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DISTRICT eVOICES
Devotional Message from Bishop Lester Priebbenow
Text: Luke 6:27-36
A growing trend called ‘tribalism’ in society sees people affirmed in their ways of thinking by like-minded people - mainly via social media - and becoming enemies of one another.
We would be naïve to think that God’s people and his church are immune from the tendency to tribalism. Conflict between like-minded groups has often existed in the church.
How easy it is for us to treat others - even our brothers and sisters in Christ - as enemies because they think differently from us.
There may be genuine Biblical reasons why people are - and need to be - opposed to something that others are saying or doing, but that should never make them our enemies.
So, what do we do when people treat us as enemies, or when we are inclined to think that way about others?
Read More...
News of the Victoria and Tasmania District
Gospel Fluency Workshop, Wodonga
From left: Pr Brett Kennett, Erin Grainger, Lisa Enever (Wodonga Ministry Coordinator), Pr Nathan Hedt, Alex Sweetman (Wodonga Chair).
Photo supplied by Erin Grainger.
32 folks from Wodonga and Riverina congregations gathered on Saturday 8 February for a "Gospel Fluency Workshop” led by the LCA’s Pr. Nathan Hedt, with support from Pr Brett Kennett and Erin Grainger from District Office. Participants reported back that they appreciated the interactive, hope filled and engaging nature of the workshop.
Read More...
Living Faith Lutheran Church Greater Geelong
Bishop Lester installs Pr Robert at Living Faith Greater Geelong. Photo supplied by Jill Lange-Mohr.
Sunday 16 February was a day of celebration. Bishop Lester dedicated Living Faith Lutheran Church Greater Geelong as a new congregation of our District, and thus the LCANZ. He also received people into membership of Living Faith from St John’s, Holy Trinity, St Paul’s, St Davids and some from Our Redeemer.
Read More...
LYV Church Crash
LYV Church Crash at St Paul's Box Hill.
Photo supplied by Rachel Schier
If you've ever heard the term 'to crash a party', you may know it to mean to show up uninvited to an event. But the LYV like to do it a bit differently. We like to 'crash' churches - very politely and with prior notice! ...
Church Crash aims to strengthen connections of youth and young adults made at our other events (CLW, Easter Camp, Summer Camp, Empower) and provide an opportunity to worship together again.
Read More...
Gippsland Parish Summer Sizzler
Our annual Summer Sizzler was held at Sale on Saturday 1st February, and was attended by 26 adults & 2 children from across the Gippsland Lutheran Parish. A wonderful day of fun, fellowship and entertainment was enjoyed by all. More about food to come!!
It was lovely having Pastor Bob Wiebusch in our midst. Pastor Tony Castle was also able to spend a day of his LSL with us, which was great. After all, Tone’s Tones are part of the day! ...
The generous donations for attending Summer Sizzler, and toward voting for desserts, meant that the amazing amount of $2,500 will go to support the worthy cause of Australian Lutheran World Service.
ALWS Celebrates 75 Years!
Our church is celebrating 75 years of caring for the most vulnerable through ALWS… an incredible legacy worth celebrating.
Church members are invited to attend either the Commemorative event at Bonegilla on Saturday 22 March, or Walk My Way Melbourne (Tarneit) on Sunday 30 March.
Read more...
Lutheran Media Celebrates 80 Years!
Do you have an interesting story to tell of your experience with Lutheran Media? Perhaps you were a past presenter or have had your story told on radio? Did you receive a booklet in a time of need? Have you listened to a story that inspired you?
We’d love to hear from you!
Send your story to: luthmedia@lca.org.au
LCA Statistics for 2024
Each year, the statistical returns provide a picture of the District, which in turn assists District Office and the Churchwide office to better understand the demographics and resource needs for our members. An accurate picture can only be seen when statistical returns are completed.
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.
What's happening in your congregation or community? Please share your stories of celebration, encouragement, appeal or collaboration and innovation with us.
Congregational Support - Pr Brett Kennett
The first LCANZ District Mission Directors Collaborative Learning Zoom session of the year took place on 11 February 2025, offering two identical sessions to accommodate participants across different schedules.
With a focus on Spiritual Growth, inspired by last year’s LCA Leaders Retreat, this event provided an opportunity for leaders to reflect on prayer’s transformative role in personal faith, congregational renewal, and mission.
Read More...
- Contact Pr Nathan Hedt if you are interested in taking part in fortnightly LCANZ Prayer Zoom gatherings that are currently being run.
Missional Stewardship
Being good stewards of all God has blessed us with is one of our callings as Christians. But what does that mean for our everyday lives? How can we be the best stewards of God’s gift of creation and our individual blessings of time, talents and ‘treasure’ or finances?
Missional Stewardship - Bible Study and Giving Plan
The Mission-Shaped Stewardship 4-part Bible study is designed for congregations to explore the biblical concept and practice of stewardship. It culminates in the practical exercise of filling out a personal giving plan to encourage and empower Christian stewardship, generosity and intentional giving.
The Bible Study and Giving Plan can be downloaded from the LCA website: 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?
Introducing Gospel Fluency Workshops, offered by the Department for Congregational Support. These 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...
