The Lutheran December 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 Z E AL A N D

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DECEMBER 2021

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S IA N S

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What makes a family?

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

A breath of fresh air!

EDITORIAL

Editor Lisa McIntosh p 08 8267 7300 m 0409 281 703 e lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au Executive Editor Linda Macqueen p 08 8267 7300 e linda.macqueen@lca.org.au

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As COVID gathering restrictions began to ease in Victoria after a lengthy lockdown, Kathy and Mal Wegener and close friends Volker and Jenny Lange took the chance to enjoy an impromptu coffee in a park together and catch up on news and views from around the church. Jenny (not pictured here) took the photo. Kathy and Mal are members of Melbourne’s Outer Eastern Lutheran Parish, while Volker and Jenny are members at Good Shepherd Ringwood.

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

People like YOU bring love to life Sarah Richter Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Mildura Vic

DESIGN & PRINT

Mum to two little girls, aspiring nurse

Design & Layout Elysia McEwen Printer Openbook Howden The Lutheran is produced on the traditional lands of the Kaurna and Dharug peoples.

‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no-one can boast.’

ADVERTISING/MANUSCRIPTS Should be directed to the editor. Manuscripts are published at the discretion of the editor. Those that are published may be edited. Copy deadline: 1st of preceding month Rates: general notices and small advertisements, $20.00 per cm; for display, contract and inserted advertisements, contact the editor.

David Hoger Nazareth Lutheran Church Woolloongabba Qld Research and Development Manager Most treasured Bible text: Matthew 28:20 ‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Michelle Storie

LUTHERAN

Trinity Lutheran Church Hope Valley SA

OF AUSTRALIA

Executive Administration Assistant to the Bishop LCA SA-NT District

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.

Most treasured Bible text: Ephesians 2:8,9

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

Most treasured Bible text: Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’

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.

December Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

Each of my parents was married twice, due to the death of their first spouse. Subsequently, I have half-siblings and stepsiblings. So, I suppose I should know something about blended families! Thankfully, my experience is not like Cinderella’s, Snow White’s or Hansel and Gretel’s in those dark, scary fairytales. My stepsister is anything but wicked, and while I’ve never had a stepmother, my stepfather has always been the epitome of loving-kindness. Through my relationships with other people, I have also seen that the blending of families, including through adoptions and foster care, can bring about joy or sorrow, or both, depending on the circumstances and personalities involved. There are simply no hard-and-fast rules about whether family members unrelated by blood will fight or flee, or that those from the same gene pool will form firm bonds. Yet the only thing I really do know is that a so-called blended family is much like any other. There will be challenges and pain caused by our imperfect efforts at togetherness and, hopefully, there will be love aplenty and the comfort and security of belonging. Sometimes, as with a good salad dressing containing competing ingredients such as vinegar and oil, family dynamics need to be shaken up in order to harmoniously blend. As one of the people I interviewed for this edition said, it’s really unconditional love and support rather than genetics that are the hallmarks of a family.

We also meet Brett Hausler, the new executive officer of the church, in ‘The inside story’ section, and share the news of graduate pastor placements, home faith-life and other resources and uplifting features from our church family.

Three stories of family

Finding out where we belong

Learning beyond the classroom

Let’s not forget the suffering of others

Regulars 9

So, this month, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus into an ‘unconventional’ family, we can remember that God sent his Son not just to live in an earthly family but to suffer and die, to reclaim us as members of his eternal family. In this edition, we are truly blessed with beautiful stories from our LCANZ community about what ‘family’ means. You’ll also read the final Heartland column from LCANZ Bishop John Henderson before he retires. In February next year, we’ll welcome the incoming LCANZ bishop, Pastor Paul Smith, with a new column.

Together, we are family

Heartland

Dwelling in God’s word

Go and Grow

Church@Home

The inside story

Your voice

Directory

Sudoku

Prayer calendars

29, 30

As this is the last edition for 2021, I would like to thank you, our readers, subscribers, group collectors and other ambassadors (you’ll hear more on that opportunity soon) for your loyalty, and we look forward to your continued support. Please keep encouraging others to join us – a subscription makes a great Christmas gift! My gratitude goes, too, to our wonderful team which brings you The Lutheran.. Thank you to Linda Macqueen (executive editor), Elysia Lutheran McEwen (graphic designer), our regular contributors Helen Beringen and Rebecka Colldunberg, proofreaders Lyall Kupke, Kathy Gaff and Pastor David Strelan, Gaynor Gower in subscriptions and Trevor Bailey and all at Openbook Howden. Have a safe, joyful and blessed Christmas,

Lisa

Our cover: iStock.com The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 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

A DV E N T S E T S T H E S C E NE F O R T H E C H R I ST I A N Y E A R ‘From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”’ (Matthew 4:17 NRSV). The four weeks before Christmas are the Advent season. Advent is, in effect, the Christian new year, the first season of the church calendar. This year it began on Sunday 28 November, when we changed the church colour to violet, for repentance and to honour our coming king. I wonder how many of us noticed. Did we share it with others? Our Hindu neighbours visited us during the recent Diwali festival, or Hindu New Year, with a gift of homemade Indian sweets. It was a lovely, neighbourly gesture. The Christian new year, Advent, however, is not so well-known, even among us. It tends to be swamped by Christmas, which has crept forward to whenever the merchandise hits the shelves or the online shopping site. Advent, however, gives Christmas its context. Together,

GOD ARRIVES O N EARTH I N TANGI BLE, SPECI FIC WAYS . OU R GOD IS N OT J UST A REM OTE ETERNAL BEI NG ... RATH ER , GOD IS WITH US , RIG HT H ERE, RIG HT N OW, PHYSICALLY AN D SPI RITUALLY. 4

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

Advent and Christmas direct us to the great festival of Easter, preceded by Lent and followed by Ascension and Pentecost. This rhythm of festivals, drawn from Scripture, is the backbone of our worship and faith life. In this way, we always remember and celebrate what God has done and is doing to save the world. Advent comes first. It is the backdrop, the scene-setter, that puts the rest into perspective. Taken from Latin, ‘Advent’ means ‘arrival’. God arrives on earth in tangible, specific ways. Our God is not just a remote eternal being, somewhere ‘out there’ beyond the universe and therefore impossible to find. Rather, God is with us, right here, right now, physically and spiritually. God chooses to be available to all who believe and is never far away. Look at the evidence: his mother bore him, people physically touched him, and he touched them. They penetrated his hands and feet with nails. Even in his death, they touched him, laid his body in the grave, and mourned him. And when he rose from the dead, they ate with him and knew him as a living human being. He ascended into heaven, God our brother going ahead of us to welcome us home. And for now, here on earth, God is present in his church, the physical gathering of baptised saints and believers who hear the word and receive the sacrament. In Advent we remember that God, who has come to us in the person of Jesus

Christ, is always with us. He restores our life. We are alive in him. He comes to us daily through the Spirit and the word. He comes in the sacraments, in water and the word (baptism), in the meal of bread and wine he instituted for us (holy communion). God comes to us, the same God who also waits for us on the last day. We know him now, and he knows us. In Advent we learn to wait – and wait well – for the coming of our Lord. We do so in humility and with repentance, since salvation depends entirely on him and we contribute nothing. We remain confident and we are not afraid, since, as Hebrews says, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’. He is, and will always be, our Saviour, who came to live among us and never leave us. All glory be to God.

This edition of The Lutheran marks my last Heartland column during my time as bishop. It has been a pleasure and a joy to prepare these articles. I express my thanks to Lisa McIntosh, Pastor David Strelan and the LCA Communications team for your encouragement and support in making this possible. I also thank the many readers who have written in over the years, sharing your own stories of faith. Thank you all so much. I pray that our great and merciful God will continue to bless and restore every one of you, until the great and glorious day of the resurrection to eternal life.

Together,

TJ Krause, back second from left, with his family, from left, Josiah, mum Julie, Abebaw (AJ), dad Jonathan, Alli-Jayne and Glen.

W E A R E FA M I LY

What makes a group of individuals a family? Being related by blood or marriage? How about definition 7 in the Macquarie Dictionary: ‘a group of persons who form a household and who regard themselves as having familial ties’? Is our understanding of family more to do with shared lives and values than being ‘descended from a common progenitor’, as definition 4 states? Jesus certainly takes a more inclusive view of family, as we are reminded in this month’s Bible study (see page 7, see also John 19:26,27 and Matthew 12:49,50). 12:49,50). TJ Krause was almost four when he and his younger brother Abebaw (AJ) came from an orphanage in Ethiopia to become part of a new family in Australia. Now 20 and an apprentice carpenter, he still remembers the feeling he had meeting his new mum, Julie, for the first time and, ultimately, his new siblings and, later, his new dad, Jonathan. Each of his parents also has children from previous marriages (see page 7). 7). ‘It was really exciting, and it was rather interesting and bizarre and surreal’, TJ says of the experience of meeting and joining a new family, who now live at Maslin Beach in South Australia. ‘We don’t call it “blended” but it is a blended family.’ He says that even though there are particular challenges to being part of a family in which

by L I S A

M C I N TOS H

members come from different backgrounds, the best element is that ‘there’s no judgement whatsoever’. ‘We all make it work really well, and Mum and Dad are just super accepting. When you’re younger and you don’t know where your real parents are, sometimes you question that. ‘But you do realise that the parents you have really do love you and they cherish you and protect you. That makes you realise that they are your real parents even though they’re not blood. ‘I think family keeps you motivated to keep pursuing life because you’re showing them that you’re grateful for the opportunities they’re giving you. A family’s always there to love you, support you, be there for you through thick and thin, and there’s nothing that can beat unconditional love. ‘If someone’s willing to support someone else throughout every single thing and be there for them through the good and bad, that’s the definition of family, whether it’s your brother or it’s your best mate.’ Blending two families and households into one challenges parents, too, with things such as setting disciplinary boundaries, territorial feelings and behaviour, different parenting styles and basic practical issues all requiring attention.

