In this Update: Pastor David Chiang’s retirement; Directory corrections; LCNZ Offices; The March 5-7 LCA Summit & LCNZ Summit July 24th; Four more pastors needed in the LCNZ; and a Prayer.
Greetings in Jesus Christ,
Pastor Chiang: On Easter Sunday April fourth Pastor David Chiang celebrated his final Sunday as pastor of Botany Lutheran congregation in Auckland. As president I represented our LCNZ and the LCA in presenting him with a certificate commemorating his contribution. Both he and his wife Annie gave tremendously of their time, effort and prayer to lead the congregation to their new and beautiful location. A special bonus on that day was the baptism and a confirmation of two new members. David will be available from time to time to assist in preaching, and hopefully will continue his radio program funded by a media grant from our LCNZ. With the assistance of our vice president Milton Fritsch the congregation has worked out a preaching plan. They are hopeful that the positive momentum of growth will continue as they seek a new pastor.
LCNZ Directory Corrections: Marg Gust on CoS, LSM and LLL is (margg@xnet.co.nz), Pastor Mark Whitfield of the Wellington congregation and CoS is now (pastor.wellingtonlutheran@paradise.net.nz) . St Paul’s Wellington Congregation is now (office.wellingtonlutheran@paradise.net.nz) and Ron Clink on Financial Advisory Committee is (ron_clink@yahoo.com)
LCNZ Offices: Revised information will be given to Synod Reps for opinion and discussion. Basically, Council of Synod will be seeking opinion on the best city for the offices. The three options are Palmerston North, Auckland and Wellington. CoS has determined that a long-term lease arrangement for offices is not in the best interest of the church. Therefore, the options are either purchasing office space or selling the manse in Highbury and purchasing a property with attached offices in any of the three cities. The alternative of purchasing larger office space and becoming a landlord was also rejected. It was agreed that we should be looking at location in a strategic way rather than simply the least expensive city.
LCA Summit and July 24 LCNZ Summit: On 3-5 March in Melbourne CoS member Dennis Mollet and I joined 48 other members of the LCA for three days of strategic planning . Representatives from all districts and agencies of the LCA were working and planning together. The Lutheran magazine will carry reports about it in their next two issues. The Strategic Initiatives we set were:
1. Increase leadership capacity at all levels
2. Increase spiritual depth
3. Improve communication and engagement
4. Develop a pro-active mission culture
5. Leverage our assets to support ministry and mission
On Saturday July 24th we will have our LCNZ Summit at Mountainside in Auckland. Some of that time will be spent taking up these five Initiatives to see how they can be put in place in our own context. Shannon Hood, of Delta and Australian Lutheran College –Adelaide, will be the facilitator. Registration information will be coming out in less than a week. It is anticipated that every congregation might send at least two representatives, along with the invitation for all church workers and LCNZ committee members to attend.
Four of our parishes are looking for pastors: Yes, it is true. Our little LCNZ is pretty thin on the ground with pastors. If you know someone who might be interested get the word out!
First, there is Botany Lutheran in Auckland. With Pastor David’s retirement they are actively seeking a pastor who can speak Chinese dialects and English. This is a budding and vital congregation with developing leadership and an active youth program.
Second, is Hamilton congregation. This small but growing congregation has been infused with new members and vision. The next pastor will have the additional responsibility of the Bay of Plenty area ministry. He will assist the lay ministry in Tauranga, Whakatane and Kawerau. We have four lay men in that area who have been licensed to do Word and Sacrament ministry. The Hamilton based pastor will resource them with occasional services and other support. The Hamilton manse looks a treat now that it has been totally renovated.
Third is Upper Moutere: They are actively advertising for full-time a youth worker.
http://www.lca.org.au/lca/employment.cfm
But that is not all, they too are looking for a full-time pastor! The Moutere is located in one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand. This two-point parish is rural but only 30 minutes from Nelson. They are seeking names of applicants for both a youth worker and a pastor. I estimate they should be able to have a call meeting for the pastor soon.
Fourth, on a sadder note we have a vacancy in the Marton parish. This three-point parish recently lost their pastor because of a clergy marriage break-up. Marton is located in the traditional heartland of the New Zealand church. This position will be advertised as a two-thirds position. Pastors who have an interest in this parish should contact President Robert Erickson with an expression of interest.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as Easter brings us the promise of new life, renew in us the joy of salvation so we can proclaim the Good News with a thankful heart. We pray for our church and for all people, especially remembering the sick, lonely, bereaved, the poor and the persecuted. We also pray for the pastors and workers of the LCA and LCNZ. For our families and friends, and as you have taught us, for our enemies we pray. Jesus, give us a heart like yours and the blessed Holy Spirit to be empowered to follow you both in word and in action. Amen
God bless,
President Robert Erickson
LCNZ
