Companion Synod Visit


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Companion Synod Visit - September 17 - 30, 2003
Bishop Landahl Visits Companion Synod Photographs Companion Synod Page Bishop Landahl discusses our companion synod relationship with members of the Central Diocese's Partnership Committee From September 17, 2003, to September 30, 2003, Bishop Paul Landahl and Jeff Drake, synod communications, visited our companion synod – the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. Bishop Landahl, in addition to visiting with parishioners, pastors, and diocesan staff, also participated in a Bishop’s Consultation of all of the bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, and partner churches that was to held in Durban, South Africa, beginning on September 24, 2003. On Sunday, September 21, 2003, Bishop Landahl preached at the diocese’s Rally Day – a worship service that is held once a year – where over 3,000 people gathered to worship and hear about the Central Diocese’s new vision and mission statement which is: “To be a dynamic Christ centered self-sufficient church in Africa, in which the gospel liberates us to worship God, and serve the community with love and integrity.” At the Bishop’s Consultation, partner churches from Germany, Sweden and the United States (ELCA) discussed issues facing the church, and how to respond to topics such as HIV/AIDS, pastoral leadership, and other topics. On Sunday, September 28, 2003, Landahl also preached at a new-start congregation in Pinetown, South Africa. The synod and diocese are currently discussing ways to enhance and strengthen our relationship. Associate to the Bishop Robert Klonowski visited the Central Diocese in late April of 2003 to assist in a faith-based community organizing effort within the diocese.
Photographs Click on image for a larger view
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HIV/AIDS Clinic

HIV/AIDS Clinic on the grounds of the Central Diocese's offices in Soweto, South Africa	Architect Diane Arvanitakis and Godfrey, the construction supervisor.	A room in the clinic where counseling and support groups take place	Bishop Landahl, Diane, and Godfrey inspect one of the rooms
	The HIV/AIDS Clinic was nearing completion. The clinic will provide counseling services to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS as well as places for people to stay and receive treatment.
•The Rev. Zechariah Sinose coordinates HIV/AIDS work at the clinic and within the diocese
Rally Day in Johannesburg, South Africa

Preparing for Rally Day	Preparing for Rally Day	Acolytes before the service	The band provided music during the service

Bishops and pastors	Preparing for worship	Bp. Landahl delivers the homily	Preparing for the offering

Bishop Landahl presents Bishop Phaswana with a set of stoles - a gift from the synod	View from above	The Women's League	Preparing to leave
Rally Day was held on Sunday, September 21, 2003 in a stadium in Johannesburg. Over 3,000 people attended the worship service that is held once a year. Bishop Landahl preached at the service. The Central Diocese also shared its new mission and vision statement: “To be a dynamic Christ centered self-sufficient church in Africa, in which the gospel liberates us to worship God, and serve the community with love and integrity.”
Preaching at Pinetown congregation - St. Paul's

Bishop Landahl preached at a congregation in Pinetown, outside of Durban, called St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The congregation is currently holding worship services at an Anglican church.