Saturday at St Pauls

Day 6 – May 16, 2009
Getting ready to teach the one day “Blessed are the Peacemakers” seminar to some of the South Australian laity this morning, I was really quite excited. It was such a great experience working with all the Bobs and Bretts (inside joke) the last three days. While I have come to love the lush beauty of South Australia in the last 5 days, what really makes this place is the people. Down to earth, laid back and incredibly friendly, they have made being so far away from my family and friends easier.
Our time today at St. Paul’s (Enfield) just served to reinforce this impression. The parishioners from the South Australia District Churches who we met were, without exception, wonderful to work with. The interactions we had with them and their questions showed a passion for learning how to live their faith in often challenging circumstances.
St. Paul’s also includes a beautiful Lutheran School. First started in the early 1970s, the school current has more than 250 students. The classrooms are bright and inviting, reflecting a love for learning and a desire to help the students reach their maximum potential.
Pastor Eugene Minge and the members of his congregation welcomed us and the other participants with open arms, providing a remarkable morning and afternoon cuppa. We had an opportunity to spend some time with Pastor Eugene earlier in the week during our Conflict Coaching Training in Hahndorf. It was great to have the opportunity to get to know him and his fellow pastors during our first round of training.
We have a couple of days of starting tomorrow. President Robert Voigt of the South Australia & North Territory District has gracious offered to take us to service in the morning and show us around in the afternoon. Hopefully Ted, Chuck and I will have an opportunity to explore South Australia some more over the next few days.
On a personal note, Happy 21st Birthday to my daughter Nicole. I miss you tons, hon.