Victoria Tasmania District of the Lutheran Church of Australia

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Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone 03 9236 1200

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2022 Continuing Education for Pastors and Lay Workers

The Church workers of the District met online and in person over the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday last week for the annual Continuing Education Program. Instead of gathering in one place pastors and lay workers met as they were able in their Zones, allowing for some fellowship time as well as some learning and sharing.

We heard from Pastor Stuart Kleinig on the topic of How to help people encounter and share Christ when experiencing conflict, a topic that we can relate to across various areas of our lives. Pr Stuart reminded us to consider that Jesus was always seeking to deal with the sin present within each person through his teachings and parables.

On Thursday we heard from John Jeffries from the organisation Partners in Ministry on the topic of How to make your church more welcoming.  One of the valuable insights from his presentation is that the average church with 100 members in Australia gets 150 visitors per year, and these are not just on special Sundays but across regular Sundays. Another insight was that it is the ten minutes after the service where the newcomer makes up their mind whether this is in fact a welcoming church.

We are in conversation with John to provide a free online webinar so church leaders and volunteers can hear more about this topic.

We were also fortunate to hear from LCA Churchwide departments, Church Worker Support and Grow Ministries. Verena Johnson spoke about the many wonderful resources available on the LCANZ Learning Hub and Jodi Brook from Grow Ministries spoke to the variety of resources available through the Grow website

 

04 May District eVoices

This edition of District eVoices includes a devotional message from Bishop Lester, celebrations of anniversaries and regularisations of calls across the District, some news on District Convention of Synod, plus the regular features of ABCs for congregational leadership, Pastor call updates, events and important dates, the district prayer list, and links to LCANZ departmental eNews.
Read the current eVoices and access archive editions HERE

Feed My Lambs; Take Care of My Sheep

The fourth Sunday of Easter on the liturgical calendar is also known as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ featuring Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd,’ and readings from John chapter 10, known as ‘the Good Shepherd chapter’ of the Bible.

The reading for the third Sunday of Easter contains Jesus’ well known post-resurrection conversation with Peter, written in John 21:15-17:

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

At Easter we celebrate the good news that our Good Shepherd, Jesus, has purchased and won us all with the price of his own blood, shed on the cross to bring us forgiveness, new life, and eternal salvation. The resurrected Jesus now wants to care for us, his dearly bought sheep; to nurture us in the beautiful, hope-giving reality of his grace.

Jesus’ words to Peter are a good example of God’s restoring grace. Peter had denied Jesus three times prior to his crucifixion. Yet when Jesus meets Peter after the resurrection, he shepherds him with forgiving love. Jesus draws out from Peter the assurance of his love for his Saviour and commissions him for the work he was called to do – to feed God’s lambs and take care of His sheep.

Like Peter, we have not been faithful, wise, and righteous disciples of our Lord. We are also people desperately in need of his rescuing grace. So, the risen Saviour wants to come to us as he did to Peter – in our sorrows, our separation, our doubts, our fears, our weakness, and our wandering. He wants to come to us again and again, assuring us of his forgiveness, drawing out from us our love for him and sending us on our way to live and work for him.

Like he did to Peter, Jesus also commissions his church, through the work of its servants saying, “Feed my lambs…, take care of my sheep…, feed my sheep.”

As Christian Church and communities, we are included in the ongoing work of the risen Saviour’s shepherding of his people. Jesus also says to us, “Feed my lambs…, take care of my sheep…, feed my sheep.”

As we daily feed the lambs and sheep of God already in the fold and seek those who are not there yet, may God continue to strengthen, shepherd, and nurture us in the beautiful, hope-giving reality of his grace.

Pastor Lester Priebbenow
District Bishop, Victoria and Tasmania

Trinity Lutheran congregation, Devonport celebrates 60th anniversary

At 2pm on Sunday 10th April, Trinity Lutheran church, Devonport celebrated their 60th anniversary since their formation as a congregation. Some former members, along with fellow parish members from Burnie and Launceston, joined the small number of current members to thank God for his faithfulness to them over these years and for blessing them through baptisms, confirmations, marriages, funerals and regular worship.

