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LLL Chief Relationship Officer Scott Ross was honoured to be invited to address the recent SA-NT District Convention of Synod and award two LLL Mission Outreach Grants (MOGs) in support of grassroots projects that will make a real impact in local South Australian communities.
St Peter's Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, and St John's Lutheran Church, Dutton, were awarded grants of $20,000 and $5,000, respectively.
The congregation of St Peter's will use its MOG to assist with the refurbishment of children's activity areas, kitchen, and worship space, and purchase new AV equipment.
These upgrades will aid the congregation's transformation to become the 'St Peter's Worship Centre' - a vibrant multi-ethnic community hub serving the wider Elizabeth area with the love of Jesus.
The community of Dutton, a small but growing town on the outskirts of the Barossa Valley, will benefit from the grant awarded to St John's that will assist with the upgrade to their historic school building to enable it to become a welcoming space for church and community activities, as well children's ministry.
Having addressed the SA Pastor's Conference just days earlier, Scott was delighted to be on hand to present the grants and speak directly to the gathered delegates.
"What I'd like to make sure you take away from today is just one note, 'I must go back and speak to my congregation about how LLL wants to work with us to advance gospel-centred mission and ministry," Scott said.
"If that's the only thing you take away from my presentation today, that would still be fantastic."
Scott went on to offer an update on LLL's strong financial position following our transition from an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) to a Religious Charitable Development Fund (RCDF) and what that transition means for Lutheran communities across the country.
"The beauty of being an RCDF is we've got now far more flexibility than we had over the last five years to support you with your missional objectives," he said.
"In your communities, there are many ideas and enthusiasm for the Gospel. Sometimes, they can be done by yourself, you don't need any help, but other times, you may need help.
"And LLL is here to help you advance gospel-centred mission and ministry."
Scott highlighted the Lutheran Disability Services housing project at St John's, Tea Tree Gully SA, and the new campus build being undertaken by Good News Lutheran College, Mambourin VIC, as fine examples of what can be achieved through our missional partnership.
If your congregation has a project, large or small, that would benefit from a partnership with LLL, we'd love to hear about it.
We invite a conversation via email at [email protected] or call us on 1800 556 457.
