THE LUTHERAN December 2018

N A TIO N A L M A G A ZIN E O F THE L U THE RA N C HU RC H O F A U STRA LIA

VOL 52 NO11

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DECEMBER 2018

‘I n w a rd ly w e a re b e in g re n e w e d d ay b y d ay ’ 2 C

4:16 ORINTHIANS

A G E L ES S

i n G od' s l ov e

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

EDITORIAL

Back on t rack

Editor Lisa McIntosh p 08 8267 7300 m 0409 281 703 e lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

Port Macquarie Lutheran Church member Les Mathies gains comfort from reading The Lutheran while recuperating after back surgery. Visiting Les in hospital at Port Macquarie is fellow St Peter’s member Derryl Huf. The photo was taken by Les’ wife Helga Mathies.

Executive Editor Linda Macqueen p 08 8339 5178 e linda.macqueen@lca.org.au

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Enjoys time with family, completing cryptic crosswords and fly fishing for trout in beautiful New Zealand rivers

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LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA The Lutheran informs the members of the LCA about the church’s teaching, life, mission and people, helping them to grow in faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Lutheran also provides a forum for a range of opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or the policies of the Lutheran Church of Australia.

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Fav text: Ephesians 2:4–10

Emma Beames St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Indooroopilly Qld LYQ (Lutheran Youth of Queensland) Luminate participant Enjoys sitting down with a cup of green tea and the Bible, spending time singing and praising God Fav text: Psalm 23

Tracey Woidt St John’s Lutheran Church, Buccleuch SA Farmer’s wife/farm administration (sheep and cropping) Enjoys reading, doing children’s ministry, and just sitting in peace and stillness Fav text: Ephesians 6:11–17

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DECEMBER

Special features EDITOR'S

Letter

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They say death and taxes are life’s two certainties but ageing also should be on that list.

I had one of those ‘zero birthdays’ this year. Birthdays are an annual reminder that we are all ageing, whether we like it or not.

I am blessed to still enjoy the treasured friendships of eight women with whom I began studying journalism 32 years ago. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone since we met as 17- and 18-yearolds. Hopefully, I have gained wisdom (as well as girth) in the intervening years. God-willing, I hope that we will again celebrate special birthdays with each other in around 10 years’ time.

With ageing, there may be more time in retirement for holidays, being with family, and serving others, and there are great seniors’ discounts for meals and activities! But while ageing happens quickly, it can be far from easy if we experience physical and mental decline. These can lead to isolation, loneliness and a deterioration of our sense of self-worth.

Often the greatest fears are of a loss of independence and dignity.

We may need to rely on others for help with everyday tasks. We may need to sell our home and move into care. Perhaps we can no longer drive, see well or hear clearly, or enjoy the hobbies or acts of service we loved. And, of course, ageing may mean the loss of those we hold most dear.

No matter how hard or easy ageing may be for us, we are still God’s precious children. No matter what faculties we lose, we will never lose his love or his promises of life eternal with him, where there is no disease, no pain, and none of the drawbacks of ageing (Revelation 21:4).

In this issue, we receive insights about ageing in community from residents of Lutheran aged-care homes and retirement villages. And we welcome some new readers from our Lutheran independent living units for this special edition on healthy ageing and caring for the aged. We delve into ageing gracefully in our regular Bible study and hear about one congregation’s commitment to better serve and support its elderly members.

We farewell two of the church’s great servants, Glenice Hartwich and Stephen Rudolph, and there is a bonus edition of LCA International Mission’s publication Border Crossings inside.

And we share the story of a congregation looking to bring love and grace to life for people in need this Christmas.

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Ageing in community

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Care is a reflection of Christ’s love

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What should we know about the aged-care Royal Commission?

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Serving our elders

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Out of the box!

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Regulars Heartland

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Dwelling in God’s word

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Going GREYT!

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Go and Grow

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#youngSAVEDfree

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The inside story

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Notices

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Reel Life

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Your voice

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Directory

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Coffeebreak

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As this is the last edition for 2018, I would like to thank you, our readers, subscribers, group collectors and other ambassadors, for your loyalty and we look forward to your continued support. Please continue to encourage others to join us – and remember a subscription makes a great gift!

