30th Anniversary of Ordination – Pastor Frank Rasenberger
On Sunday 4 February 2024, Pastor Frank Rasenberger celebrated 30 years since his ordination with his current congregation, St John’s Lutheran Church Ballarat, where he has been serving as pastor of Word and Sacrament since January 2023.
Pastor Frank was ordained on 30 January 1994, at New Life Lutheran Church in Browns Plains. Present were: Pastor John Vitale (Qld District President at the time), Pastor James Haak (pastor of New Life congregation at the time), Pastor Eric Simpfendorfer (who confirmed Frank), and Pastor Melvin Mueller (the pastor who started New Life congregation).
Frank’s 30 years of ministry has included:
1994 – 2000 – Cambrai-Sedan Lutheran Parish – Cambrai, Sedan, Black Hill, Stonefield
2000 – 2008 – Crow’s Nest Lutheran Parish – Crow’s Nest, Haden, Cooyar (added later)
2009 – 2013 – Gympie Lutheran Parish – Gympie, Imbil, Tin Can Bay
2014 – 2022 – Northwest Melbourne Regional Ministry – Melton, St Albans, Sunbury
2023 – present – St John’s Lutheran Church, Ballarat
Frank’s wife, Anne, provided the following reflection:
Congratulations to my husband for reaching 30 years of Ministry in the LCANZ. The verse and hymn below came to me when I was thinking about what to say.
“You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.”
Psalm 139:5
“Thy strong Word did cleave the darkness;
At Thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank Thee,
While Thine ordered seasons run.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end…”
Martin Franzmann, 1954
God has gone before us every step of the way, leading us by His holy and inerrant Word, using Frank to do His work as pastor, with me by his side, and later also Josiah. This has been an interesting, challenging, and inspiring journey, and God has always been there, despite our imperfections, leading us and guiding us. I have realised that God uses ordinary people to do His work, just as he has used my husband’s gifts to do His work, with us as His family by His side along the journey.
Thanks to God first of all for all His goodness, love, and mercy. Thanks to our parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews for their support. My sister joined us with her children and our friends who were able to attend. Many who couldn’t attend have sent greetings. Thanks to the ladies who set up the hall and everyone who attended and brought some food to share. Thanks also to Ron for reading out the greetings. Thanks also to Paul for setting up the slide show of memories of Frank’s time serving as pastor in the LCANZ.
God has gone before us and has been with us through the ups and downs of life in Ministry, and He will continue to lead us and guide us into the future, whatever that may be.
