You are invited to the 'Kick off ya Boots' Movie Event Fundraiser on Friday 28 November 2025 at The Piccadilly, North Adelaide.
‘Kick off ya Boots’ produced by St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Loxton is a heartfelt musical that celebrates the joys and challenges of farming life.
Grab your favourite snacks and of course, your boots! Drinks and snacks available for purchase at the theatre.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kick-off-ya-boots-movie-night-tickets-1658007839079
Limited seats are available so get in quick.
LCANZ Office of the Bishop eNews
2025 Special Convention of General Synod
22 October 2025
On Saturday, 18 October 2025, 300 delegates gathered online for a Special Convention of General Synod established by resolution of the October 2024 Regular Convention. The day-long meeting was the second time the LCANZ’s General Synod has gathered in an online setting, and there was good participation from both pastor and lay delegates from across the church in Australia and New Zealand.
After the opening worship with preaching on 2 Timothy 1:8–14 by Bishop Paul Smith, the Convention began with an Acknowledgement of Country spoken by LCANZ Secretary, Dr Nigel Long. This was followed by a Te Reo Māori greeting spoken by Bishop Emeritus Mark Whitfield. Bishop Andrew Brook then greeted the Synod on behalf of the South Australia–Northern Territory District from which the Convention was being broadcast.
After preliminary matters, such as the appointment of tellers and minute takers, the first item of business was the proposal for alternate delegates from another parish to be lay delegates. After discussion, this was passed 263 votes in favour to 25.
The second matter on the agenda was the adoption of changes to complaints handling, appeals and discipline proposal. After discussion, this was passed 238 votes in favour to 53. This met the minimum two-thirds majority requirement, which applies due to the need for constitutional changes to enact the resolution.
The third matter before Synod was the adoption of the doctrinal statement on ordination. An amended version of the statement from the General Pastors Conference (GPC) was then considered by the Convention, with 272 votes in favour to 28. After discussion, the final version of the statement was adopted as a statement of the church with 232 votes in favour to 66. This also met the minimum two-thirds majority requirement as a doctrinal matter.
In sessions before and after the lunch break, the matter of accepting the full participation of Specific Ministry Pastors at General Pastors Conferences or equivalents and at Conventions of Synod as pastor delegates was considered. This included discussion on an amendment to the proposal from the 2024 General Pastors Conference.
The amendment was not adopted with 87 votes in favour to 210. The original proposal, put by the New South Wales – Australian Capital Territory District, then was passed with 234 votes in favour to 66.
The final matter on the agenda addressed the continuation of the Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts domestic and family violence awareness campaign with oversight and resourcing. After discussion, this was passed with 279 votes in favour to 14.
At the end of the day, before Bishop Paul declared the Special Convention closed, he reminded delegates that the 22nd Regular Convention of General Synod will be held in October 2027 in the Queensland District. In the vote of thanks, he summarised the heart of Synod, saying, ‘To God be the Glory.’
Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz led the closing worship service, highlighting for delegates and other viewers the Lord’s encouragement to St Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (verse 9).
After the Convention, the General Church Board then met with the College of Bishops to ensure the business of the Convention would be properly taken up in the relevant forums of the church.
Following the Convention, Dr Nigel Long published materials on the matters resolved by Synod. This is available on the Synod webpage at www.lca.org.au/synod2025
SYNOD WEBPAGE
CONTACT US
HAPPENING AT THE HUB THIS WEEK
Operation Christmas Child Shoe box drop off all this week.
Shoe boxes will be collected from The Hub by Samaritans Purse between the 20th-27th of October
Tuesday - 9:30am Know Your Bible
Wednesday - 9am Bible Study and Prayer meeting,
Wednesday - 10am Art Group
Thursday - 10am My Time Friday - SBLC Newsletter distribution
Tanunda Women's Fellowship AGM and Honey Biscuit Packaging. Host: Langmeil
Thursday 13th November 1:30pm.
Project Donations: Lutheran Media, Malaysia Women’s Care and Counselling Centre.
Lutheran Women's Magazine subscriptions ($25).
Membership fees are now due by the November meeting.
Bethany No Service
Grace St John’s: 9am HC Pastor Rob Schubert
Langmeil: 8.45am HC and 10:30am HC Pastor Brian Schwarz
Lyndoch: 9am
Schoenborn: 10:30am Pastor Rob Schubert
Tabor: 9am Pastor Gus Schutz with Godly Play
SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025
There will be no SBLC services on Sunday 2nd November.
Congregation members are encouraged to join the 150 years Faith – Culture – Community Thanksgiving Service 10:00am at Tanunda Show Hall.
Readings (click on each line to read)
Jeremiah 31:27-34 The Lord's new covenant
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Responsibilities of the pastor
Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the widow and the judge
Psalm 121 - b) Psalm 121 Antiphon: My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:2)
CHANGE A FAMILY’S STORY THIS CHRISTMAS
This Christmas, you can provide hope to families in need, from providing food for a hungry baby to helping a family during a disaster to providing families with financial security. Your gift is more than a present—it’s a story of God’s love in action.
This Christmas, be the hands and feet to reach families in need.
To download a 2025 Gift Catalogue go to https://gifts.samaritanspurse.org.au/
Safe Church Level 1 Live Online Training Sessions with Langmeil group.
Both modules required to complete/update Level 1.
Monday Nov. 24th "Induction”. 6.30pm for 7pm - 8.30pm session
Tuesday Dec. 2nd “Safeguarding”. 6.30pm for 7pm - 8.30pm session
Registration on the LCA website Safe Church Training - LCA (scroll down to the 'Australian live online webinar level 1’ for the link to the form).
For assistance, contact Marilyn, BT SC Coordinator - 0418 632 006
SBLC Governance Council (GC) Update – October 2025
Our SBLC leadership teams will meet for a workshop with Pastor Stephen Schultz this Sunday afternoon.
Please pray as they meet together and plan the way forward for the SBLC.
The GC sees this gathering as essential to ensure all leaders share a common understanding and can effectively communicate with their congregations.
The leadership teams who will be involved with the workshop are:
SBLC Governance Council, SBLC Ministry Team, SBLC Call Committee.
The 6 Church Councils from our individual sites - Bethany, Tabor, Grace, Lyndoch, Schoenborn & Langmeil.
The two Parish Church Councils - Bethany/Tabor & Lyndoch/Rowland Flat.
Next steps:
Distribute the action plan and timeline to all members
Host several Q&A sessions to address your questions
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we move forward together. Yours in Christ The SBLC Governance Council.
Safe Church Training requirements attached.
Each module is current for 3 years.