4 minute read
MEET CHAPLAIN PETER
My name is Peter Schmidhauser, and I am the new Junior High Chaplain. It has been a joy getting to know the St Peters community and settling into the rhythm of life in Junior High.
Early life
I grew up hearing stories of hard work from my parents, who spent their early years on a farm in the country. As a young child, I lived on a property near Boondooma Dam. Later, our family moved to Kingaroy, where I attended a Christian school, joined our local church and served as an altar boy. I was also very active, playing rugby league, cricket and touch football, and I trained in Shotokan karate. Owning a horse and mustering cattle became part of my everyday life–experiences still close to my heart.
Career and Family
With a 35-year career in education, I've had the privilege of working across various roles and institutions, including 23 years at Northside Christian College and time at John Paul College and Grace Lutheran College. My teaching focuses have been Physical Education and Christian Studies, and I've been fortunate to serve in leadership roles, including as Year Level Coordinator and subject coordinator in both of my disciplines. I've also served as a Chaplain for about sixteen years—a role I'm deeply passionate about.
My wife Janine and I have been married for 33 years, and together we have three children: James (29), Renee (25) and Joel (24). James and his wife, Rebecca, have two beautiful daughters, our granddaughters, Amelia and Sienna.
A New Chapter at St Peters
Since joining St Peters, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Chaplaincy team and settling into my role. In addition to teaching Christian Studies, I coordinate Chapel for Years 7–10, a role that allows me to connect meaningfully with students as they explore their faith. Every five weeks, I head to Ironbark to support each new group of Year 9 students. It's a rewarding experience to walk alongside them during this unique outdoor education journey, witnessing their growth firsthand.
A Devotion to Reflect On
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13)
When confronted with the next challenge or project in life, we can endeavour to summon a new inner strength to help us achieve our goals. Nevertheless, even the strongest amongst us grow weary from the constant demands of life (Isaiah 40:30 -31).
In this text, Paul alerts us to God's unseen working in our hearts to strengthen us to do his will. He asserts that the Holy Spirit is transforming our affections (mind and emotions) to accomplish his plans and purposes in the world. The great preacher Campbell Morgan developed this idea well: "Our business is to work out what God works in".
Consider taking time each day to transform your affections through God's ordinary means of grace through scripture reading, prayer and worship. We can then 'work out what God works in' and be a blessing to those we encounter each day.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
I recently completed my Master of Divinity at Malyon Theological College.
What book of the Bible am I reading? Genesis. There are so many intricate family issues in this book.
I am currently reading The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives by Plutarch.
Most impactful book: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
My favourite TV series is Band of Brothers
In my spare time, I love bike riding – road, gravel, and mountain.
I look forward to connecting with more of you in the months ahead and contributing to the spiritual life of St Peters. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this community!
