The Lutheran November 2020 digital edition

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

N OVEMBER 2020

‘In all things God works for the good of those who love him.’

RO MA NS 8:2 8

VOL 54 N10

Print Post Approved PP100003514

God can bring

good things from bad times

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

Backing a shore thing!

On a shore break from an annual houseboat trip, three ‘world leaders’ put aside any political differences to meet upstream from Blanchetown in the South Australian Riverland and check out our favourite church magazine. From left, they are Paul Schenscher, Graham Henschke and Mark Herrmann, all from St John’s Lutheran Church Naracoorte in SA’s SouthEast. The photo was by taken by fellow St John’s member Errol Schenscher.

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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Most treasured Bible text: Romans 5:8 ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’

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Most treasured Bible text: Jeremiah 29:11

Accountant and a busy mother of three children ‘I have plans for you, to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.’

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LUTHERAN

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

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

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Hans Hornscheidt Bethlehem Lutheran Church Morley WA Retired international banker Most treasured Bible text: Isaiah 43:11 ‘I alone am the Lord, the only one who can save you.’

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.

November Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

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As Christians, we know – and Scripture reminds us – that God can bring blessings out of bad situations, even if we don’t always recognise them right away.

Sometimes these blessings follow quickly after a tragedy or heartbreaking event, as God moves people to bring love to life for those who are hurting. What results can leave us in awe of his wisdom, power and heart for his people.

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He suffers with us and knows our greatest fears. This intimate relationship between Father and children is, as the beloved hymn calls it ‘blessed assurance’, even when our pain is beyond what we think we can bear.

Sometimes the good emanating from something terrible may take years – and many seemingly unanswered prayers – to materialise, as God’s will unfolds, in his time. In Genesis we read of the blessings he brought out of Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers – and you can delve more into that in this month’s Bible study on page 11.

I’ve experienced this goodness after tragedy or hardship personally.

Having lost my dad as a child, I gained a wonderful step-father and siblings after my mum remarried. And, through times of job insecurity, God opened my eyes to his path for me.

In this edition we are privileged to share stories from around our church about God’s remarkable goodness and faithfulness. These offer a small insight into how he can use us to further his kingdom, bringing blessings from even the most trying times, or in the face of the biggest disappointments.

We also bring back some popular sections, including Go and Grow, which this month features wonderful resources for Advent and Christmas. And, mindful of your responses to our subscriber survey (see page 24), 24), we are retaining Church@Home devotional materials, as you’ve told us they are a treasured inclusion, even for those who’ve been able to return to face-to-face worship.

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Embracing change for his kingdom

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Christ’s love knows no borders

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Regulars Heartland

There have been many examples of God’s grace and mercy in this difficult past 12 months.

In the generosity and compassion shown to shattered people by their neighbours, churches and the wider public, after lives, homes and livelihoods were razed by bushfires, we have seen the very nature of God. In the connections made with and care provided for those suffering and isolated by the global devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experience the very touch of God – even as we keep physical distance from each other.

Blessed beyond belief

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13

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Dwelling in God’s word

11

Go and Grow

13

Church@Home

17

Reel Life

21

The inside story

23

Going GREYT!

26

Directory

28

Your voice

28

Prayer calendar

30

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26 *Sudoku will return next issue.

I pray that in these pages we all see evidence of the hope that only Jesus offers to replenish our souls when hardship leaves us ‘running on empty’ – and the blessings he showers on us and through us, even in the darkest days.

Lisa

Our cover: Photo © Amy Dahlenburg www.amydeephotography.com

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

WHAT’S IN OUR NAME? THE CALL TO SHARE THE GOOD NE WS ‘This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe’ (Romans 3:22 NIV).

During my school years in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, people would sometimes ask me about my ‘religion’. Their frequent response to hearing ‘Lutheran’ was, ‘Is that a sect?’ Admitting to being Lutheran was a quick way to lose friends. For compulsory Religious Education, the list of denominations would be exhausted by the time I got to put my hand up.

What, indeed, is ‘Lutheran’? Why use the name of a 16th-century Saxon monk of whom most Aussies and Kiwis have never heard? And even if they’ve heard, they hardly care – unless, that is, they are already inside the smallish Lutheran bubble.

LUTH ERANS ARE AT TH EI R VERY BEST W H EN TH EY RESPO N D TO GOD’S CALL TO GO I NTO TH E WORLD TO SHARE TH E GOOD N EWS OF TH E KI NG DO M .

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The names of many churches are pretty obvious. Roman Catholic is the Roman branch of the catholic (universal) church. Orthodox is Trinitarian Christian.

Anglicanism originated in the British Isles. Uniting Church and Churches of Christ are straightforward, as is Salvation Army. Baptist is a reference to believer-baptism, Presbyterian to church governance by presbyters (elders). Methodism began with a practical ‘method’ of evangelism.

‘Lutheran’, however, was first used as an insult during a religious debate in 1519. Luther didn’t like the name, but it stuck. He wrote in 1522, ‘I ask that my name be left silent and people not call themselves Lutheran, but rather Christians’.

So that was one down for Luther and one up for popular opinion! It goes to show that Lutherans do not accept something as true just because Luther said it. For truth, we turn to Scripture. In 1528, seemingly having given up on the name issue, the reformer wrote, ‘Luther himself will not be Lutheran if he does not purely teach the holy Scripture’.

We Lutherans do have a bias about holy Scripture: we read it through a Christ-centred lens. We believe that we are saved only by God’s grace and only through faith in Jesus Christ. A famous Reformation painting shows Luther preaching to the congregation: his left hand on the Bible and his right hand

pointing to the crucified Christ, whose cross stands front and centre.

The early Lutherans were reformers, not separatists. They retained baptism, holy communion, the ecumenical creeds, the liturgy and the seasons.

They didn’t smash statues or whitewash walls. They kept the crucifix as a symbol of the crucified Christ.

Their protest was against spiritual abuse. Other things they left alone, unless they obscured the gospel.

Today we are still passionate about faith, anchored in the truth of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus. In that sense we are evangelical, a name we used for ourselves until recently. It comes from ‘evangel’, meaning ‘good news’ or ‘gospel’. The good news of God’s love for us in his Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour, is at the centre of everything we believe and teach as Lutherans.

Lutherans are at their very best when they respond to God’s call to go into the world to share the good news of the kingdom. We have all we need – God’s word, baptism, and holy communion.

Just as sauce does not stay in the bottle but must be poured out to add its special flavour, so God has placed us in the world to be poured out in his service, pointing people to Christ as the Saviour of the world. That, in the end, is what it is to be truly Lutheran.

Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church in Western Australia is on a church-planting journey. Among their fellowship groups guided by Mission Facilitator Matt Schubert is Plus, for young adults.

Knowing what we need before we do, God can bring good out of bad situations and joy out of disappointments to ensure that his church is …

Blessed

BY LISA MCINTOSH

B E YO N D B E L I E F

When Matt Schubert became mission facilitator/ church planter at Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church (RMLC) in Western Australia earlier this year, he didn’t know what God had in store for him and the congregation’s outreach ministries beyond 2020.

RMLC, they donated $50,000 to the Western Australian church. Matt and the leaders of RMLC were thrilled by God’s goodness. ‘This gift towards our church-planting endeavour in WA is an incredible example of Christian maturity’, Matt says. ‘The question that these people asked was not “What’s best for us?”. They instead asked, “What’s best for God’s mission?”.

RMLC, which worships across two sites south of Perth, began a church-planting journey more than four years ago, praying for guidance. In following God’s lead, they committed to support ‘ TH IS R EFLECTS a mission facilitator position for three years and to plant a new church. But, TH AT GO D IS U P TO as a relatively small congregation, they knew they wouldn’t be able to source all SO M ETH I N G W ITH I N the necessary money from within their O U R CH U RCH . . . O N LY immediate community.

Chairperson Monika Tropiano admits to ‘some anxiety’ – in addition to quiet prayer and contemplation – over how RMLC would raise the $250,000 they needed to make the outreach ministry sustainable.

H E CO U LD H AV E O RCH ESTR ATED SU CH A N amazing A N D I NS PI R I N G G I F T.’

Meanwhile, the 16-member Redeemer congregation at Nairne in the Adelaide Hills – more than 2700 kilometres from RMLC – had been planning to support a church plant in northern Adelaide with some of the proceeds of a 2006 land sale. But that South Australian church plant didn’t materialise and so, when the Redeemer members learnt of the need at

‘The nature of any missionary work – church planting included – is that I spend a lot of my time with people who don’t initially value gospel ministry. In a very real sense, the Nairne congregation are standing in the gap for not-yet-Christians, placing value on a ministry the unconverted don’t yet value, supporting a church which is yet to exist.’

In response to the gift, RMLC Pastor Steve Liersch says, ’If it were not COVID times, I would have hugged anyone I saw. Praise God! Prayers have truly been answered. This reflects that God is up to something within our church and the wider LCA. Only he could have orchestrated such an amazing and inspiring gift.

‘I hope that Matt’s next few years here will not only bear fruit with people coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, but also in that process the Holy Spirit will The Lutheran N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0

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use him to inspire others to be involved. We have already had adult baptisms as a result of Matt’s ministry and this will hopefully show even more how everyday people, conversations and opportunities can be used by God for eternal blessings and current inspiration for his church.’

Western Australia District Bishop Mike Fulwood says he is ‘so thankful’ for the way God’s Spirit works to inspire people. ‘Wow - God is good’, Bishop Mike says. ‘That people we have never met are supporting mission to people they have never met, is something straight from the heart of God.’ Monika is hopeful that the donation will allow RMLC to move from being focused on its own needs ‘to being a part of the mission of God and sharing our faith so that others will come to know the transformation that following Jesus can bring’.

This is the latest chapter in another story of God’s faithfulness in bringing good out of disappointments or

‘ TH AT PEO PLE W E H AV E N E V ER M ET A R E supporting M IS SI O N TO PEO PLE TH EY H AV E N E V ER M ET, IS SO M ETH I N G STR AI G HT FRO M TH E heart O F GO D.’

hard times. When the Redeemer congregation was given a parcel of land by John and Maureen Nitschke in the late 1980s, they intended to build a church. Established 33 years ago, the congregation has never had its own worship centre, instead holding services in the local Uniting Church building.

But when the land was deemed unsuitable by the local council due to parking requirements, Redeemer members were led by the Holy Spirit to turn their disappointment into blessings for others. They aimed to support a church plant in the Adelaide Hills, but plans for possible developments in their local area stalled, according to Nairne chairperson Michael Gladigau and other members.

‘We wanted to be good stewards of the gifts we were custodians to’, they say. ‘The Holy Spirit moved us to investigate looking into giving some of this money to (the LCA’s) New and Renewing Churches. God is always leading us and answering prayers, as he knows best.

We need to trust him. Our vision is limited. God is omniscient.’

What they learnt regarding church planting, together with prayerful consideration on how the funds would be used for furthering the planting of God’s word, led them to first make a gift of $50,000 to a church plant in south-east Queensland in 2018. At that time the recipients – LCA/NZ church planter Chris Podlich and the young leaders of Beyond Church in northern Brisbane – believed God was calling them to move.

Approximately 2000 kilometres from Nairne, Beyond had been planted out of Living Faith Lutheran Church at Murrumba Downs in 2015. Now it was time to step out in faith into the heart of the unchurched community they had been preparing to serve. But, Chris says, they didn’t know where they would establish a new base or how they would fund setting up their own church facilities.

Within a 48-hour period, God had shown them the ‘how’ and the ‘where’, with Nairne committing its financial gift and a local state school agreeing to welcome them into their campus at Griffin.

The move has enabled Beyond to establish its distinct presence as ‘a church that unchurched people love to attend’. It has grown from one service to two; one small group to nine; one youth environment to three; one team of eight leaders to multiple teams that have more than 50 leaders in them; and service projects that began with 10 people serving having grown to involve more than 30 people in them.

As with Rockingham-Mandurah, before COVID-19 adult baptisms had become a regular feature of life and ministry at Beyond.

Chris has met with members of the Nairne congregation when he’s had the chance and says the two donations

Adult baptisms have been a result of God working through church planter Matt Schubert’s ministry at Rockingham Mandurah.

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LifeWay Lutheran Church at Epping in suburban Sydney was running English conversation classes (left) pre-COVID as part of its multiethnic ministry. The Songbirds (below, performing at a Moon Festival) is another LifeWay ministry group building bridges between cultures in the local community.

they have made to Beyond have brought much more than financial benefit.

‘It’s something that I’ve personally drawn on and I know our leadership team has drawn on as an encouragement when things get hard,’ he says. ‘When you ask, “Is this worth it?” and you look back on those times, you think, “Well, God clearly thinks it’s worth it”. God’s been moving in people’s hearts. Clearly God’s behind this. These gifts change lives.’

Another example of the life-changing power of local mission through church planting is occurring in Epping, a north-western suburb of Sydney, around 1300 kilometres from Nairne. In 2019, Redeemer provided seed money towards staff for a multi-ethnic church plant out of LifeWay Lutheran Church. Lead Pastor Mark Schultz says the gift was an ‘incredible encouragement’ and an answer to prayer as LifeWay wrestled with how to do mission and ministry in a changing community, with 59 per cent of people speaking a language other than English at home and a third of the suburb being recent arrivals.

‘It enabled us to get into the local schools and work with young people as they straddle multiple cultures, and employ Mandarin and Cantonese speakers to be bridgebuilders between cultures’, Pastor Mark says. ‘Walking in mission is a constant journey of trust; it’s easy to hold back because we fear a lack of resources, but reminders like this draw us back to a faithful God, in whom we lack

no good thing. God is a God of abundance and provides for his church in surprising ways.’

LifeWay has now embarked on another step of faith. In conjunction with the NSW District, it has just employed a church planter, Danny Brock, to plant LifeWay Westside, a greenfields multi-ethnic church near the new International airport in Western Sydney.

Michael and the Redeemer folk say hearing the grateful responses from people who have received the gifts gives them ‘a feeling of joy and thankfulness that we are able to help others through the blessings we have received’.

‘We are reminded of the wonderful miracle that Jesus performed when feeding the multitudes with a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread’, they say. ‘This one block of land is enabling multitudes to know of God’s love for them. We hope that God’s word will be proclaimed to as many people as possible and people will be led to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

‘What is the point of having money in the bank, when there is a need to support those led to spread the gospel, people with gifts of listening, praying and leading people to Jesus? This became our ministry, part of God’s plan to spread the gospel, as he wants all to be saved.’

The people of Beyond Church at Griffin in northern Brisbane have been reaching out to unchurched people for more than five years.

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Embracing change FO R H IS KI NG DO M

While the tragedies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have upended many lives, ‘getting back to normal’ is not something the people of Mawson Lakes Community Church (MLCC) are hoping for.

Like many other church communities, the people of this LCA/NZ congregation in Adelaide’s north have undergone some dramatic shifts in their ministries since March this year. But for MLCC it wasn’t just a case of temporarily ‘pivoting and innovating’ while churches were closed – instead it’s been a matter of ushering in sustainable change.

For Pastor Chris Mann that attitude is biblically based.

‘Every time there’s a crisis, what God wants people to do is to embrace something new – you find that all through the Bible’, he says. ‘And so when people say they want to go back to the way things were, I find that sad and disheartening. They’re missing what God has for them.

‘ WE ARE

wired

Before COVID-19, MLCC had an out-of-date website and little social media presence. When shutdown occurred, decisions were made to employ staff to improve and increase the church’s online presence, including through its website at www.mlcc.org.au Creating an online community using live-streaming – a focus even after face-to-face worship returned in South The Lutheran N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0

Today MLCC describes itself as ‘one church, two rooms’ – one virtual, online room and one face-to-face room on Sundays.

Pastor Chris says the most important thing MLCC has learnt as a community through the pandemic is to be as inclusive as possible. ‘We’re serving people with online church who always needed to be served, but would only be included through people visiting them in their homes when they were able to’, he says. ‘Now they’re part of the worship service and they feel included.

They were always important, but now they feel that they are.’

BY GO D F O R N E W TH I N GS .’

‘We’re wired by God for new things, especially in hard times. So the question really is, “What is the ‘new’ that God would have us do during this time?”

Newness gives the direction, hope and structure to people that they desperately need in hard times. So we want to keep on going and see where God would take this.’

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Australia – has enabled the congregation to support those unable to meet in person, says Amy Dahlenburg, who oversees the communication of church culture through branding, online presence and community connection. She says the congregation has utilised online social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, as well as making weekly community calls through internet conferencing system Zoom and sending out newsletters.

Having connected with people interstate and overseas through online worship, MLCC is working on improving its ability to follow up those connections. And Pastor Chris says some people who first connected through online worship have started coming to in-person worship once that was available. ‘We’re probably at around about halfa-dozen people who have started coming face-to-face, who we didn’t have contact with before COVID.’ Those without internet access haven’t been forgotten.

Amy says MLCC has had church members on a phone cycle to make regular calls to anyone who wasn’t online.

‘ E V ERY TI M E TH ER E’S A

crisis, W H AT GO D WA NTS PEO PLE TO DO IS TO embrace

Most of these connections were through the church’s small groups.

