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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New Assistant Manager at Araluen Lutheran Camp

We have been anticipating a new Assistant Manager at our Araluen campsite in Anglesea for some time and can now share the news that Mr Kym Schilling will be starting in this role in the new year.
Kym comes from a previous Team Leader position and, at God’s prompting, is looking forward very much to working with the staff and visitors at the camp.

Kym shared with us a little of his background and journey:

“Hi, my name is Kym Schilling. I am married to Vicki and a have a daughter, Louella, and a son, Jed. I grew upon on a farm near Rainbow and have continued my love of outdoors with my family, just completing a 3-month camping trip around WA.  I have been working as an office-based Payroll Manager for government and private industry for the past 25 years.

Like many people after Covid I felt I needed something more in my vocation. Camp ministry has always been close to my heart during my youth days at CLW, Easter and zone camps. When the opportunity to work with Darren, Kerry and the team at Araluen became available I felt God was not just opening the door but pushing me through.

I look forward to the challenge God puts before me while serving him and his Church.”

A Place for Reconciliation and Cultural Safety

This month I would like to highlight the piece of artwork “Many Eyes.”

You might have seen this displayed in various places; you might even have it displayed at your church or on your congregational website. It is used in the LCA Reconciliation Action Plan.

There is a great deal of Christian symbolism embodied in this artwork by a 9-year-old Eastern Aranda and Wangkangurru Lutheran, Henry.

One symbol is God’s loving eye.

God’s love for every one of us is represented by the eye at the centre of the cross. He watches over every one of us as we come and as we go, ever calling us back to himself, the only place where we will find true and lasting reconciliation.

How do you interpret this painting? I encourage you to read more here.

We are well aware that in our Australian community there is a lot of controversy around Indigenous matters and Rconciliation, and recent events have again raised many questions.

How can we as Christians respond?
How can we demonstrate acts of reconciliation in loving and real ways which are not tokenistic?

In Victoria and Tasmania, we are required to meet state Child Safe Standards (as well as our LCA ones). In both states, the safety of Aboriginal children is at the forefront and must be clearly demonstrated, even where there are no (known) Indigenous children or families present in our congregations.

In the “Many Eyes” painting, one interpretation suggests:
There are ‘many eyes’ watching us from outside the cross. What do they see? – how we treat each other, how we listen to each other, how we respect each other, how we bless each other. What is our witness of reconciliation to them?

In my work around our district, sadly, I have occasionally seen some very unloving responses to reconciliation and the cultural safety of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

My challenge to us all is to consider our actions very carefully. How might we do better? Be specific. Be intentional.

In particular, as your congregation goes through its Child Safety Standard self-assessment (especially Standard #4) and prepares its Action Plan for the next three years, consider what specific things you might do to enhance reconciliation and promote cultural safety. (Helpful resources are found here under Standard #4)

“God…reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” 2 Corinthians 5:18

Podcast Review – Undeceptions

Engaging Faith and Culture with John Dickson

At our recent General Pastor’s Conference in Adelaide, I was blessed by a presentation from the team at the ‘Undeceptions’ podcast. We’ve used members from this group at one of our recent District Pastor’s Conferences too.

“Undeceptions” is the brainchild of John Dickson, an Anglican pastor and scholar. John and his team have produced Undeceptions to help Christians have thoughtful, faith-based conversation that don’t shy away from tough questions.

Before the presentation I had only listened to a couple of episodes, but I’ve been playing catch up ever since.

It really is a remarkable resource, and I commend it to you. You can listen HERE

Dickson himself explains, “Every week on Undeceptions, we’ll explore some aspect of life, faith, history, culture, or ethics that is either much misunderstood or mostly forgotten. With the help of people who know what they’re talking about, we’ll be trying to ‘undeceive ourselves’, and let the truth ‘out’.”

