The Lutheran November 2022 Digital Edition

EDITORIAL

Editor Lisa McIntosh

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Executive Editor Linda Macqueen

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LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

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

Walking their way!

The convenience of The Lutheran’s digital edition was a bonus for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) staff during their recent retreat. The ALWS crew rose at 5.15am to make the climb up Mount Coolum in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region and have a photo with new Executive Director Michael Stolz (back right). And, as they had their phones with them, they also had The Lutheran ! Also pictured are (front row, from left) Maddi Hegarty, Kirra Lewis, Celia Fielke, Amanda Lustig and Martin Scharnke; (back row, from left) Jacinta Harford, Peter Egesa, Michael Stolz and Julie Krause.

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

Moira Nagorcka

St Pauls Lutheran Church Box Hill Vic Retired secretary and constant gardener

Most treasured Bible text: John 14:27

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

Elijah Friebel

St Andrews Lutheran Church Tallebudgera Qld

Civil Labourer

Most treasured Bible text: 1 Peter 4:8

‘Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.’

Rose Vonow

Our Saviour Lutheran Church Aberfoyle Park SA

Registered Midwife

Most treasured Bible text: Isaiah 40:8

‘The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.’

Let the light of someone you know shine through their photo being featured in The Lutheran and LCA Facebook. With their permission, send us a good quality photo, their name and details (congregation, occupation and most treasured text in these difficult times) and your contact details.

Some of the biggest names in the Bible lived with disabilities.

Moses’ stutter to Saint Paul’s unnamed ‘thorn in the flesh’, Scripture has plenty of examples of God working through what was seen as ‘human weakness’.

And, of course, God’s glory and love shone brightly when Jesus’ miracles brought into the spotlight people who had been ignored, belittled, shunned and left destitute by society

they could not see, hear, speak or walk. Jesus not only straightened the mason’s ‘withered’ hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9–13, Mark 3:1–6, and Luke 6:6–11), he also restored his dignity and livelihood.

Unlike religious, government and business authorities of his day, when Jesus met a person with a disability, he saw the whole person. The fact that he ‘saw’ them at all set him apart. He loved them just as he loved his disciples and loves each of us, with our varying abilities and disabilities. Because society ostracised and failed to care for people living with disability, Jesus knew they were suffering and wanted them to live their best lives. His prayer for everyone in 2022 is the same. As he says in John’s Gospel (10:10b), ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.

That’s why the accommodation, in-home and day-centre services and employment and training programs facilitated by churches, government, charitable, and aid and development organisations who work alongside people living with disability are important. Overall, they aim to remove barriers to independence and selfdetermination and replace them with opportunity and self-worth.

Among our Lutheran family, we have agencies whose staff, volunteers and supporters know the joys of serving with people who live with disability, and the challenges of a world which still excludes and devalues people, based on physical, mental and intellectual attributes. These agencies include Lutheran Services and Anuha in Queensland, and Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) and Elcies Disability Care (Lutheran Care) in South Australia. In addition, LCA International Mission and Australian Lutheran World Service support people internationally through their partnerships and programs.

We are excited to share a raft of stories from those who serve and live in this space, including thoughts on how our churches can be more inclusive of people living with disabilities. (Personally, I experience an extra dose of joy from the privilege of worshipping in a congregation with LDS clients and carers.)

As well as our regular columns, news, views and resources from around the church, our print subscribers will find a bonus copy of Border Crossings from LCA International Mission inside (digital subscribers can head to https://lcamission.org.au to access a digital copy under the Resources tab).

I pray that you’ll be blessed by your reading.

Special features

Putting heart, soul and grace into

all about faith, fun and community

for clients

families

can our churches be more inclusive?

with no limits

in name, nature and action

Regulars

we bear

name: Bishop Paul’s letter

in God’s word

and Grow

Our cover: iStock.com

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following pages may contain images of people who have died.

Because we bear your name

I watched our new King Charles dwell silently and pensively with the words of the anthem during his dear mother’s funeral, ‘God save our King’. Throughout his life, he had been praying ‘God save the Queen’.

Charles has taken up the work of monarch of the Commonwealth, in the wake of seven decades of extraordinary servant leadership. But an outstanding tradition that he follows from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is her Christian witness as a head of state in our modern world.

Young Princess Elizabeth was baptised into Christ in the chapel at Buckingham Palace in 1926 and was confirmed and married in the Church of England. Throughout their lives, ever in the public eye, Queen Elizabeth and her beloved husband Prince Philip served as a faithful Christian couple. Upon her accession to the throne in 1952, she became the head of the Church of England and was its longestserving supreme governor.

In her first Christmas broadcast after her father King George VI had died in 1952, Elizabeth spoke of her own prayerful yearning, ‘Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve him and you, all the days of my life’.

This was a yearning she ever continued throughout her 70 years of service as Queen of both Australia and New Zealand, as she lived by faith under a very public scrutiny. She worked with 15 British Prime Ministers and nearly 200 different Heads of State in the various places of the Commonwealth.

As we entered the new millennium in the year 2000, Elizabeth took the opportunity to share a deeply personal witness to her own walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. In her Christmas broadcast that year, she said, ‘For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example’.

BISHOP PAUL’S LETTER

REV PAUL SMITH

At the same time Elizabeth has been praying, we have been praying for her. Many of the readers of The Lutheran in New Zealand and Australia will remember school days singing ‘God save the Queen’ before class every day. This anthem is a prayer, asking God to guide and bless the leader of our countries. God has answered Elizabeth’s prayer and our prayers for her.

At Her Majesty’s funeral, the preacher, Archbishop Justin Welby, left the listener in no doubt regarding Elizabeth’s walk by faith. He concluded his message with an invitation for listeners to take up the hope that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Welby proclaimed, ‘Her Late Majesty’s broadcast during COVID lockdown ended with: “We will meet again”, words of hope from a song of Vera Lynn. Christian hope means certain expectation of something not yet seen. Christ rose from the dead and offers life to all, abundant life now and life with God in eternity. As the Christmas carol says, “where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in”. We will all face the merciful judgement of God: we can all share the Queen’s hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership. Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: “We will meet again”.’

Our two nations have paused to express our thanksgiving to God, for the life and witness of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. As Christian people of this Commonwealth, we commit ourselves to praying for Charles III and all our leaders, both in our private prayers and in the liturgies of our congregations and Lutheran communities.

God save our gracious King.

In Christ,

Paul

Lord Jesus, we belong to you, you live in us, we live in you; we live and work for you –because we bear your name

‘FOR ME, THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST AND MY OWN PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK IN WHICH I TRY TO LEAD MY LIFE.’

Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

Lutheran Services has been serving individuals and communities in Queensland since 1935. The organisation offers a range of disability support services across six centres. These services include supported-living accommodation, day services, in-home care services, employment and personal growth programs, health and wellbeing programs and behaviour support. Graceville Centre on the Sunshine Coast serves people living with intellectual, cognitive, or psychiatric disabilities through accommodation and support programs. Client Kylie and case managers Daniel and Mary share their experiences with disability and offer their thoughts about inclusion, acceptance and working for positive change in our society and our church.

‘THEY see me, AND NOT MY DISABILITY’

Kylie Drinnan knows firsthand how important it is for people living with disability to feel safe. Accessible and accepting environments can be hard to come by. However, the members and staff of St Luke’s Lutheran Church and Lutheran Services’ Graceville Centre at Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are working hard to help everyone feel welcome and valued. Kylie shares her thoughts on how we can all better walk alongside people with disability.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST?

Feeling safe is very important to me. I have been at Lutheran Service’s Graceville Centre for 15 years because it’s a safe place to live – both physically and emotionally. The people there are lovely and kind and treat me well.

I also really appreciate feeling accepted. It’s one of the reasons I look forward to going to St Luke’s Lutheran Church, which is just across the road from my unit. I go as often as I can because I always feel good when I am there. It’s a place where I am welcome and valued. I enjoy the services and music, but the morning tea is also a real highlight! The pastors and other parishioners

are always willing to stop and have a chat too. Simple things like offering a chat and a biscuit in a friendly, safe environment can help make people with disabilities feel included.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CHURCH TO YOU?

