Dear Pastors of the LCANZ,

Please see below for important information in relation to the October 2022 General Pastors’ Conference (GPC).

The GPC Planning Committee is planning a face-to-face conference at the Barossa Arts and Convention Centre in Tanunda, South Australia from Tuesday 11^th to Thursday 13^th October 2022. All LCANZ pastors are encouraged and expected to attend GPC.

Notice regarding GPC Chair

On 25 May 2022, Pastor Mathew Ker resigned as Chair of GPC. The GPC Planning Committee thanks Pastor Ker for the many years he has served on the GPC Planning Committee in his roles as Minute Secretary, Secretary and Chair.

The College of Bishops have asked that the GPC receive SA-NT District Bishop David Altus as Acting Chair of GPC until the Conference can elect a new chair in the first sessions of GPC.

Pastor Matthew Bishop will chair the GPC Planning Committee meetings whilst continuing in his role as GPC Secretary.

Registrations

Registrations to attend GPC 2022 will be opening on 25 July 2022. The link to register will be sent out via email communication and will also be available on the GPC website here. Please note that payment will be required at the time of registration via credit card.

Registrations will close strictly on 26^th September 2022 and no registrations will be able to be processed or amended after this date. This is in respect of those organising the event and to meet catering deadlines.

If you have any difficulties or questions about the registration process, please contact Chelsea Bellamy on (08) 8267 7300 or chelsea.bellamy@lca.org.au.

Costs

The cost for attendance at GPC has been set as follows:

• General Ministry Pastor – Synod delegate                                     $300.00
• General Ministry Pastor – non-Synod delegate                             $300.00
• Specific Ministry Pastor                                                                     $250.00
• Emeriti Pastor                                                                                     $250.00
• Guest pastor of the LCA                                                                  $250.00

Please note that all day meals are included in this cost. These costs should be paid by your calling/employing body.

We will be holding a conference dinner on the Tuesday 11 October 2022 at Lamberts Estate Wines. This dinner is included in the cost of your registration.

Accommodation

We encourage pastors to think about booking accommodation and making travel arrangements as soon as possible, however, please ensure that you check cancellation policies with your preferred provider as the LCA cannot accept responsibility for cancellation fees and lost payments. Accommodation options can be found here.

Travel

If you are a pastor delegate appointed by your District to attend General Convention:

You are eligible to have your flights to the closest main airport for GPC (Adelaide - Barossa Valley SA) and General Convention (Melbourne Vic) paid for by the LCA and you are required to use the FCM service. No
flight-cost reimbursements will be made to you except in extraordinary circumstances. It is assumed that you will choose the most cost-effective fare for your travel from the flights available on the day that you book.

Please make your bookings as soon as possible and ensure you check COVID related cancellation policies with your bookings.  You may wish to delay your booking until closer to the time – but do not delay so much you cannot secure a booking.  

Your name has been registered with FCM and the team are ready and waiting for your call. Their phone number is 1800 458 949. If you have a login, you are welcome to use that (noting that their login procedures have recently been updated - FCM service).

Your accommodation, meals and ground transport are your own or your parish’s responsibility.

If you are attending GPC but are not a delegate to General Convention:

Driving

If you are driving to GPC, we encourage you to share travel and carpool with your brother pastors. Reimbursements for those who are eligible (Pastor Delegates to Synod) will be at the standard rate for payment with a car allowance (even if you do not receive a car allowance).

To claim travel reimbursement for GPC through HRS, please lodge a claim through the normal process (please select K4). Please ensure that you list GPC in the notes before finalising your claim – if you don’t your parish will incur the cost.

Car Hire

If you wish to book a hire vehicle (at your cost) for use during GPC please click here to access the LCA’s discount scheme through Hertz.

Please continue to pray for the GPC planning team as we work our way through preparations for this conference.  Importantly, an agenda is currently being developed to cover the church’s business, while also providing for both refreshment in the Word and encouragement together in our service of Christ and His church. 

In His service

Rev Matthew P Bishop
Secretary – General Pastors Conference

Chelsea Bellamy
Personal Assistant to the Bishop and Secretary of the Church

On behalf of the GPC Planning Committee