Issuu

MA 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 A L AN D

Print Post Approved PP100003514 VOL 57 No 6

DEC 2023–JAN 2024

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

ED ITO R I A L 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

C O N N ECT W ITH U S We Love The Lutheran! lutheranaunz lutheranchurchaus

S U B SC R I B E www.thelutheran.com.au 08 8267 7300 lutheran.subs@lca.org.au LCA Subscriptions PO Box 731 North Adelaide SA 5006 6 editions per year (Feb-Mar, Apr-May, Jun-Jul, Aug-Sep, Oct-Nov, Dec-Jan) Print or print & digital Australia $39 | New Zealand $41 Asia/Pacific $49 | Rest of the world $57 Digital only $26

D ES I G N & P R I NT Design & Layout Elysia McEwen Printer Openbook Howden The Lutheran is produced on the traditional lands of the Kaurna and Dharug peoples.

A DV ERTI S I N G / M A N U SC R I P TS

Multi(media)-tasking Print or digital edition? Sarah Wiltshire, Clare Allen and Jo Chamberlain from Lutheran Media tried both during a recent team meeting to find out which is their favourite way of reading The Lutheran. The verdict? Not surprisingly, they use and enjoy different platforms – just like Lutheran Media itself! You can read about the new Lutheran Media calendar for 2024 on page 20 and find out about this month’s Messages of hope topics on page 31. Send us a photograph featuring a recent copy of The Lutheran and it may appear on page 2 of a future issue and on our website at www.thelutheran.com.au

People like YOU bring love to life Kathy McNamara Grace Lutheran Church Bridgewater SA Tutor, encourager, Bible study leader and prayer team member Most treasured Bible text: Hebrews 13:5b ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’

Benjamin Lyons

Should be directed to the editor. Manuscripts are published at the discretion of the editor. Those that are published may be edited.

Arise Lutheran Church Springfield Qld

Copy deadline: 1st of preceding month Rates: general notices and small advertisements, $21 per cm; for display, contract and inserted advertisements, contact the editor.

‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’

LUTHERAN

Most treasured Bible text: Micah 6:8

Karen Crouch

CHURCH

St John’s Esperance WA and St Paul’s Kalgoorlie-Boulder WA

OF AUSTRALIA

Software developer/trainer, Lutheran Women WA Secretary, pastor’s wife

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.

Chaplain at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Qld

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Most treasured Bible text: Lamentations 3:22,23 ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ 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) and your contact details.

Special features

7 What is our mission? We all know deep down, don’t we? We are to love God, love our neighbours as ourselves – and, as our cover text says, with the help of the Holy Spirit we are to be God’s witnesses to the ends of the earth. Being and bringing Jesus to people – sharing the gospel – is core business for us as individual Christians and for us as church.

I know I’ve been guilty at times of neglecting the not-yet-Christians God leads me to. Of not taking the opportunities to be that witness I am called to be. I have not always reflected the light and love of Jesus to those who don’t know the blessings of being in a relationship with him. I’m not saying that relationships within the church are unimportant. They are a great gift. Another of our primary roles within our faith families is to build one another up, as we work for God’s kingdom together. Nor am I saying that the organisation and administration of institutional church matters and practice are things we can ignore. What I suspect we all need though is some perspective and some balance – because everything we have, including our mission, is a blessing from God.

Can I come to church?

Meeting our neighbours

Standing with neighbours 10 across the world

Is that where we spend most of our time and effort though? Or do we tend to be navel-gazers and nit-pickers, and so consumed with the business and busyness of church life that we forget to just be still and quiet, being rejuvenated in God’s loving arms and listening for his voice and guidance? And do we invest our energy and emotion so much in the people already in the church – and sometimes more negatively than positively – that we fail to make time for and share hospitality with those outside of it?

What is your personal mission field?

The global life in Christ

Never too old to be baptised

Regulars Because we bear your name: Bishop Paul’s letter

Time with God

Dwelling in God’s word

Go and Grow

The Inside Story

Going GREYT!

Directory

Your voice

Coffee Break

So, as we look toward another Christmas, let’s ask him to help us focus on the Star of Bethlehem, to help us work together with our fellow believers in our great co-mission, and for the opportunity and courage to share the joy and hope we have with everyone around us. And I pray that you’ll see that same hope and joy reflected by members of our Lutheran family featured in these pages.

As this is the last edition for 2023, I would like to thank you, our readers, subscribers and group collectors for your support and loyalty – especially after our switch to six editions this year. My gratitude goes, too, to our wonderful team – Linda Macqueen (executive editor), Elysia McEwen (graphic designer), columnists Helen Brinkman and Bishop Paul Smith, proofreaders Lyall Kupke and Kathy Gaff, Olivia Harman and others who have stepped in to help with subscription administration, and Trevor Bailey and all at Openbook Howden. Have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas,

Our cover: iStock.com. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following pages may contain images of people who have died. The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

Because we bear your name

REV PAU L SMITH Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

Did your parents ever warn you, ‘Don’t run in the dark!’? This is one of those ‘common sense’ things we learn in childhood for our own safety. If you run in the dark, you will fall over and hurt yourself.

After the shepherds had arrived at the manger, they became the first ‘evangelists’ of the good news of the incarnation. They told everyone about what had happened and of the promise fulfilled in the birth of Mary’s son.

So why did the Bethlehem shepherds run in the dark? The scriptures tell us that after the appearance of the angels, singing ‘Glory to God in highest heaven’, ‘the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste’ (Luke 2:15,16). Haste means quickly.

Scripture tells us that those who heard the witness of the shepherds were amazed.

Remember it was very dark as they had no streetlights or mobile phones with a torch in those days. Also, these shepherds were out in the fields and would have had to stumble their way back into town without a road. These hard-working shepherds had been captured by God, graciously keeping the promise to send a Saviour. Their passion to ‘go and see’ was inspired by God’s sure word and promise. This was despite the darkness and the hazards ahead of them on the way back into Jerusalem.

There are always obstacles in our journey. We trip and fall. We struggle with uncertainty. We long for the light in dark places. Even in matters in the church, we are not sure about the way ahead. But it is God’s sure word and promise that carries us forward. We are confronted with the good news of the manger and the cross, where God’s heart is revealed as gracious and merciful – slow to anger and abounding in love. The shepherds ran to see Jesus. Let us go forward together, keeping our eyes fixed on the pioneer and perfecter of our faith: Jesus Christ. The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

Two-thousand years later we are called to follow the example of the Bethlehem shepherds, to gather family and friends with us at the Christmas manger so God’s good news would amaze us all and make us all people of hope.

AN D TH EY WENT WITH HASTE ... (TH E BETH LEH EM SH EPH ERDS’) PASSION TO ‘GO AN D SEE’ WAS I NSPI RED BY GOD’S SU RE WORD AN D PRO M ISE.

The life of a Bethlehem shepherd in New Testament times was not an easy journey. They lived in a country ruled by an overseas power. A shepherd usually suffered poverty and had little opportunity to change their situation. But God surprised them with his good news, and God gathered them to the side of the manger to see Christ, their Lord.

BISHOP PAUL’S LETTER

This is the time of year to invite family and friends for Christmas festivities – including inviting them to worship with you at church. With Christmas 2023 drawing closer, you will have seen the shops filling up with Christmas stock, including ornaments and decorations.

I encourage you to be on the lookout for nativity scenes. If you see one in a store or in your local community centre, please consider finding out who the person in charge of that place is. Then, as you are able, please thank them for the display of a nativity scene. In doing this, you are celebrating with that person ‘the reason for the season’. ‘O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in: Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!’ From ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) In Christ,

BY CR A I G H EI D EN R EI CH

It can sometimes feel like the core business of the church, sharing the gospel, is taking second place. And when I talk to Christians about sharing their faith with unbelievers, they usually agree this is important but, at the same time, find it difficult. Jesus makes it clear in Scripture that a sign of our love for him is our ‘witness’, but it’s hard to turn conversations towards spiritual things with sceptical people. We can feel we are not doing enough to share our faith. This was my experience until I realised that I needed to approach things differently.

C H A N G I N G H E A R T S I S P R I M A R I LY T H E LO R D ’ S J O B , N OT YO U R S I was trying to be a witness for Jesus rather than with him. I needed to relax and let him take the lead. He is the Lord of the harvest, actively drawing people to the Father. The Lord has won reconciliation and softens people’s hearts. I was relieved to realise he was inviting me to join him as a junior partner. Now I listen for his prompting. He shows me who to spend time with and what to say, but the real change in others is the Holy

Spirit’s work. I might be one of several Christians he is using to reveal himself in that person’s life.

FOCUS O N TH E PROCESS , N OT T H E O U TCO M E I used to focus on engaging people in a ‘God conversation’ without attending to the relationship. Talking to a stranger (or neighbour), I felt that if I didn’t say something ‘spiritual’, there was no value in the interaction. I now focus on being the sort of person that others feel comfortable opening up to, trusting that I’ll know what to say about Jesus (and when). If we hope to share our faith with others, it is more likely to happen when an unbeliever confides honestly about something that concerns them. This provides a context to speak into. The measure of my personal ‘mission field’ is the openness of the unbelievers around me. There are ways we can significantly grow this mission field (with prayerful intention). What qualities encourage openness in others? Can we learn some new practices, like being a good listener? The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

As we prayerfully give attention to connecting well with people for their sake, the miracle of God’s love starts to flow into our hearts. With his perspective on someone, my sharing becomes more relevant and natural.

C U LT I VAT E A H E A R T TO B L E S S STRANGERS People respond when they sense you approach them with goodwill. If you are familiar with the Luke 10 passage, Jesus gives the 70 several instructions as they interact with strangers. The first is to start by blessing people (declaring Shalom – peace be with you). Normal human interaction is transactional. We weigh up whether a person deserves our attention. But Jesus calls us to show unconditional favour to others, as he shows us. Sadly, part of our human condition is to critique others – often expressed in critical thoughts and words. And living with a critical (superior) posture limits our ability to pray for strangers or approach them but, with God’s help, we can think and speak blessings. People sense this before you even open your mouth.

PEO PLE R ESPO N D W H EN T H EY FEEL VA LU ED There are various ways we can signal that a person is valued. Truly listen: When we take time to listen, it shows we think the person is valuable. A common trap I fall into is listening just long enough to express my own opinion. Often, this just shuts the conversation down. What we are aiming for is ‘curious’ listening to draw forth honesty about life’s real issues. Take a curious posture and ask questions that encourage a person to talk. Remember: A sign that we value what we have heard is to remember important bits, such as people’s names and other details. This can be very impactful the next time we see them and helps the transition from strangers to friends. If you habitually say, ‘I’m not good with names’, ask for God’s help. I also write things down immediately after the

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conversation, and carry a small, indexed book for this. Another solution could be using the notes function on your phone. Noting things reinforces my sense that the Lord is working in hearts and that each person is valuable. It helps me remember, enhances my empathy, and increases the likelihood that I will pray for them. Resist your urge to correct: A common instinct among Christians is to quickly correct the opinion of an unbeliever before they know you care for them. Honest expression can be messy, but we can rest knowing the Holy Spirit brings people to conviction.

S H A R E YO U R ST R U G G L ES Many unbelievers think Christians are self-righteous and judgemental. We can dispel the notion that we ‘have it all together’ by sharing our struggles when appropriate. This invites the other person to share.

D O N ’ T U S E O V E R T LY RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE Often groups of people use specialised terms only meaningful for group members. If our goal is to connect, we will use terminology that unbelievers can understand. This is becoming more necessary with greater numbers of people who have little exposure to Christian talk.

KEEP THE THINGS PEOPLE S H AR E CO N FI D ENTIAL People will withdraw if they don’t feel safe. Be prayerful about what to share and what to tuck away in your heart.

S P OT S I T U AT I O N S W H E R E YO U C A N INTERACT MORE THAN ONCE Building trust is not usually achieved in a single conversation. This means we look for situations and contexts that allow relationships to build. Most of us are already in contact with

TH E M E ASU R E O F MY PERSO N A L ‘ M IS SI O N FI ELD’ IS TH E O PEN N ES S O F TH E U N B ELI E V ERS A RO U N D M E.

unbelievers at work or in our neighbourhoods. And we all visit supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, hairdressers, doctors, etc. Why not make someone’s day by showing an interest in their life?

SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO H U N G E R F O R R E L AT I O N S H I PS Our Australian and New Zealander culture can promote the idea that we are successful when we don’t need anyone. Then if we do have a need, we ‘pay for service’ and control the interaction. This has a certain appeal but is a lonely existence. Not everyone will be ready for honest interaction, but the Lord is often ‘using’ the difficulties people experience to soften their hearts. He will direct us to people who are ‘ripe’. I’m not just suggesting we try to be likeable and kind. Our aim is far richer and relates to the whole purpose of our existence. We each have a part to play in God’s big plan for humanity, and getting into step with him gives our lives meaning. While we are being kind and prayerful, other important things will happen. We start to hear the prompt of the Holy Spirit and experience divine appointments. He leads us into situations matching our personalities. God’s love germinates in our hearts, taking us beyond our human limitations. When I sense the Lord’s presence, I am less concerned about myself and what people might think of me. It is then I am more likely to share my faith. Craig Heidenreich is the LCANZ’s Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator. This story first appeared in the LCANZ’s Equipping You for Mission eNews. Find it in full at www.lca.org.au/what-is-your-personal-mission-field/

LCAN Z CO NVE NTI O N O F G E N E RAL SYN O D 2024 ELECTION OF DELEGATES

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Parishes have been advised that they must elect their The following LCANZ entities may submit delegate/s for the 2024–27 synodical period and return proposals to General Synod: congregations, the appointment form to the Secretary of the Church parishes, LCANZ boards (provided the matter by 31 March 2024. Parishes must elect a delegate is within their terms of reference), General for the synodical period even if that person is unable Pastors Conference, General Church Board to attend Convention of General Synod in October or its Executive, the Synod of any District, the 2024. It is strongly recommended that parishes appoint Church Council of any District or the Pastors an alternate delegate at the same parish meeting that Conference of any District. Proposals must be the delegate is elected. It is important to note that submitted no later than 31 March 2024 using delegates serve the LCANZ for the full three-year the proposal template. synodical period, commencing at the 2024 Convention PROPOSAL TEMPLATE through to the commencement of the 2027 Convention. Parish members and those people nominated for the important role of delegate should be familiar with the responsibilities of delegates. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DELEGATES

www.lca.org.au/convention-general-synod-2024/delegates

www.lca.org.au/convention-general-synod-2024

Nominations for people to serve on the LCANZ’s boards, commissions and committees will be called for in early 2024. The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

BY RO B EDWA R DS

‘Can I come to church?’ You get a lot of different calls as a pastor, but this phone call was particularly unusual. It started quite normally, but the purpose was a bit surprising. The young lady on the other end of the line was asking if she could come to church. I could have simply said ‘yes’, and hung up, but there seemed to be more to the question. After a few niceties, a few more questions and a bit of awkward silence, she asked, ‘How do I come? Can I just come in the front door? Do I have to be a member?’ The questions sounded strange, but it occurred to me that I don’t know how difficult it is to get into church because I’ve always been ‘in’. Sure, I’ve visited churches where I am not a member, churches of other denominations with unfamiliar practices, but always with a basic working knowledge of churches.

to happen first, and most of it is in relationship-forming. Our plan to welcome new people into the church, therefore, may need to start potentially years before they sit in a pew. We always need to ask the ‘new person’ question when we do anything in the church. How will this impact the new person? What will the new person think of this activity? Where will they sit? Will they be able to get a coffee afterwards? Do they know that they are allowed to?

IT OCCU R R ED TO M E TH AT I DO N ’ T K N OW H OW D I FFI CU LT IT IS TO G ET I NTO CH U RCH B EC AUS E I ’ V E A LWAYS B EEN ‘ I N ’.

In this case, I asked her if she wanted a ‘dry run’ – in other words, to visit the church. I could show her through, where she could sit, and how to ‘come in’. She loved that idea, and when she came, we talked for more than an hour. How and why this all started is another story, but it made me realise that many people won’t just come to church. A lot needs

Well, she did come to church and seemed to enjoy it. The following week, she brought her daughter and two grandkids. A little while later, two other daughters. A series of studies later, half a dozen baptisms ensued. While they will never be your ‘usual’ Lutheran members, and there will often be some unusual questions, lifestyle choices and more, they now know they can come to church.

Pastor Rob Edwards serves the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church Gatton in Queensland. This story first appeared in LCA Queensland District eNews and on the district’s website at https://qld.lca.org.au/2023/10/10/can-i-come-to-church/

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MEETING OUR

neighbours BY LI S A M CI N TOS H

And how they love and serve in response to the question the law expert asked Jesus 2000 years ago (‘Who is my neighbour?’), as recorded in Luke’s Gospel, is a constant source of inspiration. There are meals, care packages and help with repairs after the devastation of fires or floods. There is financial and practical support during droughts. And there are always prayers. But beyond those expressions of love, congregations of the LCANZ are coming up with innovative ways to connect, befriend, build relationships with and welcome their neighbours. With Christmas coming up, some churches get involved with or host carols events for their local areas. Bethlehem Lutheran Church Woongoolba brings the Jacobs Well Community Carols to its community south of Brisbane. This month’s candlelight event will feature singers from LORDS K-12 college (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School). See A above. Members of St Pauls Box Hill in suburban Melbourne recently held an open day that welcomed hundreds of people to their church. The event aimed to provide hospitality to the community and included morning tea, free beverages from a coffee van, face painting, games, music, a garden stall, sausage sizzle, and arts and crafts. Members of St Pauls partner, the Chinese Lutheran Church of Victoria, also had a stand to promote their activities and services. See B. Another partnership between churches of different backgrounds resulted in an iftar dinner being hosted in suburban Adelaide earlier this year. Breaking down barriers through breaking bread together was the goal for The Ark Lutheran Church, Salisbury, which partnered with Hope Arabic Church to reach the local Arabic-speaking community. An iftar dinner is a fast-breaking meal held every evening during Ramadan for Muslim people. Organisers said: ‘We wanted to plan an event that created community, where the Arabic

Live carols

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Food vans

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Our Lutheran Church is made up of people who don’t just worship within the four walls of a church. They also live, work, play – and, most importantly, love – outside those walls, within the broader community.

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speakers could get to know the people within the church and to show them how much followers of Jesus love all people.’ The team received an LLL Mission Resource Grant to help fund the dinner. Read the full story at www.sant.lca.org.au/2023/07/11/ partnership-reaches-arabic-community/ See C. Another grant, this time from the LCANZ’s Cross-Cultural Ministry, recently funded a Harmony Feast, which brought together 60 participants, including members of Nazareth Lutheran Church Woolloongabba’s Brisbane-based congregation, and local Fijian, Ethiopian and Finnish congregations, who worship in the Nazareth complex. The event connected members of all four congregations, as well as a member of a new ‘Mums and Bubs Playgroup’, which aims to bring together local asylum seekers. Read the full story at https://qld.lca.org.au/2023/10/10/cross-cultural-grant-fundssuccessful-harmony-feast-at-nazareth/ See D. Meanwhile, in Parkes, in Central West New South Wales, locals and members of the Lutheran church there are getting ready for next month’s Elvis Gospel Service, which will be presented by the Parkes Ministers’ Association as part of the town’s annual Elvis Festival.

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Below: Ukrainian refugees Tamara, Lubov, Inna and Tatiana share their stories at an ALWS-supported community centre in Poland. Bottom left: Katarzyna Kukucz coordinates the centre, which has assisted 8,000 war refugees in the past 18 months. Photos: ALWS

Australian Lutheran World Service Executive Director Michael Stolz recently visited a Ukrainian Refugee Community Centre at Miechowice Lutheran parish in Bytom, Poland, and shares his experiences. When I walked into the hall of the Miechowice Lutheran church in Poland and discovered a group of women sewing, my first thought was, ‘This looks just like a ladies' fellowship group in a church hall in Australia’. A young woman called out to me in Polish: ‘Jesteś uchodźcą?’, which in English means, ‘Are you a refugee?’ When I explained that I represented Lutheran people from Australia and New Zealand who provide support through ALWS, I was warmly welcomed by Katarzyna Kukucz and Pastor Jan Kurko. Katarzyna coordinates the centre and initially had 20 staff to handle the overwhelming numbers of refugees it serves. The team is smaller now, and 90 per cent are Ukrainian. This Lutheran ministry has served 8,000 war refugees in the past 18 months!

10 days, then travelled by train for two days to escape, lights off to avoid detection and bombing. Tamara escaped Donetsk, an area gripped by conflict since 2014, with her daughter and granddaughter. Tatiana and her husband have lost their car dealership, and she now serves as a social worker here. Anzhela admired the work of the Lutherans in Ukraine, which led her to seek out a Lutheran church in Poland.

Olga did not speak; she has had two sons in the army, one of whom has tragically lost his life, while Kseniia, a teenager, yearns for her 23-year-old brother who serves in the W E … A R E WO R K I N G army. Lubov expressed deep gratitude for W ITH O U R S ISTERS the support that comes from Australia.

A N D B ROT H ERS I N LUTH ER A N CH U RCH ES I N PO L A N D, TO M A K E SU R E T H ES E R EFU G EES A R E N OT ‘ LEF T A LO N E’.

Food packages. Emergency shelter. Ongoing accommodation. Language classes. Psychological counselling. Child care. Education. Yoga classes. Parenting classes. Youth camps. Craft-based fellowship. All with the philosophy that these people aren’t refugees, they’re guests. What also struck me as I was introduced to a dozen women sewing was that there were no men. There is still a war to be won and most men are in the army, fighting. Some of the women shared their stories with me. Inna is from Kharkiv. She and her daughter hid in a basement for

Inna summed up the feelings of many of the women: ‘It is very good here in Poland, but it is not home. When the war is over, we will go home.’

The ladies sang a Ukrainian folk song that they all knew from weddings, birthdays, and farewells. The minor key was haunting, but they found solace in singing together. When I looked up the translation of the lyrics of ‘Oyu, luzi chervona kalyna’, the chorus line resonates deeply: ‘Oh, my sweetheart, my dearest. Why did you leave me alone?’ I take heart that through ALWS, we as a Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand are working with our sisters and brothers in Lutheran churches in Poland, to make sure these refugees are not ‘left alone’.

Through ALWS, you can support the ministry of Lutheran churches in places like Poland and Ukraine, welcoming as guests people escaping the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Simply call 1300 763 407 or go to www.alws.org.au On 11 May 2024, in Brisbane, ALWS will host Walk My Way Ukraine. Register or find out more at www.walkmyway.org.au

BY E LS A M AT T H I A S Many members of the LCANZ may think of our church’s associate membership of a global Lutheran body, such as the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), as just a ‘fun fact’. For me, it means much more.

message to take to the main assembly. This asked for a greater focus on the topics of ‘Inclusive Churches’, ‘Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Justice’, and ‘Sustainable Churches and Entrepreneurship’.

For the past four years, I have been the Australian youth representative in the LWF’s Global Young Reformers Network. This group provides opportunities for networking, worshipping, building leadership and taking collaborative action.

As a steward at the assembly, I was part of the plenary team. In this role I facilitated the set-up and voting within governance sessions at the 13-19 September event. I was also asked to lead workshops on youth leadership and my role in the Global Young Reformers Network.

I have taken part in yearly online global worship sessions and Asian regional projects, as well as participating in Asian Church Leader Conferences. I have grown as a leader and in my Lutheran identity from these gatherings. I have also made friendships and connections with my worldwide Lutheran family, which allows me to better support my community’s gospel outreach.

It was amazing to be a part of the running of the assembly! I feel so privileged to be among people working towards a better future for the worldwide Lutheran church.

I FEEL SO PR I V I LEG ED TO B E A M O N G PEO PLE WO R K I N G TOWA R DS A B ET TER FUTU R E F O R T H E WO R LDW I D E LUTH ER A N CH U RCH .

