Lutheran Women of NSW & ACT 58th Convention
2025-05-03 09:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
The NSW & ACT Lutheran Women 58th district convention is being held on Saturday May 3rd.
Registration begins at 9am for a 945am start at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Belconnen ACT (9 Emu Bank). Registrations will be on the day. More details as available!
The theme is “Walking With Jesus” and the passage is Luke 24:32.
RSVP by 18 April to Tanna 0488 700 027
or tandtmac@bigpond.com

2025-05-30 08:00 - 2025-06-03 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Dr Mark Worthing of Frontier will be running a Creative Christian Writing workshop at Warrumbui Retreat and Conference Centre. Please contact Mark at frontier@lca.org.au 02 8660 1200 for more information!

Mission and Ministry
2025-06-03 12:00 - 2025-06-05 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre, 322 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582, Australia
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
This year’s first Mission and Ministry conference, with the theme Community and Worship, will be held at Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre.
The conference begins with lunch on Tuesday 3 June at 12.00pm and concludes Thursday 5 June with lunch beginning at 1.00pm. Please aim to arrive at noon and plan to leave after lunch.
This conference will have sessions led by Grant Norsworthy, (More than Music Mentor). Remembering that all conferences are for Mission and Ministry workers, there will be time and space for Pastors and Lay Ministry workers to meet separately.
We often find that aside from the sessions the discussions had between sessions and over meals often provide some of the most enriching times as we encourage and support each other to grow together as part of God’s church in NSW and ACT.

Conference Prices
Mission and Ministry Program 2025
Register Attendence
Register Apologies

Better Blokes
2025-06-06 - 2025-06-09 | Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre, 322 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582, Australia
Better Blokes is a national gathering of men. Held at Warrambui Retreat & Conference Centre, Murrumbateman NSW, just 40 minutes North of Canberra, it is a life-changing and life-affirming experience where men are encouraged to get real with their mates, get real with God and get real with themselves. Men testify that they are equipped to be better blokes within their families, their churches and the wider community. Pick ups available from plane, bus & train, in Canberra or Yass.
Early Bird Closes 25 April 2025
Registrations close 14 May 2025
Registration Fees:
Dome $290 ($255 Early Bird) Up to 13 sharing in dormitory accommodation in bunk beds and shared bathrooms.
Village $315 ($280 Early Bird) 4 to 6 share an ensuite room with two bunk beds and two single beds
Dependant Son or First Time camper $190
OPTIONAL (add on during registration)
Friday Night Dinner $25​
Linen Hire $30 – includes pillow, doona, sheets and towel
For more information and to register please see the Better Blokes Website

Lutheran Women 58th Southern Zone Fellowship Day
2025-06-07 09:30 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
The Lutheran Women of NSW & ACT will be holding the 58th Southern Zone Fellowship day at Zion Lutheran Church in Walla Walla on June 7th 2025.
The theme is “Keeping in Step with the Gifts of the Spirit” based on Galatians 5:13-26
Starting at 930am with morning tea, they ask that you bring an individual packed lunch. There will be guest speakers and a small display for sale from The Open Door Book Shop.
Please wear name tags!
RSVP by June 1st to Monica hm.Simpfendorfer@outlook.com ph-0427907532

Hymnfest at St Peter's Canberra
2025-06-22 14:30 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | St Peter’s Lutheran Church ACT, 6 Boolee St, Reid, ACT, Australia
St Peter’s Lutheran Church Canberra is hosting a Sunday Afternoon Hymnfest on Sunday June 22nd at 230pm to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the installation of the Gallery Pipe Organ!
Accompanied with solo interludes by celebrated young Canberra organist Linus Lee, the hymnfest is expected to comprise ten well-known hymns together with a number of solo organ interludes selected by Linus Lee. The event is being coordinated by organist Ian Kummerow.
Ticket prices are:
General Admission – $15
RSCM Member – $10
Student -$10
Click here to book
Credit and cash facilities are available at the door
Enquiries 0475 421 333

