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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Churches, Places of Worship and Funeral Homes – Tasmania

New directions for the Management of Premises – No 13 and Mass Gatherings – No 5  allow more people to attend religious services and funeral services in Tasmania.

Indoor seated gatherings

Smaller seated gatherings at churches, places of worship, memorial events and  funeral services may accommodate up to 250 people or 100 per cent of seating capacity, whichever is fewer, without assessment or approval.

Staff, clergy, church attendants, choir members and anyone assisting with or performing the service are not included in the 250-person limit.

Larger gatherings of more than 250 people may be allowed, but organisers must first register with Business Tasmania for approval and adhere to the relevant restrictions.

  • At venues with seating where more than 250 people will be attending and will be seated most of the time, the maximum number of attendees may be up to 100 per cent of seating capacity.
  • In unseated areas, such as a foyer, a maximum of one person per two square metres of floor space may be allowed.

Compulsory recording of details for contact tracing

Under the Contact tracing direction, every person 16 years of age or older attending a range of businesses, organisations and events (including staff and attendants) is required to provide their information for contact tracing using the free Check in TAS app.

Operators of the relevant locations are required to register with Check in TAS and prominently display the Check in TAS QR code at all entrances to the premises.

If anyone does not have or cannot use a smartphone or the Check in TAS app, they may be checked in by another person in their group or by the organiser or attendants at the gathering. If no suitable device is available, their details may be recorded with pen and paper. Organisers are permitted to refuse entry to a person who does not provide the required information.

More information, including when and how contact information may be recorded manually, is available at www.checkin.tas.gov.au.

To help manage risks

  • there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue (except for Tier 1 events)
  • a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues
  • the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
  • everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
  • information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
  • other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process

More information

The Life and Ministry of Pastor Gordon Wegener: a short history

I was born and raised in the Adelaide Hills in the township of Lobethal, the first of five children. I attended Lutheran primary schools at Springhead and Lobethal, and then became a day student at Concordia College, different from the normal boarder (1967-71).

Then came seven years of study for the ministry at Luther Seminary. We started with a class of 22, but over the years with people deferring or leaving, only 6 of the originals finished together. Others joined along the way, until 15 graduated in 1978. I had good years at ‘Sem’, with lecturers who helped us to engage the Word and apply it into life. The years living in Graebner Hall were formative and enjoyable, full of students studying theology or attending nearby universities, again being exposed to a variety of characters and life.

Seven years studying theology is some time, but formation for ministry takes time and experiences. Being all male created its own culture, and when young women from Lutheran Teachers College joined the campus, it was quite a jolt, and many relationships developed, including when I met Jenni Luhrs in 1976 studying to become a deaconess.

Besides study, the one squash court on campus was very busy, a sport I lost a fair bit of sweat playing. There was also the beginnings of the Adelaide Lutheran Football club, which I played for, and we even won  a couple of A grade premierships. Every few years the students used to organize a ‘Sem’ tour, with a concert presented at each town we visited. We travelled both within South Australia, and did an interstate tour to Queensland. There is nothing like the experience of creating a nightly concert, and being billeted out to local congregation people.

On graduation, I was assigned to the Miles parish in western Queensland, and Jenni and I travelled there,  recently married at the beginning of 1979. This was a four-point parish, and I would often travel over 300 kms for 3 Sunday services, driving about 40,000 kms a year. It was a far-flung ministry for a first parish. Two of our children, Rebecca and Benjamin, were born during this time.

In 1984 we moved to Beenleigh, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. A three-point parish, they all existed within 5 kms, having separate 100 year histories, and by the beginning of 1990 I had combined them into 1 congregation, Bethesda Beenleigh. We also enjoyed the music from a Smenge pipe organ, and Jenni created a music ministry there. Kristin was also born there.

Later followed ministry at Glen Waverley, Victoria from mid-1990, a major shift from hot, humid Queensland. These were good years of ministry in a suburban context. Jenni continued to offer colour and creativity, with several large banners and flower arrangements for times of the church year. Here I also combined the congregations of Glen Waverley and Nunawading to be one congregation in structure.

