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Church@Home October 2022

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Strengthening our relationship with God

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Australia and New Zealand, some members are still missing out on worship with their local congregations due to being unwell or caring for those who are. However, these devotional pages are not just for those unable to get to church. We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week as well as at Sunday worship. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa 

John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

When blessings become god by Eden Bishop

Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress (Judges 10:14).

Read Judges 10:6–16.

We rely on many things to provide us with ‘blessings’. These can include our own abilities, money, family and hobbies. Yet, these things are gifts from God, not things that provide us with blessings. And, if we aren’t careful, these things can start to take over all our spare time, and we can begin to give them credit for our happiness.

The Israelites worshipped other gods, falsely believing this would lead to more blessings than simply relying on the one true God. It had quite the opposite effect, bringing suffering and misery because it cut them off from God, the one true source of all blessings. This failure becomes quite apparent in their distress: the false gods cannot save them, and they must turn to God for deliverance.

In this text, we can hear God’s exasperation with his people, just like an exasperated parent. God was the one who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and provided for them in the desert, yet the Israelites continuously turned to other gods for provision. God’s response highlights how false these other gods are – we trust them to bring us good things, so why don’t we trust them to provide deliverance? Why do we call on God only in times of distress? The false gods can’t actually save us, which reveals how they also fail to provide us with good things. It is God who blesses and delivers.

This text also highlights God’s great love for us. Despite his exasperation, he still had mercy on them and delivered the Israelites when they turned back to him. God is forgiving and truly loves his people. God wants to provide for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we have turned to false gods, such as our possessions and hobbies, to bring us happiness. Please forgive us for failing to trust in you to provide us with blessings. Thank you for your mercy. Amen.

Holy glasses by Annie Duarte

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Read Matthew 10:24–39.

Do you have the lens of eternity? A heavenly lens is just one of many gifts you receive as a Christ-follower. When you put these special glasses on, you can see things as they ought to be. As much as the Father reveals, you can see what is happening behind the scenes.

With the lens of eternity, you are given a filter for what is important. You can look at a desert and witness springs bursting forth. You can look at dry bones and see that flesh will return to them. You can carry an umbrella during a drought in faith. You can face the bitterness of death and loss with the hope of the resurrection.

This anointed lens of eternity also empowers you to sift through deception and discern what is true, what aligns with God’s word. You can see the brokenness of a heart though it is disguised in the defences of harsh language or violent behaviour. You can see the loneliness and longing buried beneath a mask of aloofness. You can see a rotten core inside of a shiny, attractive exterior.

This is the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The same holy perspective is necessary when you face opposition and adversity especially because of your faith. I have heard it said that fear is having faith in the wrong kingdom. To fear humans – and those who kill the body but not the soul – is to have more confidence in their ability to destroy than in God’s ability to save and redeem.

You are running the marathon, bound for eternity! Place your faith in the one who can actually impact eternity, the one who has won it for you – Jesus. Slip on your lenses of eternity to see things as he sees them. Don’t waste your time and energy fearing people or fretting about earthly problems when the victory has already been won.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Amen.

PRAYER

LORD JESUS THINK ON ME       

Lord Jesus, think on me,
and purge away my sin;
from earthbound passions
set me free,
and make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me
by care and woe oppressed;
let me your loving servant be,
and taste your promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
amid the bitter strife;
through all my pain and misery
become my health and life.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when the trial is past,
I may your radiant glory see,
and share your joy at last.

– Synesius of Cyrene, (373-414AD). Translated by Allen William Chatfield.
Sourced from justprayer.org

Matthew 10:30,31
Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid.

Being prepared for an unknown deadline by Pastor Steve Liersch

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. He will dress himself to serve, make them recline at the table and wait on them (Luke 12:37).

Read Luke 12:32–40.

Recently, my wife and I went away with friends for the weekend, sharing our return time with one of our children still at home. We had discussed coming home on Monday evening, but around 2.00pm on Sunday, we received a call ‘just checking’ to see if it was Sunday or Monday we were returning as a small number of tasks hadn’t yet been completed. For example, bringing in the washing and vacuuming the floors.

Mild panic can set in when we know we haven’t achieved all that must be done by a given deadline. Distractions abound these days – especially social media time lost, not to mention TV, friends and hobbies, along with the busyness of life. Sometimes the essentials of life can be left to the last minute, and for some, this can also include giving appropriate attention to spiritual and eternal needs.

When Jesus reminds his disciples and us that we must be ready for his return, being watchful, dressed and expectant, he is forewarning us (and the world for that matter) that he will return. He wants to find us ready and waiting for the blessings he has in store for us eternally. Only God knows when that ‘deadline’ will eventuate, and so these words help prepare us to be recipients of his grace.

There’s also something wonderful in the image of Jesus dressed to serve us in heaven, blessing us with his heavenly banquet at the table he has prepared for us.

How well prepared are you to meet Jesus should this life’s deadline come tomorrow?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your willingness to give us a place in your kingdom. Help me treasure what this world can’t provide, namely your Son Jesus as our Lord, Saviour and Servant King. Prepare my life with your Spirit and word every day. Amen.

It is time that nations honour Jesus by Craig Heidenreich

And they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles (Isaiah 66:19b).

Read Isaiah 66:18–23.

I suspect that most of us reading this today are not Jews. That means you are numbered (with me) among the Gentiles referred to in this passage.