Going to church is a big part of my life. Our faith encourages us to accept everyone and treat all people equally, and I definitely feel that at St Luke’s. Everyone there is welcomed and appreciated for who they are. I even go to their events – like the Annual General Meeting – to show my support and gratitude for what they do.

All photos courtesy of Lutheran Services

Kylie

HOW COULD WIDER SOCIETY

BETTER WALK ALONGSIDE PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY?

I think we could all be much more accepting of each other. I spend my time in places where people take the time to listen and understand me – where everyone is treated as individuals.

The Nambour Community Centre, Compass Connections Café, St Luke’s … these are all really special places. The people there are lovely and kind; they get to know you personally, right down to the type of milk you like in your coffee (lactose-free, thanks!).

They see me, and not my disability.

HOW COULD SPACES BE MORE DISABILITY-FRIENDLY?

Physical access is a big issue for me. I use a walker and don’t like lifts. So, if there isn’t a ramp, I am automatically excluded from places. You’d be surprised how many places are not designed to cater for people with a disability and unintentionally make us feel unwelcome.

WHAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?

I think more awareness and acceptance would go a long way. Everyone is different and has different needs. But feeling safe, welcome and wanted is important to us all.

PUTTING HEART, SOUL ANDgrace into serving

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE WITH DISABILITY?

Daniel: I have experienced disability as an individual, a parent and a sibling, so I recognise the challenges and know what can make a difference to people living with a disability. Lived experience means I bring a great deal of understanding, empathy and compassion to my work.

Mary: My brother has a history of mental health challenges, so I have spent my life witnessing how

society and the system cope with disability. This has certainly inspired me to help make a difference. I am now extremely committed to and passionate about advocating for people with disabilities.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS FIELD OF WORK?

Daniel: I have always been drawn to helping others, without passing judgement. This tendency, coupled with

Daniel Miller and Mary Moffat are case managers at the Graceville Centre in Nambour whose personal and professional experience have given them a deep understanding of living with disability. They share their thoughts on how we can all help create a more inclusive community.

my own experience, has no doubt led me to this vocation. I know how critical it is to have people walking beside you – someone who cares and has faith in you to achieve greater things. I was lucky enough to have that support and am humbled and grateful now to be able to offer that to others.

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO WORKING WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY?

Daniel: I love my job and really enjoy coming to work. There are challenges, but I know I am genuinely making a difference to the lives of some truly awesome people. The best part is that every day I get to help intelligent, motivated people achieve goals – both big and small.

I know from my own background that reaching your goals can be hard work, but it is so much easier, so much more attainable and enjoyable, when you have someone walking beside you.

Also, working at Lutheran Services is a great fit for me, as we share a common value – that of grace.

Mary: For me, this is not work! It’s a vocation and something that I put my heart and soul into. Being able to make a positive impact on someone’s life really is an honour. Often, it’s the seemingly small things that are the most rewarding. To the people I support, just feeling heard, valued and appreciated is an achievement.

HOW DOES LUTHERAN SERVICES HELP CLIENTS BE THE VERY BEST THEY CAN BE?

Daniel: We make people with disabilities more visible in the community. That could be through employment or just supporting them to have an active role in society by providing confidence, belief and opportunities. Hopefully one day we won’t even be talking about disability as a differentiator anymore.

Mary: We use community events to showcase the strengths of people with disabilities. Our art shows not only show off the value and amazing skills of our people but also involve and educate the community. I think this is really important because people with disabilities are generally not seen in the mainstream. They are not represented in products, advertising, employment, television shows, or politics.

Making disability a part of the everyday is key to creating a truly inclusive community.

WHAT ROLE DO CONGREGATIONS HAVE IN WALKING WITH PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY?

Daniel: Congregations naturally have empathy and an ethic of caring based on what Jesus did and taught. They play an important role in providing support and guidance, and just ‘being there’ for people who need support. They also create environments driven by acceptance and compassion, where there is no judgement, and no-one is any better than anyone else. It’s not just about faith though; it’s having grace – making everyone feel welcome and that they belong.

Mary: I think we can all do better at recognising and playing to each other’s strengths and promoting and celebrating the positives. Unfortunately, our society gives people labels – puts them in boxes. We tend to generalise and judge, rather than looking deeper and seeing the actual person and what they have to offer.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY?

Daniel: We are just human beings! People with disabilities have a lot to give and are already doing so much in the community. We have experienced judgement and discrimination, and don’t pay that forward. There is no ‘them’ and ‘us’ … it’s just us.

Mary: If the community could see even half of what I see every day, they would have no qualms in socialising with and employing people with disabilities. We all need to just open our hearts and our minds and embrace all people … not fall into the trap of the label divide.

IT’S ALL ABOUT FAITH, FUN AND COMMUNITY

Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) was formed in 1986 when the families of five people living with disability leased a house in suburban Adelaide to provide them with independent accommodation. Today LDS provides services for more than 80 people and their families through independent living, specialist disability accommodation and community participation programs. We asked Chief Operating Officer Michael Kromwyk to explain what LDS does, the place of faith and fun in the organisation’s values, its link to Lutheran congregations in South Australia and what congregations can do to support LDS.

CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY …

At Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) we focus on community and how we can assist our clients to find connections in the community.

Our first house – Shimron in Unley – is closely connected to nearby St John’s Lutheran Church. Many of our clients worship at this church and have become an essential part of the congregation and the community. The church has become a safe place for our clients to feel a part of the community, worship and express their faith.

We were delighted when the congregation approached LDS this year to help clean up the garden after the successful working bee of 2021. Providing this outreach to our clients and making the house a home with a beautiful garden is a blessing and outpouring of love and faith from the people of St John’s. Clients were encouraged to participate and engage with the volunteers, and many had a great time working, chatting and socialising throughout the working bee. After a lot of work, the clients cooked a barbecue and shared a COVID-safe meal afterwards to continue the relationship-building between clients and congregation members. This outpouring of God’s love from the St John’s congregation helps to support our mission and helps towards making our clients a part of the community.

At LDS, we challenge ourselves every day to support our clients to express their faith in their own unique way. We believe that faith is an unreserved confidence in God, in his love for me, and in his power to help me through whatever comes my way in life. We also know that faith opens the door to a victorious life! As 1 John 5:5 says: ‘This is the victory that overcomes the world – our faith.’ We support our clients to express their faith in the way they want to express it. For many clients this may be enjoying a night at Shout for Joy worship services, singing and hearing the word with a community of likeminded people.

For other clients, it’s attending a local church for connection to the community and worship. For others, volunteering in the community to help others is one way they live their faith daily. At LDS we build connections to the community so that our clients can express their faith in their own unique ways.

FREED BY

One of the LDS values is fun, and we have a lot of it every day! And there is a good reason we want to have fun at LDS – because psychologists tell us that fun gives you a sense of liberation which leads to connectedness, a sense of spontaneity and impressions of limitlessness.

This is why fun is in our values – it builds connectedness and liberation for us, our staff and our clients. We assist clients to have fun by encouraging them to get out and about in the community, whether that’s a trip to the footy, the Royal Adelaide Show or just walking through the city – finding new and innovative ways to achieve life goals through fun.

Fun is in our DNA, and we believe that through our client-centred approach we can tap into what fun means to our clients and deliver on their expectations. We also know that we need to create fun for our team. Creating happy workplaces with meaningful work will create happy staff. Having happy staff means having happy clients and happy homes. Fun delivers happiness in spades!

LDS is approached by congregations, church members and members of the general community about how people can help LDS to achieve our mission of providing happy homes for our clients.

The most powerful way that you and your congregation can help our mission is to include us in your prayers, asking God to bless our mission, our clients and our staff. We know that God is listening, and we ask that he continues to give us wisdom and guidance to make decisions that positively impact the lives of people living with disability.

