Lutheran Services’ origin stories
Articulating and celebrating our Lutheran identity is an ongoing priority for Lutheran Services.
The organisation’s many services and locations were born from the dreams and hard work of founding Lutheran congregations and their people.
To honour these foundations, celebrate those involved, and create a lasting display of the history of Lutheran Services, a project is underway called ‘Origin Stories’. The project is being developed by Lutheran Services as part of its diaconal ministry within the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District.
Origin Stories focuses on documenting these beginnings with personal stories from local Lutherans and other supporters. Through the project, the aim is to strengthen connections and engagement between the Queensland District, Lutheran Services, Lutheran congregations and local communities.
As part of this project, the congregational and community origins of Tabeel Aged Care in Laidley, South East Queensland, were recently explored and celebrated.
Tabeel is a very important story, particularly given the service celebrated its 70th anniversary this year.
The storytelling began with an invitation to all who may have a story to share about the origins and growth of Tabeel. This included congregational members and friends of the Lutheran Church in Lockyer Valley and beyond, past and present staff of Tabeel, residents and families.
Following several months of conversations, interviews and research, the storytelling was compiled into a celebratory booklet encapsulating memories as told by those who experienced them across Tabeel’s 70 years in the community.
The people of Tabeel say it best:
Tabeel is a wonderful demonstration and celebration of the Lutheran ethos and faith – and the importance of chaplaincy. This is what distinguishes Lutheran Services and all of its sites.
– Shirley Klinge, Tabeel Director of Nursing 1985–1995, current Relief Chaplain
Tabeel is well supported by the congregations and the broader community – its good reputation being built over many years and successive generations. These generations of local people have made Tabeel what it is today. There is the strong sense that Tabeel belongs to the community. Tabeel is richer for that strong connection with the community and congregations.
– Judy Bannerman, Tabeel Service Manager 2014–2019
The full Tabeel Origin Story can be viewed at lutheranservices.org.au/origin-stories.
Lutheran Services is exploring the origins of all its aged care and community services and hopes to create a lasting display and recognition of the organisation’s history and celebration of the future.
For those who are interested in capturing their own foundational stories and would like to learn more about the process, please contact:
Rev Dr Russell Briese
Director of Chaplaincy and Ministry Development
russell.briese@lutheranservices.org.au
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT aged care
