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LYV Gala Night Review

The LYV held its inaugural Gala in August. Being the first time we have run this event, we were delighted with the success. The event was to raise awareness of what the LYV does and raise some funds to support youth ministry. Janelle who works at Light FM was our guest speaker. She spoke warmly about how LYV had a positive impact on her life and helped her grow. We also heard from Ross Smith, CEO LLL on the work they do and how they are able to assist youth ministry. We are grateful for all the support they give LYV.

Our different camps and events coordinators presented on what is happening in the LYV. The night was filled with great decorations, delicious food, great company and lots of fun. A raffle ensured that extra funds were raised and lots of prizes were on offer. Many commented how much they enjoyed catching up with old friends and reminiscing about fun times in the LYV. The Gala looks to be a permanent feature on the LYV calendar. We thank LLL for their continued support and also attending the Gala. The money raised will go to assisting campers who may be struggling financially to be able to attend camps.

Photos provided by Emilie-Rae Woodhead

Do we not care that they are perishing?

But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
And they woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38

The disciples of Jesus were in a boat on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. Jesus was asleep on the stern, apparently oblivious to their impending peril. Their question was a desperate one; a matter of life and death, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” His answer was a powerful one. First, he spoke some simple words, “Peace; be still,” and calmed the storm. Then he challenged his disciples concerning their great fear and their little faith.

It is fitting for us to reflect on this event considering our District Convention focus on the church’s mission to bring the good news about Jesus to the world.

Interestingly, in Mark’s gospel this event concludes an entire chapter in which Jesus teaches about the mission of his kingdom. In the Parable of the Sower, he spoke of sowing the seed of God’s word so that people could hear it and be gathered into God’s harvest of souls (Mark 4:1-20). Jesus then encouraged his disciples to put the ‘light of Christ’ on a stand where it can give light to all and not to hide it under a basket or a bed where it cannot be seen (v.21-25). He then tells two more parables: the first about the seed of God’s word growing in people’s hearts, by God’s power, until the final harvest of souls (v.26-29); and the second about the mustard seed whose growing ‘bush’ (God’s kingdom) provides shelter for the ‘birds’ (people) that rest and nest in its shade (v.30-34).

We can be sure that this same mission to spread God’s good news was very much on Jesus’ mind as he lay down on that cushion in the boat for some rest. There was more kingdom work to be done on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. We can be sure that this mission was also on his mind as he calmed the storm and encouraged the faith of the disciples. But can’t we also hear, in the disciples’ desperate cry, a great challenge for us in church of today? Jesus’ disciples woke him up and cried out, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Do we need to wake up and listen for the cry uttered by many souls who live without saving faith in Jesus – or the Spirit’s cry uttered on behalf of the many that are not even aware of their need, “Do you not care that we are perishing?”

The Christian church has often been likened to a ship or a boat for that very reason. Church architecture and the names for various parts of the church building (e.g. nave) are meant to remind us of that. We, who are in the ship of the Christian church, are there as the rescued ones. We are Jesus’ disciples in the boat with him. Our boat is on its destination to the distant shores of heaven. But that is not the end of the story. The boat of the Christian church is also God’s rescue vessel, called to rescue others from the storm-tossed seas of human sin and its consequences, and bring them safe to heaven’s shore. God teaches that, without saving faith in Jesus, people will ‘perish’ or be ‘lost’ forever. Like Jesus and his disciples, we are on the boat and on the journey with Jesus, not just for our own benefit, but because there are more people yet to hear about the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus.

We know that God still cares that people might ‘perish’ eternally. We know that he did something about it: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He wants no one to “perish” and everyone to have eternal life. We know that God’s “one and only Son” who stilled the storm is also in the boat with us.

The challenge lies with us this time, “Do you and I still care that people are perishing?”

LLL walks with ALWS and the Lutheran community

LLL was proud to sponsor the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) Walk My Way Ukraine event, and have a team walk for a worthy cause in an uplifting demonstration of our shared missional purpose.

LLL’s valued relationship with ALWS has seen us partner in many key initiatives, such as Walk My Way events around the country, with international aid programs – including farming partnerships in the East African nation of Burundi and micro-enterprises in impoverished regions of Nepal – and the ALWS Ambassador Bootcamp program to name a few.

This vital missional partnership is an excellent example of the deep connection LLL has enjoyed with the wider Lutheran community for over 100 years.

Our Board Chair Steven, Chief Relationship Officer Scott, Marketing Manager Rhianan, and LTM Tract Development Officer Anne walked shoulder-to-shoulder with over 870 participants in Brisbane to raise funds to aid families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.

LLL was delighted to field a team of willing walkers in the wonderful ALWS Walk My Way Ukraine event, May ‘24.

