June 2023
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Rev. Kevin Koester was installed as Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, Illinois. Pr. Koester also serves as the new principal of Christ Lutheran School in Sterling, Illinois. Eight pastors were in attendance to assist with the installation which was officiated by Rev. Phillip Fischaber, Senior Pastor of Holy Trinity. Rev. Ralph Tausz of Melrose Park preached a sermon on the sufficiency of Christ rather than the skill of the minister as the foundation of the office of pastor. This sermon was highly regarded by the congregation.
Music for the beautiful service was provided by Kantor Scott Gercken of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Illinois and Julia Koester, one of Pr. Koester’s daughters. Mr. Gercken led the singing on the organ while Miss Koester played clarinet. The closing hymn, “Preserve Thy Word, O Savior” was sung to a tune written by Mr. Gercken and named in honor Pr. Koester. The service was followed by a delicious meal in the fellowship hall.
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Holy Trinity was delighted to hear their new pastor preach for the first time as they celebrated Jesus’ ascension in heaven. That afternoon Pr. Koester was installed as principal of Christ Lutheran School. This also served as the beginning of their celebration of forty years of classes. Rev. Fischaber served as liturgist for that service. He serves as pastoral advisor to the school. The rite of installation was performed by the circuit visitor, Rev. David Andermann of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Dixon, Illinois. Rev. Joel Brondos, the retired senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran church in Brookfield, preached a sermon on the importance of Christian education to ensuring the continuation of the faith. He quoted many statements from the Bible and Martin Luther on the importance of education. Those present greatly appreciated his powerful and informative message.
Kantor Gercken played piano for this service, and Miss Koester again played the clarinet. The students of Christ Lutheran School and the choir of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sterling both sang. The service concluded with the singing of a hymn of thanksgiving both for Pr. Koester coming to Christ Lutheran School and for forty years of classes.
Rev. Koester spent the past decade serving as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Brookfield, Illinois. Prior to that he served a dual parish in rural Missouri. He currently serves treasurer of the Northern Illinois District Pastors’ Conference. He is also a regular attendee and occasional presenter at Lutheran education conferences. Pr. Koester is married with three children at home. The entire Koester family is delighted to be coming to the area. Both Holy Trinity Lutheran church and Christ Lutheran School expressed their great joy and delight to have the Koesters joining them.
Source: Rev. Phillip Fischaber
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