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Holy Trinity Benalla Closes Its Doors

On Sunday, 22nd September, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Benalla held its final service before closing its doors. Pastor Ernie Kiss led the service, Pastor Brett Kennett (Pastor for Congregational Support) delivered the sermon, and Pastor Matthias Prenzler (Assistant Bishop) conducted the closing rite. Those gathered were uplifted by the inspirational singing of the St Paul’s African Choir from Shepparton, who brought joy, warmth and hope to the occasion.

Holy Trinity’s story stretches back to the 1950s, when Lutherans first gathered in Benalla, and formally became a congregation in 1966. The church’s roots are deeply tied to post-World War II migrant ministry. Supported by the Wangaratta congregation, the early members—a mix of European Lutheran migrants and local Australians—built a strong and resilient community. This early backbone of the congregation thrived for many years, despite the challenges of families moving to larger cities for work and education opportunities.

Those who stayed in Benalla formed a close-knit, hard-working community that not only focused on spiritual growth but also on serving others. Holy Trinity members served their wider community faithfully, empowered by God’s grace as they gathered for worship.

One of the wonderful aspects of the congregations history was its willingness to ‘get church out to the big wide world’ as one member put it to me recently. Prior to the opening of the church building the congregation participated in parish (with Wangaratta) worship services in a variety of locations, including a communion service on Lake Eildon itself! There were regular congregational excursions for fellowship and service activities.

Other aspects of the congregation’s life included Saturday evening worship services followed by shared meals, a thriving Sunday School, youth programs led by a part-time youth worker, welfare fundraiser for drought assistance, and special ecumenical outreach initiatives like Easter dawn services and Christmas caroling at a local housing commission precinct.

The congregation worked exceedingly hard to maintain its financial viability. Fundraisers, such as firewood, cattle and garage sales, helped.

Every event brought people together, fostering deep connections and a shared sense of purpose.

But over the years, as the congregation aged and more families relocated, Holy Trinity faced a steady decline in numbers. By 2024, it became clear that the church could no longer sustain itself. The decision was made to close, with a final service on 22nd September marking the end of an era. Pastor Brett’s sermon theme, “Well done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:23), captured the heart of the congregation’s legacy—one of faithfulness, service, and dedication in response to God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith alone.

During the closing service, sacred items from the church were carefully removed. The next chapter for the physical building will see it repurposed as a home for the local Salvation Army, including their much-needed food bank ministry—a fitting continuation of the church’s service to the community.

Looking ahead, members of Holy Trinity are already involved in a parish partnership with Wangaratta and are eager to explore new regional opportunities with neighboring parishes – and they are still committed to ‘getting the gospel out to the big wide world’.

50th Anniversary at Leopold

The hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” was sung with gusto at the conclusion of the service to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Leopold.

The service was officiated by Pastor Robert Wiebusch, assisted by Libby Jewson (daughter of Pastor Theo Harms, who was an assistant pastor at Holy Trinity), Pastor Don Heyne, (who was pastor at St John’s Geelong and also served at Leopold), and Leopold member, Paul Huf.

Holy Trinity members were joined by numerous people who had ties to the congregation.

A scrumptious lunch was served by Holy Trinity members, along with an impressive anniversary cake, which was cut by Chair Kath Wade, and Vice-Chair Doug Pohl.

Regional Discussion – New Co-operation

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
¹¹Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
¹²Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This verse from Ecclesiastes is something of a ‘classic’ verse for weddings and certainly gives a glimpse of God’s vision for a healthy marriage. A man and a woman coming together to enrich and complement and help and nourish each other.

In recent times I’ve come to appreciate this text more as it might apply to congregations coming together to seek how they might complement each other in God’s mission.

In recent times an ongoing theme of my work as Pastor for Congregational support has been assisting with ‘exploratory dialogues’ between neighbouring parishes, congregations and schools in many of the regions of our district (with assistance from Erin Grainger and members of our Council for Ministry Support).

