Bethlehem News

On Saturday, 22 June, fourteen members from Bethlehem, Wagga Wagga and Bethlehem, Milbrulong attended a one-day training course conducted by Carolyn Kiss from our NSW District.  We thank God for the resources we have through our wider Lutheran Church of Australia so we can establish best practices and ensure our congregation is a safe place for all people.  Child safety issues, legal obligations, event planning and the reporting of harassment and abuse were all covered in an intensive workshop. Participants were issued with a certificate. The NSW District keeps a record of those trained.

An Assembly was held at the Lutheran School on Friday afternoon (14  June) to farewell Pastor Albert Gast. Headmaster Ken Albinger presented Pastor Albert with a large school banner in appreciation for his time at the school. The School Board Chairperson Michelle Astrup and the Church Council Chairman of Bethlehem Lutheran congregation also spoke to farewell Pastor Albert.  Two entertaining skits were performed by the school children. We thank Pastor Albert for his time in Wagga Wagga and wish him and his family God’s richest blessings as he takes up his new position as Chaplain of Cornerstone College at Mount Barker in South Australia.

On Sunday afternoon, an athletic group of Wagga Lutherans ventured out onto the Pitch 'n' Putt course at the Wiradjuri Golf Centre, for fellowship, sunshine and a little healthy competition. Reg and Des came away as joint winners of the inaugural Perpetual Bethlehem Lutheran Pitch and Putt Trophy.

There are five remaining Sundays that I will be at Bethlehem Wagga Wagga before June 30th when my one-year term as Interim Pastor concludes. As I looked at the texts suggested for preaching and reading -- the 3 year lectionary -- it seems appropriate to have a sermon series on Galatians.  It is a wonderful book of the Bible and filled with a very clear explanation of what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Here is a web resource that you may appreciate especially if you'd like to look more closely at Paul's Letter to the Galatians.  http://goo.gl/NpHCq By the way ...I'm also turning on this blog's comment window in case you would like to share resources or comments. First, select the particular post and then comment in the window that appears at the bottom.  <>< robert.erickson@LCA.org.au