OYH Autumn 2015 - The Lutheran Church Of Australia

Autumn 2015
Write these commandments that I have given you today on your hearts.
Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.
Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street;
talk about them from the time you get up in the morning
to when you fall into bed at night.
Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Love THE LORD
YOUR GOD WITH
ALL YOUR
heart
AND WITH ALL
YOUR
soul AND
WITH ALL YOUR
strength. THESE
COMMANDMENTS
THAT I GIVE YOU
TODAY ARE TO
be on your
hearts.
Deuteronomy 6:5-6
On Your Hearts
Official publication of the
Board for Child, Youth
and Family Ministry of
the Lutheran Church of
Australia
LCA Child Youth and
Family Ministry
197 Archer Street,
North Adelaide SA 5006
p: 08 8267 7300
e: bcyfm@lca.org.au
www.growministries.org.au
LU
TH
ER
their
home.
The
men gathered
along a
This OYH’s edition is based on Guiding Principle
#11.
Ministry
practices
and approaches
Recently,
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attendedfocus
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path thatout
ledintoChrist’s
the edge
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have a strong
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name
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conference
(you
can
find
out
more
at
As the young man walked along the path,
young people and families in the wider community.
www.here2stay.org.au). At this conference the men would step out and speak words
The
want to
on are reaching
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to ‘go
and make
theywords
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encouragement
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disciples
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ideasin are
When
he finally
the Son
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his father
Holy
also Spirit.’
reflected in Grow Ministries’ guiding was there with a gift which he presented to
principles. One of the formational pillars his son. It was a pocket knife. They prayed
I was listening to a sermon once and the pastor said; “Note that He said to GO - He didn’t
is ‘anchors’ or ‘rites of passage’, at Grow together and asked God to continue to
say BE disciples, Jesus said GO and make disciples - not sit in your church pew and BE
we call them ‘trail markers’.
uphold him and draw him closer. Wow, do
comfortable!” Whilst we all found this very funny, it is true and challenging. So often we get
you think that young man will remember
Many
cultures
are rich
significant
events
comfortable
in our
owninplace,
so busy
with our own lives and faith walk that we forget about
that
acknowledge a particular time or ‘rite when he became a teenager? Will those
the GO part.
of passage’ in a young person’s life. This words spoken over him encourage him in
hiswho
faithdon’t
journey?
We need
out tofor
those
know Jesus or have drifted
raised
lotstoofreach
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me. around
How dous,
wethose
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Him. God’sthrough
purposelife
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us is for
to love
Him made
and then
others,
simple
mark from
this movement
in us This
story
melove
tear
up, quite
not only
our Westernreally!
culture?
As households
commands
Our whole
lives need and
to be built
around
loving
our God,
to such
be
because
I am
a mum,
but Iseeking
think it is
communities
of faith
do weguided
help by
young
amazingly
close to Him and
then being
Him to an
love
others. rich thing to do. Our children
people navigate through life? How can we and young people are telling us that they
Ibe
would
to encourage
you all this
year,
continue in your ministry, whatever it may
morelike
strategic
and intentional
with
ouras you
want to experience faith, to know that
be,
to continue
to putcreate
God first.
Praytothat
He will show you areas in your community where
young
people and
space
help
God is real. What better way than for us to
you
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need
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to start
Get alongside
anchor them in their faith formation? In our to be
walk
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showwith.
them!
those
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community
and show
share the love of Christ, to His glory.
Lutheran
tradition
we already
haveand
three
significant
‘trail markers’, baptism, first Will you walk the
So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has
communion
and confirmation. Are there journey with us?
warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified. Romans 15:7 (TLB)
other times that we could meaningfully
Blessings,
mark a special moment
in the lives of our
Blessings,
children and young people?
Vicki
:)
AN
CH
UR
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OF
AU
ST
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Reaching out...
This autumn season of On Your
Hearts
investigates
guiding
principle #12 which focuses A story that was shared at the conference
was that
of the
speaker’s
thirteen
Welcome
to 2015! I can’t
been
a year
since
I year old
on the importance
of believe
faith it’s
son. As he made the transition into being
introduced
to youjourney
and became part of the Grow
formation myself
as lifelong
a teenager, a special event was held.
Ministries
Team.
