I love hearing people's stories. I feel either inspired, comforted or uplifted by seeing the finger prints of Jesus in another persons life. In this edition of the ecourager Lynn Grosser, Tim Hensel and Jennie Jones share their thoughts and Lay Ministry journeys.

...may these stories give you courage as you face the daily challenges and joys of being a child in service of the King.

I'm always keen to hear your story...

Fresh Expressions of church interest me greatly. (last months story on Messy Church is an example of a Fresh Expression of Church) If you would like to look further into this area...see the resource section in the right hand column for links....worth a read. I also have dvd's I can loan with lots of examples of FE's

We know that ministry and mission requires a collaborative style of leadership with everyone contributing to the success of the mission. When collaboration occurs between Lay Worker and congregation or Lay Worker and Pastor, hope follows as we learn to work together in mission. I recently read that collaborative leadership is moving from:

1. authority to shared leadership.
2. having the right answers to asking the right questions.
3. having power over others to empowering others.
4. anxiety to get it right to freedom to explore with others.
5. “How can I be successful?” to “How can WE be successful?”

May your minstry lead peole to feel like partners in ministy and not doers of someone else's ministry.

Why not discuss these statements as a team...how collaborative are you?

Robyn Kuchel has accepted the position of Lay Worker at Yalata in both the roles of a school support person and a Yalata support worker. Robyn was a Lay Worker in Tertiary ministry in the Vic/Tas district. Blessings Robyn as you take on your new role. The link is to Robyn's lca email address. If you would like to offer her encouragement, click on her name. Robyn begins her new role at the end of July. Her official title is Far West Coast field worker for Aboriginal Ministry SA.

When reflecting about my work within the school setting I was reminded of this personality type test found recently on Facebook. Pick a door to reveal about your personality. I was intrigued about each door and clicked on all of them to then work out which one I thought reflected who or what I am, as to which door I should choose.

Here are some of the personalities for each door.

1. Fun, creative, welcoming, nurturing
2. Clean, simple, balanced, safe
3. Quirky, jack of all trades, expressive
4. Friendly, artistic, open yet private
5. Productive, busy, exploring
6. Confident, eye for detail, self destructive
7. Caring, family orientated, accepting
8. Playful, youthful, anxious
9. Problem solver, uncomplicated, helpful
10. Stable, loving, dependable

Each day, each hour my personality may change depending on the circumstance or happenings in my life at that moment in time. So, how does this fit in with my role and where I am at with my relationship with God. Well, each day I walk through the doors at school wondering what God has in store for me. Each day is different depending on the circumstance or happenings in the lives of others at that moment in time. It may be a chat with a student at lunch time, a struggle shared from a parent, giving a pat on the back to someone who had done well, sharing a tear with someone hurting, giving a smile or a wave across the yard, a special moment shared with a colleague etc. It is a blessing working with people and all their different personalities.

Before I open the door to head into the school, I ask that God blesses me and uses me in the best possible way… and He never fails… although at times it is very challenging and I can feel overwhelmed. There are days when God seems far away or like He has shut the door on me, but that is my own human weakness in wanting answers straight away, trying to be in control - a bit like me clicking on all the doors to ‘pick’ which door I want for my personality type. I thank God for using me in ways that I never thought possible over the years and for guiding, using, stretching, challenging and giving me the right personality for the job – no matter what door I am faced with. Which door would I walk through? I’ll just keep on letting God choose for me.

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Recently a well respected member of our community passed away. It was sudden and had come at the beginning of the school year. He had been a teacher at our High School for over 30 years. I serve as a CPSW(Chaplain) at this school and also as a lay worker in our Lutheran Parish.

We often see these times as unwelcome and tough. Times where we wish we could press the pause button and just regroup for a while.

These times are also times where God speaks clearly to us, and He spoke clearly on this day.

As I looked around the crowded school hall, I saw many familiar faces and all of them knew this was a place where they belong.

As the Minister closed the service it was clear that God was with us, that it was ok to say farewell to this loved brother/mentor/friend.

Friends and family from across the generations gathered. It was a snapshot of a community that cared and loved and grew.

This is the best example I can bring to you of what it means to serve as a lay worker.

As I teach confirmation classes, or lead youth events or plan a camp or festival or a combined worship service. I do it knowing that I am serving God. I see the product of this service through the people I serve, their families and their friends.

