The Lutheran October-November 2023 Digital Edition

How the spiritual realm impacts life on earth

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. The Lutheran

Finding common threads

Despite a busy schedule at the recent Lutheran World Federation Assembly in Krakow Poland, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith spread the word about good things from Australia and New Zealand with international friends. Not only did Bishop Paul share a copy of The Lutheran with Michael Martin from the Oberkirchenrat (church assembly) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB), but he also discovered a common appreciation of Australian First Nations accessories. Bishop Paul says: ‘Michael learnt that I wear Central Australian art ties every day, so he wore his tie purchased on a trip to Australia.’ The ELKB has a long history of mission cooperation with the LCANZ, including indigenous work in Central Australia and PNG, and oversees the Mission EineWelt ministry out of Neuendettelsau in Germany.

People like YOU bring love to life

Chris Antonini

Concordia Lutheran Church Duncraig WA

Spiritual Care Worker, Synod Agenda and Outcomes Way Forward working group member

Most treasured Bible text: Philippians 4:12

‘… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.’

Karen Tromans

St John's Lutheran Church Unley SA

Airbnb host, church organist/pianist, women’s fellowship and netball umpire

Most treasured Bible text: Genesis 3:15

‘“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel”.’

Gary Jewson

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Geelong Vic Congregational chairperson, chair of Way Forward Pastoral Care Working Group

Most treasured Bible text: 1 Peter 3:15

‘Make sure that in your hearts you honour Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you have.’

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.

I remember fondly from my childhood a particular print that hung on a wall at home. The image was of a guardian angel watching over children walking across a rickety and damaged bridge over a gorge. The oft-adapted famous painting is usually listed as ‘Lindberg Heilige Schutzengel’ (‘Holy Guardian Angel’), though the name of the actual artist is the subject of some conjecture. (Lindberg was one of the poster printers for the work, not its creator.) Perhaps you can picture it. And, if you can, perhaps like me, you found a sense of comfort and safety in the image. It reminds me of our cover text Psalm 91:11 –‘God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go’.

I also remember that, on the night the woman who gave that picture to my mum died, it fell off the wall. Was that just a coincidence? I guess I’ll never know.

Of course, believing that angels are a reality is one thing. Acknowledging that there are demons and other forces of evil active in our world is quite another. But in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, we read again and again about Satan and his dark purposes, just as we are told about the angels who serve and worship the one true God.

In his explanation of the first article of the Apostles’ Creed, Martin Luther says that the evil angels or devils are ‘spirits who were created holy, but sinned and are forever rejected by God; cunning, powerful, and of great number; enemies of God, and of man, [who] endeavour to destroy the works of God’.

No wonder thinking about the devil and his charges working among us can be terrifying.

But the warning of St Peter – ‘Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8) – is not the sum total of this story. God, as Father, Son and Spirit does not allow the Prince of Darkness to be sovereign over the earthly realm. Already in Genesis 3:15, God set in motion the plan for our rescue. And Luther again leaves us in no doubt in his explanation of the second article of the same creed – reminding us that our Lord has redeemed us, ‘purchased and won’ us from ‘sin, death and the power of the devil’. God is in charge of the world we can’t see AND the world we can see, too.

In this edition, members of our Lutheran family share their reflections on and experiences of ways in which the spiritual and earthly realms intersect. I hope you will find them as enlightening, challenging and encouraging as I have.

In addition, you’ll find in these pages news, views and resources from around our church, along with our popular regular columns and devotional content.

May God bless your reading,

Our cover: iStock.com.

Design by Elysia McEwen

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

‘Let your holy angel be with me so that the evil one may have no power over me.’ I say those words every day with my wife, Heidi, as we begin our day praying together the ‘Morning Prayer’ written by Dr Martin Luther.

This prayer is part of the daily worship plan that Luther included in his Small Catechism so that everyday Christian people would have guidance about what to pray at the beginning and end of each day.

Because I pray these words so frequently, I have often reflected on why Luther would include this focus on the ‘holy angel’ and ‘evil one’ in a prayer to start each day.

Firstly, the words which focus on angels set our minds on the witness of the Bible. Throughout Scripture, angels are mentioned repeatedly. They appear in Biblical stories as messengers from God to humankind and our English word, ‘angel’ is drawn from the original Biblical word which means ‘messenger’.

In particular, angels appear at key moments in the story of our Lord Jesus, from his birth where angels proclaimed, ‘Glory to God’ before the Bethlehem shepherds, to the empty tomb where the angel told the women ‘Go quickly and tell … ’.

Secondly, the mention of angels in Luther’s prayer lifts our eyes from mundane matters of the human world to the things of God and mysteries not fathomed by our human reason. We live in a material world where advertising has reduced our identity to ‘consumer’ of products and services.

At the same time, we are barraged by the human quest to be in control, to know all and be certain of everything. The mention of angels in the morning prayer captures the mystery of the gospel – that there is more to this life than what my eyes can see or what my mind can figure out.

Like all of us, our young people need to be reminded of God’s mystery at work in our world. They need this message that they are not alone but can pray with Luther’s words, ‘Let your holy angel be with me’. Here is that reminder that our gracious God is present and active, daily providing for us.

BISHOP PAUL’S LETTER

REV PAUL SMITH Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

Finally, Luther’s mention of the ‘holy angel’ and the ‘evil one’ in his morning prayer, takes me to the work of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am a human being who is flesh and blood and born in sin. Therefore, I need a saviour from sin, death and the power of the devil.

At the start of the day, Luther wants Christians to recall that God has entered into my world to rescue me and to give me hope in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because of the work of the cross, I know that ‘one little word’ can overcome all the powers of ‘the evil one’.

As I write this message for you, I am aware that Christmas is coming and soon our lives will be inundated with Christmas advertising. Because of their prominence in the nativity story, angels will appear for sale in stores.

Knowing that angel means ‘messenger’, you might consider giving a family member or friend the gift of a little angel to remind them of the mystery of God at work in the gospel of Jesus. But remember to include in the gift, something of the message of God for us all: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those upon whom God’s favour rests.’

‘Let your holy angel be with me.’ This short prayer keeps us focused on the scriptures and God’s gracious plan to bring us life and salvation, in mysteries beyond our human knowing.

I invite you to join Heidi and me, in regularly praying Luther’s morning prayer:

‘I thank you, heavenly Father, through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask you to keep me this day, too, from all sin and evil, so that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may please you. In your hands I place my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the evil one may have no power over me. Amen.’

In Christ,

‘LET YOUR HOLY ANGEL BE WITH ME’. HERE IS THAT REMINDER THAT OUR GRACIOUS GOD IS PRESENT AND ACTIVE, DAILY PROVIDING FOR US.

OF DEMONS AND ANGELS

BY MICHAEL DUTSCHKE

On a number of occasions, I have surveyed people to find out their ideas about what happens in the spiritual realm – the world we cannot see. The realm of God, of demons and of angels.

I ask them, ‘How much of what happens in the spiritual world do you think impacts on your day-to-day living?’ The answers vary from ‘basically nothing’ to ‘a huge impact’. ‘Some days not much. Other days a lot.’

I also ask, ‘How much impact do you have in the spiritual world?’. Again, the replies range between ‘some’ and ‘a lot’.

My next question is, ‘What specifically do you do that impacts the spiritual world?’. The answers: ‘prayer’ or ‘how I live my life’.

My short survey certainly reveals a variety of ideas about what goes on in the spiritual world, how it impacts us and how we impact it. Lots of people have lots of different opinions based on what they have experienced and how they have interpreted those experiences.

But what does the Bible say about the spiritual realm? One book that says a lot on this subject is Ephesians. In Ephesians, Paul refers to the spiritual world as the ‘heavenly realms’.

I once read in the newspaper that an insurance survey revealed that one-third of all Britons believe that their houses are haunted, and a quarter are convinced that a poltergeist has

moved their possessions. If they believe that, what do they believe they can do about it?

I’ve travelled to Vietnam, and you don’t have to convince the Vietnamese people that there is a spiritual realm.

I’ve spent time teaching the pastors there, based on what we read in the book of Ephesians. From that teaching, they told me they had learnt about the authority we as Christians have in the heavenly realms.

In New Testament times from what we know, the people of Ephesus were also very aware that there is a spiritual realm. Witchcraft was practised, there was a temple to the pagan goddess Artemis and the people witnessed demonic manifestations in others, as well as miraculous healings through Paul.

Paul didn’t have to convince the Ephesians of the existence of the unseen realms, but he did need to teach them the truth about what goes on there.

So, what does happen in the heavenly realms, in the world that we cannot touch, and we cannot see? Who is there? What do they do? What’s it got to do with me?

In the heavenly realms, we have every spiritual blessing. As Paul says in Ephesians 1:3, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ’.

IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS, WE HAVE EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING.

It’s also where Jesus is ... ‘he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 1:20).

It’s where you and I are ... ‘And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus’ (Ephesians 2:6).

If you are a Christian, you are already living in the heavenly realms. Not you will be, or could be, but ARE right now. It is a present reality.

And Ephesians is not the only place in the Bible where we are told that – examples include Luke 17:21 (‘The Kingdom of God is already among you’ – NLT).

