A Christian Education workshop on worship, liturgy and music was held at the Lutheran Lodge on Lake Malawi from 22 to 26 March 2021. The workshop is part of a three-year project involving member churches of the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), coordinated by Rev. Dr. O. Morekwa (LUCSA Director for Diakonia) with funding support from the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM).

The aim of the project is to gather data on current approaches to worship, liturgy and music among LUCSA member churches, to deepen understanding of Biblical and evangelical Lutheran theological concepts and to develop and share resources that promote unity in diversity and a vibrant, holistic Christian worship life that is cultural, counter-cultural, transcultural and cross-cultural.

(http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/LWF_Nairobi_Statement_1994.pdf )

The official opening of the workshop was done by Bishop Dr. J. P. Bvumbwe the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM) who is also currently serving as the LUCSA President.

The workshop participants were drawn from all nine (9) Deaneries of the ELCM countrywide. There were twenty-one (21) pastors in total including parish pastors and several Deans.

 Representing the LUCSA Christian Education Desk, Rev. Dr. P. Knutson (ELCA) gave virtual Zoom presentations on the theology of worship and a Lutheran understanding of worship in the life of the church.  Dr. S. Löytty (FELM) presented sessions on Music and Liturgical developments in the church and Music, Antiphons and Litany approaches in the church.

The Pastors enjoyed the virtual presentations via Zoom and were reminded of their time as students at college.

A number of sessions were also led by local facilitators including Bishop Dr. J. P. Bvumbwe, Rev. F. M. Phiri (Director for Training Programmes and Christian Education), Rev. A. Msuku (Program Director), Ms. S. Chimbaza (Emergency Response and COVID 19 Officer) and Mr. I. Kaphinde (Music and Worship Coordinator). Topics included COVID-19 awareness and sensitization, the Holy Sacraments and their importance, and guidelines for Holy Baptism, Holy Communion and burial during the  COVID-19 pandemic.