Lutheran Aged Care, Retirement Living & Community Services Networking Forum 2026
12 May 2026
by Angela RogersLCA Aged Care and Community Services people from all over Australia came together last week to network and learn about how we can collaborate and support each other. The SA-NT District were very well represented with people from all our residential aged care, retirement villages and community services entities present. We make up a large proportion of the LCA sector, and it was great to be able to share and connect with them all, which is something that we do regularly anyway.
The theme was ‘Collaboration – Stronger Together’, which was developed through many team building exercises and challenges about leading, building trust and relationships. You could see this developing during the conference in the conversations and offers of assistance and support for another entity.
Participants learnt about the use of technology in care environments, governing well and the obligations on our boards. As well as looking after ourselves and our teams in challenging situations and where is the aged care industry heading – what is next?
Throughout the conference, we were blessed to hear the word of God in our morning and evening devotions; these were times of grounding and encouragement that we are here to serve.
A highlight was a conversation with The Honourable Sam Rae, Federal Minister for Aged Care and Seniors whereby he spoke about the changes to the Aged Care Act and how they are being implemented in real-time and real-life situations. Participants appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to him about the challenges they are encountering.
Please do continue to pray for the leaders, boards and staff of our entities as they serve their residents and clients, often in challenging situations.
Good Shepherd Sunday proved to be a truly memorable and Spirit-filled day, one that beautifully marked the culmination of a journey that began five years ago. Back then, representatives from six congregations across the southern Barossa gathered with a shared vision: to walk together in faith and, in time, become one united congregation.
That vision came to life in a powerful way as more than 300 members were gathered at the Harvest Centre and guided by our Good Shepherd. The day began with a joyful worship service led by Bishop Andrew Brook. With the uplifting support of our very first ‘Living Vine’ band, the Centre resounded with heartfelt songs of praise, creating an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and deep thanksgiving.
The joy continued beyond the service, as each congregation held a special meeting to take the next formal step. In an overwhelming show of unity and shared purpose, members voted to proceed with the amalgamation. This was an exciting and significant milestone in our collective journey.
This was followed by the inaugural meeting of Living Vine Lutheran Church. During this important gathering, the constitution was formally adopted, and the governance council was elected. With one nomination received for each role, the following members were elected:
- Chairperson – Chris Pfeiffer
- Secretary – Phillip Hiscock
- Treasurer – Dean Hoklas
- Additional Members – Brian Eckermann, Craig Rogasch, Chris Canute and Edward Liebelt
The celebrations concluded with a time of warm fellowship over tea and coffee, as members reflected on the journey so far and rejoiced in becoming one united congregation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this vision and supported the journey along the way. Your faith, commitment, and willingness to walk together have made this day possible.
As we move forward, we do so with confidence and hope, trusting that our Good Shepherd will continue to guide and sustain us. United in purpose and strengthened in faith, we look ahead with excitement to all that God has in store for us as we serve together in his kingdom.
1.LVLC Child Safe/SMO Coordinators
Bethany/Tabor - Marilyn Mensforth bethanytaborsccoord@gmail.com
Grace/Schoenborn - Jenny Noll jedanoll@gmail.com
Langmeil - Emma Hiscock emma.hiscock@lca.org.au
Lyndoch - Graham Fromm grahamfromm@outlook.com
2.Safe Church Training FAQ's
Who needs to do which levels of the Safe Church Training program?
A copy of the Safe Church Training model, and details of who needs to complete each level, are provided on this webpage -
https://www.lca.org.au/training-events/safe-church-training/
Does everyone in my congregation have to do all of the training?
No. If you are simply a participant in a program or activity, it is not necessary to complete Safe Church Training. However, all are welcome, and we would particularly like to encourage parents to come along. Those who are regularly helping in ministry with children or vulnerable adults, in the capacity of supervising or having close intentional interaction with the children or vulnerable adults, are to engage in the relevant training and be screened.
See attached for details on Information Sessions relating to Foster Caring.
Donations of long-life milk and lemonade would be appreciated for our lunch club and breakfast clubs.
Upcoming events. Keep an eye out for when the following events are advertised.
June - Can and bottle run
10th July - Wine and Beer Sale
August - Trivia Night
This End of Financial Year, we are inviting our community to stand with us For Every Teen. Click here to make your donation.
Men's Fellowship will be held on Friday, 29th May at the Langmeil Centre.
Arrive from 6pm and BYO meat and drinks.
Please contact Jarome Graetz for further details. 0438 797 300
Our guest speaker will be Travis Schiller, who will share stories of his life journey.
He will also share his passion for table tennis and provide us an opportunity to have a go on the night.
It promises to be both an interesting and fun evening.
For any changes to the Service details, an updated roster will be published.
Also weekly service times can be found on the BethanyTabor Facebook page which will have up to date information for that Sunday.
Sunday 17th May 2026 Worship Services
Bethany: No service
Grace St Paul’s: 9am Pastor Greg Schiller
Langmeil: 8:45 HC and 10:30 am both HC. Pr Brian Schwarz
Lyndoch: 9am Pastor Wayne Kerber
Schoenborn: 10:30am Pastor Greg Schiller
Tabor: 9am with Vicar Paul Ridley, & Godly Play See less
BIBLE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026
Acts 1:6-14 Waiting in prayer for the Spirit
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
The Second Reading:1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 Suffering as a Christian
The Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11 Jesus prays for his disciples in the world
St Petri Lutheran Church’s ‘Reading Revelation Today’ teaching series is off to a flying start with more than 80 people attending on the first night.
The series, which commenced in late April, is being taught by Rev Dr Noel Due. It is part of the Barossa congregation’s Regional Learning Hub program, which was established to encourage local people to develop skills in church ministries, learn more of the Scriptures and develop confidence in living their faith amid the challenges of daily living.
‘Noel’s presentation was inspiring … people went away “thinking”, not afraid but curious’, said Kerry Kroehn, the Regional Learning Hub’s project officer. ‘[They] are keen to come back; some have told their friends to come, so that’s a good sign that we are on target.’
St Petri Lutheran Church was one of 10 congregations that received grants through the inaugural round of the LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund for projects commencing in 2025. Funding for the program is supporting learning, growth and resources covering the areas of Theology, Discipleship and Ministry, Creative Arts and Community Support and Growth.
The Regional Learning Hub is located on the campus of St Petri, with an outreach to local church and community across Barossa and Light regions.
As well as the ‘Reading Revelation Today’ series, in 2026 the Regional Learning Hub will be running sessions and activities to ‘nurture the souls of those who give to others’ and also a series to help people to ‘express their feeling and inner creative self’ through journalling. Also planned are sessions with a Christian psychologist to help young people, families and those in leadership people deal with anxiety and other life challenges.
In September the Hub will be hosting a retreat with Rev Dr Dean Zweck, who will lead sessions on ‘Acts of the Spirit’. For those wanting to grow in their confidence and capacity to connect with people in sharing the gospel, experienced mission facilitator Craig Heidenreich will be leading a series of short online sessions, titled ‘Sharing the God Story – Building Confidence to Connect with Outsiders’.
There will be something for history buffs, too, with sessions over four Sunday afternoons exploring the expansion of German Lutheran congregations into South Australia.
‘We are excited to explore these opportunities and are looking to present each one in a different way that will connect with people, their variety of life experiences and availability’, Pastor Adrian Kitson said. ‘Most sessions will have an interactive element, connecting real people to real concerns and experiences.’