Victoria Tasmania District of the Lutheran Church of Australia

1201 Riversdale Road
Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone 03 9236 1200

Search Results for: pastor

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails

It was with much joy and excitement that members of Outer Eastern and Doncaster-Ivanhoe congregations came together on Sunday April 3 for the installation of one of our members, Ed Blow into word and sacrament ministry at Immanuel Lilydale. Ed has been licenced for word and sacrament ministry by Bishop Lester Priebbenow, and was installed by Pastor Brett Kennett. We give praise and thanks to God for this wonderful gift he has given us in Ed.

How did this all happen?

During 2018 Doncaster-Ivanhoe Congregation approached the District to see if any congregation would be willing to enter a pastor sharing arrangement with them. This was an outcome of the transition ministry conducted by Pastor Greg Pietsch with Doncaster-Ivanhoe. Outer Eastern and Pastor Tom Peitsch accepted this challenge, with Pastor Tom being willing to accept this change to his call.

Both congregations are small, with Doncaster-Ivanhoe only able to support a part time pastor. Outer Eastern was also preparing for the retirement of Pastor Tom in June of 2020 and the possibility that we might not be able to support a full time ministry. This arrangement worked well with Pastor Tom conducting two services at Trinity Doncaster, and six services at Immanuel, Lilydale and Open Door, Croydon each month.

In 2018 Outer Eastern congregation also requested DCC to conduct a review of ministry in the eastern region of Melbourne to see how congregations might better work together and share limited resources. This was part of our preparation for Pastor Tom’s retirement.
Outer Eastern Church Council decided not to call a pastor until the review was completed to enable us to adapt for change.

Then COVID struck in March 2020 and the lockdowns began. We all learnt to adapt and worship using our TV’s and computers and other electronic devices. Outer Eastern consolidated services at Lilydale as we were not able to use the Luther College Chapel.

COVID also held up the Eastern Region Review and the decision to establish an Eastern Metropolitan Region Leaders Forum, based on the model currently being used by the Greater Geelong congregations, was proposed in January 2022. A meeting of pastors and congregational leaders was held on March 24 and the decision was made to proceed with the Forum. This will be a wonderful way for us all to work together in mission and worship.

You will have read Bishop Lester’s letters regarding pastor vacancies in Victoria and the shortage of pastors in the LCA generally. This was a consideration as our church council looked at options available to continue our mission within our community. One of our main concerns was to ensure that members were able to receive communion regularly and we requested assurance from the Bishop that we would be supported with a pastor led service at least every three months.

In December Ed Blow approached church council to share that he felt humbly and strongly called to serve and support Outer Eastern Congregation with word and sacrament. Ed had completed divinity studies many years ago but had chosen not to be ordained at that time.
Ed has been working with Pastor Brett Kennett and Bishop Lester since December 2021 regarding this Call. Pastor Tom Peitsch has agreed to be Ed’s mentor. The congregation unanimously supported the decision to call Ed to become licensed for word and sacrament ministry at Outer Eastern Lutheran Church.

We have been working together with Doncaster-Ivanhoe during this time in the spirit of our Pastor Sharing Agreement. Ed has indicated that he is also willing to serve at Doncaster-Ivanhoe, and we hope to have a continuing, close, and collaborative relationship with each other.

I have learnt that no matter how much we plan or organise we never know what God has planned for us.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Blessings
Sabine Haeusler
Chairperson
Outer Eastern Lutheran Church Council

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.

A Time of Unveiling and Renewal (Matthew 13: 36-43) by Pastor Gordon Wegener

We are living in troubled times. Our neighbour has lost her beautiful cat, it just went away. She has put signs around the neighbourhood, with a picture of her cat, a phone number and reward. She has kept the outside light on, left the garage door slightly ajar. But her cat has not returned, and she is grieving this loss.

