If you’re looking for an Easter service to attend, our churches would be delighted to welcome you.
Click here to download the list of 2024 Easter church services near you.
137 Archer Street
North Adelaide SA 5006
Phone 08 8267 5211
If you’re looking for an Easter service to attend, our churches would be delighted to welcome you.
Click here to download the list of 2024 Easter church services near you.
St James Lutheran Church in Whyalla recently celebrated 60 years.
In 1963, a bare double block was chosen for the St James church on the outskirts of the Whyalla township, thanks to the foresight of the founding members. Today, it stands proudly midway across the city population. Remarkable, also, is the fact it only took eight months to build by G J Rakauskas and his team for a contracted price of 15,322 pounds.
Our 60th celebration was in near-perfect weather, quite the opposite to its opening service in 1963, with over 39 degrees and hot, northerly winds. This 60th celebration may have been for the building, but the fellowships and fun enjoyed were ageless.
Pastor Lee van Rossen conducted the church service, inspiring us with God’s word and its relevance to us today. Pastor Tim Spilsbury, a prior pastor at St James, read the Bible reading. Our organist, Peg Brereton, enthralled us on the pipe organ, completing the church service with the Hallelujah Chorus to everyone’s delight.
Church attendance of 99 people included visitors from Laura, Wilmington, Burra, Kapunda, Hope Valley, Unley, Happy Valley, Para Vista, Quorn, Clare, Port Lincoln, Tumby Bay, Port August and Ipswich, Queensland.
Thanks to Di Zimmermann and her merry helpers, a banquet luncheon ensured no one went home hungry. The open mic session in the afternoon was a highlight, with past members sharing their stories of their time at St James. Also on display were congregational photos of past church events.
In the words of the church president, Keith Sichler, ‘It was a day filled with the renewal of old friendships and positive affirmations of people’s time in Whyalla and a time to reflect on the blessings the St James congregation has received over the past 60 years’.
Pictured above, left: Organist Peg Brereton, standing with Jim Havelberg, son of foundation members Paul and Rosina Havelberg. Pictured above, top right: St James enjoys its 60th celebration service. Pictured above, bottom right: Howard Havelberg, son of foundation members Paul and Rosina Havelberg, with his daughter Jenn Havelberg. Inset: St James Lutheran Church, built in 1963
Carolyn Ronan was the event organiser.
It was a case of all creatures great and small as hundreds of beloved pets descended upon Tatachilla Lutheran College on a sunny September morning, for their much-anticipated Blessing of the Animals ceremony. Conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, the event has become one of the highlights of the school year.
Tatachilla’s school pastor, Jon Goessling, began the college tradition of the Blessing of the Animals ten years ago, inspired by a similar event he’d seen at a city parish. He was moved by the obvious connection between humans and their animals that was spiritual in nature and based on deep love.
‘My job as a college pastor is to make the invisible God visible and to help students understand their spiritual selves and the transformative power of love,’ says Pastor Jon.
‘At Tatachilla, the annual Blessing of the Animals event has become an unwitting gateway for students to see God in nature, with animals acting as the language of love and community. There is nothing so intuitive and profound as the love we have for the animals in our lives: it is Godly and transformative.
‘I will never forget one Blessing of the Animals event at the college, where I came upon a senior student laying on her back on the grass looking blissfully up at the sky, seemingly breathing in the atmosphere of the animals around her. I asked her if she was alright and she responded, “This is the best day of my life. This is what the world should always be.”’
At the school’s first Blessing of the Animals event in 2013 there were some 30 pets brought along. This year there was an astounding response from the college community with approximately 400 animals on campus. Three horses, a cow, a sheep, a dove and even a hermit crab were in line to be blessed, along with droves of cats, dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs and budgies. With Pastor Jon on extended leave the task of blessing the enthusiastic mob fell to Pastor Albert Gast, affectionately coined “Past Al” by students, who is filling in as college pastor for 2023. Pastor André Meyer from Calvary Lutheran Church in Morphett Vale was also called in as a reinforcement, due to the huge number of animals in attendance.
There was plenty to keep everyone entertained on the day. Bluegrass band Miss Ohio had toes, paws and claws tapping, and a mobile petting zoo full of baby animals from The Farm Barn at Hahndorf was a hit with young and old alike.
Pastor Jon, who is looking forward to being part of next year’s event when he returns from leave, says the connection between humans and animals evident in the college community is a special thing.
