Pastoral Care
Resources
As we embark on a year of challenges and opportunities, the College of Bishops, in partnership with the Pastoral Care Working Group of the Way Forward project, have carefully considered how we can pastorally care for our people. Resources are being developed to help pastors and other pastoral carers address the needs within our church, and you'll find some resources here on this page already.
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A message from the LCANZ bishops
In this video the College of Bishops present a message of hope in times of change, uncertainty and anxiety. We invite you to watch this video and share it with others who are seeking guidance and hope as we prepare for the General Synod and the decision on the Way Forward proposal. Please find a time to show this during or after a worship service.
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Dwelling in the Word
Dwelling in the Word is a spiritual practice of reading the Bible intentionally. It is a listening and discerning tool to dwell with God, be present with the Holy Spirit and be formed and transformed by the word of God.
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Prayer points
Please pray:
- For those who are facing uncertainty about the future
- For those who are experiencing the pain of the past and fear of the future
- For the leaders of this church – that they may seek God’s guidance and wisdom
- That our actions reflect the heart of Jesus
- For the hope that comes from knowing God's presence with us
- For hope in God's power to heal and renew us.
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Worship planning
In times of change and uncertainty we bring our laments and prayers to the Lord, our only sources of true hope. Please consider how you can use these worship resources on the theme of Hope to encourage your community.
Sermon by Pastor Nathan Hedt - Isaiah 61 sermon hope and restoration.mp4
[Nathan Hedt serves as the LCA Pastor for New and Renewing Churches. In his role with the LCA he encourages and equips established congregations in their local mission effectiveness and supports and nurtures new churches (church plants) and church planters.]
The sermon grew out of the question: 'What if everything we need for restoration in the LCA is already in place, but invisible? What would that look like?'
LCA Daily Devotions
Devotions are times of daily, meaningful interaction between a believer and God, which help us to grow in faith. Devotions can be private, between an individual and God, or held in a group like a family or workplace. Group devotions strengthen bonds between believers as well as with God. We’ve selected some LCA devotions from earlier in the year that speak to the topic of ‘fear’. Used with permission. For more devotions, click here.
- Hold on and look to Jesus – Dr Kirsten Due
- God knows your suffering: do not fear – Dr Kirsten Due
- Constantly watched over – Dr Noel Due
- No broken-down walls – Dr Noel Due
- The Lord is Lord, indeed - Dr Noel Due
- The fear that frees – Dr Noel Due
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Lutheran Media
Lutheran Media produces podcasts, videos and booklets on a variety of topics. You may find some helpful resources at www.lutheranmedia.org.au and www.messagesofhope.org.au where you can search by topic or resource.
Videos:
‘What are you afraid of?’ (approx. 6 minutes) This video is a round table discussion with Richard, Celia and Noel on fear, how we respond to fear, and what Jesus promises in times of fear: www.messagesofhope.org.au/future
‘How do you cope with change?’ (6½ minutes) Do you embrace change, or does it stress you out? Hear Anna, Celia and Janine share their thoughts on what stresses them out and finding strategies to cope: www.messageofhope.org.au/stress
Podcast:
PEACE BEYOND REASON: (approx. 10 minutes) “To this day, I don’t know what triggered it, but the lady in front of me blew her stack - What gives you the right? What gives you the right to be at peace? I hate it!” What do think of when you hear the word peace? Not the dream of world peace, but inner peace. Peace that works even when the world, and perhaps even you, are in chaos. Are you at peace? Listen to listen as Noel Due shares his reflections on peace and a path to finding it: https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/peace-beyond-reason-4/
Booklets:
YOUR PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN: Discover God's purpose in your life. Gain a deeper understanding about God's plans for you. See how He will make the most of your talents and abilities that He has given you. https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/your-place-in-gods-plan-booklet/
CONTENTMENT: While we may not be completely satisfied with our lot in life - and let's face it, most of us want more. There will always be a void if we tie our sense of inner peace to the fleeting things of this world. Offering insight on some key "practices" to implement concerning contentment, this booklet shows how being truly satisfied is very much tied to our perspective. Citing the apostle Paul's illuminating view on contentment as found in the book of Philippians, the author drills down to the source of the peace and satisfaction in this life. https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/contentment-booklet/
PRAYER: In this booklet the ways God answers prayer, why praying is important, and the words of our prayers are considered. More than just wish lists we put before God, our prayers are an opportunity to share our deepest thoughts and heartfelt concerns with Him. https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/prayer-when-you-dont-know-what-to-say-booklet/
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