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DISTRICT eVOICES
Devotional Message from Bishop Lester
Praise to the Lord (A Legacy of Praise)
Image: iStock - Boonyachoat
Psalm 105:1-4
1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
For our home devotions we have been reading through a book entitled “The One Year Book of Hymns.” Each daily devotion focuses on a Christian hymn, gives a summary of its origin, the story of the author and then, of course, the words of the hymn.
News of the Victoria and Tasmania District
Support for Nepal (ALWS)
Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) is calling for emergency donations to support aid provisions in Nepal's hardest-hit areas. You can learn more about ALWS action, including information from those on the ground in Nepal, and donate by clicking this link.
15-Year Anniversary for Darren & Kerry Linke
On Saturday 12 September, staff and family gathered to recognise over 15 years of service to Lutheran camps by Darren and Kerry Linke. With the help of some clever coordination by their children Samuel, Brook and Zali, the group gathered for a surprise dinner near Araluen Lutheran Camp, where Darren and Kerry have served for the past eight years.
Read more...
GNLC 2026 Principal's Art Prize
Image shared by Fiona McAuliffe, Principal.
We extend our congratulations to the winner of the 2026 Principal's Art Prize at Good News Lutheran College, Tarneit. The Year 11 student's painting (above) depicts Jesus in the heart of the GNLC school grounds, representing the importance of His presence there.
Joanne Augstkalns - Manager, Good Shepherd Retirement Village
Photo via LCA article.
Meet Joanne Augstklans, recently appointed Manager at Good Shepherd Retirement Village in Ringwood, Victoria. Earlier this month, LCA spoke with her to learn more about her and the role she has taken up.
Click here to read more about Jo, the new heart of Good Shepherd Retirement Village.
Ignite (Luther College)
Still image from video shared by Pastor Nathan Hedt.
Ignite is a student-led worship, currently hosted monthly at Luther College in Croydon Hills. Every month, students, families, friends and members of the community gather for a young-adult let worship with music, God's word, conversation, reflection and community.
Ignite exists to provide space for people to explore and encounter Jesus, grow in community, and grow deeper in discipleship.
Click here (Facebook link) to watch a video shared with us by Pastor Nathan Hedt. It is a wonderful insight into the work God is doing in our community.
'Wharfie Time' at This & That!
Photo provided.
This & That Community Store have joined the festivities in Melbourne ahead of this week's AFL Grand Final! They're getting behind the Freo Dockers with a purple and white window display.
Head down to see the display for yourself, and pick up a bargain or two: 25 Brentford Square, Forest Hill VIC 3131.
What's happening in your congregation or community?
Please share your stories of celebration, encouragement, appeal or collaboration and innovation with us.
Each month, we shine the spotlight on particularly special stories from our region. This month, Taya Fittolani (LCAVD Communications & Administration Officer) and Erin Grainger (LCAVD Congregational Support) travelled to Wodonga to visit Lisa Enever and Pastor Paul Hage from St John's Lutheran Parish, and Joel Klemke from Victory Lutheran College, learning more about the work underway there strengthening the connection between Parish and College.
On a
somewhat chilly Friday morning in Wodonga, I stand in the foyer of St John’s Lutheran Parish. It’s a new building with modern finishes, but it feels homely- there are hand painted vases on the table, and carefully designed fragments of a stained-glass window feature catch the morning light...
Read more here…
LCA Vic-Tas District Synod News
District Convention of Synod 2026
The 43rd Vic-Tas District Convention of Synod Dates: 2-4 October 2026.
Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, Croydon Hills.
We look forward to welcoming Delegates, Pastors and visitors to our District Convention of Synod next week.
Reminders:
- Registrations are now CLOSED. Please contact admin.vic@lca.org.au as soon as possible if you still need to register.
The Book of Reports and supporting documents have been published on our website here
Attending this year's Convention of Synod?
- Our website has also been updated with information on parking and a map for accessing the site on the day.
- Please reach out to admin.vic@lca.org.au if you have any last questions before next week.
