By Kyra Gillespie
Through song and prayer, Lakeside College celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and its Junior School building blessing service on Thursday 26 October.
The whole school came together on the morning of the event.
Hosting the service was Pastor Nathan Hedt with special guest Bishop Lester Priebbenow, the Victorian Bishop for the Lutheran Church of Australia.
The service incorporated the unveiling of the Luther Rose, the symbol of the Lutheran Reformation.
“Today we are celebrating Reformation Day, which marks 500 years since the start of the Protestant church,” Pastor Nathan Hedt said.
“On this day 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door on the door of the All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg in a call for changes in the church.
“This day is celebrated all around the world.”
To represent this historic day, college staff built a large wooden door which students then nailed their prayers or what they hoped to change in the world to.
“It’s a really good way to get the students thinking about the world around them,” Pastor Hedt said.
Bishop Lester Priebbenow said a blessing for the new Junior School building, praying that it would “inspire all that teach and learn here”.
Junior School Captain Catriona Mildred spoke of the wise man who built his house on a rock and the importance of building strong foundations for growth.
Junior School leaders each read a prayer, and staff and students were able to sing along to the Chapel Band before banding off for a day of learning.
“I hope that this will inspire staff and students to become peacemakers – strong in body, mind and character,” Bishop Lester said.