Mark and Beth Kaesler (centre) on their wedding day, with Mark’s children Paul (top) and Elisa (right) and Beth’s children Centaine (bottom left) and Paul (bottom right).

Pastor Mark and Beth Kaesler, of Seaford in South Australia, merged two households into one when they were married. Between them, they had four children from their previous marriages, including two sons named Paul! ‘It's a funny thing when you join two families and two houses’, Beth says. ‘You don't mean to be, but you're quite threatened about trying to maintain territory. When Mark, Elisa and Paul moved in, there was all this sorting about what we would throw out and what we’d keep. You know, like, whose egg flip will we keep? It was very, very territorial. ‘When you get past that physical territorial stuff, then you have to move on to the emotional territorial stuff and spiritual territorial stuff. You know, like, I'll give a A FA M I LY ’S A LWAYS T H ER E bit here and you give a bit. And I think we learned fairly early that we both TO YO U, SU PPO RT had to give a lot more YO U, B E T H ER E F O R than 50 per cent to make it work.’

love

Both Beth and Pastor Mark say that God’s support was critical in blending their families.

YO U TH RO U G H TH I CK

A N D TH I N , A N D TH ER E’S N OTH I N G T H AT C A N B E AT

The Simpkins say they always wanted two children and believe that God had plans for them to be ‘a complete family with Abbie’.

‘God is part of everything, U N CO N D ITI O N A L LOV E. really’, Pastor Mark says. ‘With Brad being an only ‘God is never absent. He child, Abbie coming into our is speaking to us in all family brought him a sibling sorts of ways. And I guess and he learnt how to share you really can't put a value everything – toys, home and parents’, Pastor Colin says. on all those little bits of knowledge that he gives ‘As a family, we miss one another when any are away. you in this journey.’ We have the joy of seeing the accomplishments of the ‘I think it starts with a sense and an understanding of others. We have brought God into Abbie’s life and we how much God has given you and how much God has learn a lot from her, too. forgiven you’, Beth adds. ‘That gives you a huge sense ‘Having all of the members of our family now has added of God's grace which you can then give out.’ extra love into each of our lives. Abbie loves having a And they agree that God is the one in their family who female role model and support person, and Tan is what can best break down the barriers that members may put Abbie needs to guide her through many difficult areas.’ up for their own feeling of safety and security. Pastor Colin says that while there were challenges ‘So, the only one who can heal and open up doors for each of them in getting used to the new family where both of us are not able to, or our kids aren’t dynamics, the family unit is really important to them able to, is God’, Pastor Mark says. ‘He opens the doors ‘because God put us together’. and somehow changes our hearts, works out ways so ‘Everybody needs to know they belong somewhere that we can find a common thread to cling to again, to and that they matter to others. Everyone needs people go forward.’ to support them in life, with love, care, protection and God is also central to the family life of Pastor Colin company. God is love and we know his love through Simpkin, his wife Tanya, son Brad and niece Abbie Jesus, who calls us to pass that love on to our families.’ Williams, of Grovedale in Victoria. Abbie became part You can read more of Beth and Mark’s story, or listen of the family household after the death of her mother, to their Messages of Hope interview at Joanne, Tanya’s sister, as her father is not able to look www.messagesofhope.org.au/blended-families/ after her.

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

DWELLING IN GOD'S WORD

What is family? What is ‘family’? There are many different definitions, but a simple Google search suggests: 1. A group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit 2. All the descendants of a common ancestor 3. A group of related things … I have a weird family … Six children. Four different fathers and only two of them were my husbands. Only one of them fathered one of my children! Three stepchildren, two adopted children and one biological son. My first husband had one child when I married him. We then had a son and then adopted two boys from Ethiopia. My second husband had two adult children – one of them was his stepson. Confused?? Not to mention my skin name and indigenous children. (I spent several years working at Ntaria/Hermannsburg.) What a blend!! What picture comes to mind when you hear the word family? Families come in all shapes and sizes – large, small, harmonious, separated, broken, blended and single. Think and/or share about your family. Maybe we don’t all have that happy family snap or the ‘mum, dad and “pigeon-pair” children’ as our reality. Thankfully, God understands. Think about some of the families in Jesus’ family tree. Sometimes we ‘glossify’ our pictures of Jesus and his life, but when we dig a little deeper, we find grit, dirt and even shame or embarrassment. Read Matthew 1:18–25. Read Luke 1:35. What would it have been like for Mary? Joseph? Pregnant and not married. Think about where Jesus was born. A dirty, stinky stable. Why were they on their own at such a special time? Who were the first to hear and celebrate? Do you know people who have begun family in unexpected ways? Jesus was part of a blended family. Joseph was his stepfather. And we know that he had half-brothers and sisters. I wonder what it was like living with a brother without

by Julie Krause

sin. We don’t know a lot about Jesus’ family life, but we do know that the shape of his family changed. Read John 19:25–27. Think about what this means for Jesus’ mother and his siblings. What does this mean for you? Have you ever been part of another family in a special way or a special time? Not only do I have stepchildren, but also two boys I adopted. They joined my family from a different country and culture. But even though they have different coloured skin and a different history, when they joined my family, they became my sons. They are in my will. I will love and defend them and always want the best for them. It makes me think of what God says about us. Read Ephesians 1:5,6 (The Message) and Galatians 4:4–7 (The Message). How does it make you feel? And then there’s the time in Matthew 12:46–50 where it seems that Jesus disowns his own blood family! But I think this is where he begins painting a picture of a future family – one that goes beyond ‘human blood’ and is bound together by his blood – as brothers and sisters in Christ. Read Acts 2:5–12; Acts 12:5 and Galatians 3:28. How does this relate to a bigger picture of family? The reality is that anytime you have people in the same place/space relating to each other, there will be challenges and joys. There are different histories, values, perspectives, and yet, when bound by a common thread and able to grow in knowing, respecting and loving each other, we can become family. What light does 1 Corinthians 13 shed on how to do this? PRAYER: God, thank you that you are our Father – to us, this motley bunch of people. Loved by you, accepted by you, united in you, gifted by you … and invited by you to love others as you love us: open-heartedly, as family. Amen.

Julie Krause is married to Jonathan and mum to Josiah, TJ and AJ and stepmum to Lisa, Glen and Alli-Jayne. A member at Seaford Lutheran Church SA, she's a Community Action Officer with ALWS.

THREE STORIES OF FAMILY At Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where our Lutheran family in Australia and New Zealand supports new arrivals and long-term residents through Australian Lutheran World Service, there are many types of blended and extended families. Some have come together by choice after fleeing or being displaced from their homelands, others by necessity. Each family has been touched by trauma and tragedy. While living in a crowded camp far from home is hard, there are also plenty of examples of kindness, love, generosity and inspirational resilience.

1 CO USI NS BA N D TOG ETH ER Cousins Wali*, 17, Matu*, 15, and Malook*, 13, live together at Kakuma, having left their home country of South Sudan because of the war there. Wali explains, ‘We have no other family. They are all gone. It is just us. We live in this compound with other Dinka people. We can feel lonely, just the three of us, so we often share our hut with others – sometimes there are nine of us sleeping here. ‘Each morning we walk 10 minutes to the school. I dream of being a lawyer and my cousins would like to be a doctor and a teacher. We all like to play soccer. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we all go to the choir at church and do other activities. And then we go to church on Sundays. ‘We are thankful for the LWF (Lutheran World Federation) Child Protection Officer who helps us if we need something.’ *Their names have been changed for child protection reasons.

A LWAYS ROO M F O R O N E M O R E

Lucy has been at Kakuma since 1992, having also come there from South Sudan because of the war. She is now the mother of 13 children in a blended family. ‘I have eight children of my own, but they are mostly grown up’, she explains. ‘Noah, my elder son, is living

with me plus a couple of the younger ones. I have now fostered another five children because their mother passed away. I have my own little compound with a kitchen and a sleeping area. The children have all blended well and are enjoying school.’

3 M IS SI N G H O M E One family has come to Kakuma from the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] due to a decades-long land feud with one of their neighbours. The family’s grandfather was targetted. Two children, 11 and 12, are being fostered by this family as their own father was a friend. He fled their home in DRC after the children’s mother was raped and died. Then the foster family became a target of the feud and fighting, so they took the children with their own family and fled to Uganda. They then travelled for a week before reaching Kakuma. The foster father is a choirmaster at the local church and would like to be a businessman. They have a small blackboard where they practise their English and have made a little vegetable patch near their hut. They are very grateful for the set-up items they received at Kakuma, including mattresses, clothing for the children, school supplies, pots and pans, but they are all missing their home.

Below: Family is everything for mum-of-four Celestine Rowe, back left. Left: Celestine is a stable hand at Morphettville in South Australia and shares her love of horses with her family.

FI N D I N G O UT W H ER E W E B ELO N G

BY L I S A M CI N TOS H

Celestine Rowe believes family is ‘the most important thing’. And that’s why the mum of four is thrilled that her children are growing up connected to their wider family and their country in Central Australia’s Western Desert region.

want my kids to be feeling the same thing that I did growing up.’