  • Undeceptions is Australian based, with rich content. John has a way of making complex and sometimes “meaty” topics accessible to all listeners.
  • He approaches his subjects with a winsome balance of truth and grace, presenting Christian perspectives with a calm and compassionate tone.
  • He doesn’t shy away from controversial or complex issues, but instead tackles them with a respect that invites skeptics to listen. Recognizing that people outside the church often have legitimate questions or even doubts, Dickson meets these questions with honesty and intellectual rigor.

This ‘style’ of presentation is helpful in modelling what it is to be winsome in our presentation of the gospel.

Many episodes might offer a starting point for Christian leadership teams to explore challenging issues, potentially forming the basis for small-group or team discussions.

For laypeople, Undeceptions offers several opportunities for spiritual growth:

  1. Expand Faith and Understanding:
    Listening to Undeceptions exposes listeners to various cultural, ethical, and historical perspectives. This awareness can help Christians better engage in respectful conversations about their beliefs with those outside the faith.
  2. Engage in Personal Study:
    The topics covered often act as springboards for deeper study. Listeners might explore related Scriptures or theological texts and dive deeper into the topic.
  3. Practice Listening and Curiosity:
    John Dickson models the importance of deeply listening and asking the right questions – and offering genuine answers to people’s real questions, not just rehearsed responses.
  4. Discuss in Small Groups:
    Introducing Undeceptions to a small group could open the door to honest discussions, where people can grapple with challenging issues in a safe, understanding environment.

Have a listen soon. “Undeceptions” is a great guide for any Christian who wants to think deeply, listen well, and communicate truth with grace.

Remembering the Mission of God – after the 2024 Convention

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our recent, much-anticipated LCA-NZ Convention of Synod has now concluded, and the dust has settled. Actually, no, it seems to me that there’s still a lot of dust swirling around, and this is understandable. It’s going to take time for us to learn to live with the outcomes of this convention. I’ve been talking with people who feel relieved and joyful, as well as with those who feel concerned or even grieving.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the mission that God has called us into. His mission, to deliver the good news of salvation through his Son. This salvation comes to us freely, graciously, through faith and not by any of our abilities.

Personally, the recent stages of debate surrounding ordination in our church have also been a reminder of the distinctive Lutheran teaching on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel—and the need to hold fast to the Gospel always.

Pr. Steen Olsen, retired SA District Mission Director, offers insightful reflections on this in his recent blog post, which I commend to you:
Bring Jesus (14 Oct 2024)

As we navigate this period, learning to live together with the convention’s decisions on ordination, let us resist allowing “legalism” and its close cousin, fear, to obscure the core message of the Gospel—what Jesus has accomplished for us.

He has saved us by His grace, and forgetting this undermines our mission. It even creates barriers for those who have yet to hear the good news – and who have been prepared by God to receive it through us.

The danger we face is falling into the trap of mixing the Gospel with requirements for personal performance, sincerity, or merit. Steen warns of the danger in adding conditions to grace, which distorts the Gospel into a “legal gospel”—truly, no gospel at all (Galatians 1:6-7).

It’s the age-old temptation to shift our focus from what Christ has done for us, to what we do for God—what Steen calls “adjectival theology.” Let me encourage you to cling to grace and remember that, while God doesn’t need your good works, your neighbor does.

In this moment, let us continue to bear with each other in love, that even the world might take notice and be drawn to ask us for the reason behind the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).

In Christ’s peace.

iStock image; credit: doidam10

A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Reformation Sunday

Reformation Sunday was a very special day at Our Saviour’s, Knox, this year. Our worship service brought together for the first time members of our Ringwood-Knox Parish with members of both our Finnish Lutheran Church and South Sudanese Fellowship. These communities both use our building for worship.

The service involved participation from all three groups, with scripture readings from Peter Renner (Parish Chair) in English, Pastor Peter Deng reading in the Nuer language, and Elias reading in the Finnish language.  Communion was jointly administered by Pastor Peter Ghalayini, Pastor Peter Deng and Pastor Ian Vainikka.  In addition to Brendan Scott and our Knox band, we were treated to two hymns sung in language by our South Sudanese Fellowship, and Satu Kirk from our Finnish congregation played our organ beautifully, including a rousing rendition of A Mighty Fortress is our God to conclude our service.

