We are saddened to let you know that one of the original Lay Worker Formation Officers, Glenn Schultz, has decided that it is time for him to retire. 

Glenn has been involved in Lay Ministry in Tasmania, South Australia and at a National Level since the 70’s.  His contribution to Lay Ministry at the grassroots level and in policy and strategic direction has been exceptional.  The impact his involvement has had on the life of the LCA should not be underestimated, his influence has indeed been far reaching.  His dedication to his current role and the lay workers he serves goes well above and beyond the call of normal duty. 

Glenn will be aiding the transition of the Department of Lay Ministry into the Church Worker Support Department, ensuring that the ongoing support of lay workers continues to be a priority.  We will be seeking to fill the vacancy left by Glenn with a newly titled position, Church Worker Support Officer, as soon as possible to allow for an appropriate handover process. 

Glenn’s experience, skills and knowledge will be missed by the team in the Department of Lay Ministry.  Verena, Erika and Chris will miss his wonderful sense of humour and the laughter that we shared through this, his calm demeanour, his considered wisdom, his coffee expertise and the counsel and pastoral care he has offered.

It goes without saying that we wish Glenn, and his wife Wendy, only the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives.  Happy travel, happy times with family and friends and discovering, or rediscovering, new or forgotten talents.   We look forward to hearing of the adventures they will have and wish them every blessing for the future.

Endings…and beginnings
While I know I look like I am 55 years old (a young looking 55 year old, at that!), in reality (shock-horror!) I am rapidly approaching retirement age!

I have decided that it is the right time for me to end my role as Lay Worker Formation Officer with the Lay Ministry Department and move into retirement!   The date is around Friday 8 July, still a little way off.  This early announcement means that recruitment for a new support officer can begin as soon as possible.

You will be hearing more in the coming months about how support for lay workers will be delivered.    Suffice for me to say that I am confident that support for lay workers will continue, and will continue to be a high priority.

I will leave with a real sense of privilege and joy over the last 4½ years of getting to know many of you well – hearing your stories, your journeys, your joys and yes, your frustrations and at times hurts.  I have been touched by how you all have sought to serve the Lord in all you do.  I have seen how you give, often for very little if any monetary returns.  I see ministries that have benefited from your labours of love!  I know too of the sense that many often feel that you have not achieved much.  But I remind you that the fruit of labours in our Lord’s kingdom will have harvests not dreamed of in the present!

For those of you in Victoria, I will be attending the May Church Workers Conference (CEP) at Templestowe so hope to catch up with many of you there.  For those in Queensland, I will be attending your District Synod in early June!  I do hope to speak with all of you with whom I now have contact over the next two months; if I am not able to speak with each of you, then I welcome your calls!

For me, it is the end of over 36 years as a lay worker.  This has been spread over three congregations before my present role.  It has been a blessing to have consistent and ongoing roles in great congregations, not to mention the profound privilege of serving so many of you in my present role! 

I will maintain a keen interest in lay ministry and maybe even some kind of involvement in the future, but first will be taking a good break.  I wish you all God’s blessings as you continue to live as His salt and light!
Glenn Schultz