If you never thought you could be in two places at once, think again. You’re reading this article and you’re sitting with Jesus in the heavenly realms.

The heavenly realms are also where rulers and authorities are. As Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:10, ‘His [God’s] intent was that

now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms’.

What are those who are in the heavenly realms doing? Waging war against you and me.

In Ephesians 6 we read: ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 6:12).

But, critically, it’s not a battle between Jesus and the devil, with the result still undecided. Through Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection, he defeated the devil. ‘In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ’ (Colossians 2:15 – NLT).

The victory has been won. At the time that Jesus decides, there is no question that the devil and all other evil forces will end up in hell. Until that time, there is still a battle going on in the heavenly realms. Jesus isn’t fighting the devil and his forces. We are the ones in the battle.

And what we do as we live our day-to-day lives does have a huge spiritual impact, which in turn has an impact on our day-to-day lives. For example, did you know that making peace with someone who you are angry with makes an impact in the heavenly realms?

Paul tells the Ephesians, ‘And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you”. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the devil’ (Ephesians 4:26,27 – NLT). Dealing with anger has an impact on earth and in the heavenly realms. It stops the devil from getting a foothold in your life.

Accompanying this article are two depictions that attempt to answer the question, ‘What do the heavenly realms look like?’. One picture was first drawn on a whiteboard about 30 years ago by a friend of mine. The other was painted in the Middle Ages and appeared in a Bible in 1534.

My friend, Shannon, drew a model of what the heavenly realms look like (above right). I found it very helpful in how all these truths about the heavenly realms fit together.

The Bible talks about three places, or dimensions:

• Heaven – where God is,

• The Heavens – where angels and demons are, and

• Earth – where we are.

Adjacent page above right: A model of what the heavenly realms look like, drawn by a friend of Pastor Michael Dutschke, Shannon. Pastor Michael says he finds it a helpful depiction of how all these truths about the heavenly realms fit together.

Left: ‘The Creation’ by Middle Ages artist and contemporary of Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach. This image appears in Luther's 1534 translation of the Bible.

Heaven is also referred to by Paul as the third heaven, while heaven and ‘the heavens’ are ‘the heavenly realms’.

Jesus came down from heaven to earth – at his baptism it says that the heavens were torn open; the Spirit came down like a dove, and the Father spoke. After his death on the cross, the Bible says, ‘that God raised him up and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come’ (Ephesians 1:20,21).

When Shannon first drew this model for me, I had never seen anything like it.

Then I saw a picture that Lucas Cranach painted which features in the Luther Bible from 1534.

When we are born again into God’s family, we are also seated in the heavenly realms. So, my spirit is in the two places – here in me, and also with Jesus. Seated next to Jesus, we have his authority and power.

We see in the Bible that Jesus used his authority to access the power of God to nurture and protect the good and to stop and overrule the bad.

He overruled the agenda of the devil, including driving out demons; he overruled sickness and injury in bodies when he healed and raised people from the dead; he showed authority over nature when he turned water into wine, calmed the storm and fed 5,000 people; and he showed authority over the human agenda of people influenced by evil (for example, Luke 4:28-30).

Of course, one way in which we access Jesus’ authority and power is to pray for God to work through us and in the lives of others.

Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus at the start of his letter, that they would know three things: ‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you; the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints; and his incomparably great power for us who believe’ (Ephesians 1:18,19 – NIV).

The eyes of our heart to know the hope, riches and power that is ours. Sounds like good things to be familiar with, especially since they belong to you and me.

What would your life and my life look like if we really knew the hope, riches and power available to us? Can you imagine what God could do for us, in us and through us? It’s beyond our human comprehension.

As Paul concludes his prayer for the Ephesians, ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen’ (Ephesians 3:20,21).

WHEN WE ARE BORN AGAIN INTO GOD’S FAMILY, WE ARE ALSO SEATED IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS … SEATED NEXT TO JESUS, WE HAVE HIS AUTHORITY AND POWER.

Pastor Michael Dutschke serves with the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills. He also leads prophetic ministry workshops on the topic of ‘Power and Authority in the Heavenly Realms’.

No two cultures are exactly alike in understanding or beliefs about spiritual matters, even within Christian traditions. There is also a diversity of views and customs among Indigenous peoples across Australia and New Zealand. But, for one First Nations perspective, we asked Dora Gibson, a Thuubi Warra woman from Hope Vale in Far North Queensland, for her thoughts about the spiritual side of life.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are traditionally very spiritual people and their connection with the land – with country – and how it was created is a big part of that. However, people of every ‘country’ within First Nations people are different, with different traditional customs and practices. Even prior to Christianity coming into the community, there was a belief in the afterlife and the concept of a soul that lives on –in our Guugu Yimithirr language, we know the soul as Wa wu There were dances that were about the spirits, too.

There was also a belief in a supreme being, a creator. When Christian missionaries came, we came to understand the supreme being as God.

Our animal totems connect us to the spirit world. For instance, if an elder passes, that particular animal shows itself through

On Board:

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

A Worthy Calling

sound and image to let us know, and we have this intuition that our loved one has passed. Also, after a person passes, it is believed that when it rains soon after, the rain washes his or her footprints off this world.

We believe that when people die, parents or ancestors, they move to another realm. But sometimes they come back or stay and watch over you – they are like angels.

Dora Gibson is a retired teacher, a Hope Vale local commissioner with the Family Responsibilities Commission and an activity supervisor at the Hope Vale Community Activity Hub. She also runs cultural workshops and is a member of St John’s Lutheran Church Hope Vale.

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. Additionall y, 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

See your love !

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Previously fearing the punishment of the spirits of her deceased ancestors, Khun Dye encountered Jesus’ transforming love and peace through the simple actions of her local Christian community in northern Thailand.

THE POWER OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer described Christian community as ‘not an ideal we have to realise, but rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate’.

‘The more clearly we learn to recognise that the ground and strength and promise of all our community is in Jesus Christ alone, the more calmly we will learn to think about our community and pray and hope for it’, he said.

In this broken and often individualistic world, Bonhoeffer’s words may seem unrealistic. That is until we hear a story like Khun Dye’s, a young mother and wife living in Ban Huay Pong village in northern Thailand.

Along with most of her community, Khun Dye believed that the physical and spiritual worlds were intertwined. She understood that the spirits of her deceased ancestors would reward her if she remembered them with offerings and punish her if she failed to do so. These guardian spirits could be appeased by offering food, money and belongings through the medium of a doctor spirit.

The pressure to give substantial offerings to the doctor spirit greatly impacted Khun Dye’s family. They struggled to have enough for their daily lives and became fearful of the response from their deceased ancestors as what they could offer diminished. But the Holy Spirit was making himself known to Khun Dye. After becoming the first Christian in Ban Huay Pong, Khun Dye’s aunty showed her the movie Jesus. What touched Khun Dye most was how Jesus healed sick people

and prayed for them, and how he helped the disabled and most vulnerable.

Presbyterian missionaries from Korea placed a sign in Khun Dye’s village, with words about Jesus. When she became sick, Khun Dye remembered the Jesus from the movie and the sign. Instead of giving sacrifices, she prayed for healing from God. She was healed, Jesus began to dwell in her heart, and she began to yearn for baptism.

At that time, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand evangelist Khun Pim was making regular visits to the village. Khun Dye sought out Khun Pim to ask about this powerful God who would heal without sacrifices.

About eight years ago, Khun Dye was baptised.

The night before he was crucified, Jesus prayed to his Father for his disciples. It was not a prayer for great faith or courage. It was a prayer for unity – not only for his current disciples but for all his disciples to come. Jesus knew our ability to love one another, and work together would be the greatest challenge to the credibility of our witness and the advance of his kingdom on earth.

Khun Dye’s story is not about one person telling her about the gospel. It is about a true Christian community who, despite differences in faith practice and theology, are bound together in Christ. As the Holy Spirit worked through their simple actions and humble service, Khun Dye encountered Jesus’ transforming love, peace and grace.

ALONG WITH MOST OF HER COMMUNITY, KHUN DYE BELIEVED THAT THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WORLDS WERE INTERTWINED.

THE ONE WHO BRINGS

PEACEFUL DREAMS

There are many concerns and worries in life, including day-to-day family struggles, cost-of-living pressures, the decline of those involved in worship services, noticeable changes to the environment and the impact on God’s creation of rapid population growth.

While everyone has worried at some point, have you ever feared the sense of an evil presence? For those who live in northern Thailand, originally from Laos, fear of the spirit world often frightens them into hopelessness.

For Yai Beh and her husband Da Sahk, the second last doctor spirit in the village of Banden, nightmares that kept them sleepless at night and enslaved by day were deeply entangled with evil spirits. The evil spirits had such an impact, that they were unable to sleep in their home because of the fear brought about by nightmares.

For Da Sahk, a solo walk through Banden could lead to the evil spirit controlling his body, so that he would walk toward other villages, requiring others to go out in search of him. When he became unwell, he treated his injuries with sacrifices and the blood of animals. He was a slave to evil. He and his wife lived in fear.

