LCNZ Update

Greetings in Christ Jesus,

 

The LCNZ Summit held 24 July: It was a big Saturday at Mountainside in Auckland. The Summit was packed with work and visioning for our future. Fifty people, one Spirit. The facilitator, Mr. Shannon Hood, was gifted in keeping all fifty participants from around our church motivated and on task for a full day. At first it seemed that we had taken on too big a job for one day, but things began to fall into place. At the end of it all just about everyone there would have thought it was worth coming. Participants will be getting the notes from the groups and in the general sessions. These notes will come as a mailing. The next Olive Tree will have a comprehensive summary of the Summit. However, let me summarise a few of the main  highlights right now.

 

The opening devotion was under the theme “Immeasurably More Than We Can Ask or Imagine” from Ephesians 3:20-21  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” The central thought was how God has & continues to do far more than we even expect. Three questions were posed for reflection: (1) What are your expectations for the day? (2) What are your expectations for our Lutheran Church of New Zealand? (3) What are your expectations of God and his promises?

 

The day was divided into four sessions:

(1)  Talking about the current situation of the LCNZ

(2)  Creating intentional opportunities

(3)  Where we might see the future of the LCNZ

(4)  Tangible practical things to be done and actions to be taken.

 

Some 20 tangible practical things (point 4) were identified by the fifty participants. They were then ranked in order of importance. Here are a few of the things that ranked high: Faith Inkubators; regional ministry of five regions in NZ; rationalise property and pastoral resources so all regions viable by 2015; grow in greeting and assimilating new New Zealanders; upgrade communications and media; identify train and finance lay leaders. (and more)

 

These results along with the present challenge of moving our national office to Wellington will be a massive amount of change for our LCNZ, but within those changes, and through Christ alone, we will find direction that will lead us forward.  

 

I’d imagine that each person who attended the Summit took something special away with them on that day, and it would be good to hear back from you. If you email me at president@lutheran.org.nz it could be included as another LCNZ Update or possibly incorporated in the Olive Tree summary of the event. The thing that I and others are committed to is putting many of these practical actions into place during 2010 and beyond. One initiative which excites me is the Regional Ministry Model. According to the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Executive Officer, Trevor Ruthenberg,  the New South Wales District has put the regional model into practice already. While attending the Summit Trevor encouraged me to find out in greater detail what they are doing in NSW and how some of that knowledge may inform us in our similar but unique situation.

 

Thanks again to the Mountainside congregation and others who made the day and the fellowship meal possible. It was a joy to stay on and worship at Mountainside that Sunday.

 

Tickets Sold Already: Dear President Robert,

As part of the Botany Lutheran Church [Auckland Chinese] on-going Community Ministry to encompass our annual motto " Transforming lives and connecting into community with love and power of GOD ", we are organising a special concert on the 14th August, 2010 at Botany. The concert is very well received by the community, and we have sold out all our tickets. All proceeds will go to the BLC building fund. A special hymns performance session will be included in the programme, and hopefully this will assist in connecting the audiences to our Lord and spread the gospel. We are profoundly grateful to have such a wonderful opportunity to serve our community and glorify our Lord. Please keep this event in your prayer. God Bless, Henry Chan

 

In The Lutheran: The most recent edition featured an article by Pastor Mark Whitfield about the 150th Anniversary of Australian German Lutherans coming to the Marton area, and another story highlighting the faith and witness of Pastor David and Annie Chiang. This, along with some first-rate articles on congregations coping with the clergy shortage, makes for important reading. I know several LCNZ members get The Lutheran sent from Australia and I would encourage you to bring your copy to church so others can read  it too and maybe subscribe.

 

Some Calendar Dates:

 

August
7 Financial Advisory Committee and LLL Board meetings in Palmerston North (56 Queen St)
14 Lutheran Support ministry Committee in Palmerston North (56 Queen St)
20-21 Council of Synod and Gateway Gift Trust Board meetings (Christchurch)
22 President’s visit and preach at Christchurch
28 Administrators and Treasurer’s Seminar in Wellington
29-2 College of Presidents Retreat in Perth 

 

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus,

 

Pastor Robert Erickson

president@lutheran.org.nz