Around the time she returned to the Northern Territory as a teen, Celestine lived at the Alice Springs Youth Accommodation Support Service, where she met celebrated First Nations poet Ali Cobby Eckermann, who A Pintupi-Luritja woman from Papunya northwest of became her mentor and carer. Thanks to Ali, Celestine Alice Springs, Celestine spent her childhood with began writing poetry and, since the age a foster family in Adelaide from of 16, she has been performing her 12 weeks of age. She was born ‘ TH E FA M I LY ’S T H E work around Australia. prematurely and was unwell as a baby, which meant frequent stays in Celestine has one brother and one sister, M OST I M PO RTA NT hospital and led to her being placed but her grandfather had 12 children, TH I N G B EC AUS E IT in foster care in South Australia. so she has many aunts, uncles and While she said her foster family was CO M ES BACK TO W H O cousins and a large extended family. Despite being based in Adelaide kind to her, she felt something was W E A R E A N D W H ER E for work reasons, Celestine and her missing in her life. By the time she reached her mid-teens, Celestine W E’ R E FRO M , A N D IT ’S children, aged 6, 7, 13 and 15, visit and spend time with their Central Australian moved back to the Northern Territory O U R CO N N ECTI O N .’ family regularly. and set about reconnecting with her biological family, including her ‘I think the connection, the blood mum. Her father had died when she was young. She connection is a lot stronger for the First Nations mob’, she also reconnected with her Lutheran heritage and today says. ‘For mob that’ve been taken away or removed, their worships at St Paul’s Ferryden Park, which incorporates friends are close considered like family. The family’s the Adelaide Aboriginal Lutheran Fellowship. most important thing because it comes back to who we are and where we’re from, and it’s our connection.’ ‘I was missing a sense of belonging within the family – I grew up without my family but I knew that they were there’, says Celestine, who works as a stable hand at Morphettville in suburban Adelaide. ‘I just had a big hole there. I was feeling lost, I felt I had no family, and I don’t

Celestine’s Christian faith also informs her views on family and why God wants us as part of his family. ‘I believe that’s so we don’t feel left out and so we feel like we belong to something.’

We know you love The Lutheran … now there’s a new way to enjoy our award-winning LCANZ magazine with our new digital edition! edition! It makes a great gift too – and current print subscribers can register for digital access at no extra cost!

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20TH REGULAR CONVENTION OF GENER AL SYNOD PA R T 2

9-12 Feb 2023 Melbourne Vic

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

SOUTH SUDAN: FLOOD CRISIS Severe prolonged floods have devastated Jonglei State in South Sudan where our Lutheran development work is centred. In places, 85 per cent of land is under water. 800,000 people forced from homes. Crops cannot be planted. Dirty water diseases threaten. Survivor Yom Biar Riak told your LWF team:

GOOD NE W S! Yo

‘Lutheran, you are our only hope in these dark days of our lives.

ur dona tion

Please come to my rescue. May God give you resources to help us. You are our Jesus.’

OUR LUTHERAN ACTION

DOUBLED this C hristmas !

‘I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into deep waters; the floods engulf me.’

Your ALWS help targets 4816 families (28,898 people) most in danger in Duk, Twic East and Bor counties:

LWF/ALWS

Under 18

18–49

50–59*

Male

3750

8411

2188

Female

3950

8411

2188

PSALM 69:2 (NIV)

* Life expectancy in South Sudan is just 58 years

WHAT YOU CAN DO

+ Fishing kits Cash for food Veggie seeds

Repair boreholes Replace toilets Hygiene kits

+ Improved shelters Mosquito nets Blankets

Temporary learning spaces Gender-segregated toilets Teacher supplies

= $111 per family

Your donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by a Lutheran couple from Queensland and is tax-deductible.

PLEASE DONATE NOW TO RUSH YOUR HELP:

1300 763 407 * alws.org.au ALWayS for those forgotten

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

EQ U I P P I N G FA I T H PA RT N ERS H I PS A big part of the work of Grow Ministries is to develop resources that support families and congregations in their ministry to children and young people.

BY J O D I B RO O K

As the end of the year approaches and we look forward to a new one, we would like to share with you two of our updated resources. These aim to equip congregations as they develop partnerships with parents and carers, and together nurture faith.

FAITH TRAI L BEGINNING SCHOOL MARKER

CH I LD R EN ’S AD D R ESSES This resource offers all you need to provide an engaging children’s address during your worship time. There are Bible readings, visual ideas and other helpful tips to ensure the gospel message is shared. ‘I’m loving the Grow Ministries Children’s Addresses and use them as a base for my children’s talks from time to time. We are encouraging others to be involved in this ministry and I’m looking forward to sharing this resource with our volunteers.’ – Sharon Green, Child, Youth and Family Ministry Director, St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa SA

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

Designed to encourage conversation with parents and children about starting school, this resource provides an opportunity to share the excitement and fears around beginning school, as well as empowering families to integrate sharing of highs and lows and prayer into their daily routine. This trail marker is intended for children who are starting school or who are in their first year of primary school.

his parents. This was not just the beginning of his school journey, but also their faith journey. They started coming to worship regularly and got to know us and the God we worship. The mother said she felt a sense of peace when gathered with us. COVID-19 hit, and we didn’t hold public worship for four months. But when we returned to face-to-face gathering, so did they, and then they attended an Alpha course.

Pastor Andrew Brook from St John’s Lutheran Church Unley in suburban Adelaide explains the impact that a trail marker event has had on a family in the community.

‘This September the family was baptised – mum, dad and two boys. It all started with an invitation to a blessing, asking God to be a part of their son’s life as he started school.

‘Each year St John’s holds the Faith Trail event ‘Blessing of the Backpacks’ at the beginning of the school year. We invite school families from the nearby Concordia-St John’s Campus to join us.

‘From a little thing God was able to grow the big thing of faith in him and a new community of love and support. And with that St John’s has received all the blessings that this family have to give. Praise God!’

‘Last year a new school family came. Their five-year-old son proudly came forward to be blessed with

Jodi Brook is Director of Grow Ministries. The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E DIVERSITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE BY A N N A K RO EH N This month on 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) is observed. And this annual event is a wonderful opportunity for our church to celebrate the great diversity and creativity God has shown in making humankind.

S E T A S I D E DAT E TO R ECOG N ISE CAR ERS The LCANZ encourages every congregation to set aside one Sunday each year to celebrate the care work in our congregations and communities – the month in which IDPWD is observed is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, plan and celebrate Christian Care Sunday.

We know God loves us all, and we know God made each one of us with a purpose and gift to share with the church and the world. The Christian Care Sunday project has recently released new resources for worship that celebrate people living with disability and the carers who support people with disabilities. You can access the resources from the LCANZ’s Worship Planning Page (www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp (www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp)) or at www.lca.org.au/ccs-resources365

We give thanks for the work of organisations such as Lutheran Services and Anuha in Queensland and Lutheran Care and Lutheran Disability Services in South Australia, who do vital work with people with disability, and their families, 365 days of the year. For more information, contact me at anna.kroehn@lca.org.au

Anna Kroehn is LCANZ Christian Care Sunday Project Officer.

Now

2021 It’s been a busy year of mission and celebration for LLL. Join us as we look back at the at the highlights of 2021 in the annual Together in mission publication. We encourage everyone to read the latest edition to find out how the support of our customers has assisted the wider Lutheran Church in Australia. Thank you for your support.

available in a digital format only.

Visit: lll.org.au/tim Read about: • Loan projects - both complete and in progress • LLL sponsorships in action • 2021 Mission Outreach Grants • Walk down memory lane - 100 years of mission • and meet the faces of LLL!

Want to know more? Call us on 1800 556 457 or visit lll.org.au

Bishop John Henderson gave thanks for LLL’s past blessings and prayed for our future during the LLL 100 Year Thanksgiving Service.

GO D S H AR ES H IS GOOD NEWS IN M Y S T E R I O U S W AY S BY TA N I A N E LS O N Seemingly out of the blue a few months ago, the LCANZ was contacted by Genie Hudkins. Genie is a member of the La Jolla Lutheran Church in California USA and the church runs a ‘Bibles for the Nations’ project, with Genie as their coordinator. At the same time, Craig Heidenreich and I became aware of a developing ministry with people of Tamil background in Geelong. What do the La Jolla Lutheran Church and Lutheran outreach in the Geelong area have in common? They share the desire to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ and to pray that ‘all peoples on earth will be blessed’ (Gen 12:3). Thanks to Genie and her wonderful community, Cross-Cultural Ministry received $500 to provide Bibles to several ethnic communities so that God’s word can be read in the heart language of the recipient. One of the communities supported through this gift is the Tamil people of Geelong.

Michelle Filipovic from Grovedale Lutheran Church Victoria’s Asylum Seeker Ministry with Tamil language Bibles gifted to the local community.

W H Y IS A S M A LL USA CH U RCH S EN D I N G M O N EY F O R B I B LES? Genie Hudkins explains the gift from La Jolla Lutheran Church in the USA to the LCANZ: ‘La Jolla Lutheran Church is a small “community” church in California with an average attendance of about 50 people. Small in size, but large in its desire to spread the good news of Jesus Christ! ‘Eleven years ago, God inspired our pastor to begin a campaign of ‘Praying for the nations’ – one nation per month. We pray for each nation the entire month … individually, during our Sunday worship service, and on our prayer team. Three years later, one of our members heard an interview of a missionary to China who said that three villages had to share one Bible. That inspired us to begin sending Bibles to each nation in addition to our prayers! ‘To date, we have prayed for 98 nations and have sent $US24,987 for Bibles. Our only request is that the

funds be used for Bibles; the specific use is between our contact within the nation and God. It can be for hardcopy Bibles, Bibles on tape, or any other need related to Bibles. For example, in one nation where it was impossible to safely possess Bibles, our gift paid for radio communications directed into the nation. In other cases, the funds were used to help complete a native-language translation of the Bible and even a sign-language version! We have found that God has very creative ways of spreading the gospel. ‘Australia was nation 98! We had the privilege of praying for Australia the entire month of September 2021 and wired $380 (USD) to the Lutheran Church of Australia. ‘We have been so blessed to serve God and spread his word through this project! We plan to continue this ministry until we have reached every nation in the world – as long as it remains in God’s plan for our church.’

