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Continuing Education Program

A successful combined District Pastors Conference / CEP event (Continuing Education Program for pastors and lay workers) was held from 24 to 26 October under the theme: “Grace in a season of change”. It was lovely to be hosted by Holy Cross Templestowe once again, after a break of about four years (we last held CEP in 2019).

Pastors met on Tuesday afternoon for a condensed District Pastor’s Conference. They were then joined by lay workers on Tuesday evening, and the CEP component on Wednesday and Thursday. In all, fifty-one of us gathered for Worship, education, Compline and (much appreciated) fellowship over food together. We welcomed a number of participants to their first CEP, and many others attended for the umpteenth time!

Guest presenters were Rev Noel Due, who spoke about recognising and addressing changes in the culture in which we minister (“What on earth is God doing, for heaven’s sake?”), and Pastor Matt Thiele, who spoke about ‘Gospel Teamwork’ in the congregational setting.

There was a very good representation of both pastors/SMPs and lay workers in attendance (approximately half-half). This year, lay workers included some Congregational Leaders and Ministry representatives who attended for their first time. Feedback highlighted the value of the content from the speakers in particular as very relevant to their contexts. They also enjoyed the shared worship and meals.

Pastor and SMP feedback showed that most had attended previous CEPs, and highlighted their appreciation particularly for shared meal fellowship, Worship and Compline.

Overall, there was very even support for all the aspects offered at CEP. The only difficulty was managing to engage with it all in the time we had. Certainly, there was a lot of content! It is worth noting that both speakers have made their content available for revisiting, and we also hope to have recordings available soon.

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

BBQ and Singing at Our Saviours, Knox

As part of the celebration of Senior’s Week, the annual BBQ and Singing luncheon was held at Our Saviour’s Knox on Wednesday 4th October. Over 80 people enjoyed a beautiful lunch and the wonderful singing of the Melbournaires Harmony Chorus. This all-male choir recently returned from a choral competition in New Zealand, where they won the Best Senior’s Chorus Award.

Pastor Peter opened the event with prayer and we sang the Table Grace by Brendan Scott. We enjoyed a range of songs from sacred to popular. Highlights included a rousing version the Liverpool Football Club theme song, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’; beautiful renditions of the Irish Blessing, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Let There be Peace On Earth’; the Maori love song ‘Pokerakare Ana’, and popular hits from Judy Garland, the Mills Brothers, the Hollies, the Mamas and the Papas, Crowded House, finishing with Queen’s, ‘A Crazy Little Thing Called Love’! Pastor Peter closed with a blessing, followed by the singing of ‘May the Feet of God Walk with You’.

Thanks again to the volunteers from Our Saviour’s and the Lions Club of Knox for their assistance, and their presentation of flowers to Judy Bowman to acknowledge all that she does to make these events happen. We are also very grateful for the generous support from Knox City Council, Chemist Warehouse and Knoxfield Bakery.

MAN UP – Lutheran Men of Victoria Camp, Halls Gap

On the weekend of the 11^th-13^th August 2023, 88 Lutheran men from across Australia met for the annual ‘Men Led by God’ camp in Halls Gap, Victoria. Having been unable to proceed with camp in 2022, it was both encouraging and uplifting to gather in such a large number to spend time in fellowship, worship, and study of the Word. We had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jeffrey Hemmer (Assistant to the President – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Author of ‘Man Up’) as the study leader for the weekend, as well as Pastor Charles Ferry (Asia Regional Director – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) as a speaker. The theme ‘Man Up’ allowed for the exploration into the true definition of masculinity as established by Scripture; a masculinity that is not about rugged independence, but about sacrificial giving. It is a masculinity precedented by Christ who lays his life down for the Church, his bride.

Friday evening opened with an Aussie BBQ as men arrived from far and wide, allowing for a time of meeting old and new friends, and getting to know our American guests. This was followed by a presentation by Pastor Charles who informed us about the many different missionaries currently serving across Asia, and the diligent work they are doing in sharing the Gospel, teaching, and translating. He also assured us of the LCMS’ support for Lutheranism in Australia, outlining ways in which we can continue to grow in a relationship together and how they might be able to further support us in the future. The evening closed with a vespers service led by Pastor Shaun Manning which was sung unaccompanied. It was a blessing to be able to fill the space with male voices coming from many different locations across various age groups, gathering together as brothers in Christ.

After an early start on Saturday for breakfast and a devotion led by Luke Nuske, we proceeded into the official study sessions for the week. In the first two sessions, Pastor Jeffrey laid the foundation for biblical masculinity as living in the example and grace of Jesus, using our God given roles as men for the good of those around us. This included an interesting word study of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 showing where men fail, and a deep dive into the Genesis creation narrative exploring God’s good ordering and the three P’s of masculinity: protection, provision and procreation. This highlighted the male responsibility to care for others, sacrifice themselves for the ones they love, and act as providers for the family. The third session of the day focused on the Fall: how our eyes now turn selfishly towards ourselves, and as a result our society has moved from ‘Eden’ to the “City of the Same’. Tolerance is the highest virtue, and true masculinity has been denigrated to the point where everyone becomes an object and pleasure is the highest ideal. The good and ordered distinction between man and woman has been dissolved. Here, the Gospel offers a solution – before we have an example of masculinity in Jesus, we have a saviour. Where we are failures as men, Jesus comes to save failures. Pastor Jeffrey concluded the day with a final dive into Hebrews 2:5-18 – adequately titling the section ‘God down, man up’. Christ makes himself available as an advocate and defender, and he can be called upon for strength to resist temptation to sin, as he has resisted all temptation.

