The Lutheran May 2021 Digital Edition by Lutheran Church of Australia

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

VOL 55 NO4

Print Post Approved PP100003514

MAY 2021

Welcoming THE stranger

‘I was a s tranger and you welcomed me.’ MATTHE

W 2 5 :3 5

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

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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Homeward bound Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) board chair Jodie Hoff (right) and board member Michael Stolz managed to get in some COVID-safe reading at Sydney airport on their way home from Albury, New South Wales, to Queensland in March. They’d been at ALWS for the board’s first face-to-face meeting since 2019. Big storms hitting NSW and Queensland meant returning to the Sunshine State was touch-and-go, but Michael made it home in the nick of time for a Lions AFL game, while Jodie, who is the principal at LORDS (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School) on the Gold Coast, was back to prepare the school in case of a COVID lockdown, which occurred the following week.

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People like YOU bring love to life TJ Krause Seaford Lutheran Church SA

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Most treasured Bible text: Luke 6:31

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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.

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Melissa Schirmer Our Saviour Lutheran Church Rochedale Qld Mum and part-time Year 1 teacher Most treasured Bible text: Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’

Rohan Schefe Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Horsham Vic Truck driver Most treasured Bible text: Ephesians 1:3,4 ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us … with every spiritual blessing … For he chose us in him before the creation of the world.’ 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.

May Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

Over the past few years, I’ve found great joy in worshipping alongside people who look nothing like me. My home congregation is complemented by people of different cultures and ethnicities, various ages and generations, contrasting backgrounds and experiences, and with a range of abilities and disabilities. Many of us were once strangers to this gathering of believers but today we are a faith family. And I hope and pray that every time a ‘stranger’ visits, we will continue to welcome them with the love and hospitality of our Lord and Saviour. The make-up of my congregation wasn’t always this way. Indeed, the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand is more diverse in its membership than ever before – particularly in terms of race, ethnicity and culture – and what a blessing that is! After all, Jesus doesn’t say to ‘Go and make disciples’ of ‘one or two nations’ or of ‘this or that ethnicity’ (Matthew 28:19).

As well as our themed and regular columns and resources, this edition contains two special features which prioritise care for others. One is about the warning signs of leadership burnout, while the other highlights our LCANZ Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts campaign as part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month in May.

Of course, in May we also thank God for mothers or our treasured memories of her, and we pray for mums who have lost children and those who wished to be mothers. We pray, too, for unity and healing among First Nations peoples and other Australians as we mark National Sorry Day (26 May) and the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum leading into National Reconciliation Week from 27 May. These special events are further reminders that no matter who we are or where we come from, we know whose we are, as God wants us all as part of his family. And, so, may he richly bless our efforts to welcome the stranger in whatever way we are called to do so.

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

Making friends with strangers

No longer strangers thanks to acts of kindness

And, if our churches don’t reflect the changing faces of our cities and towns, it may be that we are missing the ‘Go’ part of our call as Christians. In this edition, we are privileged to share stories from our Lutheran family members who are welcoming ‘strangers’ by inviting, hosting, engaging and building relationships with people in congregations, church groups and schools. You will read about ways in which multi-ethnic or cross-cultural ministry in the LCANZ – whether through planned programs or incidental acts of kindness and friendship – are enriching us as a church as we learn from those different to us.

Welcomed by the gospel

Respect is on the line 25 Five signs your character is slowly imploding

Regulars Heartland

Dwelling in God’s word

Going GREYT!

Go and Grow

Church@Home

The inside story

Directory

Sudoku

Your voice

Prayer calendar

Our cover: It was a day of celebration at Glynde Lutheran Church, South Australia, as Rika’s (centre) children Rei, Koh and Ema were baptised. After the service, two other young mums who attend learning programs at Glynde asked also to be baptised, and at a later date they were. As Glynde Cross Cultural Mentor Barbara Mattiske (centre back row) said afterwards: ‘God is amazing!’ Photo: Grant Mattiske. The Lutheran M AY 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

CLE AR VISION FOR THE WAY FORWARD I recently had a pair of multifocal spectacles that just weren’t right. Everything was slightly off. No matter how I twisted my head or swivelled my eyes, my vision was not clear. Outdoors, horizontal lines, such as house gutters, took on a blue-halo effect. Eventually I had the lenses replaced. Now, with new ones, I can see clearly. When we read the Scriptures, we also see them through lenses of various types, and I don’t mean spectacles. In times of distress, God might lift up passages that you previously glossed over. In times of joy, words of praise will leap off the page. In a tight spot, words of encouragement will be there. When struggling with sin or guilt, you will read words of forgiveness and reconciliation in Jesus’ name. In times of persecution,

FOCUSED ON TH E CENTRAL TEACH I NG OF J USTI FICATION BY FAITH , WE KNOW TH E LOVE OF GOD, DEEPLY AN D CON FI DENTLY. IT IS OU R CLEAR VISION FOR TH E WAY FORWARD. 4

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you will see the hosts of heaven praising God in eternity. The Scriptures reveal God’s love for us in real, living ways as he meets us where we are at. Our immediate situation, however, is not the only lens that shapes our reading of Scripture. Many lenses work together, just as they do when an optometrist tests your vision. We usually don’t notice them, just as a fish doesn’t notice the water it swims in. When the lenses work together well, we see clearly, but when they don’t, they distort our vision to varying degrees. Such lenses include culture, gender, race, affluence, poverty, pride, greed, prejudice, and many more. They can help or hinder the clarity of our vision. Some we choose, some we don’t. We Lutherans also openly read the Scriptures through the lens of our Confessions, which we accept as ‘true expositions of the Word of God’ (LCA Constitution 2.1). Very specifically, they are the documents contained in The Book of Concord of 1580. (If you don’t have them, you can find them online at sites like https://bookofconcord.org/.) If you’ve ever read the Small Catechism, for instance, it is from our Confessions. The ancient Apostles or Nicene creeds we use in worship also are included. The Confessions are the lens which confirms us as trinitarian, small ‘c’ catholic (ecumenical), scriptural, sacramental (baptism and communion), and evangelical (the good news of Jesus Christ).

The Book of Concord, Concord, or ‘agreement’, comes from a time of great turmoil in western European society and the church. People died in defence of the truth, and people died in defence of error. Wrong was done on many sides. Holding on to the gospel of Jesus Christ, despite the violence, division and potential ruin of the time, took more than ordinary human vision. It required a very sharp focus, which came from the central scriptural witness to Jesus Christ and the doctrine of justification by faith, not by works. God reveals his boundless love at work in the world through the cross, as summarised in Augsburg Confession IV: ‘ … we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in Romans 3[:21–26] and 4[:5]’. This is our confession. This is who we are. Without the gospel, the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake, we are nothing. But our God is faithful. We can rely on him. Focused on the central teaching of justification by faith, we know the love of God, deeply and confidently. It is our clear vision for the way forward. As the Scriptures say, Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life. No-one comes to his Father but through him (John 14:6).

LifeWay Lutheran Church has celebrated more than 15 multi-ethnic baptisms of children, young people and adults in the past two years, while most of the young people who completed the congregation’s ‘Step up to communion’ course recently at its Epping site in Sydney’s north-west were from multi-ethnic families. Eight of them are pictured here after receiving their certificates.