My gratitude also goes to our wonderful team, which brings you The Lutheran each issue. Thank you to Linda Macqueen (executive editor), Elysia McEwen (graphic designer), our regular contributors Rebecka Colldunberg, Helen Beringen and Mark Hadley, proofreaders Lyall Kupke, Kathy Gaff and Pastor David Strelan, and James Jay and all at Openbook Howden.

Have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas,

Lisa

Our cover: LCA

members Colleen Fitzpatrick, Charles Bertelsmeier, Margit Hubbers, Colin Hayter and Ruth Hayter throw caution to the wind with some fun, healthy activity together. Photo Anthony Bothe.

JES U S I S G OD'S LOVE. HE G IVES U S NE W HE ARTS TO L AY AS IDE O UR OL D WAYS, TO B EL IE VE AND FOL LOW HIM, TO L IVE WI T H HIM E VERY DAY.

heartland

REV JOHN HENDERSON

Bishop Lutheran Church of Australia

CHRIST IS OUR MEDIATOR AND HE ALER ‘Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.’ (Ephesians 3:20–21) Since the LCA/NZ’s convention in Sydney in October people have been talking about the vote not to allow women to be pastors. The reality seems to be that, after 20 years, this is an issue on which views remain divided. Because of that division, the LCA/NZ is hurting, and by the LCA/NZ I mean its people.

Some of us who initially felt pain and anger have moved on to resigned acceptance. Others are determined to change things. Some of us were relieved by the decision, yet feel for those who are troubled. Others dismiss the need for further discussion, saying that, after four votes, it’s time to put the issue behind us.

Some of us who believe passionately in a male-only pastorate have decided it’s time to teach the LCA how to think rightly.

Some of us who believe God wants both male and female pastors have resigned from their responsibilities or from the LCA entirely. Many are holding back from leaving because of partners, families and the ministries in which they serve.

A few, determined to change things, speak of bringing things to a head by ‘civil disobedience’.

And still many more of us aren’t involved in any of those things. As faithful, committed Christians, you know that, whatever happens, God’s work goes on.

We will continue in our baptismal grace, practising The Lutheran DECEMBER 2018

I don’t believe that ordination is our main issue. We are troubled by something deeper, and we must explore what that is. We have a sense that we need a new way forward, one that will support us in being God’s people in the world, and that helps us work together in his kingdom, even though we do not, and it seems will not be able to, agree on some things.

The church is in the world for the sake of the GOSPEL. We must never lose sight of that.

Some say people are confused about what exactly we do teach, and so consciences are unnecessarily burdened.

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mutual forgiveness, showing the love of Christ, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, and committing into God’s eternal care those who have died. The church is in the world for the sake of the gospel. We must never lose sight of that.

The methods we have used to try to resolve our differences do not seem to have worked. Along the way we have learned some good things, such as mutual respect, calling out bad behaviour, and acknowledging that both sides of the debate take Scripture, confession and faith seriously. But now we need to learn to live with difference, and find a way of doing that which holds Christ at the centre as our mediator and healer.

So we have work to do. To do it well we must do it together. Right now some of us feel we don’t have the energy. That’s okay. I have certainly felt like that. But God in time will supply what we need. As we gather weekly around Christ’s table, and share daily in his word, let’s resolve again to honour God and one another, exploring fresh, life-giving ways of expressing our faith and fellowship in him, to the glory of God. I hope early in 2019 to be able to share with you ways by which we might go about doing just that, as we begin to explore a new way of living together.

God bless you this Advent and Christmas season, as we praise him for the gift of our Saviour.

Ageing in community – residents share their views

by LISA MCI NTOSH

The benefits of ageing in your own home are often promoted through government programs, with the backing of research. But for some people, staying at home as they age is neither preferable nor practical. Here six residents of Lutheran-managed aged-care homes and retirement villages share their thoughts and experiences about growing older in community.

The populations of Australia and New Zealand are ageing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2015 there were an estimated 3.5 million Australians aged 65 and over – or one in every seven people. The latest New Zealand figures show approximately 607,000 people 65 and over – nearly double the numbers from 1981.

igt Margaret Vo

Most Australians and New Zealanders aged 65+ are living in private households but, in both countries, more than a quarter of older people live alone. And while only one in 20 people of that cohort was in residential care in Australia in 2015, around one-third of older people needed assistance with daily activities.