The Walcker Organ – Historical Notes
Pastor Roehers during the visit of the German ambassador mentioned that the church needed an organ.
The German ambassador upon return to Germany made inquiries with the organ builders. As a result, they created a fund of
DM30,000 to give towards the organ for St. Peter’s congregation. Walcker and Co’ of Ludwigsburg were well known organ builders.
They contacted their representative, Mr. Lawson, in Sydney to give details of the dimensions of the organ. According to Mr. Lawson
a reasonable size organ would be one of 11 stops and 647 pipes and would be well over DM 40,000. In October 1963, the German
Embassy in Canberra raised that over DM 45,000.
The organ therefore was a gift of the West German Government. Subsequently, the organ was built, and the pieces were shipped to
Australia. The organ pieces were in quarantine for an entire year. Customs tariff was initially to be 12.5%, but because of further
negotiations the tariff was dropped.
The organ pieces in packing cases arrived to Sydney on 28 November 1964. The packing cases were released from customs on 25
March 1965. Upon arrival in Canberra Mr. Lawson began to assemble the organ, which was completed at the end of May 1965. The
official dedication of the organ took place on 30 May 1965.
At the dedication ceremony the following dignitaries were present: Dr. Ritter (German ambassador), Dr. Lohe (President General of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia). The organist of the day was Mr. James Thiele from South Australia. Mr. Thiele gave
a recital in the evening. Canberra singers also participated with choral music.
The organ is of baroque style and its action is totally mechanical. There is no swell box, and the registration includes two bright
mixtures, which are well balanced in terms of strength. It has 11 stops – 4 on each of the manuals and 3 on the pedal – and a total
of 650 pipes. Organists of St. Peter’s have included: Dr. Aitchison, Astrid Bowler, Steven Gerhardy, Lorraine Macknight, Beth
Hartmann, Peter Wild, Sheila Thompson, Marie Hamann, William Fraser, Hildegarde Palafox, Ian Kummerow (chief organist).
The Organist
Linus Lee arrived in Canberra in 2012, with his family from South Korea. Soon after, he commenced studies at the ANU, majoring
in international relations. In addition, he began accompanying local choirs and church communities on the piano and the organ.
Inspired, Linus undertook a second bachelor’s degree at the ANU. This time it was in music, with a major in classical piano
performance. Linus became a Wesley organ student in 2017 and has since flourished as a local church organist. In 2019, Linus
gained two licentiate AMEB awards: LMusA in piano and LMusA in organ with distinction. He is currently completing his
physiotherapy studies at the University of Canberra.

Shaping Mission in 21st Century Australia & NZ By Zoom
2025-08-07 19:30 - 2025-09-25 21:30 (Australia/Sydney)
THURSDAYS 9.30-11.30pm NZ / 7.30-9.30pm Eastern / 7.00-9.00pm Central / 5.30-7.30pm WA
We will see how we fit into God’s mission to his world.
Together, we will seek to help each participant finish the course with:
1) a better understanding of joining the Spirit in walking with someone on their journey to faith; and
2) the beginnings of a concrete approach to shaping mission in each person’s context.
Each session begins with Dwelling in the Word, personal sharing and prayer,
and ends with personal reflection on how God is shaping us for participating in his mission.
Cover of Bring Jesus by Steen Olsen
Check our Dr Steen Olsen’s blog on the course
Shaping Mission Course Program 2025
The mission of Jesus remains the same, but Australia and New Zealand have changed radically in the past decade. To bring Jesus to our families, friends and neighbours today we need to move beyond programs and techniques and get back to the basics of being disciples of Jesus in our communities. This course will help you to develop a better understanding of joining the Spirit in walking with someone on their journey to faith, as well as beginning to shape an effective approach to mission in your congregation and context. It will be led by Dr Steen Olsen (LCANZ emeritus pastor, bishop and mission director) and Pastor Mat von Stanke (Life Way Lutheran, Newcastle NSW).
Why do this course? 1
Sometimes we spend so much time growing our knowledge and faith that we never actually get around to going into our communities with good news. The Holy Spirit certainly shapes us to participate in God’s mission to his world and this is an ongoing process in our Christian walk. It is as we go that we grow. In this course we will explore the holy habits and practices that enable us to go more effectively. They are ordinary things and as ancient as the church itself, yet they take on a fresh perspective and energy as we reflect on them in the context of our everyday post-modern lives. We will dwell in the Word of God, and explore how we dwell in the world, receive and offer hospitality, grow in working with others to discern what God is doing in our midst and in our community, walk with someone on their journey to faith and work for the healing of the world.
Why do this course? 2
For Australian and Kiwi Lutherans mission was once primarily overseas (especially in PNG), in Central Australia (Finke River Mission) and through media such as radio and print. We still do that, but now mission has also come home. Back in the day we prepared missionaries to work cross-culturally and to deal with what was then called culture-shock. Now the world has moved in next door, and we can experience culture-stress when going to the pub, or even when watching the news on TV. In this course we will examine contemporary cultures in our communities and learn from overseas experience to relate cross-culturally. How does a small group of Christians form church when going out into their local community, walking with people on their journey to faith and nurturing their Christian maturity? Today it is more about being who we are as God’s people in the midst of the ordinary things happening locally, than it is about establishing new programs.
Why do this course? 3
Nowhere does the Bible say that people become Christian by inviting Jesus into their hearts or lives, though many people have no doubt come to faith in Jesus through that sort of process. Our society has radically changed in the last five or ten years. Practically speaking, then, how do we walk with friends and neighbours on their journey to faith in today’s Auckland, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth or elsewhere? How do we recognise where they are on their journey and respond appropriately, without being aggressive or delivering some pre-packaged program? Waiting for people to come to worship, or our events and programs is no longer very effective, and even when they do, we need to know how to sensitively engage with them. In this course we will work on practical ways we can bring Jesus to others where God has planted us.