Welcomed

BY THE GOSPEL BY LISA MCINTOSH

The cultural and ethnic make-up of communities in which many Lutheran churches are based has changed dramatically. How can we best serve alongside people of all nations so that we truly welcome ‘the stranger’ with the gospel? Two LCANZ congregational leaders share their insights. Pastor Mark Schultz from LifeWay Lutheran Church in New South Wales is in no doubt – multi-ethnicity is God’s vision for his church. ‘We are to be a community united in Christ, made up of every tribe, nation, people, and language’, he says. A multi-site church family, LifeWay has recently welcomed Illawarra worship centres at Wollongong and Oak Flats, and has launched a Western Sydney church plant in Glenmore Park to join locations at Epping and Newcastle. ‘Becoming a multi-ethnic church is not just about reaching out to the community’, Pastor Mark says. ‘It starts with an attitude and practice of accepting people of all nations as equal, fully participating members in church fellowship, and then living that out by all nations using their gifts and abilities and being actively involved in the mission and the vision of the church. The critical component is living Jesus’ love, which accepts, embraces and values.’ More than 20 nationalities are represented among LifeWay worshippers and 46 per cent of people in Epping’s local community were born overseas and speak a language

other than English at home. The major ethnic groups in that area are Chinese, Indian and Korean. LifeWay has celebrated more than 15 multi-ethnic baptisms of children, young people and adults in the past two years, while eight out of 10 young people who completed the congregation’s ‘Step up to communion’ course recently, were from multi-ethnic families. Its mainly music ministry is a bridge into the local community with more than 80 per cent of those who attend representing the community’s ethnicities. Mums who attend this group but are not church members have brought friends to worship, which culminated in the Easter baptism of three members of one family. Other multi-ethnic ministries at LifeWay include a ‘praise dance’ group; a weekly singing group with devotions from Asian Ministry Chaplain Wilkinson Hu; a fortnightly Bible study; and Chinese-speaking small groups. LifeWay also includes Chinese language, with English, on screens during worship for the creed and The Lord's Prayer. And in a region that in 10 years will accommodate 10 per cent of Australia’s population, with more than The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

Among its ministries, Glynde Lutheran Church in suburban Adelaide offers Friday English classes, Alpha courses and parenting and marriage learning time, followed by a ‘coffee and chat’ gathering popular with young mums and families.

After the first lockdown in Adelaide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rika’s family decided that her three young children would be baptised at Glynde. Her Christian background only involved adult baptism but, after input from Barbara and Pastor Wayne Boehm, Rika spoke with her family about baptism.

160 nationalities, the fledgling LifeWay Westside church plant is intentionally a multi-ethnic ministry from its genesis.

‘I wanted them to come to see God through Christ’, she says. ‘I talked to my husband; he is not a Christian, but he understood the importance of this baptism. But the most important thing was if my children wanted to have it. So, I sat down with them and I asked them, “Christ died for you, God loves you, would you like to be baptised?” And the three of them – they are little, but they understood to their level – they said: “Yes, we would like to have it”. And looking at their eyes, so serious but excited, I thought, “Yes, this is the thing God has prepared for them, not me to decide but for them to decide”.’

‘ YO U B EG I N TO LOO K AT OTH ERS N OT AS PEO PLE W H O N EED TO B E CO N V ERTED, B UT AS PEO PLE W H O M

loves

J ESUS A LSO AND ARE MADE IN GO D’S I M AG E.’

‘A multi-ethnic mindset begins with my heart – redeemed, restored and reset for God’s purposes’, Pastor Mark says. ‘Without Christ sacrificing his all for me, I would remain lost and condemned. But he has made me his forever. He loves me, accepts me, values me. He delights in me.

‘Through that truth, you begin to look at others not as people who need to be converted, but as people whom Jesus also loves and are made in God’s image.’ Cross Cultural Mentor Barbara Mattiske from Glynde Lutheran Church in Adelaide says the local community there has also been changing. The suburb has long been home to an Italian community. However, in more recent times, an increasing number of people from China, India and Malaysia, and other nations such as Japan and Korea, have made the area their home. ‘We looked at the community around us and how we could integrate more into the community’, Barbara says. ‘And one of the main things we learnt is that friendship is one of the most important things we can offer. ‘We can offer friendship through activities for children, through listening, education and learning. So now we run mainly music classes for mums and dads with their children, we run English and cooking classes, we do learning mornings about education, we learn about being a parent, about marriage and about God.’ Rika, who is originally from Japan, has been coming to Glynde for several years, particularly for its family ministries. ‘Glynde is a very special place for me because I can see new people and also, I feel very important and [that I] belong and I feel this is a family to me’, she says.

Barbara says the Glynde family was very excited about the baptism and that on the day in church were other young migrant mums who engage with Glynde ministries: ‘And as we all came back to our seats … the other two women turned around and looked at me and they said, “I need to have what they have”. God is amazing! ‘And that is so much what Glynde is about. We want everyone to have what Rika’s children received – to be part of God’s family – and so that is our prayer for everyone who comes here.’

BA R BA R A M AT TIS K E ’ S TI PS F O R W E LCO M I N G TH E STR A N G E R • Listen – not only with your ears • Smile – not only with your mouth • Remember names – it makes people feel special • Act – upon what you are told • Honour culture – don’t judge • Show hospitality – share a coffee or meal • Be careful with language – many don’t understand church talk • Pray – for those you meet • Enjoy – you will be blessed

DWELLING IN GOD'S WORD

Celebrating our differences Read Luke 19:10 and 1 Timothy 2:3,4 and bear them in mind as you read on. Over the Easter weekend, my wife and I were guests at an African youth affirmation event and had the privilege of joining hundreds of colourfully dressed and exuberant young people while they encouraged each other – it was full on! The only other adults present were the local council mayoress and her husband, and it was good to share the experience. You may know that the children of refugee families face a real challenge to straddle their parent’s world and their new life. Most do amazingly well but family trauma sometimes plays out in heartbreaking ways. When it comes to trauma, African families have experienced more than most and some of the young ones can end up in a really antisocial space. This has surfaced in Melbourne in recent years. The reason we were at the event was to support our Eritrean friend Hana, who has been doing an amazing job of turning the hearts of young Africans in Adelaide. We met her a couple of years ago when she and her friends asked for help to do something positive with their peers. They were mixing at university with African students from a range of ethnic backgrounds who have a history of conflict back home, and the young people – both Christian and Muslim – wanted to build friendships and be reconciled. We offered some practical support to Hana and her team, but the most important thing is that she knows we believe in her which gives her the courage to try. The other night the youth leaders showed the power of peer influence and affirmation to call forth hope in the wider group. Hana has made a big difference! The thing that perhaps makes this story a little different is that Hana is a Muslim, and we feel called to back her to achieve something that has kingdom implications. Making friends with people like Hana has shown me how God reaches towards people long before they know him.

by Craig Heidenreich

That he is the initiator who calls people from all walks of life and has his own way of revealing himself. Please pray that Hana can come to know Jesus fully. Read Acts 10:1–20. Is it possible for someone who is not a Christian (or Jew) to be called ‘devout and God-fearing’? What was it about Peter’s attitude that made the vision so challenging for him? Does the passage indicate that God is determined to use his people to reach those who don’t know him yet, irrespective of their background? Spend some time thinking about whether you share some of Peter’s attitude about people. Do we consciously (or unconsciously) think that God favours some people more than others? Think about what you can do to better align with God’s love for all mankind. Read Luke 10:25-37. Why was Jesus’ decision to choose a Samaritan such a shocking choice for his Jewish audience that day? If Samaritans in Jesus day were considered to be theologically and morally suspect, what would be a modern equivalent of a Samaritan in our day? Is there a Hana in your life to whom you should show more respect? Think about how this might impact our attitude as we go about ‘loving our neighbour’.