Following this very enriching worship experience we joined together in fellowship over our annual Parish Longest Lutheran Lunch. This also was a multi-cultural event, combining a traditional BBQ and salad meal with rice salads provided by our South Sudanese members and a special addition for our dessert of Finnish cinnamon buns freshly baked for the occasion. Donations contributed were collected for the work of Australian Lutheran World Services.

This was indeed a memorable celebration of Reformation Sunday.

        

Installation at Tarrington Lutheran Parish

On Sunday 28th July the Tarrington Lutheran parish, consisting of St. Michael’s, Tarrington, and Trinity, Warrayure, welcomed a new spiritual shepherd, Pastor Joshua Pfeiffer. Pastor Joshua will also provide Pastoral oversight to the Tarrington Lutheran School.

Congregation members, assisted by several zone pastors, participated in Pastor Joshua’s installation and the welcome and reception into membership of Pastor Joshua’s wife Kimberly and children Evangeline, Samuel, Anastasia and Levi. Bishop Lester led an uplifting worship service which included singing and music by the Tarrington church choir, Tarrington Lutheran School choir and a combined parish music group.  Guests came from interstate and all around the district to join with Tarrington in welcoming Pastor Joshua.

Afternoon tea was held after the service and was a wonderful way to enjoy fellowship with all the guests.

We welcome Pastor Johsua and family to the District and pray God’s blessing on Pastor Joshua’s ministry with the people of the Tarrington parish and school, and on the family’s life in their new community.

A Gathering of Greater Geelong

On Sunday, May 19th, members of the five ‘Greater Geelong’ region congregations gathered at Araluen Lutheran Camp at Anglesea for a Pentecost celebration. Pr. Brett Kennett and Erin Grainger enjoyed spending time with the attendees during the morning service, lunch, and at an afternoon workshop attended by 40 congregants and leaders.

The congregations of the Greater Geelong region are in the process of coming together under the unified banner of “New Name” Greater Geelong Lutherans, representing the various local congregations, but all sharing the new identity.

The workshop was facilitated by Cheryl Bartell (a member of the Greater Geelong Lutheran Leaders Forum and Project Manager for the Transition Steering Committee) with Pr. Brett and Erin, as part of their work in congregational support. It provided an opportunity for participants to brainstorm what they value in serving their communities and how to reflect those values in the new name.

We look forward to hearing how they progress! In the meantime, please join them in praying: “God, fill our hearts with your love, let us see your vision for Greater Geelong, and help us follow wherever you lead us.”

       

Participants in the workshop brainstormed and prayed about their vision for the future of the Lutheran church in the Geelong region. 

57th Annual Convention of LWVT – Saturday 4 May 2024

The 57th Annual Convention of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Tasmania was held on Saturday 4th May 2024. It was hosted by Our Redeemer Lutheran Ladies Guild, Warracknabeal. The Theme for the Convention was ‘Bread of Life’ based on John 6:35. Opening Worship was conducted by Pastor John Weier from Warracknabeal, after which Ladies Guild President, Avril Hein welcomed the 91 attendees and Kylie Zanker, Mayor of Yarriambiack Shire spoke about highlights around the Shire with special reference to the Silo Art Trail.  President, Jenny Gellert opened the Convention.

Guest Speakers for the day, included a presentation from Lutherans for Life led by Rose Graham, Beth Matuschka and Hayley Simons. Audrey from the Wycliffe Bible Translators informed the Convention that 1.5 billion people in the world still can’t access the Bible in their own language and stressed that God’s word needs to be accessible to all. A complex process is involved in translating. They started with the shorter books of Ruth and Jonah. Jonah is being published now and an app has been produced so that more books can be added when translation is completed. John Keller spoke about the work which he has been involved in with Mission Teams in Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal and Burma. Denise Meikle informed the gathering about the Leprosy Knitting Project. She is a member of Horizons, which has been involved with Mission work in Africa for many years and seeks help to provide knitted beanies, scarves, jumpers and socks for children and adults with leprosy.  

