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What happens when I die?

by Richard Fox

Death is often a topic people worry about and wonder about but don’t often discuss with others. Lutheran Media’s Messages of Hope has shared about this subject and received many responses, including from Jaimee, who said:

‘Thank you so much for your adverts which help to ease my worry about death.’

Jaimee read the free PDF booklet ‘What happens when I die?’, while others ordered the printed booklet.

You can download and order it at www.messagesofhope.org.au/what-happens-when-i-die-booklet or follow the links from www.messagesofhope.org.au/future

Jesus is with you in your grief

Grief is part of death and dying and can be difficult to live with.

‘Take heart in your grief’ is a booklet originally written by The Lutheran Hour’s Dr Oswald Hoffmann more than 25 years ago but which is still very popular today. It will help you better understand grief and more importantly how Jesus is with you to guide and support you through it.

You can download the free PDF or order the free booklet at www.messagesofhope.org.au/take-heart-in-your-grief

and discover more videos and podcasts at www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief

 How to survive a loved one’s death

When someone close to you takes their own life it can be devastating and very difficult to understand. Messages of Hope shares the free booklet ‘Surviving a Loved One’s Suicide’ to provide hope to people who are trying to survive a loved one’s suicide. The free PDF and booklet can be downloaded and ordered at https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/surviving-suicide-booklet

Videos share hope

Messages of Hope also has a webpage featuring videos and audio programs about dealing with grief and loss. You can find them online at www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief-and-loss/

Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please speak with someone about your feelings. Your local pastor or counsellor may be able to help and you can call Lifeline at any time on 13 11 14.

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Chance to discover God’s call

Are you looking to discover what your future ministry, vocation or service in the church might be? Or perhaps you know somebody who is. If so, Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) Discover program may be a great way to explore your options further and to discern your calling.

The program is designed to integrate academic and formation activities to create a holistic learning and vocational discernment experience, initially within a local and then in a churchwide context.

To learn more, visit the Discover page on the ALC website at https://alc.edu.au/study/discover/ or view the short question and answer YouTube video clips about the program.

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ALC library supports wider Lutheran study need

The resources of the Australian Lutheran College (ALC) library are available to support the learning, teaching and research needs of the LCANZ’s wider pastoral and academic community – not just those of the ALC’s students and staff. The library houses a wide range of print and electronic resources and subscribes to current periodicals. Inquiries are welcome via email to library@alc.edu.au

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Joy a special gift for these ‘superheroes’

by Jonathan Krause

When the world seems messed up, you may feel we need a superhero to make things better. And ‘superheroes’ are exactly what ALWS representative Julie Krause found when she visited the Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer at Ingle Farm in suburban Adelaide.

Each month the church holds an ecumenical service – known as Shout for Joy – created for people living with intellectual disability or integration difficulty. Each service provides fun, food and joy while teaching about God, praying for the needs of others, and singing at full volume! And each year the church community helps others through ALWS Gifts of Grace!

When COVID restrictions cancelled the Shout for Joy Christmas program late last year, Shout for Joy coordinator Bev Corner invited ALWS to share about Gifts of Grace at a future service. Congregation members especially like giving animals through Gifts of Grace, so Julie had lots of animal stories to share – and toy stuffed animals to hold – including 2020’s Gifts of Grace Super-Pig!

How a pig helps people in need

Of course, people want to know how a Gifts of Grace pig can be a Super-Pig … and the answer is a long tale – or rather, what comes out from under a pig’s tail! That is, manure … which makes organic fertiliser … which makes vegetable plants produce more, better-quality vegies … which makes children healthier … and makes more money at the market, which supports children at school. Manure can also be converted into methane gas to power home stoves and lights!

To match these Super-Pig superpowers, Julie took along a superhero outfit. This gave her the chance to explain that you don’t have to have superpowers to change someone’s life – you simply have to care and be kind. And when you do, you really are a superhero!

Lutheran links

Besides ALWS Gifts of Grace, there are other Lutheran connections with Shout for Joy. A Lutheran couple, Colin and Yvonne Zschech, were foundation members when Shout for Joy started nearly 30 years ago. Shout for Joy services have been held at Strathalbyn Lutheran Church. And some of the current congregation benefit from the support of Lutheran Disability Services.

What does Shout for Joy have in common with ALWS?

Julie Krause wanted to shout for joy after meeting this special community, and showing them what a blessing they were for others: ‘Our ALWS work in countries like Nepal, Burundi and South Sudan has a special focus on people living with a disability – people at risk of being forgotten, and shut out from the community.

‘So, it was wonderful to be at Shout for Joy and see barriers being pulled down so people could worship in a way meaningful to them. This is a gift of grace in more ways than one!’

Jonathan Krause is ALWS Community Action Manager.

For more information: shoutforjoy.inglefarm@gmail.com

Gifts of Grace bring love to life year-round: www.alws.org.au/gifts-of-grace or 1300 763 407

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Page 2 – April 2021

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ALWS Stepping out – so children can step in to school

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ALWS – Thank You

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