The front door of grace: hospitality as mission

by Rev David Schmidt, Assistant Bishop for Mission

'We’re a friendly church.'

Most of us would happily say that about our congregation. We smile, shake hands and offer coffee. But what happens after the hello? Do we make room for someone new—or head back to the people we already know?

A new resource for congregations, The Heart of Welcome, tells the story of a man who regularly arrived late to worship, sat at the back and left quickly. People smiled, but nobody really knew him. Perhaps he preferred to keep to himself, they thought.

Then Ruth invited him for coffee.

She discovered that his wife had died, but he had kept coming because the congregation’s prayers helped him feel that someone was carrying his worries—even though nobody knew his story.

Nobody had pushed him away. But nobody had really drawn him in, either.

Friendliness says, 'Nice to see you.' Welcome says, 'There’s room for you here.'

For Christians, that welcome begins with grace. 'Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you,' writes Paul (Romans 15:7). We don’t welcome people because they understand our worship, share our background or have life sorted out. We welcome because Christ has first welcomed us.

Yet what feels comfortable to us can feel confusing to someone else. We know the language, the routines and the people. A newcomer may know none of those things. A warm handshake is a good beginning, but it isn’t the whole journey.

Help Intercept support young people in Moreton Bay region!

A little practical support at the right time can open up new opportunities for a young person.

Each year, Intercept Youth & Family Program in Caboolture raises funds for its bursary program, helping young people with practical costs that can support their education, employment and independence.

That could mean helping a young person pay for:

• driving lessons
• a White Card or First Aid certificate
• a school laptop or uniform
• a bicycle
• a specialist appointment.

This year, Intercept is again raising funds through its annual Trivia Night on Friday, 23 October 2026.

Can you help?

You can support the fundraiser by making a donation or contributing a prize for the Trivia Night auction.

To make a donation by EFT:

Account name: Lutheran Services
BSB: 084 424
Account number: 668567293
Reference: Intercept Bursary + your surname

Donations over $2 are tax-deductible. To request a receipt, email finance@lutheranservices.org.au.

If you would like to donate an auction prize, or have any questions, contact the Intercept Fundraising Team at Intercept.fundraising@lutheranservices.org.au or 07 5428 1684.

Every contribution helps Intercept give young people practical support to take their next step.

Thank you for supporting the young people in our community.

Little ones rejoice at LORDS

by Janette Keith

The Lutheran Holiday Program was held again this year in the September school holidays, at LORD’S school campus Pimpama.

98 children and 57 leaders and helpers enjoyed the theme “Rejoice in the Lord Always! You’re invited to PARTY PARTY PARTY!!!"

The children spent time in Bible stories, memory verse, craft, imagination station, snacks and outdoor games. It was great to get to know the children and share the love of Jesus with them.

Looking to the future we will continue to share the love of Jesus via upcoming events in the Alberton Lutheran Parish with these attending families, including 'Messy Church', monthly youth gatherings, LYQ camps, and more.

Rejoice!

Seeking board members, Queensland Lutheran Giving

by Trevor Ruthenberg, District Executive Officer at Lutheran Church of Australia, Queensland District

Dear Saints,

I bring to your attention a need in our church, and I seek your commitment to pray into this need please.

Queensland Lutheran Giving (QLG) needs up to five more board members. QLG provides support to vulnerable people in times of need, but it also has other opportunities that need to be developed. 

QLG is a Public Ancillary Fund and is a registered Charity (Not-For-Profit (NFP)), Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), and registered with the ACNC, with the LCAQD as the sole member (making it wholly owned by the LCAQD).  We have several trusts set up under QLG with the option of adding more as the need arises.

The current directors have a plan to assist every congregation of the LCAQD to be able to help people in need in their own community, speaking directly into the LCAQD new Strategic Charter. The current QLG board needs support to develop QLG’s capacity to achieve this goal.

To this end we are asking you, the members of the LCAQD, to:

1. Pray for the Directors of QLG and
2. Consider joining the QLG Board and/or tapping someone on the shoulder who you think fits the profile of person we are looking for, to become a Director.