It was a wonderful, sunny afternoon on Sunday, the 15th February 2020 at 14:30. Many pastors, family and friends of Christian and Kristin, as well as the Greytown congregation came together to celebrate the Divine Service, which would also be the Ordination and Installation of Christian Straeuli.
As in each Divine Service, we were fed with Word and Sacrament. Christian preached on Isaiah 55,10-12a “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” What a wonderful promise for a young pastor starting his journey!
Christian was ordained by Bishop Dr Dieter Reinstorf with Pastor Helmut Paul and Pastor Helmut Straeuli facilitating. Pastors that attended, blessed Christian with a Bible verse, wishing him God’s blessing, protection, wisdom, guidance and joy for the wonderful road that lies ahead, namely shepherding the flock in Greytown according to the Word and Sacraments of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All guests were invited to tea & coffee with delicious eats after the Divine Service. Fellowship was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all who supplied refreshments.
Christian, son of Hans and Renate Straeuli, is from the St. Paul’s congregation in Pretoria. Kristin, daughter of Peter and Marcia Lange, is from Topeka, Kansas, USA. They met in Germany, where Christian was studying and Kristin was working. Christian studied Theology from 2009 until passing his examination in Oberursel in 2018. Kristin studied German and English in Minnesota from 2010 – 2014. Christian and Kristin got married on the 16th June 2018 in Topeka. Christian did his vicarage in Wittenberg, with Pastor Helmut Paul as his vicar-father. Christian and Kristin were blessed with a healthy little baby boy on the 6th January 2020, Peter. The little family thoroughly enjoyed their time in Wittenberg.
On Tuesday, 11th February 2020 they moved to Greytown, where they were heartily welcomed. We now pray and ask our heavenly Father to bless the congregation through them, and to bless them through the congregation.
Kristin Straeuli, Greytown