This year’s 13th LWF Assembly was held in Krakow, Poland, with the theme ‘One body, one spirit, one hope’. At each assembly, young people from around the world serve as volunteer stewards for the meeting and help represent the voice of youth. I was chosen as one of 25 youth stewards and met online with this group each month this year in preparation for our roles at the assembly.

In June I attended the Asian Region Preassembly in Malaysia and connected with youth delegates and stewards from the region. We discussed our joys and struggles as leaders and developed priorities we hope will be acted on by our local and regional churches. These priorities were ‘Intergenerational Understanding’, ‘Youth Engagement’ and ‘Church in Public’. On 7 September, I travelled to Wisła Malinka, Poland, for the LWF Youth Preassembly. More than 90 youth gathered for four days to worship, pray, network and work together to prepare a

I have learnt many things from my experience. As well as having the chance to share my time and talents, I now understand how a global business meeting is convened. I have met many inspiring people working to support faith in their communities and better know the required focus for strategic planning.

I am excited to see how the LCANZ can work together across our districts, support the training and leadership of young people, create meaningful intergenerational collaboration in governance structures, and build inclusivity as a core nature of our churches, so that our communities feel God’s love from each of us. My work as a steward may be done, but my work as a member of my local, regional and global church continues. As I work with the Global Young Reformer Network and share stories of hope and joy from around the world, I hope that you, too, can feel a part of the global Lutheran church. The church is people, and we are the church. Now that is a fun fact!

Elsa Matthias (above, third from left), an LCANZ member from Horsham Victoria, volunteered as a youth steward at the Lutheran World Federation’s 13th Assembly in Krakow, Poland, in September (left).

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BY N E V I LLE B EELITZ

At 97, Michael Haas is living proof that you’re never too old for baptism! I first met Michael in mid-2022. He had moved to our community of Waikerie in South Australia’s Riverland to live in a local aged-care facility that is visited regularly by our pastoral assistants. Because he had previously attended Lutheran churches and knowing my connection with the parish, a family member of Michael’s contacted me, asking for assistance with getting him to church. Despite his age – then 96 – he was an active person and keen to walk the 450 metres to church on a fine day if he was accompanied. So, church members established a roster of helpers to pick him up or walk with him to worship. It is always a treat to sit and chat with Michael about his life. He will proudly tell you he was born in the same year as the late Queen Elizabeth II. Born in Romania but having moved to

Germany in his teens, he lived through much conflict in Europe, including fighting and being a prisoner of war during the Second World War. Michael and his family migrated to Australia in 1966. Despite all that he has gone through, he has continued to display his faith in Jesus and cherishes the gift of grace and eternal life. However, after discussions with Michael and some research, we realised that, due to various life circumstances, he’d never been baptised. Well, this didn't seem right! Could we do something about it? Yes, we could and would! So, on 1 October 2023, Michael (above, second from left) was baptised, aged 97, at Waikerie Lutheran Church by Pastor Julian Bayha. My wife Sue and I were honoured to be Michael’s sponsors and celebrated this joyful occasion with him and our whole congregation. All praise be to God! Neville Beelitz is a member of Waikerie Lutheran Church in SA.

On Board:

ƮƮ An Invitation to Serve with the Gifts You’ve Been Given

A Worthy Calling Several boards across Lutheran Education SA/NT/WA (LESNW) and Lutheran Education Vic/NSW/Tas (LEVNT) are seeking new board members with experience in education, finance, governance, human resources, information technology, legal, marketing and communications, media, and/or risk and compliance. This poses a powerful opportunity for members of Lutheran congregations from around Australia to not only contribute to the Lutheran education landscape, but also to engage in professional learning by seeing learning communities through a governance lens.

Your location is not a barrier

And so, we’re putting the call out to those who have an interest in furthering the mission and vision of Lutheran education, and contributing to a not-for-profit organisation. A governance background is preferred but not required, as training can be provided. Additionally, location is not a barrier – with the use of technology, engagement across geographical borders is welcomed. Please contact Jane Mueller, Governance Leadership Director for LESNW and LEVNT, for a confidential conversation about how your skillset might enrich a learning community, and about how your interests might be matched with a specific school board. And, if this opportunity is not right for you, who in your worship community might you shoulder-tap?

Contact: E jane.mueller@lesnw.edu.au P +61 8 8267 5565

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R ES O U R C ES F O R YO U R . . .

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

D E VOT I O N S

BY NEIL BERGMANN

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over (Mark 3:7). Read Mark 3:7–19. How good are you at sharing responsibility and delegating tasks? I admit that I’m not very good at this. I prefer to do things myself rather than trust others to do a job the way I like it. Surprisingly, when a task is just too big to do alone, and I have to rely on others, they always do a much better job than I would have! Also, when we do stuff as a team, it is much more enjoyable. Imagine then what it was like for Jesus during his earthly ministry. Everywhere he went, crowds appeared and were hungry for his message of forgiveness and the physical and spiritual healing he offered. But Jesus’ time was short, and he needed helpers to spread the word and continue his work after he had gone.

Jesus knows that we won’t do a perfect job, maybe not even a good job, but he still invites us, over and over again, to join his mission to proclaim his kingdom through word and action.

How could Jesus trust his disciples to continue his work when they continually seemed to miss the point of his preaching? Yet, it is what Jesus did and continues to do.

In today’s reading, Jesus ‘called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him’ (verse 13). He wants us and calls us today. Will you come to him?

As children of the light and followers of the risen Christ, we are called to join in proclaiming the good news – the coming of the kingdom of God, here and now, on earth as in heaven. Jesus knows that we need help, and so the Holy Spirit comes to guide our words and our actions.

Lord, fill me with your Spirit so that I may answer your call, come to you, and help to proclaim the good news through word and action. Amen.

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BY PASTOR REID MATTHIAS

For many are invited, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Read Matthew 22:1–14. Let’s face it – weddings can be a drag. The fact that, in Jesus’ parable, the invitees to the prince’s wedding don’t want to come to the banquet resonates deeply in the 21st century. Be honest, like me, you’ve been to a wedding that is entirely about the photos. Or there is the professionally created video montage of a beautifully decorated bridal party placed in awkward poses with just the perfect lighting. The rest of the invitees engage in multiple hours of polite, if not painful, conversation with long-lost relatives or semi-inebriated friends of the bridal party. I might be sounding curmudgeon-ish, but to me, that’s the way the invited guests sound in Jesus’ parable. Maybe one invitee to the wedding asks another, ‘Are you going to the king’s banquet?’ The reply: ‘I thought about it, but the big game is on Saturday night. Oh, and I promised my spouse I would clean the boat this weekend. On Sunday, the kids have a birthday party to attend and …’ ‘I know’, says the first. ‘It’s just one more thing … We’re just too busy.’ As the invitees do everything in their power to avoid attending the banquet (including killing the king’s servants), Jesus ends this parable with, ‘Many are invited, but few are chosen’. In the 21st century, theologically, we might understand this parable is directed to the Jews who choose not to come to the

king’s party and the Gentiles who are given the next go. In the 1st century, though, no one would turn down the invite. Thus, it’s a strange moral of the story. It feels like it should read, ‘Many are invited, but few accept’. Right? But chosen? When someone is chosen, they are selected for a purpose or mission. Perhaps the invitation to the kingdom of heaven is an invitation to participate in God’s banquet celebrating Jesus’ love for the entire world. Perhaps Christians have been chosen to serve rather than simply attend. What does your invitation look like? Are you too busy? What do you think you have been invited and chosen to do? King of the banquet, thank you for the invitation to celebrate and participate in Jesus’ work of bringing about the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READI NGS WEEK

S U N DAY R E A D I N G S

WEEK

S U N DAY R E A D I N G S

3 –9 DEC

Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

7–13 JAN

Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29

Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

10 –16 DEC

Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1,2,8–13

2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8

14 –20 JAN

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51

17–23 DEC

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28

21–27 JAN

Jonah 3:1-5,10 Psalm 62:5-12

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20

24 – 30 DEC

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Psalm 89:1-4,19-26

Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

28 JAN – 3 FEB

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28

31 DEC – 6 JAN

Isaiah 61:10–62:3 Psalm 148

Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions • Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy.

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DWELLING IN GOD’S WORD

P R AY E R POINTS 3 –9 DEC

The millions of Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities on the International Day of People with Disability (3 Dec) 1 0 –1 6 D E C

That the world’s leaders would act with respect for the wellbeing of all citizens on United Nations Human Rights Day (10 Dec) 17– 2 3 D E C

Graduate General Ministry Pastors Jacob Fabich and Thomas Kitson, due to be ordained this month (3 and 17 Dec) 24 – 30 DEC

All people to know the Christ-child, whose birth we remember and celebrate at Christmas, as our Lord and Saviour 31 D E C – 6 JA N

For a new year filled with hope and opportunities to share the joy of the gospel with those around us 7–1 3 JA N

Organisers, leaders and campers preparing for or enjoying youth gatherings across the LCANZ 14 – 2 0 JA N

All students, teachers and school staff in Australia and New Zealand, as they prepare for the new school year 2 1 – 2 7 JA N

Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal Australians on Australia Day (26 Jan) 2 8 JA N – 3 F E B

Specific Ministry Pastors Jordan Bennett, Charlie Uebergang, Julian Mazzeo, Matthew Schubert, Timothy Chen and Malcolm Willcocks, who have been ordained in recent months

BY KATHY MATUSCHKA

‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood’ John 1:14a (MSG). Just as Jesus lived in a certain place at a certain time among certain people, we also live, work and play in proximity to certain people. As Christians, we seek to be good neighbours and friends just like anyone else, knowing that the greatest gift we can share with our neighbour is the freedom and hope we have through Jesus our Lord and Saviour. My parents began their married life as missionary teachers in (what is now known as) Papua New Guinea. They soon discovered that the Jesus stories they shared had parallels with the stories local people already knew from their own traditions. It was only as they lived among people who were different from them – in proximity and present to their daily lives – that they could notice where God’s Spirit was already at work. They weren’t coming into a vacuum – God’s Spirit was there ahead of them, just as Paul observed in Athens … Read Acts 17:16–32. Are there people you meet who consider the gospel message to be ‘babble’? Are there others who are curious about your faith? What are the points of connection between your Christian faith and the thoughts and experiences of your neighbours? Returning to Australia, my parents served in four schools during their careers in Lutheran education. Free to proclaim the gospel in their daily work, they also encountered numerous opportunities to share Christ’s love in action and words, among staff, families and students. The invitation to be formed by the gospel is central to Lutheran education. Many staff and students point to a person who embodied the love of Christ for them and invited them to grow in trust and hope in God. Knowledge gained at school may come and go, but people whose lives shine Christ’s light are not easily forgotten. Read Colossians 1:3–8. Have you known someone like Epaphras, who reflected the grace of God to you as you grew in faith? Do you see where you might become this person for others?

While it might seem that my parents’ circles have become smaller over the years, some things don’t change: My parents now notice God at work just across the road from where they live, as they invest in being good friends, neighbours and proxy grandparents. Sometimes my parents are invited to give an account of their faith, but most of the time they are just proximal and present, enjoying ‘doing life together’ with their neighbours. Read Acts 8:26–40. Notice how God’s Spirit guides Philip to approach the Ethiopian. What is the first thing Philip says? Where does this lead? Do you have your own story of a time when God led you to someone with questions about faith? If you are reading this in a group, share that story. Many of my parents’ generation have a similar story of God going ahead of them in mission. In fact, you could say that their story reflects the LCANZ’s history and present reality. When Jesus says to Peter, ‘on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it’ (Matt 16:18), we’d like this to guarantee that the LCANZ (and preferably our own congregation) will never close. But this is not our reality. Instead, as many LCANZ congregations wonder what the future holds for them and the mission they have built, Jesus invites us to notice that he has already been in this place of suffering and uncertainty. Jesus completed his earthly mission by being present to his own suffering and death, for the sake of the world he loves so much. Finish by reading Psalm 130. Recall who holds the future of the church. Recall the power of the Holy Spirit, who continues to go ahead of us. What is the invitation to you?

