' Guest panellists will help to answer young adults' questions through panel discussion and open forum. This will be a weeklong chance for young adults to explore their big questions, as well as making connections and having fun. More details are available at www.lsf.org.au/vic .

CHANGE TO BASE LINE CHARGES ON LCA TELSTRA CONTACT
There has been an increase in the base line charges for land line telephone services from Telstra.  This is their general increase and is the first increase for a number of years.  This has come through in the recent billing rounds and is backdated to about mid-August.  However, it is obvious that someone at Telstra has got a little overzealous with the increases and instead of approximately $2 per line per month the amount is ranging from $8 to $12 per month.  Telstra are reviewing their processes and will be endeavouring to fix it in the next billing round.  If there is not a credit for the overcharge on your next account please call Telstra direct on 1800 730 065 (option 2) and complain directly.

TELSTRA CONTRACT RENEWED
The LCA have recently signed a new contract with Telstra, which now replaces the one signed in December 2010.  This has resulted in
• reductions to call rates and increases to data allowances on most mobile plans.
• reductions on call rates on landlines
• introduction of Ultimate Mobile plans
• definitions of data access for LCA organisations; and
• anniversary date is now June (changed from December)
If you do not notice these changes coming through your billing cycles please contact Telstra on 1800730065 (option 2) or if you are not a party to the contract and wish to transfer in please call Church Resources (1300CHURCH) to arrange.

CALL INFORMATION

EXTENDED
Joel Cramer Lavington NSW to Katanning Narrogin WA
Peter Faggotter Magill SA to Sutherland NSW
Ray Morris FRM NT to Caloundra QLD
Andrew Brook Box Hill VIC to Middle Park QLD
Mat Eckermann Kingaroy QLD to Gympie QLD
Mathew Ker Temora NSW to Warrnambool VIC
Tim Koch Christ Church Murray Bridge SA to Southern Flinders SA
Mark Nitschke Noosa QLD to Mount Barker SA
Allan Wain Tea Tree Gully SA to Ceduna SA

ACCEPTED
Mark Kaesler Warradale SA to Seaford SA

DECLINED
Thomas Bohmert Bordertown SA to Birdwood SA
Mark Vainikka Concordia College Toowoomba QLD to Redcliffe QLD

PARISHES IN THE CALL PROCESS
New South Wales: Albury; Burrumbuttock; Griffith/Leeton; Sutherland;
New Zealand:
Queensland: Caloundra; Middle Park; Redcliffe
South Australia/Northern Territory: Birdwood; Ceduna, Eudunda, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker - St Marks, Salisbury, Warradale; Woodville; Wudinna
Victoria: Melbourne Ballarat; Outer Eastern; North West Regional, Wodonga
Western Australia: