Amani ya Yesu! Peace and joy in Shepparton

President Matt Anker conducts the Rite of Reception with the Chairmen and Elders of St Paul’s Lutheran Mission Shepparton and Trinity Lutheran Mission Echuca.

Sunday, 20 September was a day of high celebration at St Paul’s Lutheran Mission, Shepparton. Over 150 people were in attendance for a joyful Divine Service that included two LM-A congregational receptions, a pastoral installation, two baptisms, and Holy Communion.

President Anker conducted the Rite of Reception for St Paul’s Lutheran Mission Shepparton and Trinity Lutheran Mission Echuca.

This was followed by the Rite of Installation for Pastor Matthias Prenzler. His continuing ministry to St Paul’s and Trinity as pastor was reaffirmed as both congregations have now been received into LM-A. President Matt was assisted by Pastor Christian Fandrich of Lake Hume Lutheran Mission and Pastor Michael Prenzler, Interim Principal of Lutheran Theological Seminary - Australia (and Pastor Matthias’ brother).

Leon Tepper, an elder of St Paul’s Lutheran Mission Shepparton, signing a copy of the LM-A Confessional Statement as a symbol of the congregation’s commitment to LM-A. He was followed by Shepparton Chairman Sifa Mireye-Karakoc, Trinity Lutheran Mission Echuca Chairman Trevor Nagorcka and Trinity elder Ivan Wild.

Pastor Christian Fandrich leads the congregation in congratulating Pastor Matthias and Mrs Julie Prenzler on Pastor Matthias’ installation and their continuing service in Shepparton and Echuca.

St Paul’s was advised to ‘do everything as they normally would on a Sunday’, which means that visitors participated in a multicultural and bilingual worship service. As the majority of St Paul’s members are African refugee families from countries including Burundi and DR Congo, the liturgy is peppered with Kiswahili throughout. Pastor Matthias routinely recites the invocation, the absolution, and the blessing in Swahili, as well as translating key points of his sermon to preach bilingually. President Anker remembers this practice well from his time at St Paul’s, and had to dust off his Swahili in order to serve as liturgist for the day.

President Matt delivering the Aaronic Blessing in Swahili.

St Paul’s Lutheran Church Choir contributed several beautiful Swahili anthems to the service, and guests were given a language lesson as they sang ‘Nothing but the Blood of Jesus’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’ with the verses in English and the refrains in Swahili. They were also challenged to try sharing the peace with the words ‘Amani ya Yesu! (peace of Jesus)’.

As if the day had not already been exciting enough, the assembly also witnessed the Sacrament of Holy Baptism as two of the congregation’s little ones were brought to the font. As they received the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, the congregation erupted in applause, loud cheers, and even more singing. Baptisms are joyfully boisterous affairs at St Paul’s!

The service was attended by representatives of several LM-A congregations, as well as members of the newly elected LM-A National Church Council. St Paul’s and Trinity were showered with greetings from sister LM-A congregations from right across the country. After the service, members and guests enjoyed a multicultural shared lunch, with egg sandwiches and scones with jam sitting alongside chapati (African flatbread) and sombe (cassava leaf stew). This time of hospitality and fellowship was a fitting close to a wonderful day.