A very warm welcome to Rev Dr Russell Briese, who joins us in the position of Director for Chaplaincy and Ministry Development at Lutheran Services.

We wish Pastor Russell every blessing as he takes up this position.

Pastor Tommi Vuorinen (St Andrews Wickham Terrace), Bishop Elect Mark Vainikka and Bishop Emeritus Paul Smith installing Rev Dr Russell Briese

To celebrate National Carers’ Week, Salem Aged Care in Toowoomba pulled out all the stops to show just how loved our carers are!

Not only were notes of appreciation placed all over the grounds, there was free coffee, massages and a raffle with prizes donated from staff and suppliers.

To top it all off, staff dressed up in sparkles – just to show how much sparkle they put into our lives!

Celebrating the spiritual and physical nourishment true community brings was the key message during the blessing of Cooinda yesterday.

Residents, staff and members of the Lutheran Church gathered together in Gympie to witness the special moment, led by LCA Queensland District bishop Mark Vainikka. Cooinda Aged Care has recently transitioned ownership to Lutheran Services, and it was a joy to see everyone come together and look forward to the future!

Lutheran Services CEO, Nick Ryan said the organisation was humbled to continue the stewardship of Cooinda where people-centric care and service remained a core community value.“Cooinda is an excellent home with wonderful staff, wonderful residents and a legacy of serving the Gympie community for over 55 years,” Mr Ryan said.

As part of the ceremony, Chaplain Berry Doak was installed as the permanent chaplain to provide pastoral and spiritual guidance and to lend a listening ear to Cooinda residents. Lorna Schafferius, a resident at Cooinda Aged Care, has a history with Ms Doak that runs back to the 1960s.

“I used to teach at Gympie Central School with Berry in 1969. We go back a long time,” Ms Schafferius said.

She said it was wonderful to celebrate her appointment and the Cooinda community.

In accepting her new role, Ms Doak said she was excited to be able to help residents pursue a good life at Cooinda Aged Care.

“When I go into a resident’s room and I’m greeted with a big smile, I know I’m making a difference in their life,” she said.

“It can be challenging to settle into a new home and my hope is that a chaplain can help residents in that journey and increase their quality of life.”

Pictured is Rev Russell Briese, LCA Queensland District bishop Mark Vainikka, Lutheran Services CEO Nick Ryan and Cooinda Aged Care chaplain Berry Doak.

Janelle recently marked her first year as a volunteer Lutheran Hospital Chaplain at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Your donations to the Lenten appeal help fund training and coordination for volunteer hospital chaplains.

“Have you wondered about what God has called you to do after a lifetime career? Yes, we think it should be retirement, but then you realise you might have some gifts that could be utilised. As a teacher and school Principal for many years I knew I was pretty good at talking, okay at listening, but the dilemma: I was too used to solving things rather than allowing people to determine their own decisions. I was so thankful for the opportunity to be challenged, taught, coached and mentored by Cathy Brown (who is both the Lutheran Services Lead Chaplain of LCAQD Volunteer Hospital Chaplains and Clinical Pastoral Education course instructor) and fellow trainee Chaplains.

So the outcome of this wondering is that I have just completed my first year as a Volunteer Chaplain at the Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH) and find myself feeling so blessed through my colleagues, the hospital staff and especially the patients. The opportunity to be with people: sometimes just for a few minutes to visiting regularly for months still gives me a feeling of awe. ‘Why me God?’ To bring a smile, to support a tear or to create some laughter are all magical. But the joy of praying with someone in their darkest of hours or their most hopeful is still the richest of experiences.

COVID-19 has given Chaplains at the RBH a real responsibility, as sometimes we have been the only outside person some patients saw for weeks at a time. At times helping deliver parcels from family and friends was a surprise blessing for me. The ability to be at peace sitting with someone, listening to their journey, or laughing as they share some wonderful life experience is the keystone to building empathy and an opportunity to allow God into the space. Just being where people are at is the most important thing.

I was very grateful for the funding from Lutheran Services that allowed me to complete my Pastoral Education course and value the support of my fellow Lutheran Chaplains at our regular monthly catch ups. I would encourage others to consider becoming a volunteer and reap the rewards.”

Who doesn’t love a soft and fluffy pancake, preferably doused in syrup? On Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent) residents at Trinder Park Aged Care enjoyed feasting on stacks of pancakes.

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday pancakes were designed to use up the remainder of the butter, cream and eggs before the abstinence of Lent. Residents certainly give the celebration the thumbs up!

As the season of Lent begins, so does our annual LCAQD Lenten appeal.

This year’s appeal will support three life-affirming projects by Lutheran Services. Read more or donate here.

Retiring after 38 years with the Lutheran Church and 16 years as Lead Chaplain at Immanuel Gardens Aged Care, Adrian Muller will be heartily missed by all who have been lucky enough to benefit from his spiritual care.

Pastor Adrian was given a rite of farewell, including a prayer of blessing, by First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke and now becomes a Pastor Emeritus.

Long-time colleague Arlene Henry quipped that his dad jokes would be missed by all!

Thoughtful presents were gifted to Adrian at a ceremony in early March – catnip because he leaves behind beloved site cats Sugar and Spice and a potted protea plant so he can remember his days ministering to the lovely residents in Protea.

Between COVID lockdowns and the floods that devastated South East Queensland, it’s been a very challenging time for all of us.

Our staff have gone above and beyond to ensure our clients and residents have felt safe, supported and comfortable during the last few months.

We celebrate our staff and the commitment they’ve shown.

Every staff member will receive a special gift pack full of goodies, including some lovely baked treats made and packed by Lutheran Youth Queensland.

Thank you to all our wonderful staff! We couldn’t do it without you.

The Easter Bunny paid a special visit to Salem Aged Care on Sunday, delighting residents and staff. Lots of laughter (and chocolate) had by all!

Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of war, from the loss of loved ones to the wider losses experienced in a community affected by war.

Here, some of our aged care residents speak about their own experiences – and what today means to them. Lest we forget.