M E A N I N G B EH I N D U N EXPECTED CO N N ECTI O N So, was this contact from La Jolla Lutheran Church an out-of-the-blue coincidence? I prefer to think of this unexpected connection as a God-incidence. God is good. All the time. Tania Nelson is the LCANZ Executive Officer – Local Mission. The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

F A M I LY F U N F O R CH RISTMAS!

F I N D I N G J OY T H R O U G H PA R E N T I N G ST R ES S ES BY R I CH A R D F OX Parenting can be stressful. Children seem to know how to press the right or wrong buttons at the worst possible times. And with challenges like COVID restrictions and lockdowns, parenting can seem overwhelming. Especially when we feel alone and out of our depth, including schooling through lockdowns.

Count the days to Christmas with your family with the online Advent Calendar at www.happyland.com.au Open stars on the calendar to discover fun activities, games, videos and the Christmas story. Have a blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, there is hope. Many, if not all, parents go through this at some stage. At www.messagesofhope.org.au/parenting you’ll discover real-life stories of parents struggling with parenting and their insights into how they also found the fun and joy in it, too. You can watch and listen to their stories. There are other helpful resources, too, such as the free booklet ‘Parenting: Finding the Fun’ and activities to help shed light on what is happening in your situation. There are ways to cope through the stressful times of parenting, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. God is a faithful, loving and gracious parent who is always there for you. Draw on his love in Christ Jesus for you and your family. Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media.

C R O S S - C U LT U R A L M I N I S T R Y THEMED JOURNAL EDITION Following the success of the August 2020 issue of the Lutheran Theological Journal (LTJ) on what a post-pandemic church may look like, this year the journal’s editorial team has produced another themed edition – this time on cross-cultural ministry and church life in Australia and New Zealand. This edition features 24 opinion pieces by church workers from Australia and New Zealand, who responded to the call for contributions on the overarching theme ‘Developing a multicultural mindset for the LCANZ – from a European migrant church to … ’ The personal reflections unearth an eagerness to address the opportunities and challenges arising from the changing face of Lutheran churches, schools and other agencies across Australasia. This issue is of relevance to the wider church and demonstrates that LTJ continues to serve the LCANZ by offering a space in which its workers can present a range of views that generate engagement with one another in respectful dialogue. To become a subscriber and/or an active contributor to the journal, visit https://alc.edu.au/research/lutheran-theological-journal/ Learn more about ALC’s service and community by signing up to its eNews at www.lca.org.au/enews

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TRACTS MAKE IDEAL CH RISTMAS CARDS Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has many resources for all different members of your family, including children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, says LTM Tract Development Officer Anne Hansen. ‘Why not come in and pick up an assortment to use as your Christmas cards this year?’, she asks. ‘They all have a beautiful Christian message and are always filled with love. Share God’s love this Christmas.’ For more information and to see what’s available, visit the LTM website at www.ltm.org.au

CHURCH

@home

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

1 CHRONICLES 16:11

SEEK THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH; SEEK HIS PRESENCE CONTINUALLY!

klathwiyfrdunomegcE Regular devotions 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 encouragement and 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 If you have internet access and a printer, why not print some and mail or deliver them to those who may otherwise miss out?

Lisa

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us keep our eyes on Jesus. You can find the full versions of these and others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

Save us, O Lord ‘But surely, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life’ (Psalm 54:5). Read Psalm 54. Friends, look at the psalms for a reminder that God’s people before us have wrestled with their faith and their fear. We are not the first to cry out as this psalmist does, ‘Save me, O God, by your name’. As a commentator writes of this psalm: ‘God may seem absent from the world, but those who invoke his name with faith and courage will discover the reality of his awesome presence ... The message of the psalm is clear enough: the name of God will not fail the supplicant in a time of crisis. The enemies will not prevail. Yahweh will make a necessary connection between act and consequence, and the power of ruthless foes will be turned back against themselves.’ In this time of trouble and suffering, the psalmist seeks God in prayer, honours his holy and precious name, acknowledges him as the creator and sustainer of life,

Y TB O M R E N and proclaims that only he can save them. Verse 7 is so clear: ‘God has delivered them from every trouble’. Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to look to our mothers and fathers of faith for examples. This psalm, once again, shows the rich heritage we can draw upon for such examples. God has indeed delivered us from evil. We have the gift of eternal life and the intimacy of knowing our Lord now. This doesn’t remove suffering from our lives nor the pain of suffering. To be a Christian is to enter into suffering. To be a Christian is also to enter into the joy of knowing our Lord. When we are in trouble and amid suffering, let us cry, ‘Save me O God, by your name’, for this prayer has already been answered with eternal hope. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, save us by your holy name. May you rescue us from our strife and empower us to do your will on earth. You are the upholder of our lives. Amen.

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DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP I have confidence BY SUE WESTHORP

‘Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward’ (Hebrews 10:35). Read Hebrews 10:32–39. One of my favourite movies is The Sound of Music. Music. I’ve always loved the scene where Maria leaves the confines of the abbey to begin her work as a governess to the Von Trapp family. She begins the journey tentatively, wondering what the future holds and feeling apprehensive and worried. A couple of minutes later, Maria is dancing down the streets singing about all of the things she has confidence in, finishing with ‘I have confidence in me’. There is something stirring and inspirational about how Maria faces her fears, recounting what she knows about the world and herself. What or who do you have confidence in? What happens when life experiences shake or damage this confidence? The writer to the Hebrews addresses these questions to the early church. The writer appeals to them to remember how they felt at the time of their conversion to the faith and that the light they experienced then also shone into the dark times that followed as they suffered for their faith. When you are suffering or struggling, what is it that reminds you of God’s love for you? What is it that reminds you of who you have confidence in? Perhaps it is recalling times past when God has answered your prayers. Maybe it is remembering a time when you felt God was absent, but on reflection, you realised he was there with you in your suffering. For some of us, the journey of faith consists of days when we are confident of God’s goodness and presence in our lives, while on other days, well, we’re not so sure – the mystery of faith and doubt living side-by-side as we make sense of our existence as God’s beloved children. So, what is this confidence that we hear about in this passage from Hebrews, and what is the reward? What we have confidence in is the reward! Our confidence is in the God who saves us through Christ. The God who is always with us in times of joy and in times of sorrow. When we feel less than confident about our ability to handle life’s challenges, we can have confidence in the one who loves and saves us, no matter what life brings. Go, live in that confidence! Loving God, give me faith in you, confidence in your saving promises and endurance for the journey ahead. Amen.

CHURCH

@home

PRAYER IN ADVENT WE WAIT In Advent we wait for you, God the maker, Jesus the storyteller, Holy Spirit of life. In Advent we cry to you, God of Justice, Jesus of Bethlehem, Holy Spirit of hope. In Advent we long for you, You, God, are our love, Our warmth, Our light. – Ruth Burgess, from justprayer.org

PSALM 145:18,19

THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM … HE HEARS THEIR CRY AND SAVES THEM.

In whom do I place my trust? BY PASTOR GLENN CROUCH

‘Blessed are … those whose hope is in the Lord their God’ (Psalm 146:5). Read Psalm 146. In what – or in whom – do you place your trust? What are your hopes and dreams based on? The psalmist addresses these questions as he proclaims how great is our Lord God! Our God is the creator of the universe – everything in heaven and on earth. He is reliable. God gives compassion to those in need. Those we forget, he remembers! Why would we put our trust in other people? Why would we rely on political leaders or technology to save us? Given the events of recent times, we must see how fallible our leaders are. And we seem to find that our technology creates as many problems as it solves. Sometimes even bigger problems! The prophets of old laughed at those who took a lump of wood. They used part of it to cook their dinner, part to build some furniture and the rest to

make an idol in which to trust. Are we really that much different? The psalmist proclaims we have this mighty God who wants a relationship with us – and this God not only has the power to save, he wants to save! As we read this psalm, we are easily drawn to how our Lord Jesus fulfilled this Scripture. In his life, death and resurrection, he saved us all. He set us free; he gave us sight. We see that it is through Jesus all things were created. This Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, died for you. He wants a relationship with you. Put your trust in Jesus – he remains faithful forever. Holy God, worthy are you to be praised. Help me to turn to you for help. Teach me to trust you more and more each and every day. Thank you for your dear Son, and that through him, I am forgiven. Amen.

What do you want?

BY PASTOR JIM STRELAN

‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see’ (Mark 10:51). Read Mark 10:46–52. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ What a fantastic question coming from the mouth of Jesus – if only he would ask me that! And such a simple reply: ‘I want to see!’ No long stories about what a miserable life it is when you’re blind, how nobody cares, or how you have to beg for help just to survive. No promises about what he will do if Jesus heals him, how he will follow him and give his life to him. This man has one need, one thing above everything else. Nothing else matters. He needs change in his life, and he says it straight out: ‘I want to see’. From deep in his heart, he screams his need to Jesus, and, most likely in tears, he places his burden at Jesus’ feet and says, ‘You want to know what you can do for me? Here it is quite simply: I want to see’. Can you hear Jesus asking the same question of you? What do you want? We know that we need change. We know there are areas of our lives that aren’t what they should be. We live with worry, confusion, uncertainty. We know that we need healing in our marriage, family and relationships with others. The blind man says it straight, and Jesus responds immediately. And on receiving his sight, the healed man follows Jesus.

Be daring like this blind man, and say it straight: ‘This is my biggest issue’. And hear Jesus offer you the word of healing. Jesus, I bring to you that part of my life which most needs healing. Heal me, walk ahead of me, and I will follow. Amen.

