WA Lutheran News. June 2013 A P ???

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1 WA Lutheran News June 2013 A P A PASTORS CONFERENCE??? C??? By Pastor Kim Kuchel A question was put to me before I headed over to South Australia. So what do you do at a Pastors Conference? Putting it in a nutshell; we do lots of worshipping, praying, listening, eating, fellowshipping and we make an odd decision or two. The longer version is that after registration we gathered for a Communion Service. This was followed by some procedural matters and then the first Bible Study delivered by Adam Hensley who led us through the Psalms and how the Kingdom of God and Christ is presented in them. A period of discussion followed. After lunch the President of the Church led us through his report highlighting important issues that the Church has addressed and is addressing into the future. This was followed by the report from the CTICR focusing on Prophecy and the prophetic voice of the Church and to the Church. Before breaking for afternoon tea we began the process of electing a new president/bishop. In the late afternoon session Dr. Dean Zweck led us through a celebration of 175 years of Lutheran Theology in Australia, including some insightful comments from Dr s Renner and Pfitzner who shared their insights into the growing of the Lutheran Church in Australia. This was followed by a report from Lutheran Education Australia on the continuing work of Lutheran Education its struggles and its celebrations. The afternoon session was concluded with worship followed by a fine German tradition of Wine and Cheese. On Thursday we again began our session with worship. Dr s Haar and Hultgren from ALC shared further thoughts on the theme of Gifted to Love especially in the local area, particularly focusing on the New Testament. From here the discussion moved towards the Ordination question. The small group organised by the GCC gave a report on the deliberations. This was followed by some heated discussion on where to from here. Finally before morning tea we began the discussion on the change of the title of our president to bishop. Generally this was viewed as a positive thing. After another excellent morning tea we met to hear another report from the CTICR, this one was on Human Sexuality. It was warmly welcomed especially with the renewed focus on pastoral care. After lunch came the presentation of Pastor Bruce Zagel on The Ministry of Reconciliation. The changes needed in the LCA are not going to happen because we have attended a course a cultural change takes decades. It begins with each of us choosing a different path; a reconciling path. The CTICR continued to lead us through another topic this time on The Ministry of Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance. This was followed by small group discussion in various places focusing on the pastoral aspects of deliverance and warfare. The most contentious discussion came when the Ordination of Women was placed on the floor. The president had already ruled that the issue would not be voted on at Convention. There were a number of proposals from congregations on this issue. There was a lot of discussion and a number of motions were placed before the gathering. Some were not accepted but one was and that had to do with whether time would be given to the discussion on the floor of Convention. This was passed and so a directive was given from Pastors Conference to Convention that time should be given for the floor to have an opportunity to speak about the issue. For the rest of the time we received a number of reports from various committees of the Church including Australian Lutheran World Service, Commission on Worship, Lutheran Media Ministry, Infant Communion, the Theses of Agreement and we put forward a couple of names for the position of President/Bishop. Finally we closed on Friday morning with a Communion Service, lunch followed by some activities. A game of golf for me, for others a trip on the water and for others a trip to the Barossa to do some wine sampling. So that s what Pastors do when they meet before a Convention. It is a time of catching up, of listening and mutual encouragement and of giving advice to Convention on the best way to move forward. See photos on pages 3, 6 & 7

