Victoria Tasmania District of the Lutheran Church of Australia

1201 Riversdale Road
Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone 03 9236 1200

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Chinese Alpha Graduation

The 11th of August 2025 was a special date for the Nunawading-Waverley Lutheran Church in Glen Waverley, Victoria. After more than three months of learning about God and faith and studying the Word, we celebrated with five of the eight participants in our first ever Chinese language (Mandarin) Alpha Course. The group included a mix of people wanting to explore faith, new Christians and those who have walked with Christ for a while but wanted to connect with others. It was led by our passionate and inspiring evangelist, Sherry Hong.

The service was an emotional and up-lifting multi-cultural service led by Pastor Tim and with interpretation by Sherry and most slides in two languages. Tim reminded us that this is how the church started at Pentecost, with everyone speaking in their own tongue.  While speaking in your native tongue, or “heart language” makes it easier to connect with God, He really does transcend languages and cultures and brings us together to be one family.

Pastor Tim presented each participant with a certificate of recognition of their Alpha Course journey, and a holding cross to support them with the nearness of our Lord.  Then, as a token of appreciation from the Alpha Group, Sherry presented Pastor Tim with a framed Mandarin text, reading ‘God Loves the World’, and gifts to each of the congregational members who had provided refreshments throughout the course.

After the service many of us gathered for a celebratory lunch together.  This provided a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Chinese food, and to share stories, thus continuing to bridge our two communities.

Again, many thanks to both the LLL and the LCA for their substantial financial support and encouragement and prayers, which have enabled our multicultural ministry at Nunawading and Waverley.

Our participants have developed a strong connection to each other and desire to keep meeting. The plan is for this group of new-found friends to continue to get together regularly as a life-group. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in Christ, and as our congregation continues to seek to be a welcoming place that spreads the Good News across cultural boundaries.


Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt and Evangelist Sherry Hong lead the Bilingual Graduation Service.


Evangelist Sherry Hong presented a gift to the congregation, which translates as ‘God Loves the World’.


Sherry leads our graduates in prayer.


The PowerPoint slides were bilingual.


Our Alpha Graduates received Holy Communion alongside the congregation.


A very happy Alpha gathering sharing traditional Mandarin Lunch.

When Every Stone Falls: Finding Our Sure Foundation

A Devotional Reflection on Luke 21:5–19, 28

“As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down…
When these things begin to take place, stand up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:6 and 28)

The Temple That Seemed Unshakeable

The disciples were marvelling at the Jerusalem Temple—Herod’s architectural masterpiece. Its massive stones, gleaming white marble, and golden decorations made it one of the ancient world’s wonders. More than a building, it was the place of God’s presence with his people, a focus for their national identity, the very definition of permanence, solidity and security.

Then Jesus spoke words that must have stunned them: “Not one stone will be left upon another.”

Around 70 AD, Jesus’ words were fulfilled. Roman legions, commanded by a General named Titus, besieged Jerusalem and systematically destroyed it. The historian Josephus, who witnessed it firsthand, recorded the horrific details. The Temple was torn apart stone by stone. Tens of thousands perished. There’s a monument still standing in Rome today that portrays the event, erected in honour of Titus and his father, the emperor Vespasian. On one of the panels, these two men are proclaimed to be ‘gods’.

We know that the true Lord had already spoken.

What Jesus Teaches Us About Crumbling Stones

Jesus, the true Lord of the universe, doesn’t leave his disciples – or us – without guidance in troubled and uncertain times. His reply contains several crucial truths which we are wise to keep in mind as we look to the future:

First, beware of deception. “Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them” (Luke 21:8). Don’t follow those who come peddling timelines and predictions.

Second, expect turmoil. Wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution – these have been continuous features of life since the Fall (Genesis 3). Jesus never promised a smooth path. Environmental disasters, human conflict, and terrible atrocities are inevitable in a fallen world. Yet none of this means God has lost control.

Third, persecution will come. “They will arrest you and persecute you… you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name” (Luke 21:12). But even this becomes “an opportunity to testify” (v. 13).

Through it all, Jesus promises: “I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict” (Luke 21:15).