‘We also encouraged members, when it was safe to do so, to invite people to their houses to watch the livestream’, Amy says. ‘We still encourage this to help people who are still unable to come to face-to-face church and don’t have internet access, but who may be able to get to a friend’s house or have someone bring a device and sit with them.’

SO M ETH I N G N E W – YO U FI N D TH AT A LL TH RO U G H TH E B I B LE.’

As the congregation’s shepherd, Pastor Chris says his biggest personal learning has been around the capacity of other leaders. ‘We’ve always had an emphasis on “team”, but relying on the expertise of other people and developing a real team ethos among all the leaders, that’s really increased for me as a pastor.’

They’ve also gained new volunteers, some of whom weren’t previously regular worshippers, even though they were part of the MLCC community.

‘People have become motivated, but also their skills have become more valued’, Pastor Chris says. ‘Every church community has people who love that community but don’t come most Sunday mornings. They may just feel there’s not a role for them. We have people who weren’t regular worshippers but have been volunteering regularly, because they care about the church and they care about the people in it.

‘We have a fundamental belief that God has already given us the gifts that we need to do what he wants us to do, so we’ve asked ourselves “Who are the people who’ve got the abilities we need?”.’

Mawson Lakes Community Church describes itself as ‘one church, two rooms’ – one virtual, online room (above and right) and one face-to-face room on Sundays (opposite page). Photos: Amy Dahlenburg

Sponsorship of the Christian Life Week camps provides financial assistance for new attendees.

Now

2020 Together in mission 2020 summarises and celebrates the many projects and missions that the LLL has assisted in the past year.

We encourage everyone to read the latest edition to find out how the support of our customers has assisted the wider church.

Thank you for your support.

available online and in congregations.

Visit: lll.org.au/tim Read about: • LLL banking app • 40-years of communion set gifts • LLL Mission Outreach Grants • CLW Camping Ministry Grants • Encounter College developments • LLL Sponsorships and more!

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

After a stressful move to South Australia from Victoria amid COVID-19 border restrictions (and after mandatory homequarantining), Faye Schmidt was reunited with her daughter Lisa Schmidt. Lisa, who is the Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia, and Faye are both members at Bethlehem Adelaide.

Christ’s love

K N OWS N O BO R D ERS B Y F AY E S C H M I D T

Early this year I decided that I would retire from paid employment and relocate from Melbourne to Adelaide to be near my daughter as I enter my final years.

Then COVID-19 happened. Like many others, I began working full-time from home.

As part of a team within the Victorian Government which provided funding support to organisations, businesses and individuals to ease the financial impact of the pandemic, I worked long hours and it was a stressful time.

Knowing I would be moving, I submitted my request to police to enter South Australia. I received an automated email with an entry reference number and advice that if I hadn’t heard back within three days to proceed to the border and that my entry would be reviewed there.

My final day of work was 9 July. On 14 July my belongings were collected by removalists to be freighted to Adelaide.

The next day I drove, with my cat on board, towards the SA border.

At the border I gave police my entry number and was questioned about my accommodation arrangements and family connections in Adelaide. I was directed to a COVID-19 test. After the test, I drove a few kilometres The Lutheran N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0

After a police visit to check that I was self-isolating, the following week I finally received an official response to my request to enter SA – I had been denied! Police advised me that I was very lucky as had I not already been in Adelaide, I would not have been allowed into SA. I share my story because this whole process highlighted even more for me what it means to live under the grace of God.

GO D R EQ U I R ES N O PA PERWO R K , N O J USTI FI C ATI O N F O R ENTRY TO H IS K I N G DO M , N O BA R R I ERS TO B E OV ERCO M E.

I was terrified. I was now in limbo. Would my paperwork be sufficient? What if they wouldn’t let me in? I had a cat and so couldn’t stay in a motel. I couldn’t go back – I had no furniture and my home was up for sale. I have never been so stressed and tense.

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before stopping to send a text to my daughter that I was through the border. I broke down and cried in relief.

LCA/NZ Bishop John Henderson cited Romans 8:38,39 in many of his COVID-19 communications to our church: ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

What a stark contrast this is to the fear, stress and anxiety I experienced with my border crossing! God requires no paperwork, no justification for entry to his kingdom, no barriers to be overcome. Christ has overcome all separation between us.

As Paul says in Romans 8:37, ‘No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us’.

Faye Schmidt is now a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide and serves on the LCA/NZ’s General Church Board.

ING IN L L E DW WORD S ' D GO GS GOOD OUT N I R B GOD U AT I O N S T I S D A B OF Some forms of coronavirus restrictions have been part of our lives for months.

Many people feel isolated, others uncertain, exhausted, or frustrated. Some also experience this time as a blessing of a quieter life without dozens of commitments.

What is your experience?

How has COVID-19 impacted your daily life?

You have not caused the pandemic, yet you have to suffer the consequences. Similarly, Joseph in the book of Genesis suffers much hardship in his life that was not caused by his own doing and he had no control over the circumstances.

Read Genesis 37:4,5 and 23–27, Genesis 39:11–20 and Genesis 40:20–23. What are all the wrongs done to Joseph? How did Joseph respond in each situation?

Was he resentful? Did he seek revenge?

Amazingly, through all the hardship Joseph suffered, he remained faithful to God and treated others kindly.

In the face of continued mistreatment, in our human nature, we are quick to lament the unfairness, resent those who cause it and can easily slip into a state of depression and give up or seek to get even. Instead, Joseph models a path of continual forgiveness and makes himself available to be God’s instrument right where he is.

Jesus teaches and wins for us the same forgiveness. As a baptised child of God, you live in the love and forgiveness of Christ. Every new day is a fresh start, a new day to be the instrument of God and to share his love and blessings with others.

Read Genesis 50:18–20. Can you think of a current or past situation that was bad but God brought good things out of it?

Read Romans 8:28.

by Maria Rudolph

The key statement in this comforting verse is that you and all people are called by God for specific purposes in his kingdom, and God works for your good. But does that mean life is supposed to be smooth sailing?

What is your specific call from God on your life at the moment? How does your church community help and equip you to live out this call?

Sometimes the road ahead seems to be full of obstacles and pain and the outward conditions don’t seem to suit the purpose God has in mind for you. ‘If only … then I could … ’ becomes a common thought in our heads.

What tasks or decisions do you put off because the outside parameters don’t seem to fit with God’s calling or with what you know God wants you to do?

As we read on in the Romans 8 passage, Paul gives us the most wonderful assurance that we can rest secure in the love of God, which provides the overarching framework for our lives.

Read Romans 8:31,35–39. How does the Romans passage put things into perspective for you?

As you continue to live in the ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 pandemic, how can these insights help you to focus on the good things God brings out of bad situations?

Thank you, dear Lord, for always working for the good of those who love you, including me. Help me to question less and to trust you more as I step out boldly to share your love with others and as I humble myself so you can work through me right where I am at. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Maria Rudolph is a student at Australian Lutheran College and is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church Duncraig in Western Australia, along with her three children and pastor husband Michael.

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How far will your gift of grace go this COVID Christmas?

Who knows how long COVID-19 will keep us apart from those we care about? Until Christmas?

This year, more than ever before, we need to find ways to connect with those we care about. Our own friends and families. Families in the world’s poorest countries threatened by poverty, conflict and COVID-19.

That’s why this year’s ALWS Gifts of Grace is packed with Connect at Christmas ideas: • 21 gifts based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:34–40 (I was hungry …)

• 5 gifts under $10 (Sunday school, primary school, grandchildren) • as many Grace Cards as you like (recycled, packed by volunteers)

Each Gift of Grace helps people like Venenanda from Burundi, the mum of the children you see in the photo.

‘Before I didn’t even know how to read and write, but now I can write my name on paper!

Learning Kit – $16 I am hoping you will continue to help people like me. An iron roof would be good and some kitchen pots. Build a house – $243 I hope I can learn about growing the trees in the nursery too. Farming Kit – $66 If I keep growing in knowledge, I know that this will improve my life.’

Each friend or family member who receives a Grace Card you send will be reminded how much you care for them … and inspired by seeing your values at work bringing love to life. What a gift of grace you will be!

This COVID Christmas, Gifts of Grace can bring you close … no matter how far away you may be!

1300 763 407 * alws.org.au/grace LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

ES R ESO U RC ...

O T U O FOR Y

P R EPA R I N G TO PA S S O N CH RISTMAS J OY

BY A N N E H A N S EN

CH R ISTM AS IS A TI M E OF SHARING LOV E A N D G I F T- G IVI N G .

Christmas is a time of sharing love and gift-giving. I love hearing stories of how our Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) resources are used.