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Learning beyond

TH E CL ASSROOM BY LISA MCINTOSH

The devastating bushfires that razed parts of the Adelaide Hills in December 2019 not only claimed a life, killed livestock, destroyed homes and charred the landscape – they also left painful emotional scars for some locals. So, to help restore the confidence of children from the area and encourage their connection with the surrounding countryside after the tragedy, Lobethal Lutheran School has teamed up with the nearby Trinity Lutheran congregation at Spring Head to establish a forest learning program on church land. From this year students from the Foundation to Year 6 school have been going by bus one day each week to a forest glen haven at Spring Head church, to engage in ‘Beyond’, an ‘innovative, rich outdoor learning program’, says school Principal Steph Kriewaldt. Students are given challenging but achievable tasks, linked to the Australian Curriculum, which are aimed at building their confidence, skills and independence. They are also allowed time to explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships. The day begins with a summit fire, to ground learners with the environment. This time and reflective practice develop inter and intra-personal skills, which are well documented as being directly linked to learning skills and wellbeing, Steph says. ‘All of our learners from five years old onwards light fires without matches, learn how to cut trees and wood, build shelter, tie knots and identify local flora and fauna – all learning experiences carefully designed by our facilitators to support student agency but also cover key literacy, numeracy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outcomes’, she says. ‘It’s been intentionally planned to develop confidence and resilience through challenge and risk in a range of nature

play and discovery experiences. Beyond encourages the children’s emotional and physical development through exploration in a bushland environment.’ Originally a concept developed in Denmark, research has shown that ‘forest schools’ had students who were found to have developed strong social skills, an ability to work effectively in groups, and generally had high self-esteem and confidence. The program at Lobethal Lutheran School, which involves all year levels and staff, has led to the school recently being recognised by The Educator national magazine as a 5-Star Innovative School for 2021. ‘This award is a fabulous acknowledgment of the outstanding hard work of staff, our awesome learners and special community, and a fabulous partnership between Lobethal Lutheran School and Spring Head church’, Steph says. ‘Beyond was initially developed after the devastating [Adelaide Hills] bushfires, as we were searching for a way to reconnect students with nature and nurture a positive relationship with the outdoors. ‘As we dug deeper into the amazing research around improved wellbeing, resilience, creativity and independence associated with forest learning, we knew that it was a must for our learners. We met with Nature Play SA and local bush experts to devise the program. ‘We knew that Spring Head church had the most beautiful site that would nurture authentic engagement with nature. The congregation supported us with ideas and material which are a big part of the success of the program. Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt is a huge advocate for outdoor learning and was very supportive as we developed the program, and he pops along when we are

‘ B EYO N D WAS I N ITI A LLY D E V ELO PED A F TER TH E D E VASTATI N G [A D EL AI D E H I LLS] B US H FI R ES , AS W E W ER E S E A RCH I N G F O R A WAY TO

Students at Lobethal Lutheran School in the Adelaide Hills take part in 'Beyond', an outdoor learning program run in partnership with a local Lutheran church, which has seen the school recognised by The Educator national magazine as a 5-Star Innovative School for 2021.

reconnect

STU D ENTS W ITH N ATU R E A N D N U RTU R E A POSITIV E R EL ATI O NS H I P W ITH TH E O UTDOO RS .’

on site. It has been great to have fellowship with the congregation as they share their unique space with our school.’ Established by the Lobethal Lutheran congregation in 1842, Lobethal Lutheran School today has just 52 students, making it one of the smaller schools in the Lutheran Education Australia community of 80 schools and approximately 40,000 learners – and this makes its recent recognition even more noteworthy. Steph says Lobethal Lutheran was also the first primary school in Australia to offer a STEM-AG program. ‘Students work across traditional school levels finding and solving real problems within agriculture. STEM-AG begins with students, supported by teachers, identifying what they believe needs to be addressed within our local agricultural community.’ And she says feedback to the Beyond program has been ‘100 per cent positive’. ‘Parents are thrilled that their children are experiencing learning that develops resilience and have been surprised at how quickly the skills have been displayed – with little five-year-olds tying hitch knots and lighting fires.’ One parent, Nicky, says of daughter Amber: ‘I love that (she) can be pushed to challenge herself, it has been great to see her confidence and knowledge grow because of Beyond.’ While another parent, Nick, believes there have been benefits across the student body. ‘After the bushfires, it was really important that we watch out for the wellbeing of the kids’, he says. ‘This program has helped their wellbeing, their resilience has improved, and they feel okay to be in nature again.’ After each session at Beyond, the students write in a journal about their experiences, which Steph says also brings educational benefits. ‘A delightful surprise for our teachers has been the improved literacy outcomes as our learners are so engaged in journalling the learning of Beyond’, she says.

Teacher Meredith says: ‘The learning is authentic and there’s agency for the learners to drive the experiences. Engagement is a key factor of Beyond, everyone wants to learn, to work together. It’s a peaceful, joyful classroom.’ And what do the children think? Hudson says, ‘I love going to Beyond. It’s so much fun, we get so dirty’. Fellow student, Jensen, adds, ‘I like learning about the animals – catching the frogs and finding out about their habitat’, while James says, ‘It’s not like real school. It’s hard but it’s fun-hard.’ Other Lutheran schools to be named 5-Star Innovative Schools this year are Faith Lutheran College Redlands in Queensland and Immanuel College at Novar Gardens in South Australia. You can find out more about the Beyond program at Lobethal Lutheran School through an online video at: https://youtu.be/Odk3cHFvx5s The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

L E T ’ S N OT F O R G E T T H E

suffering of others

BY LISA MCINTOSH

The COVID-19 pandemic has so dominated the lives of many Australians and New Zealanders at home for the past 18 months that it’s been easy to forget that around the world people are suffering who need our prayers. But Peter Gerang Deng has not forgotten the troubles and tragedies of his homeland of South Sudan in north-eastern Africa. South Sudan is a diverse nation of more than 60 major ethnic groups, which has long been wracked by civil wars, violence, political instability and natural disasters, which have displaced millions of people and left many others living in poverty. Peter, who like his wife Rebecca Manyang is from South Sudan’s Denka ethnic group, is an educator and an elder at Immanuel Lutheran Church in North Adelaide. The couple has three children, who have all been born in Australia, and is expecting a fourth child. Concerned that local people were no longer aware of needs beyond their own restrictions and borders, Peter raised the issue with Immanuel’s pastor, Rev Dr Mark Worthing. ‘He said, “Pastor, can we do something to encourage people to pray for South Sudan? With everything else going on in the last year, people have forgotten the needs there’, Pastor Mark explains. ‘So, the next week Peter made a presentation to the congregation about the needs in South Sudan. Afterwards, people said we should do more to focus on this. Someone else said it would be nice to get families involved and make it an intergenerational effort. That’s how the “November Family Prayer Challenge”, with its focus on South Sudan, came about.’ With the backing of the congregation’s Grow Team, Peter and Pastor Mark launched the month-long prayer challenge on 24 October, giving out laminated guides so that members, along with their families and friends,

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were ready to start the innovative program the following Sunday. The guides were also sent out via email and are available on the congregation’s website (www.immanuelnorthadelaide.org.au under ‘News and Resources’, ‘Other Resources’). While prayer was pivotal to the program, there were three key elements of the challenge each week for four weeks for those taking part – learn, pray, act. ‘We wanted to encourage everyone to learn more about the current situation and needs in South Sudan, to pray for its people, and to explore ways to concretely help the situation there’, Pastor Mark says. ‘We also wanted to encourage people to do this as families, or with a friend or group of friends, either within or outside of our congregation.’ Each week a distinct focus was identified, built around the principles of learning, praying and doing. ‘It is important that we inform ourselves if we are to better pray for others. And when we pray for others, we need to ask whether there are ways in which God might use us to help with the needs for which we are praying.’ One or two concrete activities were suggested each week of the program that fit the learning and praying theme for that week. Families and individuals were also invited to share their experiences in worship from the previous week. The prayer challenge linked in with Australian Lutheran World Service, which supports aid and development projects in South Sudan, and which provided Immanuel with a guest speaker to help raise awareness about its ongoing work and partnerships in Africa. Peter, who became a teacher through Lutheran World Federation at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, where

Left: Pastor Mark Worthing (right) discusses Immanuel North Adelaide’s Family Prayer Challenge with congregational elder Peter Gerang Deng (second from right), his wife Rebecca Manyang (left) and their children. Below right: Recent floods and other natural disasters have compounded the effects of multiple civil wars and ongoing political instability for the people of South Sudan.

he met Rebecca, said the prayer challenge was helping to raise awareness locally of the ‘chaotic’ situation in South Sudan, even though the country was technically in ‘peacetime’ after multiple civil wars. He says when people have a greater awareness of a situation, they then can pray and understand how best to do something to support people in need. ‘[We have a saying that] if you want to help somebody, don’t give them a fish, give them a hook or a net to go and feed themselves’, he says. ‘Give them something to do beyond war.

‘A N D W H EN W E PR AY … W E N EED TO AS K W H ETH ER TH ER E AR E WAYS I N W H I CH GO D M I G HT TO H ELP.’

use us

‘Despite having no war now, there’s something called negative and positive peace. There may be peace there – no guns going throughout the country – but there are pockets of instability going on. ‘I often speak to elders at North Adelaide who came from Germany after World War II. They share their stories of when they arrived here. They think they are no longer refugees but when people talk about refugees and what they face, it’s something they can relate to easily. Now they have a better picture of the people of South Sudan.’

