Thanksgiving Service Celebrates 220 Years of Lutheran Education at Faith Lutheran College

On Sunday, 2 November, more than 300 guests gathered in the Barossa Arts Centre for a special Thanksgiving Service, celebrating 220 years of Lutheran education. 180 years at the Junior School (formerly Tanunda Lutheran School) and 40 years at the Middle and Senior School. The afternoon was filled with worship, gratitude, and connection as students, alumni, staff, and families came together to mark this remarkable milestone.

The service featured beautiful performances by students from the Junior School and Middle and Senior School College Choirs, and showcased the talents of several alumni, including Pastor Nigel Rosenzweig (class of 1990) who delivered the sermon, Worship band members Anneka Sauerwald (nee Wilksch, class of 2019), Daniel Kitson, (class of 2019) and his wife Ebony, current staff Zac Sauerwald and Isobel Yeend (class of 2018). Recent graduates Ava Hughes and Wil Vidovich (class of 2024) also performed in the courtyard during afternoon tea and College tours.

Special roles were undertaken by current students, including Cross Bearer Poppy McClymont (Year 3), 2025 College Leader Mitchell Haley and 2026 College Leaders, along with Junior School Leaders who assisted as ushers.

Readings were delivered by Head of Junior School, Mrs Michelle Keller and LIFE Coordinator, Mr Craig Chidgey. Prayers were offered by College Council Chair Suz Westlake, students Poppy McClymont, Oscar Chipman and Erin Heinrich, and 2026 College Chaplain Michael Nokes. Assisting pastors included Eugene Minge and Damien Martin, who joined Pastor Adrian Kitson as lead pastor.

The service was strongly attended by former staff, many of whom were part of the trailblazing team who shaped the College in the early days. Former Principal Mr Gavan Cramer travelled from interstate for the occasion joining founding Principal Mr Brian Eckermann and current Principal Mr Steven Wilksch for the celebrations.

The service closed out a weekend of celebrations, which commenced on Friday, 31 October, with a commemorative chapel and College tour at the Junior School and Sunday morning tours at the Junior School.

2025 has been a wonderful celebration of Faith’s history, faith, and community spirit.