On the upcoming International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, we ask that you keep us, everyone living with disability, their families and others who support them in your prayers. We are also thankful to those of you who donate to our mission; every bit counts towards providing a bit extra for our clients so that they can achieve their life goals and help make their house a home.

Congregations can also help our mission by providing LDS with access to accommodation, whether this may be an unused manse or other property that you have available. Many people living with disability are looking for a safe and secure home through LDS and the more housing that we have will assist our collective mission.

you or

support

access to a property within South Australia, please contact us.

CaringFOR CLIENTS AND FAMILIES

Launched in February 2022, Positive Behaviour Support is the latest service from Elcies Disability Care, the disability services branch of Lutheran Care.

It is a therapy-based service funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aiming to increase the quality of life for people with disabilities who are experiencing Behaviours of Concern.

A Behaviour of Concern may impact the physical safety of a person or those around them, including caregivers and support teams. Behaviours of Concern can include emotional and physical outbursts, such as screaming, shouting and hitting, or actions such as running away.

including developmental education, social work, counselling, teaching and psychology. They show compassion and empathy, helping to empower clients of all ages to lead their best life.

SHOW COMPASSION AND EMPATHY, HELPING TO EMPOWER

Both Bianca and Clinical Lead Tamsin Petzer were recently among a very small number of South Australians assessed as Specialist Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioners by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is the highest accreditation for Positive Behaviour Support practitioners assessed by the NDIS.

Elcies Disability Care’s team of nine highly experienced and supportive practitioners works with clients, their families, caregivers and support teams at home, school, work or in community environments, to address these concerns.

Under the direction of Principal Clinical Lead Bianca Dubois, the team has a wide range of expertise,

Elcies Disability Care is proud to harness the expertise and skills of two Specialist Positive Behaviour Practitioners to provide high-quality support to clients and their families, and strong leadership of the Elcies team.

To find out more about Positive Behaviour

call 1800 352 437,

From humble beginnings, Lutheran Care has been supporting and working with the community for more than 50 years. Lutheran Care’s newest service, Positive Behaviour Support, is continuing to build on the organisation’s momentum of inclusive and diverse service offerings. Communications Officer Amelia Dawkins and Marketing Coordinator Jose Rabet explain.

OF

HOW CAN OUR CHURCHES BE MORE INCLUSIVE?

by BIANCA DUBOIS

Inclusion often begins with understanding the diversity of disability; that it can be in how we communicate, our mobility or the way we process the world around us.

People and families who experience disability can at times feel isolated because community spaces are not always designed for their needs.

Most people and families report that community spaces that allow them to feel like they can be themselves can support them in feeling accepted and connected to their community.

Some practical steps to make your space inclusive can be:

• having a quiet area for a person to access if they are feeling overwhelmed

• including visual aids (basic and clear pictures) with your service information to help individuals with communication challenges

• having a space in your church building where a person can walk or stand if they require more sensory input (your five senses that require stimuli)

• providing a printed order of service (with visual aids) to share with attendees the different parts of the service and what happens at each point. This can include items such as times to sing or when everyone will sit and listen.

If ever you are in doubt as to how to support someone in your congregation, asking respectfully how you can make your communal space more accessible for them will always be a welcoming gesture of inclusion and support.

Bianca Dubois Is Principal Clinical Lead for Lutheran Care’s Positive Behaviour Support service, which is offered through its Elcies Disability Care branch.

WHO IS

LUTHERAN CARE?

With headquarters in Sefton Park in Adelaide’s north, Lutheran Care is a community services agency working across South Australia and the Northern Territory to change lives and build communities. A ministry of the LCANZ’s South AustraliaNorthern Territory District, it delivers services and support for vulnerable individuals and families from sites across Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs, Kent Town, Marion, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Alice Springs.

How can Elcies help?

Elcies Disability Care’s Positive Behaviour Support services can assist with:

• Reducing Behaviours of Concern to minimise impact on home, education and community settings

• Educating the client’s support team on Positive Behaviour Support approaches and interventions, to ensure positive outcomes and consistency for the person

• Supporting and empowering clients, caregivers and support teams to manage Behaviours of Concern as they arise and improve quality of life for individuals

WITH NO LIMITSLove

When a family lives in poverty, and also has a child with disability, life can be doubly challenging.

Niaman, a mum from Indonesia, knows those challenges. But her life and that of her family, including daughter Omera, was changed forever by support from the global Lutheran family, including through Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).

Last year through ALWS, and with assistance from the Australian Government, LCANZ members and friends supported 6,359 people with disability to better engage in the life of their communities, in countries including Nepal, Somalia and Indonesia, where Omera is from.

When Omera was born, Niaman says hospital staff did not bring her baby daughter to her for two days. ‘When she was born the midwife did not bring my baby to me’, Niaman says. ‘They kept her for two days because she was not normal like other babies. Her hands were not normal. They kept it a secret for two days.

‘But when I saw Omera, I was not sad. I saw her beautiful face, and this changed my heart. I loved her.’

Niaman says that when Omera came home from hospital, many people from their village came, wanting ‘to see this strange baby’.

by JULIE KRAUSE

‘They told me many hard things like, “How can you take care of this baby? Look at her hands and feet! What can this baby do when she grows up? You will have trouble in the future”’, Niaman says. ‘Sometimes I would think about those words, and I would cry. It was hard.

‘My sister did not want me to take Omera to the market, the local ceremonies, or even to church because she felt shamed. But I did not listen. I still took her. When I felt sad, I would tell myself that Omera is a gift from God, and that each gift he gives can be different.’

Through ALWS, in collaboration with its Lutheran partner in Indonesia CDRM&CDS, and the Australian Government, Niaman was supported to create a kitchen garden. Before this help, Niaman says she could only feed her family rice with salt. It broke her heart that her children were hungry, and that Omera might miss out on the support she needed.

Niaman joined a Lutheran-supported farm group through which she learnt about compost, mulching, organic fertiliser, weeding and effective watering. She wanted to grow enough nutritious food for her family, and to sell surplus vegetables for income to pay for any extra care Omera might need. Niaman says she loves her garden and grows chillies, beans, mustard leaves, corn, eggplant, tomatoes and her favourite – water spinach!

‘WHEN I FELT SAD, I WOULD TELL MYSELF THAT OMERA IS A GIFT FROM GOD, AND THAT EACH GIFT HE GIVES CAN BE DIFFERENT.’

Photos: ALWS/Daniel Bury

Each day she gets up at 5am and goes to the garden looking for bugs to remove from the plants. She says she has also been shown how to make organic pesticide from local plant materials and things like garlic, wood ash, tobacco and onion bulbs through the farm group. ‘We mix it with water and then blend it with a mixer before letting it ferment for three weeks’, she explains.

‘I am always looking and take away the weeds. Sometimes the older girls help me. I feel so very happy, because when I want to use vegetables in my cooking, it is already there! I don’t need to go and buy, especially when we have not much money. This means I can have money for sending the children to school, especially Omera in the senior school.

‘I thank the people of Australia for helping my family to make the garden, and especially for Omera, so she can keep her spirit in education and keep learning and feel confident in herself.’

SUMMER

A beautiful artist, Omera has drawn how the love shone into her family through ALWS has transformed her family’s life. This drawing is now printed on a tea towel offered as a thank you gift for the first 500 orders in this year’s ALWS Gifts of Grace. You can give a Gift of Grace to supply another family in Indonesia with a kitchen garden just like Niaman and Omera’s at www.alws.org.au/grace or by phoning 1300 763 407. See also page 20

Now, Omera is flourishing at school as much as the veggies flourish in Niaman’s kitchen garden!

‘If any mother has a child with disability, if your child wants to go to school, support them’, Niaman says. ‘Don’t be ashamed of them. Don’t keep them in the bedroom. Bring them out to the community. Don’t be shy to tell [others] about this child, even when they have disability.

‘Don’t stop them when they have the spirit to go and encourage them to socialise with others. Don’t limit them. Love them!’

