Tanunda Churches Complete Merger
Grace Lutheran Church Tanunda has officially become a new congregation, following a successful vote to merge two Tanunda-based churches, St John’s and St Paul’s.
The history of both congregations dates back well over a century, with St John’s originally formed in 1860 and St Paul’s in 1904.
“For more than ten years both congregations have been involved in discussions to work more closely together, not only with each other, but involving the other Tanunda congregations as well,” says Grace Chairperson David Saegenschnitter.
It was in 2016 that St Paul’s responded to an invitation from St John’s to join with them in the formation of a new congregation and since the beginning of 2017 the group has been worshipping together under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Guntars Baikovs.
“During the past two and half years the congregations have formed a close relationship with pastoral assistants working together and a leadership group established to guide each congregation toward the amalgamation,” Saegenschnitter said.
August saw the culmination of the years of planning with a series of special general meetings, including the inaugural general meeting of Grace, where Pastor Guntars Baikovs was called to serve as the pastor of the new congregation.
Grace will continue on an arrangement of shared ministry with Bethlehem Schoenborn congregation, located on the outskirts of Tanunda, offering divine services and pastoral assistance to its members.
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