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Senior corporate leader next executive officer Brett Hausler will fulfil a long-term wish to work for the church when he becomes the next Executive Officer of the Church (EOC) early next year. Brett's appointment to the senior LCANZ leadership position was announced last month. He will succeed Peter Schirmer, who has served as EOC since 2012 and who has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Currently Chief Governance Officer and General Counsel for AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator Ltd), Brett said he felt called to apply for the role, which will enable him to pair his work with his passion for church service. ‘I’ve always had a desire to work for the church at some stage and probably the key driver is that I’ve volunteered for many years, but I’ve found that my involvement has always been limited due to my daily work commitments’, said Brett, whose mother worked as an assistant for the Victoria District president when Brett was at school. ‘This is an opportunity to focus on what I’m passionate about, and in a role that will be able to perhaps leverage some of the skills and knowledge that I’ve developed over the years in other roles. ‘I believe God called me to apply for this position and that he has equipped me well and blessed me through my work roles and in my faith life to serve in this way. I’ve been fortunate to have been responsible for a wide range of areas throughout my career and I would hope that they will assist me in performing the EOC role.’

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Senior energy executive Brett Hausler, far right, will be the new Executive Officer of the Church for the LCANZ. Here the keen tennis player, snow skier and AFL fan is pictured with his daughter Caitlin, son Ethan and wife Heather.

Brett’s name will already be known to some in Lutheran circles, as the chair of the Board for Lutheran Education Australia (BLEA), having joined BLEA as a director in early 2013.

reference panel for its governance and administration review, served on the Victoria District’s regional education governance committee and is a past member of Luther College Council.

In his current position with AEMO, he oversees corporate functions including governance, legal, risk management, audit, compliance, insurance and transmission procurement, and has recently been involved in establishing a new subsidiary to assist the NSW government in implementing its energy roadmap. Previous responsibilities have also included public affairs, finance, regulatory affairs and human relations.

While his new role will involve significant changes both professionally and personally for Brett in that he will relocate from Melbourne to Adelaide along with his wife, Heather, in due course, he said those changes would ‘pale into insignificance in terms of the purpose of the role’.

Before starting with AEMO in 2009, Brett was General Manager, Corporate Services at the National Electricity Market Management Company (NEMMCO), held various executive roles in the energy industry and also worked as a lawyer in private practice.

‘I am looking forward to seeing where God will lead us as a church in the coming years. My great hope is that we as a church will bring love to life for those in our communities as we serve.’

Among his voluntary church service, Brett was a member of the LCA’s

‘To me, it’s so important in life that what you do is aligned with your purpose’, he said.

A member at St Pauls Box Hill in suburban Melbourne where he worships with his family, Brett will begin the new role from mid to late January.

Reconciliation Ministry moves into new phase LCANZ Reconciliation Ministry is embarking on a new phase of ongoing development.

Since its inception in the LCANZ in 2012, the department has focused on growing a lifestyle of reconciliation across the church. After sponsoring the US group Ambassadors of Reconciliation to provide basic teaching and training for all pastors and lay workers in 2009, LCANZ leaders adopted the approach in earnest. The principles of Biblical Reconciliation have been offered to individuals, parishes and church organisations as a way to work through conflicted situations, and for training individuals and groups to better handle conflict in a Christlike way. Reconciliation Ministry has been working with LCA International Mission to provide teaching and training in our mission partner churches. Recently, the General Church Board resolved to change the way Reconciliation Ministry operates, moving it away from a departmental model. Specific details of how the ministry will be transitioned are still to be determined. Dr Nigel Long, Secretary of the Church, said, ‘This is part of ongoing adjustments to Churchwide ministries, some due to implementing strategic change, and others due to environmental changes, particularly financial pressures’. Calls to Churchwide positions are on a synodical-term basis for three years. Accordingly, Pastor Paul Kerber’s call

Pastor Paul Kerber, (standing), who has served as Assistant to the Bishop – Reconciliation Ministry, here leads a Biblical Reconciliation workshop. The ministry is moving away from a departmental model and embarking on a new phase of development.

to serve as Assistant to the Bishop – Reconciliation Ministry will conclude on 31 December 2021. ‘Pastor Paul will take leave early in 2022 and God willing, he will soon receive a call into another LCANZ ministry setting’, Dr Long said. Reconciliation Ministry has engaged in many complex situations and provided training across the church. ‘It’s been challenging work’, LCANZ Bishop John Henderson said. ‘Sadly, conflict is never hard to find among human beings, and the workload grew exponentially.’ In 2019, wanting to make the best use of resources, the bishops moved Reconciliation Ministry solely into a training role, rather than also taking on casework. ‘The intent has been to develop awareness, skills and a spiritual approach of reconciliation “upstream” of actual conflict situations’, Bishop Henderson said. ‘Reconciliation Ministry has been funded by LLL grants, for

which the church is most thankful. This support has made it possible for the ministry to grow.’ Reflecting on his years serving in Reconciliation Ministry, Pastor Paul said, ‘I thank God for the opportunity to serve as a teacher and trainer in Biblical Reconciliation Ministry. Since this ministry was introduced to the LCA in 2012, there has been significant movement and formation in the life of individuals, congregations, schools and the pastorate. ‘I have been encouraged to see bishops, pastors, principals and members grow in the teaching and in being led by the Holy Spirit to enact confession and forgiveness in their relationships with others. ‘Let us continue to pray for this “core business” of the church, and for the ongoing teaching and encouragement for God’s people to live with God’s gift of confession and forgiveness.’

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

LCA pastor commissioned for mission service in PNG Even though COVID-related travel restrictions make deploying a missionary overseas a far more drawn out and challenging prospect than it was just two years ago, Pastor Murray and Tracy Smith are now a step closer to their move to serve in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Pastor Murray has been called to serve as a lecturer at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG’s (ELC-PNG) Senior Flierl Seminary at Logaweng, near Finschhafen from next year. The Smiths, who plan to move to PNG later this year, were joined by family and friends at St Martin’s Lutheran Church at Mannum on the River Murray in South Australia on 17 October for Pastor Murray’s commissioning as an LCA missionary (pictured). Having grown up in the nearby Bowhill congregation, the choice of Mannum for the service was significant for Pastor

Matt Anker officiated at the service and acknowledged that the Smiths are following a long line of LCA missionaries who have served in PNG and, in particular, at the seminary in Logaweng. Pastor Matt said that, while the Smiths go to serve, they can look forward to being richly blessed by the community there.

Murray, as those who nurtured him in the faith were able to come together to praise God and encourage the couple as they set out on this new adventure of faith and service. LCA Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission Pastor

Rev Dr Jack Urame, head bishop of the ELC-PNG, greeted Pastor Murray saying, ‘We wish you and Tracy all the best in your preparations for this great task ahead of you and look forward with excitement to seeing you soon. The peace of the Lord be with you! Lukim yu long PNG’. Pastor Murray’s call to PNG is being financially supported in partnership with Mission Eine Welt of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.

ADDED SUPPORT FOR PASTORS AND MINISTRY CANDIDATES As part of the LCANZ’s commitment to pastors and the communities they serve, the General Church Board (GCB) has approved a policy designed to strengthen the church’s support in the formation and equipping of pastoral ministry candidates. To be overseen by the Church Worker Support (CWS) Manager on behalf of the Office of the Bishop, the initiative involves candidates for the office of the ministry taking part in a comprehensive psychological assessment. It has the backing of the Pastoral Studies Stream at Australian Lutheran College. CWS Manager Dr Chris Materne said the move was designed to improve care for those wanting to serve in pastoral ministry and increase their understanding of their own mental health. Dr Materne added that the Psychological Assessment of Candidates for the Office of Ministry

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

Australian Lutheran College Director of Formation Dr Stephen Pietsch and Principal James Winderlich meet with Church Worker Support Manager Dr Chris Materne.

Policy would also ultimately benefit congregations, other calling bodies and the wider church. ‘I believe the outcome of this policy will be beneficial for the candidates for the office of ministry and to the church in the longer term, as we strive to improve our understanding of, and support for, psychological health and wellbeing across the church’, she said.

psychological wellbeing of candidates for pastoral ministry, ordinands and pastors; improving the church’s capacity to identify suitable candidates for ordained ministry; providing better support to calling bodies; improving the church’s ability to support people with diverse mental health needs; and increasing awareness of mental health and wellbeing needs more broadly.

The objectives of the policy include understanding and supporting the

You can read the full policy at www.lca.org.au/policies/

CHURCH CHILD SAFE T Y STANDARDS APPROVED The LCA’s new Child Safety Standards for Congregations have been approved by the General Church Board (GCB). These standards were developed to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations across all LCA congregations in Australia. Endorsed by members of COAG (the Council of Australian Governments), the national principles reflect 10 child safe standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The approval of the LCA standards is ‘an important development for the church and an example of its long-standing child safety leadership and commitment’, says Child Protection Project Officer Mary-Ann Carver. ‘The LCA’s Child Safety Standards reflect the national principles in their content and aspiration but are tailored to the faith-based, congregational context’, Mary-Ann says. ‘The intent of the standards is to provide congregations with clear guidance regarding child safety expectations and to help congregational leaders maintain effective oversight of congregational safety and wellbeing. ‘The standards are also a reflection of God’s abounding love for children and his expectation that we will dearly and lovingly do our very best to keep them safe as they grow in their faith.’ Implementation of the standards will assist the LCA to meet its mandatory child safety responsibilities. This is particularly important given that robust regulatory systems are already in place in New South Wales and Victoria, with similar

systems likely to be introduced across remaining states and territories. The standards have been trialled in congregations and their feedback has helped make the documents as userfriendly as possible. The standards come with two implementation tools – a simple self-assessment by which congregations can measure their child safety status and a child safety planning template for congregational leaders to document and monitor priorities and initiatives. It is expected that from 2022 all congregations will do child safety selfassessments and prepare child safety plans annually. They will be supported through this process by the LCA.