Craig Heidenreich is the LCANZ’s manager of Cross-Cultural Ministry. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

Making friends

W I T H ST R A N G E RS BY ADAM BORGAS

I never thought that I was strange. Perhaps the reason it seems so risky to welcome a stranger is that we fail to see that we are one ourselves. Would those people you think are odd or strange think the same thoughts about you? Are there some peculiarities about you? Are you too young, too old, fairskinned, black, red, yellow, just-too-similar but all too different? That’s because you are different – you are a stranger. There is no-one like you in the world. You are alone when it comes to being you. Take me for example. Born and bred Australian. I took a test the other day and found I was a Prussian, Russian, Welsh, Scottish, Danish Australian. I own my own home and the land it's on but know it belongs to the Meru nations. I have been a Victorian and loved it, I’m a native South Australian but when visiting Queensland, I thought ‘I could make my home here’. Are you starting to see that the more we live life, the more we don’t fit and are different? That’s when it becomes easy to see Jesus and know him for who he is. ‘Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give him rest’ (Matthew 11:28). When you know you are different, life is tough, and you start drinking from that life-giving well that is Jesus. Think about your differences from those closest to you. I know I married my best friend, but I didn’t know best friends can have major disagreements. I carry the same surname as my siblings and parents, but we’ve had our differences. Being a stranger and seeing others as strangers it becomes easier to welcome the stranger. We see ourselves in the reflection of even the most differentlooking individuals. We can see through to people’s hearts and know that they hurt as we hurt and cry the same salty tears as we do. When you know you are a stranger, you can experience down-to-earth comfort with saying hello to others.

Alexander and Nav enjoy the water slide during the Indian colour festival of Holi at Walkerie Lutheran Primary School in the South Australian Riverland. The school has five Punjabi Indian families as members of its community.

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My hometown of Waikerie is a little country town of about 2700 residents, situated on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia, about two hours’ drive east of Adelaide. Waikerie Lutheran Primary School is a small community of about 85 primary school-aged students and their staff. We specialise in being coeducators with parents of more than 60 local families. Most recently, five Indian families, predominantly of the Sikh religion, have joined us. As a school principal, you are always thinking about ways of improving the education you provide. As a school of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), our little rural school generates some big ideas. The IBO has a term that is one of the essences of its programs called international-mindedness: ‘Internationalmindedness is the acceptance, respect and acknowledgement of diversity in culture, background, values and beliefs. It recognises differences and celebrates diversity in all human beings and attempts to promote respect and understanding in all of these components.’ After my first trips overseas and many discussions with colleagues, it hit me – international-mindedness starts at home!

Waikerie Lutheran Primary School Principal Adam Borgas is showered with colour during the celebration of the Indian festival of Holi, as part of the school’s commitment to be internationally minded and to welcome students and families of all cultural backgrounds.

We set about accepting all our families for who they are. We endeavoured to meet them where they were, and offer non-judgmental love, care and support. So, when an opportunity existed to re-evaluate our language program, I investigated and implemented a language program with a difference. On reflection, I think it was a bold move, but I never look back and question the past, as I know it is the way God meant it to be. As far as I know, we have always learned a language other than English in our Australian education system. But I acknowledge that, as a youngster, I thought learning a second language was a waste of time, so I knew there was room for improvement. I wanted language lessons to count and be valued! I decided I needed a native speaker to teach the students, combined with the classroom experience of a seasoned teacher. So, the plan was hatched in the summer of 2018: Operation Approach Stranger! That summer if you were out at the shops in Waikerie and you had an accent, I would walk up, say hello and introduce myself. I then asked native speakers of other languages whether they would like to help ‘teach’ the children with me as my primary language resource. I approached between 20 and 25 people and came close to having the school continue its Indonesian program or change to a dialect of Pilipino or Malay. The obvious one I had missed was Punjabi. I was almost at my wits’ end when I remembered that I had played cricket with an Indian man nicknamed ‘Lucky’. I decided to ring Lucky and ask him whether he knew anyone in the Punjabi community who would teach with me. He said his wife Sharry might consider meeting me about the opportunity. I signed Sharry up as my primary resource, and through having a 50-minute lesson each week to plan together, we not only worked on language, but we also found out

B EI N G A STR A N G ER A N D S EEI N G OTH ERS AS STR A N G ERS IT B ECO M ES E ASI ER TO TH E STR A N G ER .

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the differences and similarities between the Sikh and Christian religions. These are best summed up by the Sikh greeting which doubles as a farewell: ‘sut shri akal’, which means ‘true Mr God’. Each time Sikh people meet each other, they remind each other of their one and true God! Sharry and I discovered that the patterns in our faith are almost identical. Our hope mirrors the hope of the other and our love for people is congruent. Our school just celebrated Holi festival for the first time! Holi is the festival of colour, celebrated all over India around one week before Easter. Holi celebrates love, forgiveness, peace and respect and so, as a school, we thought this was a tradition within our community we should appreciate. For our staff and students, this learning with each other sharpens how we live our faith every day. Our worship and Christian studies have been energised through these relationships as we continue to grow in love towards one another. Adam Borgas is Principal of Waikerie Lutheran Primary School in South Australia’s Riverland. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

1 Peter 4:10

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

Grannies share

‘mother lode’ of wisdom BY HELEN BERINGEN

Bringing together the teaching skills of retired teachers with the learning needs of children, many of whom are refugees, has been a match made in heaven for one northern suburbs school in Adelaide. All it took was a school principal with a big heart, an inspiring online English program helping disadvantaged children, and a team of grannies. This band of friends from the Bridgewater Lutheran congregation in the Adelaide Hills were retired educators who still had lots of love and learning to share. And share it they have – with 25 refugee students from the Blair Athol North Birth to Year 7 School’s remedial English program. Over the past year, 73-year-old Gillian (Gill) Stevenson and friends Sheri Paschke, Judi Bell, Betty Lores and Julie Grierson have run weekly intensive English coaching sessions via the internet meeting system Zoom for the students, which also continued through COVID-19 restrictions. ‘It was very much on the cards before COVID struck – what has been an amazing blessing has been the development of the Zoom platform’, Gill explains. This allowed the program to go ahead online! Teaching is in her blood for Gill, and her husband of 53 years, retired Lutheran Pastor Alex Stevenson, whose first career was in teaching before he was called to the

‘ W H AT W E C A N DO IS S H A R E TH E LOV E O F GO D, A N D W E A R E S H A R I N G GO D’S H E A RT I N O U R ACTI O NS A N D WO R DS . GO D H AS J UST TA K EN TH IS A N D B LES S ED O U R I N VO LV EM ENT.' 10

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ministry. It is a gift shared by their son Darren who, as principal of the Blair Athol school, was inspired to trial the program, known as the Granny Cloud, in which UK grandmothers provide English language support to Indian disadvantaged children. (You can learn more here: http://thegrannycloud.org/) At Darren’s school, about 100 of the 500 students are part of the intensive English program, which focuses on acquiring conversational English and literacy. That’s where Gill and her team of retirees come in. They help the students practise their conversational English, and share their stories and background with the children, through photos, words and books. Helping the children with other literacy skills, like reading, is also a focus. In turn, the students have written about their journey from where they were born, to their coming to Australia. ‘One of them wrote about what it means to them to be in Australia, saying “I love being here because I feel safe”’, says Gill. ‘It highlights the fact that we take it for granted so much. It just reinforces how precious our country is, in that we can feel safe here in our environment and beliefs, and not fear war and death. It highlights the liberty we have here. What we can do is share the love of God, and we are sharing God’s heart in our actions and words.’ As Gill adds, ‘God has just taken this and blessed our involvement’. The outcome has been beyond their expectations. ‘It’s a win-win’, she says. ‘The school is appreciative. While there is lots of coordination involved, they are also so passionate about this program.’ The program also has been greatly appreciated by the students, 80 per cent of whom are refugees. Gill shares the success story of one student who had been a reluctant learner, introverted, angry and grieving before taking part in the program. ‘But she has emerged like a butterfly’, says Gill. ‘She has grown in her confidence and has developed so well in her English that she is going into the mainstream school program. It is amazing what can happen as their confidence grows.’