2 FAITH FOR THE FUTURE From the FFF Committee Good news! We are now in the final stages of obtaining approvals and bank finance to begin construction. It has been tremendous to receive support from around the State to enable this project to proceed. Our thanks go to all of you who have provided support in prayer and in kind. Building tenders have been assessed and the preferred builder has been identified. For the latest news and drawings of the project visit At a special meeting of St John s congregation in May the following motion was approved: Subject to suitable finance being arranged in accordance with 4 below, St John s Church Council, through The Faith for the Future Committee, proceed with the following:- 1. acceptance of the building tender for the sum of $5,760,500 plus GST for construction of Stage 1 full ground floor of St John s Court; 2. a lease with Central Institute of Technology and other suitable tenant; 3. acceptance of an offer for the sale of the manse at 127 Richmond St Leederville for a sum of $1,540,000; 4. obtaining a loan acceptable to St John s Church Council from a bank or some other third parties for an amount required to complete the project funding, up to a maximum of $1.875M; 5. enter into an acceptable car-park management agreement with a suitable operator; 6. executing a Loan Agreement with Lutheran Homes WA; and 7. executing a Deed of Agreement with WA District Church Council. DON T FORGET donations can be Tax Deductible! For more details please contact the St John s office for a donation form or visit the website: There is a link direct to credit card donations on the website. For electronic transfers the bank details are: BSB: Account Number: (or 35800S2 if using LLLatHome website) Please insert your name in the reference and provide a copy to St John s office if you require a tax receipt. We ask for your continued support in prayer during these vital pre-construction and construction phases. LUTHERAN MEDIA UPDATE Lutheran Media now on YouTube! Various videos are now viewable at: And Facebook! lutheranmediaministry Also lutheranconnect What is Face To Face? Face to Face is produced by Lutheran Media Ministry for The Lutheran Church of Australia. To find out more or download the broadcast as a podcast or mp3 or get a copy of the PDF script go to: There are also an number of videos to watch and books to support the programs The Face to Face mobile website is now accessible through your smart phone, iphone, and ipad.

3 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA CHANGES THE DESIGNATION OF ITS PRESIDENTS TO BISHOP Notice for Congregations and Agencies of the LCA At the recent national Convention LCA delegates voted strongly to change the designation of our presidents to 'Bishop'. The change is to take effect immediately. There are no changes to the responsibilities of our presidents/bishops, the way they are elected or their term of service. The decision to change the name was made to better convey the actual nature of the role, especially to sister churches and to the wider community locally and abroad. The designation 'Bishop' has its origins in the New Testament and the early church. It continues to be used by many churches around the world, including Lutheran churches. The designation of 'Bishop' was not questioned during the 16 th Century Reformation when the role of bishop, properly carried out, was affirmed. Using the designation 'Bishop' picks up two key aspects of a president's responsibility: overseeing the Church including its teaching and practice and its peace and good order; and a specific geographic area comprising all the congregations, pastors and agencies within it. Using the name 'Bishop' does not change the LCA's teaching that there is a single office of the public ministry responsible for the preaching and teaching of God's word and for proper administration of the sacraments, exercised corporately in public worship and personally in pastoral care. It does however recognise that there's a difference in the scope of these responsibilities according to different calls/positions. The position of president of the LCA will now be named 'Bishop of the Church', District president positions will be named 'Bishop of (District name), and vice-president positions will be called 'Assistant Bishops'. The College of Presidents will now be called the College of Bishops. LCA bishops may be addressed as 'Bishop' or 'Pastor' according to the situation. Written designations are 'Reverend (name), Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia' or 'Reverend (name), Bishop, (District name), Lutheran Church of Australia'. In all this, the focus remains on our Lord Jesus Christ who himself is the pastor and bishop of the church, and whose ministry all pastors serve. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd (pastor) and Overseer (bishop) of your souls Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must but because you are willing, as God wants you to be (1 Peter 2:25; 5:2). B LCA College of Bishops, May 2013 Pastors who have served in WA that attended National Pastors Conference 2013 Page 3 June 2013

