Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Bible Reading Plans 2026

 Please join us in hearing from God as we read a book of the bible together:

Plan:  1 Corinthians - 1 January to 17 February 

2026 A prayer for a new year

 As Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia in NSW and ACT and New Zealand I have prepared a prayer for all 

The prayer poster is available here

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Book: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels

Understand the Life of Jesus in Cultural Context

Discover a deeper, richer understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus with Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by renowned scholar Kenneth Bailey. 

This book invites readers to see Jesus through the lens of his historical and cultural context, lifting away the layers of Western interpretation that have shaped modern perspectives. From Jesus' birth to his parables, from the Beatitudes to his relationships, Bailey helps readers remove modern Western interpretations to see Jesus as he was understood in his own time, offering readers a kaleidoscopic view of the person of Jesus that is simultaneously ancient and refreshingly new.

In Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, you'll find

  • Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Jesus within his Middle Eastern context, removing Western cultural blinders.
  • A Transformational Perspective: Be inspired to read the Gospels with renewed clarity and depth, seeing Jesus in the light of his historical and cultural setting.

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes is a valuable resource for anyone passionate about studying the New Testament and the life of Jesus deeply and meaningfully. Explore Jesus’ story as it was meant to be seen and enrich your spiritual study with this compelling, context-driven approach.

Available on Amazon



Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Worship Planning Template 2025-2026

The Worship Planning template is a simple Excel tool to help pastors and worship teams in their worship planning.

The template offers the RCL readings for each Sunday and Special services, with suggestions for Invocation/Call to Worship, Confession, Creed, Lord's Prayer, Holy Communion, and Hymns/Songs (opening, praise after forgiveness, kids, post sermon/offering and sending).   

The Narrative Lectionary has also been included

The resource is designed for you to adapt for your own context

You can download the 2025-2026 Worship Planning template here

Book: The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist

We all need hope in our lives, but many struggle to know where to look for it. This short, warm and profound book by well-known evangelist Rico Tice makes a compelling case for Christianity and the hope that it provides.

Based on Isaiah 9:6 (a passage often used in Christmas services), readers will see how Jesus – the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father and Wonderful Counsellor – is the ultimate gift as he delivers what they really want: hope, peace, purpose and guidance.

This gospel presentation is ideal to give away at Christmas.

Contents

  1. What Do You Want for Christmas?
  2. Hope
  3. Peace
  4. Purpose
  5. Guidance