# data[].attributes.body
Grace - the all inclusiveness love of God. How does it inform my role - Just as God loved the Ninevites, we need to love those people who challenge us in our school community.

# data[].attributes.body
WHAT do we learn about GOD through this story?

God's word and his values - 2000 years of Christian interpretations and different perspectives. God's vision for the world through scripture.

What did …(Bible character)... learn?

Parables - 3 characters and a message at the end. We look at it with a particular set of glasses e.g - analysing our own thoughts, examining moral messages, and Investigating historical changes.

What is it saying to me? That there are many interpretations and we need to know where the different versions come from. History and Culture, Genre, Interpretation.
What might it be saying to our community?

We all bring our different views, experiences and values to connect with the scripture of the bible. What is the emphasis on?

An approach:          Hermeneutical approach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oldTXzkC30

# data[].attributes.body
What can 'creation' tell us about God?
Creation = Animals and plants have special features that sustain them through difficult times, weather, hardship. Perhaps we have the same 'gifts from god'. I don't think that everything is fair but does god give us the strength to survive them and to live a good life?

# data[].attributes.headline
Vocation - How do these perspectives on 'vocation' inform your understanding of your relationships, role, contribution to your learning community?

# data[].attributes.subject
Vocation - How do these perspectives on 'vocation' inform your understanding of your relationships, role, contribution to your learning community?

# data[].attributes.body
We then are able to love things for themselves and not for what they do for us. That—and not for what they do for us. That takes both work and surrender, and the primary work is detachment from our selves—from our conditioning, our preferences, our prejudices, our knee-jerk neurological reactions.

God is working through us. Even when we do not realize it, when we fulfill our callings, we too are masks of God.

ROLE - As a teacher I often think about students in terms of what they will be when they grow up. -“What are you going to be when you grow up?” we ask even young children, and we do not have in mind something on the order of “a nice person” or “someone who enjoys nature” or “a person with many hobbies.” We have in mind a job. “I am a teacher,” we say, or “a machinist” or “an executive assistant.” Our very being is tied up in our job description.

Why does Lutheran Education value community?
Togetherness brings people, their ideas and strengths to share with each other for the benefit of the school

In what ways has learning about community relationships informed your understanding of your role and contribution?
We all bring different qualities and that uniqueness is what makes education strong.
What questions or issues does the concept raise for me and how can I explore my questions?
Embracing differences

# data[].attributes.body
Personal - Why might this topic, COMMUNITY matter to me? The support and collaboration of the community in a school are important for the success of staff and students. The relationship between parents, staff, and students, if working together can make all the difference to students, their well-being, and achievement.

Social - Why might it matter to the people around me? Family, friends, my community? Support for each other in good times and bad. Better together?

Global - Why might it matter to the world? The mindset of the world is that everyone works on their own individual agenda instread of the way god intended which was to love and serve each other - work together.

# data[].attributes.body
The mirror is the 4th place, beckoning us to join the 3  (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The observer is meant to look into the mirror and see his place in the divine 3.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does creation theology shape an aspect of your work with students?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does creation theology shape an aspect of your work with students?

# data[].attributes.body
Caring enough to give each student what they need - differentiating and building them up. Recognising and celebrating their differences, accepting and caring for them with patience and understanding, without judgement. Never giving up on anyone .

Concepts or issues

Judgements of others and parent expectations/beliefs/views/thoughts and actions
Meeting the needs of a very diverse range of learners on a daily basis and being able to do this in a sustainable way without burning out.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does creation theology inform the how and why of Lutheran Education?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does creation theology inform the how and why of Lutheran Education?

# data[].attributes.body
Caring Mother - (In times of disaster look for the helpers) Terrible things happen but we can overcome adversity through our trust in God.
The people of NZ were appropriately asking: Where is God in this? Why did God let this happen?

However, what we saw, more than damaged homes, shops and buildings, was the way that the people of NZ banded together and faced the massive task of clean up together.

People, tradies, retired folk from all over the country packed bags, shovels, tools and went and gave of their time and abilities to begin cleaning up the city, restoring power, water, plumbing. Giving shelter, care and comfort. It was in this where God is. The leaders of the churches in NZ came out and said God didn’t cause this, it isn’t some punishment. However, this has happened and God is here, weeping with those who weep. God is at work in those who shovel silt. God is there as people care for one another.

It can be pretty amazing how we can work together to help those in need, like what we see in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe-xIZQ9Tzs

# data[].attributes.headline
Learners, Learning and Learning Communities

# data[].attributes.subject
Learners, Learning and Learning Communities

# data[].attributes.body
All students have the goodness in them (image of god), don’t judge - not the outside but the heart. Step back from behaviours, not taking it personally, Not writing a student off.

Learning (Curriculum)

Physical, emotional, spiritual. Holistic approach. Not teaching to a career or to a subject. An individual outcome

Learning Communities (Environment)

Classroom, Safe, Supportive, Core Beliefs,

# data[].attributes.body
God creates people in God’s image as unique individuals

All people are of equal worth because ‘God does not show favouritism’ (Acts 10:34 NIV).

value of the individuals rests not only on being purposefully and lovingly created by God in His image but also on the fact that Jesus has died for each person and that the Holy Spirit offers faith to each individual and lives within each believer.

Since God sees each individual with worth and dignity, each person can develop realistic self-awareness, self-identity and self-acceptance through a personal relationship with God and interaction with others.

The story of creation (Gen 2:14b-25) shows how highly God values relationships and because God exists in relationship, human beings who were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26) are created for relationship.

Bartsch, M. (2013)

# data[].attributes.body
God’s creation is good
From Bartsch, M. (2013). A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. Adelaide: Lutheran Education Australia pp 54-55. He references the bible verse Genesis 1:31
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening,and there was morning—the sixth day. (NIV) God looked at what he had done. All of it was very good! Evening came and then morning—that was the sixth day. (CEV)
Students in Lutheran schools need to be encouraged to look beyond the impact of sin on God’s good creation and celebrate and enjoy creation by using the gifts and opportunities which they are given.
This can be through drama, music, painting, dance, poetry, photography, creative writing.
The article states that one aspect of God’s good creation which may need special and careful treatment in Lutheran schools is the area of human sexuality. It  should not be misused, denigrated or ‘worshipped’. Too often students develop their attitudes to sexuality from the media and internet .

| ReplyReply allForward

# data[].attributes.body
God's creation is good
That God, by grace shown through Jesus loves, accepts and values each person
Created in God's image • the uniqueness and Develop the whole person
God invites people to be co-creators

# data[].attributes.headline
Lutheran education is centered in the belief that God invites all people to join God in ongoing creation and care for the universe.

# data[].attributes.subject
Lutheran education is centered in the belief that God invites all people to join God in ongoing creation and care for the universe.

# data[].attributes.body
In what ways might the concept of grace inform the understanding of my role and my contribution?
Creation is
care
serve
gifts
forgiven
understanding
things we can't see
gifts

# data[].attributes.body
Session 1 -
What are important aspects of spirituality from a Lutheran perspective?

In what ways might the concept of grace shape Lutheran education communities?

In what ways might the concept of grace inform the understanding of my role and my contribution?

What questions or issues does the concept raise for me and how can I explore my questions?

Session 2 -

How does creation theology inform the why and how of Lutheran education?

How does creation theology shape an aspect of your work with students?

What questions or issues does the concept raise for me and how can I explore my questions?

Session 3 -

Why does Lutheran education value community?

In what ways has the learning about community relationships informed your understanding of your role and contribution?

What questions or issues does the concept raise for me and how can I explore my questions?

Session 4 -

•  What have I learned? More about the core values that underpin Christian beliefs in Lutheran Education.

•  What am I challenged by? My understanding of the bible characters.

•  What questions do I have?

# data[].attributes.headline
What values about education are reflected by the government?

# data[].attributes.subject
What values about education are reflected by the government?

# data[].attributes.body
It's about employment money, power and economic growth.
Dollar signs above their heads; what can they give us?

# data[].attributes.headline
In what ways might the concept of grace inform the understanding of my role and my contribution?

# data[].attributes.subject
In what ways might the concept of grace inform the understanding of my role and my contribution?

# data[].attributes.body
Undeserved and unconditional love of God. Grace means that we dont act in a punative way and we have a second chance waiting for people without them asking. The way we treat and relate to other staff and accept or forgive their habits. I feel like I am very critical of myself and keep a high wall up around me. I give others many many chances but I don't easily forget how they treat me and therefore keep it surface level.

# data[].attributes.headline
In what ways might the concept of grace shape Lutheran education communities?

# data[].attributes.subject
In what ways might the concept of grace shape Lutheran education communities?

# data[].attributes.body
We have reflected on the challenges in society for example - if people are spiritual and not religious? How do they know the routines of a chapel and learn the songs. What are the things we as a school can do? From the bridging excercise we compared notes on the dialogue walk and talked about the fact that students and adults sometimes have their own interests first and not a 'we' mindset so that they are able to understand how their behaviour affects others.

# data[].attributes.body
Metaphors - Comparing the significance of stars and dots. This is an amazing resource that I have used with students and was a resounding success through Max's ability to connect through the character Punchinello and explain the importance of grace and forgiveness.

# data[].attributes.body
Bolz Webber and Greiger - Personal Response
After reading that these values were important in Lutheran Education, I felt like my school was consistent with these core values. In reading about authenticity in Christenson I felt that it was important but still something I struggle with.

# data[].attributes.body
What are important aspects of spirituality from a Lutheran perspective? A deep connection between the soul of the person and the soul of the world - the connection to land and country for Indigenous people.

In what ways might the concept of grace shape Lutheran education communities?

In what ways might the concept of grace inform the understanding of my role and my contribution?

What questions or issues does the concept raise for me and how can I explore my questions?

# data[].attributes.headline
What questions do you have about the Lutheran church?

# data[].attributes.subject
What questions do you have about the Lutheran church?

# data[].attributes.body
After viewing the history of Lutheran Education and the object lesson from Stuart, I understand that the school is now the church for many people. If the school is becoming a church for people, how do special ceremonies take place in a respectful and inclusive manner?

# data[].attributes.body
The LEA website provides information that will orient you to these practices. After exploring the areas that involve you, record your thinking and what you would like to know more about. Communion and rules around gatherings and respectful behaviour. How do I as a staff member from a non-christian background provide a meaningful class daily devotion each day. Stuart has said that if the school wants this to happen they need to resource it and train people to do it.

# data[].attributes.body
What is important in Lutheran education? Welcoming and accepting a culture of forgiveness.

What questions emerge for you after viewing the sites and videos? Worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing as a 'new to Lutheran Ed' teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is important to you? What are you passionate about?

My kids, family, my pets, and photos for Classdojo to connect with parents.

1. What has brought you to this Lutheran school or ECS? My own children and being able to be there for them. Attending Chapel and feeling the wonderful vibes of the school with the music.

2. What questions do you have about Lutheran education and your role? How do you change your mindset if you've come from a department school?

# data[].attributes.headline
Outcome 3: Discussion of identified unresolved issues or remaining questions and how they inform further learning. The logical description of how the learning plan will advance your understanding, practice, and contribution to Lutheran Education

# data[].attributes.subject
Outcome 3: Discussion of identified unresolved issues or remaining questions and how they inform further learning. The logical description of how the learning plan will advance your understanding, practice, and contribution to Lutheran Education

# data[].attributes.body
Earlier in my portfolio, there is the main question that I pondered:

What questions do you have about Lutheran education and your role? How do you change your mindset if you've come from a department school?

As I examine my own feelings towards this I believe that regardless of where you come from, the principles are the same. We learn together, we meet the students where they are and we challenge ourselves by developing our own faith

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20

I know that I can bring my own experience and unique qualities to the classroom. To guide my students and teach them with enthusiasm, the meaning of kindness and faith, and that I have much to offer. Many of my concerns are based around making sure that I have the correct information and I now know that there are many leaders within the school to guide me and that faith in myself and my team is crucial. An open mind provides hope that anything is possible when one is acting in the will of God, in the name of Jesus. I will continue to analyse bible passages with Joel in our morning bible study groups. I will explore the bible with an open mind and heart, sharing my knowledge with my students and learning together with them.

# data[].attributes.body
https://padlet.com/pkastner/mg4x0onjsaqc

# data[].attributes.body
Outcome 2: Analyse and describe the ways Lutheran theological perspectives can shape practices in an early years’ service, school, or classroom.

'Showing people Jesus, is the work of the entire staff team, not just the senior leaders, classroom teachers, or especially the ministry staff – but as Luther put it ... “everyone at their stations”. Every staff member has a role to play. Outcome 2.

N Grieger 2018.

As mentioned earlier, I work in a school where a high percentage of students are non-denominational. As a staff, we may be the only Bible that the kids will ever see. And so as a staff we have regular times of devotion to remind us that it is everyone’s job to be sharing Jesus’ love and grace with the students. Chapels are also not a mirror image of a typical Sunday church service, as that would be inappropriate and confusing for their kids. Rather chapels and devotions are designed in a way that connects with where kids are at so that they can begin to comprehend God’s love for each of them. Recently we have presented a class chapel based on 'Fruits of the Spirit - Goodness'. During this time, we explored what goodness means to us in everyday life and how we could demonstrate it and teach our friends about it. I have attached the link to our presentationhttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SH2DHj_j1z35Xl7kFw0KM6A23EPOBOnTprZ16n3f4BI/edit?usp=sharing The Connect sessions have provided scope for me to consider how my current thought processes
and responses serve me, but more importantly whether they serve those in the community around
me. This thinking has reaffirmed the importance of my journey in education and in life not as work, but
as a ‘career in serving others’. Changing my mindset to one of speaking with love, patience, kindness and understanding.