The cost for the course is $175 for the first person attending from a congregation or team of people exploring mission opportunities, and $50 for each additional person. When you gather together in one place to participate, you can use discussion times to work together to discern your next steps. This cost covers eight 2-hour sessions. Congregations are encouraged to cover or contribute to the cost.
Register and arrange payment with Kaye Simpfendorfer in the LCA NSW-ACT District Office (kaye.simpfendorfer@lca.org.au / 02 8660 1200).

Installation of Mark Worthing at Port Macquarie
2025-08-10 09:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney)
You are invited to join us in celebrating the Installation of Rev Dr Mark Worthing as pastor of St Peters Lutheran Church Port Macquarie and as Dean of Frontier School of Mission. Pastor Mark has accepted the call to continue to serve as pastor for Port Macquarie and as Dean of Frontier.

9am Sunday 10 August, 2025
St Peters Port Macquarie
13 Kemp St Port Macquarie

Following the service there will be a lunch and a blessing of the new covered outdoor area behind the church.

Greetings can be sent to: Secretary of the congregation David Hogan vk2frab@gmail.com

Sisterhood 2025 "You Are a Gift"
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-24
Sisterhood is a retreat for women of all ages to connect with and support each other, and to grow in our faith. The weekend includes times of Bible study and worship, reflection and self-discovery exercises, electives to nurture our creativity and our spirits, and dedicated time for rest and rejuvenation. Sisterhood retreats provide a nurturing and caring environment where participants can deepen their connections, gain personal insights, and recharge in the company of like-minded women.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Please register by July 30th 2025
Click Here to register

Price List:
Early Bird Registration (until 20 June) Cost: $220.00 per person

First Time at Sisterhood Cost: $170.00 per person

Saturday Only (no Dinner) Cost: $80.00 per person

Saturday Only (inluding Dinner) Cost: $110.00 per person

You will need to bring your own pillow, sheets and doona or sleeping bag.
Optional Linen Hire $30
A linen pack contains a pillowslip, two sheets, a pillow, doona and towel, or you can bring your own linen.
Accommodation is in 4-share ensuite rooms in the Village Conference Centre at Warrambui. If you have special requirements, limited individual rooms may be available at an extra cost, upon request. Please indicate this in your registration form.

Installations of Mark Simpfendorfer at Springwood and St Mary's
2025-08-31 11:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
You are invited to join us in celebrating the Installations of Pastor Mark Simpfendorfer as pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church Springwood and as pastor of St Pauls Lutheran Church St Marys.

Sunday 31 August, 2025
11am Our Saviour Lutheran Church Springwood
41 Raymond Rd, Springwood
Followed by lunch
Pastors attending are invited to wear alb and red stole

Sunday 31 August, 2025
3pm St Pauls Lutheran Church St Marys
22 Milham St, St Marys
Followed by afternoon tea
Pastors attending are invited to wear red stole only

Greetings can be sent to kaye.simpfendorfer@lca.org.au

Riverina Sacramental Ministry Workshop
2025-09-06 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning about the Sacrament and worship leading, and is especially suited for anyone who is Licensed for Word and/or Sacrament, anyone the congregation is considering being licensed for Word and Sacrament and anyone in leading worship in the congregation setting.
Time: 9am – 4pm
Locations and Dates
6 September – Riverina: St Lukes Lutheran Church Albury
20 September – Canberra: Holy Cross Belconnen Lutheran Church
25 October – Sydney: LifeWay Epping Lutheran Church
15 November – North West: St Paul’s Parkes Lutheran Church

Cost: $100 per person paid for by the congregation
To Register contact: Kaye Simpfendorfer kaye.simpfendorfer@lca.org.au 028660 1200
Please register at least 1 week prior to the workshop

District Online Prayers NSW & ACT
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:15 (Australia/Sydney)
A Call to Pray for our District
This year we are gathering for some District Prayer Times online. After a short devotional time, the District Bishop will update us on various situations around the NSW & ACT District (and LCNZ). We will then spend some time praying into those situations. This will take place 7pm-8:15pm on Tuesdays 16th September and 28th October.
In between these dates the following is planned (which you can start praying for already): District Bishop visiting Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ), General Pastors Conference online, General Synod online, Mission and Ministry Conference (which we are also encouraging our prayer intercessors to attend).
To register for these online District Prayer Times, email kaye.simpfendorfer@lca.org.au.