During the worship service, Pastor Stuart Kleinig reminded them of the pastors who had served them in the past and how their membership had grown and subsided a few times. No matter their numbers, they’re still ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light’ (1 Peter 2:9). Many stayed for afternoon tea (which was well catered for, as usual) and looked over a display of some photos of their history. Some of these were taken at their Parker Street church (1962-2000), while others were of their Forbes Street church (2000-current).

Many attendees enjoyed sharing their memories during the conversations. Despite the small number of current members, they remain dedicated to continue worshipping fortnightly. Greetings were shared from some former pastors, such as Bob Kempe, Robert Voigt, Andrew Brook, Thomas Bohmert and Nich Kitchen, as well as Bishops Paul Smith and Lester Priebbenow.

Bishops gather for Spiritual Retreat

The College of Bishops aims to meet in retreat once a year. In the first such retreat since 2019 most of the bishops were able to meet in Ormiston, Brisbane between 26 and 30 March for a time of spiritual refreshment and reflection, led by Pastor Doug Fitzpatrick. The retreats acknowledge the unique role of the bishops in the church and the need for mutual conversation and consolation outside of their usual meeting agendas. This year the bishops also visited the ‘Lutheran Services’ site at Nundah, at which the attached photo was taken.

Pictured in eNews L-R Bishops Rev Rob Bartholomaeus (NSW), Rev. Lester Priebbenow (Vic/Tas), Rev.  David Altus (SA/NT), Rev. Paul Smith (LCANZ), Rev. Mike Fulwood (WA), and Rev. Mark Vainikka (QLD), Rev. Mark Whitfield (NZ), and Rev. Neville Otto (LCA Asst Bishop) were unable to attend.

GLC ST John’s Newtown Campus celebrate 60 years

Sunday, 20 March at 10 am, our GLC St John’s Newtown Campus held a service to commemorate 60 years of schooling. It was followed by morning tea. Formerly known as St John’s Lutheran Primary School, 2022 marks 60 years of Lutheran education and service to our Geelong community.

What a wonderful celebration it was with over 340 people in attendance. ‘The Plaza’ was brimming with past and current students, staff, teachers and families, our local St John’s Lutheran Church family and representatives from our other congregations. We were honoured to have District Bishop Lester Priebbenow bless our new buildings and Plaza. St John’s Geelong pastor Rev. Milton Fritsch led worship and our St John’s Year 5-6 student Choir (led by Mrs Howard and accompanied on keyboard by Mr lllingworth and Mrs Kratzman on Violin) and staff choirs sang. How blessed we are to rejoice in their god given talents. We thank everyone involved for making this day one to remember and to Jesus our saviour for his continued blessings on our school.

Words and photos by Callie Fry,
Geelong Lutheran College

The Need for ‘Meet PIE’ and the Message of the Cross

When I observe some of what is going on in the world, I think of the hymn line, ‘fightings and fears within, without’ (Hymn 335 v3).

Conflict such as we see in Ukraine is horrific, but sadly we also see conflict in the church. Expectations are not met, frustrations develop, people act on their frustrations to punish others or to get their own way, and relationships become strained or broken.

It has been observed that the Covid lockdowns and associated isolation have made people generally less patient, less practiced in social skills, less self-aware, and quicker to react to things that are said or done.

A webinar I attended described one of the top trends of 2022 as a decline in ‘relational fitness’. People are generally less confident in organizing or participating in social activities.

To address this situation one researcher coined the acronym ‘Meet PIE’. The ‘Meet’ (as opposed to ‘meat’) refers to social engagement. The PIE spelled out three important things organizations can do considering people’s reluctance to engage in a helpful way:

Practice empathy – encourage people to consider how others may be feeling
Increase communication – well informed people are less fearful or inclined to react
Embrace intentionality – foster events that encourage rebuilding of social ties

While the research is not specifically Christian, it does have spiritual application. It is the advice given in Hebrews 10:25 and it is borne out by experience. I often noticed during the years of my ministry that when congregation members were meeting socially and for worship, far fewer relational ‘niggles’ would develop. The converse was also evident.