At the end of 2003 I received the Call to become the District Hospital Chaplain, following Pastor Geoff Schirmer. From 2004 we lived at Kensington in inner Melbourne, allowing easy access to the many hospitals (15+). These were very significant years of ministry, bringing together the years of pastoral formation and experience.

This all began with my vicar father, Pastor David Larsen in Toowoomba (1977), where visiting in hospitals and the home were a significant part of ministry. My interest in hospitals continued over the years, being the visiting Lutheran chaplain in my Glen Waverley years at Monash Medical Centre. During my ministry I have had several pastoral supervisors for my development: Rev Drew Lelean, Sister Eveline Crotty, Father Peter Maher and Rev Jan Reeve. Right from the start, I learnt that personal relationships are foundational for effective ministry.

Over the years I also took on various roles in the Victorian District and churchwide LCA. This helped to develop leadership, understanding different Districts, and what might be offered to resource ministry in congregational and facility contexts. There were also opportunities to take on churchwide roles to coordinate Continuing Education and Pastoral Supervision, now more necessary than ever to maintain a sustainable ministry in challenging times.

Basically, I enjoy the encounter with another person, whether they are in a hospital bed or engaged in ministry. To be fully open to another, for the other to trust and be vulnerable, to share and reflect, is a privilege, a place for the Word incarnate to bring life and grace. And it is deeply satisfying, years later, for another to say to me, “Remember when you visited me…”

It is interesting to consider the word “retirement,” while I like to use the words “reduction” or “redirection.” I intend to take three months break, and then consider what I might offer next. I want to continue offering pastoral supervision, this support to people in ministry. But I also want to catch up on interests and hobbies which have reduced over the last years. I love reading all sorts of books, woodwork, gardening including creating a good vegetable garden, plenty of walks on the beach near our home, music and just contemplating with a cuppa.

Over the years, one verse from Scripture has spoken to me and others in many contexts, especially in the hospital: “(Nothing) in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8: 39). The incarnate God, in Jesus Christ, in and through us, has been my experience of ministry.

Pastor Gordon Wegener

Meet the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

In 2020 the District Youth and Young Adult Ministry was reviewed with recommendations including greater volunteer responsibility and autonomy, and a more regional representation leading to greater regional participation.

The key focus this year was how to support Youth through COVID uncertainty. The COVID 19 lockdowns in 2021 have meant less ‘on ground’ events but some highlights have included:

  • Some SNAS (Sunday night at St Johns) events
  • Online Empower Youth Leadership training day
  • Hybrid Easter Camp (part online part local groups meeting)
  • An online form to hear about the YYAM review
  • CLW Purple in person
  • A fellowship day at Halls Gap  in lieu of CLW Orange

Down the track (when COVID easings allow) our SNAS group in Melbourne will seek to be more involved in metro church communities.

Despite a difficult year and several cancelled or adjusted events CYYAM have continued to meet around every seven weeks via Zoom discussing matters such as

  • Victorian Child Safe Standards (reviewed annually)
  • Planning and running CLW Camps and the Easter Camp
  • Professional Standards requirements
  • Grant applications
  • Empower Leadership training day

The current Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministry consists of Michael ‘Mog’ Benbow (Treasurer, interim Chair), Jon Westphal (CMS rep), Bianca Hearne, Alex ‘Mushy’ Muschamp, Rachel Kreymborg (CLW rep), Kerry Linke (YYAM Coordinator). This group of enthusiastic volunteers are supported by two pastors who serve as Spiritual Advisors, Pastor Levi Graham and Lucas Matuschka and District Pastor for Congregational Support Pastor Brett Kennett serving as a consultant

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Ministry

Whether you are starting further education, heading to work full time, or taking a gap year, there are going to be some changes as you transition to a different stage of life! Youth and Young Adult Ministry can assist you:

  • to find a small group
  • with accommodation assistance
  • to connect to our Facebook page
  • to hear a friendly voice
  • to find a Lutheran church near you
  • to contact someone who will pray for you
  • to hear information about events near you.

Easter Camp

Easter Camp is a camp for 18 to 30 year olds offering a time to connect with young Christians during the Easter long weekend. In depth study and discussion are main ingredients.

Easter Camp provides an opportunity for young people to go deeper with their faith and explore Christ’s sacrifice on the cross in small groups and whole camp worship. The camp is held at Araluen Lutheran Camp, Anglesea.