The Lord uses Isaiah to open up some new thinking for the Israelites and begin shifting their focus to his greater purpose – to ‘win the Gentiles’. God had spoken to Abraham many centuries before, saying, ‘all the nations will be blessed through you’, but the Israelites had become habitually focused on themselves.

Thank God for the prophetic insight given to Isaiah and for men like Paul who understood that the Jews were God’s chosen people – to be priests to the nations, not just to themselves.

Most of us are old enough to have seen a dramatic shift in the ethnic mix of Australia and New Zealand over the past few decades. Are we seeing an outworking of these verses in Isaiah? Are we in a time when God is choosing to declare his glory among the Gentiles? Last time I checked, God uses his people to declare his glory!

In Exodus 33, Moses asked the Lord, ‘show me your glory’, and he responded by saying, ‘I myself will make all my “goodness” pass before you’.

Perhaps we are to show the goodness of God to newcomers in our midst so that they get to see his glory. Surely the gospel is good news and unique among the messages of the world religions. People should have the opportunity to taste it.

Lord, help me lift my eyes above my own situation and show your goodness to others who have come from afar. May we come to your holy mountain together. Amen.

22

Church@Home August 2022

/in , , ,

Strengthening our relationship with God

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Australia and New Zealand, some members are still missing out on worship with their local congregations due to being unwell or caring for those who are. However, these devotional pages are not just for those unable to get to church. We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week as well as at Sunday worship. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa 

Psalm 121:7,8
The Lord will keep you from all harm … the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

What do I have to do? by Darren Pope

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Psalm 15:1).

Read Psalm 15.

Alarm switched off, out-of-office reply set – hooray for holidays! Woohoo, it’s time to do nothing! As I ponder breakfast choices, the list of jobs attached to the fridge door catches my eye. Okay, that’s for later. Back in the bathroom, the squeaky door bugs me again. That’s for later, too. A check of the mailbox reminds me of the tall grass that needs taming out front. Can that wait for later, also? Hmm, I just started holidays, and I feel loaded with all the stuff I have to get done. There’s a long and impossible list of tasks. Maybe it is relaxing that will need to wait until later!

As the psalmist, David often shares beautiful imagery, lyrics or poetic prose. In Psalm 15, we read questions from David seeking clarity about needing to be blameless, righteous, truthful, do no wrong, not change his mind, give away his money and keep all his promises to be in relationship with God. So, what’s with the long list of impossible tasks? If this all relies on me, it is not going to happen. There is no way I can make and keep a promise to do all of that, all of the time. If I need to do all those things to earn God’s love, I’ll fail!

Here’s the great news. David didn’t know God’s plan yet. It’s actually Jesus that does all those things on the long and impossible list – and more. He does them for us. He lived fully human and fully God, so he understands how hard it is every day. More than this, he died and rose for us. It’s always God’s work, not ours, that matters. His love is free, unconditional and never-ending. So, what do I have to do? Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

We are saved by his grace through faith.

Lord of love, thank you for walking with me today. The list feels long, but I know you’ve got this. I live in your grace and love. Amen.

You can handle the truth by Pastor Reid Matthias

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13a).

Read John 16:12–15.

n the movie, A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson plays a passionate yet deceitful military officer, confronted by an upstart lawyer accusing him of the heinous crime of covering up the chain of command, which leads to murder. During the most iconic scene, Nicholson takes the stand, swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him, God.

When posed with a yes or no answer as to whether he ordered the hazing of a marine, Nicholson gives an impassioned speech, criticising the lawyer and openly questioning those who don’t understand the military’s role. At the end of the monologue, his face full of fury, he iconically states: ‘You can’t handle the truth’.

There are many times in my life when I feel like that. When the next straw falls on top of the last one, our backs feel broken, and our spirits crushed, I wonder if I can handle the truthful statement that life really isn’t fair.

In our reading today, Jesus, about to be led to Golgotha, describes the unfairness of what will happen to him and the struggle the disciples will encounter afterwards. Knowing that his disciples could be overwhelmed by the entirety of the news of his death (and not listen to the good news following), he tells them, ‘I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear’.

In other words, I don’t have enough time to ease you into this and to be honest, you couldn’t handle the truth.

Thus, Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, the one who will guide them into all the promises that Jesus has for them. The Spirit of truth, the Advocate, the one who will speak to them and for them, will reveal that there is much more to this life than death and despair, pandemic and pestilence, inflation and unfairness.

There is the resurrection. And the hope. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

That is the truth they can handle.

Heavenly Father, through your Spirit who listens to the Son, please guide me into all the truth of your promises and relieve me from the fears that press in so closely. Amen.

PRAYER

THE GOLDEN CORD
Through every minute of this day,
Be with me, Lord!

Through every day of all this week,
Be with me, Lord!

Through every week of all this year,
Be with me, Lord!

Through all the years of all this life,
Be with me, Lord!

So shall the days and weeks and years
Be threaded on a golden cord,

And all draw on with sweet accord
Unto Thy fullness, Lord,

That so, when time is past,
By grace, I may at last,
Be with Thee, Lord.

– John Oxenham, (1952-1841, published in ‘Bees in Amber’ 1913). Oxenham was a novel writer, journalist, poet, and Christian teacher. Sourced from justprayer.org

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

At home with Martha and Mary by Ruth Olsen

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her (Luke 10:42).

Read Luke 10:38–42.