Some congregations use our postcards for outreach, printing Christmas service times and a greeting on the back and then letterboxing the community to share the hope of Jesus. A bookmark is included with the Advent devotional booklet, also printed with service times on the back.

Leaflets are written on and delivered to neighbours. Text cards are tied onto a plate of biscuits given to people isolated at home.

This year the LTM Advent devotional booklet leads a ‘Journey through Advent’. We encounter people who foretold our Lord’s coming, those who met the baby Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph. God had these plans since the world began and over Advent we see the journey unfold.

We discover why we have animals in the traditional nativity scene, why we give presents, use and decorate a Christmas tree, and other traditions.

This can be downloaded and printed by congregations or used as a flipbook on an electronic device.

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Continued from page 13

SHARING THE REASON FOR THE SEASON LTM also has Christmas leaflets, cards, bookmarks and postcards to give and send to family and friends – and you can seal the envelopes with a Christmas sticker, just $1 for an A4 sheet of 15 stickers and Bible verses.

A N AT I V I T Y W I T H A DIFFERENCE About five years ago I bought a small magnetic nativity. I wondered whether LTM could produce a nicer nativity for all ages. It needed to be affordable and big enough for children to play with on the fridges of parents and grandparents. Thus the magnetic nativity set was created, with artwork provided by my brother-in-law Clint. At $3 for an A4 sheet of 15 magnetic pieces, grandparents can have it on their fridge and aged-care residents can place it on a magnetic room board, while it can also be a gift for pre-school children and primary school students can enjoy it at school.

CO U NTI N G DOW N TO C H R I ST M A S In the past two years LTM has produced ‘Countdown to Christmas 1 & 2’ sticker Advent calendars, again drawn by Clint. Putting a sticker on the calendar each day leading up to Christmas, you can make the nativity story piece by piece. My 91-year-old mother enjoyed doing it and displayed it on her fridge for all to see, as well as giving it to her great-grandchildren to have fun with. At $1 each, they are affordable as gifts for children from their teachers and for churches to give children at Advent.

Anne Hansen is LTM Development Officer. LTM is an outreach ministry of the LLL.

14

The Lutheran N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0

SO MANY O PT I O N S TO G I V E A G I F T O F LO V E …

Wishing you God’s love and peace this Advent and Christmas as you discover new ways of using LTM’s gifts of love. Visit our website at www.ltm.org.au to find out more and please let me know how you use the tracts (anne.hansen@lll.org.au).

WAITI NG I N H O P E AT T H E MANGER

Advent traditions are oriented towards a theme of waiting and preparing in hope.

The four weeks of Advent spark a sense of eagerness and anticipation. During Advent, your congregation might like to use the idea of a prayer manger as part of your worship and preparations. Each of the four Sundays will allow your congregation to add their prayers to the manger.

Individual households can have a prayer manger in their homes, too. You can create the manger using an old box.

Grow Ministries’ GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) Advent event provides ideas and opportunities to share the Advent rituals and traditions that have been passed down through many generations and make new ones. GIFT Advent is available at www.growministries.org.au/product/gift-advent-final/

M A N G E R P R AY E R A C T I V I T Y

The symbolism of preparing the manger for the coming of Christ is a meaningful Advent activity.

You will need: A manger Strips of yellow paper (as hay) Pens

Use this manger and hay as part of your Christmas services.

What to do: 1. Set 1.

Set up an empty manger with a small pile of hay next to it (you will need strips of yellow paper as hay for this - A4 sheets of paper cut into 3cm strips).

2. Have 2.

Have participants offer prayer petitions by writing their prayers onto a strip of paper. Place these petitions as a piece of hay in the manger.

3. Leave 3.

Leave the manger in an accessible location where people can stop by for ongoing prayers throughout the Advent season, adding a piece of hay each time.

B E C O V I D - S A F E Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are planning to use this idea in a congregational space we suggest you have a container with clean pencils/pens and another to put used pencils/pens. We suggest having an antibacterial handwash bottle for people to use before getting their piece of paper, or have someone with gloves or sterilised hands handing out the strips.

Astrolabe Bay bird figure.

Image by Kevin Hamdorf.

WA N TO K PLACE REOPENS

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

S TAY I N TO U C H W I T H T H E L AT EST I N I N T E R N AT I O N A L MISSION NEWS …

Stay up to date with the latest news about what you are doing through LCA International Mission by subscribing to LCA International Mission eNews, delivered to your inbox each month.

Located at 175A Archer Street, North Adelaide, the museum is open every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. Privately booked tours can also be arranged via email to wantok-place@lca.org.au or by phone with Timothy Pietsch on 0419 606 707.

You’ll receive inspiring stories of how God is working to build his church, meet brothers and sisters from other countries whose lives have been transformed by the gospel, and receive regular updates about volunteer opportunities, congregational and school partnerships and news about how you can support the work of the gospel.

A special exhibition of rare photographs will be mounted in the foyer of the museum from early November. These photos from Neuendettelsau in Germany depict the life and work of Pastor Johann Flierl, the first Lutheran missionary in PNG. Come and see the photos and the museum!

Subscribe to the LCA International Mission eNews by emailing lcaim@lca.org.au or call us on 08 8267 7334.

Wantok Place, the LCA’s Museum of Papua New Guinea Artefacts, has reopened to the public, after being closed since 18 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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D ISCOV ER GO D’S CALL – N O M AT T E R W H O YO U A R E

BY PA STO R J A M ES W I N D E R L I C H , P R I N C I PA L O F A LC Australian Lutheran College (ALC) launched Discover in 2020 and its uptake has amazed us. The diverse nature of our first student cohort is a delight. The inaugural intake has members living in five Australian states (see right), while our mid-year intake included a student from New Zealand. The course includes women and men, young and old, and people discerning callings with different vocational outcomes and those looking to study part or full-time.

The only attribute defining a ‘typical’ Discover student is a willingness to complete theological study while engaging in a local ministry to explore God’s call. Recognising the whisper of the Holy Spirit is just the start. Discover uses an action/reflection model to help participants hear and explore God’s call more fully.

SUPPORT FOR EM ERGING CH URCH WO R K ERS A N D VO LU NTEERS The Discover program is designed to uncover and support the LCA/NZ’s emerging volunteers, church workers, teachers and pastors by helping them to become more aware of their calling, to think theologically and to serve faithfully.

This is done through partnerships between:

B ETH AN I E M AN N , SA

• The wider church community, which could be an LCA/NZ district, department or agency; and • ALC.

SU K H VI R SI N G H , ACT

SEAN H OTI NSKI , WA

K AR L JACO BSO N , SA

CO M B I N E ST U DY A N D M I N ISTRY ACTIVITI ES

M ICH AEL BAK ER , VIC

Discover includes a course of academic study and transformative ministry activities. In most cases the study will be through a Diploma in Theology. For people sensing a call to pastoral ministry, the diploma will count as the first year of pastoral studies. For those called to serve as a Lutheran school teacher, it can be used to complete some parts of their accreditation. For people who sense a call to serve as lay workers and volunteers, it will provide a deep grounding in Lutheran teaching and practice.

• The inquirer, who could be based anywhere in Australia or New Zealand; • The inquirer’s local faith community. This could include a congregation, school, aged and community care facility, camp, for example;

J O R DAN B EN N ET T, Q LD

UNSURE ABOUT WHERE GOD WANTS YO U ?

The Discover program is also designed for people who aren’t sure about where God is calling them to serve. If you are a family member or friend of someone curious about God’s call to them, why not encourage them towards Discover?

For more information about Discover, please email enquiries@alc.edu.au

CHURCH

@home

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

ISAIAH 43:2

WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH YOU.

Support to grow faith at home With some churches and communities still affected by COVID-19 restrictions, we are sharing special devotional materials to help support the home faith-life of LCA/NZ members. Most of these are from the Church@Home resources collection on a special webpage at www.lca.org.au/churchhome www.lca.org.au/churchhome.. There is also other faithbuilding content available through this page, including family resources, encouraging messages and Bible studies, as well as family and child safety, and health and wellbeing resource links, information for church workers, and details on how to support your congregation and the wider church’s mission through Regular Electronic Giving. If you have internet access and a printer, why not print off some resources 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 LCA/NZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the Church@Home resources during this season of uncertainty. You can find these and more on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

God pays attention!

‘My God, pay attention and hear me. Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us’ (Daniel 9:18a).

Read Daniel 9:1–4,18,20–24.

These texts develop a theme along with readings from Jonah 3–4 and Isaiah 55. Pray what you like and as much as you like, but it’s not your prayer, nor your way of living that sways the Lord. It’s God’s mercy.

God knows, without a doubt, that many of us could pray this prayer.

