And the winner is, “Brisbane” – God willing…
“The winner is Sidd-enni”!
Many older folk will remember the accent of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch when in 1993, he announced that the 2000 Olympics would be in Sydney, NSW.
In Queensland, we are now awaiting the July 21st, 2021 decision of the IOC for the 2032 Olympics. Our premier, Palaszczuk has informed us that currently, Brisbane is the only recommended “contender” for the Games.
In the event that July 21 bestows upon Queensland the Games of the XXXV Olympiad, the Churches have an extraordinary and unparalleled opportunity to work together in the cause of the Gospel.
The time to begin planning together as Churches would begin the moment a decision is made.
Our Queensland Churches (not just Lutherans) need to attend to the worship needs and other spiritual needs of those who travel here: athletes, coaches, teams, support crew, media groups, visitors, world leaders.
Our Queensland Churches can work together to support the games with volunteers, help for people of other faiths, prayer for leaders, chaplaincy to the various activities that are planned.
Our Queensland Churches have opportunity to work together to present the world with a common commitment to Christ and his Gospel, through our collaborative Christian witness and service both in the lead up to the Games and throughout the Games events.
This “working together” continues a specific tradition handed down to us by those first Zion’s Hill missionaries who travelled to Brisbane in 1837. This is the tradition of collaboration for the cause of the Gospel. In 1837, it was not just one missionary who disembarked at Humpybong to go to Nundah, but a community of 22 women and men. They encouraged and supported one another in the work that the Lord called them to.
This is my last newsletter article as Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Queensland District. Thank you all for the collaborative spirit you have shown, to work together for a common purpose, to join together with one voice to glorify our gracious God, in our witness and service, for Christ’s sake through faith.
“Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3)
In Christ,
Paul