Julie Krause is ALWS Community Action and Supporter Care Officer for South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

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Left: Kitchen gardens, like this one belonging to mum Niaman (right), dad Filifo (second from left), and Omera (second from right) and her siblings, are a great way to ensure children have enough nutritious food to eat and as well as earning an income for families through any surplus produce.

Above: Disability doesn’t get in the way of being a loving big sister!

DWELLING IN GOD'S WORD Valuing and connecting with people living with disability

In our world view, disability is an abnormal part of a normal world.

In Christ’s view, disability is a normal part of an abnormal world.

We often hear a lot about equality, respect and dignity –especially as we advocate for and support those in our community who may be living with a disability.

What I love about the biblical message of the God who loves us, is that our value is not determined by our strengths or weakness, who we are, whether we live with disability or whether we are captain of the football or debating teams. Our worth is defined by a God who loves us unconditionally and who sees our value from that perspective. God calls us to be his love and share his love as we serve others.

Read Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13,14. What does ‘made in the image of God’ really mean?

No matter how much the image of God is marred by sin, illness, weakness, age or any disability, every person has the status of being in God’s image and therefore must be treated with the dignity and respect due to God’s image-bearer.

Read 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 6:16–19 and Proverbs 16:18. Every life holds inestimable worth. Can we recognise God’s good plans for people irrespective of their abilities or disabilities?

How we perceive people with a disability and especially our prejudices can make a profound influence on their wellbeing. Just because someone has a disability does not mean they need to be ‘fixed’. If we create an environment where people living with a disability can serve others based on their strengths and abilities, are we not seeing people through God’s eyes?

Read John 9.

How wonderful it is that God’s works can be displayed in someone the world may have looked down on. It is interesting

by John van Ruth

that the Pharisees ostracised the man formerly blind, assuming he was unable to provide any wisdom (John 9:34).

How much do we judge someone by their disability rather than seeing how God can do mighty work through them?

Read Matthew 9:9–13. In our congregations or our homes, do we say we are inclusive and open and would welcome anyone with disability? Or are we like Jesus who went out his way to meet people where they were?

Jesus did not invite sinners to his perfect synagogue. He went to Matthew’s house (the tax collector).

If we want to display Christ-like love and service to people with a disability, how can we reach out to them? How much do we really care about the interests and wellbeing of people with disabilities in our church and society?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 and 1 Corinthians 1:25–30.

We need to be intentional about emphasising the unique gifts and talents that a person has rather than any disabilities, diagnosis or limitations.

Do we say to any part of our body that is weak ‘we don’t need you’ or do we honour it and rejoice with it? We are called to serve and be served. Is there a way we can honour and show dignity to those around us who may live with a disability by letting them serve us?

Read James 5:16.

Please pray for those living among us who may be suffering or struggling with physical, mental health or social challenges. When was the last time you specifically and intentionally prayed for someone who may have a disability? Pray that God will perform a mighty work through them. Pray they will know it is not about what they can do for God, or even in this case what he does for them, but that God is with them as they serve.

No matter what each day brings, God is with us bringing the hope of divine steadfast love and faithfulness.

John van Ruth is Chief Executive Officer, Lutheran Disability Services (SA).

AGAPE IN NAME, NATURE AND ACTION

The Greek word agape describes a love that is pure, unselfish and unconditional. With the aspiration of reflecting this sacrificial love, the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia’s (BCCM) day centre for children living with disability bears this word in its name. Ms Yap Pak Shun, a member of the BCCM Central Education Board, explains.

Social concern is Christian love in action. It expresses the faith and hope of the human spirit we have in Christ through the practical demonstration of love to the community, especially to those who are less fortunate, regardless of their race, language and religion.

The Basel Christian Church of Malaysia’s (BCCM) Agape Centre in Sandakan, East Malaysia, enacts this love.

A day care centre for children living with intellectual and developmental disability, it was established on 10 January 1994. It opened with an enrolment of two students and two teachers, using local kindergarten facilities. Having relocated to the Rumah Wargatua Sri Harapan, Jalan Sibuga Senior Citizens Home in 1998, today it serves 18 students through various programs and activities (pictured top) and has four teachers.

The centre is managed by a committee grounded with the clear vision of showing Christ’s love in a practical manner. One of the main objectives of its establishment was to give children living with disability an opportunity to learn everything they need to live independently in the community and be accepted by the community.

Agape Chairman Mr Chris Lo Lie Meng says the centre is ‘committed to reaching out with compassion and Christian love to help’ children with intellectual and developmental challenges, ‘so that they can live to celebrate life over their own limitation’. ‘We strongly advocate a more inclusive society to ensure social justice for those being marginalised’, he says.

Centre teachers Rena SangFong, Jukinah Ujin, Rossani Edward and Flora Gurandi (pictured above right) say the

wider community needs to ‘work together to help these special children and be sensitive to their needs’. ‘As Christians, we should love them, care for them, and see to it that they are not marginalised’, they say.

The running of the BCCM Agape Centre is dependent on donations from charitable organisations, church members and the public.

We especially thank LCA International Mission for its generous donation of AU$6,457.65 – $4,457.65 from Immanuel College Novar Gardens and $2,000 from the Stamps for Mission program. This money is being used for upgrades of the Agape Centre and to buy teaching and learning resources.

God’s grace is more than sufficient to sustain us! Let us all work together to help these special children and raise their hope and dignity.

The LCANZ, through LCA International Mission, has a longterm partnership with BCCM and supports ministries in Sabah Malaysia thanks to donations from our Lutheran family. LCA International Mission also coordinates volunteer opportunities and facilitates congregational and school mission partnerships between the churches. Read more uplifting stories in Border Crossings, included with this print edition of The Lutheran

‘WE STRONGLY ADVOCATE A MORE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY TO ENSURE SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR THOSE BEING MARGINALISED.’

RESOURCES FOR YOU TO ...

CELEBRATE AND BE INCLUSIVE

BY TANIA NELSON

This month’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) – marked on 3 December – is a great occasion to celebrate alongside people living with disability, and an opportunity to challenge the way we think about disability and to help grow a more inclusive community.

The Christian Care Sunday ‘More resources’ webpage at www.lca.org.au/christian-care-sunday/christian-care-resources has IDPWD resources to help you celebrate, including a readyto-go worship service, a children’s address, a small group discussion guide and more.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO LOVE

The discussion guide in the IDPWD resources challenges us about ‘Re-thinking Our Values’ and poses some challenging questions:

• Have you ever felt defined by your achievements and abilities?

• Do you tend to see differences or commonalities when we gather together in community?

• How do you think we could extend open arms to one and all showing no partiality?

These challenges show me my weakness and, thankfully, God’s great love for us. They can lead us to prayer, too.

Thank you, God, for your great love, which transforms our position from enemies to friends, from the least to the greatest. Without your love and mercy, we couldn’t do anything at all …

By your Holy Spirit, encourage and inspire us toward love and good deeds. Help us throw open the doors of our churches and homes in radical welcome. Help us to see the needs around us, and meet them wherever we can, with whatever you have given us to share. Make us an inclusive, welcoming community, where anyone can come to find love and acceptance and a place at your table. Amen.

READY-TO-GO WORSHIP SERVICE

The worship service order in the IDPWD resources has been prepared for congregations who wish to acknowledge and celebrate with persons living with disability. I particularly love the opening words of the service. Using selected verses of Psalm 139, it begins:

‘I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well ... I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful! I know that very well.’

FIND OUT MORE

As well as visiting the website at www.lca.org.au/ christian-care-sunday/christian-care-resources to find out about the resources available, you can email careministries@lca.org.au

You can also learn more about the International Day of People with Disability at www.idpwd.com.au

Photo: Lutheran Disability Services

Dr Tania Nelson is the LCANZ Executive Officer – Local Mission.

WINNING SCENES MAKE CALENDAR A HIT

Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s Lutheran Media Calendar Photo Competition. We received more than 80 entries which confirmed that we have some amazing photographers in our Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.

