Welcome to Wodonga Lutheran Parish
Welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to having you worship with us!
Looking for a new church home? Talk to any congregation member about your questions, concerns or comments. Also, please feel free to contact the Pastor or call the church office at (02) 6024 7072. Facilities are Handicapped accessible.
More Information Here you will find details of our Parish, our people and activities.If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact us.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the sixth and last Sunday in Lent, marking the beginning of Holy Week. We remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem through the crowds gathered for the Jewish Passover. People waved palm branches and hailed him as the messianic King.
The Gospels tell us that Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and emphasising the humility of his kingdom.
The irony of his acceptance as the new king by the crowds, who five days later demanded his execution, is a sobering reminder of our human tendency to want God on our own terms. Palm leaves tied into small crosses are often handed to worshippers on Palm Sunday.
Our Palm Sunday service this year is celebrated at 9:30 a.m. at St John’s, 14 Havelock Street, Wodonga on 28 March 2021. Please join with us in fellowship.
Holy Week Services - 2021
The last week of Lent is known as Holy Week. It begins after Palm Sunday, and is a time when we reflect on and share in Jesus journey to the cross and tomb.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin phrase: Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos, the command Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper:
A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you
At this supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion, proclaiming the bread to be his body, broken for us, and the wine his blood, shed for us. On this holy and mysterious evening, Jesus also washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating to them how they were to serve others.
At St John’s there is a re-enactment of the foot-washing ritual. However, the true climax of Maundy Thursday worship is the celebration of the Lord's Supper. This night is the 'anniversary' of the sacrament and therefore a memorable event.
After the sacrament has ended, the stripping of the altar takes place. The pastor and several assistants remove all vessels, crosses, books, candles, linens, paraments, banners, and other decorations from the altar and chancel area.
This ancient ritual is a powerful and dramatic re-enactment of the Lord's humiliation at the hands of the Roman soldiers. As the altar is being stripped, Psalm 22 with its clear prophecies of Christ's suffering, is read. The bare altar is transformed from the communion table of Maundy Thursday into the tomb slab of Good Friday.
St John's Lutheran Church will be celebrating Maundy Thursday on Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 pm.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the historical event of Christ’s suffering and sacrificial death for our sins on the cross. Together with Christ’s resurrection from the dead, celebrated on Easter Sunday, this is the very heart of our Christian faith. This is a solemn day and a time for reflection and repentance.
St John's Lutheran Church will be celebrating Good Friday on April 2 at 9:30 am.Easter Sunday
Easter is the central feast of the church year. We rejoice that Jesus overcame death, and that we too can be certain of eternal life when we trust in him.
The Easter season begins with the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the Western church the date of Easter Sunday varies between 22 March and 25 April, and falls on the first Sunday after the full moon occurring from 21 March. Easter continues from Easter Sunday for 50 days, concluding with the celebration of Pentecost. There are seven Sundays of Easter and the Bible readings in worship services continue to focus on the joyful Easter message.
St John's Lutheran Church will be celebrating Easter on April 4 at 09:30 am with Holy Communion.
You are most welcome to join us for any and all of these services!
May the peace, joy, love, grace and hope of the Easter season be with you and with all those you love today and every day!
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 18 December 2020 Christmas and New Year Message.
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 Heading the call for COVID Help dated 17 February 2021.
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 24 Febuary 2021.
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 In difficult times, simple gifts make a difference 11 February 2021.
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 February 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 1 February 2021 Care in Ordinary Moments?
LCA Professional Standards - Protects people whilst supporting the LCA's church workers and volunteers. LCA Professional Standards Department newsletter 18 February 2021.