Events in the District
Lutheran Men Victoria - Retreat
When: 14th – 16th March 2025
Where: Tandara Lutheran Camp, Halls Gap
Registrations due: 8 March 2023
Registration Form available HERE.
LYV Empower
When: 15 March 2025, from 9.30am
Where: St Phillips Lutheran Church, Tarneit
Registrations: opening soon - check Fb page: 'LYV: Lutheran Youth of Victoria'.
LYV Easter Camp
Easter Camp is a 5-day camp aimed at young adults aged 16+. The weekend includes worship, small group discussions, and fellowship.
When: Thu 17 Apr, 7:00pm - Mon 21 Apr, 12pm.
Where: Araluen Lutheran Camp, Anglesea.
Early Bird registration ($50 discount) available till 11 March.
Register HERE (we recommend you use a computer to register).
Events Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's death
Three events are being organised at St Johns Southgate in February-March 2025. The events feature a visiting vocal quintet from Leipzig, Germany, Ensemble Nobiles (https://www.ensemblenobiles.de/).
At St John's, there is a Bonhoeffer Symposium and Concert on 1 March. There will also be a concert in Walla Walla, NSW (2 Mar).
Click on the information to download the full flyers.
Sat 1 Mar - Symposium (2pm) and Concert (7.30pm)
Sun 2 Mar - Concert (5.30pm, NSW)
Important Dates in the District - 2025
end-Feb Congregational Statistics due
1 Mar Bonhoeffer Symposium & Concert, St Johns Southgate
5 Mar Ash Wednesday
7 Mar World Day of Prayer (prepared by Cook Islands)
14-16 Mar LMV Retreat - Tandara, Halls Gap
15 Mar LYV Empower - Tarneit
22 Mar ALWS Bonegilla Commemorative Celebration, Wodonga
28 Mar District Church Council (DCC) Meeting
30 Mar ALWS Melbourne Walk My Way
end-Mar Child Safety Standards Self-Assessment and Safety Plan due
SAVE THE DATE:
17-21 Apr LYV Easter Camp
20 Apr Easter Sunday - the eastern & western churches share a common Easter
20-22 May CEP Retreat for Pastors & Lay workers (Templestowe)
22-24 Jul District Pastor’s Conference (Templestowe)
02 Oct Korus Connect Celebrates 80 Years
To Note:
Appointment requests with Bishop Lester - please contact Peter Russell: email or ph: 03 9236 1201. (Peter also manages the Bishop's mobile phone.)
eNews enquiries, dates and stories - please direct to Keryn Middelmann: keryn.middelmann@lca.org.au (LCAVD reserves the right to edit submissions before publishing.)
Pastor Calls and Vacancy (Vic-Tas)
Calls accepted:
Nathan Hedt (New and Renewing Ministry, LCA) to Luther College Croydon, VIC (0.8)
Congregations and schools in the call process:
Greensborough Thomastown multi-site.
Congregations and schools vacant (not actively engaged in the call process):
Footscray; North-West Melbourne Ministry; Holy Trinity College Horsham; Wangaratta-Benalla; Good News Lutheran College Tarneit.
General Notices
Lenten Appeal 2025
Brochures have been posted to congregations and should arrive soon.
For queries, or to update mailing details: Email: erin.grainger@lca.org.au
or call: 03 9236 1241
Lutheran Tract Mission -
Lenten Devotional
The new LTM Lenten Devotional for 2025: ‘Miraculous Jesus’ focuses on the miracles of Jesus during His ministry, and the prophecies that told about the miracles Jesus would perform.
This FREE resource of 47 devotions can be downloaded, printed or used as a digital flipbook.
Click the image to visit the LTM website.
Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025
iStock Image - Credit: Coompia77
Members and friends in the Eastern suburbs are invited to attend the Ash Wednesday service being held at Good Shepherd, Ringwood.
Date: 5 March 2025
Time: 7.30pm
Place: 57 Wantirna Road, Ringwood,
Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt (Nunawading-Waverley) will be leading the service.
See the information flyer HERE.
Praying through Lent and Easter
This year, Lent begins on 5 March. This traditional season of preparation before Holy Week echoes the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness. It offers an invitation to us: in the midst of our own wildernesses, how will we meet with God?
Explore resources to help you pray during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter:
Lent and Easter Prayers
(24-7 Prayer International)
Solo Art Exhibition by Dr Flo Peitsch, SA
For those heading to SA in the coming months, you may be interested in visiting the new solo art exhibition by Dr Flo Peitsch, inspired by Lobethal’s Onkaparinga Woollen Mills.
Dates: 11 April – 25 May 2025
Where: FABRIK Arts + Heritage,
1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal, SA.
Download the flyer 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).
Employment and Volunteering Opportunities in wider Christian networks
Safe Church
Safe Church Training Changes
Recently, the LCA has restructured the Professional Standards Department, with the roles of LCA Professional Standards Officers coming to an end - see LCA eNews.
Face-to-face training was phased out in 2024, and delivery of the courses is solely online from this year: self-paced or live-online. Participants can learn more and register for training through the Safe Church Training webpage.
