United in Hope, in Cairns

United in Hope, in Cairns

In Far North Queensland, where there are two Lutheran parishes, the ‘tyranny of distance’ is something to genuinely be reckoned with.

The Cairns Parish includes the congregations of Cairns and Atherton and encompasses Peace Lutheran College at Kamerunga. Hope Vale Parish also includes Wujal Wujal and Coen.

Both parishes are without a full time pastor at present, with Emeritus Pastor David Spanagel providing locum services that cover the whole region, and the pastor for Peace Lutheran College, Pastor Adam Eime, supporting the services offered in Cairns.

The congregation in Cairns is a relatively small group who continues to provide a regular ministry to the community. The Cairns Parish are contemplating a Call at present, as well as considering how the Hope Vale Parish may best be serviced. During the current pastoral vacancy members have willingly stepped up to continue to provide the essential elements of ministry.

A stained glass window at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cairns.

The region is a diverse one, with a range of cultures and many opportunities for reaching out, not the least of these being the college. The challenge of a relatively transient population is always present. This provides any incoming spiritual leader with a chance to use their individual skills in a variety of positive ways.

The Parish has also filled a need to support our more remote ministries since the role of pastor at Hope Vale has become vacant. The people in the Cairns congregation have recognised an opportunity to share in this ministry by providing many practical and useful items to the Op Shop, operated by the church in Hope Vale. This provides an income stream for the congregation as the ministry continues.

A committed group of women in the congregation have begun meeting regularly for spiritual enrichment, fellowship and seeking ways to continue inspiring the congregation to serve.

Would you be interested in supporting the Ministry in Far North Queensland? We understand that this unique style of ministry supporting Cairns, Hope Vale, Coen and Wujal Wujal is not within everyone’s skill set, and this narrows down the number of people available to fill this role – whether ordained pastor or lay person. If God sparks this interest deep within you, please contact Pastor David Schmidt in our District office on 07 3511 4000. He will be able to help you with the finer details and facilitate an exploration of how you may be able to support the efforts.

Should interest progress to being on the ground, a comprehensive and supportive orientation will be provided so that this can be a smooth transition for all, especially for the local people.

You and your congregation can also provide financial support  via our United in Hope project, supporting and strengthening regional ministries in Far North Queensland. To find out more, go to https://qld.lca.org.au/news-events/united-in-hope/

Top image: A recent baptism in the Cairns Lutheran Parish.