GCB has also approved the LCA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety. This statement represents a public demonstration of the LCA’s commitment to keeping children safe. In part, it says: ‘The LCA is committed to providing a safe church environment for children and young people. The LCA also affirms that it has no tolerance for child abuse … The way we care for children is a reflection of our genuineness of faith. It is also a reflection of God’s love and his divine protection.’ To read the full statement and for more information about the standards, go to www.lca.org.au/css

Call for Lutheran nurses award nominations Nominations are open for the Lutheran Nurse of the Year award for 2022. Launched in 2020 to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is recognised as the founder of modern nursing, the award recognises faithful and outstanding service during the preceding calendar year by a registered or enrolled nurse

who is an active member of a Lutheran congregation in Australia or New Zealand. The inaugural award winner in 2020 was Angela Uhrhane, of AlburyWodonga, New South Wales-Victoria. Last year’s recipient was Wayne Kroker, of Nundah, Queensland. Nominations may be submitted by congregations, schools, aged-care facilities or

other bodies or agencies within the LCANZ. Nominations must be lodged with Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia secretary Mrs Rose Howard, with supporting documentation, by no later than 31 March 2022. More information and nomination forms are at www.lca.org.au/ministry-groups/ lutheran-nurses/ The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

YOUR VOICE Definition of ‘church’ in LCA constitution Once more during the online session of the LCA General Synod this year, the query was raised as to the accuracy of the definition of ‘Church’ in the LCA’s constitution. The constitution is a legal document drafted in accordance with the ‘model’ provided by the South Australian Government for entities incorporated under the SA Incorporated Associations Act. It is to set out the legal obligations, duties and responsibilities of the legal entity. The section of the constitution entitled ‘Definitions and Interpretations’ is designed to provide a single word or short phrase that would be used throughout the document as a shortcut for a much larger description. Therefore, the constitution includes the following definition: ‘Church’ means the Lutheran Church of Australia Inc. It is to merely state the entity that is bound by the document rather than repeating throughout the document the full name of the incorporated entity. Other entities within the LCA that are incorporated under the same legislation, would include the following: ‘Congregation’ means, for example, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide Inc.; ‘School’ means St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Portland, Vic Inc.; and ‘Club’ means the Adelaide Lutheran Football Club Inc. As members of a community of faith, we understand ‘church’ to have a much wider meaning for us. I recommend that people read the ‘Final Report of the Constitution Review’ where this issue has been identified and a possible pathway forward identified. This can be found on page 340 of the Book of Reports for the 20th Convention of General Synod, which is also available on the LCA Convention website under the Business tab, Agenda 2021 session. Faye Schmidt – Adelaide SA

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The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

Gender equality ‘reduces risk of family violence’

During my formative years and into adulthood as a Lutheran Christian woman, I was ambivalent about the ordination of women. But I remember the day I was compelled to become involved in the journey of the ordination of women in the LCANZ. I realised that the lack of opportunity for women to become pastors represented a form of gender inequality that was linked unequivocally to the risk of family violence. Professionally, for the past seven years, I have been supporting women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence. I have read that research conducted by the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Bank and the World Health Organisation places the underlying cause or necessary conditions for violence against women in the social context of gender inequality (see https://media-cdn.ourwatch.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ sites/2/2019/05/21025429/Change-the-story-framework-prevent-violencewomen-children-AA-new.pdf) Our unequal treatment of women contrasts with the underlying social transformative message of Jesus – explained by Paul – that ‘there is now neither Jew nor gentile, slave nor free, male and female’ (Gal 3:28). If we as individuals, organisations, institutions and societies work together to address gender inequality, including in the LCANZ, then the risk of family violence reduces. When I read letters and papers justifying why women in the church should not be ordained, all the names and faces of the women and children I have worked with and the women who are called to be pastors but do not have the opportunity, stand vividly in my mind. These women could be part of your lives, too – your sister, mother, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbour or grandmother. We have a responsibility to advocate for these voices. We cannot stand by while they are silenced. Let’s work together towards an LCANZ that plays its part in reducing the risk of family violence in Australia and New Zealand.

Libby Jewson – Bannockburn Vic

‘Separate and distinct’ ministry roles

In reply to Rev Wayne Muschamp ‘Female leadership practised in the early church’ (August 2021), many women were prophets in both the Old and New Testaments, however, a prophet is not a pastor (teacher). The prophetic ministry and the pastoral ministry are two separate and distinct ministries. In 1 Corinthians 12:28–30, Paul states that not all believers have all the spiritual gifts and in 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul says: ‘I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man. She must be silent.’ Teachers (pastors) have authority over those they are teaching. The Lord could have included women at the Last Supper when he instituted holy communion but there were only the 12 apostles. Women have teaching roles in Lutheran Education schools and Sunday schools, but they are not leading public worship. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, forbade women to be included in the pastoral ministry. The apostolic authority endures down through all ages. Greg Lane – West Ryde NSW

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Late leader's mantra ‘for the good of the church’

From the Murray Bridge area of SA, came Lance Steicke, carrying a lifelong interest in the health of the River Murray. Ready for boarding at Concordia College, Adelaide, his possessions in a sugar bag, the pattern for a modest lifestyle had begun. When his general practitioner said, ‘Lance, you are dying’, he replied, ‘Yes Doctor, I have been dying for over 87 years’! Through parish ministry, presidential duties in the NZ District, into radio ministry for the sake of the gospel, then into the leadership of the LCA, and in ecumenical endeavours, his mantra was, ‘For the good of the Church’. When decisions were difficult, he would ask, ‘What is for the good of the Church?’. Some who served alongside him would experience the famed ‘Steicke look’, a stare that was unnecessary for him to articulate verbally! When ‘the good of the Church’ meant LCA, who could forget the Vision 90 celebration at Wayville Showground, Adelaide; the reconciliation with Aboriginal people at the 2000 Convention of Synod in Tanunda SA, presided over by Dr Ishmael Noko, Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation; the International Lutheran Council gathering In Australia and, along with Dr Joe Strelan, vice-president of the church, the forging of a formal relationship with the Lutheran Church-Canada (LC-C)? (Dr Ed Lehman then President of LC-C became a firm friend). When ‘the good of the church’ was lower-case ‘c’, he extended that to dialogues between churches and with involvement in the National Council of Churches and heads of churches in Australia.

God never changes

I have held off a long time from writing a letter in this column, but I feel that the Holy Spirit has called me at this time to express my feelings after reading the August edition. It claimed that the church should accept change. I disagree. The Bible tells us that God’s word never changes. God does not need our help in anything. The devil loves change. In the Garden of Eden, he changed what God said to confuse Adam and Eve, and mankind has paid the price ever since. It cost God the death of his only Son to put things right again. When the church brings in earthly ideas, e.g. psychology, instead of what Jesus says, we are on dangerous ground. People my age are accused of being old-fashioned. Jesus is much older than me, so he is old-fashioned. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus never changes and the church and all Christians should remember that.

From the good pleasure of Jesus Christ, Lord of the church, Reverend Dr Lance Steicke OAM was gifted to us as pastor, teacher, mentor, leader for ‘the good of the Church’. Our Saviour be praised. Rev Dr Mike Semmler – President/Bishop Emeritus LCA

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.

Arthur Schulz – Tanawha Qld

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DIRECTORY CALLS

• Rev John A Gerhardy • Rev St Andrews Glynde SA to Mid Murray SA

Extended

• Rev David J Kuss • Rev Birdwood SA to Christ Church Murray Bridge/Holy Cross Murray Bridge/Zion Monarto SA

• Rev Julian R M Bayha • Rev Leave of Absence to Waikerie SA • Rev Joel S Cramer • Rev Salisbury SA to Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic

• Rev Chris J Mann • Rev Mawson Lakes Community Church SA to Endeavour College Mawson Lakes SA

• Rev John A Gerhardy • Rev St Andrews Glynde SA to Mid Murray SA

• Rev Dan C Mueller • Rev Walla Walla NSW to Buderim Qld

• Rev Jon M Goessling • Rev Tatachilla College McLaren Vale SA to Holy Trinity College Horsham Vic

• Rev Andrew R Brook • Rev Unley St Johns SA to Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic • Rev Joel S Cramer • Rev Salisbury SA to Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic

• Rev William P Heidrich • Rev Southport Qld to Bendigo Vic • Rev Chris J Mann • Rev Mawson Lakes Community Church SA to Endeavour College Mawson Lakes SA

• Rev Tim J Jarick • Rev Pacific Lutheran College Caloundra Qld to St Martins College Mount Gambier SA

• Rev Dan C Mueller • Rev Walla Walla NSW to Buderim Qld

• Rev Graham K Pfeffer • Rev Biloela Qld to Wodonga Vic

• Rev James M Winderlich • Rev Australian Lutheran College SA to Morphett Vale SA

• Rev Richard P Schwedes • Rev St Pauls Sydney NSW to Tea Tree Gully SA • Rev David L Spike • Rev Geelong College Vic to St Martins College Mount Gambier SA

• Rev Murray J Smith • Rev Commissioned as Lecturer for Senior Flierl Seminary PNG at Mannum SA on 17 October 2021 by Rev Matt Anker, Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission.

• Rev Simon W Cooper • Rev Noosa Lutheran College Qld to Immanuel College Novar Gardens SA

SUDOKU

IN MEMORIAM

• Mrs Beth Theodora Hartmann nee Haese, • Mrs widow of Rev Konrad Hartmann, died on 23 October 2021. Her funeral was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church Hope Valley on 4 November 2021. • Mrs Ella May Footner nee Howie, widow of • Mrs Rev Ronald Footner, died on 21 October 2021. Her private graveside funeral was held on 27 October 2021.