Their children had relaxed into the love of God, with light replacing their darkness, but Da Sahk and Yai Beh were scared to become followers of Jesus because they worried God wouldn’t protect them from the evil spirits that ruled their lives. They believed the place they dwelt was too dark to be brought out of.

But the Holy Spirit’s words through an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand evangelist led them to want to be baptised. One week before their baptism, they had second thoughts. The evangelist supported them through their doubt and, once they were baptised, they felt released from evil and free for the first time.

Da Sahk and Yai Beh realised that they had already been God’s children – even before their baptism –and, because of this, they didn’t need to be afraid. God is now the reason for their living. When they are sick, they pray and believe in God’s help, and they never miss a Sunday worship service.

Yai Beh still has dreams, but the nightmares have been replaced by visions of someone coming in a white cloth, which she believes represents holiness and wholeness. She sees Jesus in her dreams now and sleeps peacefully.

Yai Beh sits self-consciously next to Da Sahk and expresses how important it is to continue to trust, even when our worries are great. They have witnessed the Holy Spirit’s power to release them from their most overbearing worries.

Their story is an encouragement to anyone with worries. Yai Beh and Da Sahk believe in the power of prayer and of asking the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of those with worries, reminding them that God is always with them and can give them the strength to overcome fear. Erin Kerber is LCA International Mission Program Officer.

Former Thai doctor spirit Da Sahk and his wife Yai Beh were baptised and released from the influence and fear of evil after the Holy Spirit worked in their lives through an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand evangelist.

STORIES BY ERIN

ONCE THEY WERE BAPTISED, THEY FELT RELEASED FROM EVIL AND FREE FOR THE FIRST TIME ... (YAI BEH) SEES JESUS IN HER DREAMS NOW AND SLEEPS PEACEFULLY.

In St Peter’s writings to persecuted early Christians living in regions of Asia Minor, he is unequivocal about the dangers the devil poses. And he knows the value of being on your guard when it comes to spiritual warfare.

This is serious business.

‘Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour’, he warns his readers in 1 Peter 5.

‘Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings’ (1 Peter 5:9).

In Christian literature we also read about the need to be clearheaded when confronted by evil forces.

‘There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils’, cautions British Christian literary giant and theologian CS Lewis in his satirical novel Screwtape Letters, a timeless classic about spiritual warfare. ‘One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to

believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist and a magician with the same delight.’

Even though in a work of fiction, CS Lewis’ words are, in his usual fashion, a fine example of how to be watchful and sober toward the spiritual realm.

You will find the same watchfulness and sobriety in John Kleinig’s Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, Harold Ristau’s My First Exorcism: What the Devil Taught a Lutheran Pastor about Counter-cultural Spirituality and Spiritual Warfare: For the Care of Souls, as in Dr Robert H Bennett’s work on ‘True Accounts from the Lutheran Church of Madagascar’, entitled I am not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare

They are Lutheran resources dealing with this edition’s theme that are robust and practical, edifying the church against all types of spiritual attack, and yet they are also very grounded and ordinary. Indeed, God’s word calls us to a sober and watchful spirituality.

CS LEWIS’ WORDS ARE ... A FINE EXAMPLE OF HOW TO BE WATCHFUL AND SOBER TOWARD THE SPIRITUAL REALM.

While the spiritual world of angels and demons may not be a regular topic of conversation among many Australians and New Zealanders, in other cultural contexts around the world, including that of Papua New Guinea, spiritual activity impacting human existence may be seen as part of everyday life. Lutheran pastor and seminary lecturer Mick Hauser, who lives and serves in PNG, shares his thoughts on the need to be watchful in spiritual matters.

Stories of hidden spiritual realms are often dark and fearsome, told to provoke excitement and even to intoxicate as if the plot of a thriller or horror movie.

These hidden or secret things hold a great fascination for many people – increasingly so in a world that suffers various insecurities and uncertainty.

We can mistakenly think that delving into the secret places will bear fruits of success or salve for our ills in earthly matters. This drawing or attraction to hidden things is nothing new, even as it is dressed in new clothes in the supposed spiritual new age.

Nevertheless, it is a serious concern for our spiritual health. Dismissing the topic out of hand is not really watchfulness. Nor would obsession be sober-mindedness. Therefore, we seek to speak of things in truth, in a balanced way.

In my context of living and teaching within the Melanesian culture in Papua New Guinea, by accident I have needed to engage in all manner of discussions regarding the spiritual realm with students, pastors, friends and family.

I have had my fair share of ‘experiences’ as well. Just last evening a security guard at my home warned me of a visiting white owl who had displayed to him some kind of supernatural ability. It was the guard’s duty to warn me of such spiritual activity, as owls could be ‘spirits’ spying or wanting to carry a message or call out to people in my home.

Here, in Papua New Guinea, the hidden realm is understood, almost paradoxically, as part of daily life.

We are able to see glimpses or the shadows of spirits and demonic activity, yet never the full picture.

Certainly, because of the obscure nature of such talk or experience, and our inability to interpret them on our own, there is one thing that is sure about this realm – it gives people a fright.

While magicians believe they can control and manipulate spiritual realms, it is really more the other way around. The spirits trick, cheat, confuse and control them. This is why God warns us against delving into these dark arts (see Leviticus 19:26, Deuteronomy 18:10, Galatians 5:19,20, and Acts 19:19) – you can very quickly lose or destroy yourself. The devil devours you. He without doubt outwits us as he dresses up as an angel of light, as St Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:14. And perhaps this is the most intimidating aspect we should learn about the dark hidden realm. It is ultimately beyond our control. And yet, it is not apart from God’s reach, from the voice and command of Christ. Discovering we are at the mercy of spiritual things is humbling and hence a pathway to calling out in fervent prayer to Jesus, the one who overcame the devil. We receive from him his good gifts because we have been baptised in his name. In this way, we are standing firm in the faith!

Troubled by the frightful darkness of the spiritual realm, we are led to the Word, the light of the world, and prayerfully ask questions of him, so that the Word would truly lead us in all things and witness to his power and authority and thereby comfort us with his word.

As we read in Mark 1:34, ‘And he would not permit the demons to speak’. This is just one such example of Jesus' power and authority over the devil and his minions.

DISCOVERING WE ARE AT THE MERCY OF SPIRITUAL THINGS IS HUMBLING AND HENCE A PATHWAY TO CALLING OUT IN FERVENT PRAYER TO JESUS, THE ONE WHO OVERCAME THE DEVIL.

Christ commands the evil spirits to be quiet. Just as his word creates life, it also shuts up evil. He is Lord of all creation!

At the close of the gospel of Mark we hear, ‘Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:16–18).

Through baptism and faith in his promises, Jesus saves us from the power of the devil and all evil spirits. Not in a magical way, as Dr Robert H Bennett points out in I am not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare: ‘The exorcisms of the New Testament are not magic. The power to exorcise demons does not reside within individuals, and the words used are not some sort of secret phrases that can be learned or purchased. Jesus is the actor in all true exorcisms. He has come into the world to bind the “strong man”.’

However, as Jesus speaks his promises, baptism ‘brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it’, as Luther’s Small Catechism explains.

Through this ordinary means of grace, Jesus himself entered the lives of all peoples who feared the spiritual realms, and he himself comes into our lives today in the same way, for the same purpose – to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Just

CHRIST COMMANDS THE EVIL SPIRITS TO BE QUIET. JUST AS HIS WORD CREATES LIFE, IT ALSO SHUTS UP EVIL. HE IS LORD OF ALL CREATION!

as we baptise, pray and receive the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, we also cast out demons in his name.

So, we find we have three (not so) ordinary weapons in spiritual warfare; the holy name of Jesus (given to us in baptism), his holy word (spoken in Scripture) and our faith in him and his word (expressed through prayer).

As Jesus promises to come to us in his word and his sacraments, in watchfulness and with sober minds we pray for his coming. He comes with his angels in the glory of his Father (Matt 16:7) and, as he does, we can be confident of his spiritual protection because of his presence with us. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! ‘ … Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen’ (Luther’s ‘Evening Prayer’).

Pastor Mick Hauser serves as a missionary teaching at Martin Luther Seminary in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

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.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR ... DEVOTIONS

BY RUTH OLSEN

Jesus … left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed (Mark 1:35b).

Read Mark 1:29–45.

As one reads these verses for today, one can sense action and movement, as if things are happening quickly. That’s a characteristic of how Mark writes. At the home of Simon and Andrew, Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Jesus took her hand and helped her up. The fever left, and she began serving them. Mark records no words, just action – a demonstration of Jesus’ authority.

Word spreads, and people crowd in, seeking help for their loved ones. Jesus heals many, but again, silences demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew who he was – again, demonstrations of Jesus’ authority, the authority of heaven. Jesus probably wanted first to show by word and deed the kind of Messiah he was before he declared himself clearly, and he would not let the demons frustrate this intent.

Early the following morning, Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Much had been happening, but time aside from busyness to pray was a priority. Time to listen and be still, time for heartto-heart communication, to recharge and replenish – an oasis away from busy ministry.

Simon and his companions find Jesus, telling him, ‘Everyone is looking for you!’, to which Jesus said, ‘Let’s go somewhere else, to preach there also; that’s why I have come’. What would your response be? ‘But … but …?’ However, Jesus was focused and would not be distracted by popular demand.

