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In this changing time of COVID-19 restrictions and distancing it is a true testament to the Lutheran Church and its loving and innovative nature to find a positive way through some of the setbacks and confusion.
Through all the changes that are surrounding us, many congregations have been able to adapt and make changes to outreach activities that are contributing to the church's mission.
In fact, some congregations have jumped at the opportunity to move their communities online. It’s been refreshing to see many Pastors now hosting live or recorded streams of their services and connecting with members through online chats and messages, these digital methods have allowed the church to reach its members and even a wider audience.
Financially, congregations have also looked to embrace digital facilities such as Regular Electronic Giving (REG). REG is a facility that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic and already had a number of churches using the facility. REG allows church members to set up a regular direct debit to their church as their offering and replaces the need to find cash weekly for the offering plate and allows the churches work to continue even if the member can’t attend each week.
Since mid-March, the LLL has seen a 1,130% increase of people visiting its REG webpage as more and more congregations embrace the facility. During this time the LLL has recorded a growth of over $67,000 in REG offerings when compared to February. This will allow congregations to meet their financial needs; such as paying the Pastor, paid lay-staff as well as bills and expenses.
If you would like to find out more about how you can contribute to your congregation via REG visit the LLL website.
The LLL facilitates REG on behalf of the Lutheran Church of Australia as a free service to congregations and its members, with all REG contributions going directly to the congregation of the member’s choice.
About the LLL:
Established in 1921, LLL Australia is a charitable financial institution that provides savings accounts.
The LLL prides itself on providing savings accounts that are simple to operate, with a variable rate and no fees or charges. The LLL has a variety of savings accounts: personal and joint accounts; guardian accounts for children; and business accounts, including for self-managed super funds and not-for-profit organisations.
As an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI), the LLL is regulated under the Banking Act and by APRA.
The mission of the LLL is to provide business and financial support to the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) while providing excellent service to all customers and safeguarding the interests of depositors.
