Tag Archives: LWF

LWF President

30 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Church, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

There were many wonderful things that our group got to experience during the Lutheran World Federation Assembly in Namibia.  One of the neat things was to experience the election of a new LWF president.  The new president would end up being the Rev. Dr. Musa Panti Filibus.  He’s the archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria.

Our group got to meet him.  He’s extremely down to earth and approachable – which is good news as far as I’m concerned.

Jumping around

13 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by in Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

During the celebration after the LWF 500th Anniversary of the Reformation worship, we got to experience a wide variety of entertainment.

One of the most unusual groups, were these guys.

DSCN2441

These guys were fun to watch. I’d show you the video, but apparently WordPress isn’t feeling up to allowing me to upload it.

So instead, you’ll have to live with my description of what happened.  So, there’s one of the guys who is using a mic and he’s singing/chanting.  He’s getting a beat going and in turn each of the guys takes a turn walking out to the middle of the open space, while another guy jumps over the first guy.  Yes, I mean that literally.  Some of the guys walk ducking their heads slightly, but others don’t even do that.  These are not short guys either – each one was over six-foot easily.  These guys were getting some serious height.

Pretty amazing.  I think this qualifies under the idea of “Don’t try this at home, kids.”

Communion time…what a view

07 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Church, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

As the LWF Assembly Reformation service progressed, we came to Communion.

The question was – how do you get communion to 10,000 people?  Sounds like a logistical nightmare if you ask me.

Yet, it worked.  It helps that there were so many clergy who were willing and able to help out.

In all, Communion lasted about 30 minutes.  Not bad really.  And everyone received the sacrament.

DSCN2429

Messaging with the LWF

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by in Church, Travel

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

When we entered the stadium for worship during the LWF Assembly, we saw many things.  I want to highlight two in particular.

The first is the banner.

DSCN2413

We were commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  Luther’s face of course shows up.  Along with the Luther rose.  I think the most interesting thing is that the banner is surrounded by faces of people who are far different from the German peasants that Luther knew.  It was amazing to see how Luther’s ideas spread far and wide – continuing to this day.

The other part of the banner to highlight is the theme message that salvation, human beings, and creation are not for sale.  This is a counter cultural message even today and in many places in the world.

My only criticism of the banner is that I wish it weren’t in ALL CAPS.  That actually makes it harder to read.

The second piece of messaging was the worship booklet.

DSCN2415

The booklet was actually really well done and had worship for all the days of the assembly.  The worship was great each day.  Lots of various cultures and languages used.  The music itself was well done.  Again, the only criticism is the use of ALL CAPS.  It takes away from the rest of the booklet, but only a little bit.