The Lutheran August 2022 Digital Edition

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

VOL 56 No 7

Print Post Approved PP100003514

AUGUST 2022

now Baptism rough ou th saves y ection of urr the res hrist.

C s u s e J 1 ER 1 PET

3 :2

Baptism

W AS HED IN GOD ’S GRACE

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

They go to the Rock!

EDITORIAL

Stephen Kroker prepares for a 10 kilometre walk around Uluru in the Northern Territory with some inspirational reading. With that t-shirt on, we’re wondering whether the Australian Lutheran World Service Operations Support Manager has been checking out a possible course for a future Walk My Way! The photo was taken by Stephen’s wife Janet during a recent holiday that had been postponed from 2021 due to a COVID lockdown. The Krokers are members at St Paul’s Glenelg in South Australia.

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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People like YOU bring love to life Wilma Meyer St Matthew Lutheran Church Hamilton NZ

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Retired, enjoys visiting members of her congregation

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LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

The Lutheran informs the members of the LCANZ about the church’s teaching, life, mission and people, helping them to grow in faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. The Lutheran also provides a forum for a range of opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or the policies of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.

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Most treasured Bible text: John 3:16

Adrian Neumann St Paul Lutheran Church Blair Athol SA Laboratory scientist Most treasured Bible text: Galatians 6:9 ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’

Kristine Hanson Concordia Lutheran Church Duncraig WA Children’s ministry coordinator and keen artist Most treasured Bible text: 2 Timothy 4:8 ‘There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to all who have longed for his appearing.’

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 and most treasured text in these difficult times) and your contact details.

August Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

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When I set about preparing an edition on baptism, I was worried there wouldn’t be enough ‘new’ to say about this simple yet mysterious and most blessing-laden sacrament.

Well, perhaps what we can share about baptism is nothing ‘new’, but it sure is worth reminding ourselves of the gifts we have received through the combination of earthly water and the heavenly power of God’s word.

What I actually found as I spoke to different people were more wonderful, moving and inspiring stories from our Lutheran family than I could squeeze into these pages. And that’s just the ones I heard about over the past couple of months! Whether local or globally based, these stories of lives and relationships transformed are bright and brilliant signposts to God’s grace and promises, and his redemptive work through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the unfailing prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Of the many promises and blessings of baptism, a few are mentioned again and again by people sharing their stories – becoming a child of God no matter what the age at which we are baptised, the forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ Jesus.

But wait, there’s more! This may risk a reference to the ubiquitous steak knives in many a telemarketer’s toolkit, but it’s true. The gift of the Holy Spirit, deliverance from death and the devil, eternal salvation … they all come to us in baptism.

Many of us don’t remember our baptism day if we were brought before God as infants. But the power and privilege of baptism are the same whether we were baptised after three weeks or 83 years. The New Testament is full of verses highlighting miracles worked by God in baptism. One of my favourite texts, along with any reference to being made a member of God’s family, is from 1 Corinthians 6:11, ‘You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God’.

I pray that you’ll be excited by the stories we are so blessed to share in the following pages and that you’ll be encouraged to praise God for the fact you have been made his precious child and ‘marked as his own’ (Ephesians 1:13).

Also, this month, along with highlighted resources, we introduce you to the new leader of Australian Lutheran World Service, and feature reports from education and mission leaders’ gatherings.

And, for our print subscribers, you’ll find a bonus copy of Border Crossings from LCA International Mission inside (digital subscribers can head to https://lcamission.org.au and find a digital copy under the Resources tab).

Lisa

PS – Thank you, too, to subscribers who have been affected by delayed invoicing for your patience while we complete the changeover to a new database system.

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The mystery of baptism

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Safe and saved

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Baptism – what we believe

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Invited to join God’s family

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Day of joy as the lost return home

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From shadows into Jesus’ glorious light

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Jubilee celebrates coming together of cultures

27

Youth keep spirit of Reformation alive

28

Regulars 13

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Because we bear your name: Bishop Paul’s letter

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Dwelling in God’s word

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Go and Grow

15

Church@Home

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Going GREYT!

22

The inside story

24

Sudoku

27

Your voice

29

Directory

29

Prayer calendar

30

Our cover: Photo by Amy Dahlenburg Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following pages may contain images of people who have died.

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Because we bear your name At a General Convention of Synod at Luther College in Melbourne, I found myself sitting beside Adrienne Jericho. Not only was Adrienne serving as our church’s Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia at the time, but in 1978 he had also been my Scripture teacher when I was a Year 11 student at St Peters Lutheran College at Indooroopilly in Queensland. So, I felt quite honoured to be sitting with him.

During a regular break in proceedings, Adrienne and I were talking about the impact of Lutheran schooling and how it had been forming our Lutheran Church, both here in Australia and in New Zealand. We wondered how many ‘green cards’ would be held up if Adrienne asked delegates to hold up their Synod voting card if they had themselves attended a Lutheran school?

BISHOP PAUL’S LE T TER RE V PAUL SMITH Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

communities are getting ready for ‘ACLE’ in Melbourne.

This is our church’s Australian Conference on Lutheran Education begun in 1999, gathering women and men in educational ministries from all parts of the Lutheran Church and from around the world. Participants at ACLE enter into robust, purposeful and creative professional development together to improve the learning experience of the young people and families involved in our school and early learning communities.

During these past years of the pandemic, we have seen extraordinary growth in our Lutheran schools. Across the church, school enrolment numbers have broadly increased despite the great difficulties of lockdown and illness. This is certainly the result of diligent planning and management by our school councils, our staff and our school communities. But we must pause and give thanks especially for ... OU R G RACIOUS the faithful witness and service of the women and men who are our Lutheran GOD CO NTI N U ES TO school principals.

In the next session of convention, Adrienne did exactly that. At the microphone for his presentation, he asked delegates, ‘Please hold up your green card if you attended a Lutheran FOR M OU R LUTH ERAN Let us pray for God’s blessing on the school’. Green cards were held up CH U RCH TH ROUG H OU R ongoing work of our Lutheran schools everywhere across the assembly. as our gracious God continues to form But then Adrienne went further. He LUTH ERAN SCH OOLS . young people through our schools and said, ‘Keep those cards up. Now, early learning communities, and as our please hold up your green card if gracious God continues to form our Lutheran Church your children or grandchildren are attending or have through our Lutheran schools. attended a Lutheran school’. A whole host of additional voting cards were held up. Finally, he asked, ‘Would you Personally, I thank God that I have been formed by so hold up your card if you are a delegate representing many of our Lutheran school communities. God gathered a community that includes a Lutheran school?’ Even me into our church through the witness of a Lutheran more cards went up until there was a virtual sea of school community; I have served as school pastor in green across the convention. This wonderful moment at four Lutheran schools, in three of those as the full-time that Synod reveals the profound presence of Lutheran college pastor; my three children attended Lutheran schooling in forming the life of our Lutheran Church. schools to grade 12; and my wife Heidi also attended Lutheran schools to grade 12 and is a trained Lutheran As a church, we establish schools and early childhood secondary school teacher. services to educate young people in the name of the Lord, bearing witness to the students, parents, teachers I thank God for the blessing that is Lutheran schooling and friends of our schools, as we provide quality and Lutheran early childhood services. teaching and learning. While we have been forming young people through Lutheran schooling, Lutheran In Christ, schooling has been forming us as a church.

As I write these words for you, Lutheran educators and the people of our Lutheran schools and early learning

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Paul

Lord Jesus, we

belong to you,

live in us, we live in you; work for you – because we bear your name

you

we live and

Photo: Amy Dahlenburg

TH E

mystery

OF

by D A N M U E L L E R

BA PTIS M

A few weeks ago, I welcomed 60 inquisitive Year 6 students to our worship centre as part of their Christian Studies class. Immanuel Lutheran College, a Prep to Year 12 school, is co-located with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buderim, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, where I currently serve as the congregational pastor.

These 60 students were visiting to learn about the sacraments, including baptism.

word was used instead: ‘mysterion’, from which we get our English word ‘mystery’. As a sacrament, baptism is a ‘mysterion’ – a mystery. No matter how hard we might try to explain what baptism is – for example, using Luther’s Catechism – it always remains a mystery! Baptism is God’s promise, spoken by his word, that he attaches to water. What a mystery!

BA PTIS M IS GO D’S PRO M IS E, S PO K EN BY H IS WO R D, TH AT H E AT TACH ES TO WATER .

W H AT A MYSTERY!

The first question I asked them was, ‘What does the word “sacrament” mean?’ After a few good guesses, we learnt together that ‘sacrament’ is a Latin word meaning ‘sacred oath’. God makes promises and attaches his oath to physical elements, such as the water in baptism or bread and wine in holy communion. Interestingly, before this Latin word, a Greek

How does one explain this mystery to 60 Year 6 students!? That was my challenge for the afternoon.

One of my go-to books for teaching about baptism is Daniel Erlander’s Let the Children Come, Come, which is handily available from Australian Christian Resources.

I like this book because it has pictures! I’m not joking. It literally has pictures – each page is wonderfully illustrated with interesting and funny characters by the author.

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TH RO U G H BA PTIS M YO U H AV E B EEN M A D E A CH I LD O F GO D.

and right-ness (Galatians 3:27,28; Colossians 3:9,10; Revelation 7:9).

• Being adopted into a new family, becoming a daughter or son of royalty, a child of God (Ephesians 1:3–5; John 1:12,13; Galatians 3:25–29; Romans 8:14–17).

But the book also has metaphorical pictures – it draws heavily upon biblical word pictures used to describe the mystery of faith. Metaphors and word pictures are, in my humble opinion, better than so-called ‘literal’ renderings, because they unleash the power to redescribe reality, to paraphrase the famous philosopher, Paul Ricoeur. Word pictures have the power to describe the divine mystery of baptism, so that even – and especially – children can understand. In a metaphor, the abundance of divine truth is poured into shallow human words.