Saturday afternoon saw a group of men tackling the Boronia Peak hike, which was a good excuse to get out in the sun for some rigorous exercise and conversation. Those who were brave enough remained at camp to attempt the high ropes course and giant swing. There was also an opportunity to sit around the fire and chat, or play a game of 500. In the evening, we had the pleasure of hearing an interview with Pastor Shaun Manning, learning about his life story, conversion, and journey towards becoming a pastor in the LCA. After closing worship led by Pastor Carl Thiele, we shared in drinks and conversation into the late hours of the night.

On Sunday morning we gathered together in worship to receive from our Lord in Word and Sacrament. Pastor Jeffrey held a final study session offering a daily to-do list of prayer, loving, giving, and fighting, as well as some practical advice for everyday manliness. After eating a final lunch, it was time to say farewell and start making the journey home.

Many thanks to Pastors Jeffrey and Charles for making the trek Down Under to lead us in our studies, to the staff at Tandara for their catering and hospitality, to the Lutheran Men of Victoria for organising and facilitating the event, and to Creative Word Fellowship for their additional support.

Be Refreshed at GLC Armstrong Creek

Launched in May 2022, Refresh is a relaxed family worship held at Geelong Lutheran College Armstrong Creek.

This monthly event started as a vision for a friendly environment to bring family and friends to worship and get to know others in our community. Typically taking place on the third Sunday of each month during term time, each Refresh is preceded by a chance to socialise with each other from 5 pm over a snag in bread during summer, hearty soup in winter, or even a Hot Cross Bun at the Easter service. The family-friendly worship then gets underway at 5.30 pm, with good music to lift the heart, and down to earth messages reminding us of God’s goodness. Typically, we have around 60 members attend each worship.

Last month included a birthday for Refresh to celebrate one year of the program, and it was lovely to mark the occasion with 50 community members.

Refresh is always welcoming to new members. Our services for the rest of the year will take place at GLC Armstrong Creek’s Luther Hall on:

16 July
20 August
17 September
15 October
19 November
December TBA

Pictured: Refresh community at May’s birthday-themed worship.

Cross-Cultural Conference – May 2023

Over 2 days, on 5-6 May, people from all walks of life met at the Cross Cultural Ministry Conference. It was a wonderful day of getting to know many different ethnic contexts.

Central to the event was the question: Would you like to consider how to better reflect the diversity of your Neighbourhood in your congregation?

We heard from: African- and South Sudanese-Australians, Finnish and Tamil Lutherans, ABC’s (Australian Born Chinese), thoughts from the perspectives of 2nd Gen’s, and iterations of Multicultural Church.

Most inspiring of all was the inspirational worship and the news that Australia’s population is on track to increase by record amounts – with two of the fastest growing suburbs right here in Melbourne. What an opportunity for to join in with God in mission to the stranger and new-comer in our midst.

What did you miss!? LOTS!! Ask someone who went!

But here is a taster…

Getting to Know different ethnic contexts:

Adam (African Australians) and Pastor James (South Sudanese Australians)

Finnish Lutherans: How Pastor Tommi went from being the most conservative Finnish pastor to the most radical Australian pastor in one 24 hour flight.

Meeting Maha from the Tamil Lutheran partnership in Geelong.

Hearing from different ABCs (AustralianBornChinese)

2^nd Gen’s :

We find refuge with others who are also in between cultures (with other 2^nd Gens)
Being chameleon – learning how to code switch, depending on our contexts
Internalised racism (‘I don’t want to be Filipino’)
Seeing own culture or western culture as inferior/superior

and iterations of Multicultural Church!

Monocultural: a biological family
Friendship: a shared house
Partnership: an intercultural engagement
Integrated: a blended family

Thank you to the many people who presented, shared on a panel, sung, led worship, led as we Dwelt in the Word, contributed to table discussions and agreed to wear those funny hair nets and spectacular chef’s hats.

A special thank you to our MC Brett, our organisers Tania, Craig and Erin, our PowerPoint and logistics guru Olivia, and the Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry for making it all possible.

See you in the neighbourhood!

Read the full report HERE.

Easter Camp 2023

LYV’s Easter Camp returned to an in-person event this year, for the first time since 2019! After a series of online Easter Camps, it was a blessing to see each other face-to-face and spend the Easter weekend in faith and fellowship. About twenty 18-30+ year olds from across Victoria played board games, worshipped together, visited St John’s Ballarat for Easter Sunday, and reflected upon the camp’s theme of “Return, Restore, Rejoice!”.