With three categories to enter this time – Animal, Nature and Landscape – there were three times as many winners as in previous years.

In the Animal category, the winner was Stephen Jericho with ‘The Cow-nsellors’, which is on the cover of our 2023 calendar. Placegetters were Marissa Hartwig’s photo of a parrot and John Neldner’s picture of budgies.

In Nature, Stuart Kleinig came out on top with a shell scene, while talented mother-and-daughter entrants Amy Dahlenburg and Charlotte Dahlenburg were the placegetters with a frosty plant and sunflowers respectively. And in the Landscape category, Amy Dahlenburg won with a beach rainbow scene, while Julie Oster and Genevieve Clark were the placegetters with images of an old cart and another beach scene respectively.

BY RICHARD FOX

Thanks to everyone who shared their amazing talents to encourage with hope the people who receive the Lutheran Media Calendar. With Bible verses on each page spread, along with the stunning photography, the calendars inspire many people, as the feedback we receive shows. As Elisabeth told us: ‘Thank you very much for recently sending me a calendar to give to my brother. When I told him I read my Bible every day, he was really interested which was why I decided to introduce him to your great calendar. Thank you.’ Another recipient, Nedrum, said: ‘I’m not religious at all, but have just ordered this for my religious mother who I think will really like it. Thanks for sharing!’

You can order your 2023 calendar/s online at www.lutheranmedia.org.au, by calling us in the office on 1800 353 350 or via email to luthmedia@lca.org.au

We hope you enjoy the calendar as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for you.

Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media.

BY ANNE HANSEN

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has again produced a new devotional booklet for Advent, which is free to all congregations and individuals who wish to use it. It can be used as a flip book on electronic devices or downloaded and printed with an editable back page on which to include your congregation’s Christmas worship times.

LTM has been writing and producing these free of charge for the past five years and all the previous ones can also be viewed and used at any time. They are not dated, so if you have a specific focus for Advent, feel free to choose the one that best fits your congregation’s theme. They can all be found on the LTM website at www.ltm.org.au/resources/devotions

The new 2022 devotional ‘Gifts from God’ focuses on six of the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, hope, joy, patience, peace and faithfulness. These are all gifts of God’s kindness and grace to his people. As God’s people, the gift of the baby Jesus is the epitome of the immense love that God has for us. There were so many obstacles placed before the baby Jesus and his parents, but God was able to overcome them all and, through his Son, show us the way to live as his faithful people.

MANY CHRISTMAS RESOURCES

ARE AVAILABLE, TOO

LTM has many other resources for you to use in your ministry over Christmas and any other time, both within and outside of your church. God is on the move in our people, so be bold with the gospel, sharing the love he has for you and what he has done in your life. A way to be bold is to take a tract or two, put them in your car, bag or wallet and, when the Spirit prompts, share God’s love.

• Look at our website to find what you need for your ministry: www.ltm.org.au

• Give two of the Advent devotionals to all members of your church so that they can each give one away.

• Share the good news of Jesus’ love through ‘Gifts from God’ this Advent.

Each week of these devotionals the focus will be on a different gift that God gives to us and places in our hearts to share and grow in our faith. May you use these devotionals to strengthen your faith and bring you to understand the Christmas season differently each day.

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer.

to

under $10, so no-one

out!

plucky pig from Burundi. Get (c)lucky with a chicken farm in South Sudan. Clean up yucky with a long-drop loo in Myanmar.

Grace Cards describing each gift you buy, with a press-out bauble to add meaning to Christmas tree tinsel.

Grace Card also has a message of

hope so you can share the values you hold precious.

CHURCH

www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Nurturing our spiritual life

We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week, as well as at Sunday worship. Therefore, we include these devotional pages for every reader – not just for those who are unable to attend church services regularly. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by these reflections. You will find further prayer, devotional and Bible study resources through the Worship Planning Page from the LCANZ’s Commission on Worship at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/prayers-devotions/ and online worship links at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/churchhome/ Lisa

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Worth

In his joy [he] went and sold all he had and bought the field (Matthew 13:44b).

Read Matthew 13:44–46. What does it mean to you to know you have a God who loves you unconditionally, promises to be with you always, willingly forgives you and lets you start again, and only has open arms for you? What value do you put on that compared to many other things you might have that are of worth?

If your heart is set on something, then nothing will get in the way of you achieving it. You will make sacrifices, forego things, and persevere because you have put value on that thing, and it’s worth everything. The man in Jesus’ parable who finds a treasure is so overwhelmed and so excited at his discovery that he willingly, with great joy, sells everything to gain it. The treasure for this man and the exquisite pearl for the second man in Jesus’ parable is worth everything. Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like this. Where Christ

BY PASTOR JIM STRELAN

is king, there is a shift in mindset. All the things in life we enjoy, all the things that are precious to us, all the things we consider to be of great value, all those things we don’t hold onto so tightly that we’re not prepared to let them go – they have great value, but when we are in the kingdom – where Christ rules – that connection means more than anything. Many things bring us joy, but there is no greater joy than being in the kingdom.

The great thing is that the treasure is already in the field, and the pearl is already there. Neither man created the treasure. Neither man actually earned it nor deserved it. But on finding it, both men recognised the value. It was worth everything.

Spend a moment reflecting on the value of the gift you have been given. Acknowledge how much poorer you would be without it. And thank God. What he gives is worth everything.

Thank you, God, for giving me the greatest gift of all and for the joy it brings. Amen.

THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM, TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH.

FOR HOME WORSHIP

Rejected to accepted

Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no-one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? (Luke 17:17,18).

Read Luke 17:11–19.

In our house, we have a rule. When dinner is over, everyone who ate should stick around and help clean up. That’s how we show gratitude to the cook. It’s amazing, then, how many nights the cook can identify with Jesus’ question in today’s story of the healing of the ten lepers. In our family, it translates to ‘Were not all seven fed? Where are the other six??’. Yes, despite the rule and without us noticing, children seem to slip away and must be retrieved from all over the house to wash, dry and put away the mess of the day. The very act of coming back shows gratitude, especially if they do it without being forced (we’re still working on that!).

The leper who returned to give thanks after receiving miraculous healing from Jesus was an outsider on not one but two counts. Firstly, he was from Samaria. According to the Jews, he was not included in God’s family. Secondly, he had an illness that resulted in complete social rejection. So, he really did know about life on the edge of society, and his gratitude is correspondingly heartfelt.

Over and over, Jesus specialises in going to the margins, to the outsider and drawing them in, including them, making them whole. In response, those who have been healed of much, forgiven much and loved much respond with great gratitude. I, too, was an outsider before Jesus came to me. Perhaps I still feel on the edge, rejected by others, invisible, unlovely in my own – or others’ – eyes.

I am exactly the one he comes to touch and heal and love. He is not afraid of my wounds, sins, and shame. He embraces me, makes me whole and delights in my grateful response. My gratitude is a gift to him and a witness to the world of just how much he has done for me. I truly am a recipient of amazing grace!

Before you came along, I, too, was an outsider in your kingdom. Help me look with eyes of compassion on those who are still lingering on the edge of your love. Let my gratitude show itself in my love for those who are unwelcome because they are different. Amen.

PRAYER

BY SONIA HULME

LORD OF LIGHT & DARKNESS

Jesus, Lord of light and darkness, Find us in the darkness, Find us in the light.

Jesus, Lord of work and stillness, Make our work of worth, Make our stillness yours.

Jesus, Lord of our past and future, Cover our anxiety with love, Cover our hopes with grace.

Jesus, Lord of everything, Fill those who have nothing, Fill us with the right longing.

Jesus, We are your people, In darkness and light, In work and stillness, In anxiety and hope, Having nothing, Yet possessing everything. Amen.

Sourced from justprayer.org

ALSO YOU HAVE SORROW NOW, BUT I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN, AND YOUR HEARTS WILL REJOICE, AND NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR JOY FROM YOU.

Justice requires wisdom

BY PASTOR GLENN CROUCH

… they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice (1 Kings 3:28b).

