Bringing German culture to Newcastle
By sharing the German culture with Newcastle, the newly-relocated residents are hoping to further the aims of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Ouklip Avenue.
Pastor Thomas and Liesel Beneke are a family on a mission.
By sharing the German culture with Newcastle, the newly-relocated residents are hoping to further the aims of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Ouklip Avenue.
They will thus present a German Christmas Market on December 5 at the church.
“We are working hard, and are cooking and crafting German items,” Liesel explained.
As former German residents, the Beneke family are pursuing the niche market, bringing a great tradition to local shores.
“The focus is on handmade items. There will be traditional sausage, draught beers, a coffee shop stall and children’s entertainment. The sewing ladies from oSizweni will sell handmade Christmas decorations.”
Pastor Thomas added local choirs had been invited to perform carols, and Liesel herself might form part of a string duo or trio.
She teaches violin to Hutten Park Primary pupils each week.
Explaining their journey across borders, the Benekes said they were approached by German church elders, to take over responsibility of the Lutheran Church in Newcastle.
“Newcastle has a German community, and because the Lutheran Church is originally German, it just made sense. I am originally from the Luneberg area,” Pastor Thomas added.
Newcastle’s German connection can be traced back many decades, in particular to the economic boom from the original ISCOR works opening its doors in town.
Some years later, many of the German families began relocating.
With the fate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church under consideration, it was decided to keep the doors open for those congregation members remaining in Newcastle.
At present, the congregation totals about 30.
“Church services began in the 50s, and the house we reside in was built in the 70s. Members would worship in the living room, and the church itself was initially designed as a just a hall.”
Called the church with a view, the Evangelical Lutheran Church believes in using the gospel of Jesus Christ by offering it to others.
Pastor Thomas believes many will find their spiritual home there.
“I like that the congregation is small, because it has a core of very involved people. We are always visiting patients at the hospitals, and have become a small family of caring and loving people. I don’t want to lose that.”
Beyond a German and an English service every Sunday, church members travel to KwaHilda Oncwele Community Centre in oSizweni on Wednesdays, to read from the Bible, pray, sing, share food and support local social workers.
Pastor Thomas and Liesel believe showing a person you care, is chief.
“When we were in Germany, we met many Iranian asylum seekers, people who lived without being able to work for 15 years. The children would learn German and using what you have is important.”
Lutherans believe humanity is saved ‘by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, and both God’s favour and eternal life had already been won by Jesus Christ.
“Lutherans also believe the Bible is the source of inspiration and teaching.”
