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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Locks and Keys

Devotion Text: John 20:19-23

In a little town called Penguin on the northern Tasmanian coast there is a small church in which most of the doors and windows are built in the shape of a keyhole.

Locks and keys feature just as prominently in John’s Gospel account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to his disciples.

First, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors for fear of the people who had crucified their Lord. Yet those locked doors did not keep the risen Saviour out. He defied locked doors by coming among his disciples with his presence, his peace, his Spirit and his word.

Then Jesus spoke about some spiritual keys, ‘the keys of the kingdom’ as he called them elsewhere (Matthew 16:19), keys powerful enough to unlock the doors of heaven itself by announcing to fallen sinners that our sins are forgiven. Heaven’s door is unlocked for sinners because Jesus died to pay the penalty for all human sin and was raised to proclaim complete victory over it.

These keys are also powerful enough to keep heaven’s door locked to those who reject the saving work of Christ, and powerful enough to then unlock heaven’s door when they no longer do so.

The reason the image of locks and keys feature so prominently in that little church in Penguin is to remind people that ‘the keys of the kingdom’ feature prominently in our lives as believers in the risen Lord – as individuals and as his gathered people.

It brings us certainty to know that when we are behind locked doors of fear, desperation, or concern, the risen Jesus is with us, assuring us of his victory over death, his presence, his peace, his Spirit, and his word of forgiveness.

It brings us everlasting peace to know that, even though our sinful thoughts, words and deeds would lock the door of our hearts to God, he does not lock the door of his grace to us. Instead, his word of forgiveness becomes the key that unlocks heaven’s door to us again and again.

The ‘keys of the kingdom,’ announced to us publicly by called and ordained servants of his word, keep on calling us to, and reassuring us of the redeeming, unlocking grace of God won for us on the cross and proclaimed from the open grave of Jesus.

And as ‘the keys of the kingdom’ unlock the good news of God’s forgiveness for us, they also have power to unlock hearts that are closed toward other people.

Are there locked doors that you are – or feel like – hiding behind today because of circumstances too difficult to face? May you be aware of the presence and peace of the risen Saviour, even behind those locked doors.

Is your heart locked to the forgiving grace of God through either ‘impenitence or unbelief’ – struggling to admit or confess your sin, or to trust that God’s grace is sufficient to forgive you? May your heart find peace in knowing that your Saviour will never leave the door of his grace and forgiveness locked to you whenever, in faith and repentance, you come knocking. Amen.

[Photo supplied by Pastor Lester Priebbenow]

Growing Together in Prayer: A Powerful Start to the Year

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.

Approximately 50 participants engaged in deep conversations about the power of prayer in revitalising churches, drawing on insights from Scripture, Thom Rainer’s research, and the LCANZ Online Prayer Network. A key takeaway was the reminder that every sustained church revitalisation is undergirded by a powerful movement of prayer—a theme echoed in powerful stories of renewal and mission growth.

The session included:

  • Inspiring testimonies of God’s work through prayer.
  • Insights from the Online Prayer Network, highlighting how persistent prayer strengthens faith communities.
  • Encouragement, with practical guidance on how to develop small but faithful local prayer movements, recognizing that prayer warriors are marked by persistence, not numbers.
  • Practical examples of prayer initiatives, from 24-hour vigils to community-focused prayer walks.

The event concluded with collaborative prayer, as participants interceded for their congregations and the wider LCANZ mission. Many left the session encouraged to deepen their commitment to prayer as the foundation for renewal and evangelism.

For those who missed it, a recording of the teaching session and a PDF of the presentation slides are available here:

PDF of Powerpoint notes
Video of Evening Session

Additionally, fortnightly LCANZ Prayer Zoom gatherings will continue, providing an ongoing opportunity to pray for God’s Spirit to be poured out over the church. For more information contact Pastor Nathan Hedt at nathan.hedt@lca.org.au.

A heartfelt thank you to all who participated. It was certainly a rich time of learning and prayer. May we continue to grow together in faith, taking our requests and thanksgivings to the Only One who is able to transform our lives and communities by His grace, our Lord Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Watch the Vic-Tas District eNews for details of the next LCANZ Mission Directors Collaborative Learning Zooms. We’re aiming to run about five more of these over the course of the coming year.

Loving our Enemies – 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?

Jesus said: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:27-31)

These words may be hard to hear because our sinful natures get in the way, and we struggle to love others the way Jesus tells us to. If it were up to us alone, Jesus’ words become an impossible ‘ask’.

Thankfully there is more to this story: about a God who opened his heart to us in Jesus. Jesus tells us that ‘the Most High’ God ‘is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Your Father is merciful’ (Luke 6:35-36).

The Lenten journey will again remind us how Jesus truly did love those whom sin had made his ‘enemies’ (that is all of us!). He mercifully did good to those who hated him, prayed for those who ill-treated him, gave freely to those who asked him, and was kind to the ungrateful and wicked. His acts of love reached their climax with his death on the cross and glorious resurrection from the dead.

Jesus did this so we may draw near to him, so that, as we reflect on how much we struggle to love others, we may put our trust in the one who has loved us perfectly, and we may come to know his constant forgiveness for our failures and daily receive the ‘new heart’ he alone can give us.

In the great kindness and mercy of our loving Saviour, and in his gift of a ‘new heart’ toward God and others, now the once-impossible commands of Jesus become possible.

Our ‘new heart’ in Jesus and the power of his Spirit within us lead us away from hatred and tribalism. They move us not to consider others as our enemies. And if they think of us as their enemies, the love of Christ compels us to truly love them as he has loved us, doing good to those who hate us, praying for those who ill-treat us, giving to those who ask of us, and being kind even to the ungrateful and wicked.

Prayer:
Most High and merciful Lord, lead us to a greater understanding of your unending kindness and mercy toward us, in Jesus. When sin gets in the way and we struggle to love others, help us to open our hearts to you, as you have opened your heart to us in Jesus. Help us to know your forgiveness for our failure to love, and your power to lead us to truly love others as you have loved us. We ask this in the name of our ever-loving Saviour. Amen.

Wearing our “Best Clothes”

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

This wonderful exhortation from St Paul reminds us of how we are to conduct ourselves in the light of our place as God’s redeemed children, those who are dearly loved and who have been granted Jesus’ holiness. The word “therefore” summarises many other statements which Paul makes about our salvation. Our attitudes and actions are like our finest Christian apparel which we put on in response to all our Lord Jesus has done for us, and now calls us to do.

This Scripture passage and many others are used to guide and underpin our LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour. As Paul spelt out for the early believers, so our church spells out for us, those behaviours which are honourable and befit our Christian calling.

This is not to be seen in a legalistic way, but a transformative way, inspired by the Holy Spirit at work within us. Our Standards tell us; “Love changes people. The experience of being loved brings with it a kind of newness that brings out the best in us. We become more open to the gifts of life and the needs of others, and we live in a new way, a renewed way. Love brings life.”

As we face times of change and adjustment in the LCA, now might be a good time to check in with the Standards and encourage each other to put on those ‘garments’.

“We will demonstrate God’s love in our personal lives, in our pastoral care for others, in our care for children and persons in vulnerable circumstances, and in the way we communicate and manage finances and administrative tasks.”

Congregations are encouraged to screen the Standards of Ethical Behaviour videos every now and then. Have your congregational members seen this video recently? To access the video and related items, please go to LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour – Lutheran Church of Australia

Are you wearing your “best clothes?”

The Narrow Door

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”  (Luke 13:24)

Some years ago, I took this photo of a very narrow door on a church in Szczecin, Poland. I don’t know the reason the door was made this way, but it provides a visual image of what Jesus is saying in Luke 13:24.

Like this passage, our Sunday Scripture readings toward the end of the church year and into the season of Advent focus on the end times, the return of Christ, matters of life beyond this world, and of course our readiness, in repentance, faith, and faithfulness for his return.

The narrow door of Jesus’ way stands in stark contrast to the broad road of the world, as Jesus also teaches us, saying, ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it’ (Matt 7:13).

God’s word warns us so because the devil, the world and our own sinful natures constantly try to teach us a different wisdom. These three try to steer us away from the narrow door and onto the broad path. They tell us that worldly things and ideas will satisfy us, that we can step over God’s boundaries without consequence, and that we really do know better than God.

Even as Christians, it can be very difficult to ‘go against the flow’. Yet Jesus warns that those who try to enter life by their own wisdom ‘will not be able to’ (Luke 13:24). Even though some may say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets,’ Jesus will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ (Luke 13:26-28).

We might then wonder with Jesus’ disciples, “Who then can be saved?” (Mark 10:26-27), or as another person asked, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23).

Jesus provides the answer. In fact, Jesus IS the answer. Luther, referring to this text and the question about how many people are going to be saved, wrote: “Worry first about Christ and the Gospel, that you may recognise your sin and his grace” (Formula of Concord SD XI:33).

To gain the wisdom that leads to salvation, you and I first need to be rescued from ourselves and brought into a saving relationship with the one who calls Himself ‘The Gate’ or ‘Door’ to eternal life. Jesus’ promise stands firm, ‘whoever enters through me will be saved’ (John 10:9).

