The Consecration and Installation of the Fifth Bishop of the ELCM
4TH JULY 2020
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIA Zion Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur
ORDER OF SERVICE: The Consecration and Installation of The Fifth Bishop
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THE ORDER 1.
Cross Bearer
2.
Bible Bearer
3.
Diocesan Council Members
4.
Church Legal Adviser
5.
Pastors and Deacons
6.
Bearers of Episcopal Insignia
7. Bishop-elect 8.
Co-Consecrating Bishops
9.
Bishop (Consecrator / Presiding Bishop)
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THE ORDER OF SERVICE All stand and sing
1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
3 Father-like he tends and spares us,
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Well our feeble frame he knows;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
In his hands he gently bears us,
Who like me his praise should sing?
Rescue us from all our foes
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
Widely as his mercy flows.
2 Praise him for his grace and favor
4 Angels, help us to adore him,
To our fathers in distress;
Ye behold him face to face;
Praise him, still the same for ever,
Sun and moon, bow down before him;
Slow to chide, and swift to bless:
Dwellers all in time and space:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness.
Praise with us the God of grace.
All remain standing as the Introit for the rite of Bishop’s Consecration is being read responsively Presiding Bishop:
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Congregation:
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Presiding Bishop:
Come into his presence with singing!
Congregation:
Know that the Lord is God!
Presiding Bishop:
It is he that made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Congregation:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Presiding Bishop:
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
Congregation:
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Presiding Bishop:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
Congregation:
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen
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PREPARATION Presiding Bishop:
Beloved in the Lord, we have come together to worship God, and to receive grace and strength through his Word and Sacrament. The Lord our God is holy and full of mercy. He forgives those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, and gives them new, everlasting life. But the impenitent who remain in unbelief, have no promise of salvation. Let us therefore examine ourselves and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Presiding Bishop:
Let us confess our sins to God. (All say together)
Congregation:
Merciful God, I poor sinner fall down before you and ask for your patience and grace. With grief I confess that I have sinned in many ways, by thought, word, and deed. Dear Lord, I am worthy to perish, but cast me not away from your presence. Jesus Christ, your Son, suffered and died for me. For his sake, forgive my sins and save me. When I am tempted again to sin, give me sense and strength by your Holy Spirit to overcome the temptation, hate the sin, and live as your dear child. And make me prepared to enter at last your kingdom of glory.
The congregation sings together
KYRIE
Lord, have mercy upon us Christ, have mercy upon us Lord, have mercy upon us
The General Absolution is pronounced
Presiding Bishop:
If you have truly confessed your sins and with a contrite heart seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ, I declare by his authority that all your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (The congregation stands) Presiding Bishop:
All glory be to God on high, who has our race befriended
Congregation:
To us no harm shall now come nigh, the strife at last is ended; God showeth His good will to men, And peace shall reign on earth again; O, thank Him for His goodness.
SALUTATION AND COLLECT The collect proper for the 5th Sunday after Trinity will be used. (The Congregation stands) Presiding Bishop:
The Lord be with you.
Congregation:
And with you also.
Presiding Bishop:
Let us pray.
O God, who have prepared for them that love you such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through the same your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is living and reiging with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.
Congregation:
Amen.
Congregation to be seated. (The Bishop-Elect shall stand before the Altar for the exhortation)
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EXHORTATION Preacher:
Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah
HYMN (The congregation stands)
1 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
4 Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
2 Be thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
5 High King of heaven, my victory won,
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;
May I reach heaven’s joys,
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Thou in me dwelling, and I wish Thee one.
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O ruler of all.
3. Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for the fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower:
Raise Thou me heaven – ward, O Power of my power.
PRESENTATION The congregation is seated. Presiding Bishop:
In the name of God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Presiding Bishop:
Let now the Bishop-elect come before the Altar of the Lord.
Three members of (Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Treasurer and a lay member) the Diocesan Council conduct the Bishop - elect to the Sanctuary steps and present him to the Presiding Bishop, saying:
Right Reverend Father in God, we present to you this Brother in Christ, REV. STEVEN LAWRENCE to be ordained and consecrated Bishop of the Church and installed as the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia.
The Presiding Bishop asks for the Letter of Authority to be read by the Honorary Diocesan Secretary. The Legal citation is also read by the Legal Advisor. After the reading. Presiding Bishop:
Dear Brother in Christ. You have been called in the proper order and are now presented at the Altar of the Lord to be consecrated Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. In order that you with us, and we with you, may rightly consider the sacredness of your calling, let us now hear the promise and exhortation of God’s Word.
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SCRIPTURE READINGS Together with the Presiding Bishop, the two assisting Bishops and the other assistants will read passages from the Holy Scripture. Presiding Bishop:
Ephesians 4:10 - 13: He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The Most Rev. Datuk Ng Moon Hing:
1 Timothy 4:14-16: Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see you progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Jason Selvaraj:
2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Rev. David Devapirian:
John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit: fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal:
2 Corinthians 3:4-6: Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Dato’ Dr. Sylvian Das:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Presiding Bishop:
God Almighty help you to keep these words in your heart. The Church of God expects of you to bear in mind the great significance of the Bishop’s Office which today will be committed to you, and of the sacred duties it imposes upon you. By sincere prayers in the name of Jesus Christ you may seek grace and strength from God to prove yourself to be a faithful servant of the Lord in your episcopal ministry. The Lord help you to fight the good fight of the faith, and to take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.
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CONFESSION OF FAITH Presiding Bishop:
Dear Brother in Christ, let us now confess our Christian faith together with the congregation
The Bishop-elect together with the congregation recites the Nicene Creed
NICENE CREED (said by all)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven. And was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary; and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father, and he shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one, holy, universal, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
EXAMINATION Presiding Bishop:
May God help you to remain steadfast in this faith and to strengthen your brothers and sisters in the same. Before God and his Congregation I ask you, will you, in the name of the Triune God, assume the office of Bishop and diligently fulfil its ministration to the glory of God and to the salvation of souls?
Answer:
I will, by God’s grace.
Presiding Bishop:
Answer:
Will you abide by the Word of God, withstand all false doctrines, and take pains to see that Jesus Christ be preached in accordance with God’s Word and the Holy Sacraments administered in accordance with his institution? I will do so; God help me.
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Presiding Bishop:
Will you maintain and set forward Christian order and godly life in the Church, and support all ministry whereby the dominion of Christ be established?
Answer:
I will do so; God help me.