A man with leprosy comes to Jesus, desperately seeking help. You can read Leviticus 13 and 14 for the regulations required for dealing with an infectious skin disease, including the seven days’ isolation (lockdown?). Imagine the isolation of being untouchable. Yet Jesus touches him, speaks to him, and the leprosy is gone! Imagine the man’s delight and joy! But he is told not to tell anyone apart from the priest. Instead, his joy bubbles over to anyone nearby. Jesus, who is not seeking popular demand, retreats to lonely places, but people continue to pursue him even there.

Lord, increase our capacity to receive from you and share from you by the power of your Spirit at work in us and through us. Amen.

BY PASTOR MARK GIERUS

Read John 12:12–19.

When it comes to life, how much do we understand? How were the heavens, the earth and all things that live on earth created? Do we comprehend the intricate relationships of all living things, let alone our own human relationships? Do we understand the deep thoughts, worries, anxieties, desires and hopes of our human hearts? Do we understand the work of Jesus?

The disciples, we are told, did not understand all the events that occurred. That Jesus said that he must suffer and die and be raised again. They did not understand that Jesus came as the King of Kings, yet also a servant king. Jesus did not come as a human conqueror on a battle horse, but as a suffering servant, humble and riding on a donkey. Only after the end of all the things that Jesus had to go through did the disciples realise what was happening. The heart of the matter was that Jesus came to suffer and die and rise again on the third day for the sin of the world.

Yet, like the disciples, we may not fully understand the mysteries of the work of God. We may not fully understand the work that continues in us by the power of the Holy Spirit through the word of God planted in our hearts. We may not fully understand why things happen the way they do, but as we read the word of God, we grow in faith to see Jesus in our lives. It is by faith that we live and have meaning. Faith in Jesus, the king who came to save us from our sins, to face each day with confidence in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When we meet Jesus on that day when he comes to take us with him forever, we will clearly see what Jesus sees. We won’t need to understand, for all that is unclear will be made clear. Some things seem wrong or out of place in life, perhaps different from how you would have done something. But it is in these very things that, by faith, we know that God works in us and through us for his glory. Jesus wasn’t weak for dying on the cross – instead of raising up an army to save him, he came as a servant to give up his life so that we might have life.

Lord, we don’t understand so many things – the wonders of your creation and the struggles we have in our own hearts. Yet, Lord, you love and shape us for your work through what we see and do. Help us trust you and remember your deep love for us, first shown by sending your Son Jesus to suffer and die for our sins and to offer us life forever with you in his name. 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 READINGS

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.

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him (John 12:16).

PRAYER POINTS

1–7 OCT

Those members of the LCANZ nominated to serve as delegates to the 2024 Convention of General Synod in a year’s time

8–14 OCT

The unity of the church and the Way Forward for the office of the public ministry in the LCANZ

15–21 OCT

People working in aged or disability care around Australia and New Zealand, during Australia’s National Carers Week

22–28 OCT

Lutherans in New Zealand, on the anniversary of the signing of He Whakaputanga, the nation’s Declaration of Independence, in 1835 (28 Oct)

29 OCT–4 NOV

All who mourn the loss of loved ones and those who support them on All Saints Day (1 Nov)

5–11 NOV

The families and loved ones of those who have died in all wars and conflicts on Armistice Day (New Zealand)/Remembrance Day (Australia) (11 Nov)

12–18 NOV

The opportunity and commitment to follow Jesus’ example of showing love to our neighbours on World Kindness Day (13 Nov)

19–25 NOV

Those who support victims of violence on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 Nov)

26 NOV–2 DEC

All those who have suffered and continue to experience loss from floods, earthquakes, fires and other disasters

BY WILFRED JOHN SAMUEL

Many Christians in the postmodern context find it difficult to believe in the existence of angels and demons or evil spirits. But in most Asian countries there seems to be a preoccupation with the supernatural realm.

In most of the Asian polytheistic religions, we could observe a third element related to the supernatural realm – spirits of dead people, who have powers to bless or bring calamity in human life. Hence ancestral worship becomes a religious practice in some religions.

We turn to the Bible to help us understand and develop our knowledge concerning angels and demons. Scripturally, angels are considered benevolent. In Luke 1:19 we read, ‘The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news”’.

Read Luke 1:26–38. What is the role of the angel Gabriel in this text? Angel means ‘messenger’. But what are some of the other functions and duties that angels fulfil? Read Psalm 91:11, Hebrews 1:6 and 2 Kings 19:35.

On the other hand, demons are fallen angels and are considered malevolent.

How do we see this explained in 1 Peter 5:8?

Demons rebel against God, deceive God’s people (see Revelation 12:9), tempt God’s people to sin (1 Thessalonians 3:5) and accuse God’s people (Revelation 12:10).

The spiritual power encounter could be seen from the benevolent perspective of God’s Spirit and his angels working to fulfil God’s divine will in his creation. But the power encounter from the malevolent perspective is viewed as God’s power challenging the demons and their unspiritual activities in the earthly realm. As a church, how should we respond to spiritual encounters?

We usually look at the concept of a power encounter in the context of the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the application of the gifts of the Spirit. But our encounter with angels could also be empowerment enabling us to recognise God’s grace and divine protection.

The Bible is full of incidents where God had sent his angels to minister to his people. In Matthew 1:20, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. By what other means do angels serve or support God’s people? Read Matthew 4:11, Revelation 22:1 and Hebrews 13:2.

God’s objective is always to help us in times of trials and weakness and when we need protection in our spiritual journey. It's an expression of his grace and love for us. On the other hand, when demons attempt to corrupt people and make them enemies of God, we call this spiritual warfare.

Read Ephesians 6:10–12. What are we really struggling against? What will protect us? (Read on to verse 17.)

Often in our ministry in Asia, we encounter people possessed or oppressed by evil spirits. The first scenario is internal while the second is external. Here cleansing is done in the name of Jesus (see Mark 3:11) and through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). This would follow with proper discipleship (Ephesians 6:11) and grounding in the word of God (1 Corinthians 10:20,21). Demons use fear and deceit as their weapon, but we in Christ are called to exercise God’s power through his Spirit to overcome the forces of darkness.

We do not have to fear demons. Why not? Read 1 John 4:4.

Angels and demons are indeed real. As theologian and author Ewald M Plass relates in his anthology of Martin Luther quotes, Luther was certain about the presence of angels in the earthly realm: ‘That angels are with us is very sure, and no one should ever have doubted it’ (What Luther Says)

Angels work in our favour and to the glory of God, but demons work against us and God’s will. As Paul reminds us (1 Corinthians 10:20), we need to be mindful of what glorifies God and be diligent in practising such things in our Christian journey and missional witness.

Rev Dr Wilfred John Samuel is the director of the Lutheran Study Centre –Sabah, Malaysia, and a former student at Australian Lutheran College.

BE ON SONG FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

Getting ready for Advent and Christmas? Then a copy of LCA Music Resources

Volume 4: Songs of the Church for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, may help. Presenting 100 hymns and songs, the collection can be purchased as a spiralbound hard copy or as individual digital downloads. Chords and three-part settings make the songs accessible for musicians of varying experience. You can buy it through Australian Christian Resources at www.shopacr.com.au

MORE SEASONAL RESOURCES NEW MUSIC PROJECT

As well as providing service orders for Christmas, the LCANZ’s Worship Planning Page includes other Advent and Christmas resources to help with congregational preparations for this special time of year. These include a guide to Christmas carol copyright and a wide range of Christmas Eve orders and Christmas plays.

ORDER YOUR 2024 CALENDARS NOW

BY JOANNE CHAMBERLAIN

Thank you to all who entered our Lutheran Media 2024 Calendar Competition. We were blown away by the calibre of entries. Choosing our favourites was a tough call!

Our 2024 calendar is now available to order. Full of inspiring images, it’s a great gift. Featuring Bible verses to reflect on each day and space to enter upcoming events, you may want more than one! Order your 2024 calendar/s at www.lutheranmedia.org.au, email us at luthmedia@lca.org.au or call us in the office on 1800 353 350.

BY LIBBY KRAHLING

The Commission on Worship is calling for songwriters and composers to contribute new songs and liturgical settings for use in worship. These could include lyrics added to existing tunes, new songs or musical settings for parts of the liturgy. For details and submission criteria, contact David Simpfendorfer at simpfy3@gmail.com

BATTLING TO FIND PEACE?

In today’s busy world, many of us are experiencing stress and anxiety from the pressures of having to keep up with demands, finances and relationships. Is there a path to peace and a way to cope? Jesus says, ‘Come to me … and you will find rest for your soul’ (Matthew 11:28–30). For a free booklet on finding peace, go to www.messagesofhope.org.au/finding-peace

WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?

• Learn more about this important LCANZ project by reading stories and accessing resources – including a Q & A – on the Way Forward website at www.lca.org.au/wayforward

• Listen to a podcast explaining the background of the project, and how you can be involved at www.lca.org.au/podcasts

• Take part in the churchwide day of prayer for unity on 8 October. See page 24 for more details.

