The Lutheran April 2021 Digital Edition by Lutheran Church of Australia

M A G A Z I N E O F T H E LUT H E R A N C H URC H O F A US T R A LI A & N E W ZE A L AN D

VOL 55 NO3

Print Post Approved PP100003514

APRIL 2021

Death

‘Where, O death, is your victo ry?’ 1 C O R IN T H

IA N S 1 5 :5 5

AND

dying

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

60 reasons to celebrate in style

EDITORIAL

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

When Nevin Nitschke turned 60, he celebrated the milestone birthday in unique style. Not only did the LCA International Mission Program Officer ensure he had some good reading on hand, he also donned a new work ‘uniform’ crocheted by fellow Barossan and Churchwide Office colleague, Vicki Rochow, of Grow Ministries. Nevin is a member at Bethany Tabor Lutheran Church, while Vicki attends Langmeil Tanunda, also in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.

Executive Editor Linda Macqueen p 08 8267 7300 e linda.macqueen@lca.org.au

CONNECT WITH US We Love The Lutheran! lutheranaunz lutheranchurchaus

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People like YOU bring love to life Lorna Burton Redeemer Lutheran Church, Laidley Qld Retired Most treasured Bible text: 1 Peter 1:3 ‘Praise be to the God … In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’

Andrew Thiele Seaford SA Lutheran school teacher Most treasured Bible text: Romans 8:28 ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.’

Verena Johnson

LUTHERAN

Our Saviour, Aberfoyle Park SA

OF AUSTRALIA

LCANZ Church Worker Support Officer, church drama director, prayer ministry and women’s ministry

CHURCH The Lutheran informs the members of the LCANZ 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 and New Zealand.

Send us a photograph featuring a recent copy of The Lutheran and it may appear on page 2 of a future issue and on our website at www.thelutheran.com.au

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Most treasured Bible text: Zephaniah 3:17 ‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will … rejoice over you with singing.’ Let the light of someone you know shine through their photo being featured in The Lutheran and LCA Facebook. With their permission, send us a good quality photo, their name and details (congregation, occupation, what they enjoy doing, most treasured text in these difficult times) and your contact details.

April Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

‘In the midst of life we are in death’, we are told in The Book of Common Prayer. Prayer. It’s a familiar saying often recited at funerals and committals, seemingly ensuring that the mourners present are aware it could be their turn next ...

As we age, we will lose more people close to us. ‘From dust we came, to dust we shall return’, the Bible tells us in Genesis 3:19.

So, while death will continue to bring sadness, pain and grief on this earth, for us as Christians it also brings hope. Our death will be the start of our new life, a transition we need not fear. In Revelation 21:4 we read: ‘“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain.’ In this issue, we share insights from members of our Lutheran family who have served dying people through various ministries. I pray you will be encouraged in your faith as you read these stories, and that you will find comfort in the hope of your new life beyond death.

What is dying well?

‘You can’t bury your dead here’

Heartland

‘One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; Death thou shalt die.’ As Donne and the Gospel of John (11:25) remind us, Easter means that even though we die, we will live.

A final expression of faith

Regulars

We can slip into viewing life in that gloomy, fatalistic way, simply waiting for the Grim Reaper to catch up with us, failing to live with the freedom of the gospel and the responsibility of the Great Commission. We can even be trapped into reading Scripture through the same lens, forgetting what Easter means for death. Of course, thanks to Jesus, death has lost its sting, as our cover reminds us (1 Corinthians 15:55). I love the victorious tone in one of my favourite poems from high school studies – John Donne’s ‘Death, be not proud’.

Life and death 10 matters in aged care

Not exactly cheery. We hardly need to be reminded that death is never far away though, do we? Not after this past year of watching the global COVID death toll rise day after day. Not when our screens blare out news of peaceful protesters being shot and killed by military forces in Myanmar; bloody tolls from ongoing civil wars in such places as Syria or Somalia; or a woman being murdered while walking home in London. Not when our loved ones die, whether they are frail-aged or have lives cut short by disease or accident.

Navigating end-of-life issues

Dwelling in God’s word

Go and Grow

Church@Home

The inside story

Directory

Sudoku

Your voice

Going GREYT!

Prayer calendar

Your favourite columns are here, too and also with this edition is a bonus copy of Border Crossings, Crossings, thanks to LCA International Mission. It’s full of wonderful stories about the way your prayerful support and the mission of LCANZ people and overseas partner churches are enabling God’s spirit to change lives with the gospel. God bless your reading,

Lisa

PS – Remember, The Lutheran is now available as a digital edition. To subscribe, give a subscription of a gift, or to register for free digital access as an existing print subscriber, go to www.thelutheran.com.au/subscribe

Our cover: iStock.com The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

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

RE V JOHN HENDERSON

Bishop Lutheran Church of Australia

LOVING THE WORLD IS OUR ONLY PATH ‘I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one’ (John 17:15 – NRSV). Just before his death, Jesus prayed to his Father on behalf of those who would believe in him: ‘The glory you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, so that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me’ (John 17:22,23). Even while Jesus was praying, events were turning against him. Injustice and violence would soon be inflicted upon him, but he would not turn on his accusers. He would not condemn the one who betrayed him or those who abandoned him. He would glorify his heavenly Father and love the world

J ESUS WANTS US TO BE ‘ I N TH E WORLD’ SO THAT WE CAN LOVE IT. 4

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and its people to his last breath. For, ‘God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him’ (John 3:17). Jesus prayed that believers may ‘become completely one’, as he and his Father are one. The love and unity that believers show the world will be a visible sign of God’s own love and unity. (See also John 13:34,35.) Therefore, God sends believers into ‘the world’, placing them among the nations, ethnicities, clans and languages. Believing in Jesus as our Saviour not only changes our lives – how we think, how we use our bodies and the choices we make – it also changes our world. Today, such lived faith seems to be in retreat, particularly in affluent western societies. For centuries Christian churches set the pattern of social, moral and ethical standards. They had respect, wealth, and influence. Today, that is not always so. The world has changed. What are we to do when events turn against us? Some say we should fight to reclaim the church’s hard-won, historical place in society. Believers can be tempted to try to save the world using earthly power, something Jesus refused to do.

Some say we should separate from the world to keep the purity of the faith. But doesn’t God send us in the other direction, into the world? If I ever start thinking that I am better or holier than another, the Small Catechism reminds me: ‘ … that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him …’ (Explanation to the third article of the Creed). Believers need the continued grace and goodness of God just as much as non-believers do. Jesus prayed that believers like us, united in him, would bear witness that his death and resurrection, forgiveness of sins and eternal life in him, are freely available to all people throughout the world. He wants us to be ‘in the world’ so that we can love it, but not to be ‘of the world’ through neglecting God’s love and so falling into disunity. This Easter season we can receive comfort and joy in remembering that, just before he died, Jesus took time out to pray for those who would come to believe in him. We matter to him, as does our unity in faith. ‘The glory you have given me I have given them’, he prayed, ‘so that they may be one, as we are one.’ Let that be our prayer, too, for ourselves, our church, and the world.

We know that, as Christians, we need not fear death, thanks to Jesus’ victory over the grave that first Easter. But facing our mortality and that of the people we love is never easy. Navigating all kinds of legal, ethical and medical end-of-life issues is often highly emotional, stressful and complicated. We asked Dr Clare Seligmann, a GP with a particular interest and expertise in aged care and palliative care and a member of the LCANZ’s Committee for Ministry with the Ageing, for her insights on some of these topics.

NAVIGATI NG end-of-life ISSU ES

by C L A R E S E L I G M A N N

In the 20th century, medicine and improved public health measures in Australia were very successful in increasing life expectancy. However, this has changed the pattern of ageing and the pattern of dying. Increased longevity has created a new population of people burdened with complex and chronic disease and ‘advanced frailty’. For this population, the traditional models of care, focusing on curative and life-prolonging treatments, without having concurrent goals of enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families, can contribute to unnecessary and prolonged suffering at the end of life, according to the Australian & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine.

Many people find it hard to face the dependency, helplessness and discomfort that often accompanies ageing, chronic disease and impending death. They need increased support from family, carers, health practitioners and chaplains – and they need to be respected, cared for and loved as people created and loved by God. The LCANZ, through aged care and other pastoral care ministries, has opportunities to serve people at the end of life in physical and psychological caring; and providing spiritual care to assist with a ‘good death’ for those in our care. That’s the ethos that underpins the service of many of our church’s care agencies, such as the Queensland District’s Lutheran Services. The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

M A NY PEO PLE FI N D IT H AR D TO FACE … I M PEN D I N G D E ATH … TH EY N EED TO B E R ES PECTED, C A R ED F O R A N D LOV ED AS PEO PLE CR E ATED A N D LOV ED BY GO D.

Just as having a legal will plays a significant role in ‘getting our affairs in order’ before we die in terms of the material and financial, advanced-care planning has a very important function for other end-of-life considerations. It is a journey with people and their families which includes starting the conversation about death; establishing the person’s priorities for their life and any goals that are outstanding; discussing values and beliefs and what will help quality of life; discussing specific details about treatments and symptom management; and documenting the conversation. There are also legal documentation processes prepared in advance, that assist with decision-making if a dying person loses their decision-making capacity. In addition to a will, these include appointing an enduring power of attorney/s for health and finance matters and completing an advance health/care directive, depending on the jurisdiction across Australia and New Zealand. A term we often refer to within end-of-life contexts is palliative care, which even applies to non-specialist care. It is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as: ‘ … an approach to care that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual. Palliative care also respects the choice of patients and helps their families to deal with practical issues, including coping with loss and grief throughout the illness and in case of bereavement.’ Appropriate palliative care is not confined to end-oflife care and can be provided in parallel with curative treatment, having different goals and focus. Palliative care is usually multidisciplinary and it is part of whole-person