Our Idols and God’s Mercy

Here’s our problem: we have a natural tendency to marvel at what we can see and touch. We can all too easily invest our faith in buildings, budgets, programs, institutions, reputations – the bigger the better. These may be even be good gifts from God – but they are not ultimate things. Our sinful hearts are quick to make idols of them.

There are even things in the church, which we think are fixed, but which are actually provisional and can change. Recall the phrase “but we’ve always done it that way!”. Sometimes change is needed, but with change comes grief, and we resist it.

Like the disciples we can succumb to our anxiousness, asking for signs so that we can get ready. What we’re doing is trying to manage our fears ‘by sight’ rather than walking ‘by faith’ (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When Jesus unmasks our illusions – when he allows our idols to be shaken until not one stone stays stuck to another – that’s not the absence of God’s love. That’s God’s mercy calling us back to himself.

The collapse of Jerusalem was judgment, yes, but also grace in disguise. God had already replaced the temple through Jesus and his completed mission. Remember how the temple curtain was torn in two right at the moment of Jesus sacrificial death? (See Matthew 27:512) Remember the words Jesus had spoken about his body being the temple? (See John 2:19-21) God’s living temple is the body of his Son and all who are joined to him by faith (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:19-22).

The True Temple Stands

The Jerusalem Temple was never meant to last forever. It pointed forward to the One who would be God’s presence in flesh and blood. Jesus came as the fulfillment of everything the Temple represented: the meeting place between God and humanity, the dwelling of divine glory, the site of atonement.

When Jesus spoke of “this temple” being destroyed and raised in three days (John 2:19-21), his enemies thought he meant vandalism. He meant salvation. Through his cross and resurrection, he became the true Temple – the once-for-all meeting place where sin is forgiven, where heaven touches earth, where God dwells with his people.

You don’t need a temple built with human hands anymore. Christ himself is God’s presence with you and among you. His Word in your ears, his body and blood before your eyes and tasted in your mouth – given for the forgiveness of your sins – this is God’s holy presence for you (Matthew 26:26-28). He is among you as one who serves and saves (Luke 22:27).

The Rock That Cannot Fall

When every stone is thrown down, one Stone remains unshaken: Christ himself. He is “the stone the builders rejected” that has become the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42). He is the sure foundation of our faith.

Be assured that your salvation doesn’t rest on your own strength or endurance, but on his. In your weakness, he speaks his word of promise to you: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The world may rage, institutions may fall, yet his word to you stands forever.

And this includes seasons when the church itself seems weak – the gospel still stands firm. The same Lord who predicted the Temple’s fall has also promised, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist” (Luke 21:15). He equips his people to speak, witness, and endure.

He remains our rock, our fortress, our redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Living as Light in the Ruins

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 21 includes a call to endurance and even confidence – based on his promises. “By your endurance [your faith] you will gain your souls” (Luke 21:19). The world will continue to shake. There will always be wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6). But those joined to Christ can stand upright, heads lifted high, because our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

That confidence changes how we live now. We’re not called to hide from a collapsing world, but to bear witness within it – to speak calmly, serve faithfully, love generously, forgive freely. The hope that we will not perish becomes the strength to live for others.

We can stand because he has already stood in our place – before rulers, before death, before the judgment seat of God – and he has conquered. We live as living stones in the new temple he is building (1 Peter 2:5), bearing his light into the ruins of a fading world.

The stones of the old temple fell, but the Cornerstone stands forever.

When our own temples crumble – our institutions, our false certainties, our health – we lift our eyes to the One who cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:27-28).

Christ is your temple. Christ is your truth. Christ is your life and salvation – and Christ is the rock on which you can always stand (John 14:6, 1 Cor 10:3).

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Child Safety Standards: Theological Foundations #4

This month we are highlighting the theological foundations for Child Safety Standard #4.

Every child is made in the image of God (Genesis 5:1b; Psalm 139:13,14), and God makes no distinction between people based on any human characteristics (Acts 10:34,35; Romans 2:11). The church, as the body of Christ, is made up of all sorts of people – including all sorts of children – all who make the church what it is (1 Corinthians 12:12–18). Furthermore, as Jesus reminds us, the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind are to be invited to God’s banquet (Luke 14:13). But, most importantly, when Jesus says: ‘Let the children come to me and don’t stop them’ (Matthew 19:14), he doesn’t specify what kind of children, but simply says, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me’ (Mark 9:37).

