THE WORTHY SHIP

'Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them.' Mark 6:50-51.

TIM JARICK College Senior Pastor

One of the essential principles and practices that are fundamental to St Peters and all Lutheran colleges and schools is what I like to call the ‘worthy ship’. Interestingly, because of its size, St Peters is sometimes informally compared to a large ship that takes time to change direction. But the worthy ship I am thinking of is an allegorical way of describing what we call worship. The term worship originates from the old English word 'weorthscipe,' which means 'worth-ship'.

Through worship, we demonstrate to one another and to the world what is of great worth to us. As a community, we give value and meaning to ‘climbing into the boat’ which is the Christian community or the Church. We choose to join others and remain open to and unafraid of the idea that Jesus is with us. By listening to his word, God assures us that we are not alone in life and that the Holy Spirit will guide and lead us to understand, trust and follow Jesus.

Worship is central to who we are as a College community and as a Christian community. Following the Lutheran educational tradition, our school encourages students and staff to engage in regular worship activities. This includes attending chapel services on a weekly basis, practising devotional routines, participating in prayers and singing together as a community. Students come together for chapel as sub-schools, form classes or yearlevel groups and staff meetings often begin with a bible reading, reflection and prayer. These practices are important for building a Christian community and fostering a strong sense of belonging within our College while living our values and our mission.

Two recent instances of our College communities uniting to create a sense of belonging through worship were the Primary Years Mother’s Day Chapel and the Boarders and Congregational Sunday morning breakfast. During the Mother’s Day service, Chaplain Kirstin Munchenberg used her creative gifts to paint an image of Mary and baby Jesus on canvas while reflecting on the value God places on motherhood.

We celebrated the invaluable role that mothers play in our lives and prayed for those mothers who face hardships and grieve for their children. This Chapel service received a highly positive response from parents. As part of National Boarding Week, the Boarding houses, Chaplaincy Team, St Peters Pastor and congregation came together for an informal Sunday worship service and breakfast at Café 45. Different generations connected over a meal of bacon and eggs as congregational members who were former Boarders of St Peters shared their personal stories with students.

Gatherings like these allow the various communities within St Peters to climb into the worthy ship we call worship. Coming together over God’s word and prayer is important, worthwhile and a blessing to all.