It’s
been
a
busy
year and 2015 looks like it will
of discipleship. It is a journey Significant
men in his life who had
be
much of
same andlearn,
more! intentionally
We look forward
to sharing
the
mentored and
walked with
in which
wethe
continually
him during his
thirteen
(all ideas
from his
journey
withand
you this
year and
you
withyears
some
experience
practice
our providing
community and family) were present
and
insights
into child, youth andfaith
family
ministry.
Christian
faith.
at a special place in the mountains near
Welcome Pastor Vaughn!
We would love to introduce you to our
newest team member Pastor Vaughn Spring.
Pastor Vaughn will lead the
team as we develop and implement our
initiative.
Pastor Vaughn will also provide theological
guidance for the development and review
of CYFM resources for the LCA. This
includes contributing to the development
of resources for baptism, first communion,
confirmation preparation and bible studies,
focused on our guiding principles for
effective child, youth and family ministry.
ily
The Spring Fam
A word from Pastor Vaughn….
There’s great excitement and joy in our home as we settle into
Melbourne and take up the call as Pastor for Grow Ministries.
There is excitement about spending time growing with a new team,
meeting new people across the LCANZ and seeing old friends.
We’re enjoying life in Melbourne. Our daughter Amy is praying the
Lord will finally give her some snow after years in the tropics. (It has
something to do with Frozen and her being Queen Elsa ) We’re
also enjoying the close proximity to our families after many years of
living away from them.
I’m looking forward to sharing and serving with many others in
the church, connecting Lutheran theology to the everyday lives of
children, youth and families. This is not only a wonderful privilege,
but also an important ministry in a fast moving culture and changing
world.
Regardless of what is ahead, our confidence is secured in the
finished work of the cross. This is what makes my heart sing - God
has left nothing undone as we come to Him with our deepest heart
desires and prayers for His church and people of all ages, tribes,
nations and cultures.
I pray that as we participate in all the Lord has for us, many would
be renewed, filled and find rest for their souls in Jesus.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
Pastor Vaughn, Janelle and Amy Spring
Va u gh n ’ s I n s ta l l a ti o n
A Guiding Word
Devotions based on the
12 Guiding Principles
A resource to share with congregations, families & small
groups. This devotion, based on the Faith5, is one in a
series of twelve developed by Grow Ministries that help to
share our Guiding Principles.
Please feel free to print and distribute. Single copies are available
by contacting growministries@lca.org.au
Guiding Principle #12
Integrated pathways of faith
formation tend the faith journeys of
children, young people and their families
through the various ages and phases
of life.
Share
• Name some significant milestones along your
faith journey.
• What are you involved in now that tends your
faith? This might include; worship, small groups,
meeting with a mentor, personal devotional life.
• Name some significant life transitions that occur
in our lives from birth to death. How do you think
your congregation could support people during
these times?
Read
Psalm 71:16-18
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign
LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours
alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds.
Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my
God, till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Talk
What do you think some of God’s mighty acts are?
(Ps 71:1, 15, 16, 24)
Have there been different times throughout your life
when God has powerfully intervened to help you?
How often do you talk about these with people from
other generations?
Do you think your view, understanding of God and
his marvellous deeds has changed from when you
were young? Talk about how you think they have
changed.
How can we encourage generations to spend time
together sharing about their experience of faith and
life at significant life transitions? Beginning school,
high school or university? Receiving their first Bible,
learning to drive, preparing for marriage, just to get
you started!
Pray
Thank God for the mighty saving work of the cross
and Jesus’ resurrection which has given you new life
and hope. Thank Him for his marvellous deeds and
mighty acts. Thank Him for his faithfulness to us, to
past generations and the generations to come.
Pray that God will provide opportunities for us to be
free to share and encourage all generations to look
to Jesus through every challenge, celebration and
stage of life.
Ask God to fill our lives with His grace and to return
to Him again and again throughout our lifelong
journey with Him. Keep us faithful on our lifelong faith
journey.
Pray for opportunities to share what we know about
God with the next generation.
Bless
each other with these words:
(Name), God has blessed you in Jesus and
will never leave or forsake you. Amen.