Spiritually though, we know we can’t blame Covid for everything. James reminds us that ‘fights and quarrels’ come from being more in tune with the desires of our sinful natures and the ways of the world than with the way of God’s forgiving grace (James 4:1-6).

When we feel unfairly treated, Peter calls us to consider the cross of Christ.

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:21-24).

The message of the cross is ‘the wisdom that comes from heaven’ to which James refers. This wisdom responds wisely to the forgiving message of the cross and is, ‘first of all peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere’ (James 3:17).
So, in a world where ‘fightings and fears within, without’ seem commonplace, let us focus evermore on the cross of Christ and seek to live in ‘the wisdom that comes from heaven.’

Strengthened by that heavenly wisdom, let us also share and practice some worldly wisdom. Let us share some ‘Meet PIE’ with our fellow members in Christ. Be patient and respectful with one another, mindful of the decline in ‘relational fitness’ caused by covid isolation. Foster lines of communication that keep people well informed about matters relating to your congregation and wider church community, and intentionally plan or participate in events where people can talk, listen, laugh, play, and pray together.

Pastor Lester Priebbenow
District Bishop, Victoria and Tasmania

Greater Geelong Tamil Ministry

On Saturday 26th February a Tamil Christian Church service was held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Geelong. Joyce Mailvaganam, a Tamil guest from London shared a message, and Pastor Vino from a Melbourne Tamil church led the praise and worship/service.

Ongoing, the Tamil community will be invited to either attend Sunday morning worship or a Tamil fellowship and prayer group in the afternoon at Our Redeemer. This gathering of people is the birthing of a Tamil church plant in Geelong.

We can only give God the glory for the ways in which He has and is working around us, bringing His Kingdom to earth as it is in Heaven. As Jesus leads us toward people coming to know Him as their Lord and Saviour, we are quietly expectant to see the unfolding of a new church.

Historically St Paul’s Lutheran Church Grovedale has been serving asylum seekers, refugees and migrants by means of practical, relational and spiritual support. The congregation were first called to support asylum seekers when some Tamil men arrived for worship one Sunday in 2013.

Now, together with the Lutheran churches in Geelong, St Paul’s Kindergarten and Geelong Lutheran College, the Grovedale congregation supports approximately 23 households of families and individuals. Nationalities supported include Iranians, Afghans, Tamils, Haitians and Kurds, with the Tamil community being the largest group the community walk with.

Lay worker Michelle Filipovic writes ‘The ministry to our families is practical, relational, and Pastoral. We have walked closely with our families, assisting them as needs arise. Doing life alongside them whilst offering prayer, reading scripture, and sharing God’s love and the gospel in very gentle and loving but bold ways.’

Practical support is offered via donating and distributing non-perishable food, prayer support, helping with delivering large items as needed, advocating and making referrals for support, teaching in-home English lessons, resourcing community opportunities for volunteering and employment, providing general support to families eg transport to appointments, and connecting, supporting and creating friendships with people through visiting them in their homes.

The ministry works closely with community organisations in Geelong such as Diversitat Asylum Seeker Program, Barwon Health, 3216 Connect Charity group, Geelong Mums and the Baptist and Uniting churches.

Michelle shares her favorite Bible verse;
John 6:40:
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” and commments ‘I love this verse because of the evangelistic heart of God. God’s will is that everyone would know Jesus and have eternal life. This is my heart for those who do not know Jesus as their Saviour especially in my role with Asylum Seekers and Refugees. It is good news because it simply says that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. A simple message and truth to share with the world. It also reminds me of the Lord’s prayer, ‘your will be done’, this verse says His will is ..’that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life’. It is the great commission, the sharing of the gospel to all nations.’