These have included:

A comprehensive review of the Eastern Metropolitan region, which has resulted in a regular leader’s forum meeting regularly to share what’s happening in each of the Lutheran communities in the region and to prayerfully consider how they might work together to meet challenges and harvest opportunities for the sake of God’s kingdom.
In Geelong a similar leader’s forum has been in operation for many years. Recently these leaders facilitated a comprehensive “Shared Future Directions’ workshop which saw 65 people (representing approximately 50% of worshipping Lutherans in the city) attend to consider future directions for the Greater Geelong Lutheran Community.
Two dialogues for those in the Western Metro region have also been held.
More dialogues are planned for the remainder of this year in the Western and Northern regions of Victoria.

In each setting the form of the discussion has taken a slightly different shape, however the overall themes have seen representatives from the congregations and school communities share joys as well as challenges, all the while asking: how can we share our resources and work together more effectively for the sake of the gospel mission that God has drawn us into?

I give thanks to God for a new openness that I’m noticing to these kinds of discussions, and for the creative and adaptive ideas that are being considered.

One of the key challenges we’re facing of course, is a shortage of pastors, with nearly 25% of the congregations of the LCA NZ in vacancy. That figure is likely to grow. But a congregation cannot truly be ‘vacant’ – Jesus is very much still present at the centre of every congregation as it continues to gather. He is present in the hearts and life of every faith filled believer. Luther famously defined the church as follows: “Thank God, a seven- year-old child knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd.” Jesus is present in the midst of a congregation as it continues to gather around his word and fellowship together, and as it lovingly serves its community, even without an ordained pastor in residence.

In every place God has given us awesome lay people, and what a joy it is to receive the gifts of these folks as they step forward and steward congregational life in pastoral vacancy.

The LCA NZ’s council of Bishops have authorised a project called the ‘Ministry Future project’ to provide guiding advice to the church in regard to its supply of church workers. Pastor Greg Pietsch is leading this, and I strongly urge you to read Greg’s most recent overview report to the church which was printed in the June-July 2023 edition of the Lutheran: HERE.

You can find Greg’s more detailed report, with comprehensive statistics HERE.

Here in our district, Bishop Lester has encouraged congregations with a pastor to share their pastor four times per year with neighbour congregations who are in vacancy. This has meant a new awareness of the challenge and is opening up some wonderful new opportunities for relationships to be strengthened and the gifts of lay people to be received.

These developments are a great encouragement to me – and I hope they can be for you too.

Coupled with the new desire to reach out, get to know each other, and co-operate, that I’m observing amongst our local congregations, I give thanks for the emerging way forward that I see in Greg’s report.

There is much work still to do, and the project is continuing. We’re building the plane as we’re flying it. But it’s the Holy Spirit who keeps us aloft!

So please keep these matters in your prayers, and especially keep our Bishops and other leaders in your prayers – myself included!

I am praying that we as the LCA NZ can create new ways to support ordained and lay-ministry workers at the coal face – in our congregations and schools and other agencies. I’m praying for a new ‘regionality’ in our ministry and mission, which can help us be fruitful as we join in with God in his mission to those who do not know Jesus yet.

Look out for regular updates via District Voices / eNews in the future, as God leads us forward in his mission.

Remember that text I opened with from Ecclesiastes? It concludes with: A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. That third strand is the presence of our missionary God, binding us together in love, and sending us out with the good news of his Son. If anything can keep us unified, it is surely his presence with us, and the privilege he has given us to share the good news of the gospel with a hurting and lost world – to the glory of Jesus.

Chinese Alpha Graduation

The 11^th of August 2025 was a special date for the Nunawading-Waverley Lutheran Church in Glen Waverley, Victoria. After more than three months of learning about God and faith and studying the Word, we celebrated with five of the eight participants in our first ever Chinese language (Mandarin) Alpha Course. The group included a mix of people wanting to explore faith, new Christians and those who have walked with Christ for a while but wanted to connect with others. It was led by our passionate and inspiring evangelist, Sherry Hong.

