Pentecost brings double blessings

Two congregations in the LCA’s Victoria–Tasmania District experienced a joyful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, 8 June 2025, with celebrations in Geelong and Knox highlighting God’s work across generations and cultures. Both communities had extra reasons to celebrate, with confirmations, baptisms and milestones marking the day.

Living Faith Lutheran Church Geelong in Victoria marked Pentecost with a combined worship service and the confirmation of 21 young people from the Greater Geelong Lutheran family. Held at Geelong Lutheran College in Armstrong Creek, the service brought together more than 200 people.

Each confirmation student shared a personal expression of faith during the service. One student reflected on the verse Romans 12:2: ‘This resonates with me because it speaks about being transformed by knowledge of God. This happened to me in confirmation; my mind has been opened to God’s will, and I’m glad.’

A six-member teaching team supported the confirmation journey. As a final project, students and teachers each created a block for a collective banner, symbolising their shared faith experience.

Pastor Boyd Briese said, ‘I’m very thankful to God for the excellent people we have in Geelong and the great team that made the whole confirmation journey a great experience.’

Meanwhile, in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong, Victoria, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Knox supported the local independent Ethiopian Lutheran Church, which is currently without a pastor. In a service attended by 140 people, seven children from four families were baptised by Pastor Peter Ghalayini – the second time Knox has partnered with this community for baptisms.

Knox’s outreach ministry continues to grow, with the congregation also serving as the new home for the South Sudanese fellowship led by Pastor Peter Deng.

Pentecost Sunday also marked the 51st anniversary of Our Saviour’s Knox, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day.

With more than 300 people participating across both locations, it was a Pentecost Sunday filled with joyful moments, meaningful milestones and a strong sense of community across the Victoria–Tasmania District.

How does your congregation celebrate mission moments like Pentecost in your local community? We’d love to hear your stories so we can encourage others as we work together in mission. Email lca.comms@lca.org.au