At the death of Pope Francis
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
The Lord of the cross and empty tomb has gathered to himself a faithful servant in Pope Francis. The world was informed of the death of the Roman Catholic Pope on Easter Monday.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025. Francis became a priest in 1969 and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
He was cherished as a pastoral Christian leader who purposefully advocated for the poor. Australian Prime Minister, Mr Anthony Albanese, himself a Roman Catholic Christian, spoke a moving tribute to Pope Francis on Monday evening: ‘He was truly inspirational in his modest way of life and at his weekly audiences, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion … Pope Francis' love for humanity was powerful and profound. The memory and example of his compassion will long endure as we mourn his death.’
For the official visit of Lutheran World Federation (LWF) leaders in 2024, Pope Francis wrote a letter of thanksgiving in which he expressed our common foundation in Christ and in the means of grace. He wrote: ‘Let us remember that our shared spiritual roots are found in the “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed) and thus move forward with confidence as “pilgrims of hope”. May the God of hope be with us and continue to accompany our dialogue of truth and charity with his blessing.’
As we thank God for the witness and service of this Christian leader, let us hold fast to the promise of the Easter gospel. In recent times, Pope Francis continually focused people on the words of Christian hope in St Paul’s letter to the Romans: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’ (Romans 15:13).
At this time, let us also pray for the work of unity among Christians in the churches throughout the world, with the words of a prayer from 1633 by William Laud (1573–1645), Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury:
‘Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church.
Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace.
Where it is corrupt, purify it;
where it is in error, direct it;
where in anything it is amiss, reform it.
Where it is right, strengthen it;
where it is in want, provide for it;
where it is divided, reunite it;
for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour. Amen.’
In Christ, Paul
Pastor Paul Smith
Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand
(The letter from Pope Francis to LWF leaders can be read here.
LWF’s tribute to Pope Francis can be read here.)
Lutheran Media 80th Anniversary Celebrations
Thank-you Lunch, Barossa Valley
Saturday 21 June 2025 12.00 noon – 3.00pm Kies Family Wines, Lyndoch SA
Two-course meal with wine in the barrel hall of a picturesque Barossa winery. Includes guest speaker, wine wall, silent action and exclusive event gift. Tickets are $80pp or $600 for a table of eight. Please note that tickets are limited, so get in quickly! Click here to register.
Registrations close 12 June 2025 (unless sold out).
A month-long invitation for LCANZ members to cultivate communities of prayer.
To register and find out more contact +618 8267 7317 or lcalm@lca.org.au
2025 Vintage Festival Events hosted by our local churches
Click here to download a listof Vintage festival events hosted by our local Churches.
Administrative Assistant - Greenock Lutheran Parish
The Greenock Lutheran Parish is seeking applications for this casual, average 10 hour per week position, commencing June 2025.
This position will provide administrative support to the 3 congregations of Nain, St Michael’s Gnadenfrei and St Peter’s, Greenock, the Greenock Lutheran Parish and the Parish Pastor.
For more information or to request a position description, please contact
the Parish secretary via email 1sandra.nichols@gmail.com or mobile 0408 104 240.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 14th May.
Chatty Cafe - Wednesday’s 9.30-11.30am @ Lyndoch Church Hall, 7 Margaret St Lyndoch. Brought to you by Lutheran Care/Community Connections.
Craft Group - meets every Thursday in Church Hall, 9.30am-12 noon. Everyone welcome to join in. Please contact Margaret Wallace 0437060719 for more information.
Bethany: 10:30am HC Harvest Thanksgiving Pastor Rob Schubert
Grace St John’s: 9am HC Children’s Service Pastor Mark Kleemann
Langmeil: No Services. You are welcome to join worship at another SBLC congregation.
Lyndoch: 10:30am HC Pastor Peter Hartwich
Tabor: 9am HC Pastor Rob Schubert & 10:30am German Language Service Gerhard Ruediger
Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) Thursday 24 April at 7.30pm Immanuel Lutheran Church, 139 Archer St, North Adelaide.
Memories of Koonibba Mission Speaker: Elizabeth Buck, who grew up in Koonibba on the West Coast of South Australia, where her father was a pastor missionary.
She has wonderful stories to share. All welcome. Supper, $5 donation.
The event can be watched on-line as it happens or later. https://www.youtube.com/@friendsoflutheranarchives9644/live
Funday Sunday 2025 is happening
Join us for a fun-filled day of community connection, free food, and exciting activities.
We're currently looking for volunteers to assist with stall operations, setup, and pack down on the day.
We also welcome donations to help make this event even better.
Contributions can be made to the Funday Sunday care of the Christian Community Hub BSB 70942 Account 101091788.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Carly Kroehn at 0421 765 550.
Let’s make Funday Sunday 2025 a day to remember, together.
Next meeting May 5th at 7:00pm in The Hub.