Presiding Bishop:
Will you also lead such a life that it be an offence to none, and an example to all?
Answer:
I will do so; God help me.
Presiding Bishop:
May God strengthen you and give you grace to fulfil these promises.
THE RITE OF CONSECRATION The Cross and the Episcopal Robe are put on the Bishop-elect, who kneels together with the Congregation, while the choir sings
HYMN 1
Come, oh, come, Thou quick’ning Spirit, God from all eternity! May Thy power never fail us; Dwell within us constantly. Then shall truth and life and light Banish all the gloom of night.
2
Grant our hearts in fullest measure Wisdom, counsel, purity, That they ever may be seeking Only that which pleaseth Thee. Let Thy knowledge spread and grow, Working error’s overthrow.
3
Holy Spirit, strong and mighty, Thou who makest all things new, Make Thy work within us perfect And the evil Foe subdue. Grant us weapons for the strife And with victory crown our life.
The Congregation remains kneeling to the end of the above Hymn. Together with the Presiding Bishop, the two co-consecrating Bishops and the other Assistants lay their hands on the head of the Bishop-elect Presiding Bishop:
Lord, come to STEVEN LAWRENCE with your Holy Spirit and receive him into your service as Bishop in your Church. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Presiding Bishop puts the Mitre and the ring on the new Bishop and gives him the Bible, saying: Presiding Bishop:
May the Word of God be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the Crown of Life, says the Lord.
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The Congregation will stand and sing
HYMN 1
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love, And do what thou wouldst do
3
Breathe on me, Breath of God Unite my soul with thine, Until this earthly part of me, Glows with thy fire divine.
2
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
4
Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with thee the perfect life, Of thine eternity.
THE RITE OF INSTALLATION The new Bishop, and all the Clergy and Church Members standing, the Presiding Bishop says Presiding Bishop:
Let us now hear your declaration of fidelity to the Constitution of this Church.
The new Bishop holding the Bible in his right hand New Bishop: I, STEVEN LAWRENCE, by God’s will, appointed Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, declare that I agree to be bound by its Constitution, and to lead the Church according to it, and as much as in me lies, take care that it be observed by others. So help me God. The Presiding Bishop addressing the congregation. Presiding Bishop:
Before God, I ask you, the representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Pastors, Church Workers, and Church Members;
Presiding Bishop:
Will you hold the REVEREND STEVEN LAWRENCE, in veneration as your Bishop and whole heartedly support him in his ministry, and offer supplications for him before God?
All say loudly and clearly Congregation:
WE WILL DO SO, GOD HELP US
The Presiding Bishop turning to the new Bishop. Presiding Bishop:
By virtue of the Commission given to me, I do hereby install you, Right Reverend as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. Receive this Shepherd’s Staff, the sign of your sacred Office.
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The Presiding Bishop gives the Crosier and the Commission letter to the new Bishop, and continues Presiding Bishop:
Tend to the flock of God that is in your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being an example to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Amen
RECEIVING OF THE NEW BISHOP The new Bishop turns to the congregation. The Cathedral Pastor facing the new Bishop Pastor:
The Lord be with you.
New Bishop:
And with you all.
Pastor:
We receive you in the Name of the Lord.
The Honorary Diocesan Secretary and the Pastor conduct the new Bishop to the Episcopal Seat. Presiding Bishop:
Let us all pray for this new Bishop.
Almighty God, most gracious Father, look upon this your servant who has now assumed the Bishop’s ministry in this Church, and make him always willing to proclaim the Glad Tidings of peace. Grant him not to neglect the gift of the Spirit which is in him but diligently to study your holy Word and thereby teach the souls and reconcile them with you. In honour and in dishonour, in ill repute and in good repute, let him prove himself to be a faithful and a wise steward who gives your household their food in proper time, and, in unassuming love, through the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left, at the end obtain everlasting joy. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
May we all together invoke God’s blessing upon the new Bishop.
The congregation says loudly and clearly
THE LORD KEEP YOU IN YOUR GOING OUT AND IN YOUR COMING IN. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Presiding Bishop:
The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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THE EUCHARIST PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS New-Bishop:
As we are now going to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, let us pray.
(All will kneel and say together) Congregation:
We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the body of your dear son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen
SONG OF PRAISE New - Bishop:
Congregation: New - Bishop:
The Lord be with you. And with you also.
Lift up your hearts.
Congregation:
We lift them unto the Lord.
New - Bishop:
Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
Congregation:
It is meet and right so to do.
New-Bishop:
It is truly meet, right, and salutary, that we should at all times, and in all places give thanks unto you. O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God: Who with Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one God and one Lord, in mysterious unity and boundless majesty. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you, and saying:
Congregation:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
New Bishop:
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE NIGHT IN WHICH HE WAS BETRAYED, TOOK BREAD; AND, WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS, HE BROKE IT AND GAVE IT TO HIS DISCIPLES, SAYING: TAKE, EAT, THIS IS MY + BODY, WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU; DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. IN THE SAME WAY ALSO HE TOOK THE CUP, AND WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS, HE GAVE IT TO THEM, SAYING: DRINK OF IT, ALL OF YOU; THIS CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY + BLOOD, WHICH IS SHED FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS, AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.
Congregation:
Amen, Amen, Amen.
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PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (said by all) Therefore, we remember before you, heavenly Father, the suffering and death of your dear son, his cross and his grave, his victorious resurrection, his glorious ascension into the heavenly sanctuary, where he intercedes for us, pleading the holy sacrifice of his body and blood on the cross, given to our sanctification and renewal in this holy feast. As we who are many are one body, because we all partake of the one bread, likewise help us to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and gather us with your faithful people in all lands and of all times into the mansions of heaven, to celebrate with all your saints, the wedding feast of the Lamb. Unto you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and evermore, world without end. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Said by all) Our Father WHO art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
PEACE AND AGNUS DEI New Bishop:
The peace of the Lord be with you.
The congregation will stand and sing Congregation: O Christ, Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. O Christ, Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. O Christ, Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, grant us your peace. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION After the new Bishop has communicated, he assists in administering to the Bishops and other Assisting Pastors and to the immediate family of the new Bishop. New Bishop:
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ and his precious Blood strengthen and preserve you in true faith unto eternal life.
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PRAISE (All stand to the end of Benediction. The new Bishop will sing) New Bishop:
Congregation:
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, Alleluia.
His steadfast love endures forever, Alleluia.