Read 1 Kings 3:16–28.

We often mistakenly equate wisdom and knowledge. Of course, knowledge is very valuable and useful, but just because you know a lot, it doesn’t mean you make good decisions.

Wisdom in Scripture refers to practical skills (including decision-making) that lead to living a life that glorifies God. This includes making decisions that promote justice.

In our reading, we see Solomon has no knowledge about who the true mother is, so he devises a test to discover the truth.

We may gasp in horror at his proposal, as surely most did within Solomon’s court. This was not something that Israel’s king should propose! But without shedding a drop of blood, Solomon discovers who the mother really is, and she is reunited with her child.

At the table

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Read Luke 14:1,7–14.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus dined with many different people in various places. Jesus ate with a tax collector and a Pharisee, as in the reading today. He fed a crowd with a couple of fish and some loaves of bread and dined with his friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He attended wedding feasts and ate more privately with his disciples at the Last Supper.

These settings have one common feature: Jesus uses these mealtimes to teach others. When he went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, we are told that he was carefully watched. Perhaps some of the other guests were interested in seeing where it was that Jesus chose to sit at the table. However, Jesus also observed that guests picked seats of honour at the table. Jesus chose this moment to talk about humility.

Our modern society generally sets little store by where we sit at a dinner table, so we are unlikely to suffer the humiliation of being moved to a less important place. However, Jesus’ words still hold a message for today, encouraging us to not overestimate our own importance but humbly accept who we are, and we know we are beloved children of God.

How do you fare when it comes to making wise decisions? How much thought do you give when posting a social media post or sending an email? Do you consider whether some item you want to share is actually true and what effect it may have on those who read or hear it?

I know there are times when my decisions have lacked wisdom. I am so thankful that our Lord Jesus died for all my sins and that through my baptism, I can receive forgiveness – not just today, but every day! Forgiveness is available not only when we make poor decisions but also when we don’t listen to wise advice.

Almighty God, please forgive me for the thoughtless ways I have acted or spoken. Through your Holy Spirit, grant me your wisdom so that I make good decisions and that my words and deeds glorify your name. I ask this through your precious Son. Amen.

BY DIANNE ECKERMANN

While Jesus understands the social hierarchy of his time, in the second part of this reading he encourages his host to consider those in greatest need, the poor or those with disabilities, and invite them to dine. Unlike close friends and relatives, it is unlikely they can return the favour; however, humbly inviting them will provide happiness for those in need as well as their host.

This is exactly how God receives us. We will never be able to repay the grace and mercy offered to us. Humbly and thankfully, we accept.

Heavenly Father, we humbly thank you for the way in which you know us in all our imperfections, yet receive us as your children. Amen.

New Assistant Bishop for NZ Lutherans

Pastor Nich Kitchen is the new Assistant Bishop for the Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ), following the unexpected early retirement of former assistant bishop, Pastor Jim Pietsch.

Elected to the position by his fellow pastors on 1 September, Pastor Nich said he accepted the nomination to the position to serve with Bishop Mark Whitfield because he had a heart for the Lutheran Church of New Zealand, where he grew up in faith. He felt this was a time when he needed to step up.

Ordained at the end of 2014, Pastor Nich served in the Victoria-Tasmania District: first in the Northern Tasmania parish and then as an interim pastor in Mildura.

He was installed as pastor at Mountainside Lutheran Church in Auckland in August 2018.

Mountainside is one of New Zealand’s larger congregations and is its most diverse in cultural identity, serving members from 26 different countries spread across all continents except Antarctica. Approximately 85 per cent of Mountainside’s members are bilingual.

The congregation is part of the LCANZ Cross-Cultural Ministry network, which intentionally links congregations with culturally diverse memberships. Pastor Nich himself has been a consultant to the LCANZ Department of Local Mission’s Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry since 2021.

Pastor Jim Pietsch retired suddenly from active ministry and his call to St Paul’s

Wellington early in August, in direct response to family need – to support his wife Grace as she cares for her ailing mother in Indonesia. Pastor Jim led his final service on 7 August, and the next day flew to join family members in Jakarta.

Pastor Jim was ordained in 1982, celebrating 40 years of ministry in January. He served in parishes at Whyalla and Waikerie in South Australia, and in the Melton, St Albans and Sunbury congregations in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne. He also served a term as manager of theological books at Openbook Publishers.

Pastor Jim arrived in Wellington on Anzac Day 2013 and served at St Pauls for more than nine years.

by Rosie Schefe

He served as pastors’ representative on the LCNZ’s Council of Synod from 2015, then assistant bishop from 2017 until his retirement. The appointment of the assistant bishop is made by the Synod of LCNZ on the nomination of the pastors, and as Pastor Jim’s retirement came between conventions, the Council of Synod has appointed Pastor Nich to this position on the nomination of the pastors.

Pastor Jim Pietsch, who served as LCNZ Assistant Bishop from 2017 until his retirement this year.

New Lutheran Church of New Zealand Assistant Bishop Pastor Nich Kitchen, second from left, with his wife Julie, second from right, and their children Josiah, Samuel and Caleb.

Rosie Schefe is Lutheran Church of New Zealand District Administrator and former editor of The Lutheran.

Child Safety reporting change

LCA congregations now only need to complete their Child Safety Self-Assessments and Plans once every two years instead of annually.

The General Church Board approved the change to the frequency of reporting at its August meeting, in response to feedback from congregations and districts. LCA Child Protection Project Officer Mary-Ann Carver said it was hoped that the change in reporting requirements would ‘assist congregations to meet their child-safety obligations and also help them to keep their workload manageable’.

The self-assessments and plans are part of the reporting requirements for the LCA Child Safety Standards (CSS) for Congregations. The CSS are designed to help congregations maximise the safety of children and young people. It is also envisaged that they will help the church

to meet its regulatory responsibilities in response to an increasingly rigorous child safety landscape in Australia and New Zealand.

This is especially so in the wake of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

All congregations that have children participating in regular worship, prayer or children’s ministry are expected to implement the CSS.

Ms Carver said in addition to providing congregations with more time to implement their child safety plans, the extended reporting timeframe gives the church’s child protection support staff more time to raise awareness across the church about the importance of child-safe cultures and more opportunities to support congregations requiring assistance.

‘If you have already completed your Child Safety Self-Assessment and for 2022, you do not have to do this again until mid-2024’, she said. ‘Instead, you can focus on implementing your child safety plan and reviewing your progress.

‘If you have already completed your Child Safety Self-Assessment but are still developing your Child Safety Plan, once your plan is endorsed by your church council or leadership team, you will not have to undertake another Self-Assessment or develop another Child Safety Plan until mid-2024.’

A suite of resources is available on the LCA website to assist congregations as they prepare their Child Safety Self-Assessment and Child Safety Plan.

Go to the Child Safety Standards page at www.lca.org.au/governance/child-safetystandards and follow the links.

LUTHERAN NURSES VISIT CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Lutheran nurses from Australia, the USA, Singapore and Palestine spent six days in Central Australia in September on a Lutheran Parish Nurses International (LPNI) study tour. The group of 17 visited Hermannsburg (Ntaria) to learn about early mission history, while local Ministry Support Workers introduced them to the scope of ministry of Finke River Mission, and local nurses described health issues in the region. The visitors also joined Alice Springs congregation for English-Pitjantjatjara worship.

– Pastor Bob Wiebusch, LPNI Board of Management

LCANZ COMPLAINTS

Many complaints can be resolved before lasting hurt

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.

1 Peter 4:10

Over the years, this column has celebrated how God’s light shines through those who share their talents in his service. Those interviewed are but a small reflection of the many quiet workers in God’s vineyard. This month, as we observe All Saints’ Day, we bring you a posthumous Going GREYT! account of a couple recently called to their heavenly home, whose story shows how God works through the joys and heartbreaks of our lives and remains with us always.

Now home after lives of love and service

BY HELEN BRINKMAN

A shared love of God and of helping others brought Ray and Clarice Thiele together 40 years ago.

