Fairview, Camden, loses a major helper (and gains another one):

Pastor Wolfgang D Herz-Lane of the socially active Bridge of Peace Community Church wrote, "A little more than six years ago, before Bridge of Peace Community Church opened its doors, I remember standing in an empty sanctuary, in a church that had been closed for four years. Amidst the empty pews, the abandoned altar, and the dust-covered piano, I was wondering whether there could ever be new life in this place, and whether this crazy dream of a multicultural church for all people could ever come true.

"Then came September 1, 2000, and the huge celebration and ribbon-cutting that marked the beginning of our ministry together. It was only one of many Spirit-filled gatherings that were to come, and today, we can truly celebrate what God has done in this place in just six short years: a new community has been created -- Black, White, Latino, young and old, gay and straight, handicapped and able-bodied, from Fairview and from Morgan Village and beyond, all worshipping together and praising the Lord for His goodness!

"As we approach the end of our development phase and get ready to incorporate and organize Bridge of Peace Community Church as a 'regular' and 'grown up' congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA], I have been praying, and pondering, and wondering, and trying to discern where God is leading me, and what God has in mind for me next. Well, to make a long story short: God is leading me to Baltimore and Washington, DC. ...

"I have been called to the position of Mission Director for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission in the ELCA, and that I am resigning as your pastor. ... [M]y last Sunday with you at Bridge of Peace Church will be October 29, Reformation Sunday," which is when Life-Net Radio recorded what you hear in this program.

Pastor Wolfgang's successor, Rev Giselle Coutinho, had already spent a year ministering to the congregation as a "vicar". You can hear her on our site as part of our recent "Steps to Peace" two-parter.

Relevant Link:
Bridge of Peace Community Church

Relevant Telephone:
BoPCC, 856-365-1450