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ALC becomes a calling body

The Australian Lutheran College (ALC) Board of Directors is now a calling body of the LCA/NZ.

The General Church Board (GCB) has approved the change, which is purely procedural, after a request by the ALC Board. Past practice has been for GCB, on the college’s behalf, to call all ALC teaching staff. This arrangement came from the time when the college council was a ‘committee’ of the church. More recently, as an incorporated entity, ALC has its own governance board, which requires a change to the calling arrangement to make it consistent with wider practice in the LCA/NZ.

Before making its decision, GCB conducted an extensive inquiry with ALC’s Board of Directors, satisfying itself that the request:

  • Aligns with the rules and practices of the LCA/NZ
  • Will assist ALC in fulfilling its charter to serve the church through the implementation of its Strategic Direction (2017–2022)
  • Will not adversely affect any ALC staff currently serving under a call.

In approving the request, GCB asked the ALC Board to reissue current GCB calls as ALC calls. The LCA/NZ will be advised of the calls using the normal church processes.

The call to the ALC principal continues unchanged as a call issued by GCB.

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Stamps make a world of difference

Going GREYT! 1 Peter 4:10

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

by Helen Beringen

Who would have thought the once-popular children’s pastime of stamp collecting was still alive?

Well, not only is stamp collecting still going strong, but it continues to make a world of difference to communities around the globe through the Lutheran Church of Australia’s (LCA) Stamps for Mission program.

Since its inception more than 80 years ago, almost $446,000 has been raised for mission causes, says Peter Nitschke, Stamps for Mission national project director.

The process of collecting, cleaning and sorting stamps has been an activity in many Lutheran youth groups across the country for decades. Funnily enough, it is often still those same people who are helping to keep the program going today.

‘It was still a youth activity as late as 2006 and we realised the youth who were involved in stamps for mission were now in their 80s and 90s’, says Peter, a retired teacher.

‘There would have to have been literally hundreds of people involved from all around the country. Even the youth at Lameroo [in South Australia] are still cleaning stamps and there would be many more congregations still collecting them.’

Stamps for Mission, a fundraising arm of LCA International Mission, was established in 1938 through the efforts of Pastor Ted Koch and Mr Ern Unger, who spent 65 years collecting stamps and building a national team of helpers.

Peter began following Ern’s footsteps after a chance meeting in Parkes in 2003 when Peter and his wife Margaret were travelling back to South Australia after living in Queensland for 15 years.

Peter had been an avid stamp collector since the age of seven when his aunt gave him stamps and an album for his birthday. As a carer to Margaret, who was ill with multiple myeloma, it was a job with the flexible hours that Peter felt he could help with.

‘It was something I could do any time day or night while caring for my wife’, he recalls.

And so began almost two decades of support for an industrious team which gathers, cleans and sorts stamps.

‘I have one chap who is 96 and still sorting stamps’, says Peter. He is talking of Clarrie Schutz and his wife Marj from Campbelltown, South Australia. ‘Clarrie sorts the stamps and Marj groups them into bundles of 103.’

Why 103 stamps in each bundle? They always put in a few extra to ensure each bundle is never short of 100 good stamps.

‘I’ve only had one complaint, and that was someone who complained they were given too many in the bundle!’ he recalls.

While millions of stamps go through Peter’s hands each year, occasionally he finds a high-value gem, such as a post-marked envelope worth $2500.

‘Anything philatelic is saleable’, says Peter. ‘Whether it is mint stamps, used stamps, or stamps from overseas.’

Peter reminds us all not to forget about Stamps for Mission when you are having your next spring clean!

‘I am now starting to get collections from families clearing out their cupboards or from deceased estates’, he says.

The stamps are boxed up and sold to local collectors and larger philatelic businesses. An A4 paper box of stamps can be worth between $300 and $1100, depending on the stamps.

With all this work, you’d think Peter would be dreaming of stamps. He doesn’t – but knows clearly what good they can do.

Peter has seen firsthand the world of difference the funds raised from Stamps for Mission have made through a 10-day trip to Papua New Guinea in 2018. The trip included a visit to the Lutheran Highlands Seminary at Ogelbeng, near Mount Hagen, where seminary students grow food to support themselves while studying.

‘When you see the limited resources these people have and yet you see their love for Christ and wanting to serve him, it is mind-blowing’, Peter says.

‘We saw where they live, and their commitment, and boy it made me determined to continue our work … it’s made a lasting impression on me. If we can support them in small ways, they can do great things with it.’

The seminary is one of six $2000 projects Stamps for Missions provides to each year.

‘When I think what an Australian dollar does in places like these, we get eight to 10 times the value’, he says. ‘To me, these people have very little but they still have a real heart for the Lord, and that’s what motivates me. It’s about God’s love for us and what he has done for us.’

