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District Church Council News

In June 2020 District Church Council conducted a survey to gain feedback on the Strategic Initiatives developed at District Convention in 2016 and revisited at District Convention in 2019. The revised Strategic Initiatives are as follows:

Create and support Church Renewal and Church Planting.
Support congregations in challenging and changing circumstances.
Minister to a diverse community in our Church.
Strengthen our Lutheran identity by collaborative mission and ministry with our Schools and Congregations.
Build our Lutheran community and identity through communication.
Explore and implement funding models and sources for the District in addition to congregational giving

Download Feb 2022 Update from DCC Chairperson HERE

Download LCAVD 2021-2024 Strategy - DCC approved (short form April 2021) HERE

Comparison of District Church Council Strategic Initiatives 2016 -2002 to 2021 - 2024 Download HERE

District Church Council

District Church Council (DCC) is the governance body for the Victoria – Tasmania District. Additionally, two sub-committees report to the Council, to provide additional advice to the Council for decision-making purposes. The two sub-committees are:

Finance, Audit and Risk
People and Strategy

DCC discusses and approves the major financial and policy decisions that impact the Victoria – Tasmania District.

Click HERE for DCC Terms of Reference.

Click HERE for the DCC Strategic Directions 2020 - 2024

Click HERE for the DCC Strategic Directions 2016 -2020

DCC Members

Current membership:

Tony Vong (Chair)
Pastor Lester Priebbenow (Bishop)
Pastor Matthias Prenzler (Assistant Bishop)
Katie Lang (Vice-Chair)
Michael Presser
Sonia Weidenbach
Adam Zibell
Pastor Matthew Huckel
Sabine Haeusler (Chair MMC)

Consultants to DCC:

Stephen Mildred (District Administrator)
Pastor Brett Kennett (Pastor for Congregational Support)
Colin Minke (Executive Director LEVNT)

Each year, DCC members meet with other leaders and representatives in our District at the annual Strategy Day. In some years, DCC also meet with congregational leadership (on a rolling geographical basis) as part of their scheduled meetings.

DCC meeting schedule* for 2025:

6 February (videoconference)
28 March (F2F)
9 May (F2F)
10 May - Strategy Day
26 June (videoconference)
16 August (tbc)
23 October (videoconference)
28 November (F2F)

*Meeting dates may be subject to change.

Church Worker Resources

This page contains links to resources from District events (Continuing Education for Pastors and Lay Workers, CEP) or useful external resources sourced by the District Congregational Support Team.
From CEP 2020

COVID-19 RESOURCES

COVID-19 Resources

LCA/NZ COVID-19 Response

The primary resource for pastors, lay workers and church leadership for the COVID-19 situation is the LCA/NZ COVID-19 Response page.

Church@Home

The LCA Commission on Worship has provided links to many resources that can be used at home. Visit the Church@Home website. Click the View@Home bar on that page for a list of live-streamed worship.

Live-streamed worship

Several Lutheran services are being televised on free to air channels. Community Station Channel 31 (tuned to Channel 44) is live streaming worship from St Paul’s Lutheran Church Box Hill Fridays at 1.00pm. This can be accessed in the Melbourne and greater Geelong area.

Victorian Government

The Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions announcements are updated as changes to restrictions are announced. Information regarding health, financial support, business information, jobs support, and housing and your rights can also be found at the state government website. Victorian Government updates on restrictions for places of worship can be found here.

Tasmanian Government

The Tasmanian Government COVID-19 page is updated as changes to restrictions are announced. Community announcements can be found here.

District updates

Other pages in our COVID-19 Resources section include ministry resources, non-ministry resources, and district communications.

You will find previous District eNews links in the News and Events page.

Council for Ministry Support Home Page

Ministry and Mission Council

The Ministry and Mission Council (MMC) supports District Congregations and other entities in undertaking Ministry & Mission in the Vic-Tas District.

