What's 50.500 all about?

50.500 faith.freedom.future. is just about ready to fly! It's our LCA/NZ way of thanking God for his past blessings and looking forwards with confidence to where he's leading us in the future. It includes national and local events, activities and programs that celebrate our 50th birthday as the LCA (this year) and commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (next year).
There's a lot to get excited about.

When does it start?

50.500 faith.freedom.future. was introduced to the LCA/NZ last year at General Convention of Synod. If you were there, you helped us launch it by waving a yellow balloon. If you weren't there, you've probably seen the photos of a huge hall filled with balloons. The initiative runs for the entire synodical term, 2015-2018. It takes flight early next week, when we'll launch the 50.500 website. We'll send you another email when the website is up and flying.

Sneak Preview

Here's a sneak preview of just three things you'll find on the website next week, and once 50.500 gathers momentum there'll be something new added just about every week: an event, an activity, a resource. More info next week ... in the meantime, fasten your seat belts and get ready for take-off!

Service Cookbook

We're building some 'recipes' you can use to serve your local communities. All our recipes use tried-and-true methods of taking the Bread of Life to people near and far. And yes, we'll want to add your favourite service recipe to our collection, too.

Research Competition

Here's a brilliant way to document the history of your congregation, plus engage your young people in its life and mission. This Lutheran Archives competition comes with cash prizes to give your young people extra incentive to get involved.

'Have a Go!' Fund

So you've shelved that plan for local mission because you couldn't afford to do it? This fund provides up to $25,000 for congregations, schools and communities that are prepared to 'have a go' at something new in grassroots mission and ministry.

Why are you receiving this email?
We know you have a keen interest in the mission and ministry of the LCA/NZ, so we're sure you'll want to know about this exciting initiative. If you are a General Convention delegate, you'll want to know how 50.500 (which you helped to launch) is unfolding throughout this synodical term, so you can share the information with the people you represent. (As with all official LCA eNews, pastors and lay workers in active service are required to remain subscribed to this list.)