C OMMIS SIONING

• Rev Julian R M Bayha • Rev Leave of Absence to Waikerie SA

• Mitchell J Kitson • Mitchell Assigned to Mount Gambier SA

• Rev Michael Hauser • Rev Ordained at St Peters Indooroopilly Qld on 7 November 2021 by Bishop-Elect Paul Smith

Accepted

November's solution

• David I Cherry • David Assigned to Wagga Wagga NSW

In Memoriam

ORDINATION

• Rev John W Strelan • Rev St Stephens Adelaide SA to MoorabbinDandenong Vic

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.

GRADUATE ASSIGNMENTS

• Mrs Edna Emlie Paech nee Müller, widow of • Mrs Rev John Paech, died on 13 October 2021 at age 100.

• Rev Paul A Hannola • Rev Tuggeranong ACT to MoorabbinDandenong Vic

• Rev André D Meyer • Rev St Johns Perth WA to Wodonga Vic

• Rev Heath A Pukallus • Rev Installed at Warrnambool Vic on 7 November 2021 by Bishop Lester Priebbenow

• Ben G Graham • Ben Assigned to Lowood Parish Qld

Declined

• Rev Paul A Hannola • Rev Tuggeranong ACT to MoorabbinDandenong Vic

INSTALL ATION

9 4

9 1 9

8 4

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

8 1

2 1

6 8

Wilton Quast Rev Wilton Frank Quast born 24 Sept 1944 (Ipswich Qld); ordained 19 Jan 1969 (Gilgandra NSW); married Deborah Ann nee Hueter 10 Jan 1976 (Kundiawa PNG); served LMNG-ELCONG, Chimbu PNG (19 Jan 1969 – 18 Nov 1984), Maitland SA (18 Nov 1984 – 3 Feb 2002), St Andrews Payneham (3 Feb 2002 – 9 Sept 2012); retired 9 Sept 2012; died 9 Nov 2021 (Valley View SA); funeral TBA at press time; mourned by wife Debbie, children James, David, Kathleen and Michael and families

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.. HIDDEN

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LCA PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

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

January 2022

S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

P L E A S E P R AY F O R …

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

Those people who have adopted children and for those who have been adopted as children

People who write devotions to inspire and uplift through LCA Daily Devotions and for Elise Mattiske who coordinates and edits them

People who begin the New Year in grief or feeling they have no hope and that we or others may be a friend and support

LCANZ Graduate Pastor David Cherry, his wife Kayla and family, and the people of his first parish under assignment at Wagga Wagga NSW

The new LCANZ church plant Everhope in WA, church planter Matt Schubert and Sending Church Rockingham Mandurah

Those people who are visionimpaired or blind and those who support them on World Braille Day

People unable to take holidays over the Christmas period, that they will be blessed and sustained and find joy in their work

Caring ministries and the Christian Care Sunday celebrations held in congregations as they honour and thank God for those who care

That those people who are willing to serve the church may be led to study at Australian Lutheran College

The people of South Sudan, where a changing climate has caused floods that destroy harvests and displace many people

LCANZ congregations who are without a pastor, especially those experiencing lengthy vacancies or unable to afford pastoral support

Organisers, leaders and campers at Lutheran Youth of Qld’s Summer Kids Camps at Koojarewon Highfields and Luther Heights Coolum

The community of LCANZ church plant at Pakenham Lakeside Church Vic, including Pastor Eugene Minge

LCANZ Graduate Pastor Ben Graham, his wife Brianna, and the people of his first parish under assignment at Lowood Qld

Organisers, leaders and campers at the SA-NT District’s SPIN Kids Camp scheduled for this week by Blueprint Ministries at Barmera SA

People who are part of stepfamilies, that they may know joy, love and a sense of belonging regardless of their circumstances

Lutheran World Federation’s team in Ethiopia where fighting in Tigray has killed hundreds of thousands and left many facing famine

The fruits of the Spirit to shine through our lives, as we go about our work, study, retirement, or leisure or seek work

Incoming LCANZ Executive Officer of the Church Brett Hausler as he takes up his new Churchwide Office role

Organisers of NSW-ACT District Turning Point Ministries’ History Makers for high schoolaged campers at Murrumbateman

The Lutheran World Federation team in Myanmar, as its members navigate their way through changes caused by last year’s military coup

Tanya Crooks as she begins to serve in her role as Executive Director for Lutheran Education Queensland

Those attending and serving this weekend’s Junior Youth Camp at Murrumbateman organised by NSW-ACT District’s Turning Point Ministries

LCANZ Graduate Pastor Mitchell Kitson, his wife Olivia, and the people of his first parish under assignment at Mount Gambier SA

Campers, leaders and organisers of the Lutheran Youth of WA January camp scheduled for this week at Orange Grove

Students, teachers and other school leaders and staff, as they start or prepare for the start of the school year

Happiness, security and love for those who are growing up in foster families and for those who are foster parents

Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal Australians on Australia Day

All whose families have been affected by the atrocity of genocide on the International Day in memory of the victims of the Holocaust

The community of the LCANZ church plant Arise at Springfield Qld and Pastor Matt Wilksch

Asylum Seeker Ministry Worker Michelle Filipovic from Grovedale Lutheran Church Vic and the emerging Tamil Fellowship in Geelong

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

This prayer calendar for February 2022 can serve as an encouragement for each of us to lift up our fellow LCANZ members and faith communities to God every day. Feel free to cut it out and keep it handy.

February 2022 S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

P L E A S E P R AY F O R …

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

Lutherans of Chinese heritage in Australia and New Zealand and their communities as Chinese New Year is observed

The directors, governing bodies, educators and staff of childcare, early learning centres and kindergartens, as they guide young children

Pastor Murray Smith and his wife Tracy, as he is scheduled to begin serving as a lecturer at the ELC-PNG’s Senior Flierl Seminary at Logaweng

Campers, leaders and organisers of RENEW Young Adults Camp scheduled at Walkers Flat SA by SA-NT District’s Blueprint Ministries

Pastor Ed Szabo and members of Redlands Lutheran Church Qld, worshipping at St James Cleveland and Faith Celebration Thornlands

New Zealanders on Waitangi Day. The Treaty of Waitangi between British representatives and Maori leaders was signed on this day in 1840

Residents, boards, CEOs and staff of LCANZ residential aged-care facilities and retirement villages

The members and leaders of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Morley WA, including Pastor James Luk

People who are homeless and those who are attempting to help them to find accommodation

Lay leaders who take on extra responsibilities for worship and care while their congregation is without a pastor

Lutheran Earth Care Australia and New Zealand Committee members and chair Professor Neil Bergmann

Those who organise and participate in Lutheran Youth of Victoria’s Empower online leadership training event scheduled for today

Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians on the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations

Church districts and parishes which are considering adopting new strategic directions in 2022

Members and congregational leaders who worship at and serve St Matthew Lutheran Church Hamilton NZ

Australian Lutheran College’s Festival of Learning which is scheduled to begin today

Pastor Gus Schutz and members and congregational leaders of Holy Trinity Horsham Vic

Christians who serve as chaplains in government schools, for the hope they bring through their presence

Members and leaders at St Paul Cleve, Cowell Lutheran Church and Our Redeemer Lock SA and Pastor Keith McNicol

Those who have been baptised in our churches in the past year, that they may grow and be nurtured in faith

Those who work in Bible translation both overseas and in Australia and New Zealand, on UN International Mother Language Day

Members and leaders of St Marks Dalby and Redeemer Macalister Qld and Pastor Joel Pukallus

Medical researchers who are working on identifying, understanding and curing illnesses

The community of LCANZ church plant Beyond at Murrumba Downs Qld, and church planter Chris Podlich

Members of the LCANZ’s Constitution Review and Ecclesiastical Discipline Review working groups

The people of Afghanistan who continue to face an uncertain future under Taliban rule of the country

Members and leaders at St Pauls Cummins and Tumby Bay Lutheran Church SA and Pastor Peter Klemm

Teaching and support staff who serve the student community at Australian Lutheran College

The Lutheran D EC E M B E R 2 0 21

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Lutheran Media Calendars are filled with inspiring images and bible verses. Order one for yourself or to give as gifts at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/calendar or call us on 1800 353 350.

OF WORSHIP AT ZION WORSHIP CENTRE

Join Richard and Celia each week through December for hope-filled conversations on family relationships and celebrating Christmas. In January, listen to discussions on our fears for the future and the comfort God gives, especially in times of crisis.

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

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Photo: LWF Somalia

Thank you!

Aaden (on left) is 13. War and famine forced his family into a Displaced Persons Camp in Somalia. Here, your Lutheran help through ALWS supports Aaden in school … ‘Since I was eldest of the family, and what my parents provided were not enough for the family, I decided to contribute my part to assist my parents with the bill. ‘I immediately joined child labour activities, and whatever I got I used to help my parents support our family. ‘I never had any chance for education, because my parents couldn’t pay school fees. This had worried me a lot.

‘It was a difficult time when you miss your future.’ ‘I always hoped a successful program would commence one day. By good luck, my mother got information from the neighbouring communities that a new school was being started by Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The next day my father enrolled me! ‘I never had such opportunity before. Now, there is a great difference! A new school is established, and I am very happy. I have confidence now to tell my friends to leave jobs at home or elsewhere that are not meaningful and concentrate on going to school.

‘I give thanks to you for giving me such a wonderful asset.’ Aaden is one of 1582 displaced children in Somalia our Lutheran family in Australia and NZ supports to go to school through ALWS. There is an Accelerated Learning Program to help students quickly catch up on school they have missed. Girls not at school may be at risk of forced early marriage, so there is a special focus on them – as you can see in the photo!

You can support children in Somalia like Aaden through ALWS Gifts of Grace. Just $8 can provide school kit + clean water!

1300 763 407 alws.org.au/grace NB: Aaden’s name has been changed to protect his safety.

ALWayS for those forgotten