Seventy-four teams took part, including many from Lutheran congregations, schools, and care services. LLL has shared valued relationships with ALWS, these organisations, and the Church and its districts, throughout our history and our commitment to maintaining this connection with fellow missionally-minded Lutheran entities remains at the core of our endeavours.

Our tailored loans, sponsorships (like this one of ALWS), and Mission Outreach Grants continue to empower ALWS, congregations, schools, retirement and aged care facilities, and youth camps to build facilities for worship and learning, to inspire young people, and foster community and connection within the wider Lutheran family.

Teams from St Mark’s Lutheran Church, Dalby, and Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS) were among those to take part in Walk My Way Ukraine, which raised over $180,000.

LLL was delighted to award St Mark’s a Mission Outreach Grant that has made a significant impact on young people in Dalby and the Darling Downs region, with the grant helping the church hire an energetic Youth Ministry Coordinator.

LLL has enjoyed a strong relationship with LORDS for over a decade, with the most recent project including the construction of new junior school general learning areas to accommodate demand for high quality Lutheran education in the booming region.

ALWS, St Mark’s and LORDS are fine examples of the relationships that LLL is committed to maintaining and growing as we look to the future with renewed determination to continue our mission of stewardship and service.

If your school, aged care facility or congregation has a missional objective that could be achieved through a partnership with LLL, we invite conversations about loans and sponsorships via our website – www.lll.org.au, email – lll@lll.org.au or phone 1800 556 457, with Mission Outreach Grant applications available through LCA District offices.

Read about the uplifting projects that LLL supports through loans, sponsorships and Mission Outreach Grants thanks to our missional partnership with our depositors in Together in Mission – www.lll.org.au/tim – or via our regularly updated social media channels – Facebook: www.facebook.com/LLLAust and Instagram: Instagram: @lll_australia

Geelong Lutheran College Ribbon Cutting & Installation

While students have been using ‘Ngarrwa’ since the start of term, on Friday 8 March, the ribbon was officially cut on Geelong Lutheran College Armstrong Creek’s new Year 11 & 12 Centre, by Parliamentary Sectary for Education Darren Cheeseman and GLC Executive Principal Ms Sue Ellis.

The opening ceremony, which featured a blessing by Pastor Lester Priebbenow, District Bishop Victoria and Tasmania, Lutheran Church of Australia, was held upstairs in the campus’ first two-storey building, following a tour of the facility for Darren Cheeseman by our two College Captains, Jessita and Zach.

The $8.7 million project was jointly funded by the GLC local community and the Victorian State Government, with $2.8 million funding from Round 4 of the Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. The College was grateful to receive a bequest from John and Iris Bowen, which also contributed to the new build.

Once the ribbon cutting was complete, the event turned to the formal installation of Ms Ellis as the College’s Executive Principal, following her commencement in the role at the start of the year.

Presented by outgoing Chair of the GLC Board, Dr Craig Tischler, Ms Ellis was installed by Pastor Lester Priebbenow, District Bishop Victoria and Tasmania, Lutheran Church of Australia. Assisting in the ceremony, were four of Primary Captains from GLC’s St John’s Newtown and Armstrong Creek campuses who helped present Ms Ellis with her tokens of office: an academic gown, stole, bible and cross.

It was lovely to have a number of fellow Lutheran Principals and members of the St John’s Lutheran Church congregation in attendance for this special event.

Photos provided by Geelong Lutheran College.

LYV Empower 2022

Earlier this year the LYV Empower youth ministry training event took place on line, led by pastors Levi Graham and Lucas Matuschka. Some feedback from the event included…

• I learnt that leadership starts with you putting yourself below others and listening. It is a lot about my self control and being humble. This is adaptable in my everyday life with attending university and being involved with study groups. Yes, we like to be heard but we need to empower others to be heard as well.
• Masks of God gave a new meaning to everyday work that isn’t directly involved in the functioning church community.
• Trust in God to guide you to the people that you need. I’ve had the pleasure to have gotten closer to God this year, and am finding comfort in the knowledge that though my entire circumstances has changed from last year, He is the one thing that hasn’t.
• As a leader on CLW I am not expected to know everything, God sends those to assist us ie. other leaders, Pastors, mentors. We are always learning and growing with our relationship with God.

Please keep our young people and particularly the CYYAM committee in your prayers we emerge out of lockdown. The past two years have been disappointing with several planned activities being cancelled or moved to online events. Standby to hear more about some proposed future gatherings.

from Kerry Linke (coordinator for YYAM) and Michael ‘Mog’ Benbow (Chair of the Committee for Youth and Young Adult Ministry)

DCC resolution on changes to conducting Synodical business passed

Thank you to all the 2019 District Convention of Synod Delegates who responded to the recent postal vote on the changes to conducting Synodical business. More than 100 responses were returned with 90% of these in favour of the changes. The following changes have been approved (in bold).

