Welcoming Rev Lionel Rohrlach and Celebrating Cooinda

Welcoming Rev Lionel Rohrlach and Celebrating Cooinda’s Refurbished Chapel

Lutheran Services and Cooinda Aged Care in Gympie welcomed Reverend Lionel Rohrlach to the Cooinda Chaplaincy team, alongside George Rankin and Berry Doak. Reverend Lionel was newly installed at the local Zion congregation, and in a new initiative will serve forty percent of his role with Cooinda.

5th February 2024 also marked another significant milestone as the newly refurbished chapel at Cooinda was blessed.

Chaplaincy Services

At Lutheran Services, the wellbeing of our residents is paramount, and our Chaplaincy services play a vital role in providing spiritual support and fostering a sense of belonging. We offer these services across all our aged care sites, with inclusivity being a hallmark of our Chaplaincy program, welcoming residents of all faiths and backgrounds.

Cooinda Worship Space Renewal & Renewal Team

This project has been a collaborative effort, guided by a dedicated Renewal Team led by liturgical design consultant Julie Moran. Comprising members from various faith traditions and the local community, the goal was to create a space based in the tradition of the Lutheran Church but flexible to a range of Christian traditions, as a number of local faith leaders regularly visit and lead worship on site.

Under Julie’s stewardship, the Renewal Team undertook a comprehensive process of consultation, engaging a wide range of denominations, community members and residents.

Thank You to Contributors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this worship space.

From the craftsmanship of the altar by local cabinetmaker Gavin Hewitt, utilising timber donated by Kathy Lisle from a silky oak at the front of Gympie Central School, to the generous donations of the gold crucifix by Thelma Myers and the banners made by Dee Hewitt and donated by Narelle Gruar, and Cooinda resident, Beth Norris for the beautiful cross stitch of the ‘Footprints in the Sand,’ which was passed down by her mum.

The Cooinda chapel reflects the spirit of unity, generosity and history of the Gympie community. May this renewed worship space be a beacon of hope, comfort, and inspiration for all who enter its doors.

Featured image: Rev Dr Russell Briese, Rev Lionel Rohrlach, Bishop Dr Mark Vainikka.