That is reflected in one of Peter’s favourite Bible verses, John 1:14: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.’

Thankfully, Peter says there are no signs of stamp collecting dying out, with annual fundraising levels remaining consistent. And finding helpers became even easier during a year of COVID lockdowns!

‘When COVID first hit, I had three people come and ask for stamps as they didn’t know what they were going to do during lockdown’, he says. ‘I think we’ll be going for a long time yet, and while the post office keeps issuing more stamps year by year, we’ll carry on.’

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

Know of any other GREYT stories in your local community? Email the editor lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

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LCA farewells pastoral nursing pioneer

Mrs Lynette Wiebusch, the founding president of the Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia (LNAA), has died, aged 79.

The president of LNAA for 10 years after it was founded in 1991, Lynette was responsible for introducing the concept of what is now known as pastoral care nursing to the LCA. She was the Church’s first pastoral care nurse from 1996, serving at both Mount Barker and Dernancourt in South Australia.

She was a founding board member of the ecumenical Australian Faith Community Nurses Association and chaired the board for several years. She was also a founding board member for the global network, Lutheran Parish Nurses International. In 2001 she received the National Health and Medical Research Council’s International Year of Volunteers SA Award for health education and promotion.

Lynette was one of the first three graduates of Luther Seminary’s Graduate Diploma in Theology (Faith Community Nursing) and co-wrote LNAA’s Introduction to Pastoral Care Nursing course. The course was adopted by the Parish Nursing Council of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the United States as its Distance Education program.

The editor of the LNAA newsletter IN TOUCH from 1992 to 2018, Lynette was named an honorary LNAA Life Member in the LNAA’s awards on International Nurses Day in May this year. The wife of Pastor Robert (Bob) Wiebusch, Lynette died suddenly on 30 November 2020 of a stroke. Her funeral was held on 11 December 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hope Valley, South Australia.

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Church@Home February 2021

CHURCH@HOME www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Nurturing faith through home worship

An active home-worship life helps nurture faith – including across generations. We pray that you will receive blessings from the devotional materials contained here and in the Church@Home resources collection collated and shared on the special webpage at www.lca.org.au/churchhome. There are also other faith-building and practical resources available through this webpage. If you have internet access and a printer, why not print some and mail or deliver them to those who may otherwise miss out?

–Lisa

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are from a fresh set of devotions written for our LCA/NZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the Church@Home resources. You can find these and more on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

Don’t look back by Verena Johnson

‘But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt’
(Genesis 19:26).

Read Genesis 19:15–29.

We know very little about Lot’s wife. We don’t know her name, but she has been called ‘Ado’ or ‘Edith’ in some Jewish traditions. We don’t know where she was from. What we do know is that despite the angel’s very specific instruction not to look back, she did.

There are a lot of varying theories out there on why she looked back. Some say it was a punishment and that when she looked back at the cities that were so evil, she betrayed her secret longing for that way of life. Other much kinder theories speculate she was looking to see if her daughters were following. Regardless of the reason, Lot’s wife became an instant pillar of salt when she looked back. It seems very harsh.

We can spend a lot of our lives looking backward for a whole range of reasons. Wondering ‘what if’, replaying actions and conversations, and regretting things we’ve done or not done, to name a few. The new one for last year was, ‘If only I’d used all that time I had at home more wisely!’

We can spend so much time looking back that we don’t live in the moment and embrace all the joy and possibilities God gives us in the present.

Thank God that he doesn’t turn us all into pillars of salt but forgives us every day. Thank him that because of his grace, we don’t have to live with what-ifs, replays and regrets. In him, each day is a new beginning with new potential (Lamentations 3:22,23).

Dear God, I thank you that you are a God of forgiveness and new beginnings. Help me not to look back. Help me to give you all my what-ifs, replays and regrets, and leave them with you. Help me to walk into each new day with you and embrace all the moments, joys and possibilities you give me. Amen.

The right time by Neville Grieger

‘I can’t keep my mouth shut’ (Isaiah 62:1).

Read Isaiah 62:1–5.

Speaking of finding the moments and the right words, I am reminded of the well-known Aussie expression ‘to put a sock in it’. Most of us can probably recall occasions when we wished we had kept our mouth shut (or we regret having clicked Send on an email in frustration and haste). Once words are spurted out, they cannot be recalled, and the damage is done.

On the other hand, there may be times when in hindsight, we wished we had said something when a small window of opportunity arose to influence or respond to a situation. Sometimes this may involve standing up and being counted, even if we are standing alone.

