And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
In the last few weeks we had both joys and sorrows within our extended Lutheran community. Throughout these times the strength in our Christian faith has shone through. Only a few days after the National Leaders Team and the Board for Lutheran Education Australia were warmly welcomed by principal Shane Jurecky and his staff, tragedy struck. The wonderful hospitality we had only just experienced transformed into the most grace filled response to community need. Shane, Pastor Adam, Darren and the team immediately mobilized and continue to support their community. It is very challenging and will continue to be for some time. Thank you to the Lutheran and non-Lutheran communities that generously came to their aid. I personally thank the St Andrews LC and Pacific LC communities who sent counsellors to Cairns on short notice. I also thank the LEQ staff who continue to provide quiet support as needed. Please keep Peace, Cairns in your prayers.
Last Friday I had the privilege of attending the farewell chapel for Catherine Eyers. It was a wonderful celebration of her work as music teacher, deputy and then principal of Bethania over a 20 year period. We hope to more formally farewell Catherine at the LEQ Dinner later this year.
In the last month I have also been asked to speak at the OWLS event hosted very ably by Andrew at Living Faith LPS. The topic was the “Future of LEQ and its services post Covid”, not a small topic given the transformation we are currently undergoing. I also attended as guest speaker on the same topic at the combined Westside Men’s Shed night at St Peters LC. I thank Dr Roger Hunter and Richard Hauser for the invitations. Alongside these events I also was able to support Pacific Lutheran College as they officially opened their new Years 3-5 Learning space and in the last week the official opening at Trinity LC of their Junior Learning Precinct. Whilst the design and execution of both these facilities is cutting edge, it is in fact the educational philosophy and the programs run by all their staff that are the standout. I invite you to contact the schools and visit as the vision of these two principals is to be commended.
Over the weekend I was also blessed to attend, as a St Peters Congregation member and as Executive Director, a joint boarders congregation service. St Peters LC put on an amazing boarders’ breakfast for us all as part of the informal service format. Congregation members sat with boarders and had plenty of opportunity to connect meaningfully, worship and pray together. Thank you to principal Tim Kotzur, Pastors Tim Jarick and Greg Priebbenow for this opportunity to connect school and congregation together. I look forward to the next time.
On that note I hope you and your chaplaincy team are able to join the LCAQD Grounded In Grace cross ministry conference to be held at Our Savior Chapel on Thursday 1 June. Many of you will also be attending Friday’s ISQ Forum Day and then LCAQD Synod from 2-4 June at the Brisbane Technology Park. I hope I can catch up with you individually over these days to chat and answer any queries you might have following the LCAQD briefing on the Governance Change Program and any other matter of course!
I thank you all for your service in the work of the Gospel.
Tanya