Each metaphor is a thread that is woven together to form a beautiful tapestry. Putting all the metaphors together helps us to make some sense of the mystery of baptism.

It is dying with Christ in the tomb and walking free with him; it is being born again; it is sin being washed away; it is being clothed with the right-ness of Christ; it is being adopted into God’s family, and so on. The power of God’s word added to plain water makes all of this happen in baptism. Wow! What a mysterious mystery!

Here are a few biblical metaphors to help us make sense of the mystery of baptism. Baptism is …

• Dying and rising with Christ to a new life (Romans 6; Colossians 2:12,13).

• A new birth, a change so complete that it’s like being born anew, born from above (John 3).

• A cleansing bath that washes away the stain and dirt of sin (1 Peter 3:21,22; Titus 3:4–8).

• Being clothed in a white robe – the robe is Jesus Christ himself – being covered by his forgiveness

I’d love to tell you that all the Year 6 students were blown away and asked to be baptised immediately on the spot!

But it was 2.30pm at the end of a long school day. So, I pray seeds were planted that may someday bear fruit (another metaphor!).

May you make sense of your baptism each day. May you know that through your baptism you have been made a child of God, washed clean, clothed in a white robe, and have died and risen again with Christ. May you live each day wet.

Rev Dr Dan Mueller is pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church Buderim on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Walk on water?

Not quite … but joining this year’s ALWS Walk My Way at Victor Harbor, you’ll stroll by the Southern Ocean … perhaps see a whale? … and bag a half-way snag!

Choose 13km or 20km. Gather a group to gallop Granite Island. Wander with a woofer. Have fun as a family! Whatever you do, don’t miss out:

Photo: ALWS/Amy Dahlenburg

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER Encounter Lutheran College Adelaide Rd, Victor Harbor SA Why Friday? So, students from Lutheran schools across SA can join you … and through ALWS, step out so refugee children can step in to school.

What a way for our Lutheran family to come together and show our community a church where love comes to life!

REGISTER: walkmyway.org.au * 1300 763 407 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

SAFE

saved AND

When Barbara Metzger welcomed new client Helen to her Adelaide Hills bed and breakfast 15 years ago, little did she know the meeting would lead to an enduring friendship and a life-changing spiritual journey for the two women. Australian-born Helen, who lived in Germany for approximately 40 years, stayed at Barbara’s holiday accommodation most years since that first visit for at least four to six weeks.

A member of Grace Lutheran congregation in Bridgewater, Barbara would speak to her friend about her love of going to church, something that wasn’t part of Helen’s own life experience.

When Helen was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer while at home in Germany, she said she wanted to come back and die in Australia and she would like her funeral to be at Grace, Barbara explains. ‘Her family are not churchgoers and she said she would like it if our pastor could do her service’, Barbara says.

having discovered that her friend wasn’t baptised, asked whether she would like to be. Some days later, Helen asked to be baptised.

‘I thought this was a wonderful chance, we didn’t know how long she had left, but I didn’t know whether I could organise this’, Barbara says. Unable to contact Pastor Michael, who was interstate, or local retired pastor Alex Stevenson, Barbara asked Alex’s wife Gill to help her through an emergency baptism. Barbara prepared water, while Gill, over speakerphone, took Helen through an affirmation of her faith, read the Bible, and prayed, guiding Barbara through the baptismal rite. Gill says she ‘felt led by God’ through the situation.

‘ I B ELI E V E TH AT S H E IS N OW J ESUS’ CH I LD.’

Helen returned to Australia in March, living with her sister. Barbara asked whether Helen minded if the Grace congregation prayed for her. Helen agreed and expressed a desire to attend a service but was too weak, so the pair watched worship together on Zoom.

Pastor Michael Dutschke, who serves at Grace, also visited Helen. When Helen’s health declined further and she went into hospice care, Barbara visited often and,

by L I S A M C I N T O S H

‘Helen was really happy about it’, Barbara says of the baptism. ‘I believe that she is now Jesus’ child. She was very comfortable knowing that there is life after this life.’

Pastor Michael says when he phoned Barbara back, she told him ‘the great news’ about Helen’s baptism. ‘I was excited that Helen had received Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, and also excited that the “body of Christ” had done its work without me!’

Although she misses Helen, whose funeral was held at Grace last month, Barbara says she is ‘elated’ that her friend is saved, by having come to faith. ‘If we are called to do something, the power of God will take us through it. Helen was supposed to be saved’, she says.

1 column x 17mm

ST PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

18 CHURCH PEWS No longer required at Esperance Lutheran Church WA (originally from Bethlehem Alawoona)

Yaninee SA

Sign up at www.lca.org.au/enews

70th Anniversary of the church and 90th Anniversary of the congregation

2740mm long

Sunday 28 August 2022

(three are without book holders) Please contact Marie Schutz 0427 043 786 banksiapark5@bigpond.com

Join us in celebrating 10am: Coffee 10.30am: Service Followed by a pooled lunch

www.eckermanns.com.au 08 8366 7988

Contact Janine Scholz janiner@activ8.net.au

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Baptism

– W H AT W E B E L I E V E Baptism is one of the most important events in our life of faith and God’s way of welcoming people into his family. It is a sacrament of grace connecting people to salvation won for them through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism cleanses us, renews us and gives us the Holy Spirit. To follow are some questions and answers addressing what Lutherans believe about this life-giving gift of God. What does the word ‘baptise’ mean?

The word ‘baptise’ is used in connection with the application of water. To ‘baptise’ means to apply water by immersing, pouring, dipping, washing etc.

Who should be baptised?

Jesus said that ‘all nations’ should be baptised and taught to keep his commands (Matthew 28:19). God’s salvation plan was for all the people of the earth, so baptism is also meant to be for all the people of the earth.

Who can baptise people?

Normally the called pastor/priest/leader of a congregation officiates at a baptism. This is because baptism joins a person to the body of Christ. However, when no pastor/priest/leader is available, any Christian can perform a baptism.

What is the difference between an adult baptism and an infant baptism?

Essentially nothing. Baptism is a sacrament of grace that is offered to infants and adults alike. Adults can consciously engage in the responses in the rite of baptism, renouncing the devil and declaring allegiance to the Triune God. However, the baptism and gifts received through it come about solely through the actions of God.

What is the link between baptism and eternal salvation?

The forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), deliverance from death and the devil (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 1:13,14), eternal salvation and life with God (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5).

The Bible links the two directly: ‘Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved’ (Mark 16:16); ‘this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 3:21); and ‘he saved us … because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit’ (Titus 3:5).

What is the proper way to baptise?

Is salvation possible without baptism?

The method of baptism is not prescribed in Scripture, except that the use of water and the name of the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is required (Matthew 28:19). The traditional method among Lutherans is to apply water three times to the head of the candidate,

Yes. It is only unbelief that condemns (see Mark 16:16).

Those who believe the gospel and call on the name of the Lord, even if they aren’t baptised, will be saved (Romans 10:9-13). The thief on the cross received the assurance of salvation without baptism (Luke 23:39–43).

What do you receive in baptism?

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making the sign of the cross each time. If practical, full immersion remains an option and that can also be done three times as the Trinitarian names are pronounced.

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If I already believe in Jesus, why do I need to be baptised?

Why does the church encourage there to be godparents/sponsors?

Even though salvation is possible apart from baptism, the assurance of salvation is connected to baptism.

Jesus himself commanded it as the means to ‘making disciples of all nations’.

In the case of infants, godparents have the role of supporting the parents in their responsibilities of teaching the faith to their child. This responsibility is upon the whole church generally and upon parents and godparents specifically. For an adult, the sponsors are likewise there to support and mentor them in their faith journey.

Why do we baptise infants?

The command of Jesus was to baptise all nations.

Jesus accepted and blessed children too young to respond (Mark 10:13-16). Baptism is an act of God’s grace and marks entry into his family. Sin exists from birth (Psalm 51:5) and God’s solution is also provided from birth. We are saved through the gracious actions of God. Every time we baptise a baby, we proclaim to all the world that God’s grace is sufficient for everyone.

How is a Lutheran baptism different from other churches?

You can get baptised in a Lutheran church, but you are not baptised ‘Lutheran’. A person is not baptised into a denomination but into the family of God. Different denominations might have different rites of baptism and acts of symbolism, but all baptisms join a person to the body of Christ. The Lutheran church teaches that baptism is valid if water and the triune name of God are used, regardless of whether the person is an infant or an adult or is baptised by sprinkling or full immersion.

What does it mean to be born again?

Jesus used this term to describe the mystery which occurs when someone enters the kingdom of God (John 3:1-8). It affirms that this act of regeneration (through baptism) depends on God’s work. Jesus says that unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter God’s kingdom. God brings about this new ‘birth’ through the waters of baptism, regardless of the age of the person being baptised.

Can I get baptised again?

You can – but you shouldn’t. God’s word teaches that there is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:4–6). His promises are attached to baptism and effective in baptism. Rather than get baptised again it is far more helpful to remember that you are a baptised child of God every day.

What if a child dies before they are baptised?

What if I am not sure whether I have already been baptised?

God does not require baptism to save. We can reassure parents who had been intending to bring their child to the waters of baptism that his grace extends beyond this rite.

If no record nor witnesses can be found of your baptism, then you can request to be baptised in good conscience. Even if you were indeed baptised, this second baptism will not discount the first.

This Q&A is an excerpt from Trail Marker One on baptism from the Faith Trail Ministry resource by the LCANZ’s Grow Ministries. See page 15.

YIRARA NEEDS YOU! Could this be your call to serve?

Yirara College has proudly provided 49 years of education to remote area Indigenous students and continues to grow as an innovational educational institute including VET, work placements and life skills, both in the academic and boarding spaces.

