On Easter Monday, while Christians were still basking in the victorious glow of Christ’s resurrection and their salvation, representatives of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) and the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA) met here to also celebrate the “resurrection” of a congregation and a historic church building.
St. Luke’s was built between 1891-93 in the working-class district of Volksmarsdorf. Shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989-90, the parish became inactive and the building stood for nearly 20 years with almost no activity inside or out. It fell into disrepair and still needs much renovation.
Through the partnership of the SELK and the LCMS, renovations began in 2012. Once renovations are completed, the sanctuary will have seating for 1,000 people. Because of its acoustics, the church building also has been touted as an ideal location for concerts.
The LCMS also agreed to send a missionary to assist with music at the church. The Rev. Dr. Christopher Ahlman began his service in spring 2013 to develop and implement a music ministry for the Holy Trinity congregation, now worshiping at St. Luke’s. His wife, Deaconess Elizabeth Ahlman, is Eurasia communications specialist for the LCMS.
Read more about this important occasion in the Reporter article here
Dr. Christopher Ahlman and Deaconess Elizabeth Ahlman, friends of First Lutheran, are serving in city of Leipzig and the Eurasia region.
You can read their May newsletter below;
