Mental Health Q&A, the politics of COVID-19 & update from chairperson.

Dear members and friends of St Peters, Hobart.
 
May the presence, peace and joy of the risen Lord be with you.
 
We have much to be thankful here in Australia and Tasmania.  We seem to have been spared, at this stage at least, from the very broad health impacts of COVID-19 that many parts of Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere have and are experiencing. However, as we know this is coming at a very significant economic cost. I have sat in on discussions with a very wide group of Pastors and laity discussing the subject of whether the economic costs we and the worlds poor are likely to pay are worse than the short term safety and health benefits many are experiencing. As is evident from protests in various places and political pressure this is a very hot subject. I have been a very slow and reluctant participant in this discussion, but finally penned a fairly comprehensive response for those groups and have also added it to our Pastor's Page for the interest and benefit of others.  It is titled Some personal reflections on the politics surrounding COVID-19, the sanctity of life and the economy and it can be read by clicking here.
 
Continuing with the theme of we have much to be thankful for, we have and continue to experience so many answers to prayer here at St Peter's. We have a small prayer group that Lorraine Semmler coordinates that prays when notified for people with special needs. These are often health-related. If you have a special need please forward it to her and she will email the group. Privacy is ensured. Again and again, we see prayers answered. You can also request, through me, to be prayed for publicly in our Sunday services, and being prayed for in both forums is not mutually exclusive. Praise God for the gift and privilege of prayer and his many blessings. 
 
Next Thursday, the 30th of April at 7.30pm we will have another webinar like the one with our Pastoral Assistants. You can watch the stream here or simply go onto our website at that time and click on the button to access the live stream. The theme is depression and related mental health issues.  We have already received some very good questions. You can ask a question by emailing questions@splchobart.org well in advance. The panel will consist of ALC lecturer the Rev Dr Stephen Pietsch who has suffered from depression and who did his doctorate in this area focusing on a holistic approach including the spiritual as well as Lutheran Parish Pastor and part-time practising GP the Rev Dr Christian Fandrich.  This promises to be another excellent night that you will not want to miss, so please mark your calendars.  
 
Thanks to Kim for providing us with the following weekly update as Chairperson of St Peters. 
 
Dear Members,
 
This weeks Bible verse suggestion from Philippa is as follows:
 
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
 
Philippa when suggesting it said she felt it spoke to her of the optimism we should be feeling at this time.
 
Yes, things are difficult at the moment, but we are not alone we have each other and we can build each other up and be there for each other during this time.
 
Throughout the weeks I have seen this verse played out time and time again. People are reaching out to each other we are building each other up and I thank all those who are doing so and encourage you to continue to do so. I am certain that your actions are helping our members get through this time. It doesn’t take much to make a call or to send an email and yet for the person on the receiving end they are so meaningful, and can be a great encouragement. We are part of a community and we should never forget that.
 
Over this last week, I have heard of many who have moved to online giving and I thank those who have done so and encourage others to consider this option. It has meant that we are not seeing a significant drop in our giving which is very encouraging.
 
I want to thank those who provided the Church flowers over the Easter celebration. I’ve had various discussions over the last week as to how we can ensure that we now have flowers on the altar in the coming weeks and we have come up with a plan which will be unveiled on Sunday. I won't let the cat out of the bag just yet, but any feedback on what people think of the flowers on Sunday would be gratefully received.
 
Thank you again to everyone who continues to support the Congregation throughout this time. Continue to pray for each other and those involved in leading. I wish you all a safe and healthy week to come.
 
Kim,
Chairperson of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Hobart.
 
Great to hear of people contacting and conversing with one another.  As always cry out if you need help or simply a listening ear. Join us again this Sunday, 10.00am for the live-streaming of our service. The feedback continues to be very positive with around 200 again having viewed last Sunday’s service. 
 
Take care and God bless.
 
Safe in the hands of our Lord.
 
Warm regards,
 
Pastor Mike.
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Hobart.