Riverbend returns to building, installs Rev. Pastucha

Rev. Jan Pastucha and Rev. Sye Van Maanan.

EDMONTON – After almost nine months of exile from their building due to a break-in and arson, the folks at Riverbend Lutheran Church had plenty to be thankful for and celebrate.

On March 17, a week after returning to the sanctuary, the church gathered for the installation of Rev. Jan Pastucha to a half-time position. Rev. Pastucha joins Rev. Sye Van Maanan to proclaim God’s Word to a growing community in southwest Edmonton, and Riverbend and King of Kings (St. Albert) share this called position. 

Members of both congregations filled the newly restored sanctuary with song and praise. Lutheran Church–Canada’s West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns conducted the installation with participation from Rev. Sye Van Maanan, Rev. Dr. Alexandre Viera, Rev. Garry Dombrosky, and seminarian Jade Watson. Cake, coffee and fellowship followed.

Rev. Pastucha served Riverbend Lutheran for six months in 2022-2023, while Rev. Van Maanan was deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces as a chaplain in Latvia. The church praises God that, during this period as well as upon his return, the congregation has grown!

Barbara Darrah

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