Do we find it hard to keep our mouths shut in relation to the God stuff? Or have we missed an opportunity this week to initiate a spiritual conversation that may ignite a burning fire of spiritual growth for someone? For most of us, it’s probably having the courage to speak up, rather than struggling to keep our mouths shut.

Let’s remember that we may be the only copy of the Bible that some people will ever see!

Lord, grant us the gift of discernment, which gives us the wisdom to know when to stay silent and when to speak out. Give us the courage to speak out for you when the moment arises, and always show people Jesus by our actions. Amen. 

No lie comes from the truth by Annie Duarte

‘I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth’ (1 John 2:21).

Read 1 John 2:18–23.

In this last hour, it is so vital that we cling to the truth so that we might recognise a falsehood when we encounter one. We know that the truth we cling to is more than a set of ideas. We follow Jesus, who himself is the truth. No lie comes from the truth. Nothing false, misleading, manipulative, or deceitful comes from Jesus. As the Good Shepherd, he will not lead you astray.

Consider all the promises God makes in his word. He will never leave or forsake you. He will keep you in perfect peace. He has overcome the world. He will counsel you with his loving eye on you. He will bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom to the captives, and release prisoners from darkness. He will bring justice swiftly to the oppressed. Nothing can separate you from his love. These are just a few of the promises God makes.

Praise the Lord that we can trust what he says to be true. He does not speak in vain. None of his promises are empty. He cannot lie because he is the definition of truth. Take a moment to recall your favourite promise from the Lord, and then rejoice because it is not a fairytale or a nice poem – it is the truth.

Father, I thank you that your words are not empty. Your word always accomplishes what it sets out to do. I ask that your promises would come alive to me today. Please give me a renewed passion for your word. Amen.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.

Care of the new believer by Tom Brennen

‘I have baptised you with water; but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit’ (Mark 1:8).

Read Mark 1:4–11.

I came to faith as an adult. The first Christian community I encountered was welcoming, understanding, encouraging and supportive. However, not all of them were like that. I have a clear memory of a time before I was baptised. I was part of a travelling music group that was visiting a congregation when one church member told me: ‘Wrong, wrong, you have it wrong! You can’t be a Christian and be a part of a church until you repent properly and are baptised.’ Even many years later, I feel the cut of those words.

Baptism is an integral part of being a Christian. In baptism, we receive the gift of faith. We join the community of believers that reaches back into the generations.

We join our church mothers and fathers in declaring the glory of God.

Let us never forget that ultimately baptism isn’t our doing – God is at work. As John 15:16 reminds us, we do not choose God; he chooses us.

As God’s people, may we act and speak carefully and lovingly as we mentor those new to the faith. May we be that welcoming community where people can safely explore faith as guided by the Spirit. Let us never cease praying for the gospel to bring forth great fruit.

Lord, we give thanks for your Spirit who works in all people to bring about faith. May we see the world through your eyes and support those new to the faith. Amen.

Put on Jesus by Pastor Mark Gierus

‘Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ’
(Romans 13:14a).

Read Romans 13:11–14.

When you wake up in the morning and put your clothes on for the day, how often do you stop to put Jesus on? Do you take the time each morning to clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps like so many people, there is just so little time to clothe yourself in your Lord Jesus, or perhaps you don’t even think of him when you are waking up in the morning.

What a wonderful gift Jesus is to the whole church (not the buildings, but the people of God), and what a wonderful gift Jesus is to you. God sent his only Son to suffer and die for your sins and offer you forgiveness, eternal life and salvation, simply to be received in faith.

When it comes to clothing yourself with Jesus, you don’t have to put on Jesus or God will not love you anymore. You don’t have to put on Jesus or you will be punished. You get to put on Jesus, clothing yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ for your benefit. You can do this not only in the morning but in the middle of the day, in the evening, and even during those 4.00am wake-up times when you just can’t sleep because of worry or fear.

But how do you clothe yourself with Jesus? Praying, reading his word and spending time with others in fellowship united by the Holy Spirit in love. As you are clothed in Christ Jesus, you are protected from all evil, and you are safe in his love.

Do you know the best sermon you will ever preach is your life? Clothing yourself with Jesus means he is living in you. Jesus is for you, behind you, beside you and above you. Jesus is always with you, and when someone meets you, they will see Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus, cover me this day with your love, grace and mercy. Guard my heart and my mind so that in all my thoughts and actions, I may serve you. Grow your word deep in my soul so that I bear fruit, living as one who lives in the light of day. Amen.

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Prayer calendar March dates – February 2021

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Prayer calendar February dates – February 2021

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Reaching out – together

by Richard Fox

Bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to people is not a solo exercise. As a church, we have opportunities to partner together to make a big difference in many lives.