Last week in Melbourne, the earth shook. I could hear it building from a low rumble, to our house shaking, books falling off a shelf, a loud noise, and wondering what is happening to my world. We don’t have earthquakes in Melbourne!

The second year of the COVID pandemic, with over 240 days of lockdown in Melbourne. Restrictions have meant that old ways have disappeared, visiting my children and grandchildren have hardly happened over this time. Ways of being church have perhaps forever changed. Who would have thought the LCANZ would be having a Convention online?

But this is bigger than our little world. We are living through a period of global disorder. People around the world are experiencing tremendous suffering, uncertainty and disruption to their lives. What we had been used to as normal has evaporated. A new reality is being unveiled – systems of evil and injustice are being seen in greater clarity, and our collective “normal” has been radically upended. Walking through this chaos and despair can be difficult; but ultimately, it is when everything seems adrift that we are drawn to our true anchor and rock. God uses tragedy, suffering, pain – and even death to guide us into His greater Love. As people of the cross, we know the ways of this gracious God, and we trust.

Yet we don’t expect all of this to be happening. We expect nirvana, where everybody loves everybody, where struggle doesn’t happen to us. Why isn’t this happening yet? Actually the Gospel is not about an ideal world, comfortable and predictable. The kingdom of God is about living amongst the weeds. This is utter realism. The tragic sense of life, the chaos of life, the uncertainty of life, Easter Saturday, that’s the Gospel leading to life.

On a hard day we do not know if this Gospel is reliable. This parable of living amongst the weeds invites us to be honest about our fear and our uneasiness and our anxiety. It also invites us to imagine that God is on the other side of the story, capable of life-giving generosity, full of grace. God is faithful, and has power and is ready to feed us and sustain us and care for us.

There is a sense of rebirth coming out of this pandemic, the kingdom taking new root. Our first birth was actually traumatic, as we entered a foreign world. Everyone else was happy at our birth, but we were frightened. At our second birth, in the waters of baptism, God was happy as we entered His new world of life and grace. And we continued to have our fears in this world. We have our daily birth, death of the old, the past, and new beginnings. Has the Church, the LCANZ entered a time for rebirth, with all of our wounds and fears?

Are we not people of the cross, having entered into death, that new life may begin? Whom Jesus has brought into his kingdom, weeds and all? Not of fear, but of grace, of compassion, of love?

How will we respond in these times, as individuals, and as Synod? With fear, or trust; with sadness or eagerness; with shrinking or compassion; with withdrawal or generosity?

These are new times, God’s times, the Saviour’s times, the Spirit’s times, for a suffering, wounded people, for a suffering wounded world. Our gracious Lord invites us, “Come to me, listen, that you may live.”

PRAYER: Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear, control and despair. Help us to have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another, trusting in your eternal presence and abiding love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This was the final devotion for Part 1 of General Convention of Synod
Text Matthew 13: 36-43

MAN UP – Lutheran Men of Victoria Camp, Halls Gap

On the weekend of the 11th-13th 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.

 

Investing in Leadership and Congregational Vitality

Two of our pastors, Rev. Wayne Muschamp and Rev. Nathan Hedt, have recently undertaken significant training to strengthen ministry across the Victoria–Tasmania District—both supported through the District’s Ministry and Mission Council.

Pastor Wayne has completed a year-long Church Consultancy Course focused on church vitality, mission planning, and healthy congregational life, and is now offering consultancies to congregations seeking renewal, growth, or guidance through transition.

Pastor Nathan has completed the Arrow Leadership Coach Mastery Course, gaining accreditation as a Christian leadership coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and is now offering ministry coaching to pastors, church planters, and ministry teams to help them clarify vision, build resilience, and lead with greater effectiveness.

We celebrate their dedication and the way their new skills are already enriching ministry across the District. If your congregation or ministry team would like to explore church consultancy or coaching support—or learn how similar training might benefit your context—please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Pastors who are considering undertaking focused professional development in these or related areas are also warmly encouraged to contact me, Wayne, or Nathan to discuss opportunities for support and training.

