Christian Care Sunday 2022: an invitation to celebrate!

The new year is well and truly underway. Again, it has been a start full of surprises and road bumps. The extensive spread of covid-19 in our communities through the omicron variant and the opening of state borders has challenged most people – personally, organizationally, and even in congregations.

Despite the ongoing challenges and trials, our care staff and volunteers continue to think creatively, and remain committed to reaching out in love to their neighbors in need. In our own Lutheran Services in Queensland, Aged Care facilities have already experienced lockdowns or outbreaks of Covid. Everyone has been working together to reduce risk, promote health and well-being, and pass on the love and grace of God in these difficult times. The clinical care and lifestyle teams have worked together to play hallway bingo, engaging each resident from their room door, or held outdoor music concerts to be listened to from resident balconies. The wider community has donated magazines and puzzles for activity packs to be delivered to rooms. Despite the isolation of facility lockdowns, care is extended through everyday creative acts of kindness.

The LCA Christian Care Sunday resources provide an opportunity for congregations to choose a worship time to celebrate the care work that goes on in our communities – 365 days of the year. A new calendar of suggested dates to celebrate in 2022 is available now.

If you are a Pastor, worship leader or planner, we invite you to explore the resources today and set aside some time to celebrate those people who are active in Christian care in your community. God’s love inspires us, and the Holy Spirit equips and sustains us to move outward, spreading love and kindness to all those we meet. That is worth celebrating!

With qualifications in social work and theology, Anna was project officer for the LCA Christian Care Sunday project in 2020/21. Anna continues to use her skills in ministry development and support, now alongside Rev Dr Russell Briese in Lutheran Services.