Baptism marks milestone in growing outreach ministry

A growing mission partnership between Wodonga Lutheran Parish and Victory Lutheran College in Victoria reached a joyful milestone last month with the baptism of a Year 3 student during the parish’s family chapel service.

The service, held on Friday 20 June 2025, brought together nearly 70 people from the congregation and school community for an evening of worship, fellowship and food. The event marked a significant moment in the parish’s strategic outreach plan, supported by a grant from the LCANZ Local Mission Fund.

Awarded to Wodonga Lutheran Parish last year, the grant enabled the expansion of an existing ministry coordinator role to four days a week (0.8 FTE), along with one day a week of administrative support. Lisa Enever, who was installed as ministry coordinator in early 2024, has continued to serve in the role as it has expanded.

The funding has also supported several initiatives, including a monthly intergenerational family chapel service, held in partnership with co-located Victory Lutheran College. The service aims to encourage deeper community engagement and foster sustainable, relationship-focused ministry.

‘Over time, we’ve seen God working powerfully through this mission area, gradually expanding our outreach into Victory Lutheran College,’ Lisa says.

‘One of the most beautiful signs of this growth came when Aahana Sharma, a Year 3 student at Victory, expressed a desire to be baptised after attending a few of our Friday chapel evenings.’

Following Aahana’s request, Pastor Graham Zweck, Pastoral Assistant Jenny Simboras, and Andy Enever, Aahana’s classroom teacher and member at Wodonga Lutheran Parish, visited Aahana and her family to discuss baptism. Aahana chose to be baptised at the family chapel gathering and asked both Andy and Lisa to be her godparents, which Lisa described as a ‘profound and humbling honour’.

The service featured worship music and messages focused on the meaning of baptism. Pastor Graham shared a powerful reflection with Aahana and other attendees, saying that, of all the things the 100,000 people in the Albury–Wodonga area were doing that night, the most important event happening was Aahana’s baptism.

A large team of volunteers supported the event by preparing and serving food, welcoming visitors, leading worship and managing the practical aspects of the evening. ‘Their support is invaluable and deeply appreciated,’ Lisa says.

‘We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the LCANZ. Without the generous Local Mission Fund grant, this event and our ongoing outreach wouldn’t be possible. God is so good, and we are so grateful!’

Does your congregation, school or agency have a bright idea for local mission that needs financial support to become a reality? The LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund may be able to help. Expressions of interest for the 2026 allocation of grants close on 29 August 2025. Find out more