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care that is not disease-specific and therefore can be complementary to curative treatment. Again according to the WHO, when considered early in the course of the illness, palliative care not only improves the quality of life for patients, but also reduces unnecessary hospitalisations and the use of health services. Palliative care is never about withdrawing treatment or ‘doing nothing’. It requires as much work and expertise as curative treatment, but the goals are different. Access to palliative care is considered a human right by the WHO. Specialist palliative care is only one component of palliative care service delivery. A sustainable, quality and accessible palliative care system needs to be integrated into primary health care, community and home-based care, as well as supporting care providers such as family and community volunteers. Recognising when a person is approaching the end of their life is essential to delivering appropriate, compassionate and timely end-of-life care. There needs to be rigour in the assessment of symptoms and, that includes physical, cognitive, psychological, social and spiritual domains. A formal diagnosis of the ‘terminal phase’ needs to be made so this phase can be managed effectively. Care of the dying should be considered ‘urgent care’ that is managed by those skilled in this area. It is as important as care for reversible or curable conditions, a stance backed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC). When it is recognised that a person has entered the terminal phase, this needs to be communicated to the person, substitute decision-makers and family members. Uncertainties and ambiguities need to be discussed openly and communication needs to be on-going. This will empower people and their families to direct their

care, where possible, and express needs and wishes for this phase. Documentation of communications is important for future reference and decision-making. There are ethical issues that need to be considered in end-of-life care, as explained by the ACSQHC: • It is important not to harm people approaching the end of life by providing burdensome investigations and treatments that can be of no benefit. • Doctors are not obliged to initiate or continue treatments that will not offer a reasonable hope of benefit or improve the person’s quality of life (unless required by law). • People also have the right to refuse treatments. This may be in advance, formally in an advance health directive or informally in the documentation of conversation or consultation with the person. Providing palliative care is legal, so long as the health professional intends to reduce or relieve a patient’s pain and suffering, not hasten their death. The majority of interventions given in end-of-life care by skilled health care teams neither hasten nor obstruct the person’s natural dying. Care of the person and their family extends beyond death. Respectful treatment of a person’s remains and observance of cultural or religious practices need to be considered. Families also need to be cared for with appropriate time and space to grieve and follow up with bereavement counselling if this is wanted. If end-of-life care is well managed, symptoms should be minimised and the transition from life on earth, through death to life in eternity, made as smooth as possible. In most cases, suffering at the end of life can be prevented or significantly reduced. It is often suffering and loss of control that people fear more than death. The most controversial topic in the end-of-life area is euthanasia – the deliberate act of one person to end the life of another person to relieve that person’s suffering. Physician-assisted suicide occurs when a person

requests a doctor to assist them in committing suicide. Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are currently illegal in most Australian states and territories and may result in a person being charged with murder, manslaughter or assisting suicide. However, voluntary assisted dying has been legal in Victoria since 2019 and will become legal in Western Australia in the middle of this year. New Zealanders last year voted in a referendum to legalise euthanasia, with the new law expected to come into effect late this year. The LCANZ’s Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions CSBQ has a statement on this subject ‘Euthanasia or Mercy Killing’, which rejects the practice in all its forms, ‘because such killing is contrary to the word and law of God’. Adopted by the General Convention of Synod in 1981, you can read this on the LCA website (www.lca.org.au/social-bioethical-questions - Papers adopted by General Synod). Lutherans for Life, which is accountable to the church through CSBQ and promotes the sanctity of life, also offers resources and information on end-of-life issues (see story, page 11). 11). Rather than euthanasia, the church calls for greater efforts to improve and extend palliative care and other measures to reduce suffering in our society. Such measures have demonstrated productive outcomes in the management of pain and the care of those at the end of their earthly life.

Dr Clare Seligmann is the General Practitioner representative on the Queensland Health Department’s Frail Older Persons Collaborative. She served as chairperson of the LCANZ Queensland District’s Lutheran Services council from 2009 to 2019. She is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the AMA and the Australian & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine. She worships at St Peters Indooroopilly in suburban Brisbane.

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A final EXPRESSIO N O F faith

BY LISA MCINTOSH

Being with people who are dying – whether or not they are close to us – can be uncomfortable, daunting and sad. We might worry about saying the wrong thing or what to do to be a witness of God’s grace and love. Even people with years of experience caring for or ministering to people who are dying, such as Sue Westhorp, say that each situation is different and that feeling uncomfortable may always be part of the process. Sue is the spiritual care manager and Clinical Pastoral Education Centre director for Melbourne’s Austin Health. She was formerly a palliative care chaplain at Royal Melbourne Hospital and was a pastoral care worker for St Paul’s Lutheran Church Box Hill. ‘I’ve never become used to being with people who are dying’, she says. ‘I don’t take it for granted; it’s different every time and it’s profound every time. It’s important to be very aware of our own discomfort and anxiety. It’s okay to be uncomfortable. Your own mortality is being confronted in the process.’

‘ IT ’S A BO UT TH E WAYS I N W H I CH W E S H OW U P F O R PEO PLE TO S H OW TH EM GO D IS W ITH TH EM .’

However, while she says there is ‘no formula’ for this kind of pastoral care, just being present and listening are the two constants of our call as Christians, regardless of the context. ‘I think as much as each of us is able to individually, we’re called to sit with the person in grief, or as someone is dying, to actually just follow where they want to go with that and if they want to talk about it, or if they don’t’, Sue says.

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‘I’ve had experiences in palliative care of people who are dying who’ve got no interest in faith or religion, who a day out from dying start asking the big questions. Or someone who’s had a very, very strong faith and gets to a week before they die, and suddenly they’re very wobbly about their faith. So it’s about responding to what you see in front of you and listening, and the ways in which we show up for people to show them God is present with them.

present

‘They’re ultimately on a journey they can only do alone. We can’t go on that journey with them, but we can be present with them as much as possible.’ Pastor Tim Klein, a former funeral director who these days serves the flock at Faith Warradale in suburban Adelaide and is LCA SA-NT District First Assistant Bishop, says funerals are ‘always gospel opportunities’, regardless of the faith of those who attend.

‘The funeral of a person of faith brings with it a wonderful testimony of the gospel’, he says. ‘Others can be challenging, because we don’t want to offend those who have no faith, yet at the same time we can bring good news and hope into that broken place. Funerals are a time of sadness, joy, hope and blessing in varying proportions.’ He says his main objective as a funeral director was to minimise ‘the organisational stress for a family so that they could attend to their grief and not be distracted by other things’.

‘That’s not to say a funeral director is immune to the grief. I was often thankful for the dark shades of my sunglasses, hiding my saddened eyes.’ Not surprisingly, he says leading funerals as a pastor is very different. ‘My prime focus is to provide pastoral care surrounding the funeral – caring for the bereaved, praying, and preparing a funeral service with them that brings God’s word of comfort into their lives.’ When Pastor Joseph Theodorsen, who serves the Top End Parish in the Northern Territory, was about to begin his ordained ministry he told The Lutheran that the privilege of being a pastor he was most looking forward to was ministering ‘to the sick and dying’. He says that is largely because of the way that our western culture ‘treats death and dying in such a private way’.

‘ B EI N G A B LE TO S H A R E I N TH E PAI N A N D SU FFER I N G O F SU CH TI M ES , A N D YET

hope

B R I N G TH E AND CERTAI NT Y O F TH E GOS PEL … IS SO M ETH I N G TH AT I FI N D V ERY H U M B LI N G .’

‘In this private space, people are able to truly show the deep emotions that come with the knowledge of the terminal illness or imminent death of loved ones – thoughts and feelings that are normally hidden from public view’, Pastor Joseph says. ‘To be invited into such a space, indeed often welcomed, is something that is truly a great privilege. ‘Being able to share in the pain and suffering of such times, and yet bring the hope and certainty of the gospel to people who are often in the midst of great difficulty, is something that I find very humbling.’

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IT IS A LWAYS I M PO RTA NT TH AT W E TR E AT PEO PLE . . . I N A WAY TH AT BOTH R ES PECTS TH EM A N D A LLOWS GO D’S LOV E TO CO M E TO LI FE AS TH EY A PPROACH TH EI R D E ATH .

Life and death

M AT TERS I N AG ED CAR E B Y C O L L E E N F I T Z PAT R I C K

Lutheran aged-care providers rejoice in the gift of life and are committed to enriching and enhancing the life experience of those under their care. To this end, they support the physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and social or family wellbeing of each person they care for.

choices. Such choices should be documented in Advance Care Directives and in care plans so that the provision of care can fulfil them. Nursing and care staff and chaplains are part of this care and are blessed to share this intimate journey with people in our aged-care services.

When people approach the end of life, they need more focused care from medical professionals, nurses, carers, chaplains and family.

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has been on the agenda of Australian and New Zealand governments for some time. It has been legalised in Victoria and will become legal in Western Australia and New Zealand in the coming months, so it is possible that people cared for within Lutheran aged-care services will want to implement it.

Our services straddle both the left-hand and the righthand kingdoms as spelt out in our theology. We are bound by the rules and regulations of government, but our work is undergirded by our theology and ethos as articulated in the publications God’s love – our care and Called to Tansformative Action, Action, which can be found on the Ministry with the Ageing website at www.lca.org.au/ ministry-with-ageing It is important to plan for the end of one’s life and to provide good palliative care for people approaching death and their families – care that addresses all the person’s needs and ensures that those close to them are aware of what is happening and how they can be part of the end-of-life process. Palliative care is part of the core business of Lutheran aged care, with maximum physical comfort being the goal and so that a person nearing the end of their life need not fear the loss of control. Significant also to palliative care provision is the need for the person approaching the end of life to be able to make

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In such a case, while the LCANZ does not support VAD, we will continue to provide respectful, non-judgemental and loving care and compassion. Staff or volunteers may choose to be present at the time of death, but they cannot be required to be present and no staff or volunteer may assist with the process of VAD. Regardless of the situation, it is always important that we treat people in our care in a way that both respects them and allows God’s love to come to life as they approach their death. Colleen Fitzpatrick is chair of the LCANZ’s Committee for Ministry with the Ageing and also a member of the Governance Enhancement Committee for Lutheran Aged Care and Community Services. She was the project officer for the development of God’s love – our care and Called to Transformative Action. Action.

W HAT IS

dying WELL?

When it comes to dying, all of us hope to die well. The question is, what does this mean and what does this look like? The word euthanasia means 'a good death' and, for some, this is what ‘dying well’ looks like. Euthanasia advocacy groups sometimes refer to euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide as 'dying with dignity'. The premise behind this thinking seems to be that to die well is to die on our terms, how we want and when we want. The Christian tradition, however, has a very different understanding of what it is to die well. A good death is not one on our own terms, but one which submits itself to God's will. To die well for the Christian is to die with faith in Christ, and thus to die in the grace of God.

intolerable? Some people in western societies have begun advocating for the legal taking of life in these circumstances through physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. Christians are called to show mercy and compassion to those who are suffering. True mercy and compassion mean suffering alongside someone in their greatest hour of need, loving and serving them and assuring them that life is still worth living, even when all seems lost.

TO D I E W ELL F O R TH E CH R ISTIA N IS TO D I E W ITH FAITH I N CH R IST, A N D TH US TO D I E I N TH E G R ACE O F GO D.

The Bible speaks of the ‘fear of death which subjects us to a lifelong slavery’ (Hebrews 2:15). This fear leads us to try to assert ourselves in the face of death by taking matters into our own hands. However, as Christ has died in our place to give us eternal life, we need not fear death and we can die well as we trust in him. Healthy people have no need for legal options to end their life. But what about people whose suffering feels

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan provides us with a beautiful example of this mercy. True mercy costs us something (Luke 10:25-37). The LCANZ opposes euthanasia and mercy killing in all forms, based on Scripture. For Christians, our life is never our own. We are creatures owing our very existence to our creator, and so the taking of our own life is no less grave than that of another.

However, the church's opposition to euthanasia does not mean that Christians are obligated to unnecessarily prolong life by taking on burdensome treatments. What it does mean is that the church's members have a special obligation to love and care for people who are suffering, including advocating for the best possible palliative care.

