LYV Easter Camp

Photos supplied by Sylvia Hedt

Easter Camp 2025: ‘Let's Get Real’ ran over the Easter long weekend at Araluen Lutheran Camp, Anglesea. It was a lovely weekend with many fun activities and wonderful moments of reflection and worship.  ...
Our guest speaker this year was Jordan Moore, who talked about relationship with self, God, and others. ...
The activities on camp were also a highlight.
Read More...

Lenten Appeal 2025

The Lenten Appeal is closing soon.
If you haven't already, please prayerfully consider donating to one or more of the ministries listed (some are tax-deductible).
The brochure is available HERE.

If you have queries, please email Erin: erin.grainger@lca.org.au
or call: 03 9236 1241.

Ordination of Pastor Sue Westhorp

From left: Pr Neville Otto, Bishop Paul Smith, Pr Sue Westhorp, Pr John Henderson (Em), Pr Brett Kennett, Pr Basil Schild.  Photo supplied by Bernard Dana.

Sunday 27 April was a day of celebration as Sue Westhop was ordained as a Pastor of the LCANZ by Bishop Paul Smith. 
A joy-filled and very musical worship service at Luther College, Croydon, was attended by over 500 people, followed by a generous afternoon tea supplied by St Paul's Box Hill, with fellowship, greetings and speeches.
Read More...
Watch the service HERE.
Read the recent article from LCA eNews HERE.

Installation of Pastor Nathan Hedt

Pastor Nathan Hedt, Principal Jaqui Layfield, and Bishop Lester Priebbenow.  
Photo supplied by Luther College.

On Monday 28 April, Pastor Nathan Hedt was installed as Pastor to Luther College, Croydon Hills. Pastor Nathan is looking forward to supporting the school community in general, both students and staff, and continuing to support IGNITE, an outreach which began at the College in 2024.
Read More...

District Church Council News

Members of District Church Council meet around eight times each year, to discuss and approve the major policy and financial decisions that impact the Victoria – Tasmania District. Meetings are either held in person or online. Throughout the year, DCC also receive reports from LEVNT, the Ministry & Mission Council, our two Campsites, and two sub-committees: People & Strategy SC and Finance, Audit & Risk SC.

At the last, end-March meeting, DCC:

• recommended that several identified SMP candidates be approved for the SMP programme;
• heard & discussed an update on the New Approved Provider Project for Aged Care (a regular item);
• heard @ discussed a periodic report from LEVNT (a semi-regular item);
• discussed three new LEA policy & procedure items requiring feedback; 
• shared the importance of unity and respect within the church;
• highlighted the value of reading/reviewing LCA Policies periodically.

Read More... 

Reminders

See this eNews, and recent eNews editions, for more information on the following reminders:

• Submit AGM Reports to District Office.
• 2024 LCA Statistics are now overdue - submit via LAMP2, or contact District Office for assistance.
• Update LAMP2 with changes to your Office Bearers (or contact them to update any out-of-date information).
• Child Safety Standards Self-Assessment & Safety Plan is now overdue.
• Update your WWCC: with the new District Office address - 711 Station Street, Box Hill 3128. [Note: Pastors & others working in LEVNT schools, etc, need to also list any associated LEVNT bodies - school, kinder, LEVNT.]

Also, a reminder to be alert to scam emails and phone calls. A recent enquiry for a member directory from one of our churches reminds us that churches may be targeted for bank account details for scamming, or member details for marketing.
Please remain vigilant and cautious.

Undercurrents of Faith

There’s More to the Story

The narrative we often hear is that Christianity in Australia is in decline. But what if that’s only part of the story? A new McCrindle report reveals surprising “undercurrents”—unexpected movements of people toward faith, not away from it. From older adults returning to church, to spiritually curious Gen Zs, to nearly 800,000 new believers from "no religion" backgrounds—God is clearly at work beneath the surface.

In this hopeful reflection, Pastor Brett Kennett unpacks these findings and asks:
What might the Spirit be saying to us today?
Are we ready to notice—and respond to—the white fields of harvest right where we are?

Read More... (Full article by Pr Brett Kennett)
Read the full report HERE (pdf).