Here’s some more detail about how Wayne and/or Nathan might be able to assist your congregation.

Since his retirement nearly three years ago, Pastor Wayne Muschamp, has been busy supporting congregations during vacancies and when pastors have been on rest and recreation leave.  It has been an opportunity to learn about Lutheran members further afield from where he last served at Nunawading and Glen Waverley.

In addition, he has undertaken a year-long church consultancy course conducted by Rev Dr Ian Dunkum, with six other people, two of whom are also Lutherans.  The principal area covered is church vitality and growth, helping congregations implement outreach into the community and see new people coming to Christ.  But developing a mission plan and vision for a church is only the preliminary stage – it is the actual implementation that is the critical factor.

Consultancy is not restricted to thinking of creative ideas to engage with people, but also to develop a healthy response to conflict and to prevent conflict, develop staff and volunteers and effective teamwork, undertake congregational and pastoral reviews, deal with trauma and abuse in a congregation and the path to recovery, develop plans for a transitional ministry, understanding leadership, governance and management, thinking about the elements of a strategic plan, how to arrive at God’s vision for a particular place, burnout and self-care, and personal spiritual formation.

Pastor Wayne says, ‘I have a real passion for evangelism and to see congregations flourish, but I also know how hard it is to chart a new course and adopt an outward focus.  Often, congregations get stuck and don’t know how to go about generating some ideas for change.  It is where a consultancy can really help.  While some suggestions and direction can come from a consultancy, most of the thinking, planning and actions come from the inspiration of Holy Spirit at work amongst his people.  My only regret about the course is that I wish I had done this forty years ago!’

The District has paid for Pr Wayne to undertake this training and he has committed himself to not charge for a consultancy but only request that expenses be covered.  Please email the District office for Pr Wayne’s contact number.

 

Pastor Nathan Hedt, Pastor at Luther College, Croydon, and church planter with the Ignite community based at Luther, has been sponsored by the District’s Ministry and Mission Council to undertake the Arrow Leadership Coach Mastery Course.

The course provides advanced professional coaching training, mentoring, and supervised practice, leading to accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Coaching is an intentional, gospel-shaped conversation that empowers pastors and leaders to grow in self-awareness, clarify priorities, and take purposeful action in their ministries.

Nathan explains, “Coaching helps people listen to the Holy Spirit, discover their next faithful steps, and live out their calling with greater focus and joy. I’ve seen firsthand how coaching strengthens pastors, planters, and ministry leaders, helping them flourish personally and lead more effectively in their local context.”

Nathan brings coaching experience from his previous role as Pastor for New and Renewing Churches, where he saw coaching significantly enhance the health and effectiveness of new ministries. Research supports what experience shows: ministry coaching is one of the most powerful tools for increasing both leadership effectiveness and congregational vitality.

Through his training with Arrow Leadership, Nathan is now offering Christian coaching to pastors, congregations, ministry teams, church planters, and leaders across the Victoria–Tasmania District. Coaching conversations can focus on areas such as:

  • Clarifying vision and priorities in ministry
  • Developing leadership teams
  • Navigating change and transition
  • Growing personal and spiritual resilience
  • Cultivating missional focus

Nathan says, “My hope is that many leaders in our District can experience the support, encouragement and growth in effective ministry that coaching brings. Having an accredited Lutheran coach available locally is a real gift to our shared mission.”

Pastor Nathan is currently serving part-time at Luther College, and volunteering part of his time in tentmaker ministry with the Ignite church plant emerging from the College community. As part of his financial support for this ministry, Nathan offers paid ministry coaching sessions.

As an expression of gratitude for the District’s sponsorship of his coaching training, he is pleased to offer coaching sessions at a reduced cost to pastors, leaders, and entities of the District. For further information or to explore coaching, please email Nathan.