Canberra Sacramental Ministry Workshop
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)

Jesus and the Gospels Led by Dr Mark Worthing
2025-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Port Macquarie, 13 Kemp Street, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444, Australia
Frontier is holding a class on Jesus and the Gospels led by Dr Mark Worthing on 6-10 October at their Port Macquarie location.

Contact Mark Worthing for more information: frontier@lca.org.au 02 8660 1200

Mission And Ministry "Listening and Responding"
2025-10-20 12:00 - 2025-10-22 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre, 322 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582, Australia
The conference begins with lunch on Monday 20 October at 12.00pm and concludes Wednesday 22 October with lunch beginning at 1.00pm. Please aim to arrive at noon and plan to leave after lunch.

This conference will have sessions led by Pastor Michael Dutschke (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista, SA) on the theme of Listening and Responding. He will lay out the biblical foundation and help us recognise some practical ways God speaks to us today (including through scripture).

There will be time allocated in this conference to reflect on the outcomes of the General Synod, Saturday 18th October. Please see the program attached for conference details.

An important part of conference is a sharing of resources and ideas. Please bring your resources to share that are helping you today in ministry.

We often find that aside from the sessions, the discussions had between sessions and over meals often provide some of the most enriching times as we encourage and support each other to grow together as part of God’s church in NSW and ACT.
Full-time onsite attendance
Prices include all meals and accommodation as well as the $100 Conference Registration Fee (Emeriti exempt).
• Pastor, Lay Worker, Missional Leader – four Share – $320
• Pastor, Lay Worker, Missional Leader – Private room – $450
• Pastor Emeriti –four Share – $220
• Pastor Emeriti – Private room – $350
To see off-site and part-time prices please see the link below!

Mission and Ministry Conference October 2025 Timetable
Mission and Ministry 2025 Price List

To Register Please Click here
To Register an Apology Please Click Here

Sydney Sacramental Ministry Workshop
2025-10-25 08:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)

100 Years of Lutheran Worship at Bethlehem Wagga Wagga
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Bethlehem Wagga Wagga will be celebrating 100 years of Lutheran Worship with a special service on October 26th at 2pm followed by afternoon tea!
All are welcome to attend but please RSVP by September 26th! P: 02 5925 7189 or bethlehem.waggawagga.nsw@lca.org.au
For more information please see the story on our news page or in September’s Contact or see Bethlehem’s Facebook!

Walk My Way Sydney
2025-11-01
ALWS will be hosting a Walk My Way Sydney on November 1st 2025.
We’ll start our journey together at St Paul’s Sydney Lutheran Church, Sydney for morning tea..

We’ll depart at 10.30am and walk together to Mrs Macquarie’s chair. Then from there we’ll walk around the Harbour, past the Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, Barangaroo, and finish at Tumberlong Park, where we’ll celebrate our walk by buying lunch from the various restaurants or you can bring your own.

Registration will open from 9am at St Pauls Lutheran Church, Sydney and close at 10:10am. Walkers will be welcomed and the safety briefing completed at 10.15am.

Your ticket price includes your involvement on beautiful, mapped 10km walking course. You’ll also receive a walker number and a special Walk My Way t–shirt at the event check–in.

To register and for more information please see the official Sydney Walk My Way website

Lutheran Media 80th Anniversary Celebration service
2025-11-02 09:30 - 10:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Lutheran Media invites you to celebrate with us ’80 years of blessings’. As we reach this significant milestone – 80 years of Lutheran Media in Australia and New Zealand, there will be a final service of celebration where we will share in our journey through the decades, celebrate where we’ve come from, and pray for blessings to continue sharing messages of hope.

Sunday 2 November 2025
9.30am service followed by light lunch
St Michael’s Lutheran Church, Hahndorf SA

You are welcome to attend the event – please RSVP with dietary needs to office@lutheranmedia.org.au
For more information or resources to share the event, go to https://lutheranmedia.org.au/about-us/events/

This will be a live-streamed worship service, so if you are unable to attend, please follow the links to St Michael’s livestream worship services here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTdsYSCa7hYN26wXAd65qQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelshahndorf
The 2 November event will go live shortly beforehand.