Tapping into the wisdom of the retired educators is also a good way for them to keep active and reinforces their confidence as teachers. ‘What has happened here is that we have this incredible reserve of knowledge in retired teachers’, Gill says. The program doesn’t even have to interfere with the lifestyles of the retired grandmas, including the grey nomads among them. All they need is a good internet connection. ‘Most of us grannies are caravaners, and I have even done a lesson from Wilpena Pound (in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges)’, Gill says. ‘It is just extraordinary when you can show the children the hills in the background and tell them a bit about Australia, sharing the land and culture.’ The teaching team members were thrilled when they were finally able to meet the students late last year. ‘Meeting them for the first time in November after COVID restrictions were eased, we were just overwhelmed’, Gill says. “They gave us the most beautiful thank you cards and a morning tea from the school’s kitchen garden.’ Gill and her team have been amazed by the response and interest generated by the program. ‘Every disadvantaged school should have a team of grannies helping with their English conversation and much, much more’, she says. And they give all the glory to God, summed up in a favourite Bible verse from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 20 and 21: ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’ Helen Beringen is a Brisbane-based writer who is inspired by the many GREYT people who serve tirelessly and humbly in our community. By sharing stories of how God shines his light through his people, she hopes others are encouraged to explore how they can use their gifts to share his light in the world. Know of any other GREYT stories in your local community? Email the editor lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

Top: The ‘grannies’ from Bridgewater Lutheran Church in South Australia meet some of the students they have been tutoring and mentoring online for the past year, along with Blair Athol North Birth to Year 7 School Principal Darren Stevenson (back row, left). Middle: Julie Clark, Judi Bell, Sheri Paschke, Gill Stevenson and Betty Lores are friends and retired educators from the Adelaide Hills who have been running weekly intensive English coaching sessions for 25 refugee students via the internet meeting system Zoom. Above: Some of the thank you cards sent by the Blair Athol students to the Bridgewater ‘grannies’.

Would you like to explore how you can help the program? Contact Gill Stevenson at gastevenson7@gmail.com

Left: Ruth Craig attends an Easter worship service in Pakistan, where she and husband David served as volunteer teachers. Although the service was in the Urdu language, the Craigs said it was wonderful to be able to celebrate Easter with fellow Christians. Below: David Craig enjoys the hospitality of a donkey cart driver in Pakistan, where the couple was often offered a lift to their remote school while walking back from the nearest town.

N O LO N G ER STR A N G ERS T H A N KS TO ACTS O F K I N D N ES S BY DAV I D C R A I G During our retirement, my wife Ruth and I have been blessed to be able to volunteer in several countries. In each case, there were new faces, a new language and a different culture. As strangers in foreign lands, we knew there would be challenges. But there were also many kindnesses. When Ruth first left her South Australian hometown to teach in a Lutheran mission in Papua New Guinea in 1960, she was unsure what lay ahead. But on her arrival, she was met by an act of kindness. The parents of her students presented her with a hen and bowl of eggs. Through an interpreter, they explained she was regarded as the mother to their children who would be safe under her wings. This simple act of friendship gave Ruth an insight into the locals’ welcome to her, a stranger.

was touching to be welcomed by the director and his family. They said, as we were far from home, we should recognise our holy day with a party and they were happy to celebrate with us. We were then able to share our faith with our Muslim friends.

TH A N KS B E TO GO D F O R T H E O PPO RTU N IT Y TO LE A R N FRO M OTH ER CU LTU R ES . W E W ER E N O LO N G ER STR A N G ERS , B UT PI LG R I M S O N A J O U R N EY.

While living in Sumatra, in a seminary where we were helping incoming students with English, we received many invitations into people’s homes. Once when we were asked to visit for coffee, we were greeted with ‘Happy birthday’! Yes, it was Ruth’s birthday and they had made a cake to celebrate.

During our time teaching in Nepal, we began to long for some Aussie bread. The wife of a teacher must have heard us ‘grumbling’ and several days later was on our doorstep with a warm, freshly baked loaf. In Bangkok, we were privileged to be invited to the blessing of a new Lutheran church in northern Thailand. The village had very few resources, but the locals wanted to show hospitality to those who had travelled long distances.

Some villagers spent many hours preparing meals, while at night they joined visitors in hymn-singing and testimonials. Bedtime was a revelation – 40 visitors, including the bishop, slept on the floor of the small church building. We were head-to-toe, but it was a most entertaining experience! We strongly felt our oneness in Christ with the villagers who had welcomed us.

After the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’, Ruth was fed the first mouthful of cake on a spoon. Then, as was the custom, she fed other guests. It was a heartwarming experience.

Over the years, many offers of hospitality have led to enduring friendships. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to learn from other cultures. We were no longer strangers, but pilgrims on a journey.

One Easter while we were teaching in Pakistan, our director, knowing we were Christians, offered us his car and driver so we could attend the nearest church, two-and-a-half hours away. When we returned, it

David and Ruth Craig are volunteers with LCA International Mission. Go to https://lcamission.org.au/volunteer or phone Nevin on 08 8267 7300 for more information.

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

S H A R I N G STO R I ES W E LCO M ES OT H E R S BY R I CH A R D F OX

Listening to people as they share their stories is a way of welcoming and embracing them. By listening and sharing we can grow together in our friendships and also as people of God. Every week Lutheran Media’s Messages of Hope shares stories from people who have a journey of hope in Jesus Christ. To follow are some recent and upcoming Messages of Hope programs.

WORTH FIGHTING FOR ‘When I was eight my mum left. I don’t know whether I felt like it then, but it’s definitely been something I’ve had to deal with since then of feeling unworthy, unlovable, not worth fighting for.’ – Sophie Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong, unloved and not worth fighting for? Sophie shares her story of finding acceptance and a new kind of family. You’ll discover that God believes you are worth fighting for.

F OST ER PA R EN T I N G Mother of four and foster parent Ann shares her struggles, joys, and hope. Margaret, a foster care placement support worker from Lutheran Care in South Australia, offers her support too.

FINDING HOPE IN SOUTH SUDAN

FI N D I N G CO N N ECTI O N ‘I remember just being just irritable, and angry, like I'm the worst mother in the world and then it just keeps perpetuating.’ – Nancy Nancy is a wife, mother and police officer. The stress of juggling everything had her feeling disconnected and becoming a person she just didn't recognise. Listen to Nancy as she offers insight and hope when you may feel like this. You can listen to these and many other Messages of hope at www.messagesofhope.org.au.. You can also listen to Messages of Hope on www.messagesofhope.org.au iTunes and Spotify or by ordering the free monthly CD. Just click the links on the website.

What can we learn from people who live with constant challenges? Jonathan Krause from ALWS offers hope and encouragement from people living in war-weary South Sudan.

Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

W H AT T H E Y S AY A B O U T T H E LC A LEARNING HUB ‘My initial reaction was relief that the LCA was committed to implementing ongoing training, accessed through eLearning. Well done to you and the team setting it up. It has a professional feel about it and was easy to understand.’ – Wendy W, Gawler SA

NEW LEARNING HUB ‘CO M PR EH ENSIV E A N D U S E R - F R I E N D LY ’ BY V E R E N A J O H N SO N

The LCANZ’s Church Worker Support Department (CWS) is excited to announce the launch of a new learning hub that can be accessed through Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) ilearn online learning environment.

WHO CAN ACCES S IT?

The hub has been developed by CWS in partnership with ALC.

People who have had previous access to the Congregational Leadership Training will have automatic access to the new LCA Learning Hub.

The LCA Learning Hub is designed to provide church members with information, training, links and resources on a broad range of subjects that are essential and relevant for congregations, parishes and their leaders. It replaces the Congregational Leadership Training package but is much more comprehensive and wide-ranging in the topics and subject matter it covers. In developing the learning hub, we tried to address all of the questions congregations and parishes are asking, as well as any information they may be seeking. There is a base level of information included on each topic, but what makes this hub so useful are the extensive resources provided to assist leaders and the links that are included for those wanting further information. We have tried to make the LCA Learning Hub as user-friendly as possible by including a short introductory video on how to navigate it as well as a handy master index. Two new training courses also have been included through the learning hub – the ‘Workplace Health and Safety Training’ and ‘Managing Mental Health’ courses. Check out this valuable and helpful new learning hub, which can be accessed at https://ilearn.alc.edu.au/ – see ‘Who can access it?’ for more details. Verena Johnson is a Church Worker Support officer.

