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DISTRICT eVOICES
Devotional Message from Bishop Lester Priebbenow
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen…
These are the opening words of the Nicene Creed, one of the three Ecumenical Creeds, and one of the two creeds we regularly recite in our worship services - creeds that put words to our confession of faith in the Triune God. ...
Reflection on the Nicene Creed is particularly significant this year because it marks the 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which gave rise to the Nicene Creed. This council of church leaders was called by the Emperor Constantine to consider the being of, and the exact nature of Jesus Christ regarding his humanity and his divinity.
Read More...
You may like to look up the Bible verses which show some of the Scriptural basis for the statements in the Nicene Creed - download HERE.
News of the Victoria and Tasmania District
Pentecost Baptisms at Our Saviour's, Knox
Children and families being presented for baptism at Our Saviour's, Knox. Photo supplied.
On Pentecost Sunday, 8 June 2025, four families with 7 children were baptised at Our Saviour's, Knox, by Pastor Peter Ghalayini. The children and their families worship at an Independent Ethiopian Lutheran Church in Dandenong, that is currently without a Pastor.
Read More...
Confirmation Celebration in Geelong
Living Faith Confirmees with Pastors Boyd Briese, Robert Bartholomaeus and James Ruei.
Photo supplied.
The Pentecost Worship Service on Sunday 8 June for Living Faith Lutheran Church, Geelong, was a combined celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the confirmation of 21 of our young people from our Greater Geelong Lutheran family.
Read More...
Good News dream becomes hope-filled reality
LLL Board Chair Steve Podlich addresses the Opening Dedication. Photo supplied.
A bold dream has become an inspiring reality in Melbourne’s west with the official opening dedication of the Hope Building at Good News Lutheran College’s Mambourin campus.
The state-of-the-art facility, built with the support of an LLL Loan, will form the cornerstone of the growing campus...
Read More...
Wodonga Lutheran Parish
Family Chapel Service
Aahana, family and Godparents with Pastor Graham Zweck. Photo supplied.
A Special Night of Faith and Fellowship
On Friday 20 June 2025, we gathered for our monthly intergenerational Family Chapel Service, and what a memorable evening it was!
Over time, we’ve seen God working powerfully through this mission area, gradually expanding our outreach into Victory Lutheran College.
Read More...
Feeling tired, emotionally exhausted, or anxious and stressed out over the LCA Synod-related issues and responses? You are not alone!
The Vic-Tas District Church Council and District Office leadership have reflected on the various concerns being expressed, and last week offered a Pastoral letter for your consideration. Please take the time to read and reflect on the messages.
Pastoral Letter - HERE
Resources and Links - HERE
CTICR Draft Paper on Ordination - HERE
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
Evangelism that Matters
iStock image. Credit: artplus
In today’s world, many people feel lonely, uncertain, and overwhelmed. There is a deep hunger for meaning, connection, and peace. Surprisingly, research shows that Christianity still has something very attractive to offer—things that people are genuinely searching for.
Recent research from McCrindle shows that what most draws non-Christians to the faith isn’t flashy events or persuasive arguments—it’s a sense of community, genuine care for others, and a message of peace and hope. These are the very things so many are longing for in a fast-moving, often disconnected world.
Read More...
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?
In this hopeful reflection, Pastor Brett Kennett unpacks recent 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).
Events in the District
CLW - July 2025
When: Monday 7 - Friday 11 July 2025
Where: Tandara Lutheran Camp, Halls Gap
BOOK HERE
CLW is a week-long camp for high school students, where you'll encounter God, grow in your Faith, play awesome games and meet new and old friends.
* The LCA Vic-Tas District, in conjunction with the LLL, have kindly helped subsidise the registration cost of camp for all campers for 2025.
Vic-Tas District Pastor's Conference
When: 22-24 July 2025
Where: Holy Cross Centre, Templestowe
Registration invitations have been sent to all Pastors.
Jeparit - 100th Anniversary
ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, JEPARIT VIC
100TH ANNIVERSARY
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
of church building dedication.
Sunday 7 September 2025 - at 10am
For information, contact:
Chair Wayne Werner 0428 972 044
Minyip - 150th Anniversary
ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, MINYIP, VIC
150TH ANNIVERSARY
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
of Worship in our Church.
Sunday 12 October 2025 - at 10am
For information, contact:
Chair Bronwyn Krause 0427 590 397
Special Convention of the 21st General Synod
When: Saturday 18 October 2025 - online
Synod will consider a doctrinal statement on ordination, as resolved at the 2024 Regular Convention, along with matters of unfinished business. Delegates have been sent further information. No new business will be received.
Note: General Pastor's Conference will be on Wed 15 Oct.
Important Dates in the District
now Congregational Statistics overdue
now Child Safety Standards Self-Assessment and Safety Plan overdue
28 Jun District Church Council (DCC) Meeting (Geelong)
07-11 July Christian Life Week (CLW), Tandara Lutheran Camp, Halls Gap
23 July CMA Webinar - suitable for Church Council members
22-24 July District Pastor’s Conference (Templestowe)
SAVE THE DATE:
08-10 Aug Lutheran Men Victoria (LMV) Camp
10 Aug Installation of Pr Paul Hage at Wodonga, 2.00pm
07 Sept 100th Anniversary of St John's, Jeparit
02 Oct Korus Connect Celebrates 80 Years
12 Oct 150th Anniversary of St John's, Minyip
18 Oct Special Convention of the 21st General Synod - online
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
Pastor Paul Hage (Redeemer Congregation, Toowoomba QLD), to Wodonga Lutheran Parish, VIC
Calls Declined
Pastor Paul Hage (Redeemer Congregation, Toowoomba QLD), to Calvary, Greensborough Thomastown, VIC
Installations
Pastor Paul Hage at Wodonga Lutheran Parish, on 10 August 2025 at 2.00pm
Congregations and schools in the call process:
Greensborough Thomastown multi-site; Mildura.