The college is seeking applicants for the following positions to enable us to continue to grow as one of the strongest providers of Indigenous education: • MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS • SENIOR YEARS TEACHERS • HEALTH/PE TEACHER • FEMALE BOARDING HOUSE PARENTS

This is your opportunity to work with young men and women in a way that will change their future for the better.

A position description and further information can be obtained by contacting Swetha Jaiswal on 8950 5644 or hr@yirara.nt.edu.au The Lutheran AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

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INVITED TO JOIN

God’s family

God can use any means, people, or situation to invite others into his family.

A chat between a footballer and a netballer at a country pub. A blossoming romance.

A footy-umpiring pastor. A family connection. Marriage preparation sessions. An adult baptism. A friendship born out of it all. And, of course, joy on earth and in heaven when the invitation is accepted.

by L I S A M C I N T O S H Being baptised as a baby has been traditional for most Lutherans in Australia and New Zealand. But for Luke Horner, along with many others, the journey to joining God’s family has been different.

Now husband to Amy and a father of two young children, Luke went to church occasionally as a child with his mum and attended a Lutheran primary school.

But he’d never been baptised.

‘I knew I wasn’t baptised in primary school, especially being a Christian-based school and learning about God’, Luke, from South Australia’s Riverland, says. ‘For my parents, baptism wasn’t something that they thought was essential for me.

‘I knew there was a God but, during my teenage years, I thought God was not as important as my other priorities at the time.’

In 2006, Luke got to know Amy as both were playing sport – football and netball – in Waikerie. They got chatting in the pub one evening after home-ground matches. When they started going out, Amy says, ‘we had no idea that we both held a connection to a belief in God’.

‘GO D LOV ES YO U A N D H E WA NTS YO U TO B E A PA RT O F H IS FA M I LY ’

Amy had been baptised as a child, attended church and Sunday school and grew up with a strong Christian influence from her parents. ‘However, during my teenage and early adulthood years, I didn’t go to church as much’, she says.

‘However, I still held my Christian faith and always believed in God.’

When the couple became engaged, they decided on a church wedding.

They knew Pastor Richard Fox, who was serving the Waikerie Lutheran parish and umpiring local Aussie Rules football, both through Amy’s parents being active church members and Luke’s sport.

They asked Pastor Richard whether he would conduct their 2010 wedding and he offered some pre-marriage preparation sessions.

‘Luke was the vice-captain of the Waikerie Football Club at the time’, Pastor Richard explains. ‘Luke and I didn’t talk about Christianity while at footy, though a few of his teammates suggested I might be better in the pulpit rather than umpiring! I invited them to come and compare! But Luke and I acknowledged each other and said “hi”, which was a big thing between a footy player and an umpire.’

During Luke and Amy’s pre-marriage sessions, Pastor Richard chatted with Luke and the topic of baptism came up.

Left: Luke and Amy Horner, with their children Isaac and Evie, and Pastor Richard Fox, who baptised both Luke and Evie.

Opposite page: Amy and Luke were married

by Pastor Richard Fox at Waikerie Lutheran Church in South Australia and discussions during their marriage preparation sessions were part of Luke’s journey to baptism the following year.

‘ I F YO U A R E TH I N K I N G A BO UT G ET TI N G BA PTIS ED AS A N A D U LT O R A BO UT GO I N G TO CH U RCH , LOO K I NTO IT, AS IT ’S N E V ER TOO L ATE.’ ‘Luke wasn’t baptised but wondered what it was, and I shared about what happens. He seemed surprised about its simplicity but also the great gifts it gives.’

After completing the preparation, the couple was married. But while he remembers the wedding as a wonderful celebration, it was what happened the morning after that also stands out in Pastor Richard’s memory. ‘I think Luke and Amy were the first people at church’, he says. ‘I asked them why they were there, and they explained that they wanted to worship before going on their honeymoon.’

After their wedding, the Horners attended church regularly and Pastor Richard says occasionally he would ask how they were going, and if they had any questions about worship, God and baptism.

‘Some months later after church one Sunday, Luke and Amy waited around to talk with me’, Pastor Richard says.

‘They wanted to know more about baptism and what the options were for Luke. I went through the baptism rite with them and discussed any questions they had.’

Luke was baptised in 2011 in a private service with Pastor Richard and close family.

‘I wanted the baptism to be more intimate and, being a shy sort of guy, didn’t want to do it amongst a crowd of people’, Luke says.

Pastor Richard describes the occasion as ‘wonderful and intimate’. ‘The resulting joy on both of their faces was heart-warming and infectious’, he says.

Luke was happy to be baptised into God’s family. ‘Being baptised for me means that I know God is always there for me and always will be, no matter what happens’, he

says. ‘Once baptised it was also a good feeling to know that I could join in holy communion.

‘If you are thinking about getting baptised as an adult or about going to church, look into it, as it’s never too late.’

Amy and Luke say that for them there are many blessings of baptism: ‘God’s love and belonging to his family indefinitely; knowing that God will forgive us for all our sins; knowing that he is always there watching over us and keeping us safe, no matter what life events we are enduring.’

After several years of trying to start a family before Isaac was born, followed by Evie, the Horners say it was ‘extremely important’ to them that their children be baptised. Pastor Lee Kroehn baptised Isaac. When Evie was born, Waikerie was in a pastoral vacancy, so the Horners invited Pastor Richard, who by then was serving as director of Lutheran Media, to baptise her.

‘Pastor Fox has been an inspiration and a great influence on our lives, and we will forever be grateful for this’, Amy says. ‘He continues to be a strong part of our life and now our children’s journey.’

Pastor Richard says, ‘God works in ways beyond our understanding and through people we may not expect.

God was already working on Luke and Amy before I arrived, and he used me in a small part on their journey and relationship with Jesus Christ.’

And what do Amy and Luke, who are now members at St Pauls at nearby Ramco, believe are the most important things to remember from their faith journeys so far? ‘That God loves you and he wants you to be a part of his family.’

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IN OUR REGION

DAY O F J OY A S T H E LO ST RETURN HOME

BY NAOKI SUGIOK A

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘baptism’?

There are hundreds of answers. Everyone has different images of what baptism means.

When I meditate on the word ‘baptism’, I am reminded of one historical event. Hans Paludan Smith Schreuder was sent to the Kingdom of Zulu in South Africa from Norway in 1844. He was the first missionary the Norwegian In Japan, many people believe baptism is a ceremony Mission Society sent overseas. After he arrived, he started you must go through to be a church member. Well, I don’t learning the Zulu language and tried to make a peaceful deny baptism has that kind of aspect. But this tendency relationship with them. But reaping the first harvest took to misunderstand baptism has resulted in unbelievers many years. The first baptism in Zulu took place in 1858 hesitating to be baptised even though they have attended – 14 years to win one soul for Christ after Schreuder Sunday service for many years. Some say, ‘The teaching started planting seeds of the gospel. I can imagine how of the Bible has much meaning to my life, and I am very Christians in Norway rejoiced at the news of the first much impressed by the life of baptism from the Zulu tribe. But if they Christ, but I am not confident to be had given up on their mission work responsible enough’. Responsible GO D IS S EEK I N G A halfway through because they didn’t for what? They mean responsible for see any results, they might not have LOST O N E TO TA K E sharing the burden of the church. experienced this heavenly joy of the H O M E N O M AT TER return of one sinner.

Once they become a church member, they are expected to H OW LO N G IT TA K ES , give their church more offerings H OW M U CH IT COSTS , and share more time for church activities. Everything seems to be A N D H OW FA R T H EY an obligation. I understand that H AV E GO N E. many churches in Japan have many expectations of newly baptised people since each congregation is small and the average age of members is high. how far they have But our celebration of baptism is not based on increasing the number of church members. The day of baptism is the day of repentance. The day a sinner returns to their Father.

Jesus says, ‘Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance’ (Luke 15:7).

Our joy is directly connected to this heavenly joy.

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Our society is greatly influenced by commercialism, so the church also can face the temptation of counting baptism as its own achievement and a newly baptised person as its benefit and resource. But God is seeking a lost one to take home no matter how long it takes, how much it costs, and gone.

And most importantly I must remember that I was the lost one my Father found and brought home, and his joy is still sustained!

Rev Naoki Sugioka is from LCANZ’s overseas partner Kinki Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC) in Japan.

Read more wonderful stories from our overseas partner churches in Border Crossings, Crossings, included with this edition.

FRO M SHADOWS I N TO J ES U S ’ G LO R I O U S L I G H T B Y M AT T A N K E R

Left: Former Lua spirit doctor Tont and his wife Mi eagerly await their baptism by Pastor Tovo in Thailand’s Nan province.

Below: Having been under spiritual attack, Tont and Mi join God’s family on the porch of their home in the Thai village of Banden.

In a village where more than 95 per cent of people are baptised and actively involved in the life of the church, it would be easy for the local congregation to lose a sense of urgency about mission.

But not so for the Lua people of Banden in Thailand’s Nan province.

Knowing what it’s like to live without the hope of the gospel, our brothers and sisters in the Lutheran congregation there remain passionate about local mission even though only a handful among them don’t yet believe.

N O LO N G ER LI V I N G I N T H E S H A DOW O F D EM A N D I N G S PI R ITS , TH EY N OW LI V E I N TH E LI G HT O F CH R IST.

In May I had the joy of seeing the fruits of this tireless commitment while visiting with some recent converts. Tont and his wife Mi were baptised just a few months ago as God answered years of prayers from their daughter Wat and evangelist Pim who is supported by the LCANZ. Tont was a spirit doctor and with Mi lived under the tyranny of spirits who demanded their total allegiance.

The spirits demanded all they had – each moment of their days and every possession. Home life was confined to a darkened room where they lived in fear of upsetting the spirits, and despairing of the life their children would inherit when they could no longer appease the spirits through daily obligations.

The spirits had forbidden Tont to allow Jesus’ name to be spoken in their home and so the opportunity for nearby Christians to share their hope in Jesus was limited.

