Filled with the Spirit’s power
On Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026, LM-A President Rev. Dr. Matt Anker had the joy of installing Rev. Christian Fandrich as the first pastor of Lake Hume Lutheran Mission, in a service held at the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall, at Barnawartha, near Albury-Wodonga.
Thirty-two saints gathered in the historic hall for divine service and to witness Pastor Christian’s installation as their pastor. Unlike many congregations, Pastor Christian, his wife Sarah Joy and their children Enoch, Andreas, Thomas, Sophia, Noah and Bethany are founding members of the congregation and have been worshipping alongside the people of Luke Hume from the outset. (Their eldest daughter Abigail lives in Adelaide). Pastor Christian is bi-vocational, working part-time as a GP to support his family, and is serving Lake Hume Lutheran Mission on a part-time voluntary basis.
President Matt delivers his sermon in front of the beautifully decorated altar.
The altar was beautifully adorned for the Pentecost service, with flowers and a new parament made by Sarah Joy Fandrich.
President Matt preached on the true power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting on the Epistle reading from Acts 2:1–21. He noted that this is often misunderstood or misrepresented: ‘Have you ever noticed that whenever there is some whacky idea that gets traction in the church, more often than not the Holy Spirit gets the blame for it?’
Reflecting on several examples, where false teachers have justified unbiblical practices or sought worldly acclaim and riches by claiming their actions were the result of ‘a so-called moving of the Holy Spirit,’ President Matt said
… if we just listen to the Bible, it’s simple to avoid such nonsense and receive far greater comfort, hope and joy than any of these fleeting things might bring.
The account of the first Pentecost is an impressive event. But I wonder if we realise just why it is impressive? Yes, there’s the sound of a mighty rushing wind. There are the miraculous tongues of fire resting on the disciples’ heads as a sign they have received the Spirit. And then there is the proclamation of the gospel in the languages of people from across the known world. From Asia and the Middle East, from North Africa and Europe. All of them were able to hear the word of God being preached in their mother tongue by a bunch of uneducated Galileans. As remarkable as all that is, as miraculous and jaw-dropping as it must have been, the Holy Spirit will do yet more miraculous things if we listen.
Filled with the Spirit’s power, Peter is emboldened to preach the Word of God to this group of strangers and tell it like it is. As he bears witness to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the only name through which we might be saved, he declares to the people gathered there, ‘God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ He uses God’s Word to show them that they are guilty of killing the very Son of God. He accuses them of the worst possible thing they could have done. And I would have expected them to chase him out of town!
And here’s where the real power of the Holy Spirit kicks in. Not with fancy airplanes or gold dust. But with the most radical heart surgery you will ever see. A hard-hearted group of people who joyfully celebrated the crucifixion of our Lord are cut to the heart by this Word that the Spirit uses to convict them of sin, and in repentance they beg Peter and the other apostles to tell them what they can do? And Peter declares, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’… Three thousand people who were dead in sin and headed for hell are transformed by the Spirit-filled word of God. Convicting them of sin. Delivering them Jesus as their Saviour. And securing them in faith to eternal life. That is the true and miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. A power that does not involves flashy theatrics or uncontrollable laughter or nonsensical gibberish, but delivers the power of God to save as faith in Jesus is created, as forgiveness is delivered and as souls are saved for eternity.
… Today reminds us that every one of us is invited to participate in this miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. To speak God’s Spirit-filled word to our family and friends. To tell them of Jesus and all He has accomplished for them. To share with them the forgiveness and life and salvation that is for all who trust in Christ as their Saviour.
Addressing the congregation, President Matt said
Today your first pastor will be installed to serve you with the very same Holy Spirit who is promised to work through Word and Sacrament so that you may be strengthened in faith, built up in the forgiveness of sins, and receive the gift of a good conscience as Jesus’ gifts of forgiveness and life are delivered to you. Pastor Christian does not have special powers that give him more access to the Holy Spirit. But he does have a divine calling which authorises him to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit for this congregation in a very specific and powerful way that you can be sure will deliver blessing to you whether you are aware of it or not.
The Augsburg Confession puts it this way:
So that we may obtain [saving] faith, the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given [John 20:22]. He works faith, when and where it pleases God [John 3:8], in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake.
Augsburg Confession, Article V. Of the Ministry, 1-3
Following the sermon, President Matt installed Pastor Christian. Tokens of his office were presented by Joshua Muller, Rebecca Noll, Noah Fandrich, Bethany Fandrich, and Margaret Burkert.
Pastor Christian then presided over the Lord’s Supper.
At the close of the service, greetings from pastors were read by President Matt and greetings from congregations were read by Chairman Phillip Edwards.
Reporting after the service, Lake Hume administrator, and Pastor Christian’s eldest son, Enoch passed on the congregation’s gratitude, ‘Greetings, from the saints at Lake Hume Lutheran Mission. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you to many congregations and pastors who sent warm greetings for the day. We thank you for your exhortation, your fellowship with us, and your prayers for us; you remain in ours.’
After the service, the congregation enjoyed a splendid morning tea in the hall, before walking to the local pub for their regular (but this day, particularly joyous) congregational luncheon.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:4–5)