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Those with an LCA email and LCA portal access can simply go to the ALC ilearn page and log in using their LCA email and password. Others will need to contact CWS (churchworkersupport@lca.org.au or 08 8267 7300) for an enrolment key which will enable them to enrol and log in using an email and password that they will then set up.

H O PES FO R THE HUB CWS Department Manager Dr Chris Materne says: ‘While our team couldn’t get out to visit congregations in 2020, we worked hard to compile the resources and information now accessible via this new hub. Our prayer is that it will support all those in leadership across the church as they navigate an increasingly complex compliance and training landscape.’

L AY P R E A C H E R TR AI N I N G D ESIG N ED TO S U P P O RT CO N G R E G AT I O N S Following a request from the LCANZ College of Bishops, Australian Lutheran College (ALC) has developed and recently launched an online Lay Preacher Training module to support congregational lay preachers – both current and future. The content is derived from ALC’s pastoral training program, providing both coherency and consistency between the pastoral office and the service of lay preachers. LCANZ Bishop John Henderson said there was an ‘increasing need in congregations without a called pastor to receive the ongoing ministry of the word’. ‘This training is intended to help better prepare lay preachers and support them in their service during pastoral vacancies and other circumstances of need’, he said. ‘ALC’s willingness to respond to the changing needs of the LCANZ is a great encouragement.’

W H O C A N U N D E RTA K E T H E T R A I N I N G ? This training module provides those interested in lay preaching an opportunity to discern their call as a lay preacher, without any expectation for anyone to become a lay preacher at the end of the training. With the recommendation of allowing up to three months to complete the content, participants work through sessions within ALC’s iLearn system at their own pace. All participants need a mentor pastor to journey with them and support their learning, as well as provide feedback on sermons written at the end of the training module. While the training is available for anyone to undertake, it should be noted that lay preachers within the LCANZ are approved and appointed by district bishops following consultation between district bishops, local congregations and lay preaching candidates, who are usually locally identified.

H O W TO F I N D O U T M O R E To discuss any queries about the module, email training@alc.edu.au, or visit the training and registration page on the ALC website: www.alc.edu.au/training/professional-development/lpt-enrolment

W I T N E S S I N G W I T H O U T S AY I N G A W O R D

BY A N N E H A N S E N

About three times a year a gentleman from an Asian bakery in Adelaide’s Central Market visits the LLL in North Adelaide to choose tracts for his customers. He has a display set up on a wall and customers can come in and take what they want. He buys about $150 worth of tracts each time, choosing mostly the text cards and postcards with Bible verses. He says, ‘People like the Bible texts’. What a witness! As Christians we are called upon to share the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words. Jesus’ words are words of life to share and show love and concern for those in need – even for those who don’t think they need Jesus. Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has the words to share God’s love, joy, comfort and peace. Maybe you can be like the baker and just put our resources out on display – no words of your own necessary! Maybe these words will be enough to bring someone to Jesus. There are more than 900 LTM resources available. Check out our website at www.ltm.org.au Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

REACH ING OUT IN CH RIST’S NAM E

BY J O D I B RO O K

‘Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ (Romans 15:7). Reaching out in Christ’s name reflects Jesus’ command to his disciples in Matthew 28:19,20: ‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always.’ These verses show a way of life that is the responsibility of all of us. It suggests a way to live in this present age – we are Jesus’ disciples in today’s world. It is up to us to reach out with the love of Jesus.

So how do we do reach out in Christ’s name to children, young people and families in the wider community? Here are some ideas of how to promote Christian evangelism through household hospitality and the ministries of your congregation.

A S A CO N G R E G AT I O N AS INDIVIDUALS ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14). Wherever you are, welcome children and young people. • Learn the names of the children and young people of your congregation and of those you meet. Greet them using their name. • Consider being a mentor of a young person or newcomer of your congregation.

AS FA M I LI ES

‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15). Think about offering a special ministry that is welcoming of new and nonChristian families. Invite families from your local community. Consider running Messy Church or mainly music to serve them. Grow Ministries can assist you to find a resource that may work for you and have fact sheets that can help. • Consider offering worship on a Friday or Saturday evening, which might be a more accessible time to families with children and/or young people.

‘Sitting around a table goes much further to connect people to one another than simply sitting in the same pew.’ – Rev Dr David Anderson, Vibrant Faith in the Congregation • Welcome families into your home and share your faith rituals and traditions. Be intentional about talking about your Christian faith. Say grace before your meal, share your favourite Bible story or verse. Pray for them. • Share how God has been working in your life this week.

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

Jodi Brook is Director of Grow Ministries.

• Include events on your youth calendar to which students can invite their friends. Provide opportunities for congregation members to volunteer at these events to support those in youth ministry. • Be a presence and provide a service at community events like festivals or local markets. • Include stories of local community heroes in your church publications. • Get involved alongside children, youth and families in service activities either at your church or those organised by your local community.

N O MYSTERY I N B R I N G I N G LO V E TO L I F E

BY J O N AT H A N K R AU S E

What’s shaped like a wine bottle and wrapped in newspaper and sells for $16? If you said a bottle of wine, you’d be wrong. In fact, the answer is the most expensive kilogram of plums sold in Australia this year! Yet, the purchaser – Julie Krause (pictured) from ALWS – was still very pleased with what she’d bought. Why? Because it was part of a mystery auction organised by the Lowbank Lutheran congregation in South Australia’s Riverland … and the more than $1400 raised was donated to support refugee children go to school through ALWS!

H OW D O ES A M YSTERY AU CTI O N WO R K? The mystery auction is a simple idea. Congregation members donate items to be auctioned – but wrap them in newspaper, so no-one knows what they will be bidding for! Gifts for children are wrapped but have age and gender suitability marked. Kids can bid but are limited to a maximum of $5, provided they have mum or dad’s approval. (The only things at Lowbank not wrapped were a wheelbarrow load of pumpkins, watermelons and rockmelons brought in by ute.) Once the bidding starts, the fun is infectious, and people don’t mind what they pay, or what they get, because all the proceeds do something so wonderful for refugee children. To make sure everyone was in the right mood to be generous in the mystery auction, the people of Lowbank blessed attenders with beautiful Lutheran hospitality, including coffee, cakes and classic Lutheran cheese’n’bacon toasties (of which your reporter ‘sampled’ six!), worship, an ALWS presentation from Julie Krause, and a sausage sizzle (left), followed by a dessert of homegrown watermelon and grapes.

D O YO U N E E D LOT S O F P E O P L E F O R I T TO S U CC E E D ? Lowbank is not a large congregation, with around 50 members. They don’t have a pastor and the farmer members, yarning before service, reckon God keeps forgetting to send rain their way. Yet despite these challenges, they overflow with energy and enthusiasm to go and grow. Through their mystery auction, harvest thanksgiving and Sunday school, the 50 members of Lowbank supported the same number of refugee children to go to school for a year! This is how, when we worship and work together to bring love to life, both here at home and for those far from home, God blesses our efforts. And that’s no mystery at all!

Just $26 supports a refugee child’s education for a year. Your kindness can help train teachers, supply schoolbooks and uniforms and provide extra care for children with special needs. Go to alws.org.au or phone 1300 763 407 to donate today and be a blessing ALWayS!