Jeanette

Currie

For Margaret Voigt, 79, who moved into independent living at Lutheran Homes at Hope Valley in suburban Adelaide about six months ago, it was the lure of being part of a community that led to the shift from her own home. ‘Coming into a community like this is like living in a little country town, where people all know everyone; ‘I don’t have people are friendly’, she says. ‘Your church is here; all your care needs are taken care of. If you’re living on your own, it fears of my future can get very lonely, so it was my choice to live here, where because I’m in a everything’s available. And I’m glad I made this move; it’s right for me.’

COMMUNITY

The benefits of ageing in a community environment are also clear to Jeanette Currie, 77, who has been a resident at the Lutheran Village in Palmerston North, New Zealand, for 13 years. ‘[It’s] the company of the residents and knowing that there are people close by if needed’, she says.

that will care.’ er ger with h Greta Fin zzie O d n a sb late hu

Greta Finger, 88, who has lived at Zion Aged Care, at Nundah in suburban Brisbane, for almost three years, had no choice but to leave her own home when she broke her arm and could not care for herself.

‘To say goodbye to my home was the hardest part of coming in to a place like this’, she says, ‘and leaving the friends and the things I used to do that I can’t do anymore. Then you have to remember the hymn we have: “Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too”. I was a servant to others, which I can’t do so much of now, and that hurts a little bit. But I’m very grateful for what I’ve got, because there’s lots of things to be thankful for.’

Douglas Fisher, 75, who has lived at Calvary Retirement Village at Greensborough in Victoria for 15 years, agrees that giving up your own home is tough. Another drawback is that some retirement villages and aged-care homes don’t allow pets.

Residents’ top tips for healthy ageing • Good healthy meals and a little exercise if possible • Talk to friends, neighbours and family; keep in touch with your doctor; if you are not a churchgoer, consider it; try to laugh at something every day; try to get regular sleep

Douglas

Fisher

• Keep pressing on toward goals; love your neighbour; focus on Christ Jesus; Christian outreach and sharing • Keep active as much as you can and keep in God’s word • Consider both your physical and spiritual lives • Consider moving into a retirement or aged-care community

HOW TO HELP OTHERS AGE WELL Learn about safe procedures and caring for the ageing Just support, listen to people and be with them Be conscious of what’s happening with people who are ageing; just be there for them and see whether you can do anything for them Encourage them to consider living in an aged-care community

Lutheran aged care The LCA has • 20 Lutheran aged-care services • 32 sites • 335 aged-care packages offered • 2072 residential aged-care beds • 1825 independent living units

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However Douglas, and many of the residents who shared their views, believe the pastoral care available in Lutheran communities is crucial for people as they age.

‘As we grow weary with bodily issues, we require to have ministry in the joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone gives one the hope, strength and fulfilment of a life well-lived and the best is yet to be!’ says Douglas, a self-described ‘born-again believer’, who worships at a local Baptist church as well as having attended Lutheran services at Calvary.

Hazel Ford, 89, who has lived at Glynde Lutheran Homes’ independent living in suburban Adelaide for six years, agrees. ‘As I age I feel nearer to God and l like to feel that I am going the right way to meet him!’ she says.

‘My faith is important to me because I am not afraid to die.’

Faith and pastoral care are a big part of life for Lorna Reinbott, 95, who has lived at Orana Aged Care at Kingaroy in Queensland for more than three years and was involved with the original committee which founded the home. ‘We’ve got a chapel here and we have a service every Sunday; then we have Bible study during the week’, she says. ‘It’s an assurance that God’s there with me.’

For those who shared their views, fears of getting older included ‘dying alone’ and the ‘loss of mental capacity, disability’ and not being able to cover the cost of living on the pension. While Margaret had feared what would happen to her if she lost her memory while living on her own, her move to Lutheran Homes has changed that. ‘I don’t have fears of my future because I’m in a community that will care’, she says.

What do the residents think churches, including the LCA, could do better to support people who are ageing, whether at home or in community?

‘Maybe a friendly phone call or a visit to the housebound’, Jeanette says, while Margaret adds that offering to help people who no longer drive to get to church is a good start. Lorna believes it’s a matter of continuing to support aged-care places, while Greta adds that it’s important that when a church member moves into a home, that the congregation continues to have contact. ‘We all need to love and be loved. Care: pure and simple’, Douglas adds.