Some of you will have prayed very similarly at some stage this year. What, with disastrous fires, then floods in some areas, then COVID-19 with its resulting lockdowns, church closures, death of loved ones, border closures, job losses, and so on. How many of us have possibly said or thought, ‘Our lives have been ruined’?

BY PASTOR PETER BEAN

Which of us couldn’t speak of ‘the terrible things that have happened’? We want you, God, to pay attention!

And God has – not because of our entreaties, but because God is God. And because of mercy. We can't always see it, and mercy can sometimes seem a long way off. But God’s mercy is present. In our lives, our prayers and the answers to our prayers. And, of course, the answers are not always what we want. But they are sufficient. Many years later, the author wrote: ‘I will not send more than you can handle. My grace is sufficient for you’.

So, rest in that grace. Pray your prayers, knowing God hears and answers because of the wonderful gift of mercy and grace.

Thank you, God, for the freedom to ask for your attention. Remind us that you always attend to us.

Thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen.

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DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

God’s saving advice

BY PASTOR MATTHEW BISHOP

‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’ (Luke 13:8,9).

Read Luke 13:6–9.

The terra rossa soils deposited over the beautiful Gilbert Valley of South Australia’s Mid North obviously need a helping hand every so often. I know this because my dad grew up just south of Riverton right in the middle of that sublime place. Dad tells the story of Kenny, his dad, occasionally offering his green-thumb of a mum, Alma, a bit of gratuitous gardening advice: ‘It all needs root’n out and load of dung putt’n in’. Kenny, a gentle, yet simple Englishman, was well-meaning, but it wasn’t necessarily received in the intended spirit by his ever industrious and extremely capable Deutsch wife!

It’s just as well that God is happy to keep hearing the pleas of his master gardener, Jesus, when it comes to us who reside in his fig orchard. Even before the master gardener intercedes, God has already given us ample time (three years in the parable), just as he did the children of Israel. Daily observation. Ever-looking for signs. And just when he has had enough, the son steps in, pleading, ‘Let me dig around and add manure.

Don’t cut these unproductive souls out of our orchard.

Remember that big Easter weekend, my Father! The nails that dug through my hands and feet. The spear that pierced my heart. Let me feed them with my body and blood. Let the Holy Spirit sow my word in their hearts – he’s great at doing that for us!’

And, yes! For those that have ears to hear and outstretched hands to receive, the Son certainly knows there will be an abundant harvest. For his word will not return to him empty (see (see Isaiah 55:9–11).

55:9–11). Is it time for you to be fed and bear his fruit, then?

Thank you, Lord God, for planting me to serve you and bear your fruit. I would be lost without your patience. Yet, even as I know you are patient, I know your need for harvest is urgent. Draw me to take your feeding deep through my roots so that your fruit may abound in all I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

PRAYER Lord, we stand with our sisters and brothers who are suffering from weakness and illness.

We know that by your wounds they are healed.

We pray for the strength to overcome this hardship together as your body; We pray for the protection of all people who are in the frontline against COVID-19; We pray for the speedy recovery and healing of those who are fighting off the disease; We pray for calm, comfort, and rational action in quelling panic and allaying fears; We pray for solidarity within our global human family in this distressing situation.

Let your peace dwell in us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– From the Christian Conference of Asia resource 'God heal us as we are vulnerable', as part of a request to all the churches of Asia to join in praying for the victims of COVID-19.

IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO US. ROMANS 8:37

loved

CHURCH

@home

Healing words ‘But say the word and my servant will be healed’ (Luke 7:7).

Read Luke 7:1–10.

What an interesting man this Roman centurion is. It certainly would not seem to be normal for a Roman centurion to, first of all, be so close to the people he had authority over, and secondly, to hear about Jesus and have faith in him. We get a picture of a man of compassion, with concern for his servant, and a man of humility. He does not deserve to have Jesus come under his roof, and does not even consider himself worthy to come to Jesus himself, but sends his friends, the Jewish elders, to plead his case.

As well as his compassion and humility before Jesus, the centurion recognises the authority and power that Jesus has. As a commander of men, the centurion gives an order and others obey. It is interesting to consider what he believes Jesus has authority over. He believes

BY NORMA KOEHNE that Jesus has the ability to heal sickness, perhaps even the power over life and death. And this power does not need any special act; it only requires the word of Jesus. No-one on earth can speak with such authority. Our rulers and politicians may think their words matter, and there is no doubt that what they say can cause both great distress and great good. But none of them can say the word and heal a person on the brink of death or from the sickness of sin.

As we consider our faith in Christ, we acknowledge, in humility, that it is created and sustained by God for our healing. It is formed through the words of baptism and maintained through holy communion and God’s word.

Lord, create in us such faith that we may believe that your word has a saving and healing power in our lives. Amen.

A fitting response

BY KATHY MATUSCHKA

‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son’ (Matthew 22:2).

Read Matthew 22:1–14.

What is a fitting response to God’s generous invitation to join ‘the banquet’?

What sort of a person doesn’t accept an invitation to a royal wedding? Today one would assume that such a person was a republican; someone who does not accept the king’s authority and prefers to keep open his or her options for whom they will follow.

In today's story the king starts by inviting the most obvious guests to his son’s wedding. But he’s not put off in his intention to hold a banquet when they decline his invitation and even kill his messengers.

The king is prepared to invite anyone and everyone. They needn’t worry that they don’t have something suitable to wear because the king will even supply their outfit.

As recipients of such generosity, what are the guests expected to do in response? Simply accept his generosity.

One man prefers a little autonomy and wears his own clothes. The trouble is that what he chooses to wear will never get him into the great hall.

Of course, the king in this story represents God and the banquet is God’s kingdom, both here on earth and in heaven forever. Those who first heard this parable would have known that those invited first were the Jewish people and that the messengers represented their prophets, whose voices the people had rejected.

God invites us to the banquet and provides what we need to join the feast: we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. What is a fitting response to God’s generosity?

We simply turn up.

Dear loving God, I know that there is no way I can ever repay your invitation to ‘the banquet’. Nevertheless, I pray that you will help me to grow in my loving response to your kindness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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YOUR NEW LIFE 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

Sea changes are over-rated.

Try a Red Centre change instead.

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.

We need 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 Community 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 Tim Stollznow (chair of the Finke River Mission Board) for more information about opportunities and lifestyle for Lutherans in the Centre.

Email lcica@lca.org.au

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Colours c73 m77 y0 k26 c37 m39 y0 k13 c0 m66 y84 k6 c0 m0 y0 k23 c0 m0 y0 k12

20 Elder Street Alice Springs NT 0870 P: 08 8952 8877 E: admin@asprint.com.au

REASONS TO SAY ‘NO’ TO THESE RACERS The Fast & Furious franchise has come to children’s TV, bringing with it all of the cautions associated with its films. Fast & Furious Spy Racers is pitched at viewers a long way off driving age, but here are seven reasons adults should be careful about putting this exhilarating cartoon in front of children.

6. A paradoxical prudery – Despite pitting our heroes against international spy rings, there is no sign of a gun anywhere. Most likely, the producers are avoiding firearms because of the numerous school shootings in the US. It’s a pity they’ve weaponised the vehicles.

7. It’s ‘me’ before ‘us’ – ‘Remember’, Dom tells his adoring nephew, ‘don’t follow orders, follow your gut’. The Spy Racers trust their judgement over everyone else. This leads to a casual approach to the law, which might seem reason enough to question the show. But this thinking 2. ‘It’s not about the car, it’s about also puts the wisdom and feelings of the driver.’ – Up against the individual over the teen nemesis, Mitch, community. When there’s W H EN T H ER E’S Tony’s team realises no authority or guidance his car is dramatically N O AUT H O R IT Y higher or wiser than me, underpowered. But it makes for a selfish H I G H ER T H A N Tony assures them community, leads to an the guy behind the M E, IT M A K ES awful life and an even wheel matters more more tragic afterlife.

F O R A S ELFIS H than the horsepower The target audience for CO M M U N IT Y. beneath him. Now every this cartoonish drama may kid in a Hyundai is a be too young to drive, but backstreet hero. that’s no reason to lower your guard. As 3. Street racing? No problem! – Tony Aristotle put it, ‘Give me a child until he and his friends are street racers. is seven, and I will show you the man’.