‘I love that in my job at Tatachilla I can step outside of my office and see a family walking their alpaca up the school path on their way to see a staff member. This part of the ‘college normal’ – where people and animals can interact lovingly every day – and what a wonderful normal it is.’
Photos: Pastors Albert Gast (in the sombrero) and André Meyer bless the many beloved animals of Tatchilla Lutheran College families.
Photos by Greg Adams from Imagestix, courtesy Tatachilla Lutheran College. This story first appeared in Together, the LCA SA-NT District magazine, in December 2023.
Sharing hope and peace with people, regardless of their faith and whatever their circumstance, is what keeps Pastor Tim Klein going in his role as a South Australia Police (SAPOL) chaplain. For more than 25 years Tim has served as a police chaplain in regions including Burra, Clare and the Riverland. Eight years ago he took up a position at the Police Call Centre in Adelaide, where the state’s emergency Triple Zero phone calls are answered, and he’s still there today.
The work of SAPOL chaplains encompasses many facets. Not only do they perform rites including marriages, baptisms and funerals for members of the police force and their families, but they also offer an accessible Christian perspective in the workplace and community – the presence of Christ in every SAPOL situation, from weekly worksite visits to regular events and even at major incidents.
Tim says it’s the rapport built that enables the best outcomes.
‘The most important role is one that builds relationships with SAPOL officers to the point that the chaplain becomes a trusted person in their life,’ says Tim. ‘From this perspective a chaplain is able to offer friendly and useful support to police, especially in times of crisis.’
As volunteers they may not be paid in a monetary sense, but the reward is clear, says Tim.
‘The only payment is the satisfaction of bringing support to busy police officers and care to those who are hurting.’
Tim is also on the SAPOL Police Chaplaincy Council, working with a police Chief Inspector and three other chaplains to provide interim oversite of the SAPOL chaplaincy program. The group oversees the recruitment and placement of chaplains and the coordination of annual conferences.
Tim says the most rewarding part of being a Police chaplain for him has been the ongoing friendships formed with the officers – relationships that have benefited all involved.
‘Chaplains make a difference. SAPOL chaplaincy has made a difference in my life as a pastor, keeping me real and gospel-focused as I relate with the men and women of SAPOL.’
This article first appeared in the September 2023 edition of the LCA SA-NT District magazine, ‘Together’. Photo: Pastor Tim chats to staff in the Police Call Centre.
Following a combined parish service with Holy Communion at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cleve on Reformation Sunday October 29th, Lutherans from Cleve, Cowell and Lock, along with Anglican friends, moved to the Cleve Manse back yard for a German themed Garden Party that was held in glorious weather.
The yard had been set up with tables that were decorated with beer steins used as vases for table flowers, and both the Australian and German flags were hung, adding a sense of Lutheran history to the day.
Authentic German food was enjoyed, along with gluhwein for those who wished to partake. Whilst the courses were served, quizzes were run and bocce and Finska were available for people to play.
Apart from it being Reformation, the lunch was held to raise funds for the manse renovations that have recently been finished and for support for Australian Lutheran World Service, who care for those in the world who are in greatest danger of being forgotten. Julie Magnay gave a short talk on the work of ALWS and displayed the meagre rations of flour, rice, sugar, oil and dates that are provided for a family to survive on in Somalia.
The manse was open for inspection for people to see how much work had been done upgrading the kitchen and bathroom areas.
While we enjoyed a great day of feasting and fun there are many in the world that live in extreme want. Martin Luther once said, ‘God doesn’t need our good works, but our neighbour does.’ – both the Manse fund and ALWS will benefit from the day.
Photos: Attendees enjoy the sunshine; Anne Siviour (Parish Chair), Elaine Schumann, Julie Magnay.
Held at The Ark Lutheran Church in Salisbury, the North Zone Fellowship Day was based on the Bible text Psalm 145:4 – “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts: let them proclaim your power”, reminding attendees that their stories are important, and to never underestimate their impact on others.
Guest speaker Mark Underwood, Pastoral Care Worker at Lake Windemere School, shared his personal story of coming to faith and aspects of his work where he can demonstrate God’s love to other by being creatively involved in the lives of students and their families when they’re going through difficult circumstances. Mark also oversees an on-site food pantry and hamper provision, and many have been blessed through this.
Lunchtime provided time for socializing, supporting the well-stocked stall, and viewing the inspiring displays provided by the LLL Tract Mission and Blueprint Ministries. Many colourful rugs were also on display in the church, made for the fellowship-supported project ‘Wrap with Love’.