Be it resolved that SECTION 11.A CONVENING OF SYNOD be amended to allow for electronic means to be used to hold a District Synod in part or in full (words added in bold, words deleted strike through)

SECTION II.A CONVENING OF SYNOD

II.A.1 the regular Convention of the District shall ordinarily be held at at a time arranged by the District Church Council (DCC) and the inviting congregation or congregations and shall take place by meeting in person or by electronic means where this is not possible.

SECTION II.C TRANSACTING BUSINESS

II.C.36 in the event that a District Convention of Synod is held using electronic means in a place of meeting in-person, these procedures may be amended to suit that environment.

SECTION II.D NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

II.D (I) In the event that a District Convention of Synod is being held using electronic means in a place of meeting in-person, these procedures may be amended to suit that environment

Mother’s Day at Luther College, Croydon Hills

There was a wonderful warmth and energy across the College recently, as students, mums and grandmothers gathered for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, despite the wet and wintry weather outside, celebrating the mothers and mother figures who play such an important role in our lives and community.

We were privileged to hear from inspiring guest speaker Samantha Gash – endurance athlete, social impact entrepreneur, founder of Her Trails, World Vision Goodwill Ambassador and mother – whose story of resilience, courage and purpose deeply resonated with everybody.

Drawing on her remarkable experiences running across some of the world’s harshest environments, Samantha shared powerful reflections about identity, purpose and the stories we tell ourselves. She encouraged students and mothers alike to consider their own “secret power” – the qualities that make each person unique – and reminded us that growth often comes when we are willing to challenge old narratives, embrace uncertainty and step bravely into new spaces.

Her message about resilience, meaningful effort and finding purpose in both the visible and unseen moments was particularly powerful. Samantha spoke about the importance of the work done “in the shadows” – the choices we make when no one is watching – and the way these moments quietly shape character, strength and who we become.

She also reflected on the importance of slowing down, finding intentional space to reset, and having the courage to ask, “why not?” rather than focusing on barriers or limitations.

Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your honesty, vulnerability and wisdom with our community, and for inspiring us to embrace challenge, purpose and resilience at all stages of life.

Thank you also to the many students who assisted throughout the morning with serving guests and supporting the barista service, along with College Captains Harvey and Helena for their involvement and leadership during the event.

As we look ahead to Mother’s Day on Sunday, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community. We hope you enjoy a wonderful and well-deserved celebration with family and loved ones.

Luther College Officially Opens Landmark Facility

Creativity and innovation have a spectacular new home at Luther College’s Croydon Hills, Victoria, campus with the completion and official opening of the landmark Centre for Creativity and Innovation (CCI).

The single largest capital investment in the College’s history, built with the support of a tailored LLL loan, brings together the arts, technologies and transdisciplinary learning under one roof.

On Wednesday 25 March 2026, Luther College welcomed honoured guests, staff and students at an official opening celebration, with LLL Head of Client Relationships Samantha Kukic and Client Relationship Analyst Joe Santostefano in attendance.

The day began with a music-filled whole-school assembly before a formal commemorative ceremony in the afternoon.

“Joe and I were delighted to represent LLL at the opening of the amazing new Centre for Creativity and Innovation,” Sam said.

“LLL has enjoyed a strong partnership with Luther College over many years, and we are proud to have worked together with the College to help bring this truly remarkable facility to life.

“The CCI will benefit the students and educators of this wonderful community for generations to come. Its successful completion is a credit to the vision and leadership of Luther College.”

More than a building, the CCI stands as a tangible statement of Luther College’s commitment to preparing young people for a rapidly changing, future-focused world.

The groundbreaking facility features innovative learning spaces such as food technology kitchens, digital technology studios, ‘make and build’ spaces, a photography and media studio, and specialist art workshops.

It is a place where students can explore ideas, take thoughtful risks, learn from failure and develop the capabilities that sit at the heart of the Luther Learner model.

The opening day concluded with the Japan Arts Immersion Tour Exhibition, the first event of its kind held in the new building and a fitting way to bring the CCI to life and offer an early glimpse of what it will make possible.

Visit the school – www.luther.vic.edu.au

Read about more difference-making projects enabled by LLL missional partnership with customers at the website information hub Mission Matters – www.lll.org.au/mm

Like and follow our regularly updated social media channels –

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LLLAust

Instagram: @lll_australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lllaustralia

LLL representatives, Sam and Joe, with Principal Jacqui Layfield (second from left) and Luther College Board Chair Helen Suke (second from right).

Board Chair Helen addresses guests at the official opening.

Students gather at an assembly to open the new building.

The impressive exterior of the transformative facility.