Libby Krahling is Commission on Worship Administration Coordinator.

Joanne Chamberlain is Lutheran Media Communications Coordinator.

KNOWING SIGNS OF VIOLENCE

We hear about domestic and family violence in the news and when politicians are pledging support. But do we see it when it is close by, with people we know, including in our congregations and neighbourhoods? Would you like to learn more about how to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, so that you can respond appropriately?

You can do so through an online module on the LCANZ Learning Hub, developed for the church as part of its Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts Campaign. The training is designed as a self-paced learning module for pastors, church workers and leaders to help raise awareness of the impact of domestic and family violence and to strengthen the support you may be already giving to people experiencing it. This training is recognised for professional development purposes for LCANZ employees.

Recently updated with links to many relevant resources, module topics include:

• What is Domestic Violence? Signs and Impact of Domestic Violence

• Faith and Domestic Violence

• Responding to those experiencing Domestic Violence

• Responding to a person who is violent and abusive

• Self-Care

• The Church and Healing

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HANDBOOK

HOW TO ACCESS THE TRAINING HUB

Those with LCA email addresses can access the hub using the LCANZ Learning Hub button on the LCA Portal. People who have previously accessed training via ALC iLearn can use those credentials via the ALC iLearn page: https://ilearn.alc.edu.au/ Others will need to contact the LCANZ’s Church Worker Support Department (churchworkersupport@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7300) for a single-use enrolment key. This will enable them to enrol and log in via the ALC iLearn page using an email and password that they will then set up.

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE HELP

HIDDEN HURTS HEALING HEARTS

HIDDEN

HURTS HEALING HEARTS

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic and family violence, visit www.anrows.org.au/get-support or call 1800 RESPECT (24-hour National Sexual Assault Family Domestic Violence Counselling Service), or Lifeline Counselling (24 hours) 131 114 In an emergency, call 000

• Mensline Australia: 1300 78 99 78 https://mensline.org.au

• Elder's Abuse Helpline (Australia): 1800 353 374

• Family Violence info line (NZ): 0800 456 450 or https://www.areyouok.org.nz/support-available

• Lifeline NZ: 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)

• Elder Abuse Helpline (NZ): 0800 3266865

www.preventdfv.lca.org.au

16 DAYS OF ADVOCACY

From November 25 to December 10 is recognised internationally as 16 days of advocacy and activism to eliminate violence against women and girls. Churches around the world use this time as one of prayer and commitment to action – actions that promote healthy relationships and bring transformative change to those caught in the cycle of violence. You and your congregation may like to pray and think about how to advocate for or support someone experiencing violence. We pray for:

• willingness to learn about domestic and family violence and acknowledge the damage it does within our church family

• emergency service workers responding to crisis calls

• doctors, nurses, social workers and counsellors attending to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wounds of those who have been abused

• our churches, that they may be safe places for the vulnerable

• eyes and ears that notice when someone is disclosing abuse

• courage to speak up against disrespectful behaviour

• children, young people and elderly people, vulnerable to being abused

• all women, men and children to find lives free from violence

• pastors, teachers and pastoral leaders, teaching and modelling loving and healthy relationships.

SUPPORT IN TOUGH TIMES

BY ANNE HANSEN

There is a tree in California’s White Mountains that has been found to be 4,852 years old. Named Methuselah after the oldest man in the Bible, this ancient bristlecone pine was dated by scientists when a hole was bored into its trunk, and they counted the rings in the core sample. Scientists were also able to determine what years there were droughts, as well as when insects caused damage. Methuselah has been through quite a bit, but it has endured and continued to grow through difficult circumstances and harsh weather.

As James the apostle reminds us in his letter to his fellow Christians, times of trouble can lead to growth: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow’ James 1:2–4 (NLT).

When your faith is tested, you will find out where your strength lies. Jesus supplies all the strength we will ever need and learning this produces Christian maturity. So, look at the times of drought, abundant rain and pestilence as a chance to learn and grow deeper in your walk with Jesus.

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) shares many wide-ranging resources to strengthen and encourage you in times of difficulty. Find a tract to give a friend or family member who may be struggling. Look at our website to find what you need for your personal growth and ministry: www.ltm.org.au

NEW WAYS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has many new resources available to view and order. As well as text cards, leaflets, activity books, postcards, bookmarks and stickers with Advent and Christmas themes, LTM has produced MissionEdge Tracts designed for 20 to 40-yearolds and others exploring Christianity. www.ltm.org.au/resources/newresources

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRAYER

Are you looking for ways to encourage others to get involved in prayer? Looking for ideas on how to pray? Or ways to teach prayer to children?

The Grow Ministries GIFT Prayer resource offers resources to help us learn about the importance of prayer in our Christian lives. Learn about the origins of prayer and practise some fun and simple ways to pray through drama and activities. GIFT stands for Growing in Faith

Together; therefore, these resources have been designed as a way of bringing all generations together to learn, discover and build relationships. Congregations that have already used these resources find that bringing generations together provides benefits and blessings for the congregation, families, individuals of all ages, and the wider community.

GIFT Prayer is a great resource for congregations, schools and homes. There are many activities and templates, including worship and event ideas. It is filled with intergenerational activities and take-home sheets for families.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Inside the GIFT Prayer resource, you will find:

• worship ideas

• dramas

• worship activities

• activities

• take-home sheets for families

• and so much more.

There are free samples available through the Grow Ministries website, at www.growministries.org.au/product/free-resource-sampledownloadable/

To order your copy for only $10, go to www.growministries.org.au/product/ gift-prayer-e-resource-2/

For more information, contact Jodi Brook (jodi.brook@lca.org.au) or Christine Matthias (christine.matthias@lca.org.au).

BISHOPS RELEASE VOICE REFERENDUM DISCUSSION GUIDE

To assist LCA members as they pray and prepare to vote in the Australian referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in October, the College of Bishops has overseen the production of a guide on this matter for the communities of the church.

This discussion and information paper has been prepared in collaboration with Nick Schwarz, the Assistant to the Bishop – Public Theology, and with the input of leaders from Australian Lutheran Indigenous communities. It also includes a ‘Bible and theology’ section as a reference for study groups; a guide for discussion outlining the background to the referendum and summaries of the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases; and documentation relating to the referendum.

This paper is intended as a reference guide as members of the church prepare to participate in the 14 October referendum; it is not an official statement of the church. You can download it at www.lca.org.au/ voice-referendum-guide

Forbes Lutherans back ‘home’ after the floods

Nine months after floods devastated the community around the Central West New South Wales town of Forbes last November, including inundating their 90-year-old church building, members of the Lutheran congregation finally returned ‘home’.

On 27 August, St John’s Lutheran Church was reopened, rededicated and blessed during a worship service led by Pastor James Leach, who described the occasion as a homecoming.

‘Homes provide shelter. Safety, warmth. A place to sit and rest. Eat. Talk. Share. A place to work. To play. To make things and to make memories’, Pastor James said in his sermon. ‘And this building that we are gathered in is no exception.

‘But this building has an additional purpose: it is to be the light of Christ to this town. St John’s Lutheran Church, a light to Forbes. This building has the purpose of forming God’s people into bearers of God’s light so that those who witness our light will give glory to God.’

Congregational chairperson Michelle Mahlo said it was ‘such a good feeling’ to be back at St John’s spiritual home after months of worshipping in members’ homes.

‘Looking at our church and hall today we are grateful for the fact that it looks the same as before. However, we can see that it has been refreshed and invigorated’, Michelle said, citing the ‘excellent support’ of the LCANZ and LCA Insurance, as well as the local restoration team.

In November, with ‘some expectation of a flood event occurring’, some items had been removed from the church and the organ was lifted onto pews. But, Michelle said, ‘at the last opportunity available with minutes to spare’, the State Emergency Service was called upon to sandbag the church.

After 200mm of floodwaters came through the building, it was declared unsafe due to contaminants on the walls and floors and from under the floors. Restoration work began in May. This included the sanding and refinishing of floorboards, and the replacement of carpets in the church and the hall’s kitchen, flooring, cupboards, whitegoods, bathroom flooring and fixtures, while church furniture dating from 1934 was sent to Sydney for restoration. The original late 1890s table used for an altar at the site of the first Lutheran services in Forbes was also restored.

LCANZ members supported the Forbes community through prayers and donations to a special flood appeal for the region. At the same time, during the height of the crisis, Pastor James, his wife Adele and others from the Central West Lutheran Parish listened to and talked with people worst hit by the emergency, and took them home-cooked meals, other food and drinks, gift cards, tracts and other items they needed.

However, living through the floods was also a struggle for the Lutheran family there.

during floods last November.

‘In these last months, we faced obstacles’, Pastor James said. ‘The first obstacle was coming into the church on the days after the flooding and seeing all the mud and filth throughout the building, not to mention the smell … and just knowing that this was a bigger job than any of us were going to be able to do on our own.

‘We knew though that the bigger and more important task for the church at this time was to be in the community.

‘Other obstacles arose, and through each of those obstacles God provided what we needed and so much more. God indeed seemed determined to get this restoration done – but for what purpose?

