St Paul’s Lutheran Church Ararat Received into LM-A

On Sunday 5th July, St Paul’s Lutheran Church Ararat was received into Lutheran Mission - Australia. St Paul’s is now the seventh congregation to join LM-A in the ever-growing state of Victoria.

The gathering was marked with encouragement, song and thanksgiving. Twenty six souls were in attendance, including seventeen visitors.

President Rev. Matthew Anker welcomes the directors of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sue Gardner (Treasurer), Geoff Gellert (Chairman), and Chris Noller (Secretary).

The congregation was greatly encouraged by everyone present. Greetings were also sent from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Geelong Lutheran Mission, St John’s Lutheran Mission Ayrford, and St John Lutheran Mission Jeparit.

Geelong Lutheran Mission wrote, “We thank God that He has supported and guided your leaders and the members as they made this decision… Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act.”

“We give thanks to God for your congregation and look forward to sharing and growing the faith and service of Lutheran Mission - Australia. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are on the most blessed journey together,” wrote St John’s, Ayrford. “We pray that your congregation will grow in faith, hope, and love, and become a light to your community.”

The congregation praised Jesus Christ with music and singing, and enjoyed fellowship over lunch after the service.

A new brand new “LM-A green” street sign advertises the congregation to the local community and to all who drive through Ararat along the Western Highway. The sign proudly marks a new chapter in the history of St Paul’s Lutheran Church and its ongoing witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Ararat and the surrounding area. Services will be held at 10:30am at 112 High Street, Ararat VIC.

Left to Right: Pastor Mathew Ker, Joshua Muller, Peter Walter, Pastor Matthew Anker, Chris Noller, and Geoff Gellert.