Their racetrack is an ordinary alley, What we learn well when we’re young in the middle of the day, in a densely sticks with us. It’s the same reason built-up area. Conveniently, no-one the book of Proverbs says, ‘Train up is injured, underlining the myth that a child in the way he should go, and urban racing is safe. even when he is old he will not depart 4. Barely legal drivers – It’s worth noting from it’ (Proverbs 22:6). So, we could that Tony and his crew are so young, look at the characters involved, dismiss Frostee’s voice is still breaking. The them and feel justified in doing so. message is clear. If you can see over However, that would only make us like the dashboard, you’re ready to drive. the Pharisee who thanks God he’s not like that tax collector. Instead, we need 5. No-consequence crashes – In to insert in children’s lives and ours a Tony’s first race, Mitch crashes foundation built on Jesus’ words. spectacularly. We don’t see the 1. ‘Torettos always win!’ – The series introduces Tony, nephew of original Fast & Furious hero, Dom (voiced by Vin Diesel). His attitude is that anyone prepared to try hard enough can expect to win. It’s a mindset likely to deliver false expectations.

impact, but no injuries are sustained.

During a high-speed chase, Tony and his friends cut off numerous vehicles, cross to the wrong side of the road and send pedestrians scuttling. Again, everyone walks away scratch-free.

reellife COMMENTS ON C O N T E M P O R A RY C U LT U R E

by MARK HADLE Y

FA ST & F U R IO U S SP Y R AC ER S CH AN NE L:

Ne tfl ix

TIM E- SL OT:

RATIN G:

On de ma nd

PG

There are few kids’ shows I’ve seen on Netflix that are so comprehensively disappointing. Rather than switch the channel, though, Spy Racers might provide the opportunity to tell our youngest more about what they need than what they want.

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

GENERAL CONVENTION 2021 28 September–3 October 2021*

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne Vic 3006

General Pastors Conference 5–8 July 2021* Geelong Lutheran College

2–38 Burvilles Road, Armstrong Creek Vic 3217

Lutheran Women of Australia Convention 23–26 September 2021* Theme: come.listen.live Isaiah 55:3

www.generalsynod.lca.org.au

Horsham Church of Christ Convention Centre 91 River Road, Horsham Vic 3400

*Decisions on confirmed dates and venues will take into account travel restrictions, border controls and other uncertainties due to COVID-19, so these dates and venues are provisional. The information below regarding delegates, agendas and proposals remains valid. More information will follow in the next three months.

SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES Lay delegates Each LCA parish is entitled to elect lay delegates according to confirmed membership: up to 400: one delegate 401 to 800: two delegates 801 to 1200: three delegates If an elected delegate is unable to attend, the parish may elect an alternate. A delegate MUST have been elected before any alternate can be appointed. Elected delegates serve for the synodical period. The parish is required to notify the LCA of its delegate and alternate. Details will need to be added to LAMP2+ (specific form available) by 15 March 2021.

2021.

Pastor delegates

Each LCA district is entitled to elect one pastor delegate for every two eligible lay delegates, based on the 2019 statistical returns. The district offices are required to provide the names of their pastor delegates to the LCA for entry into LAMP2+ by 15 March 2021.

2021. In addition, the emeriti are entitled to elect three pastors from their group. A postal ballot to determine the delegates will be held in November 2020.

Principal delegates

The principals of each region of Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) are entitled to elect one secondary and one primary school principal per region as delegates. LEA is required to provide the details of these delegates to the LCA for entry into LAMP2+ by 15 December 2020.

2020.

Agenda, proposals

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

Board reports

Reports are to be no more than four pages (approximately 2500 words) and in the template supplied by the Executive Officer of the Church.

All reports must be emailed by

31 March 2021 to the Synod Secretary at synod@lca.org.au

Payments

The parish fee will be approximately $640 per lay delegate. This fee covers administration and running costs.

There is no fee for pastor delegates.

The registration fee is payable even if a delegate does not attend. The parish will be invoiced half the fee in each of December 2020 and February 2021.

Other Convention costs, such as meals and transport, will be advised by 31 March 2021. The costs for visitors to attend Convention will also be advised by 31 March 2021. Registration to attend must be submitted through the LCA Convention of Synod website (www.generalsynod.lca.org.au) between 30 June and 31 August 2021.

Accommodation and travel Information about accommodation and travel will be included on the LCA Convention of Synod website by 28 February 2021 and advised in correspondence to all delegates in the Synod eNews. Due to COVID-19 imposed uncertainties, please do not book any travel or accommodation until dates and venues are confirmed.

LAMP2 + For assistance with this requirement, please contact Jayne Welke at LCA Churchwide Office (lamp2@lca.org.au), your district office or follow the instructions on the LCA Convention of Synod website.

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.

Board backs calls process improvement The General Church Board (GCB) has approved moves to improve the ‘efficiency and transparency’ of the LCA/NZ’s call process.

The general conclusions of the report were that:

Following a decision by the 2015 General Convention of Synod, the then General Church Council (now GCB) commissioned an investigation into the LCA call process in order to hear from congregations about their views and expectations of the process and to identify ways the system could be improved.

The report ‘A Review of the Call Process of the Lutheran Church of Australia’ was completed in July 2018.

GCB now has responded to the report, including approving actions designed in collaboration with the College of Bishops (CoB) to improve the process.

• The call process was under stress • Parishes believed the process was inadequate, but could be improved, rather than replaced • Bishops and directors of mission generally reported satisfaction with the current call process, but indicated that it could be improved • The call process of the LCA already allows for a variety of practices, but that neither parishes nor bishops and directors of mission are aware of the full range of variants available, and • Expectation management is important for the call process to function well and for the reduction of levels of mistrust and frustration.

The LCA/NZ’s Secretary of the Church, Dr Nigel Long, said the review made a number of recommendations, though overall it found that the system did ‘not require significant structural change’.

‘However, it did identify that there is frustration about the system and a process that can be disheartening for some calling bodies’, he said. ‘As a result, the review also identified scope for improvement in the efficiency and transparency of the process.

‘GCB has received the report, considered its recommendations and approved a series of actions to implement them. These actions were developed in consultation with the College of Bishops. Some of them are already under development; for example, Church Worker Support is working on a framework for annual

2 0 T H R E G U L A R G E N E R A L C O N V E N T I O N O F S Y N O D – N O M I N AT I O N S The Standing Committee on Nominations (SCoN) is working with the LCA’s boards, commissions, councils and committees to identify their membership needs for the next synodical term.

It is important that nominations are received by the closing date of 15 May 2021 as there is no ability for delegates to nominate people from the floor of convention. The list of nominees will be completed prior to convention and sent to delegates with the Book of Reports.

In December 2020 SCoN will begin a process of inviting nominations for all required positions.

Nominations can be submitted by individuals, as well as by congregations who wish to nominate

someone for a role. This call for nominations, and the procedures that need to be followed, will be advertised through LCA eNews and the LCA General Convention website for 2021 at: www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/nominations

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

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Christians from more than 90 churches from around New Zealand – including members of St Paul’s Lutheran Community Church at Upper Moutere on the South Island – have come together online to sing a blessing over their nation.

Continued from page 23 vocational reviews of pastors.

Others will be developed and rolled out through this synodical period and beyond.’

Dr Long said the actions were focused on supporting both calling bodies and pastors to: • improve trust in the call process • increase the chances of a good calling body/pastor fit • improve the understanding of how the call process works, and • ensure greater professionalism, and overall efficiency and transparency in the system.

He said the approved actions could be ‘implemented through policy, operational processes and provision of resources to support all participants in the call system’. They would not require a synodical decision.

GCB’s response to the recommendations of the review report is available online through the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/ call-review-process

Lutherans take part in blessing New Zealand Christians from more than 90 churches from around New Zealand – including members of St Paul’s Lutheran Community Church at Upper Moutere in the north of the South Island – have come together online to sing a blessing over their nation.

Inspired by many other mass video choirs from around the world who have teamed up virtually during a season of isolation, the New Zealand video of ‘The Blessing’ was produced by St Paul’s member and professional musician Grant Norsworthy.

‘The Blessing’ song by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in the United States is based on the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6:22–26. It was first transformed into a show of interdenominational unity in the United Kingdom in May. You can watch The Blessing Aotearoa New Zealand at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eZQPifs2kjo See Grant and other St Paul’s members from 4 mins 37 secs into the video.

Keep home worship pages: survey Hundreds of you – our loyal subscribers – have called for the continuation of The Lutheran’s Lutheran’s expanded home worship and devotional materials, even when all churches reopen for unrestricted faceto-face worship.

The Church@Home section, using special resources produced by the LCA/NZ, has been part of our commitment to supporting readers in their faith journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featured since the May 2020 edition, these pages have proven extremely popular with readers, according to our recent subscriber survey.

Released in the July edition of The Lutheran,, highlighted in our eNews Lutheran

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bulletins from late June and available online, the survey drew 368 responses.

Of the 352 people who answered the question about extra faith-building resources in the magazine, 89.78 per cent would like to see some or all of the Church@Home resources stay on even when worship gatherings are unrestricted. Approximately one-third – or 32.34 per cent – of respondents used the survey link provided in our eNews bulletins and on the printed survey to respond online, while the remainder posted in forms.