PRAYER New Bishop:
Let us give thanks to the Lord and pray together
Congregation:
We give thanks to you, Almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this your salutary gifts; and we beseech you, of your mercy, to strengthen us through the same in faith towards you, and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, our Lord. Amen
SALUTATION (All stand during the thanksgiving and the benediction) New Bishop:
The Lord be with you.
Congregation:
And with you also.
BENEDICTION New Bishop:
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you (†) peace.
Congregation:
Amen, Amen, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CLOSING HYMN 1
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty, Hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more, Feed me till I want no more.
2 Open now the crystal fountain Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar. Lead me all my journey through; Strong deliverer, Strong deliverer, Be thou still my strength and shield, Be thou still my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and hell’s destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side; Songs of praises, Songs of praises, I will ever give to thee, I will ever give to thee.
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Biography of the Bishop-Elect Rev. Steven Lawrence B
ishop-Elect Steven Lawrence was born on 29th March 1978 in Penang, Malaysia. He was the second child of Lawrence Samuel and Fatima Mary. He attended SK St. Xavier Branch, Penang for his primary education and St. Xavier’s Institution, Penang for his secondary education. He was an active member of the Boys’ Brigade of the 2nd Penang Company (1994-1995), during which time he learned about Christian stewardship. He answered the call of God for full-time ministry at the age of 22, and shortly after pursued his theological education in Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM), graduating with DipCM (2001), BTh (SEAGST 2005) and MMin (2017). While at the Seminary, he represented STM in Asia Conference of Theological Students (ACTS 2004) organised by Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) & FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences) and ELCM in International Youth Leaders’ Consultation (IYLC 2005), organised by Mission OneWorld of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELCB), Germany.
He was commissioned as Candidate to the Holy Ministry on 18th September 2005 by Bishop Julius D. Paul while undergoing his in-house training under the supervision of the present Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah. While serving as a commissioned Candidate to the Holy Ministry, he married Susan Ann on 25th February 2006, a union that led to three children – Samantha Ann, 12 years, Samuel Anbuselvan 7 years and Samson Anbunesan 2 years. After a period of in-house training, he was ordained as pastor of ELCM on 31st October 2006 at Zion Cathedral by Bishop Julius D. Paul. Between the years 2005 – 2020, he served as a candidate to the Holy Ministry in Charis Lutheran Outreach, Seremban (2005-2006) & Rasah Lutheran Outreach, Seremban (2005-2006), he was pastor-in-charge of Good Hope Lutheran Congregation, Petaling Jaya (2006-2008), Light of Life Lutheran Outreach, Petaling Jaya (20072008), Cheras Lutheran Congregation, Cheras
(2008-2011), Kajang Lutheran Outreach (20102011), Resurrection Lutheran Congregation, Port Dickson (2012-2014), Rasah Lutheran Outreach, Seremban (2012-2014, 2015-2016 voluntarily), Seremban Lutheran Congregation, Seremban (2017 voluntarily, 2018 to date – fulltime capacity) and Kuala Pilah Lutheran Outreach, Kuala Pilah (2019 to date). He has also served as the Southern District Pastor (2013-2014 & 2018-2019). Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence has a deep interest in ELCM’s Diakonia ministry. He has served as Pastoral Adviser & Chaplain of Rumah Hope, (2006-2008), Pastoral Adviser & Chaplain of Rumah Chrestus (2008-2011) ActingAdministrator of Rumah Chrestus (2008-2009), Pastoral Adviser of Rumah Luther Ria (20122014) and Acting Director of Rumah Luther Ria (2014). These roles have also made a significant impact in his life and he believes that Diakonia ministry is vital as it creates an opportunity for the church to serve a wider community.
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Decline of Congregations in ELCM” in Melaka, 2016 and “Lutheran Response to Prosperity Theology” during the Lutheran-Pentecostal/ Charismatic Conversation in Malaysia in Petaling Jaya, 2018.
Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence and Mrs Susan Ann. Children: Samantha Ann, 12 years old; Samuel Anbuselvan, 7 years old; and Samson Anbunesan, 2 years old.
He has also held several church-related offices including Diocesan Youth Coordinator (20072008), Diocesan Youth Advisor (2008-2011, 2018 to date), Assistant Editor, Lutheran Herald (2009-2012, 2018 to date), Administrator Diocesan Office (2012), Hon. Secretary – ELCM Ministerial Committee (2009-2014), Hon. Secretary – Abraham Education Fund (2010 to date), Ordinary Council Member, Diocesan Council (2011-2014), Advisor – Diocesan Sunday School Committee (2018 to date) and Vice-Chairman – Diocesan Council (2017- June 2020). Before he was elected as the 5th Bishop, he also served as the Director of the Diocesan Christian Education Resource & Mission Centre (2018-2019). Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence has presented a few papers during the ELCM Diocesan Assembly in Port Dickson, 2009 entitled “Future of Traditional Mainline Churches like the ELCM,” “Growth and
He has vast overseas experience, first when he was an Asia Lutheran News (ALN) liaison for Lutheran churches in Malaysia (2013-2014) and secondly when he was appointed as LWF Regional Officer for the Expression of Communion in Asia under the LWF Department for Mission and Development from 2014 – 2017 during which time he was responsible to assist in promoting communication and information sharing among LWF member churches in Asia and mission agencies, amongst other things through LWF Asia website (https://asia.lutheranworld.org/), he liaised with the DMD Area Secretary for Asia in Geneva, with Lutheran Council in Asia (LUCAS) and with the member churches in Asia on programmatic activities and processes, visited member churches, seminaries and their projects sites as delegated by the DMD Area Secretary for Asia, regularly coordinated the exchange of information in the region and on expressed needs of churches, managed and organised regional/ sub-regional activities as well as provided logistical assistance for LWF meetings held in the region and performed other duties as may be delegated by the DMD Area Secretary for Asia or by the Director of the Department for Mission and Development in Geneva. Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence is humbled by the decision of the Diocesan Assembly that elected him as the 5th Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia on the 9th of November 2019 to take up the mantle from Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah. He hopes to serve the interest of the ELCM and the community at large with his vast experience and exposure both locally and internationally as God Almighty grants him the wisdom, knowledge and the understanding that he requires to serve God’s will (John 3: 16).