In the afternoon the group was entertained by an energetic presentation of songs by kindergarten children, business formalities, and presentations from Susan Richards from Lutheran Care and Jeanette Mann from Blueprint Ministries. A closing devotion by Pastor Joel Cramer concluded the inspiring day.
Photos clockwise from left: The group participates in a song with kindy kids; guest speaker Pastoral Care Worker Mark Underwood with a ‘Kimochi’, used to help students identify and cope with ‘big feelings’; the well-stocked stall.
The annual Lutherans @Uni camp is a great time for uni students and friends to connect. This year’s camp was held at Woodhouse, from August 11-13.
The theme for this year’s Lutheran students and friends camp was ‘the Four Loves’ of the Greek language: ‘storge’ meaning family affection, ‘philia’ meaning friendship, ‘eros’ meaning romantic love, and ‘agape’ meaning the unconditional love which God shows to us and which Christians are called to show to others.
Pastor Fraser Pearce got us started on the Saturday morning with a Bible study on the raising of Lazarus, drawing out the interplay of the four different loves throughout the story. Delving deeper, four guest speakers each shared their insights on the type of love with which they work on a daily basis. Julie Hahn shared some of the advice she gives in her role as a parental and family encourager, while Alison Rogers talked about love in Christian romantic relationships based on her experience as a marriage counsellor with Lutheran Care. Pastoral student Tom Krahling explored the views of various philosophers on the different types of friendship and what we can reasonably expect from each, and finally Pastor Wayne Boehm described the fatherly, gracious, and compassionate love of God, and the ways in which we can reflect this in our lives.
In the afternoon, after a daring and rather wet romp through the Challenge Hill obstacle course, Joanne Chamberlain from Blueprint Ministries and LCA New and Renewing churches led us in a reflective exercise on the importance of showing servant love to our neighbours in the direct physical sense – the people who live in our neighbourhoods and whom we encounter on a daily basis, and yet whom we can often be tempted to overlook in favour of the family and friends we stay in touch with online.
Throughout there were times set aside to ask questions, share impressions, and also to discuss and pray in smaller groups. A concert by Daniel Kitson and Ebony Bedford of songs relating to love was another highlight, and the evenings involved a lot of time to relax, chat, play board and card games, eat the delicious dinners provided by Lissy who catered for us, and of course spend some time out by the bonfire. After morning worship on Sunday, a discussion of ideas for further integrating young adult programs and activities, and a last fortifying bowl of soup, campers began to set off for home – though a few intrepid souls remained behind to see which of Woodhouse’s outdoor adventure opportunities might still be running in the drizzly afternoon.
There’s more than just melodies on offer for the families who come through the door at one of the many Lutheran church-based mainly music sessions. Alongside the fun of the engaging songs, music and movement is an atmosphere of true community, one that offers support, sharing, ministry and even meals. It’s not only parents that attend with their children, grandparents also often bring their grandchildren and enjoy the connections that the program fosters.
South Australia has the highest number of Lutheran churches offering mainly music sessions in the country – 13 churches in total are involved so far. Each session is aimed at babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families, and is based around the five mainly music core values of generosity, connection, celebration, creativity and honour. God is at the center of the mainly music ethos, and days begin with the leaders in prayer, before the families arrive. Faith elements are also incorporated into the music time, with church volunteers on hand to help with everything from providing and serving ‘coffee and calories’ (as one group has coined their morning tea), to lending their expertise in crafts and activities, cooking emergency meals to provide to those in need and more. Most sessions run for 90 minutes, with half an hour of structured music and learning, followed by an hour of eating, chatting and play time.
Jane Hill is the mainly music co-leader at St Marks Lutheran Church in Mount Barker. A former early-childhood teacher, Jane has had connections with mainly music for nearly two decades through her children and grandchildren, but only recently started as a leader in 2022. At 67 years old Jane says she thought the role might be beyond her, but ‘God knew better’.
‘I love that we are connecting with the children and families and are free to share Jesus when appropriate through our words, through music and our actions,’ says Jane. ‘I love seeing the connection that occurs immediately. Sometimes a new family arrives and you can’t see that they’re new, because they connect straight away.’