LYV Kid’s Camp Coordinators Needed

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – Kids Camp Coordinators

A Little History:
For as long as anyone can remember, Youth and Young Adults of the Lutheran Youth of Victoria (formally Luther League) have run Christian Life Weeks (CLW), Easter Camps (EC), Western Zone, Central Zone, Metro Zone, ReUnite Camps, and any manner of other Camps. This is a fantastic legacy.

Also, for as long as anyone can remember, the Staff of Araluen & Tandara have run a yearly ‘Kids Camp’ with the help of volunteers and supporters from the surrounding local congregations. But importantly the camp managers, firstly Charlie & Cheryl Reif and recently Darren & Kerry Linke, under their own steam, have organised and ran this vital ministry event for pre-teens/tween-agers, introducing them to the fun, community building, and personally stretching ministry that is Camps Ministry. This, too, is a great legacy, which has helped so many young people develop and grow in their faith over the years.

Sadly, the staff at Tandara and Araluen have recently needed to set aside this ministry and focus on the day to day running of these two great camp facilities that we have been blessed with over the last 50+ years. May they continue to grow and bless the groups they host onsite.

As such, the current LYV committee have decided to pick up Kids Camp and officially bring it in under the LYV Banner. They see exciting potential for this age group to meet God through retreat(ing) to a safe place and being introduced to a Christ-centred community that will grow with them through their teenage years and into their young adulthood. A place where they can build relationships with God and other like-minded peers and mentors that can last a lifetime.

Current Needs:
This is where you come in. We need a small team (4-6 people) to tackle the unique challenges/opportunities that this age group presents. You already have the passion, and you have a unique skill set that would undoubtedly benefit the ministry/mission opportunity that Kids Camp can be, going forward. Skills in publicity, administration, building engaging programs for tweenagers (activities/worship/studies), and/or networking.

This is an intergenerational venture – whatever age you are [>30, 30+, 40+, 50+, etc…] , we want you on the team! We do not believe that you ‘age out’ of Camp Ministry. There are 2 of us so far. 😊

Just a little interested? Think this might be tap on the shoulder God’s been whispering to you about?
Talk to someone you know who is involved with LYV. Or contact me (Jon Westphal) directly.

A little bit about me: I grew up in the Victorian District and discovered a heart for Camp Ministry as a leader on CLW’s. That was some decades ago, and I haven’t stopped being an advocate for Camp Ministry since. I believe the Camp environment offers opportunities for young people to meet God and deepen their relationship with him in a safe place outside of their usual comfort zones. It is this belief that has led me to picking up Kids Camp where Araluen & Tandara have left off. I would love to work with any like-minded people to continue to build and grow Camp Ministry here in Victoria… yes… even in the messy-ness.

PS: Come to LYV’s 60^th Anniversary, September 18-20, 2026 – I’ll be there. Let’s chat about the possibilities! 😊

St John’s Minyip – 150 Years

150 Years since the Dedication of the first Church Building, and the Naming of the Congregation, on 25 September 1875

During 1875, a wooden structure was built on land some 6km south-west of Minyip in the area called Kirchheim, which translates as “church home”. At the dedication service of that first church building, on 25 September 1875, the congregation received its name: St. John’s. The congregation was approximately 70 to 80 communicant members drawn from 25 to 30 families. A day school, also established in 1875, was nearby.

Both the first church building and school were destroyed by a storm on 26 February 1889. The congregation immediately started planning for a rebuild, with the school ready for use on 20 June 1889 and, on 4 December 1889, the new church building was dedicated. The church weighing approximately 50 tons was moved on a jinker, pulled by a steam traction engine across the paddocks to its present location in Church Street, Minyip, in May 1935. In 1936 the school closed.

On 12 October 2025 a congregation of approximately 130 people joyfully celebrated the anniversary event with a traditional church service with Holy Communion and a mostly sung liturgy, followed by an unbelievably large spread of delicious finger food.

Pastor John Weier presided, with Pastor Lester Priebbenow, Victorian/Tasmanian District Bishop, preaching the sermon on 1 Peter 2, where the ‘Cornerstone’ and the ‘living stones’ are not physical stones or a physical building but people – Jesus, us, and all Christians, who together are built into a spiritual house that has no use-by date.

Special guests included: Pastor Steen Olsen and Ruth, Pastor Denis Grosser, descendants of Pastor Dr J. Darsow (served Minyip 1922 – 1948), Jonathan and Julie Krause representing ALWS, Mark and Jason from The Leadlight Gallery who re-furbished our stained-glass windows, and Pastor Geoff and Chris Kuchel. Our Visitors book’s most popular comment praised the Service!!

Many stories of bygone years were exchanged, including those from previous members who recalled not only their own times but those of their grandparents and even great grandparents.

Moving St Paul’s church into Minyip, May 1935. (Photo courtesy Minyip Historical Society.)