News
9th February 2012
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15th January 2012
A very warm welcome to our two new council members, Rakesh Patel, and Jean-Marc Heimerdinger! Council induction will take place at a service soon.
St Anne's Council's Christmas message 2011
Dear members and friends of St Anne’s Lutheran Church
Christmas is almost here, and wherever you will be celebrating this year, Pastor Tumaini Kallaghe and the Council of St Anne’s hope that these holy days will be happy and joyful for you.
In brief; After more than 3 years of service, where she first began in the role of Fund-raiser to cover maternity leave and later became permanent part-time Events Manager, a role which included writing and distributing the e-bulletin and managing church bookings, Emily Curcio leaves the role to pursue other opportunities. We thank her for her dedication to St Anne's and it's people, Emily's gift for compassion will continue to touch those with whom she interacts. Members and friends will have the opportunity to thank her in the New Year. Meanwhile the council is happy to announce we are employing new part time admin staff; initially Elaine Makowski will work in financial administration and will soon be joined by a further staff member as admin support/events manager. Pastor Tumaini will also work from the church office 2 days per week.
Looking to the future the council is aware that it has been some time since new members have been received at St Anne's. To address this we are planning a membership rally to encourage regularly attending worshippers to become members, and current members to affirm their membership and update contact details. There will be more information and ways to get involved in the New Year. We also welcome your input and support in this rally.
The last year has not been an easy one for St Anne’s Congregation and Council. The Council will be meeting in the New Year to begin to plan for the regrowth and rebuilding of the congregation, and will be inviting members to join in new ventures and in helping to resolve existing problems. Above all we are asking for you all to support the congregation in your prayers, asking for God’s gracious guidance and help as we plan for the future, especially for the provision of pastoral care for the moment.
There is a lovely Advent hymn (Each Winter as the Year Grows Older, by William Gay) that talks about rebirth at the darkest and coldest time of the year. We wait for the birth of Jesus in a distant stable to bring us all new light, new joy and new life, even in the depths of a bleak midwinter.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, with God’s blessings in abundance
Pastor Tumaini Kallaghe
Council of St Anne’s Lutheran Church (Nelly Nsemwa, Joan Somerville, Lucie Shigikile, Paul Renken, Tracy Maroske, Jolly Sirikwa, Richard Mpopo)
Information about Pastoral changes
On 8 July 2011, the Lutheran Church in Great Britian withdrew its permission for Timothy Dearhamer to serve as a pastor of the LCiGB. The LCiGB's decision was upheld by an independent appeal board on 9 September 2011. The council of St Anne's Lutheran Church placed Mr.Dearhamer on administrative leave on 1 July 2011, and dismissed him as the senior pastor of the congregation on 8 October 2011. Its decision was upheld on appeal. Mr.Dearhamer is not eligible to serve as a pastor of the LCiGB in any congregation or in any capacity, and he is no longer pastor of St Anne's Lutheran Church.