4 LWWA F IN JOYFUL SERVICE LWWA FELLOWSHIP DAY 4TH MAY Angela Ziersch LWWA Reporter AY,, 2013 As the suns rays rose above the mountain ranges and the early morning mist cleared they shone down on the beautiful Swan Valley where LWWA ladies were gathering for their annual Fellowship Day. The theme In Joyful Service was reflected in smiling faces and the bright colours worn by our group. It was especially highlighted in the display of Joyful roses that our sister Maureen Walkemeyer brought to enhance our day of gladness. Our opening songs brought joy to our throats as we sang with love in our hearts, Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee and Praise my soul the King of Heaven. Next on our agenda was Pastor Milo s Bible Study based on Romans 12:6,7.Having gifts..let us use them if service, in our serving.. We serve the Lord with joy, not because we are forced to but because it is our joy to serve. All the gifts of God s Spirit are joyous and bring excitement to our hearts. The Holy Bible is filled with passages that reflect the joy we have, Ps 16:11 You will fill me with joy in your presence How are we filled with joy? By prayer, God s Word, worship, praise, fellowship, conversations with God, silence in His presence and by times of serving. Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy.in believing Trusting our God will give you His joy. Not having this trust in our Heavenly Father means that joy can leak out, just like a petrol tank with a hole in it cannot hold the fuel. With belief and trust in God comes the fullness of joy, by trusting our Lord our joy overflows in all events of our life. Ps 23 even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death My cup overflows v 5. Why are we filled with Joy? Faith and joy are connected. Joy comes from salvation, Glorious Joy comes from God s presence in your life. From faith comes joy and glory, so if God s presence is in your life then rejoice. Remember, Phillipians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always and 1 John 1:4 that our joy may be complete. Do we have complete Joy? What do our lives lack which may decrease our joy? We need one another to encourage each other s joy. You may need to get someone to pray with and for you. Jesus wants to give us His joy. My joy and His joy together and we are complete. In Jesus time on earth when people ate and drank together it brought them joy. This reminds us of the Lord s supper where we eat and drink together as God s family a precursor to the Heavenly Feast that awaits us. In Heaven we will have eternal fellowship, in the joy of the Lord. Be filled with hope and gladness when you read, Matt 25:23 well done good and faithful servant,..enter into the joy of your Lord... Finally we were asked the difference between happiness & joy. We are happy because of some event in our lives but we have joy in spite of certain events in life. Nothing can take the joy from our heart; it is a gift from our Lord in Heaven. A lot of laughter was heard when Angela, Rosemary and our youngest participant Taylor performed a skit which gave a visual display of joy and unhappiness. Unfortunately there was nothing the happy shopper could do to make the shop assistant joyful (but it was funny when she tried). After our stomachs were made content and happy we had a guest speaker, Graeme Lienert, He spoke about his life and how important his Christian faith is. From his position as Assistant Police Commissioner and then retirement, life seemed to be planned out carefully. However when his dear wife passed away after a long illness then the plans that were made changed considerably. Talking about his travels now without his soul mate he emphasized how no one can walk in another s shoes and that our faith, hope and love are those things that bring joy to our lives. Our excitement and elation rose to another level when we heard our visiting African Choir whose songs lifted the roof, made our hearts glad and some could not resist dancing to the most beautiful God inspired music and singing. Their colourful dress and voices so melodious and enthusiastic really brought our theme of joy alive. As we entered the small chapel to conclude the day with a Communion Service, our hearts were smiling as we enjoyed the Heavenly Feast given by our Saviour, so we can go forth with joy. With great love comes great joy!! Page 4 June 2013

5 what we ve been looking forward to for the past eight months, Footloose, premiered! And what a show it turned out to be. Well worth the wait! - Principal Sue Sullivan On Friday and Saturday, May 10 th and 11 th Living Waters Lutheran College Drama Department, under the direction of Ms Jonnelle Dwyer, performed Footloose-The Musical! to sold out crowds for both evening shows (425 seats at each). This was our first musical in the new Vlahov Gymnasium and Performing Arts Centre and we are very blessed to have such a great facility that allows our students and staff to showcase their gifts and talents. The production included students from Years 8 to 12 and the cast and crew spent many hours rehearsing over the past 8 months, even over the Christmas and school holiday breaks. This was an extra-curricular activity which meant all students and staff worked outside normal hours to make it happen. We thank Jonnelle Dwyer-Director, Andrew Hislop -Musical Director (all the music was live!) and Marilyn Proctor-Creative Director, for their dedication and hard work. A special mention to our church young people who were in the performance: Matthew Schubert (Ren McCormack, lead male role), Megan Swart (Ariel Moore, lead female role), Jemma Swift (Lulu Warnicker), Davin Salmela (Chuck Cranston), Jason Druskat (Lyle, Chuck s buddy), Laura Druskat (dancer), Lily Millard (dancer), Elizabeth Peebles (dancer), Kelly Swart (dancer) and Laura Swift (dancer). A special thank you to the Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church Worship team leader Wolfgang Druskat who gave many hours ensuring professional lighting and sound! Matthew Schubert & Megan Swart Jason Druskat, Davin Salmela & Megan Swart Storyline Summary Footloose is the classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression. When teenager Ren McCormack and his mother move from big-city Chicago to a small Midwestern town, he s in for a real case of culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can t quite believe he s living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. However, there is one small pleasure: Ariel Moore, a troubled but lovely brune e with a jealous boyfriend (Chuck). And a minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free. Ren and his classmates want to do away with this ordinance, especially since the senior prom is around the corner, but only Ren has the courage to ini ate a ba le to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople will Ren be able to stand up to the force of Reverend Shaw Moore? Front left: Elizabeth Peebles, front right: Kelly Swart Page 5 June 2013