Imagine being at home with Martha and Mary. Luke tells us that it was Martha who opened her home to Jesus, and she had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. In John 12:1–3, we read that the village is Bethany, and Lazarus lived with them also. In both settings, Martha is serving, probably exercising a gift of hospitality. Jesus was obviously at home with them, more than welcome to be there.

Luke says that Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was probably feeling under pressure and increasingly frustrated doing what needed to be done. Many of us, and predominantly women, most likely, can identify with her, whether we have the gift of hospitality or not. And if we are not responsible for preparing the food, we probably don’t even give it a thought.

From observation, Mary’s focus and priority were not on preparing food for the guests, and we can imagine there were other people in the home listening to Jesus also. Where would you be – in Martha’s shoes or Mary’s? Hospitality and food preparation are necessary parts of life. In any culture where it is expected that women do the food preparation and serving, people would agree with Martha’s frustrated plea to Jesus for him to tell Mary to help her. Do you sense the moment? Jesus heard Martha’s request, knew her heart in her frustration, but said, ‘Martha, Martha … only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’. Do you sense a shift in priorities? And that sitting at the feet of Jesus is open to women also?

What catches your attention in this Scripture passage? Are you willing for Jesus to be at home with you?

Lord Jesus, we welcome you to be at home with us also. Enable us to hear what you are saying to us, and by the power of your Spirit, enable us to change focus to pursue listening to you. Thank you!

Set your face towards the lost sheep of Israel by Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6).

Read Matthew 10:5–23.

When God calls, we are in a privileged place to be invited into God’s mission. Sometimes that takes us along smooth paths, but more often, we get called to roads we neither expect nor might choose. That’s certainly been my experience.

And when God calls, he typically sets our faces towards the lost. Indeed, if we are honest with ourselves, we are all lost (and so terribly lost!), and until we acknowledge that, we cannot be found.

Jesus came, remember, to seek the lost.

And so, as soon as we can recognise that we are as lost as the next person, the sooner we can know that God is actively seeking us. But God never leaves us where he finds us. Whether that is to a new station in life, a new town or country, or a new mindset, God leads us to a new place.

We, the lost, are found and then sent with a new call on our lives. That may be a call to see things differently in our own backyard or a whole new backyard. Either way, we are called to set our faces towards the lost.

Lord Jesus, you set your face towards us because we were lost and then call us to seek the lost sheep of Israel. Help me acknowledge my own lostness so that you can truly find me, and then give me eyes to see the lost ones you lead me to. Amen.

23

Church@Home July 2022

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Nurturing faith in between Sundays

With many people still facing uncertainty, grief or economic pressures due to the COVID pandemic, plus the devastation of floods and bushfires close to home and war overseas, we can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with Jesus and helps to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa

James 1:2,3
Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

PTL – praise the Lord by Pastor Tim Klein

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you (Psalm 67:5).

Read Psalm 67.

I know a person, though unable to speak, who praises God with loud cries. I know another who, when singing, sings with tear-washed cheeks. And still, another who sings with arms raised high, head lifted up, heart open and eyes closed, all attention on the Lord. I know another person who, at one point, would respond to every good thing, saying ‘PTL’!

We are all called to praise the Lord. We each praise the Lord in our own unique way, for our own reasons, yet our praise is shared. This word from Psalm 67 says it: ‘Let all the peoples praise you’.

In Revelation, chapter 5, John is given a vision of millions and millions of people praising God around his throne: ‘The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and praise.’

And then there were more! ‘All beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honour, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”’

Do you love to praise the Lord? What are some of your memorable times of praising the Lord? What are your reasons for praising the Lord?

Mostly, our praises to the Lord are carried in singing – from the classic hymn Praise to the Lord (LH 442) to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Tim Tscharke’s Singing All Praises to Benjamin Hastings’ O Praise the Name (Anástasis).

Perhaps you might finish your time of reflection by calling to mind your reasons to praise the Lord and spending some time in praise.

Lord, you are gracious to us and bless us. You shine your face on us. You judge the peoples of the earth with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Your earth yields more than enough for all the world’s needs. You have truly blessed us. And so, with all the nations, we praise you, O Lord. Amen.

Home and away by Stuart Gray

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1–10.

My wife and I enjoy camping. We have the freedom to easily explore our country with relatively few encumbrances. But when camping, we are exposed to the elements, the wind and rain, the hot and cold.

So, we also enjoy our home where we feel grounded and largely protected from the elements. Home is where our community lives. But we can’t have both lifestyles at the same time.

In this passage, Paul talks about living our lives in an ‘earthly tent’ that is temporary, frail and vulnerable. But we look forward to being with God, which Paul describes as ‘an eternal house in heaven’. God’s house is permanent.

Paul says in verse one that we know if the earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from God. In verse four, Paul says we know that as long as we are in our bodies, we are away from the Lord, but because God has given us the Holy Spirit as a deposit, a guarantee of what is to come, we are always confident of our heavenly destination.

Paul’s words, ‘we know’ and ‘always confident’, show no doubt. That’s the power of the Holy Spirit. ‘We live by faith, not by sight.’ While we are in our earthly bodies, we groan and are burdened, but by faith, we are confident that our destination is the eternal house in heaven.

So how does Paul resolve this dilemma of wanting to be with God while living in our earthly bodies? We do so by making it our goal to please God, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

And Paul says that what we do with our lives matters as we will all ‘appear before the judgement seat of Christ so that each may receive due recompense for actions done in the body, whether good or evil’.

