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A proud LLL tradition has continued this year with the gifting of Private Communion Sets to new Lutheran pastors.
Since 1979, LLL has supported the mission and ministry of new pastors with the gift of a gold-plated Communion Set that allows them to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion to the sick or elderly who are unable to attend church.
Photos: An LLL Private Communion Set (above), former LLL CEO Ross Smith (top) travelled to Goombungee to present a Set to Pastor Sean Hotinski, with new CEO Karen Pienaar (below) presenting one to Pastor Charlie Uebergang in Pittsworth, Queensland.
Pastor Mike Pietsch was part of the first graduating class to receive a Private Communion Set from LLL in the 1970s, and while his treasured set is now showing understandable signs of wear, it continues to serve him well.
"Over the 46 years of pastoral ministry, thus far, I have greatly appreciated the ease and efficiency of having my Communion Set at hand, generously given to me by LLL upon my ordination," Pastor Mike said.
"It is always ready and set to go.
Photo: Pastor Mike pictured with his LLL Private Communion Set in 2020.
"Even now in my retirement, I continue to be involved in various ministry opportunities to serve members of the Body of Christ. In this way I have the privilege of bringing the actual Body of Christ to them for their encouragement, healing and growth, in whatever difficult circumstances they may find themselves.
"This now also includes sharing Communion with a number of retired fellow pastors who are battling various illnesses and are hospitalised or are convalescing and recovering in their homes."
Photo: LLL Board member Geoff Thiel presented a Private Communion Set to Pastor Maria Rudolph at St John's, Perth, in May.
The bespoke, four-piece Private Communion Sets feature an original 1921 Penny, the year that LLL was founded, and provide a valuable resource to pastors that saves them the expense of purchasing their own set as they set out to serve their congregations.
This year, LLL has expanded its offering to include not only presenting Sets to newly ordained General Ministry Pastors (GMPs) but also new Specific Ministry Pastors (SMPs) to support all Lutheran pastors, regardless of their calling.
So far this year, LLL representatives have been honoured to visit congregations to present Private Communion Sets to GMPs and SMPs at installation services in Goombungee (Queensland), Box Hill (Victoria), Aberfoyle Park (South Australia), Pittsworth (Queensland), Liverpool (New South Wales), and St John's in Perth, Western Australia.
Photo: LLL Chief Relationship Officer Scott Ross presented a Private Communion Set to Pastor Adam Morris at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Aberfoyle Park, South Australia, in June.