Camp wasn’t without some COVID hiccups when a cook tested COVID positive two days before camp, but thankfully another volunteer was quickly found, and camp was able to continue with all campers being fed.

All in all, the return to an in-person camp was a blessing of returned fellowship and an opportunity for young adults to reflect on what they have learned and value from the last few years of restricted face-to-face meetings.

Easter Camp relies on volunteer effort to run. If you’d like to be involved with planning, cooking, or in any other way, please reach out to the Easter Camp team by contacting LYV’s Easter Camp Facebook page, or email: eastercamp.lyv@lca.org.au.

Riding the Waves conference

The IRC conference speakers provided hugely valuable insights, and encouragement, for those of us navigating change – and that’s pretty much all of us!

The day was a wonderful opportunity for more than 60 attendees to receive and reflect on missional approaches from many different perspectives. Although originally planned as a fully in-person event, one of the presenters tested positive for COVID and one could not travel from the UK because of a COVID diagnosis, and so they gave presentations on Zoom – a perfect illustration of the waves of change that all of us have faced in the last two and a half years! The presenters took us through a post-war history of the mission of the church in Australia; New Testament approaches to spiritual formation; assessing whether your local church is ready for change, and the dynamics of the change process in local churches. Read more from Pr Nathan Hedt’s article HERE

Below are some ‘take aways’ and links to resources from Vic District attendees:

“The great first century religions ‘of wood and stone and marble’ are extinct (think Rome and its great temples). The only two religions who have survived are the religions ‘of the book’, Christianity and Judaism. And you wouldn’t have bet on either of them in the first century!”

“Christianity does not save me from suffering – it gives my suffering new meaning”

“The primary task of the church is spiritual formation. We are rediscovering this. The Holy Spirit is working, through the church, to spiritually form us into the image of Christ. This is also known as discipleship formation. Spiritual formation is: a life-long process, a communal process, a thoughtful process. It’s a thoughtful process because God renews our minds as we read his word. Congregations do well when they focus on a few regular habits or practices that are communal, thoughtful and focussed on God’s word. God uses suffering and persecution to bring about spiritual formation.”

“COVID was not a snow storm, it ushered in a new ice-age and has given God’s church a chance to ‘tell it like it is’”

“Historically the church stuck around when plagues hit (unlike the pagan Roman elites who ran away from opportunities to be infected). And plagues hit regularly. Historians estimate that christian numbers increased by one third after major plagues. “How can we serve our neighbours best in a time of plague?”

“Let’s not waste a good crisis.”

(shared by Pastor for Congregational Support, Pr Brett Kennett)

A couple quotes stood out for me (both by Ian Robinson):

“Whatever happened to the grasp Jesus had on us?” – referring to the way evangelism has all but disappeared from church agendas, and the fact that most church members rarely read their Bibles.
“The church we are saving cannot be the one we have had.” – referring to the tendency, in challenging times, to want to return to what we have known rather than to seek to be the church we need to be in those challenging times.

(shared by District Bishop Lester Priebbenow)

My highlight was participating in a physical identification of our context as a part of exploring “ Theory U” from work by Otto Scharmer. The Rev’d Canon Dr Nigel Rooms asked us to position ourselves as a representation of where our Congregation/denomination was at in terms of working through the reality of our context as Church in a Post-modern world adapting to Change. It was interesting hearing from those at different points in the “U” in regards how it felt to be at that place in the journey.
About Theory U

IRC Open Day conference on 29^th June 2022 : now available for viewing. Four videos, one for each speaker from the conference, on the New and Renewing Churches website: www.newandrenewingchurches.org.au/events

(shared by Congregational and Migrant Ministry Support Officer Erin Grainger)

25 Years of Worship, Learning & Fellowship – Bethlehem Lutheran Church Bendigo

On Sunday 22 May, visiting Pastor, Rev Mark Tuffin lead the worship service commencing a 9:00am where we gave thanks to God for the past 25^th years of worship, learning and fellowship at our Spring Gully site. A letter of greetings from Rev Lester Priebbenow, Bishop of the Victorian District, was read to the congregation.

Following the conclusion of the service a professionally catered lunch was held in our hall and this was attended mostly by local members. At the conclusion of the lunch members were invited to share their recollections and stories about the purchase of the Spring Gully property and the extensive renovation work required on our Church building. The renovation of the building, and property landscaping works, were largely carried out by our then members, some of which were present at this celebration event.

The day was a joyous occasion for our Parish and it was particularly appreciated that we able to come together for lunch on this occasion as prior to covid-19 these were a regular part of our Parish calendar and have been largely absent for the last two and a half years.

by Craig Linke
Bethlehem Congregation Secretary

19 May District eVoices

This week’s District eVoices includes articles on the cross cultural ministry taking place at the Nunawading Waverly congregation supported by evangelist John Zhong, a reflection on the LYV Empower event earlier this year, an update from Judy Bowman on Tertiary Ministry, a celebration story from the South Sudanese.

The usual features of Important Dates, positions available, Updates on Calls and the District Prayer List are also included plus a reminder for congregations to start electing Convention delegates for District Convention of Synod.

Read eVoices HERE

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