The service was an emotional and up-lifting multi-cultural service led by Pastor Tim and with interpretation by Sherry and most slides in two languages. Tim reminded us that this is how the church started at Pentecost, with everyone speaking in their own tongue. While speaking in your native tongue, or “heart language” makes it easier to connect with God, He really does transcend languages and cultures and brings us together to be one family.

Pastor Tim presented each participant with a certificate of recognition of their Alpha Course journey, and a holding cross to support them with the nearness of our Lord. Then, as a token of appreciation from the Alpha Group, Sherry presented Pastor Tim with a framed Mandarin text, reading ‘God Loves the World’, and gifts to each of the congregational members who had provided refreshments throughout the course.

After the service many of us gathered for a celebratory lunch together. This provided a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Chinese food, and to share stories, thus continuing to bridge our two communities.

Again, many thanks to both the LLL and the LCA for their substantial financial support and encouragement and prayers, which have enabled our multicultural ministry at Nunawading and Waverley.

Our participants have developed a strong connection to each other and desire to keep meeting. The plan is for this group of new-found friends to continue to get together regularly as a life-group. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in Christ, and as our congregation continues to seek to be a welcoming place that spreads the Good News across cultural boundaries.

Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt and Evangelist Sherry Hong lead the Bilingual Graduation Service.

Evangelist Sherry Hong presented a gift to the congregation, which translates as ‘God Loves the World’.

Sherry leads our graduates in prayer.

The PowerPoint slides were bilingual.

Our Alpha Graduates received Holy Communion alongside the congregation.

A very happy Alpha gathering sharing traditional Mandarin Lunch.

Pentecost Baptisms at Our Saviour’s, Knox

On Pentecost Sunday, 8 June 2025, four families with 7 children were baptised at Our Saviour’s, Knox, by Pastor Peter Ghalayini. The children and their families worship at an Independent Ethiopian Lutheran Church in Dandenong, that is currently without a Pastor. The church was filled on the day, with 140 members and visitors in attendance.

This is the second occasion that Our Saviour’s has been asked to assist with baptisms – last year 3 children were baptised.

Our Saviour’s Knox has been very blessed by the outreach ministry opportunities to our African brothers and sisters, with Knox being the new home congregation for the South Sudanese fellowship, led by Pastor Peter Deng.

Pentecost Sunday is also the birthday of Our Saviour’s, and this year they celebrated their 51st anniversary.

Attendees on the day filled the church.

Pastor Peter presenting the Children’s Address.

Living Faith Lutheran Church Greater Geelong

Sunday 16 February was a day of celebration in Geelong at Living Faith Central, Yarra Street, in our District of Victoria and Tasmania, and in the LCANZ, as Bishop Lester dedicated Living Faith Lutheran Church Greater Geelong as a new congregation of our District, and thus the LCANZ. Bishop Lester also received people into membership of Living Faith, from St John’s Geelong, Holy Trinity Leopold, St Paul’s Grovedale, St Davids Freshwater Creek, and some from Our Redeemer North Geelong.

After this, Bishop Lester installed Pastor Robert Bartholomaeus as the Interim Transition Lead Pastor of Living Faith, and Pastor Boyd Briese as the General Ministry Pastor of Living Faith.

Each of those events only occurs from time to time in any part of the church. It was very special to have them all occur in the same service. However, the most important thing that happened in the service is that God was present to forgive, to encourage, to equip and to empower his people for his mission.

As members of the newly formed Living Faith Lutheran Church, we are looking forward to discerning, and taking part in, God’s mission in Greater Geelong together. Jesus is with us.

Photos supplied by Jill Lange-Mohr OAM
Interim Secretary, Living Faith Lutheran Church Greater Geelong

Induction of Peter Demuth at St. John’s German Lutheran Church, Springvale

Since its formation in September 2022, a Recruitment team has been working with determination to find a new Pastor for St. John’s German Lutheran Church, Springvale, during a time when the world is experiencing a critical shortage of ministry leaders.

Their prayers were answered in January when the Recruitment team received an application from someone well known and loved by the congregation … their former Pastor Peter Demuth!