Dwelling in God’s word: A STUDY ON

R G ACEFUL G N I E LY AG

by PASTOR I A N LUTZE

As a chaplain working in a large regional care facility I see daily evidence of people ageing gracefully through the following points and in other ways. Bible references support these spiritual tasks of ageing, especially for older people who are Christian, but for all people too.

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Older people have a role in the community/ family/church of cheering others on, blessing people, and creating hope.

Who are the older people who believe in you, and bless you? Ponder the story of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:21–38).

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Ageing gracefully includes pondering a lifetime of memories.

Remembering, forgetting, appraising, regretting, forgiving, making amends. See Psalm 25:6–8; 71:17–18 and 145:4–5. Where does looking back start and stop?

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Looking forward; pondering eternity:

Remember St Paul’s feelings about wanting to depart this life (Philippians 1:20–26)? How do you feel about the prospect of eternity?

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Retirement is a challenge, but ‘handing over the baton’ can be a real blessing for you and for those who come after you.

Remember Elijah handing over to Elisha? (2 Kings 2:1–15). There is grief and there are heavy hearts, but something important to be done. What are some of the ‘batons’ you are going to need to hand over to the next generation? How will you do this?

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Grief work is a task of ageing.

And it’s not just the funerals. There’s the loss of powers, the onset of frailties, the need to accept more help from others. Remember that text – John 21:18 – which has some delicious humour in it, but is so true for anybody entering an aged-care centre. How are you going with the losses you’ve suffered to date?

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Ageing may also bring renewed ability to enjoy life and understand one’s richness on many levels.

Christians know richness in many ways, including enjoying creation while we still have the ability.

St Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:12–18 describes the material poverty Christians will often suffer in their solidarity with Christ, who ‘though rich, became poor for our sakes’ (2 Corinthians 8:9). The ‘bucket list’ concept sometimes highlights the ‘empty holes’ in our lives that need filling with expenditures and thrills. Christians ponder how to make others rich. And in the process, new richness become available to us.

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Older age brings freedom to embrace new ideas, to think in different ways, more honestly.

Discuss examples of people who are very good at this and have become more honest and life-giving as they’ve aged. Why is the opposite the case for some people? Psalm 90:10–12 highlights the pain that might need to be accepted on the way to such freedom. What prevents you from being more honest with others and with yourself?

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Forever young:

God plays with the concept of ageing to create visions of long and pain-free ageing (in this life or the next) (see Isaiah 46:4 and 65:20), and even a surprise pregnancy to a golden oldie called Sarah (Genesis 18). What does it really mean to be ‘old’ or ‘young’?

May you age gracefully, and be a blessing to many!

Care is a reflection of Christ’s love

by COLLEEN FITZPATR ICK ‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love’ was the message behind the launch of the God’s love – our care document at the LCA/NZ’s recent General Convention of Synod. This document is the re-working of the One Loving God – two hands saving and caring paper, a task that was requested by the 2015 Synod.

God’s love – our care has been developed to provide a resource for use in small groups for study and discussion where questions such as: Who are the most vulnerable in my community and in my workplace? What role can I play to advocate for the vulnerable?

Or, how can I serve the needy? With this resource, such questions can be discussed in the context of Lutheran theology and words from the Bible.

Following the completion of the document, a one-page ethos statement has also been developed for Lutheran aged-care and community services.

The ethos statement is supported by background material that can be used within aged and community services to assist with the induction of board members, CEOs and managers, as well as other staff members.

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Essentially, it’s all about love. As Christians we want to share Christ’s love by serving people. The diaconic (servant) ministry has been a part of the Lutheran church since its inception.

As Christians we want to SHARE Christ’s love

by SERVING people.

These two publications clearly reflect the LCA/NZ’s Our Direction document. The vision, mission, values and priorities of the church, as set out in this document, stress that we are a church where love comes to life, not just in our private lives, but also through all of the church’s institutions, including our aged-care and community services.

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Residents of aged-care, and those who use Lutheran community services, or those who are interested in these services, may choose to view the resources to understand why the Lutheran church would be involved in such activities.

The distinctive character of our services is summed up perfectly in the church’s mission statement: God grows us as his people to a mature faith in Christ – a faith that comes to life through effective witness and ministry, so that people everywhere may know Christ and his love. So they really will know we are Christians by our love.

