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DISTRICT eVOICES
2 Timothy 4:9-18
Our recent Pastors' Conference and District Convention recalled some of the joys and challenges faced by the church in our day. Speaking of challenges, we were reminded of the reality of diminishing pastoral supply, declining congregations, fewer resources, the pain of broken fellowship, opposition, strained relationships, and difficult personal circumstances.
Paul’s closing words in 2 Timothy 4 speak directly into such a season...
News of the Victoria and Tasmania District
District Convention Elect New Bishop & Assistant Bishop
During the 2026 LCAVD Convention of Synod, Pastor Brett Kennett was elected as the next LCAVD Bishop and Pastor Hans Peethala was elected as the next LCAVD Assistant Bishop. LCAVD is blessed to continue to receive the service of Pastors Brett and Hans.
Assistant Bishop Hans was officially installed during the Convention Closing Worship.
Pastor Brett will be installed as Bishop during an Installation service on Sunday November 22. We welcome you to join us for this special occasion, please see below 'Events in the District' for more details.
Vale Peter Russell
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our brother in Christ, Peter Russell. Peter was a member of the District Staff team, in the role of Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Project Officer.
Peter had been quite unwell for some months, and passed away on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the Mulgrave Private Hospital, following a short period of palliative care. He is survived by his wife Christine and their wider family, including grandchildren.
Peter joined the LCA Vic-Tas District team in May 2023, succeeding Kate Burke in the EA role. During his time with us, Peter primarily provided operational assistance to the Bishop, and also assisted the managing of District projects and events such as the Continuing Education Program and Convention of Synod. Another of his many projects was to formalise arrangements for Vacancy Pastoral Supply in the Vic-Tas District, and he worked closely with numerous Pastors Emeriti who serve our congregations in vacancy.
District staff were blessed to witness and share Peter’s deep faith in our Lord and Saviour. We know that he is now safe in the arms of God.
Blessed be his memory.
2027 General Convention of Synod
Planning to attend the 2027 General Convention of Synod?
Next October, General Synod will bring the LCANZ together in Brisbane (October 1-4, 2027).
If you have started searching for accommodation and a property appeared unavailable, it may be worth checking again. Booking windows and room releases vary between properties, so an online result does not always mean every room is taken. You can also contact the property directly.
Keep planning, keep checking, and book when you find a suitable option.
The LCANZ Synod Planning Team have also provided this travel advice letter to help with your preparations.
St David's celebrates 160 years!
Image: iStock - artplus
On Sunday 11 October 2026, there was a wonderful gathering of 55 people to give thanks to God and to celebrate the significant milestone event of the 160th year of St David's at Freshwater Creek.
The Church was filled to capacity, the singing was hearty, and there was a great feeling of joy and fellowship between those who were able to attend. A delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed by all after the worship service. Doing the honours of the cutting the cake were Jean Seiffert and June Winter, the longest members, in attendance, on the day. The cake was made by a friend Jean Seiffert's, Valerie Field.
A special thanks to those who made the day possible: the organisation of Sheree Seifert and Lois Perrett, Pastor Robert Bartholomaeus who led the worship service, and organist, Hauke Worpel.
New Principal Commences at Geelong Lutheran College
Image shared by Geelong Lutheran College
Congratulations to Mr Richard Davies on his commencement as Principal of Geelong Lutheran College this term. The LCAVD Office wishes Richard every blessing as he begins his journey with the GLC community.
Chinese Calligraphy Class at St Paul's Box Hill
Last week the St Paul’s community were blessed by members of our partner congregation, the Chinese Lutheran Church (CLC), running a Chinese Calligraphy class in the café. Carmen from the Chinese Lutheran Church came up with this fantastic idea to support Senior’s month when she saw St Paul’s members sharing a fortnightly lunch. Husband and wife, Stephen and Eva, ran the event with Stephen teaching the class, ably assisted by Tim, another CLC member.
Read more...
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, hear from Samantha Hill and Pastor Nathan Hedt as they take us behind the scenes of two different worship services held at Lutheran schools in different corners of Victoria. Refresh (Geelong Lutheran College, Armstrong Creek) and Ignite (Luther College, Croydon Hills) are two inspiring worship services forming communities around God's word.
What would bring 50
parents and children to gather voluntarily in a school classroom on a Sunday evening?
Believe it or not, this is something occurring regularly at Lutheran schools across Victoria. Once a month, on a Sunday evening, families gather at Geelong Lutheran College (GLC), Armstrong Creek, and Luther College, Croydon Hills, for a meal and time of worship...
Read more here…
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.
Events in the District
Invitation to Installation of LCAVD Bishop
We are pleased to invite you to attend the Installation of Pastor Brett Kennett as Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian District (including Tasmania), with farewell to outgoing Bishop Lester Priebbenow.
The Installation will take place on Sunday 22 November 2026, with service beginning at 4pm. Please submit your RSVP before Friday 13 November using the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/DQSDT
If you would like to, you are welcome to share a greeting via email to Taya (taya.fittolani@lca.org.au).
We look forward to having you join us for this special occasion. If you have any queries, please contact Taya (taya.fittolani@lca.org.au, or 03 9236 1243).
St Paul's Box Hill Fete (21 November)
LYV Summer Camp (14-17 January 2027)
LYV Christian Life Week Summer Camp is open for registrations!