Jonathan Krause is ALWS Community Action Manager. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

Is this your new watering hole? Sea changes are over-rated. Try a Red Centre change instead. Goodbye bleak rainy winters. Hello sunshine! Low humidity, great for health Long-established (140 years) and respected Lutheran heritage Schools, childcare, medical clinics and hospital, supermarkets, restaurants Daily flights to most capital cities Endless outdoor activities ... golf, hiking, 4WDing, camping

L U T H E R A N

We’re inviting Lutherans of all ages and life experiences to come to Central Australia to grow our community. Bring yourself, bring your family, bring your faith, bring your gifts, skills and talents - and we’re sure you’ll discover a God-designed place just for you.

Come for 6 months, 12 months, or stay for a lifetime. Our community needs pastors, teachers, nurses, social workers, trainers, trades and maintenance people. There are loads of employment opportunities in the Centre, so your partner will find a job too. Plus, there are endless ways you can volunteer! The Lutheran Church in Central Australia employs more than 200 people, across the Alice Springs Lutheran Church, Finke River Mission (including the Historical Precinct and Hermannsburg Store), Lutheran Care, Yirara College and Living Waters Lutheran School. Together we are already a vibrant Lutheran community enjoying Christian service, fellowship and growth. All we need to complete us is you. Interested? Contact Wayne Beven (Finke River Mission Operations Manager) for information about opportunities and lifestyle for Lutherans in the Centre. Email lcica@lca.org.au

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C E N T R A L

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@home

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

PROVERBS 3:5

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.

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

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Lisa

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

Righto, I’m ready The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking (John 13:22). Read John 13:21–32. To get ready, I checked that my swimming goggles fitted well and packed my phone and wallet safely away. This was no ordinary moment of plopping into the pool during a summer scorcher. No, this was the middle of a mild Queensland winter, and I was gearing up to endure my half-hour on the sponge-throw stall at our annual school carnival. So, just to be really frank here, I never enjoyed this – ever! Stoically, I poked my head through the hole in the wooden target board, smiled and called out, ‘Righto, I’m ready’. Blam! Within a heartbeat, a sodden, tepid car sponge slammed into my face, accompanied by the giggling of the person who had flung it. It seems that I was, indeed, not ready at all. In fact, each time that I faced up, watched the next combatant pluck their dripping sponge from the bucket and anticipated it hurtling toward me, I could not prepare myself for the impact. Not even once. It shocked me every time.

YADBRRENPOE After a couple of direct hits, I was ready to shy away, flinch or quit. Jesus was hanging out with the disciples when they wanted to know the answer to a tricky question. They thought they knew each other pretty well and that they were ready for the answer, but ‘blam!’ Jesus’ response hit them in the face with cold, hard facts. Again, we see Jesus remind us that we are held accountable by the law, facts and the truth. But we are also set free because of the work God constantly does to glorify Christ who comes to us daily in love and grace. That means whatever challenges and curve balls life throws at me, God is with me, and I don’t need to shy away, flinch or quit. Righto, I’m ready! Loving Lord, you are awesome! Thank you for the confidence that you are with me today. I am sorry that I doubt or forget about your complete love sometimes. I know you will help me in the challenges of the day ahead. Thank you. Amen.

The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Grief and weeping

BY MICK HAUSER

The Lord has heard the sound of my weeping (Psalm 6:8). Read Psalm 6. Grief is usually accompanied by weeping, but I am sure many people would confess to hiding their tears and stifling their sobbing. We do not like to let people see or hear that we are hurting or in the agony of grief. In grief, we feel vulnerable and naked, often accompanied by feelings of shame. We compound our grief in the private, dark prison cells of our lives. We keep it pent up and unresolved, and we feel hopeless in our grief. But perhaps you also know that sometimes we just need a good cry. God has created us in such a way that crying actually makes us feel better. Crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids (endorphins). These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. What a gift this is for us. Our tears, like the waters of baptism, provide a salve to ease blinding pain. They make space for hope to emerge so that we might meditate on and call upon the one who has steadfast love for us, Jesus Christ. In Psalm 6, the songwriter reflects on a long period of private grief, ‘every night I flood my bed with tears’ (verse 6). Three things are ‘turned’ within the poem. Firstly, the psalmist asks the Lord to turn and save his life for the sake of his steadfast love (verse 4). Secondly, the psalmist turns from his moaning. He confidently proclaims that the Lord has heard the sound of his weeping and commands workers of evil to depart from him (verse 8). Lastly, the psalmist displays a prophetic hope that because the Lord has taken to hand his prayer, his enemies will turn back and they will be put to shame (verse 10). Prayer: Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will help you to grieve without shame. Pray he will take to hand your prayers, your groaning in grief, the whimpers of your weeping, and the mumblings of your moaning. Pray he will help you through the waters that flow over you, by your tears and in your baptism, to meditate on his steadfast love for you. Pray that he will grant you the hope and confidence to command your foes to depart in the power of his holy name, that your grief may dissipate in the light of his love.

VIEWING WORSHIP AT HOME For those not able to attend church services, there are several ways to watch, listen and engage with Lutheran worship from home. Churches across Australia and New Zealand began live streaming or recording services to be accessed via the internet during COVID lockdowns last year. Some have continued this practice even after the resumption of face-to-face worship and lifting of restrictions. Details of some streamed services are at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/churchhome/ under the View@Home tab. In Melbourne, St Paul’s Box Hill records services for broadcast on Channel 44 (Community TV Channel 31 broadcasting on Channel 44) every Friday from 1 to 2pm. As well as supporting weekly live-streamed services from St Michael’s Lutheran Church Hahndorf, in South Australia and from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Toowoomba, in Queensland, Lutheran Media offers free worship DVDs and CDs. Order them at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/worship or by calling 1800 353 350.

THEREFORE DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF. EACH DAY HAS ENOUGH TROUBLE OF ITS OWN. MATTHEW 6:34 CHURCH

@home

Makeover I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Read Ezekiel 36:24–28. We all get to weather storms in life. And they tend to leave marks in one way or another. So how do we protect or try to insulate ourselves from getting hurt? One way is to ‘toughen up’. Sometimes we start putting up barriers around our vulnerability. We separate emotionally from others, which forms a wall. Then, often before we realise it, our hearts have hardened. We can find that the wall of protection has become our prison. We may be safe from potential threats, but something significant is missing. Loneliness creeps in, and the desire for authentic connection with others seems out of reach. God didn’t design us to have hearts of stone. He created us to have hearts of flesh. In the Bible reading, God is breathing life and hope back into his people.

God is good

BY GEORGIE SCHUSTER His promises include: • gathering them to himself • cleansing them from past mistakes • swapping out their hard hearts with hearts of flesh • filling them with his Spirit • repairing their relationship with him • giving them a fresh start. These promises are for us, too. Jesus paid the price for our restored relationship with God at Easter. We can receive healing in Jesus’ name. Our new hearts can receive and give love. We are empowered as we are filled with the Holy Spirit. This makeover is more than skin deep. It’s life-changing! Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for renewed hope. Thank you for taking our hearts of stone and giving us hearts of flesh and then pouring your love into them. Thank you for new life and new possibilities! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

BY DIANNE ECKERMANN

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:1) Read Psalm 118:1,2,19–29. These words have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I recall sitting around my grandparents’ kitchen table after meals (apple crumble was a favourite dessert). Before my grandfather would push his chair back, roll a cigarette and begin recounting the stories of his day, we would always give thanks. It’s not surprising I always associate this verse with a feeling of great comfort and thanksgiving: good food, the love of family and a special-occasion visit to my grandparents’ house. This psalm begins and ends with the same words of thankfulness for God’s love and goodness. It is not the only psalm that includes these words, so we hear repeatedly that God is good and his love endures forever. Repetition of this message really emphasises its importance. So, we can confidently thank God for his amazing goodness towards all people. We can also confidently offer thanks to God because his love endures forever. His love for his creation has always been in existence; it exists right now and will continue always. God’s love is so great that he sent Jesus to save each one of us. Jesus knowingly gave his life for us for the same reason. Jesus refers to Psalm 118 in Matthew 21:42. He speaks of the stone that the builders rejected, the cornerstone.