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History of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church In Malaysia T
he Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia is a relatively young Church despite the centuryold history behind its formation in 1962. It all began with the arrival of Tamil Lutherans from Tamil Nadu (previously known as Madras state), South India, in the late 1800s in search of greener pastures in the British colony of Malaya. They were mostly in the British civil administration or in the estates where many were clerical staff. They had a thirst for Lutheran services, especially the liturgy, which the sorely missed. When Rev. August Clem Schoner of the Leipzig (Lutheran) Mission from Germany visited Penang in 1900, he found 315 Tamil Lutherans, most of whom were associate members of either the Methodist or Anglican Churches. In Kuala Lumpur, Rev. Schoner who had arrived at the behest of the Methodist Tamil Church in Kuala Lumpur saw that some Lutherans were willing to attend Methodist services but were praying for the eventual establishment of a Lutheran Church. In 1904, the Rev. G. Gottching stepped foot on Malayan shores at the invitation of the Methodist Bishop, Rt. Rev. James Thoburn to study the reorganisation of Tamil Lutherans. It would take two years more for concrete steps to be initiated to set Lutherans in Malaya on a surer footing. This occurred when Rev. Thiruchiluvai Joseph, a Lutheran pastor from Madras state, was sent by the Church of Sweden Mission (CSM) to Malaya. He arrived on November 11, 1906, to serve the Lutheran scene in the British colony. The pioneer missionary was a serving minister of the CSM in India, the precursor of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church which was legally constituted on January 28, 1919 despite being in existence for a good many years before that Rev. Joseph met some of the 357 Lutherans in the colony in an initial attempt to receive their views of how they should be organised as a Church. He later accompanied Rev. K. Pamperin, the President of the Leipzig Evangelical Lutheran Mission which had been working with the CSM in Madras, on another evaluation trip of Malaya. They saw rich potential for growth in the Lutheran community which they felt needed its own Church, and an indigenous administration.
The net result of the effort that began in1900 bore fruit on January 30, 1907, when the first divine service was held in a shophouse at Scott Road (now Jalan Padang Belia) in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. This day marked the beginning of a consolidated effort to establish Lutheran work in Malaysia. The Leipzig Mission simultaneously assigned a Mr. Ratnam, a school teacher turned catechist, to assist in Lutheran work in Penang. The year that followed was one of frenetic activity with the Leipzig Mission showing great interest in expanding pastoral care in Malaya but there was a catch – the almost total absence of trained pastors to consolidate the work. Missionaries were, therefore, sent from Madras with Rev. Hermann Matthes, a Leipzig Lutheran missionary, arriving in 1908 to cater to a Lutheran population of 516 people. For a start, he concentrated where the largest concentration of Lutherans was evident. But the Lutheran population was increasing by leaps and bounds due to many crossing the seas in search of jobs in government and the private sector. By 1912, the Lutheran population had increased to 645, the members scattered over some 77 places in Malaysia and Singapore. The growth was also due to Lutherans being identified in isolated area in the peninsular where they had hitherto been a minority in the Christian community which largely comprised Methodists, Anglicans and Roman Catholics. In 1913, Rev. Traugott Ruger, another Leipzig missionary from India, took over from Rev. Matthes but his stay would be short-lived with the beginning of World War 1 in 1914 when he was recalled to India. The enormous task of providing pastoral care for the Tamil Lutherans nation-wide was, thus, laid squarely on the shoulders of Rev. Joseph who, despite being based in Kuala Lumpur, did his best for Lutherans spread far and wide. The next five years were a difficult time for Lutherans in Malaya as correspondence with the Tamil Church in Madras failed to yield much in terms of missionaries. Numerous appeals were made for pastors but war conditions made any movement from
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India to Malaya a dim possibility. Despite the trying time in terms of their spiritual needs, the fledgling Lutheran community survived in what was seen as perhaps the darkest time in Malaysia Lutheranism. Another trying time would come with the advent of World War 2 in 1941 but that would be another story altogether. Two factors added to the difficulties of the situation. The Lutheran community in Penang and Kuala Lumpur had no Church building of their while lacking the services of full-time Pastors. But God has great things planned for Malayan Lutherans who persevered during these tumultuous times. Their resilience in the face of adversity saw a great spiritual reawakening. For the first time, Lutherans in Kuala Lumpur, which had overtaken Penang as the British administrative centre, saw a vision of their own Church building. How they would erect this stricture was beyond them at this point but they knew God would show them the way. Lutherans in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, therefore, embarked on Church-building projects. In the case of the Kuala Lumpur congregation, the Church fathers pooled their financial resources and that of the nascent congregation to collect sufficient funds for a building. At long last, on November 30, 1924, the Zion Lutheran Church (Zion Cathedral) was completed. The first Lutheran Church in Malaya was dedicated by the Re. Rev. J. Sandegren, the third Bishop of the TELC. The next three decades saw Malaya and the United Kingdom going through bad economic times as the Great Depression wreaked havoc across the world. This was followed by World War 2 which saw Lutherans and their fellow Malayans going through the worst with acute food scarcity and a repressive Japanese regime making life untenable. The 1950s saw Lutherans back on their feet with Kuala Lumpur (known as the Southern Circle) and Penang (known as the Northern Circle) regaining much of their earlier vitality. It took a little more than a decade for a series of events to occur that would shape the future of the Lutheran Church in Malaya. The first was independence from the British which was achieved on August 31, 1957. The newfound freedom gave Malayan Lutherans a palpable sense of belonging to the nation. A sea change in Lutheranism was already on the cards when Malayan Lutherans made an appeal in 1960 to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) based in Geneva asking for support and involvement of foreign mission agencies in Lutheran work in their young country. This saw the arrival of CSM missionary Rev. Bertil Envall (later to become Rt. Rev. Bertil Envall and the first Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia) from Madras to conduct a preliminary survey of Lutheranism in the country. The missionary,
who had served among Tamils in India, forwarded a proposal suggesting a merger between the Northern and Southern circles under one administrative body. A meeting was convened on January 18, 1961, in which representatives of both circles met Rev. Envall to discuss the reorganisation of structures and procedure. Months later, the Rt. Rev. Rajah B. Manickam of the TELC visited Malaya to conduct a joint conference of the two circles where a draft of the indigenous Lutheran Church constitution was discussed. Rev. Envall was subsequently appointed Superintendent and Chairman of the Constitution Committee. On January 20, 1962, the first meeting of the Administrative Committee was held which approved the draft proposal for the merger of the two circles. There was another element in Lutheranism in Malaya: The Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore, essentially a Chinese-based Church. There were initiatives made in the 1950s for joint work and possibly a merger between the two churches but the idea of Lutheran union in Malaya appeared remote. In March of 1962, the reorganisation of the two circles into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (ELCMS) took shape with a conference on August 21 and 13 the same year approving its draft constitution. The date for implementation of the constitution was confirmed as January 1, 1963, with the first Diocesan Assembly held on January 26 1963 in Kuala Lumpur. The Diocesan Assembly elected Rev. Envall as the Superintendent of the ELCMS and resolved to continue co-operation with CSM, the Board on World Mission of the United Lutheran Church in America and the TELC in India. (The ELCMS became the ELCM in 1994 after the Singapore congregation became a separate entity due to diplomatic requirements). The next three years saw several new developments which would impinge on Lutheranism in the country. The first was the formation of a new country which saw Malaya. Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak incorporated into a single nation – Malaysia. The second came in 1965 following consultation between all the stake-holders in Lutheranism in Malaysia. It was decided that the ELCMS seriously consider electing its own Bishop. The Diocesan Assembly which met on November 6 and 7, 1965, unanimously elected Rev. Envall as the first Bishop of the ELCMS. His consecration on May 29, 1966 was a momentous occasion for the Church. Rev Envall served the Church diligently for 10 years, giving inspiration for the establishment of many of the Church’s institution including the Bethany Home in Teluk Intan. October 31, 1976, was a red-letter day for the ELCMS as it heralded the consecration of the
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2nd Bishop of the Church, Rt. Rev. E.B. Muthusami. His consecration was also significant because of the fact that he was also the first indigenous Bishop of the ELCM. Rt. Rev. Muthusami served for 12 years, putting the Church on a firm footing. His successor was Rt. Rev. Julius D. Paul who was consecrated on April 10, 1988 as the third Bishop of the ELCM. Bishop Paul lodged a number of firsts by being the youngest Bishop at 44 years and the longest-serving Bishop of the ELCM, helming the church for a total of 20 years until his demise in a tragic accident in Guatemala on November 23, 2008.