While we understand the importance of an all-inclusive welcome for every child (and adult!), in practical terms this might be very challenging for congregations. Providing for specific individual needs may be inconvenient, time-consuming, costly, and above all, it often takes us out of our comfort zones! We may need to learn about specific diversities and needs, and specific cultural practices. (There are many community and online agencies which can provide information.)

In both Victoria and Tasmania, respecting and welcoming First Nations people is clearly articulated and required as a legal imperative. How might we do this in a genuine and authentic manner?

I’m reminded of those examples in the Gospels where Jesus met the needs of people of all shapes and sizes and diversities. I particularly think of the account of the paralytic whose friends carried him on a mat. Not being able to bring him near to Jesus because of the crowd, they were not deterred by this obstacle. They persisted, stiving to find a solution.  Eventually, they dug a hole in the roof through which they lowered him, depositing him right in front of Jesus. (Mark 2:1-5)

May we act like those devoted friends, not being deterred by challenges, but pushing through and finding unique and creative ways to include people with different backgrounds and diverse needs, also placing them “in front of Jesus”. This is love in action!

Faith does not ‘keep score’

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

“Suppose one of you has a servant ploughing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:5-10

To understand this teaching from Jesus, we need to listen to what happens just before today’s text. Jesus had just been teaching his disciples about forgiveness. He says if a brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. And then comes the kicker – even if they do it seven times in a single day, keep on forgiving them.

That’s when the apostles cry out: “Increase our faith!” Can you hear the intensity in their plea? “Lord, what you’re asking is impossible! Give us more faith to do it!” Jesus responds by confirming the power of faith. His statement about moving a mustard seed into the sea is perhaps said with a smile.

But is it the case also, that their request reveals a deeper misunderstanding about faith and good works? Perhaps they are thinking of their discipleship as a kind of ‘score keeping’ exercise?

This could explain the pointedness of Jesus parable, which is the second part of his answer. He tells them: “Will any of you say to your servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come and sit down to eat’? Won’t you rather say, ‘Prepare my supper and serve me while I eat, and afterward you may eat’? Does he thank the servant because he did what he was commanded? When you have done everything you were told to do, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Here’s the problem with ‘keeping score’ that every disciple of Jesus will struggle with. Not just the apostles, but you and I will have this struggle also. We all need encouragement. At one level, that’s perfectly natural. We like a bit of praise – some recognition, a simple thank you for hard work. Fair enough. But Jesus knows the human heart. He knows our nature. He knows how easy it is for us to make it all about us.

Think about that little voice in your head: “Hey, I’ve been very generous in my forgiving lately – actually, I’ve been far more generous than so-and-so has been with me!” Right there – in that very moment – we’ve turned back to the scoreboard. We’re keeping score. Taking credit. Comparing ourselves.

Or maybe it sounds like this: “I’ve been serving faithfully on the welcome team for three years now, and no one’s even noticed.” Or: “I visited Margaret in hospital twice last month – did anyone thank me?” Or even: “I’ve been really patient with my spouse lately. I deserve some recognition for that.”

In our local congregational service – in all our good serving, on rosters, at morning tea, in visitation, serving on a leadership team, in all the faithful, loving things we do – how quickly that whisper can come. Our old self loves the scoreboard. We do our duty, then want the credit.

Deep down, each of us has an inner autopilot that steers us toward taking credit for the good we do. It’s that old sinful inclination to keep score somehow. We track our service in the church, family, or society, or our practices of spiritual discipline, or our perceived victory over some sin, to gauge our deservingness of God’s grace.

Jesus’ words about faith, and about the unworthy servants, tear down our self-made scoreboard entirely. They show us just how futile that enterprise is.

But this is hard for us to accept. We struggle with this old scorekeeping self, which surfaces again and again, seeking attention, stepping into the spotlight, and talking up its achievements. It’s the voice inside our head that says: “Hey, how about some recognition for the sacrifices I’m making here! Doing my duty is tough! I deserve credit!”

But then comes the good news twist in God’s story: the Master became the Servant.

In his parable, Jesus paints a picture of how we naturally think masters and servants work. Surely no master would ever say to his servant coming in from the field, “Come, sit down, let me serve you dinner.” That would be absurd. Upside down. Against the natural order.

