Each year as a nation we come together to reflect and celebrate the lives of our First Nation Peoples.
As this time approaches, serval members of Living Faith have complied a list of books for anyone looking for an interesting read or who is wanting to expand their understanding of First Nation culture and experience. These are some fiction and non-fiction books they would recommend. Some can be borrowed from church members, and most are available in local libraries. Hope you can find something to enjoy from this list!
The Last Cry, by Mick Woiwod.
The Last Cry is a novel set in our north-eastern area of Melbourne and tells a fictionized version of the life of Jaga Jaga. It helps us to consider the impact of white settlement in our area, in a thoughtful but not judgemental way.
Jackson’s Track, by Daryl Tonkin and Carolyn Landon.
Jackson’s Track is the disturbing account of what happened to a camp of Aborigines north of Drouin, on Jackson’s Track, in the 1990s. It tells of one man’s courage and determination to pursue what he knows is right.
Talking To My Country, by Stan Grant.
This is a fascinating combination of memoir and analysis of racial culture in Australia. It describes Stan Grant’s own family story, along with others, which gives a good insight into the lived experience of First Nations people.
Murriyang, by Stan Grant.
A beautiful and fascinating book in which Stan Grant describes his own Christian faith and the links he sees between Christianity and First Nations beliefs, his past experience, and the lessons he has learned from his father.
Welcome To Country – An introduction to our First peoples for young Australians, by Marcia Langton.
Published in 2019, this is an interesting overview of the history (old and new) and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Dark Emu, by Bruce Pascoe.
Bruce Pascoe provides a fascinating description of First Nations community life, including agriculture, diet and construction of small villages. A very readable historic account that leaves you thinking “What if settlers and First Nations people co-operated and learned from each other? Where could we be now?”
Edenglassie, by Melissa Lucashenko.
This historical novel describes the very early white settlement of Brisbane, but uses the other name that was considered for the settlement – Edenglassie. It gives a very detailed description of both the culture of the local Aboriginal people and how they adapted to the presence of the newcomers.
Home, by Larissa Behrendt
A beautifully written novel about the impact of the forced removal of an Aboriginal child from her family, and how this left her always looking for home.
After Story, by Larissa Behrendt
A very entertaining story with a lovely balance of humour and poignancy. It tells the story of 2 generations of a family that suffers a tragic loss, and how that experience impacts life for the family into the future.
The Secret River, by Kate Grenville
This well-known story tells the story of an English convict whose life choices after his release in New South Wales have a major impact on the land, the people and his own family. This book was made into a TV mini-series, but the book has so much more background that broadens the issues facing both the settlers and First Nations people at the time. The story expertly challenges many assumptions about both sides of colonisation in an entertaining and at times confronting way. Highly recommended.
Congratulations Ellen!
It is with great privilege and joy that I can announce that on Wednesday the 20th of May at the Churches of Christ Summit Ellen was ordained.
This achievement marks another step in Ellen's faith journey and we are excited to share this journey with her.
Ellen had a number of friends and family attend the event to share their support of Ellen and here are a few pictures from the event.
Thank you to everyone who supported Ellen and thank you Ellen for everything that you do for our church community!
The Banyule Council Youth Wellbeing stall on Friday the 13th of May turned out way better than expected. When I first heard that we were one of only three stall holders I was a little worried at the potential small size of the event. And sure, it was smaller than the Sunset Pride Party but that just meant there was more free stuff to go around! Including an impressive amount of free hot jam donuts consumed by YASC and friends
The whole afternoon had such a good vibe. The live acoustic music was beautiful, the sun was shining, and it was lovely just hanging out together, connecting with young people and the wider community. Best of all, the event organiser thanked us at the end for “bringing the vibes” which I think is becoming a bit of a YASC trademark now!
Check out the photos
"March to the Margins"
This year we looked at March to the Margins as our lent series. We explored how different Mission Groups and charities we support help those living in the margins. Through out March we heard about who needs help in our communities and how we could help others beyond financial aid.
All of this information became the foundation to our Making Tracks Service.
During this "service" on Sunday the 26th of April, members of our church went out into the community to help others. Participating in our own small acts of mission.
The mission projects we ran included : Sing Along at a local retirement home, Litter Spot clean up, Lifeblood Donation, Purpose Knitting and Craft, Social Justice Letters, Nesting Church and Laneway Smiley.
Litter Spot clean up: Some of our members spent the morning over in Diamond Creek picking up trash from around local sporting grounds and parks. They collected over 7 bags of rubbish from the area and were surprised by the number of parents who came up to them thanking them for their work and acknowledging how much of a difference they had made to the area.
Sing Along : A large group of singers, joined together with the residents of a local home for a morning of laughter, joy and faith. The songs they sang included Waltzing Matilda, Oh My Darling Clementine, "Seekers Medley", Psalm 23 and Amazing Grace. Everyone enjoyed the time spent together sharing music and we want to say "Thank You" for letting us come and spend time with you all.
Social Justice Letters: A single voice can make a difference if the words reach the right person. So imagine what a group can do if they all have speak up together. A small group did precisely this. Together they wrote letters to advocate for change, for better funding for charities in need, use funding was cut last year. Each letter was written to help someone in need, because without someone to advocate for them, how can change begin.
Lifeblood Donation: Everyday someone in our community needs a donation to live their life. It could be a blood transfusion after an accident, plasma to counter an going condition or it could be medicine made from lifeblood donations. We do not know who, why or when. But we do know that we can help. Many of our members are active donors and those who could met, donated and discussed why we donate. For some the story was personal to repay and help others the way their family was helped, for others it was a tradition that began with older siblings and parents. A passion to help others because we can help.