Pastor Lucas Matuschka, LWVT Spiritual Advisor, conducted the Bible Study based on the theme, where he reminded us that while we need food we can’t live on the wrong food. He cited the example of Chris McCandless, the American adventurer, who lived on berries but allegedly died of starvation in the Alaskan wilderness. As God’s people we need food for our bodies and our souls. God has provided us with Jesus, the true Bread from heaven, who gave us eternal life by giving His life for us.

Avril Hein provided an interesting history of the Warracknabeal Ladies Guld which celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2024. Nineteen ladies, with Mrs Starick as President, met on 4th May 1924 and were asked to donate one penny every meeting. This was soon raised to one shilling a month. A collection of photos in the Hall showed many of the highlights and achievements over the years. 93-year-old Ruth Shaw, who played the organ for the Convention, and Elaine Schultz, both of whom had links with the founding members, cut the celebratory 100th Birthday Cake.

LWA President, Grace Kroehn presented her report and spoke about the LWA Magazine and arrangements for the LWA Convention to be held in October at Murray Bridge.

Memorial Candles were lit in memory of 10 ladies who passed away during the year.

To close the day Bishop Lester Priebbenow provided an up-date of church news and conducted the closing devotion, during which he installed two new Executive Members, Secretary, Krista Thiele and Extra Member, Debbie Schulz. Special encouragement cards were presented to the LWVT Executive Members. The Offering of $2,680 was shared between Lutherans for Life and John Keller’s Mission work.

       

Photos from the Lutheran Women of Victoria and Tasmania Facebook page

Empower 2024

LYV Empower is our annual event to equip our leaders in their ministry to the youth. This year we met on Saturday 10 February at Wyndham Hobson’s Bay Lutheran Church, Tarneit, and also online. Our focus was on inclusiveness and difficult conversations – a topic chosen at the request of leaders who have had to deal with this over the last few years, and who needed information on how to respond in a Lutheran environment.

A quote that summed up our discussions came from a story in ‘The Lutheran’ from November 2016: “We would rather err on the side of helping hurting people than on hurting helpless people.”

During the morning sessions, we focused on ways leaders could handle difficult subjects through the lens of our Christian faith, if it comes up in large groups, small groups or in individual conversations. The main overall message was on love and care, not condemnation. Material we covered included LGBTQ+ terminology, suicide statistics, and ‘Homosexuality: what the LCA says’ (lca.org.au/homosexuality-lca-says/). If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at: lyv@lca.org.au.

We had other electives in the afternoon, including camp directing, being on a committee, and leading a simulation game.

We finished the day by launching our new website: https://www.lutheranyouthvictoria.com.au/

Next year’s Empower will take place on Saturday 15th February 2025 – claim the date!

Lenten Appeal 2024

The Lenten Appeal runs each year, in which funds are collected (primarily) for those in need.

We as Church are very aware of the needs in our congregations and communities. It is a joy that the Lenten Appeal donations assist in enabling congregations to be a blessing to the wider community and those in need.

To refresh your memory: donations are invited to fund those who are affected by situations of poverty and/or need.  Support is to be general and open to all affected by the situation. (Due to tax implications, we cannot fund specific demographics of the community who are affected – e.g. funds can’t only be for congregational members or specific ethnic groups.)

Past examples include:

  • the unemployed, refugees
  • an emergency meal program in partnership with a local community assistance agency
  • weekly community meal for destitute and lonely people

We also collect funds for specific programs and Lay staff, however these funds are not tax deductible.

If your congregation would like to have something featured in the 2024 Lenten Appeal brochure, please let us know by 7th January 2024.

If you are not sure if something qualifies, or to send details (if you haven’t already!) please email Erin at: erin.grainger@lca.org.au