But that’s exactly what God has done for you and for me.

Jesus didn’t say, “You’re my servants – get to work and earn my favour.” He said, in effect, “Let me serve you. Though you are unworthy servants, let me, the Master, be your slave.”

Think about that.

Would you agree that this just doesn’t make sense to our human way of keeping score? Nothing quite like it has ever happened in any other sphere of life. There’s no precedent for it. No logical order to it. And yet it is the one truth that changes everything.

We serve the Master because he first served us.

Jesus did the duty beyond all duty – for you. He entered our chaotic, sin-disordered, credit-grabbing, self-obsessed world. He took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed feet like a slave. He was struck, stripped, and beaten. He gave his life into death on a cross. He forgave us not seven times but seventy times seven. He took the punishment we deserved for all our scoreboard keeping, all our credit-grabbing, all our proud “what about me?” demands.

Here’s the gospel for you, for this issue, today: Jesus came to forgive you of all that self-congratulatory, credit-taking sinfulness. He took on himself the judgment that should have fallen on you for your proud, self-aggrandizing ways. In your place, Jesus received the punishment you deserved.

And then – unbelievably – he has given you his credit. His perfect score is now assigned to your result card!

The master who serves has made a place for us at his heavenly banquet of forgiveness – even though our faith might be smaller than a grain of mustard seed, his power to forgive is sufficient.

You’re baptized into his death and resurrection. You no longer require recognition based on your success at serving. Instead of coveting praise from others, you can rest on Jesus’ service for you – his taking of your sin and death. You can finally pack up the scoreboard and stop tallying wins and losses. Christ has done his duty perfectly, with humility, as the Father’s obedient Servant, and his humble service is now the object of your faith.

Because you are in Christ, his serving – regularly served to you in the Lord’s Supper – gives you strength to go about doing your Christian duty as God’s humble servant, loving God and loving your neighbour, with no thought of credit.

Each day is a wondrous gift of grace from God. Each day God is working wondrous things in our lives, and the last thing we want to do is forget that it is God who is the giver and start focusing on ourselves.

You’re free – free to serve in his name without a thought for taking credit.

So today, stop looking at the scoreboard! Fix your eyes on Jesus, and on his service for you, instead.

(See also Luke 12:35-38, where Jesus explicitly describes a master who serves his servants.)

So, our worth before God rests not in what we do for him, but in what he has done – and continues to do – for us. The one who calls us to say, “We are unworthy servants,” is the very one who, in love, made us worthy by dying for our sin.

Here’s what Jesus is saying to his apostles – and to you today. You do have faith! He is giving it to you! Even if it feels timid and weak and unsure, even that kind of faith, even such a little faith, is always receiving from God his energy and power for your life.

The issue isn’t the amount of your faith. It’s the object of your faith – where that faith is resting, or, more accurately, in whom that faith is resting.

Whether faith feels tiny or strong, it’s always a gift from God. God will give you the faith you need to let go and accomplish whatever it is he’s calling you to do.

So, serve the person in front of you today – at home, at work, at church – with no thought of thanks. Forget about trying to pump up your trust level or measure your own good deeds in some way. You’re free from all that scorekeeping and comparison making!

Jesus’ grace is more than sufficient to deliver you from all that!

When that voice whispers, “What about me? Where’s my credit? Nobody even noticed what I did”, remember the Master who became the Servant. Remember that he’s already served you the feast.

Remember that, and confess joyfully: ”We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” You’ll be acknowledging the wonderful truth: you are the recipient of God’s incredible generosity – and that isn’t going to change!

Amen.

Chinese Alpha Graduation at Nunawading-Waverley

The 11th of August 2025 was a special date for the Nunawading-Waverley Lutheran Church in Glen Waverley, Victoria. After more than three months of learning about God and faith and studying the Word, we celebrated with five of the eight participants in our first ever Chinese language (Mandarin) Alpha Course.

The group included a mix of people wanting to explore faith, new Christians, and those who have walked with Christ for a while but wanted to connect with others. It was led by our passionate and inspiring evangelist, Sherry Hong.