However, as the couple’s health failed, they finally asked for the church’s prayers and were open to the gospel.

The Holy Spirit provided physical and spiritual healing as they came to believe that the story of Jesus included them!

Mi shared that, as they were preparing for baptism, the efforts of the spirits to drive them away from Christ intensified.

Plagued with illness and overcome with the spirits’ threatening voices, Tont and Mi were unable to sleep for days and described how a dark shadow enveloped their lives. Convinced they would not survive until the Sunday service, they called on the pastor to baptise them immediately. On their humble, rickety porch, this ageing couple received new birth by water and the Spirit and became our brother and sister in Christ.

Mi explained that after their baptism the shadow lifted, the spirits were silenced, and she was at peace for the first time. After a lifetime as strangers in their village, they formed friendships and were finally free. Mi’s greatest longing each day now is to sit in church and listen to the word of God that has changed her life. No longer living in the shadow of demanding spirits, they now live in the light of Christ’s love and face the future with the certain hope of eternity in that same glorious light.

Pastor Matt Anker is LCANZ Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission.

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DWELLING IN GOD'S WORD

A study in the baptised life

by Tim Ebbs

The mother of a teenager in confirmation class asked to see me urgently. Her daughter wanted to talk with me. She was distraught. She courageously shared her struggle with sin. ‘Pastor, I can’t stop doing wrong things. What is wrong with my faith?’ She lamented.

‘My friend says I should be baptised again.’

This was a struggle I went through myself at one point. Have you ever felt like this? When the teenager I spoke with saw this struggle as a good sign, it changed her life. She rejoiced in the baptism she had already received – and we can too.

Read Genesis 3:1. What was the devil’s first temptation?

‘Did God say…?’ Satan’s first temptation to humankind was to doubt the truth of what God had said. Satan constantly tempts us to go our own way too, and when we fail to do the good we know we should, Satan tempts us to doubt God’s word all over again – that we really are God’s forgiven and dearly loved children through faith in Christ. This was the same struggle of the teenager, above – and it was the same anguished struggle of the Apostle Paul.

Read Romans 7:15–23. What is the core issue (verses 18,19)? Have you ever felt like Paul?

Despite Paul’s lament, his confidence and joy lie not with what he can do, but with what God has done for him.

Read Romans 6:3–10. The word ‘baptise’ means to wash, dip, or immerse. In baptism, what – and who – have we been immersed into?

See Romans 8:9–11. Here Paul speaks of the connection with the Holy Spirit and Christ. If we have one, we have the other! At first, it may seem that Paul is indecisive about whether the Roman Christians have received the Holy Spirit.

But the Greek word he uses for ‘if’ can also mean ‘since’.

Read this passage replacing ‘if’ with ‘since’. How does this give assurance to you?

Read Acts 2:38,39. This text promises that God gifts us the Holy Spirit in baptism.

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In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul says no-one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless they have the Holy Spirit.

How does Paul voice this great confession in Romans 7:24,25? How does this assure you? How could this verse help someone you know who is struggling with doubt?

Baptism means not merely receiving ‘things’ from God but sharing in God’s very own life (and death and resurrection) and his holiness and righteousness!!!

What is the reality of this? See Romans 8:31–39.

In our struggles with sin, Satan’s condemning voice, and all the brokenness and evil we witness in the world, baptism brings the certainty of Christ’s triumph and everything it means to us personally.

For Paul it is impossible that this should all be taken complacently – yet incredibly this is what the Roman Christians themselves believed: that because they had received God’s grace, it didn’t matter how they lived. For Paul, the spiritual struggle of the Christian life is not the greatest problem – of greater concern is to have no struggle at all.

How does Paul respond to the Romans’ thinking in 6:1–4?

Reflect on what it means to have the mighty resurrection power of the risen Christ at work in you.

In the book of Romans, Paul transitions from talking about baptism to his struggles as a Christian to the joy of living in the Spirit (Romans 8). The Christian struggle with sin and faith is a good sign because Christians wouldn’t be concerned about their faith unless they already had the Holy Spirit.

Spirit.

Many texts promise a gracious new reality given by God to us in baptism. These include 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:18–20, 1 John 3:1 and Titus 3:4–7.

Who do you know who is going through a faith struggle and who might be encouraged by these promises?

God bless you as you live by the power of Christ’s death and his mighty resurrection today and always!

Pastor Tim Ebbs serves at St Paul’s Lutheran Church Glenelg in suburban Adelaide and is chair of the LCANZ’s Commission on Worship.

ES R ESO U RC ...

O T U O Y FOR

BA PTIS M R ESO U RCES F O R E V E RYO N E !

In baptism, God gives us forgiveness of sins, freedom from death and life with God forever. At our baptism, we are given a candle to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world, and we too are to be shining that light of Christ.

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The GIFT Baptism intergenerational event resources from Grow Ministries have been designed to help FAITH IN your congregation celebrate the promises TO G made in baptism and the GIFT of the new life we receive through it.

An event that brings all generations together provides a wonderful gift of learning, sharing faith and relationship building. GIFT stands for Growing In Faith Together.

S H ARI NG TH E M ESSAG E WITH CHILDREN

INTERACTIVE OPTIONS F O R YO U N G D I S CI P L ES Grow Ministry’s new confirmation resource Grow Disciples also contains an excellent section on baptism, including a wonderful learning activity option featuring prayer stations.

Among a wide range of baptism resources, Grow Ministries also provides children’s addresses that explain the sacrament to younger churchgoers, through the stories of Jesus’ baptism and John the Baptist.

HITTING THE LEARNING TRAIL

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The Faith Trail Ministry resource from Grow includes two trail markers relating to baptism – one about baptism and one about baptism anniversaries. Faith Trail resources are designed for parents and congregations serving in an intergenerational faith-building partnership with children.

They celebrate the spiritual markers in a child’s life. The baptism resource includes a comprehensive Q&A on the sacrament – you can see an excerpt of this on pages 8–9.

For more about these and other resources, go to www.growministries.org.au or email Grow Resource Coordinator Christine Matthias at christine.matthias@lca.org.au

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SPLASHED WITH GOD’S PROMISE

BY A N N E H A NS EN

My journey into God’s family began on 26 September 1965, when I was baptised by my father, Pastor Ronald Gerhardy, at St John’s Lutheran Church Ipswich in Queensland. I was 10 days old, and my parents wanted me baptised before the family travelled to Horsham in Victoria for the 1965 National Women’s Convention and General Synod.

W I D E VA R I ET Y O F BAPTIS M R ESOU RCES

When I was baptised, I was brought into God’s family and splashed with his promise that I would spend eternity with him. Not only eternity but that he would remain with me every day of my life and would guide me through the Holy Spirit.

God has indeed been with me every day. During my school years, I confirmed my faith in 1979 at Immanuel College Novar Gardens in South Australia.

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has many resources relating to baptism – tracts explaining what it is; others celebrating the baptism day and baptism anniversaries; family devotions about baptism and tracts for congregations to fill in for godparents.

Have a look at our website www.ltm.org.au and choose ‘Find Resources’, then click on the category ‘Baptism’. Or come into the LLL offices and see them. There are about 35 different ones to choose from. While you are there, check out all our other resources – about 950 in total.

He was with me when I tried to work out my vocation in teaching as I travelled throughout Europe, the UK, and the USA. God was with me in my ministry with Lutheran Youth Encounter and in meeting my husband, Mark. He guided us back to Australia, through teaching, seminary, and having a family, and continues to be my constant in all I do.

We all have our story of being brought into God’s family. Share your story with people you care about today!

He blesses me every day with my ministry at Lutheran Tract Mission as he inspires me to put his words into stories and encouragements. I pray that God will continue to use me to reach others who do not yet know his saving love. It all began at my baptism when God splashed me with his promises.

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer.

BREAKING THROUGH LO N E L I N ES S WITH HOPE

Many people in Australia and New Zealand are lonely and are reaching out through Messages of Hope for support. Among them are people like ‘Ruby Red’, who shared her appreciation for this Lutheran Media ministry by leaving comments at www.youtube.com/messagesofhope ‘Messages of hope: Thank you so much. I get very, very sentimental, emotional at night and you know you really got home. It helps so much to lay out my feelings and pour my hurting heart out.

‘And again, thank you, I didn’t realise how therapeutic this would be for me to write all of this! I’m usually a private person. I have never even had a Facebook account for that reason.

Peace! 🏻’ - Ruby Red

😊

✌

Your Messages of Hope is developing more resources on loneliness (www.messagesofhope.org.au/loneliness www.messagesofhope.org.au/loneliness)) and this month we are sharing messages on grief (www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief-and-loss (www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief-and-loss)) and anxiety (www.messagesofhope.org.au/mental-health www.messagesofhope.org.au/mental-health). ).

Please keep everyone we reach, like Ruby Red, in your prayers.

FAST-GROWING CAMP NEEDS TWO MORE FULL-TIME TEAM MEMBERS Located in beautiful Halls Gap in western Victoria. You will learn all aspects of running a camp from cleaning to cooking, running programs and doing maintenance. Good onsite accommodation available.

You have a positive and friendly attitude, are fit and have at least one year’s work experience and a driver’s license. One position starts September, one mid-January.

To apply, send a cover letter and CV to justin.cozens@lca.org.au by 22 August.

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A LL AG ES STEP O UT FOR REFUGEE KIDS

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

When more than 40 people on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula gathered to do their own 12-kilometre Walk My Way recently through Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), young Amos gave it his all. ‘I’m exhausted, because the walk took two hours’, he said. ‘My feet are dead. I did the walk because of people that had to run away from their homes because they were getting attacked.’

Hannah, the youngest walker in the 25 June event near Cleve, is just five. She might have had a bit of help from her dad as they walked 4 kilometres, but at the finish line she was all smiles.