This is an abridged version of ‘Dying well’ and ‘Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide’, by the Lutherans for Life (LFL) Committee, published on its website (www.lutheransforlife.lca.org.au) and used with permission. LFL is part of the LCANZ, accountable to the church through the Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions. LFL offers resources and information on life issues on its website, through its newsletter, Life News, News, and on Facebook (Lutherans for Life – Australia). The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

LING IN L E W D WORD S ' D O G

D E AT H A N D D Y I N G

Death and dying have been at the forefront of our lives this past year. During the height of the pandemic, here in Victoria, we waited nervously to hear daily updates of COVID infections and deaths. Death has also been a big topic in Victoria as we faced the recent passing of legislation for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Death is seen as an unnatural part of life that can be avoided if we do everything right or at least we are comforted if we control the time and circumstances of death. Read Hebrews 9:27,28. What is God’s purpose for us through death? Among Christians, death is often seen as a punishment for sin. If only Adam and Eve had not sinned then death could have been avoided through access to the Tree of Life. (Read Genesis 3:24.) But death is part of God’s graciousness now that sin has entered into this world and all the consequences of sin including suffering and death. God has limited the reach of suffering by limiting the life span of humanity. But Jesus reassures us that through him, even though we die we shall continue to live. Read John 11:25–26. Mary and Martha thought that if Jesus had come earlier, Lazarus could have avoided death, but instead, Jesus gives them a greater comfort. Even though Jesus knew that he was the ‘resurrection and the life’, we see through his tears of grief over Lazarus’ death that death still has great impact on the life of a Christian. This is despite the fact we know that eternal life is a gift of God when we die. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Paul speaks about the grief we go through as Christians but what does he say that brings comfort? Paul also talks about a different type of death that Christians experience when he says that we have died to sin. Paul believed that in our baptism we are born again and therefore our old life dies and a new life arises with Christ. (Read Romans 6:1–4.)

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by Peter Ghalayini

Paul was quite insistent that our new life begins immediately even though we can only see the old life. Read Colossians 3:1–4. Paul speaks about this new life being ‘hidden’, but says it will be revealed when Christ returns along with God’s glory that is also hidden. Read Colossians 3:5–10. Are there parts of your ‘old life’ that continue to affect your ‘new life in Christ’? Read 1 Corinthians 15:20–26. What happens to death when we are in heaven? Read Revelation 20:11–15. In verse 14 death seems to have a life force of its own and ironically death must now also experience death. The difference is that death will no longer exist because it is part of what Jesus calls the ‘old order of life’. Read Revelation 21:1–5. In this ‘new order’ Jesus specifically declares what will be removed, or rather ‘passed away’ (another term we use for death): ‘“There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ And finally, the Tree of Life which Adam and Eve lost when the angel prevented them from reaching out and eating, is returned as the Garden of Eden is restored in heaven. Read Revelation 22:1–5. Thank you Heavenly Father that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and even though we die we shall live. Amen. Pastor Peter Ghalayini serves the Ringwood Knox Lutheran Parish in Melbourne’s outer east and is Aged Care Pastor at Good Shepherd Retirement Village at Ringwood.

ES R ESO U RC ... O T U O FOR Y

HELPFUL GUIDE

E XCER PT FR O M ‘A P R AY E R F O R A L L A G ES ’ God of all creation, you are timeless and beyond all ages.

TO M I N I ST RY W I T H TH E AGEING

We who are growing old give thanks

BY TA N I A N E LS O N

for the years you have given us – for family, friends and all those

The LCANZ’s Ministry with the Ageing local mission department has a wide range of helpful resources on our webpage – www.lca.org.au/ministrywith-ageing A great place to start is with our Ministry with the Ageing: a beginner’s guide booklet. Divided into three sections, it addresses ageing as a personal journey through the topics of ‘Post-work years’, ‘As the years pass’, and ‘In the twilight of your life’. It’s a great resource for ageing folk, as

who have enriched our lives. We who are not yet old give thanks for the older people in our lives: for grandparents, loved ones, friends

well as for the family and friends who support the ageing. You can download a copy from our website or request a copy by phoning the LCANZ Churchwide Office on 08 8267 7300 or by emailing cma@lca.org.au

We who are growing old pray for prudence and sweet timing, in offering our wisdom to the next generation, while respecting their energy and creativity.

and humility in receiving

on aged-care and end-of-life issues; information about parish nursing; ministry scholarship information; and reports and presentations from the LCANZ’s Aged Care and Community Services Gathering.

GGod od’’ss lov lcaroveee –– oour ur care

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

S TAY U P D AT E D

the wise counsel of their years.

We who are not yet old pray for openness

M O R E USEFU L R ESOU RCES Resources on the Ministry with the Ageing webpage on the LCA website also include informative videos; dementia resources produced in conjunction with Lutheran Media; ‘Worship and the ageing – a list of ideas’; the devotional litany resource ‘Respecting our Elders’; the God’s love – our care booklet, which covers the theology underpinning the practice of Lutheran care; discussion papers

and all who generously offer

LUTH

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You can sign up for the Ministry with the Ageing eNews by visiting www.lca.org.au/enews and following the instructions to sign up. Ministry with the Ageing is part of the Churchwide list of bulletins.

the advice and guidance of our elders. God of endless love, help us to understand that we share a common life journey, a call to live life to the full and to strive to enable all creation to come to the fullness of the Cosmic Christ. Amen From the LCANZ’s Ministry with the Ageing: a beginner’s guide. Used with permission of Australian Catholic Social Justice Council.

Dr Tania Nelson is LCANZ Executive Officer – Local Mission. The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

CO PI N G W ITH F A M I LY H E A R T A C H E BY J O D I B R O O K

Grow Ministries travels around Australia leading training sessions that encourage congregations to support and equip families to develop family faith practices. On our travels, we have encountered many parents and grandparents who become very emotional during our sessions. As we discuss research around family faith situations, participants openly share their own experiences as children and parents. What we often hear is a sense of grief, guilt and lament about how they feel they may have failed to nurture faith in their own homes. Feeling this grief, Grow Ministries wanted to offer a Bible study that provides an opportunity for parents to share their feelings with others and to experience God’s forgiveness and love. In partnership with Pastor Richard Haar, lecturer at Australian Lutheran College, we are pleased to tell you about ‘Parents in Pain’.

S H A R I N G EN A B LES SU PPO RT The Parents in Pain Bible studies have been designed to help parents cope with the heartache of having loved ones turn away from their Christian faith. These studies are designed to be done in a group setting. This allows for mutual sharing and ensures that parents receive support and encouragement from others on a similar journey. Intended as a guide, we encourage you to allow the discussion to organically unfold as your group's needs are uncovered. The studies are not designed to be a therapy or counselling session. If the topics discussed raise deeper issues, please speak to your pastor or seek counselling support. Parents in Pain S ESS I O N

heartache of having Coping with the faith from the Christian loved ones turn

Parents in Pain S ESS I O N

of the topic. capture the essence a reflection. This is used to or form of a testimony about the It may take the ts to begin thinking This allows participan of discussion. main topic

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This is used to capture the essence of the topic. It may take the form of a testimony or a reflection. This allows participants to begin thinking about the main topic of discussion.

of the topic.

This is used to capture the essence of the topic. It may take the form of a testimony or a reflection. This allows participants to begin thinking about the main topic of discussion.

3. Did I inadvertently encourage my child to drift? The two most common temptations that can encourage drifting, that come with parental approval, are study and sport! 4. Did I smother them with too much love? Have the apron strings been cut? Sometimes children feel they have to reject what their parents believe in order to be free of that.

It is very important to spend ding some time reflecting on in-depth understan how you and your child Provides a more came to this point. The did!understand better kids. God you the causes, the better have wayward equipped you love in Jesus’ will be to respond appropriately Even the best parents anguish and hurting and effectively. As you explore the deeper reasons, Hear the absolute in Luke 13:34. you will also be able to more tears over Jerusalem this specifically and intentionally pray for your child as painful as yourself. and in this. In fact, fathom Precisely because it is hard and because You are not alone opportunity toare struggling you with this situation, there it offers a unique who had us experience is, is a great danger 5. What else is going like that you may overreact on? Are there other tensions love for sinners or that you may respond at from God the depth of God’s play such as: Being sexually in ways that drive your child/ren him. Draw comfort active? Homosexuality truly further away. who one ? turned away from as Drugs? Breakdown of communication between pain. Pray to him you Our goal in all this ought who shares your and your child? Peer pressure? to be to leave the door are not in this alone! Other complicating open for your child to reconsider understands. You factors? It is very important rejected the Christian faith. Spend in all this to realise Jews who had your time reflecting, that how you react to over his fellow praying and discussing these issues often is the 10:1.) In St Paul agonised so you can build and Romans bridges 9:1-3 determining factor! rather than creating more barriers. Jesus. (Read Romans unbelief the Church secularism and cultural trend an age of growing 6. Share - what have caught up in a are you learned We from this time of challenge is doing it tough. reflection about yourself? a burden and a About your child? About Church. This is alone in this. away from the what you need to do differently ion. You are not from now on? for our entire congregat So Amazing About his book, What’s Choose from the selection Philip Yancey in of questions provided n, 1997) says, to allow participants to Grace? (Zonderva get to know one another thousands of and Barth, after writing at this simple share their thoughts. “Theologian Karl Dogmatics, arrived ... I think of pages in his Church Provides a more in-depth ‘the One who loves.’ God: 1. of How well understanding of the heartsick, have I modelled the Christian definition topic. life for my of the Waiting Father, child?and forgive My child would describe my Jesus’ depiction faith experience above all else to as It is important that you to follows ... (in one or two have a safe place to express abused, yet wanting sentences). of questions provided how 55 - 56) you feel about what has the selection happened. This is important begin anew”. (pages Choose from one another and 2. Was my child ‘over because you need to ts to get to know cooked’ or ‘under cooked’ work those feelings through allow participan when at a time other than when it came to passing on share their thoughts. you try to talk to your the faith? In other words, child about did this (otherwise your feelings they resent having too many demands placed may well get in the way, on your loved one making a difficult task them with regard to involvement pain and fear over even harder). ? in church (were your behaviour 1. How has your they bored to spiritual Jesus affected from death) away or did I let them have Do you feel: turning too free a rein (did I put them on a starvation diet nces of this? spiritually)? ANGRY: Are you angry been the conseque at your child? Do you 2. What have feel he/ she has let you down? ? Do you feel angry at yourself you do differently 3. What could

jobs on the planet! is one of the toughest Being a parent manuals and even come with instruction Children don’t to make the same probably continue is not an exact if they did, we’d our kids. Parenting do our mistakes in raising we can do, is to the end the best science and in it’s enough). best (and hope the fear parents face is burden Christian One particular their faith and/or will turn away from will that their children of that happening church. Any threat Sometimes stop coming to extremely painful. and parents when their be both frightening paralyses Christian s this fear and pain worship. Sometime to stop attending children choose to come down can cause parents in ways that just this fear and pain nag or respond or law, the heavy with make matters worse. your fear need to confront this is that you The point in all them, otherwise how to overcome of all – least and pain and learn want doing what you you may end up away! driving them further

refle ct

S ESS I O N

reflect

context

in this and you You are not alone are not in this alone.