Terms of Reference

The council incorporates:

African Mission and Ministry Reference Group (AMMRG)
South East Finance Committee (formerly SEMRMC)
Lutheran Youth Victoria (LYV)

In 2019 the Council for Ministry Support announced Seed Funding Grants. Download the brochure HERE

Ministry & Mission Council members:

Sabine Haeusler, Chair
Rev Boyd Briese
Sharon Ghalayini
Zoe Heinrich
Alex Muschamp
Kym Schilling
Jon Westphal

Consultants to the MMC are:

Rev Brett Kennett
Stephen Mildred

MMC meetings are generally held via videoconference. The MMC meeting schedule* for 2025 is:

22 January
12 March
23 April
11 June
16 July
06 August
17 September
12 November (F2F)

* Dates are subject to change

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Positions available in Lutheran congregations and agencies can be publicised here. Please email the district office with brief details on the role including the title, time fraction, and location, plus contact details and applications close date. A short advertisement can also be included.

Lay worker roles

Education roles

Administration roles

Volunteering

Boards, Councils and Committees

YouTube and Social Media Connection

This page is a sharing page. It includes a sample of social media posts and clips that pastors and lay workers have created to support the community during social isolation. Other items can be shared here at the district’s discretion.

The Lutheran Church of Australia’s (LCA) Social Media webpage – covers policy, including Social Media Guidelines and Standards of Ethical Behaviour

Holy Trinity LC Horsham – Lynda Henstridge general update and encouragement

Morning Prayer – from Pastor Matthias Prenzler from St Paul’s Lutheran Church Shepparton

Pastoral message – from Pastor David Wear to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hamilton community 23 March 2020

Daily prayer points – from The Lutheran magazine. Each edition of The Lutheran magazine contains a calendar of daily prayer points. Follow the LCA on Facebook for daily prayer points and more

Daily prayer points – from Outer Eastern Lutheran Church

Home New

We're part of a bigger church family, the Lutheran Church of Australia. Together we want to be a place where love comes to life. We believe that God's love is for everyone, everywhere, and we want you to see how his love comes to life in us – and in you.

District eNews

We love to share your stories! Please forward your congregational or agency stories and events to Keryn Middelmann at District Office, for inclusion in District eVoices.

Access the CURRENT EDITION and ARCHIVE HERE

Annual General Meeting
Book of Reports

As Congregations and Parishes hold annual AGMs, you are requested to forward a copy of the AGM Book of Reports to District Office, along with a list of Office Bearers, as soon as is practical.
Email Keryn Middelmann at District Office.
Thanks to those who have already sent in Books of Reports for their last AGM.

2024 Statistical Reporting in LAMP 2

Congregations/Parishes are requested to complete their statistics for 2024 by the end of February. Statistics can be entered into LAMP 2 via the LCA Portal. Contact the District Office for assistance if needed.
Read more HERE

Latest News and Features

LCAVD Strategy Review

May 26, 2026

Leaders from across our Vic-Tas District came together on Saturday 9 May for our annual Strategy Morning, to share and discuss their thoughts on the strategic direction for our District…. Read more

EMMY so far …

May 26, 2026

Emmy so far… So what’s EMMY? EMMY kicked off this year at the initiative of the LCANZ’s Mission Directors. It’s a simple, generous space for pastors and leaders to pause,… Read more

That’s Dramatic!

May 26, 2026

Most of us have experienced Pentecost Sunday services full of dramatic impact; with dramatized readings of the Pentecost story, prayers spoken in different languages, symbols representing different nationalities, visual images… Read more

There's always something happening in your Vic–Tas District. Don't be the last to find out.

Subscribe to Vic–Tas eNews, 'District Voices'. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Yes please, sign me up

District Communications

This page will be updated with official communications and relevant attachments from the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Victorian District.

20220621 communication to congregational leaders regarding easing of restrictions HERE

20211130 Updated FAQ v3.1 new material in blue

20211119 Updated FAQ v3 new material updated in blue

20211103 Updated FAQ v2.6 new material in blue

20211029 LCA Victorian District Church Council's encouragement to be COVID-safe communities HERE

20211027 Updated FAQ V2.4.1 issued 27 October. New material in blue.

202110121 Updated FAQ issued 21 October

20211018 Updated FAQ in light of easing of restrictions being brought forward. Revised dates and a suggested template for registering vaccine status are included

20211015 FAQ regarding the Vaccination rollout and National Roadmap

20211013 letter regarding the National Roadmap to chairpeople, pastors and lay workers from Bishop Lester Priebbenow

20210908 Letter re lifting of restrictions in Regional Victoria

20210823 On 21 August new restrictions were announced putting all Victoria under lockdown. Summary of Restrictions across all Victoria.