Heavenly Father, give us the will, power and strength to do what is pleasing to you. Give us clarity about our purpose in life so that we may fully live a life that is acceptable to you. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

PRAYER

PRAYER OF PRAISE 

O God,
You alone are unutterable,
from the time you created all things
that can be spoken of.

You alone are unknowable,
from the time you created all things
that can be known.

All things cry out about you,
those which speak,
and those which cannot speak.

All things honour you;
those which think,
and those which cannot think.

For there is one longing, one groaning,
that all things have for you.

All things pray to you that perceive your plan
and offer you a silent hymn.

In you, the One,
all things abide,
and all things endlessly run to you
who are the end of all.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
– Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (330-389AD),
sourced from justprayer.org

2 Timothy 1:7
For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

A faithful spirit by Carolyn Ehrlich

‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit’, Elisha replied (2 Kings 2:9b).

Read 2 Kings 2:1–12.

Elisha was Elijah’s protégé. Elisha was transitioning to take on his job. But he recognised the faithful spirit of Elijah. Elisha asked that he take over his work and receive a double portion of his faithfulness. And it was granted.

At the same time as taking on the faithful spirit of Elijah, Elisha was different from Elijah. We recognise Elijah as a great prophet, but Elisha did more miracles, Elisha spent more time with people, and Elisha showed tenderness and ongoing compassion for others, which was quite different from Elijah’s prophetic ministry.

Even though Elisha asked for and inherited a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, he did not try and replicate Elijah. Instead, he worked with the strengths that God had given him.

So, we need to admire the faithfulness of others, and we need to replicate those spiritual gifts, but we need to do it in our own God-led way. How God leads and directs me is different to how God leads and directs you.

It is within this diversity that we can collectively act as one body of Christ.

Ask God today to lead you into realising your God-given gifts, talents and strengths to his glory

Heavenly Father, you have given each of us unique gifts and talents. Like Elisha, I pray that you will fill me with a spirit of faithfulness to you. Thank you for all that you have given me. Show me how to use my unique gifts, talents and strengths for your glory this day and always. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

There’s something about them … by Georgie Schuster

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

Read Acts 4:5–21.

We like things that make sense. One plus one equals two, and all is right with the world. But it can be confronting when something doesn’t appear to add up.

The educated men (rulers, elders, teachers of the law, the high priest etc) would have done their research on Peter and John as they sought reasons to silence them.

Initially fishermen by trade, one could expect their skillset and expertise to be confined to that profession. But then they hung around the itinerant Jesus, who challenged long-held traditions and understandings and was crucified for his troubles. Reports had been made of his resurrection, but he had since disappeared off the face of the earth.

Still, his influence seemed to be spreading. Peter and John were going around healing people using Jesus’ name! Now, these same men stood before the hierarchy and spoke with boldness. They even had the audacity and courage to quote Scripture, naming Jesus as the one whom the psalmist referenced … in front of some of the same men who orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion.

So how did they go from being ordinary, uneducated fishermen to men of courage who performed miracles and spoke with authority? Well, they did spend time – a lot of time – with Jesus. He seemed to have a profound and life-changing impact on these two extraordinary men … and they weren’t (and aren’t) the only ones!

How does spending time with Jesus impact you and influence your words and actions?

Dear God, thank you for all the ways we get to spend time together. You share your love and refresh my soul in many different ways. You show me paths to walk and people to connect with. I look forward to what you have in store for me today! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

24

LCANZ leaders confer on church worker supply

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LCANZ leaders have met to discuss and address the urgent church worker supply shortage confronting the church.

Over the next 10 years, half of our active pastors will retire from full-time ministry. Currently the LCANZ has 239 pastors in active ministry. Seventeen men are serving as Specific Ministry Pastors, and there are 15 Aboriginal pastors.

Across the church, 65 Lutheran communities are seeking a pastor to serve among them. However, over the next two years, only five students are expected to graduate from Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in the pastoral ministry stream.

‘Lutheran Education Australia is working hard to prepare principals and leaders for our Lutheran schools’, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith said, ‘but our church needs more Lutheran women and men to be available for these roles.

‘In addition, parishes and church agencies are facing a dire situation regarding trained church workers being available to serve for the ministries of the church.’

The full-day Ministry Futures workshop, held in Adelaide on 18 May, was called by the College of Bishops to consider the church worker supply challenges the LCANZ faces, including ways to provide word and sacrament ministry as the number of Lutheran communities without a pastor increases.

Joining the bishops in the workshop were Pastor James Winderlich (ALC principal), Dr Tania Nelson (Executive Officer for Local Mission) and the three District mission directors, pastors Brett Kennett (Victoria), David Schmidt (Queensland) and Stephen Schultz (SA-NT). The workshop was facilitated by Victorian District Bishop Emeritus Greg Pietsch.

According to Bishop Smith, a strong theme of the day was ‘urgency to work together passionately and purposefully’ on this matter. ‘Participants commented often: “We don’t have time to dither”’.

At the heart of the morning session, workshop participants gathered in small groups for a long session of prayer together, with lament, petition, and thanksgiving.

Three key priorities emerged from the workshop conversations:

  • Pathways: develop pathways for specific ministries, such as pastor or chaplain, including specific pathways for ministries in schools and aged care, and church planting.
  • Regionalising: develop regional collaboration to determine how local areas work together for the provision of word and sacrament ministry in the mission God gives us.
  • Ordering Ministry: establish clear language for how we understand the ordering of ministry amongst us, including what we understand to be flexible. This includes engaging with CTICR’s 2022 project in the study of ordering ministry. (Currently the ordering is bishop, pastor, lay worker, and includes Lutheran principal, Lutheran teacher and chaplain.)