As to what motivates people to subscribe, the most popular responses were (with more than one answer possible): It keeps me informed about my church (95.38 per cent); Because I’m Lutheran and like to support

my church (80.16 per cent); I enjoy the range of opinions shared (64.95 per cent); and It strengthens my faith (58.15 per cent).

Feature stories were the most favoured content, scoring an average of eight out of 10, while The Inside Story, Heartland, Editor’s letter, Your Voice, Going GREYT, Dwelling in God’s word, Go and Grow and the Directory all scored above seven.

The survey has also provided much useful information for the LCA Communications team to consider when planning future editions of The Lutheran.. Thank you to those who took Lutheran part and for your ideas, encouragement and constructive criticism.

- by Lisa McIntosh

LCA/NZ ORDINATION SERVICE WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED Due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting attendances, this year’s LCA/ NZ ordination service will be live-streamed on the internet, as well as being recorded to be later released on DVD. In-person attendance will be by ticketed invitation only.

Tangara is back!

Tangara magazine has a rich history in the LCA. From 1968 to 2009 the students of Luther Seminary and later Australian Lutheran College (ALC) annually produced the magazine to build relationships between students and the wider church.

This year a group of students has taken the initiative to ‘renew’ Tangara to share their journey at ALC. By reading stories from all over Australia from students studying at ALC, both online and on-campus, readers will get to know the future lay workers, pastors and teachers of our church.

The 2020 Tangara will be available for $10 a copy from mid-November and copies will be sent out with students to many churches. For anyone else who would like to buy a copy, please contact the Tangara committee at: Tangara@alc.edu.au for further details.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting attendance numbers at public gatherings, next month’s LCA/NZ Ordination Service will be live-streamed on the internet, so that people from across the church can participate.

In-person attendance at the service, which will be held at Concordia College chapel, at Highgate in South Australia, will be by invitation only. No general public seats will be available.

The service, which will be held at 2pm on Sunday 6 December 2020, will also be recorded and photographed. DVDs of the service will be available to order in early 2021.

In a challenging year due to the pandemic, the 2020 ordination service

gives the church great cause for celebration, Libby Krahling from the LCA/NZ’s Commission on Worship said.

‘Please pray for all the ordinands and their families as they prepare for this very important moment in their ministry’, she said.

‘We hope that as many people as possible will be able to witness the service via live-streaming. Join the whole LCA/NZ in celebrating ordination this year! You may like to gather as a congregation or small group, while observing government and health directives, to watch the service together.’

The service will be live-streamed at https://livestream.com/luthworship/ ordination

Give the gift of Why should others miss out on stories you enjoy each month?

Just give us the recipient’s name and address, along with your name, address and email for billing, and we’ll do the rest. www.thelutheran.com.au/subscribe

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Disclaimer: The Lutheran is the churchwide magazine of the Lutheran Church of Australia. While we sometimes promote events, programs or services that congregations, groups, agencies or individuals organise for the wider church, in the interests of transparency and accountability, we advise that this particular site is not officially endorsed by the LCA/NZ.

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1 Peter 4:10

In Going GREYT! we feature stories of some of our ‘more experienced’ people within the LCA/NZ, 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.

Stawell stalwarts

get choppin’

BY HELEN BERINGEN

Picture a bush picnic in breathtaking country at the foot of the Grampians mountain range in the Wimmera region of Victoria. But add to that the crunch of frost of midwinter early mornings and the challenge of chopping firewood before you can take a sip from the thermos and unwrap the sandwiches.

This is a regular winter pastime for a handful of hardy members of St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Stawell, a historic Victorian goldrush town.

Members of this woodchopping team, predominantly aged over 70, chop and sell firewood throughout the chilly winter months from May to September to help keep their 26-member strong congregation running, says congregational chairman and one of the team organisers John Simpkin.

On weekends they receive very welcome help from a couple of younger members, including John’s grandsons, Alex, 10, and Jamie, 8, who help with the loading and unloading of the big trailers. The fundraising scheme also literally brings warmth to the town, offering a great service to many community members, particularly older town residents reliant on wood heaters. And yes, temperatures can drop below zero in that part of the world!

But this country with its rolling, tree-studded hills is beautiful, and great for woodchoppers, thanks also to friendly farmers with fallen timber to spare, says John.

‘ TH IS IS A N OTH ER WAY O F LET TI N G PEO PLE K N OW TH AT TH E LUTH ER A N CH U RCH IS H ER E I N STAW ELL A N D H A PPY TO H ELP PEO PLE I N TH E CO M M U N IT Y.’ 26

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Most woodcutting days begin with a rendezvous at the church at 8.30am before a convoy of cars, trailers and utes heads out to a property with fallen timber awaiting collection.

Aside from the satisfaction of cutting, splitting and loading five to six cubic metres of firewood each expedition, the picnic breaks are a highlight.

‘Like in the Wild West when they circled the wagons, we circle the cars to create a windbreak’, John says. ‘The most enjoyable part of the day is sitting around in a circle of chairs for morning tea and lunch. This is a great time of fellowship, and we have been able to encourage two friends from outside our church to join in the work.

‘Sometimes it is almost dark by the time we get home for a much-earned rest.’

Since 2014 woodcutting has become a major fundraiser for the fellowship, which also supports chaplaincy programs at three local schools.

John, 76, and his team are experienced and well equipped with protective gear, chainsaws and wood splitters.

John’s wife of 53 years, Lorraine, 75, is the fellowship treasurer. Lorraine takes the orders which determine whether the band of woodchoppers sets out twice a week or once a fortnight, depending on demand.

They’ve been invited to collect wood at several properties, including one owned by a local Uniting Church member, with part proceeds donated to that church.

‘This is another way of letting people know that the Lutheran church is here in Stawell and happy to help people in the community’, John says.

It has also become a major financial support for the ageing congregation. John and Lorraine, both retired teachers who have called Stawell home for about 40 years, have witnessed the change in the congregation’s size and age profile, as happens in many rural areas.

‘Almost all of the younger members of our families have left the area to complete their education and have then

The Stawell woodcutting team, which fundraises for its congregation by selling firewood, takes a well-earned lunchbreak. Front row: Jamie Simpkin, Chris Simpkin, Alex Simpkin, Neville Nitschke, Terry Jenkins, Peter Young, Ivan McDonald, Axel Meumann and Colin Rethus; back row: Lorraine Simpkin and John Simpkin.

found employment in other areas’, John says. ‘In 2002 the congregation had 74 active communing members with almost 30 members in paid employment. We now have about 26 active communing members and, of these, only six are in paid employment.

‘This decline has made it extremely difficult for our congregation to meet our budget requirements and so a variety of extra fundraising ventures have been created to help cover the gap.’

The hard work of the woodcutters has almost evened out that shortfall.

This latest venture follows a track record of congregational events which have raised funds, as well as the profile of the church, in the local community.

This has included the Stawell Christmas Tree festival, which ran for 15 years until last year, when it ended due to the huge workload on remaining members.

Colin Rethus gets to work with a chainsaw during one of the woodcutting days.

Fundraising has also extended to other church projects such as the restoration of the church’s internationally acclaimed chamber pipe organ.

The 1858 Hill & Son chamber organ is one of only two organs of its kind in the world and is now undergoing a full restoration, thanks to a concerted effort by the congregation, the Victorian District’s Council for Lutheran Community Care and donors from the wider community.

They hope the restoration will be completed in time for a Christmas concert, subject to COVID-19 restrictions of course.

But their ultimate optimism is reflected in John’s favourite Bible verses from Romans 8, reminding them that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It certainly shows that being God’s salt and light in the community takes many forms. Whether through chopping wood in near-zero temperatures, promoting the Christian message of Christmas, or lobbying to restore a historical organ, God’s light can shine into our world wherever he places us.

Lorraine Simpkin, Peter Young and Ivan McDonald split wood as part of the fundraising effort.

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

DIRECTORY CALLS Extended • Rev Matthew P Bishop • Rev Morley WA to Blair Athol SA • Rev Mark W Brinkmann • Rev Redcliffe Qld to Warrnambool Vic • Rev Paul A Hannola • Rev Tuggeranong ACT to Renmark & Paringa SA • Rev Nathan E Hedt • Rev Packenham Lakeside Vic to Pastor for New and Renewing Churches LCA/NZ • Rev Reid W Matthias • Rev Para Vista SA to St Martins Lutheran College Mount Gambier SA • Rev Timothy P Stringer • Rev Greensborough Vic to Wagga Wagga NSW

Accepted • Rev Mark M Winter • Rev Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic to Hope Vale Qld

Declined • Rev Matthew P Bishop • Rev Morley WA to Woolloongabba Qld

YOUR VOICE Humble servant’s fitting recognition As a former pastor of Servant of Christ award recipient, Leon Tepper, I would like to congratulate Leon on this wonderful recognition and applaud the committee for their excellent choice.

