More than 100 members and friends of the LCANZ gathered in Adelaide’s CBD on Saturday (28 February 2026) to witness the official opening and dedication of the new Church House.
Although staff began moving into the LCANZ building at 139 Frome Street in late November 2025, and visitors have been welcomed since December, the February gathering marked the formal dedication of the premises as a hub for mission and ministry.
The service, led by LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, began on the ground floor and unfolded as a journey through the building, culminating on Level 3. Along the way, members of the Indonesian Christian Fellowship of Adelaide led singing, adding a joyful, multicultural expression of praise.
During the service, Bishop Paul Smith highlighted the Scripture verse inscribed on a plaque unveiled at the opening: ‘Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus’ (Colossians 3:17). He described this verse as both a blessing and a commission for the ministry that will occur from Church House.
Two Church House staff members addressed those gathered: Tim Stringer, principal of Australian Lutheran College, and Lisa McIntosh, coordinator of the new Exhibition Centre opening later this year.
Students from Concordia College provided background music as guests enjoyed afternoon tea and, following the formalities, visitors took the opportunity to explore the building and its facilities. Before the dedication, LLL sponsored refreshments at the adjacent Funk Café, offering a relaxed space for conversation and fellowship.
The five-storey Church House brings together staff from the LCANZ Churchwide Office, Australian Lutheran College, Lutheran Media, LCA International Mission, Australian Lutheran World Service, Lutheran Education Australia and Finke River Mission. Envisioned as more than office accommodation, Church House is designed as a collaborative hub to support mission and ministry across the wider church.
The Exhibition Centre on the ground floor will provide opportunities for community engagement and education, with displays that reflect both Lutheran heritage and future direction. The exhibition area is expected to formally launch in time for South Australia’s History Festival in May 2026.
The Frome Street building was purchased following the sale of the LCANZ’s North Adelaide properties in 2024 and is located near Bethlehem and St Stephen’s Lutheran churches in Adelaide.
PODCAST EPISODE
‘There's an inherent risk that's in farming that's not in other jobs. I mean, in some ways it's like any business where there's that inherent risk. But with agriculture it's like at a whole different level.’
Hear Tim Paschke and John Gladigau, farmers from rural South Australia, share about the realities of farming during serious drought, and where they find hope when year after year the rain doesn’t fall.
http://messagesofhope.org.au/when-in-drought/
If you’ve ever wondered where God is when you’re suffering, or you know someone who is feeling deserted by God, ‘Why Do Bad Things Happen?’ can provide valuable insight.
It will show you how God wants to comfort you in all situations.
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Are you looking for ideas to explore the Easter journey with families? Check out our Easter calendar.
There’s 8 days to explore Easter from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Find printable downloads that include fun, faith-filled activities, bible references, and family resources.
To access the calendar click here - EasterCalendar
Or go to https://messagesofhope.org.au/hope-for-kids/easter-calendar/
8 MARCH 2026 3rd Sunday of Lent
Bethany: 10:30am HC Pastor Peter Hartwich
Grace - St Paul’s: No service
Langmeil: 9:30am PNG Reunion Pastor Dean Zweck & 10:30am FUEL
Lyndoch: 9am HC Pastor Gus Schutz
Tabor: 9am HC Pastor Peter Hartwich
11 MARCH 2026 WEDNESDAY Lenten Service
Grace St John’s: 2:00pm HC
Lutheran Home - Tanunda: 10:30am Pastor Brian Schwarz
Bethany: 7:30pm Pastor Brian Schwarz
Prayer
Almighty God, look in mercy on our heartfelt desires, and stretch out your mighty hand to defend us.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
See attached flyer for details.
Meeting: 12th March at 1.30pm. Hosts: Grace
Theme: Something from your kitchen that begins with the letter of your first name.
Bible Study.
Project Donations: Aboriginal Missions, Alice Springs Aboriginal Women’s Support Worker
Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, renew, and rejoice in the message of the cross.
7:30pm each Wednesday evening during Lent.
Wednesday Feb 25: Schoenborn – Pastor Greg Schiller
Wednesday March 4: Tabor – Pastor Ian Lutze
Wednesday March 11: Bethany – Pastor Brian Schwarz
Wednesday March 18: Langmeil - Pastor Graham Jenke
Wednesday March 25: Lyndoch – Pastor Jim Bryan
SBLC Sunday 1st March Worship
Bethany: 10:30am
Grace-St Paul’s: 9am HC Pastor Gus Schutz
Langmeil: 8:45am HC and 10:30am HC Pastor Jim Bryan
Lyndoch: 10.30am Harvest Thanksgiving Pastor Greg Schiller
Schoenborn: 9am AGM followed by worship service
Tabor: No Service
Lenten Evening Wednesday 4th March
Tabor: 7:30pm Pastor Ian Lutze
Readings
First Reading
Genesis 12:1-4a The call of Abraham
Psalm
Psalm 121
Antiphon: My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:2)
Second Reading
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Abraham our father, justified by faith
Gospel
John 3:1-17 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son