Welcome to Wodonga Lutheran Parish
NOW WHAT?
OUR CHURCH BUILDING IS CLOSED for Worship Services.
But our Church is not merely a building. It is a place where love comes to life. Wodonga Lutheran Church pastoral care team are phoning all Parish members and friends at least once a week to make sure they are travelling ok, if they need anything and if they would like to be prayed for (over the phone).
Our Pastors are still writing sermons, which will be distributed by email, phone reading, or into letterboxes. The Sermons will also 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 Church@Home here: Church@Home.
- SA: Live Stream Services from St Michael's Handorf 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!
Holy Week - 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 16 March 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.
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 Church@Home Worship and Daily Devotions for 9 April 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 8 April 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 1 April 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 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 8 April 2020 Church atHome 2.
LCA Professional Standards - Protects people whilst supporting the LCA's church workers and volunteers. LCA Professional Standards Department newsletter 25 March 2020.