Michelle has also added these prayer points for the ministry to Asylum Seekers

1. That their Visa applications are approved
2. Provisions for Bridging VISA families who receive no Centrelink payments nor a health care card
3. Open Hearts for families who don’t know Jesus yet, that as we serve and minister to them. they would hear and receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

This article was put together from a variety of sources including the St Paul’s Grovedale website and an article for The Lutheran. We thank Michelle Filipovic for her input and for the photos provided.

Certainty in Our Uncertainty

Psalm 138
The year has begun, again surrounded with uncertainty and change – fear and anxiety around the spread of the virus, the possible impact on workplaces and staffing, new routines and procedures, RA tests, mask regulations, and air purifiers. Even the things designed to alleviate uncertainty bring an uncertainty of their own.
It’s not completely bad when things challenge our order, certainty, and sense of self-sufficiency. Psalm 138 can help us find perspective, even as circumstances challenge us.
King David does not go to people (even other ‘gods’) who may seem to satisfy that need for certainty. He goes to the one person who really can help. He praises him, saying, “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart” (v.1).
He reassures himself (and us) by naming four of the Lord’s qualities that bring certainty, his ‘unfailing love,’ his ‘faithfulness,’ his ‘name,’ and his ‘word’ (v.2). These qualities attest to fact that the Lord is completely trustworthy and praiseworthy.
David finds certainty as he recollects God’s past answers to prayer. He prays, “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
He reflects on the fact that the things God ‘decrees’ in answer to prayer are greater than any earthly king can decree (v.3).
Even more amazing is the fact that, “Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly; though lofty, he sees from afar” (v.6). Despite his majesty and glory, the Lord is not far removed from the lowliest of people, or from our greatest challenges.
Drawing on these reasons for certainty, David concludes with a prayer that intermingles his confidence in the Lord with a desperate plea for help.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life,
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever –
do not abandon the works of your hands” (v.7, 8).
Our ‘foes’ at the beginning of this year are not people, as it appears King David’s were. They are those circumstances that challenge our order, certainty, and self-sufficiency. And of course, there is the arch enemy, the devil, who wants to destroy the certainty we have in Christ.
David’s confidence and his prayers ring equally true for us as we face our daily challenges.
We can be sure, as we pray, that “Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly” (v.6). His love “endures forever” and he will “preserve” us. He will “not abandon” us or our areas of service, which are also very much “the works of his hands” (v.8).

Pastor Lester Priebbenow
District Bishop, Victoria and Tasmania

The Warracknabeal congregation celebrate 50 years

As far back as 1891 Lutherans worshipped at Warracknabeal, first in a private home, but only in 1923 did this Congregation dedicate it’s first Church Building. The name “Our Redeemer” was chosen in the same year. In 1962 a resolution was passed to build a new church building. This became a necessity after the amalgamation of the two Lutheran Synods on Australia in 1966 and three outlying Congregations closed and joined Our Redeemer. Architects Von Schramek and Daws of Adelaide was chosen to design the new building and on February 13, 1972 the new building was dedicated. Now, exactly 50 years to the day, the Our Redeemer Congregation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their Church Building.

Bishop Lester Priebbenow preached at the Thanksgiving Service, followed by a BBQ lunch followed. A time of reminiscing was enjoyed as Trevor Nitschke (Secretary of the original Building Committee) and Jack Kranz (former Chairperson of the Congregation and Building Committee member) shared some of the interesting moments of how it all happened. Trevor and Jack are in the photo cutting the 50th Anniversary Cake. In the other photo two of Our Redeemer’s older members (Ed, 101 years old, and Enid Schultz, 90 years old) are seen chatting with two of our very young members (Rudy, 4 years old and Tommy, 3 years old). In the third photo Pastor John Weier, Bishop Lester Priebbenow, Elaine Schultz (organist at the dedication of the Church and still blessing the Congregation with her organ and piano playing), and Trevor Nitschke.
The members and friends of Our Redeemer give thanks to God for these 50 years, and we are now looking to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the forming of the Congregation next year!

By Rev John Weier
Photos by Charlene McGinnis