If your children turn away from the Church it is possible you feel that you have failed in your most important responsibility as a Christian parent - passing the faith on to your own children. If this is the case, it’s not surprising that you may feel guilty. Nearly every parent feels guilty about some aspect of his or her parenting. It comes with the territory. Being a parent is the hardest job on the planet. No one gets it absolutely right. And it is crucial that you allow God’s forgiveness to be spoken over your shortcomings as a parent. God doesn’t love and accept you because you are a perfect parent. He loves and accepts you because he is the perfect parent!

And while talking about God as the perfect parent, let’s reflect on this profound truth: Even the best parents can have wayward kids. (God did.) What this means is that just because your children blame you or resent how you tried to bring them up, doesn’t necessarily mean in actual fact that you have failed as a parent. And even though your grief and disappointment over your child leaving the Church makes you feel such a failure and so very guilty, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are actually guilty. It may well be just your grief and fear talking.

Sometimes we feel guilty when we aren’t. And sometimes we don’t feel guilty, even though we are. Feelings are not always a reliable guide. We also need to remember that our conscience is a fallen conscience. When you feel guilty about your child’s choices, that is inappropriate guilt. YOU are NOT responsible for your child’s choices! Where you have genuinely failed, that is where you need to confess to God and ask his

Coping with the heartache of having loved ones turn from the Christian faith

Just keep loving them (HOPE)

story

Parents in Pain

(LETTING GO)

(REFLECTION)

) (COMFORT

Coping with the heartache of having loved ones turn from the Christian faith

Wrestling with guilt

What went wrong?

e You are not alon

Parents in Pain

Coping with the heartache of having loved ones turn from the Christian faith S E S S I O N 3

story

forgiveness. But, where your child has made a choice This is used sintotocapture the essence to reject God, you do not need to confess that of the topic. It may taketothe you of a testimony or need butform God nor ask his forgiveness (they might a reflection. This allows participants to begin thinking about don’t.) Instead, you should pray for your child and ask the main topic of discussion. God to be merciful on him/her. The reality is you can’t carry their load of sin, however much you might like to. If you had your time 9:1-3. over again as a parent, Reflect on St Paul’s agony over Israel in Romans would you do anything sins of With the wisdom of hindsight, Jesus is the only one who is able to bear thedifferently? what other mercy. would you use to pass on your others. Turn this pain over to Christ and hismethods faith to your child/ren? The past cannot be undone, no matter how much we might like to change what’s happened. However, it’s important to remember that while we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and therefore be helped questions provided to to change how things are Choose from the selection of today. In other words, know one another andwhat you need to do is to focus allow participants to get toon what you can do differently from now on. share their thoughts. Someone has characterised remorse as, ‘Beating yourself up to try to make 1. What burden of guilt are you carrying? the past unhappen.’ As we explored in the last session, it’s important to learn guilt? inappropriate from theorpast. 2. Is your guilt legitimate guilt What’s needed is a fresh start. The Gospel message is of renewal and being set free from the fault? 3. Does your level of guilt match the mistakes of the past. It’s never too late to live by grace and forgiveness! it? 4. What do you need to do about

reflect

context

reflect

Choose from of topic. the the selection Provides a more in-depth understanding of questions provided to allow participants to get to know one another and

or their thoughts. share We can have a problem because we feel guilty because we don’t feel guilty. If you are guilty but you a major Hashave the way don’t recognise it or admit1.it, you you problem. have related to your children to your helpedoforoffence This will probably be a major cause hindered their spiritual growth? kids because they know your guilt, even if you don’t. 2. Do your attitudes, faults or ways admit our behaviour We need to ask God to help us see and of communicating need to be changed? If you start thinking about your children differently; treating them differently; and speaking to them differently, then new possibilities will open up for you, of having a

closer relationship with them, and of you being able to more effectively help them to grow closer to God.

context

Provides a more in-depth

understanding of the

topic.

There are no easy solutions or magic formulas when it comes to parenting. Rather than looking for a ‘quick fix’ we are better off focusing on getting the fundamentals right. To help your child reconnect with the Church, you first need to keep your own faith healthy. When you are close to Jesus two important things happen: 1. You will cope better with the pain and fear of seeing your child turn away from God as you hand this over to Jesus and draw comfort from his healing love; 2. You will be able to give a clearer and more credible witness to your loved one. (You can’t give to someone else what you don’t have yourself!) In practical terms this means living by grace and asking God to fill your heart with love, compassion, and acceptance. It also means turning to God for strength, wisdom and patience. These are the basic Christian values you need to apply to your Christian parenting. In other words, the best way to encourage your child spiritually is to be committed to your own growth in discipleship: in faith, prayer, compassion, integrity, hope and joy. In this way you will show your loved one the reality and attractiveness of God’s love through Jesus.

We pray this resource is an opportunity to support the parents in your congregation who are struggling with this painful issue.

ST U DY S ES S I O N S A D D R ES S PA R EN TS’ PA I N The ‘Parents in Pain’ Bible study series is designed to be completed over four sessions.

SESSION 1 You are not alone (COMFORT) Begin to confront the fear and pain over the heart-wrenching experience of seeing your child/ren reject the faith.

SESSION 2 What went wrong? (REFLECTION) Explore some of the factors which led your child to turn away from God. This session has the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your child/ren.

SESSION 3 Wrestling with the guilt (LETTING GO) Deal with the important distinction between appropriate and inappropriate guilt and how to best respond to both of these.

SESSION 4 Just keep loving them (HOPE) Develop some positive strategies for coping and for encouraging your child/ren to reconnect with the Church and their faith.

Parents in Pain is available for purchase for $5 from Grow Ministries online store at www.growministries.org.au/productcategory/bible-studies/ Jodi Brook is Director of the LCANZ’s Grow Ministries.

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

L C A C H I L D Y O U T H & F A M I LY M I N I S T R Y

W H AT H A P P E N S WH EN I DIE? BY R I C H A R D F OX

Death is often a topic people worry about and wonder about but don’t often discuss with others. Lutheran Media’s Messages of Hope has shared about this subject and received many responses, including from Jaimee, who said:

H O W TO S U R V I V E A LO V E D O N E ’ S D E AT H When someone close to you takes their own life it can be devastating and very difficult to understand. Messages of Hope shares the free booklet ‘Surviving a Loved One’s Suicide’ to provide hope to people who are trying to survive a loved one’s suicide. The free PDF and booklet can be downloaded and ordered at https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/ surviving-suicide-booklet

‘Thank you so much for your adverts which help to ease my worry about death.’ Jaimee read the free PDF booklet ‘What happens when I die?’, while others ordered the printed booklet. You can download and order it at www.messagesofhope.org.au/whathappens-when-i-die-booklet or follow the links from www.messagesofhope.

J ES U S I S W I T H YO U I N YO U R G R I EF Grief is part of death and dying and can be difficult to live with. ‘Take heart in your grief’ is a booklet originally written by The Lutheran Hour’s Hour ’s Dr Oswald Hoffmann more than 25 years ago but which is still very popular today. It will help you better understand grief and more importantly how Jesus is with you to guide and support you through it. You can download the free PDF or order the free booklet at www.messagesofhope.org.au/take-heart-in-your-grief and discover more videos and podcasts at www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief

VIDEOS SHARE HOPE Messages of Hope also has a webpage featuring videos and audio programs about dealing with grief and loss. You can find them online at www.messagesofhope.org. au/grief-and-loss/ Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please speak with someone about your feelings. Your local pastor or counsellor may be able to help and you can call Lifeline at any time on 13 11 14.

C H A N C E TO D I S COV E R G O D ’ S C A L L Are you looking to discover what your future ministry, vocation or service in the church might be? Or perhaps you know somebody who is. If so, Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) Discover program may be a great way to explore your options further and to discern your calling. The program is designed to integrate academic and formation activities to create a holistic learning and vocational discernment experience, initially within a local and then in a churchwide context. To learn more, visit the Discover page on the ALC website at https://alc.edu.au/study/discover/ or view the short question and answer YouTube video clips about the program. • What is Discover? https://youtu.be/cTG9uMpoXCQ • Why enrol in Discover? https://youtu.be/qwY9RnHRpY0 • Do I need to move to Adelaide for Discover? https://youtu.be/vqgzvbNffsI

A LC L I B R A RY S U P P O R T S W I D ER LUT H ER A N ST U DY N E E D The resources of the Australian Lutheran College (ALC) library are available to support the learning, teaching and research needs of the LCANZ’s wider pastoral and academic community – not just those of the ALC’s students and staff. The library houses a wide range of print and electronic resources and subscribes to current periodicals. Inquiries are welcome via email to library@alc.edu.au

J OY A S P EC I A L G I F T F O R TH ESE ‘SU PER H ERO ES’ BY J O N AT H A N K R AU S E

When the world seems messed up, you may feel we need a superhero to make things better. And ‘superheroes’ are exactly what ALWS representative Julie Krause found when she visited the Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer at Ingle Farm in suburban Adelaide. Each month the church holds an ecumenical service – known as Shout for Joy – created for people living with intellectual disability or integration difficulty. Each service provides fun, food and joy while teaching about God, praying for the needs of others, and singing at full volume! And each year the church community helps others through ALWS Gifts of Grace! When COVID restrictions cancelled the Shout for Joy Christmas program late last year, Shout for Joy coordinator Bev Corner invited ALWS to share about Gifts of Grace at a future service. Congregation members especially like giving animals through Gifts of Grace, so Julie had lots of animal stories to share – and toy stuffed animals to hold – including 2020’s Gifts of Grace Super-Pig!

H OW A PIG H ELPS PEOPLE I N N EED Of course, people want to know how a Gifts of Grace pig can be a SuperPig … and the answer is a long tale – or rather, what comes out from under a pig’s tail! That is, manure ... which makes organic fertiliser … which makes vegetable plants produce more, better-quality vegies … which makes children healthier … and makes more money at the market, which supports children at school. Manure can also be converted into methane gas to power home stoves and lights! To match these Super-Pig superpowers, Julie took along a superhero outfit. This gave her the chance to explain that you don’t have to have superpowers to change someone’s life – you simply have to care and be kind. And when you do, you really are a superhero!

LU T H ER A N LINKS

Besides ALWS Gifts of Grace, there are other Lutheran connections with Shout for Joy. A Lutheran couple, Colin and Yvonne Zschech, were foundation members when Shout for Joy started nearly 30 years ago. Shout for Joy services have been held at Strathalbyn Lutheran Church. And some of the current congregation benefit from the support of Lutheran Disability Services.

