Services

Sunday services
At the heart of our congregation is Sunday service. Finnish-speaking worship occurs somewhere in Sydney a few times a month. Sunday service is not only a spiritual happening but it also has a deep social meaning. We always offer coffee and snacks, as well as a relaxed time for conversations.

Pastoral care
When big things happen in life it’s always good to share it with someone you can trust. Pastoral care is most frequently sought by those in hospitals or nursing homes. Confidential counselling can assist anyone facing milestones or difficulties in life.

Baptism
In baptism, God joins a person in the fellowship of Jesus Christ and takes them as a member of his church. In baptism, a person becomes a member of the parish. An infant to be baptised needs at least two godparents, chosen by the child’s parents. Please note that all godparents have to be full members of a Christian church which accepts infant baptism, and for the sake of continuance, at least one godparent has to be a member of the Lutheran Church. The task of the godparent is to lend spiritual support to the infant and his/her parents, and to pray for the godchild.

Weddings
The church marriage ceremony is an act in which God is asked to bless the marriage. Marriage is the foundation for establishing a family. In marriage, partners commit to each other in a public ceremony in front of witnesses.

Funerals
A funeral service creates space to say goodbye to a dear person. The parish blesses the deceased to his or her last journey with prayers. The family of the deceased finds support and comfort in Christian hope. A funeral gives the family a chance to grieve and remind those present of the inevitability of their own death. In laying the deceased to rest, the focus is on the proclamation of the hope in the resurrection and in salvation of Christ.

Service donations
The pastor of the Southern Cross congregation is available for services mentioned above. To be able to provide these services the congregation kindly asks for a donation.

For baptisms a donation of $200 dollars is recommended.
For weddings a donation of $500 dollars is recommended.
For funerals a donation of $350 dollars is recommended.

The donation can be paid directly to the pastor or to our bank account:
Commonwealth Bank
BSB 062 130
Account: 0090 7224