Installation service for Rev Jaswanth Kukatlapalli

Installation service for Rev Jaswanth Kukatlapalli

Sunday, 2 August was a day of great anticipation and joy for St John’s Lutheran Church, Corinda. After being without a pastor since July 2025, the congregation’s year-long call process reached its fulfilment with the calling and acceptance of Rev Jaswanth Kukatlapalli to serve as Pastor of St John’s.

The celebrations began the previous day, Saturday 1 August, with a bring ’n’ share lunch where the congregation warmly welcomed Pastor Jaswanth and his wife Stella. A relaxed and engaging Q&A session followed, giving members an opportunity to meet their new pastor and hear his hopes for ministry at St John’s.

On Sunday morning 2 August the church was filled with members, friends and well-wishers for the installation service, held within the regular worship gathering. LCAQD Bishop Mark Vainikka graciously accepted the invitation to read the Gospel, preach the sermon and officiate at the Rite of Installation. Pastor Tim Jarick served as Liturgist, and Pastor Michael (Mick) Hauser led the confession and absolution. A particular delight for the Papua New Guinean members of the congregation was hearing Pastor Mick proclaim the absolution in Tok Pisin.

During the Rite of Installation, Bishop Mark invited several Pastors to stand in support of Rev Jaswanth: Rev Tim Jarick, Rev Mick Hauser, Rev Athol Pukallus, Rev Yong Bong Cho, Rev Ken Schultz and Rev Michael Jarick. The congregation’s Chairman, Tom Brandt, formally presented Rev Jaswanth for installation as Pastor of St John’s, Corinda. As part of the Installation Service, each of the supporting pastors gave words of encouragement with a Bible text to strengthen Pastor Jaswanth as he takes up his new ministry at St John’s Corinda.

Following the Installation Rite, Rev Jaswanth led the congregation in Holy Communion, assisted by the Bishop Mark, Pastor Athol and Pastor Ken.

At the conclusion of worship, greetings from ecumenical bodies were shared with Pastor Jaswanth and Stella. A morning tea banquet, highlighted by a special welcome cake, was laid out in the undercover area and enjoyed by all with joyous fellowship.

St John’s gives thanks to God for His faithfulness and guidance throughout the call process, and joyfully welcomes Rev Jaswanth and Stella into the life and ministry of the congregation.

Images: Pastors in attendance; the blessing of Rev Jaswanth and wife Stella; Rev Mick Hauser and Rev Jas; Rev Jas and Stella with LCAQD Bishop Mark Vainikka; Pastor Jas and Stella cut the welcome cake; the amazing cake!