And it was God’s love that brought them to their heavenly home little more than 12 hours apart in August this year.

It fulfilled their prayer that neither would be left to grieve the other, as both had experienced lives marred by sorrow, with the deaths of their first spouses and each having lost a child.

Yet together they carved out full lives of love, work and service. The members of Faith Lutheran Church at Warradale, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, had both been brought up in the church. Clarice (nee Krieg) was born in Brinkworth in 1932, and Ray in suburban Adelaide in 1927.

Ray and his first wife Jeannine, who was known as Jenny, were foundation members of the Warradale congregation, which began regular worship services in 1960. He taught Sunday school, was involved with the men’s fellowship and supporting the youth, helped with the church maintenance, and was instrumental in establishing the congregation’s Lighthouse coffee lounge outreach.

Clarice and her husband Gordon had joined the congregation in 1966 when the two Lutheran synods combined. It was a treasured spiritual connection that lasted the rest of Clarice’s life.

Clarice and Ray’s wife Jenny had bonded through a shared love of God, flower arranging and supporting one another through loss. Clarice’s first daughter, Kerry,

had died in 1965, while Jenny and Ray had lost their daughter Julie in 1963. In 1974, Clarice was devastated by Gordon’s death after a heart attack. Then Jenny fell ill with bladder cancer.

At Clarice and Ray’s joint memorial service on August 19, the family described Jenny’s generosity of spirit recalling that, when she realised that she was going to die, Jenny told Ray that he was ‘too good a husband to remain alone’, and that Clarice ‘deserved someone to love her’. ‘You should marry Clarice’, Jenny had said.

Four years after Jenny’s death in 1978, her wish came true, and Ray and Clarice married. Together they worked hard and contributed to the life of the church. In retirement, they maintained their busy lives volunteering, visiting residents of the local Resthaven nursing home, and Ray continuing his volunteer work with Technical Aid for the Disabled and the Ileostomy Association of SA, supporting people living with a stoma, generally as a result of urinary or bowel surgery.

Clarice and her friends started a friendship group through the church called Plus 50s. ‘She loved socialising and relished the chance to natter with the girls, raise money for Australian Lutheran World Service, “Keep Fit” classes, bus trips to local sights and hoped people would have a laugh together’, the family recalled. The Warradale Lutheran Women’s Guild and Concordia Old Collegians were also regular commitments for Clarice, who boarded at Concordia College, Adelaide, from ages 13 to 16.

However, Clarice and Ray’s story of dying together is as ‘greyt’ as their story of living and serving God together. They passed away around 12 hours apart, on August 8, in separate rooms of Eldercare’s Allambi aged-care home in Glengowrie, in suburban Adelaide. It fulfilled their wish that neither would be left to grieve when their partner died. This miraculous story of love and service caught the attention of Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser, which featured the Thieles in both its online and print editions. The story even included their family recounting

Right: Clarice and Ray Thiele’s story, including that they died on the same day, was featured in Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser.

Middle right: The Thieles were active members of the Lutheran church throughout their lives. As mourners were told at their joint memorial service in August, ‘their prayer was that their family, friends and all they met would feel loved and know the love of God’.

Bottom right: Clarice and Ray Thiele on their wedding day in 1982. After the heartbreak of losing their first spouses, they were married almost 40 years.

the prayer Clarice lovingly shared with Ray in their final FaceTime conversation:

‘Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me; bless Your little lamb tonight; through the darkness please be near me; watch my sleep till morning light.

All this day Your hand has led me, and I thank You for Your care; You have clothed me, warmed and fed me, listen to my evening prayer.

Let my sins be all forgiven; bless the friends I love so well; take me, when I die, to heaven, happy there with You to dwell.’

Clarice finished with: ‘Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Beautiful man. Thank you!’ Ray said, ‘Love you’, and went to sleep.

As mourners were told at the pair’s memorial service in August: ‘God’s love guided them and shone through them throughout their lives, bringing them together for 40 years of marriage, sustaining them in Allambi, then taking them together to heaven. Their prayer was that their family, friends and all they met would feel loved and know the love of God.’

And it was only the beginning of Clarice and Ray’s real story, according to the eulogy of their lives together, which cited one of Ray’s favourite authors, C.S Lewis: ‘All their life in this world … had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no-one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.’

‘We look forward to meeting them in heaven.’

As we commemorate the faithfully departed on All Saints’ Day this month, we remember the Thieles, and all the passed GREYTs who have shone God’s light into our lives and the lives of those in our communities.

NOTE: The author and The Lutheran Executive Editor Linda Macqueen sincerely thank the family of Ray and Clarice Thiele, including Lisa McIntosh, for permission to share this story.

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

Greg J Bensted

St Andrews

Adam W Eime

Peace Lutheran College Cairns

Maitland

Greg J Fowler

Golden Grove SA to Good News Lutheran

Tarneit Vic

• Rev Peter B Hage

St Johns Perth WA (co-pastor) to St Johns Perth WA (sole pastor)

• Rev Matthew J Huckel

Pasadena SA to Moorabbin-Dandenong Vic

• Rev Carl R E Thiele

Nhill Vic to Mid Murray SA

• Rev Matthew J Wilksch

St Peters Lutheran College

Bethlehem Adelaide

• Rev Matthew J Huckel

Qld

INSTALLATIONS

• Rev Joseph A T Graham

Installed at Biloela Qld on 18 September 2022 by Bishop Mark Vainikka

• Rev Mark Brinkmann

Installed to Toowoomba Salem/Northridge Salem Residential Aged Care Qld at Northridge Salem Aged Care on 5 October 2022 by Qld First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke.

• Rev Donald L McCall

Installed at Calvary Rockhampton Qld on 9 October 2022 by Bishop Mark Vainikka

• Rev Mark W Tuffin

Installed at Wyndham-Hobsons Bay Vic on Sunday 9 October 2022 by Bishop Lester Priebbenow

ORDINATION

• Donald L McCall

Ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor on Sunday 9 October 2022 at Rockhampton Qld by Bishop Mark Vainikka

HISTORIC

Bethesda Killalpaninna Mission SA

I am the grandson of Hermann Heinrich Vogelsang, who was a lay missionary at Bethesda Lutheran Mission (now known as Killalpaninna) on the Birdsville Track for 47 years. My mother was born there and lived there for 20 years. I have regular contact with some Dieri descendants, and I have inherited and collected photos and material from the mission. I am interested in photos taken at this site before 1950. If you are a descendent of Bethesda staff and have any photos or letters, or have photos taken by people who visited the mission, please phone me on 08 8264 9736 or email me colinjer32@gmail.com – Colin Jericho

Pasadena SA to Moorabbin-Dandenong Vic

• Rev Paul T Kerber

LCANZ Reconciliation Ministry to SA-NT District (joint call to Tanunda Congregations)

• Rev Anthony R Price

Gawler SA (Associate Pastor) to Gawler SA (Lead Pastor)

Declined

• Rev Ben C Pfeiffer

Mount Barker SA to Port Lincoln SA

IN MEMORIAM

• Anna Hilda ‘Hilda’ Schmocker, widow of Pastor Noel Schmocker, died on 25 September 2022. Her funeral was held on 5 October 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hope Valley SA, followed by a committal service at Enfield Memorial Park SA

Call to discuss ordination on ‘Scripture Alone’

I noted in a recent edition of The Lutheran that in the coming General Synod, the question on ordination will arise for the fifth time. It will be good to discuss it on the LCA’s stand on ‘Scripture Alone’. I pray that Galatians 3:28,29 will not be promoted as a basis for the removal of Clause 6.11 from the Thesis of Agreement agreed on and implemented for the union of the LCA in 1966.

Luther, in his exposition of that text, said that it has to do with all believers being equal in the ‘body of Christ’ but not equal in what they do in that body. I commend you to read what is written in the pertinent volume of Luther’s Works I noted in the story the proposition, What would allow the LCANZ to operate as ‘one church with two different practices of ordination’. I pray that this course of action would be more successful than the 1997 ‘one China, two peoples’ union of the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.