If you would like to send a greeting or share how Lutheran Media has impacted your community, we’d love to hear from you. Looking forward to gathering for this very special event!

Ordination and Installation of Bruce Flanagan
2025-11-09 15:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Bruce Flanagan will be ordained and installed as Specific Ministry Pastor to serve Living Waters Liverpool and Good Shepherd Sutherland on November 9th at 3pm at Living Waters Liverpool!

North West Sacramental Ministry Workshop
2025-11-15 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)

Ordination and Installation of Jacob Traeger
2025-11-30 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Jacob Traeger will be ordained and installed as Specific Ministry Pastor of the Molonglo Valley Gospel Community on November 30th at 2pm! The service will be held at Immanuel Woden Valley Lutheran Church 37 Burnie St. Lyons ACT, followed by afternoon tea.
Please RSVP by Thursday November 10th to office@immanuellutheran.org.au
The service will also be live streamed and greetings can be sent to office@immanuellutheran.org.au

Farewell to Warrambui Interns at Holy Cross Belconnen
2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Holy Cross Belconnen will be having a very special farewell service for the Warrambui interns finishing up their internship!
More details to follow.
Please RSVP to Holy Cross 0423 759 913 or 02 6251 6215 or holycrossbelconnen@gmail.com

70th Anniversary of St Paul's church in St Marys!
2025-12-14 13:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
St Paul’s St Marys’ will be hosting a special service at 1pm to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their church building!
The guest preacher will be Pastor David Thompson.
Following the 1pm service there will be lunch at the local club
At least two of the original builders of the church (hammer and nails) are still active members in the church with first hand experience over the years! There’s lots to celebrate in our growing community!
Please contact (02) 4751 6502 for more information or to RSVP

Foundations in Christian Belief Intensive
2026-02-02 - 2026-02-06 | St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Port Macquarie, 13 Kemp Street, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444, Australia
Frontier will be holding a week long intensive “Foundations of Christian Belief” led by Dr Pastor Mark Worthing. Join Mark from February 2nd to 6th in beautiful Port Macquarie!
For more details and to register please contact Frontier! frontier@lca.org.au 02 8660 1200

Regional/District Prayer Gathering
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join us in person in your local congregation, or online over zoom for a District Prayer gathering! Time To be Confirmed
We will set up a video link between the various groups for a combined devotion, and a chance for Bishop Richard to share his heart. We will then turn off the video link, giving you time to pray together in person as a region. Save the date for Saturday morning 21st February 2026 as the first of these. For further details, please contact Darren Kupke or Cheryl Turek.

Southern Riverina Combined Service
2026-03-01 10:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Under the theme Together forward for the Gospel, congregations of the Southern Riverina are invited to come together for a combined worship service at St. John’s Lutheran Primary School, Jindera. This will be followed by a community lunch and then, open to all members, afternoon
Workshop sessions.
The focus of the day is to begin exploring how the congregations and ministries can work better together for the sake of the Gospel

District Online Prayer Meeting
2026-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join us every first Tuesday from 7pm!
Held over MSTeams
Contact Darren Kupke or Cheryl Turek for more details!

Lutheran Women of NSW & ACT Retreat 2026
2026-03-13 17:00 - 2026-03-15 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre, 322 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582, Australia
Lutheran Women of NSW & ACT Retreat
13th – 15th March 2026
Warrambui Retreat & Conference Centre
—The Village (En-suite accommodation)
322 Greenwood Rd, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
Theme: The Greatest Story
Together at Lutheran Women’s Retreat, we’ll discover the power of storytelling, how the Bible reveals God’s love and purpose for our lives, and how we can find freedom and transformation by renewing our thinking. Through teaching, worship, connection, and rest, we’ll reflect on our own stories and be reminded: your story matters, and God is still writing it.
RETREAT LEADER:
Tanya Cunningham, (Immanuel Woden Valley)
RETREAT PASTOR:
Pastor Tim Mueller (Immanuel Woden Valley)
WHEN:
From Friday 13th March 2026—registration 5pm, dinner 6pm to Sunday 15th March, 2pm
COST:
$220 by Wednesday 12th February, 2026
BRING: Towel, 2 sheets/pillowcase AND your own pillow, sleeping bag/doona. No doonas and pillows provided. If you have hired linen, all items will be available for you.
Bible, pen and paper
The Open Door Bookshop will have books for purchase.
EFTPOS will be available.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
NO refund for withdrawal after Closing Date.
Note: Warrambui does not give refund after their final date. Other refund requests are at the discretion of organizing committee and LWNSW/ACT Executive.
LWNSWACT Retreat 2026 Registration form Please download the registration form and submit as requested!
