Three reasons to get excited

Three adult baptisms within a few months at any one congregation is a story worth sharing. When that one congregation is based at a Lutheran aged care facility, it’s something worth shouting from the proverbial rooftops! Little wonder then that Pastor John Thiel, chaplain at Tanunda Lutheran Home in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is excited about aged care ministry.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in ministering to people in aged care, with three adult baptisms being held at Tanunda Lutheran Home (TLH) in the past few months.

And recent attendances at worship services at the Home’s Gramp Chapel have been steadily increasing, with an average of 93 people worshipping there in April-May this year. There is also a weekly high-care service, which has drawn about 26 people each Monday.

It is wonderful to see residents share their faith with each other.

In addition to hostel and independent living residents, numerous family members and friends of residents have made the chapel their regular place of worship.

Many of the 220 residents in residential care and independent living units at the Home have mobility, hearing, eyesight and other health problems, but everything possible is done to help them participate in worship. These aids include wheelchair volunteers, large print, and a hearing loop.

After worship services holy communion is offered to those who haven’t been able to attend.

Spiritual care of this nature has led to some people communing for the first time and, recently, the three baptisms. TLH is open to everyone and none of these people had been previously connected with the Lutheran church.

It is wonderful to see residents share their faith with each other.

We have regular hymn-singing and Bible study opportunities, special programs for newcomers and give particular attention to care for the dying.

Apart from the spiritual blessings evident in the Home, a very comprehensive concept plan has been prepared to guide the facility’s development over the next 30 years.

TLH CEO Lee Martin says that features of the new concept plan include an increased number of aged care beds from 117 to 162; as well as 30 assisted living units; and 65 independent living units, including the momentous move to plan independent living units in the nearby towns of Nuriootpa and Angaston. New facilities at the Tanunda base will also include a wellness centre with a therapy pool and gym; increased parking; and gardens with open spaces, interactive artworks and water features.

All our future plans are based on continuing the Christian nature of our Home. We appreciate the generosity and goodwill of many Lutheran people towards TLH: their volunteering, their regular wheelchair help, the use they make of the facility for their loved ones, and their giving to the Home.

We prayerfully make plans for the future, trusting in God to lead and guide and help us.

Lutheran Aged-Care

There are 44 Lutheran aged-care services in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New Zealand, which together care and provide pastoral support for approximately 4000 residents in either residential care or independent living units.

Contact Tanunda Lutheran Home at:

p: 08 8563 7777

e: info@tlhome.com.au

a: 27 Bridge St, Tanunda SA 5352

More information: Tanunda Lutheran Home website

This feature story comes from The Lutheran June 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.