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.
Safe Church - Denise Muschamp
Child Safety Standards: Theological Foundations
The LCANZ Commission on Theology and Inter-church Relations has produced a very helpful document which outlines the theological foundations for our work with the Child Safety Standards.
The full document can be found on the LCA website page HERE (next to Bp Paul's video).
Over the next few editions of Vic/Tas e-news, we will be looking at Biblical texts which support each Standard.
Importantly, these Biblical texts are relevant to ALL areas of safe ministry.
Standard One:
Our Culture, Leadership and Governance are Child Safe.
This standard is vitally important because it sets the tone for everything we do.
Read More...
Denise Muschamp - Vic/Tas District Relationship Manager and Compliance Coordinator
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. You can now 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
Reminders
- Update/check people listed on LAMP2 for your congregation (especially CC)
- Submit AGM Reports to District Office
- 2024 LCA Statistics are now overdue
- Update your WWCC with the current District Office address - 711 Station Street, Box Hill 3128 (NOT 755!)
Contact Keryn if you have any questions.
CMA Webinar - 23 July
"You've joined a charity board / church council – so what do you need to know about the ACNC and its requirements?"
Most Christian organisations in Australia, including churches, are Charities which therefore come under the regulation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Board members (our Church Councils) need to properly understand the role of the ACNC, and the obligations they must meet in order to retain charitable status. In this Board Internship webinar, Rebecca Lambert-Smith from Moores will provide an overview of the ACNC relationship and obligations.
Thursday 23rd July, 1.00pm AEST
More Information and to Register: HERE
ALC Annual Appeal
Have you considered the Australian Lutheran College (ALC) annual appeal? Your donation will help equip and inspire the next generation of pastors, teachers and church workers – starting with the 35 students already answering the call to ministry this year, and more expected in Semester 2. June is nearly over!
Click here to donate now. Read more.
Lutheran Media needs your help to multiply hope
This June, you’re invited to partner with Lutheran Media in multiplying hope. With your gift today, Lutheran Media can continue producing and sharing gospel resources that offer hope where it’s needed most. Every donation extends the reach of God’s love, helping people see that they are never alone.
Donate now or find out more.
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.
Employment and Volunteering Opportunities in wider Christian networks
LCA News & eNews
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
Litany on the Fruits of the Spirit
Where we are guided by prejudice,
Fill us with love.
Where we are guided by pessimism,
Fill us with joy.
Where we are guided by misunderstanding,
Fill us with peace.
Where we are guided by superficial quick-fixes,
Fill us with patience.
Where we are guided by self-interest,
Fill us with kindness.
Where we are guided by apathy,
Fill us with goodness.
Where we are guided by convenience,
Fill us with faithfulness.
Where we are guided by complacency,
Fill us with meekness.
Where we are guided by temptation,
Fill us with self-control.
Come, Holy Spirit, Fill us.
Come, Holy Breath, Live in us.
Come, Holy Wind, Move through us. Amen.
(Christian Aids Bureau for South Africa)
Prayer Point Calendar (July)
06 Jul World Rural Development Day
11 Jul World Population Day
12 Jul International Day of Hope
12 Jul International Day of Combating Sand & Dust Storms
15 Jul World Youth Skills Day
25 Jul World Drowning Prevention Day
28 Jul World Hepatitis Day (WHO)
30 Jul International Day of Friendship
30 Jul World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Links to information on these and other dates are HERE.
Congregations and agencies in our district
06 Jul A prayer for all who serve - All Volunteers in Victorian and Tasmanian Congregations; Agencies of the wider church, including ALWS & LLL, and Lutherans acting as police, hospital, school, defence force, prison and other community chaplaincy roles; Christian Life Week (7-11 July) - Leaders &
participants.
13 Jul Ballarat Congregation - Pastor Frank Rasenberger and Anne; Bendigo Parish - Congregations of Bendigo and Castlemaine - Pastor Colin Simpkin and Tanya.
20 Jul LCA Churchwide leadership - LCANZ Churchwide Office Pastors and Staff team, General Church Board Members (GCB), College of Bishops (CoB); Vic-Tas District Pastors Conference (22-24 July).
27 Jul Box Hill Congregation, Pastor Neville Otto and Sue, Pastor Sue Westhorp and Peter, Lay workers Cathy Beaton, Kate Burke, Melissa Coulston; Chinese Lutheran Church of Victoria, Mandarin and Cantonese Congregations - Pastor Daniel Wong and Edna.
Click HERE for the 2025 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 30 July.
Items due by: Monday 28 July.
2025 dates: 30 Jul, 27 Aug, 24 Sep, 29 Oct, 26 Nov, 17 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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Address:
711 Station Street, Box Hill Vic 3128
P: (03) 9236 1200
E: admin.vic@lca.org.au
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