President's Page 6 February 2013

Prayer points

• For emergency workers and those affected by bushfires and floods across the country
• Meetings of the College of Presidents and General Church Council next week
• Guidance and protection for the Presidents of the Church
• Thanksgiving for faithful pastors

Next week we enter the penitential Lenten season from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week up to Easter.

We have an opportunity to consider again the gift we have in confession and absolution and never are our thoughts more galvanised than at this time on the Christ of the cross.

Some of you will have opportunity to worship at midweek services or at a series of Bible studies chosen for this season.

You will notice liturgical differences such as the omission of the Alleluias. The colour of stoles and paraments will also remind us in royal violet that this is a time of mourning and repentance.

The Lord be with you in your meditations at this time.

CHANGE IN PRESIDENT’S PAGE FORMAT
As you can see, we are now distributing the President’s Page through the new LCA eNews system. LCA eNews allows you to manage your own subscription to email newsletters from agencies and departments of the LCA. You can manage your subscription, or encourage others to subscribe, at www.eNews.lca.org.au. If you have any feedback or problems with the new format of the President’s Page please contact Larissa Helbig at Larissa.helbig@lca.org.au.

  LARRY THE LAMB APP
Download the “Larry the Lamb” game App from the iTunes store for your iPhone and iPad.  Larry has been sick due to Apple’s new IOS6 software upgrade but he is now healthy.  Play the game to get Larry to his good shepherd.  Check out www.happyland.com.au for even more games, activities, and stories.

LCA DEVOTIONS
We can email you a devotion every morning.  Simply go to www.lca.org.au/devotion-archive.html and enter your email address in the top left of the screen.  There are Lenten devotions also available at www.lhm.org/lent/.

FACE TO FACE
Listen to Face to Face for messages about Lent and Easter on the radio and online via all internet devices including smart phones through www.facetoface.org.au and on iTunes (search for face to face radio programme).

FLOOD AND FIRE DISASTER RESPONSE
After the amazing million dollar Lutheran response to the 2011 Flood Disaster, and in 2009 to the Black Saturday bushfires, we know our church family cares deeply. Lives were saved and transformed by that generosity. The same is needed now, as we are a church where love comes to life for those hurt by January’s floods and fires. Donate instantly at https://donation.lca.org.au/ - click on “LCA” and then “Lutheran Church of Australia” and select LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund;  Transfer funds to:  BSB: 704942 Account #: 13286 (S1) Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund; donate by phone 1800 556 457 (LLL) or mail cheques, payable to ‘LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund’ LLL PO Box 45, North Adelaide SA 5006. Donations $2 and over are tax-deductible. Care will be provided through congregations and schools in affected regions, who will know best the most urgent and important needs local.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
The LCA congratulates those Lutheran members who received Australia Day Awards for 2013. In particular we acknowledge General Church Council and VIC/Tas District Church Council member Mr Tim Wiebusch on receiving an Emergency Services medal for his work with the Victorian SES.

AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN COLLEGE – PASSING ON THE FAITH IN 2013
The ALC 2013 academic year will commence on Monday 25th February, starting at 9am with worship in the Chapel at 104 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide SA, immediately followed by the opening lecture in the Refectory. This year marks 90 years of Lutheran education and theology on the North Adelaide campus. The address, to be given by the Principal, Rev John Henderson, will mark that occasion under the title, “Location, location, location! – a short history of 104 Jeffcott St”. Church members are cordially invited to attend, also for the morning tea and a brief tour which will follow the lecture. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Alice Lamnek by 17/2/13 on (08) 8267 7400 or by emailing alice.lamnek@alc.edu.au. (Both venues provide disability access.)

GENERAL CONVENTION WEBSITE
The website www.lcasynod.org.au provides information about General Convention and supporting events: ALIVE!175, General Pastors Conference, LWA Convention, LMA Convention and programs for young adults and students. We are encouraging congregations, social groups and family groups to travel to Adelaide together and spend the Convention week worshipping and celebrating with fellow Lutherans. Check out the website for the program of events and travel and accommodation options. Registrations for General Convention and supporting events (17-24 April) can be made via the website from 31 January.  Parish administrators, please ensure that delegates are added to your parish page in LAMP as the first step.

175 STORIES
where history comes to life!
As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations next year, we’re compiling a collection of 175 stories that will together reflect the history of Lutherans in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South-East Asia. These stories will be about everyday Lutheran men and women who exemplified service or who figured in significant events in our Lutheran narrative. The stories, which will be about people now deceased, will tell not only what they did but also something of their personality and faith. Lay people will feature prominently in the collection. We realise that not everyone can write confidently, so suggestions and ideas for stories are also invited. Examples of stories are available at www.lca.org.au/175-stories.html Please send stories (around 500 words), with a photo if possible, and suggestions for stories to Dr John Koch: John.Koch@lca.org.au or 34 Gallery Road, Highbury SA 5089. Also include the author’s name and contact details.

LCA STATISTICS ARE DUE
A reminder that your congregation’s 2012 statistics are due to be entered into the LAMP database by 28 February 2013. Thank you to the many congregations who have already completed, or are in the process of finishing entering the information. A downloadable workbook is available on LAMP to assist you collecting the appropriate data. If you need any assistance entering your statistics into LAMP please contact your District LAMP help person or email help@lca.org.au.

CALL INFORMATION
EXTENDED
Steve Liersch Onkaparinga SA to Wodonga VIC
Ben Hentschke Birdwood SA to Horsham VIC

ACCEPTED

DECLINED
John Strelan Renmark SA to Morphett Vale SA

PARISHES IN THE CALL PROCESS
New South Wales: Albury; Burrumbuttock; Griffith/Leeton; Sutherland;
New Zealand: Manawatu;
Queensland: Ipswich;
South Australia/Northern Territory: Ceduna, Dernancourt, Eudunda, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker - St Marks, Mt Barker - Cornerstone College, Salisbury, Wudinna
Victoria: Greensborough; Horsham; North West Regional, Wodonga
Western Australia: Bunbury

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LAY MINISTRY
Administrator – St Petri Nuriootpa SA – 0.8FTE
Ministry Support Officer (Office Administrator) -Immanuel Lutheran Church, Novar Gardens SA - 12 hours/week (4 hours, 3 days per week)
Lay Worker/ Ministry Worker - Kids Club - Albert Park, SA - 6-8 hours/week
LCA Director for Lay Ministry - Lutheran Church of Australia - Based in Adelaide - Full-time
Cambodia, Sudan & Kenya Program Officer - Australian Lutheran World Service - Based in Albury NSW - Full-time
Associate Chaplain as Pastoral Carer - Lutheran Community Care Qld, Wahroonga, Biloela Qld - 2 days a week
Coordinator, BLAYZ - Bethania Lutheran Community Church, Qld - 0.2FTE
Youth Worker - St Stephen's Lutheran Church, Adelaide, SA - 0.2FTE

For more information please visit the LCA web site: http://www.lca.org.au/employment-opportunities.html