20210816 email METRPOLITAN MELBOURNE extension of restrictions and curfew and permits for authorised workers

20210816 METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE summary of restrictions

20210809 email Lockdown to lift in Regional Victoria only

20210809 Summary of restrictions Metro Melbourne and Regional Victoria

20210623 Email re further relaxation of restrictions

20210610 Email re relaxation of restrictions

20210609 Summary of revised restrictions effective 11.59pm 10 June 2021

20211002 Summary of circuit breaker restrictions effective 11.59pm 03 June 2021

28 May Updated Religion and Ceremony information Victorian Government

27 May 7 day circuit breaker restrictions summary

07 April FAQS for congregations

30 March FAQs for congregations

23 March Victorian Government Summary of COVID restrictions HERE

03 March FAQs for congregations

At 11.59pm Friday 26 February some restrictions were relaxed including re where and when to wear a face mask. Please also see the Stay Safe Stay Open Victorian Government summary of restrictions

As of 11.59pm 03 February it is required that face masks are worn in all indoor public spaces including religious gatherings.

27 January 2021 Industry Restart Guidelines for Religion and Ceremony updated

27 January FAQs for congregations

January 2021 Industry Restart Guidelines for Religion and Ceremony

8 December Frequently Asked Questions for Congregations

24 November FAQs for congregations relating to the Last Step Restrictions

24 November sign in sheet for gatherings (modified)

22 November Last Step easing of restrictions summary from the Victorian Premier

In July 2020 Victorian District Church Council communicated guidance for online church business meetings, for instance AGMs. Please find the communication and two attachments below.

20200727 DCC Guidance for Alternate Meeting Arrangements

Attachment 1 ACNC advice on meeting via alternate methods

Attachment 2 COVID 19 Legislation re alternate meeting methods

20200927 Summary metropolitan Melbourne restrictions

20200907 Letter re JobKeeper 2 eligibility criteria and reporting dates from LCA National Office

20200812 Letter regarding Business Victoria Business Support Fund - Expansion from District Administrator

20200807 District email to pastors, church council chairs, secretaries and SP3 coordinators regarding COVIDsafe plan and permitted worker Travel Permit

20200807 COVIDsafe base congregational plan v1

20200805 permitted worker Travel Permit

20200804 Increased Restrictions across Victoria District Office

20200802 Statement on Changes to Melbourne's Restrictions Premier's Office

20200802 Statement on Changes to Regional Restrictions Premier's Office

20200802 Summary of Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria

20200730 Update on restriction outside of Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire

20200729 Treasurers - Extension to Jobkeeper from District eNews. Includes a link to an explanatory article from District auditors Saward Dawson

2020727 Guidance for Alternate Meeting Arrangements V1.3.1

20200722 For professional reasons a face covering may be left off (for example leading worship and preaching) but that all other attendees at a live stream must abide by this new restriction and the preacher should wear a face covering in public when not recording. You can find more information on the quidelines for wearing face coverings HERE

20200720 Letter to Treasurers re Victorian State Government Business Support Fund Expansion from District Administrator

Attachment to Letter to Treasurers re Victorian State Government Support Fund Expansion 20200712 Information from the Victorian State Government

Tips for cleaning and disinfecting to reduce COVID-19

8 July 2020 – letter from District Administrator re the increased restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire

8 July 2020 attachment – link to additional information from Victorian Government on restrictions for religion and ceremony Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire

Sign-in sheet updated format

23 June 2020 attachment 2 – Considerations for safe return to worship – update replacing former communications with this title