Kathy Matuschka is Assistant Director for Mission at the Lutheran Church of Australia, Queensland District, and is a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale Qld.

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When the bomb went off near her house in Ukraine, eight-year-old Tapolina and her mum ran to the bomb shelter. They joined a hundred people hiding from the Russian attack. Tens of thousands more fled to the border to find safety in places like Poland.

Brisbane Central Saturday 11 May 2024 walkmyway.org.au *1300 763 407*

Sadly, the world moves on, and Ukrainian children now face being forgotten by the world. That’s why you’re invited to step out in the Brisbane ALWS Walk My Way to care for the children of Ukraine. You help build bomb shelters under schools in Ukraine, so children trapped in the country can keep on learning.

For children who reach safety in Poland, you join the Lutheran communities welcoming them as guests. Food. Shelter. Clothes. Trauma counselling. Support to go to school. Help to learn Polish. You choose how far you Walk My Way …

… but are invited to consider the challenge of 12,500 steps – one step for each Ukrainian civilian life lost. You receive a Walk My Way Ukraine t-shirt to tell the world why you’re walking, while a community festival will show you how you are valued by those you help. As you step out here in Australia, you join Lutheran communities in Ukraine and Poland, helping children like Tapolina start life again! What a way to walk for life!

ALWayS for those forgotten

R ES O U R C ES F O R YO U TO . . .

H E L P I N G LO V E G R O W

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

As the world struggles to respond to the hurt and loss of the Israel-Gaza crisis, the promise of new life is a blessing we need more than ever. And keen gardeners, Paul (left), Claire and Rex (far left) from South Australia, know all about blessing others through new life. The trio knows not only how to give new life to a veggie or flower patch but also how to use their gifts – and the produce that results – to bring new life to more people through Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).

YO U C A N B R I N G N E W L I F E TO O !

For more than 20 years, these wonderful ALWS supporters have been planting and propagating, loading and unloading, and smiling and selling through chilly mornings and windy afternoons at weekend markets and local shows to sell plants to raise money to help people through ALWS! Paul’s wife, Annette, was a key part of the team until she was called by God last year to walk his heavenly garden. These green thumbs have now ‘grown’ more than $500,000 with their hard work.

A GRACE-FILLED PROM ISE Our theme this year for ALWS Gifts of Grace is ‘See your love grow’. And you’ll be able to do exactly that with gifts like: Thousands of kilometres from Paul’s hothouses on the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, there are hothouses at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, which are supported by people like Paul, Rex and Claire through ALWS. There Ayenai (above) grows capsicum, kale, spinach and tomatoes, along with outside crops of maize, pumpkin, butternuts, onions, watermelon and sorghum. She sells surplus produce to local cafes and supermarkets after she has made sure her children have enough to be healthy, strong and fit for school. You can support Ayenai and others like her through the new season of ALWS Gifts of Grace. Jonathan Krause is ALWS Community Action Manager.

• Veggie seeds ($11)

• Banana seedlings ($7)

• Irrigation ($9)

• A mushroom farm ($330)

• A school food farm ($756) The theme Bible verse for Gifts of Grace has a beautiful promise of what we can grow together, as we help bring new life to people the world forgets: 'God will provide rain for the seeds you sow. The grain that GROWS will be abundant' (Isaiah 30:23). That’s not all that’s growing. Your Grace Cards this year each have a seed diamond that can be planted (after being hung on the family Christmas tree) to produce forget-me-not flowers! For more gifts and to order go to www.alws.org.au/gifts-ofgrace or phone 1300 763 407. The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

AIDS FOR A SU BTLE M IS S I O N

Lutheran Tract Mission has many resources to help in your subtle mission. Leaving a tract in a letterbox with the words ‘Thinking of you’ or an activity sheet for a fussy child waiting for their parents – these small things can express so much.

BY A N N E H A N S EN

PUT A NEW SPIN ON IT

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Most Christian churches, schools, aged-care facilities and other institutions have websites. But how many times is Jesus mentioned on your website? Does it actively share the gospel? Lutheran Tract Mission has developed a subtle way to refresh your website and highlight gospel resources or a message of good news – a digital spinner. The digital spinner is free to add to any website. Just contact me at anne.hansen@lll.org.au and I will create a link to get you started. You can choose from our 950 resources to put on your spinner, and it can be updated at any time, according to the church season or for any activity you may have.

Lutheran Tract Mission has many Advent and Christmas resources designed to share Jesus, ‘the reason for the season’. These include a downloadable Advent devotional, stand-up and magnetic nativity sets, children’s activity books and sticker calendars and tracts, Find these and more at www.ltm.org.au

Some of our Lutheran schools and congregations have already taken up this offer – see them on our website: https://www.ltm.org.au/resources/spinners Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer.

Study at ALC IN 2024

Embark on a transformative theological journey in 2024. Scholarships are now available to help unlock your ministry potential. Enrolments are now open! Enquire today: enquiries@alc.edu.au www.alc.edu.au phone 08 7120 8200 18

Sometimes what you don’t say can be more effective than a multitude of words. A smile or a word of concern can bring more people to see Jesus in you just by who you are!

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A WORLD OF CH RISTMAS TRADITIONS The 12 days of Christmas mark the period between the birth of Jesus and the visit from the wise men. For Christmas, LCA International Mission has provided Australian and New Zealand families with a resource they can use with their children during the 12 days of Christmas. Entitled ‘Joy to the World – 12 Days of Christmas Around the World’, it shares insights into ways Christmas is celebrated among our partner countries and churches. It aims to encourage families to spend time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. The booklet also includes activities for readers to do and pass on to friends and relatives who aren’t Christian. So, this is designed to be both a faith-building and faith-sharing resource. There are three parts to each day (and country) in the booklet – firstly, information about Christmas in that country; secondly, a Bible verse and a few words about the verse; and, thirdly, a craft, activity, or recipe to do or make related to the country and/or the Bible verse. The Bible verses tell the story of Jesus’ birth as you go through the booklet. ‘Joy to the World – 12 Days of Christmas Around the World’ is a reminder that Christmas is not just about carols, decorations, beautiful lights or the gifts that we give and receive. It is about Jesus Christ. Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s promise that he wants to bring us into his loving arms forever. Order your booklet by emailing lcaim@lca.org.au or by phoning 08 8267 7317, or download one at https://lcamission.org.au/ joy-to-the-world-12-days-of-christmas/

GIVE A GIFT WITH SOULS IN MIND LCA International Mission’s Soul Food cookbook is a great Christmas gift and family and community resource. A book of recipes from countries where the LCANZ’s partner churches are based, it contains instructions and ingredients to make 23 dishes from Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar, along with colourful photos. By ordering your copy (or copies), you support ministry done through hospitality among LCA International Mission partner churches, with all proceeds helping our overseas partners to share the gospel. Order your book or some extra copies to give away for a donation of $20 per copy, plus postage. For more information or to order, contact Erin Kerber at erin.kerber@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7317. You can also watch a video about the book, which features testimonies from our overseas mission partners at https://vimeo.com/617489062

WORSHIP R ESOU RCES Needing Christmas resources? LCA Music Resources Volume 4: Songs of the Church for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany contains 100 hymns and songs, in a spiral-bound hard copy or individual digital downloads. Available at www.shopacr.com.au • The LCANZ Worship Planning Page (www.lca.org.au/wpp) includes resources to help with worship preparations this time of year. • The Commission on Worship is calling for songwriters and composers to contribute new songs and liturgical settings. For more details: simpfy3@gmail.com The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

LAUNCH OF YEAR B FOR GROW KIDS BY J O D I B R O O K

Grow Kids from Grow Ministries now has another year’s resource available, with the launch of its Lectionary Year B content. Designed as a teaching curriculum, Grow Kids has many components from which to choose. A thoughtful choice of menu items will help to provide the best experience for your group. Users can tailor sessions to suit their audience. For example, the creative response is a suggestion; if you have a better idea, make whatever tweaks and changes you need to meet the needs of the children in your group.

C AT E C H I S M F O C U S O R M ESSY CH U RCH

F R O M S U N D AY S C H O O L TO C L A S S D E VOT I O N S … If you are looking for a Sunday school curriculum. Grow Kids can help with that, too. And should you need a school classroom devotion, you can use the story of the week, the prayer and the blessing for your students. There are excellent background notes about the Bible story to help understand its context. The delivery of these stories ranges from a simple re-telling to a creative drama. For more information or to order Grow Kids – Year B, go to www.growministries.org.au/product-category/childrens-ministry/

Perhaps you would like to focus on Luther’s Small Catechism. With Grow Kids, children can be introduced gradually to the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Each session has a Catechism Spotlight. In this menu item, a specific portion of Christian teaching, which relates to the story and the focus of the week, is covered. Grow Kids provides a catalyst for creativity and joy in learning about Jesus. It can be used, too, for Messy Church – it has the Bible story, a craft and everything in between.