INTEGRATED PATHWAYS
OF FAITH FORMATION
t
e
e
h
S
t
Fac
L C A C H I L D Y O U T H & F A M I LY M I N I S T R Y
Guiding Principles for
Effective Child, Youth &
Family Ministry
G U I D I N G
PRINCIPLE
#12
Integrated
pathways of
faith formation
tend the faith
journeys of
children, young
people and their
families through
the various
ages and
phases of life.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim
your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught
me, and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds. Even when I am old
and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next
generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:16-18
In the twenty-first century, faith
formation involves planning a journey
of lifelong discipleship—a process of
experiencing, learning, and practising
the Christian faith as we seek to follow
Jesus in today’s world.
This faith-formation journey integrates
all age groups and provides wholecommunity experiences and learning,
focused on events of church life and
seasons of the Christian faith. It also
seeks to support the needs, interests,
and spiritual growth of every age group.
It’s holistic—it’s about nurturing the way
of the head, the heart, and the hands—
informing, forming, and transforming
people in Christian faith and identity.
To provide this holistic pathway requires
intentional planning. Being intentional
about celebrating faith milestones or rites
of passage, in order to place all of life
under the care, blessing and direction
of our gracious God. Every ending,
beginning, transition, and moment in life
is an opportunity to actively claim God’s
grace and blessing for our lives, and
celebrate with all of those in our lives.
It is an opportunity to weave our stories
with God’s story, to live with confidence in
God’s care in every way, every place—all
the time.
“A faith milestone is a marker along life’s
journey that says, ‘This is something
important and God is here, too.’ It is a
faith formation practice for both home and
congregation that helps all generations
recognise God’s presence in everyday
life.” Dr David Anderson
As leaders in congregations, it is up to us
to help others understand and recognise
how
God is present in everyday life. How we
go about doing that and the tools we
use is part of the challenge we face. But
let’s not overlook the impact these events
can have on building a connected faith
community.
One way Grow Ministries can assist is
through our Faith Trail ministry resource.
The encouragement provided in Psalm
71:16-18 gives us a framework and the
basis for this ministry. It reminds us to tell
the story of God’s marvellous deeds to the
next generation.
Faith Trail integrates four basic elements
into a vital partnership between the
congregation and the home. That home
could be a house in the suburbs, a
farmhouse, a share house, a small group,
or a room in an aged care facility. These
elements can be incorporated into any
life or faith milestone: a birth, a baptism,
a new puppy, a graduation, a wedding,
receiving a driver’s licence, a retirement, a
funeral, or any occasion related to a stage,
age or moment in life.
1
NAMING
Naming the sacred and ordinary events in
the life of a congregation and in our daily
life creates rituals and traditions that shape
us and give us a sense of belonging to the
family of Jesus Christ.
2
EQUIPPING
Equipping provides instruction related to
the Faith Trail event, builds community,
gathers generations, invites conversation
and encourages story telling. Participants
learn from each other as they engage in
intergenerational learning and are provided
with take home resources to encourage
continued learning.
3
BLESSING
Blessing the individual, marking the
occasion in worship and providing tools
for blessing in the home say ‘this is all
about faith’. God is present in all of daily
life, making the ordinary sacred and the
sacred ordinary.
4
We are in the process of identifying and
developing these resources to include the
life transitions of high school students,
young adults and older adults.
“Our milestones ministry started with
conversations about what ‘rites of
passage’ might look like in our context.
Our essential question when developing
faith milestones was: What does faith
development look like in our community
from birth to when our kids go off to
college and beyond? Those conversations
turned into ideas, then into small events
and shifts, and then moved into consistent
programs.” Steven Johnson—Milestones of
Faith, Creating rhythms through rites of passage*
Another resource Grow Ministries can
provide to get your started is Faith
Stepping Stones (Faith Inkubators).
There are eight stones beginning with
baby through to high school graduation.
Each Faith Stepping Stone includes an
opportunity for parents and children
to gather three times and culminates
with a blessing. The first session, the
physical needs of both parent and child
are addressed. The second session is
emotional needs and the third, spiritual
needs. Each time parents and children
meet, there are fun games, skits, a
scripture verse set to music, and a small
group time.
For more information:
*Milestones of Faith (Sticky Faith) USA:
http://stickyfaith.org/articles/milestones-of-faith
GIFTING
Gifting is a tangible way of providing a
symbol and a reminder of the occasion
being marked. Gifting serves as a
resource for the ongoing nurture of faith in
daily life.
At the moment, our Faith Trail ministry
resource is focused on supporting families
and homes of pre-school and primary
school children. It has been designed to
help remind parents to celebrate and bless
their children at every new beginning or
transition in life.