23 June 2020 attachment 3 – Frequently Asked Questions for Congregations
replacing former communications with this title

20 June 2020 – email sent regarding maximum worship numbers to remain at 20 until 12 July 2020 at least

16 June 2020 – COVID-19 Victorian District Contagion Communications Plan

16 June 2020 – LCA Victoria Tasmania Return to Worship Communications Plan

5 June 2020 – Premier of Tasmania – Stage 2 restrictions begin to ease

28 May 2020 – Can we celebrate Holy Communion email from Bishop Lester

26 May 2020 – email from Bishop Lester on return to worship considerations
Attachment 1 COVID-19 Bishop’s Update Vic–Tas

15 May 2020 – COVID-19 Bishop’s Update Vic–Tas
11 May 2020 – Victorian Government on easing of restrictions in worship
8 May 2020 – Tasmanian Government Roadmap to Recovery

5 May 2020 – District Administrator to Treasurers and Chairs
5 May 2020 #1 – three government grants available v3.1
5 May 2020 #2 – state government grants via the Business Support Fund
24 April 2020 #3 – COVID-19 Government JobKeeper Support

5 May 2020 – urgent HRS update
30 April 2020 urgent HRS update

6 April 2020 – District Administrator Communication v2 includes links to boosting cashflow for employers, stage 2 government release, government payment JobKeeper support and state government grants via the Business Support Fund

8 April 2020 – important communication from District Bishop Lester Priebbenow and District Church Council Chair Tim Wiebusch

3 April 2020 – PM Press Release including update on streaming worship services emailed 6 April 2020

Professional Standards

Caring for one another requires a little effort from us. It's something we need to choose to do. It's love in action. It's what we are called to do as Christians.

The Professional Standards Department was established by the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) to assist all those who engage with our church to care for one another. There is a Professional Standards Officer in every district of the LCA, including the Victoria – Tasmania District. Denise Muschamp is the Professional Standards Officer in the district. Denise is located at District Office most Wednesdays.

In a nutshell, the Professional Standards Department:

coordinates training in a range of areas
is responsible for the management of complaints in a fair and transparent manner, in order to ensure compliance with the biblical principles of reconciliation and the principles of natural justice
develops further policies, procedures and other resources, which will be readily available online.

For information on workshops and training, visit the Professional Standards Training page.

For more information, visit the Professional Standards Frequently Asked Questions page.

For information about complaints, visit the LCA website.

ChildSafe

ChildSafe is a safety and risk management system, with a focus on keeping children and young people (and the teams of adults that work with them) safe in their programs and activities.

ChildSafe sets a standard of safety and care for the LCA. It is a requirement that everyone involved in ministry programs for children and young people under the age of 18 is trained in the system.

There are three levels to the ChildSafe system:

A team member is any adult who supervises a group of children or youth.
A team leader is appointed by the congregation to supervise a group of team members.
A coordinator is appointed by the congregation to oversee the safety and training of all teams within the congregation.

ChildSafe is part of a prevention process and also informs of the actions that will be taken by the LCA to support individuals and programs when things go wrong.

ChildSafe ensures that teams consider all safety possibilities when designing programs and also increases the awareness of all current and potential team members to their duty of care responsibilities. These responsibilities are grounded in our moral obligations, as children of God and also in government legislation, to ensure that all organisations working with children provide environments that are safe from danger and abuse.

ChildSafe training

To become a qualified ChildSafe team member, individuals must complete the full Professional Standards Workshop (PSW) and a Safeguarding Children – Child Protection (SCCP) webinar (or provide evidence of appropriate recognised prior learning in this area).

ChildSafe team member training is required to be refreshed every three years.

This can be done by completing the online refresher test or by completing the full Professional Standards Workshop and Safeguarding Children – Child Protection webinar.

The higher levels of ChildSafe, including team leader and coordinator, can be completed through online webinars.

To view the full details of this training, scheduled workshops and registrations, visit the Professional Standards Training page.

Professional Standards

Professional Standards Officer
Denise Muschamp
denise.muschamp@lca.org.au
0437 180 928
Tuesday to Friday

District Church Council News

District Church Council News

District Church Council