The sessions are open to all in the community, and of the 32 families currently registered at Mount Barker only three are current members from the St Marks church congregation. With new families attending and babies being born (at least nine have been added to the Mount Barker mainly music ranks in the last 18 months) Jane says it is rewarding to be part of a group that is growing and maturing together, and that provides a safe and inclusive environment for connection and friendship as well as a pathway to faith and pastoral care.
‘I guess mainly music provides that opportunity for members of the community to connect. Mount Barker is a growing regional area of Adelaide and families are seeking activities for their young children to attend. Definite friendships are forming each week. And the best thing of all, families are given a chance to think about the God-part of life.’
This year the Mount Barker group has had great success with their themed sessions, the most recent being ‘water’. One mum reported that her son, who was previously afraid of the bath, experienced a turnaround after Freddie, the group’s mascot teddy bear, ‘explained’ during a session why water was nothing to be worried about. Freddie has since been sent home with a family each week, and his adventures documented in a journal.
Mother’s Day activities also proved a hit, with children arranging blooms in a ‘flower shop’, using flowers, floral foam and ribbons donated by members of the church congregation. Church members also cooked 26 shepherd’s pies that were packaged up and given to the families who attended the mainly music session as a ‘night off from cooking’ Mother’s Day gift.
For more information about mainly music and how you can be involved, visit the website at mainlymusic.org or email Jeanette Mann from Blueprint Ministries at jeanette.mann@lca.org.au
Photo: Making bouquets for Mothers Day. Image courtesy Jane Hill.
Are we there yet?
When my children were little, we lived in Melbourne, but their grandparents lived in both South Australia and Queensland. We have great memories of hours and hours in the car, the wide-open road and the big sky in front of us, the sound of the Christian musician Colin Buchanan or an audio book of the Narnia Chronicles, sometimes grumping from the three children from the back seat, and, best of all, the peace and quiet when everyone but the driver was asleep. And the incessant question, ‘are we there yet?’. Not yet, but it’s not long now. My children mostly appeared to be satisfied with the response that we were getting closer, as I saw the road continue to recede in the distance through the rear-view mirror.
In recent months I’ve been reading a book with the discomforting title, How to Lead When you Don’t Know Where You’re Going. It was recommended to me by a leader from another Christian denomination. It has the subtitle: ‘Leading in a liminal season.’ Liminal comes from the Latin word limen which means threshold, that is, the space between outside and inside. Imagine you are standing on the front porch of a house you’ve never been to before. You’ve been invited by people you don’t really know. You’re nervous, but also curious. What will you find inside? Will you receive a warm welcome?
Living in a liminal time is certainly challenging. That’s where I’ve been for the last few months, between my election as District Bishop and the conclusion of my ministry at St John’s Unley. I’m both excited and nervous about what is ahead of me.
None of us know what’s going to happen next year or next decade, let alone the next minute. Change is a constant, but it seems to be getting exponentially quicker. Many of the issues that Australian society is grappling with were not on the agenda when I began my pastoral ministry in 1993: identity politics, multiple ways of understanding human sexuality, climate change, polarisation of political views, a growing gap between rich and poor, and the relegation of faith to the sidelines.
Churches in societies like Australia find ourselves in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable place. The general public don’t listen to our voice like they once did. People speak against us, or just ignore us. We feel that we don’t make the kind of impact that we once did, and we feel disheartened. It’s not a case of ‘are where there yet?’ but ‘where are we heading?’.
Back to the road trip. As a family, we did know where we were heading, but we didn’t know exactly what would happen along the way. There could be roadworks, diversions, a sick child, a mechanical issue with the car. But we trusted that we would get there. We know that the road for the church is bumpy, and we face unexpected challenges, whether as a congregation or individuals. Yet God is in the driver’s seat, directing us to the final destination, which is his renewal of the whole of creation through the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ.
In the month of July, we heard the whole of chapter eight of Paul’s Letter to the Romans in worship. In this remarkable chapter, Paul gives us a robust confidence in the God who is on our side. He proved that by not sparing his son but giving him up for us all. At the personal level, this means that there is now no condemnation for anyone who is in Christ Jesus. There are no ifs and buts with God. Jesus’ cross is the proof of his love and forgiveness. We are no longer at the mercy of our sinful nature. Nothing that earth or heaven can throw at us can separate us from God’s love. We know where we are going. But we are not there yet.
