From us to you – Merry Christmas. Wishing you a joyous day spent with loved ones.

Special thanks to St Andrews resident Jan who has raised over $900 over the past 18 months for Lutheran Services’ Mary and Martha’s domestic violence refuge 👏

Her craft stall offers handmade soft toys, decorated hand towels, coat hangers, Christmas decorations and quilts.

If you are in the Tallebudgera area, drop by St Andrews – these lovely offerings are available near the reception area.

A message of thanks from Bishop Paul Smith to our care givers on behalf of all Lutheran congregations in Queensland.

Lutheran Services was pleased to be able to thank staff recently for their enormous efforts during the COVID pandemic.

Large brightly coloured posters with a loud and proud ‘thank you’ message greeted staff when they arrived. A sweet treat was a small token of thanks.

It’s wonderful to celebrate our workers – including staff across disability, aged care and youth & family – who bring their smiles to people’s homes everyday.

Thank you!

Bishop Paul Smith shares his joyous Christmas message!

www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1790100081149352

Women from all walks of life come to Mary & Martha’s domestic violence refuge to escape domestic and family violence.

The refuge offers help, security and support to women and children who come to the service at a time when there is nowhere safe for them to go.

Women find safety, emotional support and a non-judgemental welcome as they embark on their new path.

Donations to Mary and Martha’s go towards providing services and support such as:

• • A parenting program
  • Financial literacy and budgeting skills programs
  • An opportunity to attend Lutheran Youth camp – to experience a supportive Christian community while having fun
  • Healthy relationship program

We assist our clients to empower themselves with resilience and skills to actively work towards a better future for themselves and their children.

Our accommodation is safe, secure and modern offering:

• self-contained apartments
• a playground for children
• recreation area to connect with others

Donate to the LCAQD Lutheran Service Lenten appeal – Mary and Martha’s Refuge here Mary & Martha’s refuge | LCA Donations & Payments.

The joy of biking with your family is being celebrated by the women and children at Mary & Martha’s Refuge, thanks to the generous support from Department of Resources staff who have raised funds and donated bikes.

“Domestic violence not only affects adults, it affects the parent-child relationship. Women and children come to the refuge with nothing so the opportunity to experience the freedom and joy of fresh air and exercise is wonderful, ” says Susie O’Brien, Mary and Martha’s Manager.

A big thanks to @challengeDV for facilitating a partnerships program that is making such a difference.

This year a new domestic and family violence refuge, consisting of 8 self-contained units is under construction thanks to Commonwealth funding and money raised during Lenten Appeal.

Your donations via the Lenten Appeal will provide enhanced facilities and resources for this much needed service.

In February, church leaders and senior Lutheran Services staff met to bless the site as construction kicked off.

The refuge will contain disability-accessible units of varying sizes, from one to three bedrooms.

Chris Seiboth, Executive Lead for Community Services, said “Importantly, the refuge will support children’s well-being and development with a quality community-oriented built environment.”

“Community focused is a big theme for our design. Women can gather in the shared activities room to take cooking, budgeting or parenting sessions, whilst they will be able to see the children’s playground.

“There will be enclosed front yards, a playground, a community vegetable garden, a sensory garden and bikes and play equipment for kids to be kids.

“Violence in the home has an enormous impact on children. When there is violence against woman who is also a mother – that is an attack on the parent and child relationship.

“The design of the refuge and services we will provide will allow the space and safety to start re-building relationships. A safe, peaceful, community setting is the foundation of that.”

Construction will be completed later this year with $3.8million from the Commonwealth Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation scheme.

Lutheran Services also supports Mary & Martha’s Refuge which was established by the Nazareth Lutheran Church in the 1980s to serve people during times of crisis.

As the season of Lent begins, so does our annual LCAQD Lenten appeal.

This year’s appeal will support three life-affirming projects by Lutheran Services. Read more or donate here.

Between COVID lockdowns and the floods that devastated South East Queensland, it’s been a very challenging time for all of us.

Our staff have gone above and beyond to ensure our clients and residents have felt safe, supported and comfortable during the last few months.

We celebrate our staff and the commitment they’ve shown.

Every staff member will receive a special gift pack full of goodies, including some lovely baked treats made and packed by Lutheran Youth Queensland.

Thank you to all our wonderful staff! We couldn’t do it without you.