Thanks are due to Dr Peter Lockwood for his theological input and to the reference group members who have provided feedback and input during the project.

Interested groups and individuals can access these resources by emailing the LCA/NZ’s Committee for Ministry with the Ageing at cma@lca.org.au or find God’s love – our care at www.lca.org.au/departments/ local-mission/ministry-with-ageing/ under ‘Resources’.

Colleen Fitzpatrick is Project Officer for the revision of the One Loving God document and the development of God’s love – our care.

by W EN DY ROCKS During meetings this year in Canberra, the Australian Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, the Hon Ken Wyatt, frequently mentioned an ABC Four Corners program that had not at that time been aired or publicised. It was a portent for what was to transpire.

I gained the distinct impression that the TV program held potential repercussions for the minister and the Federal Government, and for the aged-care industry as a whole. It was clear that the government had knowledge of the content of the program and was somewhat fearful. It was also at this gathering I heard that the program would culminate in the request for a Royal Commission into aged care.

It did not surprise me, therefore, that just prior to the Four Corners program, the government pre-empted any ‘call’ for a Royal Commission into the aged-care sector by announcing one into quality and safety standards in the industry. My interpretation was that this was an astute political move and had the effect of uniting to some extent the government and opposition in their ‘concern’ about the industry.

I believe that, although the next two years may be a rough ride for all stakeholders, the Royal Commission provides a once-in-a-generation platform for a light to be shone and questions asked and answers and solutions recommended, as has never before occurred in the aged-care industry. I am very hopeful that, at the end of the process, many issues will have been brought to light that have needed transparency for a long time.

For example, how do providers meet the growing expectations of consumers fuelled by the ever-increasing compliance environment? How is safe and high-quality clinical care provided with current funding levels, and when industry bodies resist the need for an all-hours registered nurse presence in an environment of great frailty and complex health needs? How does the industry solve the problem of reducing interest in aged-care work by general practitioners, given the legislative requirement that residents must be able to choose their own doctor?

The Royal Commission’s directions hearing will tell us more about where the various centres for hearing will be held. However, we do know that they are intended to be held in major regional as well as metropolitan centres. There are numerous groups offering assistance to prepare for the Royal Commission, one being Aged and Community Services Australia (www.acsa.asn.au).

We cannot look away from what clearly are problems in the industry and horrific actual care issues – even though these may well be sensationalised, or misrepresented, or in the minority. We can move to participate in whatever way we can to take advantage of this unique opportunity to be heard, and to be instrumental in positive changes.

Wendy Rocks is Consultant to the LCA’s Committee for Ministry with the Ageing and an LCA representative to the National Aged Care Alliance.

The Alliance comprises more than 40 peak body organisations representing consumers and their families, informal carers, special needs groups, nursing, allied health and personal carers involved in the aged-care sector, and private and not-for-profit aged-care providers.

Who might provide information?

• Residents/victims (current/historic) • Families of residents • Staff (as individuals) • Unions representing staff • Advocacy groups • General public • Members of parliament • Related industry organisations

How will information be gathered?

• Via a call centre • From written submissions • In private sessions with residents, family members, staff, whistleblowers • At public hearings from individuals and organisations • Through case studies after public hearings • In response to issues and consultation papers based on the Royal Commission's work • Policy and research from more focussed consultation with government, NGOs, regulators, policy experts, academics, victims and advocacy groups

What might the Royal Commission do with the information?

• Where information is provided which indicates a breach of the law, it can refer matters to other regulatory authorities • Use the information to identify which organisations it should consider for the public hearings and case studies • It may use the information to inform the development of recommendations • It may consider the publication of the names of the organisations identified in private sessions and written submissions • Identify systemic issues which should be considered for case studies

The public hearings: • Provide an opportunity for individuals to present their experiences • Examine and explore the response of organisation at the time of incidents • Examine systemic issues • Are likely to be broadcast via the Royal Commission website Some hearings may be private, based on the need to protect witnesses.

The aftermath • Dealing with any recommendation • Reputation • Insurance • Commercial risk • Criminal and or civil action • Action against individual staff

Source: Abridged from Gadens Lawyers graphic

What should we know about the aged-care Royal Commission?

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – a snapshot