A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Reformation Sunday

Reformation Sunday was a very special day at Our Saviour’s, Knox, this year. Our worship service brought together for the first time members of our Ringwood-Knox Parish with members of both our Finnish Lutheran Church and South Sudanese Fellowship. These communities both use our building for worship.

The service involved participation from all three groups, with scripture readings from Peter Renner (Parish Chair) in English, Pastor Peter Deng reading in the Nuer language, and Elias reading in the Finnish language.  Communion was jointly administered by Pastor Peter Ghalayini, Pastor Peter Deng and Pastor Ian Vainikka.  In addition to Brendan Scott and our Knox band, we were treated to two hymns sung in language by our South Sudanese Fellowship, and Satu Kirk from our Finnish congregation played our organ beautifully, including a rousing rendition of A Mighty Fortress is our God to conclude our service.

Following this very enriching worship experience we joined together in fellowship over our annual Parish Longest Lutheran Lunch. This also was a multi-cultural event, combining a traditional BBQ and salad meal with rice salads provided by our South Sudanese members and a special addition for our dessert of Finnish cinnamon buns freshly baked for the occasion. Donations contributed were collected for the work of Australian Lutheran World Services.

This was indeed a memorable celebration of Reformation Sunday.