Access Excellent Mission and Ministry Resources

Looking for tools to enhance the mission and ministry of your congregation? Explore a site that brings together a rich collection of resources from congregations, districts, and across the LCA. This repository is designed to support and inspire the work God has placed on the hearts of His people.

The resources are thoughtfully organized under key headings, including:

• Worship and Faith Life
• Mission and Ministry
• Pastoral Care
• Administration
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Churchworkers

We’d love your input! If you know of other helpful resources or links that would benefit this collection, please share them by emailing Pastor Brett. Together, we can build a library that equips and empowers every congregation in their mission and ministry.

Check out the current resources HERE.

Gospel Fluency

Do you ever feel awkward or unprepared to share the gospel?
What if you could feel more confident in sharing the good news of Jesus?

Gospel Fluency Workshops are available now. Offered by the Department for Congregational Support, the workshops are designed to equip you and your congregation with the vocabulary, context, and practice to share the gospel in word and action.
Read more...
Read about the Workshop held at Wodonga HERE (08 Feb 2025).

LWVT Convention

When: Friday 2 & Saturday 3 May 2025
Where: St James Worship Centre, 416 South Road, Moorabbin
The March LWVT Newsletter contains the reports and the proposed agenda: HERE

Anyone who would still like to come is more than welcome. However, for catering purposes please register/advise attendance ASAP to Kerry Nolte [Registration Form]

Eastern Metro Youth,
Families and Friends

When: Saturday 3 May 2025
Where: 22 Wreford Rd, Blackburn South
Time: from 5.00pm
RSVP: Katie Lang

Bach Cantata Service

Ascension Day Vespers service, with Cantata.
When: Sunday 29 May 2025
Time: 7.30pm
Where: St Johns Southgate, 20 City Road, Southbank
(Click image to download full flyer)

LYV - CLW 2025 - July (only)

When: Monday 7 - Friday 11 July 2025
Where: Tandara Lutheran Camp, Halls Gap
SAVE THE DATE!  
We’re excited to announce Christian Life Week Vic/Tas!
While we’ve had to make the tough decision to move from two camps per year to one, we’re still committed to bringing you an unforgettable experience filled with faith, fun, and friendship!
   Mark your calendars!
This is your chance to grow in your faith, connect with amazing people, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
Stay tuned for more details—registration opens soon!

Continuing Education Retreat (CER) 2025

Getting Our 'Acts' Together - rest, replenishment, and renewal in God’s Word.
A three-day residential retreat (1 full day, 2 half days) Tue 20 - Thu 22 May 2025 at Holy Cross, Templestowe.  Designed for ministry workers in the Vic/Tas District, both lay and ordained. 
Presenter: Dr. Dean Zweck
Includes:
- Unhurried personal reflection
- Communal worship
- Grace-filled rest, reflection and guided conversations
- Exploration of the Spirit’s work in the Book of Acts
- Opportunities to nurture connections and relationships with others in Ministry
- And, of course, good food and drink!
A registration link has been sent to Ministry Workers - please respond by Mon 5 May.

LCANZ Local Mission Fund

The LCANZ Local Mission Fund application process for 2026 grants opens on 1 July 2025.

HOW TO START PREPARING NOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

• Place the 2026 Local Mission Fund on your church committee meeting agendas.
• Read the application criteria available at www.lca.org.au/local-mission-fund
• Invite your members to start thinking and praying about the local mission opportunity God might be placing before your congregation.

More information: HERE

LEVNT / LLL School Bursary Program

Financial Support for Christian Education!
Do you know a family facing financial hardship who would love to send their child to a Lutheran school?
The LLL School Bursary can help!
•    Covers 50% of tuition fees (up to $5,000 per year).
•    Open to Christian families, with preference for Lutheran members.

For more details, contact your nearest Lutheran school. Don’t miss this opportunity to support faith-based education!
Applications for 2026 Bursaries close on 30th September 2025.
Church Promotion Flyer available HERE.
More information HERE (LLL website).
Application Form HERE.