‘We are a small church denomination numerically’, said Bishop Smith, ‘but our Lutheran communities are a vital participant in the work of the gospel in Australia and New Zealand.

‘The group that met in May asks the people of the LCANZ to continue this work of prayer, asking the Lord to guide the outcomes of this preliminary work. Lord, make us bold for the sake of mission. Amen.’

The College of Bishops is working with Bishop Emeritus Pietsch to progress the recommendations of the workshop participants, including consultation and engagement across the LCANZ.

Participants at the LCANZ’s Ministry Futures workshop decided to share the whiteboard notes from their first session’s work. See the LCA website’s news section if you’d like to read the transcript.

25

Church@Home June 2022

/in , , ,

Nurturing faith in between Sundays

With many people still facing uncertainty, grief or economic pressures due to the COVID pandemic, plus the devastation of floods and bushfires close to home and war overseas, we can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with Jesus and helps to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa

John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

Feed my lambs by Neil Bergmann

Peter said to Jesus, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs’ (John 21:15).

Read John 21:1–19.

Jesus’ death and resurrection confirm for all of us that we are saved, redeemed and reconciled forever to God’s favour – not because we are good enough, not because we believe enough, not because we understand enough, but because Jesus is enough.

We know what we have been saved from – sin, death and the power of the devil. But what have we been saved for?

Given that we can be absolutely confident in God’s promise of salvation, and we know we can do nothing more to secure eternal life, how do we respond to that impossibly generous and totally undeserved gift?

Today’s reading – and indeed, much of Scripture – gives us guidance on how we might live in response to God’s love. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Peter declares his love for Jesus three times here. Jesus responds by telling Peter how he can live out that love – feed my lambs, tend my sheep and feed my sheep.

If Jesus died for all, then all are part of his flock, and each of us is called to feed and tend that flock. We show our love for God by loving our neighbours. Each of us will be called to exercise that love differently. For some, it will be literally feeding those without enough to eat or caring for those society has forgotten. For others, it will be providing spiritual food through proclaiming the gospel, praying and giving encouragement and comfort.

Not just as individuals but also as communities of faith, Jesus asks us, ‘Do you love me?’ We respond as Peter did, ‘Yes. Lord, you know that I love you’. As individuals and also as communities of faith, we need to pray for God’s guidance on how to live out that love in our neighbourhoods.

Lord, you know that I love you because you first loved me. Guide me to understand how you are calling me to be part of your mission to feed your lambs. Amen.

Anxious humility by Emma Strelan

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6,7).

Read 1 Peter 5:1–7.

It’s always been a secret desire of mine to be known for my humility. One of my favourite Bible passages is Micah 6:8, ‘Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly’. I’ve wanted people to say to each other after I’ve spent time around them, ‘Wow, Emma’s such a humble person’. Of course, I’d never say I was humble – that wouldn’t be very humble of me! But after reading this passage, I wonder if I’ve had the right idea of what humility really is.

I often think that humility is a form of lowering oneself, not expecting or feeling you deserve a specific level of respect or power.

However, when I try to be humble by telling myself that I’m worthless, not good enough or not deserving, this actually leads to a lot of anxiety. The Greek word for anxiety (merimna) suggests worry ‘as when one does not know whether to do this or that’. And boy, do I have a lot of that kind of anxiety! When I put myself down in an attempt to be humble, I don’t feel I can trust my own decisions – after all, what right do I have to know what to do?

It may seem like this 1 Peter passage gives us two separate commands. However, it actually suggests giving one’s anxiety to God as a way of humbling oneself. If I were to give up my anxiety, I would feel much more secure in who I am. And that’s what humility really is – a sure understanding of who you truly are.

Humbling oneself is not necessarily the act of self-denial but pursuing an active dependence on God and entrusting your troubles to him. So maybe it’s alright to want people to say, ‘Wow, Emma’s so humble’. But not because I make myself seem lesser than I am. Rather, because of the way I trust in God and place myself under his mighty hand. And in ridding myself of anxiety, I can glorify him.

Lord, help me take an example from the way you humbled yourself. Today, I give my anxiety and fear of making decisions to you. Help me to stand firm in who I truly am – your child. Amen.

PRAYER

YOU KNOW THE WAY

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you.
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness, but with you there is light.
I am lonely, but you do not leave me.
I am feeble in heart, but with you is strength.
I am restless, but with you is peace.
In me is bitterness, but with you is patience.
I do not understand your ways,
But You know the way for me.
Restore me to freedom,
Help me to so live now,
That I may answer before You and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised!

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906–1945AD,
sourced from justprayer.org

Psalm 94:19
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Blood and water testimony by Rachael Stelzer

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:12).

Read 1 John 5:4–12.

At the end of John’s first letter to the churches, he sets up a courtroom drama. On trial? Jesus’ humanity. Some had been saying that Jesus was fully God but not fully human and that his death was not a ‘real’ death. The jury? The faithful, who had heard the prosecution and now watched the elderly apostle lay out his case for Jesus, the Son of God.

Witnesses include the water and the blood and also the Spirit. In John 19, at Jesus’ crucifixion, he gave up his spirit with a loud cry. The soldiers plunged a spear into his side, and blood and water poured out. In the following verse, the narrator (John) adds, ‘He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth’. Some scholars consider this as the ‘blood and water’ testimony to which John refers in his letter.