W H AT D O ES S H O U T F O R J OY H AV E I N CO M M O N W IT H A LW S ? Julie Krause wanted to shout for joy after meeting this special community, and showing them what a blessing they were for others: ‘Our ALWS work in countries like Nepal, Burundi and South Sudan has a special focus on people living with a disability – people at risk of being forgotten, and shut out from the community. ‘So, it was wonderful to be at Shout for Joy and see barriers being pulled down so people could worship in a way meaningful to them. This is a gift of grace in more ways than one!’

Jonathan Krause is ALWS Community Action Manager. For more information: shoutforjoy.inglefarm@gmail.com Gifts of Grace bring love to life year-round: www.alws.org.au/gifts-of-grace or 1300 763 407

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CHURCH

@home

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

JEREMIAH 29:11

FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU ... PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.

Home worship nurtures faith Regular devotions are a powerful part of an active home-worship life. They can help nurture our faith and even that of our families, as they strengthen our relationship with Jesus, increase our trust in God and our openness to the call of his Spirit. We pray that you will receive blessings from the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection collated and shared on the special webpage at www.lca.org.au/churchhome. There are also other faith-building and practical resources available through this webpage. If you have internet access and a printer, why not print some and mail or deliver them to those who may otherwise miss out?

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Lisa

These reflections are from a fresh set of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the Church@Home resources. You can find these and more on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

Seen and loved

BY SONIA HULME

‘As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen’ (Mark 1:16).

he toiled away at his everyday job. He saw into Peter’s heart, which was capable of great love but also deeply flawed, and called him anyway.

Read Mark 1:14–20.

The beginning of Peter's life-changing kingdom adventure was being seen in all his humanity and loved despite his imperfections.

In today’s reading, we see Jesus at the very beginning of his earthly ministry, assembling the group who would become his 12 disciples. These are the ones who would spend the next three years travelling with, eating with, living with and learning from him. Three of them would become part of his inner circle, including Simon. It seems this might not have been his first encounter with Jesus. The Gospel of John records that it was Simon’s brother Andrew who had first introduced them. Over the next three years, though Jesus and Simon were master and servant, they also became close friends. Jesus renamed him Peter, and he was the first disciple to recognise Jesus as Messiah, the one promised by God to save his people. No matter the exact timing or circumstances of their meeting, Simon Peter’s story began with being seen by Jesus as

It’s no different for you and me. Jesus sees you toiling away at your everyday tasks. He sees you, and calls you into deep and intimate friendship with him and then on into his kingdom work. Where does he see you today? Perhaps you are not a fisherman but employed in some other vocation? Or you are retired or struggling to find work? Jesus issues you the same invitation. Might he be saying to you, ‘I see you; I know you; I love you. Come; follow me, and take part in what I’m already doing in the world. Come on a life-changing kingdom adventure …’ Thank you, Lord, that you see me where I am today, and you love me. Your seeing of me frees me into life. Help me take up your invitation to friendship and join, with joy, your kingdom work in the world. Amen. Amen.

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

A hospital for the soul

BY MARIA RUDOLPH

‘He sent forth his word and healed them, he rescued them from the grave’ (Psalm 107:20). Read Psalm 107:1–3,17–22. I recently had a big medical procedure done. I was in hospital numerous times, and I needed bed rest to recover. For weeks, I wasn’t able to take part in normal life. All outings in the car (that I couldn’t even drive myself) were trips back to the hospital or to see some kind of doctor. Finally, I was able to go on my first nonmedical outing. It was Ash Wednesday and a friend took me to church for a special service. I sat there, breathing in the holy space after weeks in bed, after staring at ceilings in hospitals and at home. It suddenly struck me: on this outing, too, I had actually come to a hospital. The church is like a hospital, a place of healing for the soul. After weeks of living so outside of the norm, my innermost being was yearning for the sacredness of the word spoken, prayed and sung by a group of Christians in church. It enveloped me with peace. The psalms are so raw; the psalmists captured human struggles and emotions so well. Today’s psalm describes a parched soul who hungers and thirsts for the Lord after straying from God’s path. But as soon as they are ready to turn back to God, there he is. He is like a well-watered garden, like a spring that never stops, filling them up and healing them instantly. We might not experience the healing hand of God in a physical sense, although that can also happen to some. But absolutely every single one of us will experience the refreshment the Lord brings our weary souls when we are parched and open ourselves up to God. What does that mean for where you are at in your own life at this moment? Here is Matthew 11:28,29 for you in The Passion Translation: Jesus says, ‘Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle and humble. You will find refreshment and rest in me’. Dear Lord, thank you for refreshing my soul time and again. I praise and thank you for nourishing me more than the choicest food and healing me more deeply than the most knowledgeable doctor. Amen.

PRAYER YOU LIFTED ME OUT OF THE DEPTHS I will praise you, O Lord, For you lifted me out of the depths! You did not let my enemies laugh at me, Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave, you saved me from the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints; praise his holy name. For his anger doesn’t last and his love lasts a lifetime; Weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. You turned my crying into dancing; you removed my rags and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing in praise forever. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! forever! – Psalm 30, from justprayer.org

hope

LET US HOLD ON FIRMLY TO THE WE PROFESS BECAUSE WE CAN GOD TO KEEP HIS PROMISE. HEBREWS 10:23

trust

CHURCH

@home

I know exactly how you feel ‘Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested’ (Hebrews 2:18). Read Hebrews 2:9–18. Have you ever had the experience of telling someone a part of your story and had them react with the words ‘I know exactly how you feel’? Perhaps it is a phrase you use to show that you understand and feel empathy for the other person. Sometimes this can be helpful for us, creating a sense of solidarity that helps us to feel less alone. Sometimes we might question whether it is actually possible for someone to know exactly how we feel. After all, we are all unique human beings with unique experiences, aren’t we? Today’s reading outlines God’s plan for salvation through Jesus. Jesus is described as the pioneer of our salvation who is made perfect through suffering and ‘tastes death for everyone’. And in doing so, he claims us as his sisters and brothers, because he became human like us. It’s a pretty amazing concept, isn’t it? God had the power to swoop in triumphantly and save humanity, and yet he chose to become one of us, to experience life as one of

BY SUE WESTHORP

us, and ultimately to die – something God could not do unless he was human. And the story doesn’t end after the death and resurrection, for Jesus continues to help us in our times of testing and suffering. He doesn’t sit at a distance from us, no longer involved now that the work of salvation has been completed. No, he comes alongside us, identifying with our human experiences and helping us to work through them, not as an impartial observer but as one who knows what we are going through. As you pour out your heart to God in prayer, in lament, and in sighs beyond words, know that Jesus has gone before you, enduring testing and suffering for our sake. And as he listens to you, he says, ‘My sister/brother, I know exactly how you feel, and I will help you through’. Lord, I ask you to shine your light in my life. In your grace and mercy, illuminate changes I need to make, paths I need to take, and forgiveness I need to seek. May my confession of sins this week include all the secret darkness of my heart, and may I be fully restored to walk in the light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

‘In tents faith’ BY PASTOR TIM CASTLE-SCHMIDT

‘By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise’ (Hebrews 11:9). Read Hebrews 11:8–12. Would you be happy living in a tent when you knew you had an enormous inheritance? An inheritance that could allow you to live out your days comfortably? Because that is what Abraham had: faith to live in a tent despite the promise of a nation for his heirs. He had ‘in tents faith’. And yet, it wasn’t his faith through which the promise was fulfilled, but the faithfulness of Yahweh, the promise-giver. Living in a tent is itself a bit of an act of faith. You have to trust that you won’t get wet, blown away or devoured by the local wildlife. And I suspect that’s part of the attraction of camping; you have to trust that you’ll cope, and that can be intense. And so, when we are faced with a disruptive event, we are invited to have Abraham’s ‘in tents faith’. Faith to live in a

tent when we have the promise of a castle. And that’s not so bad. Abraham and Sarah never entered the Promised Land, and yet their living by faith – intense faith – gave them the energy and connection with reality that was needed for them at that moment. Lord God, the one who chose Abraham, enliven us with the faith to hang on in the face of adversity, knowing that you promise to be with us through it all. Amen.

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

20T H REGUL A R CON V EN TION OF GENER A L SY NOD

GENERAL CONVENTION 2021 28 September–3 October 2021*

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne Vic 3006 Theme: come.listen.live (Isaiah 55:3)

General Pastors Conference 6–8 July 2021* Barossa Arts Centre

130 Magnolia Road, Tanunda SA 5352

Lutheran Women of Australia Convention 23–26 September 2021* Horsham Church of Christ Convention Centre www.generalsynod.lca.org.au

91 River Road, Horsham Vic 3400 Theme: BEING Strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10–18)

SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES Lay delegates Each LCA parish is entitled to elect lay delegates according to confirmed membership: up to 400: one delegate 401 to 800: two delegates 801 to 1200: three delegates If an elected delegate is unable to attend, the parish may elect an alternate. A delegate MUST have been elected before any alternate can be appointed. Elected delegates serve for the synodical period. The parish was required to notify the LCA of its delegate by 31 March 2021. If you have not yet submitted your details for adding to LAMP2 (specific form available), please contact Jayne Welke at LCA Churchwide Office (lamp2@lca.org.au), or your district office, immediately. immediately.

Pastor delegates Each LCA district is entitled to elect one pastor delegate for every two eligible lay delegates, based on the 2019 statistical returns. The district offices were required to provide the names of their pastor delegates to the LCA for entry into LAMP2 by 31 March 2021. 2021. In addition, the emeriti are entitled to elect three

pastors from their group. A postal ballot to determine the delegates was being held in March 2021.

Principal delegates The principals of each region of Lutheran Education Australia are entitled to elect one secondary and one primary school principal per region as delegates. Notifications of these delegates were due by 31 March 2021. 2021.

Payments The parish fee is $620 (plus GST) per lay delegate. This fee covers administration and running costs. There is no fee for pastor delegates. The registration fee is payable even if a delegate does not attend. Parishes were invoiced in March 2021. Other Convention costs, such as meals and transport, are detailed on the LCA Synod website (and subject to change due to COVID needs). The costs for visitors to attend Convention are also available on the Synod website. Registration to attend must be submitted through the LCA Convention of Synod website (www.generalsynod.lca.org.au) between 1 July and 31 August 2021. All delegates, consultants and visitors must register due to COVID requirements of the venue.

Agenda, proposals The following LCA bodies may submit proposals for inclusion on the agenda: congregations, boards, General Pastors Conference, General Church Board, district synods, district church councils and pastors conferences. Proposals are to be submitted by 15 May 2021 by email to the Synod Secretary at synod@lca.org.au on the form from the Convention of Synod website.

Board reports Reports are to be no more than four pages (approximately 2500 words) and in the template supplied by the Executive Officer of the Church. Please submit your Board report to the Synod Secretary (synod@lca.org.au) by 7 May 2021.

Accommodation and travel

Information about accommodation and travel will be included on the LCA Convention of Synod website (www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/travelaccommodation/) and advised in correspondence to all delegates in the Synod eNews. Due to COVID-19imposed uncertainties, please do not book any travel or accommodation until you are notified to do so.

