Our Saviour's is a small Christian community located on the outskirts of Melbourne at the foot of the Dandenongs.
While 'small' is sometimes dismissed as unsuccessful and struggling, we don't see this as a disadvantage. 'Small' means that we can get to know all our members well. We're a family rather than an organisation. And when new members do join us, they are quickly accepted as individuals, rather than just names on the membership list. (Well occasionally 'small' does have it's disadvantages, such as when we need volunteers for working bees or people to go on the lawn mowing roster!)
Priesthood of all believers
Our Saviour's also strongly supports the notion of 'the priesthood of all believers'. By this we mean that God uses each of us in the work and witness of the church in the world. The pastor has an important role in a congregation - to preach the Word and to administer the sacraments (Baptism and Communion). But we, as members of the congregation, are called to look at the gifts and talents given us by God and offer them up for the betterment of our community.
While this principal was part of our original vision, this view has been strengthened because, for many years our pastor was only part time. It was brought home to us, in a very practical way, that we need to take responsibility for our ministry and mission - we shouldn't rely on pastors or paid lay workers to do it for us! .
Caring for the whole person
We have a strong commitment to caring for the whole person. Our belief is that God has created each human being as more than the sum of separate spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical parts. Rather, we are integrated persons, each on a life journey towards God-given balance and harmony in Christ.
Community focus
This flows into our focus on being involved with local community. We see ourselves as having been placed here, not to serve our own interests, but to share God's love and be of service to our immediate neighbours.
Over the years we've been involved in school chaplaincy, the Knox Shopping Centre Chapel, a diabetes support group, Body-n-Soul group, a local youth accommodations house, as singles club. Our venue has been used at times for Knox Arts Council performances and various other secular activities.
For many years we managed the Knox Counselling Service. This service is undergoing a review to better align it with current needs in the community. We are now exploring the idea of a Soul/Spiritual Centre - this would still involve some counselling; but would also incorporate prayer days, pastoral care, spiritual direction, along with educational workshops. It is envisaged that this service would be be tailored to meet the needs of the wider Lutheran church in Victoria as well as the Knox community.
Young children (and their families)
Every Sunday the pastor (or an assistant) provides a "children's segment" during the service - the adults often find this segment as instructive as the sermon itself!
The children's talk
We also acknowledge that for many families Sunday morning is already filled with sporting or social events and they can't regularly attend public worship . We're exploring ways we can support these families in bringing their children up in the Christian faith.
In addition, our weekly parish newsletter, Life Together, includes a 'Faith at Home' segment which often includes resources for families to use to explore faith issues with children.
Youth
Helping with the wash up
In these times when so many youth are leaving the church, we're fortunate to have a small but vibrant group of young people who are very involved in our church community. They often enrich our worship services with music and drama. And they even pitch in to help with more mundane tasks, like washing up after morning tea and helping at fund raising activities!
The elderly
A growing focus of our ministry is towards the elderly. Knox is involved with parish initiatives such as home communion and the weekday worship services for elderly.
Celebrating a senior's birthday
But as an individual congregation we are continually looking for ways to enrich the lives of those who are nearing the end of that life. Members regularly visit the elderly offering someone to chat to or someone to provide for their physical needs (meals, lawn mowing, transport, etc). From time to time we take dramas and music to local rest homes. Previous ministers have also held church services and offered pastoral care at Martin Luther Homes.
Our building
We call our venue the 'house of the church' because we believe strongly that the church is the people, not the building. That said, we do have a church building that is central to our congregational activities. This building is somewhat unusual for a church, but is one we're quite proud of.
We were very fortunate that, as a relatively young congregation (we began in 1974), we were able to design a building (dedicated in 1983) that reflected our vision and that would support our aims as a congregation.
The worship space is very open and welcoming - most of the walls are glass and overlook gum-trees, gardens and a fern courtyard. There are no pews (we use chairs) so the space is very flexible. We can easily accommodate prams, wheelchairs, special seating for the elderly, etc. But more importantly, we can provide space for dramas, music and visual arts that challenge us and enhance our understanding of the Gospel message.
We consider that our 'house of the church', which is situated on a busy corner (intersection of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road), also says to the rest of the community that: 'there's still a Christian presence in this area - if you want us, we'll be there for you'.
Invitation
So come and join us one Sunday (see Worship Times). Make yourself known to the 'person on the door' and they'll introduce you around.
Alternatively check out the church life or what's on areas of the web site. There's lots of groups and activities you could join like Mary's Circle, Men's group, youth activities, and study opportunities on the bible and the Christian faith.
And if we can be of any help to you in any way, please contact us.
Read more about the Knox congregation: