Blessings for our Lutheran Services hospital chaplains

Blessings for our Lutheran Services hospital chaplains

There are many spaces where chaplains are found. Regardless of where they serve, an enduring part of their work is to journey alongside people in their needs and on the recipient’s terms. The words of Galatians 6:2 come to life in service to others by chaplains: ‘Carry each other’s burdens’.

Hospital chaplaincy is a unique space where Lutheran patients can be offered solace and comfort by a Lutheran hospital chaplain. For people in hospital, they may often feel scared, isolated, vulnerable, alone, out of control, invisible to God. Hospital chaplains can offer compassionate presence in such times. Perhaps you or someone you know have experienced what hospital chaplains offer those in need.

It has been a longstanding practice that the annual Lutheran Services Lenten Appeal has highlighted the work of hospital chaplaincy and Mary and Martha’s Family and Domestic Violence Refuge. The giving from our Lutheran communities to these ministries is sincerely appreciated – your support has enabled support to many people in difficult situations. The 2025 appeal focuses again on these areas of care. This year’s appeal began on Ash Wednesday. Brochures and posters have been emailed to congregations. Congregations will soon receive posted items and there is more information available at www.lutheranservices.org.au/donate

In addition to the annual appeal highlighting hospital chaplaincy, the important contributions by Lutheran Services Hospital Chaplains were recognised at an annual blessing held recently. This year St Mark’s Lutheran Church Mount Gravatt hosted the blessing as part of worship on Transfiguration Sunday and it was attended by four of the Brisbane-based chaplains.

Lutheran Services Director of Chaplaincy and Ministry Development, Rev Dr Russell Briese, led the rite of blessing while Lutheran Services Coordinator of Volunteer Qld Hospital Chaplains, Cathy Brown, presented the Lutheran hospital chaplain volunteers to the congregation. In her address, Cathy noted their training and approval to volunteer as chaplains in hospitals on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Queensland. The hospital chaplains complete ongoing professional development and supervision of their pastoral practice. Following this, prayer was offered asking God to help these volunteers in their service as chaplains to those in hospital.

Many in our Lutheran communities can attest to the help provided by Lutheran Services hospital chaplains during times of need. It is good to give thanks for God’s goodness, shown through the generosity of those who serve voluntarily as hospital chaplains. This service is supported by the kindness and financial contributions from our Lutheran communities. These are all forms of service for which we can give thanks.

Image: Lutheran Services hospital chaplains with Rev Dr Russell Briese (Lutheran Services Director of Chaplaincy and Ministry Development) and Cathy Brown (Lutheran Services Coordinator of Volunteer Qld Hospital chaplains) at St Mark’s LCA Mount Gravatt.