August 2021: An obligatory event?

August 2021: An obligatory event?

Aug 1, 2021 | Word of the Month

In a very familiar passage and one that has been set to music many times over the psalmist writes: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27: 4). Only in the house of the Lord?

One could argue that God is omnipresent, that He is present throughout His entire creation. And that is the case. Yet already in the Old Testament, God determined a place where human beings can experience the presence of God in a special way, where God reveals Himself to man in a special manner. The psalmist knew this. He was also aware of the fact that this offer by God was not something automatic, but that it was an act of grace, as many believers around the world had to learn over the past one and a half years.

Too often we think of church attendance as an obligation: “I have to go to church.” No! It is not we who are doing God a favour. It is God who has prepared a very special gift for us.

Food for thought from a divine service by the Chief Apostle

July 2021: God cares for us

July 2021: God cares for us

Jul 2, 2021 | Word of the Month

These are unusual times: sometimes we have divine service, sometimes we do not; sometimes we celebrate Holy Communion, sometimes we do not celebrate it. This raises questions, in fact, so many that I cannot even answer them all.

One of these questions is: Is Holy Communion no longer as important as it used to be? My answer is clear: Holy Communion is still as important as it used to be! It is a sacrament of Christ’s church and thus a divine gift of grace for us human beings.

Let me remind you of the people of Israel. At the time, God led His people into the desert. There was nothing there. If God had not provided manna for them they would have died. They were completely dependent on God in this matter. He gave them manna every day, which they had to eat that same day. Anyone who wanted to put anything aside for the next day discovered that it had spoiled overnight. Only on the sixth day did God provide a double portion. It was the same manna, but they could save it for the seventh day and eat it then.

God wanted to show the people: I will take care of you! When I give you, you ought to take. And what I give you is always enough. It is the same for us. We have trust, however, we must learn to trust God even more: in His love, His care, and His omnipotence.

Yes, we need Holy Communion. And we should take it every time God gives it to us. If He allows it that we cannot receive it, however, then He will make sure that the last Communion we received will last until we can receive it again. This is what I believe!

Heartfelt greetings,

Jean-Luc Schneider

Passion to Pentecost panel discussion

Passion to Pentecost panel discussion

Jun 21, 2021 | Podcasts

In the final podcast for the Passion to Pentecost series, the Staying Connected working group was joined by District Apostle Schulte and Apostle Lodewick for a panel discussion. The basis of this discussion centred around our striving to gain a deeper understanding of the Passion to Pentecost events and apply its purpose to our day to day living. We need to evaluate its value in blessing and the significance of how we commemorate these events. Having the knowledge of these significant events, Christians commemorate the holy days according to their evaluation and understanding.

To access this podcast, please click on the link below.

Podcast: PASSION TO PENTECOST PANEL DISCUSSION

VIEW HERE
50th Jubilee in Box Hill, Victoria

50th Jubilee in Box Hill, Victoria

Jun 8, 2021 | Events

The first divine services in Melbourne were conducted in the Footscray area in the early 1950’s. As more migrants arrived, and the membership grew, a mission was established in the suburb of Mitcham, located on the other side of the city. Subsequently, services were conducted in English on Sunday mornings in Footscray, and in German on Sunday evenings in Mitcham.

The hall in Mitcham became unsuitable over time, and in the early 1960’s the congregation moved to another venue in Blackburn and, soon after, to a hall in Burwood.

Some years later it was decided that a more permanent location should be found, and so a parcel of land was purchased in preparation for the building of a new church for the congregation.  First, however, it was necessary to demolish the existing house that stood on the block, and many members sacrificed their time to assist with this task.  Once construction was completed, many hands again made light work of the finishing touches required, including the establishment of the gardens.

On November 22, 1970, the church in Box Hill was dedicated by District Apostle Otto Gerke, who was accompanied by Apostle Eric De Lisen.  The rector at this time was Priest Rudolf Braun.  Since that time the congregation has been supported by a number of rectors: Evangelist Horst Lethaus, District Elder Geoff Barker, Evangelist Hans-Peter Hoppner, Evangelist Derrick Yon, and Evangelist Kevin Malan.  The current rector of the Box Hill congregation is Priest Keith Riddle.

A number of further congregations have been established as a result of missions supported by the Box Hill congregation, including the Croydon and Hallam congregations.

Due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns, the celebration of the 50th jubilee was put on hold until earlier this year.  In April, District Apostle Schulte took advantage of the reduced restrictions to travel to Melbourne, where he conducted the festive divine service.  On this occasion he was joined by Apostle Lodewick.  At the conclusion of the service the congregation enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship together.