DOXOLOGY in Australia, May 2024

Doxology – The Lutheran Centre for Spiritual Care and Counsel came to Australia to provide seminars and a retreat for Pastors, along with their wife and children, in early May. One pastor attendee commented, “In sixteen years of ministry in Australia, this is the first time my wife and children could also attend and be cared for and catered for.”

Pastor David Fleming and Dr Beverly Yahnke joyfully accepted our invitation to travel from the US to teach and provide spiritual care resources for our Australian pastors and encourage the laity in the godly habits of self-care, and aid in ministry at home and the congregation. Over their ten-day stay, Pastor David and Dr Beverly touched the lives and ministries of over 120 people attending events at Bethlehem House Adelaide, Nhill and Hamilton in Victoria. Topics that spoke to the heart of effective ministry and care included Putting the Best Construction on Everything: God’s People Working Together and The Care and Feeding of Pastors: A Multi-dimensional Model for the Support of Pastors and Their Families. Attendees heard about the value of implementing new skills in ministry. For example, they heard how simply approaching a potential conflict with a smile can begin to transform the situation towards reconciliation or even avoid any escalation altogether. They also heard a cheerful reminder of the importance of reviewing the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechism and the responsibilities and privileges that hold pastor and people accountable to each other.

Doxology’s visit culminated with a two-and-a-half day retreat for Pastors, their wife and children, at Tandara Lutheran Campsite, Halls Gap. The weather was a treat. The native animals were a sight for Pastor David and Bev to behold, who, up to this time, were tallying points for the number they saw on the side of the road (double if alive, triple if we stopped in time).

Comments captured from attendees included – “Excellent teaching, which was available and relevant.” “I really liked being able to hear the talks relating specifically to the pastoral office.” “Scripturally rich and very relevant.” “Important and weighty material delivered with extraordinary clarity and delightfully insightful care.” And from the children, “We really enjoyed so many other kids in our age group attending” & “I made a new friend this weekend.” Pastors and wives left wanting more of this invaluable teaching.

The Doxology Planning Team thank Creative Word Fellowship for supporting this initiative to provide care for your Pastor, their wife and their families. Thank you to Pastor David Fleming, Jo (wife of Pastor Fleming), and Dr Beverly Yahnke for travelling to our shores with their presentations and genuine Lutheran care and counsel. Thank you to the child activity providers from the region and interstate who gave their time to mind the children while their parents could concentrate on the presentations. Thank you to everyone who supported elsewhere through prayers, encouragement, donations, and conversation. And thank you to those who attended either the Seminars or the Retreat.

Will it happen again? God willing. It became clearer through Doxology’s time with us that our Laity, Pastors, their wife and family need Doxology-like teaching and support: teaching that is rich in Lutheran Spiritual Care and Counsel. Please keep this in your prayers. If you would like to help similar Doxology-like events in Australia come to fruition, please do not hesitate to email doxology.au@cwfellowship.net.

District Church Council virtual visit with the North East Zone

District Church Council (DCC) meetings in parish locations have been held for some years now, usually twice a year, and usually in one metro and one regional location each year. This occasion saw the North East Zone parishes meeting together online. Sixteen members from across the Goulburn Murray (Shepparton/Echuca), Benalla-Wangaratta, Bendigo, and Wodonga met virtually with DCC on Saturday 24th July. Pastor Brett Kennett, pastor for congregational support, also attended as consultant to DCC.

The congregational focus allows DCC to hear from leaders across the whole of the District and to understand the differing and similar concerns among the membership of the District. A by-product of this type of meeting is that congregational and parish leaders in similar areas hear from one another directly and share experiences.

Typically, DCC approach congregational leaders prior to the meeting to respond regarding blessings/joys, challenges, and opportunities. Even in this time of isolation and restriction there were still many joys being shared.

Challenges included each of these parishes having experienced pastor vacancy for some time in the last 30 months and two currently remain in pastor vacancy.