The service was an emotional and up-lifting multi-cultural service led by Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt, and with interpretation by Sherry and most slides in two languages. Tim reminded us that this is how the church started at Pentecost, with everyone speaking in their own tongue. While speaking in your native tongue, or “heart language”, makes it easier to connect with God, He really does transcend languages and cultures and brings us together to be one family.

Pastor Tim presented each participant with a certificate of recognition of their Alpha Course journey, and a holding cross to support them as a reminder of the nearness of our Lord.  Then, as a token of appreciation from the Alpha Group, Sherry presented Pastor Tim with a framed Mandarin text, reading ‘God Loves the World’, and gifts to each of the congregational members who had provided refreshments throughout the course.

After the service, many of us gathered for a celebratory lunch together.  This provided a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Chinese food, and to share stories, thus continuing to bridge our two communities.

Again, many thanks to both the LLL and the LCA for their substantial financial support and encouragement and prayers, which have enabled our multicultural ministry at Nunawading and Waverley.

Our participants have developed a strong connection to each other and desire to keep meeting. The plan is for this group of new-found friends to continue to get together regularly as a life-group. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in Christ, and as our congregation continues to seek to be a welcoming place that spreads the Good News across cultural boundaries.

Naming and Blessing of Slovenski Bozi Dom – Good News College

On Tuesday, 1 July, Good News Lutheran College held a special ceremony to dedicate and name their new Product Design and Technology Centre. Pastor Brett Kennett attended on behalf of the Vic-Tas District.

The new facility is named Slovenský Boží dom (Slovak House of God) in recognition of the Slovak Evangelical Congregation of Christ the Lord. This congregation, established in 1967 by Slovak immigrants from Vojvodina (then part of Yugoslavia), played a key role in founding the college and nurturing Christian education in the region.

The event featured prayers, Bible readings, and blessings, as well as the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. It was a celebration of faith, heritage, and community, honouring the Slovak congregation’s enduring legacy of service and generosity.

A highlight of the day was the launch of a beautifully prepared history publication tracing the congregation’s journey from 17th-century Europe through migration to Australia, where they built a vibrant faith community and established their own church in 1979. The dedication also paid tribute to Mr. Ján (John) Beláni, OAM, whose vision, philanthropy, and missionary work—from Papua New Guinea to South Sudan—have left a lasting impact locally and globally. His generosity, including donating land for the church and co-founding Good News Lutheran College, continues to inspire future generations. The Slovenský Boží dom now stands as a testament to this heritage and as a beacon for learning and faith in our college community.

 

Attendees from the Slovak community and Good News College students.

 

 

The plaque was unveiled by Mr. Ján (John) Beláni OAM.
School principal Fiona McCauliffe (left), with Pastor Brett Kennett (centre), and members of the Slovak community.

   

Slovak craft was on display, and delicious cultural delicacies were enjoyed.
Photos supplied by Good News Lutheran College.

Child Safety Standards: Theological Foundations

The LCANZ Commission on Theology and Inter-church Relations has produced a very helpful document outlining the theological foundations for our work with the Child Safety Standards. The full document can be found HERE (next to Bishop 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.

The LCA Child Safety Standard reads:
“Child safety is embedded in the culture, leadership, and governance of our congregation.
Our congregation prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children and demonstrates this through all levels of its leadership.
Our congregation has no tolerance for child abuse in any form.”

Supporting Biblical texts:

God’s word reminds us that all life is valued but that human life holds a special place in God’s kingdom (Genesis 1:27,28a; Isaiah 43:4).

After the advent of sin in the world, the Bible repeatedly lifts up the vulnerable as due special attention: the poor, the widow, the orphans (Exodus 22:22,23; Psalm 68:5; Psalm 82:3,4; Jeremiah 22:3).

Indeed, God himself is the ‘Father of orphans and protector of widows’ (Psalm 68:5).

The church has inherited that same culture of care for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:34–40; Acts 6:1–3; James 1:27).

Leaders are especially tasked with promoting and upholding this culture of care (Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Matthew 25:34–40).

Notably, when speaking to his disciples, Jesus identifies himself with children (Matthew 18:5), shows care and concern for them (Mark 10:14–16) and strongly warns against ‘putting a stumbling block before one of these little ones’ (Matthew 18:6).