He knows that the great welcome he has received into Jerusalem will not last and that he will be rejected. But such is his great love for us that he will undergo a harsh and brutal death to save us. Unlike the fickle crowd who welcomed Jesus before turning on him, God’s love remains a constant in our lives. And for that, we can offer him great thanks. Heavenly Father, we can never thank you enough for your unchanging love or the great sacrifice of Jesus, your son. Please help us to appreciate this great sacrifice and truly understand the depths of your goodness. Amen.

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Photo: ALWS

When the ‘stranger’ you welcome is a girl … The girls you see here are Muslim girls from Somalia. Some may see them as 'strangers'. Through ALWS, our Lutheran family ‘welcomes the stranger’ inside refugee camps in Kenya … remote villages in South Sudan … displaced persons camps in Somalia. When you do this, you see that to follow Jesus and truly care for people requires you to humbly – and sometimes uncomfortably – listen to people’s real needs, to make sure no-one is forgotten. As refugees, these girls have limited access to sanitary napkins. So, when they begin menstruating, they may be forced to use rags. These rags, when washed and drying, can give the false ‘signal’ that girls are ‘ready’ for marriage.

Girls not at school also face an increased risk of sexual assault. Meanwhile, female genital mutilation remains a brutal threat.

FACT: 98% of girls aged 4–11 in Somalia suffer female genital mutilation – UNICEF Somalia GOOD NEWS! OUR LUTHERAN ACTION This Mother’s Day, through ALWS you can help protect young girls from these dangers: $79 can support a girl in South Sudan with training in menstrual hygiene and a Menstrual Hygiene Kit, to protect against forced early marriage and childbirth

Early marriage can mean becoming a mother at age 14 or 15, before the body is ready. That leads to death in childbirth or the horror of fistula.

$1600 can provide Dignity Kits of sanitary pads, soap and underwear to 100 girls in a displaced persons camp in Somalia, so they don’t miss out on school

Girls who have only rags may be ashamed to go to school. They may stay home for up to five days a month and lose their chance at a proper education, or simply drop out.

$26 can support a refugee girl in school for one year, so she can have a proper education and make her own choices about her life

These girls must not be forgotten. Together, we can welcome these ‘strangers’ with the care they need most. Please donate now:

alws.org.au * 1300 763 407

ALWayS for the forgotten

Delegates back electronic Synod meeting option

Above left: More than 50 people attended the two-day New Horizons conference co-hosted by LCANZ Local Mission departments New and Renewing Churches and Cross-Cultural Ministry at Pasadena in suburban Adelaide. Registrations are now open for the next New Horizons conference, which will be held in Sydney later this month. Above right: Dr Tania Nelson, the LCANZ’s executive officer for Local Mission, and Ron Ehrke, from St Paul Blair Athol, met up at the Adelaide event.

CONFERENCES SUPPORT MISSION The LCANZ’s New Horizons local mission conference program is heading to Sydney next month. This follows a successful 2021 launch at which more than 50 people attended a two-day workshop in Adelaide. Co-hosted by the New and Renewing Churches and Cross-Cultural Ministry departments, the conferences are being staged across Australia and New Zealand, as the teams work together to engage with new arrivals and support congregations wanting to be more embracing of newcomers. The conferences aim to: • build capacity for meaningful crosscultural engagement at the local (congregational) level, and • shape and support congregations and leaderships for multi-ethnic/ cross-cultural mission and ministry. The next event will be held on Saturday 29 May at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Darlinghurst, under this year’s New

Horizons theme of ‘Bridging cultures with the gospel’. Craig Heidenreich, the LCANZ crosscultural ministry facilitator, said the conferences were for anyone who ‘longs to see Jesus honoured in our society’. ‘Australia and New Zealand have always been nations of immigrants, but lately, those arriving are people from nonEuropean backgrounds who have had less exposure to the gospel’, he said. ‘Forty years ago, around one in 20 members of the Australian population was of non-European heritage – now it is one in four. In a city like Sydney this would be an even higher percentage. ‘There is an increasing desire within the LCANZ church family to better engage with our changing society. ‘We believe this changing demographic is a good mission opportunity, as these newcomers are less “inoculated” against the gospel and are probably more receptive.’

The LCANZ’s General Synod will be able to meet electronically should this be necessary in future, following the approval of changes to the church’s bylaws. The changes within sections 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the LCA’s bylaws, which relate to the convening of General Synod, the procedure of transacting business by Synod and nominations and elections, were approved last month by a postal ballot of delegates from the 2018 Convention of General Synod. The motion on the ballot, authorised by the General Church Board and submitted by the Secretary of the Church, proposed to allow conventions of General Synod to ‘take place by meeting in person or by electronic means’. The proposal also included bylaw changes to allow procedures in transacting business and nominations and elections to be amended to suit the form in which the meeting takes place, whether in-person or by electronic means. The Secretary of the Church, Dr Nigel Long, has announced that of the 417 ballots mailed out, 279 (67 per cent) valid votes were returned, which exceeded the required quorum of 209. He reported that 232 or 83.15 per cent of responding delegates voted ‘yes’ to approve the changes, while 47 or 16.85 per cent of delegates voted against the changes. This exceeded the requirement of a two-thirds majority for the motion to be adopted.

The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

20TH REGULAR CONVENTION OF GENER AL SYNOD

Hundreds join online child safety seminar An estimated 300 congregational leaders and pastors joined a recent LCANZ Safe Church webinar.

28 September– 3 October 2021*

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

www.generalsynod.lca.org.au Nominations are due 15 May 2021 via email to nominations@lca.org.au on the form available on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/nominations

Proposals are due 15 May 2021

via email to the Synod Secretary at synod@lca.org.au on the form from the LCA Convention of Synod website.

Board reports are due 7 May 2021 via email to the Synod Secretary (synod@lca.org.au) in the template supplied by the Executive Officer of the Church.

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

130 Magnolia Road, Tanunda SA 5352 www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/gpc

Lutheran Women of Australia Convention – 23–26 September 2021* Horsham Church of Christ Convention Centre 91 River Road, Horsham Vic 3400 Theme: BEING Strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10–18)

www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/ lwa-convention *All details are correct at the time of publishing. All venue and date information is subject to change due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen events

The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21

The webinar in late March featured a presentation on the draft LCA Child Safety Standards for Congregations by Child Protection Project Officer Mary-Ann Carver. The standards align with and will help the church to implement the Australian Government's National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The standards also are designed to help the LCANZ to build up its existing children’s ministries. Videos from the event are available on the Child Safety Standards page on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/css Mary-Ann and the LCANZ’s Professional Standards Department thanked everyone who participated for their commitment and their contributions during the online seminar.

LCANZ Child Protection Project Officer Mary-Ann Carver gave a presentation on the church's draft Child Safety Standards for Congregations during a recent webinar for congregational leaders and pastors.

Tim Ross, manager of the Professional Standards Department, said many participants also asked insightful questions during the webinar. ‘It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for Safe Church’, he said. ‘Due to the importance of the topics discussed, we encourage those who missed the webinar on the day to view and share the videos.’

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CONFERENCES SUPPORT MISSION Craig and Pastor Nathan Hedt, the LCANZ’s New and Renewing Churches department manager, will speak at the Sydney conference. ‘We find there is tremendous joy as we move out into the Lord’s harvest field and we would love you to join us at the conference’, Pastor Nathan said. ‘Come with your enthusiasm, your experiences and questions.’