Rev Don Heyne – Waurn Ponds Vic

Church forebears provided way through impasse

I believe I am not alone in feeling a profound sadness at the division which characterises the LCANZ in respect of the ordination of women.

I wonder, though, how many are aware that there is a solution readily available that provides a way beyond the current impasse, and which respects both views – those who believe that there is no impediment to ordaining women, and those who hold an opposing view.

This solution was provided for us by our forefathers, in anticipation of just such a scenario as we find ourselves in today. Namely, the Theses of Agreement (TA), and in particular TA1.4(e), stipulate that when, after lengthy and protracted theological debate a matter cannot be agreed upon, it can no longer be regarded as an official teaching of the church.

Clearly, this is where we find ourselves. Debate on women’s ordination has been ongoing for three decades with both sides of the debate remaining firmly convinced of their views. As such, now is the time for TA1.4(3) to be invoked, allowing for both views to be respected and practised while neither is held as the official teaching of the Lutheran Church. This, too, would allow for churchwide harmony and unity to be preserved, surely the wish of all within the LCANZ.

Susan Wood – Parkside SA

Schools could be part of solution

My congregation St Andrews at Glynde in South Australia is one of the numerous congregations looking for a pastor.

There are lots of other congregations in the same predicament and nothing seems to be happening to solve this problem. I know it is in God’s hands, but we are the hands of God.

When I attended Immanuel College, the teachers encouraged pupils with Christian gifts to consider becoming pastors. If agreeable, the student would take subjects that would help them to achieve this goal.

If all the Lutheran primary schools and colleges adopted this policy, maybe we could solve this problem.

The other obvious solution would be to ordain woman, who want to be trained and ordained. The next General Synod could make this happen.

Lance Otto – Glynde SA

Call for church to adapt to culture a ‘vexed question’

We have already seen the normalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia with a majority ‘yes’ vote several years ago.

‘Unity in the truth’ most important

That the LCANZ should be a broad church (‘Rationale for becoming a truly broad church’, The Lutheran, July 2022) embracing two positions regarding ordination, sounds great in theory. It wouldn’t and doesn’t work in practice. Yet what’s even more important than organisational unity, is unity in the truth, for there is only one faith (Eph 4:4).

Instead of outward togetherness, what we should be promoting is faithfulness to our Lord. He who prays that his followers might enjoy perfect unity includes in his prayer the following: ‘They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.’

The world that beckons with ‘velvet glove’ to Christians certainly doesn’t want them to uphold the pastoral office established by Christ. We do well, though, to be guided by our Lord, who has commanded that women are not to preach and teach in the worshipping assembly (1 Cor 14:34–37; compare 1 Tim 2:11–3:2, 14,15). What happens in the church is to reflect the headship of Christ (1 Cor 11:3). Should we deny our Lord so that we ‘can confidently interact with’ (actually, only some) ‘global Lutheran organisations’?

Rev David Buck – Mount Barker SA

We have read about it in The Lutheran (Christian community support is available, Letters to the editor, p27, July 2022). The vexed question is not about sexual orientation, but a call for the church to adapt to culture.

It is drawing a pretty long bow to connect Jesus’ undoubted love for outcasts to endorsing LGBTIQ lifestyle choices. He did say to the woman at the well, as he says to each of us at confession, ‘Go and sin no more’.

Well-meaning delegates at our next General Synod may need to reflect how our church may look in the future should the ‘Gospel of Cultural Relevance’ gain a foothold.

Arnold Pfitzner – Naracoorte 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.

FROM MEMBERS OF THE LCANZ

Those communities, including LCANZ members, affected by recent floods in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania

ALC pastoral ministry graduates Joel Grieger (SA), Edwin Shoesmith and Jeremy Smith (both Qld), as they prepare for ordination

Newly ordained Specific Ministry Pastor Donald McCall, as he continues to serve in ministry at Calvary Rockhampton Qld

New LCNZ Assistant Bishop Nich Kitchen, as he works to support Bishop Mark Whitfield in serving NZ Lutherans

This coming weekend’s Turning Point Ministries annual Leadership Camp for young people in the NSWACT District at Warrambui

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

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

Year 12 students and other school-leavers in Australia and NZ, as they await results and prepare for life after school

Retired former LCNZ Assistant Bishop Jim Pietsch, who has stepped down from the role to support family members in Indonesia

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

Pastor Matthew Thomas and the members and leaders of St Marks Mount Gravatt Qld

The ministries, members and leaders of St Petri Nuriootpa SA, and Pastor Adrian Kitson

Choirs and churches who will be sharing the true meaning of Christmas through carols, dramas and other community outreach events

LCANZ General Synod delegates who continue their service in 2023, including at in-person convention sessions in February in Melbourne

Pastors Lester Priebbenow and Matthias Prenzler, who have been re-elected as bishop and assistant bishop for the Victoria District (inc Tasmania)

Members and leaders of the Bookpurnong, Concordia

Loxton, Meribah, Moorook, Myrla and New Residence congregations SA

Pastor Roelof Buitendag and the members and leaders of St Johns Ipswich, Bethany Raceview and Grace Riverview Qld

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

Pastor Joshua Muller and the members, leaders and ministries of St Johns Wodonga Vic

Members and leaders of Salem Evangelical congregation

South Australia

Friends and family who have given up on their faith, that we may allow God’s Spirit to work through us in calling them back

Pastor Mark Hansen and the members and leaders of Good Shepherd Noosa Qld and their ministries

Members and leaders of Immanuel Lutheran Church North Adelaide SA, including the German community there

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

Howard

who was

elected to the VictoriaTasmania District

Rodney Witmitz and the leaders and members of Good Shepherd Hallett Cove SA

workers in Australia and NZ, particularly those serving in emergency roles at an often-busy time

a new year filled with hope and

to share the joy of the gospel with those around

One

Watch,

Reach

Worship

‘Before your support, we struggled to feed the family.

If we wanted to have food and vegetables, we would have to buy from the market, but we didn’t have enough money. We need to work for other families like slaves on their rubber trees just to survive.

I felt my heart was crying because all I could feed the family was rice with salt and water.

I joined the Farmer’s Group to learn about growing my own kitchen garden. I learnt how to prepare the land by digging and making the compost. I would collect leaves and other plants to make a mulch with rice husks and banana leaves. They taught me how to make organic fertiliser.

Get

skates on, Stage 2 Nuriootpa and Tanunda almost sold out. Our homes and apartments are proving to be very popular.

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

Now we can have a variety of vegetables and not the same every day! The children get nutrition from the vegetables. I thank the people of Australia for helping my family to make the garden.’

Niaman, Indonesia

You can bless others like Niaman 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. See full story on pages 12 and 13. alws.org.au

763

ALWayS for those forgotten

Photo: ALWS/Daniel Bury

Photo: LWF Somalia

Thank

Before your Lutheran help through ALWS, the children of Abdullahi Hassan Ahmed were some of the children most at risk.

Mr Abdullahi is a farmer in Somalia. When drought killed 60 of his family’s cows and two donkeys, he despaired about how he would feed his children.

‘Our priority at the moment is to find food to eat.

In the process, we often find ourselves facing other risks – such as having to leave behind the weak amongst our families, including persons living with disability, children and women.’

Working through ALWS partner LWF (Lutheran World Federation), you supply cash food vouchers to families in most danger from hunger.

Each $105 cash food voucher enables a family to buy:

•

each of rice, wheat flour and sugar

litres vegetable oil

This is a food ration for a family of six for one month. Our aim is to support 300 of the worst-hit families for six months.

In the photo above, you see Mr Abdullahi receiving his family’s cash food voucher for September from the LWF frontline team.

Mr Abdullahi says he is praying that the skies open up for rain, and passes on his thanks to you:

sincere thanks to LWF and donors for their timely food assistance. I equally appeal to be supported to once again own livestock, as that is our only means of livelihoods.’

a million Somali children face hunger in world’s worst famine this century.’

Abdullahi