Instead, we live in a complicated, confused and messy world. The immediate future is uncertain and difficult. ‘We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time,’ (Romans 8:22) Paul says. And there are times when we find ourselves groaning with it. But even then, Paul steers us to the hope that God has given us in Christ. A new beginning is on the way: ‘For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.’ (Romans 8:19)
Times may be challenging, but this is the best time for hope to shine. That’s how I feel as I begin my service as your bishop. On this journey, I look in the rear-view mirror and I’m so thankful for the ministry of retiring bishop, David Altus. I thank God for his calm, wise, faithful and hopeful leadership. I am thankful for all those alongside of me on the journey: those who serve on District Church Council, assistant bishops Stephen, Adrian and Joel, the staff in District Office, and each one of you, faithful witness to Jesus in your congregation and community. I am looking forward to hearing your stories and learning how I can best support you and your congregations.
The SA-NT District is bigger than our congregations. We are linked in ministry with schools, aged care facilities, disability support and community care. I see great opportunities for us to serve alongside LESNW, Lutheran Care, Lutheran Disability Services and our aged care institutions, and to build on our shared history of the Christian faith active in love.
At the recent District Synod in Victor Harbor, the District Church Council shared with you a simple vision of what it means for us to be church today:
Real Grace – where our relationship with God is restored.
Real Life – where God’s love changes the way we live.
Real Community – where we extend God’s love to others and learn to bring the good news into each other’s lives.
God has called us to a road less travelled, where the church is a place where people can belong and find meaning, restoration, comfort and strength in Jesus, through grace alone, and where they can also find acceptance by real people, by you and me. This is what it means to be God’s remnant, servant people in the world. I welcome your insights about what this means for you and your congregation. I also ask you to pray for me as Solomon prayed, ‘Give your servant a discerning heart.’ (1 Kings 3:9a)
Where are we going? We know what our ultimate destination is. We know that we are the people of God. We know that ‘creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.’ That’s some kind of promise, and an unimaginable good future. We’re not there yet, and we know that there will be twists and turns along the road. But we know that God has got everything in hand, for the sake of his church and his plan to reconcile the world to himself.
This article first appeared in the September 2023 edition of Together magazine. Bishop Andrew Brook was installed as SA-NT District Bishop on 3 September. Photo above, from the installation service, by Amy Dahlenburg.
There were six Blueprint Ministries camps held during the recent winter school holidays. All offered the opportunity for fun, games and activities, alongside times of learning, worship and faith building.
Barossa CLW 2023, ‘Set Apart’
By Anneka Wilksch, Camp Director
Barossa Christian Life Week was held at Cornerstone College in Mount Barker from 10-14 July. With 64 campers, 30 leaders, 2 pastors, catering teams and many other hands to make light work, the energy on campus was hard to ignore. We were so blessed to have the support of local pastors, Pastor Adrian Kitson and Pastor Eugene Minge.
Our theme for camp this year was ‘Set Apart’, taking direction from 1 Peter 2:9. Through this we discussed what it means to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation, how Creation shows us who God created us to be and how The Fall came in and introduced darkness to the world. But ultimately through the perfect example of Jesus, and through His death and resurrection we are brought into His light and New Creation. We also looked at what it means to be called by God and how we can act on our Godly vocations, and how Godly habits and Christian community all helps us to better know our Lord God.
Camp had so much to offer in the form of a superhero themed game afternoon, game show night, trivia night, country and western dinner, family photo night, capture the flag and so much more. We also had a fabulous array of electives to allow our campers to learn about how they can show the glory of God through their passions and everyday activities. We had options such as sport, art, girl or guy time, worship, cooking and a Bible time elective that taught us about Christian living in today’s world. There were so many highlights from camp this year but overall, the energy and eagerness of our campers and leaders alike, to delve into the Word of God and endeavour to live in faith, was incredible to see. The Christ-centred relationships, care, and compassion that everyone had for one another highlighted just how much God is already evident in each of these people’s walks of life. We are so incredibly thankful to all of the people that supported us whether it was financially, by praying, by leading with us, encouraging our young people to attend camp, sponsoring somebody new, or baking biscuits for morning tea. We couldn’t have done it without you! We are so grateful to God and are already beaming with plans for next year! Bring on 2024! All the glory to God!
Hills CLW 2023, ‘Back 2 Basics’
By Zachary Sauerwald, Camp Director
Once again, Hills CLW was held at Unity College, Murray Bridge. This year’s theme was ‘Back 2 Basics’, where we went back to the roots of our belief and delved into the Gospel. Over the week, we explored ‘What is God?’, creation, God’s law and sin, Jesus and ‘What Now?’. We were extremely fortunate to have Pastor Joel Cramer oversee our theme, which not only allowed us to revisit these key concepts but also introduced them to some of our campers for the first time and filled in some gaps for campers and leaders alike.