Jodi Brook is the director of Grow Ministries. Lutheran Media

Calendar 2024

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Australia & New

2024

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d Holidays 2024 Public Holiday January Date New Year’s Day April Region S M T W Jan 1 July Day after New Year’s T F S S Day M T W T October 1 2 3 4 Jan 2 Australia Day F S S M NZ 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 T W T F Jan 26 Waitangi Day Holiday 11 12 13 7 5 6 S S M T Aust Public School Terms 1 2 3 4 14 15 16 17 8 9 10 11 W T F S Feb 6 5 6 18 19 20 14 12 13 7 8 Labour Day 2024 NZ 1 2 3 4 21 22 23 24 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 Australian Capital 5 25 26 27 21 Mar 4 19 20 14 15 13 6 7 8 Adelaide Cup Day WA 28 29 30 31 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 9 10 11 12 Term 1: 31 January Territory 26 27 21 22 20 13 14 15 Mar 11 Canberra Day - 12 April 28 29 30 SA 23 24 25 26 16 17 18 19 (New students 27 20 21 22 Februar Mar 11 28 29 30 31 y Labour Day start 30 January) 23 24 25 26 ACT Term 2: 29 April May - 5 July 27 28 29 30 Mar 11 Eight Hours Day Term 3: 22 July S M T W 31 Vic August - 27 T F S S M T Mar 11 Good Friday Term 4: 14 October September November Tas W T F S 1 2 3 - 17 December S M T W Mar 29 4 5 6 7 Easter Saturday 1 2 3 4 T F S S 8 9 10 5 New M South T W T F Mar 30 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 Wales Easter Sunday 1 2 3 except Tas/WA/N S 15 16 17 12 10 11 4 5 Term 1: 30 January Z 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 6 7 8 9 Mar 31 Easter Monday 1 2 22 23 24 19 except NT/SA/Tas 17 18 11 12 10 3 4 5 Term 1: 6 February - 12 April (Eastern Division) 25 26 27 28 /NZ 20 21 22 23 13 14 15 16 6 7 8 9 - 12 April (Western Apr 1 Easter Tuesday 29 24 25 18 19 Term 2: 29 April 17 10 11 12 Division) 26 27 28 29 - 5 July 20 21 22 23 13 14 15 16 Apr 2 30 31 Anzac Day Term 3: 22 July 24 17 18 19 March Tas 25 26 27 28 - 27 20 21 22 23 29 30 31 24 Apr 25 Term 4: 14 October September June May Day 25 26 27 28 - 20 December S M T W 29 30 September May 6 T F S S Labour Day NT 31 M T W T Northern Territory December May 6 F S S M 1 2 30 Reconciliation Day Qld Term 1: 30 January 3 4 5 6 T W T F 7 8 9 2 S S M T - 5 April May 27 1 1 2 3 Western Australia Term 2: 15 April ACT 10 11 12 13 3 4 5 6 W T F S 4 Day 5 - 21 June 6 14 7 7 15 16 9 10 8 8 9 10 June 3 1 2 3 4 King’s Birthday Term 3: 16 July 17 18 19 20 WA 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 - 20 21 22 23 16 15 15 16 17 8 9 10 11 June 3 Term 4: 7 October September King’s Birthday 24 25 26 27 17 18 19 20 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 NZ - 13 December 28 21 29 22 15 30 22 16 17 18 19 June 10 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 Matariki (Māori except Qld/WA/N 20 21 27 28 29 29 27 28 22 23 New Year) Queensland Z 30 24 25 26 27 June 28 Picnic Day NZ 28 Term 1: 22 January 29 30 31 Aug 5 - 28 March King’s Birthday Term 2: 15 April NT January - 21 June Sept 23 Friday before AFL Term 3: 8 July April WA - 13 Septembe Grand Final Sept S M T W r Term 4: 30 Septembe July 27 Labour Day T F S S Vic r - 13 Decembe M T W T October Oct 7 r 1 2 3 4 King’s Birthday F S S M ACT/NSW/SA South Australia 5 6 7 8 T W T F 1 2 3 4 Oct 7 Labour Day 9 10 11 6 S S M T 5 Qld Term 1: 29 January 12 13 14 15 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 W T F S Oct 28 - 12 April 16 17 18 13 11 12 6 7 5 Recreation Day Term 2: 29 April NZ 19 20 21 22 14 15 16 17 8 9 10 11 1 2 - 5 July 3 4 23 24 25 20 18 19 13 14 12 5 6 7 Nov 4 Melbourne Cup Term 3: 22 July Northern Tas 26 27 28 29 21 22 23 24 15 16 17 18 8 9 10 11 Day - 27 30 31 25 26 20 21 19 12 13 14 Nov 5 Term 4: 14 October September Christmas Eve 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 Vic 15 16 17 18 (7pm-12am) 13 December 26 Februar 19 20 21 22 Dec 24 27 28 29 30 y Christmas Eve NT/SA 23 24 25 31 (6pm-12am) May Tasmania 26 27 28 29 Dec 24 Christmas Day S M T W 30 31 Qld August Term 1: 7 February T F S S M T Dec 25 - 11 April Boxing Day November Term 2: 29 April W T F S - 5 July 1 S M T W Dec 26 2 3 4 5 Proclamation Day Term 3: 23 July T F S S except SA 1 2 3 31 6 7 8 4 - 27 M T W T 9 10 11 12 Dec 26 5 6 7 8 Term 4: 14 October September New Year’s Eve F S 1 2 30 SA 13 14 15 11 9 10 3 4 (7pm-12am) - 19 December 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 5 6 7 8 Dec 31 All information correct 1 20 21 22 18 16 17 10 11 NT/SA 9 2 3 4 Victoria at time of printing 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 12 13 14 15 5 6 7 8 27 28 23 24 17 18 16 9 10 11 Term 1: 30 January 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 12 13 14 15 29 30 31 24 - 28 March 23 16 17 18 March Term 2: 15 April 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 - 28 June 29 30 23 24 June Full Term 3: 15 July 25 26 27 28 New S M T W - 20 moon September 29 T F S S Term 4: 7 October September moon 30 31 M T W T 20 Decemb December er F S S M 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 T W T F Western Australia 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 8 S S M T 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 9 10 11 12 W T F S Cover Image:©Tim Term 1: 31 January 5 6 13 14 15 15 13 14 7 8 Nuske. All other - 28 March 1 2 3 4 Design: Carey 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 9 10 11 12 Term 2: 15 April 5 6 Isaacson. Printer: photo credits on month pages. 20 21 22 22 20 21 14 15 13 7 8 9 - 28 June Openbook Howden. 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 Term 3: 15 July Scripture taken 27 28 29 29 27 28 21 22 20 14 15 16 - 20 from 30 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 Term 4: 7 October September VERSION®. NIVUK®.the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATI 27 21 22 23 - 12 December 28 29 30 ONAL 24 25 26 27 Bible Society. Used Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Internationa by permission 28 29 30 31 New Zealand worldwide. of Zondervan. l All rights reserved Term 1: Between 29 January & 7 Term 2: 29 April February - 12 April - 5 July Term 3: 22 July - 27 Term 4: 14 October September Information correct - 20 December (at the latest) at time of printing

M A K E A D AT E WITH HOPE 2025

B Y TA N I A N E L S O N

Lutheran Media Calendar

ntayellowblack 2024 Cover cyanmage

2024

July

October

April W T F S January T F S S M T F S S M T W 1 2 3 4 5 Holidays 2024 S S M T W T 1 2 3 4 5 6 S M T W T F 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 6 7 8 Region Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 13 7 8 9 10 16 17 18 19 13 7 8 9 10 11 18 19 20 13 14 15 Jan 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 19 20 14 15 16 17 23 24 25 26 20 14 15 16 17 18 25 26 27 20 21 22 NZ 14 15 16 17 18 19 26 27 21 22 23 24 Jan 2 27 28 29 30 31 27 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 Aust 21 22 23 24 25 26 Jan 26 28 29 30 November 28 29 30 31 NZ Feb 6 August May T F S WA Mar 4 February F S S M T W 1 2 S S M T W T SA Mar 11 S M T W T F 1 2 3 M T W T F S 4 S 3 6 7 8 9 2 5 1 ACT 4 Mar 11 7 8 9 10 3 1 2 3 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 4 5 6 Vic 10 5 6 7 8 15 16 17 10 11 12 Mar 11 4 5 6 7 8 9 17 18 11 12 13 14 20 21 22 23 Tas 17 12 13 14 15 16 22 23 24 17 18 19 Mar 11 29 30 11 12 13 14 15 16 24 25 18 19 20 21 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 19 20 21 22 23 Mar 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 30 31 29 28 27 26 Tas/WA/NZ except December Mar 30 25 26 27 28 29 September except NT/SA/Tas/NZ Mar 31 June M T W T F S S S March F T W Apr 1 5 6 7 F S S M T 6 7 1 2 3 4 S S M T W T Tas 1 1 2 3 4 5 S M T W T F Apr 2 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 8 9 10 1 2 30 31 7 8 8 9 10 11 17 18 19 20 21 Apr 25 9 2 3 4 5 6 18 19 20 21 15 16 NT 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 15 16 17 24 25 26 27 28 May 6 15 16 9 10 11 12 25 26 27 28 22 23 14 24 13 23 12 22 11 22 10 21 Qld 29 30 31 May 6 23 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 29 30 ACT May 27 30 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 WA June 3 NZ June 3 October King’s Birthday July except Qld/WA/NZ June 10 April W T F S King’s Birthday January NZ T F S S M T June 28 F S S M T W 1 2 3 4 Matariki (Māori New Year) S S M T W T NT 1 2 3 4 5 Aug 5 11 S M T W T F 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 Picnic Day WA 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 Sept 23 8 9 10 11 12 6 12 13 14 15 16 17 7 19 6 18 King’s Birthday 11 17 10 16 9 Vic 23 24 25 5 6 7 8 18 19 13 14 15 Final Sept 27 25 26 19 20 21 22 18 13 14 15 16 17 Friday before AFL Grand ACT/NSW/SA 26 20 21 22 23 24 12 13 14 15 16 17 Oct 7 26 27 28 29 30 31 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 31 24 30 23 29 Labour Day 22 28 21 27 Qld 19 20 Oct 7 27 28 29 30 King’s Birthday November 26 27 28 29 30 31 NZ Oct 28 August Labour Day S Tas May Northern Nov 4 S M T W T F February M T W T F S 1 Recreation Day Vic T W T F S S Nov 5 1 2 30 W T F S S M 8 T 31 7 M 3 6 Melbourne Cup Day S 2 5 1 4 NT/SA Dec 24 1 7 8 9 2 3 9 10 3 4 5 6 12 13 14 15 Christmas Eve (7pm-12am) Qld 8 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 9 10 11 Dec 24 2 3 4 5 6 7 16 17 10 11 12 13 19 20 21 22 Christmas Eve (6pm-12am) 15 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 23 16 17 18 Dec 25 9 10 11 12 13 14 23 24 17 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29 Christmas Day 22 18 19 20 21 22 except SA 27 28 29 30 23 24 Dec 26 16 17 18 19 20 21 29 30 31 24 25 26 28 27 26 Boxing Day 25 SA December Dec 26 23 24 25 26 27 28 September Proclamation Day NT/SA June Dec 31 T W T F S M S S March F New Year’s Eve (7pm-12am) T F S S M T W time of printing 1 2 3 4 5 6 S S M T W T All information correct at 1 2 3 4 5 6 S M T W T F 6 7 10 11 12 13 1 1 2 3 4 5 11 12 13 7 8 9 30 31 13 14 7 8 9 10 17 18 19 20 8 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 14 15 16 2 3 4 5 6 7 20 21 14 15 16 17 24 25 26 27 New 15 15 16 17 18 19 25 26 27 21 22 23 Full moon 9 10 11 12 13 14 27 28 21 22 23 24 moon 28 29 30 31 22 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 16 17 18 19 20 21 29 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28

Australia & New Zealand Public Holiday New Year’s Day Day after New Year’s Day Australia Day Waitangi Day Holiday Labour Day Adelaide Cup Day Canberra Day Labour Day Eight Hours Day Good Friday Easter Saturday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Easter Tuesday Anzac Day May Day Labour Day Reconciliation Day Western Australia Day

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2025

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month pages. All other photo credits on Cover Image:©Tim Nuske. Printer: Openbook Howden. Design: Carey Isaacson. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL Scripture taken from the 1984 by International Copyright © 1973, 1978, VERSION®. NIVUK®. All rights reserved permission of Zondervan. Bible Society. Used by

Australian Capital Territory April Term 1: 31 January - 12 January) (New students start 30 Term 2: 29 April - 5 July Term 3: 22 July - 27 September December Term 4: 14 October - 17

New South Wales April (Eastern Division) Term 1: 30 January - 12 April (Western Division) Term 1: 6 February - 12 Term 2: 29 April - 5 July Term 3: 22 July - 27 September December Term 4: 14 October - 20 Northern Territory April Term 1: 30 January - 5 Term 2: 15 April - 21 June Term 3: 16 July - 20 September December Term 4: 7 October - 13 Queensland March Term 1: 22 January - 28 Term 2: 15 April - 21 June Term 3: 8 July - 13 September - 13 December Term 4: 30 September South Australia April Term 1: 29 January - 12 Term 2: 29 April - 5 July Term 3: 22 July - 27 September December Term 4: 14 October - 13 Tasmania April Term 1: 7 February - 11 Term 2: 29 April - 5 July Term 3: 23 July - 27 September December Term 4: 14 October - 19 Victoria March Term 1: 30 January - 28 Term 2: 15 April - 28 June Term 3: 15 July - 20 September December Term 4: 7 October - 20 Western Australia March Term 1: 31 January - 28 Term 2: 15 April - 28 June Term 3: 15 July - 20 September December Term 4: 7 October - 12 New Zealand & 7 February - 12 April Term 1: Between 29 January Term 2: 29 April - 5 July Term 3: 22 July - 27 September December (at the latest) Term 4: 14 October - 20 of printing Information correct at time

The 2024 calendar has proven extremely popular but limited copies may still be available to order. Call Lutheran Media on 1800 353 350 to inquire. Tania Nelson is the manager of Lutheran Media. The Lutheran D202 EC4 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

Apart from spectacular photography, each day features a Scripture text based on the lectionary readings. Significant days for New Zealand and Australia are also listed.

Public School Terms 2024

worldwide.

The Lutheran Media 2024 calendar is full of stunning images from competition-winning photographers from Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to all who entered the competition. Your photos have produced an inspiring and hope-filled calendar.

H O W TO B L ES S OT H E R S ( A N D YO U R S E L F ) • Gift a Lutheran Media calendar to a friend, neighbour or family member. When they use the calendar, they will find a Bible verse that complements the image each month. Pray that the messages touch their heart. • Read the daily Scripture verses in your devotional time. Reflect on the reading and turn your thoughts into prayer and action. • Read the gospel reading (listed each Sunday) before weekly worship. • Find out about the significant days listed. For example, 24 August is the Feast Day of St Bartholomew. Find out about St Bartholomew (and the other significant people and days listed in the calendar). • Each month includes a suggestion related to Lutheran Media and its work. Pray for open ears and hearts so that Messages of hope brings Christ to those seeking hope.

