We are an ordinary bunch of people, but together we have a very special community, young and old. Some of our families have three generations coming to worship together.
We’re part of a bigger church family, the Lutheran Church of Australia. Together we want to be a place where love comes to life. We believe that God’s love is for everyone, everywhere, and we want you to see how his love comes to life in us—and in you. You can read more about our mission here.
Our history dates all the way back to 1852, when a group of 72 Wendish Lutherans arrived from Silesia to settled here, and named this locality “Ebenezer” (“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” 1 Samuel 7:12). Read more about our history.
St John’s Lutheran Church, Ebenezer, is different to the normal town church. Set in farmland and vineyards, it is barely visible from the highway. We are an ordinary bunch of people—farmers, grape-growers and townies—but together we have a very special community, young and old. Some of our families have three generations coming to worship together.
There is a very active Sunday school called KLIC (Kids Living in Christ). Older children are catered for in the youth activities, which are held in cooperation with another church in our parish: Pilgrim, Neukirch. The women of our community also meet jointly with those of Pilgrim, Neukirch. All these groups are run by dedicated leaders and are very well attended. Click here for contact information.
A social committee runs and organises various events throughout the year—and everyone is invited. Please keep an eye and ear out for these events. If you don’t want to come to church, or if you’re shy about coming to our regular group activities, these community events are a way of getting to know us and making new friends.
If you want to come and worship with us—for the first time ever, or to reconnect with a practice from long ago—you’ll find our worship styles vary. We try to be as inclusive as possible and allow for different tastes, so you’ll find a blend of traditional and modern hymns and songs. A children’s talk is included in every service, so don’t feel nervous about bringing your little ones. At St John’s, we love children, and all the noise they make.
The ringing of the church bell before service is a long-held tradition and a fitting prelude to worship. A dedicated group of our people prepare the church before each service and will be there to warmly welcome you when you arrive. If you’ve never been to a worship service before, and are feeling shy or nervous, let one of us know, and we’ll sit with you and explain what’s going on.
In 2015, St John’s hosted the first Barossa Hymn Festival in Tanunda, which was attended by 250 people enjoying singing traditional hymns to the accompaniment of the 1866 Hill & Son organ.
