A new chapter: CrossFlow Lutheran Community Church Loxton
On Sunday, June 21 2026, our community gathered for a historic and joyful service to officially celebrate the launch and installation of CrossFlow Lutheran Community Church. Led by South Australia and Northern Territory District Bishop Andrew Brook, the service marked a significant milestone in our journey toward unity, bringing together members from St Peter’s Loxton, Pilgrims of Zion Bookpurnong, Trinity New Residence, St Peter Moorook, and St John’s Myrla.
The service highlighted the profound meaning behind our new name. Bishop Andrew shared that CrossFlow reflects our physical home alongside the Murray River while grounding our identity in the cross of Jesus Christ as the ‘wellspring of life’. He reminded us that just as the river sustains the land, the ‘flow of the cross’ pours God’s grace into our hearts, calling us to ‘swim in the flow of grace’ together as one resilient community.
A central part of the worship service was the formal installation of Pastor Jason Sander and Pastor Mat Eckermann. In a touching moment, they were presented with symbolic tokens of their office, including a Bible, a baptismal jug, and communion vessels. Highlighting the importance of rest and renewal, Pastor Jason was also presented with a guitar, while Pastor Mat received a fishing rod. We also officially installed our new Church Council, pastoral assistants, and lay readers, recognising the diverse leadership that will guide our ‘one church with many doors’.
This ‘new start’ follows a period of transition, yet the service was filled with a sense of thankfulness and joy. We closed the day with a wonderful fellowship lunch at Peace Hall, celebrating the beginning of this new season together. We look forward to seeing how God continues to move through CrossFlow to bless the wider Riverland community.
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