SBLC Governance Council Annual Report for year ending 31st December 2024
As per the Heads of Agreement document and associated Governance Policy, the SBLC Governance Council has overall responsibility for implementing the vision as outlined in the ‘Framing our Vision for the future’ document that was agreed upon in September 2023.
This report is a summary of the main activities and achievements in 2024.
Click hereto download a copy of the annual report.
German Service at Tabor Lutheran Church, Murray Street Tanunda. 10.30am Sunday 23rd March with Gerhard Rudiger.
See attached.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 23rd March
A ‘Commissioning Service’ for the Ansouls
You are warmly invited to attend a ‘Commissioning Service’ for Pastor Richard and Ruth Ansoul on the 6th of April, 3pm, in the Ark Courtyard as they prepare for their overseas trip.
During this time of worship, you are welcome to share a word of promise and encouragement from Scripture. You can leave your chosen Scripture with the Ansouls after reading it. They will refer to these Scriptures as their unknown journey unfolds. Two well-known hymns will be sung unaccompanied.
Pastor Andy Kowald will lead us with a time of blessing and laying on of hands. For those who can stay a little longer, some light refreshments will be available after this occasion concludes. Please bring a folding chair if you can. Some seating will be provided. We imagine this ‘formal part’ of the afternoon may be around 40 to 45 minutes, with the fellowship time to follow.
The General Church Board has appointed members to further LCANZ’s boards, committees and commissions for the 2024–2027 synodical term.
They are:
Committee for International Mission
Members – Pastor Dan Mueller, Ian Graue, Gillian Heintze, Elsa Matthias, Anita Synnott (chair)
Committee for Lutheran Earth Care Australia and New Zealand
Members – Neil Bergmann (chair), Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt, Steven Loffler and Rosa Hoff
Committee for Lutherans for Life
Members – Rose Graham, Elizabeth Matuschka, Pastor Carl Richter (chair), Janel Schoell, Hayley Simons
Finke River Mission Board
Further member appointed – Karen Weier
Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations
The Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations has appointed from its membership Dr Wendy Mayer as its chair.
Read more about earlier appointments at www.lca.org.au/governing-bodies-members-appointed-for-next-synodical-term
Movie night at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Nuriootpa for “Polycarp”.
7pm Sunday 6 April. $5 to enjoy the movie, popcorn, a drink and great fellowship
A young slave girl, Anna, is rescued and adopted by Christians in 2nd Century Smyrna and befriended by their aged bishop, Polycarp.
As Anna is taught by Polycarp and her new family, she struggles to reconcile her beliefs with those of the Christians.
A day-long online LCA Convention of General Synod will be held on 18 October 2025.
The special convention will address business referred and deferred from the 21st Regular Convention of General Synod held in Adelaide in October 2024. No new business will be able to be added to the agenda.
Delegates at the online meeting will be tasked with considering and approving a doctrinal statement on ordination, as resolved by Synod in 2024. This statement has been prepared by the LCA’s Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations as directed by Synod and will also be addressed by an online General Pastors Conference prior to the special convention.
Other ‘unfinished business’ from October 2024 scheduled to be addressed are proposals to accept the full participation of Specific Ministry Pastors; adopt changes to church complaints handling, appeals and discipline processes; and continue the Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts Domestic and Family Violence Awareness campaign; as well as that any alternate Synod delegates from another parish are to be lay members.
Delegates will be contacted soon with further information.
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT synod
Step Back In Time 10am to 3.30pm, 23/4/25 to 25/4/25 at Bethany Church,184 Bethany Rd, Bethany.
Includes Schoolhouse Gallery Heritage displays, a tribute to ‘Lutherans on Service’ and poignant stories of life in the Barossa during world conflict.
Join us also for the Anzac Day Service at 10am Friday 25/4/25. For a full event flyer go to https://www.bethanytabor.org/late.../step-back-in-time-flyer
SBIT Activity Flyer Attached - Barossa Vintage Festival
Wednesday 23rd Friday to 25th April 2025 10.00am - 3.30pm, 184 Bethany Rd, Bethany.
Schoolhouse Gallery Heritage displays include a tribute to ‘Lutherans on Service’ and poignant stories of life in the Barossa during world conflict.
Anzac Day Service at 10am on Fri 25th April.
Morning/Afternoon Tea and light lunches available daily.
Also includes -
Barossa Valley Machinery and Preservation Society SA
Lace Maker's Guild
Gumeracha Hand Spinners and Weavers
Barossa Valley Floral Designers BV Historical Vehicles
Daily organ recitals @ 1pm Daily bell ringing @ 10am, 1pm, 3.30pm
Noodle making, Butter churning, Rope making
Local produce for sale
Honey Biscuit decorating (gold coin donation)
Please be advised that registrations for SA-NT District Convention of Synod are now open.
Details:
Where: Adelaide Convention Centre
When: 17-18 May 2025
Times: Saturday: 8:50 am – 5:00 pm Golden Hour: 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am until 4:30 pm
Costs: Meals: $100.00 Golden Hour: $20.00
Registrations close on 21 April. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate any late registrations.
To register, please click here. For more information, please contact the District Office.