Like many others I watched in amazement as the recent US elections results were being announced.  While we looked at the storm on social media it was fascinating to see the reactions of others and how people were processing the news.  I was particularly amused to find out that in March 2000, an episode of The Simpsons aired in which Donald Trump was the President!!  They even got the map about right too. Then I remembered Nevil Shute’s book On the Beach and the Australian adaptation from 2000 that was set in 2016.
The election certainly generated lots of discussion over dinner that night with my husband and teenage children.  What started out as a discussion about the US political system and the relative merits of compulsory voting in Australia became a discussion about some really important stuff.  There was some sadness and apprehension about what the fall out of the US Presidential elections might be.  We talked about the treatment of minority groups and international relations.  We went from the US elections to how we as individuals can be better neighbours, more compassionate, and more considerate of others. 
We also talked about God and His plan!  All of us probably wish we knew the plan, or at least the bits that relate to us, from time to time.  (Although sometimes I’m really glad that I am spared this knowledge!)  As we sat around the table that night it was comforting to know that there was a plan.  I can’t change the outcome of the US election but I can control how I respond to those around me.  I can strive to be more compassionate, considerate, and tolerant of those with view different to my own.  We prayed that night, together, which we don’t do so much at the dinner table as a family anymore.  Who would have thought that we would be so richly blessed that night?  Too right God has a plan!!
As we approach Advent we can remember God’s plan for us all in the birth of His Son.  Immanuel – God with us.  I pray that in we find time to remember that God is with us as we begin to get caught up in the busy-ness of preparing for Christmas. 
May the peace of God be with you today and always,
Chris

Being in ministry can be hard work.  Feeling like you are “on call” for everyone all the time can be draining.  God gave us a model for ensuring we take a break from our everyday jobs – the Sabbath.  When we say yes to everything we run the risk of not allowing adequate time to rest and recuperate from our busy lives.  Yet, it can be hard to say “No.” 

Saying no to some things requires discernment and discipline.  Saying no to somethings means may mean we end up with more time for the really important things.

One of our Lay Workers let us know recently how she was learning to not say yes to everything, here is her story….

The 'N' Word

Saying  ‘no’ can be one of the hardest words to say.  It can be because of duty, guilt and that other ‘lovely’ word should.  The last consideration we have is self-care, which should really be the top of the list.  When a close friend and I were talking recently we both agreed how hard it was to say ‘no’.  And by not saying it how exhausted we were.  We agreed to text each other a picture of this no button every time we successfully said no to a new task or our own expectations of ourselves.  Each time it was received a message of support and encouragement was sent in return.  Learning to saying no more is such a liberating experience.  I recommend it highly.

Leah Cronin

New Lay Workers
Joanne Ellsum – Chaplain, Toowoomba Salem and Northridge Salem Residential Aged Care, Qld
Tim Edwards – Office Administrator Trainee Albury St Lukes Congregation, NSW

Finished in Role
Charles Choy – Chinese Lay Worker Perth Grace Chinese Congregation, WA
Ruth Borchert – Deacon, Footscray St Matthews Congregation, Vic

Accreditations
Erin Kerber - Program Officer, LCA International Mission

A snapshot of what the wall in our office looks like!  It is a real talking point when we have visitors into the office...whenever you are down our way why don't you just come by for a visit to see too?

It is nice to be able to put a face to a name!  If you haven't already sent a photo to us please send us one...

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.” Martin Luther

4th to 7th September 2017

Maroochy Waterfront Camp & Conference Centre, David Low Way, Diddilibah Qld

Right on the Maroochy River!!

Cost will be $460 all inclusive (not including travel)

Mark these dates in your dairies....watch this space for further updates!

Please note: In the email that was sent on the 16 November together with the salaries the dates mentioned were incorrect, the conference will not be in October.

The Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman website has lots of useful information, including some free, online training programs related to employment.  We thought the two programs about difficult conversations in the workplace might be of particular interest.  There is one for Managers and one for Employees.  Both programs have a guide that can be downloaded which has some really practical and useful suggestions including things like
• how to prepare for a difficult conversation,
• consider whether you need support, and
• the steps you could follow to help you have a successful conversation.
Of course you will need to consider how best to adapt any suggestions to suit you and your workplace.  For example, one additional step might be to pray together, or before the meeting.

You will need to register to login in to the online learning centre which you can here: http://fairwork.cls.janison.com/auth/login/?returnUrl=%2F

We all have a ministry story of hope to share and more often than not they come from the ashes of hard lessons learned. Like to share your Lay Ministry story? Just contact us!

 

 

With Advent just around the corner means we begin to countdown to Christmas! 

Please note that National Office will be closed from close of business 23 December and will reopen on 3 January.

 

http://cliparts.co/christmas-decoration-clip-art

We can help with:

• ministry plans
• setting up prayer/support teams
• training options
• developing a ministry team
• employment agreements
• a listening ear