A new experience for our camp was our time at the Murray Bridge Lutheran Village, where we made new friends from a different generation. We played games, learnt about each other’s lives and served hot drinks and food. Some campers even tried to outrun a mobility scooter but couldn’t keep up!
We were incredibly grateful to be provided with some delicious food throughout the week, and a HUGE thank you to Daniel Pietsch and Joey Traeger for heading up the kitchen this year. Our highlight was the kid’s party-themed finger food on Thursday night, which followed the ‘Kindy-Kids’ big game organised by Emma Klatt.
As we settled back into our lives outside of camp, we pray that everyone was able to reflect on their experience on camp and feel the desire to continue to grow in their relationships with our heavenly father. We are beyond thankful to the campers, leaders, cooks, chaplains, prayer warriors, pastor and everyone else who helped us make this camp the way it was. More importantly, we thank Jesus Christ for all He has done for us and pray that He will continue to use camps to shape the hearts and minds of all involved to be more like Him.
JC Life 2023, ‘Raise a Hallelujah’
By Jordan Schaefer, Camp Director
Our theme this year was ‘Raise A Hallelujah’. Each year we have campers who are new to faith and don’t understand why we have worship on camp and what it means. As Christians, praising and worshiping God for all he has done, His mercy and greatness is of high importance. Our Bible study focused on what worship and praise is, why we do it and how to do it. Delving into numerous Psalms, campers discussed ways they could worship God on camp, after camp, during worship and every other moment of their lives. In one of our last small group sessions the campers looked at how to praise in the middle of the storms of life, reminded of Job who was stripped of everything yet still turned and praised God.
Between small group sessions, leaders lead several bootcamp activities, ranging in low/high exercise. Leader Sophie ran a line dancing group, teaching a new line dance to Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran. This led to everyone standing up during meals and/or free times when the song came on. Leader Lachie took a bunch of campers for a walk along the lakeside hunting for bush turkeys, unfortunately no turkeys were found. Our leaders Emilie and Callum ran a well-received ‘Just Dance’ bootcamp. Despite taking on ‘Tetris’, ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’, ‘Waka Waka’ and SO many more, everyone who joined gave 110% energy to the dances and did not want to stop!
On the Tuesday of camp, the directors paired up the small groups and challenged them to a 5-way capture the flag. The catch? To tag the other players, you had to tap them with a coloured powder ball. With powder balls flying this way and that, this version of capture the flag encouraged all participants to be involved as everyone wanted to be the most colourful. Each team had a different colour which inspired most participants to try for the flag as they wanted to be hit with each colour. The few campers who didn’t want to run for the flag still had so much fun running around tagging everyone – including those on their own team! This ended up with a very colourful bunch of campers and leaders.
Tuesday night one of our leaders ran a night game outside called Commando. Campers had to race from one end of the campsite to the other without being spotted by the ‘spotters’ with torches. But to make their trek more difficult, they had to collect a couple items on their way including a sponge and a piece of costume to help them stand out more. If they were caught, they had to return their items and start again. We had rave reviews from many campers that it was the best part of camp.
The Wednesday outdoor game required campers and leaders to assemble in groups, with their running shoes on. In their groups, they had to run around flipping sports cones over in one direction while another small group flipped them in the opposite direction. To add extra difficulty, there were a couple of designated taggers in each group, if you were caught it became a game of stuck in the mud as you waited for a team mate to save you so you could resume play. There were a number of campers who enjoyed targeting their leaders and chasing after them.
This year we ran our first ever worship electives which led to a camper-involved worship on the Wednesday evening of camp. Campers had the opportunity to choose between prayers, faith statement/creed, arts & craft, poem/psalm, dance, bible study, nature appreciation walk. We had an incredible number of brave campers stand up and present what they learnt and worked on during their elective time! We couldn’t be prouder.
On the final night, we held a banquet. Everyone dressed up in an array of 80’s disco/colourful clothes ready to boogey it out on the dance floor, and boogey they did. The hall was decked out with disco ball balloons, fairy lights, streamers, slinkies and glow in the dark moustaches. Following the feast, leader Lachie ran a Taskmasters themed challenge, which consisted of many different objects being guessed, thrown and drawn.