Easter Camp is built around the fellowship of the cross and the community of believers. It celebrates individual components of the greater church body gathering together to profess their faith in the events of Easter; that Jesus Christ, the one true son of God, was crucified for the sake and sins of the world, and three days later rose again triumphant over death.

More information, including how to register, will be available in 2022. See also the LYV Facebook page or Vic–Tas District Facebook page for updates.

 

20 October District eNews

This edition of District eNews contains

  • a devotional message from DCC member Pastor Tim Stringer
  • a feature on St Matthews Lutheran Church Footscray
  • update on Pastor Calls
  • links to the latest LCA eNews
  • COVID easing of restrictions (see the Worship during COVID section on the homepage)
  • The District Prayer List
  • and more

Read this eNews and past editions HERE

What’s Your Favorite Bible Verse? A devotion from Pastor Tim Stringer

What’s Your Favourite Bible Verse?

That’s the question I asked of my congregation at Calvary, Greensborough early in Lockdown 6.0 here in Metro Melbourne. I didn’t expect a massive response but was pleased when I received many emails and messages from members sharing their most beloved passages with me.

This is my eighth year serving here and it’s the third time round the Revised Common Lectionary so I thought this might be a way of mixing things up a little with my preaching and maybe introduce some passages of Scripture which aren’t normally featured in worship and preaching. It wound up being about a 50/50 split between lectionary texts and those that do not appear anywhere in the three-year cycle. The ulterior motive was to introduce some texts which people have chosen to motivate and encourage them in difficult times, because, as you may have noticed, we are all currently experiencing challenging times.

We started our series with Isaiah 41:10 “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.[1]” One of the many passages in Scripture which encourage us to not fear or be afraid, reminding us of the presence of God strengthening and upholding us at all times and in all circumstances.

Then there was Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.               In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [2]” And recently Joshua 1:9 “9 I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” [3]

You might see a bit of a theme developing here. Whether we are gathered together in person for worship in our usual church buildings, or perhaps with limited numbers as we return with restrictions easing or gathered via digital means either live-streamed or recorded. God is with us, giving us strength and courage, taking away our fears, encouraging us to acknowledge him and worship him.

What is YOUR favourite Bible verse or passage? I always ask during funeral preparation if the person had a favourite text? Often the family are completely unaware, even if the deceased was a regular worshipper with a solid devotional life. Perhaps we should be more open and up-front about where we gain our strength from. Which passage of Scripture have you heard and learned in your journey through life that grounds you, strengthens you, challenges you or gives you comfort? Would a loved one also connect with it and commit it to memory for their time of need? Is it what you need to hear for yourself right now? Do you have a favourite passage to turn to or is now a good time to seek one out?

I pray that the Lord of all hope will give you comfort and peace. Do not be afraid, be strong and courageous and know that the Lord is with you at all times and in all circumstances.

[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Is 41:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 3:5–6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[3] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jos 1:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Jacobs Well Bookshop Horsham

Jacobs Well is a mission outreach of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Horsham and has been running for 48 years. We are small not for profit Christian retail store in country Victoria that stocks a large range of books, cards and giftware. Our mission is to provide easy access to Christian products to our community and beyond.

Jacobs Well is run by a small team of 2 staff members and various volunteers. We all live in the community and can relate to the customers who walk through the door. We thrive on making the experience for the customers as nice as possible and spreading the love of God. With a smile and a hello you can make anyone’s day just that little bit brighter. Jacobs Well has many regular customers who support us, we really appreciate them and believe they are a part of the greater Jacobs Well family.

A new venture into the online world with a brand new website has kept us busy trying to reach a wider community and to keep serving our normal clientele even when we’re restricted by one of the many lockdowns Victoria has been in and can’t see them face to face.

One of the highlights of working at Jacobs Well is the contact we have with our customers and the rapport we can build with them. Not only the Horsham and surrounding community but our online community as well.

Jacobs Well is lucky enough to provide books for Christian conferences and events including but not limited to the Lutheran Women of Victoria & Tasmania conventions and Zone Rallies, and also CWCI events and annual camp in Victoria (prior to COVID). We love these events as we get to share a piece of our everyday life with people who have never been in our shop or don’t have access to a Christian shop near them.