But if that isn’t good enough for the jury, John adds, ‘we accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater …’, and what is God’s testimony? ‘God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son’ (verse 11).

And this eternal life is not some distant, future, pie-in-the-sky wish. Eternal life begins right now for the believer.

Crossing back to John 17:3, Jesus prayed to God: ‘And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent’.

Eternal life! It’s now! And it’s available to you and to me. What do we require to attain it? The Son. Whoever has the Son has life.

Dear Jesus, the water, the blood, the Spirit and the Father. All of them testify to you. Fully God and fully human. Eternal life is ours because you are alive. We praise and thank you for your love and sacrifice. Amen.

The church is shrinking by Milton Eckermann

I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you (Ezekiel 36:25).

Read Ezekiel 36:24–28.

It’s tough living in our times. There seems to be so much to offer that distracts us from the ‘cleaner living’ of the past. This appears to be the excuse readily used to explain why we have so many empty seats in our churches. Well, look at the times in today’s reading.

The people defiled everything they had been given by the way they ‘lived and acted’, and they felt God’s anger for the murders they committed in the land and the idols they worshipped. Oh, things were different then – really? God was concerned for his holy name, and the people were scattered through foreign countries. Thank God we were not living back then. But is it so different now?

So many times throughout history, people have forsaken God. Before we despair, remember our gracious and loving God then and now. It’s as though he can’t get enough of us, but that’s the depth of his love for us. He sprinkles or floods us with clean water, and he puts his Spirit in us so that we can live in his grace. We can now share all the blessings of forgiveness and salvation with others so that they can see the wonderful gifts God gives. His promise through Christ’s resurrection is that our churches will grow and not shrink. Let’s try it out and be prepared to welcome others to the joy and freedom we have in God!

Lord, thank you for taking us back despite so often straying from you and neglecting our opportunities to show your holiness. Give us strength and courage to be your witness. Amen.

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Preparing the church for Synod

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At least three items of business on the General Synod agenda are likely to generate a good deal of interest and conversation. Each one is of significant importance in the life of the LCANZ, and for each one there is also a wide variety of viewpoints and opinions across the church.

With this in mind, the General Church Board (GCB) has requested the Churchwide team to prepare a pre-Synod engagement and communications plan, by which all church members and especially General Synod delegates will be able to learn about each of the topics and to understand why they are on the Synod agenda. The GCB also wants every member to have the opportunity to add their voice to these conversations.

The 20th Convention of General Synod is being held in two parts for the first time. Due to COVID meeting restrictions, the first part was held online (1–2 October 2021). God-willing, the second part will be held in person in Melbourne, from 9 to 12 February 2023.

As delegates prepare to engage and vote at the in-person sessions, they will be asked to read background materials and view a video on each of the three key topics: (1) Ecclesiastical Discipline Review, (2) Constitution Review and (3) Ordination of both women and men. Discussion guides will be provided. Online ‘town hall’ meetings are also being planned.

LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith says, ‘We want delegates to come to General Synod knowing better how their congregations and communities are responding to these three topics. We also want the delegates to be well-versed in each of the topics, so they can contribute in a meaningful way to the discussions at Synod and make informed choices when they are asked to vote. And of course, we do all this with prayer, asking our Good Shepherd to guide his people.’

Information about these pre-Synod engagement and communications opportunities will be advised in The Lutheran and also in LCA eNews (sign up at www.lca.org.au/enews). Your General Synod delegate or alternate is receiving updates regularly, regarding these and other Synod-related matters, at their LCA email address.

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Church@Home May 2022

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Encouraging words to soothe our souls

With many people still facing uncertainty or grief two years into the COVID pandemic, plus the devastation of floods and bushfires close to home and war overseas, we can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and uplifting Scripture and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with Jesus and helps to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page. 

Great expectations? by Faye Schmidt

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24).

Read Mark 9:14–29.

During the 1980s, a popular publication for those in business was In Search of Excellence by Thomas J Peters and Robert H Waterman Jr. I always liked this title because it didn’t demand that I actually attain excellence but continue to strive towards it. What a relief! Not only was I relieved of expecting excellence within myself, but I was relieved that others would not be expecting excellence from me. It is about the journey, the striving, the search.

There are many times in our lives that we have failed to meet the expectations of others. We are also at fault when we have expectations of others that they may not be able to meet. I recall on one occasion someone saying to me, ‘I didn’t fail you – I failed your expectations’. Was I wrong to place my expectations on another?

Our humanity and imperfections result in us regularly failing to meet the expectations of others and ourselves.

In our text today, Jesus sets out his expectations regarding our faith. He doesn’t expect perfection in us. The text tells us that upon hearing the father’s statement of faith (and doubt), Jesus immediately healed the boy. Jesus didn’t rebuke the father for his doubt. Instead, he rebuked the demons in the boy so that they left him.

Faith grows in us as we live under that grace, be open to the Holy Spirit serving us through the word and sacraments, and demonstrate God’s love for us through others. Faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our trust is in his providing sufficient for our needs, not to meet our expectations.

We are made perfect in God’s eyes only through Jesus’ own life, death and resurrection. Through Jesus’ perfection, we can be assured when he makes a promise, we can trust it and know such expectations will be met.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you send your Holy Spirit to lead me closer to you and trust in your promise of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Because we bear your name by Dianne Eckermann

You are among us, Lord, and we bear your name; do not forsake us (Jeremiah 14:9).