NEWS FROM AROUND OUR CHURCH ...

Incoming principal for ALC announced by Linda Macqueen

The LCANZ General Church Board and the Australian Lutheran College (ALC) Board last month announced the appointment of Rev Dr Tim Stringer BTh/BMin DMin as the next ALC principal. He will succeed Pastor James Winderlich, who is returning to parish ministry after nine years in the role. Early last month Dr Stringer informed LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, the General Church Board and ALC Board Chair Cheryl Bartel that he had accepted the call and on 5 November he advised his congregation, Calvary Lutheran Church Greensborough and Thomastown, in suburban Melbourne. Dr Stringer is also currently assisting the Office of the Bishop in the Victoria-Tasmania District (0.2FTE) and is a sessional lecturer at ALC, teaching ‘Preaching the Word’. ‘I have a deep passion for ALC, where I studied to prepare for pastoral ministry in the church I am called to serve’, Dr Stringer said, adding that he is looking forward to working closely with the ALC Board and LCANZ leaders to continue to implement ALC’s strategic direction Towards 2028. Dr Stringer completed his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching through Luther Seminary in St Paul Minnesota in the US, in 2020. His thesis was titled Reaching the Diaspora: Streamed Worship and Preaching in the Lutheran Church of Australia, Cultivating Koinonia and Ecclesia. In welcoming Dr Stringer to this important church leadership role, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith said: ‘I thank our gracious God that Rev Dr Tim Stringer has accepted the Lord’s call to serve as our ALC principal. Tim has had broad experience in our church, and he has shared with me his deep sense of call to this role as principal.’ As well as having strong practical and academic qualifications in theology and

Cheryl also thanked Pastor Winderlich for his service. ‘He has fulfilled his responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, competency, and grace’, she said. ‘We will be deeply saddened to see him depart but know that God has a clear plan for the next stage in his journey of pastoral service.’

Rev Dr Tim Stringer (above) will be ALC's next principal. He will succeed Pastor James Winderlich (right).

pastoral ministry, Dr Stringer brings highlevel governance experience to the role. He has served on the LCANZ General Church Board since November 2018 and is a member of the LCANZ Standing Committee on Nominations and Church Worker Support Advisory Committee. Dr Stringer also serves on the Victoria-Tasmania District Church Council and People and Strategy Sub-Committee. ‘The ALC Board gives thanks to God that Tim has accepted this call’, Cheryl Bartel said. ‘He brings to the principalship a reflective, practical and adaptive approach; and understands through personal experience, the nature, benefits and challenges of building community in a distributed learning environment. ‘He has a deep understanding of the LCANZ and the position ALC holds in the life of the church. Tim has the necessary skills and scope of experience to continue to build the relationships and partnerships critical for ALC to flourish in a challenging environment. He is committed to ensuring that the college is a safe place for all to work, learn and engage with the issues facing the church.’

Dr Stringer grew up on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, where he completed an apprenticeship as an auto electrician. Moving to Roxby Downs, he worked in the underground diesel workshop for 10 years. He studied at Luther Seminary/Australian Lutheran College from 2001 to 2005, where he completed his BTh/BMin. After ordination, he was assigned to Outer Eastern Lutheran Church in Melbourne, where he served from 2006 to 2013. He has been serving the Calvary congregation at Greensborough and Thomastown since 2014. He has a particular interest in digital ministry and preaching mentoring. He is married to Terri, and they have three adult children. ‘People all over our church are waiting for labourers to step into ministry roles’, Dr Stringer said. ‘I pray that God will continue to call and raise up people to serve in myriad roles already existing and those opening up in our church. With God's help, the preparation he has done in me throughout my life on the different roads I have travelled will stand me in good stead as we walk together into a bright and Christ-centred future.’ Dr Stringer will commence in the role of ALC principal in February 2024. Bishop Smith encouraged the church to pray for Tim and his family, and ‘for our ALC community as they farewell one principal and welcome another’. The Lutheran D EC 2 0 2 3 - JA N 2 0 24

Members keen to engage with Way Forward project Close to 400 people from across the LCANZ recently attended Way Forward webinars in which three ‘one church, two practices of ordination’ frameworks were introduced.

three framework webpages, which can be accessed from the Way Forward landing page (www.lca.org.au/wayforward).’ Since the General Church Board and College of Bishops’ release of the three frameworks, the Way Forward working groups have been generating more detail on each.

The project management team was thrilled with the level of participation and engagement at the webinars and with the project overall. ‘We're excited about the response to our first Way Forward webinars, where we introduced the three frameworks’, project director Stella Thredgold said. ‘Thank you to everyone who attended and those who raised questions. There were so many great questions that some couldn’t be answered at the time. We are working through responding and updating our Questions and Answers section on the website. ‘We are so pleased with the level of engagement overall, which increased steeply with the release of Bishop Paul’s call

to prayer video in late September, which to date has had almost 2000 individual views and 890 downloads. ‘Thank you so much for your participation. It's not the project team who will find the best way forward; it's the collective insights and feedback from the people across our church – people like you.

Stella said there was a lot of work to be done to understand each shortlisted framework in more detail. ‘This is a challenging process as different perspectives and diverse thinking are brought to the table’, she said. ‘However, it displays positive intent and an ability to work together with diverse views and an aligned focus on the future of our church.’

‘We want every member of the church to know what is happening, so they can consider the options and contribute to the project. We encourage people across the church to continue to provide feedback, particularly through the channels on the

The project team is continuing to support the working groups and to ensure the process of deciding on one framework continues to be robust and assesses all relevant factors for a well-thought-out recommendation to go to General Synod in October 2024.

North Adelaide properties to be placed on market At its meeting on 17 November, the General Church Board (GCB) resolved to place the LCA’s North Adelaide properties on the market. The land package encompasses Australian Lutheran College (ALC), including the student housing, and the Churchwide Office.

located in a sprawling 1930s building, is inconsistent with modern workplace design and practice.’

‘The land and buildings are no longer serving the church well and they are unlikely to meet its future needs, with ongoing maintenance costs being significant’, Brett Hausler, Executive Officer of the Church, said. ‘While the North Adelaide site has been a blessing to the church over many years, it is appropriate to review its purpose.

GCB reached the decision to put the properties on the market after 12 months of careful deliberation.

‘ALC has moved to a distributed learning model and has indicated its desire to vacate. There is limited or no utilisation of some buildings and others are no longer fit for purpose. The Churchwide Office,

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‘So it is timely that we explore options for how we can be the best stewards of what we have been blessed with’, Mr Hausler said.

Significant work has been undertaken over the past year, including: reviewing the heritage and planning requirements such as listed buildings and significant trees; clarifying the needs of local council and heritage bodies; obtaining subdivision approval for the existing land to provide flexibility for either sale or redevelopment; and exploring buildings around Adelaide that might be suitable for a possible relocation.

The church is advertising for a property manager to assist in matters relating to these properties, including potential relocation of ALC and Churchwide Office. The job description for the role is available at www.lca.org.au/employment Meanwhile, Catherine Court, a former boarding facility for female students of Lutheran Teachers College, recently sold with a favourable outcome. The 1960s three-level, 12-unit block on Wellington Square, North Adelaide, had been tenanted to the public, with ALC receiving rental income. The decision to sell the site was made as it had not been used for any LCANZ or ALC operations for a number of years, and capital and maintenance costs were expected to increase. In the interests of good stewardship, the proceeds from the sale will be invested so that the legacy of Catherine Court may live on.

New era for deaf ministry by Jess Smith Pastor Julian Mazzeo with his wife Lidya and daughter Penelope on the day of his ordination as a Specific Ministry Pastor for Adelaide Deaf Community Church, based at Pilgrim Lutheran Church Magill.

Deaf Ministry in the LCANZ has entered a new era, with the ordination of Julian Mazzeo as a Specific Ministry Pastor of the Adelaide Deaf Community Church (ADCC). Pastor Julian was ordained by LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith in October and installed to his role by South Australia – Northern Territory District Bishop Andrew Brook. Pastor Julian’s ordination service was held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Magill, the church where the ADCC is based. Magill has both Deaf and hearing congregations who worship at different times, with Pastor Michael Prenzler ministering to both in a shared role since 2017. A hearing pastor with no prior experience of deafness, Pastor Michael spent several years learning Auslan before taking the call to serve at Magill. Now that Pastor Julian has been ordained, he will take over the lead ministry role for the Deaf congregation, with Pastor Michael's support. Earlier this year Pastor Julian, who is profoundly deaf, said he felt a strong call to the role to which he has now been installed. ‘I feel that God wants me to speak to the Deaf community and that he is showing me how to teach, how to help to fix relationships, how to understand the best fit for Deaf culture and how to create opportunities and be an encouragement’, he said. Preaching in the richly expressive and visual language of Auslan is also something Pastor Julian finds rewarding. ‘Auslan is wonderful. It’s so creative, there’s so much storytelling and it’s clear and easy to understand.’ Pastor Michael echoed the sentiment. ‘I love the deaf approach to worship. All members are encouraged to participate in and contribute to the service,’ he said. ‘I also find it personally satisfying to worship in Auslan. There is something very profound about worshipping God with one’s whole body.’

Technology has become an important tool for the ADCC, and the congregation is thankful for a live-streaming system that was installed at Magill in 2020. ‘In some of my earlier travels I met some deaf Christians interstate who said they had no local church to attend, and I asked whether there was something the ADCC could do,’ said Pastor Michael. ‘We then applied for and received an LLL Mission Grant, and with contributions from both Pilgrim and the ADCC, we were able to install cameras in the church shortly after the COVID lockdowns began. We now have a few viewers from interstate who watch our service every Sunday. Without our videos, they would struggle to find somewhere to worship in Auslan, their heart-language.’ The church also has a video studio, funded through another grant, which is used for creating Auslan content. During the height of the pandemic, the studio played an important role in the creation of various worship-at-home resources, for both the hearing and Deaf congregations at Magill. The church plans to use the studio extensively in the future to produce more

desperately needed Bible studies and resources for the Deaf community. Deaf Ministry has been supported by the Lutheran Church since the 1970s and has evolved through many iterations to a current schedule of weekly Sunday services. Services are livestreamed so that viewers from afar can worship in Auslan, along with the Adelaide locals who attend in-person. The South Australia – Northern Territory District has set up a fund that will go towards supporting Pastor Julian's ministry, and his ongoing training, and to assist with providing interpreter services when he attends church events. If you or your congregation feels led to contribute, the bank account details for donations are as follows: Account name: LCA AGFund BSB: 704 942 AC: 1009 69623 This content was first published on the SA – NT District’s website Online Together eNews and on the district website. Jess Smith is SA – NT District Communications Officer.

Nominations call for Lutheran nurses award Nominations are open for the Lutheran Nurse of the Year award for 2024.

The award comprises a certificate and a $100 monetary gift.

Nightingale, who is recognised as the founder of modern nursing.

The annual award recognises faithful and outstanding service during the preceding calendar year by a registered or enrolled nurse who is an active member of a Lutheran congregation in Australia or New Zealand.

Nominations may be submitted by congregations, schools, aged-care facilities or other bodies or agencies within the LCANZ. The award was launched in 2020 to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence

More information and nomination forms are available from Pastor Bob Wiebusch via email at revbob@ozemail.com.au or from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/ ministry-groups/lutheran-nurses/ Nominations close on 31 March 2024.

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Safe Church training to become live online training Some changes are planned for the way Safe Church training will be delivered across the church. Live online training will be phased in during 2024. ‘We’ve listened to the feedback from people who have attended our workshops’, Professional Standards Manager Tim Ross said. ‘While there has been overwhelmingly positive support for our trainers and the content of the workshops, some people have told us that the face-to-face workshops are longer than they would like. It’s also hard for some volunteers to get to a physical training location.’ As well as reducing the time and travel burden on volunteers, live online training has the potential to reach more people and thus have a greater impact across the church. ‘All of our Safe Church training has been available online, in a self-paced format, for a number of years’, Tim said.