All details are correct at the time of publishing. All venue and date information is subject to change due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen events.

Learning festival launch success More than 110 people took part in Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) inaugural Festival of Learning in February, which offered short courses both online and on-campus. The majority of the 113 registered participants favoured a remotelearning experience and many sampled ALC’s academic program for the first time. Due to the hybrid approach used to bring people together, the five-day festival was open to anyone, anywhere. The event also provided a platform for several LCANZ Local Mission departments – Grow Ministries, New & Renewing Churches and Lutheran Media – to deliver training. Later in February, the ALC community marked the start of a new academic year with staff and students gathering for the opening service. Physicaldistancing measures meant attendance this year was restricted to members of the campus-based community, but the service was also live-streamed for the benefit of ALC’s distributed learners.

LCANZ answers mission call from the Philippines Dr Lockwood will take up teaching duties at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Baguio in July. His move is in response to a request last year from LCP President Rev Antonio Reyes to LCA International Mission for assistance with the training of pastors and deaconesses for his church.

Naomi, and children, Asher and Jadon, is preparing for the move. ‘I am very excited about this opportunity to be part of what God is doing in the Philippines and within the region, and to be able to play a part in equipping pastors and church workers with a deep understanding of God’s word and the good news of Jesus Christ’, Dr Lockwood, pictured, said.

The LCP seminary had been in desperate need of additional support, said the LCANZ’s Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission, Pastor Matt Anker. However, LCA International Mission was not in a position to respond to this request alone. ‘With few options locally, God provided the way’, Pastor Matt said of a funding partnership with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

LCANZ Bishop John Henderson wholeheartedly endorsed the new partnership. ‘I see the call to Dr Lockwood to serve among our fellow Lutherans in the LCP and our region as a significant moment for the LCANZ’s participation in the mission of God’, he said. ‘Dr Lockwood’s service in the Philippines will enrich not only the LCP but also the LCANZ.’

The LCANZ’s General Church Board called Dr Lockwood to the role, which he accepted and, together with his wife,

To read the full story, see LCA International Mission’s Border Crossings magazine, included with this edition.

Rev Dr Michael Lockwood has answered the call to serve as a missionary with the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), a partner church of the LCANZ through LCA International Mission.

2 0 T H R E G U L A R C O N V E N T I O N O F G E N E R A L S Y N O D – N O M I N AT I O N S The Standing Committee on Nominations (SCoN) is working with the LCA’s boards, commissions, councils and committees to identify their membership needs for the next synodical term. It is important that nominations are received by the closing date of 15 May 2021 as there is no ability for delegates to nominate people from the floor of convention. The list of nominees will be completed prior to convention and sent to delegates with the Book of Reports. In December 2020 SCoN began a process of inviting nominations for all required positions. Nominations can be submitted by individuals, as well as by congregations who wish to nominate

someone for a role. This call for nominations, and the procedures that need to be followed, will be advertised through LCA eNews and the General Convention website: www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/ nominations

People interested in serving the church in this way can visit the LCA Nominations webpage (www.lca.org.au/nominations www.lca.org.au/nominations)) for details about each of the governing bodies. Before submitting a nomination, they are asked to read the terms of reference for the governing body and the Frequently Asked Questions section, which includes information about the nominations process and requirements related to serving on an LCA governing body.

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

Recognition for care-givers The LCANZ project to establish a Christian Care Sunday acknowledging volunteers and better connecting Lutheran aged and community services with congregations is underway. The move results from a proposal to General Synod by the church’s Committee for Ministry with the Ageing. The Committee believes a focus on Christian care in congregations will assist provide awareness-raising opportunities for the care that flows from Lutheran communities and agencies into society. Project officer Anna Kroehn will be guided through the 12-month project by the steering committee of Colleen Fitzpatrick, Helen Lockwood, Pastor Peter Miller, Sue Westhorp and Dr Tania Nelson. Anna said: ‘We plan to develop intergenerational, thought-provoking worship guides, studies, ministry program plans, social media resources and activities to help congregations and Lutheran aged-care and community services to explore and thank God for the Christian care extended by our people every day.’

COMMUNITY TV WORSHIP FEEDBACK NEEDED Did you watch Lutheran worship services on community TV stations Channel 44 in South Australia or Channel 31 in Victoria in 2020? If so, the worship committee of St John’s Lutheran Church Unley wants to hear from you.

Services from St John’s and Bethlehem Adelaide were broadcast on SA community TV as part of the LCANZ’s COVID-19 response supporting members unable to attend public worship, as well as services from St Paul’s Box Hill in suburban Melbourne, which remain on that city’s Channel 31 each Friday.

• How were/are they helpful to you?

St John’s is exploring the possibility of restarting the TV slots if the need for this ministry remains. The committee is seeking feedback, including to these questions:

Contact St John’s via email at office@stjohnsunley.lca.org.au or on 08 8271 9556. If you would like to watch any of the St Johns broadcasts you can do so online at: https://bit.ly/3bIJujT

• Which service/s did you watch on community TV and how often?

To read the full story, go to www.lca.org.au/news

• In which town or city do you live? • Would you like the Channel 44 broadcasts to resume?

Safety standards consultations to start The LCANZ’s new congregational child safety standards will go through a consultation process in April and May.

GET SET FOR ART SHOWCASE FIRST The LCA Visual Arts Working Group is organising the first churchwide simultaneous art exhibition to be held across Australia and New Zealand this year, with the theme, ‘Living Water’. The August event is open to artists of all ages, skill levels and across all media, who participate in exhibitions in their local communities. South Australian participants can register exhibitions with the SA Living Artists Festival (www.salafestival.com (www.salafestival.com)) or join the SALA exhibition at St Stephen’s Adelaide (contact chrisathiel@gmail.com by 30 April 2021). Email libby.krahling@lca.org.au to register your interest. For more, go to www.lca.org.au/news

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

The LCA Child Safety Standards for Congregations are aimed at ensuring that the church can meet its regulatory responsibilities in response to an increasingly rigorous child safety landscape in Australia and New Zealand, especially in the wake of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations. Tailored to the congregational and faith-based context, the standards are a

more user-friendly version of the National Principles endorsed by COAG (Council of Australian Governments) in 2019. They will also be trialled in some congregations before they are finalised and implemented. Notifications about the release of the standards consultation package will appear in LCANZ District eNews bulletins and the package will be available on the LCA website. To read the full story, go to www.lca.org.au/news

LCANZ LOCAL MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL Your donation will support these ministries • New and Renewing Churches • Cross-Cultural Ministry • Grow Ministries • Ministry with the Ageing • Lutheran Media

WILL YOU JOIN US?

We’re aiming to raise $100,000 for this wonderful local mission work.

COLLECT YOUR APPEAL LETTER FROM YOUR CONGREGATION.

Photo: ALWS/David Modra

Stepping out ...

so refugee children can step in to school! OUT! S S I M T DON’ W! ER NO T S I G E R

WHY YOUR WALK MATTERS Your walk will help refugee children get back to school and to catch up on what they missed because of COVID-19 close-downs.

WHERE WILL YOU WALK? Join the main Walk My Way in the beautiful Barossa Valley on Saturday 1 May, enjoying vineyards, Lutheran churches and Barossa hospitality …

Our Walk My Way aim is to support 10,000 children plus show our Australian community what it means to be a church where love comes to life.

… or do your own Walk your Way wherever you are, whenever you like.

Through ALWS you help make sure no child is forgotten – giving special care to children with disabilities, orphans and older students who have been left behind.

Can’t manage 26 km? Do it in stages beforehand. Woof your Way or Wheel your Way. Each step you take, each $26 you raise, supports a refugee child in school for one year.

$26 helps get a refugee child back to school for one year! Photo: ALWS/Helene Wikstrom

Best of all, no-one can ever take away the education you give a child – you are a blessing ALWayS!

When: Saturday 1 May Where: Barossa Valley SA REGISTER NOW: walkmyway.org.au * 1300 763 407

Walking together to bring love to life! LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

IN OUR REGION

‘ YOU CAN ’ T BU RY YOU R D EAD H ER E’ – A COST O F FAITH I N CH R IST B Y M AT T A N K E R

The death of loved ones here in Australia and New Zealand presents us with the heartbreaking reality of grief and the consequences of our fall from God’s original intention for humankind. But for all the heartache we suffer, we can usually count on the ability to bury our dead with dignity and the support of professionals who take care of all the unfathomable details associated with funerals. This is not the case for our Christian brothers and sisters in many parts of Indonesia.

Main pic, top: Christians on Indonesia’s Mentawi Islands are pictured praying before a meal. Believers in this region are not able to bury their loved ones in Muslim-controlled ‘public’ cemeteries. Above: The humble church building of Pastor Anjel, who serves with LCANZ partner Protestant Christian Church of Mentawi in Padang, Indonesia – one of the regions where it is very difficult to bury Christians.

some this means a four-hour boat trip with their loved one, back to the nearby islands. For others it means not being able to be present as their loved ones are laid to rest in a remote area they may struggle to visit in years ahead.

In 2019 we shared the story of Pastor This reality is not spoken of with any Anjel, a pastor of the Protestant bitterness or lament by our Indonesian Christian Church of Mentawi (GKPM) IT IS A COST T H AT IS brothers and sisters in Christ. It is serving in the Muslim majority city of simply one of the costs of being a Padang. In particular we highlighted BO R N E W I LLI N G LY AS Christian in that part of the world. It the incredible hospitality he offered to is a cost that is borne willingly as T H E B LES S ED H O PE O F a Muslim family who were waiting to the blessed hope of the resurrection, transport the body of their 15-yearT H E R ESU R R ECTI O N … made certain in the blood of Jesus, far old daughter to the Mentawi Islands outweighs these challenges. for burial. You may remember that the FA R O UT W EI G H S T H ES E ‘We were buried therefore with Jesus mosque would not allow them access by baptism into death, in order that, just CH A LLEN G ES . due to ethnic differences and so, as as Christ was raised from the dead by Pastor Anjel welcomed them to use the glory of the Father, we too might the sanctuary to sit with their daughter, walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with they willingly received the pastoral care and witness of the him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with Christians who spoke of the hope we have in Jesus. him in a resurrection like his’ (Romans 6:4–5 – ESV). In this same region, Christians have even more difficulties Pastor Matt Anker is the LCANZ’s Assistant to the Bishop – burying their deceased loved ones. The ‘public’ cemeteries International Mission. are controlled by Muslim authorities and they do not allow the burial of anyone who bears the name of Christ.

This results in additional hardship at a time of deep grief for all Christian families. They are forced to travel significant distances into the bush, beyond the control of the authorities, to cemeteries set up by the churches. For

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

Read more stories from LCA International Mission in the April edition of Border Crossings magazine, included with your copy of The Lutheran this month.