That evening after the ceremony, I removed my shoes and fell into my bed exhausted and content. God had spoken that day to my whole community. He is with us always, we are not abandoned, instead we are comforted. When we know there are rough waters ahead, we can be certain that God is with us.

This is my role as Lay worker, to serve and in doing so, point to Jesus.

We are all one in Christ, We are all made in God’s image. We are God’s workmanship – his masterpiece. He loves us with an everlasting love and nothing can take that away from us.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Just a reminder that all Lay Workers need to be trained and current in the following areas:

• Police Checks
• Child Safe or Blue Card
• Safe Place

If you need to address this or are unsure about how current your training is, please notify your district administrator.

The Critical Pastoral Care role popped up just three months after I retired! My intention was to have more time to give to other people on a voluntary basis and, with a friend, was already involved with supporting a large Sudanese refugee family. It was a God moment that I just happened to be in the presence of our pastor when he received a call out of the blue to see if there was anyone who could babysit children for an hour or so. The second time we were asked I was able to connect with the single mother and begin to help with some of her many needs. Our close relationship, and helping them through many challenges, continues. It‘s a great joy to see the oldest child baptised and the rest about to follow. I love to connect with them and help bring them to church.

My official role though is 8 hours a week and involves coordinating the pastoral care visits and calls made by the two pastors and myself. We need to prioritise with so many needs in the congregation and ensure that those with chronic ongoing needs are not forgotten. A very dedicated Pastoral Care Team assists greatly by having members who can visit or call on a regular basis, allowing them to establish close, ongoing relationships. My hours hardly allow for much visiting, so I make more phone calls. Because of my background as a nurse and midwife, I try and call the new mothers at least once to see how they are faring down the track.

A lot of our care is to the elderly and they have a special place in my heart. I know most of them well and attend Seniors’ meetings and the Women’s Fellowship. I find they minister as much to me as I do to them, evident again with cards and phone calls after my recent surgery. They always appreciate a visit. Recently I decided to give out copies of ‘Rich in Years’ by Johann Christoph Arnold to our most senior members to thank them for their contribution to our congregation and to encourage them in their later years. The books and beautifully worded cards from our card ministry were extremely well received.

One other venture this year was to offer 4 sessions by a Christian psychologist on Anxiety and Depression. At least 40 people attended and found it extremely beneficial. I’ve been keeping a few copies on both these topics from Beyond Blue in the church foyer, and nearly every week need to replenish them. There is a huge need in this area and I hope to have other topics available for the congregation at a later stage.

Since I really love the people and my work it’s going to be hard to retire!

Not  sure  if  you  are  a Lay Worker? This list may help!

We have made a few changes to the categories list thanks to feedback...if you have suggestions, let us know. We have also had feedback that the categories help to give a clearer picture of what Lay Ministry is about and the opportunities it holds.

1. Cultural Specific Ministry
   Aboriginal, Sudanese, Chinese, Translators, Indonesian, Asian Ministry Planter
2. Mission & Outreach
   Community Evangelist, Church Planters, Community Worker, Mission International Workers, Café, Community Action Manager, Flood response
3. Chaplaincy
   Aged Care, Hospital, Prison, Community, Tertiary
4. School Ministry
   Ministry Worker, Counsellor, Chaplain
5. Camping
   Managers, Interns, Ministry staff, Programs
6. Administration
   Directors/Managers, PA’s, Child Safe/HR, Professional Standards, Office Coordinator, Administration Officer, ALC/Grassroots, Communications, Community Development Officers, Ministry Development Coordinators, Program Officers
7. Child & Family
   Grow ministry staff, Faith 5, Godly Play, Children’s ministry, Family ministry
8. Youth & Young Adult
9. Community Care
10. Pastoral Care
    Deacon, Small Groups, LWFO’s, Discipleship Ministry, Community Carer, Congregational Life, Adult Ed, Spiritual Development
11. Parish Nurse
12. Worship & Music

Did you know that if you are studying or training as part of your role as a Lay Worker, we may be able to cover some of your costs through a training grant? Contact us or your LWFO for details.

Keep the date free!  

We know Lay Ministry can be extremely rewarding and we also know it can be demanding and lonely at times.

Do you need help in your ministry with any of the following areas....?

• working as a team
• developing an effective ministry plan
• gaining a support team, pray team, mentor
• understanding study options
• clarifying working conditions
• connecting with others in similar ministries
• someone to be a listening ear

as well as finishing a position well and review options......

We can and do help....contact the Lay Ministry Office