Our current manager,  Julie Hedt has worked at Jacobs Well for 10 years. Prior to that she was a nurse, working for local government in childhood and school age immunization before she felt God calling her to have a career change, a change that has been a real blessing.

Abbey, our shop assistant, finished school last year and joined the team  part time at Jacobs Well earlier this year. She has helped to get the website up and running and taken our social media accounts under her wing. She would love it if you would follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

At Jacobs Well customer service is important to us and we strive to help each and every customer to the best of our ability. If we don’t have the book you are looking for we will try our best to get it in for you. We want to encourage all our customers on their faith journey.

So, please come and visit us if you are in Horsham, or visit our website www.jacobswellbookshop.com.au New products are added regularly. Also, follow us on Facebook: Jacobs Well Christian Bookshop, and Instagram: Jacobs.well41 to see what is new and what we are up to.

Contact Jacobs Well P 03 5382 3769
Email info@jacobswellbookshop.com.au

NCLS Update

Have you signed up? Yes you have! (mostly!)

Thanks to the support of the LLL, LCA congregations participate free of charge! Most of the Victorian and Tasmanian Congregations have now ordered forms ready for The National Church Life Survey (NCLS):
Next Step: find a suitable week or two in October or November to conduct the survey.
Handy things to know:
• the survey can be completed online as well as with paper forms – both will be available, including switching to fully online if desired (regardless of your original order)
• results will be available to churches in early 2022, initially by email and later as hard copy

Contact Erin Grainger if you have not yet ordered your NCLS surveys.

E erin.grainger@lca.org.au

Sale of District Office at Box Hill has been agreed

Sale of District Office at Box Hill has been agreed

A journey that commenced five years ago has reached another exciting milestone.

In late-2017 due to concerns about the ageing Office building the joint District Property Working Group recommended that District Office be relocated to a building with up-to-date safety requirements and more street and on-site parking available.

Several options including to buy an existing building a little further out, construct a building, possibly build on ‘spare’ school land, or to co-locate with St Paul’s Box Hill at their proposed new Box Hill South development were considered.  In mid-2018 the Working Group recommended to proceed with co-location with St Paul’s at Box Hill South. District Office will lease office space from St Paul’s.

The Working Group also resolved the stewardship dilemma of how to preserve capital value and growth of District Office funds from property sale, so in future decades the District would still have an option to have own its own building if required.  This will be achieved through investing in a range of Managed Funds via Mercer (who handle Lutheran Super investments).  The Strategy was affirmed by Lutheran Actuary Alan Truslove.

We are committed to co-location and partnering between LCAVD and LEVNT with St Paul’s at Box Hill South and now also the Chinese Lutheran Church of Victoria.

The plan also makes available $500,000 for Mission and Ministry (into the New, Renewing & Changing Churches Fund).

The plan for District to co-locate at the new Box Hill South building has now been discussed at two Conventions of Synod – Feb 2019 and May 2021.

There are good stewardship reasons why it makes sense and is efficient and effective to co-locate with St Paul’s at Box Hill South – access to sufficient meeting spaces and carparks are two physical benefits, and there is also the opportunity to make a strong Lutheran presence in the Eastern suburbs.  The Partnership (clarified in a Memorandum Of Understanding in mid-2019) means we will share some office space, facilities and meeting spaces.  St Pauls have committed significant capital funds to this partnership to construct the new office buildings as a means of contributing to the mission and ministry of the District.

Due to an unsolicited offer initially in December 2020 a little above sworn market valuation (as at June 2021) for District Office at 755 Station Street Box Hill, we now have an agreed and finally signed contract with a medical specialist to purchase the building.  Settlement is in mid-2024.

This means we don’t have to be concerned about any possible economic downturn or fluctuating commercial property values due to the glut of new and established office space generally, and particularly in areas such as Box Hill, along with Docklands and the Melbourne CBD.

Thanks to the Property Working Group, LEVNT and LCAVD and St Paul’s representatives for helping to get this far, and for clarifying the best ways to demonstrate practical stewardship.

We pray God blesses the next phase of the project and all the partnerships.

Stephen Mildred
District Administrator