DIRECTORY

CALLS

Extended • Rev Howard J Beard • Rev Bendigo Vic to Wangaratta Vic

• Rev Philip W Bentley • Rev Installed at Greenock SA on 28 February 2021 by Bishop David Altus • Rev Nathan J C Glover • Rev Installed at Emmanuel Fellowship Toowoomba Qld on 14 March 2021 by Bishop Paul Smith

• Rev Adam W Eime • Rev Peace Lutheran College Cairns Qld to St Martin’s Mount Gambier SA

ROLL OF PASTOR S

• Rev Murray J Smith • Rev Bordertown SA to Lecturer at Senior Flierl Seminary Logaweng PNG

• Rev William S C Chang • Rev Resigned from the Roll of Pastors, effective 31 January 2021

Accepted

• Rev Mark A Hampel • Rev Granted leave of absence, effective 5 April 2021 to April 2022

• Rev Howard J Beard • Rev Bendigo Vic to Wangaratta Vic

• Rev Geoffrey P Havelberg • Rev Change in call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 17 January 2021

Declined • Rev Simon W Cooper • Rev Good Shepherd Lutheran College Noosa Qld to Morphett Vale SA

• Rev Maurice G Richter • Rev Change in call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 28 February 2021

INSTALL ATIONS • Rev Roland P Adams • Rev Installed to Renmark and Paringa SA on 21 February 2021 by Bishop David Altus

Our brother, Christian Christian Georg Stern was born on 28 June 1980. Our Lord took him home on Monday 22 February 2021. This was too soon for all who knew and loved Christian, yet not too soon for Christian to make an impact on hundreds of lives through his service as a teacher in Lutheran schools in Nhill, Brisbane and Hervey Bay … and in serving the poor as Queensland rep for ALWS. The team here at ALWS gives thanks to God for you Christian. Our hearts now are with your wife Tanya, 9-year-old son Jasper, and your extended family. They can all be very proud of what God has done through you. Heaven is blessed to have you!

PA I D A DVE RTI S E M E NT

CHANG E OF DE TAILS

• Rev Neil M Guthrig • Rev Installed at Tarrington Vic on 21 February 2021 by Bishop Lester Priebbenow

• Rev Theodore C (Ted) Prenzler • Rev Fullarton Lutheran Homes, 14 Frew St Fullarton SA 5063; phone 08 8372 3488

In Memoriam

SUDOKU Every number from one to nine must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine

horizontal columns and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. No number

can occur more than once in any row, column or box. The solution will be printed in the next edition.

Shirley Ampt

Oct 1933–January 2021

1 6

March's solution 6

1 4

4 1

6 7

5 6

A S S O C I A T RE

Details: www.lca.org.au/employment or Darren Linke: 03 5356 4253; manager@camptandara.com

DBON

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We require people aged 18-21 for a 12-18 month traineeship from May 2021.

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300 Flinders Street Adelaide SA 5000 Telephone: 08 8223 1388

Professionalism, compassion and generosity were marks of her working life, always informed by her strong faith and loyalty to the Lutheran Church. She was the first woman on the Victorian Lutheran Church Finance Council, participated in establishing the church’s op shop in Nunawading (now in Forest Hill, Vic) and was a longstanding member of the Victorian Lutheran Children’s Homes Committee. She may be known to people around Australia, due to her work in the 1970s when she was employed by the Lutheran Church of Australia as its Principal Adoption Officer for 7 years, assisting many young mothers and families to adapt to the emotional and sensitive changes with society’s expectations at that time. Shirley was also a loved friend, mother, mother in law, grandmother and great grandmother to her family, passing on her deep faith to them through her time and love. PA I D A DVE RTI S E M E NT

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

YOUR VOICE 70-year friendship thanks to children’s magazine

In my childhood I was fortunate to attend Sunday school from 1942 to 1951 at St John’s Lutheran Church at Condowie, South Australia. In 1950 there were 32 children attending and four teachers. Lasting memories include the Christmas Eve services, followed by the presentation of a book and lollies in a crepe-paper bag, our regular lessons from faithful teachers including Len Ottens (my Dad), Eldon Wundke and others, our text cards, the large Bible picture flip-charts, and – of particular relevance to this letter – the monthly Lutheran Children’s Friend magazine. One of the continuing blessings from this time is a lifelong friendship of now more than 70 years which the magazine fostered as it encouraged penfriend contact with Sunday school children in the USA and elsewhere. Fran Anderson (now Huling) of Iowa and I began letter-writing as 12 year olds in 1950. These days we email and chat by FaceTime, and she has become a dear friend and my 'other sister’. It took years before we first spoke to each other by phone as that was prohibitively expensive and it was only in 1983 that we first met in person when Fran and her husband Gary came to Australia for their 25th wedding anniversary. The two of us, along with Gary and my husband John, enjoyed further holidays together in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia until 2011. Fran’s letter was the first one I received after my request for a penpal was published in the US (and one of just a few sent by air mail). Subsequently a large number more arrived by sea mail. Many of those letters and addresses were in turn forwarded to the Lutheran Children’s Friend, Friend, so perhaps others can match the blessing this little magazine has brought us.

Lois Grosse – Lyons ACT

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Thank you for sharing messages of salvation with daily devotions

It is with appreciation and gratitude I acknowledge and thank the writers of the ‘LCA Daily Devotions’ that have arrived in my email inbox each day. Such a great way to start the day, with words of scripture and explanation, hope and encouragement, made all the more relevant by relating the writing to the challenges we are facing with COVID-19. It has been so encouraging to see our church using those gifted with creative communication, men AND women, pastors AND laypeople, sharing their messages of hope and salvation with the daily readers. Each writer has their own voice and has brought their unique gifting to the task. We have been inspired, uplifted, counselled, perhaps challenged, but daily reminded that we are loved by our God of grace, held in the tight grip of our Saviour and sustained by our Holy Spirit. Thank you to all the writers for your words of proclamation and encouragement. Men and women together ministering and pastoring, complementing each other and answering the call God places on the heart … that’s my vision for the LCANZ. Yes, I am in favour of women’s ordination and long for the day when women’s gifting and calling to public ministry will be acknowledged, where mutual respect will abound and where each person is able to serve however, whenever and wherever Holy Spirit calls. calls. Anna Watson – Victor Harbor SA

GET HELP If you or someone you know is affected by domestic and family violence, visit www.anrows.org.au/get-support or call 1800 RESPECT (24-hour National Sexual Assault Family Domestic Violence Counselling Service), or Lifeline Counselling (24 hours) 131 114. 114. In an emergency, call 000 000.. Disclaimer: The Lutheran is the churchwide magazine of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. While we sometimes promote events, programs or services that congregations, groups, agencies or individuals organise for the wider church, in the interests of transparency and accountability, we advise that this particular site is not officially endorsed by the LCANZ.

HIDDEN

HURTS

HEALING

HEARTS

LCA PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

w w w.preventdf v.lca .org.au

We should interpret Scripture through a gospel lens The now-protracted debate about women’s ordination appears to be a symptom of a wider and deeper disagreement in the LCA – that of how we should interpret the Bible (hermeneutics). Is there a distinct Lutheran hermeneutic? Yes! It is ‘justification by faith’: i.e. the Scriptures (both Law and Promise) should be interpreted entirely through the lens of the gospel.

Wherever this principle is not followed, other ‘doctrines’ spring up and compete with the gospel. This is no clearer than in the ‘dog’s breakfast’ of teachings that are required to support a male-exclusive approach to ordination: ‘male-headship’, eternal subordination of the Son to the Father, ‘orders of creation’ and so on. What do any of these have to do with the redemptive work of God? All of these non-Lutheran innovations only arise from a confused reading of certain texts through the lens of a distinctly legalistic hermeneutic. Instead of a gospel-led interpretation, this approach selects a few passages, interprets them narrowly and legalistically, and allows the law to drive a fearful interpretation. The spirit who works through fear is not the Spirit we are called to follow – God gives us the Spirit of power and of love! As an example, one simply has to trace the teaching of ‘orders of creation’ (in which God creates a permanent hierarchy of male over female) from current advocates in the LCA to the US Missouri Synod (LCMS). Discussed deeply in the 1950s, LCMS actually used texts referencing teachings by Calvin as foundational to this idea! This is contrasted against Luther’s ‘stations’ – a flexible and contextualised positioning of individuals according to the Spirit’s call. To paraphrase Melanchthon: Let us not ‘teach the law in such a way as to hide the gospel of Christ’!

Amos Hedt – Geelong Vic

Opinions expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. Shorter letters will be given preference over longer letters. Subscribers’ letters will be given preference over those from non-subscribers. Letters longer than 300 words and those containing personal attack will not be published. No more than two letters from the same author will be published in a calendar year. Some letters may be edited for clarity.

LETTERS S FROM MEMBER OF THE LCANZ

All are called to ‘proclaim the wonderful acts of God’ I have always believed that Christians are all equal in the sight of God. We are equally the 'undeserving, redeemed, chosen, forgiven (by God's grace alone)'. Galatians 3:26–28 is clear on that factor. This passage of Scripture speaks alone on who we are and not what we do in life.

To know what each of us is to do in life, I find the guidance and encouragement in 1 Peter 2:9–10. Am I missing something when I sense that only the 'ordained' can 'proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called us out of darkness into his own marvellous light'? Such a privilege each of us in the LCANZ has as Paul writes to the Romans, is to accept the challenge as in Romans 10:13–17. People who call to the Lord for help will be saved. They need to hear the gospel message from our lips. Let us not miss something. Let us accept the challenge as individual members of the LCANZ, as we acknowledge the Godgiven privilege. Not looking at what others might be doing, but being diligent in what we are doing in God's kingdom. Don Heyne – Waurn Ponds Vic

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

1 Peter 4:10

In Going GREYT! we feature stories of some of our ‘more experienced’ people within the LCANZ, who have been called to make a positive contribution in their retirement. We pray their examples of service will be an inspiration and encouragement to us all as we look to be Christ’s hands and feet wherever we are, with whatever gifts and opportunities we’ve been given.

Witnessing over

the airwaves

BY HELEN BERINGEN

Being called a ‘Ham’ may not be too flattering for most people, but for Western Australian retiree John Stephens it is a badge of honour. That’s because the 85-year-old has been a ‘Ham’ for most of his life – an amateur radio operator that is. What started with childhood tinkering with crystal radio sets has progressed into his Christian witness through a community radio station in Albany, Western Australia. This labour of love includes rising at 4.30am every Sunday to host the Christian Breakfast show on Albany’s Great Southern FM radio station, which he has led for 20 years. He also started a Bakelite Radio show on Thursday afternoons, which features music from the 1920s through to the 1950s. It was during the days of Bakelite radios, which were the first commonly used moulded plastic radios of the 20th century, that John discovered his love for radio. John’s talents were directed into Christian radio early in life, through his local church in suburban Perth. ‘As a young child of four years of age, I was taken to the Church of Christ Sunday school at Maylands by two young girls who were neighbours and lived across the road from my parents’, John says.

