It’s About Connecting
St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church, Queens, New York

St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church in Queens, New York, has a history built on connections. Founded and named St. Paul’s in 1949 by the residents of Glen Oaks and Floral Park, the congregation experienced vibrant growth over the next thirty years. As the neighborhoods changed, however, membership dwindled. But St. Paul’s endured and found new life through its ministry to people from South Asia, particularly from India and Sri Lanka, who moved into the neighborhood.

Pastor Daniel Penumaka was born in India into a family that has been Lutheran for almost 150 years. After serving the church in India and Hong Kong, he was called in 2001 to develop Ashirwad, Divine Blessing Lutheran Ministry for South Asians living in St. Paul’s neighborhood, supported by the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM) and the Metropolitan New York Synod.

Ashirwad originally grew through community programs. Neighbors were invited to social events, such as a Fourth-of-July party, a Christmas dinner, and monthly breakfasts for men and women. Through a grant from Lutheran Refugee Service, a computer lab was established and computer classes for women were offered. Through a grant from EOCM’s “In the City for Good”, a free after-school program was offered for elementary-age children. In 2003 piano classes took its place. Thirty-six children currently sustain the program by paying tuition. In 2001 a Vacation Bible School was established and a day camp was added the next year. Girls are also involved in an Indian folk dance group. Through these activities and programs, a congregation was organized.

St. Paul’s provided space for the community programs, Bible study, and eventually, for the new mission’s worship service. The two congregations worshipped together monthly. In 2005 the union of the two congregations was formalized when Ashirwad Lutheran Ministry merged with St. Paul’s to form St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church, a place where, as Pastor Penumaka states, “All members are acknowledged and respected. All members are winners.” Its church council is staffed by an equal number of North Americans and South Asians. Outreach continues as members go out in teams of three to hand out brochures advertising activities offered by the church. A separate brochure lists congregational programs and pastoral services available, such as Sunday school, confirmation, adult education, choir, baptism, weddings, funerals, and hospital visitation.

Celebrations have played a vital role in strengthening the union and building community in the newly merged congregation. After the single worship service that is now held every Sunday, a majority of members stay for a fellowship hour that always includes a meal. Members volunteer to provide food for birthdays, anniversaries, first communions, and other significant events. Conversation continues over coffee and cake. Pastor Penumaka describes these fellowship meals as key to building trust and eliminating the boundaries that could potentially divide the congregation.

The multi-ethnic ministry of St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church continues to thrive through service and community building among its members. The results are exciting!