‘There are a few really good reasons, but the one that sticks out the most today is because this is our home. It’s the place God has given us where we can come and receive shelter from the things that get on top of us in our lives. It's a place where we can come and receive the warmth of God’s forgiveness and love. It's a place where we can be refreshed to go back into our lives with refocused energy to love the world around us.’

Pastor James Leach shares a ‘homecoming’ message with the congregation of St John’s at Forbes in Central West New South Wales during the reopening and rededication service of the church, which was inundated

SA–NT District bishop installed

Pastor Andrew Brook was installed as the new Bishop of the South Australia –Northern Territory District of the LCANZ on 3 September in a service at Concordia College in suburban Adelaide.

Installed by LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, Bishop Andrew was elected unopposed at the district’s Convention of Synod at Victor Harbor, south of Adelaide in May. He has succeeded Bishop David Altus, who did not seek re-election after 13 years in the role and who had been acting as 'caretaker bishop' since the convention.

Bishop Andrew has been lead pastor at St John’s Lutheran Church at Unley in South Australia since 2017, prior to that serving in the Victoria-Tasmania District at Burnie–Devonport, Tasmania, and Good Shepherd, Ringwood, and St Paul’s Box Hill, both in suburban Melbourne.

New leader for Lutheran Media

Dr Tania Nelson is the new manager of Lutheran Media.

Tania, who has served as the LCANZ’s Executive Officer – Local Mission since August 2016, succeeded Pastor Richard Fox at the helm of the multi-media ministry outreach arm of the church last month. Richard, who led Lutheran Media for 11 years, has returned to parish ministry, at Glynde in South Australia.

Tania’s appointment was announced by LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith in late August. The first woman and the first lay person to hold the role, she applied for the manager’s position because she had ‘long believed that Lutheran Media is a vital mission-focused ministry of the LCANZ’.

‘It just makes sense to me to utilise media, in all its many forms, to reach people with the saving message of God’s gracious love for us’, she said after her appointment. ‘I feel that God is calling me to play a role in this wonderful outreach ministry.

‘I am so excited, and incredibly humbled, to step into the large shoes of the many people who have grown Lutheran Media to what it is today.

‘Lutheran Media has had an amazing and unique history, beginning in its early days via the radio waves and extending now to a variety of social media platforms. I still recall

New

the deep and soothing voice of Emeritus President Rev Dr Lance Steicke bringing words of encouragement to listeners, as I played the Face to Face cartridges in the Mount Gambier community radio studio where I volunteered in the 1980s.

‘I thank the former directors of Lutheran Media, and particularly outgoing director Pastor Richard Fox, for leading and building Lutheran Media to a place where millions can hear messages of hope of a loving and saving God. I’m looking forward to working with the excellent Lutheran Media staff team, and discerning where God is calling us in this next phase of our God’s mission work.’

Bishop Paul said he was thankful to God ‘for the seven years of Christian service Tania has given to our church’s work in her leadership in the department for Local Mission’.

‘She has an overflowing joyful passion for the witness of God’s people to the world’, he said. ‘Now she “moves sideways” to her new role with Lutheran Media in the same cause of bringing Christ to the nations. (Pastor Richard) can rest in the good report that the ministry of Lutheran Media will be in the hands of a faithful co-worker in the gospel. Please join me in praising God that Tania has offered her gifts for this work of our church.’ During her tenure as the LCANZ’s head of Local Mission, Tania has provided strategic oversight of Care Ministries, Grow Ministries, Cross-Cultural Ministry, New and Renewing Churches and Lutheran Media. She also implemented the General Synod decision to bring the boards for Lutheran Aged Care Australia, Lutheran Media Ministry and Child Youth and Family Ministry and the interim Board for Local Mission into what is now known as the Council for Local Mission.

Prior to taking on the executive officer role, the former teacher was the Head of School of Theological Studies and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Australian Lutheran College (ALC). Tania is also a casual academic at ALC this year, teaching a unit in the college’s higher education program.

Lutheran Media manager Dr Tania Nelson, with outgoing leader Pastor Richard Fox.

He also served as the Victoria–Tasmania District Pastor for Child, Youth, Tertiary and Family Ministry and was a tertiary chaplain at the University of Melbourne, and pastor to the student congregation meeting at St John’s Southgate, in central Melbourne.

SA-NT Bishop Andrew Brook (centre) is welcomed by officiating and supporting pastors at his installation. From left, they are: SA-NT 2nd Assistant Bishop Joel Cramer, Pastor David Christian, SA-NT 1st Assistant Bishop Adrian Kitson, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, SA-NT Bishop Emeritus David Altus, Pastor David Spike, and SA-NT Assistant Bishop for Mission Stephen Schultz

Photo: Amy Dahlenburg

Way Forward team completes evaluation of submissions

During July and August around 50 members of the Way Forward team and working groups devoted many hours to evaluating 60 submissions received from church members from across the LCANZ.

The submissions were assessed against key criteria set by the General Church Board (GCB) and the College of Bishops (CoB), including the extent to which they met the intent of the General Synod resolution for ‘one church with two ordination practices’.

‘This was not an easy process, as the working groups assessing the submissions consist of people with different experiences, backgrounds and views’, said Stella Thredgold, director of the Way Forward project. ‘But the effort was worth it, as the best outcomes are reached from the benefit of diverse perspectives.

‘The teams have worked together to discuss some challenging aspects and differing opinions, resulting in agreement through compromise, respect and openness. This shows that diverse views do not need to be an impediment to unity and commitment to a shared goal.’

Stella said that, overall, the submissions demonstrated a good understanding of the challenging issues confronting the church at this time and provided helpful insights and frameworks for how these issues might be addressed.

‘The team sends a heartfelt thankyou to everyone who contributed a submission and also to the many people who sent words of encouragement and suggestions for how the process could be improved’, she said. ‘Be assured that we are taking your feedback on board as we all work towards a united church in which people are respected as brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of their personal views on ordination.’

GCB and CoB met in person in mid-August, dedicating four hours to the Way Forward project, including reviewing progress to date and providing guidance and leadership for the next phases. They also noted that a pastoral care plan has been developed and that a major communication to congregations was planned for late September.

For more information go to: www.lca.org.au/wayforward

Bishops call for day of prayer, church unity

The LCANZ bishops have called on the people of the church to set aside Sunday 8 October for a churchwide day of prayer focusing on the unity of the church. This is a significant day as it is just a year from the 2024 Convention of General Synod.

At the in-person sessions of the 2021–23 Convention of General Synod, the General Church Board and College of Bishops were asked to consider possible ways forward in the decadeslong ordination debate. The Way Forward project is working to develop a framework whereby the LCANZ could function as one church with two different practices of ordination. It is intended that this proposal will be brought to the 2024 Convention of General Synod, 4–7 October 2024.

‘Across the church’, said LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, ‘there are sisters and brothers in Christ of our Lutheran communities who are working together in the Way Forward project to guide our church to consider what is required

for us to properly address what has been asked for by the resolution of General Synod.

‘We are asking the entire church to pray for these sisters and brothers, our leaders, and everyone who is affected by these conversations. We are calling for focused churchwide prayer on Sunday 8 October, and for ongoing prayer in the congregations and households of the church.

‘The prophet Zechariah declares a promise of our gracious God, “They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God’.”’ (Zechariah 13).

Congregations have been asked to mark 8 October on their calendars for the churchwide Call to Prayer, while ongoing prayer on this matter throughout October and beyond is also encouraged. Worship orders, including the Call to Prayer elements, are available on the Worship Planning Page at www.lca.org.au/wpp

CALL TO PRAYER

Lutheran artists prepare and share a visual feast

Lutheran artists from across Australia have prepared and shared a visual feast for the senses in this year’s LCANZ Simultaneous Art Exhibition 2023.

Exhibitions were held in August in a variety of settings, including an office foyer, a studio gallery, a Lutheran school and at least seven churches. Participants based in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia interpreted the theme ‘Come to the Banquet’ using a wide range of artistic styles and media.

It was the third churchwide art showcase, with previous simultaneous exhibitions held in 2021 and 2022. Contributing artists ranged from young schoolchildren to elderly retirees.

The exhibition at St John’s Lutheran Church in Perth celebrated its diverse community, with displays highlighting a different continent each weekend, while retired secondary teacher Naomi Zanker staged a solo exhibition in her studio gallery in Nhill, Victoria, with works underpinned by Bible texts including: ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalm 34:6).

At St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sydney, the exhibition contained works by congregation members as well as those created by participants in a school holiday art workshop, while at St Peter’s at Port Macquarie,

members and friends of the church shared their work.

In South Australia, exhibitions were held at the LCANZ Churchwide Office and Immanuel Lutheran Church in North Adelaide, suburban Glynde Lutheran Church, St Mark’s Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, St Petri Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley and Loxton Lutheran School in the Riverland. The exhibitions at Mount Barker and Nuriootpa also included

participants from local Lutheran schools. Members of the multiethnic community at Glynde traversed an expansive list of artistic media, including ‘Mukimono’ or vegetable carving, papier-mâché, calligraphy, collage, appliqué, knitting, sewing, drawing, painting and photography. They also may have featured the largest work of the churchwide event – an 8-metre-wide exhibit by Paul Schubert entitled ‘The Last Supper’, which stretched the width of the church hall.