‘Participants can complete this training at home in their own time. We will be continuing to offer the self-paced training. However, we have found that some people do prefer a live training experience. ‘Live online training will deliver the best of both worlds. Participants will be able to attend an online training session at the scheduled time that best suits them; they will not need to wait for a trainer to visit their region or parish for a workshop. They will still have direct interaction with their online trainer and have their questions answered.’ It is anticipated that face-to-face training will be phased out during 2024 and that training will be conducted exclusively online by the end of the year. The Safe Church team is confident that live online training will be user-friendly, even for those with little technical know-how or limited connectivity. This form of training will

also be suitable for physically gathering as a local group, if necessary, to connect with the trainer live online. ‘We will be seeking some guidance and assistance from local Safe Church Coordinators regarding suitable venues and equipment for group gatherings’, Tim said. ‘In any event, it is clear there is now greater technological literacy, in post-COVID society, with so many services and facilities having moved online. Our Professional Standards Officers will be working hard to ensure that people across the church are supported, as they make the transition to online Safe Church training.’ Information about the rollout of live online training will be available on the Safe Church webpage at www.lca.org.au/ safechurchtraining and updates and alerts will be provided via LCA eNews (to sign up, go to www.lca.org.au/lcaenews-signmeup).

Far left: A nurse tends to a dialysis patient at Augusta Victoria Hospital. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Left: Patients receive dialysis treatment at the Augusta Victoria Hospital. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Call to support Gaza hospital Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) committed $50,000 to support the work of the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem as the humanitarian situation in Gaza rapidly deteriorated in late October. ALWS is calling on members of the church to add their support to the relief effort through donations. The August Victoria Hospital is owned and operated by ALWS partner, Lutheran World Federation, and serves five million

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Palestinians, many of whom are from the West Bank and Gaza. The hospital specialises in care for cancer patients and provides haemodialysis for kidney patients. Children also receive critical care. Forty per cent of the hospital’s patients come from Gaza. Since the war started, many patients either have been unable to go home or have been unable to access life-saving treatment. Donations to ALWS can help people hurt by the crisis in Israel and Gaza by

supporting the Augusta Victoria Hospital to provide life-saving medical care. ALWS funding has been going towards providing the hospital with medical supplies, meals and dignity kits for patients and essential transport. Donations can be made at www.alws.org.au/what-you-can-do/ donate/?c=israel-gaza-crisis To find out more about the Israel-Gaza crisis, visit www.alws.org.au/newsand-stories/israel-gaza-crisis/

Called to service in the church Michael Bowden was happy in his work and not looking to change employment in September this year when the Human Resources Manager role for the LCANZ popped up as an automatic job suggestion in his LinkedIn business networking feed.

New LCANZ HR Manager Michael Bowden (far left) felt called to apply for the church role. He and new Financial Controller Stephen Kroker (left) joined the Churchwide Office team in October.

That was on a Friday afternoon. The then HR Business Partner for Calvary Health in Adelaide said within two days he knew he was meant to apply. A lifelong committed Christian, Michael believed that God was calling him and that all his previous experiences in professional life had prepared him to serve in this way. ‘So many of the items in that advert just resonated with me’, Michael said. ‘I saw it on a Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon I was convicted to apply, and I applied. ‘My wife said, “What are you doing?”, because I just disappeared into the home office. I said, “I'm applying for a job”, and she said, “What? Why?”. And the only answer I could give her was, “God's told me to”. ‘There was a real touch in my heart – in my spirit – to apply. I was happy. There were none of the logical reasons that are normally there when you look at moving on.’ Michael started his working life as an apprentice boilermaker welder, holding roles in manufacturing and then factory management, before moving into the recruitment sector, unemployment services, education, aged care, and human resources. His appointment as Human Resources Manager follows the seven-year tenure of Dr Chris Materne, who served as Church Worker Support Manager since 2016. Michael said the concept of servant leadership was a very important model for

him as he takes on the task of ‘serving the congregations of the church, and the people who assist the congregations, and the workers within the congregations’. ‘For me, it's always been about serving and supporting the teams that I work for rather than being a figurehead’, said Michael, who has a Diploma in Human Resource Management, a Graduate Diploma in Management and a Masters of Business Administration. ‘I very much look at leadership as a reverse concept – the people in my team don't work for me as a manager; I work for them to help them do their job.’ Unlike Michael, Stephen Kroker had already worked for LCANZ agencies for more than 25 years when he took on the role of Financial Controller at the Churchwide Office this month. Stephen, who most recently served at Australian Lutheran World Service, initially as Operations Support Manager and then Finance and Administration Manager, was

Lutheran Education Australia’s Business Manager between 2012 and 2021. For part of that time, he also served as a finance analyst with the then Lutheran Schools Association of SA, NT and WA. Originally a chartered accountant in the private sector, Stephen began his church work in 1995 as Business Manager at Immanuel Primary School. Stephen said serving the church – whether in paid employment or in voluntary roles he has held at congregational, district or churchwide level – was ‘an opportunity to respond in a small way to God’s infinite grace and love’ – and use the gifts he has been given. ‘I’m thankful when I’m reminded how blessed the LCA is by the people I’ve had the chance to serve alongside’, he said. Stephen joined the Churchwide finance team after Debbie Venz, who served for 13 years as Business Manager, returned to her home country New Zealand. She has since taken up the role of District Administrator for the Lutheran Church of New Zealand.

Changes to Child Safety Plan timelines At its October 2023 meeting, the General Church Board agreed to make some important changes to Child Safety Standards (CSS) submission timelines. The next round of Child Safety Plans will now be due in 2025. ‘We have made this change because we understand that you and your congregations need time and space to implement your Child Safety Plans’, said Mary-Ann Carver, LCA Child Protection Project Officer. ‘We want to give you every opportunity to put your agreed child safety actions into place during

2024 without the pressure of meeting submission deadlines.’ The change will also allow the CSS support team to focus more on supporting congregation leaders as they work towards achieving their child-safety goals, including the development of quality resources to assist them. ‘We will focus on providing you with tips for implementation, ideas for communications, and examples from other congregations’, Mary-Ann said. ‘We are looking forward to 2024. It will be the time for child safety consolidation

and development, a time to embed the concept of child-safe congregations, and a time to strengthen the very good foundations we have already built.’ More CSS resources will be released over the coming months and will be uploaded to the CSS webpage www.lca.org.au/css For more information, contact your district Professional Standards Officer (details are at www.lca.org.au/psd); or Nicole Hall or Mary-Ann Carver from the Churchwide Child Safety Team: email css@lca.org.au or phone Mary-Ann on 0490 281 727 or Nicole on 08 8267 7372 or 0491 011 643.

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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.

BY HELEN BRINKMAN

Okay, hands up everyone who has attempted to read the entire Bible from beginning to end! How many of you completed the task? Whether you succeeded or failed, the fact is that reading Scripture end to end is not an easy undertaking! Put yourselves in the shoes of a new Christian and consider how much more difficult it would be to navigate the language and historical context, not to mention all that fighting and bloodshed. This conundrum is exactly why 82-year-old Derryl Huf, from Port Macquarie in New South Wales, spent the past two years putting pen to paper to write up a 158-page summary of the Bible in plain language with added context. ‘I’ve been surprised how few people have read the Bible from one end to the other’, Derryl says. ‘They say they started but didn’t get far because it was hard going, reading about all the wars, fighting, bloodshed and different tribes.’

This latest endeavour is part of a life-long journey of sharing his faith. Born in the Tabor district of western Victoria, the first boy of eight children, Derryl couldn’t wait until the day after he turned 14 to leave school and work on the family’s mixed farm of sheep, cattle and cropping. At age 18, he felt called to the ordained ministry. ‘A sermon by (Pastor) EW Wiebusch hit me hard’, he recalls. ‘I wanted to join college and become a minister.’

For his 80th birthday, Derryl received a lovely ballpoint pen from a church friend which he wanted to put to special use. Studying seven different versions of Scripture for comparison, Derryl filled three exercise books and three biro refills writing the summary.

But having left school so young made studying difficult for him. ‘After a year, I went back home and got very involved in Luther League and working with young people’, he says. ‘I realised that you didn’t have to wear a dog collar to be a minister.’

Twelve months after starting work, he hadn’t made it halfway. ‘I felt I had bitten off more than I could chew and felt it was too hard’, he says. ‘I constantly prayed about this, and everything came together, and my biro was guided by God’s hand.’

His local Tabor Lutheran Church had more than 100 youth group members, and so did many of the surrounding towns in the district, such as Tarrington and Hamilton. Derryl was appointed to the league zone executive, becoming president, and helping to run zone rallies, camps and state conventions.

Helped by his speed-typing daughter Christine, who transferred the handwritten words to a computer, the

‘ YOU CAN LEARN SCRIPTURE BUT IF YOU CAN ’T GET IT ACROSS TO OTH ERS, YOU ARE STILL ONLY PART WAY TH ERE.’ 26

summary was finished in August this year. ‘She could type faster than I can read – what a blessing, like all of our kids are’, Derryl says. He has now shared his self-published copies with friends, parishioners, fellow travellers while holidaying, and even his doctor – who grabbed it with both hands, he was so excited, says Derryl.

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It’s also how he met his future wife, Aileen Unger, who was on the NSW district executive. They were married in 1967 and stayed on his family farm for nine years before moving to Aileen’s hometown of Parkes in NSW. After the move, Derryl’s urge to witness found him joining the Gideons, which he calls a wonderful introduction to spreading the gospel. ‘You can learn Scripture but if you can’t get it across to others, you are still only part way there’, he says. Derryl diversified into carting primary produce after buying a semi-trailer to transport his bumper canola crop to Melbourne for crushing. The cost of the truck was less than the haulage

charge. So began his carting business, which also led him to become a heavy vehicle driving instructor. That opened the door to new ways to share the gospel. He received permission to offer his driving students a copy of a Gideon New Testament, also including the Psalms and Proverbs. ‘I had one refusal out of about 1500, and the driving lessons included many questions about why I offered this testament’, he recalls. Derryl says the whole idea behind his Bible summary is to encourage people to study God’s word, and to make it easier to read. ‘St Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 1 and 2, that you may not be ready for solid food, so start off easy with milk’, Derryl reflects. While tackling a Bible with around 1750 pages may be enough to scare the average reader, Derryl hopes his two-year journey helps to simply showcase the lifesaving message of the Bible – loud and clear.

Top left: A farmer in western Victoria from his teenage years, Derryl Huf later diversified into carting primary produce after buying a semi-trailer to transport his canola crop to Melbourne.

However, the summary would never have been written had events on a New Year’s Eve fishing trip in 2003 turned out differently for Derryl. He, Aileen and a friend of the couple were lost at sea for 26 hours after their 20-foot boat capsized off Port Macquarie. Then, as during his challenges working on the Bible summary, Derryl put his trust in God.

Top centre: Derryl left school at 14 to work on the family’s mixed farm of sheep, cattle and cropping near Tabor, staying on for nine years after marrying Aileen Unger in 1967. They then moved to her hometown of Parkes NSW. Top right: A keen fisherman, Derryl, along with Aileen and a friend, had to be rescued after being lost at sea for 26 hours when their boat capsized during a 2003 fishing trip off Port Macquarie.

Forced to hang onto the overturned hull for more than a day, they were seen by a passing Greek coal ship having drifted 150 kilometres north of where searchers were combing the sea. Derryl had been praying all through the night and felt that God was at work the next morning when their ultimate rescuer, who was winched down from a helicopter, called out to them: ‘Let go of what you are hanging on to, I have come to save you.’

Above: Derryl and Aileen were both heavily involved in church youth groups and met through Luther League while serving on zone and district executives. Below left: Keen to encourage people to read God’s word, Derryl has written a 158-page summary of the Bible in plain language with added context.