But you don’t have to have young feet to Walk My Way – Carly Zacher and husband Geoff have, as she says, ‘161 years between us’.

ALWS created Walk My Way in 2017 to raise money to support refugee children to go to school. Since then, more than $960,000 has been raised by thousands of dedicated walkers and their sponsors, supporting education for tens of thousands of children in places like Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

WA L K S TO S U I T E V E RYO N E , E V E RY W H E R E During the two years of COVID restrictions on large public gatherings, ALWS developed Walk your Way, in which local groups could do their own walk, on a date, in a place and across a distance that suited them.

That’s where passionate people like Eyre Peninsula organiser, Dawn Briese, come in. ‘I did the Walk My Way in the Barossa Valley last year, and thought it was a good opportunity to bring it out to the Eyre Peninsula’, she says.

Led by Dawn’s hard work, the people of Eyre Peninsula have raised more than $6,800 – enough to support 261 refugee children to go to school!

B R I N G I N G LO V E TO L I F E ACROSS TH E WORLD On the weekend of the Eyre Peninsula walk, Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission Pastor Matt Anker and Julie Krause from ALWS shared how these two LCANZ agencies work side-by-side but serve differently. As International Mission supports overseas partner churches to reach out with the no-strings-attached gospel and ALWS provides no-strings-attached practical aid, our church helps bring love to life.

Love will come to life again this year, when Lutheran schools host a Walk My Way for the wider church at Victor Harbor South Australia on 21 October.

The walk is being held on a Friday to maximise the number of students who can take part alongside the broader Lutheran community.

Jonathan Krause is ALWS Community Action Manager.

Find out more or register at www.walkmyway.org.au or phone 1300 763 407.

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

LCA STUDY GRANTS

Study grants are available to members of the LCA for study that will better equip them for service within the church. Usually up to $5000 for any one grant, the funding is to be used to cover costs associated with a study program or training project. Most grants are awarded to support courses no longer than one year full-time in duration.

Applicants should check the final enrolment date for their chosen course and should submit an application for an LCA Study Grant earlier than the closing date if required.

For terms of reference and an application form, go to: www.lca.org.au/departments/education-training/study-assistance/ The Lutheran AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

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Is God calling you to the Centre?

Will you bring your family, faith, gifts, skills and talents to Central Australia?

Goodbye bleak rainy winters.

Hello sunshine! Low humidity, great for health Long-established (140 years) and respected Lutheran heritage Schools, childcare, medical clinics and hospital, supermarkets, restaurants Daily flights to most capital cities Endless outdoor activities ... golf, hiking, 4WDing, camping

L U T H E R A N

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People who live amid the vast landscapes of the Red Centre often feel a deep connection with the wonder of creation. God can build on this spiritual openness to connect people with the message of Christ.

When Lutheran missionaries arrived at the Finke River in 1877, Aboriginal people gradually became ready to hear new stories about God the Creator and his son Jesus. Today there are around 6,000 Aboriginal Lutherans in the heart of Australia.

The Lutheran Church in Central Australia employs more than 200 people through Alice Springs Lutheran Church, Finke River Mission (including the Historical Precinct and Hermannsburg Store), Lutheran Care, Yirara College and Living Waters Lutheran School.

There are ministry roles available with Alice Springs Lutheran Church and Finke River Mission, while Yirara College and Living Waters Lutheran School are looking for teachers and ancillary staff. Inquiries from volunteers are always welcome, too.

What’s life like there? Read the testimonies of people who’ve served God in Central Australia at finkerivermission.lca.org.au Interested? Contact Wayne Beven (Finke River Mission Operations Manager) for more information via email at lcica@lca.org.au

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@home

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

PSALM 121:7,8

THE LORD WILL KEEP YOU FROM ALL HARM …

THE LORD WILL WATCH OVER YOUR COMING AND GOING BOTH NOW AND FOREVERMORE.

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Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Australia and New Zealand, some members are still missing out on worship with their local congregations due to being unwell or caring for those who are. However, these devotional pages are not just for those unable to get to church. We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week as well as at Sunday worship. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Lisa

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

What do I have to do?

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Psalm 15:1).

Read Psalm 15.

Alarm switched off, out-of-office reply set – hooray for holidays! Woohoo, it’s time to do nothing! As I ponder breakfast choices, the list of jobs attached to the fridge door catches my eye. Okay, that’s for later. Back in the bathroom, the squeaky door bugs me again. That’s for later, too. A check of the mailbox reminds me of the tall grass that needs taming out front. Can that wait for later, also? Hmm, I just started holidays, and I feel loaded with all the stuff I have to get done. There’s a long and impossible list of tasks. Maybe it is relaxing that will need to wait until later!

As the psalmist, David often shares beautiful imagery, lyrics or poetic prose. In Psalm 15, we read questions from David seeking clarity about needing to be blameless, righteous, truthful, do no wrong, not change his mind, give away his money and keep all his promises

YADBRRENPOE

to be in relationship with God. So, what’s with the long list of impossible tasks? If this all relies on me, it is not going to happen. There is no way I can make and keep a promise to do all of that, all of the time. If I need to do all those things to earn God’s love, I’ll fail!

Here’s the great news. David didn’t know God’s plan yet.

It’s actually Jesus that does all those things on the long and impossible list – and more. He does them for us.

He lived fully human and fully God, so he understands how hard it is every day. More than this, he died and rose for us. It’s always God’s work, not ours, that matters.

His love is free, unconditional and never-ending. So, what do I have to do? Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. We are saved by his grace through faith.

Lord of love, thank you for walking with me today.

The list feels long, but I know you’ve got this. I live in your grace and love. Amen.

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DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP You can handle the truth

BY PASTOR REID MATTHIAS

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13a).

Read John 16:12–15.

In the movie, A Few Good Men, Men, Jack Nicholson plays a passionate yet deceitful military officer, confronted by an upstart lawyer accusing him of the heinous crime of covering up the chain of command, which leads to murder. During the most iconic scene, Nicholson takes the stand, swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him, God. When posed with a yes or no answer as to whether he ordered the hazing of a marine, Nicholson gives an impassioned speech, criticising the lawyer and openly questioning those who don’t understand the military’s role. At the end of the monologue, his face full of fury, he iconically states: ‘You can’t handle the truth’.

There are many times in my life when I feel like that.

When the next straw falls on top of the last one, our backs feel broken, and our spirits crushed, I wonder if I can handle the truthful statement that life really isn’t fair.

In our reading today, Jesus, about to be led to Golgotha, describes the unfairness of what will happen to him and the struggle the disciples will encounter afterwards.

Knowing that his disciples could be overwhelmed by the entirety of the news of his death (and not listen to the good news following), he tells them, ‘I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear’.

In other words, I don’t have enough time to ease you into this and to be honest, you couldn’t handle the truth.

Thus, Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, the one who will guide them into all the promises that Jesus has for them. The Spirit of truth, the Advocate, the one who will speak to them and for them, will reveal that there is much more to this life than death and despair, pandemic and pestilence, inflation and unfairness.

There is the resurrection. And the hope. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

That is the truth they can handle.

Heavenly Father, through your Spirit who listens to the Son, please guide me into all the truth of your promises and relieve me from the fears that press in so closely.

Amen.

PRAYER THE GOLDEN CORD Through every minute of this day, Be with me, Lord!

Through every day of all this week, Be with me, Lord!

Through every week of all this year, Be with me, Lord!

Through all the years of all this life, Be with me, Lord!

So shall the days and weeks and years Be threaded on a golden cord, And all draw on with sweet accord Unto Thy fullness, Lord, That so, when time is past, By grace, I may at last, Be with Thee, Lord.

– John Oxenham, (1952-1841, published in ‘Bees in Amber’ 1913). Oxenham was a novel writer, journalist, poet, and Christian teacher. Sourced from justprayer.org

HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY, BUT MY WORDS WILL NEVER PASS AWAY. AWAY. MATTHEW 24:35

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@home

At home with Martha and Mary Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her (Luke 10:42).

Read Luke 10:38–42.

Imagine being at home with Martha and Mary. Luke tells us that it was Martha who opened her home to Jesus, and she had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. In John 12:1–3, we read that the village is Bethany, and Lazarus lived with them also.

In both settings, Martha is serving, probably exercising a gift of hospitality. Jesus was obviously at home with them, more than welcome to be there.

Luke says that Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was probably feeling under pressure and increasingly frustrated doing what needed to be done. Many of us, and predominantly women, most likely, can identify with her, whether we have the gift of hospitality or not. And if we are not responsible for preparing the food, we probably don’t even give it a thought.

From observation, Mary’s focus and priority were not on preparing food for the guests, and we can imagine there

BY RUTH OLSEN

were other people in the home listening to Jesus also. Where would you be – in Martha’s shoes or Mary’s? Hospitality and food preparation are necessary parts of life. In any culture where it is expected that women do the food preparation and serving, people would agree with Martha’s frustrated plea to Jesus for him to tell Mary to help her. Do you sense the moment? Jesus heard Martha’s request, knew her heart in her frustration, but said, ‘Martha, Martha … only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’. Do you sense a shift in priorities? And that sitting at the feet of Jesus is open to women also?

What catches your attention in this Scripture passage?

Are you willing for Jesus to be at home with you?

Lord Jesus, we welcome you to be at home with us also. Enable us to hear what you are saying to us, and by the power of your Spirit, enable us to change focus to pursue listening to you. Thank you!

Set your face towards the lost sheep of Israel

BY PASTOR TIM CASTLE-SCHMIDT

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6).

Read Matthew 10:5–23.

When God calls, we are in a privileged place to be invited into God’s mission. Sometimes that takes us along smooth paths, but more often, we get called to roads we neither expect nor might choose. That’s certainly been my experience.

And when God calls, he typically sets our faces towards the lost. Indeed, if we are honest with ourselves, we are all lost (and so terribly lost!), and until we acknowledge that, we cannot be found.

