• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • LCA Portal
  • Login to LAMP
  • LCA Online Donations
  • Contact

Qld District

Engaging people with God's love in everyday life

24 McDougall Street
Milton QLD 4064
Phone 07 3511 4000

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Our District
  • News & Events
    • Calendar
    • Synod
  • Support for Congregations
    • 2022 Floods
    • Drought Support
    • COVID-19
    • Ministry & Mission
    • Governance Change Project
    • Worship
    • Administration
    • Contact

Feeling tired? You’re not alone

13 December 2021

by Anna Kroehn

The end of the year rolls around again and we feel the changing of the season – children beginning summer holidays, Christmas approaches with the family and work party expectations, borders opening and restrictions changing again! We pause to reflect on all that 2021 has bought to our lives – and we note some of our friends and family members seem stretched to their limits, tired in a way a holiday can’t or won’t fix.

‘Covid fatigue’ joins the list of phrases new to our world – and yet necessarily so. People across all professions, economic positions and cultures are noting that some people have ‘hit a wall.’ This is characterized by a pervading sense of tiredness, exhaustion and inability to flex and pivot through another change. People in caring professions (which includes ministry workers) can be especially hard hit by this version of fatigue or burn out.

If that sounds all too familiar to you, please reach out for help. LCA employees and eligible family members can access the EAP Converge service for free counselling support. Taking time to make an appointment with your GP, or talking to a friend about how you are struggling can be a good first step to breaking the silence. If you have noticed changes in your family members or friends in mood, energy or withdrawal, reach out and ask if they are okay.

We know that the last 2 years have been difficult as we have navigated many changes and restrictions. We also know that the new year will bring more changes as our borders open, the virus continues to mutate and people we know and love may become infected.

As 2021 draws to a close, we give thanks for the many frontline healthcare workers who have served through the pandemic. We acknowledge those who have had to stop working in this field, due to fatigue, burnout or vaccine refusal. The World Health Organization declared 2021 the International Year of the Health and Care Worker – and we would not be where we are today without them. Many globally have given their lives by serving Covid patients in their dying hours, and then succumbing to the disease themselves. You can watch a promotion and acknowledgement of their service here https://youtu.be/qwwPnjzIXbQ.

As the year ends, we pray for rest and refreshment for those in care professions. We pray for wisdom and strength as people determine what more they can give in service of others. If you would like to offer a gesture of encouragement to a health and care worker, we encourage you to write a card or give a small gift to someone you know who has worked in this field. Saying thankyou and acknowledging the role our health care workers have played in the last 24 months is something small we can do as they prepare for the challenges coming as our borders open.

If your church would like to celebrate the various carers in your community (including volunteers), you can access the resources provided by the LCANZ at www.lca.org.au/ccs or contact Anna Kroehn, the project officer for Christian Care Sunday at anna.kroehn@lca.org.au. There are certificates of appreciation and thankyou card designs available for download on the Christian Care Sunday site.

Thanks Anna! While we’re on the topic … LCA Church Worker support provided the following links in its most recent eNews:

  • We’re all exhausted but are you experiencing burnout? Here’s what to look out for an interesting and informative article from UNSW Sydney
  • How to foster resilience & prevent burnout – the Center for Creative Leadership

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Please follow and like us: https://www.facebook.com/LCAQD/
fb-share-icon

« A pilgrim reflects on his Lutheran experience so far
New Church for Noosa! »

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Bishop
  • Blogs
  • Community News
  • Feature Stories
  • Job
  • Living Faithfully
  • Ministry & Mission
  • News
  • Notice Board
  • Synod
  • Uncategorised

Archives for all Posts

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • Tags

    Anniversary bishop Christmas church community Conference congregation Convention of Synod coronavirus Council Covid-19 Devotion devotions District Church Board Easter event faith Feature fellowship gospel Growing Church Young intergenerational Job Vacancy LCAQD Lent LEQ Living Faithfully Lutheran Services LYQ Meetings ministry mission mission & ministry Paul Smith prayer Professional Standards PSD retreat Synod Synod 2022 Training Walk my way Women workshop youth

    Footer

    Contact Us

    24 McDougall Street Milton QLD 4064
    Phone 07 3511 4000
    Email district@qld.lca.org.au

    © 2023 Lutheran Church of Australia

    Privacy Policy • Disclaimer

    Designed by LCA Communications