Funeral, social media, Lutheran Satire and other important news from St Peter's.

Dear members and friends of St Peter's,

We are reminded of life’s mystery, transitory nature and ultimate questions when we hear of or think of death and our mortality. Last Friday, Elisabeth Kossmann, one of God’s saints (those in Christ are saints as we are covered over by his holiness and righteousness) here at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hobart, died. Elisabeth, along with her husband Waldemar were long-standing members of St Peter’s and faithfully served and supported the Church here over many decades. We thank God for Elisabeth and all that has been received through her. The funeral will be held at the St Peter’s Centre this Thursday, 5th of November at 10.30am. The service will contain an opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of Elisabeth and all of the saints and our loved ones who have gone before us. For those unable to make it the service will be live-streamed and also be able to accessed subsequently here.
 
On Sunday the theme of grief and loss, resurrection and hope, adjustment and comfort will continue as the second reading from Thessalonians deals with these topics. In Christ and Him alone do we have the answer to life’s mystery, transitory nature and ultimate questions, although we may not yet have every specific answer to every specific question or ‘Why’? However, because of God’s gift of himself in Christ and through his death, resurrection and ascension we can sing with the writer of hymn 876 in the Lutheran hymnal:
 
‘God is love; and he redeems us
in the Christ we crucify;
this is God’s eternal answer
to the world’s eternal why;
may we in this faith maturing
be content to live and die’.
 
As mentioned at worship and in previous mail outs, there have also been deaths associated with the College community. A special Chapel service at around 9.00am next Monday, 9th of November, will focus on this and be lived streamed.  All are welcome to watch the Chapel service live or subsequently here.
 
Last Sunday’s sermon focused on the abuse of office or position by religious leaders and Jesus’ strong warnings and condemnations regarding this. In case anyone missed it, it can be viewed here. In the sermon, I said I would forward a new clip from Lutheran Satire that was very relevant. Playing live might have infringed copyright law. Unfortunately, as many have a comment on various forums it has been posted on, it is hardly satire in today's extremely distorted environment and culture. However, it makes an important point in a creative way. Do watch it and be spurred on to continue to access the truth through the Scriptures, the Confessions of the Church which we believe to be a true exposition of Scripture and the worship and studies provided by our faithful congregation here at St Peter’s. Here is the link to watch the video. 
 
We have a new episode of ‘To the Point’ available and already there is overwhelmingly positive feedback about the relevance of the topic, the content being discussed and insights provided. It is about the technological revolution, its benefits and dangers and discusses everything from the use of social media, its necessity in today world, its impacts on relationships and families, parental issues, the potential for addiction, and how to respond. Harrison Steicke makes his debut and joins psychologist, addiction studies and family counselling expert Rev Dr Don Wicklman. Watch it yourself and make up your own mind about how each one contributed and what helpful and noteworthy points are made. Watch it here. 
 
Remember that this Thursday, 5th of November is Bible study night. Go to the St Peter's website and scroll down to the grey section to find the button to click on to join. The study begins at 7.30pm.
 
Once again, please remember to contact me if you want a home communion, visit, or pastoral care of any form.
 
Warmest regards and blessings,
 
Pastor Mike Steicke.
Saint Peter's Lutheran Church, Hobart. ​