The good news is that, thanks to God’s forgiving grace, it is possible for anyone who trusts in Jesus to enter through this narrow door and be saved. In fact, Jesus says, ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me’ (Rev 3:20).

So, in response to this, let us allow God’s grace to so govern our hearts, minds and lives, that we resolve to ‘make every effort to enter through the narrow door’ (Luke 13:25).

Let us pray:
Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, to wait for you, to wish for you, and to watch for you, so that when you come again you will find us ready.
For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Celebrating 50 Years – Our Saviour’s Knox

On Sunday 19 June we gathered joyfully in worship to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Our Saviour’s Knox Congregation, and to honour the vision of those who dreamt of this possibility and brought it to life. It was wonderful that seven of our founding members were present, and at least a further two joined us via our livestream. We were also joined by past members, members from our fellow parish congregation of Ringwood and from other Lutheran congregations. Former Pastor Bob Kempe sent his apologies and warm greetings. A Parish Singing Group formed for the occasion and led by Jenny Dawson sang Jubilate (Let us praise You) and The Lord is My Light.

Bishop Lester Priebbenow brought a message of congratulations and encouragement from the Victoria and Tasmania District, recognising this milestone, giving thanks for all who have been part of Our Saviour’s, and wishing us God’s blessing for our future.

This was Pentecost Sunday, and Pastor Peter Ghalayini noted the large number of different cultures now worshipping at Our Saviour’s. This was a particularly special day as, at this service, we warmly welcomed the South Sudanese Fellowship into membership of our congregation and parish. Pastor Peter rejoiced in this blessing to us. He reflected on the Jubilee year in Leviticus and that through all our struggles and exciting initiatives over the years we continue to strive to be a congregation which is “Called to Worship and Chosen to Serve”, and that the grace of God continues to renew us and bless us. It was most fitting that a member of the South Sudanese Fellowship read the Gospel in the Nuer language, and our new members then enriched our service by singing in language the very appropriate hymn, “To God be the glory, great things He has done”.

Charles Gibson, Chair

      

Early History of Our Saviour’s Congregation, Knox

Acting in faith response to the population growth of the City of Knox, the LCA Vic/Tas District considered the potential for mission in the growing corridor along Burwood Highway to the Dandenong Ranges. Following surveys conducted by Pastor Clem Schmidt, who served Nunawading and German families at Selby, the District purchased land in Upper Ferntree Gully in August 1973 – near St Thomas’ Anglican Church, where Pastor Schmidt conducted his first Lutheran worship service for the area on 14th October that year.

Concurrently, a few Women’s Group members of Ringwood congregation began identifying more strongly with FTG, leading to informal discussions about establishing a new more local congregation.

Following regular evening services, “Our Saviour’s” congregation was born symbolically on Pentecost Day, June 2nd, 1974 – with 83 foundation members coming from Ringwood, Nunawading and Selby. Some of these original folks are still with us.

Following, in 1976 Pastor Dennis Obst of Nunawading and member of the Home Mission’s Committee encouraged our negotiation with the District about replacing the old site with the more prominent location at 646 Burwood Hwy. This was agreed to and has become most worthwhile.

From Waverley congregation’s outreach to youth in Scoresby, numbers were added, and Gary Watson was employed as Lay worker and lived in the potential manse purchased. We began worshipping in a converted old house on our Highway site on 17th April 1977, when we officially became “Our Saviour’s, Knox”, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to all in our community.

Junette Schoell, founding member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

Installation of Sherry Hong at Redeemer Waverley 

There was great rejoicing on Sunday 17th February at Redeemer Waverley, as Sherry Hong was introduced to the congregation and officially inducted into her role as the congregation’s Multicultural Events Coordinator.

For many years the congregation has been running an English Conversation Class as a means of meeting members of its community and reaching out to them. The City of Monash, in which Redeemer congregation is located, is one of the most culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse municipalities in Melbourne, with more than 54% of the population born in a country other than Australia, and more than 56% of households speaking a language other than English at home. In more recent times, the congregation has also run a weekly Table Tennis Club.

Through such activities, the congregation members are committed to meeting members of the community, and to form friendships and connections, so that they can also introduce them to our Lord.

Emeritus Pastor Wayne Muschamp led the worship service, which was very fitting given his involvement and leadership in the establishment of these mission initiatives during his years as congregational pastor. The congregation is currently in pastoral vacancy, but the congregation continues its commitment to its mission in the community.