Jesus came, remember, to seek the lost.

And so, as soon as we can recognise that we are as lost as the next person, the sooner we can know that God is actively seeking us. But God never leaves us where he finds us. Whether that is to a new station in life, a new town or country, or a new mindset, God leads us to a new place.

We, the lost, are found and then sent with a new call on our lives. That may be a call to see things differently in our own backyard or a whole new backyard. Either way, we are called to set our faces towards the lost.

Lord Jesus, you set your face towards us because we were lost and then call us to seek the lost sheep of Israel. Help me acknowledge my own lostness so that you can truly find me, and then give me eyes to see the lost ones you lead me to. Amen.

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1 Peter 4:10

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

Opportunity knocks

in the Gabba’s shadow

BY HELEN BRINKMAN

When the Brisbane Bears joined what was to become the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1987, who would have guessed the ripples of opportunity that flowed from its emergence as the first Queensland-based club?

The club’s home at the famed Gabba, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, created an unexpected boon for the good folk of the nearby Nazareth Lutheran Church, Woolloongabba.

For the past three decades, the Bears’ home matches, and those of their successor the Brisbane Lions, have created an ongoing fundraising opportunity for the church.

Located 600 metres up the road from the Gabba, a tenant in one of the church rental properties first noted a few cars parking on the church property on game days.

It wasn’t long before all vacant space owned by the historic Hawthorn Street church was up for grabs for home matches, coordinated by longstanding Nazareth members Ruth and Colin Schneider.

Ruth and Colin, now both 81, took responsibility for organising paid parking, firstly on the congregation’s vacant lots, then its car parks and grounds. It was $5 a car park for footy patrons. ‘In the end, we could get 90 cars because Colin and I would do it together. He’d park them, and I’d stand at the gate and collect the money’, says Ruth.

In the early years, the operation become more sophisticated when Colin set up temporary spotlights for evening matches. Additional parking spaces were utilised

‘ IT H AS B EEN PA RT O F O U R LIV ES TO B E AT CH U RCH , A N D YO U S EE TH I N GS TH AT N EED TO B E DO N E, A N D YO U TH I N K , I C A N DO TH AT.’

around the church property, its kindergarten and across the road at Nazareth’s then-senior citizens’ home.

As development occurred, parking opportunities changed but never stopped. The Schneiders were helped by fellow members and enjoyed the camaraderie of fans usually enjoying fun, pre-match banter about their beloved teams – and yes, they still do allow opposition team supporters equal access to the car parks!

‘It was a fun time and everyone’s happy because they are going to the footy’, says Colin.

Even when the church was gutted by fire in May 2000, the car parking continued.

Colin recalls how most parkers, who were now regulars and had seen details of the church fire plastered over the news, had donated generously toward the church restoration fund. ‘We’d be getting $50 notes just given to us’, he says.

And Ruth even saved the church from a $300 fine for a misplaced parking sign, after a written plea to the Brisbane Lord Mayor asking him to waive the fine as the church had recently burnt down and the parking funds were supporting its re-build.

For Ruth and Colin, car parking has been part of a lifelong connection to the church. ‘It has been part of our lives to be at church, and you see things that need to be done, and you think, “I can do that”’, says Ruth.

The pair lives within walking distance of the church that Colin was baptised, confirmed and married in, on a street where Colin has lived since birth. Ruth moved into the street, three doors down from Colin, when she was 10.

They grew up in a street of young kids, who played cricket and football together on the road. They went to the same high school and Colin would go to her home each morning so they could travel to school on the tram.

Married in 1964, they had only started dating when Ruth was 21. Colin, then an apprentice watchmaker, would wait

for her tram to arrive from her city insurance job each afternoon. It was only months later that Ruth realised that their daily chat at the front gate was not accidental but had been deliberately timed!

‘The people you meet are normally so lovely and you enjoy their company. You have happy times; your friends are there and it’s a good feeling when you do something like this.’ The pair coordinated the fundraiser for almost 20 years, agonising over raising the parking price after the first decade, first to $6 then to $10.

In 2004, the Schneiders passed the baton to a series of fellow members. Most recently committee member and octogenarian Eric Parups worked with other members to keep the fundraiser going for almost two more decades and has supported a transition to new members this year.

‘It’s going to a good cause, and we quite often get more additional money from parkers as a donation’, Eric says.

The parking price has this year risen to $20, with regular parkers not batting an eyelid as the fundraising is earmarked to support domestic violence shelter, Mary and Martha. Serendipitously, this refuge has been a church mission since its inception by the Nazareth congregation more than 35 years ago.

Nazareth now provides regular donations for bedding that is given to clients moving to more permanent accommodation. And each home match collects about $600 for the cause.

After running in the shadow of the Gabba for 35 years now, the fundraiser shows no sign of waning. Who knows what boon the upcoming Olympic Games in 2032 may bring? Regardless, the Schneiders’ favourite Bible verse sets the tone: ‘The Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Deuteronomy 31:6).

The author is a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Woolloongabba.

Helen Brinkman is a Brisbane-based writer who is inspired by the many GREYT people who serve tirelessly and humbly in our community. By sharing stories of how God shines his light through his people, she hopes others are encouraged to explore how they can use their gifts to share his light in the world.

Know of any other GREYT stories in your local community?

Email the editor lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

Top left and right: Members of Nazareth Lutheran Church Woolloongabba offer paid car parking to AFL spectators on their suburban Brisbane property to raise money to support survivors of domestic violence.

Middle: Nazareth members Ruth and Colin Schneider started the footy parking fundraiser for the church three decades ago.

Above: The Schneiders each grew up near the church and the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground). Pictured, back from left, circa 1955, Colin, Ruth’s sister Gwen, Ruth, and neighbours Noel, and Jim in front.

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Lutheran education community back together

by Kate Bourne

After a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE) was held in Melbourne last month, drawing 450 in-person attendees and a further 120 people online.

The hybrid conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre offered an opportunity for connection and re-connection for a Lutheran education community that has faced significant challenges in the past couple of years.

The ACLE theme was ‘One voice, many paths’. With more than 40 presenters leading sessions across the three-day event from 5 July, participants were able to hear from those currently serving in Lutheran education, as well as national and international keynote speakers.

Opening the conference, Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) Executive Director Lisa Schmidt thanked participants for their ‘passionate and dedicated service over the past few years’. ‘This is our long-awaited chance to gather as a whole again’, she said.

‘Communities need connection and nurturing – the next few days is a dedicated time for doing that.’

International speakers included Rev Dr Chad Rimmer, a Lutheran pastor who serves as the program executive for Identity, Communion and Formation at the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva, Switzerland. Neuroscience trainer Nathan Wallis travelled from New Zealand to present a three-part series entitled ‘Engage your brain and the first 1000 days’, which was of particular interest for early childhood educators.

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Above left: Mark Rienecker, Chanel Siddall, Megan Danslow and Rachel Denning from Prince of Peace Lutheran College Queensland attended last month’s Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE). Photo: The School Photographer. Above right: Lutheran pastor Dr Chad Rimmer from the Lutheran World Federation was a keynote speaker at ACLE. Photo: Anth B Photography

During a collaborative session designed to inform the national initiative exploring our vision for learners and learning, attendees were asked, ‘What’s your vision for the learner and learning in 2022 and beyond in Lutheran education?’.

Given the experience schools have had in recent times it was no surprise that the session ‘Me, We, Us, Wellbeing in the Workplace’, led by Natasha Rae, was in high demand and required a lastminute change to seating configuration to allow more people to attend. Natasha works at Geelong Lutheran College and, with such a positive response to her session, it is anticipated further workshops will be arranged so more people can hear her message.

On the final day, Dave Faulkner and Maddie Scott-Jones from professional

learning organisation Education Changemakers prompted participants to work together in school groups to develop a plan for action and impact to take back to their schools.

Addressing conference attendees, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith described Lutheran schooling as an integral part of the ongoing life and mission of the church. ‘While the Lutheran Church has been forming young people through its schools, Lutheran schooling has been forming the church’, he said. ‘Therefore, that makes ACLE a significant event in the Lutheran Church calendar’.

At the conclusion of the conference, the ACLE candle was extinguished and handed to Lutheran Education Queensland, which will host the next triennial event in 2025.

Kate Bourne is LEA Administration Assistant.

New ALWS leader ready to serve Lifelong Lutheran and experienced business leader Michael Stolz has been appointed Executive Director of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) and will start the new role next month.

School and early learning staff recognised During last month’s Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE) in Melbourne, more than 160 current staff members were honoured for having served Lutheran education for 30 or more years.

The recognition covers all staff of Lutheran schools and early learning centres who have served for three decades or more. Recipients had their photos shown on a digital kiosk in the ACLE exhibition hall, seen by attendees during conference break times, and have been sent a handwritten thank-you note by Lutheran Education Australia.

One teacher whose service was highlighted said, ‘being recognised for 30 years’ service is quite an honour but we teach and serve because we love to and not for the kudos’.

‘We work in partnership with each other and the parents who entrust their children to us’, the teacher said.

‘If we look at this milestone as a way of recognising the many years of God’s blessings and guidance, and the many wonderful colleagues, students, parents and congregational members we have met along the way, I am okay with it!’

Mr Stolz, pictured, brings a wealth of high-level experience and expertise in business, consulting, project management and governance, with a strong track record of 30 years in transport, energy, defence, mining logistics and not-for-profit sectors.

Gaining a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) in 1985, Mr Stolz also has an Executive Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The son of missionary parents, he spent the first 15 years of his life in Papua New Guinea. He believes his life’s values were formed there, including an interest and commitment to the developing world.

From early adulthood, he has served the Lutheran Church – in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland – in roles including school establishment committees, congregation evangelism and stewardship teams, and District and Churchwide committees. He served as a non-executive director of the General Church Board (GCB) from 2012 to 2018.