New Professional Standards team:
Previously training, inquiries and complaints were handled by Professional Standards Officers (PSOs) in each district.
Now all these services will be administered by our Professional Standards team at the Churchwide Office.
While they are in the process of finetuning the new structure (including an 1800 phone number), Nicole, Kathy, Dave, Carolyn and Tim are responding to your questions about:
• Safe Church training
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Child safety
• Safety Management Online (SMO)
• Working with Children type checks
• Complaints
• and anything else related to keeping our people safe.
For Victorian Working with Children Checks, you are also being supported locally by Denise Muschamp. You can contact Denise at denise.muschamp@lca.org.au or on 0437 180 928.
New staff roles have been created, being:
- PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ANALYST (Full-time)
- SAFE CHURCH SUPPORT PARTNER (Full-time)
- PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT (Part-time, 0.4 FTE)
- SAFE CHURCH TRAINER (Casual)
More details are available on the LCA website. Applications close on 3 March.
Safe Church Training
Safe Church Training is completed online via webinars (in real-time with trainers) or via iLearn (self-paced).
Click below for more information, and registration links to your choice of training mode.
Child Safety Standards Self-Assessment & Safety Plan
A reminder that congregations need to have their Child Safety Standards Self-Assessment and Safety Plan submitted before end-March 2025.
Extensive information can be found at: Child Safety Standards - Lutheran Church of Australia
LCA News & eNews
Help us to keep you informed
Many congregations hold AGMs around this time of year and may elect new council leaders.
If your church has new office-bearers – or even if they've stayed the same – please ensure the details are up-to-date in LAMP2. That way, you won’t miss out on any important information from your district and the Churchwide Office.
Read more...
LCA eNews
There are many 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
Luke 6:27-38
God sows the seed of
love, hope,
peace, forgiveness,
mercy and justice.
May they be found growing
in our words and actions,
this day and always.
Amen.
Prayer Point Calendar (March)
3 Mar World Wildlife Day
5 Mar International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
8 Mar International Women's Day
15 Mar International Day to Combat Islamophobia
21 Mar International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; World Down Syndrome Day; World Day for Glaciers
20 Feb World Day of Social Justice
22 Mar World Water Day
30 Mar International Day of Zero Waste
Congregations and agencies in our district
02 March Grampians Parish – Congregations of Ararat and Stawell, Pastor Chris Raatz & Katie; Greensborough and Thomastown Congregation (multisite) – Worship places of Greensborough and Thomastown, Pastor Vacancy, Calvary Retirement Home, Manager Candace Hanlen.
09 March Hamilton Lutheran Parish - Congregations of Cavendish and Hamilton, Pastor David Wear and Kate, Lay workers Donna Gunn, Steve Liebelt, Josh Rentsch, Eventide Lutheran Retirement Home - CEO Tim Pitt-Lancaster and team; Hobart Congregation, Pastor Peter Noble and Altamira; Horsham Congregation, Pastor Hans Peethala & Cynderella, Lay worker Lynda Henstridge, Lay staff Heather Petering; Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Homes - CEO David Pratt and staff team; LMV Retreat (14-16 March) Leaders and Participants; LYV Empower (15 Mar) Leaders and participants.
16 March Lutheran Campsites: Araluen Lutheran Camp (Anglesea) Manager Darren Linke & Kerry Linke, Assistant Manager Kym Schilling, & staff team; Tandara Lutheran Camp (Halls Gap) Manager Justin Cozens and staff team; Lutheran Education Vic, NSW & Tas (LEVNT), Executive Director Colin Minke, Shane Paterson, David Hausler, Tammy Hughes, Amelia Gibson, Kate Hill, Kim Powell, Michael Powell, Caitlin Scott, Pastor David Spike, Dolly Tiscia.
23 March Laverton Slovak congregation, Pastor Jan Havjar & Martina.
30 March Lutheran Schools, Colleges, Kindergartens, and Early Learning Centres:
(Croydon) Luther College - Principal Jacqui Layfield and staff team, Chaplains Anita Foster & Simone Turner; (Croydon) Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School - Principal Daniel Weller and staff team, Pastor Mark Greenthaner and Christine; Geelong St John’s Lutheran Kindergarten - Service Leader Nicole Fecchio and staff team; Geelong Lutheran College - Executive Principal Sue Ellis and staff team, Chaplain Georgia Pearson; Grovedale St Paul’s Lutheran Kindergarten - Service Leader Lisa Sadler and staff team; Hamilton Good Shepherd College – Acting Principal Sharon Kotzur and staff team; Hamilton Good Shepherd Early Childhood Services - Service Leader Christine Sanders & staff team; (Hobart) Eastside Lutheran College - Principal Steve Illingworth and staff team; Mildura Trinity Lutheran College -
Principal Lisa Robinson and staff team; Chaplain (TBA).
Click HERE for the 2025 Prayer List (Jan - Jun)
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 26 March.
Items due by: Monday 24 March.
2025 dates: 26 Mar, 30 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 30 Jul, 27 Aug, 24 Sep, 29 Oct, 26 Nov, 17 Dec.
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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New Address:
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