Milestones Ministry USA:
http://milestonesministry.org
Here 2 Stay Australia - Rites of Passage:
http://here2stay.org.au/10pillars/anchors
LUTHERAN CHURCH
OF AUSTRALIA
EQUIPPING
encouraging young people in our church
LUTHERAN CHURCH
OF AUSTRALIA
The 10-12 of April was an amazing weekend full of
questions and hopefully some answers! 12 young
people from around Australia met in Adelaide for
the ‘Have a Voice’ National Lutheran Youth Forum.
They discussed issues that face the LCA today
and were able to ‘have a voice’ about things that
mattered to them.
We will share a comprehensive report in our On
Your Hearts Spring edition which will be a special
newsletter especially for Synod.
Here are some comments from our participants....
SW
Meg | N
Livi
| VIC
Jesse
| SA
“Thank you to Grow Ministries and LCA for holding the youth
forum last weekend! It has been so encouraging in my faith to
be with such wonderful blessings of God sharing conversations
about the big issues the Lutheran Church faces. Jesus has truly
blessed me and everyone who attended. The biggest THANKS
goes out to him! We love and praise you Jesus!”
“This weekend was a truly amazing and moving experience. I met
some of the most inspiring young people ever and got to have
incredible discussions about the future of the Lutheran Church
Australia. I will never forget what I have learnt and I will continue
to press on in discovering more about what God has to offer us.
I hope to see everyone again sometime, hopefully in the near
future.”
“I just want to take a moment to appreciate the event I attended
this weekend. At the Lutheran youth forum I felt that I was
challenged in my views and opinions and in that was refined to
have a better understanding of my own faith. Not to mention the
amazing people I met, the beautiful views and fun times. There is
nothing better in the world than discussing those things you are
afraid and unsure of and particularly somewhere everyone may
have different views but a common interest, enlightenment and
learning. So thank you to everyone who contributed, it really did
something for me.”
The Grow Ministries Team would
like to thank all of those involved
to make the forum such a
success. We are so proud of the
participants and their behaviour,
insights and passion for the LCA
but most importantly, our Lord!
EXPLORE THE IMPACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE
LIVES OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS AT PENTECOST.
Helping young people to discover
more about the role of the
Holy Spirit in their lives today .
Before Jesus ascended into heaven he
promised the disciples that he would send an
advocate, comforter and friend to guide and
enable them on their grace-filled journey of
faith. The wonders of God never cease! He
continues to fulfil His promises in our lives today
as the Holy Spirit breaks open our hearts and
calls us through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This means that God is with us continually,
ready to work in and through us. In our newest
GIFT resource we have included a discussion
starter for your youth group or families with
young people in your congregation. We pray
that this may help them to discover more about
the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives today.
COMING EVENT S ACRO SS AUST RALIA
Let us know if you have a CYFM event you would like us to advertise!
Check out the Blueprint and LYQ websites for more details.
Home and Church
in Partnership
W O R K S H O P
20 - 21 June 2015
Victory Lutheran College, Wodonga
DISCOVER HOW BOTH
HOME AND CHURCH CAN
PA R T N E R T O G E T H E R I N
PA S S I N G O N T H E FA I T H
TO BOTH CHILDREN AND
FA M I L I E S , B Y L O O K I N G AT
12 GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
Based on Deuteronomy 6, this
workshop will explore the guiding
principles for effective child, youth
and family ministry, and how
these ideas and resources can be
used and shared in your ministry
context.
T OPICS C OV E R E D I N
T H IS W OR K S H O P :
• Changes to child, youth and
family ministry over the years
• Developing healthy
communities
• Interacting with the
generations
• Partnership between home
and church
• Equipping the home
• Equipping for the ministry
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God,
the Lord alone. You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your
might. Keep these words that I am
commanding you today in your heart.
Recite them to your children and talk
about them when you are at home
and when you are away, when you lie
down and when you rise. Bind them
as a sign on your hand, fix them as an
emblem on your forehead, and write
them on the doorposts of your house
and on your gates.
DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9 N R S V
Register now at
www.grassroots.edu.au
Click on workshops & available workshops.
For more information, or to place an order
email: growministries@lca.org.au
in partnership with
L C A C H I L D Y O U T H & F A M I LY M I N I S T R Y