Swahili Congregation

This is one of the most ecumenical congregations in the world, sponsored by the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, under St. Anne’s Lutheran Church. The congregation meet at 2:00 pm on the first Sunday of every month for a church service in Swahili. The congregation is drawn from all Swahili speaking Christians, irrespective of their churches. At times, the congregation has had non-Christians!

The aim of the congregation is to bring together Swahili speaking people and for that afternoon, make them feel like they are “at home” for worship and then after, a get together to develop social contacts. In December, on the third Sunday from 2:00 pm, the congregation has their Christmas service, which is followed by a “feast” of ethnic dishes as prepared by the members.

Services

Type: Ecumenical, with Holy Communion.

Where: St. Anne’s Lutheran Church, Gresham Street, London EC2V

When: First Sunday of every month with an additional Christmas service on the third Sunday in December.

Time: Starting from 2:00 pm

Brief History

Records of the Lutheran Church show that on the first Sunday of May 1962, a service in Swahili was held in London. 14 people, not all being Swahili speakers, attended this service. The intention of Pastor T. Saarelma, who led the worship, was to hold a monthly service. However, only occasional services were held until 1974. On July 7, 1974 Pastor Ronald T. Englund led the first of what was to turn out to be a regular ecumenical service in Swahili. 24 Swahili speaking worshippers attended this first service. For the initial years, the Swahili service was part of the “Special Ministries”, under the Lutheran Church of Great Britain with Pastor Ronald T. Englund being responsible for the Special Ministries.

Since July 1974, the Swahili services have been held on the first Sunday of the month, without failure. In June 1993, the services moved from Collingham Gardens, London SW5 to St. Anne’s Lutheran Church, in Gresham Street, London EC2V. By then, the Swahili service had became a congregation under St. Anne’s Lutheran Church. While Pastor Englund has retired since 1994, the service has continued with ever increasing numbers. Currently, average attendance at the services is in the eighties. Members of this congregation travel from as far as Chatham (Kent), Fleet (Hampshire), Southampton, Slough, Reading, Cambridge, Birmingham and on occasions, from Leeds!

In keeping with the ecumenical nature of the congregation, preachers (both clergy and lay) from different churches have always been invited to participate in the services. Since the retirement of Pastor Englund, the Swahili Congregation has managed to secure the services of Swahili speaking ordained priests, in the UK for studies, to lead the congregation on a very part-time and voluntary basis during their period of stay in the UK. The priest would have the support of the Pastor of St Anne’s Lutheran Church, assisted by a Committee of nine members of the congregation.

The Furaha Choir is part of the congregation, who participate fully during the services. In addition, they have participated in other venues around the country, by invitation by individuals, other Churches or even by the State.

Church Office:

Tel 020-7606 4986
Fax 020-7600 8984

E-Mail: info@stanneslutheranchurch.org

Please visit the website of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania at www.elct.org

A new face for the Swahili Congregation

Tumaini Kallaghe with Bishop Walter Jagucki of the Lutheran Church in GB

My name is Tumaini. I am married with four children. My husband’s name is Felix Kallaghe. I am from Tanzania, born in Tanga region, Lushoto district. After my O level education I joined St. Joseph’s College in Tanga, did a one-year course in Accounts, and then another year for a secretarial course.

In 1988 I was employed by the Kariakoo Lutheran Church Congregation as Accountant/Secretary. I worked with the Church for 12 years before I came to London to study. During my working period with the Church, I gained a lot of experience not only in the accounts section, but also some pastoral work.

At the time, I assisted with other work in the Church. God used me as a Bible study teacher, preacher and in other areas of the ministry.

In 2000, I came to London for further studies. I did a Diploma in Biblical studies at London International Bible College at Kensington Temple, followed by a Higher Diploma in Leadership at the same college. In September 2002, I joined South London Christian College for a Degree in Theology and this is my second year. After my studies I am looking forward to being ordained as a Pastor. God willing, after that I would like to work at St Anne’s before I go back to Africa.

It is a policy of the International Bible College that during your studies you have to attend Kensington Temple Church. For the years 2000 – 2002 I was a member of Kensington Temple. From September 2002 up to 2003 I joined St. Barnabas Church (Church of England) which was close to where I used to live in North London. During my time at St. Barnabas I joined the Children’s Ministry, and I was working as one of the Sunday School teachers.

In 2004 I moved to Morden in South London, and I found it difficult to go to North London to worship. When I came to St. Anne’s for one of the Swahili services, I found it that will be my worshiping place.

When I introduced myself to Pastor Jana, I had a very warm welcome, also from the Church Council both from Swahili Service and English Service. It did not end there: I also received a warm welcome from our Bishop, Walter. Many thanks to all of you.

I believe that this is the time when God wants me to share his love with you here in London. Thanks to everybody at St. Anne for your warm welcome and for making me feel I belong here.