Witnessing God at work around us

With support from an LCANZ Local Mission Fund Seed Grant, St James Lutheran Church Hervey Bay has launched the Community Connection and Growth Project. Led by Child & Youth Ministry Coordinator Hannah Doecke, the project is already strengthening ties between church, school and community through programs like JAM Kids, a new youth group and Youth Alpha.

It has been a joy to begin working in the child and youth ministry space with strong support from our St James Lutheran Church and college in the Hervey Bay suburb of Urraween, Queensland. This gives me great hope for our mission and ministry connecting with the local community, particularly through St James Lutheran College.

My role is supported by the congregation, along with an LCANZ Local Mission Seed Fund grant, which was received for our Community Connection and Growth Project. In my first few weeks, I have focused on the JAM (Jesus And Me) Kids program, creating intentional spaces and an altar display reflecting the liturgical colours throughout the church year.

This display is visible to college staff and students using the space during the week. I have also recruited new and returning volunteers, allowing us to form multiple JAM Kids groups with age-specific content.

I have developed a curriculum for JAM Kids that follows the lectionary, focusing mainly on the gospel reading for the week, but occasionally on the Old or New Testament texts. Each week highlights a key theme or message, with content tailored to different age groups.

Feedback from JAM Kids leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers appreciate that I handle the setup and content creation, reducing their workload. Now, they simply pick up a prepared lesson, facilitate discussions, lead craft activities and guide music time. This approach prevents burnout and ensures sustainability.

Leaders have also noted that smaller, tailored groups foster more meaningful conversations, particularly with older children, making the experience more enjoyable for both volunteers and participants.

I am currently recruiting volunteers for a youth group for Years 3–6 and Years 7–12 students, to be run on Monday afternoons. I am also developing a curriculum distinct from the lectionary, with each term exploring relevant themes. The youth group will provide a space for fellowship, fun and faith-building through shared afternoon tea, games, small group discussions and Bible study.

Many students, especially those confirmed in 2024, have expressed a strong desire to deepen their understanding of God and theology, a need this group aims to meet.

Additionally, I have met with College Principal Michael Stock and, starting soon, will launch a Youth Alpha program during Friday morning tea breaks. Open to all high school students, this initiative will be supported by the college chaplain and promoted within the college. It offers students a chance to explore the basics of the Christian faith, ask questions and wrestle with their beliefs.

This program aims to strengthen ties between the college and the church, encouraging students to join the youth group and possibly attend church with their families.

I am excited to see growth in this ministry and look forward to witnessing God’s work in our St James community.

Hannah Doecke is the Child & Youth Ministry Coordinator for St James Lutheran Church Hervey Bay in Queensland.

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