He is currently serving as chair of the board of his local congregation, Prince of Peace, Everton Hills, in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith said Mr Stolz would bring ‘faithful passion and purposeful deliberation to the role of executive director of ALWS’.

‘I have served with Michael in Lutheran agencies and on committees for almost 30 years, and I cherish his deep understanding of the gospel and his heartfelt yearning to serve the church in the name of our Lord Christ Jesus’, Bishop Paul said.

A long-time personal supporter of ALWS, in 2020 Mr Stolz joined the ALWS Board as a non-executive board member and also the Finance Audit & Risk Committee as a member.

ALWS Board chair Jodie Hoff said: ‘We thank God for calling Michael to this role.

He is an exceptionally experienced and gifted team leader. On top of that, his governance experience on GCB and the ALWS Board will be invaluable.

‘For all his life he has sought to serve God wherever God has placed him – and he has done this with deep passion, great faith and profound humility. We look forward to how God will work through him as we bring God’s love to life in those the world forgets.’

Mr Stolz said he was looking forward to meeting stakeholders and staff and working with the ALWS team to ‘deliver an even stronger, better organisation that delivers impactful development and aid outcomes for the forgotten people in our wider world’.

‘It’s such a joy to witness how ALWS can bring together the mission field of students and staff in our Lutheran schools with our local church communities, together reaching out to people in the world’s most vulnerable communities’, he said. ‘You only have to see people of all ages stepping out in Walk My Way, and families in refugee camps celebrating that their children can now go to school, to know that ALWS is a precious gift of God to enable us to go and grow and bring love to life.’

Mr Stolz is married to Kathy, and they have four adult children.

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LCANZ hosts international mission gathering

by Nathan Hedt

Above left: Members of the International Consultation on Ecclesial Futures gathered in Adelaide for a week-long mission conference (above right) recently. They are from left: Edwin Van Driel (USA), Marius Nel (South Africa), Scot Sherman (USA), Frederick Marais (South Africa), Scott Hagley (USA), Gayle Hill (Aus), Nelus Niemandt (South Africa), Nathan Hedt (Aus), Doret Niemand (South Africa), Dean Eaton (Aus), Ruth Powell (Aus), Ian Robinson (Aus), Glen Powell (Aus). At home due to COVID: Steen Olsen (Aus), Pat Keifert (USA), Nigel Rooms (UK), Mike Harrison (UK). Photos: Amy Dahlenburg

Guests from various denominations attended from South Africa, the USA, Australia, the UK and Denmark. Fifteen people attended in person and others joined in and presented online through Zoom. Each day of the week-long conference featured presentations and discussions of missional papers from various ICEF members.

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The IRC/ICEF conference and open day were made possible by a grant from the LLL. What a wonderful blessing and privilege to get to know, and hear from, mission practitioners and researchers from all over the world during this week!

Pastor Nathan Hedt is Manager of the LCANZ New and Renewing Churches Department.

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The day was a wonderful opportunity for more than 60 attendees to receive and reflect on missional approaches from many different perspectives. Although originally planned as a fully in-person event, one of the presenters tested positive for COVID and one could not

The conference open day sessions have been recorded and will be made available for viewing via the New and Renewing Churches website at www.newandrenewingchurches.org.au

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Attendees at the open day held at Adelaide West Uniting Church heard presentations from missional scholars from four different continents and discussed the implications and actions arising from these presentations with a focus on their own local church’s mission and action.

travel from the UK because of a COVID diagnosis, so they gave presentations on Zoom – a perfect illustration of the waves of change that all of us have faced in the past two and a half years!

The presenters took us through a postwar history of the mission of the church in Australia; New Testament approaches to spiritual formation; assessing whether your local church is ready for change, and the dynamics of the change process in local churches.

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The International Consultation on Ecclesial Futures (ICEF, formerly known as the IRC, International Research Consortium) is a yearly get-together of mission scholars and practitioners which is hosted across four continents on a rotating basis. The LCANZ was privileged to host the 2022 gathering, orignally planned for June 2020, and twice postponed due to COVID, in Adelaide.

The theme of the conference and open day was ‘Riding the Waves of Change’.

Presentation and discussion topics included ‘Exploring exile as a theological narrative for churches emerging from COVID lockdown’, ‘Christian spiritual formation that guards resilience’, ‘Developing a Trinitarian theology of leadership’ and ‘Lessons from 30 years of NCLS surveys in Australia’.

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International mission practitioners, researchers and theologians from four different continents met recently in North Adelaide, hosted by the LCANZ’s New and Renewing Churches department at Australian Lutheran College.

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J U B I L E E C E L E B R AT ES CO M I N G TO G E T H E R O F C U LT U R ES We may think of cross-cultural or multiethnic ministry as a relatively recent focus of the LCANZ. But that’s far from the case, as a joyful anniversary celebration held in Brisbane this winter shows.

The first Lutheran Scandinavian-language service in Queensland was held on 26 June 1872 and was commemorated with worship and a jubilee celebration exactly 150 years later at St Andrews Lutheran Church, Brisbane City.

‘CROS S - CU LTU R A L M I N ISTRY IS N OT N E W. T H E F O U R CO R N ERS O F T H E WO R LD I NTERS ECT I N T H E CIT Y.’

The original Danish-language service was led by Pastor Christopher Gaustad, a Norwegian missionary and Pietist, who was gifted with languages. He trained in Norway and Berlin, he also served in India.

Multiple languages were used during the Jubilee 150th service. The Lord’s Prayer was printed in Icelandic, Norwegian, North Sami, Swedish, Finnish and Danish for the consecration of the Lord’s Supper, while Bible readings were given in Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish.

The current St Andrews pastor, Finnish-born Tommi Vuorinen, who also serves the Finnish congregation at Woolloongabba in Brisbane, was on leave at the time of the anniversary, so one of the congregation’s former shepherds, Pastor Stephen Nuske, preached and led worship.

As well as being followed by a Scandinavian high morning tea, the service included music from two contrasting wind instruments – the didgeridoo, played by Braden Chambers,

SUDOKU Every number from one to nine must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal columns and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. No number can occur more than once in any row, column or box. The solution will be printed in the next edition.

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Pastor Stephen points out that today the LCANZ not only includes Scandinavian worshipping communities, but it also has links with outposts of the Scandinavian Mission to Seafarers in South-East Asia through LCA International Mission. ‘This is an important link’, he says. ‘Cross-cultural ministry is not new. The four corners of the world intersect in the city. “They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God”’ (Luke 11:29).

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and the Bethlehem Memorial Organ, built by the late Danish-Australian Knud Smenge, and played by Mark Boughen.

A special canticle was written for the occasion with text by Pastor Stephen and a setting by Mark Boughen. It was sung by Owen Dixon. Braden’s grandfather Uncle Joe Kirk gave the Welcome to Country for those attending, while a significant hymn for the day was ‘Built on the Rock the Church doth stand’, which features in the Australian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Icelandic Lutheran hymnals.

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Didgeridoo player Braden Chambers, First Nations elder Uncle Joe Kirk, Swedish deacon MiLo Loren, Pastor Stephen Nuske and pastoral assistant Yong Bong Cho were part 150th jubilee commemorations of Queensland’s first Scandinavian-language service at St Andrews Lutheran Church Brisbane City recently.

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YOUTH KEEP SPI RIT O F R EFO R MATIO N alive

For the past three years, 22-year-old Elsa Matthias has represented the LCANZ on the Global Young Reformers Network (GYRN). An initiative of the Lutheran World Federation, the network was created in 2014 by youth for youth and aims to connect young people who are active in their local Lutheran communities. Also a member of the network steering committee representing the Asian region, Elsa is pictured above speaking at the recent Asian Church Leaders Conference in Thailand. She explains the value of these collaborations …

How can we bring the voice of the youth into our church?

How do we do this so that the work of the youth can be considered the work of the church?

These are questions I have been exploring with youth around the globe. And guess what? We in Australia and New Zealand are not the only ones to have these questions! Other churches within our South-East Asian region also struggle with the best ways to bring youth into the leadership structures of the church.

At the recent Asian Church Leaders Conference, young people were able to bring these questions to others before God. We may not have the answers yet, but to follow are some ideas raised.

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Provide ownership of programs to youth: If there are passionate young people within your congregation, give them the opportunity to take the reins with your support.. Allow them to lead programs or offer ideas support for the whole church.

Gather churchwide youth to be part of Lutheran fellowship together: Lutheran youth in Australia and New Zealand are often spread so far apart that we can feel like we’re the only ones. So, for example, hold a half-yearly gathering to show youth that they are part of something larger.

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Invite youth to join decision-making bodies: There are many ways to continue Lutheran reformation, and these can start within local congregations when youth feel empowered to lead. And encourage youth with leadership passion to serve on churchwide decisionmaking bodies. I have been on the International Mission committee for more than three years, and it is such a worthwhile experience.

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Bring back ideas: It’s unlikely you knew what I have been doing within the GYRN – which is fair enough.

But I’m not the only young person involved in mission. Do you know those in your church who are? Your congregation could establish a system by which youth who do mission can bring ideas, stories and projects back to your whole church, not just to the youth.

No matter how old we are, we are all aiming for one goal – sharing the gospel for the glory of God! It is my prayer that the LCANZ can be an agent of God’s love and an agent of change within our local, regional and global contexts. I pray that we can continue to welcome ideas that lead to the continual reformation of the church.

Elsa Matthias is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Horsham in Victoria.