COVID-19 with the lock downs and restrictions rated highly around challenge due to decreased attendance and subsequent decreased financial contribution. The challenge of reengagement and maintaining/building volunteerism were also mentioned here.

Other challenges included the tough decision to close a congregation. In another congregation the movement of families with children to other locales led to the closure of the Sunday School and in some congregations a high rate of casual employment means members work multiple jobs over long hours and are therefore less ‘present’ for worship and other activities. Leadership development was another space in which congregations were feeling challenged.

One positive outcome of COVID restrictions, and pastor vacancy, was the opportunity to review mission and ministry opportunities and consider the property of the church and how to best make use of this.  One congregation noted some advantage after successfully applying for grants for equipment to support online presence while in lockdown.  All the congregations saw opportunity to engage with the wider local community through activities such as the local Lutheran College (Wodonga), African House, the local op-shop, and participation in the Winter Shelter program. A comment was made that there is greater awareness of blessings previously taken for granted. In Wodonga a building project to relocate the congregation onto the college property is both a challenge and an opportunity. The example of what has been achieved through African House at Shepparton was cited as an inspiration.

The joys and blessings included the successful recent call of a pastor for Wangaratta-Benalla. Another was the sense that identity of the parish is still strong despite lockdowns. Wangaratta-Benalla parish also recently enjoyed the opportunity to host the Lutheran Women of Victoria Retreat. The Goulburn Murray parish felt the blessing of being able to reach beyond the parish through livestreaming worship.

The use of members’ talents in areas such as music, cooking and property management were mentioned, for the way they lift both members and the local community. The pastoral care and fellowship through provision of meals was a highlight for Bendigo while for Shepparton the support of worship by the African Choir was felt to be a great benefit. The locals are excited about the opportunity for the African Choir to participate in the 2021 Desert Song festival.

Relationships beyond the direct congregation were also mentioned a blessing. Shepparton has a relationship with the Hope Evangelical Church in Burundi, and Wodonga congregation have a relationship with Victory Lutheran College and are excited as the church building project moves forward. Participation in local projects such as the Winter Shelter were seen as a blessing. The Bendigo Congregation is looking to further it’s journey as a Sending Church. The material of the New & Renewing Churches was acknowledged in helping identify the local community culture.

Multicultural and multigenerational ministry are highly valued by these parishes. The strong teaching provided by pastors and lay staff is valued and the catechism teaching at Shepparton was specifically highlighted.

Some points were raised at the meeting with specific actions arising. Others will be considered by DCC and its subcommittees in the longer term.

  • Support of young adults in regional areas particularly in training and educational scenarios
  • The desire to legitimise digital worship, with Pastor Brett Kennett and DCC member Rev Dr Tim Stringer tasked to develop some high-level options in this area
  • The possibility of inter-church visits which might be digital in some circumstances
  • The value of both lay and pastoral leadership and resourcing this
  • Sharing of the Face Book accounts to promote activities and share inspiration
  • LAMP 2 remains incomplete. A letter to the appropriate bodies has been written to encourage further prioritisation of this project.
  • Visits by Pr Brett and Bp Lester have been valuable in helping determine future parish life.

Pastor Brett noted that a reduction of size of (or closure of) congregation does not mean local failure if a local country town has shrunk. Churches may close but the mission continues.

As you read this story perhaps you will be inspired to consider your congregations’ joys and blessings, the opportunities, and the challenges. We would love to hear from you about these at District Office. You may also wish to submit a question or provide a word of encouragement as our District Church Council continue to meet to further the business of the Church.

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.)


Interior of church, showing the recently refurbished stained glass windows, originally installed in 1911.


L to R: Congregation Chair Bronwyn Krause, Pastor John Weier, Organist Steven Thomas and Bishop Lester Priebbenow.


The worshipping congregation.