Nesting Church (Cosy Church): Sometimes even those who help others need help and a moment to rest. That was the purpose behind Nesting Church. It was to create a safe place for those in need to be without pressure or expectation to be more than themself. Together in small groups they looked after each other and enjoyed a quiet reflective morning. It was a perfect safe space, where you could even take a nap if you wanted.
Purpose Knitting and Craft: For years, members of Living Faith Church have supported local Charites like Treasured Babies, Winter Appeal, Prison Fellowship and local homeless shelters and nursing homes, by knitting and sewing blankets, scarves, jumpers, socks and even fidget blankets for dementia patients. Together the ladies came together to share their stories and to spent the morning working on these projects. Some of the ladies also made cards for our Pastoral Care team.
Laneway Smiley: The last group activity was Run by the POND team. POND is our children's program at Living Faith. Together the children and adults had a lot of fun decorating the laneway beside our church with chalk paint. The words Love, Joy and Peace were creatively decorated to brighten our community space. Everyone had a wonderful morning getting to know each other as they shared a passion for art. The final worked looked amazing. Don't Believe me check out the Laneway Art Video on our youtube chanel.https://youtube.com/shorts/i-WMMYTevGI
Thank you so much to everyone who participated , helped to plan and set up for the event. We could not have done it without you!
Easter at Living Faith Church
This year, members of Living Faith had the opportunity to join other churches from the Banyule Network to come together for a wonderful Dawn service to celebrate our faith together. It was an early start for those who made the trek through the park, part it was worth it. Together members from the different churches wove flowers onto the crosses from our churches. Then later these crosses were marched into our churches as a sign of God's presences and life with us.
It was amazing to see. Here are some of the pictures sent taken by our members.
Change to Victoria’s Child Safety Regulator
The Safe Church Oversight Team (SCOT) would like to inform our church community of an administrative update regarding child safety oversight.
From 23 February 2026, responsibility for the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme has transitioned from the Commission for Children and Young People to the Social Services Regulator.
What does this mean?
While the regulatory body has changed, all reporting obligations, thresholds, and responsibilities remain the same. This includes the requirement to promptly notify CCVT/UCA of any matters that may constitute reportable conduct, as well as any significant child safety concerns, regulator contact, or compliance risks.
What happens next?
SCOT will:
- Review and update our policies (including Safe Church, Complaints Policy, Code of Conduct and Call to Inclusivity) to reflect the new regulator
- Update website documents where the previous regulator is referenced
- Ensure key leaders are aware of the change
These updates are administrative in nature and form part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, transparent, and accountable practices within our church community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Kate
"Last Saturday, some of the congregation went to Surrender to listen to the voices of those on the margins. At the festival, we went to different workshops and bible studies, while gathering for meals and main sessions. I heard about an Iranian refugee's experience of coming to Australia. Others participated in activities that connected creativity and prayer or listened to Steff Fenton talk about their book, Gender Expansive Faith. In the evening, we listened to Corey Simpson, a Buyiburra Man, share his culture and the connection between faith and First Nations history, which was incredibly powerful. I am really glad I went to Surrender 2026 because I got to hear from people I otherwise wouldn’t have. This being my second year coming, I can confidently say my understanding of colonisation and reconciliation has increased along with my hope for the world's wider issues." - LFC Youth Member
As we March to the Margins over March, the LFC community has been energised to move out from the chapel and into the community. Like many Christian churches before us, we want to respond to the needs we see in the community and live out our faith. We want to spread the Good News, and share the love and hope we have found in Jesus Christ.
Whilst half the church was away at our annual camp, the rest of the congregation got to work looking at what mission meant to us and how we can help our community. This idea has grown and expanded since then into a variety of local mission projects. This work has continued within the children’s program and a special whole of church interactive session. It is clear for all to see the church community’s gracious servant hearts, honest reflection, ownership and sincerity.
Mission Projects include:
• Social justice letter writing
• Donating blood
• Singalong at a local aged care facility
• Knitting squares for winter blankets
• Cleaning a local litter spot
• Laneway chalk smiley – offering a temporary and hopeful visual message in the community
• Cosy nesting – we can't all serve all the time so cosy nesting will be a calm safe space at the church for those who desire rest.
Timeline includes:
• 22nd of March - Mission Project Leads confirmed
• 29th of March –Risk Assessment and Management Plans completed
• 05th of April – Project Plans and Invitation postcards available
• 26th of April – Mission Project Day!
Please pray that our planning work and mission projects will be an inspiring and safe adventure into the community around LFC.
Another year, another wonderful time of faith, love and community at our Church Camp!
Last weekend, from the 20th to the 22nd, members of Living Faith Church went to Anglesea for our annual Church Camp.
This year we had a smaller group of about 30 campers head up for a weekend of reflection, games, beach shenanigans and good times.
This year our camp focus was Faith which was a wonderful way to introduce our Lent focus of Mission. So while those of us not at camp began to look at what mission meant to us those at camp were able to learn more about the faith that lies at the heart of mission.
Here's what one of our young adults had to say about camp:
"One of the best parts of Church Camp is the beach trip that we do. I love being thrown around by the waves and always forgetting how cold the water is, only to squeal about it every year heading in. Once everyone is tired out, the sandcastle building begins, and every year it seems to end with a giant wave crushing our sculpture. There's always some friut and snacks, and sometimes a cheeky ice cream cone from across the street."
Everyone who was able to attend had an amazing time and are already looking forward to next year!