The 2026 District Convention of Synod will conclude with a worship service led by Bishop Lester. All are welcome to join us for this service (no registration required).
Date: Sunday 4 October, 10am-12pm
Location: Luther College Chapel, 1-39 Plymouth Rd, Croydon Hills VIC 3136
During this service, an Offering will be collected for the LCA Victorian District Disaster and Welfare Fund. If you would like to contribute, you are welcome to do so using the following bank details:
Account Name: LCA Victorian District Disaster and Welfare Fund
BSB: 704 942
Account number: 100102409
Congregational Support
'EMMY'
Explorations in Mission and MinistrY (EMMY)
Online Conversations for Pastors and Leaders from across Australia and New Zealand
Facilitated by the LCA District Mission Directors, EmmY is an opportunity for shared reflection, storytelling and encouragement.
The LCA website has links to all previous gatherings, and future dates, links, and topics - HERE.
22 Sept – All ages on mission: passing faith forward
20 Oct – The front door of grace: hospitality as mission
You’re invited to join the conversation — live when you can, and online when you need.
NCLS Survey - Delayed Paper Delivery
2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS) for all LCANZ congregations
NCLS have flagged that their paper delivery has been held up and suggested any congregations planning to do Surveys in September reschedule to October. You will still be able to start using online surveys from September. Read more about this latest update on the NCLS website here.
For any further questions, please email Erin (erin.grainger@lca.org.au).
Events in the District
Victorian Intergenerate event
Click on the image for more information.
Freshwater Creek - 160th Anniversary
ST DAVID’S LUTHERAN CHURCH,
FRESHWATER CREEK
160th ANNIVERSARY
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Sunday 11 October 2026, at 2.00pm
followed by afternoon tea.
Past members and friends are welcome.
RSVP: 1 October 2026
For information, contact:
livingfaithgeelong@lca.org.au
Important Dates in the District
30 Sept-2 Oct District Pastor's Conference, Holy Cross Centre, Templestowe
02-04 Oct District Convention of Synod, GSLPS, Croydon Hills (website page: HERE)
22 Oct District Church Council (DCC) meeting (online)
10 Nov Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR) Plenum
11 Nov Ministry & Mission Council (MMC) meeting
19-20 Nov College of Bishops (CoB) & General Church Board (GCB) Meetings
27 Nov District Church Council (DCC) meeting (in person)
To Note:
Appointment requests with the Bishop - please contact the Office by email (admin.vic@lca.org.au) or phone (03 9236 1200).
eNews enquiries, dates and stories - please direct to Taya Fittolani: taya.fittolani@lca.org.au (LCAVD reserves the right to edit submissions before publishing.)
Pastor Calls and Vacancy (Vic-Tas)
Calls extended
Rev Nigel Rosenzweig Victor Harbor SA to Living Faith Greater Geelong VIC
Calls accepted
Nil
Calls declined
Pr Boyd Briese Greater Geelong, VIC, to Toowoomba, QLD.
Congregations and schools in the call process
Footscray; Good News Lutheran College Tarneit; Greensborough-Thomastown; Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham; Mildura; North-West Melbourne Ministry; Tabor.
Congregations and schools vacant (not actively engaged in the call process)
Natimuk; North Tasmania Parish.
Safe Church - Denise Muschamp
Serving in your role - why, who, what, when, where, how???
When you apply for a position of employment, a role description and role criteria are clearly outlined. Such information is necessary to set clear expectations, guide decisions and prevent confusion about specific duties.
In our church where many of us are volunteers, it is no different. Before we agree to step into a role, it is important that we know what it entails.
In my work with congregations, I find this can be a very “fuzzy” area...
Read more...
LCANZ Policies and Procedures
Our LCANZ policies and procedures give us practical guidance to help us care for and protect God's people and encourage the good use of his gifts. Our policies and procedures reflect the LCA’s core values and help us to reflect God's love to each other and to all who come into contact with us.
You can find all of the LCANZ policies and procedures HERE.
Safe Church Training
Safe Church Training is now completed online, via webinars (in real-time with trainers) or via iLearn (self-paced).