Ministries namely: Rumah Luther Ria (2010) in Port Dickson, ELCM Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (2011) in Port Klang, Family Counselling Centre (2015) in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Rumah Rakan Lutheran (2015) in Klang, Rumah Harmoni Trinity (2013) Jalan Sungei Sumun, Teluk Intan and Rumah Mutiara Lutheran (2017) in Kuala Pilah. He also pioneered the setting up of the Lutheran Book Centre (2010) in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. He has also been instrumental in setting up the ELCM Archives (2009) to save, preserve and store important documents and records of the church for posterity.
He was responsible for taking the church into the international arena by sending pastors and Church workers abroad for training and further education besides inviting foreign Lutheran Churches to work with the ELCM in terms of training and others areas of common interest. His term of office saw the Church expanding with several new congregations being established. Bishop Paul also sent a senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah, for his Master’s Degree and PhD as part of his vision that ELCM pastors should be suitably equipped to serve the Church.
On the ecumenical front, Bishop Solomon has been Chairman of the Council of Churches of Malaysia’s (CCM) Indian Work Committee and President of the Fellowship of Indian Denominational Churches (FIDC). He has also been the President of the Council of Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) for two (2) terms. His position at the forefront of ecumenism among Tamil-speaking churches is due to his facility in the Tamil language and deep knowledge of Indian culture and religion. Bishop Solomon is a prolific author with five titles to his name: Folk Hinduism (2000), Symbols and the Church (2005), Violence and Peace (2007) and Christian Guide to Indian Cultural Practices in Malaysia and Singapore (2008). In 2017, Bishop Solomon released “The Bridge we Build,” a collation of articles, speeches and sermons focussing on the role of the Church in our times. He continues to pursue an active interest in the dynamics of the Church of the 21st century towards making it more relevant to society at large.
Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah, who served as Vice-Chairman of the Diocesan Council and several congregations for many years besides being on the faculty of the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM), was elected as the fourth Bishop of ELCM at an Extraordinary meeting of the Diocesan Assembly on 1st November 2008 and was consecrated on 21st February 2009 at Zion Cathedral. Rt Rev Dr Solomon introduced to the ELCM a strategic two-fold diocesan objective with 10 step-bystep directives termed as Strengthening and Expanding the ELCM. These directives were targeted to improve and facilitate self-reliance, clergy and lay leadership training, membership building, opening new areas of ministry, streamlining existing auxiliary activities, developing diakonia ministry, and improving revenue sources in the diocesan and congregational level. His 11–year term has been underlined by the strengthening of the ELCM in terms of voluntary pastors’ training and deaconess training in 2009. As part of his expansion plan for ELCM, nine (9) new congregations were established during his tenure as Bishop. They are Meru Lutheran Congregation (2010) near Klang, Kluang Lutheran Congregation (2010) in Johor, Puchong Lutheran Congregation (2012) in Selangor, Zion Redeemer Lutheran Congregation (2012) in Kuala Lumpur, Kulai Lutheran Congregation (2013) in Johor, Taman Sentosa Lutheran Congregation(2014) in Klang, Charis Lutheran Outreach (2015) in Seremban, Seremban Lutheran Congregation (2016) and Holy Bethel Lutheran Congregation (2017). He has also given new impetus to the ELCM with eight (8) new
His successor, Rev Steven Lawrence, was elected Bishop-Elect at an Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly on November 9, 2019. He has vast international experience in the Lutheran World Federation, having served as Asia Regional Expression Officer in the Department of Mission and Development for several years until 2017. He has also immense local experience in the pastoral ministry having served as pastor of the various congregations, the last being the Seremban Lutheran Congregation. Rev Steven, who comes with 14 years of service as a pastor, was ordained in 2006 after graduating from STM. He attained a Masters of Ministry from the same institution in 2017. Like his predecessors, he has a deep-rooted love for the less-fortunate and marginalised and has served at Rumah Hope in Petaling Jaya (while he pastored the Good Hope Church which had earlier set up the home), Rumah Chrestus at Cheras and Rumah Luther Ria at Port Dickson. Rev Steven will be consecrated and installed as the 5th Bishop of the ELCM on July 4, 2020.