LCANZ’s Privacy Policy and related guidelines

This month I want to highlight the LCANZ’s Privacy Policy and related guidelines.

Caring for our people and protecting their privacy demonstrates our love “coming to life.”

There are many ways in which congregations need to manage privacy including:

  • Appropriate collection, storage and distribution of information in congregational directories
  • Permission for prayer
  • Confidential information shared during pastoral care
  • Appropriate use of social media, especially if images are shared
  • Collecting contact details of visitors
  • How to correctly dispose of personal data which is no longer required
  • Use of online platforms to share worship and ministry activities

Australia is governed by the “Australian Privacy Principles” and these apply to every congregation. Church Councils are responsible for ensuring the principles are met.

There are a number of LCANZ documents which provide useful guidelines for our congregations, and I heartily recommend them, especially the Privacy Guidelines. In fact, I suggest that Church Councils review them annually.

Please contact me if you require assistance in managing privacy and in locating these resources.

Bonhoeffer Seminar Review

What sort of challenges do we face to our faith in our community?

So began the Bonhoeffer Seminar hosted earlier this year by the St Paul’s congregation in Warragul/Darnum for the 80th anniversary of his death.

After outlining several faith challenges at home and abroad, David Ingham helped us to explore the challenges Dietrich faced, the development of his thinking, study and action. While quite an accomplished pianist, Dietrich’s vocation began with a call to be a theologian in Berlin, which eventually led to some teaching and pastoral work in America and later in England. Both these experiences challenged his understanding of faith and social conscience. All this at a time of great turmoil in 1930s Germany after the end of the First World War, with the downfall of the Weimar Republic, the rapid rise of Adolf Hitler, the 57-day establishment the Nazi regime and its eventual takeover of the German Lutheran Church. Dietrich joined the Confessing Church, tutored pastoral candidates, protested against the national government, moved towards pacificism and joined with others in a failed attempt to assassinate Hitler. While in prison he became a compassionate pastor and carer to both prisoners and prison-staff alike, and wrote deeply about his situation and faith.

Vera Hartelt then invited us into the family life of Dietrich with a special focus on his relationship with his fiancée, Maria von Wedemeyer. She proposed, by letter, and said something like “To the question you haven’t asked, the answer is Yes, Yes, Yes”.  She was allowed to visit Dietrich in prison with the help of a sympathetic guard. Sadly, their relationship ended with Dietrich’s execution on April 9, 1945.

Vera concluded her talk with Bonhoeffer’s poem, “Who am I?”, after which we all sang his hymn, “By gracious powers” (TIS 617), which ends with the words:

“Yet when again in this same world you give us
the joy we had, the brightness of your sun,
we shall remember all the days we lived through
and our whole life shall then be yours alone.”

The audience, from a variety of Christian denominations, greatly appreciated the presentations and came to a fuller understanding of Dietrich and Maria, the challenges they faced and God’s faithful loving care. They also enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea, provided by the members of St Paul’s, and the opportunity to chat.

Installation of Pastor Sue Westhorp

Featured Image – from left: Pr Nathan Hedt, Pr Neville Otto, Pr Janos Debasy, Pr Brett Kennett, Pr Sue Westhorp, Pr Phil Haar, Pr Greg Pietsch.

On Sunday 18 May, members of St Paul’s Box Hill celebrated as Pastor Sue Westhorp was installed as pastor to the congregation. The rite of installation was performed on behalf of Bishop Lester by District Pastor for Congregational Support, Pr Brett Kennett, and included greetings from several pastors: Janos Dabasy (Hungarian Lutheran Church), Phil Haar (Emeriti), Nathan Hedt (Luther College), Greg Pietsch (Emeriti), and Pastor Neville Otto (Box Hill).

Sue also received tokens of office from members of Church Council, Ministry leaders, Youth and Young Adults, and staff.

Earlier, the children were treated to an amazing children’s talk on preparing for a 100k run, including the important place of the support crew.  The children of St Paul’s celebrated Sue’s installation with the ringing of cowbells, a traditional encouragement when completing a long-distance run.

   

Pastor Sue Westhorp is installed and presented with tokens of office.
Photos supplied by St Paul’s Box Hill.

Text from Sunday Extra, 25 May 2025, newsletter of St Paul’s Box Hill.