Your support enables the mission of Lutheran Media. This work shares Jesus’ message of hope through many resources – from radio spots, videos, booklets and online children’s ministry, to live-streamed church services, worship life CDs and DVDs, study guides, Scripture calendars and cards. Together we reach many more people than we could do on our own. Partnering with you through your prayers, encouragement and donations helps bring the gospel to millions of people. Some whose lives have been changed are now supporting Lutheran Media so that more people can hear this life-giving news. God calls us to give generously to the mission of his kingdom.

Support Lutheran Media and access life-changing resources at www.lutheranmedia.org.au or by calling 1800 353 350.

Pastor Richard Fox is Director of Lutheran Media.

 

Ministries ‘encourage, challenge and bless’

‘We listened to Pastor Richard’s message broadcast by our local radio station and thank him for his encouraging and challenging words.’ – Ken and Danuta

‘Keep up the wonderful work in the digital space, providing confessional/biblical truths to a post-modern Australian society!’ – Nathan

‘We thank you for the [worship] service provided and pray that you can continue to reach many people for Christ.’ – Rodney

‘Thank you for the blessings you bring to so many every day … Would you kindly forward the Chronic Pain booklet to my daughter as I hope it will help her.’ – Kaye

‘Thank you for the CDs. I am not computer-literate. I pray this pandemic will turn the people to Jesus. Keep up the good work you are doing.’ – Joy

‘I really appreciated your newsletter, you are doing amazing work.’  – Peter

 

New video deals with grief and hope

When Annette’s daughter died tragically, she felt trapped and lost in her grief. ‘The first year after Elise died was bad enough, but the second year was worse. I was bitter and I was twisted. I knew that I needed to do something’, she says. Watch Annette’s story and her struggle to find hope and freedom in the new video ‘Healing the Jagged Edges’ at www.youtube.com/messagesofhope

For more about dealing with grief, go to www.messagesofhope.org.au/grief

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Prayer the focus for Lent

by Anne Hansen

Our Christmas season is now over – the Christ-child promised to us has been sent by God to save us. Now we move forward 33 years to this promise coming to fruition as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ journeys to the cross.

Lent begins on 17 February with Ash Wednesday. This begins the 40 days – excluding Sundays – of walking to the cross with Jesus. Lutheran Tract Mission has produced another Lenten devotional for this year focusing on prayer. Prayer was very important to Jesus. It was a time he could talk to his Father to receive strength for his ministry and for all that lay ahead of him. Jesus used prayer not only to seek his Father’s help for himself but also for his disciples, others touched by his ministry and even us!

The new Lenten devotional ‘Hear our prayer’ by Lutheran Tract Mission is downloadable at www.ltm.org.au to be read as a flipbook on your electronic device or can be printed in booklet form. We encourage congregations to print them off for their members and as an outreach, adding church service times to the back!

May your lives be blessed through this Lenten season – Lord, hear our prayer.

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer.

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Conferences to capture God’s mission vision

by Craig Heidenreich

If your heart longs to see Jesus honoured in our society, then the ‘New Horizons: bridging cultures with the gospel’ conference is for you.

Hosted by the New & Renewing Churches and Cross-Cultural Ministry departments of LCA/NZ Local Mission, the conference will be held as a series of state-based events over the next 18 months.

The first two are locked in, so if you are in South Australia or Queensland, save the following dates:

  • Adelaide – 13 and 14 Feb
  • Brisbane – 13 and 14 March.

Our Lord’s statement that ‘the harvest is ripe’ rings in our ears and if you hear it too, please pray about joining us to capture his vision for 2021. Our heart is to find practical ways we can reach out and express his love and his message of hope.

For more information, go to www.lca.org.au/new-horizons

Craig Heidenreich is LCA/NZ Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator.

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Support for fundraising efforts

by Tania Nelson

From cake stalls to quiz nights, from car boot sales to stamp cleaning, congregations across the LCA/NZ have raised millions of dollars for their communities. What a blessing fundraising can be, as awareness is raised for a cause, funds are generated for a community project and people come together to improve the lot of others.

The new New and Renewing Churches website features a fundraising toolkit, so please check it out. Perhaps your congregation will accept the challenge to raise funds so that the gospel can be shared across Australia and New Zealand through our church plants and sending churches.

Elsewhere on the website, we invite you to take a look at what else the New and Renewing Churches department of LCA/NZ Local Mission can offer your congregation. For example, you can browse our ‘store’ and see what Renew Mission Life is all about. May God bless your participation in the Spirit’s work a hundred-fold!

For more information go to www.newandrenewingchurches.org.au

Tania Nelson is the LCA/NZ’s Executive Officer – Local Mission.

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