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Message from The 4th Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM) Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah It is with a deep sense of honour and joy that I hand over the mantle of the Bishop’s office to my successor Rev. Steven Lawrence on the 4th of July, 2020. On behalf of the Diocesan Council, Pastors and every member of the ELCM, I congratulate Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence and wish him God’s abundant blessings in his new office and offer him our unceasing prayers and support. Bishop-Elect Rev. Steven Lawrence has proven himself to be a man of great leadership potential and pastoral zeal to the members of the ELCM to whom he has ministered to during his time as a Pastor. He is an excellent organiser. He has strong rapport, particularly with our youths, and I am sure that he will take the ELCM forward in these challenging times. I am fully confident that during his leadership, the ELCM will move into new areas of ministries and continue to enjoy wonderful growth. The ELCM is indeed blessed to have Bishop-Elect Rev. Steven Lawrence as our new Bishop as he builds on the great legacies left behind by his predecessors. May God’s richest blessings be upon Bishop-Elect Rev. Steven Lawrence as he assumes the responsibility of shepherding the ELCM as its 5th Bishop. All glory be to God.
RT. REV. DR. SOLOMON RAJAH Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia
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Message from The Diocesan Secretary (ELCM) Mr Silas M. Das “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15 On behalf of the Diocesan Council, Pastors and Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM), it is my privilege to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the 5th Bishop of the ELCM. Your election comes at a pivotal time in the history of our Church as the Church continues to seek to find new innovative ways forward in light of the numerous challenges facing it. The position of the Bishop is always an important downpayment to the Church as the Bishop is required to provide the desired leadership and be guided by accountability, integrity honest assessment and leadership by example. It is a heavy responsibility as the issues facing the Diocese are varied and many such as growth of Congregations, spiritual needs especially of our youths and finance. The Bishop will find that at many times, he will need the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. It is our prayer that our good Lord Jesus Christ will fill you with wisdom, knowledge, courage and compassion and be the ‘salt and light’ for His beloved Church. May God bless you and your family as you assume this onerous responsibility in service to your Church and country. Silas M. Das Diocesan Secretary 4th July 2020
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Message from The Archbishop Uppsala The Most Rev. Dr Antje Jackelén Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We greet you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ with the following words taken from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) On this joyous occasion, when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia is about to consecrate and install its fifth Bishop, we give thanks to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for his steadfast love and everlasting care for his church. Over the years, the Church of Sweden has been enriched by its close historical links and cooperation with the ELCM. Ever since the beginning from the 1960s onwards, our churches have supported and encouraged one another in the proclamation of the Gospel in our respective contexts. Today we are particularly reminded of the fact that the nature and function of the episcopal ministry is an ecumenical sign of both unity and continuity in the life of the Church. We trust and pray that the Triune God will lead the Reverend Steven Lawrence in his new role and capacity as Bishop in the ELCM: The love of God be with you always, as you enter into the service of God’s people. Yours in Christ,
The Most Rev. Dr Antje Jackelén
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Message from Lutheran World Federation Rev. Dr Martin Junge We in the Lutheran World Federation rejoice with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia on the occasion of the consecration and installation of its 5th Bishop, Rev. Steven Lawrence. For years, the Lutheran World Federation has been working together with Rev. Lawrence as he served diligently the LWF Communion in Asia. He did so with much love for the church, accompanying churches, advising leaders, visiting their congregations and groups. We trust that much of what he was able to see, experience and learn, will now, in his new capacity as a Bishop, become a strong contribution to the life and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. “There is no better time to be the church, than the current times”, I use to say. Not necessarily because things are so easy today. To the contrary: many aspects of life have become more complex, the tone of public discourse often turning rough, if not aggressive. Neighbours who lived together for centuries have all of a sudden hard time to recognize each other as such. However, it is precisely in this context where God is seeking for faithful churches to continue proclaiming the saving message of Jesus Christ, to serve compassionately the neighbours in need, and to stand publicly for justice, peace and reconciliation. This is why it is indeed a good time to be the church, also for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. God endows the church with abundant gifts to live out its calling: Word and Sacrament, faith, hope and love as gifts of the Holy Spirit, leaders, both lay and ordained, the people of God, living their baptismal vocation. The Lutheran World Federation congratulates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia on this day of joy and hope. It reiterates its commitment to journey with the church as it serves the people in Malaysia, and lives into ever-growing global relationships of solidarity and mutuality among Lutheran churches, for which the Lutheran World Federation stands for. We pray for God’s abundant blessings over the life and ministry of Rev. Lawrence, now as the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. Let the Gospel message always guide his ministry: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him”. (John 3:16-17) ORDER OF SERVICE: The Consecration and Installation of The Fifth Bishop
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Message from Message from Diocese Bishop of West Malaysia Archbishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing To The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Dear Brethren, Greeting in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, I wish to congratulate you on the special occasion of the consecration of your 5th Bishop in the person of Bishop Elect Rev Steven Lawrence. We are extremely pleased and joyous to receive the new Bishop, to fellowship and work with him as we have in the past. The Almighty God is so good that He has granted you a wonderful servant of the Lord in the person of Bishop Elect Rev Steven Lawrence. We sincerely believe our good Lord will continue to lead your church to greater heights in the ministry and mission of the church. We pray for your new Bishop and your Church to be freshly anointed by the Holy Spirit. May the good Lord show you thr way and lead you into it. Shalom,
Archbishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing Primate and Archbishop of South East Asia Diocese Bishop of West Malaysia
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Tel: 03-79567092/79608926/ 79551587 Fax: 03-79560353 E-Mail: cchurchm1948@gmail.com Website: ccmalaysia.o
Message from
MAJLIS GEREJ COUNCIL OF C Council Of Churches Of Malaysia “ANEW CREATION”
26 Jalan Universiti 46200
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri Tel: 03-79567092/79608926 A Revived Church and a Renewed Nation
E-Mail: cchurchm1948@gm
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONSECRATION OF REV. STEVEN LAWRENCE AS 5TH BISHOP OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIA
“A
A Revived C
On behalf of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, it is our special joy and privilege to convey our heartiest congratulations to Rev. Steven Lawrence on his consecration as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia.
MES May the Lord bless you and your family, andCONGRATULATORY may he grant you CONSECRATION OF REV wisdom and strength to exercise your episcopal ministry in your OF THE EVANGELICAL LU church.
On behalf of the Council o
We also take this opportunity to welcome you privilege into the to convey joy and ecumenical fellowship of our Council, and look forward to your on his co Steven Lawrence active participation.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE Lutheran ON Church THEinOCC Malaysia CONSECRATION OF REV. STEVEN LAWRENC May the Lord bless you an wisdom and strength to ex OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN church. CHURCH I Let us continue our ecumenical journey with patience and determination as we offer all our efforts to build up the unity of the body of Christ in the bonds of peace. Yours fraternally in Christ,
We also take this opportun fellowship of our Counci participation.