Like so many unsung heroes of our church, Leon has laboured tirelessly his entire life for the sake of the church and those we are privileged to serve. In more recent decades however, when Leon might well have been slowing down and looking for people to fill his roles, God called him to do just the opposite.

When St Paul’s Shepparton was blessed with an influx of African refugees, Leon responded with the loving kindness he has received from our Lord. No job was too small or menial, and no request was too large or overwhelming.

Tutoring children in English, driving members to medical appointments hundreds of kilometres from home, hanging curtains, delivering food parcels, carving African drums and visiting people in times of joy and despair – every opportunity for Leon to serve was also an opportunity for him to encourage others in the faith and bring them before the Lord in prayer. In recent years a number of African children became convinced Leon lived at the church because he was always there helping someone!

The Servant of Christ award is a fitting recognition of Leon’s humble service and joy filled faith in Jesus. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

Rev Matt Anker – St Clair SA

• Rev Michael A Lockwood • Rev Toowoomba Redeemer Qld to Tarrington Vic • Rev Reid W Matthias • Rev Para Vista SA to St Martins Lutheran College Mount Gambier SA • Rev Eugene G Minge • Rev Tea Tree Gully SA to Mount Gambier SA

L AY WORKER S • Jacob Rathjen Communications Support • Jacob Worker, Aberfoyle Park SA

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LETTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE LCA/NZ

Our faithful Father cares for us even amid the greatest calamity

Great opportunity to care and share good news

Drought, floods, fire, and now COVID-19 remind us that we live in a groaning creation, waiting to be set free (Romans 8:19–22). For God has placed his good creation in ‘bondage to decay’ because of human sin.

Ah, how good to read in The Lutheran (August 2020) an account of the merry Hervey Bay team erecting a good news billboard!

The Lord takes a vital interest in his creation. He who, through his Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit, blesses us and bring us prosperity, also creates calamity.

He wants people everywhere to know that there is no other God besides him (Isaiah 45:5–8).

He doesn’t ‘create calamity’ because he is careless and cruel but because he loves us, for he wants everyone to seek him and, through repentance, to be saved.

His words to King Solomon 3000 years ago are just as true today. They are addressed to us, who have been baptised into his name: ‘When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land’ (2 Chronicles 7:13–14).

Rev Jack Shepherd – Fullarton SA

The viral circus has given a wonderful opportunity for Christians to share a positive message and attitude. That statement in no way belittles the hurt felt by so many through things such as job loss and inability to visit with those in poor health. Indeed, we might reflect on the comment that to care about the economy is to care about people, but that’s another story.

It’s also a fact that there’s no reason to fear because there’s nothing to be afraid of! As the hymn writer stated, ‘on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand’.

Let’s walk alongside of all whom we meet, listen, have fun, praise the risen Lord and press on!

Ken Semmler – Bellevue Heights SA

Opinions expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the Lutheran Church of Australia. 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.

Sundays are special at Alondra.

Stay connected to your local congregation and community.

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Let this prayer calendar for next month encourage each of us to lift up our fellow LCA/NZ members and faith communities to God every day. We also remember groups who would have gathered in December but for the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 2020 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

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The members and leaders of St Peters Blackwood in SA, including Pastor Kevin Wood

All who work and advocate for an end to slavery and for those who are enslaved on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The millions of Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities on the International Day of People with Disability

Principal Dr Bronwyn Dolling and the students and community of Pacific Lutheran College Caloundra Qld

Those church congregations who are not yet able to meet in person, due to COVID-19 restrictions

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Blessings on the ordinands who will today become pastors of the LCA/NZ in the ordination service at Highgate SA

The SA-NT District’s Department for Aged Care, including Lutheran Aged Care Council Chair Matt Johns

Queensland’s District Church Board, including Chair Shiron Dixon, Secretary Pastor Brenton Altmann and Bishop Paul Smith

The members of Trinity Boonah, St Matthew’s Harrisville and St Johns Kalbar Qld and their Pastor Peter Geyer

The students and community of Immanuel Lutheran School Gawler East SA and Principal Daryl Trigg

That the world’s leaders would act with respect for the wellbeing of all citizens on United Nations Human Rights Day

Lutheran Super Trustees, including Executive Officer Darren Royals and Chair John Grocke

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The community of St Andrew Early Learning Centre at Good Shepherd Lutheran College Leanyer NT

Members of the LCA/NZ Commission on Worship’s working groups for Liturgics, Music and Song and Visual Arts

The leadership team and the members of St Pauls Broken Hill in NSW

Principal Fiona McAuliffe and the community and students of Good News Lutheran College Tarneit Vic

The residents, staff, volunteers and management of Trinder Park Woodridge Aged Care and Retirement Living Qld

All who have moved from the land of their birth, whether by choice or necessity on International Migrants Day

Those people whose anxiety or depression has been amplified by isolation and uncertainty from the coronavirus pandemic

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Lutheran Overseas Partner Churches, including Finance Secretary Bryan Elliott and Chair Pastor Martin Haasler

Members of Martin Luther Burnie, Trinity Devonport and Bethlehem Launceston in Tasmania, including Pastor Stuart Kleinig

The students and community of Prince of Peace Lutheran College Everton Hills Qld, including Principal Simon Hughes

The LCA/NZ’s Committee for Child, Youth and Family Ministry, including Chair Pastor Lee Kroehn and Director Jodi Brook

Those for whom Christmas is always a dreaded time, due to family breakdown, poverty, loss of loved ones, or loneliness

All people to know the Christ child, born today, as their Lord and Saviour

The children, families and staff of Trinity Lutheran Early Learning Centre Ashmore Qld

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The congregation and leadership team at St Paul Blair Athol in SA

Principal Dr Shane Paterson and the students and community of Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School SA

Lutheran Men of Victoria members, including leaders Trevor Geer and Eric Hornemann

The district administrators, assistants and other office staff of the districts of the LCA/NZ

For a new year filled with hope and opportunities to share the joy of the gospel with those around us

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DISCOVER MORE AT

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

SHORT MOVIE COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED Many thanks to those who made and entered movies in this popular competition across both the school and general categories. Find out the winners and watch the videos at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/competition or on www.youtube.com/messagesofhope in the Short Movie 2020 playlist. Feel free to use them in your school, congregation or small group.

2021 SCRIPTURE CALENDAR

ADELAIDE ACCOMMODATION Self-contained 1 or 2-bedroom city cottages and 3 or 4-bedroom beach houses Details: www.harriettscottage.com.au Contact: Rob 08 8271 6724 or 0408 083 584

BOOKS WANTED Where Earth Meets Heaven: A Commentary on Revelation by John G Strelan Up to 5 copies sought. Phone Eric Braendler: 08 8388 8273 or 0412 829 099

Calendars are now available to pick up from Lutheran Media or you can order at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/calendar or by calling us on 1800 353 350.

LISTEN

Join Richard and Celia each week through November for conversations and interviews about depression and mental health as well as sharing some people’s journey through and experiences of grief. Tune in on your local radio or go to messagesofhope.org.au or messagesofhope.org.nz

WATCH

LATELY?

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

PLAY

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO YOUR

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Download it from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Happyland stories are now also available to watch on the website.

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

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

‘We are now happy.

We have our own land and can plant anything we want.’ - Khoun Tha

Thank you!

See that smile? You planted it!

Photos: ALWS

You might recall Khoun Tha’s face from the cover of last month’s The Lutheran. She and her husband Ouern Von have a new life because people like you have been kind through ALWS. Before your help these Cambodian farmers could grow only cassava and sweet potato on their poor soil. They could not earn enough money to survive, so had to labour for others. They feared they would always be poor.

Thanks to you, through ALWS and local partner LWD, the couple learnt about composting, mulch, and organic fertiliser (from animal manure). Ouern Van says:

‘ ‌ we now plant all around our house – banana, coconut, mango, watermelon, peanuts, corn. We grow to plant rice.

Our plan is to keep planting crops.’ Their community has deep wells, a school, a community building (they built themselves), a cow bank, biogas supplies and a savings group. In this village alone, 233 families are blessed by the benefits your ALWS kindness planted.

As crops grow, so does hope. No wonder there are so many smiles This is your work. Thank you!

đ&#x;˜Š

!

Enjoy more stories and smiles by giving Gifts of Grace this Christmas, or by inviting an ALWS Guest Speaker:

alws.org.au/grace

1300 763 407 * alws.org.au LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

Planting together to bring love to life!