Welcome to Wodonga Lutheran Parish
NOW WHAT?
In-Person Worship Cancelled until futher notice.
At this time of social distancing and other restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you all to stay connected with your family, friends, neighbours, and your Church Community. The Pastoral Care Team at St John’s have established a Care Call Ministry. This will enable us to make phone contact with all in the St John’s community, to stay connected, and encourage each other in this time of physical isolation. Our worlds have seen so much disruption at the moment – we are all adapting to many changes. The one thing that remains unchanged is God’s love for us all.
Our Pastors are writing sermons, which will be distributed by email, phone reading, or into letterboxes. The Sermons will be uploaded to the website under the resources tab above. Remember that you can access the Growing Faith at Home weekly guide off the Resources tab above to remain informed.
COVID-19 Response - Church@Home
Okay, not in your normal seat in your normal church building.
But in your armchair or couch at home each Sunday morning live (or anytime for previous services).
Worshipping online is different to attending a physical church. To get the most out of it, remember to:
- Breathe. Take a few slow, deep breaths to be still before God.
- Be fully present. Remove any distractions, such as putting your phone on silent, etc.
- Worship, don’t just watch. You can’t feed your body by watching others eat. You also can’t feed your soul by watching others worship. Try to enter into a spiritual time. Sing the songs, listen to God’s Word, pray with the leader. Most importantly, listen for God’s voice speak to you today.
- Check out the LCA Worship Resources View@Home here: View@Home.
- SA: Live Stream Services from St Michael's Hahndorf here: Streamed live at 9:30am (Aust CST).
- QLD: Live Stream Services from Ipwisch Lutheran Church here: Ipswich Lutheran Church.
- ACT: Live Stream Services from Woden Lutheran Church here: Woden Lutheran Church.
- NSW: Live Stream Services from Life Way Epping here: Life Way Epping.
WORSHIP THE LORD!
Pentecost Sunday 2020
Pentecost marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means ‘fiftieth day’ and is celebrated fifty days after Easter.
Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus' mother and family, and many other disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. While they were praying, a sound like rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire came to rest over each of their heads. This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). The disciples were immediately empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ. The liturgical colour for this day is red. This not only symbolises the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended, but also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs – believers of every generation who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, hold firm to their faith.
Holy Trinity
The first Sunday after Pentecost is Holy Trinity Sunday. The church rejoices in the impenetrable mystery that God is ‘triune’ or ‘three-in-one’ – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How God can be three distinct persons is beyond the ability of any human to rationalise or understand.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we accept this mystery as a fundamental article of faith which is clearly taught in the Bible (eg Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:14). Since faith comes only through the Holy Spirit working through the means of grace, it is appropriate that this wonderful mystery is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
Trinity Sunday is a transitional day that bridges two sections of the liturgical year, and a day on which we praise and adore God both for what he has done for the world and for who he is.
The liturgical colour for Trinity Sunday is white which represents the holiness and perfection of God.
News from the Lutheran Church of Australia
Bishop John Henderson - The Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia issues a periodic Heartland News and this can be viewed by following this link and reading on-line Heartland eNews 20 May 2020 National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.
Lutheran Church of Australia - The national body of the Lutheran Church continues to support our local Parishes and Churches. To see what is going on take a look at the latest eNews by following this link and reading on-line LCA eNews Back to Church guidance for return to Worship 26 May 2020.
Lutheran Church of Australia - Victorian District - Our Victorian Synod has its own electronic newsletter. Access District Voices to see what is happening LCAVD eNews for 20 May 2020.
LCA International Mission - Global Partners - Local Church seeks to follow our Lord in His mission to the ends of the earth to make disciples of all nations. We partner with, support and resource local people in mission. LCA International Mission newsletter 20 May 2020.
LCA Ministry with the Ageing - As part of the Board for Local Missions our vision is seeing care for the ageing as a significant and flourishing ministry of the church. LCA Ministry for the Ageing May newsletter.
LCA Grow Ministries - Grow Ministries - exists to support a national vision for children, youth and family ministry in the LCA. LCA Grow Ministries newsletter for 25 May 2020 Faithful Grandparenting.
LCA Professional Standards - Protects people whilst supporting the LCA's church workers and volunteers. LCA Professional Standards Department newsletter 28 May 2020.