On behalf of the Council of Churches of Malaysia Let us continue our ecu joy and privilege to convey our heartiest congratu determination as we offer the bodyas of Christ in the boo Steven Lawrence on his consecration Bishop Yours fraternally in Christ, Lutheran Church in Malaysia. Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri General Secretary
General Secretary
May the Lord bless you and your family, and m wisdom and strength to exercise your episcopal church.
Member Churches:·Anglican Diocese of Kuching · Anglican Diocese of Saba
Malaysia· Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore· Mar Thomas Syrian Ch Chinese Annual Conference· Sarawak Iban Annual Conference· Tamil Annual C Church in Sabah· The Salvation Army·
Associate Members: · Bible Society of Malaysia· The Boy’s Brigade in Malaysi Council of YMCA’s· Seminari Theoloji Malaysia· Sabah Theological Seminary· Y Affiliate Member : Coptic Orthodox Church .
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We also take this opportunity to welcome you int 25 fellowship of our Council, and look forward Page
Message from Bishop/President TELC D. Daniel Jayaraj
Dear Bishop-Elect Lawrence, It is a gladness in my heart, I congratulate you on behalf of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tamilnadu, India. on your Consecration and installation as the 5th Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Malaysia. I offer my encouragement and support to your leadership in shepherding the ELCM as its Bishop chosen by our Lord. We, the TELC, have the relationship with the ELM for many decades. I am sure that you will have much to offer to the growth of the spiritual activities of the ELCM and to the society at large in all aspects for His glory. May the Triune God bless you with His heavenly wisdom and grant you strength and courage to lead the ELCM as its 5th Bishop, expanding the ecumenical relationship with the other churches who are partners in the Mission for preaching the Gospel. With every good wishes for God’s blessings and with prayers, Yours in Christ,
D.Daniel Jayaraj Bishop/President TELC
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Message from Bishop - President, ALC Rt. Rev. V. Samuel Kennady Reverend and Respected Bishop, Greetings to you in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your letter dated 16th December 2019 informing the 5th Bishop Consecration and installation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia scheduled to be held on 4th July 2020. I am immensely glad and would like to express our sincere greetings and congratulation on behalf of the Arcot Lutheran Church, Tamil Nadu India to the Bishop Elect Rev. Steven Lawrence who is going to be consecrated as the 5th Bishop of the ELCM. I am confident that God has chosen him as a true witness to Christ, the Good Shepherd. May the Holy Spirit endow him with wisdom, courage, strength and ever deepening holiness as he guides the flock entrusted to his loving care. In this historic juncture, I would also like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the Bishop Emeritus of the ELCM, and particularly you as the 4th Bishop for all the tremendous and fabulous ministry specially among the Tamil flock in Malaysia. Let the affiliation and relationship of both our churches be sustained enhanced and intensified in the coming years. Once again Congratulations to the newly elected Rev. Steven Lawrence as Bishop when he begins his service to the holy people of God. With wishes, regards and blessings Yours sincerely (Rt. Rev. V. Samuel Kennady) Bishop – President, The Arcot Lutheran Church
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Message from Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia prepares to consecrate Rev Steven Lawrence as its fifth bishop, it is appropriate that we acknowledge, with thanksgiving, the rich blessings which the Lutheran Church of Australia has received over the years through our close partnership. As we walk with you as partners in the gospel, many of our members have been inspired through visits to your congregations and facilities such as Bethany Home where loving service is carried out in the name of Christ. We know it is not easy to bear the name of Christ in Malaysia, yet you have continued to shine the light of the gospel brightly. Your courage in the faith has encouraged your brothers and sisters in the LCA to a bolder witness in our own societies, and for that, we give thanks to God. The relationship between our churches is a long-standing one. We remember with fondness the presence of people like Bishop Julius Paul, Bishop Dr Solomon Rajah and Rev Dr Wilfred John on campus at our Seminary in the 1990’s as they pursued further studies to equip them in service of the gospel. These scholarship programs brought as much blessing to the LCA as they did to the ELCM. LCA pastoral candidates befriended these men and learnt much about the realities of the church beyond our borders. As the Holy Spirit has led the ELCM to elect Rev Steven Lawrence as your next bishop, we joyfully join you in thanking God for the gifts and faithfulness Bishop-elect Steven brings to the office. We look forward to continuing our shared witness to the gospel in our region, with him as your leader, following in the footsteps of his brother bishops who have worked tirelessly to lead the church in faithfulness to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Bishop-elect Steven, we pray that the Lord would pour out his Holy Spirit upon you as you take up the episcopal office, that you may serve with faithfulness, joy and humility. As you lead your church into a new era, may our Heavenly Father strengthen your faith that you may rest in the same forgiveness and mercy that you proclaim to others, and may you join with St Paul in determining to know nothing among your people except Jesus Christ and him crucified for the forgiveness of sins (1 Cor 2:2). As you bear the burdens of the office, we commit ourselves to our ongoing partnership and look forward to opportunities to support and encourage you as you lead in the name of Jesus. Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations as you take up this office with the assurance of the prayers of the people of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand for you and your church. I greet you on the occasion of your consecration with the words of St Peter, ‘Be a shepherd of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as an overseer — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being an example to the flock.’ (1 Peter 5:2) The almighty and merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit +, bless and keep you. Amen. Rev John Henderson Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand Perth, Western Australia, 29th February 2020 ORDER OF SERVICE: The Consecration and Installation of The Fifth Bishop
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Message from Lutheran Church in Malaysia (LCM) Bishop Aaron Yap Congratulations to the newly elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM), Rev. Steven Lawrence. I got to know Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence in the past few years especially through the platform of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). We met in different occasions and events, and later on when he served as the Expression Officer of the Asian Desk of the LWF, where I was then one of the council members of the LWF and also a committee member in the Asia Region. We had multiple opportunities to serve and even travel together. Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence is a true gentleman who always smiles, and humble in his response to questions. His experiences in the LWF will certainly be an asset in bringing many blessings to ELCM and the Christian community as a whole. My prayers go with Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence as our Lord use him mightily to bring ELCM to greater heights and further contributing to the Lutheran and Christian community in the future. Once again, on behalf of LCM, congratulations and may the Lord grant you with wisdom, strength, passion and perseverance as you serve in this higher calling – “Be Strong and Courageous, … for the Lord your God will be you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9) Shalom & Blessings! Together in His Ministry,