Read Jeremiah 14:7–9.

The three verses of today’s reading provide great insight into the human character. Verse 7 acknowledges human sinfulness. In fact, it is emphasised not once but twice. However, by opening the verse with the phrase, ‘Although our sins testify against us’, the writer is already preparing an argument that perhaps we are not totally responsible for our sins. He demands action – not his own action but a demand that the Lord do something.

He continues with several questions, essentially suggesting that if God had been more present and less of a stranger, God would have been better prepared and these great transgressions may have been averted.

I have listened to many complaints of this nature during my working life. For example, complaints beginning by acknowledging the complainer may have done something they should not have. But they end up suggesting that their poor behaviour was actually caused by the system or by other people not doing their job correctly, all the while talking themselves out of taking responsibility for their own poor choices.

Verse 9 turns this mode of complaining on its head. Whether the confession of sin was sincere or not, the writer pleads with God for help. By its very nature, his plea acknowledges his sinfulness and that it is God alone who can provide the assistance he needs. Most importantly, it also mentions a significant reason why only God can help him; it is because the writer bears his name. It is not for himself that he is pleading for help: it is because he is the image of God. Whether the confession of sin was sincere or not, the plea not to be forsaken or separated from God seems absolutely genuine.

As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. If we are honest, there are times we have not acted as though that is the case, and we need God’s help as much as the people of Jeremiah’s time, perhaps even more so. It’s not easy being a Christian in a post-Christian environment, but through Christ, we are not forsaken but saved.

Lord God, no matter how challenging it may be, help us always remember that we bear your name and that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are not forsaken but have the gift of salvation. Amen.

PRAYER

THE STONE HAS BEEN ROLLED AWAY

When the broken come to wholeness,
when the wounded come to healing,
when the frightened come to trusting,
the stone has been rolled away.

When the lonely find friendship,
when the hurt find new loving,
when the worried find peace,
the stone has been rolled away.

When we share instead of taking,
when we stroke instead of striking,
when we join around the table
the stone has been rolled away.
The stone has been rolled away!

In you, Christ Jesus,
love breaks through hatred,
hope breaks through despair,
life breaks through death.
Hallelujah, Christ is risen!

– ‘Prayers Encircling the World’, Francis Brienen, Westminster John Knox Press, United Kingdom, 1999, p57, sourced from justprayer.org

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

Repent by Mark Schubert

Do you think that these … were worse sinners? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish (Luke 13:2,5).

Read Luke 13:1–9.

When bad things happen to someone, is God punishing them for their sins?

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans killed by Pilate when sacrificing to God. Jesus responded to their unasked question, ‘Do you think that these… were worse sinners? … No …’ (Luke 13:2,3a).

No, they were not worse sinners than anyone else – the same for those killed by the collapse of a tower. No, they were not more guilty than others.

All of us are sinners. None worse than any other.

We can all say with Paul, ‘the good that I want to do I can’t, instead I do the evil I don’t want to do’ (Romans 7:19).

All are sinners inside – some can hide it better than others, but we are all turned in on ourselves, egocentric, hard-hearted – building walls, cutting ourselves off from each other by our thoughts and actions, working towards the final separation, death. ‘The wages of sin is death’ (Romans 6:23).

‘But unless you repent, you too will all perish’ (Luke 13:5).

To repent is to be sorry, to admit your selfishness and inability to change. Jesus started his mission with, ‘Repent and believe the good news!’ (Mark 1:15). Confess your sinfulness, and turn to the good news that you have been forgiven.

Jesus came to die for you – to take your death, to forgive you. And he rose again to live in you. He gives his goodness, holiness and love for all helpless, hopeless sinners.

This is the time of grace, the time to decide – stay in the power of sin and perish, or receive what Jesus has done for you, so his Spirit can produce good fruit in you.

Lord, we admit that we sin – we hurt others, ourselves, and you. Have mercy on us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

Confronting fear by Pastor Greg Fowler

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1).

Read Psalm 27.

The great American president Franklin Roosevelt said about the Depression, ‘All we have to fear is fear itself’. This classic piece of oratory put the troubles of the time into perspective. Of course, there was unemployment and a lack of income. There was uncertainty about the future, but there was always a reason to hope. Roosevelt called upon the nation to not let the emotion of the time overtake the events. There were ways to combat the problems, which his famous New Deal showed. The president was saying don’t make the problems big and the solutions small.

Centuries before Roosevelt, the psalmist similarly encouraged the people of God. If God is my light, then what problem could possibly put me in the shade? We do not need to fear events or people because our God is bigger than all these things. We need to hear this truth because our eyes can focus on the problem, and our minds can fixate on worry rather than the promise of God.

Today, we face many threats. We know what it is like to live with a global pandemic. We know what it is like to live with geopolitical uncertainty in our region and war in Europe. We know what it’s like to live in a society more polarised than before. Yet we do not fear these things. We have faith in God, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We trust in the salvation of the creator and sustainer of the universe. Diseases come and go; nations rise and fall. Public opinion is constantly changing. These things are not bigger than our God.

Lord God, may we see you in your majesty and power. May we recognise you are more than any problem we face. Take away our fear and give us your peace. Amen.

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Churchwide art exhibition is back!

