United in Hope, at Cairns and Atherton

United in Hope, at Cairns and Atherton

While significant focus of the LCAQD’s United in Hope appeal has been on the more remote communities of Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Coen, here’s a look at the Cairns Parish.

The complexities of congregations life in Cairns and Atherton paint a more mainstream picture.

Atherton is the kind of country congregation that many of us would like to be a part of: small, family-focussed, devoted, always seeking new opportunities to serve, meeting every Sunday and running a monthly market to ensure they stay financially viable.  Our Saviour Lutheran Church Atherton is served by the pastor who is located in Cairns and led by diligent members who take leading roles when the Pastor is not available. This small group is always seeking ways to reach into the community even when the challenge seems daunting.

Trinity Lutheran Church Cairns

Cairns on the other hand is a city congregation with an average of 50 worshipping each Sunday, although the contact list at Trinity Lutheran Church Cairns is much longer.

Cairns is a place of many diverse and cultures and a significant population of First Nations people. While the congregation is ageing they remain committed to the cause as health and opportunities arise. During our current pastoral vacancy we continue to be thankful for those who step up so willingly to ensure we have a service every Sunday.

The United in Hope appeal has been well supported by this group who also need support themselves.

The Op Shop in Hope Vale has been the recipient of many generous donations of essential items for sale. Items such as fry-pans, kettles, toasters, towels, cutlery, sheets, curtains and larger white goods, mugs and glasses are just a few such items in stock.  This is a significant strength of this congregation.

Peace Lutheran College is also an integral part of the Lutheran scene here in Cairns. Having been established for over 30 years the school is recognised widely as a quality educational facility. This provides opportunities for the congregation to reach into the community including regularly worshipping with the boarder component of the college.

We are sincerely thankful to the wider Queensland Lutheran community for their support as the United for Hope appeal has been running. We also appeal to the wider Lutheran community in Queensland to remember us in prayer as we remain faithful to the calling before us.

Help us get over the line!