Bishop Aaron Yap Lutheran Church in Malaysia
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Message from Lutheran Church in Singapore Bishop Terry Kee Dear Bishop-Elect Steven Lawrence, It is my joy and privilege to extend the heartfelt congratulations to you on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Singapore. We are delighted when we learned of your being elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. May the Triune God give you all the strength and joy you need to lead His church. I also want to express personal congratulations and warm wishes from my wife Sally and myself. Your friendship has been a blessing to us and we both thank God for the blessings of your life as you serve God with humility and steadfast faith. We are convinced that He who called you is faithful and will Himself leads and guides you in your life and ministry. Yours in God’s Grace,
Bishop Terry Kee Lutheran Church in Singapore
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Message from Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Rev. Julian Leow Beng Kim, D.D. It is my privilege to join members of the Catholic community, and the wider Christian communion, to congratulate the Bishop-Elect Reverend Steven Lawrence on his installation as the 5th Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. I wish him God’s richest blessings and guidance in this most important office. The new Bishop may find that he will need the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon, but I have doubt that he will not be found wanting, in either! God has chosen you as a true witness to Christ, the Good Shepherd. May He endow you with wisdom and ever deepening holiness as you guide the flock entrusted to your loving care. With sentiments of fraternal regard, I assure you of my prayers as you take up your new responsibilities. Whatever challenges you encounter, may the Lord grant you strength and wisdom, and may the Holy Spirit guide you in all that you undertake in His name. Let us give thanks to God that the bonds of affection between Catholics and the Lutherans have become firmly established over the years, through dialogue and collaboration, as well as personal meetings between our respective predecessors. It is greatly to be hoped that we will continue to build upon that important legacy. Recognising that our unity will arise only as a gift from the Lord, let us entrust ourselves to His Holy Spirit, as we renew our determination to seek genuine unity in faith and to engage more in common witness and mission. Our Lord said that “upon this Rock I will build my Church and gates of Hell will not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). I wish the Bishop-Elect Reverend Steven Lawrence and this community of faith God’s providence and grace as you seek together to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Congratulations as you begin your service as the shepherd to the holy people of God. With every good wish for God’s blessings, and with prayers.
Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim, D.D. Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur
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Acknowledgements The Bishop and the Diocesan Council express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the support and invaluable assistance given by the following during the Consecration and Installation service: Consecrating Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah
Cross Bearer Rev. Peter Khar Ah Soon
Co-consecrating Bishops The Most Rev. Datuk Ng Moon Hing Rt. Rev. Dr. Jason Selvaraj
Bible Bearer Rev. David Devapirian
Diocesan Council Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah - Chairman Rev. Steven Lawrence - Vice Chairman Mr. Silas M. Das - Diocesan Secretary Rev. Peter Khar Ah Soon - Diocesan Treasurer Rev. David Devapirian - Member Mr. Ravi Varma - Member Mrs. Flora Lily - Member Mr. Edward Mupidari - Member Mrs. Daisy Kalpana - Member
Cope, Mitre, Waist Band and Stola Rev. Caleb Santhosam Crosier Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah Catechist Rev. Balan Moses Organist Mrs. Banu Retna
Pastors Rev. Caleb Santhosam Rev. Balan Moses
Choir Mr. Simon Evanson Ms. Anne Charley
Deaconess Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal
Ushers Mrs. Latha Joseph Mrs. Daisy Kalpana
Church Legal Adviser Dato’ Dr. Cyrus V. Das Laying of Hands Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah The Most Rev. Datuk Ng Moon Hing Rt. Rev. Dr. Jason Selvaraj Rev. David Devapirian Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal Dato’ Dr. Sylvian Das
Bearers of Episcopal Insignia Cross Chain and Ring Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal
Invited Guests Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri Rev. Dr. Philip Lok Family Members Biskopina Daisy Solomon Mrs. Susan Ann Mr. Anthony Dass Mr. Sandanasamy Jesudian Mrs. Sophia Soosai Ms. Stella Lawrence Video: Mr. Jeffri Khar Photographer: Mr. Samson Benjamin Sound system: Mr. Rohan Tankaraj
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Our Vision Go & Make Disciples
Our Mission To Provide followers of Jesus Christ opportunities for Worship;
To equip Believers to serve Jesus Christ through Biblical Instruction & Training; To provide opportunities to Pray, Fellowship & Care for All People; To preach the Word of God.
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PASTORS, DEACONS AND DIOCESAN STAFF Pastors
Deaconess
Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.
Deaconess Deaconess Deaconess Deaconess
Dr. Wilfred John W. Babyington Michael John David Devapirian Caleb Santhosam John Kalaimuthu Paul Raj Sritharan Paul Simoni Francis Loh Balan Moses Eliezer Peter Albert Abishegam Karthik Sibanyanam Samuel Packianathan Franceis Xaiver T. Vijayan A.E. Thomas Joseph Bernandus Peter Retnam Easupillay Perumal Damodaran Jayabalan Peter Khar Ah Soon Jeffrey Solomon Sami Kannu Kanni Moses Manogaran Gnanadas
Pushparani Vijayan Jasmin Dialan Puspah John Elizabeth Gopal
Diocesan Office Mr. Darren Xavier Office Administrator Ms. Alice Jagasundara Accounts Executive Mrs. Punitha Manikam Administrative Assistant Mr. Edwin Paul Archives Mr. Selvam Sexton
Designed & Printed by: ORDER OF SERVICE: The Consecration and Installation of The Fifth Bishop
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THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIA ORDER OF OF SERVICE SERVICE ORDER FOR FOR THE CONSECRATION CONSECRATION AND AND INSTALLATION INSTALLATION THE of of REV. STEVEN STEVEN LAWRENCE LAWRENCE REV. as the the Fifth Fifth Bishop Bishop of of as The Evangelical Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran Church Church in in Malaysia Malaysia The Consecrated by by Consecrated Rt. Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Solomon Solomon Rajah Rajah Rt. Bishop Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran Church Church in in Malaysia Malaysia Evangelical on on SATURDAY 4TH 4TH JULY JULY 2020 2020 at at 10.00 10.00 a.m. a.m. SATURDAY at at ZION CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL ZION 21, Jalan Jalan Sultan Sultan Abdul Abdul Samad Samad 21, Brickfields, 50470 50470 Kuala Kuala Lumpur, Lumpur, MALAYSIA MALAYSIA Brickfields,
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