Peter Demuth, who had served a parish overseas since concluding his prior call at St John’s, was overwhelmingly elected by St. John’s members as their new Pastor at a Special General Meeting (SGM) convened in February this year.

A special worship service of induction of Peter Demuth into his role as Pastor of St. John’s was held on Sunday 13^th October. Bishop Lester and DCC chair Tony Vong represented the Vic/Tas District at the service.

Photo supplied by Deidre Priebbenow

A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Reformation Sunday

Reformation Sunday was a very special day at Our Saviour’s, Knox, this year. Our worship service brought together for the first time members of our Ringwood-Knox Parish with members of both our Finnish Lutheran Church and South Sudanese Fellowship. These communities both use our building for worship.

The service involved participation from all three groups, with scripture readings from Peter Renner (Parish Chair) in English, Pastor Peter Deng reading in the Nuer language, and Elias reading in the Finnish language. Communion was jointly administered by Pastor Peter Ghalayini, Pastor Peter Deng and Pastor Ian Vainikka. In addition to Brendan Scott and our Knox band, we were treated to two hymns sung in language by our South Sudanese Fellowship, and Satu Kirk from our Finnish congregation played our organ beautifully, including a rousing rendition of A Mighty Fortress is our God to conclude our service.

Following this very enriching worship experience we joined together in fellowship over our annual Parish Longest Lutheran Lunch. This also was a multi-cultural event, combining a traditional BBQ and salad meal with rice salads provided by our South Sudanese members and a special addition for our dessert of Finnish cinnamon buns freshly baked for the occasion. Donations contributed were collected for the work of Australian Lutheran World Services.

This was indeed a memorable celebration of Reformation Sunday.

Baptisms at Knox

On Sunday 16th June Our Saviours Knox were blessed to have 3 baptisms for an Ethiopian Church that is currently without a Pastor. Although they are an independent church, they are Lutheran from Ethiopia establishing themselves in their own church in Dandenong known as Oromo Evangelical Church of Melbourne.

Pastor Peter was contacted by one of their elders, Kelbasa, because they were encountering a growth in children needing to be baptised. They currently worship in a Church of Christ building where the residing minister of that church did not recognise infant baptism.

The Knox congregation, currently hosting the South Sudanese Fellowship led by Pastor Peter Deng, saw this as a great opportunity to extend our hospitality to another African Community.

Pastor Peter will continue to communicate with the Oromo community and introduce himself to the wider community to establish further ministry opportunities.

We thank God for the opportunities that God is opening up to us, to further utilise our church for others. Knox also hosts the Finnish Lutheran Church monthly, and the Ringwood congregation hosts a Haka Chin Burmese congregation.

Wodonga Lutheran Parish Manse Blessing

On Sunday 9^th June, it was with great joy that members of the Wodonga Lutheran Parish gathered at 5 Cattanach Way, Leneva for the blessing of the new manse by Pastor Joshua Muller.

The manse was professionally built by Alatalo Bros with funds received from the sale of St Mark’s Church, Yackandandah, in 2022.

This is the first of two major projects for the Wodonga Lutheran Parish scheduled for completion in 2024. The new manse was much needed after the closing of the church in 2023 and subsequent sale of land on which the previous manse was situated in Havelock Street Wodonga. The second project is a beautiful new church to be situated on the grounds of Victory Lutheran College. The large worship centre, due for opening in the coming months, is being funded from the sale of the land and profits from future site development and generous support by John Alatalo’s building company.

The manse is situated in the new suburb of Leneva and is 7km, or a quick 10-minute drive, from the new church on Derwent Way in West Wodonga.

The manse features an all-electric 7-star energy rated home that is complete with double glazing on all windows, an open plan family area, as well as four bedrooms, a separate lounge, double garage, and an alfresco area off the dining room.

We give thanks to God for the delivery of this beautiful new home. May it be a peaceful place to be enjoyed by our present Pastor Joshua Muller, and for those who may come in the future.