LCA’s treasured hymnbook turns 50

A fixture in many homes and churches across the LCANZ, the Lutheran Hymnal turns 50 this month.

Authorised by the Lutheran Church of Australia and first published by Lutheran Publishing House in October 1973, the treasured and popular volume of hymns, liturgy, prayers, worship orders and information, was into its second edition by June 1974 and its first reprint by 1980. Among the events and celebrations marking the anniversary was a Friends of Lutheran Archives gathering at North Adelaide in late August. ‘United in song – the story behind the Lutheran Hymnal (1973)’, the meeting featured ALC pastoral studies student Jacob Fabich as guest

speaker

The event showcased the history of the hymnal, including why a new hymnbook was needed in place of one published in 1922; the fact it took 22 years to produce, with work beginning across the two synods 15 years before the birth of the LCA; the people responsible for its

development; and the church’s reaction to what was the biggest publishing venture the LCA has ever undertaken. The meeting’s program was live-streamed and can be accessed online at the Friends of Lutheran Archives YouTube channel.

In Canberra, the Lutheran Hymnal’s birthday was to be marked at Hymnfest on 30 September at St Peter’s Lutheran Church at Reid.

Organised in collaboration with the Royal School of Church Music, the event was planned to include a choir and a performance by Sydney city organist Robert Ampt, brother of well-known Adelaide organist Andrew

and Andrew Ampt as organist to lead the hymn singing.

Ampt.

Above: Naomi Zanker's painting 'Crabapples' was part of her solo exhibition at Studio 33 at Nhill Victoria, which was held as part of the LCANZ Churchwide Simultaneous Art Exhibition. Right: Sunday school children from Glynde Lutheran Church's Korean congregation SA showed off part of their handcrafted 'family banquet' collaboration, as part of the churchwide art exhibition.

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.

The warble of native birds, the rustling of nature, the sigh of a light breeze… these are the sounds that brush my ears when at last I make contact with Margaret Curnow.

She’s on Queensland’s Moreton Island with her grandchildren, whose unfledged voices sweep and wheel into our conversation and away again, like the cormorants who dot the bay. It’s fitting that I’ve found her in nature, a bird of paradise perfectly at home in the wild.

Margaret’s a hard woman to catch; possibly more so since a distant King formally acknowledged what her loved ones already know about her: a life of service, given passionately and given freely. ‘We were raised to be carers, workers, servants; steeped in Lutheran tradition’, she confirms. Tenets that seem at odds with her free-spirited nature but aren’t.

The Order of Australia recognises and celebrates people for distinguished and conspicuous service. Notably, the majority of recipients in the General Division this year were women, a first since the award was established in 1975.

Margaret is from that generation of women who were forced to resign from work once they married, but she married a visionary man of faith who encouraged her in her teaching vocation – her late husband Bill also had an AM, awarded for service to the construction industry, support of collaborative research and as an educator in 2010. Margaret’s OAM is for service to Special Education, and to the community.

Born in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to missionary parents, she preferred the freedom of the jungle to the rigours of homeschooling, running wild on the island of Umboi where her

BY RACHEL KOOPMANS

father, Vic Neumann, was plantation manager at Gizarum and master of the mission vessel Umboi 2.

Margaret describes her childhood as ‘idyllic’, the kind one reads about in the Enid Blyton-style stories of old; a dream that perhaps no longer exists. When she moved with her family to Australia at age 11, she could neither read nor write and spoke Pidgin with a smattering of English.

She was badly behaved.

‘They put me in a Prep class with the babies – I was very naughty, I didn’t want to know what they were teaching, and I was teased for being a dunce’, Margaret shares. The transition was tough, with a lot of tears. ‘I cried every night for a long time’, she confesses.

While primary school was tough, Margaret eventually went to St Peters Lutheran College at Indooroopilly in suburban Brisbane on a scholarship, where she flourished. A teaching degree was the affordable option; she excelled at practical teaching. Despite the work ban caused by her marriage to Bill, Margaret found her way into Special Education, teaching at the State School for Spastic Children New Farm, and later at Inala Special School (as they were known then) – both in the Brisbane suburbs. Her own schooling challenges informed her work. ‘I know what it is to struggle to understand’, she explains. ‘I could relate to those children.’

At Inala, she worked with teens who were unable to participate in a standard curriculum, teaching them to read and communicate using phonetics. A stint in Victoria included time as assistant to the Master at Geelong Grammar, caring for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, including reading issues.

In between her work in education and raising a family, the love and care shown Margaret by St Peters was also returned in spades: she and Bill reinvested that love via service to the old scholar’s association for 44 years. Together their legacy of servant leadership cannot be overestimated, and in 2008 the college’s Curnow House was named in their honour. Bill was appointed patron for a time, a position Margaret assumed when he died in 2022.

‘WE WERE RAISED TO BE CARERS, WORKERS, SERVANTS; STEEPED IN LUTHERAN TRADITION.’

Ready for chapel on a Sunday during her years at St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly, Margaret attended the school on a scholarship. Right: Bill and Margaret were married for 58 years before his death in 2022 and Curnow House at St Peters Lutheran College was named in their honour. Below right: Recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year, Margaret treasures time with her grandchildren.

His passing has been tough. ‘We were a team – we worked perfectly together. After 58 years of marriage, I’m not used to being alone’, she shares.

These days Margaret lives in Toowoomba, in Queensland’s Darling Downs, in a house Bill designed. She attends Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. ‘I’m a firm believer that if everyone followed the Ten Commandments, the world really would be a better place’, she asserts.

Her colourful dress, glasses and accessories are an outward expression of a vivacious and joy-filled passion for life. ‘I guess I’m colourful because of PNG’, Margaret explains. Colourful and still a little wild, infused with the liberation of those early years.

It was in PNG that Margaret first learned to understand herself as a lovingly created child of God, set free to serve others. Perhaps that’s why there’s been such joy in her vocation because she knows that real freedom comes from both understanding and being understood.

Rachel Koopmans serves as Communications Advisor for the LCANZ’s Queensland District. This story first appeared under the title ‘In from the Wild: Margaret Curnow Makes the King’s Birthday Honours List’ in the Queensland eNews.

Within our Lutheran family, there are many GREYT people who serve tirelessly and humbly in their church and wider communities. By sharing stories of how God shines his light through his people in this column, we hope 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

CALLS

Extended

• Rev Levi D Graham

Dimboola-Natimuk Vic to Crows Nest Qld

• Rev Levi D Graham

Dimboola-Natimuk Vic to Gladstone Qld

• Rev Philip A Joppich

Navigator College Port Lincoln SA to Birdwood SA

• Rev Peter R Klemm

Cummins SA to Berri SA

• Rev Greg R Page

Novar Gardens SA to Mount Barker SA

• Rev James M Winderlich

Australian Lutheran College to Southgate

Melbourne Vic

• Rev Rodney D Witmitz

Hallett Cove SA to Alberton Qld

Accepted

• Rev Lionel R Rohrlach

Pittsworth Qld to Zion Gympie Vic

• Rev James M Winderlich

Australian Lutheran College to Southgate

Melbourne Vic

Declined

• Rev Greg J Fowler

Golden Grove SA to Crows Nest Qld

• Rev Jonathan M Goessling

Tatachilla Lutheran College McLaren Vale

SA to Albury NSW

• Rev Levi D Graham

Dimboola-Natimuk Vic to Crows Nest Qld

• Rev Levi D Graham

Dimboola-Natimuk Vic to Gladstone Qld

• Rev Philip A Joppich

Navigator College Port Lincoln SA to Birdwood SA

• Rev Andrew R Koehler

Tallebudgera Qld to Aberfoyle Park SA

• Rev James M Winderlich

Australian Lutheran College to Nundah Qld

• Rev Rodney D Witmitz

Hallett Cove SA to Alberton Qld

LCANZ COMPLAINTS

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.

INSTALLATIONS

• Rev Valdis Andersons

Installed to Pasadena SA on 30 July 2023 by Bishop David Altus

• Rev John M Borchert

Installed to Walla Walla NSW on 13 August 2023 by Bishop Robert Bartholomaeus

• Rev Andrew R Brook

Installed as SA-NT District Bishop at Concordia College Chapel Highgate SA on 3 September 2023 by Bishop Paul Smith

• Rev Mathew C Eckermann

Installed to Loxton Parish SA on 27 August 2023 by SA-NT First Assistant Bishop Adrian Kitson

• Rev Hansanand F Peethala

Installed to Holy Trinity Horsham Vic on 6 August 2023 by Vic-Tas Assistant Bishop Matthias Prenzler

• Rev Gregory D Priebbenow

Installed to Grace congregation Redcliffe Qld on 3 September 2023 by Bishop Mark Vainikka

ORDINATION

• Jordan R Bennett was 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. He was Installed by Qld Bishop Mark Vainikka.

For details relating to upcoming ordinations, visit the LCA website Calls Employment Volunteering page.