Installation at Tarrington Lutheran Parish

On Sunday 28th July the Tarrington Lutheran parish, consisting of St. Michael’s, Tarrington, and Trinity, Warrayure, welcomed a new spiritual shepherd, Pastor Joshua Pfeiffer. Pastor Joshua will also provide Pastoral oversight to the Tarrington Lutheran School.

Congregation members, assisted by several zone pastors, participated in Pastor Joshua’s installation and the welcome and reception into membership of Pastor Joshua’s wife Kimberly and children Evangeline, Samuel, Anastasia and Levi. Bishop Lester led an uplifting worship service which included singing and music by the Tarrington church choir, Tarrington Lutheran School choir and a combined parish music group.  Guests came from interstate and all around the district to join with Tarrington in welcoming Pastor Joshua.

Afternoon tea was held after the service and was a wonderful way to enjoy fellowship with all the guests.

We welcome Pastor Johsua and family to the District and pray God’s blessing on Pastor Joshua’s ministry with the people of the Tarrington parish and school, and on the family’s life in their new community.

Celebrating 50 Years – Our Saviour’s Knox

On Sunday 19 June we gathered joyfully in worship to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Our Saviour’s Knox Congregation, and to honour the vision of those who dreamt of this possibility and brought it to life. It was wonderful that seven of our founding members were present, and at least a further two joined us via our livestream. We were also joined by past members, members from our fellow parish congregation of Ringwood and from other Lutheran congregations. Former Pastor Bob Kempe sent his apologies and warm greetings. A Parish Singing Group formed for the occasion and led by Jenny Dawson sang Jubilate (Let us praise You) and The Lord is My Light.

Bishop Lester Priebbenow brought a message of congratulations and encouragement from the Victoria and Tasmania District, recognising this milestone, giving thanks for all who have been part of Our Saviour’s, and wishing us God’s blessing for our future.

This was Pentecost Sunday, and Pastor Peter Ghalayini noted the large number of different cultures now worshipping at Our Saviour’s. This was a particularly special day as, at this service, we warmly welcomed the South Sudanese Fellowship into membership of our congregation and parish. Pastor Peter rejoiced in this blessing to us. He reflected on the Jubilee year in Leviticus and that through all our struggles and exciting initiatives over the years we continue to strive to be a congregation which is “Called to Worship and Chosen to Serve”, and that the grace of God continues to renew us and bless us. It was most fitting that a member of the South Sudanese Fellowship read the Gospel in the Nuer language, and our new members then enriched our service by singing in language the very appropriate hymn, “To God be the glory, great things He has done”.

Charles Gibson, Chair

      

Early History of Our Saviour’s Congregation, Knox

Acting in faith response to the population growth of the City of Knox, the LCA Vic/Tas District considered the potential for mission in the growing corridor along Burwood Highway to the Dandenong Ranges. Following surveys conducted by Pastor Clem Schmidt, who served Nunawading and German families at Selby, the District purchased land in Upper Ferntree Gully in August 1973 – near St Thomas’ Anglican Church, where Pastor Schmidt conducted his first Lutheran worship service for the area on 14th October that year.

Concurrently, a few Women’s Group members of Ringwood congregation began identifying more strongly with FTG, leading to informal discussions about establishing a new more local congregation.

Following regular evening services, “Our Saviour’s” congregation was born symbolically on Pentecost Day, June 2nd, 1974 – with 83 foundation members coming from Ringwood, Nunawading and Selby. Some of these original folks are still with us.

Following, in 1976 Pastor Dennis Obst of Nunawading and member of the Home Mission’s Committee encouraged our negotiation with the District about replacing the old site with the more prominent location at 646 Burwood Hwy. This was agreed to and has become most worthwhile.

From Waverley congregation’s outreach to youth in Scoresby, numbers were added, and Gary Watson was employed as Lay worker and lived in the potential manse purchased. We began worshipping in a converted old house on our Highway site on 17th April 1977, when we officially became “Our Saviour’s, Knox”, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to all in our community.

Junette Schoell, founding member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church