Good Shepherd Lutheran Church [GSLC] is a Protestant Christian Church, a division of Indian Evangelical Lutheran Church [IELC] Ambur Synod, Chennai Circle.

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church began as a small seed on December 26, 1924, and grew into a massive, magnificent fruit-bearing tree. Its mission is to spread the unending love of the Triune God, encourage Councils to be luminous in their faith, and promote justice and peace for a peaceful world.

Dear Office Bearers, Elders, and Loving Congregation,

Greetings in the name of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is 100 years old, and I am humbled and blessed to be celebrating my own 50th year alongside this historic milestone!

It is with profound gratitude and immense joy that I join you today to mark this momentous occasion—a century of experiencing God’s love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness in the life of our congregation.

In my pastoral ministry, this is my second blessing and privilege of serving a centenary church. First, I was honored to serve at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, KGF, and now, as the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ayanavaram, Chennai, I am overwhelmed with happiness and thankfulness to celebrate and serve this congregation during its centenary year.

A centenary is not merely a marker of time—it is a living testimony to God’s unchanging grace, boundless provision, and divine guidance.

Over the past century, this church has stood as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of worship, and a spiritual home for countless souls who have sought and found the love of Christ. It has been a pillar of this community, shaping lives, building faith, and spreading the Gospel through its mission, service, and commitment.

As we reflect on the past, I feel deeply honored to be the successor of the faithful servants of God who have served before me. Their sacrifice and dedication laid the foundation for the mission and ministry of this church. I especially acknowledge the pioneers, pastors, leaders, and members who faithfully sowed the seeds of faith:

1. Missionary : Rev. Paul Heckel
2. Missionary : Pastor Rev. Steinoff
3. First Indian Pastor : Rev. Y. N. Devaraj
4. Pastor : Rev. James Selvaraj
5. Pastor : Rev. J.M.J Daniel Victor
6. Pastor : Rev. J. Adiss Arnold
7. Pastor : Rev. T. Samuel
8. Pastor : Rev. B.Y.M. Sureshkumar

Their legacy inspires us to walk boldly into the future, trusting that the same God who led us through the last century will guide us onward with renewed purpose and strength.

As we celebrate this centenary, let us also recommit ourselves to the mission of this church: to love God, serve others, and proclaim the Good News to the world. May our theme for this centenary year—"Faith and Love"—guide us as we work together for His Kingdom, united in heart and spirit.

“Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto us!”
Once again, I congratulate each one of you on this remarkable milestone. May God continue to bless this congregation abundantly now and for generations to come.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen

With blessings and love,
Rev. S. Stanley Joseph