Have you ever received any emails, which say they were sent by Pastor Paul, Pastor Brian, Pastor Jim or others in leadership? They are still being sent and we would like to do a little deeper investigating. Please let Elaine at The Hub know if you have received one.
The information below was sent from ScamWatch a Government agency which monitors scams.
This Scam Alert is a joint warning from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch.
To read the full email alert click here.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2026
Bethany No service
Grace St John’s: 9am Pastor Gus Schutz
Langmeil: 8:45am HC & 10:30am HC Pastor Brain Schwarz
Lyndoch: 9am
Schoenborn: 10:30am HC Pastor Gus Schutz
Tabor: 9am HC Pastor Greg Schiller + Godly Play
BIBLE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2026
The First Reading Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Three thousand people repent and are baptised
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
The Second Reading 1 Peter 1:17-23 Set free by the sacrifice of Christ
The Gospel Reading: Luke 24:13-35 Jesus made known in the breaking of the bread
A new Advocacy for Women in Pastoral Ministry (AWPM) team has been established in the LCANZ, continuing the church’s work following the 2024 Convention of General Synod resolution that both women and men may be eligible for ordination.
The formation of the team, approved by the General Church Board (GCB) and College of Bishops (CoB), marks a transition from the 2025 Advocate for Women in Pastoral Ministry role, held by Dr Pauline Simonsen, to a collaborative, team-based approach.
Dr Tania Nelson has been appointed by GCB and CoB as convenor of the AWPM team. Other team members are Pastor Maria Rudolph, Jordan Moore, Helen Middelmann and Emma Graetz, who were gathered by Pauline and have generously offered their time in this voluntary ministry.
The team will continue to advocate for women in pastoral ministry as part of the LCANZ’s Way Forward process. It will provide advice to LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith and to joint meetings of GCB and CoB, as well as serve as a key point of contact for women across the church.
Tania said she is honoured to build on the foundations laid over the past year.
‘I’m delighted to continue the excellent work of Dr Pauline Simonsen to advocate for women in pastoral ministry in the LCANZ,’ she said.
‘Our team has been tasked with establishing a primary point of contact and a voice for women discerning, training or serving in pastoral ministry within the LCANZ. To all women who are discerning a call to ministry, those who are training for ministry and to the women who are already serving as pastors, we are here to support you.’
Tania encouraged women considering a call to pastoral ministry to connect with the team via email at advocateWPM@lca.org.au
Pauline, whose appointment in 2025 focused on establishing the advocate role, reflected on the significance of this next step.
‘Thank you to all the women who are holding or discerning a call to pastoral ministry,’ she said. ‘Thank you for your forbearance and tenacity. I hope and pray that those Jesus is calling – women and men – will hear and answer his call.’
Tania brings extensive experience in church life and ministry to the role. A specific ministry pastor candidate, she currently serves as ministry lead at Mawson Lakes Community Church in suburban Adelaide, where she was installed on 1 February 2026. She was the manager of Lutheran Media from August 2023 to January 2026 and previously served as the LCANZ’s executive officer – Local Mission. Before this, Tania was the head of school of theological studies and associate dean for academic affairs at Australian Lutheran College.
Find more information about the implementation of the Way Forward resolution at www.lca.org.au/implementation-ordination-resolution
Your Church House Exhibition Centre is opening soon!
13 April 2026
by Lisa McIntosh
The Church House Exhibition Centre, which will highlight the stories of our LCANZ, is set to open in the coming weeks. Located on the ground floor of LCA Church House in Adelaide, the centre will be a part of South Australia’s History Festival next month, open from 5 May for individual and group visits and tours.
Currently being fitted out with interpretive story and pictorial panels, interactive displays, audio-visual elements and rare and historic artefacts and artwork, the exhibition space features content that reflects our Lutheran heritage, present-day ministries of faith, worship and service and future directions.
The centre will provide opportunities for engagement and connection within the wider church and broader community, both through events such as the History Festival and by being open to the public each week. The initial opening hours will be Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm, with walk-ins welcome. Guided and group tours will also be available; please email exhibitioncentre@lca.org.au to inquire or to make a booking.
We are also looking for volunteers to help welcome and guide visitors to the centre. If you or someone you know may be interested in serving in this way, please email the above address or phone 08 8267 7300.