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by Libby Krahling

The LCANZ Churchwide Simultaneous Art Exhibition is back for 2022! Following the success of last year’s ‘Living Water’ exhibition, LCA Visual Arts is holding its second annual exhibition series on the theme, ‘Free Indeed’, in August.

The idea behind the simultaneous exhibition is to encourage congregations, schools and aged-care facilities to hold art exhibitions in their local communities as a way of sharing the gospel. The LCA Visual Arts committee (pictured) helps by producing resources and publicity for all exhibitions.

ALL AGES CAN SHARE CREATIVITY

In 2021, 15 exhibitions were held all around Australia, with artists ranging in age from four to 90-plus. This was an amazing effort, considering the challenges of COVID. Two exhibitions had to ‘shift’ online, and several others were cancelled or delayed. In South Australia, exhibitions were also registered with SALA, the South Australian Living Artists program, which publicises art exhibitions in local communities. This was a great outreach to the wider community.

Highlights from the 2021 exhibitions included excellent student work from Lutheran schools including Lakeside Lutheran College, Pakenham, in Victoria. There were some great collaborations between schools and local congregations, including Living Waters Lutheran College and Rockingham Mandurah congregation in Western Australia.

St Petri Nuriootpa in South Australia hosted an exhibition of work from more than 100 artists, ranging from students at Redeemer Lutheran Early Childhood Centre to residents of the Barossa Village Residency, and many local artists.

WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPRESS FAITH

Artists in the exhibition shared their joy of expressing their faith through their work, and for many it was a relief to create something positive in a stressful time. Complete beginners took part, as did successful emerging and professional artists, and everyone in between.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!

So, the call is out for LCANZ artists and their communities to get involved in this year’s simultaneous exhibition! The theme is based on John 8:36, ‘If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed’ and exhibitions will be held in August. A resource pack with a devotion, Bible verses to explore, tips for getting started and other useful ideas is available. If you are interested in participating, please register your interest via the LCA Visual Arts website (http://visualarts.lca.org.au) or by emailing libby.krahling@lca.org.au

Libby Krahling is LCA Visual Arts Chair and exhibition organiser.

ARTISTS REGISTER TO SUPPORT CONGREGATIONS

LCA Visual Arts is establishing a register of visual and textile artists, designers, craftspeople and architects who have an interest in liturgical art and design and who are willing to accept commissions from congregations or other LCANZ bodies. To apply to join the register, go to http://visualarts.lca.org.au

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Chance to engage with church history

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by Rachel Kuchel

Have you ever heard of Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)? If not, or even if you know the name, did you know that FoLA is a community of people from around Australia, New Zealand and the world that is interested in preserving, hearing and sharing the stories of our church and its history?

FoLA was established in 1990 to support the work and mission of Lutheran Archives. We are proud to have maintained that community for more than 30 years with nearly 300 members – some of whom are from as far afield as Germany. FoLA branches exist in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

TECHNOLOGY OPENS MEETING DOORS

A FoLA journal containing historical articles, research, book reviews and newly translated documents from the Archives’ collection is published each year. But another much-loved feature of FoLA has, until now, been available mainly only to members in or near Adelaide – regular meetings with guest speakers. A dedicated volunteer committee curates an annual program each month from February to October, with meetings held at an Adelaide church. Now, thanks to the wonders of livestreaming, ‘attending’ these events will be open to people from anywhere.

Expert speakers come from a wide range of fields, and while many have undertaken research at Lutheran Archives, they may not otherwise be connected with the LCANZ – which helps bring a diversity of perspectives. Topics vary from the experience of migration to individual members, pastors, congregations, synods, institutions and practices of the church.

Livestreaming details will be published in the days before each meeting at www.lca.org.au/archives

WHAT’S COMING UP?

19 May, 7:30pm (CST)

Topic: German Internees at Loveday internment camp

Speaker: Peter Monteath

Loveday internment camp in South Australia’s Riverland was the largest Australian internment camp. At its peak in World War II, it held more than 5000 civilians from all over the world. A professor of history at Flinders University, Peter will speak about the German internees in the camp, with a particular focus on several hundred German men who had been arrested and detained in Persia before being deported to the Antipodes.

23 June, 7:30 pm (CST)

Topic: Researching Native Title

Speakers: Tom Gara, Skye Krichauff, Clara Stockigt

Within the legal setting of native title, historians, anthropologists and linguists are engaged by the Federal Court to provide expert and non-advocatory opinions about Aboriginal societies that have maintained traditional and customary rights and interests in country since their earliest contact with Europeans. Lutheran missionaries recorded languages, births, deaths and marriages, the movement of Aboriginal people and their relationships with Europeans and neighbouring and distant Aboriginal groups. Their diaries, correspondence and vocabularies are crucial primary documents that deepen current understanding of Aboriginal culture and society. In this presentation, three experts who have drawn heavily on records held by Lutheran Archives demonstrate how access to this material has enriched their findings.

For more information or to join FoLA, go to www.lca.org.au/fola or email fola@lca.org.au

Rachel Kuchel is Director of Lutheran Archives.

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Easter activities for home or church

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Looking for some enjoyable Easter activities to do in your home or at church? Grow Ministries can help.

Grow has many ideas available in its GIFT Lent resource. You will find excellent resources for all ages, including craft activities, worship ideas and dramas. Go to www.growministries.org.au/product/gift-lent-final/ for more information and free download samples!

For many other ideas check out the Grow Ministries Easter Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com.au/growministries/lent-easter/