Pastor Paul Lantz was ordained into Holy Ministry by James Keurulainen and installed as Missionary-at Large of the New England District at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 13. The festive service, well attended by members of district congregations and out of town guests marked the first time in well over one hundred years that an ordination/installation occurred at First Lutheran. The significance of the day was evident in the worship with many guest readers, pastors from all over the region and country and spectacular music and hymn arrangements composed by First Lutheran’s Minister of Music and supported by brass, timpani and choir .
The day marked another significant moment of mission expansion in New England as Pastor Lantz has begun to engage the Campus and Brazilian communities while being based out of First Lutheran. This effort has been a partnership of the New England District and First Lutheran as well as many individual donors and comes as an answer to prayers for the Lord’s work to be done among these two groups. First Lutheran deeply appreciates the willingness of NED and others to make this happen.
Most significantly, the day was a celebration of God’s continued work among us. God not only provided these very clear mission opportunities, but as we were willing to step forward in faith, He also provided the means to realize them. We look forward in that same faith, that God will continue to bless the ministry of Pastor Lantz, First Lutheran and the New England District.