Derryl is happy to share copies of the summary and can be contacted at deenasea.339@gmail.com

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

Directory CA LLS Extended

G R A D UATE AS S I G N M ENTS

• Rev Howard J Beard Wangaratta Vic to Carlsruhe-Saddleworth SA

• Thomas L Kitson assigned to Bethania Qld

• Rev Boyd A Briese North Geelong Vic to Bethania Qld

For details relating to upcoming assignments and ordinations, visit the LCA website Calls page at www.lca.org.au/calls-employmentvolunteering

• Rev William J Frost Lutheran Aged Care Albury NSW to Albury NSW • Rev Samuel D Modra Vic-Tas District to North Tasmania Tas • Rev Dr Timothy P Stringer Greensborough Vic to Australian Lutheran College (Principal) • Rev Matthew R Thomas Mount Gravatt Qld to NunawadingWaverley Vic • Rev Mathew L von Stanke Newcastle NSW to Port Lincoln SA

Accepted • Rev Howard J Beard Wangaratta Vic to Carlsruhe-Saddleworth SA • Rev Greg J Fowler Golden Grove SA to Faith College Redlands Qld • Rev Peter R Klemm Cummins SA to Berri SA • Rev Samuel D Modra Vic-Tas District to North Tasmania Tas • Rev Gregory R Page Novar Gardens SA to Mount Barker SA • Rev Dr Timothy P Stringer Greensborough Vic to Australian Lutheran College (Principal)

Declined • Rev Boyd A Briese North Geelong Vic to Bethania Qld

• Jacob E D Fabich to be assigned

O R D I N ATI O N S • Rev Jordan R Bennett – Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor to serve Lutheran Services – Orana Aged Care Kingaroy Qld on 25 August 2023 at Orana Aged Care Kingaroy Qld by Bishop Paul Smith • Rev Kenneth ‘Charlie’ Uebergang – Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor to serve Pittsworth Lutheran Church Qld on 1 October 2023 at Pittsworth Lutheran Church Qld by Bishop Paul Smith • Rev Julian L Mazzeo – Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor to serve the Adelaide Deaf Community at Pilgrim Magill SA on 8 October 2023 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church Magill SA by Bishop Paul Smith • Rev Matthew P Schubert – Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor to serve the Everhope Lutheran Church WA on 5 November 2023 at Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church Warnbro WA by Bishop Paul Smith

RO LL O F PASTO R S • Rev Mark L Doecke – Change of call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 22 October 2023

• Rev Matthew R Thomas Mount Gravatt Qld to NunawadingWaverley Vic

• Rev John G O’Keefe – Change of call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 2 August 2023

• Rev Mathew L von Stanke Newcastle NSW to Port Lincoln SA

• Rev Geoffrey P Schefe – Leave of absence granted to 1 May 2024

I N STA LL ATI O N S • Rev Jordan R Bennett – Installed to serve Lutheran Services – Orana Aged Care Kingaroy Qld on 25 August 2023 by Bishop Mark Vainikka • Rev Kenneth ‘Charlie’ Uebergang – Installed to Pittsworth Qld on 1 October 2023 by Bishop Mark Vainikka • Rev Julian L Mazzeo – Installed as Specific Ministry Pastor to serve the Adelaide Deaf Community Church at Pilgrim Magill SA on 8 October 2023 by Bishop Andrew Brook • Rev Mark L Whitfield – Installed to Christchurch NZ on 8 October 2023 by Rev Andy Marr • Rev Andrew L Vanderwal – Installed to Blackwood SA on 22 October 2023 by Bishop Andrew Brook • Rev Brenton D Altmann – Installed as Director – Identity and Formation at Lutheran Education Queensland at Faith Lutheran College Redlands Qld on 24 October 2023 by Qld First-Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke • Rev Richard W Fox – Installed to Glynde Zion SA on 29 October 2023 by Bishop Andrew Brook • Rev Mathew D Ker – installed to Tabor Vic on 29 October 2023 by Bishop Lester Priebbenow

I N M EM O R IA M • Una Reuther nee Habermann, wife of Rev Tom Reuther, died on 4 October 2023. Her funeral was held at Fullarton Lutheran Homes Chapel on 11 October 2023. • Christine Uebergang nee Rohrlach, wife of Rev Michael Uebergang, died on 3 October 2023. Her funeral was held at St Johns Lutheran Church Wilsonton Toowoomba Qld on 13 October 2023, with interment at Drayton, Toowoomba.

In Memoriam

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.

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Peter Ravikumar Livingsten Rev Dr Peter Ravikumar Livingsten born 10 Aug 1960; ordained 1998 (Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church India); served St Marys NSW and Springwood NSW (Nov 2022–Nov 2023 part-time); died 7 Nov 2023; funeral 8 Nov 2023 (Bangalore India – service livestream www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx9HJMj1os); mourned by his wife and family.

Your Voice

RS L E T T E ERS MEMB FROM LCANZ OF THE

Prayer for voting delegates The debate on the ordination of women has lasted for three decades, numerous votes have been taken under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the answer has always been ‘no’. My understanding was that the last vote to be taken would be at the 2023 General Synod. Then someone thought of the radical idea – one church, two doctrines, which is a good recipe for division in our church. We are asked to pray for unity when we have a divisive proposition put to us, is it right that we put God to the test? I think not. It is like a country with two flags – it is divisive and hinders prosperity and growth. It is a statement that there are two parties with diverse views. You cannot have a foot in both camps (as the saying goes) and you can’t serve two masters, as God’s word says in Luke 16:13. We may as well go back to the ‘them and us’ days when we had two synods. What we need is decisive leadership from our officials – don’t leave important decisions to our congregations, because it ultimately comes down to whether congregations accept the decision or break away and go their own way. We don’t want to see a repeat of a breakaway decision by a Christian denomination not long ago. It is my fervent prayer that all delegates at our next General Synod, who have the responsibility of voting, will give prayerful consideration and a lot of thought before casting their votes. A lot depends on it. Neil Bittner – Curramulka SA

Good to be reminded of evil forces Thank you for the focus on ‘Angels and Demons’ in the latest edition of The Lutheran. Having attended Sunday school and church all my life (closing in on 80!), I sense a change in the focus of the sermons. In my younger years, the words devil, Satan and hell were often mentioned, but nowadays we seem intent on not upsetting people and rarely are these words mentioned. The current state of chaos in the world and ‘wokeness’ is fertile ground for Satan and the malevolent beings in the heavenly realm. It is good to be reminded they exist and not fear them but depend on our Creator and Saviour to overcome these forces in our lives. Otto Stumbras – Maryborough Qld

Unity based on ‘oneness of the Trinity’ I write in response to the letter to The Lutheran (Oct-Nov 2023) regarding the unity of believers through ‘Christ crucified’ as the ‘overarching concern’ for the LCANZ’s future. This unity applies to all believers throughout the world. This unity of the Spirit is Godgiven and cannot be broken. And yet, by observation, there is not a visible unity among the believers of the world and the Holy Spirit is grieved by this. I acknowledge that, at the formation of the LCA, there were dissenting voices to parts of the founding documents. This is lamentable, as is the breaking of fellowship between individuals and the LCANZ which has occurred since. Yet, there seemed agreement at union that our practice and doctrine (Scripture-derived teaching of the church) went together to teach that the ordained ministry belonged to those men called into that office to be supported by those not called into this office. It would seem that, somewhere between the formation of the LCA and now, there has been a change in status of the teaching of male-only ordination from it being a part of the doctrine of the Holy Ministry to it now being considered a theological opinion outside of a genderless doctrine of the Holy Ministry. How did this occur? The unity that is ours is based on the unity and oneness of the Holy Trinity. The fullness and purity of the Holy Trinity make us new creations with pure hearts in Holy Baptism. That is why the confession of the LCANZ includes the doctrine of Holy Baptism and the practice of infant baptism. This causes divisions and rejection among believers. The confession rejects this rejection. Does this have any parallels with what is happening in the debate over the ordination of women as well as men?

Let's practise what we preach In Australia, we’re taught to ‘swim between the flags’ for our own safety on our beaches. A church that fails to ‘swim’ between the two bastions of Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament) risks being caught up in the rips of secularism. Failing to practise what we preach (i.e. a place ‘where love comes to life’) can lead to a lack of authenticity about ourselves. People are quick to judge false or misleading advertising. Far better to return to why we exist, and to what we practised at the start, or risk lampstands being removed (Rev 2:1-7). Rev Peter Fuhlbohm – Lavington NSW

Karen Tromans – Glandore SA

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

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M A K E A C U P PA A N D P U T YO U R F E E T U P – I T ’ S T I M E TO R E L A X

IN A FEW WORDS …

‘If you live by the same values and priorities [Jesus] had, you will find evangelism happening naturally. It becomes a lifestyle and not a project.’

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL You’ll find most – if not all – of the answers to these questions in the pages of The Lutheran (as well as below the Sudoku).

– CONFEREN CE SPE AKER AND AUTH OR BECKY PIPPERT

‘Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus.’

1. Australian Lutheran College will have a new principal in 2024. What is his name? 2. There will be a change to the way Safe Church training will be delivered next year. What will that entail? 3. What is the name of the hospital in East Jerusalem that is supported by ALWS? 4. Which LCANZ roles have Michael Bowden and Stephen Kroker taken on recently?

– 20TH -CENTURY AMERI CAN QUAKER AUTH OR AND THEOLOGIAN D ELTON TR UEBLOOD

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.

5. Where and when will the NSW and ACT District’s Convention of Synod be held in 2024?

October - November’s solution

6. When do Christians of Western traditions observe Epiphany?

7. What does it commemorate? 8. What is the theme of ALC’s Festival of Learning for 2024?

10. What is the name of Grow Ministries’ children’s ministry curriculum?

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2 8

4 5

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QUIZ ANSW ERS

1. Rev Dr Tim Stringer 2. Live online Safe Church training will be phased in during 2024. 3. Augusta Victoria Hospital 4. Human Resource Manager, Financial Controller 5. Wagga Wagga Lutheran School, 8-10 March 6. 6 January (Christians of Eastern traditions mark the day on 19 January) 7. The visit to Jesus by the magi or wise men 8. Challenging boundaries – Life at the Edges 9. A 158-page accessible-language summary of the Bible 10. Grow Kids

9. NSW Lutheran Derryl Huf has recently completed a two-year labour of love in the name of sharing the Christian faith. What is it?

Stress-Free Selling "Kevin’s approach is professional and down to earth. No flashy sales pitches, just an honest appraisal. No upfront fees, no push for auction and respectful of our needs and opinions. We’ll be selling our family home next and without a doubt Kevin will be selling that for us too!" David & Jane - Black Forest SA

Our Laudio (Lutheran audio) podcasts will keep you up to date with what’s happening around the church while you are on your daily commute, driving the header, or pounding the treadmill.

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walterirvine.com.au

Kevin Walter

0413 430 020

Photo: ALWS

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Mamad, Indonesia You can bless others like Mamad 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!

alws.org.au * 1300 763 407

ALWayS for those forgotten

Photo: LWF South Sudan

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Thanks to Lutheran support, Israka increased the income of her tea shop in South Sudan SIX TIMES! That’s the power of ALWS Gifts of Grace … Israka is a single mum, with four children. Before help packets of hibiscus! Now, Israka’s daily income is SIX from people like you through ALWS, she struggled to TIMES what it was before your help! support her children with income She says she can buy everything from a little tea shop she set up in her family needs. She can pay her front of her house. She had only one children’s school fees and medical ‘I am so happy because table and four chairs. costs. She has renovated her tukul now I generate income that ALWS partner Lutheran World (house) and built up a savings Federation trained Israka in small nest egg. helps me sustain my family. business management skills and a I will work hard to ensure Israka even plans to buy a secondstart-up loan. hand motorcycle so that she can I manage the business well.’ offer a taxi service, as an extra That’s when Israka’s ideas and hard source of income. work began to pay off. Israka Israka was able to invest in expanding her business. She bought a big stove, more tables and chairs, new teacups, 50kg of sugar, a box of tea leaves, tins of coffee and milk – even

‘Thank you so much for the support. I will never forget you. I am pleading if you can do more to support women, so they are able to reduce the poverty inflicted on them.’

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ALWayS for those forgotten