6 WANTED - YOUNG OUNG PERSONS WORKER W Has God given you a passion and a vision to see children s and young people s lives changed, to be part of their spiritual growth? We know God has prepared the heart of someone to work with us as part of the congregation at Concordia Lutheran Church Our mission is to be Christ s living presence in northern suburbs of Perth around Duncraig, Western Australia Our vision is that Concordia will be God s Spirit filled, Word based, training and restoration Centre where we are focused on worship, teaching and prayer We have a group of children and young people who need support as they grow to fulfil God s purpose. THE JOB DETAILS. V Starting in mid-2013 working 10 to 14 hours per week. Preferably you have experience working with young people, but you may be responding for the first time to God s call for you to work in this area. V The key elements of your work will be to coordinate and oversee Concordia s Junior Church on Sunday morning organise a Youth Program outreach into the community develop relationships with our young people and their families etc V You will also seek to develop and reach those in primary to high school, so they can experience a sense of belonging, be built up in Christ, discover and use their gifts, and lead others to know Jesus and worship Him. V A great support team and volunteers exist to help and encourage you V The exact role and hours per week will be negotiated depending on the skills and time you have to offer.?. NEED SOME MORE INFORMATION?. If you feel called to be part of this exciting ministry and would like to find out more about the position please call Kathy Clarke on , or Louise Hampel on A job description can be requested via at duncraig.wa@lca.org.au Send in your application by Friday 5th July 2013, addressed to The Secretary, Concordia Lutheran Church Duncraig 174 Glengarry Dr Duncraig WA 6023 or ed to duncraig.wa@lca.org.au. Please supply - application letter names and contact details of 2 referees resume WA D WA DISTRICT WEBSITE The WA District now has its own website which also has a page especially for the District News as well as links to other helpful things P Article Deadline Pastor Greg Pfeiffer, Bishop WA District Leading worship Pastors Conference 2013 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Publication Date 11 September 30 September 30 November 10 December Please your items to: wanews@wa.lca.org.au Current and old WA Lutheran News are available for download from the new website and also from: On the website you can also sign up to get an informing you of when there is a new newsletter ready for download. Karen Crouch. Editor, WA Lutheran News Page 6 June 2013

7 LYWA Presents: YAC Get Connected Camp runs from Wednesday 10th until Sunday 14th of July, at Manjedal Scout Camp (Gilwell side), Nettleton Rd. Byford. Camp is fast approaching, but we still have spaces for a few more participants. The early-bird discounted rate of $135 ends this Friday 28 June, so get your forms in ASAP! If you would like to receive a camp form or for more information, please lywa@wa.lca.org.au LYWA (Lutheran Youth of Western Australia) L to R: Kim Kuchel, Richard Schulze, Andre Meyer, Adrian Kramer, Greg Pfeiffer, Michael Fulwood WA Pastor Delegates to National Pastors Conference Meditation: [Jesus:] "It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." --John 6:45 (NIV) Quotation: We cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by the intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer. Entreat the Lord to grant you, of His great mercy, the true understanding of His Word. There is no other interpreter of the Word of God than the Author of this Word, as He Himself has said, "They shall be all taught of God." (John 6:45) Hope for nothing from your own labours, from your own understanding: trust solely in God, and in the influence of His Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has experience.... Martin Luther ( ), in a letter (see What Luther Says: An Anthology, #233), quoted in History of the Great Reformation of the Sixteenth Century in Germany, Jean Henri Merle d'aubigne, London: Walther, 1838, p. 320 Reflection: Lord, You are the only true source of all learning. Page 7 June 2013