Growing in Faith
Our parish is committed to the mission of passing on the faith to our children. We aim to assist parents with the joy and responsibility of teaching their children about Jesus and what he has done for them. Read more about the Intergenerational Ministry model.
Groups meet regularly for prayer and Bible Study. From time to time special studies are offered. Read more about prayer and study groups.
Fellowship
It is also important for people to get together in social groups so that we grow in understanding and compassion for each other and can care and support each other. Just as importantly we can simply 'have fun' gathering together as people of similar interests, of similar age, of similar sex, or whatever. Our parish has many established groups and activities, but we're always encouraging new ones to form. Read more about this in the Church Life section of this web site.
We also appreciate the 'whole parish' events, such as trivia nights, slave auctions, games nights, organ recital, concerts, etc. Sometimes these have a 'fund raising' element, but that's all part of the enjoyment - you can have a good time while supporting a worthy cause!. It's all part of being a community - working together towards a something you all believe in. Check the What's on area of the web site for upcoming events.
The Elderly
As our population ages, more and more people are becoming isolated from the community because they can no longer get out and about as much as they used to - so the community needs to come to them. Our parish has embraced this challenge by providing an increasing number of caring services for the elderly.
Besides the regular 'social visits' made by many members of our parish, several lay people have been specifically commissioned to take Holy Communion to those who can't regularly worship with us.
Every quarter, the parish organises a special weekday service for those who, because of infirmity and ill health, cannot attend Sunday worship. The parish provides transport and carers so that the elderly can, once again, enjoy worshipping and taking Holy Communion as a community. This is followed by a time of fellowship over 'coffee and cakes' (or 'tea and biscuits', if that's the preference). Check Worship Times for the dates and venues of these services.
Good Shepherd Retirement Village provides further opportunities for ministry to the elderly.
Affiliation and Composition
Formed in July 2005, our parish is based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. We are members of the Lutheran Church of Australia. The parish includes two congregations: Good Shepherd at Ringwood and Our Saviour's at Knox.
Read more about our: