Facebook has been one way that I have kept some connection with my former students. So this post is mostly for them.
I loved teaching and tried at every turn to make learning fun. This may or may not have worked for you.
Over the years I enjoyed writing nonsense poetry often to share with you all in the classroom. My latest little book, ‘Just Playne Nonsense’, is a collection of these. Each member of the 15 in my ‘Playne’ family has a delightful idiosyncrasy. Following each nonsense poem I have detailed where the idea came from and included colourful pictures.
It’s a trip down memory lane and I hope it brings back good memories for you too. It’s probably me just being sentimental and goofy!
‘Just Playne Nonsense’ is available for $22 on Amazon, or $20 from Barossa Valley Christian bookshops, and from me - amthurlow@bigpond.com
The killer for me is the $12 postage for one book. (Surprisingly it’s the same $12 flat rate for up to 5 KILOGRAMS of books!! That's a lot of books!!)
I’ve added a picture from the book of ‘Jane Playne’, who is a self-confessed bookworm, and after a week of being harassed by young kids, exacts her revenge! Might remind you of our end-of-year special days and water fights too! Take care, Andy (aka Mr. Thurlow)
https://www.amazon.com.au/Just-Playne-Nonsense-Andy-Thurlow/dp/1763523179/ref=zg_bsnr_g_4898317051_d_sccl_4/356-6085456-7398202?psc=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawKQw5FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtYnA5Y2lGaU5RU3pzWjBMAR4jlFHd22PoXAi2cxmXH7HLnToxcwtfeiS3r7R-l4NGwZi37D8quCCbcXCn7Q_aem_3T23T-o1hL4t_P6pULi4bA
Good Seed Bookshop Barossa Women’s Fellowship Day Saturday 24th May 2025 at Langmeil Church
The Good Seed Bookshop will be having a Book Stall at this event.
There will be Boxed Cards, Single Cards, Children’s Books, Devotionals and other items.
Come and say HI! and have a browse during breaks.
THANKS TO PASTOR PAUL KERBER
The Southern Barossa Lutheran Church wishes to thank Pastor Paul for his ministry among us now that he has completed his term as Interim Pastor at the end of April.
Hopefully members have also had an opportunity to thank him personally as he shared God’s word and sacraments.
In December 2024, Pastor Paul was asked to extend his term for a further six months and at that time, he chose to extend it for just three months.
Pastor Paul has indicated he will now be on leave in preparation to follow God’s leading in the future.
Chris Pfeiffer
Governance Council Chair
Southern Barossa Lutheran Church
See poster attached for details
EXPLORING SA GERMAN HISTORIES
Saturday 10 May, 9.30-4.45 at the Langmeil Centre, 7 Maria Street, Tanunda.
A restored cottage, recorded songs, recipes, baptism, business, naturalisation, wills, a lost village, a shattered tombstone, state or local archives, private or community initiatives, including the Bethany app, Hills Local Wiki and Wendish Trail. Gather, hold, show, share, and tell diverse stories and preserve our heritage.
$50, including morning and afternoon tea and lunch.
Book with Christine Leske: ejleske@internode.on.net or phone mobile 0428 337 132
To find out more click here.
SUNDAY 11 MAY 2025
Bethany: 10:30am HC Pastor Peter Hartwich
Grace: - No Service You are welcome to join worship at another congregation
Langmeil: 8:45am Pastor Jim Bryan 10:30am FUEL
Lyndoch: 9.00am HC Pastor Gus Schutz
Tabor: 9:00am HC Pastor Peter Hartwich
WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2025
Grace St John’s: 2:00pm HC
by Jane Mueller
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Read 2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:17
Satan’s attacks don’t always come in obvious ways. More often, they creep in through bitterness, resentment and broken relationships. A grudge left unchecked, a wound that festers, a heart unwilling to forgive – these are the cracks the enemy exploits.
Paul knew this well. In 2 Corinthians 2, he urges the church to reaffirm love for the one who had caused grief, warning that excessive sorrow could consume both the individual and the community. He reminds them, ‘We are not ignorant of [Satan’s] designs.’ Where unforgiveness lingers, division thrives, and the enemy gains ground.
Satan’s schemes can be subtle. He sows discord through whispered resentments, the slow erosion of trust and the unwillingness to let go of past hurts. But Paul reminds us that forgiveness is one of the greatest weapons against the enemy – not because it excuses wrongdoing, but because it reflects the grace we ourselves have received in Christ.
Forgiveness is not ignoring justice or pretending the hurt never happened. It is refusing to let evil have the final word. It is choosing freedom in Christ over the chains of offence. When we forgive, we reclaim territory from the enemy and fully step into God’s love.
Have you been withholding forgiveness from someone? What is keeping you from letting go?
Ask God to help you release the burden of unforgiveness today. As you forgive, you are not excusing the hurt – you are choosing to walk in freedom.
Lord, help me to recognise the enemy’s schemes and resist the temptation to hold on to bitterness. Show me where I have been withholding forgiveness and give me the courage to release it to you. Fill my heart with your love so that I may extend grace as you have shown me. Strengthen me to choose forgiveness and walk in your freedom. Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.
See attached poster for information a day of preaching and prayer.
Lutheran Media turns 80 in 2025! Come and celebrate 80 years of Lutheran Media in Australia with our first event to be held on Saturday 21st June, ‘Thank You Lunch’, at Kies Family Wines, Lyndoch.
As a major fundraiser for the year, tickets can be purchased for $80 or cheaper for a table booking. You will be treated to a two-course meal including wine and dessert bar.
Also available will be silent auction items including a luxury B&B stay in the Barossa, bespoke jewellery from a local designer, wine and exclusive framed prints of our most stunning calendar entries.
Hear how media has shaped our messages of hope throughout the decades and join in a great day of celebration! For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.lutheranmedia.org.au/events .