Click the Training button for more information, and for registration links to your choice of training mode.
Safe Church Service Desk
The new Safe Church Service Desk is your primary point of contact for any questions about the Child Safety Standards, Safe Church training, background screening checks and day-to-day safety management.
Contact the Safe Church Service Desk via:
- Website: www.lca.org.au/service
- Phone: 1800 418 588 (Australia only)
- Email: safechurch@lca.org.au
General Notices
Lutheran Tract Mission News
Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) stock is now in storage until October 2026. Our range will not be changing, but during this time only a selected number of tracts will be available and accessible for ordering. These are highlighted on the homepage of LTM: "AVAILABLE DURING REFURBISHMENT". You can still use every tract as an ETRACT, to send electronically rather than ordering the physical copy. Those with 'Digital Spinners' can also still display any tract. Thank you for your patience.
LYV Kid's Camp Coordinators Needed
Lutheran Youth of Victora (LYV) are taking on the development and running of Kids Camp. We are calling for Volunteers to assist with coordinating future Kid's Camp events. People of all ages are welcome to consider this opportunity to help build and grow Camp Ministry in Victoria.
Read More...
Calls, Employment Opportunities and Volunteering Opportunities in the LCANZ
Employment and Volunteering Opportunities in wider Christian networks
LCA News & eNews
LCA eNews
There are several areas of the LCA providing resources and updates about ministries and activities on a regular basis. Click HERE to go to the LCANZ website to subscribe and discover more about the ministries of Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. As well as informing you, eNews will inspire and encourage you. Some of the recent eNews are linked below.
Prayer List
Prayer
Welcoming God,
Gather your diverse Church around the table of grace, where no tradition possesses the whole feast and every guest is received as your beloved.
Make visible among us the unity you have already given: a unity spacious enough for difference, strong enough for honest conversation, and loving enough to honour the conscience of another.
For we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. In life and in death, in agreement and in difference, we belong to Christ.
May our common life bear witness to the welcome we have received and the reconciling love you intend for all the world. Amen.
Victorian Council of Churches eNews, 7 Sep
Reflection based on Romans 14:1-12
Prayer Point Calendar - October
01 Oct International Day of Older Persons
02 Oct International Day of Non-Violence
05 World Teachers' Day
10 Oct World Mental Health Day
17 Oct International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
24 Oct United Nations Day
24-31 Oct Global Media and Information Literacy Week
Links to information on these and other dates are HERE.
Congregations and agencies in our district
04 October Melbourne Finnish congregation -Pastor Ian Vainikka and Katy; Melbourne Latvian congregation - Pastor Helga Jansons; Melbourne Swedish congregation -Pastor Katya Lin
11 October Melbourne North West Region (Congregations of Melton, St Albans and Sunbury) - Pastor Vacancy; Melbourne Outer Eastern Congregation (Worship place Lilydale) - Permanent Pastor Vacancy.
18 October Melbourne Southgate Congregation - Pastor James Winderlich and Karen; Mildura Parish - Pastor Vacancy.
25 October Minyip Warracknabeal Parish (Congregations of Minyip and Warracknabeal) - Pastor John Weier and Anne; Moorabbin Dandenong Congregation (Worship places of Dandenong and Moorabbin) - Pastor Matt Huckel and Sal; Dandenong Lutheran South Sudanese Fellowship - Koang Nhial (SMP Candidate) & Tabisa.
Click HERE for the UPDATED 2026 Prayer List (Jul - Dec).
eNews Publishing Dates
District eNews is published monthly, usually on the last Wednesday of the month.
Items are due by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication.
Next publishing date: Wednesday 28 October.
Items due by: Monday 26 October (midday).
2026 Dates: 28 Oct, 25 Nov, 16 Dec (note earlier date).
What's happening in your congregation or community?
Please share your stories of celebration, encouragement,
appeal or collaboration and innovation with us.
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1201 Riversdale Road, Box Hill South VIC 3128
P: (03) 9236 1200
E: admin.vic@lca.org.au
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