November of this year marks the 20th anniversary of Reformation’s partnership with Pangani, our companion congregation in Tanzania. The partnership started in November 1995 when Doc Schock and Phyllis Frieberg visited Pangani as representatives of Reformation, one of four churches that traveled to Tanzania to initiate the ELCA’s idea of forming partnerships with Lutheran churches in Africa. The 20th anniversary will be celebrated on October 4th when we will have a joint service with Pangani, using the same songs and scripture in our respective services.
Reformation explored the possibility of sending a delegation to Pangani in 2015. However, we discovered that the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania was having a 125th Anniversary and jubilee celebration in July of this year. It was determined that our appearance this year would put too much of burden on the Pangani Parish. Bishop Burkat and Joanne Carlson, assistant to the bishop for Global Vision, represented our synod.
The Global Mission Ministry has begun planning for a trip to Tanzania in June of 2016. Anyone with interest in traveling to Pangani, or learning more about Pangani is invited to attend an Adult Forum between services on October 4th. Please contact John Chesters if you have any interest in learning more about the opportunity to travel to Pangani.