The Queensland District has elected Pastor Noel Noack as its president. He will take over from retiring president, Pastor Tim Jaensch, who has served in the role for nine years.
Pastor Noack said that he intends to provide leadership 'that encourages people to use with confidence the gifts that God has given them'. Having served as a pastor in the district for 37 years, he said he considers Queensland Lutherans to be part of his family. 'We have a district that our Lord has blessed greatly. I want to see it grow in praising his name, revealing his grace and demonstrating his love.'
Pastor Noack has served as chaplain at St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly, and parish pastor at Lowood/Brisbane Valley, Woodridge (and chaplain at Trinder Park Rest Home), Maroochydore, Gladstone and Laidley. He has served on numerous national and district committees, including a 31-year membership of the LCAQD's Lutheran Community Care Council.
Pastor Noack was elected to the office by the Queensland Synod, which met in convention at Rockhampton from 5 to 7 June. The convention, held at Cathedral College and hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church, demonstrated the Queensland District's willingness to think outside the square. The Saturday night dinner, for example, was held in a restaurant with a rodeo ring. Delegates were entertained by rodeo riders, including Pastor Matthew Thomas, who took a ride on a bull. The rodeo theme was continued in the convention news bulletin, which was titled 'No Bull'.
Retiring president Pastor Tim Jaensch said, 'I am most thankful for the excellent ongoing ministry, the heart of what our church is about. Without that nothing else makes any sense. It is not the sort of spectacular thing that draws attention, but it is the essence of what makes our church what it is: congregations, schools and the quality of the pastoral work that goes on there.'
Pastor Jaensch has overseen the complete review of governance in the district and the furtherance of the Safe Place system. Queensland has been the only district to appoint a full-time Safe Place coordinator. In addition, 'the introduction of a Professional Standards Unit is leading the way for a significant change of culture in the church and a heightened sensitivity towards the importance of personal safety in the church. That will be a legacy that I will value.'
Pastor Jaensch commended Pastor Noack, saying, 'Pastor Noel's history with the district means that he is very familiar with and well-known by the district. He will be able to bring some remarkable insights. He has made a substantial contribution already and has special gifts that he will bring to bear in his role as president.'
Convention's keynote speaker was American Ted Koeber from the Ambassadors for Reconciliation program, which has been attended by pastors and lay members across the country. Mr Koeber spoke about the importance of forgiveness in everyday life. 'Sometimes we forget that God is present even in our conflicts', he said. 'What we need for healing is forgiveness, not retaliation.'
Synod elevated Lutheran Youth of Queensland (LYQ) to a fully-fledged department of the district. This puts the organisation on an equal status with other departments, allowing it to have more input into district decision-making. David Spanagel, District Church Council secretary, said, 'This is a significant step for the church. The LCAQD has recognised the importance of young people in church business.'
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