DIRECTORY CALLS Extended • Rev Adam W Eime Peace Lutheran College Cairns Qld to St Andrews and LHI Pastor Glynde SA • Rev Adam W Eime Peace Lutheran College Cairns Qld to Bethlehem Adelaide SA • Rev Peter B Hage Perth WA to Alice Springs NT • Rev Peter R Klemm Cummins SA to Greenock SA • Rev Anthony R Price Gawler SA (Associate Pastor) to Gawler SA (Lead Pastor) • Rev Mark W Tuffin Croydon Secondary College Vic to Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic

• Rev Simon W Cooper Installed at Immanuel College Novar Gardens SA on 27 June 2022 by District Bishop David Altus • Rev Rolly G Stahl Installed at Tea Tree Gully SA on 10 July 2022 by District Bishop David Altus

ROLL OF PASTOR S • Rev Stuart P Kleinig LCA Interim Ministry Pastor assigned to South-West Queensland (Chinchilla Ministry Area) by the LCANZ College of Bishops.

IN MEMORIAM • Iris Hannah Schubert nee Siebert, widow of Rev Victor Schubert, died on 19 June 2022, aged 92

• Rev Rodney Witmitz Ocean Forest College Dalyellup WA to Albury NSW

In Memoriam

Accepted • Rev Mark W Brinkmann Redcliffe Qld to Toowoomba Salem and Northridge Salem Aged Care Qld • Rev Joseph A T Graham Gilgandra-Dubbo NSW to Biloela Qld

Declined • Rev Joel S Cramer Salisbury SA to Bordertown SA • Rev Peter B Hage Perth WA to Alice Springs NT • Rev Darren M Kupke Temora NSW to Bendigo Vic • Rev John W Strelan St Stephens Adelaide SA to Horsham Vic

INTALL ATIONS • Rev Roelof A Buitendag Installed as Lead Pastor to Ipswich Qld at Bethany Worship Centre Raceview on 19 June 2022 by District Bishop Mark Vainikka

Trevor Reu Rev Trevor Norman Reu born 7 May 1940; ordained 19 Jan 1964 (Zion Angaston SA); married Gina nee Ginters 3 Oct 1964 (St Petri Nuriootpa SA); served Whyalla SA (1964), Light Pass SA (1964), Cummins SA (1964–1970), Christchurch NZ (1970–1979), Pasadena SA (1979–2000), St Johns Tanunda SA (2000–2007); retired 31 Dec 2007; died 23 June 2022 (Barossa Village SA); funeral 1 July 2022 (St Petri Nuriootpa SA); mourned by wife Gina, children Michael and Daniel and families

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YOUR VOICE Shared passion for learning and mission I have just returned from Melbourne after attending the two-and-ahalf-day Australian Conference on Lutheran Education (ACLE).

The conference was worth every minute. Worship centred each day’s gathering. The speakers were compelling, and electives grappled with the challenging intersections of educational practices and LCANZ theological teaching. The conference was attended by more than 500 Lutheran educators from early learning centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and the LCANZ’s only tertiary provider (ALC). As I met people, I was encouraged by their commitment to enact God’s mission in Christ through their own educational settings. With a focus on providing high quality learning for those entrusted to their care, they were also deeply committed to their Christian witness and sacrificial service.

The LCANZ’s early learning centres, kindergartens, schools and colleges are precious gifts from God. ACLE 2022 was worth every minute.

Rev James Winderlich – Principal, Australian Lutheran College

LETTERS Opinions expressed in letters FROM MEMBERS are those of the writers and do OF THE LCANZ not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.

Shorter letters will be given preference over longer letters. Subscribers’ letters will be given preference over those from non-subscribers. Letters longer than 300 words and those containing personal attack will not be published. No more than two letters from the same author will be published in a calendar year.

Some letters may be edited for clarity.

LCA N Z C O M P L A I N 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.

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

September 2022 S U N D AY

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M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY

P L E A S E P R AY F O R …

T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

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People with literacy difficulties or disadvantages on Indigenous Literacy Day, which celebrates culture, stories and language

Those attending the LCANZ’s National Young Adults Forum being held this weekend in Adelaide

Volunteers serving at the Royal Adelaide Show Christian Outreach stall and the showgoers they interact with

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All fathers, those who are missing their dads and those who have longed to be fathers, as we mark Father’s Day

All children during National Child Protection Week, and SA’s new Guardian for Children and Young People, Lutheran Shona Reid

New ALWS Executive Director Michael Stolz, who starts his new role this month for the LCANZ’s overseas aid and development agency

District Administrators Lester Dreckow, Stephen Mildred, Angela Rogers, Trevor Ruthenberg, Rosie Schefe and Russell Veerhuis

The NSW-ACT District’s Turning Point Ministries team, including chair and administrator Peta Bennett

Those attending and those organising the SA-NT District Pastors Wives Retreat 2022 in the Clare Valley SA

Members of the committees of the LCNZ, that they may feel God’s presence and the support of the whole LCANZ

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All those involved with administration in our congregations and parishes, schools and early learning centres

Attendees and organisers of the LCA Qld District’s Ministry Summit 2022, being held today at Eight Mile Plains

All who work to preserve Te Reo Maori in New Zealand’s Maori Language Week.

Children who grow up in foster care and those who open their hearts and homes as foster carers during National Foster Care Week

Those people whose lives are touched through Refresh, the new worship community growing out of Geelong Lutheran College Vic

Members of the Board of Management of St Paul’s College Walla Walla NSW, including chair Anthony Lieschke

Members of the LCANZ’s General Synod planning committee in the lead-up to the in-person sessions of the convention next February

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Those organising and attending the LCNZ’s online Church Workers Conference this week

An end to discrimination preventing universal suffrage, on the anniversary of NZ’s 1893 Electoral Act, which gave women the vote

The children who attend the Lutheran Youth of Qld’s Junior Springboard camp at Luther Heights Youth Camp Coolum Beach

All those whose lives have been hurt by war on the International Day of Peace

The leaders and members of all congregations around the LCANZ who are without a pastor

People who are hearing impaired, including among our Lutheran family, on the International Day of Sign Languages

NSW-ACT District’s new project Frontier School of Mission, including school Dean Rev Dr Mark Worthing

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Young lives to be enriched by the Holy Spirit at the Spring Christian Life Week camp starting tomorrow at Boyne Island Qld

Campers and organisers of the Lutheran Youth of Victoria Christian Life Week starting today at Tandara Lutheran Camp Halls Gap

Reminders each day to live in the joy of new life given to us in baptism and for all who are not yet baptised

Those attending the VictoriaTasmania District Pastors’ Conference which starts today at Good Shepherd Ringwood

Students of the new online Cross-Cultural Ministry training course, run with ALC, and the people to whom they will minister

The organisers and delegates of the VictoriaTasmania District Convention of Synod, which starts today at Luther College Croydon

The Lutheran AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

Grieving the loss of a life you once had?

Struggling with anxiety?

Watch, listen and read messages of hope to give you hope and peace in times of grief and anxiety.

Discover the hope Jesus Christ offers at www.messagesofhope.org.au (&.nz).

Worship online or by DVD at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/worship Enjoy www.happyland.com.au activities, videos and resources.

Cards, booklets and guides available at www.lutheranmedia.org.au Reach millions of people with the hope of Jesus Christ by giving a donation at www.lutheranmedia.org.au

‘I had to drop out of school because of financial hardship.

I developed an inferiority complex and decided all I could do was stay at home and do domestic work and depend on my family for all my needs.

Then, Lutheran World Federation accepted me as an Intern.

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

Open for inspection by appointment

Get your skates on, the lifestyle in Barossa is proving to be very popular with many of our newly released homes snapped up in June.

Excellent on-site facilities, boat and caravan parking available, pet friendly yards and a low maintenance lifestyle.

... it’s time to start living

My responsibility was to offer psychosocial support to girls and boys and guide them from absenteeism into going to school. I used my experience to counsel them to work hard.

When they complained about the lack of necessities, I showed how they can overcome challenges by using the little they have and sharing with others.

I offered mentoring too.

The internship has given me confidence to communicate to large audiences and facilitate training. The students I mentored now look at me as a role model.’

Raja Kwaja Musa, South Sudan You can bless others like Raja by dedicating a gift in your Will to keep on helping people through ALWS. As you do, those you love will see the values precious to you live on.

To find out more:

alws.org.au * 1300 763 407

ALWayS for those forgotten

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Business blooms

Photo: LWF Nepal

Thanks to your kindness through ALWS, these ex-kamaiya ladies in Nepal are now successful vegetable farmers. Thank you!

Thank you!

Before your kindness and care through ALWS, these ladies were ‘slaves’.

In Nepal, in past times a group of people were known as kamaiya. They owned no land and were forced to take out loans from wealthy landowners to survive.

The loans had exorbitant interest rates, and kamaiya were forced to work for the landowner to repay the loan. Even a loan as small as $100 could take decades of forced labour to repay, even going on to the next generation. While laws now prohibit this practice, ex-kamaiya are still among the poorest and most vulnerable people in Nepal, and their needs are often forgotten.

That’s where you step in through ALWS. Thanks to you, in Purainatal, Nepal, 23 ex-kamaiya women attend a 16-week Farmer Field School you support. Before your help, they struggled to survive as daily labourers on the tiny patch of land they were given when they were freed (1/10th of a hectare).

Now, they have their own thriving vegetable-growing businesses. Cucumbers, tomatoes, bitter gourds, long beans

and okra – all flourishing in plastic tunnels you supply to act as ‘hot houses’, protected from pests by insect nets.

Chunki Devi Chaudhary leads the Sirjana Women Farmers Group. She says: ‘Now, with our new-found skill, we are making a good income out of our commercial vegetable farming.

I have earned NPR 83,000 ($1,000) by cultivating tomatoes for two seasons using the insect net.’

As the farmers’ income from their new businesses increases, they contribute 100 NPR ($1) per month to a cooperative they have formed to grow their businesses together.

Your ALWS action is delivered by LWF Nepal, supported by a generous 5:1 grant from the Australian Government … but it all starts with you you,, bringing love to life for landless ‘slaves’, forgotten by the world.

Your kindness plants seeds that grow into veggies, businesses, independence!

You are a blessing ALWayS. Thank you!

FIND OUT MORE: alws.org.au * 1300 763 407

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