In introducing Sherry to the congregation, English Conversation Class Convenor, Merrilyn Beaumont, said, “Sherry brings a great deal of experience and vision to this innovative role.  She has worked in industry, managing business and coordinating events. She has used these skills to establish the Gospel CAN organisation, which brings hope through Jesus Christ to sufferers of cancer. Sherry coordinates a team of twenty volunteers who work alongside sufferers and their families, through music and the Word.

In 2024, Sherry will work with our congregational ministry teams to bring Christ to our local multicultural community, focusing on creating events to bring people into our church.”

The first planned special event is the annual church picnic, which is now reframed as a lantern festival.

This is an exciting time for the congregation as it works together with Sherry and discovers how the Lord wishes to bless this ministry.

Lutheran Youth of Victoria (LYV) Update

The Lutheran Youth of Victoria committees and leaders spent a weekend in November at Araluen Lutheran Camp in Anglesea. The weekend was mostly fun and relaxation, however some time was spent reviewing the ministry of the past year and planning for the future. It gave the LYV committee great feedback and has encouraged us for the future of youth ministry.

So, what’s been happening this year? Empower, Easter Camp, CLW Purple, CLW Orange, two church crash events, and a Leaders retreat. Some major movements in LYV this year have been the name change from CYYAM back to LYV, and making stronger connections with Lutheran Education. The name change was decided as CYYAM was not very well known, and people didn’t understand our purpose. With this rebranding, we have also released some great merchandise – maybe you’ve seen our beanies, hoodies or drink bottles. Connecting with Lutheran Education is an exciting initiative. We have already found this valuable and are endeavouring to make better connections with students in our schools.

After many years of service, Kerry Linke finished as our facilitator during the year. A decision was recently made, together with the District, to leave this position vacant as we restructure. We sincerely thank Kerry for all of her work and time supporting and assisting LYV.

Some of the issues identified preventing youth from attending events are the lack of youth groups and cost of living. Many congregations no longer have youth groups, and we are looking at ways to overcome this, as previously youth groups fed into our camps. We are also aware that the cost of living is making it hard for many parents to send their children on camp – we are blessed that some congregations and wonderful individuals have reached out to help us support youth with the costs of attending camp. For example, in the last year we were able to support some of our youth in Tasmania to come to camp by paying for their flights, so it only cost them the same as our Victorian youth to get to camp. If you are finding camps costs a struggle, please reach out to us for support.

We are excited about upcoming events in 2024! Our next event is Summer Camp at Araluen, on 19th to 22nd January at Araluen in Anglesea, for high school aged youth. Get your registration in now! Follow the link: HERE

Events for 2024
Summer Camp:   19th – 22nd January
Empower:             17th February
Church Crash:      18th February
Easter Camp:       28th March – 1st April
CLW Purple:        (Jul School Holidays)
CLW Orange:       (Sept School Holidays)
Leaders Retreat:  (November)

If you would like any more information, please contact LYV Chairperson, Michael ‘Mog’ Benbow, on 0417533162, or email admin.lyv@lca.org.au

Reformation at Geelong

Geelong Lutheran Congregations gather to celebrate the Reformation

Just over 160 of the faithful gathered at Araluen Lutheran Camp on Sunday to celebrate and give thanks for the Reformation.

The St John’s Lutheran Church band played beautifully, children from our congregations read the Bible Readings and the service was led by Pastors Boyd Briese, David Spike and James Ruei.

A highlight was the South Sudanese choir!

At the conclusion of the service, Cheryl Bartel updated the gathering on the possibilities from the Future Directions Working Party who have crafted three possible options for the future structure of the Lutheran Church in Greater Geelong. This group have taken the feedback from the 20 May meeting earlier in the year where the future possibilities and opportunities were discussed in an open forum.

Lunch was enjoyed by all, thanks to the outstanding catering by Darren and Kerry Linke at Araluen.

From your Professional Standards Officer, Denise

Last month SMO introduced the use of “two-factor authentication” (2FA) when persons login to the site. This was done to increase security and to protect the data of all users of the site. If you did not set up 2FA before 14 July, you will no longer be able to login to SMO.
For assistance to set up 2FA, please contact Holly: email; ph (08) 8267 5211.

This annual event is a great opportunity for your congregation to highlight the importance of keeping our children safe and for building our culture of child safety (indeed safety for all!)

It assists us to meet LCA Child Safety Standards (especially Standards 1, 2 and 3).

I encourage all congregations to engage in some way with this event, even those who are not currently blessed with children. In this way we can be ambassadors of child protection in our communities.

There is a wealth of resources available. The following are recommended: