No images? Click here To share this eNews with your congregation, copy this link into your print or online bulletin http://lcaenews.online/200402 The Worship Planning Page has been completely revised to provide resources for our Church@Home settings. Resources include printable service orders, Bible readings and family worship video for each week, sermons for lay-reading, music suggestions (links to YouTube clips for traditional and family services) and prayer resources. There is also an info sheet and checklist for those of you who are live-streaming or plan to do so. In these unsettling times, let’s dwell in God’s word and allow his promises to grow in us, one day at a time. These fresh Daily Devotions are written in the light of the challenges we are facing. If you are already as subscriber to Daily Devotions, you will receive these new devotions automatically. To sign up to receive them, click here. Or you can read them here, all in one place. Grow Ministries (LCA Child, Youth and Family) is supporting people in their homes to engage with each other in meaningful and intentional ways around God’s word. We have collated a number of our favourite resources and will be adding more in the coming weeks. We pray that they will encourage and support you during this difficult time. You will find the resources here. LCA Bishop John Henderson has given three video messages to the church since the pandemic started. The third one was released today. You can view it by clicking on the red arrow link or from the webpage button below. LAST WEEK (29 MARCH) Share the story. Multiply the joy. Be an encourager. In Memoriam PASTOR PAUL ALBERS (2/8/1924–19/3/2020) The LCA/NZ COVID-19 webpage is your one-stop-shop for the latest information affecting congregations and communities. It is revised almost daily. As at 2 April there are details about: Government support measures, social distancing regulations (including for producing live-streams) and securing your property. You will also find video messages from LCA Bishop John Henderson, the latest editions of LCA/NZ COVID-19 eNews and government website links. It is also the launching pad for LCA/NZ Church@Home resources. We won't be seeing a collection plate for a while, but it's important to continue to support your congregation's and wider church's mission and ministry through your regular offerings. Regular Electronic Giving (REG) is convenient, safe and confidential. Your congregation doesn't receive any information regarding your identity or the amount of your offering. Your REG offering can come from your bank, credit union or LLL account. Click here to find out more about REG (but note that this page is being revised to reflect our current situation). Talk to your treasurer about REG and other ways you can make your offering each week. Record it for future generations Lutheran Archives is keen to gather a record of how we are ‘doing church’ during these history-making times. How are you worshipping? How will you celebrate Easter? How are you maintaining a sense of church community? Let us know at Lutheran Archives and include a photo or two if you have them. Caution around Zoom Many congregations are using Zoom and similar online meeting platforms for worship and meetings. The LCA IT Department warns of some dangers. For example, the URL that Zoom generates for meetings is being compromised by hackers, who are breaking in to random meetings across the world. Offences include adding malware intending to infect users, displaying offensive content and stealing documents. LCA IT Services urges caution when using such online meeting products. They are investigating safer alternatives for use by congregations. ACNC extension to reporting The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has given a blanket extension to entities for the submission of their Annual Information Statement (AIS) submissions. The ACNC acknowledge that due to the COVID-19 pandemic many entities will not be able to hold AGMs or arrange to have financial accounts audited or reviewed. The ACNC Commissioner has approved an extension until 31 August 2020 for charities with AIS due dates between 12 March and 30 August 2020. Please visit the ACNC website for the full details. Convention of General Synod 2021 Delegates A reminder that even in the midst of a pandemic we can still be thinking about electing our delegates for Convention of General Synod 2021. We will be producing some resources soon for how to conduct your AGM and other meetings, including for electing delegates. The LLL advises that effective 1 April 2020, the interest rate on Savings Accounts has changed from 1.50% to 1.00% per annum. LLL savings accounts carry no fees or charges and generate vital income to support Lutheran Church organisations. As the only religious charitable Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) in Australia, the LLL continues to serve as a great alternative to mainstream banks. ONLINE NEWS ENEWS
|