LCA International Mission -
Pray Through May

You're invited to join Pray through May – a month-long invitation from LCA International Mission to intentionally spend time cultivating prayerful communities, celebrating who God is, and joining him in his mission in Australia, New Zealand and abroad.
With daily prompts and weekly resources, deepen your prayer life and walk with others in faith.
Read More...
To register or to find out more, please email Erin Kerber at erin.kerber@lca.org.au

Solo Art Exhibition by Dr Flo Peitsch, SA

For those heading to SA in May, you may be interested in visiting the new solo art exhibition by Dr Flo Peitsch, inspired by Lobethal’s Onkaparinga Woollen Mills.
Dates: until 25 May 2025
Where: FABRIK Arts + Heritage,
     1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal, SA.
Download the flyer HERE.

Walk for Truth: 25 May - 18 June 2025

Yoorrook Justice Commission invites you to be part of the Walk for Truth from Portland to Parliament.
Everyone is invited to join when Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, walks from Portland, where colonisation began, to Parliament, where we can transform the future.
Starting on Sunday 25 May on Gunditjmara Country at Portland, the Walk will finish at Parliament House on Wednesday 18 June.
You can join sections of the Walk along the way. You can also join community events. Register to find out more.
More information HERE.

Reminder to submit AGM Reports to District Office

iStock Image - Credit: Shendart

Each time you hold a congregational or parish Annual General Meeting, please send a copy of your AGM Reports to District Office as soon as practical.
Email to: keryn.middelmann@lca.org.au
Also, please inform LAMP2 of any changes to office bearers (lamp2@lca.org.au).

LCA Statistics for 2024

Statistics for 2024 are now due.
Congregations can now enter their statistics data for 2024 into LAMP2.

There are help guides available for statisticians. PART 1 shows and explains how to get to the Statistics App within LAMP 2.
PART 2 shows and explains how to enter statistics, download a statistics form, and more.  
Office Bearers and Statisticians with access to LAMP 2 can access and edit Statistics.
If you cannot access LAMP2 or require assistance, contact the Vic District office: admin.vic@lca.org.au, or 03 9236 1200. 
Please advise LAMP2 if your statistician has changed.

Calls, Employment Opportunities and Volunteering Opportunities in the LCANZ

Employment and Volunteering Opportunities in wider Christian networks

Child Safety Standards

A big thank you to all congregations who submitted their Round 2 Child Safety Standards Action Plan or their Child Safety ‘No Children’ Assurance by the March 31^st deadline.
Your work in making our church a safe place where children and young people can thrive and grow in their faith is appreciated.

A list of all submissions we have received will be available on the Child Safety Standards pages of the website at the end of April.  You can see the list HERE.

Our District still has congregations who have not made a submission, and have not communicated with us about their progress to date.
For those congregations who are either still working on their Child Safety Standard Action Plans, or are yet to commence the process, please note you are still required to complete your Child Safety Standards Action Plan.
Please contact the CSS Implementation Support Officer, Nicole Hall, ASAP with an update on your congregation’s progress.
Ph: 0491 011 643

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.

LCA (Churchwide) eNews (29/04/25)
A message from Bishop Paul on the death of Pope Francis HERE (22/04/25)
Ordination: FAQ Videos HERE (11/02/25)
LCAQD Community (Qld) eNews (23/04/25)

SA-NT Online Together eNews (09/04/25)
LCNZ Te Oriwa eNews (31/03/25)
Safe Church eNews (31/03/25)
ALC March eNews (31/03/25)
ALWS 75th Anniversary eNews (14/04/25)

Prayer
Gracious Father,
we pray for your holy catholic church.
Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace.
Where it is corrupt, purify it;
where it is in error, direct it;
where in anything it is amiss, reform it.
Where it is right, strengthen it;
where it is in want, provide for it;
where it is divided, reunite it;
for the sake of Jesus Christ,
your Son, our Saviour. Amen.

(Source: a prayer by William Laud (1573–1645), Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, 1633)

Prayer Point Calendar (May)
10 May World Migratory Bird Day
12 May International Day of Plant Health​​​​​​​
12-18 May UN Global Road Safety Week [WHO]
15 May International Day of Families​​​​​​​
16 May International Day of Living Together in Peace
29 May International Day of UN Peacekeepers ​​​​​​​

Links to information on these and other dates are HERE.

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New Address:
711 Station Street, Box Hill Vic 3128
P: (03) 9236 1200
E: keryn.middelmann@lca.org.au
W: www.vic.lca.org.au