A New Horizons conference is also planned for Melbourne on 24 and 25 July 2021, with Brisbane, New Zealand and Perth events slated for 2022. Registrations for the Sydney workshop on 29 May are open. For more information or to register for the Sydney conference, go to www.lca.org.au/new-horizons

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R ESPECT IS O N TH E LI N E BY HELEN LOCK WOOD

How many times have you heard these or similar words: ‘If this program has raised any issues for you, please call 1800RESPECT’? Often it follows a show about domestic and family violence or sexual abuse. This national counselling service is a vital 24-hour helpline, ready to support people going through abuse or whose memories of abuse have resurfaced. Have you wondered who might ring that number or what would it be like to take the calls of distressed and desperate people? May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Australia and recently I spoke to members of the Lutheran community who work on the 1800RESPECT line about their experiences. They say it’s a heavy burden hearing the stories of those being abused or who have been abused in the past. Some callers are in crisis, fearing for their lives, and the counsellor works to give them strategies to stay safe and to connect to services. Perhaps the hardest to hear is the impact on children. Some callers feel that they are going mad as their partner has been using coercive control, ‘gaslighting’ them. Sometimes the callers are experiencing spiritual abuse. Their violent partner is an important person in the church and so she fears she will not be believed. Or she believes her marriage vows mean she has to stay in a violent relationship, or he keeps telling her that this is the cross Jesus expects her to bear. Both women and men call. Some abuse the counsellors. Some need to talk about their trauma. Some are asking how to help family and friends they suspect are experiencing domestic and family violence. When COVID-19 restrictions began the lines went quiet. Counsellors were worried because they knew that abuse

‘ … I F I A M TO R E ACH O UT TO T H AT PERSO N W IT H CO M PAS SI O N , I N EED TO L AY ASI D E MY POW ER AS J ESUS D I D A N D STA N D A LO N GSI D E T H EM AS T H EY S H A R E T H EI R PAI N .’

survivors were locked in at home with perpetrators 24/7. Fear and trauma were magnified by the isolation of COVID lockdowns. The counsellors face many challenges. They spoke to me about how their understanding of God’s love for everyone helps them to respond positively to those they speak with and how they pray for the right words to say. Domestic and family violence workers are aware of their power with extremely vulnerable people. One worker said: ‘I need that power when I have to advocate for the survivor, but if I am to reach out to that person with compassion, I need to lay aside my power as Jesus did and stand alongside them as they share their pain. The name of Jesus may not be spoken, but Jesus goes along inside me as I work.’ Helen Lockwood is a member of the LCANZ’s Working Group on Domestic and Family Violence. The Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts campaign website at www.preventdfv.lca.org.au features stories of survivors, resources and support. If this article has triggered any concerns for you, you can ring the 1800RESPECT number or log in to the website at www.1800respect.org.au

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.. www.preventdfv.lca.org.au

HIDDEN

HURTS

HEALING

HEARTS

LCA PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

After the upheavals, uncertainty and suffering faced by many in the past year due to the pandemic, fires, droughts and floods, it’s not surprising that mental health has become a hot topic. For community leaders, the danger of burnout may be great as they try to serve others in difficult and trying circumstances. That’s why LCANZ Pastor Adrian Kitson says it’s important for pastors and other church leaders to reflect on their mental health and watch out for …

FIVE SIG NS YOU R CH AR ACTER IS SLOW LY I M PLO D I N G Sound a bit dramatic? It’s not. I reflect on my journey as a pastor and leader and hear this as God’s gentle leading for the impossible never-ending task of serving God’s people. I share it to bless the many pastors and ministry leaders whom Jesus loves in our dear LCANZ.

What’s the solution? If your partner, kids or close associates see a growing gap between what you say and what you do, and tell you, listen up! They will help you never say publicly what you’re unwilling to live privately.

This is all about self-awareness. There are few better friends for a leader than self-awareness. I suspect you have seen leaders who think they’re doing well, when in fact, everyone around them knows they are not.

Be honest about any flaws you have and speak from your weakness as much as your strength. And if you have a growing gap that needs to be addressed, address it. Get help. Tell a friend. See a counsellor. Get on your knees.

How do you not become that leader? Here are five signs I’ve watched in my own life and seen in the lives of others that help me determine whether my character is in check or slowly imploding. They are a reflection on a podcast by Carey Nieuwhof, a Canadian pastor and leadership mentor (www.careynieuwhof.com).

T H E R E ’ S A G R OW I N G GA P B E T W E E N W H AT YO U SAY PU B LI C LY A N D H OW YO U LI V E P R I VAT E LY

Character rarely implodes suddenly. Instead, there’s almost always a slow erosion until eventually, it happens. Consequently, wise leaders keep an eye on gaps between what they say publicly and how they live privately. When you preach grace but snap at your partner, kids, church members or staff, that’s a problem. When you say you care about people but don’t make time for anyone in need in your personal life, that’s an issue.

And in leadership, try to ensure what you say publicly is how you live privately.

YO U R E M OT I O N S A R E I N A P P R O P R I AT E TO T H E S IT UATI O N

A sure sign something is wrong with your character are emotional responses that are disproportionate to a given situation. • You fly off the handle over small things. • You feel nothing when people tell you something upsetting. • You can’t celebrate someone else’s success. Those could be signs of burnout or could flag something deeper – a character issue. These are signs of danger ahead. Your character is at its best when Christ, by the Spirit and his word, take over the deepest parts of who you are – your heart, mind and soul. And when he is at the centre of you, your reactions become much healthier. The only way my character stays at this level is if I submit my heart and life to Jesus’ word daily. We call it repentance and forgiveness – and forgiveness is available!

YO U H AV E LES S A N D LES S G R AC E TO G I V E

When my character has been at its weakest, grace is in short supply.

There’s nothing wrong with having high standards as a leader. There’s a tremendous amount wrong when those high standards cause you to treat people like dirt. Grace runs out in your life when God runs out in your life. If you need more grace, you need more God.

YO U R LE A D E RS H I P H AS B ECO M E A B O U T YO U

Leaders serve people. They don’t believe people exist to serve them. When your character begins to implode, you forget that. Usually at the heart of a character implosion is unresolved pain. And pain, by its nature, is selfish. When you are hurting, you completely forget about anything else. So, if you’re a selfish leader, get on your knees, see a counsellor, get help. When that pain is resolved in some helpful way, you’ll quickly return to leading well again.

YO U J U STI F Y YO U R BA D AC TI O N S A N D D EC I S I O N S

There’s a certain point in the journey where you realise there’s a problem but refuse to deal with it. How do you know you’ve hit that point? When you start justifying bad behaviour and decisions. You may start saying things like: ‘If you had this much pressure in your life, you’d do it too’, and ‘Nobody understands’. Well, believe that if you want to, but also believe that your complete implosion and erosion of trust with those

around you is closer than you think. Leaders who justify their bad behaviour lose their authority to lead. Conversely, leaders who recognise it and seek help almost always get better. Hope is in seeking good conversation with trusted people – professionals, family members, friends and local colleagues. Habits that stay close to God’s word are healing habits. They keep you serving with grace in the freedom that is yours in Jesus. Listening to those who know and love you the most is very wise. Listening to people in your community who notice things and have a quiet humility with a challenging word are often the Lord’s instruments of gentle (or not so gentle) warning and prodding. Ask people you trust to monitor your public words and give them permission to share their sense of you in that public space. Set yourself boundaries in all aspects of daily life – how it begins, where you go and who you hang out with. The best news is that Jesus hangs out with us, no matter the stage of our character. That is what I see in the gospels in the likes of Zacchaeus, Matthew, Peter, the Gerasene guy, the woman caught in the act and the men accusing her. Jesus is our source of best character and faithful serving in his mission. Adrian Kitson is Senior Pastor at St Petri Lutheran Church Nuriootpa, in South Australia and is the chairperson of the LCANZ’s Commission on Worship. The Lutheran M AY 2 0 21