W H AT STA RTED W ITH CH I LD H OO D TI N K ER I N G W ITH CRYSTA L R A D I O S ETS H AS PROG R ES S ED I NTO H IS CH R ISTIA N W ITN ES S TH RO U G H A CO M M U N IT Y R A D I O STATI O N . 28

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

In those days people walked to church, so young John was pushed in a stroller to the church in the neighbouring suburb by the girls, whose Christian family played a big part in his life. ‘I married my school days sweetheart Edna in that church. Both of us taught Sunday school … in those days of big Sunday schools we had 180 students ranging from kindergarten to seniors’, he recalls. John and Edna, who were married for 58 years before her death in 2015, were active on church committees. They went on to raise two daughters and two sons, and have nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who live in Western Australia and the United States. It was through the church that John became involved in Christian radio. ‘Churches of Christ had a Christian radio Sunday school operating out of one of the commercial radio stations in Perth and country stations in Northam’, John says. ‘This was a live program with young people representing several of the local churches attending the studio and singing on each Sunday morning.’ While at high school, John’s love for the technical elements of broadcasting led him to the technical production of radio, through work experience as a control room operator. This led to an apprenticeship in electrical engineering after completing high school, culminating in a 38-year career in technical education. ‘I was also encouraged by one of the members of our Maylands Church who had been a radio operator in the navy during WWII to study for AOCP, which is the Amateur Operator Certification, commonly referred to as a “Ham’s licence”. This means you can operate your own radio station on shortwave and talk to other “Hams” around the world’, John says. ‘I was successful in achieving a call sign, VK6KJS, and became an active SWL – shortwave listener. This enabled me to listen to Christian broadcasting stations around the

world. I still maintain that call sign today!’ That guided John along another volunteering pathway – the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC). FEBC is a global media ministry spreading the gospel to inspire people to follow Jesus Christ, broadcasting in more than 50 countries in 30 different languages. ‘While a representative for FEBC, I visited Singapore, China and Manila and witnessed the activities in the mission field’, John says. John’s volunteer work in Christian radio has been inspired by a book by Australian Uniting Church minister Vernon Turner called God gave me a microphone, microphone, a forerunner in Christian radio ministry. ‘His book reminded me of me in my early days, as we both began with crystal radio sets’, John says. Since retiring in 2000, John has continued that Christian witness at the crack of dawn each Sunday, with his own 6am to 9am Christian program on Great Southern FM (100.9 FM), which broadcasts to the southern area of Western Australia. John’s grateful for the support of Christian groups such as the LCANZ’s Lutheran Media, which supplies its Messages of hope outreach ministry’s radio spots he shares with listeners, along with Christian hymns and songs. His favourite message of hope comes from the hymn ‘To God be the Glory’ which reminds him that even in countries where missionaries are unable to work, radios are still able to beam messages of God’s love into people’s homes. Helen Beringen is a Brisbane-based writer who is inspired by the many GREYT people who serve tirelessly and humbly in our community. By sharing stories of how God shines his light through his people, she hopes others are encouraged to explore how they can use their gifts to share his light in the world. Know of any other GREYT stories in your local community? Email the editor lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

Top left: John Stephens in the studio – he has been hosting the Christian Breakfast show on Albany’s Great Southern FM radio station in Western Australia for 20 years. For his show, he relies on the support of LCANZ’s Lutheran Media, which supplies its Messages of hope outreach radio spots. Top right: John’s volunteer work in Christian radio has been inspired by a book by Australian Uniting Church minister Vernon Turner called God gave me a microphone. Above: John, centre, with his adult children, from left to right: Peter, Cheryl, Kevin and Jenny

Lutheran Media’s Messages of hope radio programs are broadcast by more than 800 commercial, community and Christian stations around Australia and New Zealand, as well as into Papua New Guinea and Asia, the latter via shortwave. For more information, go to www.messagesofhope.org.au or www.messagesofhope.org.nz The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

This prayer calendar for next month can serve as an encouragement to each of us to lift up our fellow LCANZ members and faith communities to God every day. Please feel free to cut it out and keep it handy.

May 2021 T U E S D AY

P L E A S E P R AY F O R …

S U N D AY

M O N D AY

W E D N E S D AY

T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

Lutheran Women of SA and NT, including President Grace Kroehn and Secretary Joan Schiller

All who care for people who are dying, whether in homes, hospitals, hospices or aged-care setting

Business leaders and employers around the world, that they treat their workers fairly and justly, as the world marks International Workers Day

Members of Roma, St George and Meandarra/ Glenmorgan Lutheran preaching places, Qld, including Pastor Ken Von Pein

The students, staff and community of St Martins Lutheran College Mount Gambier, SA, including Principal Alan Connah

The members and leaders of the Lutheran Church in Cambodia, a partner church with the LCANZ through LCA International Mission

The staff and management of Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA, including Executive Director John Proeve

Pastor Kees Sturm and the members of St Stephen Culcairn, St Pauls Henty and St Johns Pleasant Hills in NSW

Those organising and attending this weekend's Lutheran Youth of Queensland conference and camp for young adults known as The Gathering

Principal Stephen Jude and the students, staff and community of Navigator College Port Lincoln SA

All mothers, those who are missing their mums and those who have longed to be mothers, as we celebrate Mother’s Day

Christians in Sabah (East Malaysia), where the LCANZ has a partnership with the Basel Christian Church in Malaysia and the Protestant Church in Sabah

Pastors who will tomorrow attend the SA-NT District Pastors’ Conference at Langmeil Lutheran Church Tanunda

The LCANZ’s Pastoral Care Nursing Ministry, including Manager Pastor Bob Wiebusch and Coordinator Angela Uhrhane, on International Nurses Day

Members and leaders at Nunawading & Waverley Lutheran Church Vic, including Pastor Wayne Muschamp

Staff and managers of the Department for Queensland Lutheran Early Childhood Services, including CEO Lyndal Mayer

Delegates, visitors, staff and volunteers at the LCA SA-NT District Convention of Synod at the Barossa Arts Centre Tanunda

The school community of Concordia Lutheran College Toowoomba, Qld, including Head of College Adrian Wiles

Pastors Peter Hage and Andre Meyer, and the members and leaders of St John’s Lutheran Church Perth

Those involved in outreach to Singapore, Cambodia, China, Thailand and Mongolia through LCANZ partner church the Lutheran Church in Singapore.

All who have suffered sexual harassment, abuse and violence, and those who support survivors

Principal Rebecca Clements and the staff, students and families of Immanuel Primary School Novar Gardens SA

Members of the LCANZ’s General Church Board, which is scheduled to meet via internet conferencing today

All those who attend the Victorian and Tasmanian District Convention of Synod at Geelong Lutheran College at Armstrong Creek

Members and leaders at Good Shepherd Yalata SA, including Pastors Russell Bryant and Lindsay Thomas

LCA International Mission’s work with the 13 LWF member churches in Indonesia, which have an estimated membership of 8 million

The LCANZ’s General Pastors Conference Program Committee, including Chair Rev Dr Andrew Pfeiffer

Members of Australia’s Stolen Generations, their families and communities on National Sorry Day, a chance to share the journey towards healing

Positive, respectful relationships between all Australians, as we mark National Reconciliation Week

The members and leaders of St Martin Lutheran Church Marton in NZ, including Pastor Warren Paltridge

The community, staff and students of Waikerie Lutheran Primary School SA, including Principal Adam Borgas

The Lutheran A P R I L 2 0 21

DISCOVER MORE AT

www.lutheranmedia.org.au Phone FREECALL 1800 353 350 luthmedia@lca.org.au

MESSAGES OF HOPE APPEAL Through Messages of Hope, you can help people who are feeling lonely and in despair. A recent responder to Messages of Hope cried out: ‘Not one person has any care for me.’

Please submit nominations to soc@lca.org.au or by post to ‘Servant of Christ Award’, Lutheran Church of Australia, 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006, no later than 23 April 2021.

‘I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22).

LATELY?

Join Richard and Celia each week through April for conversations about Easter, forgiveness and how to cope when we are just exhausted from constant change and uncertainty. Tune in on local radio or go to messagesofhope.org.au or messagesofhope.org.nz

WATCH

Worship live or in your own time with St Michael’s Lutheran Church from Hahndorf South Australia or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church from Toowoomba Queensland at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/worship. You can also order weekly worship DVDs or join us on our Lutheran Media Facebook page at facebook.com/luthmedia

PLAY

LISTEN

The Servant of Christ Award honours lay people of the church by recognising those who give outstanding service. Districts, committees, agencies and congregations are invited to submit nominations for the award. Award guidelines and nomination forms are available from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/soc or from the Office of the Bishop.

Join us to reach struggling people with the good news of Jesus Christ by praying for them and giving a tax-deductible donation to Lutheran Media at lutheranmedia.org.au or call 1800 353 350.

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO YOUR

Servant of Christ Award

Family fun at happyland.com.au Enjoy the Happyland app. Download it from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Happyland stories are now also available to watch on the website.

For inquiries, please contact Chelsea Bellamy by email or phone 08 8267 7300. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

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THANKS

YOUR DONATIONS AND PRAYERS ARE HELPING TO COMMUNICATE CHRIST AND HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.

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LCA N Z C O MPL A IN T S Many complaints can be resolved before lasting hurt is caused, by addressing them quickly in a non-threatening manner and by raising the issue directly with the relevant person or organisation in a thoughtful and courteous manner. If this is not applicable or possible in your situation, you may lodge a complaint with the Professional Standards Department in any of the following ways: Phone the free-call number (Aust 1800 644 628 NZ 0800 356 887), email complaints@lca.org.au or write to Confidential, PO Box 519, Marden SA 5070.

Photo: ALWS / Magdalena Vogt

Thank you!

He is only 7. Trapped in a displaced persons camp. In Myanmar, a country torn apart.

It would be so easy – especially now – for this young boy to be forgotten by the world. Yet Ma Med Sha Kay can hold onto his dream of being a teacher because our Lutheran family is bringing love to life in Myanmar through ALWS. Your kindness and generosity have built dozens of temporary learning centres across the camps. Ma Med’s mum Ru Ki Ya has learnt the importance of education. (Growing up, her family was so poor she never got to go to school.) ‘You have given us these learning centres. Here, our children can complete primary. But they must have higher education. Now, when my children go to school, I see how important education is.’ Even now … as people are killed in protests, elected leaders imprisoned, services shut down, and COVID-19 grows as a threat … the team you support in Myanmar is working to make sure children like Ma Med can continue their education.

Home learning packs are being put together. Teachers will support these by going home-to-home. Teachers are being trained in student-centred learning, disability, and early childhood development. COVID-19 protection work is prioritised. As LCA International Mission supports the Lutheran churches in Myanmar, your ALWS action in displaced persons camps means Ru Ki Ya can keep on encouraging Ma Med in his dream: ‘I would like my children to be teachers. Then, if we parents pass away, the children can still stand and have their own life.’ The education you give today to children forgotten by the world is a blessing ALWayS. Thank you!

See more of your kindness at work:

alws.org.au * 1300 763 407

ALWayS for the forgotten