Many thanks to those who supported camp, whether that was through donations, catering, sponsoring a camper or many other ways. We greatly appreciate it. Also a massive thank you to the fantastic leadership team!
Lower Murray South East CLW, ‘Immanuel, God With Us’
By Bethanie Mann, Camp Director
LMSE CLW 2023 was an absolute blast, with over 50 campers and 20 leaders joining us! This year we looked at the theme of ‘Immanuel, God With Us’, exploring how nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We started our days off strongly with morning ‘rev-up’, getting our blood pumping with sessions run by the Wiggles (or at least people who looked very similar), our directors, Shak, and Pastor Shaun. Pastor Mitch and Pastor Shaun led the campers in talks tracing God’s journey to His people starting in the Garden of Eden, journeying through the Old and New Testaments, and ending in Revelation. Small-group time followed the talks and allowed campers to unpack, reflect upon, and ask questions about the content covered.
Games this year followed the theme of “Mission Manager” in which campers had a great time running around in groups completing missions/tasks to collect points. Messy games once again were a highlight, with campers completing tasks involving great quantities of slime, shaving cream, and baked beans. Campers who chose not to participate in messy games enjoyed a quiz/game-show session, which ended in a surprise water-balloon ambush on the messy-campers, and an opportunity to tip slime on the leaders.
Elective time allowed campers the opportunity to choose both a faith-based activity, such as a prayer walk, discerning spiritual gifts, Bible 101 and apologetics, and a fun elective like a beach walk, bush dancing, crafts, cooking and outdoor sports. Elective sessions were followed by girl/guy time, where campers could spend time unpacking general and gender-specific questions in a safe space.
Other camp highlights included reflective night, where campers reflected on the significance and impact of the Christmas story, and community night, where campers stayed up late playing games and talking by the fire. ‘Christmas in July’ theme night was another hit, with everyone donning funky Christmas costumes and leaders serving campers their dinner surrounded by Christmas decorations.
This year also brought about the semi-retirement of long-time leader Shak, who after leading on 34 LMSE CLW’s is passing the baton (in the form of his famous lolly container) onto his son.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who prayed for and supported the camp, and our praise and thanks to God for the good weather, safety and growth in faith. It truly was an amazing camp, and we cannot wait for LMSE CLW 2024.
Metro CLW, ‘Kingdom, Power, Glory’
By Nicole Pfeiffer, Metro CLW Camp Director
This year’s Metro CLW saw us embark on a trip to Port Hughes where we spent the week unpacking the Lord’s Prayer and prayer with Pastor Tim Ebbs. We had a great week in our worship and small group sessions discussing how God’s kingdom is here now and how we can live in full freedom in him as we give him the glory. We also had a great time playing some medieval themed games, learning more about some faith fundamentals from our workshop leaders and building deeper connections in our girl and guy times.
We want to thank everyone on camp and off camp for supporting us and the camping ministry. We have loved every minute of Metro CLW 2023 and can’t wait to do it again next year. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever, amen!
Riverland CLW, ‘Talking With God’
By Emma Strelan, Camp Director
Riverland CLW was blessed to have a marvellous leadership team and amazing bunch of campers this year. Our theme was ‘Talking With God’, or in other words, prayer! In small group time, we looked at the what, why, when and how of prayer. Then each day, our speaker, Tom, explored one aspect of the Lord’s Prayer. It was so good to see campers of every age group engaging with and being challenged by this part of faith.
On Tuesday afternoon the boys really got into Lego construction while the girls enjoyed painting ceramic mugs. Wednesday afternoon was the highlight of camp for many because we played colour games. Campers were split into small groups and had to complete a variety of challenges involving messy colour powder. Not unexpectedly, the afternoon ended in all-out colour chaos. On Wednesday evening we had a special worship service involving camper participation – it included everything from playing in the band, to writing prayers and a faith statement, to performing an interpretive dance. It was wonderful to see the campers find the parts of worship that they most connected with, and get to contribute in that way. On Thursday we ran some general electives which included pizza making (a delicious lunch was in store that day!). And on the final night we celebrated the week that was by holding a theme night which saw many creative interpretations of ‘royalty’ and was followed by lots of dancing and chats by the fire buckets.
The Riverland CLW leaders had a superb week, and judging by the smiles on the campers’ faces, they did too. We thank God for how he showed so much of his power and love to many people on camp, and pray that extends to everyone involved as they return back to their homes and families.
137 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006
Phone 08 8267 5211
Email us