ROLL OF PASTORS

• Rev Michael F Braunberger

Change in call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 4 August 2023

• Rev Dean J Mills

Leave of absence extension approved to 17 August 2024

• Rev Ray A Pace

Change in call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 31 July 2023

• Rev David M Schuppan

Change in call eligibility status from General Ministry Pastor to Pastor Emeritus from 23 July 2023

IN MEMORIAM

• Mrs Dawn Weiss nee Quast, widow of Pastor Noel Weiss, died on 11 September 2023. Her funeral was held at Trinity Lutheran Church Hope Valley on 15 September 2023.

Leo Doecke

Rev Leo Paul Doecke born 10 Jan 1930 (Loxton SA); ordained 12 Jan 1956 (St Johns Renmark SA); married Glenice Una nee Wittwer 20 Oct 1956 (Murray Bridge SA); served Lower Murray Home Mission Field (1956–1958), Adelaide Hills SA (1958–1961), South Kilkerran SA (1961–1966), Waikerie SA (1966–1969), St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly Qld (1969–1973), Concordia Lutheran College Toowoomba Qld (1973–1976), St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly Qld (1976–1982), Dalby Qld (1982–1986), Emerald Qld (1987–1989), Burrumbuttock NSW (1989–1995); retired 31 Aug 1995; died 27 July 2023; funeral 8 Aug 2023 (St Paul’s Lutheran Church Toowoomba Qld – link to livestream via www.burstows.com.au); mourned by wife Glenice, children Andrew, Mark, Christine and Jayne and families

In Memoriam

Claud Scherer

Rev Claud Wilfred Scherer born 29 Oct 1945 (Tumby Bay SA); married Shirley Dianne nee Hausler 4 Jan 1969 (Angaston SA); ordained 12 Jan 1969 (Box Hill Vic); served Gin Gin Qld (1969–1973), Jandowae Qld (1973–1976), Nhill Vic (1976–1980), Albany WA (1980–1988), Port Augusta SA (1988–1992), Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission (ITIM) Northern SA Region Chaplain (1992–1998), Angaston SA (1998–2010); retired 31 Dec 2010; died 17 July 2023 (Tanunda SA); funeral 26 July 2023 (Angaston SA – link to livestream https://streamadelaide.live/ pastor-scherer); mourned by wife Shirley, children James, Gail, Teresa and Amy and families

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

Jesus' humble life contrasts with ‘blatant display of riches’

As I enter the autumn of my years (based on current events I dread what winter will bring!), I find myself pondering the perplexities and practices of modern life, particularly Christian life. Recently we had the coronation of King Charles III, a sumptuous spectacle resplendent with history, tradition and esoteric religious rites, including the ‘secret’ order supposedly descended from the ‘Divine Right of Kings’.

I was dazzled by the magnificent robes of the ‘princes’ of particularly the Anglican Church as they assisted in this event. No doubt many of them were able to relax later in their palaces provided as a reward for their ascendancy in the church ranks.

A few days later, I saw a photo of Catholic cardinals in their black robes and red hats, seated in the basilica in the Vatican – a state dedicated to religion. I read that the Vatican employs a jeweller to provide adornments for ecclesiastical vestments and other office ‘necessities’. As I witnessed these lavish celebrations, which purport to be Christian-based, I found it extremely difficult to reconcile them with a poor, itinerant preacher, the Son of God and Man, who had nowhere to lay his head, let alone adorn it with precious stones. Surely this blatant display of riches is inappropriate in a Christian setting.

Janise Fournier – Murray Bridge SA

Unity of believers ‘over-arching concern’

God has given us the scriptures as a revelation of divine grace, love and mercy. Jesus prayed that the believers would be one (John 17:20–23), and Paul reminds us that the basis of our unity is Christ crucified (1 Cor 1:10,23). The number of times that Paul appeals to the believers to live peaceably and in unity makes it clear that the early church struggled, as we do, to keep their eyes on Jesus rather than get bogged down in conflicts over things not central to our faith.

A letter to The Lutheran (Aug-Sept 2023) refers to 1 Corinthians 11:19: ‘Indeed, there have to be factions (divisions) among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine’ (NRSV).

These words need to be read within the context of Paul’s over-arching concern in 1 Corinthians for the unity of believers, and his repeated warnings against dividing into parties around leading figures and disputed topics (chapter 3). There is no contradiction between verse 19 and the writing that precedes and follows it when we understand that Paul is making a facetious comment in order to challenge the Corinthians to think about their behaviour at the Lord’s Table. The Corinthians that have wilfully or unthinkingly kept themselves separate at the Table are called to examine themselves with the implicit invitation to return to full fellowship and equal sharing.

God has given to each of us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). As the Way Forward project seeks to find a pathway for the LCANZ to continue in harmony and unity despite there being different theological opinions regarding the ordination of both men and women, we can be confident that the Bible does not encourage us to break the fellowship of the LCANZ.

Tanya Wittwer – Carey Gully 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.

Encourage others to bring a friend

We support the article ‘Bring a friend Sunday’ (The Lutheran, Aug-Sept 2023, page 26).

We, of the congregation in Maitland, South Australia, arranged a similar Sunday last year, filling two pews with new people. Several were fairly new Christians, and most had not been in a Lutheran church before.

The message was very well received, with the more orderly service order, plus the explanation of the Apostles’ Creed standing out for them. An added attraction was the inspection of the local Lutheran school and the beautiful refreshments that followed.

May we encourage congregations to consider and implement this relatively simple mission approach.

Hedley Krieg – Ardrossan SA

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).

1. A popular fixture in many homes and churches across the LCANZ turns 50 this month (October). What is it?

2. Who is the new manager of Lutheran Media?

3. What is the Way Forward project?

4. The bishops of the LCANZ have called on members of the church to take part in a churchwide day of prayer on Sunday 8 October. What is its focus?

5. Which season of the church begins on Sunday 3 December this year?

6. What are the two colours that may be used for church altar cloths, banners and dressings for the lectern and pulpit during this season?

7. What was the theme of the LCANZ Simultaneous Art Exhibition 2023?

8. Where was the Thirteenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation held last month (September)?

9. Queensland Lutheran Margaret Curnow received an Order of Australia Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year. On what basis did she receive this award?

10. Christian author and theologian CS Lewis wrote a satirical novel about spiritual warfare. What was it called?

IN A FEW WORDS …

‘The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.’

– NOVELIST AND POET GEORGE ELIOT, AKA MARY ANN EVANS

‘Angels are spirits, but it is not because they are spirits that they are angels. They become angels when they are sent. For the name angel refers to their office, not their nature. You ask the name of this nature, it is spirit; you ask its office, it is that of an angel, which is a messenger.’

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.

August - September’s solution

– SAINT AUGUSTINE

1. The Lutheran Hymnal 2. Dr Tania Nelson 3. Under the direction of the LCANZ’s 2021-2023 General Synod, the Way Forward project is working to develop a framework

whereby

the church could function as one church with two different practices of ordination, should the proposal be passed by Synod in 2024. 4. The unity of the church 5. Advent 6. Blue or purple 7. ‘Come to the Banquet’ 8. Krakow, Poland

9. ‘For services to Special Education, and to the community’ 10. Screwtape Letters

‘Thanks to the support and training I received, my family has started the vegetable farming journey armed with knowledge and abilities.

I am able to adapt contemporary farming practices like wave cultivation, a technique that involves growing cucumber and bitter gourd inside a plastic tunnel. This has emerged as a game-changer. We are all cultivating vegetables together. My husband and I spend every day time in the farm planting, fertilising and collecting vegetables. We have saved the income. We can now pay our expenses from the money we made selling vegetables. Our life has become more focused and productive.

My participation in the program has changed my life. And, if every farmer gets a chance to work with Lutheran, it might change their future too!’

Chunki Chaudhary, Nepal

You can bless others like Chunki 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

Photo: LWF Nepal

Thank you!

When he was 16, Effendi was struck by a disease that confined him to a room for eight years. Life changed when he came to a disability centre in Indonesia supported by our Lutheran family through ALWS …

‘Before I went to the centre, I was feeling very distressed. My brain was working, but my body was not.

The doctors had no explanation for my illness –they just said I would never walk again. My parents had no money for treatment, so they just had to put me in a room in their house. They would put banana leaves under my body so they could change them when my body excreted.

I was there for eight years. I didn’t think I would live.

My parents were committed to caring for me, but there was much stigma from the rest of the community. My mother would often be teased and crying because of it.

My life changed when I went to the Hephata Centre. There I saw many others with disability. Many of them could not talk or think properly, but they were laughing and happy. This changed my mindset. I started to accept my condition, and this began the healing inside of me.

I trained first in tailoring and then opened this Batik business. Every time we make a piece, we pray over it, so it can bless the receiver.

What we are doing would be impossible if we just tried to do it by ourselves. It is only possible because others helped us and encouraged us, so now I want to help others.’

Effendi and other people with disabilities make these unique Christmas ornaments from recycled CDs as a FREE gift for the first 500 orders of ALWS Gifts of Grace!

To hear more inspiring stories of your Lutheran ministry through ALWS, go to alws.org.au OR invite an ALWS guest speaker: 1300 763 407 * alws.org.au