High school students are invited to join Lutheran Youth Victoria January 14-17, 2027, for a long weekend camp where you'll encounter God, grow in your Faith, play awesome games and meet new and old friends. Plus, LCAVD is subsidising the cost for all campers in 2027!
Click here to find more information or register.
Important Dates in the District
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
22 Nov Installation of Pastor Brett Kennett as Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian District (including Tasmania)
27 Nov District Church Council (DCC) meeting (in person)
10-11 Dec College of Bishops (CoB) & General Church Board (GCB) Meetings
21 Dec - 15 Jan (inclusive) LCAVD Office closure
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
Pr Jan Havjar to Calvary Greensborough-Thomastown VIC.
Pr Roelof Buitendag to Living Faith Greater Geelong VIC.
Calls accepted
Nil
Calls declined
Rev Nigel Rosenzweig Victor Harbor SA to Living Faith Greater Geelong VIC
Congregations and schools in the call process
Good News Lutheran College, Tarneit (SMP application); Greensborough-Thomastown; Living Faith Lutheran Church, Geelong.
Congregations and schools vacant (not actively engaged in the call process)
North Tasmania; Hobart; Mildura; Nhill; Dimboola-Natimuk.
*Those who remain in long term or permanent vacancy with no capacity or intention to call are not listed here.
Safe Church - Denise Muschamp
IMPORTANT: Changes to Victorian Working with Children Check
From the 19th October 2026, Victoria is strengthening the Working with Children (WWC) Check to provide greater safeguards for children and to help organisations make safer decisions about the people they engage in paid or voluntary child-related work. These changes have occurred after the ‘Rapid Child Safety Review’ in 2025.
Please click here to learn more about these changes and what they mean for you.
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
Units for sale at Calvary Retirement Village, Greensborough
Units are for sale at Calvary Retirement Village in Greensborough, VIC. Click here for more information or contact:
Phone: (03) 9435 2033
Email: manager@calvaryretirement.com.au
89.9 The Light - Christmas Broadcasting
89.9 The Light invite your church to join them in celebrating and honouring your ministry this Christmas season!
From the 7th-18th December, they will be spotlighting one church every hour, every day, showcasing the events and initiatives within your faith community. They'll feature your activities on air, record an interview with a church pastor, or maybe even invite your creative team to perform a Christmas carol live on the radio.
To be part of this special celebration, please complete this FORM with as much information by November 9th about your community event as possible.
Please note: they are only promoting FREE (or free ticketed) events.
Calls, Employment Opportunities and Volunteering Opportunities in the LCANZ
Help shape the future of the LCANZ
Following the LCANZ's Governance in Mission Symposium in August, the General Church Board and College of Bishops are seeking expressions of interest from people across the LCANZ to serve on one of five working groups. Expressions of interest close on 11 November.
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
Faithful God, you accompany your people through wilderness and uncertainty, through endings and new beginnings.
We give thanks for those who have guided us: for their courage and patience, their vision and persistence, and the love that sustained their service.
Give those who lead today wisdom to listen, courage to ask difficult questions, and generosity to nurture the gifts of others.
When it is time to lay down responsibility, give us grace to release it, and freedom to welcome what comes next.
Bless those who take up leadership. May they draw strength from what they have received and find room to respond with imagination to the challenges of their own time.
Help us honour the past and remain open to your unfolding promise.
God of every generation, our lives are part of a story larger than we can see.
Make us faithful in our part, generous in our leaving, and hopeful for those whose footsteps will follow. Amen.
Victorian Council of Churches eNews, 19 Oct
Reflection based on Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Prayer Point Calendar - October
9-15 Nov International Week of Science and Peace
14 Nov World Diabetes Day
16 Nov International Day for Tolerance
20 Nov World Children's Day
21 Nov World Philosophy Day
25 Nov International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Links to information on these and other dates are HERE.
Image: iStock - rudall30
Congregations and agencies in our district
01 November Murtoa Congregation - Permanent Pastor Vacancy; Nhill Congregation - SMP Candidate Graham Potter, Lay staff Wendy Harvey.
08 November North Geelong Congregation - Permanent Pastor Vacancy; North Tasmania Parish (Congregations of Burnie and Launceston) - Pastor Vacancy.
15 November Nunawading Waverley Multisite Congregation (Worship places of Nunawading & Waverley) - Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt and Fiona; Portland Heywood Congregation (multisite) (Worship places of Portland & Heywood) - Pastor Stan Rudowski and Vivian.
22 November Ringwood Knox Parish (Congregations of Ringwood and Knox) - Pastor Peter Ghalayini and Sharon, Lay workers Judy Bowman, Brendan Scott, Chris Scott, Jenny Burr; Good Shepherd Lutheran Retirement Village – Joanne Augstkalns; Knox Lutheran South Sudanese Fellowship (formerly Frankston/Pakenham) - Pastor Peter Deng & Nyamach; Boronia Martin Luther Homes (East German) - CEO Birgit Goeltz and staff team.
29 November Stawell Congregation - Pastor Chris Raatz & Katie; Tabor Congregation - Interim Pastor Chris Raatz & Katie.
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 25 November.
Items due by: Monday 23 November (midday).
2026 Dates: 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
W: www.vic.lca.org.au